I love wearing my hair curly, but it took a long time to say that. My hair was a mix of frizz, waves, ringlets and crazy hair until I worked out an easy routine to style my curly hair that made the most of my curls.
You might think I always straighten my hair after my 30 Braids in 30 Days hairstyles, but it’s not the case. I straighten my hair for tutorials as it is easier to photograph and restyle for the step-by-step photos.
Plus the more you touch curly hair, the frizzier it becomes. My first styling tip is stop touching your hair. The oil and dirt from your hands creates frizz and will mess up your curls.
How to style curly hair
This is my quick way to style curly hair when I want to wear it out.
- Wash your hair. Here are my top 10 tips for how to wash your hair.
- Use a conditioning treatment, or leave your conditioner on for 3-5 minutes. Use a wide tooth comb or tangle teezer to get rid of any knots. This is the last time you will comb your hair. Comb gently, as wet hair is more prone to breakages.
- Rinse your shampoo and conditioner thoroughly.
- Turn your head upside-down, and gently shake your hair to let the curls form their natural shape. I use my fingertips on my scalp to lift my hair and let the curls take shape.
- Don’t rub your hair with a towel. I squeeze the water out instead of rubbing my hair and breaking up the curls. A microfiber towel, or t-shirt is even better as they are smoother on your hair.
- Apply a curl cream or mousse. I used Aveda Be Curly Style Prep and Curl Enhancer. Apply the Style Prep first, then the curl Enhancer which has a creamy texture.
- Use a diffuser to dry your hair to about 80% dry. You can let your hair dry naturally, but a diffuser is quicker and gives more volume. I used the Anthony Nader WAHL dryer to dry my hair with my head upside down. Then I flip my hair back, and check how it’s sitting. I usually restyle the front and partline, then let it be.
- As a final touch you can use a serum or wax to add more definition to your curls. I used O&M Frizzy Logic in the ends of my curls. I also love Aveda Pure Abundance Styling Potion sprinkled on my roots to add volume.
This looks like a lot of steps, but I’ve just broken it down in detail. It takes me less than 10 minutes to blowdry and style my curly hair.
How do you style your curls?
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236 Responses
Your hair is absolutely gorgeous. I have wavy hair too and rarely straighten it. I’m going to try out your routine.
Catherine (@bcrueltyfree) recently posted..Milani Brow Fix Brow Kit
I do almost the same thing! I love Moroccanoil and use the same fingertips to the scalp trick! I have bangs though (to hide my huge forehead) so I straighten those before I diffuse the rest of my hair. Still only takes ~10 minutes!
My method sounds similar to yours. I have to wash my hair to reset the curls – I usually wash my hair every day for this reason. I do the quickest towel dry to get rid of the drips but so that it is still really wet. I am finding that I can get away with just using Morocan Oil as my curl setting product (though it doesnt hold if it is windy outside) so I rub a couple of drops of that through the mid lengths and ends. I then comb it with a wide tooth comb – this puts the hair together into curls, turn my head up side down and gentle scrunch the curls to really bring them out then I will usually just let it air dry. I have issues with crispy curls so don’t like to use a lot of product in them.
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I totally agree woth this post. I pretty much have exactly the same hair routine. If I have time though, once my hair’s completely dry, I like to use my curling iron to fix any curls that didn’t form right or are just going crazy that day. The trick is to make sure they blend in decently well an look natural. Otherwise it just looks silly to have these irregular natural curls, and some nice polished symmetrical curls.
I too have ridiculously curly/frizzy hair! It drives me nuts at times and wish it would relax! My hair is like noodles! I find that a great cut always helps with it sit right otherwise it could seem just plain old boofy as I like to call it! Do you have any tips on cuts that suit particular hair types?
Sophie xo
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I have pretty much the same routine, except I’m in a ‘organic – only’ period so I work a little mask with olive oil and egg yolks and / or honey before the actual washing, then I wash (with baking soda & yolks home – made shampoo) and rinse with diluted apple cider. I only keep the towel wrapped around my head until I put on my clothes and then it’s air – dry. When it’s at 60% – 80% dry, I use my hands to scrunch from the ends up to mid – lenght, with head flipped down with either argan oil, coconut oil or vaseline, whatever I have on hand. I discovered they all work. Waterproofing the ends is what keeps my curls curled. I repeat that every time I feel my ends are dry and look frizzy.
Kpriss recently posted..Isabeli Fontana Looks Sad For Victoria’s Secret 2012 Fashion Show
I’m a straight Wash and Go gal. No heat at all. In the winter I don’t do as many Wash and Go’s though because it’s too cold.
I have pics of my curly hair on Instagram at radiantbrownbeauty.
going to follow you on Instagram now!
Michelle @Radiant Brown Beauty recently posted..Davines NouNou Pak Hair Nourishing Repairing Mask Review
Thank you for this! I’ve been wanting to encourage my natural waves for years, but every time I try, the results are very fork-in-a-light-socket. Maybe your method will make my waves pretty and defined like your lovely curls!
Thabks Whitney, hope this helps you love your curls x
You have gorgeous hair Michelle!
Hi! This is super helpful, I’ll have to give it a try. This are my curls —> http://bit.ly/TKnowG They are a lot longer now, and I’m thiking about having them shorter (I’ve been reading your posts about curls). If you have any suggestions, I would like to read them. THANK YOU for your posts!
Isabel from Venezuela.
Thanks Catherine!
Great minds Molly! When my bangs were shorter, I would sometimes use a curling wand to reshape them so they sat where I wanted them.
Great tips Sarah, I hate crispy curls too. I prefer to leave them softer rather than overly defined and crunchy.
Great minds Beth! I also use a curling wand to touch up shorter layers! Now my hair is longer, it’s mostly the same but I would curl my fringe.
Hi Sophie, I agree. A good haircut is the secret to great hair. If your hair is really curly your stylist should cut it dry, so they can see exactly how the curls are forming. I often get asked about my haircut so I’ll write some more tips about curly haircuts.
I love that you have such a natural system worked out Kpriss. Apple cider vinegar and coconut oil are so good for your hair.
Hi Isabel, I adore your curls! Xx
I get stopped on a daily basis in Chicago re: my curls and especially my daughters. I have to TOTALLY DISAGREE with the DRY CUT. I will argue anyone on the dry cut vs. wet when it comes to curly hair. I went to a curl specialist in chicago and she believes in cutting DRY. NEVER AGAIN! I am two years out and after taking hair growth pills and wearing my hair in a pony tail, I know that cutting curls dry is a recipe for disaster. When you have curly hair, every day is a new curl pattern. When the hair is cut wet, you can see the lengths, but dry could look good that second, but for teh next year or two, you will have pieces that are inches longer than others in all the wrong places. Stay away from the dry cut. I am still recovering.
That’s awful Erica! Sounds like a disaster of a cut.
I hate crunchy curls too but always have to use gel, or the frizz gets ridiculous by the end of the day. I found that the cure for crunch is to tip your head upside down after your hair has totally dried and gently scrunch it. It breaks up the gel cast and makes the curls soft again.
Nice post! My method is pretty similar to yours, but I leave in a little conditioner before putting in my curl cream, and I always add gel at the end. Additionally, instead of a diffuser, I actually just hang my head over the side of my bed and turn a space heater on it. The airflow is even gentler than the diffuser, which helps keep things pretty frizz free and lets me achieve chunkier curls. The gel does form a hard cast, but if I tip my head over and scrunch out the crunch, I get great, frizz-free volume and super soft curls.
Great tip Kate!
Thanks Kate, I love your tip for using gel to shape the curls, then scrunching it out once they have dried.
Hi,
I have very similar hair except for the cut. I just let it grow out all one length and I don’t like it. How would you say your hair is cut? It’s so hard to find a stylist that knows how to cut curly hair so I’ve avoided it but I really think I need some or a teeny weeny bit of layering. What can you tell me on how your hair is cut?
I would love my hair to look just like yours!
