The 10 commandments every curly-haired girl should follow

Do you have gorgeously curly tresses? Good. Because you are going to looove this. After years of experimenting, talking to the hair gods and trialling products (tough gig!), we’ve put together the 10 commandments you should be swearing by to get the most out of your mane.
THOU SHALT LIMIT THY WASHES
Washing your hair on a daily basis? It’s time to change that. Shampooing too frequently can actually have adverse effects, resulting in dry, ratty and brittle hair. Not pretty. Resist the urge to wash your hair every time you wash your bod, and just do it every two or three days instead. If you’re worried about excess oil, invest in a good dry shampoo to spritz on between washes.
Try: Schwarzkopf Professional Essensity Colour and Moisture Sulfate-Free Shampoo, Batiste Wild Dry Shampoo, De Lorenzo Essential Treatments Absorb Dry Shampoo
THOU SHALT ALWAYS CONDITION THY LOCKS
Yes, always - no if’s, but’s or maybe’s about it! The curlier the locks, the longer it takes for sebum (the natural oil hair produces) to reach the ends, often leading to dry, frizzy, split ends. To give your strands a good hit of hydration, look for deep conditioners with a working pH level to penetrate deep into your curly layers.
Try: John Frieda Full Repair Hydrate Rescue Deep Conditioner, Pantene Pro-V Deep Fortifying Conditioner
THOU SHALT REGULARLY VISIT THY DOCTOR
The hair doctor, that is. Regular check-ups will keep your curls shiny, healthy and oh-so-happy. Book an appointment with your hairdresser every six to eight weeks and treat yourself to a quick trim and deep conditioning treatment. The head massage alone should be enough of a reason to go.
THOU SHALT REFRAIN FROM TOUCHING
When your hair is dry, try to keep your mitts of it. The more you manhandle your hair, the more likely you are to end up looking like a giant frizz-ball. To stop yourself from touching and twisting your strands all day, simply apply a curl enhancing product to damp hair. The product will do the work for you, meaning you won’t have to keep fidgeting with it all day long just to get it to stay put.
Try: Kinky-Curly Curling Custard, TIGI Catwalk Curlesque Curls Rock Amplifier, Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer
THOU SHALT DRY THY STRANDS WITH A T-SHIRT (Yes, really)
Ditch that bath towel and opt to use a softer fabric (like a cotton tee or microfibre towel) to dry your hair. It will make a huge difference to the shape of your curls, and won’t cause knots either. #winning
Try: QVS Microfibre Hair Turban
THOU SHALT GET THY BEAUTY SLEEP
If you don’t have satin pillows yet, run - don’t walk - to the shops. Average cotton pillowcases absorb the oil that healthy curls so desperately crave, plus the roughness of cotton creates friction, rubbing as you sleep and creating the super frizzy fro you wake up to every morning.
THOU SHALT STAY AWAY FROM THE BOOZE
Stay far, far away from any hair product that lists sulfates or alcohol on the label. These agents will dry the hair out, and leave you with crunchy, straw-like strands. Hair spray tends to include alcohol, so look at gels and mousses instead. If you tend to favour mousse, we recommend those more aerated to give optimum fullness, control and boost.
Try: Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Hydrocream Whip, VO5 Extra Body Mousse
THOU SHALT PROTECT THY PRECIOUS LOCKS
Hot air is a curly-haired girl’s worst enemy. Blow-frying those gorgeous ringlets will have a similar effect as bleach and chemical relaxers, and can cause permanent damage. Always, always, always apply a heat-protecting product and use a diffuser to dry the curls evenly and safely.
Try: Tresemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray, TONI & GUY Prep Heat Protection Mist, ghd air, Remington Studio Power Pro Pack, VS Sassoon Salon Professional AC Dryer
THOU SHALT BANISH THY BRUSH
Unless you want a cloud of frizz, banish the brush. Bristles tug at hair and disturb the curl formation - a big no-no for anyone interested in actually leaving the house! Reach for a wide-toothed comb instead, or rake your fingers through to get rid of tangles.
Try: Lady Jayne Afro Comb
THOU SHALT EMBRACE LAYERS
Don’t be afraid to use multiple products to get the best possible result. Start with a leave-in conditioner to balance your hair’s moisture levels, then apply a volumising product to the roots or set your strands with a working hairspray.
Try: KMS California Silksheen Leave-in Conditioner, Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode, bhave Magnifying Volumising Conditioner
Do you have any other tips for managing curly hair?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
64 Member Comments
Keep forgetting to keep old tees for my hair! Gosh bookmarking this!
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Have no curls thanks universe (would suit me not!). Did recently embrace dry shampoo now that hair is too long to wash often.
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My hair is neither curly nor straight. What about the wavy hair girls?
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The silk pillowcase works!
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I want to try John Frieda and KMS products. Currently I'm trying to use up all my haircare stash.
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Off to buy some silk or satin pillowcases now.
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Great article, I definitely need some of these products in my life. I envy those with naturally straight hair!
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Honestly having curly hair is a pain to manage!
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Absolute yes and yes. Curly hair need so much pampering ;)
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My curly NESS comes and goes as it pleases.
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Ha ha ha..I can relate to that. It also changes it nature as it pleases. That means I have to keep up with my moody locks
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That dry shampoo from Delorenzo is worth every cent
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I don't have curly hair but my hair can have a will of its own and become quite rebellious. Good tips.
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I have too much hair for a hair turban :( What I am struggling with is finding a good no sulphate cleanser that doesn't cost the earth!
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Some great tips here, I like using a oil in my hair it gives me a bit of bounce & volume besides keeping the Frizz down a touch nod & naturally my hair goes curly from it which I like :)
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Use a good mousse as gel can dry out your hair
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My daughter has curly hair and tends to love the Joico K pak series as it tends to add moisture making her curls and waves controlled, soft and luscious to touch. I wish I had curls like her!
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Great tips, I will be sharing this article to my sister as she has curly hair whereas mine is more wavy.
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I think all hairdressers ought to be given these instructions! Especially the comb and the keep your hands off my curls! Seriously it amazes me i sit in the chair after having my hair coloured and they all do this fluff fluff thing to my hair with their hands. Then they look at the frizzy mess as though they have created a masterpiece LOL!! I sit there waiting to get out knowing i will have to wear my hair up for a few days before I can wash it to let it all settle and the curls to reform. I only let my curly hair specialist hair dresser cut my hair. I go to regular hair dressers only for colour. The curly hair guys don't do colour and they are an hour drive.
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I'm surprised by the cotton tee or microfibre towel trick. I've always use a bath towel.
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I have naturally wavy hair, and really should follow these tips. Especially re sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase
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Lucky Linda!
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