Most curly hair problems aren’t a product problem, they’re an order problem. Doing the right things in the wrong sequence still gets you frizz. So let’s walk through wash day the way I’d walk a client through it, start to finish.
These are the twelve steps, in order.
Cleanse With a Sulfate-Free or Co-Wash Formula
Start clean, but gently. A sulfate-free shampoo or a co-wash clears buildup without stripping the oils your curls need to hold their shape later.
Apply Conditioner Before You Detangle
Never detangle dry, and never detangle without slip. Load conditioner through first, then work section by section with your fingers or a wide tooth comb.
Layer Leave-In, Then Oil, Then Cream
The LOC method, leave-in, oil, cream, applied in that order on soaking wet hair, seals in moisture instead of letting it evaporate before you’ve even styled.
Style in Sections With the Praying Hands Method
Smooth product between flat palms and glide down small sections of hair. It clumps your curls into cohesive pieces instead of leaving frizzy loose strands between them.
Plop or Diffuse, Never Rough-Dry
Plop in a t-shirt to remove excess water without disturbing the curl, then diffuse on low heat if you’re not air-drying. Rough towel drying undoes every step before it.
Refresh Mid-Week Instead of Rewashing
A water and leave-in spray revives the second and third day curl without stripping it back to square one. Save the full wash for when it’s actually needed.
Complete the Routine: More Hair Care Ideas
Want the full list of rules behind these steps? Here’s 12 curly hair care rules that change everything. Which step are you adding first?