Thanks a bunch! Lorri
Hi Lori, there’s clearer photos of my haircut and a description here – http://www.hairromance.com/2012/11/tips-for-great-curly-haircut.html. I have a lot of layers and the bottom is rounded too. Hope this helps! Christina x
Hey, Sarah: I have to get my hair wet to re-set the curl, too, but I don’t wash every day because it would dry the snot outta my curls. The second day, I rinse it in the shower, runs some conditioner through to detangle & then follow with my usual styling routine. Try it!
I use the same steps! I highly reccomend Curls Rock by Catwalk – its a curl booster that defines and separates curls, adds volume, and enhances texture and shine. I also add silk infusion CHI oil to the ends to help prevent heat damage from the diffuser. The CHI oil also aids in preventing the curly hair “crunch.” Both products are expensive but you don’t need much – I even have really long hair and I only need two pumps of Catwalk and a dime size of CHI oil. (A little product goes a looong way!)
Thanks so much Christina!
Do you have any other pic’s of your hair from other angles?
I want to be able to show my stylist all that I can so we’re on the same page when she cuts my hair…ya know?!
Thanks for all your help!
Lorri
These are great tips!
I like to wash my hair at night and use some sort of mousse to control some of the frizz. I don’t blow dry, because I think that caused my hair to puff out. Rather, I sleep on it while its still wet to prevent it from over frizzing. In the morning, I touch up the curls that were flattened or bent out of shape when I slept with a curling iron. I hold the curling iron upside down and wrap the pieces hair that need curling around the iron like I’m using a wand. The result is a bouncier, more natural looking curl that freshens up my normal curly hair!
I’m so glad I found this post. I have curly hair but straighten it EVERY DAY, and have since I was in junior high. Reason is, my hair curls really pretty from about the bottom of my eyes down…..from the top of my head to me eyes, my hair is straight. I’ve never been able to get it to curl enough to make it look good. I’ve used product, diffusers (woah frizz!), air dry…. I just can’t do it. When I do let my hair go curly, I have to wear ir half up half down to hide the top. My hair is pretty fine too.
Anyone have this problem and have found a solution? Would LOVE any advice
Great tips!!! It took me until my late 30s to love my curls!! I use the same method as you and can’t agree more with your DON’T TOUCH statement…only makes frizz worse. For those of us in high humidity areas, (Louisiana anyone???), I find using Paul Mitchell Fast Form helps my hair dry faster on those really bad weather days, and to combat the “crunchy curl” I use Paul Mitchell Foaming Palmade, this stuff is amazing!!! It starts as a liquid, turns to a foam and then slick, rub all over your head with the flat of your hand, leaves soft, beautiful, frizz free curls!!! Changed my life!!!
I do about the same thing too, although I use different products. My curls are a bit different than yours. My hair is big and somewhat frizzy but not unmanageable. The one thing I do differently is that I don’t use a blow dryer. I find that when I blow dry my hair ( with or without the diffuser) it turns out even bigger and frizzier than normal. I let my hair air dry ( it dries fairly quick). After I’m done washing my hair, I use a leave-in conditioner and mousse.
Thanks Mae! It’s better to not use a diffuser but it’s so much quicker for me, and I do love some big hair
Thank you! Will have to check out the PM products you suggested x
Hi Emily, it can be because your hair is long, the weight of it causes it to lay flat at the roots. The best product for this is styling powders, they are amazing for creating instant volume at the root.
Great tips Ella! Xx
I always leave my conditioner on for atleast a few minutes in the shower before washing it out, and only us my fingers to comb thru tangles. I squeeze out as much water as i can, let it air dry a couple minutes, then use the ONE product that has worked for my hair time and time again- Aussie mousse+leave in conditioner. Then i just air dry it- perfect curls every time.
Thanks Kate, sounds like you have a fail-safe routine. I’m a fan of the Aussie Miracle hair Insurance to revive my curls on the second day x
Hi,
I’m so glad I finally found people who understand the nightmare that curly hair can become. It took me 22 years to finally like my hair, as a curly redhead, getting over teasing was difficult. I think the best day of my life was when my younger sister who has gorgeous, long blond, straight, efortlessly perfect hair, told me she was jealous of my curly hair!
After years of constant straightening, last year I decided to wear my hair curly, and at the beginig it was a mess, but I learned a few tips:
I only wash my hair with dry hair shampoo (because curly hair are more fragile than straight hair), always use conditioner, and once a week I use a mask that I leave for half an hour.
I always comb my hair while there is conditioner or mask on it. So I don’t have to do it when they are dry.
I last rince my hair with really cold water (yeah it is as bad as it sounds, it took me a long time to try it, but so worth it !), it makes your hair shinier!
I then put some curl cream, put my hair into a twist for about ten minutes, and finally let them dry naturally.
I always take care of not sleeping on wet hair, because it destroys all my curls.
I agree, don’t touch your hair! It usually makes it awfull. I avoid tying them as much as possible, because then they get all frizzy.
Strangely I discovered that my curls look even better after 2 or 3 days without washing them! They make beautifully defined ringlets, and people always ask me what curly iron I use (but I don’t even own one!), so don’t wash your hair to often!
Fantastic tips Nathascha! I am so glad you finally love your hair, I think it sounds gorgeous x
Like Nathascha, I only wash my hair every few days when it starts to feel or look greasy. This really cuts down on the dried out/frizzy look because I’m not stripping the moisture. I have very long (only a few inches above my waist) hair, and I sleep with my hair in a low bun right at the nape of my neck to protect the curl. I normally wet the part of my hair that is going in the bun before I tie it back. In the morning, I just take it out of the bun, add a little curl cream or mousse to hold the curl, and I’m ready to go.
I feel that dry cut is the only way to go for curly hair. If it’s cut when wet, it’s impossible to get a feel for the length. Also – one side of my hair is curlier than the other – a dry cut helps the stylist compensate for that.
Great tips Mel, your hair so long! Sounds amazing x
Good point JC x
I use a similar method, without drying it. I can’t use any of those products, though. My hair is baby FINE and I have at least 10 times too much of it. Have you ever tried to make a baby’s hair lay down when it’ messed up? You can’t. lol I have to wash my hair at night, at least 8 hours before I have to be somewhere, or it won’t be dry (it’s above my shoulders in length). All products to eliminate frizz are laughed at by my hair. I use a mixture of oils and wax or a promade to weigh it down. The mixture changes from time to time, but it’s always similar. Suave conditioner with Matrix seems to work best. It seems the more money I spend, the worse it looks. And, I’ve spent thousands. I’d give anything to have straight hair one day, but I know after many tries, it’s not even close to possible.
I have a lot if natural curl. I squeeze water out pick thru spray on a mixture of conditioner, epsom salt (for volume), curling gel, olive oil and water. Its fluffy meaning volume soft ringlets without being stiff.
Amy, you need to find a stylist that offers the “Pravana Smoothing Perfections” treatment. It is a treatment made of amino acids and shea butter (to name the most improtant) and is guaranteed to remove all the frizz from your hair and naturally weigh your curl down a little (in a good way!). This will allow your hair to be mroe manageable for you and than you can love your curls!! It is NOT a relaxer or a formaldehyde-based straghtening system, it is a frizz eliminating system. And please, PUT DOWN THE SUAVE! Just use your Matrix! I promise you though, you will love the Perfection System.
Thanks Catherine x
I’ve recently switched over to organic/ natural foods and body care. It’s hard to find chemical free products however I’ve been using Unrefined organic Coconut oil as lotion and mixed with sugar as a scrub so I thought why not try it in my hair? Haha. It actually worked wonders. My hair feels super soft and it really cut down the frizz. It won’t create more curl like some products, but it will define what you’ve got. Stay away from root application or using too much as it might make your hair look greasy. I highly recommend it from the tip of your head to the tip of your toes, my husband keeps telling me how soft my skin is and it smells super yummy! Get the Unrefined, it’s about $2 bucks more but worth it!
I’m going to have to try this, thanks Krysta!
I absolutely love your site. Beautiful pictures and tutorials. Your curl pattern is the closest thing I have ever seen to mine. Similar texture and style. However, I recently gave in to getting full fringe and love it when I straighten my hair. However, I hate the way straight bangs look with effortless curly hair. Do you have any tips or photos on how I can style my bangs so that blend better with my curly hair? Thanks!!
