How to Take Care of Curly Hair: Top 20 Expert Tips

If you are a proud owner of gorgeous curls, here are our expert 21 tips on how to take care of your curly hair. Read more in this article.

If you are a proud owner of gorgeous locks, you know that having a good hair care routine is essential for rocking a healthy and shiny curly mane. However, it can sometimes be challenging to figure out the right ways to take care of it. 

In this article, we will give you all of our expert tips on how to take care of your curly hair and avoid getting it coarse, dry or frizzy. So, without further ado, let’s get right into it:

21 tips on how to take care of curly hair

1. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fats and proteins

Taking care of curly hair always starts from within. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, iron-rich foods, vitamins and antioxidants not only helps to promote hair strength and growth, but also keeps the scalp moisturized and protects the hair from damage caused by free radicals.

Since hair is made up of a protein called keratin, consuming protein-rich foods such as eggs, fish, lean meats, leafy greens, and nuts and seeds, among other foods, provides the necessary building blocks for the hair to regenerate and grow.

Discover the best foods for healthy hair in this article.

2. Be gentle when handling wet hair

If you want to learn how to take care of curly hair, one of the most important curly hair care tips and tricks you'll need to know is that hair is in its weakest and most vulnerable state when wet. This happens because water weakens the hydrogen bonds that hold the hair shaft together.

This makes your beautiful curly hair much more susceptible to damage, especially if you are applying heat or brushing excessively. In fact, ironing wet hair is possibly one of the worst things you can do to your hair - it essentially boils it and causes it to become dry and frizzy.

Excessive or vigorous brushing, on another hand, also leads to breakage and damage because it causes the hair to stretch beyond its limits and break. Wet hair is more elastic than dry hair, but it’s weaker, so wait until it’s fully dry to brush it - or be very gentle.

3. Drink at least 8 cups of water per day

Next on our expert curly hair care tips is staying hydrated. Human hair is composed of up to 25% water, which means that a hydrated scalp is absolutely essential for maintaining a healthy environment for hair growth.

Water also nourishes the hair follicles - if our body is dehydrated, they can become weaker, brittle, and drier. Which leads to a hair that’s more prone to breakage and thinning, among other hair problems.

4. Avoid washing your hair every day

Since the natural oils produced by the scalp have a harder time traveling down the curved hair shaft, curly hair is generally drier as opposed to straight hair. For this reason, you should avoid washing it excessively. 

You will ask - why? Well, that’s because excessive washing strips the natural oils of the hair, disrupts its moisture balance, and makes the cuticle more vulnerable to external factors - leaving the hair dry and frizzy.

How often should you wash your hair? While the answer may be highly individual and takes into account multiple factors, here is the rule of thumb to follow for some guidance:

• Curly or coily hair - every other day
• Wavy hair - every two to three days
• Thick to coarse hair - every two to four days
• Fine or thin hair - every one to two days

You can start with this general guidance, and work your way towards figuring out the individual needs for your hair by seeing how it feels for you.

5. Get a flat iron for thick curly hair

If you want to learn all the tips on how to take care of curly hair, another important aspect of having the perfect hair styling routine is to get yourself a hair straightener for thick curly hair, such as the NuMe Megastar Flat Iron.

As opposed to straight hair, thick curly hair generally requires higher temperatures in order to achieve the desired results - however, higher heat also means more damage if you are not using the right thermal hair styling tools.

For this reason, getting a high-quality flat iron with tourmaline plates is essential. Tourmaline flat irons produce up to 6 times more negative ions than other types of hair straighteners, locking in the moisture into the cuticle of your hair. 

The result is hair without frizz or damage -  that’s especially important for your curly hair, which requires temperatures of up to 450°F (230°C) in order to get the look you desire.

 

Awarded Best Straightener for Thick Curly Hair by Glamour, the NuMe Megastar Flat Iron uses proprietary far-infrared technology to lock in moisture and ensure effortless styling minus the damage. 

Get the Megastar Flat Iron here.

6. Use a silk or a satin pillowcase when sleeping

Wondering how to take care of your curly hair while sleeping? Using a silk or a satin pillowcase is a great way to reduce the friction between your hair and your pillow, effectively minimizing breakage and frizz.

Since these pillowcases are made from natural materials, they are more gentle and delicate to the hair than cotton. They also don’t absorb the moisture of the hair (like cotton), allowing the curly hair to retain its natural moisture.

The rough texture of cotton can cause hair to rub against the fabric, leading to tangles, knots, and breakage, especially during sleep when hair is more prone to friction.

7. Choose a high-quality shampoo without sulfates & parabens

Taking care of curly hair also means using a high-quality shampoo without chemicals and harsh ingredients. 

