Curly hair is unique, full of personality and requires special care to look its best. Many people struggle to maintain frizz free curls, achieve consistent curl definition or find the best products to style curly hair. Learning curly hair styling techniques and creating a proper curly routine can transform your hair from dry and unruly to bouncy and vibrant.
Whether you are a beginner figuring out how to detangle, moisturize and style your curls or someone seeking advanced methods to enhance volume and shape, this guide will cover everything you need. By following these steps, you can finally master the best way to Style Curly Hair.
What Is the Best Way to Style Curly Hair?
If you want a fast overview before diving deeper, here’s the simplest method most curl experts recommend:
Cleanse → Condition → Style → Dry
Every curly styling routine is built around this foundation. Cleansing removes product buildup without stripping moisture. Conditioning restores hydration and helps detangle. Styling products add definition, hold and shape. Drying properly ensures curls form without frizz.
The key is choosing the right curly hair products and applying them while the hair is still wet. Whether you prefer creams, gels or mousses, the right product makes all the difference in holding your curl pattern throughout the day.
Choose the Right Products for Curly Hair
Curly hair thrives when you use products that hydrate, protect and enhance the natural pattern. Everything starts from your product lineup. Here’s what matters most when building a curly friendly routine.
Use Sulfate Free Shampoos
Sulfates are strong detergents that strip natural oils something curly hair desperately needs to stay soft and defined. Choosing sulfate free shampoo helps you cleanse effectively without drying out your curls.
- Ideal for dry, damaged, or color treated curls
- Helps reduce frizz and split ends
- Maintains moisture levels
Use gentle shampoos once or twice a week unless your scalp is oily or you use heavy stylers.
Deep Conditioners & Leave Ins
Moisture is the foundation of curl health. Deep conditioners and leave in conditioners keep your strands hydrated, soft and manageable.
- Use a deep conditioner once a week
- Apply leave in conditioner after every wash
- Focus on mid lengths to ends
Proper conditioning gives you better curl clumping, less frizz and smoother texture.
Curl Creams, Gels & Mousses
Each curl type responds differently to styling products:
- Curl cream → adds moisture and soft definition
- Gel → gives hold and keeps curls intact longer
- Mousse → lightweight volume without crunch
Apply products evenly by raking through wet hair or using the “praying hands’’ method. For tighter curls, scrunch upwards to encourage definition.
Prep Your Curls Before Styling
Preparation is everything. How you handle your curls before styling has a huge impact on frizz, definition and the final look.
Detangle the Right Way
Curly hair should always be detangled when wet and coated with conditioner.
- Use a wide tooth comb or your fingers
- Start from the ends and work upward
- Avoid brushing dry curls
This reduces breakage and helps curls form naturally.
Washing & Conditioning Tips
A proper wash day routine keeps curls hydrated and manageable.
- Avoid rough towel drying, which disrupts curl patterns
- Use the rake and smooth method while applying conditioner
- Keep water temperature lukewarm to protect moisture
These steps prevent dryness and frizz.
Drying Methods That Reduce Frizz
Drying is often the step where curls lose their shape. Gentle techniques make a big difference.
- Use a microfiber towel or cotton T shirt
- Gently scrunch excess water
- Avoid rubbing or twisting hair
This helps curls clump and form more defined spirals.
The No Poo Method vs. Co Washing
Two popular cleansing approaches in the curly community are the no poo method and co washing. Here’s how to choose the right one.
No Poo Method
This method avoids traditional shampoo entirely.
Best for:
- Extremely dry curls
- Sensitive scalps
- People who prefer natural products
Pros:
- Less dryness and irritation
- Retains natural oils
Cons:
- May feel heavy for oily scalps
- Can take weeks to adjust
Co Washing
This involves cleansing hair with conditioner instead of shampoo.
Best for:
- Coily and thick curls
- High porosity hair
- Daily or frequent wash routines
Pros:
- Adds moisture while cleansing
- Reduces frizz
Cons:
- Can cause buildup if not clarified occasionally
Both methods require a transition period as your scalp adapts, so be patient.