I am eager to try all your tips! I did have a couple questions. After washing and conditioning do I squeeze out the water first or shake and use fingertips at the scalp to form curls first? In your steps it says to form curls first then squeeze the water out. Also when you apply product do you scrunch it in?
I am amazed by how much better my hair looks after trying this! I was already doing a lot of things right: washing my hair only every 2-3 days, squeezing the water out and not combing it … I even use the same Aveda products. But I wasn’t doing step #4 to let the curls take shape. I realized after reading this that I was applying my product wrong … I have always raked it through my hair to get it evenly distributed, but if you do step #4, then raking the product through breaks up the curls. So I started just scrunching the product into my hair instead (and using less product). It has made such a huge difference!! My curls are more defined and less frizzy. I love how my hair is looking! Thank you!!
how do you recommend restyling at the front? i’ve just started trying to wear my hair curly & get away from my straightener. but pieces of hair right along my hairline are horribly frizzy so i either wear it half up with a barrette to hide it, or pin it back with a bobby pin. any tips? thanks!
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That’s great Karen! Thank you so much for letting me know and I hope you’re loving your curls even more x
Hi Sarah, I know what you mean. Don’t overdry your hair. I try not to dry my hair completely at the front, and then when I flip my hair back over I let it fall and re-position my part where I want my hair to sit. If it’s dry, I can’t change how it sits. To fix this, you can dampen your hair down again and then twist to re-form the curls. This also works on day 2 if it’s a bit flat in the morning x
It might work differently for your curls, but I use my fingertips to start to let my curls form when my hair is dripping wet. Then I take my towel and press it up to my hair to absorb the water. I use a press/squeeze motion rather than a rubbing or shaking motion with my towel. (hope that makes sense!) And yes, I scrunch product into my hair, rather than run my fingers through to break up the curls.
Thanks so much Kristen! I have a longer side fringe so I find it curls up and I twist it together with longer layers to blend it into the rest of my hair. I also like a curly finge to frame my face so leave it loose too. Try twisting small sections of your fringe to encourage the curl to twist away from your face so it sits better with the rest of your hair x
I don’t have a diffuser but I have just a plain blow dryer.. will that work?
The diffuser makes all the difference, a regular dryer will not have the same effect. You can buy diffusers cheaply that fit any hairdryer, or a sock diffuser can work too. A sock diffuser is a heat proof mesh “sock” that fits around the nozzle of your dryer to act as a diffuser. It will change how you style your curly hair forever x
I too disagree with the dry cut. Every time someone has attempted that on my curls i’ve ended up with shredded awful ends, plus uneven layers that look fine when your hair is curly but awful if you want to straighten it. To Sophie – I get my hair cut by a Ouidad trained stylist – you can find them at ouidad.com. My hair has NEVER looked better. If you can’t find a Ouidad stylist I’d suggest going to someone who specifically specializes in curly and/or ethnic hair.
I can’t believe it only takes you about 10 minutes to style and dry your hair! My hair, even thinned out, it CRAZY thick. It takes at least 20 minutes for me to get to 80% dryness
How exactly do you diffuse it? You just flip your head upside down and go? Either way I’m amazed and jealous your hair dries that quickly.
Have you ever tried the Ouidad products or styling method? That’s what I use now.
Hi Christina, I use a professional dryer which makes it so much quicker. I flip my head upside down and then just use the diffuser around my hair, moving it up and down to dry the roots and ends. I’ve not tried the Ouidad products, which ones should I try first?
I have very loose curls/wavy hair. I finally gave up fight what God gave me and follow your tips, but find my curls go flat overnight. I’d rather not wash my hair everyday and dry it out. Any advise to re-energize my curls for the next day?
Hi Mary, you can spritz your hair with water and twist the curls around your finger to reshape them. I also use Bumble & Bumble curl revitalizer spray
I thought that was a pic of my hair! No kidding. Almost identical. I do exactly those things when going curly. I want to add that its best to use your diffuser first on the roots to add a little volume (so you don’t have Christmas tree hair) and to always use the lowest air flow setting and highest heat so that you get the wetness out quickly without disturbing the curl. For less curl and more wave, just lean to the side a little and diffuse through the hair instead of up the hair shaft like when your upside down. In this technique you want to start with the length of the hair and finish with the roots. Thanks for the tips on products though. Finding the right ones is sometimes a monumental task if they change your formula or quit making the product.
I have recently discovered that my hair is pretty wavy and have started styling my hair curly after years of using a flat iron and blow drying it straight. I do something similar to my hair, but I always have a few pesky straight pieces, any tips on how to deal with that? Will my hair have more natural curl if I continue to style it this way and quit using the flat iron?
In one of your previous posts you recommend curly haired girls use only conditioner to wash their hair, and my question is, what conditioner do you recommend, and how do you wash your roots/ keep them from getting oily if you only use conditioner from mid-shaft down? Thanks!
My hair looks IDENTICAL to yours in the back. Same length, same curls….everything! I also can make my hair poker straight or curly….my hubby likes is curly! My question is this……How do you style the front of yours? I struggle with mine! Thanks!
I have naturally very curly blonde/strawberry blonde hair. I have flat ironed it almost everyday for the last 5 years. More recently I have tried to start wearing my natural curls again, but the curls (especially around the front of my face where my hair is a bit thinner) are very limp and sad looking. I have been getting trims very 3 months to help and i have always only washed every 2-4 days, but it still has pieces here and there that have almost no curl left to them. Someone recommended Not your mother’s kinky moves curling cream. I like it enough, it is pretty good at controlling the frizz. Any tips on how to help my curls come back to life? I have been considering getting a perm just to have decent looking curls again. Would that help or do more damage?
Loved this post! Pretty much my routine. I’ve heard a lot of people say that curly haired gals shouldn’t shampoo their hair, but what do you use to clean it? Do you use a leave-in conditioner? How does that work? Whats your routine for washing and what products do you use?
Thanks! Can’t wait to try it out!!!!!!
I shampoo and condition my natural curls every other day also. This is the only time my hair sees a pick (in the shower). After I have wrapped my head in a towel for a minute, I utilize one of my absolute favorite leave in conditioning treatments (Regis’ Design Line Olive Oil Conditioner). I then comb through it with a wide tooth comb and apply a generous amount of Catwalk Strong Mousse while upside down, of course! I apply a dime sized amount of Paul Mitchell Re-Works Texture cream. I too utilize a diffuser and dry my hair upside down until it’s about 80% dry. I finish my look with Paul Mitchell aerosol hairspray. Growing up, I hated my stupid curls, now I LOVE THEM!!!
I love that you love your curls! And love your routine too x
Hi Katy, I don’t use the no shampoo method as I colour my hair but it’s possible to just wash curly hair with conditioner. The full method is described is in the book Curly Girl. I use a sulphate free shampoo and conditioner, and a deep conditioning mask weekly. I’ll do a post about my routine soon x
A perm is most likely going to cause more damage, sorry Ali. It will take time for your hair to grow and recover from the flat iron damage. Perhaps try a deep treatment in salon, as well as weekly treatments.
Sounds like you have great hair Jessica
When I flip my hair back I check where my part falls and adjust any pieces. You can dampen any pieces that aren’t sitting right and twist them to shape them into the curls you want x
Hi Molly, you should read Curly Girl for the full story about not using shampoo. It’s a process and it depends on different curls. I still use shampoo as I colour my hair but I use sulphate free products.
