This blog post may contain affiliate links.
Table of Contents
Curly hair is fun, but it needs a lot of extra effort to keep it looking great. Finding the right products, keeping it looking healthy, and maintaining a consistent texture is an ongoing process. In this guide, I’ll cover some of my top curly hair care tips and share a step-by-step method to achieve perfect curls.
Understanding Your Curls
“Curly hair” is a very broad category, covering everything from tight curls to soft waves. Understanding your curl pattern will help you make an informed choice about which hair care products are best for you and how to take care of your curls.
Curly hair is measured from 2A to 4C.
- Type 2 – Wavy Hair
This consists of flowing waves that are very close to straight hair.
- Type 3 – Curly Hair
This type is characterized by having well-defined curls ranging from loose spirals to tighter, corkscrew type curls.
- Type 4 – Coiled/Kinky Hair
Type 4 curls range from small ringlets to dense coils.
Here is a chart explaining what each of these categories and subcategories of curly hair refers to.
| Curl Type | Description |
| 2A | Subtle, loose waves closer to straight hair |
| 2B | Defined waves with a distinct “S” pattern |
| 2C | Pronounced waves with more volume and thickness |
| 3A | Loose, springy curls with a defined “S” pattern |
| 3B | Tighter, voluminous curls forming ringlets |
| 3C | Dense, tight coils requiring extra moisture |
| 4A | Tightly coiled curls with small, springy coils |
| 4B | Zigzag pattern with significant shrinkage |
| 4C | Densely packed coils with minimal defined pattern |
The Curly Girl Method
Hairstylist Lorraine Massey has popularized the “Curly Girl Method” to care for and embrace curly hair. The approach emphasizes gentle hair care, moisture retention, and embracing your hair’s natural texture rather than constantly trying to tame it using expensive and damaging products. If you’re ready to stop fighting your curls and lean into having the best looking and feeling curly hair you can, the Curly Girl Method might just be right for you!
Let’s explore the cornerstones of the Curly Girl Method:
- No More Harsh Ingredients
An important part of the Curly Girl Method is to avoid certain ingredients which are found in some hair care products. Sulfates, silicones, and alcohol. Sulfates can strip hair of its natural oils, which makes the hair dryer and frizzier, while silicone can prevent moisture from penetrating the hair strands.
- Co-Washing or Low-Poo Cleansing
The Curly Girl Method recommends that you use a “co-washing” technique, this is involves using conditioner to cleanse your scalp and hair and using sulfate-free gentle shampoos (sometimes called “no-poo” or “low-poo” shampoos). This method helps retain moisture and prevents you from stripping your hair of its natural oils. This is particularly useful if your curly hair is prone to dryness.
- Hydration
Curly hair is often drier than straight hair, and so keeping it hydrated is essential if you want to maintain healthy curls. The Curly Girl Method encourages you to use hydrating conditioners and leave-in treatments that help to replenish your hair’s moisture. Look for products that contain coconut oil, glycerin, and shea butter – these ingredients are known for their hydrating properties.
- Use Natural Styling Techniques
The Curly Girl Method recommends against using heat styling tools like irons or curling wands. Instead, it suggests using natural styling techniques like finger-coiling and scrunching to define your curls without interfering with your hair’s natural curl pattern.
- Regular Trims
Curly hair is far more prone to split ends, and so this method recommends that you have your hair lightly trimmed more often than someone with straight hair would.
- Gentle Handling
You should use a wide tooth comb or your fingers and avoid aggressive brushing. This will help minimize hair breakage and preserve the integrity of your curls.
- Patience and Experimentation
It’s important to experiment with different products and styling methods to find which one works for you. It’s also important to be patient as undoing the damage to your hair from years of heat-styling and heavy products can take a long time.
Must-Have Products for Curly Hair
Product choice is extremely important when you have curly hair. The wrong products can cause frizz, dry out your hair, or ruin the texture of your hair. Here are my go-to products for curly hair.
- Sulfate-Free Shampoo
By using a shampoo which is free of sulfates, you won’t strip your hair of its natural oils and will help it retain its moisture. Sulfate free shampoos are just as effective at cleaning your hair as regular shampoo, but they can be a little more expensive. But I always say that you should never worry about spending money on things that you are putting on your skin or hair. If possible, opt for a sulfate-free shampoo that has extra nourishing ingredients like argan oil or aloe vera to help your hair stay lustrous.
- Moisturizing Conditioner
Curly hair needs extra moisture to look its best. This is why you should use a conditioner that’s rich in hydrating ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil. Apply the conditioner generously to damp hair and allow it to penetrate for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
- Leave-In Conditioner
Even better, use a leave in treatment to really soak in the moisture as much as possible. This will help to keep your curls soft and manageable. I also just find that it feels luxurious to use a leave-in product.
- Styling Cream or Gel
Find a styling product that is suited to your specific type of curly hair. You want to minimize frizz without leaving a sticky residue.
Final Thoughts
For too long, people have tried to tam e or overcome their curly hair, but I think we need to embrace it. Find the right products and hair care routine that makes the most of your curls!