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The Ultimate Guide to Curly Hair Care: Essential Curly Hair Tips

October 17, 2024

Whether you have tight coils, soft waves, or voluminous ringlets, caring for natural curls comes with its own unique set of rules. Because the natural spiral shape of curly hair makes it harder for natural scalp oils to travel down the hair shaft, curls are naturally more prone to dryness, frizz, and breakage.

Whether you’re looking for a simple everyday routine or searching for how to manage men’s curly hair, maintaining healthy curls doesn't have to be complicated. Here is your complete guide on how to care for curly hair, reduce frizz, and keep your pattern bouncy and strong.

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1. Cleanse curls with cool water

woman standing in the shower washing her hair

Hot water strips natural oils and opens the hair cuticle, creating instant frizz. Switching to cool or lukewarm water seals the hair cuticle, locks in moisture, and boosts natural shine for both men and women.

2. Ditch the standard towel to reduce frizz

Aggressive rubbing with a traditional terry-cloth towel damages delicate curl patterns and causes breakage. Instead, gently blot or wrap your hair using a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt to absorb excess water without disrupting your curls.

3. Deep condition regularly

Solutions by Great Clips Tea Tree Conditioning Treatment

Curls thrive on moisture. Incorporating a weekly deep conditioning treatment, like Solutions by Great Clips Tea Tree Coconut Oil Conditioning Treatment, helps replenish lost hydration and restores elasticity to dry hair.helps replenish lost hydration and restores elasticity to dry hair.

4. Get regular trims at a salon near you

woman with curly hair getting a haircut in a Great Clips salon

Split ends travel up the hair shaft quickly, causing tangles and loss of curl shape. Visiting a local salon every 6 to 8 weeks keeps your ends healthy and maintains your hair’s shape.

If you're short on time, Great Clips makes routine trims effortless:

  • No appointments needed: Drop in whenever it fits your schedule—evenings and weekends included.

  • Online Check-In: Use the Great Clips App or website to add your name to the waitlist before you leave home.

  • Clip Notes: Our stylists track your haircut preferences in our system so you get a consistent trim at any Great Clips salon nationwide.

5. Style hair without heat damage

Solutions by Great Clips curl products on bathroom counter

Overusing blow dryers or straighteners weakens the hair structure. To define your curls heat-free, try scrunching or finger-coiling your damp hair with lightweight styling products.

6. Wash hair with an extra-moisturizing shampoo & conditioner

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Shampoo and Conditioner

Avoid harsh sulfates that dry out natural ringlets. Opt for moisturizing hair care formulas like Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Shampoo and Conditioner, to hydrate the scalp while maintaining bounce and soft texture.

7. Avoid daily hair washing

AvoidDailyWashBlog.jpg

Washing your hair every day strips away the natural oils needed to keep curls healthy. Men and women with curly hair should aim to wash 2 to 3 times a week. On non-wash days, simply refresh your curls with a spritz of water or a light curl activator.

8. Detangle hair bottom-up with a wide-tooth comb

Never use a standard bristle brush on dry curly hair, as it disrupts the curl pattern and leads to severe breakage. Instead, apply a leave-in conditioner or Sexy Hair Curling Creme, then gently work through tangles using a wide-tooth comb starting from the ends and moving up to the roots.

9. Protect curls overnight with satin

Woman with curly hair laying in bed

Friction from cotton pillowcases causes morning bedhead, tangles, and split ends. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase or securing hair in a satin scarf or bonnet allows curls to glide smoothly without losing moisture overnight.

10. Hydrate hair from the inside out

Healthy hair starts on the inside. Hydration directly impacts hair health, elasticity, and scalp strength, so make sure to drink plenty of water and eat nutrient-rich foods daily.

Ready for healthy, bouncy curls?

Whether you need product advice tailored to your texture or a quick trim to eliminate split ends, Great Clips stylists are here to help both men and women achieve their best hair day.

Check In Online on the Great Clips App to save time and enjoy a seamless, stress-free haircut experience today!

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Frequently asked questions about curly hair maintenance

How often should men trim their curly hair?

Men with curly hair should generally get a trim every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain shape, control volume, and prevent split ends. If you wear a short fade or undercut with curls on top, visiting your local Great Clips salon regularly keeps your style clean and crisp.

What is the best way to revive flat curls on non-wash days?

To refresh second-day curls without washing, lightly spray your hair with water or a leave-in conditioner spray. Gently scrunch your curls upward or finger-coil limp sections to redefine your natural pattern and bring back volume.

Can I get a custom haircut for my specific curl type at Great Clips?

Yes! Great Clips stylists are trained to work with all hair types and textures. Plus, with Clip Notes, your stylist will log notes about your specific haircut preferences so you can enjoy a consistent look during every visit.

Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page.

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