THE COMPLETE CURL CARE GUIDE: FROM CLEANSING TO STYLING

Best Products for Curly Hair: Your Ultimate Guide

Whether you have soft waves or tight ringlets, curly hair needs specialised care to look its best.

Curly hair is a beautiful gift, but it can come with its fair share of challenges. Frizz, dryness, and unpredictable curl patterns often make it difficult to manage. The key to embracing your curls? Using the right products and techniques tailored to your curl type.

That’s where Davines comes in. As a professional, sustainable haircare brand, Davines provides a selection of high-quality products designed to nourish, define, and enhance curls of all kinds. At Callisto Style, we’re here to help you achieve your best curls yet!

We’ll walk you through everything from identifying your curl type to building the perfect curly hair routine. Plus, we’ll recommend our must-have Davines products for healthy, hydrated curls.

For a more thorough treatment that you can do less frequently, visit our Hair Slugging Blog.

Discovering Your Curl Type

Understanding your curl type is essential for choosing the right haircare routine. Different curl patterns have different needs, and finding the best products for your texture is the first step toward achieving defined, frizz-free curls.

The Curly Hair Spectrum

Curly hair falls into a spectrum ranging from soft waves to tight coils. Most curls fit into one of these categories:

Pre-Wash Treatment: The Secret to Hydrated Curls

Pre-wash treatments, also known as "pre-pooing" create a nourishing shield around your hair strands, offering a range of benefits:

• Retains moisture: Prevents shampoo from stripping away natural oils, leaving curls soft and hydrated.

• Eases detangling: Makes combing through curls much simpler, reducing breakage and damage.

• Reduces frizz: Smooths the hair cuticle, leading to more defined, manageable curls.

• Enhances shine: Leaves curls looking radiant and healthy.

  
  

Think of it as a warm-up session for your hair before the main session of cleansing. It primes your curls so to stay hydrated, strengthened, and ready to take on the rest of your routine.

Davines Pre-Wash Must-Haves

Before shampooing, give your curls an extra boost of hydration with a pre-wash treatment. This step helps lock in moisture, making hair more manageable while minimizing frizz.

• OI Oil – A lightweight, multi-use oil for added shine and softness.

• The Renaissance Circle Mask – A deep conditioning treatment that repairs and hydrates dry curls.

• LOVE CURL Mask – Specifically designed for curly hair, this mask nourishes and enhances curl elasticity.

  
  

How to Pre-Shampoo Like a Pro

Adding a pre-wash treatment to your routine is a simple yet highly effective way to improve the health and manageability of your curls.

• Apply: On dry hair, distribute your chosen Davines pre-wash treatment from the roots to the tips, concentrating on the ends.

• Massage: Use gentle motions to work the product into your scalp and hair for thorough coverage.

• Leave in: Allow the treatment to sit for at least 15-30 minutes, or leave it overnight for an intense hydration boost.

• Rinse & Shampoo: Wash out the pre-wash treatment thoroughly before continuing with your usual shampoo and conditioning routine.

  
  

Incorporating this step into your haircare regimen will make a noticeable difference in how nourished and defined your curls look and feel.

Choosing the Right Shampoo for Curly Hair

To maintain healthy curls, shampooing no more than twice a week is ideal. Always use lukewarm water and focus shampoo application on the scalp to avoid stripping natural moisture from your lengths.

With so many shampoos available, selecting the right one for your curls can feel overwhelming. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Curl Type: Different curl types require different levels of hydration. Wavy hair may benefit from a lightweight shampoo, while coily hair often needs a richer, more nourishing formula.

• Scalp Condition: If your scalp is dry or sensitive, opt for a shampoo with gentle, soothing ingredients.

• Hair Concerns: Whether you struggle with frizz, dryness, or damage, choose a shampoo that specifically targets your hair’s unique needs.

  
  

The best shampoo for curly hair is one that effectively cleanses while maintaining moisture and enhancing curl definition.

Our Recommended Curly Hair Shampoos

• LOVE CURL Shampoo – A sulfate-free cleanser that gently defines curls.

