Have you ever seen a curly hair routine on TikTok that made you question everything? You are not alone. For every texture from loose 2A waves to tight 4C coils, there’s a trending curly hair routine that promises unprecedented hold, definition and shine. While each curl type deserves its own unique consideration, most routines use the same basic formula. There’s a lot of great advice on CurlyTok, but if you’re expecting a whole new head of hair the first time you try a new method, you might end up disappointed. That’s why we’ve tapped the experts to break down the essential steps to any great curly hair routine, plus insight into how to fix your hair.
In front of you you will find…
What steps should be part of every curly hair routine?
disinfection
“A comprehensive curly hair routine should always include a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup,” celebrity hairstylist and curly hair specialist. Jose Al-Salami He tells luster. Alternatively, if you’re trying the Curly Girl method or prioritizing hydration, you can use a co-wash – cleansing balm.
Status and untangle
After you lather, you’ll want to lock in moisture and detangle your hair while it’s still wet. “I will use Kristin Ess Ultra Moisturizing Curl & Repair Conditioner To moisturize and detangle, work your way from ends to roots Sabrina Burchcelebrity hairstylist on the Kristin Ess Hair Art Team.
Treats
Jose recommends that every curly hair routine include a scalp serum to “promote balance and healthy growth.” To lock in moisture, she also recommends adding a hydrating hair mask for deep nourishment, or a leave-in conditioner right after showering.
dry
Most curly hair procedures combine drying and styling as one step, with products and techniques working together to maximize curl shape and definition as the hair dries. Instead of a regular towel, which causes friction on the hair and can lead to breakage and frizz, try a microfiber towel or even a t-shirt to remove excess water from your curls.
Using a diffuser can speed up dry time and “help define curls and reduce frizz during drying,” says Jose. But if you’d rather skip the heat, Burch says you can also air-dry with a mousse, gel, or curl cream (specific to your texture), and use hands-on techniques like exfoliation to improve the shape of your curls.
What factors should you consider when formulating a curly hair routine?
Many individual considerations, including curl type, hair thickness, and time commitment will help determine which products and techniques to adopt in your custom curl routine. But experts say catering to one factor — which isn’t entirely obvious — can make a big difference in your results.
porosity
“The first thing you should consider is your hair porosity, which determines how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture,” says Jose. Not sure what your porosity level is? You can do a quick ‘strand test’ to find out; Ona Diaz SantinCEO of the company 5 spa salonHe says: A clean strand of hair floats in a cup of water; If it sinks to the bottom, your hair has high porosity. If the strand is floating at the top, your hair has low porosity; If it floats somewhere in the middle, your hair is of medium porosity.
Now, back to designing your curly hair routine: “If you have low porosity hair, you’ll use a lightweight product and not a lot of heat,” Burch says. “If you have medium-length, frizzy hair, your hair will likely handle most products. If you have high-porosity hair, you need to use heavier products, oils, or creams to help contain the frizz and lock in that moisture.”
What are some common mistakes in your curly hair routine?
Expedite the process
The golden rule of a curly hair routine is that you need to be patient with your curls in the short and long term. For starters, “You want your curls to be completely dry before you head out the door, not only to protect against frizz but also to form curls that extend throughout the day,” says Jocelyn Smith, stylist and senior education director at Widad Salon.