Taking care of curly hair isn’t just about grabbing any shampoo and conditioner off the shelf. Curly hair has a personality of its own—it’s bouncy, bold, sometimes moody, and always in need of a little extra love.
A solid curly hair care routine makes all the difference in how your curls look and feel.
So, let’s walk through an easy, effective, and enjoyable curly hair routine that’ll leave your curls soft, defined, and frizz-free.
Know Your Curl Type
First things first, understanding your curl type helps you choose the right products and techniques. Curls range from loose waves (2A-2C) to tight coils (4A-4C). The tighter the curl, the drier it tends to be. Looser waves might need lighter products, while coily curls often thrive on rich, hydrating ingredients. You don’t need to obsess over curl typing, but having a general idea helps set the tone for your routine.
Start With a Sulfate-Free Cleanser
Curly hair loves moisture, and traditional shampoos can strip it right out. Sulfate-free shampoos are much gentler and won’t leave your hair feeling like straw. On wash days, gently massage your scalp using your fingertips (not nails!) to break up dirt and product buildup. Don’t overdo it—washing two to three times a week is usually enough for curly hair. Daily shampooing can make your curls dry and frizzy.
Add a Deep Conditioner to the Mix
Deep conditioning is like giving your curls a big, nourishing hug. Look for a deep conditioner or hair mask rich in oils, proteins, and humectants. After shampooing, apply the deep conditioner and let it sit for at least 15–30 minutes. Pop on a shower cap or wrap your hair in a warm towel to help the product sink in deeper. Doing this once a week can really transform your hair’s moisture balance.
Detangle While Wet (and Gently)
Curly hair should always be detangled when it’s wet and loaded with conditioner. This minimizes breakage and keeps your curl pattern intact. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends and working your way up. Patience is key here. Tugging too hard can cause split ends or even tear out strands, which is the last thing your curls need.
Rinse With Cool Water
Hot water can be rough on curly hair, causing it to become frizzy and dry. Rinsing with cool or lukewarm water helps close the hair cuticle, sealing in moisture and leaving your curls looking shinier and more defined. It’s a simple trick that goes a long way, especially after conditioning.
Use a Leave-In Conditioner or Curl Cream
Once you’re out of the shower, it’s time to load up on moisture again. A leave-in conditioner or curl cream is essential for keeping curls soft and manageable. Apply it on damp hair, distributing evenly from roots to ends. Scrunch your hair upward to encourage your natural curl pattern to take shape.
Products with shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, and glycerin work wonders for curly textures. The key is finding a balance—enough product to moisturize, but not so much that your hair feels weighed down.
Try the LOC or LCO Method
This method has become a favorite among curly-haired folks for good reason. It stands for Liquid (or Leave-in), Oil, and Cream—or switch the last two, depending on what your hair likes best. This layering technique locks in moisture and keeps curls hydrated for days. After applying a leave-in, follow with a natural oil (like jojoba or argan), and then seal it all with a cream or butter.
Apply Gel for Definition and Hold
Want those curls to stay popping all day? Gel is your best friend. Go for an alcohol-free curl gel or custard to avoid crunch and dryness. Apply to soaking-wet or damp hair, then scrunch again. You might notice a “cast” or stiff layer as the gel dries—don’t panic! Once fully dry, gently scrunch your curls again to break the cast and reveal soft, bouncy curls underneath.
Drying Without the Damage
Towel-drying with a regular terry cloth towel can rough up your curls and cause frizz. A microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt works much better. Gently squeeze out excess water instead of rubbing. Air drying is great when you have the time, but a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer also works wonders. Use it on low heat and low speed to keep curls intact.
Protect Your Hair While You Sleep
A lot can happen overnight to mess up your curls. Tossing and turning on a cotton pillowcase creates friction and frizz. Switching to a satin or silk pillowcase—or wrapping your hair in a silk bonnet or scarf—keeps curls smoother and less prone to breakage. Pineappling (gathering your curls into a loose ponytail on top of your head) also helps preserve your style overnight.
Refresh Curls Between Washes
No time to wash? You can totally revive your curls with a little water and product. Fill a spray bottle with water, add a few drops of leave-in conditioner, and mist your hair until it’s slightly damp. Then scrunch to reactivate your curl pattern. You can also touch up with a little curl cream or gel if needed. This trick brings flat, frizzy curls back to life without a full wash.
Trim Regularly
Keeping your ends trimmed makes a huge difference in how your curls look. Split ends can travel up the hair shaft and make curls appear frizzy and dull. A trim every 8–12 weeks helps maintain shape and bounce. Curly hair doesn’t always need to be cut straight across; a curly cut or shape that follows your natural curl pattern works best.
Pay Attention to Ingredients
Curly hair responds best to ingredients that nourish rather than strip. Look for products that are free from sulfates, silicones, and parabens. These can dry out and coat the hair in a way that blocks moisture. Instead, lean into natural oils, plant extracts, and proteins that actually support curl health.
Listen to Your Hair
Every curly head is different. Some curls love heavy creams, others prefer lightweight gels. It might take a little trial and error, but once you learn what your curls like, your routine gets easier. Your hair will “tell” you what it needs—pay attention to signs like dryness, breakage, or build-up and adjust accordingly.
Summer Curly Hair Routine
A summer curly hair routine is all about keeping your curls hydrated, frizz-free, and protected from the sun, heat, and humidity. Summer weather can be a blessing and a curse for curly hair—your curls might love the moisture in the air but hate the frizz that comes with it. So, the routine shifts slightly to handle all that sunshine, sweat, and poolside fun.
Here’s a casual breakdown of what a good summer curly hair routine looks like:
Gentle, More Frequent Cleansing
Sweat, sunscreen, and outdoor adventures can lead to more buildup on your scalp. In summer, it helps to wash your hair a little more often with a lightweight, sulfate-free cleanser or co-wash. You don’t need to deep-clean daily, but rinsing with water or using a gentle co-wash every couple of days can keep your scalp happy and your curls fresh.
Lighter Leave-In Products
Hot, humid weather calls for lighter products. Swap out heavy creams and butters for water-based leave-in conditioners and curl activators. These help define curls without weighing them down or making your hair feel greasy.
Hydration is Key
Your hair gets thirsty in the summer sun! Keep your curls hydrated with a weekly deep conditioning treatment. You can also refresh curls between washes with a water + leave-in conditioner mix in a spray bottle. Just spritz and scrunch.
Use a Curl-Defining Gel
Humidity can make curls puff up fast. A lightweight, anti-humidity gel or mousse helps define curls and lock out frizz. Go for gels with flaxseed, aloe vera, or glycerin to hold the shape while keeping moisture in.
Protect from the Sun
Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from UV rays. Wear a wide-brim hat or a scarf when you’re outside for long stretches. You can also use a UV-protectant hair spray or conditioner if you plan to be in the sun often.
Skip the Heat Styling
Let your curls air dry whenever possible. If you’re in a rush, use a diffuser on the cool setting. Summer is the perfect excuse to embrace your natural texture and give your hair a break from flat irons and blow dryers.
Rinse After Swimming
Saltwater and chlorine can dry out and damage curly hair. Rinse your hair with clean water immediately after swimming and follow up with a leave-in conditioner or hydrating mask. Wearing a swim cap or saturating your hair with fresh water before swimming can also reduce chlorine absorption.
Pineapple or Protective Styles
At night, gather your hair into a loose pineapple ponytail or try protective styles like braids or twists to prevent tangling and frizz. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase also helps keep curls smooth and hydrated.
