The Curly Hair Routine — Wash Day to Styling

Understanding your curl type

Curl types run from 2A (loose waves) to 4C (tight coils). Porosity matters as much as curl pattern — high porosity hair absorbs products quickly and needs sealing. Low porosity hair repels products and needs heat to open the cuticle.

Porosity test: Drop a clean strand of hair in a glass of water. If it sinks immediately, high porosity. If it floats, low porosity. If it sinks slowly, normal porosity.

The wash day routine

Step 1: Cleanse

Use a sulfate-free shampoo on the scalp only. For very dry or fragile curls, replace every other shampoo with a co-wash.

Step 2: Deep condition

Apply a deep conditioning mask from mid-lengths to ends on every wash day. Use a shower cap and leave for 15-30 minutes. For low porosity hair, add a warm towel over the cap.

Step 3: Apply styling products

Apply all styling products to soaking wet hair. The sequence: leave-in conditioner first, then curl cream, then gel on top. Work in sections for even coverage.

Drying techniques

Plopping

After applying products, plop hair onto a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt for 20-30 minutes. Never rub curly hair with a regular towel.

Diffusing

Use a diffuser on low heat, medium speed. Cup sections in the diffuser and hold until dry before moving. Diffusing takes 20-30 minutes but sets curls with much less frizz.

Scrunch out the crunch

Once hair is fully dry, scrunch upward with your hands to break the gel cast. This transforms crunchy curls into soft, touchable ones. Scrunching too early collapses the pattern.

Refreshing between wash days

Mix water and a small amount of leave-in in a spray bottle. Mist sections, scrunch upward, and diffuse for 5 minutes. Add a small amount of gel to any frizzy sections.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I wash curly hair?+

1-3 times per week depending on activity level and scalp. Oily scalps need more frequent washing. Very dry or coily hair types can go longer between wash days.

Why is my hair still frizzy?+

Usually: not wet enough when applying products, too little product, or touching hair while drying. Apply to dripping wet hair, use more than you think you need, and hands-off until fully dry.

What is the LOC method?+

Liquid-Oil-Cream. Start with a water-based leave-in, then a light oil to seal, then a cream or gel for hold. This works with the hair's moisture absorption rather than against it.

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