Ways to keep your curls bouncy, shiny and frizz-free

Curly hair has a beauty all its own – from loose waves and soft spirals to tightly coiled curls. But those gorgeous curves can also make hair care a little more challenging. Unlike straight hair, curly strands tend to lose moisture more easily, which can leave them feeling dry, rough and prone to frizz.
The shape of the hair is influenced by the structure of the hair follicle. Curly hair tends to grow from more oval or asymmetrical follicles, a characteristic largely determined by genetics. While you cannot change your natural curl pattern, the right routine can help your curls look more defined, soft and healthy.
Here are some simple ways to care for your natural texture.
Start with a pre-shampoo treatment
If your curls are particularly coarse or dry, consider conditioning your hair before shampooing.
Conditioner does not have to be limited to the post-shampoo step. Applying it before cleansing can provide an additional layer of moisture and, in theory, help protect the hair strand from the drying effect of shampoo. This can be especially useful for coarse, curly hair that tends to lose moisture quickly. Apply conditioner through the lengths and ends, leave it on briefly and then follow with your usual shampoo routine.
Turn down the water temperature
A long, hot shower may feel relaxing, but very hot water can leave hair feeling dry by stripping away moisture. When washing curly hair, avoid excessively hot water. Using cooler or lukewarm water can help your hair retain more of its natural moisture.
If your curls frequently feel rough or dehydrated after washing, your shower temperature may be one small change worth making.
Don’t over-shampoo
Curly hair generally does not benefit from being shampooed every day. Frequent cleansing can strip away the natural oils that help keep hair moisturized.
Instead, experiment with a washing schedule that suits your scalp and curl type. The material recommends trying every other day or every three days, rather than automatically shampooing daily.
Your ideal schedule will depend on factors such as your scalp, lifestyle and how quickly your hair becomes oily. The goal is simple: cleanse the scalp without unnecessarily drying out the lengths.
Detangle with care
Curly hair can be dry and fragile, making it more susceptible to breakage during brushing and combing.
One useful strategy is to detangle your curls in the shower, particularly while conditioner is still present. The conditioner can provide slip, making it easier for a comb to move through the hair while also helping coat the strands. Start at the ends and gently work your way upwards rather than pulling a comb from the roots through a mass of tangled hair.
Choose a wide-tooth comb
A wide-tooth comb is generally a gentler option for separating curls and loosening knots. Avoid aggressive brushing, especially when the hair is dry and tangled.
For particularly springy curls, you may not need a brush or comb at all. Apply a leave-in conditioner and gently rake through wet hair using your fingertips.
This allows you to work with your natural curl pattern rather than disrupting it.