How To Maintain Curly Hair With A Simple Routine

Being a curly-haired girl myself, I can safely say that managing this mane is no easy feat. A little bit of patience – and a lot of picking out the right products—is what it takes to tame this head of hair. Well, fine, it’s just short of being a nuisance…but why the hate? I’m #CurlyAndProud, and let me tell you why.

Firstly, there are too many ways to style curly hair; think messy bun, side-parted open hair, a wavy ponytail, and so on. This practically leaves no room for conformity – and a lot of scope for experimentation. Second, (and mind you, this one’s a big boon), no hairbrushes or combs are required. In a way, they cannot, and shall not, be tamed.

Understanding Your Curl Type

Understanding your curl type is key when figuring out how to maintain curly hair. There are four broad types of hair: 2 (wavy), 3 (curly), and 4 (tight coils), each with its own unique needs. Knowing your curl pattern helps you choose the right products, whether it's hydrating creams or lightweight gels, for that bouncy, frizz-free look. From curly hair care tips to mastering the art of detangling, it's all about embracing your natural texture. Maintaining your curls becomes so much easier once you’ve nailed down your type.

But when it comes to curating your curly hair arsenal, you mustn’t take it lightly. The trick lies in identifying your curly hair type – which ranges from 2 to 4, across sub-categories A to C; 2A being slightly wavy and 4C being super kinky. The next step involves keeping an eye out for suitable (read moisturising) ingredients, such as argan oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba oil, honey, and glycerine, among others.

8 Tips To Take Care Of Curly Hair

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Curly hair tends to be rather dry, so invest in a good hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Look for sulfate-free products to keep your curls moist without stripping them of natural oils.

2. Detangle with Care: When it comes to detangling, always use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. It's best done when your hair is wet and conditioned to prevent breakage.

3. Use Leave-in Conditioner: Add a leave-in conditioner into your routine for added moisture immediately. It helps keep your curls defined, and frizz-free all day long.

4. Choose the Right Styling Products: Look for products that are designed specifically for curls. Creams, gels and mousses are going to define those curls better and help hold their shape. Remember: a little is not a lot.

5. Don't overwash: How to care for curls without drying them out? Try limiting the frequency of washing to 2-3 times a week; this is important because it keeps your hair's natural oils intact and healthy-looking.

6. How You Dry Makes a Difference: Instead of rubbing your curls with the towel, try gentle scrunching locks using a microfiber cloth or an old t-shirt. This will keep frizz and breakage at bay.

7. Sleep Smart: Protect the curls at night using a silk or satin pillowcase. This will minimise friction and wake you up fresh in the morning with curls intact.

8. Style It: Whether it is wavy hair or tighter curls, keep trying out hairstyles to see what works well for you. Loose braids or a high bun can also manage those locks in a chic manner.

Allow us to make it super-easy for you (because who, barring us beauty geeks, enjoys skimming through the ingredient list anyway?). I spent a week taking these products for a test drive, and I’m pleased to report that they understood the assignment—and obtained an A-grade, too.

Curly Hair Routine To Follow

Step 1: Detangle and Scalp Care [Pre-Wash]

Tangle Teezer The Wet Detangler Hairbrush For Naturally Curly Hair

Let’s be real, EVERY curly hair girl needs to own a detangler hairbrush. Featuring patented two-tiered teeth, this brush delivers on its promise to detangle your tresses with minimal breakage. Ideal for 3C to 4C hair types, 73% of users claim that it reduced their detangling time by half (or more). Begin at the ends and work your way up until it’s easy to brush seamlessly along your roots to the ends.

Fix My Curls Scalp & Strands Elixir Hair Oil

Next up is a hair elixir that boasts retinol, golden seaweed, and omega 3 for growth, strengthening, and moisturisation. That’s not all, it also doubles up as a heat protectant and prevents breakage. A lightweight potion enriched with tea tree oil, sunflower seed oil, and olive oil, it’s power-packed with antioxidants and lends anti-inflammatory properties for a happy, healthy, lustrous mane.

Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Bounty Balm Rich Curl Cream

This cream gets maximum points for defined curls without the crunch. Unlike the usual mousse-like products that make spirals a bit too sticky, a pea-sized amount of this smooth formula will leave your curls looking lit. Did we mention it also protects? So, apply this dream cream first, before styling.

Macadamia Natural Oil Moisturizing Rinse

Combining the best of both worlds nourishing Argan and strengthening Macadamia Oils, this beauty will truly change your curly hair game. Equivalent to a tall shot of moisture it’s going to seal in hydration – keeping humidity out. Use it as a finishing touch to get those spirals in shape, stat.

Step 2: Cleanse [Shampoo]

Yves Rocher Curls Cream Shampoo

Want defined curls that are bouncy and springy? Lather up with this herbal hair treatment infused with Baobab Leaf extract that brings them back to life. Plus, free from silicones, parabens and colourants, the shampoo’s safe for even the more distressed strands, perking them up in an instant.

BBlunt Curly Hair Shampoo With Coconut Water & Jojoba Oil

Celebrity hairstylist Adhuna Bhabani’s concoction lends your curls a harmonious blend of organic coconut water and jojoba oil to tend to your potentially parched strands. Offering optimal hydration and nourishment to your locks—without stripping them of their natural moisture – the BBlunt Curly Hair Shampoo is every curly-haired Indian woman’s wonder product.

Arata Advanced Curl Care Hair Shampoo

Presenting an all-natural, vegan option to quench your hair’s thirst in a jiffy. The Arata Advanced Curl Care Hair Shampoo is imbued with super-moisturising ingredients, including murumuru butter, coconut water, evening primrose oil, and hibiscus extract, that work to control frizziness, shield against oxidative stress, and soothe an irritated scalp – leaving you with bouncy, voluminous curls.

Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo

Want in on a secret? The only way to keep your archnemesis (aka frizz) at bay is with a moisture boost. Kick up the curl-quotient sans flyaways with this concentrated formula that seals in all the hydration from the air from root to tip. Plus, Argan Oil won’t strip or fade away coloured tresses.

Step 3: Moisturise [Conditioner]

Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Sulfate Free Frizz Sealing Conditioner

Looking to sport a minimal maintenance hairdo that doesn’t require a hectic routine each morning, invest in this wash-and-wear conditioner that’s packed with nutrients. Moisturizing Shea Butter, Soybean and Sunflower Oils tame frizz and detangles knots once and for all. #Frizz-Free Forever

Sebastian Professional Twisted Elastic Conditioner for Curly Hair

Kinky curls, tight coils, twisted spirals, a big afro or plain ‘ol waves, whatever your hair type, this curl-enhancing conditioner is a treat for all. With shine-boosting nutrients and ingredients that lock in moisture, you’re merely a few minutes away from achieving the hair of your dreams, always.

Aveda Be Curly Conditioner

Employing a two-pronged attack to calm frizz and enhance curls, Aveda’s Be Curly Conditioner is a beauty bag must-have. With a promise to define your curls up to 57%, this formulation works by deeply nourishing your locks with the goodness of wheat protein and organic aloe blend. Post shampooing, massage along your lengths and rinse thereafter.

Wella Professionals NUTRICURLS Detangling Conditioner

Beautifully bouncy curls are just a product away. The Wella Professionals NUTRICURLS collection relies on a NOURISH-IN complex boasting jojoba oil and wheat bran extract to make your mane more manageable.

Step 4: Hydrate [Hair Mask]

Dove Beautiful Curls Deep Moisture Miracle Hair Mask

Drench your curls in a moisturising formulation enriched with coconut oil, shea butter, and glycerine. The sulphate and paraben-free Dove Beautiful Curls Deep Moisture Miracle Mask lends immense nourishment to your parched strands – giving your hair a healthy, lustrous sheen.

