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.
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How do you style your curls?
Is the persons hair in the pictures layered? I have long curly hair and would love to layer, but have never done it. Love the look of the model in the photos and would like to know how it is cut? Thanks!
Hi Sheila, yes my hair is layered and you can see the cut in more detail in this post – tips for a good curly haircut – I don’t have as many layers now as my hair is longer but I really loved this haircut, especially when wearing my hair curly.
This is great but as the second day my hair starts to lose its curl, gets dry and frizzy. Any advice for second. And third day hair.
Hi Debra, yes I use a leave in conditioner to revitalise my curls on the second day, or a water-spray if I have enough product in my hair. Bumble & Bumble also have a great curl revitaliser. Check out my post for how to re-style second day curls for a more polished look or I do a Twist & Pin updo on my second day curls x
I finally found a hairdresser who has curly hair! He understands how the hair acts in weather, seasons, and for activities! Wet cut only! Simple layers and thins out once a year. I dry my hair…NO diffuser! I aim down from the top of my hair? If I bend over to dry or diffuse …Afro! Product depends on weather! Mousse is ok on low humidity! High humidity: a ponytail is the end result! On good days my hair looks like the picture but ends up curler by the end of the day. I live on the coast of NC…humidity is a majority of the days! I need a product that locks out humidity without being stiff or gooey!
Yay for finding a great hairdresser Lyn! Love your styling tips, and I recommend a curl cream to help moisturise your hair without being too stiff. There are some great suggestions here in the comments or I like Aveda, Prive and Osis Twin curl x
Hi – just a question about applying frizzy logic. When your hair is dry do you apply it to your hands and then “scrunch” it into your hair or do you “pull” it through your hair.
Thank you!!
Hi Kirsty, you can do both but it’s more of a serum. I warm a few drops in my hand and then run my hands over the top of my curls to catch any frizz and smooth it.
I love this, i have naturally curly kinky hair. I can turn my curls into waves if i want. When People ask me how i do my hair i always tell them my hair does it for me and so many people are always wanting to to touch my hair and asking if i got it permed lol,but i will show this to tell as a tip and guide of how to treat and style their hair. I love the adding touch of color at the bottom, you did very well and your hair looks amazing so keep up the good work. 🙂
Thanks Stephanie!
I will try your method. Always kept my hair very short so I didn’t have to deal with the frizz. It is also very thick. Last 3 yrs I have let it grow with regular trims and I straighten it. I don’t have much luck with the diffuser cause it just makes it too frizzy. Right now it is shoulder length with some layers. Just to be clear, you apply the conditioner, comb with a wide tooth comb…then rinse? And do not comb again? Thanks!
Hi Shery, yes that’s right. I comb the conditioner through, then rinse. You won’t need to comb after that. Good luck, but remember every curl is different x
I’ve only recently start to love my natural curls, but the everyday wash gets me down but if I don’t it looks like a birds nest. do you have any advice on how to get it not so frizzy on the second day and actually make it wearable ?
