Curly hair can be a blessing and a challenge. Luckily, there has been a move away from straightening trends and more focus on celebrating and embracing natural curls while understanding the importance of proper care and maintenance. So, let's dive into all things curly hair care and learn how to make the most of your luscious locks.

Caring for curly hair

Here are some basic tips for curly haircare:

Start with the right shampoo and conditioner

Cleansing is an essential step in any haircare routine to remove sebum, debris, and product buildup. We recommend using mild shampoos that are not full of harsh ingredients that gently and deeply cleanse without stripping the hair. We love Hair La Vie Shampoo & Conditioner to strengthen and nourish curls with silk amino acids, bamboo extract, and marula oil.

Don’t over shampoo

Curly hair is prone to dryness, and daily shampooing can strip it of its natural moisture. To combat this, find a cleansing schedule that works for you. A good rule of thumb is to wash about every 2-3 days while using leave-in conditioners like Hair La Vie® Nº 77 Leave-In in-between washes so your curls won’t dry out. This helps to seal and protect the hair cuticle and keep hair healthy looking.

Hot or cold water temperature?

Lukewarm is the ideal temperature, and with a cool rinse to seal the cuticle. Hot showers can strip the natural oils from your hair and scalp and cause the hair strands to become frizzy by opening up the cuticle. Mild temperatures are more gentle on strands and the scalp.

Use a wide tooth comb

When detangling curly hair, using a wide-toothed comb for your strands is best. Begin from the bottom and work your way up to gently remove tangles. As wet curls can be especially fragile, it’s important to handle your hair with extra care. Avoid using a dry hairbrush that can cause frizz and not support your natural hair texture. After detangling, apply a curl cream or hair serum. We love applying Hair La Vie Serum to deter frizz, seal in moisture, and give hair a healthy, lustrous shine.

How to heat style curly hair

For fabulous curls, watch out for heat styling tools! Over exposure to high temperatures can leave your curls looking lifeless. To prevent this, either air-dry your hair most days or limit your use of heat styling as much as possible. When you do blow dry, use the lowest setting and a diffuser for protection to keep those curls looking defined and bouncy.

Maintain trims

Get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks. Trimming helps to get rid of dry and split ends, giving your curls the support they need.

Sleep tips for curly hair

Sleeping with your hair down and loose is a big no-no for fragile hair that is prone to frizz and tangles. Instead, pile your hair on top of your head into a bun or loose ponytail before bed. This method minimizes friction between your hair and the cotton pillowcase, helping your curls stay defined. Another tip is to sleep with a satin bonnet or switch to satin or silk pillowcases to keep your curls glossy and smooth when you wake.

Use hair oils

One way to promote healthy hair growth is by using nutrient-rich oils like avocado, jojoba, or Hair la Vie Pure Argan Oil. They're a rich source of vitamin E and fatty acids that help to lock in moisture and control frizz. Massaging oils onto your scalp also supports blood circulation and promotes hair growth. We like applying hair oil as a pre-shampoo treatment, massaging it into the scalp and follicles, and working it through the strands for added protection and nourishment. 

What to avoid

It's best to avoid the wrong products not meant for your hair type. Products that are either too heavy and will weigh hair down or have drying ingredients, such as alcohol-based products, should be avoided. 

You’ll also want to avoid coarse friction from towels, excessive brushing, and erratic blow drying. Curly hair wants hydration and light to maintain its delicate shape with supportive tools like diffusers.

The best hairstyles for curly hair

♦ Classic updo
Let your hair air-dry and twist your hair into a classic updo. You can use a hold product or softening curl cream on your tendrils and secure them with clips.

♦ Ultra-high ponytail
For a no-fuss style, securely pull all of your hair onto the crown of your head and slick down any flyaways with a serum or pomade.

♦ Braids
Whether a single braid, pigtail braids, or French braid, this style is simple and keeps curly hair in place with minimal effort. This style is also great for in-between washes.

♦ Messy Buns
A messy bun is a very youthful and major trend. This style is great for letting some pieces loose, creating movement.

Final thoughts

Learning to love and care for your curls can be a journey! Once you embrace your coils, tendrils, and waves for what they are, you can nourish and style them properly, letting them shine. Let your curls be your crowning glory.