• LOVE CURL Cleansing Cream – A hydrating, low-foam alternative to traditional shampoos.

• SOLU Shampoo – A clarifying shampoo that removes buildup without drying out curls.

  
  

Conditioning: A Must for Soft, Defined Curls

Conditioner acts as an essential moisture boost for your curls—hydrating, detangling, and keeping them soft and manageable.

Curly hair is naturally drier, especially at the lengths and ends, as natural scalp oils do not distribute as evenly as they do in straighter hair types.

Additionally, since curls aren’t brushed when dry, natural oils don’t get spread down the hair shaft, making hydration even more crucial. That’s why applying conditioner every time you wash your hair is a non-negotiable step for maintaining healthy curls.

For the best results, start by gently squeezing excess water from your hair after shampooing. Apply conditioner generously from mid-lengths to ends using a wide-tooth comb for even distribution. Let it soak in for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

How to Choose the Best Conditioner for Curly Hair

With so many options available, how do you select the perfect conditioner for your curls? Keep these factors in mind:

• Curl Type: Wavy hair may prefer a lightweight formula, while tighter curls and coils often need a richer, deeply hydrating conditioner.

• Hair Porosity: Low porosity hair benefits from lightweight hydration, while high porosity hair requires a thicker, moisture-intensive formula.

• Hair Concerns: If frizz or dryness is an issue, opt for a conditioner enriched with ingredients like Noto Almond and B Vitamins for added nourishment.

  
  

The best conditioner for curly hair is one that leaves your curls feeling soft, hydrated, and effortlessly manageable.

Curly hair needs extra hydration, making conditioner a non-negotiable part of your routine. Apply generously after washing and use a wide-tooth comb to ensure even distribution.

Our Favorite Conditioners for Curls

• LOVE CURL Conditioner – A rich, nourishing formula that enhances elasticity.

• MOMO Conditioner – Perfect for curls in need of deep hydration.

• OI Conditioner – A luxurious option that smooths and protects curls while adding shine.

How to Choose the Right Curly Hair Styling Products for Your Curl Type

Selecting the right styling product for your curls depends on your hair texture, desired style, and thickness. Here are some general guidelines:

• Wavy Hair: Lightweight mousses or creams that enhance waves without adding too much weight.

• Curly Hair: Serums or gels that define curls while providing medium hold.

• Coily Hair: Rich creams or gels that deliver intense hydration and frizz control.

• Fine Hair: Avoid heavy products that may weigh down your curls.

• Thick Hair: Choose products that provide strong hold and moisture to keep curls well-defined and frizz-free.

  
  

Using the right styling products can make all the difference in defining and maintaining your curls. Choose products based on your curl type and the level of hold you prefer.

Using Curly Styling Products to Create Waves and Curls

Getting the best results from your styling products starts with the right application techniques:

• Remove Excess Water: Use the plopping method by flipping your head forward and gently wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt. This helps absorb excess water without creating frizz.

• Avoid Traditional Towels: Standard towels can be too rough, leading to frizz and moisture loss. Instead, opt for a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt to maintain curl definition.

• Apply to Damp Hair: For the best results, hair should still be fairly damp when applying styling products like creams or foams.

  
  

Applying Curl Styling Products

• Using Curl Cream: Dispense a small amount into your palms, rub them together, and then glide the product through individual sections of hair, smoothing from the mid-lengths to the ends.

• Using Curl Foam: Apply using the raking method—spray or rub the product onto your hands and distribute it evenly through the curls by using your fingers like a comb.

  
  

Top Styling Products for Curls

• This is a Curl Building Serum – Lightweight frizz control and curl definition.

• LOVE CURL Cream – Hydrates and defines without leaving residue.

• This is a Curl Moisturizing Mousse – Enhances curl volume and bounce.

  
  

Taming Frizz with Oils and Gels

The final step in your curly hair routine is keeping frizz at bay while enhancing curl definition. Rather than aiming for a stiff or crunchy hold, the goal is to achieve soft, bouncy curls that maintain their natural movement.

