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If you’re blessed with natural, bouncy curls, knowing how to look after them is crucial.
While you will find lots of complex hair-washing methods online, we’re here to tell you that reverting to basics is the best way to wash and care for your curls.
In fact, following five simple steps to help wash your curly hair correctly at home – and using the right tools and products – will deliver shiny curls that you can be proud of, as we reveal throughout this article.
How to properly wash curly hair?
There isn’t a single right or wrong way to wash your curly hair, but there are numerous simple steps you can follow to ensure your curls stay healthy and hydrated:
Step 1. Order the best products for your curls
The shampoo and conditioner you use to wash your hair make all the difference. Some people select a shampoo and conditioner combo to keep things simple, but we recommend ordering one to treat your hair and scalp fully.
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Choose what? Oil-based shampoos are great for curl enhancement, so check out products that contain argan oil, coconut oil, or tea tree oil. When selecting, you also need to look for what to avoid.
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Do not choose what? Harmful chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and alcohol can cause your hair to dehydrate, which can lead to dandruff or frizz after washing your hair. So, where possible, order natural, organic shampoo and conditioner that hydrates your hair and locks in the moisture.
Step 2. Adjust the temperature of the water
One of the biggest mistakes that many people make when washing curly hair is using water that is too hot.
Excessively hot water can scald your scalp and damage your hair, particularly if you have thin or coily hair.
While you don’t need to endure a cold shower, you should adjust the temperature of the water so it’s lukewarm.
Step 3. Massage your scalp and leave the product in your hair
Rinse your hair under lukewarm water before applying the shampoo. You should apply a small amount of shampoo to the palm of your hand before gently massaging it throughout your hair. Try to add some pressure and run the shampoo throughout your hair, covering each strand.
Then, leave the shampoo in your hair for a few minutes while you’re washing the rest of your body. There’s little point in applying shampoo to your hair only to wash it out within seconds of applying it! You’d be surprised at how many people do this unconsciously in the shower.
After leaving it for a few minutes to enrich your hair, you can rinse it out with lukewarm water. Using a satellite shower is helpful for this, as it ensures you can remove all of the soap from every part of your hair.
Step 4. Rinse and repeat
Once you’re done with the shampoo, repeat the process for the conditioner.
Alternatively, you can go for a leave-in conditioner, which you can apply to damp hair after following the steps below.
Expert tip. How to wash curly hair without frizz ?
Curly hair is susceptible to frizz if you use shampoo and conditioner that causes it to dry out.
Therefore, you must read the labels thoroughly and choose products that enrich and nourish your hair rather than drying it out.
Then, when drying your hair, you need to use the right drying method.
We advise you to remove excess water from your hair with a microfiber towel before switching to an ionic hair dryer like the Laifen Swift Special.
Ionic hair dryers emit negative ions that counteract positive charges, eliminating frizz and helping your hair shine.
If you fail to dry your hair correctly after taking care to wash it thoroughly with the best products, you are likely to see your curls become frizzy.
Step 5 Style your curls
After drying your hair, it’s time to style your curls.
Heat-based styling is popular, and many people use a curling iron or a blow-drying method to accentuate their curls. But you can also opt for a heat-free approach, such as braiding your hair overnight.
We also recommend applying sea salt spray directly to your curls after washing your hair.
Sea salt spray is a wonderful product for curly and wavy hair, as it provides instant bounce, volume, and texture, and helps your curls look fuller and healthier with minimal effort.
How many times a week to wash curly hair?
So, how often to wash curly hair? We recommend washing curly hair between one and three times per week. If you spend a lot of time outside and your hair is prone to a build-up of dirt, pollen, or dust, you may need to increase the frequency of your washes.
Also, if your hair is particularly oily and produces lots of natural sebum, you might need to wash it more frequently to prevent it from looking greasy.
The key takeaway here is that every person’s curly hair is unique, so you need to consider numerous factors and wash your hair at a frequency that makes sense for you.
You might need to experiment by washing your hair at different intervals before settling on a routine that works well for your hair type.
A beginner’s guide to caring for curly hair the tight way
With the right habits and tools, curls can become easy to manage.
1. Use a diffuser hair dryer for volume and bounce
A diffuser hair dryer is a difference-maker for beginners with curly hair.
A diffuser spreads airflow gently, helping curls dry without being blown out of shape.
This method enhances natural curl patterns while adding volume at the roots.
By lifting curls instead of flattening them, diffusing creates bouncy, airy results.
It also reduces frizz and heat damage when used on low or medium heat settings.
2. Wash less often and focus on gentle cleansing
Curly hair doesn’t need daily washing.
Overwashing strips natural oils that curls rely on for softness and shine.
Beginners should aim to wash two to three times a week using a curl-friendly shampoo.
Focus on cleansing the scalp rather than the lengths, letting the suds rinse through naturally.
This keeps curls hydrated while still removing dirt and buildup.
3. Condition generously and detangle with care
Conditioner is essential for curly hair because curls struggle to retain moisture.
Add conditioner generously, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.
Detangle while the hair is wet and slippery, using fingers or a wide-tooth comb to prevent breakage.
Starting from the ends and working upward protects the curl structure. This step helps curls dry smoother and makes styling much easier.
4. Apply styling products on damp hair
Curly hair responds best to styling products when it’s damp, not dripping wet or fully dry. Applying creams or gels at this stage helps lock in moisture and define curls as they form.
Use a scrunching motion to encourage natural curl shape rather than pulling hair straight. Beginners often use too much product. Proper application keeps curls soft, controlled, and long-lasting.
5. Protect curls while sleeping
Nighttime habits can make or break curly hair.
Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture and create friction, leading to frizz and flattened curls.
Switching to a satin or silk pillowcase helps curls retain hydration and shape overnight.
You can also loosely tie hair in a “pineapple” on top of your head.
The bottom line
Just like all other hair types, curly hair requires due care and attention for it to thrive and shine.
Thankfully, washing curly hair is easy, requiring you to follow five simple steps to wash it to perfection, ensuring vibrancy and eliminating frizz.
Though numerous factors can influence the frequency at which you should wash your hair, we recommend washing your curls up to three times per week with natural shampoo and conditioner for the best results.
