Your Daily, Weekly & Monthly Curly Hair Routine
The secret to perfecting the curly hair journey? A consistent routine. If you want healthy hair, first you need to find the right products and techniques – and then you need to stick with them. But nailing major curl definition and bounce isn't just about how you treat locks day to day; it's also about the weekly and monthly rituals that keep dry, lifeless curls at bay.
So, here's your daily, weekly and monthly curly hair guide, complete with styling and care application tips to make bad hair days history...
Daily Hair Care Routine
First up, let's go into the daily routine. To enhance natural curls, you (or your client) need some level of moisture. The tighter your curl pattern or the drier strands are, the more hydration you're going to need. So, follow the steps below, keeping your individual curl type in mind. If you have finer curls, you'll need less product, but if they're coarse and porous, don't be afraid to embrace extra moisture.
1. Avoid Daily Shampooing
Starting with a don't: you don't want to be shampooing daily. This can strip away the natural oils that are needed to maintain frizz-free, healthy hair. Ideally, you want to be leaving at least two days between wash days, but if your locks are very dry, this may mean shampooing every four to five days. To figure out how often to lather up, it's a case of experimenting. See how long you can go before your scalp starts to feel oily – this is different for everyone. Just keep in mind that good scalp health = good hair health, so shampoo at least once per week to keep the scalp clean and fresh.
2. Detangle Waves and Curls
Detangling curls and coils isn't always easy, but it's essential to avoid matting. So, every morning, use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to work out any knots. You need to be gentle so as not to disrupt the natural curl pattern, which means starting at the ends of strands and detangling in sections. Tease tangles out of the tips with your comb, or gently ease them apart with fingertips, then move up the hair shaft to tackle knots higher up. Eventually, tresses will be tangle-free from root to tip.
3. Apply Curly Products
After detangling, apply styling products that level up the shape of ringlets. This could be a lightweight curl cream, a leave-in conditioner or a styling gel, depending on the curly hair type you're working with. You may want to lightly wet strands first, so keep a spray bottle with water to hand. Gently mist from root to tip, and blot away any excess moisture with a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel. Then, use one of these products...
For Wavy Hair Types or Looser Curls: NutriCurls Milky Waves
Perfect for pumping moisture into waves and loose curls without weighing down finer hair types, this lightweight mist nourishes and adds instant manageability. It's brimming with Jojoba Oil and Panthenol to keep curls healthy, while the super-portable bottle means you can tuck it into your bag for on-the-go care. Spray it into dry or semi-damp hair, lightly scrunch to activate curls, and enjoy soft tresses instantly.
For Tighter Curls or Coily Hair Types: NutriCurls Curlixir Balm
If you have curly or coily hair, this rich balm is essential in your daily routine. It gives curly strands a boost of definition, while lending added shine to coilier hair types. The exclusive Nourish-In Complex delivers intense nourishment from root to tip, and it's easy to adapt to your hair texture: fine locks may need just one pump, while coarser curls can enjoy an extra dose. Apply it evenly to damp hair or work into dry hair in between washes. Lightly scrunch as you go to amp up curl definition in seconds flat.
4. Finger Coil For Perfect Curls
After working in your go-to hair product, try the finger coiling method. It's quick, easy, and gives all curl types a boost of definition in between washes. Simply separate hair into sections, then take the end of one of these sections and twirl around one finger until it's tightly spiraled. Release the curl downwards, then move on to the next section until all strands have been coiled.
5. Protect Hair Overnight
Good hair days start with overnight care, so make sure you're protecting tresses while you sleep. Step one is investing in a silk pillowcase, which is softer than cotton, so it won't cause friction through curly hair strands. Then, if you have medium-to-long length hair, try 'pineappling' your locks. This styling technique involves tying curls high up on your head with a scrunchie (again, silk!), so they resemble – you guessed it – a pineapple. Or, if curls are shorter, try wrapping them in a silk bonnet overnight. These simple upgrades not only tame frizz, but also reduce breakage and, if you're pineappling, keep flat hair at bay.
