Caring for curly and coily hair

Curly and coily hair is naturally drier and more fragile than straight hair, because scalp oils can't travel easily down the bends in each strand. Most curl routines are really about two things: adding moisture and reducing friction.

Cleansing

• Choose a gentle, moisturising shampoo and focus it on the scalp.
• Many people with curls wash once a week or less, and use a conditioner-only wash ("co-wash") in between.
• Clarify occasionally if curls start to look limp or coated, especially if you use lots of gels and creams.

Conditioning and detangling

Detangle only when your hair is wet and full of conditioner. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, start at the ends, and work up in small sections. Never brush curly hair dry with a paddle brush: it breaks up the curl pattern and snaps strands.

A weekly deep conditioner helps most curly heads. If your hair feels mushy or limp afterwards, it may need protein rather than more moisture; if it feels straw-like and stiff, it probably needs more moisture.

Styling

1. Apply products to soaking-wet hair, so curls clump together.
2. Layer from light to heavy: a leave-in conditioner, then a cream for softness, then a gel or mousse for hold.
3. Smooth products through, then scrunch upwards gently.
4. Remove excess water with a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt, without rubbing.
5. Air-dry or diffuse on low speed without touching the hair until it is fully dry.
6. If gel leaves a crunchy cast, scrunch it out once dry to reveal soft curls.

Protecting curls between washes

• Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase, or wrap hair in a satin scarf or bonnet.
• Gather hair loosely on top of your head ("pineappling") overnight to protect the curl pattern.
• Refresh in the morning with a mist of water or diluted leave-in, then scrunch.
• Protective styles such as twists and braids can reduce daily handling, but should never pull tightly at the hairline.

Cuts for curly hair

Curly hair shrinks as it dries, sometimes dramatically. Look for a hairdresser who is comfortable cutting curls, ideally one who shapes the hair dry or partly dry so they can see where each curl sits. See choosing a hairdresser for questions to ask.

Last reviewed: November 2026