Curly hair routine: The ultimate advice from professionals.

Curly hair is a beautiful thing, and it also comes with its own unique challenges in terms of texture, hydration and appearance. These unique challenges, connected to the very structure of the curls (or coils) themselves, mean that you need a tailored haircare routine for your curls. Paired with pro tips, curly hair products like those in the Curl Expression range by L’Oréal Professionnel make for the perfect at-home protocol for your curls.

What makes curls so unique? Why does curly hair need a dedicated routine and its own dedicated curly hair products? Curly hair has a distinct structure with coiled or spiral shapes. These shapes create friction among the strands which can lead to knots. The tighter yours curls or coils, the more likely they are to get tangled. Curly hair is also likely more porous, which leads to more frizz, dryness and breakage. And while curly hair has natural volume, the weight of the curls themselves can lead to flat roots. Product buildup can also play a role in this, weighing down individual curls. Over time, and without the right curly hair routine, curls can also lose their definition. Taking care of damaged hair, especially if we’re talking about curls, requires some TLC. Targeted care and products can really make a difference, providing hydration and definition, reducing frizz and making for quicker drying times.

When it comes to a step-by-step curly hair care routine, you want the best products for curly hair. These should be professional-grade products that cleanse and hydrate, without damaging your delicate curls. You want definition and protection from heat. You want bounce without being weighed down. Basically, you want your curls to shine and thrive. Here’s our round-up of step-by-step care for your curls, powered by L’Oréal Professionnel curly hair products.

Cleanse

To eliminate buildup and provide moisture, cleanse your curls with the Curl Expression Anti-buildup cleansing jelly shampoo. Thanks to a highly concentrated formula of plant-based Glycerin & Urea H, it gently eliminates daily impurities and buildup, while providing moisture and without stripping the hair.

Treat

To deeply hydrate and pre-detangle your curls, try the Curl Expression Intensive Moisturizer Rich Mask, powered by Glycerin 3% & Urea H for long-lasting hydration. Its rich buttery texture envelops the curls to ensure intense hydration. And as we’ve discussed above, hydration for curly hair is key.

Style

Wondering how to define curls? When it comes to styling your curly hair, a product like the Cream-in-jelly definition activator activates curls and coils for 12 times more definition and 3 times more hydration with less frizz. A leave-in moisturizer like the Curl Expression Long Lasting Intensive Moisturizer intensely moisturizes even the most dehydrated curls and coils, for silky-smooth results that last. Plus, both products protect against heat, so you get both frizz control in curly hair as well as heat protection.

Dry

To speed up the drying process and reduce potential for damage to your delicate curls, pros recommend the Curl Expression Drying Accelerator. It speeds the drying process by 37% while delivering care, shine and 48-hour frizz-free protection. It protects hair against heat up to 230°C/450°F. Not sure how to choose a blow dryer for curly hair? Look no further.

Revive

For a little extra curl boost in the morning, the Curl Expression Curls Reviver instantly revives curls after pillow friction and provides 48 hours of frizz protection.

When it comes to detangling curly hair care, it’s all about knowing your curl type and finding the right routine for your curly hair. There are many different methods and schools of thought, but overall, a healthy curly hair routine will focus on deep hydration that works with the structure of curly hair. That’s why professionals recommend a full Curl Expression routine that’s got you covered from cleansing to styling. With powerful ingredients like plant-based Glycerin, these products ensure moisture and definition that lasts.

For more tips and inspiration for your curly hair, be sure to read our full guide to styling curly hair here.