Curly Hair Routine for Beginners

Rachel Harritt
May 21, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jun 10, 2025

How to Care for Your Curls Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Losing Yourself in Product Hype

If you’re new to your natural curls—welcome home.

I know how tender this journey can feel.

You’ve probably stood in front of the mirror wondering:

“Where do I even start with this?

Maybe you’ve spent years straightening your identity like I did. Maybe you’re a few washes into letting your hair go free, and it feels…frizzy, confusing, not “you” yet.

You are not alone.

This is for the woman who is starting over—

who’s choosing to love what God made on purpose,

even when she doesn’t fully know how.

Let’s start small. Simple. Grounded in love.

What is a curly hair routine—and do you need one?

Yes, and no.

Yes—because curly hair is thirsty, moody, and needs structure to thrive.

No—because you don’t need a 12-step routine to prove you love yourself.

Your goal isn’t “perfect curls.”

It’s healthy curls. Happy curls.

Healed curls that reflect a healed heart.

This beginner routine is just that—a beginning. A foundation.

One you can build on as you learn what your hair needs, how it responds, and what makes you feel most confident.

My Simple 5-Step Beginner Curly Hair Routine

1. Cleanse gently (but effectively).

Your scalp is the soil. Keep it clean, but not stripped.

Frequency: 1–2x per week
Products I recommend:
- Sulfate-free shampoo for beginners (look for words like “hydrating” or “moisture balance”)
- Co-wash (optional for in-between days, I use it every wash)

✨ Pro tip: Focus on massaging the scalp with your fingertips—not your nails—to boost circulation and encourage healthy growth. I use a scalp massager to ensure I'm doing it right

2. Deep condition like it’s therapy.

Your curls need consistent, deep hydration to stay soft, defined, and strong.

This is the moment your hair exhales.

Frequency: Every wash day
How to:
- After shampooing, apply a rich, deep conditioner from midshaft to tip.
- Detangle with a comb or your fingers.
- Let it sit for 10–20 minutes (use a shower cap or apply a heat cap for extra love).
- Rinse with cool water to lock in moisture.

3. Style with intention (not perfection).

Forget crunch. Forget white flakes. We’re aiming for touchable, nourished curls.

Leave-in conditioner: Start here for slip and moisture.
Curl cream: To style
Mousse or gel: For definition, hold and to seal the cuticle and prevent frizz
(Use a small amount and build up as needed—your hair will tell you.)

✨ Pro tip: Apply products to soaking wet hair, section by section. Use prayer hands or scrunching to encourage curl formation.

4. Dry without drama.

The way you dry your curls can make or break your results.

Best method: Air dry or diffuse on low heat.
Avoid: Regular towels (use a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt instead).
Don’t touch: Once styled, try not to touch your curls while they dry—frizz loves a curious hand.

✨ Pro tip: Apply jojoba oil when separating curls, to break a cast, or to fight the first signs of frizz.

5. Refresh with grace.

Curls don’t need to be perfect every day.

But when they do need a refresh:

Use a water spray bottle + a little leave-in or curl cream
Scrunch and air dry or diffuse lightly
Pineapple your hair at night (flip your head upside down and wrap a silk scarf around)

✨ Optional: Sleep on a satin pillowcase or use a silk bonnet to protect curls overnight.

A few beginner truths I wish someone had told me sooner:

Your curls will look worse before they look better. That’s normal. That’s healing.
Every curl is different—even on your own head.
You don’t need expensive products. You need consistent love.
The goal isn’t to be the most curly. It’s to be the most you.
This is about more than hair. It’s about identity.