How to Style Naturally Curly Hair

Co-authored by Christine George

Last Updated: July 10, 2024 References

Styling curly hair can sometimes be difficult, especially during poor weather conditions. Bad weather can give you dry, frizzy hair that may seem hopeless. But if you get the right haircut, keep your hair moisturized, and use the right products, then styling your hair can be a lot easier.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Picking the Right Haircut

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1
Keep your curly hair type in mind. Not all curly hair is the same. Curly hair can range from loose waves to tight, kinky curls.^{[1]
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- Hair that is wavy will tend to fall flat on the crown. This is the ideal spot for shaping your wavy hairstyle.
- Kinky hair needs to be cut without pulling on the strands. Cutting the hair while it still forms a curl is the easiest way to get the desired shape.
2
Wash your hair before you go. You should arrive for your haircut with clean, dry hair. Since the best way to cut curly hair is dry, you should have already taken steps to clean your hair before showing up.
- Try to have your hair in the best moisturizing condition. Consider doing a deep moisturizing treatment the week of your appointment. This will enable your stylist to see your natural curl in a healthy, ideal state and sculpt your hair with a clear idea of how it will look.
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Unlike with straight hair, curly hair should be cut dry before any coloring or highlighting is done. Coloring or dyeing may leave the hair damp and not as curly as is typical.
4
Layer your hair. If curly hair is all one length it gets weighed down and the top is flat while the bottom flares out in all sorts of directions. The layering doesn't have to be to intense, but the longer the hair is, the more layers should be added.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.}
- You may even consider getting long layers. These will focus on the bottom section of your hair from the mid-strand to the end. This will help you maintain your hair's curly texture without getting frizzy.
Chris McMillan, Celebrity Hairstylist

Layers can be a flattering choice. "Anyone can wear layers. Contrary to popular opinion, layers work on every hair type. They're the best way to bulk up fine hair—and the best way to take the weight out of heavy hair. Right now, I love pointy layers that are very sharp at the ends."

Part 2

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Prepping Your Hair

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1
Find a shampoo and conditioner with keratin. Curly hair lacks keratin, which is the "ingredient" in straight hair that keeps it frizz free and straight. To help reduce frizz and add shine, find a shampoo and conditioner pair that is sulfate-free and made for curly hair. Check the label and make sure keratin is a top ingredient.
- If you can't find a shampoo with keratin in it, look for one that is smoothing and moisturizing, since curly hair tends to be dry.
2
Leave a little conditioner in your hair. When you are showering don't rinse your hair thoroughly after applying a conditioner. It is okay to leave some of the residue on your hair to help keep it conditioned throughout the day.
- Leave-in conditioners are also a great option. Especially on days that are very dry it is good to carry a leave-in conditioner. They can help keep your hair moist throughout the day.
Do not use a towel. A towel can create too much friction and static. This can result in frizzy hair.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.} After taking a shower put a shirt on over your head. You can simply keep your forehead in the neck opening of the shirt and wear it on your head. You hair will rest in the body of the shirt.
Before deciding how to wear your hair, it is a good idea to check the weather each day.^{[4]
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Research source} The daily changes in the dew point outside can have a huge impact on your hair and the amount frizz you may need to prepare for.
Headbands, updos and braids can be a great solution when you are short on time or your hair is just not cooperating. If you have curly hair it is a good idea to look into getting a hair accessory you like to tame your hair, or learn how to do various braiding patterns to keep your hair under control.

Part 3

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Applying Product

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If you want to tame curly hair, don't brush it. This may seem like the opposite thing to do when trying to eliminate frizz, but it really works. When you brush naturally curly hair, the brush is essentially splitting apart those curls and turning them into individual hair strands, which can result in exaggerated volume. If you take a shower, then let your hair air dry without brushing it, those curls will stay compact and less frizzy.
2
Select your hair product. You may choose to use a humectant product that attracts and absorbs moisture when the weather is dry to fight frizz, and an anti-humectant that repels moisture when the air outside is damp. You may find that you need to have alternative products on hand for those days when the weather is not on your side. The dew point, or the point when water vapor would condense, has the strongest impact on your curls.^{[5]
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- During the winter months dew points will drop as low as below 30 degrees depending on your location. Avoid using humectants, your hair will need all the moisture it can get. Use leave-in conditioners and light hold products.
- When the dew point range 30-40 degrees you will need to do some experimenting to see what products work best. Humectants may or may not benefit your hair.
- The best dew point for manageable curls is between 40-60 degrees. Regular moisturizing treatment should help keep hair in the best condition. Humectants can be helpful in keeping hair moisturized as well.
- A high dew point is anything over 60+ degrees. You may want to avoid using a leave-in conditioner. Stick to firm hold products like pomades to keep your hair manageable. You also may want to avoid humectants as there is lots of moisture in the air.
3
Apply the curl cream, gel, or mousse.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.} When your hair is wet put a dab of product in the palm of your hand. Start by applying product to back of the head where the hair is thicker, than work your way to the sides and top. You can add small amounts of product as you go.
- You may want to drape a towel over your shoulders if you have longer hair to keep your clothes clean.
4
Allow the hair to dry completely. Your hair may still appear wet and seem crunchy. Resist the urge to touch your hair. Touching your hair will cause friction between the hairs and create frizz in your hair.
- Use a diffuser to dry your hair faster. Set the diffuser to high heat and low speed.^{[7]
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  Research source} The high heat will help to dry the hair quickly. Keeping the speed on a low setting will prevent the hair from being blown around.
Once the hair is completely dry, scrunch curls to break the gel layer. Grab and handful of your curls and scrunch them using the same motion you would to crumple a piece of paper.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.} Do this until the hair feels soft again then stop. Excessively touching the hair will be more likely to give you frizz.
If there's one curl that isn't following directions, just pop out your curling iron and fix it. But, remember heat is very damaging to curly hair, so you should always use a heat protectant and avoid using heat whenever possible.
If your product seems to be wearing off, try spraying them with a mixture of water and leave-in condition. This will help to reactivate the product in your hair and keep your curls bouncy for the rest of the day.^{[9]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

What is the best haircut for curly hair?

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty.

Christine George

Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Answer

Make sure you get your hair cut in layers so you have a fuller and more balanced style.

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I have tight, frizzy, curly, mixed-race hair. I have a problem finding right products trying to grow it longer down my back. It's driving me mad because it rides up tight at the back in but the middle alters the shape. HELP!

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

It seems like you may need to get a haircut that suits your curls, hair type, and facial shape. Afterward, be on the lookout for curl stretching creams, which will reduce the tightness of your curly hair. Some brands to keep in mind are Design Essentials, Shea Moisture, and Kera Care.

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Question

I have had curly hair all my life, and have hated it! My friends and family always tell me my hair looks amazing, but I don't think so! How can I style my hair so it's less big?

Nazari T.

Community Answer

Pull it up into a bun, or a low bun, or try two french braids. These styles can help to minimize the volume of your hair without too much work.

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Leaving in conditioners works great to keep away frizz.

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Try to leave your hair 100% natural. If you let it do it's thing for a while, it will get it's own body and shape.

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