How to look after curly hair between salon visits

Looking after curly hair between salon visits comes down to three things: moisture, gentle handling and the right wash routine. Curls are naturally drier than straight hair, because the oils from your scalp struggle to travel down a bent strand. Keep them hydrated and handle them kindly, and your curls stay defined, bouncy and salon-fresh for longer. Here is the simple at-home routine our curly specialists in Biggleswade recommend.

Quick answer: Wash less often, condition generously, dry without rubbing, and protect your curls overnight. That is most of curly hair care in one line.

Wash less, hydrate more

Curly hair rarely needs washing every day. Two or three times a week is plenty for many curl types, and some prefer once. Over-washing strips the oils curls need, which leads straight to dryness and frizz.

Use a sulphate-free shampoo on your scalp, then a rich conditioner through the mid-lengths and ends. Comb it through with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while the conditioner is in, never once the hair is dry.

Good to know: A midweek co-wash (conditioner only, no shampoo) refreshes curls without stripping them. Handy if your hair feels dry between proper washes.

Dry your curls without the frizz

How you dry curls matters as much as how you wash them. A regular towel roughs up the hair and breaks apart your curl clumps, which is exactly what creates frizz.

Instead, squeeze gently with a microfibre towel or a soft cotton t-shirt. Apply your leave-in or curl cream to soaking-wet hair, scrunch upwards, then either air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat. Try not to touch your curls while they dry, as that is when frizz sets in.

Refresh curls between washes

You do not need to rewash to bring curls back to life. On day two or three, mist your hair with water or a little leave-in, then scrunch to reshape.

Try this: At night, loosely pile your curls on top of your head in a soft scrunchie (the pineapple) and sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. You will wake with far more of your curl pattern intact.

Protect your cut, not just your curls

Good home care keeps curls healthy, but the shape still needs a specialist. A cut built around your curl pattern holds far better between washes, which is why it helps to know how often to cut curly hair and the best haircut for your curl type.

If your curls feel harder to manage lately, it can be the cut rather than your routine. Our curly hair specialists in Biggleswade can reset the shape and show you how to style it at home.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop my curly hair getting frizzy?

Frizz usually comes from dryness and friction. Keep curls hydrated with a leave-in, dry them with a microfibre towel or t-shirt rather than a rough towel, and avoid touching them as they dry. A silk pillowcase and a well-shaped cut both help too.

How often should you wash curly hair?

Two or three times a week suits many curl types, though tighter, drier curls can go longer. Washing daily tends to strip the oils curls need. If your hair feels dry, try a conditioner-only wash midweek rather than another shampoo.

How do I refresh curls on day two or three?

Lightly mist your hair with water or a diluted leave-in, then scrunch upwards to reshape the curls. Sleeping with your hair in a loose pineapple on a silk pillowcase keeps curls defined, so there is less to refresh in the morning.

Should you brush curly hair?

Avoid brushing curls when dry, as it breaks up the pattern and creates frizz. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers while conditioner is in and the hair is wet. That protects both the curl and the length.

Keep your curls at their best

Great curls are a partnership: your routine at home and the right cut in the chair. Book in with our curly hair team in Biggleswade for a cut and personal styling advice, or call 01767 210210.