Caring for curly hair requires special attention, especially when it comes to washing. Curly hair is naturally more prone to dryness, frizz, and breakage due to its structure.

The twists and turns in curly hair make it look great, but they also make it harder for natural oils from the scalp to travel down the hair shaft. This leads to drier ends. That's why it's crucial to follow a specific routine to ensure your curls stay hydrated, healthy, and defined.

In this guide, we'll cover the best way to wash your hair, the right products to use, and tips for maintaining beautiful, bouncy curls.

Pre-Wash Preparation

Before your curly hair-washing routine, there are some steps you should take to minimize tangles, reduce breakage, and ensure your curls remain intact. It all starts with detangling your hair.

1. Detangle Your Hair

Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently work through any knots or tangles. This reduces the chance of hair breakage when you shampoo, as wet hair is more fragile.

Apply a detangling spray or a light leave-in conditioner to help loosen knots without causing damage. Always start detangling from the ends and work your way up to the roots.

2. Pre-Poo Treatment

A pre-poo (pre-shampoo) treatment involves applying a moisturizing product like oil or a conditioner before washing your hair. This helps protect your curls from the drying effects of shampoo and adds an extra layer of moisture.

Common Pre-Poo Options:

• Coconut oil
• Argan oil
• Olive oil
• Hydrating hair mask

Apply your pre-poo treatment to dry hair, focusing on the ends where hair tends to be driest. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes before shampooing.

The Best Way to Wash Curly Hair

Once you've prepped your hair, it's time to wash it. The way you shampoo and condition curly hair can make a big difference in how your curls look and feel.

1. Best Shampoo for Curly Hair

The type of shampoo you use is crucial for curly hair. Sulfates, which are common in many shampoos, can be too harsh for curly hair, stripping it of its natural oils and leaving it dry and frizzy. Instead, opt for sulfate-free shampoos, which cleanse the scalp without removing too much moisture.

You can also look for shampoos with aloe vera, shea butter, or coconut oil, which can help hydrate your hair while cleansing.

2. How to Shampoo Curly Hair

Shampooing curly hair is all about keeping moisture in while cleansing your scalp.

Start by wetting your hair with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can strip the hair of moisture and lead to dryness.

Apply a small amount of shampoo to your scalp, not the ends. Curly hair doesn't get as oily as straight hair, so focus on cleaning your scalp rather than the entire length of your hair

Massage the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips, not your nails. Stimulate the scalp and remove any product buildup.

As you rinse the shampoo from your scalp, let the water carry it down the length of your hair. This will lightly cleanse the rest of your curls without over-drying them.

3. Conditioner is Key

Conditioner is essential for curly hair, as it helps restore moisture and reduce frizz. After shampooing, apply a generous amount of conditioner to the length of your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends.

Section your hair into manageable parts and apply conditioner evenly.

Detangle your hair again with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Detangling while conditioning helps reduce breakage and makes the process easier since the hair is slippery.

Let the conditioner sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to deeply penetrate your curls.

Rinse with cool water to seal the hair cuticle, which helps lock in moisture and reduce frizz.

4. Deep Conditioning

Curly hair benefits greatly from regular deep conditioning treatments. Deep conditioners are more intense than regular conditioners and provide a deeper level of moisture.

It's recommended to use a deep conditioner at least once a week to keep curls hydrated and healthy.

Apply a deep conditioner after shampooing, focusing on the ends of your hair. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes, and if possible, use a shower cap to trap heat and help the product penetrate your hair shaft.

Post-Wash Care for Curly Hair

What you do after washing your hair is just as important as the washing process itself. Here are the best practices for post-wash care.

1. Drying Your Curly Hair

Avoid using regular towels to dry your curly hair, as they can create friction and lead to frizz. Instead, opt for a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt, which are gentler on your hair.

After rinsing out your conditioner, gently scrunch the excess water out of your hair using a microfiber towel or t-shirt. Don't rub or wring your hair, as this can cause breakage and frizz.

2. Leave-In Conditioner

After towel-drying your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to lock in moisture and define your curls. These products are essential for keeping curly hair hydrated throughout the day and preventing frizz.

Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to damp hair, focusing on the ends. Scrunch your hair gently to encourage curl definition.

3. Air Dry or Diffuse

Curly hair dries best when left to air dry, as it's the least damaging option. Simply apply your styling products, scrunch your hair, and allow it to dry naturally.

If you're in a hurry, you can use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. A diffuser spreads the air evenly and prevents your curls from becoming frizzy.

Set your blow dryer to a low heat setting and gently cup sections of your hair into the diffuser. This will help preserve your curl pattern while reducing drying time.

Best Way to Wash Your Hair - For Curly Hair Maintenance

There is a best way to wash your hair when it's curly and if you don't follow it, your curly hair will suffer the consequences. 

Sassy Hair Salon is the best salon for curly hair in North Vancouver. Our experienced beauty professionals will bring their years of experience with curly hair to ensure your hair is cut in the best fashion possible. We will also give you curly hair care tips so your hair looks its best no matter what the circumstances. 

Set up an appointment with our team today.