It’s official: curls are everywhere. And now that summer is here, there’s no better time to embrace your natural texture. But as any curly girl knows, natural texture doesn’t mean low maintenance. In fact, it’s pretty much the opposite. Curls can be pretty tricky, but with the right at-home care, you can keep your locks healthy, hydrated, and beautifully defined. Keep reading to see our top at-home care tips for curly hair!
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Curly hair tends to be naturally prone to becoming dry, which can lead to breakage, frizz, and weak, brittle strands. Hydration is key to keeping your curls healthy, shiny, and strong.
Avoid over-washing, as this can dry out your hair even more. Skip the shampoo every day and instead wash hair every other day or even just a couple of times a week. When you do shampoo, make sure to thoroughly massage shampoo into the scalp to remove product buildup, dirt, and grease, which can all weigh down your hair.
It’s also a great idea to look for products specifically designed to moisturize and hydrate your curls. We like Redken’s All Soft Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner, which are designed to transform the texture of dry, brittle, and damaged hair. The duo’s keratin-enriched formula adds intense hydration, nourishing strands from the inside out.
Another great way to make sure your curls stay hydrated? Incorporate a weekly hair mask into your at-home care routine. Try Redken’s Extreme Strengthening Mega Hair Mask for Damaged Hair, which uses powerful SMART technology to deliver deep, intense moisture and make hair stronger and healthier over time.
Perfect with Products
Chances are, if you’ve got curly hair, you’re in a constant battle with the elements. Frizz is a common problem especially for those with already-dry strands, so adding a product to your routine that treats dry hair and fights against frizz is key. Our pick is the Redken Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Oil-in-Serum. With a super nourishing formula, this product reduces frizz and the puffiness that can sometimes occur with air-dried curls. As an added bonus it will fighting against humidity and increase smoothness and shine.
Know When to Comb
You may have heard that curly-haired people should never brush their hair, and while it’s true that brushing curls dry can lead to excessive volume, tangles, frizz, and damage, your curls might actually benefit from wet combing. Running a comb or wet brush through your curls while in the shower can help move natural oils from the scalp through the mids and ends, adding much-needed hydration—without causing damage.
Just Say No to Terrycloth Towels
Make this a rule of thumb: never dry freshly washed or rinsed curls with a terrycloth towel. Instead, look for alternative fabrics, like microfiber, which help reduce breakage and frizz. A microfiber towel will also help reduce clumping, create better definition, reduce drying time, and eliminate that post-shower weighed down look that’s so common with terrycloth towel use.
Know Your Curl Type—and the Right Products for It
Not all curls are the same! In fact, there are four basic types of curls, as well as three different curl widths. These are categorized as Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4 curls (with Type 1 being straight hair and Type 4 being tight coils or kinks) with widths ranging from A through C.
Get to know your curl type—whether that’s Type 2B, Type 4A, or Type 3C—and the products that are best for your specific curl pattern. For example, loose curls (think Type 1 and Type 2) need lightweight hydration that won’t weigh down the hair, whereas S-shaped curls require balance and gentle care. Meanwhile, tight coils and corkscrew-shaped curls need intensive hydration to help them keep their shape and avoid becoming dense or unmanageable. Layering the right products is key to highlighting and defining your natural texture.
