Curly hair is unique and beautiful, but it requires special care to maintain health and definition. Washing curly hair the right way can make all the difference in preventing frizz, tangles, and dryness.
Here are a few of our favorite tips for the best techniques for washing curly hair to make sure your curls stay moisturized, vibrant, and well-defined:
Step 1: Pre-Wash Prep
Prepping your hair before you wash can help protect your curls from damage and dryness. Here’s how to do it:
- Detangle First: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your dry hair. This helps to minimize breakage and makes the washing process easier.
- Apply Pre-Wash Oil or Conditioner: Apply a lightweight oil or conditioner to the ends of your hair. This provides an extra layer of protection against the stripping effects of shampoo.
Step 2: Choose the Right Shampoo
Selecting the right shampoo is crucial for curly hair. Look for the following:
-
Sulfate-Free: Sulfates can strip natural oils from your hair, leading to dryness and frizz. Choose a sulfate-free shampoo like our Gentle Shampoo to maintain your hair’s moisture balance.
- Moisturizing Formula: Opt for shampoos that are specifically formulated for curly hair and contain hydrating natural ingredients. Our Gentle Shampoo is infused with natural aloe, honey, and sea botanicals.
Step 3: Washing Technique
The way you wash your hair can impact your curls. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Wet Your Hair Thoroughly: Use lukewarm water to thoroughly wet your hair. Avoid hot water as it can strip your hair of natural oils.
- Apply Shampoo to Scalp: Focus the shampoo on your scalp, where oil and product build-up occur. Use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp in circular motions. This helps to cleanse the scalp and stimulate blood flow.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly, allowing the shampoo to wash down through the lengths of your hair. Avoid scrubbing the lengths as this can cause tangling and damage.
Step 4: Condition Generously
Conditioning is a vital step for curly hair, as it helps to restore moisture and detangle your curls.
- Apply Conditioner: Apply a generous amount of Daily Conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. These areas are typically drier and more prone to damage.
- Detangle: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair while the conditioner is still in. This helps to evenly distribute the product and reduce knots.
- Let It Sit: Allow the conditioner to sit for a few minutes to penetrate and nourish your hair.
- Rinse with Cool Water: Rinse out the conditioner with cool water. This helps to seal the hair cuticle, enhancing shine and reducing frizz.
Step 5: Deep Condition Regularly
Deep conditioning treatments are essential for maintaining the health of curly hair. Aim to deep condition your hair once a week or as needed.
- Apply Deep Conditioner: Apply a generous amount of Deep Conditioner to clean, damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
- Cover and Let Sit: Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the deep conditioner sit for 15-30 minutes. For extra penetration, you can wrap a warm towel around your head.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse out the deep conditioner with cool water.
Step 6: Drying Techniques
How you dry your hair can greatly impact your curls. Follow these tips for best results:
- Squeeze Out Excess Water: Use your hands to gently squeeze out excess water from your hair. Avoid wringing or rubbing your hair with a towel.
- Use a Microfiber Towel or T-Shirt: Wrap your hair in a microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt to absorb water without causing frizz.
- Air Dry or Diffuse: If possible, let your hair air dry to maintain its natural curl pattern. If you need to use a hairdryer, use a diffuser attachment on a low heat setting to minimize frizz and enhance curl definition.
Step 7: Post-Wash Care
Taking care of your curls after washing is essential for maintaining their health and definition:
- Apply Leave-In Conditioner: While your hair is still damp, apply a Leave-In Conditioner to help lock in moisture and keep your curls soft and manageable.
- Use Styling Products: Depending on your curl type, apply Curly Hair Cream, Curl Enhancer Gel , or Curly Hair Custard to define and hold your curls. Scrunch your hair upwards to encourage curl formation. NOTE: wait until your hair is 70-80% dry to scrunch your hair to release the cast.
Follow these steps and find what works best for your hair type so it stays healthy, hydrated, and beautifully defined.
The key to great curls is gentle care and the right products. Embrace your natural curls and enjoy the process of finding what works best for you!
Learn more about the right products for your hair type by taking our curl quiz here.
Have questions? Email us hello@moptophair.com
Stay Curly! 💛
