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The Ultimate Curly Hair Routine: Tips for Beautiful, Defined Curls

Maintaining a perfect curly hair routine can be a difficult task, but with the right steps, it's more than achievable. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain how to maintain those beautiful curls, choose the right products, and even show you how to refresh them in the morning.

What is the ultimate routine for curly hair?

Routine for curly hair

An ultimate curly hair routine is a comprehensive regimen meticulously designed to address the unique attributes and demands of curly hair.

This is not a one-size-fits-all process; it is often customized based on factors such as curl type, hair porosity, and hair health.

However, this hair type requires special attention due to its distinct structure. The natural twists and turns of a curly hair routine make it harder for scalp oils to circulate along the hair shaft.

This leads to a tendency towards dryness, breakage and frizz, hence the need to establish a dedicated routine for curly hair to keep it shiny.

How to create the ultimate routine for curly hair?

How to Create the Ultimate Curly Hair Routine

Step 1: Cleaning

Start by thoroughly wetting your hair. Apply a sulfate-free shampoo, concentrating on the scalp. Sulfate-free shampoos are gentle and won't strip natural oils like traditional shampoos. For curly hair, it's generally recommended to shampoo once or twice a week to avoid over-washing and drying out your hair.

Step 2: Packaging

After rinsing out the shampoo, apply a moisturizing conditioner. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends, avoiding the scalp. This step helps reintroduce moisture into your hair. Let the conditioner sit in your hair for a few minutes before rinsing it out to allow it to penetrate the hair shafts.

Step 3: Styling

Rinse the conditioner out with cool water. This seals your hair cuticles, locks in the moisture and nutrients from the conditioner, and gives your curls a shiny finish. After rinsing, apply a leave-in conditioner. The choice of leave-in product depends on your hair porosity. For low porosity hair, this leave-in conditioner is suitable.

Step 4: Styling

After applying the leave-in conditioner , it's time to define your curls. You can use a cream or gel to help shape and define your curls. For best results, apply the product while your hair is still damp. Techniques such as "scrunching" can help highlight your curls.

Step 5: Drying

There are several ways to dry your curls without causing frizz or disrupting the curl pattern. You can let your hair air dry, use the diffuser attachment on your hair dryer, or "plop" your hair with a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel. Avoid regular towels as they can create frizz.

Which product to define your curls?


When it comes to defining curls, the right product can make all the difference. Your choice will often depend on your curl type, the level of hold you prefer, and whether your hair tends to frizz or dry out. Here are some of the most popular types of curl-defining products:

1. The Leave-in

Leave-In Conditioner

Leave-in conditioners are essential for an optimal curly hair routine. They provide a base of moisture that helps define curls, making them smoother and more manageable.

The best leave-in product depends on your hair porosity. For example, if you have low-porosity hair, a lighter, water-based leave-in treatment, like this leave-in conditioner, would be a good choice.

2. Curl gels

Curl gels

Gels are a popular choice for those looking for more hold and definition. They coat the hair and create a "mold" around the curls, holding them in their shape while drying. Once your hair is dry, you can "scrunch" it to soften the flow and leave your curls bouncy and defined.

4. Mousse

Mousses are lighter than gels and can provide good volume and definition to wavy or curly hair. They can be used alone or combined with other products, such as leave-in conditioners or curl creams, for the ultimate curly hair routine.

7. Hair serums

Serums can add shine, reduce frizz, and help define curls. They are usually silicone-based, which helps seal the hair cuticle and protect it from environmental aggressors.

It's important to note that choosing and using a product often involves a period of trial and error. Everyone's curls are unique, so it may take some experimentation to find the ideal products to define your curls.

Listen to your hair and observe how it reacts to different products to find the one that works best for you.

How to define your curls naturally?

natural curly hair

Defining your curls doesn't necessarily require a multitude of products. There are also several techniques you can incorporate into your curly hair styling routine to enhance and define your curls naturally.