Hi Christi, it depends – it could be damage or it could be straight pieces. My hair is a bit mixed like that. You can use a curling iron to touch up any straight pieces so they blend with the rest of your waves x
FANTASTIC tips Amy! xx
I love this look!! My hair is similar in curliness. My question is this. I am struggling with the cut!!! My length may be a bit shorter with no bangs. My problem seems to be when they cut long layers in my hair it seems the layer looks to stairstep on the side. It doesn’t seem to blend. My hair is not real thick. I seem to have trouble with having my “bangs” be too heavy and just lay there. I cant’ seem to ge them to look nice. Any ideas on a cute cut for midlength curly hair very similar to the picture. My hair is not super curly and not thick. I already blow dry upside down and do a lot of the tips you gave. Would love your feedback. I way prefer straight hair and am trying to love my hair curly because it is so much easier, but I also want to feel pretty and can’t seem to find a pretty cut.
hey i love you hair its beautiful, my hair is similar; i tend to wash it then add mousse and dry it with my hair dryer, i was wondering if you could help me out, because i don’t like brushing my hair because its really curly and if i do brush it its very tangled and then after i finish it’s frizzy as hell and i can’t control it; i tend to only brush it before i wash my hair and i tend to loose a lot of hair because of it, is this a bad thing or is it just something normal?? :/ please could you let me know if i should brush it or carry on doing what i do?? xx….and the hair products you recommended are they only available in the US?? because I’m from the UK and i don’t think I’ve seen them around x
Hi, I love your hair, I love my hair and always have. My stylist says I am the first person in all her years that actually asks for a cut to encourage the curl. It’s amazing how beautifully defined the curls are when I don’t let my hair grow below chin length but it’s thick and heavy and when I grow it any longer I end up with wave instead of curl. I am in love with the Aveeda Be Curl. I am not in love with the price but it is the first curl product I’ve found to do what it says it does. I only use the curl cream right now because I’m trying to use up the liter bottle of Aveeda shampoo for red hair I had bought when I had it colored back in May! I imagine it’ll be a big difference once I’m using the whole line. I love my hair the first day I wash but I still end up putting it up in a pony tail by noon and get the flatness on top also. I appreciated your tips for that problem and will have to pick up some of the powder and give that a try. I only wash it twice a week and only put product in if I’m doing something other than the normal errands. Anyway, I say all this to say I will have to try your steps and see how much a difference it makes. Thank you for your site and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
My problem is my hair has SO much volume! How do I tone down the poof? It used to lay nice and soft and looked like I just stepped off the each then I moved from Fl to CA and its just dry and poofy. I can cake it in this oily anti frizz serum and it will look ok for a little while then poof up again. :/
Yes Yes! I have curly hair and this exactly what I do. I went from hating to loving my hair! however there were a couple of tricks here that I will most certainly be trying. like the tshirt or microfiber towel.. love having curly hair!!!
Thanks Cammie, I love that you love your curls!
Hi Georgia, I know the changes a new climate and water can bring. It can take some time to find a new routine that works for your hair. Try a clarifying shampoo once a week, this will help remove the build-up of the anti-frizz serum too. Instead try a curl cream to moisturise your hair, or a hair oil. Good luck!
Hi Lauree! You’re so right, the longer your hair, the heavier it gets. I had the best curls when my hair was above shoulder length. Hope these steps help and have a very Merry Christmas! Xx
Hi Salma, your hair sounds normal and just like mine. I don’t brush it when it’s curly for the same reasons. Most people lose around 100 hair a day. If you’re not brushing it daily, you’ll lose all those hairs at once. After washing my hair, I comb it and I lose a LOT of hair. It’s gross, but it’s totally normal. You can definitely find Aveda in the UK, and get my gave leave in conditioner Aussie Miracle hair insurance. It’s a bargain from Boots x
Hi Melissa, it sounds like an awkward hair cut. Its possible to have layers but blended rather than a strong step in your hair. I think some face framing layers work well, and keep the bottom layer of your hair quite blunt. Avoid a feathery finish as this will make your hair look thin x
Sorry this took so long – I have a pro dryer as well which did help a lot but it’s still takes a crazy long time.
It really depends on your curl type but you can’t go wrong with the anti-frizz shampoos and gel. I use the volumizing shampoo and conditioner and the anti frizz gel. Their moisture lock stuff is great too. I also use their mongongo oil since my hair can get very dry even though I only wash it a couple times a week. If you go to their website they have a little shopping process that you can go through that will help you choose what’s best for you. They also have videos and stuff up to show you how to style it their way which works really well for me. Let me know what you think!
Your method describes exactly what I do with my hair! I didn’t even realize I had so much curl until I learned how to dry it correctly. Now, I look at people whose hair is more frizzy than curly and think, “Oh, if only they’d let me get to their hair with the right product, a water mist bottle, and a diffuser!” LOL I’ve learned that the key to keeping the curls pretty instead of frizzy is to leave it alone! There’s no “brushing” my hair – ever! It actually looks better the second day after a wash, when I can mist it & re-form the curls. This is a great tutorial for folks who haven’t figured out how to manage their curls!
Hi Susan, it still surprises me how much my curls will spring up when I style them well. So glad you love your curls too x
I do the same process as you for my curly hair that is cut in an inverted bob. I use Bed Head Curly Hair line on my hair and love it. I usually spray the curl activator and wrap my hair in towel as I do my make-up, then add some cure defining cream before I blow-dry as you do. I separate my bangs and blow dry with a brush to get them how I want and then I’m done. Takes less than 10 minutes and lasts all day.
Thanks Jeanine! I haven’t tried Bed Head curl products, I’ll have to give them a twirl in the new year x
Great tips. I do everything you do with these exceptions…I only use sulfate free shampoo and I use a bit of coconut oil on my ends instead of any products. I find it works just as well, is a lot cheaper and is better for my hair.
Thanks Lainey! It’s great when you find the right routine for your hair x
Satin pillowcase! If I want to wear my 2nd day hair down, I spritz it with water pretty good and re-scrunch it. It adds a lot more volume and curl definition back in.
Great tips Angela! I swear by my silk / satin pillowcases x
Thanks for your post! I struggle every day with my curls. I use most of the steps you gave but have never used a diffuser. That may solve my cold weather wet head dilemma. My question is how is your hair cut? My hair is long like the picture. But its all one length with no layers. Im afraid of layers because I don’t want puffy. But my hair just hangs!
how do you have yours cut? Any suggestions?
When my sister sent me the link to your site, i was really excited! The pictures of your hair are beautiful and I was hoping that by following the steps I would finally be able to have hair like that. But not all of us have that kind of hair and the steps didnt work. No matter what i did, my hair still looks like Eddie Murphy’s when he was doing stand-up. I guess I’ll just have to face the fact that i’ll never have nice hair and I dont think i will ever appreciate it. but thanks. your site is great.
Hi Becca, it’s true, there are many types of curly hair and it takes some trial and error to find the right routine for your hair. Have you read naturallycurly.com? They have great advice for all types of curls. I hope you do start to love your hair. I think your curls are awesome x
Thanks Kati, I have quite a lot of layers in my hair. There are more details about my curly haircut here. It depends on your hair but I think most curls benefit from some layers. It depends on how you like to wear your hair too. Next time have a chat to your hairdresser about what layers would suit your hair.
Happened upon your site and enjoyed your suggestions…I have curly but fine hair, and I’ve never been able to get my brain around not shampooing every day. Since I moved to a drier, colder climate 6 years ago, my hair doesn’t appear to be drier overall, but the ends do seem to get crispy when I need a cut. I usually keep it in layers slightly below my shoulders with textured bangs which I straighten with a big barrel brush. I also take a shower at night, try to towel gently and dry naturally overnight, spraying it damp in the morning. Perhaps I should try masks, upping the quality of the products I’m using, and maaaaaybe not shampooing every day. (After a fresh cut, it does look a lot like the picture above.) Any thoughts would be appreciated
Hi Nancy, a weekly mask is always good for dry/curly hair. You could also try mixing your own leave-in conditioner. One part conditioner with 3 parts water in a spray bottle – spritz this on the ends of your hair, or to detangle second day hair. Let me know how you go x
I use beyond the zone noodle head and gel. and difuse also. I wish i could attach a pic. I have naturally curly hair and it looks like absolute crap… even still. but it has its good days
haha Kimberly I wish I could see your curls and I’m sure they don’t look like crap! I haven’t tried zone noodle head but I want to just because of the name.
I have a question. Was doing this routine but developed a fungus on the scalp due to the stay in conditioner cream. Now having to use TGel to get rid of the scalp fungus and am afraid to use any conditioner product. My hair is extremely frizzy and unmanageable. Use to really like my curly hair but now so down about it. What do you suggest?
