Curly hair can be both a blessing and a challenge. Those beautiful spirals catch everyone’s eye, but they also require special attention to look their best. Whether you’re a curl newbie or a seasoned curly-top, these tips will help you embrace and enhance your natural texture.
1. Ditch Regular Shampoo
Regular shampoos strip natural oils that curls desperately need. Switch to sulfate-free cleansers or try co-washing (conditioner washing) to maintain moisture while gently cleansing your scalp.
2. Embrace Pre-Poo Treatments
Apply coconut oil or a deep conditioner before washing. This protective layer prevents excessive drying during cleansing and gives thirsty curls a moisture boost they’ll thank you for later.
3. Never Brush Dry Curls
Brushing dry curls is a one-way ticket to Frizz City! Only detangle when hair is soaking wet and coated with conditioner. Wide-tooth combs and fingers make excellent detangling tools.
4. Master the Squish-to-Condish Method
Cup water in your hands and literally squish it into your conditioner-laden hair. This technique helps curls drink up moisture while forming perfect clumps that dry into defined spirals.
5. Plop Those Curls
After showering, “plop” wet hair into a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt. Wrap it up for 10-20 minutes. This technique removes excess water while preventing frizz and preserving curl pattern.
6. Invest in Silk Pillowcases
Cotton pillowcases create friction that leads to frizzy, tangled morning hair. Silk or satin pillowcases let curls glide smoothly as you toss and turn, preserving your style overnight.
7. Try the Pineapple Method
Gather curls loosely at the crown of your head before sleep. This “pineapple” updo prevents crushing curls overnight. Use a silk scrunchie for maximum protection against creasing and breakage.
8. Diffuse Upside Down
Flip your head upside down when diffusing for maximum volume at the roots. Keep the dryer moving and use medium heat with low air flow to minimize frizz.
9. Define With Denman Brushes
Denman brushes create magical definition when used on wet, product-coated hair. Twist small sections around the brush, then release for perfectly formed curl clumps that dry with amazing definition.
10. Layer Your Products Strategically
Apply products in the right order: leave-in conditioner first, then curl cream, followed by gel or mousse. This layering technique locks in moisture while providing hold and definition.
11. Protect From Humidity
Humidity-fighting products contain anti-humectants that seal the cuticle. Apply these on damp hair before styling or as a final step to create a moisture barrier against frizz-causing humidity.
12. Embrace the Scrunch Out the Crunch
Let gel-styled hair dry completely into a crunchy cast. Then gently scrunch with oiled hands to break the cast while maintaining definition. This technique gives soft, touchable curls with amazing hold.
13. Schedule Regular Trims
Curly hair needs trimming every 8-12 weeks to prevent split ends from traveling up the shaft. Find a stylist who specializes in curly cuts and can shape your hair dry.
14. Deep Condition Weekly
Curls thrive with regular deep conditioning. Apply a protein-moisture balanced treatment weekly, using heat for maximum penetration. Your springy spirals will reward you with bounce and shine.
15. Master Second-Day Refreshing
Mix water and leave-in conditioner in a spray bottle. Mist onto flattened curls and scrunch gently to reactivate products. This quick refresh brings life back to day-old curls.
16. Clarify Monthly
Product buildup weighs curls down. Use a clarifying shampoo once monthly to remove residue. Follow with an intense deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture balance after this deep clean.
17. Try Finger Coiling
Twirl small sections around your finger while hair is wet and product-laden. This technique enhances natural curl pattern and creates uniform spirals in areas that need extra definition.
18. Protect While Swimming
Saturate hair with fresh water before swimming. This prevents absorption of chlorine or salt water. Apply conditioner as an extra barrier, then wear a swimming cap for complete protection.
19. Consider Your Hair Porosity
Low porosity curls need lightweight products and heat to open cuticles. High porosity hair craves heavy butters and oils. Understanding your porosity revolutionizes your product selection process.
20. Pineapple While Working Out
Secure curls in a high, loose pineapple during exercise. This prevents sweat from flattening your roots and minimizes frizz. Use cotton headbands to catch sweat at the hairline.