Curly hair is beautiful, expressive, and unique. But it also has its own set of needs. From waves and loose spirals to bouncy ringlets and tight coils, the challenge for many is that curly hair can sometimes feel unpredictable: one day it looks glossy and defined, the next it’s frizzy and flat.
With the right care and routine, you can bring out the best in your natural curls and love the way they look and feel every single day.
This guide walks through everything you need to know about curly hair care, from understanding your curl type to protecting it while you sleep. Whether you’re new to embracing your curls or simply want to change up your routine, these tips will help you feel confident and proud of your natural texture.
Understanding your hair type
No two curls are ever the same, which is what makes curly hair so special. Some people have a mix of curl types, while others fall neatly into one category. There are 3 main patterns of curls: waves, curls, and coils, and within those, there are subcategories for looser and tighter spirals.
Why does this matter? Because your curl pattern influences how your hair reacts to products, humidity and styling techniques. For example, looser waves may need lightweight products to avoid being weighed down, while tighter curls often benefit from richer creams and oils to keep them hydrated.
Getting to know your curl pattern is about recognising what makes your hair unique. When you understand the natural shape and behaviour of your curls, it’s much easier to build a routine that works with them, not against them.
Hydration is your best friend
Hydration is at the heart of healthy curls. Well-moisturised curls hold their shape, shine naturally, and feel soft to the touch. But there’s a fine line, too much moisture can make your curls frizzy or fluffy. The secret lies in working with your hair type and density.
Curly hair also doesn’t love to be squeaky clean. Over-washing can strip away natural oils that help curls thrive. Instead, think of your wash routine as gentle support. A hydrating shampoo and conditioner, like the Oway Curly Hair Bath and Oway Curly Hair Co-Wash, do the hard work for you without taking away what your curls need to stay strong.
In between washes, a simple refresh works wonders. Just wet your hair lightly and apply a nourishing conditioner, such as Oway’s Curly Hair Combing Cream, to revive definition and keep curls looking great.
When it comes to deep hydration, treat your curls the way you’d treat your skin. A mask, like the Oway Curly Hair Deep Mask, gives them that extra drink of moisture they sometimes crave, especially after sun, sea, or heat styling.
And for days when you want a boost of hold and definition, Oway’s Curl Priming Cream or Curly Potion can help keep things in shape without weighing your curls down.
Remember: a hydrated curl is a happy curl. Get this right, and your hair will reward you by forming beautifully into its natural pattern.
The art of detangling
Combing curly hair doesn’t ever need to feel the golden rule: always detangle when your hair is wet and coated with conditioner. This creates slip, making it easier for a wide-tooth comb to glide through without breakage.
If your curls are on the finer side, keep the conditioner just on the ends to avoid heaviness at the roots. For thicker curls, don’t be afraid to be generous, your hair will thank you.
And once you’ve rinsed, swap vigorous towel drying for something gentler. Pat your curls with a microfibre towel or even an old cotton T-shirt. This reduces frizz and helps keep the natural curl pattern intact.
Styling without the stress
Curls thrive on styling products, as they help give definition, enhance texture and help your style last longer. The trick is to apply products while your hair is still wet. This locks in hydration and sets your curls from the very beginning.
Most curl styling products will create a temporary “cast” around your hair, a slightly crispy feeling as it dries. Don’t worry, once your curls are fully dry, you can simply scrunch them out, leaving soft, defined waves and coils underneath.
If your curls lean more towards waves, Oway’s Sea Salt Spray is a beautiful way to bring out texture without weighing hair down.
There are trends, buzz words for every part of curly hair care, from plopping, curly girl method, and cotton t-shirting. During your appointment, we can discuss every part of looking after your curls with you.
Night-time curl haircare
Curly hair care doesn’t stop when you go to bed. Nighttime can be one of the biggest causes of frizz and tangles. The friction between your hair and a standard cotton pillowcase can leave curls looking less defined in the morning.
Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase is a simple but effective change. These fabrics reduce friction, helping curls stay smooth and intact overnight. Another option is to loosely wrap your hair in a silk scarf or use a satin bonnet for extra protection.
The “pineapple” method is also a favourite among curly-haired sleepers. By loosely tying your curls into a high ponytail on top of your head, you prevent them from being flattened while you sleep, making it much easier to refresh your style in the morning.
Here at The Chapel, we love curly hair
When we’re having a conversation with a new guest, we explore the shapes you like and love, taking into account height from the crown, width, and length before planning the cut, styling, and blow dry.
Curls are incredibly visual, so pictures always help bring your vision to life. More and more men are also embracing their curls, which we love to see. We have Curl Specialists in our salons who have a real passion and talent for working with curly hair, and you’re always welcome to ask who they are. Often, if a stylist has curls themselves, you can be sure they truly understand the nuances. Many of our guests share how working with one of our stylists has helped them rediscover confidence in their curls, describing the experience as “uplifting, transformative, and well worth it.”
Looking after curly hair can sometimes feel like a challenge, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Give your curls the care they deserve. Book a consultation with one of our curl specialists at our locations, and learn more about your curls.
