How to care for curly hair: Expert tips for moisture, definition and frizz control

Curly hair is as beautiful as it is unique, but keeping those curls bouncy, shiny and frizz-free takes a little extra care. We asked leading curl experts, Shady Harb, Lead Hairstylist at Beauty Club London and Francesco Aresco, advanced stylist and curly hair specialist at CULt Hairdressing — to share their insider tips on how to keep curls in peak condition, from wash day to wake-up.

Moisture Is Everything

“The key to keeping curls looking their best is all about moisture, gentle handling, and protection at every stage,” says Harb. “Textured hair naturally loses moisture faster than straight hair, so hydration is absolutely non-negotiable.”

Start with a sulphate-free shampoo to cleanse without stripping your natural oils, and follow with a rich, curl-friendly conditioner every wash. Once a week, treat your hair to a nourishing mask such as Kérastase Curl Manifesto Masque for deep hydration.

“After washing, lock in moisture with a leave-in conditioner or curl cream while your hair is still soaking wet — I love Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream for its lightweight slip,” Harb adds.

Handle with Care

If you’ve ever wondered why your curls look better at the salon than at home, it could be down to technique. “Styling is where many people go wrong, but it’s simple once you know the rules,” says Harb. “Always detangle curls when they’re wet using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to avoid snapping the hair.”

Apply your styling products, whether cream, mousse or gel, to soaking wet hair to seal the cuticle before frizz has a chance to form. “Scrunch the product upwards into the hair and either let it air dry or diffuse on a low heat setting,” Harb advises. “A diffuser adds volume without disturbing the curl pattern. High heat will dry curls out quickly and cause frizz, so keep the temperature low and take your time.”

The Diffuser Decoded

When it comes to diffusing, patience and the right tool are everything. “The best dryer for curls is powerful but gentle, and it has to come with a diffuser,” explains Aresco. “Always look for multiple heat and speed settings, because curls respond best to medium heat and low airflow.”

For fine curls, Aresco recommends ceramic dryers for their gentle, even heat, while ionic dryers are ideal for thick or unruly curls thanks to their frizz-smoothing power. “One of the biggest mistakes I see is people blasting their curls with heat as if they were straight strands,” he says. “The golden rule with curls is patience. Always start on damp hair with a curl cream or leave-in to set the shape, then switch to a diffuser on medium heat and low airflow, cupping the curls gently and moving your head side to side to encourage lift at the roots.”

He suggests stopping when hair is about 80–90% dry and letting the rest air-dry for natural bounce and definition. “The less you touch the curls, the better they’ll set. Then, finish with a light oil through the ends for shine and frizz control.”

Protect While You Sleep

Nighttime can undo all your daytime effort if you’re not careful. “Friction is the enemy of definition,” warns Harb. “Swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk or satin one, it helps the hair glide as you sleep, meaning less frizz and far fewer tangles.”

Longer curls benefit from a loose ‘pineapple’ gathered on top of the head with a silk scrunchie, or use a silk bonnet or scarf for tighter textures. “This keeps your curl pattern intact overnight and locks in the moisture you’ve worked hard to add during the day,” Harb notes.

Between Wash Days

To keep curls fresh between washes, protective styles are your best friend. “Loose braids, twists or a sleek low bun prevent friction and moisture loss,” says Harb. To refresh your style, spritz on a water-based mist or curl refresher spray, he recommends Bouclème Curl Refresh, and simply mist and scrunch to reactivate the product already in your hair.

And don’t skip trims. “Curly hair hides split ends, but they travel up the shaft if left too long, causing frizz and breakage,” he says. “Aim for a trim every eight to ten weeks.”

Love Your Natural Curl Pattern

Perhaps the most important advice of all? Stop fighting your hair. “Embrace your natural curl pattern rather than forcing it into styles meant for straight hair,” Harb says. “Over-brushing, harsh shampoos or too much heat will only create stress. Learn your curl type and experiment until you find the right balance of moisture and hold for you.”