How to Style Curly Hair

Despite many people trying every possible method to achieve curly hair using curling irons, rollers, or by going to a salon, those with naturally curly hair often consider it a disadvantage. Curly hair is difficult to style – it tends to get tangled in the morning and becomes frizzy in humid weather. However, with the right cuts, care, and styling techniques, you can achieve smooth and stunning curls. Achieving this requires experience and patience, but soon you'll appreciate the benefits of natural hair beauty.

Use the right shampoo and conditioner. Curly hair is often dry and frizzy, so choosing the right products to prevent damage is essential. Opt for moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.

• Avoid products containing silicone as it blocks moisture from reaching the hair.
• Some shampoos and conditioners are specifically formulated for curly hair. While you don't have to use those, it’s worth trying them to see if they nourish your curls.
• Leave-in conditioner is a great option for curly hair as it helps keep curls smooth and hydrated throughout the day. Alternatively, don’t rinse out all of your regular conditioner—leave a little in.
• Don’t overdo it: just a coin-sized amount of shampoo and conditioner is enough.

Try washing your hair with conditioner. Shampoo strips away your hair's natural oils, which are essential for keeping curly hair lively and frizz-free. Conditioner, on the other hand, has a gentle cleansing effect. Try washing your hair with conditioner regularly (as often as needed) and use shampoo once a week.

Rinse your hair with cold water for the final wash. The secret to preventing frizz is to use water as cold as you can tolerate when rinsing your hair. Hot water damages the hair shaft, while cold water helps close it, leaving your curls smooth and shiny when dry.

• If you can’t shower with cold water, try washing your hair in the sink rather than pouring cold water over your whole body. When showering, wear a shower cap to protect your hair from hot water.

Dry your hair with a clean T-shirt instead of a towel. This method reduces frizz and prevents damage to your hair, unlike using a towel. Afterward, bend your head and shake to allow your curls to return to their natural shape.

• Synthetic fiber towels are better at absorbing water and are suitable for curly hair.

Use products designed for curly hair. Experiment to find the right products for you: a cheap anti-frizz serum can work, or you might want to splurge on curl creams that hydrate and define your curls. After washing, apply a small amount to damp hair and comb through with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the tips to the roots (to prevent breakage).

• Add a bit of styling gel to keep curls in place; you can scrunch, twist, or smooth it through your hair. Make sure each curl is coated from root to tip. Once done, gently squeeze the hair with your fingers to create shape.

Air dry your hair. The best way to dry curly hair is to let it dry naturally. Avoid squeezing or rubbing your hair with a towel, as this will make it stiff and frizzy.

• Avoid using a blow dryer unless it's for special occasions. Air drying is the best everyday method for caring for your curls without causing damage.
• Curly hair takes longer to dry because it's thicker and denser. If you’re too impatient to let it air dry, use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment on the lowest heat setting.

Dry your hair quickly with a diffuser if you're in a rush. A diffuser spreads heat, preventing it from blowing directly onto one spot on your hair. Dry your entire head with the diffuser, using its prongs to lift the hair and dry the areas around your scalp, nape, sides, and down to the ends. When drying the ends, position the diffuser underneath your hair and gently push the hair up to add volume. Continue drying until the hair is slightly damp instead of completely dry.

• Set the dryer on a higher heat setting to make your hair shinier.
• If you prefer waves instead of tight curls, avoid lifting the hair with the diffuser and let it dry straight onto your hair.

Finish off with a hair styling product. Use a hairspray to hold your style in place throughout the day. Avoid sprays with alcohol as they can dry out your hair.

• Alternatively, you can apply some serum or wax to your hair to keep it styled.

Avoid combing curly hair with a round brush, whether wet or dry. Brushing wet hair can cause it to break and unnecessarily put stress on the hair follicles. Use a wide-tooth comb instead, which is also great for evenly distributing conditioner while in the shower. Avoid brushing curly hair when dry as it can lead to frizz and tangling.

Keep your hair lively throughout the day. If your hair looks limp or frizzy, make it slightly damp and apply any product you like (curl cream, gel, mousse, or other products). Gently scrunch the hair upwards to make it look as lively as it did in the morning.

