Does your curly hair feel impossible to manage?
You’re not alone in this struggle. I used to spend hours trying to make my curls look decent, only for them to end up frizzy by noon.
You buy products that promise miracles but deliver disappointment. It’s exhausting when you can’t figure out what works.
But here’s the thing: a good curly hair routine doesn’t need to be complicated.
I’ll walk you through an easy curly hair routine that beginners can actually follow.
Understand Your Curl Type First
Before starting any routine, figure out what kind of curls you have.
This makes everything easier because different types need different care.
Wavy (2A–2C): Gentle S-shaped bends that get weighed down easily. Keep products light.
Curly (3A–3C): Spiral ringlets ranging from loose to tight. These need lots of moisture since natural oils can’t travel down the curls easily.
Coily (4A–4C): Super tight zigzag or spring patterns. The most fragile type, requiring maximum hydration and protection.
Check your hair when it’s wet and product-free. That’s your true texture.
Curly Hair Routine Steps for Women
Getting your curls to look good starts with the proper steps. Here’s what actually works.
These methods are simple and don’t require expensive products or hours of your time.
Step 1: Cleanse the Right Way
Regular shampoos strip away natural oils, leaving curls dry. That’s why your hair feels like straw after washing.
Use sulfate-free shampoos. They clean without harsh detergents that damage curls.
Try co-washing using conditioner instead of shampoo. It cleanses gently while keeping moisture in. I co-wash twice weekly and shampoo once.
Got oily scalp or product buildup? Use a clarifying shampoo monthly.
Step 2: Condition for Slip and Moisture
Conditioner is where the magic happens for curly hair. It restores the moisture that washing removes and makes your hair easier to handle.
Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends. Skip your roots unless they’re scorched. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes while you do other shower tasks.
Finger detangling – Start at the ends and work upward gently. Use your fingers to separate knots while the conditioner coats each strand. This method gives you control and prevents damage.
Wide-tooth comb – After finger detangling, use a wide-tooth comb for stubborn tangles. Begin at the bottom and slowly move up.
Detangling While Conditioning: Never detangle dry curly hair. You'll cause breakage and lose curl definition.
Step 3: Deep Conditioning Routine
Regular conditioner works for daily washing, but your curls need extra love sometimes. Deep conditioning gives that intense moisture boost.
How often should you deep condition?
Do it once weekly if your hair feels dry or damaged. Healthy curls only need it every two weeks.
How to apply leave-in conditioner?
Put leave-in on soaking wet hair right after rinsing. Scrunch the product into your curls from bottom to top. This seals in moisture throughout the day
Step 4: Add a Styler for Curl Definition
Stylers help your curls hold their shape and fight frizz all day. They’re the secret to making your curls last.
Types of Stylers
Gel: Gives strong hold and definition. Best for humid weather when frizz attacks. Forms a cast that you scrunch out later.
Mousse: Lightweight with medium hold. Great for fine or wavy hair that needs volume without weight. Dries faster than gel.
Curl creams: Add moisture and soft hold. Perfect for dry, thick curls that need hydration while styling.
Application Techniques
Raking method: Run fingers through wet hair like a comb, distributing product evenly from roots to ends.
Praying hands: Smooth the product between palms, then glide hands gently down each curl section.
Scrunching: Squeeze curls upward toward your scalp. This creates bounce and definition instantly.
Step 5: Dry Your Curls Without Frizz
How you dry your hair makes or breaks your curls. Regular towels create friction that causes frizz and ruins curl patterns.
Air Drying Approach
Let hair dry naturally after styling. Please don’t touch it while drying, as this causes frizz.
Use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to squeeze out water; regular towels damage curls. Air drying takes 3-6 hours, depending on thickness.
Diffusing Method
Attach a diffuser to your blow dryer for faster drying. Divide the hair into sections, place them in the diffuser bowl, and lift toward your scalp.
Hold 30 seconds per section. Use low heat and medium speed. Diffusing takes 20-40 minutes and adds volume at the roots.
Step 6: Refresh Curls Between Wash Days
Your curls won’t look perfect every morning. Refreshing brings them back to life without washing.
Light Water Mist Method: Use this on day 2 or 3 when curls look flat or frizzy. Spray water lightly on problem areas and scrunch gently to reactivate products already in your hair. Focus on ends and frizzy sections, not roots.
Refreshing With Gel: Mix a pea-sized amount of gel with water in your palms. Smooth over frizzy spots or scrunch into flat curls for quick definition.
Step 7: Night Routine to Protect Curls
What you do before bed determines how your curls look tomorrow morning.
A proper night routine saves you from having to start over each day.