Use Plopping or Plunking to Define Curls
Plopping is a game changing curl defining technique that enhances shape without heat.
Step by Step
Apply your styling products to wet hair
Lay a T shirt or microfiber towel on a flat surface
Flip your hair forward and “plop’’ curls gently
Wrap and tie securely
Keep on for 15–30 minutes
Best Fabrics to Use
- Cotton T shirt
- Microfiber towel
These help absorb water without disrupting curl formation.
Results You Can Expect
- More defined curls
- Less frizz
- Faster drying
- Better volume at the crown
Add Volume and Shape to Curly Hair
If your curls feel flat or weighed down, certain techniques can boost volume without compromising definition.
Diffuser Techniques
Diffusing enhances curl pattern while minimizing frizz.
Tips:
- Use low heat, low speed
- Tilt your head to the side
- Scrunch gently as you diffuse
- Hover diffuse for a softer look
This method lifts the roots and sets curls beautifully.
Root Lifting Tricks
If your roots fall flat, these methods help:
- Insert root clips at the crown during drying
- Shake roots lightly once hair is 80% dry
- Apply volumizing mousse near the roots
These tricks create movement and lift.
For curly hair that loves versatility, consider Boho Knotless Braids.
Volumizing Sprays & Foams
Lightweight products work best because they don’t weigh curls down.
- Use curl foams for soft body
- Try volumizing sprays on damp hair
- Focus on roots and upper layers
This gives you fuller, bouncier curls.
Choose the Right Haircut to Curly Hair
A proper curly haircut shapes your curls, reduces bulk and enhances definition.
Wet vs. Dry Cutting
Each method serves a purpose.
Dry cutting
- Shows true curl pattern
- Best for shaping and removing bulk
Wet cutting
- Best for precision
- Works for looser waves and uniform curl patterns
Your stylist may combine both depending on your curls.
Best Haircuts for Different Curl Types
Wavy Hair
- Long layers
- Shoulder length cuts
- Soft face framing pieces
Curly Hair
- Rounded cuts
- Curly shags
- Medium layers for bounce
Coily Hair
- Tapered cuts
- Fro shapes
- Sculpted layers
Choosing the right cut reduces styling time and enhances definition naturally.
Easy Everyday Curly Hair Routine
For days you want quick styling without a full wash day routine, try this simple process:
- Lightly mist curls with water
- Apply a curl refresher or leave in spray
- Scrunch in a small amount of cream or mousse
- Finger coil sections that need extra definition
- Allow hair to air dry or diffuse briefly
This routine keeps curls fresh, bouncy, and defined in just a few minutes.
Do’s and Don’ts of Curly Hair
Caring for curly hair requires patience, knowledge and the right techniques. The difference between frizzy, undefined curls and bouncy, healthy ones often comes down to simple daily habits. Here’s a complete guide to what you should and shouldn’t do to keep your curls looking their best.
Do’s of Curly Hair
Use Sulfate Free Shampoos Gentle cleansing prevents stripping natural oils and keeps curls hydrated.
Condition Generously Deep conditioners and leave ins restore moisture, reduce frizz, and make curls manageable.
Detangle on Wet Hair Always use a wide tooth comb or your fingers on wet, conditioned hair to prevent breakage.
Dry Gently Use a microfiber towel or cotton T shirt instead of rubbing with a regular towel.
Apply Styling Products on Wet Hair Creams, gels, and mousses work best when hair is damp, helping curls define and last longer.
Scrunch Upwards Encourages curl clumping and enhances bounce.
Protect Hair at Night Satin or silk pillowcases and hair bonnets reduce friction and prevent frizz.
Refresh Between Wash Days Mist with water and leave in conditioner, then scrunch to revive curls.
Choose Curly Friendly Haircuts Layers, dry cuts, and curl specific techniques reduce bulk and enhance curl shape.
Experiment and Observe Every curl pattern is different; find what works best for your hair.
