Curls have unique styling needs: there's a delicate balance between lasting hold and healthy hair. Fortunately, the right curly hair routine will grant you both, creating a blueprint for flawless results every time.
Whether you have loose waves, tight ringlets, or fall somewhere in between, the right regimen can achieve body and bounce without frizz. But beyond styling, the best curly hair routine also nourishes and protects your hair so it feels as good as it looks.
Dryness is a unique challenge for curly hair, so moisture is key. Frizz, the byproduct of dryness, is especially frustrating. The good news: A curly hair care routine with natural, moisturizing products addresses these challenges1.
Sulfates and other harsh chemicals can strip hair of its natural moisture, leading to fragile, dry strands. Since curly hair already tends to be dry, sulfate-free formulas are essential2.
Most curly hair routine steps are fairly straightforward, but there's always room to tweak your hair's texture and the schedule that works best for you. Here's a curly hair routine for beginners to follow and adjust as needed.
The first step of any curly hair routine is a deep cleanse. Think of it as a reset to remove lingering residue from previous products.
After wetting your hair thoroughly, wash with a clarifying formula such as Surface Hair Purify Shampoo. With natural cleansing minerals, it's safe for all hair types and removes buildup without stripping moisture. Keep in mind that you'll only need to do this every so often; once a month should suffice2.
For routine cleansing, co-washes are an excellent choice. Our Curls Cleansing Cream is a lather-free, clean-ingredient cleanser that also conditions.
Because curly hair often benefits from an extra burst of moisture, a leave-in conditioner is also worth having in your rotation. One option is Curls Replenish, our leave-in formula that restores hair with antioxidants, amino acids, and other hydrating nutrients. Apply a generous amount after washing, then detangle using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb3.
Next, apply your preferred styling products before your hair has a chance to dry. The moisture will allow products to coat your hair evenly, encouraging its natural pattern to take shape. If needed, use a spray bottle to rewet any dry areas4 before applying one or more of the following:
The beauty of a curly hair routine is that it often means foregoing heat styling. If you have time to air dry, a final scrunch can break up any product that may have hardened, also known as a "cast." Alternatively, blow dry using a diffuser, scrunching as you go. Finally, go in with our Curls Finishing Spray to create hold and beat humidity.
For frizz prevention, shampoos and conditioners with moisturizing ingredients are key: look for hydrating powerhouses like cocoa butter and natural oils6. When applying product, be sure to use ample amounts and section hair so every strand is coated evenly.
While the general framework is the same across most curly hair care routines, variations in curl patterns may call for tweaks in products and steps. For example, loose waves may benefit from lightweight products, such as a serum, while spiral curls often need gel to create definition and add hydration. Coils tend to be the driest, because it is difficult for natural oils to move down the tight curl pattern. Extra nourishment will help. Try our Curls Intensive Masque to quench thirsty hair with more than 30 antioxidants.
With natural ingredients, no sulfates or parabens, and salon-quality, organic formulas, Surface Hair is an easy choice for curly and textured hair. With a dedicated line specifically for curly hair, our products have been thoughtfully created to deliver all the ingredients your hair needs and none that it doesn't. With professional-quality performance, these products are effective additions to stylists' toolkits.
Build your curl routine with Surface Hair — shop the Curls collection today.
The routine above with steps for cleansing, conditioning, styling, and drying or diffusing serves as the perfect starting point for beginners. As you refine your routine, you'll find out exactly how to style curly hair to your liking, using the products that work best for you.
In general, curly hair should be washed no more than every few days to retain moisture. There's no magic number that works the same for everyone, but up to 3 times per week is typically sufficient for cleansing curly hair without drying it out1.
At a minimum, you should have a sulfate-free shampoo, a co-wash such as a cleansing conditioner, a leave-in conditioner, and your styling product of choice, such as a gel, mousse, or cream. A finishing spray can also preserve your style while fighting frizz.
A leave-in conditioner applied to wet hair can restore moisture for curly hair between washes. If you can't wet your hair fully, use a spray bottle filled with water. For even more moisture, apply a hydrating curl formula, such as a serum or masque.
Yes. These routines work for any curl pattern, from wavy hair to spiral curls and coils. Wavy hair tends to be less dry and may therefore benefit from lightweight curl products, such as mousse, rather than thicker formulas such as styling creams3.
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