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HAIRMAXXING GUIDE FOR WAVY & CURLY HAIR: GOOD CURLS = GOOD LIFE
---
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- Understanding Your Curl Type
- Know Your Porosity
- The Wash Day Routine
- Products (SheaMoisture, Camille Rose, As I Am)
- Styling Techniques
- Hairstyles
- Advice & Final Tips
---
INTRODUCTION
okay so i made this guide because i genuinely could not find one place that had everything together for wavy and curly hair. every article was either too basic ("just moisturize!") or written for a completely different hair type. so here it is.
if you have wavy or curly hair and it constantly looks frizzy, undefined, or just kind of blah, it's not your hair's fault. it's the routine. or the lack of one. curly and wavy hair is genuinely high maintenance compared to straight hair and once you accept that and just do the work, everything changes.
i'm not going to sugarcoat it either. undefined dry curls look bad. but the same hair, properly taken care of? actually one of the most attractive hair types there is. bouncy, defined, moisturized curls are eye-catching. people notice. worth the effort.
---
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CURL TYPE
first thing you need to figure out is what type of hair you actually have. this matters because a product that works amazingly for 3C hair might completely weigh down 2A waves. don't skip this part.
Type 2 — Wavy
2A: barely there waves, pretty flat, fine hair. gets weighed down by heavy products super easily. if you've ever put on a curl cream and your hair just went limp and greasy, this is probably why.
2B: more of a defined S-wave, especially toward the ends. roots tend to go straight or poofy. frizz is a real issue especially in humidity.
2C: strong, thick waves that are basically on the border of curly. probably the most frizz-prone of the wavy types. needs more product than 2A or 2B but still not as much as actual curly hair.
Type 3 — Curly
3A: big, loose curls with a clear S-shape. shiny when healthy. the most forgiving of the curly types, responds well to lighter products.
3B: medium springy curls. needs consistent moisture or it gets dry and frizzy fast. this is where the LOC method really starts to make a difference.
3C: tight dense corkscrew curls. shrinks a lot when dry, sometimes up to 50% of actual length. moisture is everything for this type. heavy products are your friend.
Notes:
- the curlier your hair, the more moisture it needs. this is just science, not a preference.
- type 2 hair gets weighed down easily so stick to lighter products.
- type 3 hair needs heavier moisture and more product layering.
- undefined curls look like you didn't try. your curls need to be defined. that is the whole point.
---
KNOW YOUR POROSITY (THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING)
porosity is how well your hair absorbs and holds onto moisture. this one piece of information will explain why certain products work for other people but not for you.
Low Porosity:
- hair kind of repels moisture at first, products sit on top instead of soaking in
- you might feel like nothing is working even when you're doing everything right
- fix it: use heat when deep conditioning (shower cap, hooded dryer) to open the cuticle so products can actually get in
- stick to lighter water-based products, heavy butters will just sit on top
High Porosity:
- hair drinks up moisture fast but loses it just as fast
- feels dry again like an hour after you've just conditioned it
- fix it: use heavier creams and butters to seal moisture in after you've added it
- protein treatments help patch up the gaps in the hair shaft that are causing the moisture loss
Float test: drop a clean strand of hair in a glass of water. if it floats you're low porosity. if it sinks fast you're high porosity. if it floats then slowly sinks you're somewhere in the middle which is actually ideal.
---
THE WASH DAY ROUTINE
this is the foundation of everything. you can have the best products in the world and still have bad hair if your wash day routine is off. go through each step.
Step 1: Pre-Poo (just do it)
apply coconut oil, castor oil, or olive oil to your dry hair before getting in the shower. leave it on for at least 20-30 minutes. what this does is coat your strands so when you shampoo, the shampoo strips the oil instead of your hair's natural moisture. if you're short on time even 10 minutes helps. if you have time, leave it overnight with a shower cap.
Step 2: Cleanse
use a sulfate-free shampoo. sulfates are the harsh detergents that make shampoo lather a lot and they completely strip wavy and curly hair. your hair needs its natural oils, don't wash them all out.
focus the shampoo on your scalp, not your ends. your ends don't need to be scrubbed, they just get cleaned from the runoff.
