Spring is finally here, and as the weather warms up, it’s essential to adjust your hair care routine to ensure your curls stay healthy and hydrated. With the right products and techniques, you can keep your curls bouncy, frizz-free, and full of life.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the correct order for healthy hair, from cleansing to styling, and recommend some products to help you achieve your best curls yet.
Cleansing Your Curls
Cleansing is the foundation of any hair care routine, and it’s especially important for curly hair. The right shampoo can remove buildup and dirt without stripping your curls of their natural oils. Here are the steps to follow for healthy curls:
Step 1: Pre-Poo
Pre-pooing is a vital step in maintaining healthy curls. It involves applying a conditioning treatment to your hair before shampooing to prevent the shampoo from stripping your hair of its natural oils. Apply your favorite oil or conditioner to your hair and let it sit for at least 20 minutes before washing.
Recommended Products:
- Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil: This oil is a blend of 17 natural oils and herbs that help promote hair growth, prevent breakage, and nourish the scalp.
- Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque: This deep conditioner is excellent for restoring dry, damaged curls.
Step 2: Shampoo
Choosing the right shampoo is crucial for maintaining healthy curls. Look for a sulfate-free formula that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils. Massage the shampoo into your scalp, then work it through your curls, focusing on the roots. Rinse thoroughly.
Recommended Products:
- DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser: This sulfate-free, non-lathering shampoo is gentle on curls, leaving them clean and moisturized.
- Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo: This sulfate-free shampoo is specifically designed for frizz-prone curls, leaving them smooth and defined.
Step 3: Condition
Conditioning is essential for hydrating and detangling your curls. Apply a generous amount of conditioner to your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Leave it in for at least five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Recommended Products:
- As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner: This co-wash is perfect for curls in need of moisture and detangling.
- Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner: This conditioner is excellent for defining curls while providing intense hydration.
Styling Your Curls
Styling your curls is where the magic happens. The right products and techniques can enhance your curls’ natural texture and keep them looking their best all day long.
Step 1: Apply Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioner is a must for curly hair. It provides additional hydration and helps to define your curls. Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner to your damp hair, focusing on the ends.
Recommended Products:
- Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner/Detangler: This leave-in conditioner is excellent for detangling and providing moisture to curls.
- Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner: This leave-in conditioner is perfect for repairing damaged curls and promoting healthy hair growth.
Step 2: Apply Styling Product

Styling products can enhance your curls’ natural texture and keep them defined and frizz-free. Choose a product based on your curl type and the look you’re going for, and apply it to your hair in sections, starting from the bottom up.
Recommended Products:
- Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel: This gel is perfect for frizz-prone curls and provides long-lasting hold without feeling heavy or crunchy.
- Cantu Define & Shine Custard: This custard is excellent for defining curls while providing a soft, touchable hold.
Step 3: Diffuse or Air Dry
Once you’ve applied your styling product, it’s time to dry your hair. You can either diffuse your curls with a diffuser attachment or air dry. To diffuse, start with low heat and low speed, and scrunch your curls while holding the diffuser close to your hair. Alternatively, you can air dry your curls by letting them hang loose or using a microfiber towel to scrunch out excess moisture.
Recommended Products:
- Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer: This hair dryer comes with a diffuser attachment and dries hair quickly without causing damage. You can find here a list of at home beauty devices and products.
- Aquis Original Hair Turban: This microfiber towel is gentle on curls and absorbs excess moisture without causing frizz.
Maintaining Healthy Curls
Maintaining healthy curls requires more than just a good wash and styling routine. Here are some tips for keeping your curls healthy and hydrated throughout the spring:
- Protect Your Curls from the Sun: The sun’s UV rays can be damaging to your curls, causing dryness and breakage. Protect your hair by wearing a hat or using a hair sunscreen.
- Deep Condition Regularly: Deep conditioning treatments can help restore moisture to your curls and keep them healthy and strong. Aim to deep condition your hair once a week.
- Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase: Silk pillowcases are gentler on your curls than cotton pillowcases, reducing frizz and breakage while you sleep.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling wands can be damaging to your curls, causing dryness and breakage. If you must use heat, use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature low.
Conclusion
Caring for your curls in the spring requires a bit of extra effort, but the results are worth it. By following the correct order for healthy hair, using the right products, and maintaining a healthy hair care routine, you can keep your curls looking their best all season long. Remember to protect your curls from the sun, deep condition regularly, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and avoid heat styling as much as possible. With a little TLC, your curls will be bouncy, frizz-free, and full of life.