How to look after curly hair is a common question. Although a source of much envy, curly hair can be tricky to look after. Most importantly is understanding that curly hair simply has different requirements to straight or thin hair, so following a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to hair won’t succeed in bringing the best bouncy life to your curls. However, following our top tips for how to look after curly hair can help get the most out of those curls and turn frizzy into fabulous.
How to Look After Curly Hair when Washing
Body is created at the roots of curly hair, so a lot of attention to the scalp is crucial. When shampooing, use a shampoo that is specifically made for curly hair, distributing the product evenly across the scalp. Take extra care to ensure all the product is removed and the scalp is properly exfoliated. Give yourself a little head massage and take joy in the invigorating motions. Remember: if the scalp is clean, the hair will be clean, so take plenty of time with the scalp.

When it comes to conditioning curly hair, again make sure to use curly hair conditioner and ensure that the product is combed through the hair evenly. It helps to remove excess water from the hair before applying, and we recommend using a wet brush to comb through curly hair and ensure the conditioner is properly distributed. Rinse the conditioner out thoroughly, again paying close attention to the scalp and gently squeezing the moisture into the hair.
This stage of how to look after curly hair is one of the easiest and most important parts of the process. Also, make sure you don’t wash your hair too often, or use too much product. Yes, there’s a lot to think about when you consider how to look after curly hair but it’s so worth it when you get those glamorous curls! It also helps to follow our advice on how to avoid what causes frizzy hair, which is common among curly locks.
How to Look After Curly Hair when Drying
Now that your hair is fresh, clean and conditioned, we move onto the drying and styling section of how to care for curly hair. Don’t waste the momentum gained from following the proper cleaning process by blasting wet hair with super-hot air from your hair dryer or roughing it up with a coarse towel.
Instead, add your curly hair product such as serums to your hair while it is still damp. Rake it through gently from the midlength to the ends, avoiding the roots as the product will just flatten them out. No brushes are allowed at this point – there are no hair brush types that are recommended for this phase of curly hair care.
With the product in place, take a moment to let your hair fall naturally into your hand and give it a gentle squeeze to bunch it together, which helps to smooth it out. Then, you can either air dry or gently diffuse your hair, scrunching through to create soft curls and avoid the crispy ends.
Now you know how to look after curly hair and you’re ready to take on the world with your incredible locks that deserve every envious gaze they get! The more you continue to follow the proper steps, you’ll start to encourage curly healthy hair that becomes easier and easier to take care of. Using the proper products, tools and processes may seem like a lot of work, but it’s definitely what it takes to look after curly hair. Follow us on instagram for more tips.