Don’ts of Curly Hair
Don’t Brush Dry Curls This breaks the curl pattern and causes frizz.
Don’t Use Rough Towels Avoid regular terry cloth towels that disrupt curl formation.
Don’t Over Wash Hair Too much shampoo strips essential oils and dries out curls.
Don’t Apply Heavy Products on Roots Avoid weighing down curls at the scalp.
Don’t Rub or Twist Hair Dry Pat or scrunch gently to prevent breakage and frizz.
Don’t Skip Regular Trims Split ends make curls look uneven and frizzy.
Don’t Use High Heat Blow dry on low heat or diffuse to protect curl integrity.
Don’t Sleep with Loose Hair Pineapple or silk scarf/bonnet prevents tangles overnight.
Don’t Use Heavy Silicones Without Clarifying Can cause buildup and dullness.
Don’t Expect Instant Results Consistent care is key to healthy, defined curls.
By following these Do’s and Don’ts, you can significantly improve curl definition, reduce frizz and maintain healthy, vibrant hair. Incorporating these habits into your daily curly hair routine ensures your curls look their best naturally. To protect your curls while experimenting, learn more about protective hairstyles that reduce damage and maintain definition.
Advanced Curly Hairstyles for Special Occasions
Slick Sculpted Curls
Use gel and a fine brush to smooth the hairline while keeping curls defined at the back. This look is elegant and modern.
Heatless Pillow Rollers / Flexi Rods
Wrap sections around rods overnight for tight, uniform curls without heat damage. Ideal for events or long lasting curl sets.
Defined Curl Sets
Use cream + gel combo, part hair into small sections, and twist or finger coil individually for dramatic, well defined curls.
You can also explore creative styles like Goddess Locs Hairstyles How to Install and Style.
Common Curly Hair Problems (and Real Solutions)
Frizz & Dryness
Solutions:
- Deep condition weekly
- Apply leave in on soaking wet hair
- Reduce heat usage
- Use anti frizz serums on dry hair
Hydration is key for smooth curls.
Limp or Flat Roots
Solutions:
- Use volumizing mousse
- Try root clipping
- Diffuse upside down
- Avoid heavy creams on the roots
This creates a lifted, airy look.
Uneven Curl Pattern
Solutions:
- Finger coil inconsistent sections
- Use curl cream + gel combo
- Trim uneven curls regularly
- Use plopping for better clumping
This helps blend all sections for a uniform style.
FAQ’s
Q: How do I make my curly hair look nice?
Keep it hydrated, use the right curl products, detangle gently, and style on wet hair to enhance definition and reduce frizz.
Q: Which is the rarest hair type?
Naturally red hair is the rarest, followed by tightly coiled (Type 4) curls, which occur in a smaller percentage of the population.
Q: What is the 123 curl method?
It’s a simple styling routine: 1 shampoo, 2 condition, 3 apply styling products to define curls and maintain moisture.
Q: Why does Gen Z like curly hair?
Curly hair represents individuality, self expression, and embracing natural beauty, which aligns with Gen Z’s authenticity focused values.
Q: What do unhealthy curls look like?
Dry, frizzy, brittle strands, split ends, uneven curl patterns, and curls that lack bounce or definition indicate damage.
Conclusion
Curly hair is unique, beautiful, and full of personality, but it requires care, the right products, and consistent styling techniques to look its best. By understanding how to style curly hair, choosing appropriate shampoos, conditioners, and curl enhancing products, and following proper prep, drying, and styling routines, you can achieve defined, frizz free, and bouncy curls every day. Whether you’re refreshing your curls, experimenting with advanced hairstyles or addressing common issues like flat roots or uneven curl patterns, a dedicated curly routine makes all the difference.
Remember, healthy curls start with moisture, gentle handling, and the right haircut. Experiment, find what works for your curl type, and embrace your natural texture because confident, well cared for curls always make a statement. With these tips and techniques, you now have the complete guide to maintaining gorgeous, manageable curls.