How to Care for Your Curls 101

Curls can be voluminous and stunning, but managing them and getting them to look the way you want them to look can be a challenge. If you're struggling to lock down a curly hair care routine, you're not alone. For a comprehensive guide on how to take care of your luscious curls, we've got all the details you need to know. 

 1. Cleansing Curls: Tips for a Healthy Scalp and Hair

Every curly hair care routine starts with a cleansing wash. You don't need to learn any overly complicated techniques — you'll just start by washing your hair with lukewarm water and massaging your scalp. Then, apply a small amount of shampoo to your roots and rinse. 

For hydrating nourishment that smoothes frizz and enhances shine, Desert Essence Coconut Shampoo is great for pampering your strands on a regular basis. Once a week, you can also reach for Desert Essence Replenishing Tea Tree Oil Shampoo to remove product buildup and clarify hair. What we love about this formula is that it gently cleanses without depriving the scalp of its natural emollients. 

 2. Conditioning Curls: Nourishing Your Hair from Root to Tip

The next step after washing is conditioning, which detangles your mane and infuses it with extra moisture. When you condition wet hair, focus on the mid-lengths and ends of your strands and work your way up to the roots, using either your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute your conditioner. Avoid tugging or pulling your hair, as you might cause damage and breakage this way. Leave the conditioner on your hair for 1 to 2 minutes to allow it to work its magic, then rinse thoroughly. 

For deep hydration, Desert Essence Coconut Conditioner helps smooth and replenish hair — it delivers moisture-locking fatty acids courtesy of coconut oil, shea butter and sunflower oil. 

 3. Styling Curls: Techniques for a Defined and Bouncy Look

Before you let your hair dry completely, you want to pamper your curls with Desert Essence Soft Curls Hair Cream to style your mane and enhance shine, definition and bounce. This curl cream for curly hair leaves hair touchably soft and lightly scented with a delicious kiss of coconut. 

 4. Drying Curls: Best Practices for Minimizing Frizz and Damage

When you think about how to take care of curly hair, one of the most important things to consider is how you dry your hair. To dry curly hair, squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel and allow it to air dry. But sometimes, you might want to dry your hair a little faster. If you don't air dry your hair, you want to use a diffuser attachment with your hair dryer. 

Basically, a diffuser is a plastic attachment that allows your dryer to disperse air flow over a wider area. With this helpful tool, you can blow dry your hair in a controlled manner and avoid causing frizz. After your hair completely dries, try not to brush or comb it, as this may lead to breakage or disrupt your curls' natural pattern.

 5. Refreshing Curls: Reviving Your Hair Between Washes

In between washes, spruce up your hair with a dry shampoo, which can help your strands stay fresh and voluminous. If you're using any hair irons or curling styler, use a hair defrizzer and heat protector spray to minimize hair damage and frizz. 

 6. Maintaining Curls: Long-Term Care for Healthy and Happy Hair

Of course, your hair care routine doesn't necessarily end once you leave the bathroom — you definitely want to think about how you'll be sleeping on your curly hair! We recommend investing in a silk or satin pillowcase for hitting the hay each night. In general, silk pillowcases are gentler on the hair than cotton and help prevent friction that can lead to frizz and breakage. 

One major part of the hair care equation is looking for the right ingredients and products. At Desert Essence, we're proud to use botanically powered formulas for all our curl care products. As you're looking for the just-right hair care, you can rest assured that every Desert Essence pick is free from sulfates, silicones and alcohol. To get started on your journey to fabulous and manageable hair, shop Desert Essence's Hair Care collection.