Curly Hair Do’s and Don’ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid

As hair professionals, we are well aware that textured hair comes with its unique set of challenges and beauty. Your clients rely on your expertise to guide them towards the best practices for maintaining healthy, vibrant curls! 

Achieving beautiful curly hair in the salon is one thing but the sign of a fantastic stylist is helping your clients avoid curly hair mistakes. In this article, we will take you through the do’s and don’ts of curly hair care so that you can pass that knowledge on to your curly-haired clientele.

 

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Mistake 1: Overwashing and Stripping Natural Oils

Start by explaining the importance of a balanced washing routine. Overwashing textured hair will strip away the natural oils that the hair needs to stay healthy and vibrant. Recommend washing curly hair no more than 2-3 times a week using sulfate-free shampoos specifically designed for curls as these are formulated to cleanse gently without stripping essential moisture. Sulfates can strip natural oils, causing dryness and frizz.

We recommend the RE/START™ Curls Nourishing Cleaser to gently cleanse and nourish wavy, curly, and coily hair for ultimate curl definition. 

• PRO Tip: Embrace The Curly Girl Method which discourages the use of products that contain sulfates and silicones as they are too harsh for curly and coily textured hair types. This method helps maintain the scalp’s natural oils and ensures that curly hair remains hydrated, less frizzy, and softer to the touch.

Advise your clients to read product labels carefully. Have them look for ingredients like sulfates and silicones and guide them in making informed choices. Silicone-free products are preferred, as silicones can weigh down curls and disrupt the natural curl pattern.

Mistake 2: Skipping Conditioning

Advocate for the use of hydrating conditioners tailored specifically to curly hair. Stress the significance of conditioning as it provides curly hair with much-needed moisture, nourishment, and protection. Look for conditioners containing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera, which work wonders for maintaining curl health. We recommend the RE/START™ Curls Nourishing Conditioner And Leave-In to help retain the hair’s natural moisture by keeping its protective cuticle layer on lockdown. 

• PRO Tip: For clients with extremely dry or damaged hair, recommend deep conditioning treatments once a week such as RE/START™ Curls Deep Nourishing Buttery Mask. This dual action buttery mask is formulated with jojoba oil, shea butter, and vegan biomimetic lipids, which will help restore the hair’s natural oils. These treatments penetrate deeper into the hair, providing extra nourishment and resulting in the ultimate curl definition. 

 

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Mistake 3: Applying Styling Products Too Late

Educate your clients on the timing of styling product applications. Encourage them to apply these products while their hair is still damp. This is the prime time for product penetration and curl setting. Emphasize gentle application techniques to avoid disrupting the curl pattern. Early application helps prevent frizz and defines curls effectively.

We love the innovative dual action multi-use RE/START™ Curls Multipurpose Gel-To-Oil which is infused with natural oils for extra-bouncy curls. This 95% natural-origin oil formula can be used as a pre-wash, definer, or refresher.

• PRO Tip: When applying styling products, show your clients the “praying hands” technique. This involves rubbing the product between their hands and then gently gliding their hands over their curls, smoothing the product in a downward motion to encourage curl definition.

Mistake 4: Improper Blow-Drying Techniques

After washing, use a microfiber towel and recommend air-drying as the preferred method for curly hair as it will minimize the risk of heat damage and frizz. If blow-drying is necessary, suggest using a diffuser attachment. This attachment disperses airflow and reduces direct heat contact with the hair, preserving the natural curl pattern.

• PRO Tip: Teach your clients to use the “scrunch and diffuse” method when using a diffuser. It involves scrunching their curls toward their scalp while diffusing with low heat. This technique helps maintain curl definition and encourages volume. Just remember not to brush curly hair unless you want to create a frizzy texture.

 

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Mistake 5: Neglecting Leave-In Conditioner

Leave-in conditioner is an integral part of curly hair care as it provides ongoing moisture and protection against frizz, breakage, and UV damage. Customizable leave-in treatments such as the Revlon Professional Equave™ Bi-Phase Leave-In Detangler Conditioners are ideal to address specific hair goals and slay your curls results.

• PRO Tip: Encourage clients to refresh and reactivate their curls with the RE/START™ Curls Next-Day Refreshing Tonic which is formulated with jojoba oil and a mix of defining sugars for immediate definition and bouncy curls.

Mistake 6: Inappropriate Detangling Techniques

For clients with particularly stubborn tangles, use a detangling brush with flexible bristles that is designed to glide through knots without causing damage. Start detangling from the ends and gradually working upward.

• PRO Tip: Use a leave-in curl-defining cream such as RE/START™ Curls Defining Caring Cream to facilitate combing textured hair.

Mistake 7: Not Protecting Hair While Sleeping

Advise clients to protect their curls while sleeping. Suggest using silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction and maintain curl integrity. Cotton pillowcases can lead to tangles and frizz, which is why investing in proper nighttime hair care is essential.

• PRO Tip: Teach your clients the pineapple method for nighttime care. Instruct them to flip their hair over, gather it into a loose bun or tail on top of their head, and secure it with a gentle hair tie. This prevents the hair from rubbing against the pillow and causing frizz.

Mistake 8: Not Embracing Natural Texture

Encourage clients to embrace and love their curls, and to express their individuality through their hair. Provide color recommendations and styling tips that enhance their natural curl pattern and make them feel confident.

• PRO Tip: Sign up for educational courses to hone your textured hair skills and then offer styling demonstrations and tutorials that cater to curly hair. 

Mistake 9: Avoiding Regular Haircuts

Recommend base trims and refresh the layers and texturize every 6-12 weeks. This will help keep split ends at bay and maintain the client’s desired haircut.

• PRO Tip: Avoid cutting curly hair when wet! Until you are very comfortable with your client’s textured hair, stick with dry cuts. These will allow you to personalize the look and avoid unwanted shrinkage.

Explore our range of hair care products specifically formulated for curly hair at our Revlon ProShop. For more pro recommendations and styling tips, visit our 24/7 educational platform, #AlwaysOn (for clients only). Sign up by leaving your contact details and join our community!