Healthy curls are beautiful, but anyone who has curly hair knows that taking care of curly hair can be a challenge. Curly hair can’t be cut or styled the same way as straight hair and is also naturally more dry than straight hair, so it has different care requirements. Once you master these curly hair tips, however, you’ll be on your way to a healthier mane of beautiful curls. Once you learn how to care for curly hair, you’ll be the envy of all your straight-haired friends!

Find a Specialist

Cutting curly hair takes a special skillset and knowledge that many regular hair stylists simply don’t have. A hairstylist who specializes in curls will consider your curl pattern and cut your hair in a way that’s most flattering for your hair type and face shape. As an added benefit, a great haircut will save you time on styling! Check Google or Yelp for a hairstylist in your area, or ask a curly haired friend where they get their hair done

Avoid Heat Styling

Curly hair is naturally more brittle than straight hair, so it’s important to be extra careful when styling. For best results, avoid heat tools altogether. But if you can’t stand having wet hair, use a hair dryer with a diffuser to maintain your curls and prevent frizz.

Conditioning is Key

Curly hair tends toward dryness because natural scalp oils have a difficult time traveling down the coiled strands. All this dryness means that hair can break off and create frizz. Moisturize your locks by using a deep conditioning mask once per week. When you wash your hair, always condition your ends and use a leave-in conditioner for added moisture.

Update Your Bedtime Routine

To prevent tangles and knots, sleep with your hair in a bun, low ponytail, or braid. Consider switching to a satin or silk pillowcase. Cotton pillowcases are incredibly drying for hair because they absorb hair’s natural moisturizing oils and their rough surface creates friction which can cause breakage.

Just think of it like this: a satin pillowcase is an investment that results in great hair dividends!

Keep On Top of Split Ends

Many curly hair care gurus advocate trimming split ends at home, but we think it’s best to see a professional. Since curly hair is brittle and splits easily, you may need hair trims more than your straight-haired friends. But don’t worry! Your length won’t suffer. Simply ask your hairstylist for a “dusting” of your ends to keep your hair beautiful and healthy.

Skip the Shampoo

Since curly hair tends to be dry, you can get away with shampooing your hair a lot less than those with straight locks. If you need to wet your hair every day, try co-washing – skip the shampoo and just condition your hair. When you do shampoo your hair, be sure to use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that won’t strip your hair of its natural protective oils.

No Dry Brushing!

Repeat after us: NEVER use a brush on dry curly hair. Dry brushing your curls will not only break up your curl pattern and cause massive amounts of frizz, but it will also damage your hair. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair or simply use your fingers to untangle knots and evenly distribute product.

Eat a Hair Healthy Diet

No matter what your hair type, your hair health will suffer if you’re not eating properly. Make sure to get plenty of protein and Omega-3’s in your diet.

Avoid Towel Drying

Drying your hair with a towel can roughen up your cuticles and cause frizz. Instead, use an old t-shirt to gently squeeze water out of your. Don’t have any old t-shirts lying around? Look for a microfiber cloth specifically designed for drying hair.

Do you have curly hair? What are your favorite curly hair care tips? Let us know in the comments!

Stay In the Know

Need some tips on keeping your beard in tip top shape, or know someone who does? Next week we will cover the basics on facial hair care.

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Colleen Welsch

Colleen Welsch is a freelance beauty writer and blogger specializing in hair care, hair growth education and beauty.