Hair

The Ultimate Curly Hair Routine (+ Product Picks)

Jun 2, 2025

By: Isabelle Vallée - Christina Zisko

Photography by Eagl Productions, Hairstyling by Magali Faddoul, Model Roya Dardar

Hair

The Ultimate Curly Hair Routine (+ Product Picks)

Jun 2, 2025

By: Isabelle Vallée - Christina Zisko

For all their bounciness and beauty, curls can be finicky and tough to manage, but the right routine can help you take control of your mane and reveal your best curls yet.

When it comes to curly hair, the name of the game is hydration. Curly locks tend to be drier than straight because the natural curves and waves prevent the scalp’s sebum from reaching the end of each strand. This sebum helps bring shine to the hair and offers protection against external aggressors and frizz, so it’s important to prioritize moisture in your routine to pick up the slack.

The right hair routine

When it comes to washing, a double shampoo can help keep your scalp and hair at their best. The first sham poo removes excess oil and buildup, while the second more deeply cleanses and nourishes your locks. You can use the same shampoo twice or start with a clarifying variety before doing your second wash with a product made for your specific hair goals like volume, shine or hydration. Always choose a sulfate free shampoo to keep from strip ping your strands, and follow with

a conditioner applied to the lengths, paying special attention to the ends. This helps prevent frizz, split ends and breakage while adding beautiful softness and shine. For drier hair types, treat yourself to a hair mask once a week for an extra boost of moisture.

When you hop out of the shower, wrap your hair in a microfibre towel or old cotton tee to absorb water and shorten drying time without creating frizz or disrupting your curl pattern. Then apply your curl cream, mousse or gel by gently raking it through your strands with your fingers and lightly scrunching your hair upward to encourage curl formation. If you choose to use a hair dryer, add a diffuser attachment to maintain definition as you dry. Flipping your head over while diffusing is a great way to get some extra volume if you’re looking for maximum fullness.

The right haircut for curly hair

Behind every beautiful curly mane is always a good haircut! A stylist that specializes in curly cuts, hair cutting techniques designed for curly hair, can help ensure you leave the salon happy. While a typical haircut begins on wet hair, curly cuts are usually done when the hair is dry and in its natural curl pattern. Doing this helps the stylist trim with your unique hair type in mind to achieve balance and volume while giving you the length you desire. After a sham poo, the stylist can make any final snips before you head out the door to enjoy your new ’do.

Refresh your curls

As your week progresses, curls can lose some of their initial definition while frizz increases. To refresh second or third-day hair (and beyond!), use a spritz bottle to dampen the sections that need a boost before applying a gel or curl reviver with your hands and scrunching the hair or reshaping the curls around your fingers.