Hi Wanda, I think you should follow your doctor’s advice and change the conditioner that you use. It’s important to still wash your scalp with water when using the no-poo method. You should still massage and wash the scalp, just limit the use of shampoo and products containing sulphates. Until the fungus clears please follow your doctor’s recommended routine.
Thank you so much! Seeing this, i tried it and have loved my hair recently because of it. Was a ton of help and has saved my hair from being constantly straightened!
That’s great! Thanks so much Catherine x
My hair is exactly like yours just much shorter!
I skip a wash or two, but condition every day since curls need moisture.
Comb through, and use leave in conditioner to style my hair.
Diffusers are the best thing ever! I use it every day.
Less than ten minutes and my curls are ready for the day and stand up through any weather (humidity, wind, rain)
Thanks Alyssa! You’ve got a great system. I used to have my hair shorter and am thinking of chopping it a bit shorter this year…maybe…
I have naturally curly hair. It also too me a long time to appreciate it. I style my hair almost exactly as you describe and have become addicted to the Be Curly products. They are best curly products I have ever used.
However, my question is why do you use such an expensive hair dryer? In have to admit I rarely blow dry my hair as a blow dryer seems to always give me really big hair. Is the type of hair dryer really important?
hello! great site! i am a fellow curly-haired lady and i also worked for aveda for years and years. the style prep is meant to be used when the hair is wet and the curl enhancer can go in when hair is like 30% dry. i didn’t realize this until my last education class (a bit after the style prep came out) and it really did make a difference for me.
anyway, very excited to see all of your hairdos. i have finally gotten the hang of my hair, but i can only do the same thing to it. and now that i don’t work in the salon, i have no one to do it for me!!
Hi Kealy, a good hairdryer makes such a difference to my hair. Not only is it so much faster to dry my hair, but I think it makes an incredible difference when blowdrying my hair smooth. If you rarely blow dry your hair it may not be worth the investment. At least use a diffuser when you dry your curls x
I have been using Ouidad products for years, especially the Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel, Playcurl Volumizing Foam (at the roots), Clear Control Pomade (rub a dab in your hands and smooth over crunchy curls to soften them) and Mongongo Oil Multi-use Hair Treatment to protect and shine up those curls. I don’t wash often or use a comb or brush on my hair, and diffuse dry if I am not air drying. For non-wash days, I spray in Ouidad Botanical Boost Spray in Conditioner…it reactivates the products in your hair! I just got my first Ouidad Carve and Slice haircut – expensive, but I was always curious – and I LOVE my cut! The curls fall into a nice pattern, and no more pyramid shape to growing-out layers.
Thanks Laura! I didn’t realise, as they both say to apply in damp hair on the bottle instructions. I’m going to try this next time. Thanks for the tips x
That’s great Kelly! Thanks for the tips and so glad you love your new cut. I need to try Ouidad products x
Thank you so much for this post! I have never been on your website but found it through Pinterest. I have naturally curly/frizzy/wavy hair and straighten it ever day of my life. I would love to get down a system that works for my hair curly and naturally so it doesn’t take 30 minutes every morning to straighten and also so I don’t have so much heat on my hair. I will definitely try this! I also read your post about washing your hair. Very helpful! Thank you!
Thanks Christen! Hope it helps and you won’t have to worry about the weather so much either! I always have to check the humidity before I straighten my hair or it’s just a waste of time
I do this same thing with one extra step at the beginning….First I use flat clips and turn them sideways. I pin them all over the roots of my hair making it stand up a little. I let it dry a bit with some curling mousse in there. Then while I’m blow drying with the diffuser upside down, I slowly take them out. This helps my hair from having what I call the triangle effect (flat on top and full at the bottom.) It work really well. You can see a picture of my curly hair-do here… http://www.makeitrane.com.
Thanks for this blog- so many great hair ideas!
Ashley
Thanks Ashley! I love that hair clip trick! I should have included it. I’ll do a post about it as I love my curls to sit up at the roots too. PS. I LOVE your hair x
Have you tried Diva Curl? It is a wonderful product/complete line for curly hair. I use the ‘No-Poo’ shampoo and conditioner and shake my hair out upside down, while still in the shower (like I was rocking out) and then use the light gel, while scrunching. I don’t use a towel, but an old t-shirt to get some of the extra moisture out. When I bought my diffuser, it was the best thing ever! I also use the lowest air setting, but highest heat setting. Seems to give me the best curls.
Good tip about not touching your hair!
Thanks Jocelyn! I will have to try Diva Curl, I always hear great things about their products x
I have been using this technique for a few weeks now, and I have found that it works great on the first day. I have very dry hair, so I cannot wash my hair every day, especially not in the winter time. I saw in another comment that someone mentioned to wet down the hair and continue styling as normal, and that seemed to work for me. I have come up with a few other techniques that work for me. I have extremely thick hair, and it seems that no matter how much I try to let it drip dry, it is never done dripping. I would wrap it in a towel, but as mentioned, it causes frizz. My solution is that I take a “turbie twist” hair towel, and wrap it as usual. I wrap the end as tight as I can around my hair, and wringing it out that way (usually the water ends up dripping through the hair towel), then I leave my head upside down and shake it to allow the curls to form naturally, and I spray “garnier fructis style curl shaping spray gel” into my hair (this produst is amazing, and for college students, like me, it is great because it is very inexpensive and it does what it is supposed to do). Then I continue to drying my hair most of the way upside down, and finish it off with some hair spray. I let it dry naturally the rest of the way and within about 20 minutes it is exactly how I want it to look. Thank You for your Suggestions, and I hope my method can help someone out there like me with thick, curly hair!
I pretty much style my curls the same way, just using different products. After shampoing and conditioning and combing my hair, I use an ample amount of anti-frizz hair serum and a leave-in conditioner/haircream and a small amount of basic hairgel or mouse on soaking wet hair, work it through really well, then wrapping my hair loosely in a towel. Let it sit there till I’m dressed, then blowdry my hair the same way you do. Easy and works really well or me. My hair looks just like yours!
Thank you Amanda for sharing your styling tips and great to hear your recommendation of a budget product that works x
Thanks for the great tips Sonya! I think the secret is applying the product to really wet hair, that way you can fix the shape of your curls.
Do you have any product recomendations that are less expensive than aveda products?
Hi Erin, there are lots of other product suggestions in the comments here. I also like Moroccanoil and Unite products, but not sure if these are much cheaper than Aveda x
I use Frizzy Buster, yes that’s is actual name. It’s about ten dollars and it lasts forever. http://www.riteaidonlinestore.com/Fantasia-Frizz-Buster-Serum-oz/dp/B0014ZWGFW?field_availability=-1&field_browse=3137259011&field_product_site_launch_date_utc=-1y&id=Fantasia+Frizz+Buster+Serum+oz&ie=UTF8&refinementHistory=brandtextbin%2Csubjectbin%2Ccolor_map%2Cprice%2Csize_name&searchNodeID=3137259011&searchPage=1&searchRank=salesrank&searchSize=12
Thanks for the tip Ana! The name alone makes me want to buy that product x
I don’t use any sulfates because they strip your hair of moisture, and I don’t use any silicones because they prevent moisture from getting in. I use all natural shampoo & conditioner, but I condition more than shampoo. I only use a little bit of virgin coconut oil in my hair, and never use heat even when I blow dry it for a little bit. My hair is the healthiest it’s ever felt and looked!
That’s great Lex! I still use too much heat on my hair, wish I could do less but doesn’t fit my work schedule at the minute
I wore my hair short and curly for years and it was healthy and I don’t think it ever saw a comb except when I was getting a cut. Then I had it straightened for my sons wedding and not only did it look 6 ” longer but everyone said I looked 10 yrs younger. Now it is shoulder length and Color processed. Dry, and my natural curls look like Carrot Top’s. I try to only wash once per week and straighten once per week and use hot rollers daily but I would wear it more naturally if it looked like yours. Bought a diffuser yesterday along with the moraccan oil deep conditioner mask and plan to try this.
