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Curly Hair Hacks: The Complete Guide to Naturally Beautiful Curls
Updated on June 10, 2026 | 3 min read
Jaclyn LaBadia, Davines Writer
Even the most skilled stylist knows that naturally curly hair has a mind of its own; it can poof out, frizz up, or deflate depending on its mood. Whether you’ve recently decided to start your curly hair journey or you just need a few insider tips, we’ve got the hair hacks you need for gorgeous curls every time.
Key Takeaways
Hacks for Your Curly Hair
- Your hair care routine has a huge influence on how your curls look and feel, and how long they last.
- Using the right products for your specific curl pattern helps accentuate your natural locks.
- Try different hacks to see which one gives your curls the most definition and shine.
- It may take a few trial-and-error runs to get your perfect hair routine, but it’s worth the bouncy curls.
In This Article
Know Your Curl Pattern First
Your Curly Hair Wash Day Routine
5 Curly Hair Hacks
How to Refresh Curly Hair Between Wash Days
FAQs
Show Off Your Curls With Confidence
Know Your Curl Pattern First
Hair comes in many different textures, and curly hair alone includes a wide range of patterns, from 2A waves to tightly coiled 4C curls.
2A-2C: This hair type falls on the wavy end of the spectrum, ranging from loose, barely-there bends to more defined S-shaped waves.
3A-3C: This type of curly hair includes springier, more defined curls, progressing from loose ringlets to tighter corkscrew curls.
4A-4C: This hair type features tightly coiled to densely kinked textures, with patterns ranging from soft coils to compact zigzag curls.
Not sure what your hair needs? Take the Davines Hair Quiz to find your hair type and the products matched to it.
Your Curly Hair Wash Day Routine
Before you try any of the hacks below, it helps to have a solid wash-day foundation. Here's our curly girl hair routine, along with the hair products to use.
- Cleanse: Use a sulfate-free shampoo that cleans without stripping. For wavy to curly hair (2A-3C), the LOVE CURL Shampoo removes buildup while protecting your curl pattern. For coily hair (4A-4C), a co-wash like the LOVE CURL Co-wash is a gentler option that locks in moisture while still cleansing.
- Condition: Apply LOVE CURL Conditioner generously and use a wide-tooth comb to distribute it from mid-lengths to ends while your hair is still wet. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes before rinsing.
- Apply Leave-In or Primer: On soaking wet hair, apply LOVE CURL Enhancing Milk to lock in moisture and prep your curl pattern before styling. This is the step most people skip, but it’s the one that makes the biggest difference.
- Style: Find your technique (from the hacks below) and apply your styling products while your hair is still dripping wet. The wetter, the better for styling curly hair.
- Dry: Air dry whenever possible. If you use a diffuser attachment, keep the heat on low and avoid touching your hair until it's fully dry to prevent frizz.
Cleanse and condition with products your curls love
Davines' LOVE CURL line gives your strands the care they deserve. Enhance your texture with formulas made for you.
5 Curly Hair Hacks
Hack 1: Twist
If your goal is to create soft, uniform curls all over, twisting your strands is your go-to. Distribute a quarter-sized amount of LOVE CURL Cream through wet hair with your fingers. Then part your hair into four symmetrical sections, and twist small sections around one another. Be sure to use the same amount of firmness for each twist. Continue twisting each section until you've twisted all of your hair (the result should look like pigtails). Let your hair air dry, then undo your twists. Finish by gently lifting your roots with a wide-toothed comb for volume.
Hack 2: Band
Banding is one of the easiest curly hair hacks, leaving you with stretched-out, elongated curls (think waves), with minimal damage to your hair. Apply This is a Curl Moisturizing Mousse to wet hair and use a boar-bristle brush to distribute it evenly. Gather your hair into a ponytail and secure it with a scrunchie or elastic band. Then, place more bands in even intervals all the way down to the end of your hair. Once your hair is dry, take out the elastic bands and gently pull apart each section to finish the look.
Hack 3: Scrunch
Scrunching can turn loose, lifeless curls into smooth, defined waves, adding texture to lackluster hair. Shampoo with LOVE CURL Shampoo and then condition with LOVE CURL Conditioner using a flat, open palm to smooth the conditioner into your hair. Rinse and gently towel-dry your hair using a microfiber towel. Then scrunch This is a Medium Hold Modeling Gel into it, squeezing out any excess water. Continue scrunching every five to ten minutes until your hair is dry.
Curly hair must-haves
Whether you're looking to upgrade your shower routine or find the right styling products, Davines has haircare for curls of every shape and size.
Hack 4: Plop
Plopping is a relatively new process that involves flipping your head over, gently lowering your damp locks onto a cotton t-shirt, and then wrapping it up. Plopping soaks up excess water, cuts down drying time, and enhances your hair’s natural curl pattern. Prime your damp hair with LOVE CURL Enhancing Milk prior to plopping, and comb it through with a wide-tooth comb to detangle any knots. Once your hair is wrapped and fully dry (anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on your hair’s texture), release your curls and use your fingers to loosen up your roots for volume.
Hack 5: Seal
Split ends are a naturally curly-haired girl’s worst nightmare. Coarse ends are a sign that your curls are dry and damaged. The shape of naturally curly hair means that your scalp's natural oils have a longer way to travel to reach the ends of your hair shaft. Prevent split ends by sealing your ends with OI Oil, or adding moisture-boosting styling products where you need them most.
How to Refresh Curly Hair Between Wash Days
Washing your hair every day may damage your curls, but there are other ways to revive them. Use the LOVE CURL Enhancing Milk to revamp your curls with the volume and hydration they need. We suggest using this on second- or third-day hair that needs it. For additional refreshes, use a water spritz on the following days.
FAQs
How often should you wash curly hair?
This varies by curl type. As a general guide, wavy hair (2A-2C) can be washed 2-3 times per week, curly hair (3A-3C) does well with 1-2 washes per week, and coily hair (4A-4C) typically thrives with once-a-week washes or less. Over-washing strips the natural oils that curls depend on for definition and moisture, especially if you're not using shampoos for curly hair or deep conditioner treatments.
What’s the “Curly Girl Method?”
The Curly Girl Method is a hair care routine for natural curls that focuses on moisture instead of harsh chemicals. To follow it, you swap regular shampoo for sulfate-free versions, avoid silicones that cause buildup, and stay away from heat styling. The goal is to keep your hair hydrated and healthy, so your natural curl pattern can shine. The Davines LOVE CURL line is perfect for this routine because it’s gentle, nourishing, and completely CGM-friendly.
Should I brush my curls?
Brushing dry curly hair can break apart the curl clumps that define them and create frizz. We suggest detangling with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers while your conditioner is still in and your hair is wet.
Show Off Your Curls With Confidence
Play around with our hacks for your most gorgeous head of curls every time you style! And find a Davines salon near you to take care of all your hair care needs.
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