How to Care for Dry Curly Hair

Co-authored by Michael Van den Abbeel

Last Updated: March 24, 2022 References

Curly hair is fun, bouncy, and beautiful, but can be a headache when you’re dealing with dryness and the frizz that comes along with it. Luckily, keeping your curls healthy is just a matter of cutting down on your weekly washings, choosing good products, and using lots of conditioner. With the right routine, you can help your curls become smooth, shiny, and defined in no time.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Washing and Moisturizing Your Hair

1
Apply a deep conditioner just before you get in the shower. Work a liberal amount of deep conditioner into your hair section by section, pulling apart your curls and coating each strand. The longer and thicker your hair and the tighter your curls, the more conditioner you will need. Tuck it up under a shower cap and hop in the shower, washing your body first.^{[1]
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- Once you’ve kept the cap on for about 10 minutes, remove it and wash your hair as usual.
- Applying conditioner before showering and covering it under a shower cap will give your hair an extra boost of hydration as the steam from the shower locks in the moisture from the conditioner.
- You can also substitute deep conditioner for coconut oil, which is an effective moisturizer for curly strands.
2
Use a sulfate-free shampoo or a cleansing conditioner for extra moisture. Take off the shower cap and apply either a sulfate-free shampoo or, if your hair needs extra moisture, a cleansing conditioner. Massage it into your scalp and the crown of your head, then rinse. If you’re using a cleansing conditioner, let it soak in for a couple of minutes before rinsing. Then, rinse it out with cold water to seal your hair's cuticle and add shine.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Yan Kandkhorov
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 28 January 2020.}
- Sulfates are cleaning agents found in most traditional shampoos, but they can cause curls to go frizzy and dry. Using a sulfate-free shampoo will keep your curls bouncy and smooth. Many brands have now moved away from sulfates, so it should not be a problem to find a good shampoo.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Michael Van den Abbeel
  Professional Hair Stylist
  Expert Interview. 7 January 2019.}
- You can make your own cleansing conditioner by mixing a small amount of shampoo with a lot of conditioner. Use this mixture instead of shampoo for extra frizz-banishing strength.^{[4]
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- Shampoo is meant to remove oil from hair, but if your hair is already very dry, you might not need to use any.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Michael Van den Abbeel
  Professional Hair Stylist
  Expert Interview. 7 January 2019.} Using a homemade cleansing conditioner instead will clean your hair without stripping its natural oils.
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3
Apply a deep conditioner to your hair from mid-length to tip. After washing your hair with shampoo or cleansing conditioner, pour a coin-sized amount of deep conditioner into your palm and scrunch it thoroughly through your hair, working from about halfway down to the tips. Leave it in for a couple of minutes, then rinse lightly.
- Try to leave some residual conditioner in your hair to give your strands an extra boost.
- Choose a deep conditioner that’s formulated for curly hair.
- If your hair is feeling really dry, soak it with moisture by “co-washing,” or washing with just conditioner and no shampoo or cleansing conditioner. Simply get your hair wet and apply conditioner as usual.^{[6]
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4
Comb your hair in the shower before drying. Grab a wide-toothed comb and work through knots while you still have conditioner in your hair. The conditioner will help the comb slip through your strands without snagging or causing breakage. This makes the process easier, and won’t cause frizz like combing after the shower will.^{[7]
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- Start detangling at the tips of your hair and work up to the roots.
5
Use a styling product on damp hair to keep frizz at bay. For the least frizz, apply your styling products before you fully dry your hair. Wring out excess water, then run the product through your hair with your fingers from roots to ends. Scrunch up towards your scalp to encourage your curls.^{[8]
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- If you have soft, loose curls, use a curl-defining spray.
- For medium to big curls, use a thick, defining gel.
- If you have tight curls, go for a more dense cream.
6
Wring out your hair with a towel to dry it. When you’re done conditioning, rinse your hair with cool water and blot it dry with a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt. The smoother material will help settle your curls more than a regular towel and leave just enough moisture behind to prevent frizz.^{[9]
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- If your hair is still dripping wet, tip your head upside down, place the towel or T-shirt over it, and twist gently. Place the hair bundle on top of your head to dry.
7
Wash your hair every 2-3 days. Curly hair typically doesn’t need to be washed everyday, especially since frequent shampooing can dry it and stretch out the natural bounciness. If you have thicker hair, aim to wash every 3 days; for thinner curls, try every other day.^{[10]
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- Everyone’s hair is different, so pay attention to how yours responds when you don’t wash it. Notice how long it takes to get oily and plan to wash it around that time.
- You can still give your hair a rinse on an off day if it’s feeling dirty. Simply wet it in the shower and apply conditioner, let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse with cool water.
- You can also try a dry shampoo.^{[11]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Michael Van den Abbeel
  Professional Hair Stylist
  Expert Interview. 7 January 2019.} Pick a shampoo that’s formulated for curly hair to keep your strands smooth and frizz-free without getting them wet.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Maintaining Your Curls

