How to wash and dry curly hair?

Having voluminous, defined and shiny curly hair is the desire of many people, but sometimes wash day does not give the desired results. Why?

Curly hair requires special care to look its best, and the washing and drying times play a crucial role. These steps not only prevent frizz, but also help to keep hair healthy, defined and hydrated. Let’s see how to wash and dry curly hair: the steps to follow are few, but they can make a difference in the result.

One of the most common questions about curly hair is: how often should you wash it?

Compared to straight hair, curly hair tends to be drier because the natural sebum produced by the scalp has difficulty in spreading along its entire length. For this reason it is important not to overwash: washing the hair too often can lead to a loss of hydration, making the curls more fragile and prone to frizz.

So, how often do you wash your curly hair?

There is no fixed rule, but you can listen to your scalp to understand what frequency is right for you: if it feels clean and light, you can wait a little longer. If it’s greasy or heavy, it’s time to wash! The secret is finding the right balance according to your needs.

Once you understand how often to wash your hair, it is advisable to choose washing products that have delicate formulas, such as those without sulfates and parabens. These ingredients can be too aggressive and deprive the hair of its natural moisture. A curly hair shampoo helps to keep your hair soft, defined, prevent frizz and maintain the natural balance of the scalp.

Practical tip: apply shampoo only on the scalp by gently massaging. When rinsing, the product will clean the lengths without the need for rubbing. This way you will protect your curls from friction stress.

Coconut oil is a real ally for curly hair. Thanks to its emollient and nourishing properties it helps keeping curls soft, defined and free of frizz.

Can be used in different ways depending on your needs.

Pre-shampoo with coconut oil
One of the best ways to use coconut oil is as a pre-shampoo treatment. Before washing your hair, apply a small amount of coconut oil on the lengths, avoiding the roots, and let it work for about 30 minutes. This step helps to protect the curls and spirals at the time of washing by keeping them soft and nourished.

Extra hydration after washing
You can also use coconut oil as a leave-in, applying a small amount to damp hair after washing. This trick allows you to seal the hydration inside the hair, consequently keeping the curls defined until the next wash. Be careful though: use only a few drops to prevent the hair from becoming heavy!

After shampoo, the use of a balm, or moisturizing conditioner for curly hair, allows to detangle knots without breaking the hair. Then, depending on individual needs, you can use a mask for an extra dose of nourishment that allows both to promote the definition and to highlight the natural brightness of the curls.

How to choose the right balm?
When choosing the balm, it is advisable to opt for products rich in moisturizing and nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, natural oils (argan, coconut, jojoba) and aloe vera. These ingredients not only moisturize the curls, but also make it easier to detangle knots.

Is it always necessary to use both balm and mask?
Depending on the individual hair needs, it is possible to use only the balm and skip the mask or use both. If, for example, the hair is particularly dry or damaged, it is advisable to use a nourishing and restructuring mask. The masks are perfect to restore hydration and repair any damage. Choose products rich in natural ingredients, such as oils and butters, to ensure deep nourishment and keep the curls strong and bright.

One of the most common mistakes after washing is to rub your hair with a towel. Curly hair is more delicate, and this gesture can weaken their structure and cause frizz.

The solution?
Gently pat your hair instead of rubbing it and prefer a microfiber towel instead of the classic terry cloth. The microfiber, with its smoothest texture, allows to absorb excess water without removing too much moisture from the hair, leaving curls hydrated and reducing frizz.

Drying is the last step and is one of the most delicate of the wash day. Drying curls the right way can make the difference between having defined and voluminous curls or flat curls and frizz.

Air drying
Air drying is often the best option for curly or wavy hair. This method helps to keep curls well defined and minimizes exposure to heat, which can damage the hair.

Hair dryer with diffuser
If you have little time, or the outside temperatures do not allow air drying, it is important to use the hairdryer in the right way. Always use a diffuser, which helps to distribute the heat evenly and keep the curls flat, and set the hair dryer to medium or low temperature. During drying, also try to avoid touching too much hair as this could disturb the structure of the curls and facilitate frizz.

Sapere come lavare e asciugare correttamente i capelli ricci è importante non solo per mantenerli sani, idratati e luminosi, ma anche per ottenere con maggior probabilità i risultati desiderati. Seguire una routine di lavaggio equilibrata, utilizzare shampoo per capelli ricci, balsami nutrienti, e/o maschere, all’occorrenza, e asciugare i capelli con attenzione può infatti fare una grande differenza sul risultato finale.

Knowing how to properly wash and dry curly hair is important not only to keep it healthy, hydrated and shiny, but also to be more likely to achieve the desired results. Following a balanced washing routine, using curly hair shampoos, nourishing balms, and/or masks as needed, and carefully drying your hair can make a big difference on the final result.

By following these tips, you will also transform the moment of washing and drying into a real beauty ritual for your curls. And remember, patience and consistency are always your best allies!