Mastering Curly Hair Care: What to Do—and What to Avoid

Curly hair is beautiful, bold, and full of personality. But to keep curls looking their best, there are certain practices you should adopt—and pitfalls you should steer clear of. In this guide, you’ll get clear, actionable advice for a curl-friendly routine that keeps your curls healthy, defined, and radiant after every wash.

What Not to Do (the Don’ts)

• Don’t comb or brush dry curls

When curly hair is dry, the strands are more fragile and prone to breakage. Brushing or combing at this stage can disrupt the curl pattern, create frizz, and leave curls looking undefined. Instead, detangle in the shower or after applying conditioner when the hair is wet or coated.

• Don’t shampoo too often

Curly hair doesn’t need daily washing. Natural oils move more slowly down curly strands, so shampooing too frequently may strip those oils away, leaving curls dry and dull. Aim to wash every 3-4 days, using conditioner or styling refreshers on in-between days to maintain moisture.

• Don’t use a regular hair dryer without a diffuser

A standard blow dryer’s direct heat can cause uneven drying, frizz, and loss of curl shape. Using a diffuser helps disperse air more gently and evenly, preserving curl structure and preventing excess damage. Always use low to medium heat, or even better—cool settings.

• Don’t sleep with wet hair

Going to bed with wet curls can create friction that messes up your curl pattern and causes frizz. It also may contribute to scalp issues due to trapped moisture. Make sure hair is mostly dry, and use softer drying methods like microfiber towels or cotton T-shirts rather than rough towels.

What You Should Do (the Do’s)

• Moisturize every time you wash

Hydration is essential for curly hair. After shampooing, always apply a rich conditioner. These help to detangle, nourish, and restore moisture that curls need to stay elastic, shiny, and resilient. Skipping this step often leads to dryness and brittleness.

• Detangle gently using wide-toothed combs or fingers

Rather than using brushes, which can break curls, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers when hair is wet and conditioned. Begin from the tips and slowly work up toward the roots to avoid unnecessary pulling or breakage. Using leave-in products helps ease the process.

• Choose sulfate-free shampoos

Sulfates are known for being harsh cleansers that remove natural oils along with dirt. For curly hair, that can mean drying out the strands and increasing frizz. Opt for gentle, sulfate-free formulas that cleanse without stripping away what curls need to stay healthy.

• Dry your hair gently

After washing, press excess water out using a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt. Avoid rubbing the hair, which causes friction and frizz. When using heat to dry, always use a diffuser and choose lower heat settings to protect the curl pattern.

Why It Matters

Following these do’s and don’ts isn’t about following rules—it’s about respecting how curly hair works. Curls are unique in structure. They require moisture retention, careful handling, and protection. If you establish a routine that favors hydration over harsh cleansers, careful detangling over rough brushing, and gentle drying over heat abuse, you’ll notice your curls:

retain their shape better, show less frizz, feel softer and more manageable.

Final Tips for Everyday Curl Care

Refresh curls between washes with water mist or lightweight leave-in products.

Protect your curls while sleeping using satin or silk pillowcases or bonnets to reduce friction.

Trim split ends regularly—this helps prevent damage from traveling up the strand.

With consistency and the right habits, curly hair doesn’t have to be unpredictable or high-maintenance. Instead, it becomes a source of pride—stylish, healthy curls that thrive.