Best hair care routine for curly hair

Best Hair Care Routine for Curly Hair: Step-by-Step Guide

Curly and wavy hair is beautiful, but it has its own rules. Curls are naturally drier than straight hair, frizz more easily and lose definition when they are brushed, over-washed or weighed down. The right routine is less about more products and more about moisture, gentle handling and the right order of steps.

Quick answer: A good curly hair routine is: cleanse with a curl-friendly shampoo two or three times a week, condition every wash, use a rich mask weekly, apply a curl cream to soaking-wet hair, scrunch, and let curls dry without touching them. Refresh between washes with water and a little product rather than shampooing.

Why Curly Hair Needs a Different Routine

Natural scalp oil travels easily down a straight strand but struggles to move along the bends of a curl. That's why the lengths of curly hair are often dry even when the scalp is oily. The raised cuticle at each bend also lets moisture escape and humidity in — which is where frizz comes from. A curly routine focuses on putting moisture back and keeping the curl pattern intact.

Know Your Curl Type

  • Wavy – loose S-shaped waves that can fall flat easily; usually prefer lighter products.
  • Curly – defined spirals or ringlets; need more moisture and definition.
  • Coily – tight curls or zig-zags; the driest pattern, needing the richest care.

Many heads have more than one pattern. Adjust product amounts section by section.

The Curly Hair Routine, Step by Step

Step 1: Cleanse gently

Wash two or three times a week, focusing shampoo on the scalp and letting the lather run through the lengths. 69 Curly Hair Pro Active Shampoo is formulated for curly and wavy hair, with nourishing oils including sweet almond, olive, avocado and grape seed oil, and it's free from SLS, SLES and parabens. For best results the directions recommend a second wash.

Step 2: Condition and detangle in the shower

Apply plenty of conditioner to the lengths and detangle while it's in, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb from the ends up. Never brush dry curls — it breaks up the curl pattern and creates frizz.

Step 3: Mask once a week

Curls benefit more than any other hair type from a weekly deep treatment. The 69 Pro Active Hair Mask is a rich, deep-conditioning moisture mask that turns dry, unruly curls into soft, healthy, easy-to-style curls.

Step 4: Style on soaking-wet hair

Apply your styler while hair is still very wet — this locks in moisture and helps curls clump together. Warm 69 Pro Active Soufflé Hair Cream between your palms and work it through from the ends towards the roots. It's designed to define curls while keeping their natural movement, without weighing hair down.

Step 5: Scrunch and remove excess water

Scrunch the hair upwards to encourage the curl pattern, then blot gently with a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt. Avoid rubbing.

Step 6: Dry without disturbing

Air-dry for softer, more relaxed curls, or use a diffuser on low heat for more volume and definition. Don't touch your hair while it dries — that's the fastest way to create frizz.

Weekly Curly Routine Example

  • Wash day (2–3 times a week): 69 Shampoo → conditioner → 69 Soufflé Cream → scrunch → air-dry or diffuse.
  • Once a week: swap conditioner for the 69 Hair Mask.
  • Between washes: mist with water and smooth a little soufflé cream over frizzy sections.
  • Every 8–12 weeks: trim to remove dry, split ends.

Routines for Specific Curly Hair Concerns

Very dry curls

Use the mask more often and add a leave-in such as 911 Quinoa Hydrating Cream under your curl cream for extra moisture.

Damaged or coloured curls

Alternate the 69 mask with the 700 Keratin & Kale Hair Mask, which is designed for thick, highly damaged, coloured or chemically treated hair. See How to Repair Dry and Damaged Hair.

Frizzy curls

Humidity is the biggest trigger. Read How to Reduce Frizz in Curly Hair for a dedicated routine.

Flaky or itchy scalp

Curly routines often mean fewer washes, which can let buildup collect. If you see flakes, read Dandruff & Scalp Care Guide.

How to Sleep With Curly Hair

  • Use a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
  • Loosely gather curls on top of your head in a soft scrunchie ("pineapple").
  • Refresh in the morning with a light mist of water and a little cream.

Common Curly Hair Mistakes

  • Brushing curls when they're dry
  • Washing every day with a strong shampoo
  • Applying styler to half-dry hair
  • Rubbing hair with a regular towel
  • Touching curls while they dry
  • Using heavy products at the roots, which flattens waves

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wash curly hair?

Two or three times a week suits most curly hair. If your scalp gets oily or you sweat a lot, you may need to wash more often — just condition every time. See How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

Should I use a hair mask on curly hair every week?

Yes, a weekly mask is one of the most effective steps for keeping curls soft, defined and less frizzy.

Is oil good for curly hair?

A small amount of oil can seal moisture into dry ends, but too much can weigh curls down. Use it sparingly on the lengths.

How do I get more definition?

Apply curl cream to soaking-wet hair, rake it through in sections, scrunch, and leave curls alone until completely dry.

Find Your 69 Pro Active Routine

The 69 Pro Active curly range gives you a complete curl routine — shampoo, deep-conditioning mask and defining soufflé cream — designed to keep curls soft, defined and full of movement.

Related Guides

Shop: 69 Pro Active Shampoo · 69 Pro Active Hair Mask · 69 Soufflé Hair Cream · 69 Pro Active range

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