How to Take Care of Curly Hair: Our Top Tips
Navigating curly hair can often feel like dealing with a fickle friend—some days it's perfectly defined, while other days it's a frizzy mess. Hairstylists always talk about the ever-changing nature of curly hair - basically what works one day may not work the next. This can lead to frustration and product fatigue! Because it’s nuanced, curly hair requires special care and attention to bring out its best. The good news is there are specific hacks and guidelines on how to take care of curly hair, while celebrating its individuality.
Wash Curly Hair Once A Week
Hairstylists advise limiting hair washing to when necessary to avoid drying out your curls, which can make them frizzy and hard to manage. For most curly hair types, washing once a week is generally sufficient for scalp and hair health. If your hair is long or thick, wash it in sections to prevent damage or tangling. Opt for a moisturizing shampoo designed for curly hair, and if you use styling products like gels or oils, consider using a clarifying shampoo before a moisturizing shampoo. To maintain your curls between washes, use a shower cap to avoid frizz.
Curly hair tends to become dry easily, so washing once a week strikes a good balance by retaining the hair's natural oils without causing additional issues. Depending on your scalp type—whether it's dry or oily—you might find that you can wash less or more frequently. However, a good guideline to follow is to wash weekly to prevent product build-up or excessive oiliness.
Keep Curly Hair Moisturized
Because curly hair tends to be drier than other hair types, it's crucial to maintain moisture throughout. Make sure to condition your entire hair, not just the ends, by applying a thick conditioner from roots to ends after washing. After rinsing the conditioner, apply oil or a leave-in conditioner to further moisturize your hair post-wash. If your hair is particularly dry or prone to tangling, you can also apply conditioner before shampooing. Opt for conditioning products containing hydrating ingredients such as argan oil, glycerin, or fatty alcohols like cetyl or stearyl alcohol.
Detangle Curly Hair Before Washing
Curly hair is prone to tangling easily, so before washes, it's essential to wet your hair thoroughly and apply a leave-in conditioner before detangling with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb or brush specifically designed for curly or coily hair, working in sections to make the process easier. To prevent breakage and frizz, avoid brushing dry hair and detangle while washing, as applying water to tangled hair helps prevent it from locking up. Using a detangling spray can provide more slip and make the process smoother, although simply using water is also an option. For those with fine hair textures and loose curl patterns, gently running fingers through the hair can work, while individuals with coarser hair textures and tighter curl patterns may benefit from using a detangling brush or wide-tooth comb.
Understand Your Curl Type
Understanding your curl type is essential for selecting the right styling products tailored to your specific curl pattern. Curly hair is usually divided into four numerical categories (Type 1 to Type 4) and three subcategories (A to C), based on the shape and tightness of the curls. For example, Type 1A hair is completely straight, while Type 4C has the tightest curl. It's common to have a combination of different curl patterns, from loose waves to ringlets or zig-zag curls. We love this in-depth guide on different curl types here.
Tighter curl patterns typically benefit from heavier hair products like creams or gels, which help control shrinkage and volume while shaping and conditioning the curls. Conversely, looser curl types often do better with lighter products such as foams or mousses to avoid weighing down the hair.
Care For Your Hair While Sleeping
If possible, gather your hair into a loose ponytail atop your head (resembling a pineapple) or a loose braid before bedtime. This helps maintain your curls and minimizes friction against your pillowcase, preventing frizz and reducing the risk of breakage. Also, consider buying a silk pillowcase. Even if you toss and turn all night, a silk pillowcase can minimize tangled, frizzy hair, reducing bed head and preserving your blowout. This benefit applies to all hair types, but it's especially helpful for textured or curly hair, color-treated hair, as well as dry or damaged hair.
Our Best Curly Hair Products
Virtue Curl Shampoo
Virtue® Curl Shampoo is a rich, non-drying formula that gently cleanses while removing excess oils and build-up to maintain the natural curl pattern. It protects against humidity, heat, and environmental damage while mending and prepping hair for manageable, frizz-free styles.
Virtue Curl Conditioner
Virtue® Curl Conditioner weightlessly detangles, de-frizzes, nourishes, and hydrates without weighing down curls. It repairs cuticle damage, rejuvenates elasticity, and protects against humidity, heat, and environmental damage for soft, silky, and strong curls.
Living Proof Curl Definer
Living Proof Curl Definer provides 90% frizz control, forming curl groupings that stay intact root to tip. It improves the definition of your curls and provides the perfect level of conditioning to leave curls bouncy with natural movement. Creates curls that look shiny, healthy and frizz-free, with no residue.
Blissy Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Handcrafted from hypoallergenic pure Mulberry silk, Blissy pillowcases smooth hair & help prevent wrinkles by retaining moisture. Silk pillowcases are known to help with curly, frizzy, or coarse hair by reducing friction while sleeping. Silk pillowcases are also cool to the touch & temperature regulating.
