Curly hair can be beautiful, expressive and full of personality, but it often needs a little more care than straight hair. Curls can be prone to dryness, frizz, tangles and loss of definition, especially when they are over-washed, brushed dry or styled with products that are too heavy or too light.
The right curly hair routine is all about balance. Your curls need moisture to stay soft, definition to hold their shape, and gentle styling to keep frizz under control. Whether you have loose waves, defined curls or tighter coils, this guide will help you understand what to use, when to use it, and how to build a routine that works for your hair.
Why Curly Hair Needs a Different Routine
Curly hair behaves differently because of its shape. Natural oils from the scalp have a harder time travelling down bends, spirals and coils, which is why curls can often feel dry through the mid-lengths and ends.
That dryness can lead to frizz, breakage, tangles and curls that lose their shape quickly. A good curly hair routine should help with four things:
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Moisture: To keep curls soft and flexible
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Definition: To help curls form and hold their shape
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Frizz control: To smooth the hair without weighing it down
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Gentle handling: To reduce breakage while washing, detangling and drying
The right curly hair products can support those needs, from moisturising shampoo and conditioner to curl creams, mousse, styling sprays, masks and detangling products.
Know Your Curl Type Before Choosing Products
Before choosing products, it helps to understand your curl type. Our guide to how to know your hair type explains the main categories from Type 1 straight hair to Type 4 coily hair. For this routine, the most relevant types are:
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Type 2A–2C wavy hair: Loose to defined “S” waves that may frizz or fall flat with heavy products
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Type 3A–3C curly hair: Defined curls with more volume, often needing moisture and curl definition
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Type 4A–4C coily hair: Tight coils or zigzags that are often dense, delicate and more prone to dryness
Many people also have more than one curl pattern. You might have 2C waves around the face and 3A curls at the crown, or tighter coils in one area and looser curls in another. The best routine is one that responds to how your hair actually feels, not just the label.
A Simple Curly Hair Routine
A curly hair routine does not need to be complicated. Start with the basics: cleanse gently, condition well, detangle carefully, add moisture, use a styling product for hold, then dry without disturbing the curl pattern.
Step 1: Use a Shampoo for Curly Hair
A shampoo for curly hair should cleanse the scalp without leaving the lengths feeling stripped or rough. Curly hair still needs to be washed, but over-washing or using harsh formulas can leave curls dry, frizzy and harder to manage.
Focus shampoo mainly on the scalp, where oil, sweat and product build-up collect. Let the lather rinse through the lengths rather than scrubbing the ends. If your roots feel greasy but your curls feel dry, scalp care may also be worth considering as part of your routine.
Product picks:
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Best accessible shampoo for frizz-prone curls: John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Shampoo is a good option for wavy and curly hair that needs frizz control from the wash stage.
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Best premium shampoo for dry curls: Bumble and bumble Curl Moisturizing Shampoo is designed for curls that need a gentler, more moisture-focused cleanse.
Step 2: Condition and Detangle Gently
Conditioner is one of the most important steps in a curly hair routine. It gives curls slip, softness and moisture, making detangling much easier.
Curly hair is usually easiest to detangle when it is wet and coated with conditioner. Start at the ends and work upwards slowly with your fingers, a wide-tooth comb or a curly hair brush. This helps loosen knots without dragging them down the hair shaft or causing unnecessary breakage.
Product picks:
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Best conditioner for a matching frizz-control routine: John Frieda Dream Curls Hair Conditioner pairs well with the Dream Curls shampoo if your main goals are softness, smoothness and frizz control.
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Best conditioner for dry curls: Garnier Ultimate Blends Curl Restoring Hair Food Cocoa Butter Conditioner is made with cocoa butter and jojoba oil to help condition dry, curly hair without weighing it down.
Step 3: Add a Mask or Treatment When Curls Feel Dry
A hair mask or treatment is useful when curls feel rough, dry, frizzy or less defined than usual. You may not need a deep treatment every wash day, but adding one regularly can help curls feel softer and easier to style.
Use a hair mask after shampooing and before styling. Focus it through the mid-lengths and ends, where curls usually need the most moisture. If your curls are very dry, thick or coily, this step may make a noticeable difference to softness and manageability.
Product picks:
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Best mask for dry waves, curls and coils: Garnier Ultimate Blends Curl Remedy Mask is made for dry wavy, curly and coily hair, with avocado oil and shea butter to support softer, more defined curls.
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Best curl-focused mask for definition: Curly Co Curly Defining Mask is a strong choice for curls that need moisture, bounce and a more manageable feel.
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Best premium mask for richer conditioning: Bumble and bumble Curl Butter Mask suits curls that need a more intensive softness and hydration step.
