17 Must-Know Curly Hair Tips and Hacks

Curly hair requires special care in order to look healthy and defined. You’re likely to find yourself adding various hair-care products to your wash sessions in an attempt to care for your curls. However, just because curly hair can take some effort to manage doesn’t mean that it should be demanding. A few tweaks in your routine and the addition of the right curly hair treatments can keep your spirals looking bouncy and beautiful.

If the thought of an extensive hair-care routine intimidates you, there’s no need to panic. You can show your curls the love they need without the fuss. And if you’re not too sure where to start, we’re here to help. Follow along as we share 17 curly hair tips to help your strands look and feel their best.

CURLY HAIR HACK #1: HEALTHY-LOOKING CURLS START IN THE SHOWER

Like any hair type, the ultimate solution to moisturized and defined curls can be found right in your shower. It’s all about choosing the right shampoo and conditioner system that is tailor-made to keep curly hair hydrated, so you can score more definition and less frizz. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Curls Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Curls Conditioner, which are formulated to re-nourish and redefine curls in just one wash.

You may have been told to skip using conditioner, but that’s not the best idea for your strands. Curls need as much hydration as they can get. Plus, hair-care systems are formulated to work together to give you the desired results. If you’re worried about greasy hair, only focus the conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends of your strands.

CURLY HAIR HACK #2: MAKE ROOM FOR A PRE-POO TREATMENT

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but curly hair can be prone to dryness. Get ahead of the game with a pre-poo treatment. This curly hair treatment can keep your curls hydrated for a healthy-looking finish. It’s also a smart way to give your strands an additional layer of moisture before you wash and condition your mane. Now you know why using pre-poo treatments is one of our favorite curly hair tips.

CURLY HAIR HACK #3: WASH WITH LUKEWARM WATER

Hot water may feel magnificent on your skin, but it’s not a match for curly hair. Super-hot H2O is known to strip natural oils from hair, which will leave you with dry and lifeless curls. Minimize the risk of an unhappy mane by turning down the dial during every wash session. Trust us, this little hack will go a long way in giving your curls the TLC they need.

CURLY HAIR HACK #4: YOUR TOWEL MATTERS

Using the right towel to dry your hair is just as important as the products you use in your routine. A regular cotton towel can cause friction on the hair cuticle, which can result in frizzy hair. Switch things up by using a microfiber towel to remove excess water from your hair. This will help your curls dry more defined and less frizzy. If you don’t have a microfiber towel handy, a soft T-shirt will do the trick.

CURLY HAIR HACK #5: YOUR PILLOWCASE MATTERS, TOO

When it comes to finding the best curly hair-care tips, your pillowcase is another important factor to consider. Chances are good that your hair spends more time against your pillow than it does anywhere else. Much like a cotton towel, cotton pillowcases may not be gentle enough for your hair. Opt for a smooth satin or silk pillowcase that will not only feel super luxurious but will also be much gentler on your mane.

CURLY HAIR HACK #6: PLOP YOUR CURLS

There’s no reason why you should struggle to maintain your natural curl pattern. And thanks to the hair plopping method, you can work your way to smooth and defined curls. This technique is all about wrapping your locks in a T-shirt to dry your curls without a frizzy result. Click through to our article, How to Plop Curly Hair, for a step-by-step tutorial.

CURLY HAIR HACK #7: ADD A DIFFUSER TO YOUR BLOW-DRYER

Blow-dryers can expose hair to intense direct heat. This can cause curls to become frizzy and lose their natural shape. When you use a diffuser attachment, heat is distributed more evenly, therefore helping to prevent frizz and enhance your curl pattern. Just don’t forget to apply a heat protectant before diffusing. (In case you need a refresh, here’s our guide on How to Use a Hair Diffuser on Curls.)

