How to Style Curly Hair, According to a Pro Hairstylist

Having curly hair is an experience like no other. The springy ringlets seemingly have a personality of their own and styling ideas for curly hair feel endless. Still, having curly and coily hair hasn’t always been as celebrated as it is today, so it’s not uncommon to hear someone say that they’re not exactly sure how to care for their hair texture.

Unwritten curly-hair rules like the types of specific shampoo to use based on your hair’s porosity, why brushing curly hair is bad, or even that certain towels can disrupt your curl pattern, feel like secrets that only a select few are privy to — and that’s not even all of them. Not to mention, the commandments vary by curl type, too. In short, when it comes to how to style curly hair there’s always something to learn.

That’s why we’ve called in a curly-hair expert to create a beginner’s bible to curls. Ahead, a stylist divulged her best curly hair tips for taking care of each hair type. This comprehensive guide explains everything from how to apply conditioner properly to how to plop your curls, which is a game-changing drying technique. And best of all, these hair tips will help you get the best hair of your life without a curling iron in sight.

Experts Featured in This Article

Eladia Lebron is a professional hairstylist and curly-hair expert at Rëzo Hair Salon in NYC.

How to Style Curly Hair

Curly hair includes those with 3A-, 3B-, and 3C-type curls.

When it comes to curly hairstyles, getting amazing volume starts when hair is dripping wet. Apply Curly Girl 50 Double Prong Root Lifting Curl Clips ($13) at the roots before drying hair to get lifted roots.

“The clip needs to be on scalp to not make an indentation on the curl,” says Lebron. “Lift the hair off scalp with fingers and follow the scalp in and release.” When the hair is 75 percent dry, take out the clips in the same direction you put them in — very slowly.

Eladia believes that everyone with curls should own a satin pillowcase, like the Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase ($89) because cotton absorbs all the natural oils and moisture from your hair as you sleep. To avoid, after wetting your ringlets every day, pineapple your ends every night. You can use a loose hair tie to pull hair up to the top of the head. Try to get the hair as close to the hairline as possible. In the morning, just take it down and shake. (P.S. the pineapple is one of those super easy naturally curly hairstyles you should definitely keep in your back pocket.)

Curly hair has the tendency to get super dry at the ends. That’s because it’s nearly impossible for the natural oils at the scalp to make it all the way down the hair shaft, especially when you’re not combing and brushing your curls. First, spritz the ends with warm water to open up the cuticle. Then, massage in some Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil ($57).

How to Style Coily Hair

Coily hair differs from curly hair thanks to its tighter curl pattern. 4A, 4B, and 4C are all coily hair textures. Keep reading to learn how to style coily hair from a pro.

Got an old pair of ripped tights? Then you have everything you need to stretch your curls out overnight. Cut off the legs and use the control top as a DIY bonnet. Place the pantyhose over your neck then pull up over ears and hair. This style will help you get more volume on day two.

If your short hair won’t stretch into one pineapple ponytail, split the strands into four sections. Loosely layer two rubber elastics (yes, this is one time it’s OK to use these particular hair ties) around the hair only once, and place them closer to the ends. “If you put it too tight, you’ll have an indent of the rubber-band on the hair,” says Lebron. “Leave it sort of loose so there is less damage.”

Ariel Baker is the associate editor for PS Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.

Jessica Cruel is a former associate editor for PS Beauty.