Type 2 hair: shampoo about once a week
Type 3 hair: shampoo every 1-2 weeks and co-wash in between
never wash daily. it will wreck your hair.
Step 3: Deep Condition (do not skip this ever)
this is the most important step. every single wash day, no exceptions. apply a deep conditioner from mid-length to your ends, detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb while it's in there, then sit under a heat cap or hooded dryer for 20-30 minutes. the heat opens up your cuticle so the conditioner actually penetrates instead of just sitting on top.
rinse with cold water. cold water seals the cuticle back down which gives you shine and reduces frizz. hot water does the opposite.
Step 4: Leave-In Conditioner
apply on soaking wet hair, section by section. don't dry off first, you want your hair absolutely dripping. the water helps distribute the product evenly and keeps your curls clumped together. this is your moisture base and everything else you put on goes on top of it.
Step 5: Style with LOC or LCO
this is how you actually lock the moisture in so it doesn't evaporate out of your hair within an hour.
LOC: Leave-in, then Oil, then Cream. best if you have high porosity hair.
LCO: Leave-in, then Cream, then Oil. best if you have low porosity hair.
always go from thinnest to thickest product. finish with a gel or mousse for hold and definition. scrunch upward the whole time you're applying products. scrunching encourages your natural curl pattern to form.
Step 6: Dry Without Touching It
plop your hair in a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt for about 20 minutes to get the excess water out without causing frizz. then either diffuse on low heat and low speed or just air dry.
the most important thing: do not touch your hair while it's drying. every time you touch it you're breaking apart the curl clumps and creating frizz. just leave it alone.
once it is completely dry (not just mostly dry, fully dry), scrunch out the crunch with a tiny bit of oil on your hands. this gets rid of the stiff cast the gel leaves and gives you soft bouncy curls.
---
PRODUCTS
SHEA MOISTURE
best for heavy moisture, type 3 hair, and anyone on a budget. widely available at drugstores and Target.
1. Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo
rich cleanse that doesn't strip your hair. use this on wash day if you need an actual shampoo.
2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque
protein and moisture together in one deep conditioner. great if your hair breaks easily or feels weak. use every other week.
3. Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
this is the one everyone talks about and for good reason. defines curls, adds softness, smells amazing. apply on wet hair as your cream step in the LOC routine.
4. Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Leave-In
heavy leave-in, best for 3B and 3C hair that needs serious moisture.
5. 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-In
lighter version of the above. better for 2C and 3A hair that gets weighed down by heavier products.
Worth knowing: SheaMoisture products run on the heavier side. if you have fine wavy hair use them sparingly. if you're 3B or 3C go ahead and be generous.
---
CAMILLE ROSE
best for definition, shine, and keeping curls looking good on day 2 and 3. slightly more expensive but the quality shows.
1. Moroccan Pear Conditioning Custard
genuinely one of the best curl definers available. gives you incredible shine and a medium hold that isn't crunchy. this is your cream step.
2. Curl Love Moisture Milk
a leave-in and light styler combined. if you have 3A or 3B hair and don't want to use a ton of products, this one does a lot of the work on its own.
3. Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask
marine-based ingredients that restore elasticity and bounce to the hair. use every 1-2 weeks on wash day. noticeably improves how your curls spring back.
4. Fresh Curl Revitalizer
spray this on second or third day hair, scrunch it in, let it dry. brings curls back to life without having to wet and redo everything.
5. Naturals Curl Maker
light gel-type hold that works really well layered on top of the Moisture Milk if you need a little more definition and hold.
Worth knowing: this is the most premium of the three brands in this guide. the smell alone is worth it honestly. best suited for 3A to 3C hair.
---
AS I AM
best for frizz control, people who want to co-wash frequently, and beginners who don't want to spend a lot.
1. Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner
the original co-wash and still one of the best. cleanses your scalp without stripping your hair. use this between shampoo days to refresh without drying out.
2. So Much Moisture Yucca & Plantain Super Moisturizer
intense moisture for hair that is always thirsty. good as a leave-in or as your cream step if your hair is very dry or high porosity.
