Daily Curly Hair Routine
The most important factor in keeping your curly hair looking healthy, defined, and frizz-free is a daily curly hair routine. If you want that laid-back beachy texture or effortless style irrespective of the lifestyle, having a routine that addresses the curl type makes all the difference. In this guide, we will break down a simple, easy-to-follow daily curly hair routine for embracing your natural texture and keeping your curls looking their best every day.
1. Morning Curly Hair Hydration: Prepare Yourself for Greatness
Your curls need moisture, so the very first thing you want to do in your morning routine is hydrate your curls. Here’s how to do it:
Squirting with Water: Begin with a light misting of water to reactivate any product from the day before and add much-needed moisture back into your curls.
Leave-In Conditioner: Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner to seal in that moisture. You want to really target the ends and the mid-lengths because curls dry out the fastest there.
Pro Tip: If you are short on time, use a pre-made spray bottle of water and leave-in conditioner to get a quick dose of hydration.
2. Styling: Define Those Curls
Product Selection:
For loose curls, apply curl cream; for tighter curls, use gel.
Sectioning:
Section your hair to ensure the product penetrates every curl, ensuring all curls work together for better definition.
Scrunching:
Scrunch your hair upwards towards your scalp after applying the product. This encourages curls to form and reduces frizz.
Pro Tip: For more volume, scrunch with your head upside down.
3. Drying: Protect Your Curl Pattern
Air-Drying:
Let your hair air dry for hours. Air-drying is the least aggressive approach and helps maintain as many curl patterns as possible.
Blow-Drying:
Attach a diffuser to your blow dryer. Use low heat and cup the dryer around your curls, starting from the bottom upward.
Microfiber Towel:
Always blot water with a microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt. Regular towels create frizz and disrupt your curl pattern.
4. Lunchtime Reboot: Refresh Those Curls
Refreshing Spray:
Keep a refreshing spray or water bottle handy to refresh curls that have lost their shape. Mist lightly and scrunch to reactivate the curl pattern.
Oil or Serum:
If your curls look dry, use a small amount of oil or serum on the ends. This adds shine and moisture without weighing your hair down.
Pro Tip: Avoid touching your hair too much during the day to prevent frizz.
5. Protective Rest: Protect Curls at Night
Pineapple Method:
Gather your hair into a loose high ponytail at the top of your head, known as the “pineapple.” This prevents curl flattening overnight.
Silk or Satin Pillowcase:
Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction, breakage, and frizz.
Bonnet or Scarf:
Wrap your hair in a silk or satin bonnet or scarf for extra protection.
Dermatologist-Approved Curly Hair Tips
Only Wash Your Hair When Necessary
Too much washing can dry out curls, lead to frizz, and make them unmanageable.
Curly hair doesn’t need frequent washing—every two to three weeks is often enough.
Moisturizing Shampoo: Use a moisturizing shampoo specifically formulated for curly hair.
Clarifying Shampoo: If you use a lot of styling products, start with a clarifying shampoo before switching back to a moisturizing one.
Condition Your Curls
Moisturizing: Curly hair dries out faster than other types, so it needs consistent moisture.
Rich Conditioner: After shampooing, condition your entire hair, not just the ends. Consider using a leave-in conditioner or oil for added moisture.
Humectants: Look for products with humectants like argan oil, glycerin, or fatty alcohols like cetyl or stearyl alcohol.
Scalp Care
Dandruff: The scalp’s oil can cause dandruff if not washed regularly.
Dandruff Shampoo: Apply only to the scalp, then follow with a moisturizing shampoo for the rest of your hair.
Persistent Issues: Consult a dermatologist if dandruff persists
Gradual Detangle
Tangles: Curly hair tangles easily, so it’s essential to detangle between washes.
Leave-In Conditioner: Wet your hair, apply leave-in conditioner, and detangle with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb.
Avoid Brushing Dry Hair: This will cause breakage and frizz.
