Edit: The response to this post has been amazing! I’ve just created a new video tutorial of how to style curly hair for frizz free curls. You will also love my latest ebook that’s all about curly hair.
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.
Remember to check out my new video tutorial of how to style curly hair for frizz free curls. Find more curly hair posts here and hairstyle tutorials here.
New 30 Curly Hairstyles in 30 Days ebook!
Make every day a good hair day and learn over 30 ways to style your curls!
My new ebook for wavy and curly hair will help you to master your frizz and love your curls every day. Inside you’ll find over 36 curly hairstyle tutorials plus bonus styling tutorials and curly hair tips.
Click here to get your copy now!
How do you style your curls?
Jamie says
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!!
Hair Romance says
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
Mel says
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?
Hair Romance says
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.
Parenda says
What do you think of Deva products?
Hair Romance says
Hi Parenda, I haven’t tried them but lots of commenters are recommending them x
Ruth Eldridge says
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
Hair Romance says
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
nicole says
what about parts? do you part your hair before blow drying? mine gets weird if i dont but it gets weird if i do…
Hair Romance says
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
June Lucio says
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!
Hair Romance says
What a great tip June! Promise I won’t tell anyone..else!
Tracy says
How do you do step 8 if you’re not touching your hair?
Hair Romance says
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
Abbey Coleen says
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?
Hair Romance says
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
Sandi says
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.
Hair Romance says
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
June Lucio says
Try using a good (not a cheap hotel one) shower cap to sleep in…or roller cap…hope you notice a difference… 🙂
Shannon says
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.
Hair Romance says
Thanks Shannon! Lots of love for Deva Curl, I have to try the range in my hair x
Glenda says
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!!
Hair Romance says
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.
June Lucio says
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!!! :))
Jody says
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.
Hair Romance says
Thanks for the tips Jody! I’m keen to try Deva Curl after hearing so many recommendations x
Bonnie says
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.
Hair Romance says
Thanks so much Bonnie and I appreciate your sharing your hair routine! Xx
Lilie says
My hair is very curly & dry can u advice me how do i do curly staily
Hair Romance says
Make sure you do regular moisturising treatments as well as the tips above x
Stacey says
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?
Hair Romance says
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
Renee says
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?!
Hair Romance says
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
Melissa says
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?
Hair Romance says
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
Maria says
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?
Hair Romance says
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
Kiersten says
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?
Hair Romance says
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.
Kate Moore says
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…
Hair Romance says
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.
ebbie brown says
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!!!
Hair Romance says
Thanks for reading and hope these tips help. I wil have more curly hairstyle ideas coming up regularly over the next few months x
katie says
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 (:
Hair Romance says
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?
mplo says
I usually do wait for my hair to dry after I wash it. I’ve taken to sleeping on silk or satin pillow cases, instead of regular cotton pillowcases, because the silk and satin pillow cases are better for one’s hair, especially hair that’s very naturally curly like mine.,
Melanie says
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!
Hair Romance says
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
KayMart says
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.
Hair Romance says
Thanks KayMart, great advice x
Shayna says
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!!
Hair Romance says
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
Megan says
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?
Hair Romance says
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 😉
Rachel says
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.
Hair Romance says
Thanks Rachel! I’ll also be posting more hairstyles for curly hair too x
Monica says
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.
Hair Romance says
Thanks for the product tips Monica!
Lindsey Martin says
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!
Hair Romance says
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.
Marissa says
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!
Hair Romance says
Thanks Marissa, I haven’t tried that brand and will have to give it a try on my hair x
Lindsey says
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!
Hair Romance says
Good luck Lindsey! Hope this helps you to love your curls x
Crystal-Joy says
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. 🙂
Hair Romance says
Great tips Crystal-Joy! I love hearing everyone’s curly hair routine x
Mary D says
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.
Hair Romance says
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
Lex says
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! 🙂
Hair Romance says
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
erin says
Do you have any product recomendations that are less expensive than aveda products?
Hair Romance says
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
ana says
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
Hair Romance says
Thanks for the tip Ana! The name alone makes me want to buy that product x
Sonya says
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!
Hair Romance says
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.
Amanda says
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!
Hair Romance says
Thank you Amanda for sharing your styling tips and great to hear your recommendation of a budget product that works x
Christen says
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!
Jocelyn says
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!
Hair Romance says
Thanks Jocelyn! I will have to try Diva Curl, I always hear great things about their products x
Ashley says
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
Hair Romance says
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
Rebecca says
Hello did you ever do this post? I would love to read it! Thanks for this great site
Hair Romance says
Hi Rebecca! Yes I’ve got a few posts – here’s a post on curly haircuts here – https://www.hairromance.com/2019/03/best-haircuts-curly-hair.html and here’s my latest video on my haircut – https://youtu.be/X1S3YiFEvdE. Plus tips on getting a good haircut here – https://www.hairromance.com/2017/09/tips-advice-great-curly-haircut.html
Christen says
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!
Hair Romance says
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 🙂
KellyA says
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.
Hair Romance says
That’s great Kelly! Thanks for the tips and so glad you love your new cut. I need to try Ouidad products x
laura says
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!!
Hair Romance says
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
Kealy says
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?
Hair Romance says
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
alyssa says
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)
Hair Romance says
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…
Catherine says
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!
Hair Romance says
That’s great! Thanks so much Catherine x
Wanda says
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?
Hair Romance says
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.
Kimberly says
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
Hair Romance says
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.
Nancy M. says
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 🙂
Hair Romance says
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
Becca says
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.
Hair Romance says
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