Twist your hair into a rope-like shape and then tie it into a bun. This chic updo is a modern twist on the classic style, giving a natural, effortless look. It’s perfect when you're short on time: all you need is a hair elastic and a few bobby pins.

• Start with dry hair, gather it all to one side, and divide it into two equal sections (keeping the hair on one side).
• Twist each section from the roots to the ends, making sure both sections are twisted in the same direction.
• Next, twist the two sections together in the opposite direction from the small twists you just made. For instance, if you twisted each section clockwise (to the right), your "rope" will form by twisting the two small sections counterclockwise (to the left).
• Secure the ends of the twisted hair with a hair elastic. Choose an elastic that matches your hair color to keep it discreet after the bun is formed.
• Roll the twisted hair into a bun at the nape, slightly tilting it to one side, and secure it with bobby pins.

Create a rolled headband style for a charming look. This style creates a romantic and graceful vibe and is simpler to execute than it appears. All you need is a stretchy headband that fits comfortably around your head and a few bobby pins.

• Place the headband on your hair so that it fits snugly around your head, pulling it down past your occipital bone and curving it behind your head.
• Thread small sections of hair, about 2.5-5cm, into the headband, starting from behind your ear. Once a section is inserted, continue twisting it into the band. Repeat this until you’ve threaded all of your hair.
• Secure the rolled hair with bobby pins if necessary.
• The headband will remain visible on top of your head.

Create a pompadour-style hairdo with a twist. This retro hairstyle highlights your curls with a touch of elegance, perfect for pairing with a dress.

• Gather all the hair at the top of your head and use a comb to smooth the sides and back.
• Secure the hair with an elastic band.
• Push the section of hair forward and pin the tail underneath, using extra pins to secure it in place.
• Pin a few pieces of hair around the elastic band to hide it.

Add a stylish twist to your curly hair with a half-up braid. When you want to wear your hair loose, this is the best way to style it quickly.

• Braid a section of hair, about 2.5-5cm, on the left side above your ear. Adjust the braid so it can wrap across the head to the other side, and tie it off with a clear elastic band.
• Do the same for the section above your right ear.
• Wrap the left braid across to the right side and secure it with a bobby pin.
• Repeat the process for the right braid, crossing it over the first and tucking the end underneath. Pin it in place with a bobby pin.

Select a stylist who understands your curly hair. Curly hair can be tricky to cut, and your stylist must be familiar with different curl types to achieve the right cut. Getting the right cut is half the battle when it comes to styling curly hair. Once it’s cut properly, you’ll love your curls even more.

• Ask a friend with curly hair for recommendations. Or if you see someone with beautiful curls, don’t hesitate to ask where they get their hair done – it’s a great way to compliment them too.
• Try searching online for salons or stylists near you who specialize in curly hair. Look at reviews and check prices.

Visit the salon right after washing your hair. It’s important for your stylist to see your hair in its most voluminous and curly state, as it helps them determine the best cut for you.

• Wash your hair in the morning or evening before heading to the salon and let it air dry naturally.
• Avoid using oils or products that contain silicone.

Cut your hair before coloring it. While it’s common in salons to dye hair before cutting, when it comes to curly hair, cutting first is crucial to determine the shape of the curls.

Trim curly hair when it’s dry. Each curly hair type has its own shape and thickness, which is best visible when the hair is dry. A stylist needs to understand the unique nature of each curl to cut it properly and achieve the desired overall effect. Typically, cutting curl by curl is the best approach.

Choose the right layering style for your curls. If you want longer curls, ask your stylist to layer them in longer sections to prevent the ends from becoming too thick. However, make sure the length is adequate for the right volume. Short layers without the proper thickness can cause uneven hair that looks puffier.

Go for a lighter hair color. Curly hair is often more prone to damage than straight hair, and the chemicals in hair dye can disrupt the curl structure, leading to frizz. If you wish to dye your hair, opt for lighter shades and take a gradual approach.

• For example, instead of jumping straight from dark brown to blonde, you might start with highlights first.

Ask your stylist to dry your curly hair. It’s important to see your curls in their natural state to know if the cut is successful. You should dry your hair with a diffuser or, even better, use a curling iron to get the best results. Avoid regular blow-drying as it may straighten your curls.