Satin or Silk Pillowcase: Cotton pillowcases are curl killers. They absorb moisture from your hair and create friction, causing frizz and breakage.
Reducing friction: Switch to satin or silk pillowcases. These smooth fabrics let your curls glide without rubbing. Your hair stays hydrated and defined through the night.
Pineapple or Loose Bun: Gather hair at the top of your head in a high, loose ponytail. This is called pineapple.
Curly Hair Routine Steps for Men
Men’s curls need care, too. Without proper steps, you’ll end up with dry, frizzy hair. A simple routine takes 10 minutes and gives you defined, healthy curls.
Step 1: Cleanse Without Over-Washing
Daily washing strips natural oils that keep curls healthy. Most men over-wash, which dries out hair.
Wash 2-3 times weekly with sulfate-free shampoo. On other days, rinse with water or use conditioner only.
Work out daily? Rinse with water, then apply a lightweight conditioner. Save shampoo for when your scalp feels genuinely greasy.
Step 2: Condition for Softness
Conditioner makes your curls soft and manageable. Most men skip this step, then wonder why their hair feels rough.
Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends after every wash. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes while you finish showering.
Use your fingers to detangle gently while the conditioner is in. This prevents breakage and makes styling easier later. Rinse with cool water to seal the hair cuticle.
Step 3: Lightweight Leave-In
Leave-in conditioner keeps moisture locked in throughout the day. Men with short curls need lighter formulas that won’t weigh hair down.
Apply a dime-sized amount to damp hair after showering. Focus on the ends, not your scalp. Rub it between your palms first, then run fingers through your curls.
Choose spray leave-ins if creams feel too heavy. They absorb quickly and don’t leave residue.
Step 4: Styler Based on Curl Type
Pick your styler based on how tight your curls are. Using the wrong product makes hair look flat or overly stiff.
Wavy hair: Use light mousse for volume without weight. Apply to damp hair and scrunch upward.
Curly hair: Try curl cream or light gel. These hold while keeping curls soft and touchable.
Coily hair: Go for thick creams or butters. Your hair needs heavier moisture to stay defined.
Apply products to wet hair, not dry. Rake through with fingers, then scrunch. This creates natural-looking definition that lasts all day.
Step 5: Low-Frizz Drying
How you dry matters just as much as what you use. Regular towels create friction that ruins your curl pattern.
Pat your hair with a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt instead. Don’t rub—this causes instant frizz.
Air drying works best but takes time.
If you’re in a rush, use a diffuser attachment on low heat. Cup sections of hair in the diffuser, then hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat with the remaining hair.
Step 6: Morning Refresh
Your curls won’t look perfect every morning. A quick refresh takes 2 minutes and saves you from having to wash again.
Spray water lightly on flat or frizzy areas. Gently scrunch those sections to reactivate yesterday’s products.
For extra definition, mix a tiny bit of gel with water in your palms. Smooth over problem spots or scrunch into curls. Focus on the ends and sides where you slept.
Step 7: Night Protection
What you do before bed affects how your curls look tomorrow. Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture and flatten your curl pattern.
Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase. These fabrics reduce friction and keep curls intact while you sleep.
Got longer hair? Try the pineapple method: gather hair loosely at the top of your head with a silk scrunchie. This protects curls and adds volume.
Products You Will Need
You don’t need dozens of products to start. These essentials cover everything for great curls.
| Product | Purpose | Beginner Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Sulfate-free shampoo | Cleanses without stripping oils | Look for “sulfate-free” on the label |
| Moisturizing conditioner | Adds hydration and detangling slip | Choose one labeled for curly or dry hair |
| Leave-in conditioner | Locks in moisture all day | Spray versions work best for beginners |
| Curl-defining styler | Holds curl shape and fights frizz | Pick gel, mousse, or cream based on your curl type |
| Microfiber towel | Reduces frizz while drying | Regular towels damage curls—avoid them |
Curly Hair Routine Product Recommendations
Choosing the right products makes your routine actually work.
Here are product categories that work best for each curl type.
Shampoo Recommendations
- SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
- Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo
- As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo
- OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls Shampoo
Conditioner Recommendations
Serum Recommendations
- OGX Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum
- John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum
- Moroccanoil Treatment Light
- L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Serum
Conclusion
You now have everything you need for a solid curly hair routine. Consistency beats perfection.
Stick with this curly hair routine for a few weeks, and you’ll see fundamental changes.
Start with the basics: cleanse gently, condition properly, and protect your curls at night. Master one step at a time instead of buying every product available.
What works for others might not work for you. Pay attention to how your hair responds.
Ready to start?