Hi Mary, I hope this helps and I also wrote about how to get your curls back which many have some more helpful tips for you x
I have very long curly hair. My routine is to wash and condition (I go a few days without washing, and just condition in between). I wrap my hair in a towel while I get dressed, then I brush my hair while it is still wet (not sopping wet, but not damp). I like to put some leave-in conditioner in my hair before adding any styling products. I run a cream gel through my hair and begin to scrunch. I add a bit of hair spray and scrunch some more. Then I just let it air dry. Using the cream gel and leave-in conditioner seems to keep my curls soft and not crunchy as they dry. If it is cold outside, I take a towel and scrunch my hair with it after adding the styling products. It doesn’t seem to mess up my curls by doing this, and it works to get any excess wetness out of my hair.
Well I have read all your comments and am going to try a bunch of things! I am 30 and whenever I do my hair curly it’s always crunchy because if its not I worry that by the end of the day it will be frizzy. I don’t like the way it is and hope that some of your ideas will help me! I also straighten it a lot because I don’t like it curly right now – which probably isn’t good for my hair either. I’ll keep you posted and thanks for all your ideas!
Good luck Lindsey! Hope this helps you to love your curls x
Great tips Crystal-Joy! I love hearing everyone’s curly hair routine x
Have you ever tried Affina shampoo and conditioner? I’ve been using them for just over a month. Most days my hair is pulled up for work. But on days I leave it down, my curls are much softer and more relaxed. My hair is very coarse and tends to dry out easy. Affina has given me very soft hair!
Thanks Marissa, I haven’t tried that brand and will have to give it a try on my hair x
I get my hair dry cut as well. I used to have it cut wet & I will never go back to it. My stylist uses a flat iron on my hair and then cuts it straight. I have never had an issue with it once I go home & wash it. I always hated going to get my hair done b/c after they would wash & cut, the stylist always wanted to make my hair so fuzzy & I hated it. I used to say don’t dry it I’m just going to go home and do it myself anyway. But now i’m happy when I leave!
I have large spirals and have a similar routine save for a few things. In order to encourage my ringlets and get kinda a sexy bohemian vibe I only brush my hair BEFORE I get in the shower. I use a Kerastase shampoo and conditioning masque. Curly hair is an investment! The better you treat it the more glorious it will look. And the product lasts awhile. I always leave the conditioner in while shaving, etc.. After gently ringing the the water out I use a cotton tee to lightly scrunch and press the curls while upside down. I then carefully apply a small amount of Morrocan treatment oil to reduce frizz and then the MORROCAN OIL CURL CONTROL CREAM. I have tried SO many curl products and this stuff rocks! Seriously, curls get even better after a few days. I only as every third day as this is best for curly hair. Your scalp should get used to it. Also, to look super glam I sometimes wind the front (and any crazy pieces) around a 1″ curling iron away from my face without using the clamp. Then set with a bit of L’Oreal Elnet hairspray. If I do this the first day my hair will look awesome for 3-4 days and I practically don’t want to wash it. Try it. You’ll love it!
Thanks for sharing your routine and for some fab curly hair tips Lindsey! I love the curl control cream too. It actually reactivates in steam, that’s why your hair looks better after a couple of days with this product.
I swear by Rusk Smoother and Leave in Conditioner in one. I buy it by the case. No other product. Wash every other day, light towel dry with no rubbing. Add product and then let dry. No frizz, no crunchy curls.
Thanks for the product tips Monica!
This is the first post I’ve seen that perfectly describes my natural hair texture! Thank you so much for the tips, I’m definitely going to give them a try.
The problem I have with my pair is that it barely touches my shoulders and I think it looks awkward being so short and curly (too big). I’m trying really hard to grow my hair out, but it just doesn’t grow. Any tips?
Hi Megan, it’s often harder to notice growth with curly hair as it shrinks so much when it curls up. Trust me, it is growing. Genetics are the main factor in hair growth, but eating a diet high in protein and regular exercise also helps you grow strong hair and speed up your metabolism, which in turn makes your hair grow faster. Good luck x PS. Your hair can never be too big
Thanks Rachel! I’ll also be posting more hairstyles for curly hair too x
Thank you Amanda for the tips! My hair sounds just like yours and I recently bought that curl shaping gel. I will have to try your tips!
This. changed. my. life.
I haven’t always had curls, until a few years ago when suddenly it was wavy/curly city on my head. and i have never known how to make them look nice, so buns have been my reluctant friend. I just did this routine, and my hair looks awesome!! Thank you!!
Hi Shayna! Thank you so much and I’m so glad it works for your curls too! Have fun with your new beautiful curls x
hey! I am a hairdresser who happens to have naturally curly hair….and i have always loved it. Remember… Everyone has different hair, and what works on someone else might not work on you. Dont be afraid to try new products. I do it all the time. And on the haircut issue… even though you may find a curly hair expert doesnt mean they are going to be a good fit for you. I always say to find a hairdresser who has curly hair in a similar pattern to you. They will know more about your kind of curl and can help you with cut and products.
I am 21 years old and have had curly hair for my whole life. To be honest, I’ve actually never known how to style it (I usually only wore buns, ponytails, etc), which frustrated me into wanting straight hair when I was in middle/high school. I always thought my hair looked better straight – recently, I even had the Japanese thermal reconditioning process done on it. However, the process was expensive and really dried my hair out – plus, it did not look as good as when I flat iron it straight. So back in August, I cut off my hair up to the point where the new curls were growing in from the root in a new attempt to embrace my curly hair. Still no luck. But about a week ago, I stumbled upon a link to your tutorial on Pinterest. I looked it up and decided to give your routine a try. I used gel and hairspray at first (wayyy too crunchy), but when I replaced it for a combination of Pantene’s Curly Detangler, No Crunch Curls Whipped Créme Mousse, and Anti-Frizz Curl Créme – WOW! Soft, defined, and no frizz – perfection! I have never loved my curls more than I do now. Thank you so much for posting this! It’s nice to know that my hair can look good when it’s straight OR curly!
Thanks KayMart, great advice x
Hi Melanie, thank you so much for sharing curl story and product tips! It makes me so happy to hear that you love your curls xx
I always wash my hair at night, then put moose in it and wear it in a bun over night and when i take it out in the morning my hair is so full of body and the curls look great, just another idea for anyone who wants to give it a try (:
i too have curly hair. as my hair dries, the bigger it gets. i have been using garnier curl shaping gel on it. it seems to help a little but not always. the humidity is my enemy. it makes my hair alot bigger with more volume and frizz. i love my curls but i hate the volume. i can’t wait to try not touching my hair and gently diffusing it. i sure am tired of wearing my hair in a ponytail and bun. i am open to any other suggestions you may have. happy curling!!!
Great tip Katie! My hair would still be wet in the morning, do you sleep on a towel or wait for your hair to dry a little before putting it in a bun?
Thanks for reading and hope these tips help. I wil have more curly hairstyle ideas coming up regularly over the next few months x
I am going to try this routine. I used to have really pretty curls, but of course I was an idiot and hated my hair back then. After 2 pregnancies (each one my hair getting less curly) and now in the middle of my third (hair is still getting less curly) I’m left with a head of frizzy waves, wishing for my hair that I hated so long ago. Hopefully this will help! Thanks for sharing
Question, when you diffuse your hair, do you use cold/warm/hot setting and do you use high/low air volume? Just wondering what works best for your hair so I can try it out on mine. I usually use warm/high, but I’ve been using my hands, so I end up with a frizzy mess…
Thanks Kate, hope this works for you too! If I’m in a hurry I use hot/fast but normally warm/medium speed will get the best result.
I use a similar process, but I have a question about the best shampoo and conditioner for CURLY hair – I haven’t found anything that I like.
Thoughts?
I would add some long layers to lighten the top up
Hi Keirsten, everyone’s hair is different, but I use Aveda Be Curly, O&M Hydrate & Conquer and Unite moisturising range and love these on my curls.
I have to agree with the no wet hair cut. I have extremely curly/thick hair. I’ve gotten it cut dry once, and it was a nightmare. my curls curl different on some days. some guy tried cutting it dry. it was alright then (altho i was very nervous and should have stopped him) but then i had some pieces that were ridiculously long and others that were too short and made my hair poof out more then it should ever be, when i washed it and it styled. I can’t blow dry my hair, even with that diffuser, for it makes it dry out too much, and again i am on the verge of an afro.
