A great curly hair care routine is a game changer. It's time for curly hair girls to own their manes and show off those bouncy, vivacious locks! All you need is the right routine and the right curly hair products. Read on and we'll show you how it's done.
Does curly hair need special treatment?
We're sure you’ve heard all about the joys of curly hair: it’s bouncy, voluminous, and makes a statement. All this is true, but it's a give and take. Treat it right and it can look healthy, shiny, and defined.
The only downside is that different types of curly hair require different needs, with curly hair falling into types 2, 3, and 4 – with A, B, and C subsets. Don’t know your type? Find out by taking our online Haircode quiz.
How to take care of naturally curly hair
How to take care of naturally curly hair Looking for tips to achieve healthy, luscious curls? We've got you.
1. Shampoo? Sometimes
Curls are prone to frizzing, so try not to wash too often. Shampoo strips the hair of natural oils that give it shine and help it to stay smooth and soft. Curly hair should be shampooed every 3-4 days. No need to be extra about it.
2. Moisture and hydration? Oh, yes
When it comes to curly hair, conditioner is your bestie! Don't be afraid to use it; it will enhance the texture of your curls and stopfrizz. To prevent breakage from split ends, use a hydrating mask twice a week.
3. Work it, when wet
The key to the perfect curly 'do is working with your hair when it's completely saturated and full of moisture. Once your hair dries, it will be impossible to get a soft curl or waves without using a super-hot flat iron or curling iron. So, make sure you apply all products while your hair is still wet.
4. Wide-toothed comb = A curly girls BFF
This is another trick to keeping curls and avoiding a cloudy poof. The wider teeth on these combs will help distribute natural oils down the length of your strands whilstdrying, preserving moisture and softness while reducing frizz.
5. Diffuse? Definitely
Diffusers can even out curl patterns and create killer definition. No matter what your hair texture is – wavy or straight, 3A or 2C curly hair – a great diffuser can help you turn it into a mane of beautiful, shiny waves.
Curly hair sleeps different
First, make sure you're using the right pillow – you want one that will keep your curls undisturbed all night long.
Your best bet is a silk pillowcase. It's smoother than cotton, so it protects your curl structure and won't catch on any stray hairs. If that sounds like too much effort then try sleeping with a satin scarf.
Keep those locks up! Putting your hair in a pineapple – using a cotton or satin scrunchie – while sleeping helps minimise frizz and keeps everything smooth and tangle-free.
If you have super-fine ringlets that tend to stick together, doing twists or braids as part of your curly hair care routine before bed can keep them from tangling.
How to choose the best curly hair products
Curly hair has a mind of its own. Every curly girl's hair is different (2B curly hair behaves very differently than 4A). It's the same with curly hair products: no single product works for everyone. You need to find out what works for your hair type and condition.
Think about your hair porosity and how much of a silicon-based product you can tolerate in your hair. Many curl-specific products contain silicones and other ingredients to provide hold and moisture to curls.
For low-porosity hair (products containing silicones may cause buildup over time, which will weigh down your curls. If this is the case for you, look for products labelled “silicone-free” or with no added silicones. You may also want to try a low- or no-alcohol shampoo and conditioner since alcohol can also contribute to buildup.
With this curly hair care guide in mind, it might be time to pick up your own bottle of moisturising conditioner and hit the road to great-looking curls. What are you waiting for?
Curly hair needs the right products. Whatever your problem, we'll find the best skincare for you - take our quiz and create your perfect routine.