How to Grow Curly Hair?

Growing curly hair requires a dedicated approach, focusing on understanding your unique curl pattern and needs. This guide provides a comprehensive routine, from gentle cleansing and deep conditioning to proper styling techniques and maintenance, all designed to help you nurture and grow beautiful, defined curls. Patience and consistency are key to embracing your natural texture.

Do you dream of bouncy, defined, and healthy curly hair? Perhaps you’ve spent years battling frizz, dryness, or a lack of definition, wondering how to truly unleash your hair’s natural potential. Or maybe you’re transitioning from heat-damaged hair and are looking for guidance on how to grow curly hair back to its original glory. Whatever your journey, you’ve landed in the right place!

Embracing and learning how to grow curly hair is an exciting adventure. It’s about more than just using specific products; it’s about understanding your unique hair texture, building a routine that nourishes it, and developing the patience to see it flourish. Many people with natural curls struggle because they treat their hair like straight hair, leading to frustration and damage. But with the right knowledge and a little dedication, you can transform your hair into the beautiful, vibrant curls you’ve always wanted.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to grow curly hair successfully. We’ll cover understanding your curl type, building a gentle wash day routine, mastering styling techniques, and maintaining your gorgeous coils between washes. Get ready to fall in love with your natural texture and unlock the secrets to growing your best curls yet!

Key Takeaways

• Understand Your Curls: Knowing your specific curl type, porosity, and density is the foundational step to effective care.
• Gentle Cleansing is Crucial: Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to preserve your hair’s natural oils and moisture.
• Prioritize Hydration: Curly hair thrives on moisture. Incorporate deep conditioning treatments and leave-in conditioners regularly to prevent dryness.
• Master Styling Techniques: Learn and practice methods like plopping, diffusing, and proper product application for optimal definition and reduced frizz.
• Protect Your Curls: Use silk pillowcases or bonnets at night and refresh curls between wash days to maintain their shape and health.
• Patience and Consistency: Growing and nurturing curly hair is a journey. Embrace trial and error, and stay consistent with a routine that works for you.

Understanding Your Unique Curly Hair

Before you can effectively grow curly hair, you need to understand it. Not all curls are created equal! Your hair has specific characteristics that dictate how it behaves and what it needs. Knowing these will help you choose the right products and techniques.

Curl Pattern

Curl patterns are typically categorized using a number-letter system (e.g., 2A, 3B, 4C). The number indicates the curl family (2 for wavy, 3 for curly, 4 for coily), and the letter indicates how loose or tight the curl is (A being the loosest, C being the tightest).

• Type 2 (Wavy): S-shaped waves that lay closer to the head.
  • 2A: Fine, barely-there waves.
  • 2B: More defined S-shape, slightly frizzy at the crown.
  • 2C: Distinct S-waves, can be prone to frizz.
• Type 3 (Curly): Loopy, defined curls that spring away from the head.
  • 3A: Large, loose curls (like a thick sidewalk chalk stick).
  • 3B: Bouncy ringlets (like a sharpie marker).
  • 3C: Tight corkscrew curls (like a pencil).
• Type 4 (Coily): Tightly packed, often Z-shaped coils that can appear kinkier.
  • 4A: Densely packed S-shaped coils.
  • 4B: Z-shaped, less defined coils.
  • 4C: Tightly coiled, often with very little defined pattern without manipulation.

Identifying your pattern helps you understand your hair’s natural tendencies for shrinkage, frizz, and how it holds styles.

Hair Porosity

Porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. It’s determined by the outer layer of your hair, called the cuticle. Knowing your porosity is vital for selecting products.

• Low Porosity: Cuticles are tightly shut. Hair struggles to absorb moisture but retains it once wet. Products can sit on top. Needs light, water-based products and heat to help absorption.
• Medium Porosity: Cuticles are slightly raised. Hair absorbs and retains moisture well. Generally considered the easiest to manage.
• High Porosity: Cuticles are open or damaged. Hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast. Needs heavier, moisture-rich products and sealants.

Quick test: Drop a clean strand of hair into a glass of water. If it floats, you likely have low porosity. If it sinks slowly, medium. If it sinks quickly, high.

Hair Density

Density refers to the number of individual hair strands on your head. This affects how much product you might need and how much volume your hair has.

• Low Density: Fewer strands, scalp is easily visible. Can be weighed down by heavy products.
• Medium Density: Average number of strands.
• High Density: Many strands, scalp is harder to see. Can handle more product and needs thorough detangling.

