Curly hair care: Use gentle shampoos, detangle in shower and other tips for healthy, defined curls

After every wash, use a moisturising conditioner to detangle and hydrate your curls. (Image: Canva)

Taking care of curly hair can feel like a bit of a journey, especially if you're just starting to embrace your natural curls or trying to improve your hair routine. Unlike straight hair, curly hair tends to be drier, more prone to tangling, and can sometimes have a mind of its own, with frizz, knots, or that one curl that just won't behave!

But don’t worry—with the right care and products, you can keep your curls healthy, defined, and looking amazing. Whether you're rocking loose waves, tight ringlets, or bouncy coils, it’s all about understanding what your curls need and finding a routine that works for you.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the basics of curly hair care, from choosing the right shampoo to mastering the art of detangling, so you can keep those curls happy and vibrant every day.

Understand your curl type

• Before starting a curly hair care routine, it’s helpful to understand your curl pattern. Curly hair can range from loose waves to tighter curls and even coily hair. Knowing your curl type helps you choose the best products and techniques for your specific hair texture.

• Curly hair tends to be drier because the natural oils from the scalp don’t travel down the hair shaft as easily. Use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo to cleanse the scalp without stripping away essential oils.

• Don’t overwash: Washing your hair 1-3 times a week is usually enough to keep it clean without overdrying it.
• Co-washing: Some people with curly hair opt for co-washing (washing with conditioner instead of shampoo) to maintain moisture while gently cleansing the hair.

Deep condition regularly

• Deep conditioning treatments help restore moisture, reduce frizz, and improve curl definition.

• Use a rich conditioner: After every wash, use a moisturising conditioner to detangle and hydrate your curls.
• Deep condition weekly: Once a week, use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask to give your curls an extra moisture boost. Look for products with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil.
• Leave-in conditioner: Using a leave-in conditioner can help lock in moisture and keep curls soft and defined throughout the day.

• Curly hair is more prone to tangling, so detangling properly is essential to prevent breakage and frizz.

• Detangle in the shower: Detangle your hair in the shower while it’s saturated with conditioner. The slip from the conditioner makes it easier to remove knots without causing damage.
• Use a wide-tooth comb: Instead of brushing, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your curls. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots to avoid pulling and breaking hair.
• Be gentle: Avoid aggressively pulling through tangles. Be patient and gentle to prevent breakage.

• Curly hair products like leave-in conditioners, creams, and gels work best when applied to wet hair. This helps to lock in moisture and enhance curl definition.

• Use the LOC method: The LOC method (liquid, oil, cream) is a popular technique for locking in moisture. After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner (liquid), followed by a lightweight oil, and then a curl cream to seal in the moisture.
• Rake and scrunch: Apply your products by raking them through your hair with your fingers, then scrunch your curls upward to encourage definition and curl shape.
• Don’t overapply: Start with a small amount of product and add more if needed. Too much product can weigh down curls and cause buildup.

• Heat can damage curly hair, leading to frizz, dryness, and breakage. Air drying or using heat-free styling methods is generally best for preserving the health and shape of your curls.

• Air dry when possible: Let your curls air dry naturally for the best results. If you're in a hurry, gently pat your hair with a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt to absorb excess water without causing frizz.
• Use a diffuser: If you need to use a blow dryer, use it with a diffuser attachment on a low heat setting. A diffuser helps distribute heat more evenly and reduces frizz while maintaining curl definition.
• Limit hot tools: Try to avoid straighteners, curling irons, or blow-drying with direct heat, as they can weaken and damage your curls over time.

• The way you care for your curls at night can impact how they look the next day. Sleeping on cotton pillowcases can lead to frizz and tangles, but there are ways to protect your curls while you sleep.

• Use a silk or satin pillowcase: Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction between your hair and the fabric, preventing frizz and breakage.
• Pineapple your hair: Gather your curls into a loose, high ponytail on top of your head (called the "pineapple" method) to keep them from flattening while you sleep.
• Wear a silk/satin bonnet or scarf: Wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf or wearing a bonnet can help keep your curls intact and frizz-free overnight.

• Curly hair is more prone to split ends and dryness, so regular trims are essential to maintain healthy hair. Trimming also helps keep your curls bouncy and well-shaped.

• Trim every 8-12 weeks: Schedule a trim every 8-12 weeks to remove split ends and maintain the health and shape of your curls.
• Use a curly hair specialist: If possible, seek out a stylist who specialises in cutting curly hair, as they understand the unique needs of curls and can give you the best shape for your hair type.

• Certain ingredients can dry out or damage curly hair, so it’s important to read labels and avoid products that contain these harsh chemicals.

• Sulphates: These are harsh detergents that can strip moisture from your hair. Look for sulphate-free shampoos.
• Silicones: Non-water-soluble silicones can build up on your hair and cause dryness and frizz. If you use silicone-based products, be sure to clarify your hair occasionally.
• Alcohols: Avoid products with drying alcohols, like ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, which can strip moisture from your curls.