How often should curly hair be washed?

Many people with curly hair wash less often than daily, sometimes every two to four days, since curls tend to dry out faster with frequent washing. Co-washing — conditioner-only washing — between shampoos is also common in curly hair routines.

Should curly hair be brushed dry?

Generally no. Brushing curly hair dry often breaks up the curl pattern and increases frizz, since it separates strands that naturally clump together. Detangling with fingers or a wide-tooth comb while hair is wet and coated in conditioner is more commonly recommended.

Do I need a diffuser for curly hair?

If your hair is wavy or curly, generally yes. A diffuser spreads the airflow so it dries the curl without blasting it apart, which a standard concentrator nozzle is not designed to do.

Best Products for Curly Hair

Curly Hair

Curly hair's shape makes it harder for natural scalp oils to travel down the length of each strand, so it tends to run drier than straight hair and can be more prone to frizz. Curls also clump and hold together in a way straight hair does not, which is why curl-specific products are formulated to encourage that clumping rather than smooth it away. Many people with curly hair wash less often than daily — sometimes every two to four days — since curls dry out faster with frequent washing and the natural oils take longer to reach the ends. Detangling and product application both work best on soaking wet hair coated in conditioner, since brushing curls dry tends to break up the curl pattern and increase frizz rather than tame it.

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What to look for

Richer, moisture-focused conditioners and leave-in products, since curl shape slows natural oil down the strand
Curl creams and gels formulated to encourage clumping and hold the curl pattern together as it dries
A diffuser attachment for drying, which spreads airflow to dry curls without breaking up the pattern
Wide-tooth combs or finger-detangling on wet, conditioner-coated hair rather than brushing dry

What to avoid

Brushing curly hair dry, which separates strands that naturally clump together and increases frizz
Straight-hair smoothing products, which are built around a different mechanism and tend to disrupt curl definition rather than support it
Heat styling without a heat protectant, since curly hair is often already drier and more vulnerable to further damage

Frequently asked questions

How often should curly hair be washed?: Many people with curly hair wash less often than daily, sometimes every two to four days, since curls tend to dry out faster with frequent washing. Co-washing — conditioner-only washing — between shampoos is also common in curly hair routines.
Should curly hair be brushed dry?: Generally no. Brushing curly hair dry often breaks up the curl pattern and increases frizz, since it separates strands that naturally clump together. Detangling with fingers or a wide-tooth comb while hair is wet and coated in conditioner is more commonly recommended.
Do I need a diffuser for curly hair?: If your hair is wavy or curly, generally yes. A diffuser spreads the airflow so it dries the curl without blasting it apart, which a standard concentrator nozzle is not designed to do.

This is general information, not medical advice. It does not describe any specific product, and does not diagnose, treat or cure any condition. If you have a persistent skin or scalp concern, speak to a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist.

Curly Hair

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