I know what you mean Danica, I clip it up when I sleep which really helps. I also use this technique to re-style second day curls. Hope this helps x
Hi:) im having problem with my hair that curls little over my ears a lot. I really love my hair and id wanted it to stay like that over night but my hair always loses the curl a bit when i go to sleep and my hair looks like messy on the morning and it needs brushing which makes my hair frizzy my haur curls even more by the day especially if it is rainy. But id want it like i dont have to brush it in the morning. Sorry about my bad english im actually from finland. Thanks 🙂
Hi Ida! To keep your curls looking good in the morning, clip your hair up on top of your head when you go to bed at night. Instead of using a brush, just tidy your hair with your fingertips in the morning. Good luck x
Hi Hair Romance I have the same fine curls as your good self I am wanting to go blonder any advice on this, Your colour is lovely is it a mix of highlights and toner or something different? Thanks Nat x
Thanks Nat! I have a mix of highlights in my hair. Over time it’s created a blend of blonde tones x
Hi girls. I love all the tips on caring for my lovely curly locks. One big change I’ve made is not using a terrycloth towel, EVER! I use an old t-shirt to gently squeeze out any excess moisture right after getting out of the shower. After apply any products that I use I take a Sham Wow cloth (or any similar type product) and an oversized t-shirt. I put the ShamWow on top of the t-shirt and use the plopping method described on many websites. Just google “plopping hair”. After about a half hour I remove the t-shirt/ShamWow towel and turn my head upside down to scrunch it a few times. I either let it air dry or diffuse dry in the colder months. Has mad a huge difference in the amount of frizz I get. My go to product. Is Rusk W8Less spray gel. You can use it on damp or dry hair. A little goes a long way. Scrunch it in and a way I go. You can use it to revive curls on day 2 or 3. Or just spray on a little water to revitalize the product already in your hair. This does not make my hair crunchy. If you do get crunchy curls you’ve used too much, just scrunch it a little and it will go away. I hope this helps someone.
Great tip for not using a terry towel Mary! Thanks for sharing your routine x
I love this method for the bulk of my hair but my part area and the area framing my face just dont behave correctly. I tried to restyle that area with my straightening iron to create new curls but it looks super unnatural in comparison to the rest of my hair. Do you have any tips for working with this area? Thanks!
Hi Rachel, try using a small barrel curling wand instead of a straightening iron. Or if you have really tight curls, wet these sections and twist them around your finger to shape them to match your hair x
My routine is very similar also. I use Moroccan Oil as soon as I get out of the shower, then an anti-frizz mousse (surprisingly Frizz-Ease) and then my new favorite gel (Deva-Curl Spray Gel), then I flip my head over and dry with blow dryer and diffuser. I dry almost completely dry then flip back over and fix the front and VOILA! Curly mop! Takes me maybe 10 minutes also and my hair is thick and a little past my shoulders.
Thanks for sharing your routine Jami! x
Great post any help on styling my ridiculous long mane is amazing. I tend to braid my hair a lot. I never take a brush to it unless it’s been straitened (which is almost never these days) or is really wet that seems to help. Would love to know how you deal with tangles without it becoming a halo of frizz?
Thanks Rachelle. I can imagine the tangles would be awful! You’re right to only comb it when it’s wet, as combing or brushing curly hair when it’s dry creates huge frizz. Braiding works well for me too. If I get knots I sometimes use a leave in conditioner spray to soften them, then work it out with my fingers or a large comb. Or I leave the knots until I’m washing my hair and comb them out with conditioner. Hope this helps x
Have you tried Moroccan Oil? It should help with tangles and frizz! I love this stuff…its a miracle product!
Hi my name is Amanda. I have extremely curly hair and like others I hate the way mouse and gels makes my hair feel after washing. I recently started using Devacurl products. Their products are amazing!! My hair is no longer uncontrollable and has defined curls. It has totally changed the the way I wash and dry my hair. Many people don’t understand that curly hair has to be treated differently than straight hair. Devacurl products are made just for curly hair. I buy mine at Ulta. My hair looks the best it ever has!! Check it out.
Thanks Amanda! I really need to try this range, sounds amazing x
Thank you for finally teaching my how to use a diffuser! I always dried my hair with my head upside down but angled the blow dryer DOWN. The past few times I have used the difffuser properly, by hanging my head upside down and blowing up. My hair has never been so bouncy and full! Love i! I use Aveda Be Curly curl enhancer and Ouidad heat & humidity gel and Deva Curl No Poo shampoo. Think I have finally found a routine that works for me.