Step 4: Use Leave-In Conditioner, Curl Cream or Oil
Once your hair is clean and conditioned, apply a leave-in hair styling product, curl cream or oil while your curls are still wet or damp. This helps seal in moisture and gives your curls a better chance of drying with shape and softness.
A leave-in conditioner is best for adding moisture and slip. A curl cream usually adds moisture plus shape, softness and light definition. A curl oil can help add shine and nourishment, especially through dry ends, but it is usually best used sparingly so curls do not feel heavy.
If your curls are fine or easily weighed down, start with a small amount. If your hair is thick, dry or coily, apply in sections so the product reaches the curls underneath as well as the top layer.
Product picks:
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Best leave-in for curls that feel damaged or weak: Living Proof Restore Repair Leave-In is useful when curls feel dry, fragile or in need of extra care before styling.
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Best curl cream for definition and moisture: Curly Co Curly Defining Cream is a good styling choice for definition, moisture and frizz control.
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Best premium curl cream for a polished finish: Bumble and bumble Curl Defining Cream is ideal for curls that need hydration, shape and a smoother finish.
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Best oil for dry ends and shine: Garnier Ultimate Blends Curl Revival Elixir Oil can be used through the lengths and ends when dry curls need extra shine and nourishment.
Step 5: Choose Mousse, Spray or Gel for Hold
Moisture helps curls feel soft, but hold helps curls last. This is where mousse, curl spray or gel comes in.
Mousse is usually best for softer curls, waves, volume and bounce. It works well when you want definition without too much weight. A curl spray can help revive or define curls with a lighter feel. Gel or gel-oil is usually better when curls lose shape quickly, need stronger definition, or frizz in damp or humid weather.
A good way to choose is simple:
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Choose mousse when you want lift, softness and bounce.
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Choose spray when you want light definition or a curl refresh.
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Choose gel or gel-oil when you want stronger control, longer-lasting shape or humidity protection.
Product picks:
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Best mousse for frizz-control and definition: John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Reviver Mousse is a good option for controlled hold and natural-looking curl definition.
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Best mousse for bounce: Curly Co Curly Defining Mousse is helpful when curls need shape and movement without a heavy finish.
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Best spray for boosting curls: John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Styling Spray works well for enhancing curl pattern and fighting frizz.
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Best lightweight curl spray: Garnier Method For Curls Spray is a useful option when you want curl styling support without a heavy cream or gel.
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Best premium anti-humidity styler: Bumble and bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil combines the hold of a gel with the hydration of an oil, making it useful when damp or humid weather causes frizz.
Step 6: Dry Curly Hair Without Creating Frizz
How you dry curly hair can make or break the routine. Rough towel drying, brushing after styling or touching curls too much while they dry can separate the curl pattern and create frizz.
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water with your hands or a soft towel. Apply styling products while hair is damp, then scrunch upwards to encourage curl shape. Let curls air dry where possible, or use a diffuser on a low heat and low speed setting.
For smoother results:
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Squeeze, don’t rub: Rough towel drying can disturb the curl pattern.
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Scrunch upwards: This helps curls form with more bounce.
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Use low heat: High heat can dry curls out and create frizz.
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Avoid over-touching: The more you touch curls while they dry, the more likely they are to separate.
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Scrunch out stiffness once dry: Mousse or gel may feel firm at first, but a gentle scrunch can soften the finish.
Product picks:
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For soft definition before drying: Use a curl cream such as Curly Co Curly Defining Cream.
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For bounce and volume before drying: Use a mousse such as Curly Co Curly Defining Mousse or John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Reviver Mousse.
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For humidity control before drying: Use Bumble and bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil.
Best Curly Hair Brands by Curl Need
Different curl concerns need different products. Some curls need moisture, some need hold, some need frizz control, and some need a simple starter routine. These brands are useful places to begin when building a routine.
Best for Starting a Curly Hair Routine: Curly Co
Curly Co is a great starting point if you want a dedicated curl range with products for definition, moisture, detangling and hold. It is especially useful if you are building a full routine and want products made specifically with curly, wavy and textured hair in mind.
The range covers several key routine steps:
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For detangling: Curly Co Detangling Spray
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For moisture and definition: Curly Co Curly Defining Cream
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For bounce and styling: Curly Co Curly Defining Mousse
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For a treatment step: Curly Co Curly Defining Mask
Curly Co products are especially worth considering if your main goals are definition, hydration, shine and a more consistent curl pattern.
Best for Dry Curls: Garnier Ultimate Blends Curl Range
Garnier Ultimate Blends is a good choice for curls that feel dry, rough or under-nourished. The available curl products are especially useful for conditioner, treatment and finishing steps.