3. Twist Defining Cream
the standout product from this brand. gives you clean definition on twist-outs and wash-and-gos with really good frizz control. smells great too.
4. Curling Jelly
holds your curls without leaving them crunchy. good option if you don't like the stiff cast that regular gel gives you but still want some hold.
5. Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Conditioner
if your scalp itches or flakes, swap in this conditioner. takes care of the scalp while still conditioning your hair properly.
Worth knowing: most affordable of the three brands here. a great place to start if you're new to the curly girl routine and don't want to spend a lot figuring out what works.
---
STYLING TECHNIQUES
the products matter but so does how you put them in. here are the main techniques worth knowing.
Praying Hands
press product between your palms and smooth it down your hair in sections. good for applying leave-in without breaking up your curl clumps.
Scrunching
cup sections of your hair and squeeze upward toward your scalp. do this while applying every single product. it's how you encourage your natural curl pattern to form and clump together.
Raking
use your fingers like a wide comb, pulling product through from root to tip. distributes product evenly. only do this on very wet hair or you'll create frizz.
Shingling
work product through tiny individual sections, defining each curl one by one. gives you the most definition possible. takes forever but the results are worth it for a special occasion.
Squish to Condish
while you're rinsing out your conditioner, cup water up into your hair and squish it repeatedly. your curls start clumping together right there in the shower before you've even added a single styling product.
Diffusing
attach a diffuser to your blow dryer, set it to low heat and low speed. hold it under sections of your hair without touching or pressing into your hair. lifts the roots and speeds up drying without destroying your curl pattern.
---
HAIRSTYLES
FOR TYPE 2 (WAVY)
Wash-and-Go
your everyday go-to. apply all your products on soaking wet hair, then either diffuse or air dry completely without touching it. when it's done you have your natural wave pattern showing at its best.
Half-Up Space Buns
split the top half of your hair into two buns and leave the waves loose underneath. easy to do, looks like you actually tried, good for any occasion.
Messy Wave Updo
clip your hair loosely at the crown and let pieces fall around your face naturally. best on second day hair when your waves have relaxed a little and have that effortless texture.
Braid-Out
put your hair in three-strand braids while it's damp and loaded with product. sleep on it. take the braids out in the morning and separate gently with a little oil on your fingers. you get stretched, voluminous waves with a lot of body.
Beach Waves with Salt Spray
on days when your natural waves aren't cooperating, spray sea salt spray on damp hair and scrunch it in. gives you texture and definition even when your hair isn't feeling it.
---
FOR TYPE 3 (CURLY)
Wash-and-Go
still the best everyday style even for curly hair. the whole goal is clumped, defined, bouncy curls. follow the full LOC or LCO routine, diffuse or air dry, scrunch out the crunch at the end.
Twist-Out
two-strand twists on damp product-loaded hair, left to dry completely overnight. unravel gently the next morning and separate with a tiny bit of oil on your fingers. the volume you get from this is genuinely insane.
Braid-Out
same idea as the twist-out but using three-strand braids. gives you more elongated curls with a little more definition and even more volume than the twist-out.
Pineapple Updo
gather all your hair into a very loose high ponytail at the very top of your head and secure with a satin scrunchie. this is how you sleep without ruining your curls. also works as a daytime style to keep your hair off your face without flattening it.
Bantu Knots
section your hair and coil each section into a tight flat knot right against your scalp. you can wear these as an actual style or let them dry fully and unravel them for defined, bouncy curls.
Finger Coils
take small sections and coil them around your finger from root to tip with gel. every curl ends up perfectly uniform and springy. takes a long time but the results look incredible for events or photos.
Flat Twist Updo
flat twists along your scalp that come together in a loose updo at the back or top. protective, looks elegant, and if you sleep in a bonnet it can last several days.
