If you have naturally curly hair, we bet you are ready for some curly hair care tips. Curly hair is undoubtedly beautiful, but you might also find it difficult to handle it. Girls with curly hair usually receive lots of compliments from people who have thin hair, but the truth is that it takes some effort to control those curls and have a good hair day. Your hair might be frizzy, tangled, unruly, and most possibly, dry.
But what is the secret behind the effortless look of soft and bouncy curls? What products should you buy? How should you style your hair? How to take care of curly hair? No need to worry, we are just as excited as you are to dive deep into the world of curly hair and share all the wisdom on the matter.
10 Best Curly Hair Routine Tips
While most people consider you lucky for your hair type and envy you, you might feel that those curls are more of a burden. Luckily, with the right tricks and tips, you can forget about all the struggle that comes with unruly curly hair.
To help you learn what to do with your hair to achieve your hair goals, we collected 10 curly hair care routine tips that will make your life easier. From washing through styling and choosing products, we are going to uncover everything. Now, without further ado, let’s get into it.
1. How to wash curly hair
Washing curly hair requires a thoughtful approach to preserve moisture and enhance natural curls. Begin with a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping essential oils. Wet your hair thoroughly, and apply the shampoo to the scalp, gently massaging with your fingertips to cleanse. Rinse with lukewarm water, letting the suds naturally cleanse the lengths.
Follow with a hydrating conditioner, distributing it evenly from mid-length to the ends. Detangle using a wide-tooth comb while the conditioner is in your hair, starting from the tips and working upward. Allow the conditioner to sit for a few minutes before rinsing with cool water to seal the hair cuticles.
Consider a co-wash (using conditioner only) between shampoo days to maintain moisture. After washing, gently squeeze excess water with a microfiber towel, avoiding harsh rubbing. Style by applying a leave-in conditioner or curl enhancer, then either air-dry or use a diffuser attachment on a low-heat setting. This method ensures clean, hydrated, and beautifully defined curls.
2. Best way to detangle
Detangling hair can be a delicate process crucial for minimizing breakage and preserving hair health. Begin by dampening your hair with water or a leave-in conditioner to add slip. Section your hair into manageable portions, starting from the tips and working your way up to the roots.
Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently release knots, emphasizing patience to prevent unnecessary stress on the hair shaft. For stubborn tangles, apply more conditioner or use a specialized detangling brush, working through the knots with care.
If dealing with curly or textured hair, consider detangling in the shower with conditioner-soaked hair for added moisture and ease. Taking the time for a thoughtful and gentle detangling routine ensures smoother, healthier hair and helps maintain your hair’s natural beauty and texture.
3. Get regular trims
Regular trims are a cornerstone of maintaining healthy and vibrant hair. Trimming every 8-12 weeks helps prevent split ends, reducing the risk of breakage and promoting overall hair health. When hair ends are split, the damage can travel up the hair shaft, leading to more significant issues.
Trimming removes these damaged ends, preventing further harm and maintaining a clean, fresh look. It also encourages hair growth by eliminating potential impediments. Regular trims are particularly beneficial for those with curly hair, as they help maintain the integrity of the curl pattern.
4. Don’t use heavy products
Avoiding heavy hair products is essential for maintaining natural bounce and preventing product buildup. Heavy products, such as thick styling creams or excessive oils, can weigh down the hair, leading to flatness and reduced volume.
Opt for lightweight, water-based products that provide moisture without overwhelming the hair shaft. This is particularly crucial for individuals with fine or low-density hair, as heavy products can make the hair appear greasy and limp. Lightweight leave-in conditioners, serums, or mists are great alternatives, offering nourishment without sacrificing volume.
When styling, use minimal product to achieve a more effortless and natural look. By choosing lighter formulations, you ensure that your hair remains fresh, voluminous, and free from the burden of unnecessary product residue, allowing your natural beauty to shine through.
5. Ways to keep the curls overnight
Preserving curls overnight requires a strategic approach to wake up with defined, bouncy curls. Start by styling your hair with a curl-friendly product, such as a mousse or curl cream, to enhance texture and hold.
Once styled, avoid disturbing the curls by sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase, which reduces friction and prevents frizz. Alternatively, you can wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf or use a loose pineapple-style ponytail on top of your head to protect the curls.
Another method is the “pineapple” technique, gathering your curls at the crown and securing them loosely with a scrunchie or silk hair tie. For added protection, use a silk or satin bonnet. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your curl type, and wake up to beautiful, well-defined curls without the need for restyling.
