Curly Hair Care: A Simple Routine for Defined, Healthy Curls

Curly and wavy hair has different needs from straight hair. Curls tend to be drier because natural oils have a harder time traveling down a spiral strand, and the shape of each curl makes it more prone to frizz. A routine built for curls focuses on moisture, gentle handling and products that help curls hold their shape. Here's a simple routine to start with, along with the curl lines we carry.

Step 1: Cleanse gently

Many people with curls prefer a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo or a co-wash (a cleansing conditioner). Options include Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo, Alfaparf Milano Curls Enhancing Sulfate-Free Shampoo, Alfaparf Milano Curls Hydrating Co-Wash, Keune Confident Curl Shampoo and Leaf & Flower Instant Curl Refresh Shampoo. Focus shampoo on the scalp and let it rinse through the lengths.

Step 2: Condition generously

Conditioner is where curls get most of their moisture. Try Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Conditioner, Alfaparf Milano Curls Enhancing Conditioner, Keune Confident Curl Conditioner, Eufora Curl'n Enhancing Conditioner or Leaf & Flower Instant Curl Repair Conditioner. Detangle while conditioner is in, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, working from the ends up.

Step 3: Add a weekly mask

Once a week, replace your conditioner with a deeper treatment such as Keune Confident Curl Mask, Alfaparf Milano Curls Enhancing Hair Mask or Bumble and Bumble Curl Butter Hair Mask.

Step 4: Style on soaking-wet hair

Apply styling products while hair is still very wet. This helps curls clump together and reduces frizz. Many people layer a leave-in or cream for moisture, then a gel or mousse for hold.

Step 5: Dry without disturbing

Let curls air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat. Avoid touching your hair while it dries. If your gel leaves a firm "cast," gently scrunch it out once hair is completely dry. A drop of Alfaparf Milano Curls Multi-Benefit Oil can soften the finish.

Step 6: Refresh between washes

On day two or three, mist curls with water or a refresher such as amika Power Hour Curl Refreshing Spray, Alfaparf Milano Curls Reactivating Spray or Bumble and Bumble Curl Reactivator, then scrunch.

Common curl mistakes

  1. Brushing curls when dry, which breaks up curl clumps and creates frizz.
  2. Using too little product. Curls often need more than you expect.
  3. Rough towel-drying. Blot with a T-shirt or microfiber towel instead.
  4. Skipping trims. Shaping by a stylist who knows curls makes a big difference.
  5. Using too much heat. Diffuse on low, and use a heat protectant when you do use heat.

Building your routine

Start simple with a shampoo, conditioner and one styler, then adjust. If curls feel weighed down, use less product or a lighter formula. If they feel dry or frizzy, add a leave-in or richer cream. See the Joico Curls Like Us collection or browse by brand, including Alfaparf Milano, Keune and Leaf & Flower.

Shop locally or online

Every product mentioned here is available at parkavesalons.com, shipped from our salon in Deer Park, NY, or ready for free pickup at 1940A Deer Park Ave, Deer Park, NY 11729. Have a question about which product fits your hair? Call 631-434-5540, or book a salon visit at 631-243-5927 and ask your stylist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use sulfate-free shampoo on curly hair?

Many people with curls prefer sulfate-free shampoos or co-washes because they cleanse gently. Check each product page and see how your curls respond.

How do I stop my curls from frizzing?

Apply stylers to soaking-wet hair, avoid touching curls while they dry, diffuse on low heat, and sleep on silk or satin. A gel or cream helps hold curl shape.

How often should I wash curly hair?

Many people with curly hair wash a few times a week and refresh curls in between. Your stylist can help you find the right schedule.

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