How to wash curly hair in five disarmingly simple steps

If you’re blessed with natural, bouncy curls, knowing how to look after them is crucial. While you will find lots of complex hair-washing methods online, we’re here to tell you that reverting to basics is the best way to wash and care for your curls. 

In fact, following five simple steps – and using the right tools and products – will deliver sleek, shiny curls that you can be proud of, as we reveal throughout this article. 

[Related topic: How often should you wash your 4c hair]

How to properly wash curly hair 

There isn’t a single right or wrong way to wash your curly hair, but there are numerous simple steps you can follow to ensure your curls stay healthy and hydrated:

The shampoo and conditioner you use to wash your hair make all the difference. Some people opt for a shampoo and conditioner combo to keep things simple, but we recommend ordering one shampoo and one conditioner to treat your hair and scalp fully. 

Oil-based shampoos are great for curl enhancement, so check out products that contain argan oil, coconut oil, or tea tree oil. When selecting shampoo and conditioner, you also need to look for what to avoid. 

Harmful chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and alcohol can cause your hair to dehydrate, which can lead to dandruff or frizz after washing your hair. So, where possible, order natural, organic shampoo and conditioner that hydrates your hair and locks in the moisture. 

One of the biggest mistakes that many people make when washing curly hair is using water that is too hot. Excessively hot water can scald your scalp and damage your hair, particularly if you have thin or coily hair. 

While you don’t need to endure a cold shower, you should adjust the temperature of the water so it’s lukewarm. This is the ideal temperature for using shampoo and conditioner and will protect your hair and scalp from damage. 

Rinse your hair under lukewarm water before applying the shampoo. You should apply a small amount of shampoo to the palm of your hand before gently massaging it throughout your hair. Apply some pressure and run the shampoo throughout your hair, covering each strand. 

Then, leave the shampoo in your hair for a few minutes while you’re washing the rest of your body. There’s little point in applying shampoo to your hair only to wash it out within seconds of applying it! You’d be surprised at how many people do this unconsciously in the shower. 

After leaving it for a few minutes to enrich your hair, you can rinse it out with lukewarm water. Using a satellite shower is helpful for this, as it ensures you can remove all of the soap from every part of your hair. 

Once you’re done with the shampoo, repeat the process for the conditioner. Alternatively, you can go for a leave-in conditioner, which you can apply to damp hair after following the steps below. 

Expert tip. How to wash curly hair without frizz 

Curly hair is susceptible to frizz, particularly if you use shampoo and conditioner that causes it to dry out. Therefore, you must read the labels thoroughly and choose products that enrich and nourish your hair rather than drying it out. 

Then, when drying your hair, you need to use the right drying method. We advise you to remove excess water from your hair with a microfiber towel before switching to an ionic hair dryer like the Laifen Swift Special. Ionic hair dryers emit negative ions that counteract positive charges, eliminating frizz and helping your hair shine.

If you fail to dry your hair correctly after taking care to wash it thoroughly with the best products, you are likely to see your curls become frizzy.

After drying your hair, it’s time to style your curls. Heat-based styling is popular, and many people use a curling iron or a blow-drying method to accentuate their curls. But you can also opt for a heat-free approach, such as braiding your hair overnight.  

We also recommend applying sea salt spray directly to your curls after washing your hair. Sea salt spray is a wonderful product for curly and wavy hair, as it provides instant bounce, volume, and texture, and helps your curls look fuller and healthier with minimal effort.

How many times a week to wash curly hair? 

So, how often to wash curly hair? This depends on numerous factors, but we recommend washing curly hair between one and three times per week. If you spend a lot of time outside and your hair is prone to a build-up of dirt, pollen, or dust, you may need to increase the frequency of your washes. 

Also, if your hair is particularly oily and produces lots of natural sebum, you might need to wash it more frequently to prevent it from looking greasy. 

The key takeaway here is that every person’s curly hair is unique, so you need to consider numerous factors and wash your hair at a frequency that makes sense for you. You might need to experiment by washing your hair at different intervals before settling on a routine that works well for your hair type. 

The bottom line 

Just like all other hair types, curly hair requires due care and attention for it to thrive and shine. Thankfully, washing curly hair is easy, requiring you to follow five simple steps to wash it to perfection, ensuring vibrancy and eliminating frizz. 

Though numerous factors can influence the frequency at which you should wash your hair, we recommend washing your curls up to three times per week with natural shampoo and conditioner for the best results.