That’s awesome Kristen! So glad you’ve found a routine that works for your hair. I really have to try the Devacurl products, I hear great things about them
I love your hair! It’s also taken a bit for me to say I love my hair, curls, frizzies, and all. I’m still learning on what I can and can’t do for my hair. I’m a little hesitant on using a hair dryer, even with a diffuser on my hair since it’s more prone to frizz near my face and part. What can I do to help prevent that frizz and loss of curl definition? I don’t mind a little frizz, I actually like it, but the curls near my face and part start to separate and straighten out. I’ve switched over to using Alba Botanica shampoo and conditioner, for a gentler cleaning and they smell fantastic. And I use Mix Chicks leave in and Deva Curl Mousse for styling. The crunchiness and film left over from gels and other mousses I’ve used weren’t doing it for me.
Thanks Aly! and I love that you love your hair too. For those sections at the front, try wetting them again and twisting them with your finger away from your face. You could add a touch of mousse to help the curl set in place. Sometimes these sections need a little extra help, and if you shape the curl you’ll make it stay in place better x
I have issues with the bottom layer of my hair being very curly, but the top layer only being wavy and “flippy”. My hairdresser (who has curly hair herself) suggested that I diffuse my hair in layers. I kind of built my hair routine from there: basically after applying my curl product I gently lift the top layers with a few claw clips so it’s kind of held in a “scrunch” position, and let my hair air-dry for about 20 min like this. After that I gently diffuse the bottom layer if needed, and then let down the top layers out of the clips and dry them separately with the diffuser. This encourages the top layers to curl more, and stops the bottom layer from getting all messy from being overworked.
Fantastic tips Paula! Love this technique x
I have fine, curly hair and have found the Lanza products to be terrific for my type of curls. The oil is light and won’t alter your color. I am blonde and was reluctant to use Moroccan oil as I’ve heard it can darken your hair. The moisturizing shampoo is AWESOME! I have very little frizz and easy styling. I never blow dry unless I’m straightening. My hairdresser also cuts my hair wet, straightens, then cuts my bangs dry to make sure they’re not too short. I’ve experimented with tons of products and am sole n Lanza! They smell really good too! But bing your wallet, they’re not cheap!
Thanks for the tips Roby! x
Oh my gosh, your curls are so gorgeous! I have a question though, I used to have really, really wavy hair (almost curly, but not quite ringlets) but suddenly it became almost completely straight. How do I get my waves back? I miss them so much!! I thought maybe the reason could be because I am in show choir and I have to curl my hair like every Saturday in Jan, Feb, and March. I curl it with a straightener at 410 degrees. I know it’s really hot but my hair has to be really curly for shows and stuff. Could that be the reason? If so, how do I fix it?
Hi Kirsten, you can definitely retrain your curls and I wrote about getting your curl back here. The heat could be a factor, but if yo need to keep styling your hair for shows, you might have to wait a while longer to get your curl back x
Echoed by many posters, my curls look a lot like yours… the biggest thing I’ve found in the last year is (1) a good haircut – I was scared of layers for the longest time, and I finally had someone who could cut for both curly and straight hair on the same head (she recently moved !!! Grrr) and she cut layers that shape the curls in a way that flatters my face while giving body to my hair on the days I decide to go straight. The second thing I’ve recently been stunned by is Moroccan argon oil… ho-ly-crap…I did the gel and the mousse and the scrunching and flipping over and the not flipping over… wow I’ve been using the argon oil for less thsn a week now and the texture of my hair is amazing… even with using gel afterwards, I dont get the hard crunchy texture that gel normally leaves, but still hace good definition and long lasting curl patterns with smooth ends… not frizzy and unravelling by 2pm… I may switch to a different oil, but definitely found that my curls were thirsty…. love having curls, love knowing what they need and getting great curls as a result! Great post, found you on pinterest 🙂
Thanks Kelsey! Great tips, argan oil is fantastic for hair and skin too x
I have naturally curly hair, and one of my FAV product cocktails to make is Joico Straightening balm & AG Recoil curl cream! These two together make bouncy, unfrizzy, soft curls!! The Joico straightening balm (i also use to straighten my hair) is humidity resistant, so i dont the the frizz that i get from humidity (i live in IOWA!) when i use this! First i wash (2x) and condition and i prefer to use my fingers to comb thru my hair, not a pick, i too squeeze the water out oppose to rubbing, and then i diffuse it, on high for 5 min or so then i drop down to low, and once its fairly dry ill use some spritz hs while i touch it up, it take only 10-15 min start to finish! Also washing your hair LESS frequently helps curly hair, i usually only shampoo 1-3x a wk at most! YOu can just dampen your hair and REwork your styling aids in most cases!