Once you have a grasp of these three factors, you’ll be much better equipped to select the right products and techniques to grow curly hair beautifully.

Building Your Gentle Wash Day Routine

Wash day is the cornerstone of healthy curly hair. The goal is to cleanse gently without stripping natural oils, and to infuse moisture. This routine is crucial for anyone learning how to grow curly hair with health and definition.

Pre-Poo Treatment

A “pre-poo” (pre-shampoo) can be a game-changer, especially for dry or high-porosity curls. It involves applying an oil (like coconut, olive, or argan oil) or a deep conditioner to dry hair before shampooing. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes, or even overnight.

Why it helps: It protects your strands from the stripping effects of shampoo, helps with detangling, and adds an extra layer of moisture, making it easier to grow curly hair without excessive dryness.

Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Co-Washing

Traditional shampoos often contain sulfates, harsh detergents that create lather but also strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. To grow curly hair successfully, switch to a sulfate-free shampoo.

Some curlies opt for “co-washing” (conditioner-only washing) which uses a cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo. This is ultra-gentle and great for very dry hair or between shampoo washes. However, even co-washers should use a gentle shampoo periodically (every 2-4 weeks) to prevent product buildup.

How to: Apply shampoo primarily to your scalp, massaging gently to lift dirt and oil. Let the suds rinse down the length of your hair without scrubbing the ends. Rinse thoroughly.

Conditioning and Detangling

This is arguably the most important step for curly hair. After shampoo, apply a generous amount of a rich, moisturizing conditioner. Work it through your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.

Detangling: Always detangle your curly hair while it’s saturated with conditioner, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. Never detangle dry curly hair, as this leads to breakage and frizz. This step is essential for healthy length retention as you grow curly hair.

Deep Conditioning

At least once a week, swap your regular conditioner for a deep conditioner or hair mask. These treatments are packed with intensely moisturizing and strengthening ingredients that curly hair desperately needs. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, perhaps with a shower cap and a warm towel to enhance absorption.

Why it matters: Deep conditioning replenishes lost moisture, improves elasticity, and helps repair damage, all of which contribute to stronger, healthier curls that can grow longer.

Styling for Definition and Hold

Once your hair is clean and conditioned, it’s time to style! Proper styling techniques are key to defining your curls, minimizing frizz, and ensuring your hard work translates into beautiful results as you learn how to grow curly hair.

Product Selection

The right products make all the difference. You’ll typically need a leave-in conditioner, a curl cream, and a gel or mousse.

• Leave-in Conditioner: Provides an extra layer of moisture and helps with detangling. Apply it first after rinsing out your regular conditioner.
• Curl Cream: Enhances curl definition, provides moisture, and reduces frizz. Apply after leave-in.
• Gel or Mousse: Provides hold, definition, and frizz control. Gels often give a stronger cast (a crunchy feeling that can be “scrunched out” once dry), while mousses are lighter. Choose based on your curl type and desired hold.

Experiment with different brands and combinations to find what works best for your specific curls. Look for products free of silicones (that aren’t water-soluble), sulfates, and drying alcohols.

Application Techniques

How you apply products is just as important as what you apply.

• Apply to Soaking Wet Hair: This helps to clump curls together, reduce frizz, and distribute products evenly.
• Rake Through: Gently rake products through sections of your hair, ensuring even coverage from root to tip.
• Prayer Hands: Place a section of hair between your palms and smooth products down the length without disturbing the curl pattern.
• Scrunching: Gently scrunch your hair upwards towards your scalp to encourage curl formation and remove excess water. This is a must-do for definition when you grow curly hair.
• Coil or Finger Curl: For stubborn sections or to enhance definition, you can individually coil strands around your finger.

Drying Methods

Air drying, plopping, and diffusing are the most curl-friendly ways to dry your hair.

• Plopping: After applying products, lay a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel flat. Bend over and “plop” your hair into the center, gathering the fabric around your head like a turban. This absorbs excess water without creating frizz and encourages curls to spring up. Plop for 15-30 minutes.
• Diffusing: A diffuser attachment on your hairdryer disperses heat gently, preventing frizz and enhancing volume. Use medium heat and low speed. Hover the diffuser around your head without touching, then gently cup sections of hair and lift towards the scalp. Don’t fully dry your hair with the diffuser if you want to prevent heat damage; aim for about 80% dry.
• Air Drying: The gentlest method. Apply products, scrunch, and then simply let your hair dry naturally. Avoid touching it excessively while it’s drying to prevent frizz.

