A guide to styling and maintaining curly hair

Navigating a hair care routine when you have a curly mane isn’t always easy. We put together a step-by-step primer that tames the frizz, leaving you with well-defined locks.

With its natural volume, and definition, curly hair has a character of its own. Before embracing and enhancing your natural curls, knowing different curl patterns, understanding suitable hair care routines and adopting practices best suited for curly hair are important prerequisites.  Ahead, we put together a primer on all things curly hair care and maintenance.

Different Types of Curly Hair

The spectrum of curly hair ranges from loose waves to tight coils, each requiring specific care. Identifying your curl type allows you to customise your hair care regimen, particularly choosing the right conditioner for curly hair to meet its unique needs. Curly hair can be categorised into Type 2 (wavy), Type 3 (curly), and Type 4 (coily), each with distinct characteristics and varying moisture needs.

Type 2: Wavy Hair

• 2A: This is the most subtle wavy hair type. The waves are often barely noticeable, appearing more like a gentle S-curve than distinct curls. The hair strands tend to be fine and delicate.

• 2B: The waves in 2B hair are more pronounced than in 2A, forming a clear S-shape. This type of hair is often thicker and can be prone to frizz, especially in humid weather.

• 2C: 2C hair has thick, coarse waves with a significantly pronounced S-shape. It can sometimes have spiral curls, especially towards the ends of the strands. This type of hair is often prone to frizz and can be difficult to manage.

Type 3: Curly Hair

• 3A: This type features well-defined, S-shaped curls that are generally loose and have a larger diameter. Often considered "wavy" by some, 3A curls are usually soft and have a moderate level of volume. They may be more prone to frizz or dryness, especially in humid weather.

• 3B: 3B curls are more defined and have a tighter, almost ringlet-like shape. They may have a slight "S" pattern or be more spiral-like. This type can range from medium to coarse, and the curls may have a slightly more textured or frizzy appearance. They can also be prone to tangling and breakage.

• 3C: 3C curls are the tightest of the curly hair types, often resembling corkscrews or coils. This type can be fine to coarse, but it's often dense and springy. They may be more prone to dryness and frizz, especially if not properly moisturised.

Type 4: Coily Hair

• 4A: This type features dense, springy coils that form tight S-shaped patterns. The coils are often well-defined and have a distinct shape. 4A curls can be either fine or coarse, but they are typically dense and have a springy quality. They may be prone to dryness and frizz, especially if not properly moisturised.

• 4B: 4B curls have a more angular shape, often resembling Z-shaped patterns. They may be less defined than 4A curls and can have a more unpredictable appearance. 4B curls can be fine to coarse, but they are often dense and have a springy quality. They may be prone to dryness, frizz, and tangling.

• 4C: 4C curls are the tightest of the coily hair types, with very little to no distinct pattern. They are often densely packed and can shrink significantly when dry. 4C curls can be fine to coarse, but they are typically dense and have a springy quality. They may be prone to dryness, frizz, and breakage.

A Suitable Hair Care Routine for Curly Hair

Curly hair often grapples with dryness, frizz, and a tendency to lose definition. By understanding your hair's specific needs and implementing the right techniques, you can achieve a bouncy, hydrated mane. Here's a basic regimen to follow:

Gentle Cleansing

Curly hair thrives on moisture and gentle treatment. Excessive shampooing can strip away essential natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Opt for sulphate-free cleansers and limit washes to once a week or less, depending on your hair's specific needs and your lifestyle.

Conditioning

Deep conditioning is essential for maintaining hydration and preventing breakage. Incorporate rich, nourishing treatments into your routine, focusing on products containing hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin. Regular use of a hair mask or conditioner for curly hair helps maintain elasticity and manage frizz.

Detangling

Detangling curly hair requires a gentle approach. Always work on wet hair using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Starting from the ends and gradually moving upwards prevents unnecessary damage.

Avoid Heat Styling

Excessive heat can wreak havoc on your curls, leading to dryness, breakage, and frizz. Minimise the use of hot tools like straighteners and curling irons whenever possible. If you must use them, apply a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature low. Ideally, set the temperature on heat styling tools to below 350°F (177°C) to prevent excessive heat damage. This temperature allows you to style effectively while being less harsh on the hair fibres. 

