Before you begin styling your curly hair, you need to start with a good base. Curly hair is naturally dry and needs to be well moisturized. Try not to shampoo more than 3 times a week or every other day at most because shampoo can be very drying. Always use a thick, moisturizing conditioner during every wash, and try to use a deep conditioner every couple of weeks for extra moisture.

After you’ve finished conditioning and are done showering, do one final rinse of your hair with the coldest water possible. Stand out of the way or use a pitcher of cold water so that you don’t get wet because the cold water can be shocking. It’s only necessary for your hair.

When you use cold water, the cuticles of your hair will be sealed keeping the moisture in. Also, keep your shower from getting too hot and steamy because steam can open up the cuticle. At least get out of the bathroom ASAP of you must have steam.

Now you are going to use your products. Don’t squeeze out the water from your hair just yet. You want it to stay sopping wet. This will help the products to get evenly distributed without breaking up your curls.

It doesn’t matter what products you use, but I suggest starting with a leave-in conditioner. You can use your regular conditioner or a leave-in conditioner. Each usually work about the same. Use about a nickel sized amount for shoulder length hair and more for longer hair.

Put the conditioner in your hands, coat your hands, and comb your fingers through your hair evenly distributing it throughout your hair. Try to concentrate it more on the ends because the ends are always the driest. Next, you can add in your other products. I suggest using a light curling gel for hold but without crunch.

You could also use a mousse instead and you could add in a serum to help de-frizz. I like to use a spray gel so that I can just spray it on and then scrunch it. That is the next step, scrunching. Instead of squeezing along the length of your hair, scrunch it up towards your head to help with the curls.

The final step is to continue crunching with a towel to get any excess water out. Let it air dry, but if you must get it dryer faster, use a diffuser on a cool setting for a few minutes. Don’t brush or comb your hair. Let it dry and then add any accessories you want.