Best options include:
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For conditioning dry curls: Garnier Ultimate Blends Curl Restoring Hair Food Cocoa Butter Conditioner
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For a deeper treatment: Garnier Ultimate Blends Curl Remedy Mask
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For shine and dry ends: Garnier Ultimate Blends Curl Revival Elixir Oil
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For lightweight styling: Garnier Method For Curls Spray
This range is a good fit when curls need moisture and softness, especially through the mid-lengths and ends.
Best for Frizz-Prone Curls: John Frieda Frizz Ease
John Frieda Frizz Ease is a strong option for curls that look undefined, puffy or frizz-prone, especially in damp weather. The range is useful when curls need smoothing, shape and extra polish without completely changing your routine.
Best options include:
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For wash day: John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Shampoo
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For softness and frizz control: John Frieda Dream Curls Hair Conditioner
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For curl boosting: John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Styling Spray
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For hold and definition: John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Reviver Mousse
Frizz-prone curls often need moisture first and hold second. A smoothing product can help, but the best results usually come when it is layered over properly conditioned hair.
Best for Premium Curl Definition: Bumble and Bumble
Bumble and Bumble is a good choice if you want a more premium curly hair routine focused on definition, softness and frizz control. The curl range includes cleansing, masking and styling products that can work together for a more polished finish.
Best options include:
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For cleansing: Bumble and bumble Curl Moisturizing Shampoo
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For curl definition: Bumble and bumble Curl Defining Cream
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For humidity control: Bumble and bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil
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For richer conditioning: Bumble and bumble Curl Butter Mask
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For refreshing curls: Bumble and bumble Curl Reactivator
This is a strong brand choice if your curls need a more polished, salon-style finish.
Best for Waves, Coils and Targeted Styling: Living Proof Curl
Living Proof is useful when you want a more targeted product for your curl type. The products available at Shaws are especially helpful for waves, tighter coils and curls that need definition or repair support.
Best options include:
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For waves: Living Proof Curl Enhancer
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For tighter curls and coils: Living Proof Curl Conditioner
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For damaged-feeling hair: Living Proof Restore Repair Mask
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For leave-in repair support: Living Proof Restore Repair Leave-In
Choose Living Proof if your routine needs a more targeted product for wave definition, curl elongation or repair-focused care.
Best Curly Hair Products by Curl Type
Curl type is not the only thing that matters. Porosity, thickness, scalp type and styling goals all play a part. Still, knowing your hair type and whether its wavy, curly or coily can help you choose the right product weight.
Best Products for Type 2A, 2B and 2C Wavy Hair
Type 2 wavy hair usually has an “S” shape rather than a full spiral curl. It can frizz, fall flat or lose shape if products are too heavy.
Wavy hair often suits lightweight products such as curl enhancer, mousse, spray or a light curl cream. The goal is to support the wave without coating the hair too much.
Good options include:
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For wave definition: Living Proof Curl Enhancer
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For a light curl boost: John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Styling Spray
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For volume and bounce: John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Reviver Mousse
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For soft hold: Curly Co Curly Defining Mousse
Best Products for Type 3A, 3B and 3C Curly Hair
Type 3 curly hair has more defined curls, volume and bounce. It is often more prone to frizz than wavy hair and usually needs a balance of moisture and hold.
A good Type 3 routine often includes moisturising shampoo, conditioner, curl cream and either mousse or gel. Curl cream helps curls feel soft and defined, while mousse or gel helps the shape last longer.
Good options include:
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For wash day: John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Shampoo
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For conditioner: Garnier Ultimate Blends Curl Restoring Hair Food Cocoa Butter Conditioner
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For curl cream: Curly Co Curly Defining Cream
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For premium definition: Bumble and bumble Curl Defining Cream
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For humidity control: Bumble and bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil
Best Products for Type 4A, 4B and 4C Coily Hair
Type 4 coily hair has tight coils or zigzags and can be dense, delicate and dry. This hair type often needs richer moisture, gentle detangling and products that support definition without causing dryness or breakage.
A coily hair routine may include a moisturising shampoo, rich conditioner, deep mask, detangling spray and styling cream. Sectioning the hair during conditioning and styling can make product application easier and help every curl receive moisture.
Good options include:
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For detangling: Curly Co Detangling Spray
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For a curl mask: Curly Co Curly Defining Mask
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For rich moisture: Garnier Ultimate Blends Curl Remedy Mask
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For curl elongation: Living Proof Curl Conditioner
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For humidity control and shine: Bumble and bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil
Curly Hair Styling Tips That Make a Difference
Small changes can make a big difference to how curls look and feel. Once you have the right products, how you apply them matters.
