The truth is, having curly hair can feel like both a blessing and a curse. I know the feeling. When I was in middle school, I would spend each morning slicking my hair back into a tight ponytail or bun, wishing it were straighter and smoother like other girls’. I didn’t understand what could possibly be done to manage it, and it became an extreme source of insecurity for me. Now, after years of learning and experimenting with my routine, I wear my hair curly everywhere I go! So, here are my tried-and-true tips for anyone struggling to love their curls.
First, in terms of curl pattern, it’s important to note that my hair falls within the 2C and 3A categories. Different patterns may need varying types of care, but there are some styling techniques that remain universal. For example, when styling your hair, you’ll want to make sure it’s completely soaked in order to lock in moisture. I always do my routine immediately post-shower for a more hydrated and frizz-free look.Â
The three main products of my routine are as follows: curl cream, mousse, and a hard-hold gel. After thoroughly drenching my hair, I apply the Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Curl Cream, my favorite choice for ensuring soft but defined curls. It’s budget-friendly and can be found at Target or Ulta! To get the best results, rake the product evenly through your hair and coat every strand.
Next, you can add some mousse or volume foam. I use the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control foam, which provides extra hydration while keeping your curls light. At this point, I typically use a styling brush to define my curls. You’ve probably heard about the Bounce Curl Define Brush that’s all over social media, and I can confirm it’s absolutely worth the hype! Using this brush, I separate my hair into sections and carefully brush it after the product is applied, and the grooves in the side of the brush along with the tension from the bristles divide the curls into smaller, smoother clumps. In my opinion, this is the best way to ensure your curls have high definition and minimal frizz.
To seal in the products you’ve already applied and set your curl pattern into place, use a long-lasting gel. My favorite is the Curlsmith Strong Hold Gel, which keeps my curls intact for multiple days between washes. A little goes a long way, so I scrunch some into my hair at the end of my routine and then add more mousse for good measure.Â
You can allow your curls to air dry after that, or if you have about 30 to 60 minutes to spare (an investment, for sure), you can diffuse your hair. You can find a diffuser attachment for your hair dryer on Amazon; I’ve found it to be especially helpful in preventing frizz, since it functions to block harsh air flow from the dryer so that the heat alone can gently dry your hair. An extra but optional step is to scrunch the excess water out of your hair with a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel before drying to speed up the process and further reduce frizz.
Also, it is so, so important to avoid heat treatment on your hair when possible. Heat styling tools damage the proteins in your hair, which causes dryness and breakage. If you frequently straighten or blow out your hair, I recommend applying a heat protectant beforehand, as well as using a deep conditioner or hair mask to repair it afterward. However, it’s always best to keep heat exposure to a minimum if you’re trying to nourish your curls.
This is the most reliable curl routine I’ve developed over the years of learning to love my hair. At the same time, I’m still constantly learning new tips and tricks to better take care of it. My advice to you is simply to keep experimenting. I hope these tips are useful to you, and I wish you the best of luck on your curly hair journey!