Moisturising

Curly hair is prone to drying fast. Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to ensure your locks are soft and hydrated for a long time. To seal in hydration, finish with a few drops of natural oil like jojoba, argan, or coconut.

Protect Your Curls While Sleeping

Friction from cotton pillowcases can disrupt your curl pattern and cause frizz. Invest in a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction and maintain your curls overnight. Alternatively, wrap your hair in a satin scarf or bonnet when sleeping.

Styling

Defining your curls requires the right styling products. Gels, mousses, or creams can enhance curl formation and reduce frizz. Apply them to wet hair and scrunch upwards to encourage curl clumping.

Drying

To preserve your curl pattern, avoid harsh towel-drying. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water with a microfibre towel or an old t-shirt. 

Hydration and Nutrition

Drink plenty of water and nourish your body with a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to maintain healthy hair. Your hair's health is a reflection of your overall well-being.

Regular Trims

Consistent trims are essential for preventing split ends and maintaining your curl's shape. Aim for a trim every 8-12 weeks to preserve your curls.

Styling Tips for Bouncy and Defined Hair

While embracing your natural curls can be liberating, styling them in different ways requires specific techniques. Let's explore some effective styling practices to enhance your curl pattern and achieve the bouncy, defined look.

1. The Plopping Method

This gentle styling technique involves wrapping your damp hair in a soft, absorbent t-shirt. This encourages curl formation while minimising frizz. The weight of the t-shirt gently moulds your curls, promoting definition and reducing drying time.

2. Diffusing

Diffusing is a low-heat drying method that amplifies your curls' natural shape. By using a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer, you can gently dry your hair while adding volume and reducing frizz. This method is particularly beneficial for those with delicate or fragile curls.

3. Curl-Defining Products

To boost curl definition and separation, apply a curl-enhancing cream or gel to damp hair. These products hydrate your curls, provide hold, and prevent frizz. Experiment with different formulas to find the one that best suits your hair type and desired style.

4. Scrunching

Scrunching is a simple yet effective technique for encouraging curl clumping, which is when individual curls naturally group together to form defined, uniform patterns, thus enhancing the overall definition of your hair. Gently scrunch your hair with a microfibre towel or your hands to remove excess water and promote curl formation. Avoid excessive rubbing, as this can cause frizz and disrupt the curls' natural grouping.

5. Air-Drying

For a low-maintenance and natural look, allow your hair to air-dry completely. This method minimises heat damage and allows your curls to form naturally. 

6. Protect Your Hair

Shield your curls from harsh, extreme weather conditions by wearing hats or scarves. These accessories help prevent moisture loss and frizz.

Product Recommendations

Here are our recommendations for best hair conditioners (and other products) for frizzy hair:

Curl Manifesto Masque Beurre Haute Nutrition Mask, Kérastase 

This intensive hair mask for all curl types deeply hydrates and repairs, transforming brittle strands into soft, defined waves. Manuka honey, glycerin, and ceramide nourish and strengthen the hair, reducing frizz and breakage.  

12 Effects Incredible Milk, Milk Shake

This leave-in hair spray does a great job of hydrating your hair without weighing it down. It does it all: repairs damage, protects from heat and UV rays, tames frizz, and adds shine. The added bonus is its ability to protect hair colour and prevent fading, which is a plus for those with colour-treated hair.

Killer Curls Anti-Frizz Defining Creme, Kevin Murphy 

This hair cream is a go-to for taming unruly curls. Packed with antioxidants that condition deeply, providing essential hydration to eliminate frizz. It leaves your curls shiny and manageable, giving you soft, smooth hair. Ideal for daily styling, it transforms frizzy hair into defined curls effortlessly.

No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, Olaplex

Infused with patented technology, this conditioner for curly hair deeply nourishes without weighing hair down. Rebuild your hair structure and control frizz while adding essential moisture, making it one of the best hair conditioners for frizzy hair.

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