How to Style Curly Hair: Products, Hairdos & More

Style experts weigh in on the best curly hair products, styles, and cuts to try

Co-authored by Christine George

Last Updated: March 22, 2024 Approved

Curly hair sure is beautiful, but styling can be a struggle sometimes. By taking good care of your curls and using the right products, you can eliminate frizz and keep your hair just the way you like it. In this article, we’ll show you the best ways to shampoo curly hair, set your curls, style your locks, and more. Let’s get started!

Things You Should Know

Only shampoo your hair when necessary, but condition it often to lock in moisture.
Apply a curl enhancing product, like an anti-frizz serum, and let your curls air dry. Finish with a touch of medium-hold spray to hold your curls throughout the day.
Try a front braid, top knot, or half-crown braid to show off your curls and style.
At the salon, ask for a short cut with layers for volume and bounce, or keep it long and add layers so your hair doesn’t get too heavy at the ends.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Shampooing and Conditioning Your Hair

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Shampoo your hair only when necessary. Shampooing your hair when it's dirty or greasy, as opposed to every single day, will keep your curls from drying out and frizzing.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.} Use moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo for the best results.^{[2]
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- Aim for shampooing your hair 1-3 times a week.
- Avoid silicone, which can prevent moisture from penetrating your hair.
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Condition your hair frequently to help lock in moisture. While you don't need to shampoo your hair every day, conditioning your hair daily (especially your ends) will lead to healthy, hydrated curls. Look for products that help reduce frizz and lock in moisture.^{[3]
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- Avoid putting lots of conditioner on the roots of your hair so that your curls aren't weighed down.
- Deep-condition your hair once a week for even softer curls.
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Use cold water for the last rinse of your hair. Here's the secret to taming your frizz: rinse out your conditioner with cold water instead of warm. Hot water is hard on the hair shaft, while cold water seals the cuticle, making curls look sleek and shiny when the hair is dry.^{[4]
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- If you can't bear the idea of taking a cold shower, try washing your hair in the sink instead of running the cold water over your entire body. When you're in the shower, use a shower cap to protect your curls from the warmer water.
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Detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb. If you need to brush your hair, it's best to do this while you're still in the shower to avoid frizz.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.} Use a wide-tooth comb and start detangling from the bottom of your hair upwards right after you apply conditioner.^{[6]
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- Avoid brushing curly hair when dry because it will make your hair poof and frizz.
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Remove excess water using a cotton T-shirt instead of a towel. The towel is rough on your hair, causing it to frizz much more easily. Sponge out the excess water using a clean, soft T-shirt to protect your curls.^{[7]
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Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.}^{[8]
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- Microfiber towels are also great options, as they're gentle on curls.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Drying and Setting Your Curls

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Use a curl-enhancing product. Experiment to find what works for you: an inexpensive anti-frizz serum may be adequate, or you might want to splurge on a more expensive curl-styling cream that moisturizes and adds definition. After washing, add a bit of product to wet hair and work through with a wide-tooth comb, working from the ends to the roots to prevent breakage.^{[9]
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- Make sure each curl gets a little of product from root to tip. When you're finished, use your fingers to scrunch the curls to give them extra definition.
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Let your hair air dry. The healthiest way to dry curls is to let them dry on their own time. Don't wring out or rub your hair; this causes hair to become rough and frizzy. After you've applied the needed products, sit back and let your hair dry naturally.
- Avoid using a hair dryer unless it's a special occasion.
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Dry your curls with a diffuser if you're in a hurry. The diffuser attachment spreads out the heat so that it doesn't flow in a direct stream on one part of your hair. Work your way around your head with the diffuser, using its prongs to lift and dry your curls around the scalp, down the back and sides, and down to the tips. Continue until your hair is slightly moist, rather than completely dry.^{[10]
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- Set the diffuser to the highest heat and a low speed.
- If you'd rather have waves instead of tight curls, don't push your curls up with the diffuser; point it straight at them instead.
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Finish with a touch of product for hold. Use a medium-hold spray to keep your look in place throughout the day, or add a drop of serum or wax to your curls to create definition. Only use a small amount to avoid weighing down your curls with product.^{[11]
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- Stay away from sprays that contain alcohol, as this dries out your hair.
5
Keep curls fresh throughout the day. If you notice your curls starting to fall or frizz, wet your hair a bit and apply whatever product you like to use (curl cream, gel, mousse, or another product). Use your hands to scrunch your curls up, making them look as fresh as they did in the morning.
- Fill a bottle half with water and half with leave-in conditioner for a quick hair solution during the day.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Creating Hair Styles

