While curly locks are gorgeous, they can also be fragile and tough to deal with. They require a completely different hair care routine versus other types of hair for those radiant curls to thrive.
No need to worry though! If this is you, we’re here to help you add more bounce and shine to your curls. Keep reading as we break down our top tips and tricks for curly hair care!
Related: Hair Care for Thin Hair
8 top tips for curly hair care
Check out these 8 tips that’ll help you refine your curly hair care routine!
1. cold showers are your new bff
Whether you’re shampooing or conditioning your hair, cold water rinsing is your safest bet. Using cold water can help your hair maintain moisture and strength and seal the cuticle. Meanwhile, hot water can open the cuticle, making your hair strands prone to frizz and breakage.
2. choose your shampoo wisely
And while we’re talking showers, let’s chat about shampoos too. Be sure to use a mild shampoo that’s free of toxic chemicals like sulfates, silicones, artificial fragrances, and parabens like Naturtint’s Color Care Shampoo. With 99% naturally derived ingredients, this formula uses cleansing and conditioning agents derived from coconut and sunflower oils. And, it’s color-safe and pH-balanced to protect and maintain vibrant, long-lasting hair color in thick, curly hair.
3. condition every time you shampoo
The easiest way to keep those beautiful yet delicate curly strands well hydrated? Don’t skip out on conditioner! Conditioners provide nourishment, protection, and hydration to your curly hair that you can’t get by using shampoo alone. For best results, be on the lookout for a conditioner with plant-derived ingredients like shea butter, baobab seeds, and sunflower seed extracts like Naturtint’s Color Care Conditioner. In addition to regular conditioner, your curls can benefit by adding a Leave-in conditioner too!
Leave-in products like Naturtint’s CC Cream Leave-in Conditioner work well on all hair types (including thick, curly hair) too. Leave-in Conditioner gently detangles the hair while helping to maintain color, vibrancy, and shine. Best of all, using a leave-in conditioner as part of your curly hair care routine will help ensure that the hair cuticle is sealed and protected against environmental damage.
We should note that the amount used differs depending on hair type. A dime-sized amount should be enough for shoulder-length hair. But feel free to apply a little extra (a nickel or quarter-sized amount) on longer hair. If you are using any styling products, you will want to apply these after the leave-in conditioner while the hair is soaking wet. This will ensure even distribution through the hair!
Pro tip: To give those curls some extra love, try doing a deep conditioning treatment twice a month.
4. don’t brush curly hair
If you apply a leave-in conditioner to curly hair, you may not need to use a brush at all. Instead, use your fingertips to comb through your wet hair.
Another option is to use a wide-toothed comb on your hair to break up any knots. Comb from the bottom up to remove any knots and comb gently to ensure you don’t damage your hair.
Whatever route you choose, don’t brush your beautiful curls when they’re dry! This will only cause frizz and curl separation.
5. use the plopping technique when drying hair
The plopping technique is basically the curly-approved alternative to twisting a towel around your head. It’s a technique that uses a cotton t-shirt, pillowcase, or microfiber towel to dry wet curls in a self-contained mound on top of the head.
Why is this technique better for curly hair than drying with a regular towel? Simply put, the fibers in a regular towel are coarser than the ones in a cotton t-shirt. And regular towels may cause hair to snag, frizz, and lose curl pattern over time.
6. skip the heat tools when possible
We get that there are times when you may not have time to use the plopping technique as part of your curly hair care routine. Or, you may want to opt for a different style that requires a hair dryer or curling iron. In these cases, be sure to use a moderate temperature on heat styling tools as the high temperatures can remove the natural texture of your curls. And, be sure to use a diffuser when drying curly hair with a hair dryer!
7. avoid split ends
Although split ends are tough to completely avoid, one of the easiest ways to repair them is by getting your hair trimmed by a professional every 6-8 weeks. And, be sure to find a stylist who’s an expert in cutting curly hair and will be able to highlight your beautiful curls.
It’s also important to be gentle with your locks between trims. You can help to prevent hair damage by avoiding hairstyles such as tight ponytails and buns. Instead, use loose variations of these hairstyles.
8. try this sleep routine for curly hair
Here’s one more tip to keep your hair in top shape while you’re sleeping. It’s simple – just pile all your hair on top of your head into a loose bun or ponytail. That way, there’s less friction between your hair and the pillowcase.
To further reduce friction and wake up with gorgeous, soft-looking curls, switch to satin or silk pillowcases versus cotton ones.
Wrapping up
While it’s true that thick, curly hair can tend to get dry and frizzy, there are ways to manage your hair and achieve gorgeous and radiant locks. Implement the tips mentioned above into your curly hair care routine and get ready for the compliments to come rolling in!
If you have any questions about your hair care plan or need help finding your perfect color, our Naturtint hair color specialists are always happy to help!