Oils and gels are excellent for this stage. This is an Oil Non Oil helps smooth the hair while keeping curls soft and frizz-free. If you're looking for more hold, This is a Medium Hold Modeling Gel provides structure without leaving hair stiff. For a lightweight yet effective option, This Is A Curl Gel Oil adds definition while maintaining flexibility and frizz control.

Frizz control is key to achieving defined curls. Lightweight gels and oils help lock in moisture while preventing humidity from ruining your style.

Best Oils & Gels for Curly Hair

• This is an Oil Non Oil – Controls frizz while keeping curls touchably soft.

• This is a Medium Hold Modeling Gel – Adds structure and long-lasting curl definition.

• This Is A Curl Gel Oil – A hybrid formula for moisture and flexible hold.

  
  

Drying Curly Hair: Air Dry or Diffuse?

The way you dry your curls can have a significant impact on their health and definition. Here are two popular methods:

• Air Drying: This is the gentlest way to dry curls, as it avoids heat damage. However, it requires patience since drying can take longer. To minimize frizz, avoid touching your curls while they dry.

• Diffusing: Using a diffuser attachment on a hairdryer helps to speed up drying while still keeping curls intact. Use a low heat setting and hold the diffuser close to the roots to enhance volume.

  
  

Regardless of the method you choose, always handle curls with care. Avoid rough towel-drying, which can disrupt curl patterns and cause frizz. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt to preserve curl integrity.

How to Dry Curly Hair

For the healthiest curls, air drying is often the best choice as it minimizes heat exposure and prevents potential damage. However, due to time constraints or weather conditions, this may not always be practical.

If you need to dry your curls faster, we recommend using a diffuser attachment on a hairdryer. Avoid traditional styling nozzles, as they can direct heat too strongly and disrupt the natural curl pattern.

• Start at the Roots: Hold the diffuser at least 10cm (3 inches) away from your scalp to encourage volume without overheating.

• Move to the Lengths: Cup sections of hair into the diffuser, starting from the ends and working upwards to minimize frizz.

• Flip for Volume: Dry with your head tilted forward to create lift at the roots.

• Use Low Heat: Keep the temperature on a medium-low setting to avoid damaging the hair fiber.

  
  

Protecting Curls from Heat Damage

If you use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant beforehand to maintain the health of your curls.

We recommend MELU Hair Shield, a lightweight spray that protects against heat up to 220°C. It also helps reduce frizz and provides humidity resistance, ensuring your curls stay defined and hydrated.

Nighttime Curl Protection

Protect your curls while you sleep by using these simple techniques:

• Swap out your cotton pillowcase for a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.

• Secure curls in a loose pineapple ponytail to maintain shape overnight.

• Wear a silk bonnet for added moisture retention.

  
  

Refreshing Curls Between Washes

Refreshing your curls is a great option if you have flat roots, curls that tend to loosen up, or if you prefer to extend the time between washes due to a dry or sensitive scalp.

A curl refresh involves misting your hair with water to reactivate styling products and restore moisture. Follow up with a light leave-in product to redefine and revive your curls.

• If your roots and curls tend to flatten, lift them by misting a revitalizing spray for added bounce.

• If your curls feel dry or prone to breakage, apply a curl gel oil to provide moisture and definition.

• For a relaxed, tousled look, use a sea salt spray to enhance texture without weighing your curls down.

Top Curl Refreshers

• LOVE CURL Revitalizer – Boosts elasticity and refreshes curls.

• This Is A Curl Gel Oil – Hydrates and extends frizz control between washes.

• This is a Sea Salt Spray – Adds texture for effortless beachy waves.

  
  

Unlock Your Best Curls with Davines

Your curls deserve expert care, and Davines provides the perfect balance of hydration, definition, and frizz control. With the right products and routine, you can enhance your natural texture and achieve bouncy, radiant curls every day.

Ready to take your curl game to the next level? Explore our range of Davines curly hair products at Callisto Style and discover the best routine for your unique curl type!