A lot of conventional, store-bought shampoos contain sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances and other chemicals that cause damage to the hair and may even lead to scalp irritation and itchiness. So, try to avoid these at all costs.

Instead, opt for a shampoo made with natural ingredients like the NuMe Vegan Hydrating Tourmaline Shampoo, which is packed with vitamins A and amino acids for healthy hair.

8. Keep your hair moisturized with a conditioner

On top of choosing a hydrating shampoo to keep your beautiful curls moisturized, don’t forget to finish your hair washing routine with a good, natural conditioner for maximum hydration. If you want to learn how to take care of curly hair, these steps are an absolute must.

Conditioners made with tourmaline powder are an especially good option for keeping your hair hydrated at all times, as they have the ability to lock in moisture due to the negative ion properties of the gemstone tourmaline.

If you are wondering how to take care of curly hair, we also recommend the NuMe Acai Conditioner - loaded with nourishing ingredients such as Omega 3, 6, 9 and vitamins, it hydrates and moisturized the hair strands for softer and shinier hair.

9. Detangle your hair only when fully dry

Next on our list of expert tips on how to take care of curly hair is to detangle it only when fully dry. As we mentioned earlier, handling wet hair can lead to damage, as it is more vulnerable and prone to breakage in this state.

Detangling hair when fully dry helps to reduce breakage, minimizes the friction between your hair strands as well as the comb, and gives you better control and visibility during the detangling process.

In addition, it also helps to avoid scalp issues caused by stress on the scalp.

10. Protect your curls from the sun with UV protection and hats

The damages of UV radiation are widely known for the skin, and many of us already take the necessary action to use sunscreen every time we go out. However, we often forget that the skin is not the only one affected by the sun’s harmful UV rays - our hair does, too.

The ultraviolet rays may weaken the protein structure of the hair, cause sunburn to the scalp (which will make it red and itchy), and may also lead to frizz, dryness and even color fading.

For this reason, it’s important to avoid excessive sun exposure in the first place, and when you have to go out, use products that contain UV filters to shield your beautiful curls. Using hats or scars is highly recommended, too.

11. Trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to avoid split ends

Learning how to take care of curly hair also means knowing when it’s time for a trip to the hair salon. Make sure to trim your hair frequently - ideally, every 8 weeks - to maintain your curls healthy, bouncy, and without split ends.

Regular trimming also helps to maintain their shape and definition, keeping their lovely bounce which may decrease as the hair becomes longer and weights down the curls.

12. Use a hair mask for deep hydration

As we mentioned earlier, curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair because the curved pattern of the hair strands makes it more difficult for the natural oils to travel down the hair shaft.

If you are suffering from dry hair, you can use a hair mask as a pre-shampoo treatment to provide deep hydration and enhance the elasticity and flexibility of the hair.

Natural, paraben-free masks such as the NuMe Tourmaline Hair Mask have restoration functions that balance out the hair texture and smooth out the cuticle, providing the hydration you need for soft and shiny hair.

13. Avoid tight ponytails and hairstyles

If you want to learn how to take care of curly hair, another important tip to pay attention to is avoiding tight ponytails and other hairstyles that increase the tension on your hair. Tightly pulled hairstyles can cause strain and stress on the hair shafts, leading to breakage.

They also create unnecessary friction between the hair strands and the hair tie, damaging the protective outer layer of the hair shaft. This will cause the hair to become more porous, making it more prone to frizz and damage.

14. Use a wide-toothed comb to brush your curly hair

When it comes to brushing and detangling your beautiful curly hair, the tool you use in your hair styling routine also matters. In fact, it is extremely important to choose a comb or a brush that is gentle to your curls and minimizes damage.

In most cases, it is ideal to opt for a wide-toothed comb to detangle curly hair, as it makes it easier to slide the comb through your hair without unnecessary tension or pulling. Combs with small teeth can bump into knots and tangles more easily, causing breakage.

A detangling brush or comb can also be a very good option for your curly hair.

15. Take care of your scalp

Taking care of your scalp is another expert recommendation on our list of expert tips on how to take care of curly hair. We often focus on the hair strands, but completely forget paying close attention to our scalp as well.

Make sure to:

• Keep your scalp clean by regularly washing out excess dirt and product build-up
• Incorporate gentle exfoliation into your hair routine once or twice per month
• Massage moisturizing oils and serums into your scalp for deep hydration
• Avoid products with harsh chemicals that may cause scalp irritation and itchiness
• Protect your scalp from the sun by wearing hats, scarves and other accessories

If you want to take care of your curly hair and scalp, we recommend the NuMe Hairology Scalp Serum - made with the power of four core plants, it alters the composition of the hair follicles, and transforms the hair into its highest potential.