Once your hair is completely dry, if you used a gel that created a “cast,” gently scrunch your hair again to break the cast and reveal soft, defined curls. This is often called “scrunching out the crunch.”

Maintaining Your Curls Between Washes

Your beautiful wash day curls don’t have to disappear overnight! Proper maintenance between wash days is crucial for preserving definition, fighting frizz, and supporting your journey to grow curly hair longer and healthier.

Refreshing Your Curls

By day two or three, your curls might need a little pick-me-up. A refresh spray can revive them without needing a full wash.

How to:

1. Fill a spray bottle with water and a tiny bit of leave-in conditioner or a dedicated curl refresh spray.
2. Lightly mist sections of your hair until they are slightly damp, but not soaking wet.
3. Gently scrunch to reactivate your curls.
4. You can add a tiny bit more curl cream or gel to any frizzy or undefined areas.
5. Let air dry or diffuse for a few minutes.

Nighttime Protection

Sleeping directly on cotton pillowcases can cause friction, leading to frizz, tangles, and breakage. To protect your precious curls and ensure you grow curly hair without unnecessary damage:

• Pineappling: Gather your hair into a very loose high ponytail on top of your head, secured with a soft scrunchie. This keeps curls from being crushed.
• Silk or Satin Pillowcase: Invest in a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials reduce friction, prevent moisture loss, and keep your curls smoother.
• Silk or Satin Bonnet/Scarf: For extra protection, especially for tighter curl patterns, cover your hair with a silk or satin bonnet or scarf.

Patience and Consistency: The Curly Hair Journey

Learning how to grow curly hair is a journey, not a sprint. It takes time, patience, and a willingness to experiment. You might not get perfect results on your first try, and that’s completely normal!

• Be Patient: If you’re transitioning from heat-damaged hair, it will take time for your natural curl pattern to fully emerge. Be gentle with your hair and avoid heat styling during this period.
• Embrace Trial and Error: What works for one curly person might not work for another. Don’t be afraid to try different products, techniques, and routines. Keep a hair journal if it helps!
• Stay Consistent: Once you find a routine that works, stick with it. Consistency is key to seeing lasting results and maintaining healthy hair as you grow curly hair.
• Get Regular Trims: While it might seem counterintuitive to get trims when you’re trying to grow curly hair long, regular trims (every 3-6 months) are essential to remove split ends and maintain healthy hair, preventing further breakage up the hair shaft. Ask for a dry cut from a stylist experienced with curly hair.

Conclusion

Learning how to grow curly hair is a rewarding experience that allows you to embrace your natural beauty. By understanding your unique curl pattern, committing to a gentle, moisturizing wash day routine, mastering styling techniques, and protecting your curls between washes, you can transform your hair from unruly to absolutely radiant. Remember, consistency and patience are your best friends on this journey.

Say goodbye to fighting your natural texture and hello to vibrant, healthy, and beautifully defined curls. Start implementing these tips today, and watch as you grow curly hair that turns heads and makes you feel confident and proud of your gorgeous natural self. Your curls are a gift – it’s time to celebrate them!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wash my curly hair?

Curly hair is prone to dryness, so overwashing can strip essential oils. Aim to wash 1-3 times a week, or co-wash more frequently if needed, and use a clarifying shampoo every few weeks to prevent product buildup.

Can I use heat tools on my curly hair?

While occasional low-heat diffusing is fine, excessive heat styling (like flat ironing or curling irons) can damage your curl pattern and lead to frizz. It’s best to minimize heat use, especially when trying to grow curly hair or restore its health.

Why is my curly hair always so frizzy?

Frizz often indicates a lack of moisture or improper product application. Ensure you’re deep conditioning regularly, applying products to soaking wet hair, and using a good gel or mousse for hold. Avoid touching your hair while it’s drying.

What are the best products for curly hair?

Look for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, moisturizing leave-in conditioners, and curl creams. Gels and mousses help with definition and hold. Always check ingredients for harsh chemicals and choose products suited for your specific curl type and porosity.

How can I make my curly hair grow faster?

While you can’t significantly speed up hair growth beyond its natural rate, focusing on overall hair health will minimize breakage, making it appear to grow faster. A healthy scalp, gentle handling, regular trims, and a nutrient-rich diet all contribute to stronger hair that retains length.

Should I brush my curly hair?

It’s generally recommended to avoid brushing curly hair when it’s dry, as this disrupts the curl pattern and causes frizz. Instead, detangle your hair gently with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb only when it’s wet and saturated with conditioner.