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Curly Hair Care Guide: Products, Techniques, and Routines

This guide provides shopping guidance only—not medical, dermatology, diagnosis, or treatment advice. For health concerns, consult a licensed professional.

Understanding Curly Hair

Curly hair has its own set of needs that differ significantly from straight hair. The natural oils produced by the scalp have a harder time traveling down the curved hair shaft, making curly hair prone to dryness. Additionally, the structure of curly hair makes it more vulnerable to damage, frizz, and tangling.

The good news is that with the right products and techniques, curly hair can be healthy, defined, and gorgeous. The key is understanding what your specific curls need.

Know Your Curl Type

Curl types are classified from 1 (straight) to 4 (coily), with subcategories A, B, and C indicating tightness:

• Type 2 (Wavy): S-shaped waves that lie closer to the head
  • 2A: Fine, loose waves
  • 2B: Medium waves with some frizz
  • 2C: Well-defined waves, prone to frizz
• Type 3 (Curly): Defined spiral curls
  • 3A: Loose, bouncy curls
  • 3B: Springy ringlets
  • 3C: Tight corkscrews
• Type 4 (Coily): Tightly coiled patterns
  • 4A: Defined S-pattern coils
  • 4B: Z-shaped pattern, less defined
  • 4C: Tightest coils, minimal definition

Many people have multiple curl types on their head. Focus on understanding what your hair needs rather than fitting a perfect category.

Understanding Porosity

Porosity describes how easily hair absorbs and retains moisture:

• Low porosity: Cuticles are tightly closed. Products sit on hair rather than absorbing. Use heat to help products penetrate; avoid heavy products that cause buildup.
• Normal porosity: Cuticles open and close properly. Most products work well.
• High porosity: Cuticles are always open (often from damage). Absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast. Needs products that seal moisture in.

Test: Put a clean hair strand in water. If it floats = low porosity. If it sinks slowly = normal. If it sinks quickly = high porosity.

Essential Product Categories

Shampoo

Sulfate-free shampoos are generally recommended for curly hair. Sulfates (like sodium lauryl sulfate) can strip natural oils that curly hair needs. However, a clarifying shampoo with sulfates occasionally can help remove buildup. If you experience buildup on your scalp, see our dry scalp care guide.

Conditioner

A rich, hydrating conditioner is essential. Many curly-haired people use far more conditioner than shampoo. This is also where you'll do most of your detangling—always with wet, conditioned hair.

Leave-In Conditioner

Applied after washing, leave-in conditioner provides ongoing moisture and makes styling easier. Can be lightweight (for fine curls) or creamy (for thick, coily hair).

Deep Conditioner/Hair Mask

A weekly or bi-weekly deep conditioning treatment helps maintain moisture levels and repair damage. Essential for maintaining healthy curls long-term. For damaged curls, also see our damaged hair repair guide.

Styling Products

• Gel: Provides hold and definition; creates a "cast" that's scrunched out for soft curls
• Mousse: Lighter hold, good for volume
• Curl cream: Hydrating with light-to-medium hold
• Curl enhancer: Encourages curl formation
• Oil or serum: Adds shine, reduces frizz (apply sparingly)

The Curly Girl Method (CGM)

The Curly Girl Method is a popular approach that avoids:

• Sulfates (harsh cleansers)
• Silicones (which require sulfates to remove)
• Heat styling
• Brushing dry hair

Many people follow a modified version that works for their hair. The core principles—gentler cleansing, plenty of moisture, and avoiding heat—benefit most curly hair types even if you don't follow every rule.

Building a Routine

Wash Day Routine

1. Shampoo: Focus on the scalp, not the lengths. Let suds run through ends.
2. Conditioner: Apply liberally to mid-lengths and ends. Detangle with fingers or wide-tooth comb while wet and coated with conditioner.
3. Rinse (or don't): Some leave a bit of conditioner in
4. Leave-in conditioner: Apply to soaking wet hair
5. Styling product: Apply gel, mousse, or cream. Use "praying hands" motion to smooth through, then scrunch upward.
6. Dry: Air dry, diffuse on low heat, or use a t-shirt/microfiber towel to scrunch (never rub with a regular towel)
7. Scrunch out the crunch: Once dry, scrunch hair to break any gel cast

Refresh Routine (Between Washes)

• Spritz with water or a water-based refresher spray
• Add a small amount of leave-in or styling product if needed
• Scrunch and let air dry or diffuse

Tips for Better Curls

• Sleep on silk/satin: A pillowcase or bonnet reduces friction and frizz
• Pineapple at night: Gather hair in a loose, high ponytail to preserve curls
• Never brush dry: Only detangle when wet and conditioned
• Regular trims: Removes damaged ends and encourages better curl formation
• Deep condition regularly: Weekly for most; more often for damaged or high-porosity hair
• Avoid heat: If you must use heat, always use a heat protectant

Common Curl Concerns

Frizz

Frizz is often a sign of dryness or damage. Solutions: more moisture, less manipulation, sleeping on silk, avoiding heat. See our frizzy hair solutions guide.

Limp or Undefined Curls

May be from product buildup, lack of protein, or products that are too heavy. Try clarifying, then reassessing. Low-porosity hair often needs lighter products.

Dryness

More deep conditioning, leave-in conditioner, and products with humectants (glycerin, honey). Seal with oil if high porosity.

Where to Shop

Many brands specialize in curly hair care:

Frequently Asked Questions