16. Use a flat iron with temperature control

The best temperature for straightening or curling hair will depend on many factors, including your type of hair and how damaged it is. 

For this reason, it’s important to opt for a flat iron with temperature control to only use the heat that you need for your hair type. Using more heat than it’s actually necessary can be extremely damaging over the long run, especially if you are ironing wet or dirty hair. 

17. Avoid sulfates and silicones

If you are wondering how to take care of curly hair, one of the best things you can do is to avoid sulfates and silicones in your hair care products. 

That's because sulfates strip the hair of its natural oils. Curly hair is often drier than straight hair because the natural oils produced by the scalp have a harder time traveling down the curls.

Using sulfates can exacerbate this dryness, leading to frizz and a lack of moisture. A shampoo like the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Shampoo is perfect for curly hair because it's made from all-natural products and without harsh ingredients.

18. Avoid brushing dry curls 

Brushing dry curls can lead to several issues, including frizz and breakage. Curly hair is prone to frizz, and brushing dry curls can disrupt the natural curl pattern, causing the hair to frizz and lose its defined shape.

In addition, dry brushing can cause tangles and breakage, especially if done forcefully or with the wrong type of brush.

19. Implement a good anti-frizz serum into your routine

If you want to take care of curly hair, another good tip straight from the experts' bag is to use specific anti-frizz products for wavy hair, such as the NuMe Clout Control Anti-Frizz spray.

This revolutionary spray nourishes and hydrates the hair from the inside out, providing the ultimate defense against frizz and humidity. The result is effortlessly sleek and manageable locks!

20. Avoid touching your hair too much

Another tip on how to take care of curly hair is to avoid touching it excessively.  Every time you touch your hair, especially when it's dry, you risk disturbing the natural curl pattern.

This disturbance can cause the cuticle to lift and create frizz. Curly hair, due to its texture, is particularly prone to frizz.

In addition, our hands naturally produce oils, which can transfer to your hair if you are touching it too much. While this might not sound problematic, it can lead to the hair becoming greasy more quickly, especially at the roots.

21. Limit chemical treatments

And last but not least, you will definitely enjoy a healthier and shinier mane if you are limiting the use of chemical treatments such as coloring, perms, and chemical straightening.

That's because these treatments alter the hair's natural structure and weaken the hair shaft, leading to damage, breakage, and a loss of natural curl pattern. They can also strip away the natural oils and moisture from the hair!

How to take care of curly hair: conclusion 

In conclusion, learning how to protect curly hair is a process that may have its challenges, but the rewards are absolutely worth it - your hair will be healthy, manageable, hydrated, and always shiny and beautiful. 

Curly hair tends to be drier and more prone to frizz, so proper care and maintenance are crucial. 

By following these expert curly hair care tips and tricks, including using the right hair care products, protecting curls while sleeping, doing heat styling with the right tools, and practicing a gentle detangling routine, you can effectively care for your curly hair and enhance its natural beauty.

And last but not least, remember to listen to your hair and customize your hair care routine based on its individual needs.

FAQ

How can I improve my natural curls?

To enhance your natural curls, use a sulfate-free shampoo, a hydrating conditioner, and a microfiber towel to gently scrunch-dry. Apply a curl-defining product and let hair air dry or use a diffuser on low heat.

Avoid brushing to prevent frizz, and embrace your unique curl pattern by experimenting with different products and techniques.

How do I keep my naturally curly hair curly?

Maintain curly locks by using a silk pillowcase to minimize frizz, refreshing curls with a water and leave-in conditioner mix, and protecting hair from heat damage. Avoid excessive touching to prevent disruption of your natural curl pattern, and opt for sulfate-free products to retain moisture.

Regular trims help prevent split ends, ensuring healthier and bouncier curls. Embrace your curls by embracing a low-maintenance routine that lets your natural texture shine.

What is the best way to take care of dry curly hair?

Revive dry curls by hydrating with a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Use a deep conditioning treatment weekly, and minimize heat styling. Apply a leave-in conditioner or oil to lock in moisture, and gently detangle with a wide-tooth comb.

Embrace the "pineapple" method at night to protect curls while sleeping, and avoid overwashing to retain natural oils. Regular trims prevent split ends, ensuring healthier, more luscious curls.

Should curly hair dry naturally?

Allowing curly hair to dry naturally often enhances its texture and reduces frizz. Air drying helps maintain the natural curl pattern without causing heat damage. For best results, use a microfiber towel to gently scrunch excess water, apply a curl-defining product, and let hair air dry.

However, individual preferences may vary, and some may choose to use a diffuser in a low-heat setting for quicker drying while still preserving those gorgeous curls.