How to Build a Curly Hair Routine (Wavy, Curly and Coily Hair)
Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair: the natural oil from the scalp has a harder time traveling down a curved strand. That is why curls frizz easily, lose definition and need more moisture. A good curly hair routine has three goals: clean gently, condition well and lock the curl pattern in place.
1. Know your curl type
The curl type system groups hair into three families:
- Type 2 (2A, 2B, 2C) — wavy. S-shaped waves that can be flattened easily by heavy products.
- Type 3 (3A, 3B, 3C) — curly. Defined, springy curls that need moisture and hold.
- Type 4 (4A, 4B, 4C) — coily. Tight coils with lots of volume that need the most moisture.
Many heads have more than one type, so start with the type that covers most of your hair.
2. Cleanse gently with a low poo
A low poo shampoo uses mild cleansing agents and no harsh sulfates, so it cleans the scalp without stripping the moisture curls need. The MS Curls Low Poo Shampoo combines argan oil and castor oil to help prevent dryness and balance frizz. Focus the shampoo on the scalp and let the foam rinse through the lengths.
3. Condition generously
Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends and detangle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while it is still in the hair. The MS Curls Conditioner has a memory effect that improves curl definition with every wash. Once or twice a week, swap it for a deep mask, such as Elements Cocoa + Açaí + Honey for textured hair.
4. Apply a leave-in for your curl type
On soaking-wet hair, apply a leave-in section by section. The MS Curls leave-ins are made for each family: Type 2ABC for waves, Type 3ABC for curls and Type 4ABC for coils. Use less product on fine waves and more on dense coils.
5. Define and hold
For more definition, layer a styler over the leave-in:
- Curve Defining Jelly — light, frizz-free definition; use it alone or over the leave-in.
- Curl Mousse — strong hold without stiffness, with hyaluronic acid for hydration and an anti-humidity effect.
Scrunch the product upward, then let the hair air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat. Avoid touching the curls until they are fully dry to prevent frizz.
6. Refresh between washes
On day two or three, curls can look flat or undone. Instead of washing again, mist the hair with the MS Curls Day After moisturizing mist and scrunch to bring the curls back.
Quick routine
- Low poo shampoo on the scalp.
- Conditioner on the lengths; detangle.
- Mask once or twice a week.
- Leave-in for your curl type on wet hair.
- Jelly or mousse; scrunch and air-dry or diffuse.
- Day After mist to refresh.
Find every product mentioned here in our curly hair collection, or browse all Mirra Professional products.