How to Prep and Style Naturally Curly Hair
Founder of W by White Wolfe and all-round curly hair queen.
A good curly hair routine is just as much about choosing the right hydrating products for your hair as it is about using the right techniques, and in this routine, Tammy Christina from @wbywhitewolfe shares her curly hair must-haves from Aveda, Redken, IGK, and ELEVEN Australia.
Designed to help accentuate your natural curls, this routine focuses on pairing those hydrating essentials with the right approach so your curls are left looking super defined and bouncy.
Tammy walks us through the products she relies on and the techniques that go hand in hand with them, showing how both elements work together as part of an effective curly hair routine.
Whether you are refining your current routine or simply looking at what products and methods Tammy uses for her curls, the emphasis here stays on hydration, definition, and bounce, with each step supporting your natural curl pattern rather than trying to change it.
Curl boosting tips:
- If your hair is feeling extra dry, swap your conditioner out for a hydrating mask.
- Start brushing your hair a few cm away from the end of your hair, slowly moving up, and avoid brushing from root to tip, as this can cause breakage.
- Don’t towel dry your hair with a regular towel, instead try a t-shirt or a small microfiber towel to blot some (but not all) of the moisture out of your hair. The rough texture of a regular towel may cause damage to your hair.
Tammy’s Curl Styling Routine:
Step 1: Curvaceous haircare pair
Step 1: Curvaceous haircare pair
Tammy starts her routine by washing her hair with the and the Redken Curvaceous Conditioner. Another great choice is , for all curly hair types. Using a curly hair shampoo and conditioner combo cleans and defines each curl, leaving your hair feeling fresh.
Step 2: Detangling masque
Step 2: Detangling masque
If your hair is feeling extra dry and dehydrated it’s time to turn to a detangling mask. The can be used instead of conditioner, with conditioner or as a leave in. This product moisturises curls and helps combat frizz.
Q: Should you brush curly hair?
A: The answer is not a simple yes or no, but rather a matter of how!
Because curly hair is usually dry, many recommend brushing or combing it when it’s wet to avoid breakage, frizz and flyaways. It’s also worth considering what kind of brush or comb you are using, so opt for a wide toothed comb or a detangling brush.
Step 3: Brush your hair wet
Step 3: Brush your hair wet
Tammy uses the to brush out her curls in the shower. This detangling brush allows her to remove knots in several minutes.
Step 4: Miracle treatment
Step 4: Miracle treatment
Next, Tammy uses the after the shower. She uses a 10-20c piece amount and works in the product up through her hair from the ends.
Step 5: More is more balm
Step 5: More is more balm
In terms of hydrating treatments, Tammy says the more the merrier, adding the to her routine. She adds this product to the mid lengths and ends of her wet hair.
Step 6: Curly prep step
Step 6: Curly prep step
The helps to improve curl definition and reduce breakage. Work this product up through the hair before drying for very bouncy curls.
Step 7: Curl defining cream
Step 7: Curl defining cream
Tammy applies a small amount (about the size of a 20 cent piece) of the and works it up through her hair before drying. This product adds shine and helps bind and define curls.
Q: How should you dry curly hair?
A: There are several ways to dry curly hair without causing frizz and breakage such as:
- Air drying: this helps improve curl definition, especially when blotted with a microfiber towel or t-shirt. This frizz free method is great for adding extra bounce to your curls.
- Diffusing: if you don’t have time to let your hair air dry, the next best option is to blow dry your hair with a diffuser attachment. This helps to control the amount of heat hitting your hair, so it doesn’t dry out as quickly. Scrunch your hair towards your root as you dry it to help shape your curls.
Step 8: Enhancing hair spray
Step 8: Enhancing hair spray
Halfway through drying or diffusing her hair, Tammy adds some of the to her hair. This product adds a bit of crunch to your curl as well as all day frizz and humidity control.
Step 9: Dry shampoo paste
Step 9: Dry shampoo paste
Finally, Tammy uses a dry shampoo paste-like the . Many dry shampoos don’t agree with curly hair, but this one soaks up any oil at the root so you don’t have to rewash it too often. Simply massage the paste into the scalp!
This routine was transcribed by India Williams.
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