ooh great tips Heather, thanks for sharing! x
I love this blog and love your hair. I have very similar hair that I tried to tame for a long time. I straightened it for 5 consecutive years until I decided to embrace it and flaunt it 🙂
I share my story here!
http://karenayat.wordpress.com/2013/08/24/straight-no-more/
Great post Karen! So glad you love your curls xx
My hair is very curly because I am mixed and it has lots and lots and lots of thick, tight ringlets and what I do is wash it in the shower and when I get out, I put in enough conditioner to where it doesn’t frizz when I brush it and brush it out and after I brush it out, I put in some coconut and hibiscus curling soufflé by Shea Moisture and brush out my hair again to distribute it evenly throughout my hair. I then lightly shake my head so my hair goes into the natural curl that I love 🙂 thanks for reading, have a great day!!!
Thanks for sharing your curl routine Olivia! That curl souffle sounds delicious!
I have my hair cut wet by a lady that’s Deva certified. Only decent cut I’ve ever had. I used the Deva No-poo for awhile but it left my hair really dull and heavy after only a few days. I love the Deva light gel. I recommend it.
Thanks for your tips Denise x
Great post! I also squeeze my hair dry with the towel instead of rubbing it, and I’m ALL for dry-cutting. I dry-cut my own hair and my sister’s, and it’s a lot more predictable than wetting someone’s hair, cutting it, using products, and then finding out it shrank about three inches or it’s not laying right because your normal hair (and routine) probably isn’t the same length/texture as when it’s soaking wet or professionally styled. Especially for curly/ethnic hair.
My hair is thick and that irritating almost-wavy sort of hair, so how I get curls is:
1) Shampoo my scalp, then condition from the nape down. Cuts down on frizz and dryness like whoa.
2) Squeeze as much water out of my hair with the towel as possible, comb almond oil through it, then let it air-dry to almost damp. This part takes SO LONG because my hair’s so thick, but it’s pretty easy and worthwhile for the huge improvements.
3) Braid my hair and let it dry the rest of the way to help my waves keep their shape. I usually sleep in my braids overnight since my hair takes forever to dry.
But as for never touching your hair outside of a wash, I can’t do that even with braiding my hair most of the time, or it’s going to snarl up and mat like crazy. Finger-combing my hair most days has REALLY helped keep frizz away. As long as you wash your hands before, you won’t get your hair dirty. (But if your hair is already dirty or tends to be oily, you might want to wash your hands afterward as well.)
great tips Jamie! I agree it’s hard to not touch your hair, but washing your hands makes a difference, and not touching it unnecessarily is key x
Sorry for the late reply! I was getting ready for college last week.
Although maybe my ability to constantly run my hands through my hair and fiddle with it is because my hair’s indestructible and coarse. 😛
I also have curly hair but mine is extremely thick. I have tried everything I can think of except maybe the not touching it part. I am so use to wearing my hair in a bun that when I wear it down its so thick and long I can’t help but to pick it up off my neck every now and then or run my fingers through it. Its also super frizzy. Do you think your routine would work for me? My hair is so different and wild most pro stylists don’t even know how to tame it. Please help!!!!
