Enhancing Natural Curls: Black Hair Care Routine (2025)

Curly hair is a versatile and stylish look that suits almost everyone. For people with black hair, there are several ways to make hair curlier, whether you have naturally curly hair or straight hair. It's important to note that hair type will impact how easy this is to achieve, and that many popular curling methods can damage black hair or make it frizzy. To avoid this, it's recommended to use a lot of moisture, including water, creams, and natural oils, and to lock in the curls with gel or mousse.

Characteristics of making black curly hair curlier

Wash hair with moisturising shampoo and conditioner

To make black curly hair curlier, it is important to wash your hair with a moisturising shampoo and conditioner. This is because hair that is naturally curly tends to be more prone to heat damage and drying out. Therefore, it is important to use products that will nourish and moisturise your hair.

When choosing a shampoo and conditioner, opt for high-quality, natural products that are free from harsh chemicals. Look for ingredients such as natural oils and butter, such as avocado oil, shea butter, extra-virgin olive oil, coconut butter, or argan oil. These ingredients will help to provide extra moisturisation and conditioning for your hair, sealing the external structure of the cortex and hair strands, and evening out the scales lying across the hair shafts.

It is recommended that you wash your hair with lukewarm water every 3 to 10 days, as hot water can cause dryness and frizz. When washing your hair, focus on the scalp and allow the shampoo to gently cleanse the rest of your hair as you rinse it out. Follow up with a moisturising conditioner, and if your hair is particularly dry, consider using a deep conditioner once every 1 to 2 weeks.

After washing your hair, gently blot your hair dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing or wringing your hair, as this can cause frizz and breakage. If you plan to use a hairdryer, ensure it is on a low-temperature setting and gently stretch your hair as you dry it. However, it is best to let your hair air dry whenever possible, as this will help to protect your hair from damage and maintain the integrity of your curls.

Use styling gel to define curls

Using a styling gel is a great way to define curls in black hair. Gels can help to hold curls in place and keep them looking healthy. When choosing a gel, opt for a product specifically designed for curly hair, such as those labelled "For Curly Hair" or "Curl Defining". An alcohol-free formula will also help to keep your curls moisturised and prevent dryness.

To apply the gel, start with damp hair. Wash your hair with a moisturising shampoo and conditioner, and use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair while the conditioner is still in. Then, blot your hair gently with a towel until it is no longer dripping wet.

Take a small section of hair, about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm), and apply a small amount of gel. Focus on the ends and mid-lengths of the hair, using less product as you get closer to the roots. Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the gel evenly through the section, then stretch and smooth out the curl with a medium-toothed comb or brush, starting at the roots and working down to the ends. Repeat this process for the rest of your hair.

Once you have applied gel to all sections, you can use a hooded dryer to set the style, or let your hair air dry naturally to avoid damaging your curls. For added moisture and shine, you can finish by spraying your hair with a light oil.

Air-dry hair

Air-drying your hair is a great way to reduce the damage caused by heat and to enhance your curls. Curly hair is often drier than straight hair because the natural oils produced by the scalp find it hard to manoeuvre through the twists and turns of curly hair. This makes it more prone to frizz and breakage.

To start air-drying your hair, gently squeeze out the excess water with your hands. You can also use a cotton t-shirt, a microfiber cloth, or a microfiber towel turban to blot or squeeze your hair gently. Avoid using a towel, as this can cause frizz and damage your hair.

Next, apply a leave-in conditioner to prevent frizz and detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb. You can also use a moisturising shampoo to hydrate your hair and prevent breakage and frizz. If you have a tight coil pattern, use a lightweight, breathable leave-in conditioner as a styling primer. If you have looser curls, concentrate on applying a curl-amplifying styling spray or foam to the ends of your hair to provide internal moisture and hold without weighing it down.

Once you've removed the excess moisture, add your styling products. You can use gel, serum, or spray to style your hair and enhance your curls. Twist, twirl, or scrunch your hair, and then let it air dry. You can also try the "Rake and Shake" method, which involves dividing your hair into sections and gently raking a styling product through your curls before shaking them into position. Another option is to braid your hair while it's damp to create a wavy texture.

If you want extra volume, try finger coiling or clipping the roots. Work in small sections, twirling each piece around your finger and then releasing it. You can also use claw clips to lift the root section vertically. Once your hair is completely dry, use your fingertips to add extra product to any stray flyaways.

Use natural oils and butters

Natural oils and butters are excellent for moisturising and nourishing curly hair. Curly hair tends to be drier and coarser than straight hair, so it's important to keep it well-hydrated. Oils and butters can also help to seal the hair's cuticle, preventing frizz and breakage.

When choosing a natural oil or butter, consider your hair type and the product's composition. Oils and butters are blends of different substances, and their ability to penetrate the hair depends on their specific mix of ingredients. For example, oils rich in triglycerides and mono-unsaturated fats tend to penetrate the hair more effectively.

Some popular natural oils include coconut oil, avocado oil, babassu oil, olive oil, and rosemary oil. These oils can nourish and protect the hair, enhance growth, and add shine. For example, coconut oil can be used to provide shine and softness to curls. Avocado oil is another excellent option, as it is rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, which can help to moisturise and protect the hair.

Natural butters, such as shea butter, mango butter, and murumuru butter, are also great for curly hair. Butters are typically solid compounds, making them ideal for styling in warmer climates. They can provide long-lasting moisturisation and help define curls while adding shine and softness. For example, shea butter is known for its nourishing and softening properties, making it ideal for dry and damaged hair.

To apply natural oils or butters, work section by section, smoothing the product into your curls and finger-combing to maintain the curl pattern. You can also use the L.O.C method, which stands for liquid/leave-in, oil, and cream. Start by spritzing your hair with water to activate your texture, then apply your chosen oil, and finally, lock in the moisture with a cream or butter.

Use a Denman brush to enhance curls

The Denman brush has become a curl-routine staple, with many people discovering its magic through TikTok. The brush has been around since the 1930s, and while it was initially used to create the perfect curl, it has since been used for various styling purposes.

To use a Denman brush to enhance your curls, start with damp hair. Wash your hair with a moisturising shampoo and conditioner, and use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair while the conditioner is still in. Always start from the ends and work your way up to the roots.

Next, apply a styling gel meant for curly hair to small sections of your hair. You can use a wide-toothed comb to evenly distribute the gel, focusing more on the ends and mid-lengths. The closer you get to the roots, the less product you should use.

Now, it's time to bring out the Denman brush. Brush your hair while it is still wet to enhance your natural curls. Take a small section of hair, starting at the back, and run the Denman brush through it from roots to ends. As you brush, create tension as if you're "cutting a ribbon with scissors". This will help define your curls and give them a nice bounce.

If your hair looks messy, brush it again, this time in the opposite direction. One direction will usually look neater due to the way your curls form. You can also try flipping the brush over at the ends so that the hair doubles back, creating a ringlet effect.

After brushing, you can apply a curl cream or mousse to enhance your curls further. Scrunch your hair gently, and if you want to define your curls even more, try finger coiling. Take a section of hair, comb it through, and then twist it until you've got a tight coil.

Finally, allow your hair to air-dry. Avoid using a hairdryer as it can break down the aesthetics and integrity of your curls.

Frequently asked questions