6. Use the right tools
Selecting the right tools is pivotal for maintaining healthy and well-defined hair. Invest in a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently work through knots, starting from the tips and moving towards the roots. For styling, opt for a diffuser attachment when blow-drying curly hair to disperse air evenly, minimizing frizz and preserving curl pattern.
Microfiber towels or soft cotton T-shirts are ideal for blotting excess water after washing without causing breakage or frizz. When heat styling, use ceramic or tourmaline tools for even heat distribution, reducing the risk of damage.
Additionally, choose hair ties without metal components to prevent snagging and breakage. By using the right tools, you contribute to the overall health and appearance of your hair, ensuring that each styling or maintenance step supports the integrity of your unique hair type and texture.
7. Best hairstyles
The best hairstyles depend on individual preferences, face shape, and hair type. For a timeless and versatile option, consider a classic bob, suitable for various hair textures and lengths. Effortless waves or loose curls offer a relaxed, chic look that complements various occasions.
Whether intricate or simple, add flair and work well for both casual and formal settings. Pixie cuts are daring and low-maintenance, providing a bold yet stylish appearance. For long hair, layered styles add movement and dimension, while a sleek ponytail or bun offers a polished and professional look.
Embrace your natural texture with styles like afros, curls, or twists, celebrating the beauty of diverse hair types. Ultimately, the best hairstyle is one that aligns with your personality, lifestyle, and enhances your natural features, reflecting your unique sense of style.
8. Use heat protectant
Incorporating a heat protectant into your hair care routine is essential for shielding your strands from the damaging effects of heat styling tools. Whether using flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers, heat protectants create a barrier that minimizes the impact of high temperatures, reducing the risk of breakage, split ends, and overall damage.
These products often contain ingredients like silicones or polymers that form a protective layer on the hair shaft, sealing in moisture and preventing excessive heat from penetrating. Applying a heat protectant evenly before styling ensures that your hair remains strong, hydrated, and less prone to the detrimental effects of heat.
Prioritize your hair’s health by making heat protectant a non-negotiable step in your styling routine, preserving the integrity and beauty of your locks over time.
9. Style while hair is wet
Styling your hair while it’s wet can be advantageous, especially for those with curly or wavy hair. Wet styling helps lock in your hair’s natural pattern, promoting defined curls or waves. Start by applying a leave-in conditioner or a styling product suitable for wet hair to enhance moisture retention and reduce frizz.
Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle gently, working from the tips to the roots. For curly hair, apply a curl-enhancing product to encourage the formation of well-defined curls. Allow your hair to air-dry or use a diffuser attachment on a low-heat setting to maintain the natural texture.
Wet styling can be a time-saving technique, offering a convenient way to embrace and enhance your hair’s unique characteristics while minimizing heat damage. Experiment with different products and methods to discover what works best for your specific hair type and desired style.
10. Deep condition
Deep conditioning is a vital step in maintaining healthy, nourished hair. This intensive treatment involves applying a rich, moisturizing conditioner that penetrates the hair shaft, addressing issues such as dryness, damage, and frizz.
Deep conditioning is especially beneficial for individuals with curly, textured, or chemically treated hair, as these hair types often require extra moisture and care. To deep condition, apply the product generously to clean, damp hair, ensuring even distribution from roots to ends.
Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap to create heat, which opens the hair cuticles and allows the conditioner to penetrate deeply.
Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time, usually 20-30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Regular deep conditioning treatments rejuvenate your hair, leaving it soft, manageable, and more resistant to environmental stressors. Incorporate deep conditioning into your routine to promote overall hair health and radiance.
Final Thoughts
In cultivating a successful curly hair routine, consistency and patience are paramount. Begin with sulfate-free products to maintain your hair’s natural oils, opting for hydrating conditioners for moisture retention. Gentle detangling with a wide-tooth comb, especially while conditioning, helps prevent breakage.
Embrace leave-in conditioners or curl creams for enhanced definition and frizz control. The scrunching technique with a microfiber towel preserves the natural curl pattern. Minimize heat styling, choose silk or satin for sleep, and refresh midweek with a water and conditioner mix. Regular trims maintain shape and prevent split ends.
Remember, each curly mane is unique, so tailor your routine to suit your hair type and preferences. Finally, embrace your natural beauty and celebrate the uniqueness of your curls.
Curly hair is a journey, not just a destination, so enjoy the process of discovering what works best for you. With the right care, your curls will thrive, radiating health, vibrancy, and the beauty that comes with embracing your natural texture.