1
Pile your hair in a bun to define your curls and discourage frizz. After your hair has dried a bit, pile it loosely on top of your head. Wind a hair tie around it to create a loose bun or ponytail.^{[12]
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- When left hanging, gravity can pull your curls out and create frizz. Gently pulling your hair to the top of your head can help you avoid this, creating soft, bouncy curls.
2
Rub coconut oil on the tips of your hair for extra shine. Coconut oil can help moisturize the dry tips of your hair and make them gleam. Use your fingers to gently rub a small amount on the ends of your curls.^{[13]
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3
Dry and define your curls with a diffuser.^{[14]
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Expert Source

Michael Van den Abbeel
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 7 January 2019.} To dry your hair quickly without creating frizz, use the diffuser attachment on your hair dryer. Apply a heat protectant spray or mousse to your wet hair, then use your fingers to twirl each curl into the shape you want. Cup each section of hair in your diffuser to dry and define your curls without frizz.^{[15]
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- Use the diffuser to encourage the curl by scrunching your hair up slightly.
- The diffuser will dry your curls evenly, unlike the regular nozzle, and won’t cause frizz. The diffuser nozzle should look round, with a few spikes sticking out.
- Try not to use your blow dryer and diffuser more than twice a week to keep your hair healthy.
4
Scrunch your curls with your hands to make them bouncy and light. If you don’t have time for any other styling, scrunching is your friend! Grab a section of hair in your palm and squeeze it gently while pushing it upwards.^{[16]
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- Some simple scrunching can help cut down on frizz and give your curls some energy.
5
Avoid heat products as much as you can. Using lots of heat products can make your curls more limp and more likely to frizz over time. To avoid this, only blow-dry twice a week and never use a flat-iron that’s over 400 °F (204 °C).^{[17]
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Expert Source

Yan Kandkhorov
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 28 January 2020.}
- If you notice that your curls are going limp, avoid all heat styling and use a conditioning mask in the shower to restore bounce and shine.
6
Avoid styling products with alcohol, which can dry out your hair. Lots of styling products, especially sprays, contain alcohol that can dry out your hair and make your curls hard and crunchy. Instead, choose water-soluble gels and mousses.^{[18]
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- Check the ingredients on your products to make sure they don’t include any alcohol.
7
Get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks. Split ends can make curly hair look drier and frizzier than it actually is. To avoid this, get your hair trimmed regularly, about ever 6-8 weeks.^{[19]
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- Ask your stylist if you can get a dry cut. Your curls look much different wet than they do dry, and a dry cut will ensure that every strand falls just where you want it to.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Fighting Frizz

1
Rub in a deep conditioner before working out. Run a coin-sized amount of deep conditioner from your roots to your tips, then throw your hair up into a ponytail or bun. While you work up a sweat, the heat you generate will lock in the moisture from the conditioner, creating super-soft curls.^{[20]
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- When you’re done working out, simply rinse out the conditioner in the shower and wash as usual.
2
Use a wide-tooth comb to untangle knots.^{[21]
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Expert Source

Michael Van den Abbeel
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 7 January 2019.} Bristled brushes create lots of frizz, and can wear on your hair, sapping it of moisture and causing split ends. Instead, use a wide-toothed pick or comb to gently work through tangles, starting at the tips of your hair and working up to your roots.^{[22]
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- You can also use your fingers to comb through your hair and gently pick out tangles.
3
Use a silk pillowcase to prevent frizz while you sleep. Cotton pillowcases can actually soak up moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and frizzy when you wake up. Buy a silk pillowcase instead, which won’t create as much friction or strain on your hair.^{[23]
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- You can also wrap your hair in a silk head wrap before going to bed to get the same frizz-fighting effect.
4
Avoid contact with coarse materials on your head. If you can, try not to use scarves, sweaters, hats, and hoods made of rough materials, which can create friction with your curls and cause frizz. Look for satin-lined hats and hoods, and other clothes made of soft, smooth material.^{[24]
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- If you can’t avoid a coarser hat or coat, bring along a bit of frizz-fighting mousse or gel to apply once you take it off.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Is heat bad for your curls?

Yan Kandkhorov
Hair Stylist
Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.

Yan Kandkhorov

Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Yes, heat in general can damage your hair regardless of whether it's curly or not. It's fine in low doses, but taking it easy on the blow dryer and curling iron can be a great way to heal your hair.
Question

How often should I wash my hair if it's naturally curly?

Yan Kandkhorov
Hair Stylist
Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.

Yan Kandkhorov

Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

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Excessive washing is going to be worse for your hair than under-washing. I'd say that for most people, once every 2-3 days is appropriate.
Question

What's the best kind of shampoo?

Yan Kandkhorov
Hair Stylist
Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.

Yan Kandkhorov

Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Anything that's free of alcohol and sulfates is going to be good for your hair. Many shampoos have sulfates in them, but that's ultimately going to do more harm than good.