---
ADVICE & FINAL TIPS
satin pillowcase or bonnet every single night. cotton pillowcases create friction against your hair while you sleep and you wake up with frizz, tangles, and broken strands. a satin bonnet is like $5 on Amazon. there is no excuse not to use one.
trim your ends every 10-12 weeks. split ends travel up the hair shaft over time and make your hair look dry and undefined no matter what you do. a small trim keeps everything healthy.
always finish with a cold water rinse. hot water opens the cuticle and causes frizz. cold water seals it down and gives you shine. do this every single wash.
try fermented rice water for growth. yes it smells bad. yes it works. rinse your hair with it after shampooing, leave it on for 10-20 minutes, then rinse out. a lot of people swear by this for noticeably faster growth.
stop touching your hair while it dries. i know it's hard but every time you touch it you are physically breaking apart your curl clumps. just leave it alone and let it do its thing.
rotate between protein and moisture. your hair needs both but too much of either one causes problems. too much protein makes hair feel stiff and brittle. too much moisture makes it feel limp and weak. alternate your deep conditioners every few weeks.
drink water and eat well. omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and proper hydration all show up in your hair. avocado, salmon, nuts, eggs. what you put in your body genuinely affects what grows out of your head.
microfiber towel or old t-shirt only for drying. regular bath towels have a rough texture that roughes up your cuticle and creates frizz. microfiber is smooth and absorbs water without the friction.
refresh your curls on non-wash days instead of rewetting everything. fill a spray bottle with water and a small amount of leave-in conditioner, spritz it onto your hair, scrunch it in, and let it dry. brings your curls back without having to redo the whole routine.
avoid heat as much as possible. diffusing is fine. flat irons and curling wands occasionally with heat protectant are okay. but using heat every day or every other day will gradually loosen and damage your curl pattern over time. the less heat the better.
go on Pinterest for style inspiration. search your curl type plus whatever style you're interested in. you will find exactly what your hair can look like at its best and it makes it so much easier to know what to aim for.
---
CONCLUSION
honestly wavy and curly hair is one of the best hair types you can have when it's properly taken care of. the gap between neglected curly hair and well-maintained curly hair is massive. it's not even subtle.
the routine takes some getting used to and wash day can feel like a lot at first. but once it becomes habit it's just normal and the results are completely worth it. good products, consistent routine, sleep in your bonnet, be patient.
your hair is already doing something interesting. you just have to learn how to work with it.
defined curls = good life.
---
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- Understanding Your Curl Type
- Know Your Porosity
- The Wash Day Routine
- Products (SheaMoisture, Camille Rose, As I Am)
- Styling Techniques
- Hairstyles
- Advice & Final Tips
---
INTRODUCTION
okay so i made this guide because i genuinely could not find one place that had everything together for wavy and curly hair. every article was either too basic ("just moisturize!") or written for a completely different hair type. so here it is.
if you have wavy or curly hair and it constantly looks frizzy, undefined, or just kind of blah, it's not your hair's fault. it's the routine. or the lack of one. curly and wavy hair is genuinely high maintenance compared to straight hair and once you accept that and just do the work, everything changes.
i'm not going to sugarcoat it either. undefined dry curls look bad. but the same hair, properly taken care of? actually one of the most attractive hair types there is. bouncy, defined, moisturized curls are eye-catching. people notice. worth the effort.
---
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CURL TYPE
first thing you need to figure out is what type of hair you actually have. this matters because a product that works amazingly for 3C hair might completely weigh down 2A waves. don't skip this part.
Type 2 — Wavy
2A: barely there waves, pretty flat, fine hair. gets weighed down by heavy products super easily. if you've ever put on a curl cream and your hair just went limp and greasy, this is probably why.
2B: more of a defined S-wave, especially toward the ends. roots tend to go straight or poofy. frizz is a real issue especially in humidity.
2C: strong, thick waves that are basically on the border of curly. probably the most frizz-prone of the wavy types. needs more product than 2A or 2B but still not as much as actual curly hair.
Type 3 — Curly
3A: big, loose curls with a clear S-shape. shiny when healthy. the most forgiving of the curly types, responds well to lighter products.
3B: medium springy curls. needs consistent moisture or it gets dry and frizzy fast. this is where the LOC method really starts to make a difference.
3C: tight dense corkscrew curls. shrinks a lot when dry, sometimes up to 50% of actual length. moisture is everything for this type. heavy products are your friend.
