Curly hair routine builder
Six quick picks, and you get a step-by-step wash day, a refresh routine and a shopping list of what to look for, for your hair rather than someone else’s.
The basic curly hair routine
Almost every good curly routine is the same five moves in the same order: cleanse, condition, leave-in, style, dry. What changes between heads is the weight of each product and how much of it you use. That is what the builder adjusts.
| If your hair is | Go | Because |
|---|---|---|
| Fine or low porosity | Lighter: foams, light gels, little oil | Heavy products sit on top and flatten curls |
| Coarse or high porosity | Richer: creams, butters, sealing oils | Moisture escapes quickly and needs locking in |
| Wavy | Light and fewer steps | Waves straighten under weight |
| Coily | Layered moisture, in sections | Coils lose water fastest and tangle easily |
Why apply products to soaking wet hair?
Curls form clumps when wet. Product applied while the hair is dripping locks those clumps in place before frizz has a chance to start. Applying to damp, towel-dried hair breaks the clumps up, which is why the builder always says "soaking wet".
Give it time
If you are coming from brushing, sulfates or heavy silicones, the first two or three washes can look worse while build-up clears. Keep notes on what you did and how your curls looked; that record is worth more than any product recommendation.
Read next
- Wavy hair routine for 2A, 2B and 2C hair: lighter than you think
- Low porosity curly hair routine: get moisture in, keep build-up out
- How to diffuse curly hair without frizz (and why it can beat air drying)
Questions people ask
What is a good curly hair routine for beginners?
Sulfate-free shampoo on the scalp, conditioner while you detangle with fingers, a leave-in on soaking wet hair, a gel scrunched in, then plop and air-dry or diffuse without touching. Scrunch out the crunch once it is fully dry.
How many products do I need for curly hair?
Four: a gentle shampoo, a conditioner, a leave-in or cream, and a gel or mousse. A deep conditioner and a clarifying shampoo are useful extras.
What is the LOC or LCO method?
A layering order for moisture: Liquid (water or leave-in), Oil, Cream, or Liquid, Cream, Oil. Coily and high porosity hair often holds moisture longer with it. Try both; LCO suits most curl creams better.
Do men need a different curly hair routine?
No. The routine depends on the hair, not the person. Men with short curls usually need less product and can skip plopping, but the same steps apply.