Bare Anatomy Curl Enhancing Hair Mask

Meet this silicone-free formulation that provides 2X frizz protection for up to 48 hours. Infused with coconut oil, hyaluronic acid, and castor oil, the Bare Anatomy offering curbs hair fall and promotes healthy hair growth, all while strengthening and soothing your strands

Step 5: Define [Leave-In Cream]

Curl Up Curl Defining Cream

Let your curls do the talking, courtesy of Curl Up’s Curl Defining Cream—a Made-in-India, for Indian hair types leave-in cream. Delivering the benefits of flax seed extract, chia seeds, argan oil, and shea butter, this formulation targets unruly strands, supplying them with deep nourishment and hydration.

Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream

Your curls deserve to be under the spotlight, and with Moroccanoil’s Intense Curl Cream, you needn’t worry, for they’ll assume front-row status. A super-rich formulation with a creamy texture, this product is designed to tame and detangle curly to tightly spiralled hair, making your mane more manageable and low maintenance.

Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Defining Styling Lotion

If there’s one thing healthy curls need, it’s keratin. Packed to the brim with the goodness of this hair fibre, and infused with silk protein too, you’ve to get that scrunch on with this lotion. Super velvety to feel, it coats each coil with high-definition shine. Bonus: It eliminates that freakin’ frizz.

Wella Professionals EIMI Boost Bounce Curl Enhancing Mousse

Ever lusted for a genie in a bottle, that does it all. Rub (more like spritz) away ‘cos your wishes are answered. Tight, super-soft curls that don’t droop are coming your way. We’re serious, this stronghold mousse is great for curls that need extra definition without looking extra greasy or oily.

Curly hair demands some extra TLC, and our carefully curated selection of products will get the job done. From the splurger to the budget buyer, we’ve got you all covered with our edit of haircare offerings; shop away.

Conclusion

Now you know how to maintain curly hair with a simple routine that fits right into your busy lifestyle. By keeping your curls hydrated, using the right products, and embracing your natural texture, you’ll be flaunting those fabulous waves in no time. Remember, whether you’re asking, “How do you maintain curly hair?” or looking for tips on how to maintain curls in hair and how to maintain wavy hair, consistency is key. So, go on and treat your curls with the love they deserve—you’re going to look absolutely stunning.

FAQs

1. How do you maintain curly hair without too much fuss?

   Maintaining curly hair doesn’t have to be a full-on chore. To keep those lovely curls looking fabulous, focus on a simple routine. Start with a good sulfate-free shampoo, followed by a nourishing conditioner. Try to avoid washing your hair every day to prevent dryness – twice a week is often perfect. And remember, a little leave-in conditioner or curl cream goes a long way in keeping your curls bouncy and defined.

2. What’s the best way to maintain curls in hair?

   To maintain curls, it’s all about hydration, sweetie. Make sure you’re using products specifically designed for curly hair. After washing, apply a curl-defining cream while your hair is still damp, then scrunch your curls gently. You can also consider using a diffuser when blow-drying to keep your curls intact. And don’t forget to embrace your natural texture – less manipulation means healthier, happier curls.

3. Can I maintain wavy hair the same way as curly hair?

   While wavy hair can be a bit less intense than curly hair, the principles of maintenance are pretty similar. Focus on hydration and use lightweight products that won’t weigh your waves down. A good mousse or sea salt spray can enhance those beachy vibes while keeping frizz at bay.

4. How often should I deep condition my curly hair?

   Deep conditioning is a total game-changer for curls. Aim to treat your lovely locks to a deep condition every 1-2 weeks. This helps to replenish moisture and keeps your curls looking vibrant and healthy. If your hair feels dry or brittle, you might want to indulge in a deep treatment more often.

5. What are some quick tips for how to maintain curly hair?

   Here are some quick tips to keep your curls fabulous:

   • Don’t brush dry hair: Instead, use a wide-tooth comb on damp hair to detangle.
   • Use a silk or satin pillowcase: It helps reduce frizz and keeps your curls intact while you sleep.
   • Protect your curls from heat: If you’re styling with heat, always use a heat-protectant spray.
   • Experiment with protective styles: Braids and buns can give your curls a break from everyday wear.