Notes:
- the curlier your hair, the more moisture it needs. this is just science, not a preference.
- type 2 hair gets weighed down easily so stick to lighter products.
- type 3 hair needs heavier moisture and more product layering.
- undefined curls look like you didn't try. your curls need to be defined. that is the whole point.
---
KNOW YOUR POROSITY (THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING)
porosity is how well your hair absorbs and holds onto moisture. this one piece of information will explain why certain products work for other people but not for you.
Low Porosity:
- hair kind of repels moisture at first, products sit on top instead of soaking in
- you might feel like nothing is working even when you're doing everything right
- fix it: use heat when deep conditioning (shower cap, hooded dryer) to open the cuticle so products can actually get in
- stick to lighter water-based products, heavy butters will just sit on top
High Porosity:
- hair drinks up moisture fast but loses it just as fast
- feels dry again like an hour after you've just conditioned it
- fix it: use heavier creams and butters to seal moisture in after you've added it
- protein treatments help patch up the gaps in the hair shaft that are causing the moisture loss
Float test: drop a clean strand of hair in a glass of water. if it floats you're low porosity. if it sinks fast you're high porosity. if it floats then slowly sinks you're somewhere in the middle which is actually ideal.
---
THE WASH DAY ROUTINE
this is the foundation of everything. you can have the best products in the world and still have bad hair if your wash day routine is off. go through each step.
Step 1: Pre-Poo (just do it)
apply coconut oil, castor oil, or olive oil to your dry hair before getting in the shower. leave it on for at least 20-30 minutes. what this does is coat your strands so when you shampoo, the shampoo strips the oil instead of your hair's natural moisture. if you're short on time even 10 minutes helps. if you have time, leave it overnight with a shower cap.
Step 2: Cleanse
use a sulfate-free shampoo. sulfates are the harsh detergents that make shampoo lather a lot and they completely strip wavy and curly hair. your hair needs its natural oils, don't wash them all out.
focus the shampoo on your scalp, not your ends. your ends don't need to be scrubbed, they just get cleaned from the runoff.
Type 2 hair: shampoo about once a week
Type 3 hair: shampoo every 1-2 weeks and co-wash in between
never wash daily. it will wreck your hair.
Step 3: Deep Condition (do not skip this ever)
this is the most important step. every single wash day, no exceptions. apply a deep conditioner from mid-length to your ends, detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb while it's in there, then sit under a heat cap or hooded dryer for 20-30 minutes. the heat opens up your cuticle so the conditioner actually penetrates instead of just sitting on top.
rinse with cold water. cold water seals the cuticle back down which gives you shine and reduces frizz. hot water does the opposite.
Step 4: Leave-In Conditioner
apply on soaking wet hair, section by section. don't dry off first, you want your hair absolutely dripping. the water helps distribute the product evenly and keeps your curls clumped together. this is your moisture base and everything else you put on goes on top of it.
Step 5: Style with LOC or LCO
this is how you actually lock the moisture in so it doesn't evaporate out of your hair within an hour.
LOC: Leave-in, then Oil, then Cream. best if you have high porosity hair.
LCO: Leave-in, then Cream, then Oil. best if you have low porosity hair.
always go from thinnest to thickest product. finish with a gel or mousse for hold and definition. scrunch upward the whole time you're applying products. scrunching encourages your natural curl pattern to form.
Step 6: Dry Without Touching It
plop your hair in a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt for about 20 minutes to get the excess water out without causing frizz. then either diffuse on low heat and low speed or just air dry.
the most important thing: do not touch your hair while it's drying. every time you touch it you're breaking apart the curl clumps and creating frizz. just leave it alone.
once it is completely dry (not just mostly dry, fully dry), scrunch out the crunch with a tiny bit of oil on your hands. this gets rid of the stiff cast the gel leaves and gives you soft bouncy curls.
---
PRODUCTS
SHEA MOISTURE
best for heavy moisture, type 3 hair, and anyone on a budget. widely available at drugstores and Target.
1. Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo
rich cleanse that doesn't strip your hair. use this on wash day if you need an actual shampoo.
