Top 3 Curly Hair Tips and Tricks

Do you struggle with managing curly hair? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Learning how to manage curly hair can be quite the journey for most people due to its unique texture and pattern. This blog post outlines the top three expert hair tips for curly hair to help those dealing with this problem. Learn how to transform frizzy hair into bouncy, beautiful hair in three easy steps!

Tip#1: The Right Washing Routine for Curly Hair

One of the factors affecting curly hair health and manageability is the washing routine. How often do you wash your hair? Unlike straight-haired people who likely shampoo their hair daily, curly-haired folks benefit from less frequent washing.

Only Wash Your Curly Hair 1-3 Times A Week

Curly hair is usually drier than other hair types or tends to dry faster, mainly because the natural oils produced by the scalp find it challenging to travel to the twisted hair shaft. When you wash your curly hair too regularly, you end up stripping away these precious natural oils that help moisturise and define your curls.

Hair experts recommend only washing your hair 1 to 3 times per week, depending on your lifestyle and hair type. This approach was popularised by the curly girl method, and it helps maintain your natural curl pattern while preventing excessive dryness.

Here is how to wash different hair types:

• Wash 2-3 times weekly if you have wavy hair or waves.
• For tight curls, wash just once per week if possible.
• For dehydrated and oily hair, try co-washing (conditioner only) between shampoo sessions.

The correct washing frequency for naturally curly means less frizz and more definition in your curls.

Work on Your Hair Drying Technique

How you dry your curly or wavy hair can make or break your curly definition and manageability. Generally, most curly-haired people do not realise that their drying technique is causing frizzy hair.

Here are some of our expert tips on drying curly hair:

• Gently squeeze excess water from your hair using your hands.
• Use a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt to carefully blot—never rub—your wet hair.
• Apply your styling products to very damp hair (more on product application below).
• Choose to either air dry or diffuse with low heat.

Use a microfiber towel when drying your curly hair, as it absorbs moisture without creating friction that leads to frizz. Unlike regular bath towels that can rough up the hair cuticle, microfiber materials gently remove excess water while preserving your curl pattern.

If you are looking for specialised treatments for particularly troublesome frizz, check out these effective solutions for frizzy hair that can complement your drying routine, as shared on our blog.

Air Dry vs. Diffusing

While many curly hair experts recommend air drying whenever possible to minimise heat damage, sometimes you need to dry your hair more quickly. In these cases, a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer can help distribute the airflow evenly, preserving your natural curl pattern while speeding up drying time.

Do the following when diffusing:

• Use low heat and low air settings.
• Keep the diffuser moving to prevent concentrating heat in one area.
• Diffuse until your hair is about 80% dry, then allow it to air dry the rest of the way.

Product Application Techniques

The final, and perhaps most critical, aspect of curly hair management is applying product correctly. Even the best products can fail if you do not use them correctly on your curls.

Timing Is Everything

The best time to apply the product is when your hair is damp. This helps lock in moisture and ensures even distribution throughout your curls.

Layering Products in the Right Order

For defined curls that last all day, follow this layering sequence:

• Leave-in conditioner: Apply first to provide moisture and slip.
• Curl cream or milk: Distribute evenly for definition and hydration.
• Gel or mousse: Apply last to seal everything in and provide hold.

When applying these products, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle and ensure even distribution gently. Never use a regular brush on wet curly hair, which can break curls and create frizz.

The “Praying Hands” and “Scrunching” Methods

Two popular techniques for applying products to curly hair include:

Praying Hands Method

Place the product between your palms and smooth it down over sections of hair, as if your hands are in a prayer position. This helps smooth the cuticle and reduce frizz.

Scrunching Method

Cup your hands upward under your curls and squeeze gently toward the scalp. This encourages curl formation and removes excess product.

For professional help with your curly hair journey, consider booking a consultation with curl specialists who can provide personalised advice for your specific curl type.

In Conclusion

Managing curly hair doesn’t have to be complicated. If you can focus on these three key areas (washing properly, drying correctly, and applying products effectively), you can transform your hair care routine and fall in love with your natural curls. Struggling with managing curly hair or need unique styling tips? Consult an expert hairstylist today!