Best in Curly Hair Care: Your Guide to Shampoos, Conditioners, and Stylers

 

Transitioning from sleek and straight back to beautiful, bouncy curls is known to be a curly hair adventure, and I'm here to walk you through it! Here’s my step-by-step wash and style routine to get your curls back in shape, whether you’re jet-setting or just hanging at home. These products and techniques work wonders on my hair, and who knows — they might just become your go-tos, too!

My Curly Hair Product Must-Haves

After testing what feels like a million products, I’ve found a few that help bring my curls to life:

Step One: Rehydrate Those Curls

When you’re coming back from a blowout, rehydrating your curls is step number one! I start with a Shampoo and Conditioner to bring moisture back and make my hair super soft and manageable. After rinsing, I gently detangle with a paddle brush while it’s still wet.

Tip: For best results, use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water—this helps prevent frizz and breakage!

Step Two: The Secret Sauce – Leave-In & Curl Activation

Once I’ve towel-dried my hair, it’s time for a leave-in treatment and curl activator. I work the leave-in through damp hair, then scrunch in the curl activator. These two together are like a dream team for bringing out curl definition and keeping frizz at bay.

Step Three: Diffuse for Bounce and Volume

When I’m aiming for bouncy, voluminous curls, I bring out my diffuser! I add a few drops of lightweight curly hair oil to lock in moisture and protect my curls from any heat. Diffusing not only dries my curls evenly but also helps them look full and defined. For extra volume, I use my hair pick at the roots and set everything with jumbo bobby pins to secure my style.

Tip: Flip your head upside down while diffusing for major volume and root lift!

Why Hydration is Key (Especially Post-Blowout)

Bringing curls back from a blowout can make them feel dry, so keeping them hydrated is essential. Using a moisture-rich shampoo and conditioner, plus leave-ins and oils, helps curls return to their natural, bouncy selves. A little TLC goes a long way in making curls happy!

The Finishing Touches: Add Volume and Style

Once dry, I gently separate the curls for a fuller look. This is where the hair pick and bobby pins come in. I use the pick to fluff my roots and add that “big hair, don’t care” vibe, while the jumbo pins help hold sections in place, especially if I’m going for a half-up or pinned-back look.

Embracing the Curl Journey

Returning to your natural curls is so rewarding! Every wash and style routine is a little different, but it’s all about finding what works best for you. Remember, the journey is just as fun as the final look. Experiment with these products, try different techniques and see what makes your curls pop.