2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque
protein and moisture together in one deep conditioner. great if your hair breaks easily or feels weak. use every other week.
3. Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
this is the one everyone talks about and for good reason. defines curls, adds softness, smells amazing. apply on wet hair as your cream step in the LOC routine.
4. Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Leave-In
heavy leave-in, best for 3B and 3C hair that needs serious moisture.
5. 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-In
lighter version of the above. better for 2C and 3A hair that gets weighed down by heavier products.
Worth knowing: SheaMoisture products run on the heavier side. if you have fine wavy hair use them sparingly. if you're 3B or 3C go ahead and be generous.
---
CAMILLE ROSE
best for definition, shine, and keeping curls looking good on day 2 and 3. slightly more expensive but the quality shows.
1. Moroccan Pear Conditioning Custard
genuinely one of the best curl definers available. gives you incredible shine and a medium hold that isn't crunchy. this is your cream step.
2. Curl Love Moisture Milk
a leave-in and light styler combined. if you have 3A or 3B hair and don't want to use a ton of products, this one does a lot of the work on its own.
3. Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask
marine-based ingredients that restore elasticity and bounce to the hair. use every 1-2 weeks on wash day. noticeably improves how your curls spring back.
4. Fresh Curl Revitalizer
spray this on second or third day hair, scrunch it in, let it dry. brings curls back to life without having to wet and redo everything.
5. Naturals Curl Maker
light gel-type hold that works really well layered on top of the Moisture Milk if you need a little more definition and hold.
Worth knowing: this is the most premium of the three brands in this guide. the smell alone is worth it honestly. best suited for 3A to 3C hair.
---
AS I AM
best for frizz control, people who want to co-wash frequently, and beginners who don't want to spend a lot.
1. Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner
the original co-wash and still one of the best. cleanses your scalp without stripping your hair. use this between shampoo days to refresh without drying out.
2. So Much Moisture Yucca & Plantain Super Moisturizer
intense moisture for hair that is always thirsty. good as a leave-in or as your cream step if your hair is very dry or high porosity.
3. Twist Defining Cream
the standout product from this brand. gives you clean definition on twist-outs and wash-and-gos with really good frizz control. smells great too.
4. Curling Jelly
holds your curls without leaving them crunchy. good option if you don't like the stiff cast that regular gel gives you but still want some hold.
5. Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Conditioner
if your scalp itches or flakes, swap in this conditioner. takes care of the scalp while still conditioning your hair properly.
Worth knowing: most affordable of the three brands here. a great place to start if you're new to the curly girl routine and don't want to spend a lot figuring out what works.
---
STYLING TECHNIQUES
the products matter but so does how you put them in. here are the main techniques worth knowing.
Praying Hands
press product between your palms and smooth it down your hair in sections. good for applying leave-in without breaking up your curl clumps.
Scrunching
cup sections of your hair and squeeze upward toward your scalp. do this while applying every single product. it's how you encourage your natural curl pattern to form and clump together.
Raking
use your fingers like a wide comb, pulling product through from root to tip. distributes product evenly. only do this on very wet hair or you'll create frizz.
Shingling
work product through tiny individual sections, defining each curl one by one. gives you the most definition possible. takes forever but the results are worth it for a special occasion.
Squish to Condish
while you're rinsing out your conditioner, cup water up into your hair and squish it repeatedly. your curls start clumping together right there in the shower before you've even added a single styling product.
Diffusing
attach a diffuser to your blow dryer, set it to low heat and low speed. hold it under sections of your hair without touching or pressing into your hair. lifts the roots and speeds up drying without destroying your curl pattern.
---
HAIRSTYLES
FOR TYPE 2 (WAVY)
Wash-and-Go
your everyday go-to. apply all your products on soaking wet hair, then either diffuse or air dry completely without touching it. when it's done you have your natural wave pattern showing at its best.
Half-Up Space Buns
split the top half of your hair into two buns and leave the waves loose underneath. easy to do, looks like you actually tried, good for any occasion.
Messy Wave Updo
clip your hair loosely at the crown and let pieces fall around your face naturally. best on second day hair when your waves have relaxed a little and have that effortless texture.