Weekly Maintenance For Curly Hair
At least once per week (but maybe twice or thrice, depending on your shower routine), hair will need washing. Follow this five-step wash day routine to manage frizz, define ringlets, and restore bounce...
1. Wash With a Moisturizing Shampoo
For Co-Washing Dry Curls: NutriCurls Cleansing Conditioner
This low-lathering cleanser is packed with Jojoba Oil and Panthenol – perfect for replenishing the moisture balance in dry hair and coarser curls. It's a curl community must-try, delivering definition in a one-step wash. Because it conditions as it washes, you don't need a separate conditioner; simply massage through roots and lengths for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Bonus: it also helps to lock in color, so previously lifeless curls enjoy vibrant shine. Plus, because it's formulated without silicones, tresses won't feel heavy or weighed down. A win-win.
For Gentle Care: NutriCurls Micellar Shampoo
You've heard of micellar cleansers for your skin, but what about your hair? This gentle cleanser harnesses the same dirt-trapping technology to keep the scalp clean and purify the lengths. Ideal for maintaining your wave pattern, respecting healthy curls and enhancing coilier hair, it pairs up with the NutriCurls Conditioner – a lightweight conditioner – to leave locks feeling fresh, clean and balanced.
For Deep Damage Repair: ULTIMATE REPAIR Shampoo
Stressed-out, damaged curls need major hair nourishment, which is where the ULTIMATE REPAIR Shampoo steps in. This moisturizing shampoo is packed with skin care-inspired ingredients to rebuild strands from the inside out, including AHA (which replenishes internally) and Omega-9 (which cares for the outer layer). Massage it into wet hair to kick start the bond-rebuilding process, then follow with the ULTIMATE REPAIR Conditioner, a creamy conditioner that feels completely weightless.
2. Apply a Deeply Nourishing Hair Mask
No curly hair routine is complete without a deep conditioner or hair mask. Curls are prone to high hair porosity, which means they’re vulnerable to gaps and tears along the hair cuticle, through which moisture can escape. So, rich curly products are a must to ensure you’re really pumping in and 'plugging' that moisture – putting nourishing masks at the top of the weekly agenda.
One of our favorites for textured locks is the NutriCurls Deep Treatment, which intensely nourishes to prevent frizz for luscious, touchable curls and waves. But if curls are damaged, extra special care is needed. Try the ULTIMATE REPAIR Mask; a deep treatment that's ideal for all hair types, from straight hair through to natural curls and coils.
Whichever mask you choose, apply it through the lengths and ends of locks, making sure you squeeze out excess water first. Soaking wet hair can dilute the mask’s nourishing goodness. Then, use a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the mask. Depending on hair thickness, you might need to add a little extra moisture treatment to coarser strands. Once you've smoothed the treatment through, allow it to absorb for around five minutes, before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water. You're ready for the styling stage.
3. Blot Lengths With a Cotton T-Shirt or Microfiber Towel
Don't use a regular towel. Instead, blot hair dry with a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel, taking care to press out the excess moisture, avoiding any rubbing. This is much gentler to delicate strands, and reduces the look of frizz once locks are dry.
4. Repair Damaged Hair in 90 Seconds
Next up, apply a leave-in treatment to towel-dried locks. Our go-to is the innovative ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue. Not only does it repair hair damage in 90 seconds*, but it also gives you 99% less breakage**, so locks are protected and nourished. It's also weightless enough to be layered with your other hair products, like your favorite styling balm. Mist it through hair from root to tip, let it soak in for 90 seconds, then gently scrunch in Nutricurls Milky Waves (for waves or loose curls) or NutriCurls Curlixir Balm (for curls and coils).
