8 Ways to Style and Care for Natural Curly Hair

Caring for and styling natural curly hair doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the proper techniques and products, your curls can be the show-stopping crown they’re meant to be! Here are 8 simple yet effective tips to style and care for your natural curly hair while maintaining its health and vibrancy.

1. Twist Wet Hair with a Towel Instead of Rubbing
One of the most common mistakes is aggressively rubbing wet hair with a towel, which can lead to breakage and frizz. Instead, gently twist or scrunch your hair with a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt to remove excess water. This technique helps preserve your curl pattern and minimizes damage.

2. Go Easy with Your Hairbrush or Use a Wide-Toothed Comb
Curly hair is more fragile and prone to breakage than other hair types. Traditional hairbrushes can disrupt your curls and cause unnecessary damage. Opt for a wide-toothed comb and detangle your hair while it’s wet and coated with conditioner. This minimizes pulling and helps keep your curls intact.

3. Swap Hair Serum for Curl Crème
While hair serums work wonders for smoothness, they often weigh curly hair down. A curl crème is a better option as it enhances your natural curls while providing the moisture and definition they need. Apply it to damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, for bouncy, well-defined curls.

4. Use a Diffuser on Your Hairdryer
If you’re in a rush and can’t let your curls air dry, a diffuser attachment for your hairdryer is your best friend. The diffuser evenly distributes heat, reducing frizz and enhancing curl definition. Use it on a low heat setting and scrunch your hair gently while drying for the best results.

5. Avoid Anti-Frizz Products
It might sound counterintuitive, but many anti-frizz products can be too heavy for curly hair and may flatten your curls. Instead, use lightweight, curl-specific products that hydrate and define without weighing your hair down. Hydrated curls are less likely to frizz naturally!

6. Get a Mousse with a Modern ‘Non-Crispy’ Formula
Forget the crunchy mousse from the 90s; modern formulas are lightweight and designed to give your curls hold, volume, and bounce without stiffness. Apply mousse to damp hair, scrunch, and let your curls dry naturally or with a diffuser.

7. Try Salt Spray for Beachy Waves
For a relaxed, beachy look, salt spray can work wonders. This product enhances your curl pattern and gives your hair a soft, textured finish. Lightly mist your hair while it’s damp and scrunch; let it air dry for effortlessly styled curls.

8. Get a Deep Conditioning Treatment Regularly
Due to its structure, curly hair tends to be drier, which makes deep conditioning treatments essential. Use a rich, hydrating mask once a week to keep your curls soft, shiny, and manageable. Deep conditioning also helps repair damage and protect curls from environmental stress.

Natural curly hair is as unique as the person wearing it, and the key to styling it beautifully lies in understanding its needs. Incorporating these tips into your routine can enhance your curls’ natural beauty while keeping them healthy and strong. Whether you’re rocking twist-outs or beachy waves, remember—your curls are your superpower!

Have a go-to curly hair tip or product you love? Share it in the comments! Let’s keep this curly-haired conversation going.