As for styles of hair cuts, or any ideas for just styling, if you had any ideas i would appreciate some. I never do anything different then putting gel in it, letting it air dry and going about my day
Your tips look great. I used to have extremely curly hair, but a couple of years ago I started flat ironing it on a regular basis so that now whenever I try to wear it naturally, there are some strands that just hang limply. Also, another problem is that the despite the curl loss, my hair, which is pretty long, is still extremely big and “pouffy” when I wear it curly, regardless of whether I let it air dry or blow dry it. Any advice?
I will have to try this! Even though I like my haircut and the layers, my biggest problem is while the sides have gorgeous curls, the back does this half wavy, half straight thing. It is like I have three types in one!No stylist reallyhas any idea and say just to curl the back with a curling iron. I try to stay away from heat appliances ad much as possible. any ideas of how I can get my hair to look like one naturally?
I love your hints. I use the whole Deva Curl line it’s great. I use a low poo shampoo with no sulfate and their conditioner too. My problem is half my hair is straight underneath and my hair dresser says my hair is very broken how do I fix this?!
Thanks Renee! If it’s straight due to damage, try some conditioning treatments and you may need to cut it to get rid of the worst damage. Here are more tips on how to get your curl back x
Question: I normally use a spray gel then scrunch to avoid touching my curls/waves too much. However, I sometimes also use a curl cream to “finish” any ends that are crazy after drying with a diffuser. How do you apply your curl cream at the beginning of your routine without messing up your curls but also making sure the cream gets distributed throughout all of your hair?
Hi Stacey, I apply a curl cream when my hair is still quite wet after the shower so it’s easier to make sure it distributed through all my hair. I apply it while my head is upside-down so it doesn’t mess up my curls x
Hi Melissa, it’s normal to have different types of curls but that doesn’t make it easy to style. Usually the front layers make it easier to curl and the weight at the back makes the hair hang in waves. My hair can do that too. Try twisting small sections at the back to encourage the curl when it’s wet. You can use a curl cream or gel to help the twist stay in place. Then when you hair is dry gently break up the twists into curls xx
Thanks Maria! You can try these tips to get your curl back. Nothing wrong with big hair! I kind of love hair that does that, so my only advice would be to aply a stronger holding product like a gel, or to ask about different haircuts that will create the shape you like xx
Hi Carly, you can pin back the sides to create an easy style and still wear your hair out. Or check out my hairstyle tutorials, there will be more styles for curly hair coming soon x
My hair is very curly & dry can u advice me how do i do curly staily
Make sure you do regular moisturising treatments as well as the tips above x
I love reading about how other “Curly” girls do their hair.
Even though I now love my hair (I have curls that form ringlets), it can just be such a hassle in the mornings!
One thing that makes styling difficult is that I suffer from Seborrheic Dermatitis. I have to use a a certain type of shampoo pretty much most morning or my “dandruff” like symptoms soon return. As well as that I have previously suffered Telogen Effluvium (hair loss) – So I had to turn to wearing a wig/weave. I think it was then that I honestly missed my hair. Now, that it is mostly come back (sadly, 20% is probably grey hair) the character of the curl has sort of changed. So it now is essential that I do the following:
Use a leave in conditioner (lightly rinsed out as it takes forever to air dry), use a lot of mouse, comb with a wide toothed comb after all products have been used, after it’s styled I then blot with a tea towel/soft cotton fabric in a crunchy type motion and go and sit in the sun (I haven’t found a better hair drying technique than that. I find diffusers make my hair frizzy and looks no where near as nice as what the warmth of the sun can do – sadly this can take anywhere from 30mins to 2 hours depending on season and cloud coverage).
I really appreciate having blogs like these to give you new tips and tricks. I eagerly search for new hair styles and ways to minimise my time in the bathroom/infront of the mirror.
Thanks so much Bonnie and I appreciate your sharing your hair routine! Xx
Deva curl is the best! I use the shampoo and conditioner every day. Dry my hair with a micro fiber towel and put arc angel gel in it. I let my hair air dry and when I scrunch my curls they come out soft. Sometimes I use my diffuser if I need to dry my hair. You can purchase a deva curl travel kit on amazon if you just want to test the products. I buy all my products on amazon because it is at least 25 percent less than the salon.
I am 54 yrs old with a full head of waves/curls and frizz. The last time I had a stylist told me “it’s best to cut curly hair dry” I got out of the chair and walked out. I grew tired of having my hair thinned because “it’ll look better if it’s thinned out” or getting the stylist that “specializes in curly-hair cuts” who cuts it too short. I got tired of letting it grow back out, so it’s been over 4 years since I walked out and have been cutting/highlighting my own hair ever since. I’ve used most of the same techniques mentioned in all your comments and I get more compliments when I wear my hair naturally. For those of us, who were blessed with natural curls, know what’s best for our own hair. I appreciate the sites, tips and comments addressing our needs. Keep them coming. Thanks!!
I couldn’t read all the posts but want to recommend Deva Curl. They have a way of washing, drying and styling that has helped my curls become more defined.
Thanks Shannon! Lots of love for Deva Curl, I have to try the range in my hair x
Thanks for sharing your curl story Glenda! Glad you love your curls and I’m impressed at how you do your curls yourself, not sure I could do mine.
Thanks for the tips Jody! I’m keen to try Deva Curl after hearing so many recommendations x
Great ideas! My problem is I don’t wash my hair everyday, my scalp is sensitive. How could I style or fix the curls each morning without washing it everyday? When I wake up the curls are a frizzy mess.
My hair is extremely curl/frizzy and super think. I have tried to diffuse it before and it ended up looking like an huge poof ball… Any suggestions? And did you have the diffuser on a hot or cold setting?
How do you do step 8 if you’re not touching your hair?
I don’t wash my hair every day either Sandi. I spray water or some leave in conditioner to reshape my curls and they are good to go for another day. Or a Twist & Pin hairstyle keeps them up out of the way xx
Hi Abbey, I use the hairdryer on warm to diffuse my hair. It does look massive at first but it settles down quickly. I also love more volume so I prefer that look. I don’t dry it to 100% dry, stop at 80-90% dry and let your curls air dry for the last part will mean your hair has less frizz x
Hi Tracy, yes you do have to touch your hair to apply product, but avoid playing with your hair and touching it during to day as this does make it frizz x
What does the front of your hair look like? It is beautiful from the side and back pictures. Just wondering how you style the front.
Hi Helen! I have a side sweeping fringe / bangs and I usually diffuse the roots to give it more volume. You can see more here in this post on curly hair tips xx
I use a Walmart bag and a blow dryer to diffuse my hair…works like a salon hair dryer
) Don’t even have to scrunch your hair…the bag does it for you while you are drying it…The most beautiful curls can be made 
) Now…I gave my secret away…only a select few of my friends know this secret…now you do!!…hahaha!
Try using a good (not a cheap hotel one) shower cap to sleep in…or roller cap…hope you notice a difference…
Ms. Glenda…When little girls tell me they hate their natural curly hair…I always tell them..It’s just because you don’t know how to take care of it…so I teach them my technique and tell them with a silly grin…that natural curly hair is special, because we got our hair permed by the best….GOD!!!
)
What a great tip June! Promise I won’t tell anyone..else!
what about parts? do you part your hair before blow drying? mine gets weird if i dont but it gets weird if i do…
Hi Nicole, no, I don’t part my hair at the beginning. I dry it with my diffuser with my head upside down. Once it’s about 70-80% dry I flip my hair back and see how it sits. It usually finds its natural part and then I adjust it to sit better at the front. I don’t think curls need a neat part, but if you wanted to make one I would do it about half way through x
Finally – someone who understands curly hair! I’ve been doing this technique for years, and it works…
Too many times I have visited hairdressers who just DON’T understand my hair and tease it and scrunch it wrong so that I walk out like an electrified mop. Wasted $80 much?
