6 of the worst things to do to curly hair

If you’ve got a head full of curly strands, you, like Beyoncé here, will know that they can be dry, frizzy and about as obedient as a newborn puppy.

Sometimes taking care of yourself is more about the don’ts than it is the do’s – and if you want to take the best care of your curls, there are a few things you definitely shouldn’t do, not now, not ever – not even one time!

#1: dry comb

Once curly hair dries, the strands become intertwined and harder to separate. To brush your hair effectively, stick to wet combing your hair as the fluidness of your strands will help the comb to glide through without snagging on your hair and causing breakage.

#2: forgetting protection

Heat protection, that is. Curly strands are very defined in the way the hair follicle is structured, so applying heat to the delicate strands can spell disaster, as well as frizz! Use a heat-protecting spray to defend your strands before using heat styling products. This will ensure that the natural wave of your hair is protected and won’t become a frizzy mess post-straighten.

#3: foregoing trims

Forgoing trims is a big mistake – and a major culprit when it comes to dealing with frizzy locks. Regular trims help to stop split ends from travelling up the hair shaft, which can make your hair look haywire and unmanageable.

#4: wet cuts

As you’re probably aware, curly hair has a lot of ‘spring’ to it. This means that cutting it when wet may mean you end up with hair that’s much shorter than you intended. Make sure your hair is completely dry before you or your hairdresser goes anywhere near it with the scissors.

#5: too much shampoo

One of the main reasons some curls can look so perfect and defined is due to the natural oils in your hair. These oils keep the strands nourished, meaning that the internal structure of your hair follicles stays healthy and protected. Using too much shampoo can strip your hair and scalp of these oils and your strands can become dry and frizzy as a result.

#6: leaving hair ‘unsealed’

Nourishing hair oils can work as a sealant for your hair. Failing to use a hair oil means that your hair is left unsealed, meaning it’s more prone to damage from heat styling or environmental factors such as air conditioning and changes in weather.

Our favourite products for curly hair:

Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer
Sexy Hair Full on Curls Volumizing and Texturizing Styler
De Lorenzo Elements Barrel Wave Curl Defining Lotion
Schwarzkopf Extra Care Curl Flex Mousse
ELEVEN Australia Keep My Curl Defining Cream

What are your best tips for styling curly hair? What are the don'ts you follow for your own hair?

70 Member Comments

Yohanna 27 Jun 2020 8:50 PM

After washing , slathering "curl" cream or any king of hair cream in, air drying, braiding, sleeping in braids... love to unravel super smooth defined waves all trough my usually straight fuzzy hair! and only way it works.

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ThisIsMe 24 May 2019 11:03 AM

Need to get some kind of curl cream for my little one her her keeps getting frizzy.

Peach perfect 23 May 2019 10:27 PM

So many great tips for curly hair here. Most I started to learn early but leaving them unsealed is the one that took me really long time to realise.

GeeJ 9 Jan 2019 5:40 PM

I love wearing my hair curly, but it is definitely a lot of work.

abbeyleee12 15 Nov 2018 7:54 AM

need to invest in a curl cream

Trudyjarrod 15 Apr 2018 6:46 PM

Thanks for the tips! My hair is curly, hard to manage and frizzes easily.

mamamickey 27 Aug 2017 8:10 PM

A good tip I tried was to wash my hair in conditioner. I have done this and it does make a difference. I only do it occasionally as it can cause a build up after a while.

anakiee 25 Aug 2017 3:59 PM

Great article for curly hair. I always use oil on the ends of my hair every wash. I never blow dry my hair as I end up with a frizzy lions mane regardless of what pre heat product I use - with a diffuser. I never comb my hair when it's dry and sunday is my pamper day for my whole body including my hair. A lot of great advice.

Miss19 24 Aug 2017 11:08 AM

My hair used to be super curly now its gotten to loose curls and more waves

Jlgaddes 12 Jan 2015 9:51 PM

I have curly hair and hate it :(

Kezzaa86 13 Dec 2014 8:02 AM

great article

MaiMai06 (not verified) 12 Dec 2014 6:42 AM

great article!

newlady 5 Dec 2014 8:16 PM

Will pass these tips onto my friend who has unreal curly hair!

Anu84 13 Sep 2014 1:41 AM

I have super thick, curly hair. Always envied those with lovely wavy hair but have started to embrace my curls in the last couple of years especially since realising how a decent cut (and thinning as well in my case as the thickness started causing neck pain!) ,good oils and mousse and a great de-tangling brush (only ever comb when hair is wet) make a world of difference!

ReneeHewer 27 May 2014 3:53 AM

Definitely recommend doing oil treatments weekly. I do a mix of Bioglan's Coconut Oil and the ExceptionOil by Go-To Skincare in my hair and sleep with it in overnight once a week - my hair has been a lot easier to manage since I've started doing this!

Oonga 10 May 2014 11:02 PM

oops not sure how that ended up submitting twice! Sorry guys not spamming!

Dry cutting is the way to go for curly hair! I go to Neel in Fitzroy, he has just opened up his curly hair salon, where all he does is cut curly or wavy hair. No colour and other services. Neel loves curls it's called, he is always giving tips for the individual curls each person has.

alanatural 23 Jun 2019 12:44 AM

Hi, can I have the name of the salon please

Oonga 10 May 2014 10:58 PM

Anitas Artistry 24 Apr 2014 7:32 AM

I have really straight hair and I'm never going to complain again! This looks like hard work.

Heidi366 2 Apr 2014 8:08 AM

I have wavy hair and yes over shampooing it can spell absolute frizz mania! Great advice!

Jlgaddes 14 Mar 2014 4:47 AM

great tips, wish my hair wasn't frizzy :(

Joanne182 9 Mar 2014 1:21 AM

Glad mine isn't too bad

Miss19 8 Mar 2014 8:56 AM

I also try not to use too much product on my curly hair, as it can dry it out!

Tiasha12 26 Feb 2014 10:34 PM

I agree with never dry combing your hair, it will turn into 1 big frizz ball-- wet all the way

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