Hi Desiree, everyone’s curls are different but this routine works for a lot of different curls. Give it a try and see how you go. Your hair sounds amazing and you will find a hairdresser that isn’t scared of it and will give you a great cut xx
These are all great tips and I now use each and every one 🙂 I have thick curly hair, and some layers. But on the crown of my head to about my chin, I have limp straight hair. Even when I use product and diffuse it still seems to do this. Any tips? xoxo
Thanks Sophia! I also use a curling iron to touch up sections around my face to make them match the rest of my curls. Sometimes your hair just grows in different curl patterns. You can also twist the straight sections when your hair is wet to encourage them to curl x
I have hair that looks very similar to yours. I have pretty much gotten the frizz out and kept the curls bouncy until the late evening. My main concern is my front never looks right. You mentioned that you part it when you style it. It sounds stupid but I’ve been struggling with that part of styling my entire life. How do you know where to part it so the hair stays full, out of your eyes and you don’t have to touch it with your hands all day moving it out of your face?
Hi Lindsay, I either do a side part or a zig zag part. The zig sag works well to keep more volume at the part line. While your hair is drying you can put some pic curl clips at the root. Or once your hair is dry you can restyle the front with a curling iron. Check my video tutorials to see how I do it x
Great ideas! I love anyone who encourages girl with curls (like me) to go natural!
Here are my ideas: http://beranvillehealth.blogspot.com/2013/06/curly-girls-gone-right-how-to-wash.html
Thanks Rachel! Your tips are great! x
When it comes to my hair, I’ve learned keeping it curly was definitely the way to go. My hair is sort of wavy and curly at the top and front and as you get toward the back and more toward the hair closer to my neck it’s curlier. Not only that, it’s very fine and thin and its also a littlenlonger than shoulder length. I wash my hair everyday using the Keratin Complex shampoo and conditioner. I make sure my hair is a little less than soaking wet before I come out of the shower so that my hair is damp enough to put in products (my hair drys pretty fast). When it’s just a tad more than damp, I first use a little Sebation Potion 9 to help tame my curls and to help hold them in place and make sure they don’t get too frizzy, I add in Sebation Volupt Spray. Even though I put the product in, later on in the day I notice it starts to become a little frizzy and sometimes crunchy in some spot because if the Volupt spray.
Is there any other products or routines you suggest that might work better on my hair to help make my curls more difined and soft? And are there any easy hairstyles to wear for school and just around the house? Thank you so much!!!
Hi Sarah, it’s a balance trying to get defined and soft curls, as by most defining products have a level of hold that stops your hair being totally soft. There are some great recommendations in the comments here or check out my curly hair section for more product tips and hairstyles for curly hair – https://www.hairromance.com/category/curly-hair x
My hair is naturally curly and very thick. I often straighten it because it is very often difficult to work with because it becomes frizzy and not very nice. But I think i am going to try some of these ways and see how it works. Thanks!.
Thanks Jessica, hope they work for you too!
My hair is naturally curly (sort of a dark/dirty blonde) but I only discovered this on holiday two years back because I always used to blow dry it which made it go straight. But I couldn’t be bothered to put it in plaits (what I usually do when it’s wet on holiday as it’s too hot to blow dry) and it went curly and I was shocked.
I tend to wash it through, condition then I use Aussie curl serum to stop it frizzing up but I do have a few issues.
My hair is all one length and I get these back bits on the top that just don’t curl properly often, like they wave a bit or curl right at the bottom which really annoys me especially if the rest is super curly/ringlets because when I have my hair back the straight bits hang over the top so it looks a bit rubbish, or when I have it in a pony tail there are just random longer bits so it looks a bit odd unless I pin them up to curl them overnight which I do if I’m going to tie it up .
Also when I sleep on it the curls often get pulled out (my hair isn’t terribly thick although it has a lot of volume when curly, I’ve got the type of curly hair that’s easy to straighten) unless I sleep on it a certain way i.e. so it’s out of the way and not touching anything which isn’t always comfortable.
Although that is quite interesting about not touching it, because it’s tempting when I see the back bits as they’re drying to try and curl them with my finger.
Anyway does anyone have any tips on how to encourage curls on the top as well?
