Taking Care of Curly Hair: 5 Tips Every Curly Girl Should Know

If you’re on social media, you’ve likely seen dozens of videos of people realizing that they have curly hair. We’re finally embracing our hair for exactly what it is - and there is nothing better than that. Whether you’ve just learned about your natural hair texture or you’ve been working with it for years, it’s important to know how to care for your curls so they can be happy and healthy. 

But caring for textured hair isn’t a simple task. Curls are extremely prone to dryness, breakage, and split ends. And on the other end of the spectrum, you can damage them with too much moisture or by over-conditioning. That sweet spot in the middle is hard to come by, especially if you don’t have a curly hair guru to help you through it. That’s why we’ve put together the top 5 tips that every curly girl should know if they want to achieve their best and bounciest curls.

Make Sure You Pick the Right Hairstylist

Not all hair salons are made equal, and when it comes to curly hair, it’s crucial to find a stylist who knows exactly what they’re doing. Curly, kinky, and coily hair is not as common as straight and wavy hair, so many stylists have simply not had the chance to work with your hair type. Trust us when we say you don’t want to end up in the chair of someone who doesn’t have curly hair experience. Curls are fickle, difficult to make happy, and incredibly delicate, so you should look for someone who can care for them in the way they need. If you’re not sure what to look for, check out a salon’s gallery and take note of how many curly girls you see. Some salons even have curly hair certifications from places like DevaCurl and Rezo, so you can feel confident that your stylist knows what you’re doing. Not only will they have the expertise to give you your best haircut ever, but they’ll also be able to recommend products and routines that’ll help your curls pop.

Identify Your Curl Pattern

Since curly hair ranges from wavy to kinky, its needs range too. Kinky curls are tighter and need more moisture, while waves are more prone to over-conditioning and being. Knowing your hair type can give you insight into exactly what your specific curls need. It’s also a great first step in finding relevant information for your hair. There are countless curly hair blog posts and Youtube videos out there, and sifting through them would take you literal days. But you can quickly narrow down that pool of information by looking for experts with your hair type. Finding pictures of people with a similar curl pattern can also give you an idea of your hair’s potential. There are 12 different curl patterns, and they all benefit from different product types and regimens, so if you’re looking to level up your curly hair routine, you should definitely start by learning your curl type.

Detangle Your Hair at the Right Time

Although there are few universal statements when it comes to curly hair, one thing tends to ring true. Curly hair should be detangled wet. Curls are notorious for breaking off and developing split ends, so you have to be delicate when you’re handling them. Wet curls slathered in a conditioner or detangling cream are more elastic than dry hair, and they’ll be less likely to snap as you work a comb through them. Plus, the extra moisture will cut your detangling time in half and make the process way less painful. Our Rice Water Detangler provides enough slip to loosen knots and tangles while infusing your hair with protein-filled rice water.

Space out Your Washes

One of the most controversial conversations in the hair world is the debate about when to wash your hair. Consistency is more important than anything, so make sure you find a schedule that works in your life. Luckily, curly hair thrives with minimal washing, so you don’t need to worry about frequent wash days. Depending on your hair's thickness and curl pattern, you may only need to wash your hair 1-2 times per week! And for the girls with kinky curls, you may want to opt for a co-wash instead. A co-wash is gentler than traditional shampoo and is far more moisturizing. Over-shampooing can strip the hair of its natural oils, and since curly hair is already so prone to dryness, you’ll want to avoid washing it too frequently. If you’re noticing dry, brittle hair, try incorporating a co-wash into your routine or cutting your washes down to allow your hair’s natural oils to do their thing.

Balance Your Protein and Moisture

When you think about caring for curly hair, the first things that pop into your head are probably conditioners, creams, and oils. While moisturizing your hair is incredibly important, there’s something else you need to consider, too. Protein. Protein is what makes your hair strong and gives it structure. Without it, your hair would be limp, mushy, and lifeless. Unfortunately, over-moisturizing can lead to an imbalance in your hair’s protein, making it feel gummy and stringy. This is why you should incorporate conditioning treatments and protein treatments into your hair care routine. Striking a balance between the two will leave your curls feeling stronger than ever.

Curly hair - in all of its many shapes and sizes - is beautiful, but it takes time and effort to maintain. If you want to learn more about how to take care of curly hair, check out our posts on tiktok and Instagram !