How to Care for Curly Hair

Choose a conditioner that suits your preferences. Make sure to use only the shampoo and conditioner you prefer. Check the label to ensure it’s specifically designed for curly hair.

• Lightweight formulas with mild moisturizing ingredients are ideal for wavy and oily curls. Thicker formulas work better for tighter and drier curls.
• Tightly coiled or kinky curls often require a cream-based conditioner.
• Dry curls benefit from rich or oil-based conditioners.
• For damaged curls, opt for a specialized repair conditioner.

Apply conditioner. Curly hair is often driest and most damaged at the ends because they are the oldest part of the hair. Focus on applying conditioner to the ends and work your way up toward the roots. Use more conditioner on the ends and only a small amount near the roots—this helps maintain the hair’s natural shape by preventing oil buildup at the roots.

Leave the conditioner on for 5 to 20 minutes. You should leave the conditioner in your hair for at least 5 minutes. Extend this to 15 or 20 minutes if your hair is severely damaged or typically dry.

Rinse with cold water. Rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water to retain natural oils and keep the cuticles sealed, ensuring smoothness. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair while rinsing.

• A wide-tooth comb is especially helpful for tightly coiled hair textures.

Use a leave-in conditioner (optional). Many brands now produce leave-in conditioners or hair masks specifically designed for curly hair. These products can provide extra protection and make managing your curls easier. Apply the product as directed on the packaging, leave it in, and style as usual.

Air-dry your hair. Air-drying is the best way to prevent damage and frizz for curly hair. If you typically use a blow dryer to style your hair, consider trying alternative methods for curling or straightening your hair.

Set styling tools to the lowest heat setting. High temperatures can damage curly hair! If using curling irons, straighteners, or hot combs, always opt for the lowest heat setting. For handheld curling tools, choose ones with larger barrel diameters to minimize the need for repeated curling.

Select the right oil for your hair. Using oil is a natural way to care for curly hair, free from chemicals or the risk of residue. Choose the best oil based on your hair texture and preferences.

• Jojoba oil is lightweight and won’t leave a greasy feel, making it ideal for wavy hair, especially loose curls.
• Coconut oil deeply penetrates to restore strength and is great for coarse hair, though its scent may not appeal to everyone.
• Olive oil or grapeseed oil, with their medium consistency, work well for medium to tightly coiled curls. Olive oil also soothes scalp itchiness and dandruff, but its strong aroma may not be for everyone.

Warm the oil with lukewarm water. Warm oil is easier to apply as it becomes more liquid. Avoid microwaving or heating it directly on the stove to prevent burns. Instead, place the oil bottle in a bowl of warm water until it feels warm to the touch.

• Coconut oil may require heating since it solidifies at room temperature, but it will melt naturally in warm weather.

Protect your clothing. Oil can stain clothes, so wrap a hairdresser’s cape, wear an apron, or put on a raincoat over your clothes before starting the process.

Apply oil from the ends to the roots. Start with about 30ml of oil and add more if necessary. Begin at the tips and work your way up to the roots, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to detangle as you go. Avoid applying oil directly to the scalp, as this can clog pores!

Let the oil sit for 5 to 20 minutes. Allow your hair to absorb the oil for nourishment and repair. Leave it on for at least 5 minutes, extending to 20 minutes for severely damaged hair.

Rinse with cold water. Cold water helps lock in the benefits of oil treatment. Rinsing out oil takes longer than regular conditioner, but ensure it’s thoroughly washed out to avoid greasiness. Air-dry your hair afterward.

Choose a deep conditioning product. Deep conditioners soften curls and tame frizz, making them ideal for damaged hair. Ensure the product is specifically designed for curly hair—look for ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, keratin, argan oil, or coconut oil. For severely damaged hair, opt for protein-rich treatments containing hydrolyzed collagen, Panthenol, soy protein, or glycoprotein.

Follow the product instructions. Apply the product from the ends to the roots, just as you would with a regular conditioner.

Use heat (optional). This step is optional, but heat helps open the hair cuticles, allowing the treatment to penetrate deeper. However, using a blow dryer on curly hair can cause damage; instead, wet 3 or 4 small towels with cold water, wring them out, and heat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Wrap them around your head and leave them on for 5-10 minutes.

Rinse with cold water. Use cold water to rinse out the conditioner. You can use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair.

Shampoo your hair. Wash your hair as usual with a shampoo designed for curly hair. Ensure you rinse from top to bottom to prevent tangling! You can follow up with a regular conditioner to maintain deep hydration, though this is optional.

Section your hair. If you have long hair, divide it into 6-8 sections for easier handling. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to detangle gently, as wet hair is more fragile and prone to damage.

Use additional products. If you want to use curling rods, styling products, or dry hair masks, feel free to apply them now before air-drying your hair.

Maintain regular hair care! Deep conditioning treatments aren’t for daily use, but they should be used consistently. For severely damaged hair, deep condition weekly. Otherwise, once a month is sufficient!

• Sulfates (such as ammonium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate) are found in most shampoos and can dry out and damage curly hair. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos, try shampoo-free washing or co-washing, which are popular methods among many women with curly hair.
• Experiment with protective styles like braids or twists. These styles can last for one to two months, minimizing environmental damage. However, avoid leaving them in for more than two months to prevent buildup.
• Curly hair care routines vary by season. In summer, use more liquid-based products and/or reduce leave-in conditioners to avoid frizz and maintain definition. In winter, switch to richer creams and increase conditioning to protect hair from cold, dry air.
• Post-swim care is essential after swimming in the ocean or chlorinated water.

• Sun exposure can damage your hair. Opt for conditioners with SPF or wear wide-brimmed hats and scarves during intense sunlight.
• Avoid using round brushes on curly hair, as they can cause breakage and disrupt the natural curl pattern.
• If using essential oils, dilute them with a carrier oil (not water) before applying to your body—whether for hair or skin.