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Braid the front of your hair to keep curls out of your face. Start the braid where you part your hair, pulling the front section into a French or Dutch braid as you go along your hairline. Start finishing the braid once you near your ear, using a bobby pin to secure it.^{[12]
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- Clip the curls using a bobby pin, either pinning them to the side of your head or lifting a section of your curls and hiding the bobby pin underneath.
- Instead of trying to separate your curls as you braid, which can result in frizz, pull in the entire curl as you braid if necessary.
2
Twist your curls away from your face for a quick style. Select the section of hair that you'd like to pull back and twist it a several times. Use bobby pins to pin the strand to the side of your head, or hide the bobby pinned section by securing it under a section of curls.^{[13]
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- This works well for both long and short curly hair.
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Create a rolled headband style for fast elegance. Put the headband on over your hair so that it rests at the curve in the back of your head. Tuck your hair into the band in 1-2 inch (2.5-5 cm) sections, starting from behind your ears. After passing a section through, you'll then re-tuck it so that it gradually forms a roll. Work your way towards the back of your head, until all the hair is tucked.^{[14]
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- Secure the roll with a few bobby pins if needed.
- The band will be exposed at the top of your head.
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Gather the front of your hair into a top knot if it's short. Pull together the middle-front section of your hair, twisting it into a small bun that sits on the top of your head. Secure the bun using bobby pins or small hair clips.^{[15]
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- You can loosen the bun before pinning it so that it lays flat on your head.
- For longer hair, try pulling up the rest of your hair into a ponytail once the bun is secured on top of your head.
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Celebrate loose curls with a half-crown braid. Braid a 1-2 inch (2.5-5 cm) section of hair starting from above your left ear. Angle the braid to wrap back around your head and secure it with a small, clear elastic. Repeat this same process using a strand from above your right ear. Once both strands are braided and secured, cross them behind each other before pinning.^{[16]
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- Wrap the left braid back and around, towards the right ear. Secure with a few bobby pins.
- Repeat with the right braid, crossing it over the first braid and tucking the end underneath it before pinning it.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Getting a Suitable Haircut

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Find a hairdresser that understands curly hair. Curly hair can be notoriously difficult to cut, and hairdressers need to understand the needs of different kinds of curls in order to give you a great cut. Ask around or go online to find a great hairdresser for your hair needs.
- Ask a friend with curly hair if they have a recommended hairdresser.
- Try doing an Internet search of salons or individual hairdressers in your area that specialize in curly hair. Read reviews and check prices to find the best options.
- Look for photos of haircuts that you find flattering to bring to the salon.
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Go to your haircut with freshly-washed curls. It's important for the stylist to see your hair in its fluffiest, curliest state: this helps them best assess what kind of cut you need.
- Wash your hair that morning or the night before, and let it air dry.
- Ask the hairdresser to cut your curls dry so that each curl can be individually assessed.
If you want long, curly hair, ask your stylist to add long layers, which prevent it from getting too heavy at the end. Shorter layers will give your hair more volume and bounce.^{[17]
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Trim your hair regularly to avoid split ends. Split ends will make your hair even more frizzy, and the damage can be difficult to hide. Whenever you start to notice split ends, head to your hairdresser or give your hair a trim to ensure your curls stay healthy.^{[18]
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- Apply conditioning treatment to the ends of your hair after a trim, or whenever you start to notice they're getting dry or split.
5
Color your hair with caution. Curly hair tends to be more fragile than straight, and the caustic chemicals in hair dye can wreak havoc on it, compromising curl structure and resulting in lots of frizz. If you want to color your hair, choose a gentler color and proceed gradually.
- For example, instead of going from dark brown to platinum blonde, consider adding in some highlights to start.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I make my curly hair not frizzy?

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty.

Christine George

Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Answer

When you dry your hair after a shower, use an old t-shirt instead of a towel since it's less damaging.

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Do you have to brush curly hair?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Brushing curly hair is not recommended because it causes breakage. It would be best to use a wide toothed comb for your curls.

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Question

How do I keep my curly hair from frizzing?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

After shampooing and conditioning your hair, rinsing your hair with the coldest water that you’re able to stand will tame your frizz. Drying your hair with a t-shirt or a microfiber towel will also reduce the chances of having frizzy curls.

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Try to only shampoo your hair when it's dirty or greasy.

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Sleep on a satin pillow or tie your hair with a satin scarf to prevent frizzy, damaged hair.

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Keep your hair in a pineapple-shaped bun at night to preserve curls and avoid frizz.

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