5. Air Dry or Use an Ionic Hair Dryer With a Diffuser
Once your go-to curl product has been evenly distributed through locks, it's time for drying. If you can, aim to air-dry hair, so you're not exposing it to heat damage. But if you're low on time – or just prefer the look and feel of a blow dry – use an ionic hair dryer with a diffuser to gain extra frizz control. Prep first with a heat protectant spray or serum, like ULTIMATE REPAIR Protective Leave-In. The silky formula shields strands from heat tools up to 450°F/230°C, preventing natural hair oils from being stripped away by high temperatures. Then, for major hair definition, flip your curls upside down, place the ends of a section of hair in the diffuser head, and switch the dryer on. Push it up towards the scalp to shape curls as they dry. Repeat on all sections of hair until locks are 80% dry, then scrunch in a little extra product and let nature do the rest.
Monthly Must-Dos For Curly Hair
There are two key rituals we recommend for monthly curl maintenance: deep cleansing and precise trimming. Here's why they're so important...
1. Embrace the 'Reset Shampoo'
What is a 'reset shampoo', you ask? It's a clarifying formula that's used to remove product and silicone build-up through the scalp, lengths and ends – especially important if you have an oily scalp. While a richer formula is needed for regular hair wash days, to nourish waves, curls and coils, a deep cleansing, super-light formula is key to achieving perfect balance. So, hit the shower with INVIGO Aqua Pure Purifying Shampoo, putting the focus on the roots, while letting the lather run through the lengths and ends (you don't want to be rubbing them). To keep dry hair healthy and replenish nourishment, follow up with the ULTIMATE REPAIR Conditioner. Rinse hair with water and use ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue to give lengths extra TLC.
2. Trim Away Split Ends
Depending on how many split ends you're dealing with, you should get them trimmed monthly or even bi-monthly to enhance your natural curl pattern. Remember: the only real way to ditch the splits (and keep hair healthy) is with regular trims. But this doesn't mean you have to lose length; ask your Wella Professionals hairdresser about the Cut & Seal service. This salon must-try sees only the split ends targeted and precisely snipped away, so locks stay as long as you like. Simple.
FAQs For Beautiful Curls
What Order Should Curly Hair Products Go In?
Those all-important styling products should be applied from lightest first to richest last, so thick styling gels and balms can't block out the effects of light serums and lotions. For example, a weightless liquid like ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue should always be applied at the start of your styling routine, while NutriCurls Curlixir Balm may go last, and a mousse would go somewhere in between.
Is a Curl Cream or Mousse Better?
It all depends on what you're looking for. If distinct waves or major hair definition for curls or coils is your goal, use a cream. It will elevate the shape of curves and ringlets. But if it's volume and hold you're craving, try a hair mousse. You could also team them up – mousse through the roots, cream on the lengths – to get the best benefits of both.
How Should You Scrunch Hair?
When it comes to styling products, scrunching is a popular application technique that boosts curl and wave formation. But if you go too rough, you could leave locks frizzy, or even cause breakage. So, after blotting hair dry, 'gently, gently' is the best approach for scrunching. The trick is to start at the ends and gently squeeze a handful of curls, before moving up the hair shaft. Keep going until you've scrunched every wave or curl right up to the roots.
Should You Comb Curly Hair Every Day?
While straight hair needs daily brushing, wavy, curly and coily hair types follow their own routine. Some can handle everyday detangling, while others suit a lower-maintenance schedule. As a general rule, we recommend detangling every time you wash. This might be enough for coils and tight curls, while those with looser curls can grab their large-tooth comb daily or every two to three days to keep knots at bay.
What is Plopping Curly Hair?
One of the most popular heatless styling techniques in the natural hair community is 'plopping'. Making flat curls a thing of the past, it involves wrapping locks up into a cotton t-shirt or cotton towel while they air dry. So that you don't stretch out your pattern, it's important to pile up and compact curls on top of your head, so the towel effectively 'scrunches' strands as they dry. Once released, they'll appear springy and defined.
Looking for more tips to care for hair? Discover our complete collection of Hair Care Guides, featuring advice for every type and concern.
* When using ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue.
** When using ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue. Instrumental test versus non-conditioning shampoo.
