Curly hair is one of the most beautiful hair types — and one of the most misunderstood. For decades, curly hair was treated with the same products as straight hair, which led to generations of frizzy, undefined, over-dried curls. Today we know better. Curly hair has a unique structure that requires a specific approach — and the right routine makes an enormous difference.
Why Curly Hair Behaves Differently
The curl in your hair comes from the shape of the follicle. A round follicle produces straight hair; an oval or asymmetrical follicle produces waves and curls. The more pronounced the oval, the tighter the curl. This curved structure makes it harder for the scalp's natural oils to travel down the hair shaft — which is why curly hair tends to be naturally drier than straight hair and more prone to frizz.
Frizz happens when the hair cuticle is open and absorbs moisture unevenly from the air. The solution isn't to avoid moisture — it's to deliver moisture consistently and seal the cuticle to prevent humidity from disrupting your curl pattern.
Step 1: Cleanse with a Curl-Friendly Shampoo
Avoid shampoos that contain harsh sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate) — they strip curly hair of the natural oils it desperately needs, leading to dryness, frizz and breakage. Choose a salt-free, sulfate-free formula that cleanses without stripping.
The Curls & Waves Shampoo by Salon In Recamier is formulated with jojoba oil, keratin and biotin. It cleanses gently, adds moisture and preps curls for definition — without leaving residue or causing buildup.
Step 2: Condition Every Single Time
Skipping conditioner on curly hair is not an option. Conditioner replenishes moisture, detangles and begins the process of sealing the cuticle. Apply from mid-lengths to ends, work through with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, and leave on for at least 3 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
The Curls & Waves Conditioner contains biotin and keratin to strengthen while it conditions, leaving curls soft, defined and ready for styling.
Step 3: Apply a Leave-On Treatment to Damp Hair
This step is where curl definition happens. While hair is still damp (not dripping), apply a leave-on treatment and scrunch upward from ends to roots. This encourages the curl pattern, adds moisture and creates a base for frizz control. Do not rinse out.
The Curls & Waves Leave-On Treatment is lightweight and humidity-resistant, designed to define curls without crunchiness or stiffness.
Step 4: Dry Without Touching
One of the most common curl mistakes is touching hair while it air-dries. Every touch disrupts the curl formation and introduces frizz. If you use a diffuser, use low heat and low airflow, and let the curls sit in the diffuser cup without moving them until fully dry.
Swap your regular terrycloth towel for a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt — terrycloth creates friction that roughens the cuticle and causes frizz.
Step 5: Refresh Curls Between Wash Days
Curly hair doesn't need to be washed every day — in fact, over-washing is one of the leading causes of dry, frizzy curls. On non-wash days, refresh curls by lightly misting with water and scrunching in a small amount of leave-on treatment or curl spray.
The Curls & Waves Activating Spray reactivates your curl pattern and adds moisture without weighing curls down — perfect for second and third-day hair.
The Complete Curls & Waves Routine
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Wash day: Curls & Waves Shampoo → Conditioner → Leave-On Treatment
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Weekly: Deep Treatment Mask for intensive hydration and repair
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Non-wash days: Curls & Waves Activating Spray for curl refresh
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Optional: Curls & Waves complete 3 or 4-piece sets for a streamlined routine
Browse the full Curls & Waves collection or visit our FAQ for more product guidance.
The Complete Curly Hair Routine: 5 Steps for Defined, Frizz-Free Curls
Curly hair is one of the most beautiful hair types — and one of the most misunderstood. For decades, curly hair was treated with the same products as straight hair, which led to generations of frizzy, undefined, over-dried curls. Today we know better. Curly hair has a unique structure that requires a specific approach — and the right routine makes an enormous difference.
Why Curly Hair Behaves Differently
The curl in your hair comes from the shape of the follicle. A round follicle produces straight hair; an oval or asymmetrical follicle produces waves and curls. The more pronounced the oval, the tighter the curl. This curved structure makes it harder for the scalp's natural oils to travel down the hair shaft — which is why curly hair tends to be naturally drier than straight hair and more prone to frizz.
Frizz happens when the hair cuticle is open and absorbs moisture unevenly from the air. The solution isn't to avoid moisture — it's to deliver moisture consistently and seal the cuticle to prevent humidity from disrupting your curl pattern.
Step 1: Cleanse with a Curl-Friendly Shampoo
Avoid shampoos that contain harsh sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate) — they strip curly hair of the natural oils it desperately needs, leading to dryness, frizz and breakage. Choose a salt-free, sulfate-free formula that cleanses without stripping.
The Curls & Waves Shampoo by Salon In Recamier is formulated with jojoba oil, keratin and biotin. It cleanses gently, adds moisture and preps curls for definition — without leaving residue or causing buildup.
Step 2: Condition Every Single Time
Skipping conditioner on curly hair is not an option. Conditioner replenishes moisture, detangles and begins the process of sealing the cuticle. Apply from mid-lengths to ends, work through with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, and leave on for at least 3 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
The Curls & Waves Conditioner contains biotin and keratin to strengthen while it conditions, leaving curls soft, defined and ready for styling.
Step 3: Apply a Leave-On Treatment to Damp Hair
This step is where curl definition happens. While hair is still damp (not dripping), apply a leave-on treatment and scrunch upward from ends to roots. This encourages the curl pattern, adds moisture and creates a base for frizz control. Do not rinse out.
The Curls & Waves Leave-On Treatment is lightweight and humidity-resistant, designed to define curls without crunchiness or stiffness.
Step 4: Dry Without Touching
One of the most common curl mistakes is touching hair while it air-dries. Every touch disrupts the curl formation and introduces frizz. If you use a diffuser, use low heat and low airflow, and let the curls sit in the diffuser cup without moving them until fully dry.
Swap your regular terrycloth towel for a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt — terrycloth creates friction that roughens the cuticle and causes frizz.
Step 5: Refresh Curls Between Wash Days
Curly hair doesn't need to be washed every day — in fact, over-washing is one of the leading causes of dry, frizzy curls. On non-wash days, refresh curls by lightly misting with water and scrunching in a small amount of leave-on treatment or curl spray.
The Curls & Waves Activating Spray reactivates your curl pattern and adds moisture without weighing curls down — perfect for second and third-day hair.
The Complete Curls & Waves Routine
Browse the full Curls & Waves collection or visit our FAQ for more product guidance.