I’m proud to say that I LOVE my hair – not many people can say that. Sexy curls are individual and make me stand out from the ‘GHD-every-woman-and-her-clutch’ crowd.
Keep rockin’ those curls, HR… xo
What do you think of Deva products?
Hi Parenda, I haven’t tried them but lots of commenters are recommending them x
Thanks Ruth! I love that you love your hair! I’m still a part time member of the ghd crowd, as I love mixing up my look, but I love wearing my curls out too. Christina x
My hair is quite similar in curl and length to yours in the pictures, and I also use a touch-as-little-as-possible approach (I can never be bothered to straighten so it is always worn curly).
BUT the problem I usually encounter is when left alone to curl naturally my hair creates an odd mixture of large, medium, small ringlets, and relaxed waves (like those pictured). In my opinion ringlets especially look so silly when not styled uniformly. I’d like my curls to separate out into smaller relxed waves but without using a styling tool. Can you recommend any products that might create more this effect as opposed to curling into ringlets?
Hi Mel, it’s normal to have a mix of different curl patterns. In contradiction to my no-touch rule, there is a twisting technique that helps create a more uniform curl without heat. After washing your hair, apply your curl cream or gel, then twist your hair in small section (1-2 inches) all the way around your head. The trick is to twist sections in opposing directions (ie. twist half to the left and half to the right). Then once your hair is dry you can loosen the twists into waves by running your fingers through them with a touch of serum.
The look of my curls and the process of styling is pretty similar to your. I like my curls BUT I feel like I have to wash it everyday and have to start over. I’ve tried spaying a little water and re-scrunching but it always seems crunchy and frizzy when I do that. I really don’t want to have to wash my hair everyday, which is why I’ve been straightening it (I know…so bad) but I only have to wash it every 3-4 days when it’s straight. My hair is in such bad shape from highlighting and straightening that I want to start wearing it naturally curly more often…I just can’t seem to figure out how to do it without washing it every single day.
One other thing I struggle with is, when I first finish with my curly hair in the morning…It will look SO cute. BUT I have very fine/thin hair and it usually falls throughout the day and looks weird b/c some parts are still curly, others have fallen straight. Once I look in the mirror…I’m thinking “have I really been walking around like this most of the day??” I feel like I have to use hairspray b/c of this reason and even that doesn’t always help. I’d like to avoid using hairspray if I could.
Any (or many, lol) tips?? THANK YOU!!
Do you use a mousse at all for volume? I have fine curly hair that gets flat….
Hi Dyea, sometimes I use mousse but I find styling powders give the best volume to fine hair. Also diffusing your hair with your head upside down is great too x
Hi Jamie, your hair sounds like it’s been through the same as my hair. You’ll find your curls aren’t as good when you wear them now because of the straightening. The more you wear your hair curly the better your curls will sit. I find sleeping with a silk or satin pillowcase helps my curls (or just tie a scarf around your pillow). If your curls seem crunchy the next day it’s most likely the products you’re using. Try a different curl cream to see if this gives a better finish. Then a water spray the next day can reactivate your curls. You can also wash your hair with conditioner only every second day, rather than shampoo every day. I also use a curling wand to touch up any curls that are too straight so they match the rest of my hair. It takes some trial and error to find your perfect curl routine, but the more you wear it curly, the better it will look. Good luck xx
Hi there! Saw this article on Pinterest and I’m so glad I did!
I’ve been struggling a bit with my curly/wavy/frizzy hair lately – it’s changed over the years and isn’t as manageable as it was in my late teens/early 20′s. My routine is very similar to yours but you have a couple more steps and products I will definitely be adding in! With two little kiddos being able to do my hair curly and have it look good is important. Most days curly is all I have time for! My hair curls best when it’s shoulder to collarbone length. That’s where my curls really have room to form into spirals, but it’s not so heavy that it goes flat. I have an awesome hair stylist right now who has worked miracles with my hair! It looks good curly (well, sometimes – it’s kind of a crapshoot right now) and straight which is a requirement for me with all haircuts. The other thing with my current hair length is I can use a flat iron to make extra curls where I need to. Flat iron curls are the closest shape to my natural curl and adding a few here and there can mean the difference between a hair-in-a-bun day and a “Wow! Your hair is awesome!” day.
Thanks Melissa! Such a good tip to use your iron to touch up your curls. I did that today with a curling wand and it makes such a difference x
This is very similar to the way I style mine. I recently found that if you put you hair up at night with a wide soft elastic hair scrunchy into a ponytail on top of your head, then curl your hair up into a bun. hold the bun and the rest of your hair in place with several flat hair clips that the next morning, all you have to do is shake it out and maybe use the end of a rat tail comb to style. May need a little hairspray allover. Never use your fingers, that messes the curls up. This allows me to stretch the style into 3-4 days without having to wash again. Mine gets softer and fuller each day.
Great tips Lynette! I also pin my hair up to sleep, it definitely keeps your curls looking better the next day x
I would love to know your stylist. I have NEVER had a good haircut. Now all of a sudden my hair is falling out… in need of serious hair help
I go to Stevie English Hair in Bondi and the team there is great. Hair loss has lots of causes so if a hairdresser can’t help, maybe chat to your doctor. Good luck xx
Not Your Mother’s Kinky Moves Curl Defining Cream(: I wash it with Tresseme Moisture Rich shampoo and conditioner, wide tooth comb it, flip it, dry it with a towel and apply an anti-frizz serum and apply some of the curl cream. I scrunch my hair a bit and diffuse it till its about 90% dry flip it back up and put a tiny bit more of the curl cream between my fingers just to define the curls a bit more (: I love the Kinky Moves curling cream, it works great and smells like grape kool-aid (: if you have naturally curly hair I HIGHLY recommend you give it a try(:
Thanks for sharing your routine Ashely! I really want to try that curl cream! x
I love your curly hair!!!
Thanks Claudia! Xx
Thank you for sharing your tips. I was born with naturally straight hair that would never take a perm. Since turning gray over the last eight years, I am now naturally curly. Though I have learned some of these tips on conditioning and drying my hair and not touching it, I have no clue what products to use. My hair looks different every day from too little or too much hairspray, drying, mousse, etc. I love the curls and want them to look well controlled, but light and fluffy at the same time with no frizz. Again, Thank you!
I am so thankful I found this article on curly hair. My daughter has curly hair and I have been researching how to best take care of it and bring out her curls. Thank you for sharing!
So glad it has helped Jaime xx
Thanks Robin! It’s hard when your hair changes and there are lots of good product tips in the comments here too x
I use about the same method as you except that I use a Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner. I was told you should always use this with curly hair. I also only wash my hair about once or twice a week. If you wash everyday with regular shampoo you will lose the natural oil in your hair.
Thanks Jina, I agree about sulphate free products for curls x
When I was wearing my hair long and curly, I always dried it upside down and then flipped it back, hoping for volume. After a couple of hours it was going flat on top and would part and jut lay kind of funny. Do you have any tips for keeping volume at the roots all day?
H Julie, with long hair this is really common. You can try moving your part, going for a side part can add volume at the roots, or try a styling powder for an instant lift x
Hey galls,
I live in Georgia and if any of you don’t know it is horrible for humidity, so majority of the time my hair is up on the top of my head to prevent my afro from forming. My hair is extremely curly and also very thick, often when I want to wear it up it takes half a bottle of moose. I was just wondering if there were any college chick budget friendly products that yall have found.
Humidity is always an issue Morgan, and there are some great product recommendations in the comments here xx
I am a hairstylist with naturally curly hair. My best advice for curly haired girls is don’t shampoo at all unless necessary. I condition my hair every day and use the conditioner to massage my hair (loosening any build up). Curly hair is already naturally drier than straight hair in most cases, and shampoo can be extremely drying causing hair to be frizzier. When it is time to shampoo always use sulfate free shampoo it is much less drying and less harsh on your curls ( I like Bed Head Foxy Curls shampoo and conditioner or Curldiva NoPoo).
Thanks Lacey! Great advice x
What about parting? Do you part your hair at all?
Hi Nicole, I let my hair find a natural part when I flip my hair back over after drying it. Then if it’s sitting funny I can restyle the front.