We get it. Curls can be the worst. They frizz. They go stringy. They split (ugh).
You've probably seen dozens of sites littered with garbage ads trying to convince you to buy expensive products for no real reason.
It all ends here. Our philosophy is firmly "less is more" — buckle up because you're about to learn how to care for your curls in the simplest way possible.
If you're new here, start at Step 0. If we're welcoming you back, start at Step 1.
Before you get started, it's important to completely reset your scalp and hair. Removing dirt, oil & dead skin is a critical step to ensure your hair is clean and ready to lock in as much moisture as possible.
We're going to do this by using a detox shampoo with lathering agents to create micelles (small balls that trap debris).
STEPS:
• Start by squeezing a good amount of detox shampoo into your hand.
• Lather it up in your palms (don't skip this step—this helps spread the surfactants better) and massage it through your scalp.
• Let it stand for 3-5 minutes. Yes, seriously, leave it alone.
• Once it's had time to work, rinse it out and REPEAT. The second pass will lather up more as it's no longer exposed to as much oil or other buildup.
We swear, we're not making words up here.
Low-poo refers to either using regular shampoo less frequently or using a specially formulated one without harsh drying agents like sulfates. We try to use formulated low-poos where possible.
Co-washing is the act of using a curly hair conditioner as your shampoo. Hear us out - it's actually pretty effective for plenty of people.
You'll use this method the same way as a detox shampoo (see instructions above) except you can feel free to use it more frequently especially if you're into working out or have a job that leaves your hair sweaty, dirty or oily.
STEPS:
• Squeeze a healthy amount of conditioner into your palm and massage it into your scalp.
• Be sure to use those fingernails to scrub your scalp and reduce as much buildup as possible.
• We recommend low-poo or co-washing any time you get your hair deliberately wet in the shower.
Finally — time to hydrate those gorgeous locks. A fundamental misunderstanding is what we're trying to accomplish in this step.
Conditioning is more than just applying a gob of conditioner to your hair. The goal here is to saturate your hair with water. A good curly hair conditioner simply helps lock more water into your hair by using humectants that form a barrier between your hair and the outside world (aloe, for example, is great at locking in water).
STEPS:
• Get a massive handful of conditioner. We're not playing around. You need more than you think which is why you should get a conditioner you can comfortably afford.
• Work the product in with your fingers, going all the way from your scalp to the ends of your hair. It might feel wrong to do this, but your scalp will adjust after a few weeks! Trust the process.
• You can also try the squish method. Grab sections of your hair and "squish" the conditioner into it repeatedly.
• Once you're done, you can rinse out most (not all!) of the conditioner.
• If you don't plan to use any styling creams or gels, you can add a little more conditioner after rinsing. Squish it into large sections; this also gets out any excess water.
Remember, this might take some trial and error until you nail how much conditioner, squishing, etc. your hair needs. Be patient :)
Part of what causes frizziness in curly hair is breaking up those beautiful sections you just worked so hard to condition. The other factor is overzealously drying using a rough towel.
STEPS:
• Grab a microfiber towel or hair wrap or an old t-shirt if you don't have microfiber.
• Gently drape the drying cloth over your hair and pat/squeeze the water out, being careful to not pull your hair or create friction.
• If using a hair wrap, secure your hair neatly and let it finish partially drying.
• Let your hair air dry the rest of the way! If you're sensitive to how this feels, you can use a blow dryer to speed up the process. But don't overdo it and leave your hair crunchy.
This is where the process typically ends for us — but don't let that stop you from....
You're at the finish line now. Add some styling products of your choice and "squish" them in as well.
STEPS:
• Use a gel or cream that suits your hair type.
• Grab a healthy amount on your fingertips and dab evenly over your damp hair.
• Squish/scrunch it into your hair while maintaining your larger sections of curls. Remember, pulling on your curls will straighten them out.
• Once dry, feel free to take your microfiber towel and scrunch your hardened sections of hair. This leads to a more natural look instead of that wet, glossy shine (if that's what you enjoy).
Celebrate your curls and work with their natural shape rather than against it.
Opt for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos to cleanse your curls without stripping away natural oils.
Moisturize your curls with a hydrating conditioner to keep them soft, manageable, and frizz-free.
Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your curls when they're wet to prevent breakage.
Choose styling products specifically formulated for curly hair to define your curls and control frizz.
Avoid washing your curls too frequently, as this can strip away natural oils and lead to dryness.
Steer clear of products containing sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols, as they can weigh down your curls and cause buildup.
Avoid washing your curls too frequently, as this can strip away natural oils and lead to dryness.
Try not to vigorously rub your hair with a towel after washing as this can cause frizz and breakage in curly hair.
Don't use excessive amounts of styling products since this can weigh down your curls and leave them looking greasy or stiff.