Here are some steps to consider:

1. Moisturize your hair _ Ultimate routine for curly hair

Moisturize your hair

Curls need moisture to thrive. Regular conditioning and deep conditioning treatments can help.

You may want to consider a natural mask to hydrate the ultimate curly hair. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water also contributes to overall hair health.

2. The scrunch

Instead of combing your curls when they're dry, use the scrunching technique . Apply your styling product to your hands, then press it into your curls, working from the ends to the roots. This will encourage natural curls to form.

3. Use a diffuser

If using a hair dryer, use a diffuser attachment. This distributes the heat evenly, allowing your curls to dry naturally. It's recommended to use a low heat setting to avoid heat damage.

4. The Stumble

This technique involves wrapping wet hair in a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel for a period of time. This promotes curl formation and reduces frizz.

After applying your styling products, place your hair in the center of the towel, tie the ends at the back of your head, and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.

5. Protective styles

Use protective styles, such as braids or twists, to define your curls naturally. After washing and conditioning your hair, divide it into sections and braid or twist each one.

Leave the braids in overnight (or for several hours), and when you take them out, you'll have beautifully defined curls.

6. Satin or silk pillowcases

Satin or silk pillowcases

A simple change, like switching to a satin or silk pillowcase, can help maintain your curl structure and reduce frizz while you sleep.

Remember that everyone's hair is different, and it may take some experimentation to find what works best for your curls. The key is to be patient with your hair and allow your natural curls to flourish with proper care.

How to refresh your curls in the morning?

refresh curls in the morning

Overnight, your curls can flatten or lose their definition. Refreshing your curls in the morning can revive them and give them back their bounce. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Assess your curls

The first step is to examine your curls. Not all of them need a refresh—some sections may have held up better overnight. Identifying areas that need attention will help you avoid unnecessary manipulation of healthier curls.

Step 2: Hydrate with water

Hydration is essential for revitalizing curls. Using a spray bottle filled with water, lightly mist the areas that need refreshing. Your hair should be damp, but not dripping wet. This will reactivate the products you applied the previous wash day.

Step 3: Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl conditioner

Applying a little leave-in conditioner or curl refresher can provide extra moisture and help redefine your curls.

Distribute it evenly through your hair using your fingers. Try not to disturb your curls too much while doing this.

Step 4: Use a curl-defining product

If your curls need more definition, apply a small amount of your favorite curl-defining product. This can be a cream, gel, or mousse, depending on your preference. Gently work it into your curls to help them regain their shape.

Step 5: Let your hair dry

Let your hair air dry or, if you're in a hurry, use a diffuser on a low heat setting. Try not to touch your hair while it's drying to avoid frizz.

Step 6: Filling and Formatting

Once your hair is dry, you can use your fingers to gently fluff the roots to increase volume. If some curls still aren't formed, you can use a technique called "finger coiling."

This involves wrapping the individual curls around your finger to help them regain their shape.

Step 7: Seal with oil

If necessary, you can seal in moisture with a few drops of a light oil, such as jojoba or argan oil. This also helps add shine and reduce frizz.

Which natural mask for an ultimate routine for curly hair?

Natural mask

Natural masks are a boon for the ultimate curly hair routine. They provide deep hydration and can help repair damage. For hair prone to breakage, this natural mask for brittle hair is a great option.

Always look for masks that contain nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, and various natural oils.

Which leave-in product for the ultimate curly hair routine?

Leave-in for the ultimate curly hair routine

Choosing a leave-in conditioner depends on your hair porosity. For low-porosity hair, lighter, water-based leave-in conditioners work well, like this low-porosity leave-in conditioner.

For very porous hair, it's recommended to use a creamier leave-in treatment that can penetrate the hair shaft, like this leave-in conditioner for porous hair.

Remember, consistency is key to a curly hair routine. With the right care, the right products, and a little patience, you'll be well on your way to achieving the beautiful, bouncy, and defined curls you've always dreamed of.