(I’ve tried using a diffuser but it doesn’t make it curly because it dries to too quickly so it just goes vaguely wavy and BUSHY and I look like a first year blonde Hermione granger it’s not good)
Hi Antonia, it’s really normal to have a range of curl shapes in your hair. The only solution I’ve found to those straighter sections is to curl them with a curling wand to match the rest of your hair x
I lost my hair to chemo two years ago.. My hair use to be long and slightly wavy.. It has grown back very slowly, in very tight curls. It’s been hard for me to learn to style my hair. I have read several posts here and am going to try several tips. Hopefully I can learn to love my curls. Thank you!
Hope this helps Ana! You may find as your hair grows longer (and gets heavier) your curls will drop into waves x
I just found your website through a pin on Pinterest. I love your site. I have long thick curly auburn hair. I used to wear it short and “professional” but when I retired I decided to let it grow and be natural. I really LOVE it and I get tons of compliments on it. It took me a while to find the optimal routine to have the best curls. I follow a routine pretty close to what you listed. I try to wash it only once a week with a sulfate-free shampoo formulated for curly hair. My favorite is the Bedhead Foxy Curls line. Other times I just use conditioner instead of shampoo. I use conditioner any time I get my hair completely wet. Otherwise I’d never get the tangles out. I have been using micro-fiber towels for about 5 years and they make a huge difference with the frizz. I usually air-dry my hair except during the really, really cold days of winter. I have a hair dryer that I bought a long time ago called a “Curly Top” and it works great. It is like a heated low volume fan (you can actually see the fan blades in it). I haven’t seen anything like it recently, so I hope it never gives up working.
I also periodically color my hair since I have a fair amount of gray in the front around my face. So I was wondering about your comments that you had to use shampoo since you colored your hair.
So glad I found your site and I look forward to exploring the other pages here.
That’s awesome Carolyn! Your hair sounds fabulous and I am so interested in this Curly top heated fan, I’ve never heard of them before. As for colouring, I just meant I can’t go completely shampoo free (the no-poo method) but sulphate free shampoos are what I use too.
Bit of a silly question. I am trying to learn to wear my hair loose and curly (any other time I have worn it loose I have to straighten it).
Do you have to wet it each day to style it? I would assume so otherwise your curls would go crazy rather than under control?
If not, what do you need to do on a non-wet day? I have two young kids and don’t often get morning showers, so I see myself continuing to wear a ponytail forever 😛
Thank you
Hi Amy, I don’t always re-wet my hair, but you can use a water spray bottle to dampen any slept on curls and reshape them. I also use a little styling powder on my roots where it’s a bit flat. You can also use a curling iron with a narrow barrel to tidy up any straight sections. I sleep with a silk pillowcase (or satin is good too) and this really helps wake up with better hair. Then moving your partline so that you have more volume makes your hair look instantly fresher. A little serum or cream through the ends of your hair will smooth any fuzzies too x
I have curly hair and find it much more difficult to style it curly that just straightening it! it goes crazy! 🙂 I will try this!! thanks!
I know what you mena Amy, it can take time to find the styling pattern to suit your curls. Give this a try and let me know how you go x
Just stumbled upon your site today and it’s so informative! Plus it’s rare to find somebody who has the same exact hair type as me, easily straightened/blown out/styled, wavy but just with a bit of gel or effort you get really pretty loose ringlets. Probably one of the only people I know who loves my hair type! But I already do everything mentioned in the post and I can state that those simple changes make a world of difference. Definitely bookmarking!
Thanks Amanda! Sounds like you have awesome hair 😉 I’m starting to do more tutorials in curly hair and straight hair too so hope you try them. Christina x
Hi! I have really thick, curly, frizzy hair. When my hair is straightened it is almost to my waist, but naturally it falls right under my shoulders:( I can’t use a diffuser either because it gives me like and Afro! Does anyone have any tips to make my curls look longer? And make my hair less frizzy? Thank you
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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!
Thanks Robin! It’s hard when your hair changes and there are lots of good product tips in the comments here too x
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 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
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
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