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We evaluate all the important features you'd consider at home like the ease of use, drying time and overall performance. But Everett notes that it's not just the type of tool you're using, but also how it’s used. "Be mindful to take small sections and use a lower temperature when flat ironing so that you can get the hair smoother without doing multiple passes on the hair. That’s how you avoid heat damage," Everett shares. Rather than using traditional shampoo, this hydrating formula cleanses, detangles, and softens—all without stripping curls of their natural moisture. (Oh, and it’s choice for combating static, too.) And while it’s ideal for those with curly hair, this is a great option for anyone whose hair is on the drier side.
Apply Humectants to Seal In Moisture
The distance from scalp to ends isn't a straight road for curly hair, either. Maleeka Robb, the director and owner of the Four salon in London, adds an analogy for what the formula actually does. Then, the directions instruct you to wash your hair again and follow up with the conditioner. Since I began this process, my hair has grown exponentially and is visibly healthier than ever before. Whether it's because humid weather makes them frizz up, fall flat—or both—investing in the right styling product can help.
Always Protect Your Hair From Heat
Learning how to blow dry curly hair is no easy feat—it takes a little bit of time and skill to master. Thankfully, achieving perfectly defined curls, volume, shine, and bounce all in one—without having to wait for your hair to air dry—is possible. We scouted hair experts Stephanie McLemore, Diane C. Bailey, and Natasha Hickman to break down exactly how to blow-dry curly hair.
Curly Hair Care 101
The 18 Best Hair Oils for Curly Hair - Us Weekly
The 18 Best Hair Oils for Curly Hair.
Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:43:07 GMT [source]
Type 3C curls are tight corkscrews that range in circumference from a straw to a pencil. Strands are densely packed together, giving way to lots of natural volume. Frizziness is common with this type, so if that's not a look you're into, use a sulfate-free, creamy cleanser, like the Oyin Handmade Ginger Mint Co-Wash, that won't dry out your hair even more. This hair type has springy ringlets with a circumference similar to that of a Sharpie marker. This texture can get dry, so look for curl gels that have humectants, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera to attract moisture. This hair type lies flatter at the crown with defined S-shape waves starting from the mid-length.
I like to begin detangling my hair with my fingers as I apply it, massaging it into my hair to let it fully absorb and begin doing its thing. After a few minutes—I usually give it about five—rinse it all out and you'll be shocked at how soft your hair feels. To enhance your natural surfer-babe waves, use a texturizing mist like the Ouai Wave Spray, enriched with rice protein. The Ceremonia Guava Beach Waves Hair Texturizing Spay is another great option for moisturizing and playing up your natural waves without weighing your hair down. Hot Tools lives up to its packaging, securing the gold medal for effortlessly untangling and swiftly styling even the thickest, coarsest or curliest hair. You can comb or brush the product through, or massage it into the hair with your fingers by applying a finger-comb method.

After applying a liquid leave-in conditioner, add a hydrating hair oil, which will help prevent the hair from snapping. Then comes a curl cream, such as Miss Jessie’s Multi-Cultural Hair Lotion ($16), a staple styling product that helps hydrate the hair while adding definition and structure to the curl. Denser, thicker creams with ingredients like shea butter and hair-friendly oils are better for 4C hair types. However, you can coerce type 4 curls into taking shape, so styling products with a firm hold is critical.
Hot Tools One-Step Pro Blowout Styler
"When applying moisturizing conditioners or treatments, apply plenty of product, work in sections for max absorption, and detangle as you go for even distribution," says Toves-Vincilione. He adds that you should always "allow time for [these products] to do their thing. Rinsing products out too soon is counterproductive, especially on low porosity curl types." Thanks to our Beauty Lab experts, who test everything from hair dryer brushes to travel hair dryers, we put together a list of the top hair dryers for curly hair. Our dedicated team extensively tests hair dryers on human hair samples and with consumer testers to measure performance and potential hair damage.
And while the condition can have a number of causes, more often than not, a lack of moisture is the culprit. Fortunately, there are steps you can take at home to manage dry and frizzy hair, including masks and treatments. We've asked some experts to share their best tips and tricks to tame that frizz for good. Hairbrushes with fine-tooth bristles can cause the curl pattern to stretch out and become frizzy. Instead, Francois recommends using wide-tooth combs or your fingers to detangle the hair.

Embrace Your Natural Curl
It was only through this trial-and-error experience that I learned which ingredients don't work for my specific hair type. Some of them made sense (things like drying silicones), but others totally surprised me. Coconut oil is particularly great to use on dry curly hair since "it's similar to hair's natural lipid structure and able to penetrate the hair more than other oils," says Leo Izquierdo, co-founder of IGK Hair Care.
However, a leave-in conditioner can help, as it doesn’t get rinsed away, meaning it has more time to get to work on your highly porous hair. Try it yourself by treating curls to the NutriCurls Curlixir Defining Balm, which not only moisturizes lengths, but also boosts definition. Another trick for ‘hair wash day’ is to use a co-wash in place of your usual shampoo.
And as it turns out, your blow-drying method makes all the difference on your curls. Ideal for fine and wavy hair types, the Conair dryer claims it features a circulating airflow system that gently reduces frizz while drying. Its diffuser enhances curls and waves, and for locking in styles, it comes with a cold shot button. Top it off with a leave-in conditioner to really cut down on frizz. Some reviewers just disliked that it felt heavier than other dryers they'd used.
Additionally, she recommends using a microfiber towel to dry your hair. A regular cotton towel can rough up your hair and cause unwanted frizz, while a microfiber towel removes excess water without stripping the hair or disrupting the cuticle. “Curly hair types are fragile and prone to damage if they aren’t carefully tended to,” Sims says.
Dry curly hair is caused by low sebum levels, over-washing, using wrong hair products, excessive chemical processing, skipping hair conditioner, and poor styling practices. If you want to check if your curly tresses are dry, check for roughness, tangles, split ends, dullness, and frizz. Apart from following a regular hair care routine, curly hair needs a bit more love and care than other hair types. Scroll up to check out the changes you need to incorporate into your daily hair care routine. Once you start following these, tips you will notice your hair looking hydrated, bouncy, healthy, and beautiful.