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Apply products to wet or damp hair: This helps product spread evenly and encourages curls to clump together instead of separating into frizz.
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Scrunch upwards: Use your hands to scrunch curl cream, mousse, spray or gel into the hair to encourage bounce.
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Try the praying hands method: Smooth product over sections of hair with your palms before scrunching for more controlled definition.
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Detangle gently: Use a wide-tooth comb, fingers or a curly hair brush while hair is wet and conditioned.
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Refresh between wash days: Use a little water, detangling spray, curl reactivator or a small amount of styling product to bring curls back to life.
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Use curl reactivator for second-day curls: Bumble and bumble Curl Reactivator is designed for curl refreshing rather than a full wash-day routine.
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Watch for product build-up: If curls feel heavy, greasy or dull, focus on scalp cleansing and use lighter styling products for a few washes.
Easy Hairstyles for Curly Hair
Curly hair styles do not need to be complicated. The best hairstyles for curly hair usually work with your natural texture rather than against it.
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Defined wash-and-go: Use curl cream, mousse or gel after washing, then air dry or diffuse to let your natural pattern form.
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Half-up curls: A good option when you want curls away from your face but still want to show off length and volume.
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Curly ponytail: Easy for busy days and especially useful when curls have been refreshed with a little water or styling product.
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Loose curly bun: Ideal when curls are starting to lose shape but still have volume.
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Pineapple style: Gather curls loosely at the top of the head to help preserve them overnight or keep them out of the way at home.
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Claw clip curls: an easy updo that keeps curls lifted without flattening the curl pattern too much.
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Defined face-framing curls: refresh the front pieces with a small amount of curl cream or spray when the rest of the hair still looks good.
Curly Hair Mistakes to Avoid
Curly hair is often more forgiving when it is well moisturised and handled gently. These common mistakes can make curls harder to manage:
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Washing too often and stripping moisture from the hair
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Skipping conditioner or not using enough slip to detangle
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Brushing curls when dry
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Rough towel drying
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Applying too much heavy product to fine waves
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Using only oil when curls actually need water-based moisture
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Touching curls too much while they dry
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Using high heat without care
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Forgetting to cleanse the scalp properly
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Choosing products based only on curl type, not hair thickness or dryness
If your curls are not behaving the way you expect, do not change everything at once. Try adjusting one step at a time, such as switching to a lighter styler, adding a mask, or using gel only on the ends where curls lose shape.
Find Curly Hair Products at Shaws
The right curly hair routine can help your curls feel softer, smoother and more defined, whether you have loose waves, bouncy curls or tighter coils. Explore Shaws’ full range of haircare products, including shampoo and conditioner, hair treatments, hair styling products and Curly Co products, to build a routine that works for your curls.
Curly Hair FAQs
What is the best routine for curly hair?
A simple curly hair routine is shampoo, conditioner, gentle detangling, a mask when needed, leave-in conditioner or curl cream, mousse or gel, then air drying or diffusing.
What products do you need for curly hair?
Most curly hair routines need shampoo, conditioner, a treatment or mask, a leave-in conditioner or curl cream, a mousse, spray or gel, and a wide-tooth comb or curly hair brush for detangling.
How often should you wash curly hair?
It depends on your scalp, lifestyle and curl type. Many people with curly hair wash less often than those with straight hair because curls can be prone to dryness, but the scalp should still feel clean and comfortable.
What is the best shampoo for curly hair?
The best shampoo for curly hair is usually one that cleanses the scalp without leaving curls feeling stripped. Dry curls often suit moisturising shampoo, while fine waves may prefer something lighter.
Should you brush curly hair?
Curly hair is usually best brushed or combed when wet and conditioned. Brushing dry curls can separate the curl pattern and create frizz.
What is the best leave-in conditioner for curly hair?
The best leave-in conditioner for curly hair depends on your curl type and dryness level. Fine waves usually need something lightweight, while thicker curls and coils may need a richer leave-in, curl cream or detangling spray.
What is the best hair dryer for curly hair?
The best hair dryer for curly hair is one that can be used with a diffuser and has low heat and low speed settings. A diffuser helps dry curls more gently while supporting volume and definition.
What is the best product for frizzy curly hair?
Frizzy curly hair usually needs moisture first, then hold. A moisturising conditioner, curl cream or leave-in product can help soften curls, while mousse, styling spray or gel can help hold the shape in place.
What curly hair products are available in Ireland?
Shaws offers curly hair products in Ireland from brands including Curly Co, Garnier Ultimate Blends, John Frieda, Bumble and bumble and Living Proof.