Braid-Out
put your hair in three-strand braids while it's damp and loaded with product. sleep on it. take the braids out in the morning and separate gently with a little oil on your fingers. you get stretched, voluminous waves with a lot of body.
Beach Waves with Salt Spray
on days when your natural waves aren't cooperating, spray sea salt spray on damp hair and scrunch it in. gives you texture and definition even when your hair isn't feeling it.
---
FOR TYPE 3 (CURLY)
Wash-and-Go
still the best everyday style even for curly hair. the whole goal is clumped, defined, bouncy curls. follow the full LOC or LCO routine, diffuse or air dry, scrunch out the crunch at the end.
Twist-Out
two-strand twists on damp product-loaded hair, left to dry completely overnight. unravel gently the next morning and separate with a tiny bit of oil on your fingers. the volume you get from this is genuinely insane.
Braid-Out
same idea as the twist-out but using three-strand braids. gives you more elongated curls with a little more definition and even more volume than the twist-out.
Pineapple Updo
gather all your hair into a very loose high ponytail at the very top of your head and secure with a satin scrunchie. this is how you sleep without ruining your curls. also works as a daytime style to keep your hair off your face without flattening it.
Bantu Knots
section your hair and coil each section into a tight flat knot right against your scalp. you can wear these as an actual style or let them dry fully and unravel them for defined, bouncy curls.
Finger Coils
take small sections and coil them around your finger from root to tip with gel. every curl ends up perfectly uniform and springy. takes a long time but the results look incredible for events or photos.
Flat Twist Updo
flat twists along your scalp that come together in a loose updo at the back or top. protective, looks elegant, and if you sleep in a bonnet it can last several days.
---
ADVICE & FINAL TIPS
satin pillowcase or bonnet every single night. cotton pillowcases create friction against your hair while you sleep and you wake up with frizz, tangles, and broken strands. a satin bonnet is like $5 on Amazon. there is no excuse not to use one.
trim your ends every 10-12 weeks. split ends travel up the hair shaft over time and make your hair look dry and undefined no matter what you do. a small trim keeps everything healthy.
always finish with a cold water rinse. hot water opens the cuticle and causes frizz. cold water seals it down and gives you shine. do this every single wash.
try fermented rice water for growth. yes it smells bad. yes it works. rinse your hair with it after shampooing, leave it on for 10-20 minutes, then rinse out. a lot of people swear by this for noticeably faster growth.
stop touching your hair while it dries. i know it's hard but every time you touch it you are physically breaking apart your curl clumps. just leave it alone and let it do its thing.
rotate between protein and moisture. your hair needs both but too much of either one causes problems. too much protein makes hair feel stiff and brittle. too much moisture makes it feel limp and weak. alternate your deep conditioners every few weeks.
drink water and eat well. omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and proper hydration all show up in your hair. avocado, salmon, nuts, eggs. what you put in your body genuinely affects what grows out of your head.
microfiber towel or old t-shirt only for drying. regular bath towels have a rough texture that roughes up your cuticle and creates frizz. microfiber is smooth and absorbs water without the friction.
refresh your curls on non-wash days instead of rewetting everything. fill a spray bottle with water and a small amount of leave-in conditioner, spritz it onto your hair, scrunch it in, and let it dry. brings your curls back without having to redo the whole routine.
avoid heat as much as possible. diffusing is fine. flat irons and curling wands occasionally with heat protectant are okay. but using heat every day or every other day will gradually loosen and damage your curl pattern over time. the less heat the better.
go on Pinterest for style inspiration. search your curl type plus whatever style you're interested in. you will find exactly what your hair can look like at its best and it makes it so much easier to know what to aim for.
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CONCLUSION
honestly wavy and curly hair is one of the best hair types you can have when it's properly taken care of. the gap between neglected curly hair and well-maintained curly hair is massive. it's not even subtle.
the routine takes some getting used to and wash day can feel like a lot at first. but once it becomes habit it's just normal and the results are completely worth it. good products, consistent routine, sleep in your bonnet, be patient.
your hair is already doing something interesting. you just have to learn how to work with it.
defined curls = good life.
