How to Style Curly Hair: 9 Styling Tips for Curly Hair

Arguably the most important part of styling curly hair is the way you treat it beforehand. Follow these curly hair tips for great-looking, bouncy curls all day long.

1. 1. Comb wet hair from the bottom up. Your curly hair will detangle best if you start at the tips and comb up toward the roots. Always use a wide-tooth comb and gently work your way through small sections, detangling any knots as you go. Comb while your hair is still wet to allow your curls to dry in their natural curl pattern.
2. 2. Deep condition once a week. Use a deep-conditioning hair mask designed for your hair texture once a week to restore luster to your curls and lock in moisture. For extra moisture, apply the conditioner to dry hair and cover with a shower cap for twenty minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.
3. 3. Dry with a T-shirt or microfiber towel. Use a T-shirt or microfiber towel to dry your hair. Terrycloth towels are rough on curly hair and can create frizz and breakage, while T-shirts and microfiber towels are softer and gentler on curls. You can also let your hair air-dry, or try “plopping,” which involves placing your hair in a mound atop your head and then wrapping it in a T-shirt to dry.
4. 4. Find the right hair products. Use a shampoo and conditioner designed for curly hair. If you have dry hair, aim for sulfate-free shampoos that won’t strip nutrients from your curls and use a moisturizing conditioner. Look for styling products that are good for your hair type: Coconut oil will de-frizz, a leave-in conditioner will hydrate, and a mousse or curl cream will add body to fine hair.
5. 5. Trim your hair regularly. Split ends create frizzy hair. To keep your hairstyle looking smooth and bouncy, visit your hairstylist regularly for a trim. Ask your stylist how often you should come in for a trim and follow their recommendation.
6. 6. Protect your curls at night. If you want to keep your curls from getting flattened or frizzy while you sleep, try the “pineapple trick” by gathering your hair at the top of your head in a soft scrunchie or hair tie to hold it together in a loose bun. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase will prevent tangling and frizz while you sleep.
7. 7. Use a curling iron. If your hair refuses to cooperate, a curling iron will help you get rogue curls back in place. Use a curling iron that’s the same diameter as your curl type.
   
8. 8. Use a curl-refreshing spray. A curl-refresher hair spray will give you bouncy ringlets after a night of sleep. Make your own out of warm water and leave-in conditioner, or purchase a spray designed for this purpose. Spritz liberally and scrunch your hair with your hand to create defined curls.
9. 9. Use a diffuser to add body. When you want to blow-dry your hair, use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to avoid direct heat, which can cause frizz. Spray a thermal heat protectant in your hair before drying to protect your curls from heat damage. Always blow-dry your hair upside down to retain the body.

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