CURLY HAIR HACK #8: USE HEAT TOOLS ON THE LOWEST SETTING POSSIBLE

You may already know that too much heat can wreak havoc on your strands. And toning down your heat usage is one of the most essential curly hair tips. Use your heat tools on the lowest setting possible. It may take you a little bit longer to perfect your curly style, but the long-term effects are absolutely worth it. In fact…

CURLY HAIR HACK #9: USE A HAIR MASK OR DEEP CONDITIONING TREATMENT WEEKLY

Over time, heat and the elements can cause curls to go limp. Counteract it by switching out your regular conditioner for a deep conditioner or nourishing hair mask. Once or twice a week, try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Curls Re-Nourish Mask to hydrate and redefine curls. Apply the mask onto wet hair after shampooing and massage through your strands from root to tip. Leave it on for three to five minutes before rinsing out completely.

CURLY HAIR HACK #10: TRY A SCALP TREATMENT

While you may follow a well-rounded hair-care routine, sometimes using a wide array of products can cause buildup on your scalp. Shampoo and conditioner shouldn’t be your only line of defense to remove impurities. A scalp treatment is a smart way to banish product buildup. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris EverFresh Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, which is formulated with apricot seeds. It works to remove excess oil and dirt from your scalp for a balanced and refreshed feel.

CURLY HAIR HACK #11: APPLY A LEAVE-IN SERUM TO DAMP HAIR

It’s always a plus to welcome moisture to your strands whenever you can. After you step out of the shower post-cleansing, apply a small amount of serum onto the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment, which will help transform lifeless curls into soft, shiny strands. Smooth a dime-sized amount through the lengths and ends of your damp hair. Proceed through the rest of your hair-styling routine as usual.

CURLY HAIR HACK #12: USE HAIR MOUSSE TO DEFINE YOUR CURLS

Use a lightweight hair mousse to help define and structure your curls without heat. If you can’t part with heat-styling, you can also apply a bit of hair mousse before you blow-dry. The L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse is perfect for this method since it provides a strong hold and heat protection. Distribute a large dollop of mousse evenly through your lengths and ends. Work it through each curl to make sure it’s evenly applied, scrunch, and call it a day.

CURLY HAIR HACK #13: DETANGLE YOUR HAIR FROM THE ENDS TO ROOTS

One of the simplest curly hair tips you can master is detangling your hair the right way. Since hair is most fragile when wet, failing to detangle your hair the right way can lead to fairy knots and tangles. This is not something you want to deal with. Take your time when detangling your strands and divide your hair into manageable sections. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots with a wide-tooth comb.

CURLY HAIR HACK #14: TRY THE LCO METHOD

Another fabulous way to transform your curls is with the LCO (a.k.a: lotion, cream, and oil) method. It’s a must-try technique for those with natural hair because you can easily provide your strands with long-lasting moisture. And curly-haired girls know, a hydrated mane is essential for bouncy curls. Head on over to our article, Your Guide to the LCO Method, to get started.

CURLY HAIR HACK #15: MAKE THE PINEAPPLE YOUR BFF

If you’re tired of dealing with flat curls after catching some Zs, the pineapple technique may be worth a try. It’s a hairstyle and hair-care method that keeps your curls beautiful and defined. All you need to do is gather your strands at the top of your head and secure them with a hair elastic. It’s really that easy! Cover your hair with a silk scarf. As we mentioned, you can also sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to wake up to luscious curls in the a.m.

CURLY HAIR HACK #16: GET REGULAR TRIMS

No matter what hair type you’re working with, make it a rule to get your hair trimmed regularly. A precise trim can remove split and damaged ends to give your hair a healthy look. Get a trim every six to eight weeks.

CURLY HAIR HACK #17: KEEP YOUR HANDS OUT OF YOUR HAIR

As tempted as you may be to play with your curls, we have to advise against it. Every time you work your fingers through your hair, you increase the chance of frizzy strands rearing their ugly heads. This also means not playing with your curls while your hair is drying. Just keep your hands off your locks, and your hair will thank you.

Next: Now that you have the best curly hair-care tips in your arsenal, it’s a fabulous time to shake things up with a bit of color. Here are 10 Hair Color Ideas for Curly Hair.