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Tip 1: Reduce the amount of heat you use on your hair

Trust me, I know on those days when your curls are not cooperating, it’s easy to reach for the curling iron or wand, but your curl pattern and hair texture is suffering because of it! I know when I take a break from the heat tools, my hair feels so much softer, healthier, and my good curl days are more frequent. 

Tip 2: If you do use heat tools, use a heat protectant

Sometimes we’re just at wits end with our curls and we need to add a little definition here and there. I get it, I do it, too. If you reach for a heat tool, make sure you are putting a protective layer between the tool and your precious locks. Choose between a hair oil or a heat protectant spray before you style. But really and truly, try to stick to Tip 1 to keep your curls the healthiest you possibly can.

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No.7 Bonding Oil

Olaplex

Tip 3: Find a refresh routine that works for you

I reach for heat tools the most on Day 2 or 3 after wash day, but the trick is finding a refresh routine that brings your curls back to life. This can look different for everyone so it may take a few different tries to see what works for you. Some options to try may be just adding some water to a continuous spray bottle and spraying your hair to reactivate the products that are likely already in your hair.

You might need to add some leave-in conditioner to the water in your spray bottle (my favorite is the Curls Blueberry Bliss Leave-In), or you may also need to go in with some finger-coil action and reshape your curls yourself with the help of a bit of water and product to get you going.

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Blueberry Bliss Leave-In

Curls

Tip 4: Ditch the brush and buy a wide-tooth comb

A good rule of thumb is to not comb curly hair as much as possible, but sometimes tangles happen and avoiding brushing is just not an option. Next time you find yourself reaching for a brush, try a wide-tooth comb instead. This will be much easier on your hair and will minimize the breakage of your curls that are already prone to be more brittle and dry.

Another option is to try a Denman brush, which is a great tool for those who want more defined curls (but make sure you’re using the Denman brush on wet hair only!).

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Hair Brush For Curly Hair

Denman

Tip 5: Know what kind of product your curls like best

The name of the game with curly hair is trial and error. Sometimes this process can be really intimidating to know where to start. Do you start with shampoos and conditioners? Styling products? Leave-ins? I think a good place to start is with the styling product. You can always change your shampoo and conditioner later, but I think having a good styling product to get you started can help you go down the curly hair journey.

If you’re looking for more touchable, loose curls, you might consider going for a styling cream. If you’re wanting a little more definition, you could benefit from a styling gel. There are even some products that give you a good middle ground. I personally use the Innersense I Create Volume Gel and I find it gives me that perfect combination of weightless curls with all-day definition. If you’re wanting to try a cream, the Hairstory Hair Balm is one I love, and check out the Kinky Curly Curling Custard.

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I Create Volume Gel

Innersense

Image: Amazon

Curl Custard Gel

Kinky Curly

Image: Hairstory

Hair Balm

Hairstory

Tip 6: Have a good wash-day routine

I’d say that the products are actually some of the least important parts of having curly hair (although they really do help), and the technique of caring for your curls after you have a wash day. While there are a few different directions a post-shower routine can go, it always starts with a good plop.

What is a plop, you ask? It’s when you wrap your hair in a t-shirt or microfiber towel and dry your hair for a while before you decide how to style your hair. I’d recommend Googling a plop technique or watching this video, but basically, it’s just putting your hair upside down and letting it dry with some product in your hair. Not everyone finds plopping to be the best for their hair, but it’s what I do and I think is worth a try. 

Tip 7: Don’t over wash

It can be hard to resist washing our hair because you really can’t beat wash-day curls, but it’s important that you don’t over shampoo your hair. When you wash your hair too often, it strips the hair of the natural oils it needs to thrive. This is especially important for curly hair, since it’s already naturally more dry. This is why getting that refresh routine down is super helpful (See: Tip 3). 

Tip 8: Get a good diffuser

Some people opt to air dry their hair, but having a good hair diffuser is always a great tool for a curly person to have because, let’s be honest, sometimes we just don’t have time to wait for our hair to air dry. If you’re not sure what a diffuser is, it’s basically a bowl-shaped attachment for your hairdryer that disperses the hot air across your curls so they dry more gently and evenly.

If you already own a hairdryer, you can buy an attachment to add to it (I use this one) or you can buy a hairdryer and diffuser combo like this one.

Image: Amazon

Universal Hair Diffuser

Best Trendy

Tip 9: Protect your curls when you sleep at night

Because curly hair is prone to more breakage, it’s important to protect them while we’re sleeping. Did you know that common cotton pillowcases are actually really hard on curls? Try opting for a satin pillowcase or satin sleep cap instead. That way, your curls stay intact, have the least amount of frizz, and are easier to refresh for the perfect curls.

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Satin Pillowcase

Bedsure

Tip 10: Be picky about who gets to cut your hair

I’m serious. It may sound like an overreaction, but there are just some stylists that are more equipped to handle curly hair than others. Research some local salons in your area to see if there are any curly hair specialists. Some of them may be more of an investment, but you’ll know that you’re putting that money towards someone who will spend time with you to really understand your curl pattern, how you normally style it, and what kind of hair texture you’re working with so they can create the best cut for you.

While there are so many different curl patterns, these tips are a good place to get started no matter if you have wavy curly hair, coily hair, or somewhere in between. With a combination of the right curly hair techniques, products for curly hair, and a little bit of trial and error, you will be on your way to thriving, poppin’ curls.