How to build a curly hair routine

Developing a curly hair routine is essential for maintaining healthy, beautiful curls.

Everyone's curls are different and finding the right care routine can be a journey of trial and error. But there are some basics you can try to get going. 

Here’s the Curlytops guide for helping you to build a curly hair routine.

Understand your hair thickness, density & porosity

The first step in building your routine is to understand your hair type. Forget about all that 2A, 3B stuff! What you really need to know is your hair’s porosity (how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture), its density (how much hair you have and how close your hairs are to each other) and the thickness of your hair (which is pretty self explanatory!)

All this will influence the products and techniques that will work best for you.

Got fine hair with low density and porosity? You're going to need light weight products and avoid heavy creams and oils.

Thick, coarse hair and a whole lot of it? Heavier products are for you!

Cleansing: Finding the right balance

The first - and possibly most contentious - step in your curly hair routine is cleansing. Some people will tell you curly hair should never be washed. Some people will tell you to co-wash (using a conditioner like a shampoo). You may need to experiment to figure out the best approach for your hair. 

Remember, curls need moisture, but they also need to be cleaned to remove build-up. Try this:

• Use a sulfate-free shampoo or cleanser 
• Experiment with the frequency of washing. If you find you scalp is feeling itchy, you may need to up the frequency. Ditto if it's super oily. If your hair feels dry and limp, you might be washing too much,
• Clarify! This is the fastest way get rid of build up on your curls. A clarifying shampoo is a great way to clean the slate and start fresh when you're trying a new routine. But remember to always condition afterwards. 

Conditioning: The moisture key

Conditioning is crucial in a curly hair routine to keep curls hydrated and manageable. But it's easy to over or under condition. If your hair looks limp and heavy, you might be going to hard on the conditioner. Experiment with a lighter option or use less. 

• Regular conditioning after every wash helps to seal moisture into the cuticle.
• Deep conditioning treatments once a week can help restore the hair’s natural moisture, improve elasticity, and reduce frizz. Try the Clever Curl Treatment. 

Choose your styling products wisely

Styling products and techniques can make a huge difference in the definition and overall health of your curls.

• Leave-in conditioners help to keep your curls moisturised throughout the day. Apply on wet hair immediately after washing. Try the Clever Curl Curl Cream.
• Gels can define and hold curls and prevent frizz from taking over. Apply while brush styling wet curls before diffusing. 
• Styling techniques like scrunching, finger coiling, or using a diffuser can help enhance your curl pattern without disrupting its natural shape.

Drying: Do it right

How you dry your curls can affect their shape, volume, and frizz level.

• Air drying is the gentlest method that allows curls to set naturally but it may not be the best method for your hair. After initially resisting diffusing, I gave it a shot and found it gives me way better definition and volume.
• That's because using a diffuser on a low heat setting can speed up drying time and help boost volume at the roots.

Nighttime care: Protect your curls

Protecting your curls while you sleep is crucial and often overlooked stage in your curl routine.

• Sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce friction that can cause frizz and breakage.
• Pineapple your hair (a loose ponytail on top of your head) with a silk scrunchie or wear a satin bonnet to keep curls intact overnight.

Experiment and adjust

There's a lot of curl advice out there and what works for one person might not work for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different products and techniques until you find what works best for your hair. Listen to your curls, and adjust your routine as needed, especially as seasons change.

Try the Curlytops routine here. 

Looking for more curly hair tips and tricks? 

Check out more of our advice here.

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