The Right Way to Wash Curly Hair (Say Goodbye to Frizz)

If you’ve ever washed your hair only to be left with frizz instead of soft, bouncy curls, you’re not alone. Curly hair isn’t like straight hair — it’s more delicate, dries faster, and can get damaged easily if not cared for properly. That’s why the way you wash your curls isn’t just another step in your routine — it’s the key to healthy, defined, and vibrant curls.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to wash curly hair the right way, from choosing the best cleansers for your hair type to applying them gently, detangling without breakage, rinsing properly, and preparing your curls for styling. Follow these tips consistently, and you’ll notice your curls becoming softer, stronger, and perfectly defined after every wash.

Whether you’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or anywhere in the UAE, these steps will help you get salon-worthy curls at home without the frizz or damage.

Why Proper Washing Matters for Curly Hair

Curly hair is naturally beautiful but it needs a little extra care. Because of its spiral shape, your scalp’s natural oils don’t easily travel down the strands, which often leaves curls dry, frizzy, or prone to breakage. If you live in the UAE, the combination of heat, humidity, and hard water can make this even trickier.

Many people accidentally make things worse by using shampoos with harsh sulfates, brushing their curls while dry, skipping deep conditioning, or using too much heat when styling. The key is to understand that your curls actually need gentle cleansing, lots of moisture, and minimal damage. Once you treat your hair with care, your curls will stay soft, defined, and full of life, even in Dubai’s tough climate.

1. Know Why Curly Hair Needs Special Care

Curly hair naturally tends to be drier because the scalp’s natural oils take longer to move down the twists and turns of your curls. This makes it easier for curls to lose moisture and become frizzy.

Harsh, sulfate-based shampoos can make this worse — they strip away those natural oils completely, leaving curls dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.

That’s why it’s important to switch to gentle, sulfate-free shampoos or moisturizing cleansers that clean your hair without removing its natural oils.

Proper hydration is key. Regular conditioning and deep-moisture treatments help curls stay soft, defined, and shiny — especially in the UAE’s warm climate, where hair can dry out faster.

Many curly-haired people around the world (including here in the UAE) follow the Curly Girl Method, which focuses on:

• Avoiding sulfates and silicones
  

• Using conditioner to cleanse (co-washing)
  

• Detangling hair gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb
  

• Letting curls air-dry or using a diffuser on low heat
  

Understanding why curly hair behaves this way helps you choose the right products and routine so you can keep your curls healthy, bouncy, and full of life.

2. Pre-Wash Prep: Detangle & Hydrate

Before entering the shower, give your hair a head start with the following:

• Lightly mist your hair or spritz with water to reactivate moisture
  

• Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb (when damp) to gently detangle from ends upward this helps prevent breakage once the conditioner is in.
  

• If your hair is extra dry, apply a pre-poo (pre-shampoo oil or lightweight conditioner) especially on the ends to create some protection.
  

This pre-wash step makes the rest of the process easier and gentler on your curls.

3. Choose the Right Cleanser

Your cleanser is the most important product in your wash routine because it kicks off the curl-reset. Here’s what to look for:

Some curl-care routines use co-wash (conditioner that gently cleanses) between shampoos to maintain hydration. 

When washing:

• Focus the cleanser primarily on the scalp, massaging gently with fingertips to lift dirt and buildup.
  

• Let the rinse water wash the product down the length, avoid piling hair on top of your head, which tangles curls.
  

• If there's heavy product buildup, a second gentle cleanse is okay, but avoid over-washing.
  

4. Condition Generously & Detangle

After cleansing, it’s time to properly condition your curls:

• Use a rich, slip-y conditioner. Apply generously from mid-length to ends.
  

• Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb (while conditioner is in) to detangle gently, starting from the tips and moving upward.
  

• Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes this gives time for hydration and softness.
  

• For best results, you can leave a small amount in for styling, especially on drier hair types.
  

This step adds moisture, smoothness, and protects your curls during the next steps.

5. Rinse Strategically

How you rinse matters:

• Use cool or lukewarm water, avoid very hot water, which can open the cuticle excessively and cause frizz.
  

• Rinse mostly from scalp down, letting water flow gently over the lengths rather than scrubbing the ends.
  

• It’s okay if some conditioner remains on the ends, it helps with hydration and slip for styling.
  

Avoid overly forceful rinsing that disrupts curl clumps.

6. Remove Excess Water, Don’t Rub

• Use a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt to gently blot or scrunch out excess water.
  

• Avoid rubbing or harsh towel-drying, which breaks curl clumps and causes frizz.
  

• You can plop gently — wrap hair loosely for 10–20 minutes to preserve curl shape as it begins to dry.
  
  

7. Apply Styling Products While Hair Is Soaking Wet

This is one of the most important secrets for defining curls:

• Apply your leave-in, creams, gels, etc., when hair is still soaking wet.
  

• Use techniques like praying hands, shingling, or raking + scrunching to distribute product evenly.
  

• Work in sections, from roots to ends, to ensure every curl is coated.
  

Applying product to wet hair helps lock in moisture and encourages curl clumping and definition.

8. Choose the Right Drying Method

• Air dry when possible — gentle and frizz-friendly.
  

• Use a diffuser on low heat and low speed if you want faster drying without disturbing curls.
  

• Avoid touching your hair while it’s drying — minimize interference to reduce frizz.
  

9. Refresh Between Washes

Your wash routine is only one part. On non-wash days, keep curls fresh using:

• A water + leave-in mist or refresher spray
  

• Slight re-application of gel or cream (especially to the ends)
  

• Gentle scrunching to reactivate your curl pattern
  

This helps maintain definition and control frizz without re-washing.

10. Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

• Caring for curly hair is all about consistency — and avoiding a few common mistakes can make all the difference. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Don’t over wash your curls: Curly hair doesn’t need daily washing. Depending on your scalp and lifestyle, 1 to 3 washes a week is usually enough. Washing too often can strip away natural oils, leaving curls dry and frizzy — especially in the UAE’s hot and dry weather.

• Avoid harsh ingredients: Stay away from products with sulfates, drying alcohols, or heavy silicones. These can create buildup, dull your curls, and make them lose definition over time. Instead, look for moisture-rich, sulfate-free, and lightweight formulas.

• Never brush dry curls: Brushing dry curls can cause breakage and frizz. Always detangle your hair when it’s wet and coated with conditioner, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to glide through knots gently.

• Skip the hot water and rough towels: Hot water can dehydrate curls and rough towels can ruin your curl pattern. Use cool or lukewarm water when rinsing, and gently squeeze out water using a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt instead.

• Protect your curls while you sleep: Don’t forget nighttime care! Sleeping on a satin pillowcase or wearing a satin bonnet helps reduce friction and frizz. You can also tie your hair loosely in a “pineapple” style to maintain curl shape overnight.

These small changes can go a long way in keeping your curls healthy, soft, and defined even with the UAE’s heat and humidity.

Conclusion

Washing curly hair the right way is about balancing cleansing and hydration, preserving curl clumps, and minimizing frizz. By using gentle cleansers, generous conditioning, the right rinsing and drying actions, and applying products on soaking wet hair, you can transform wash day from a battle into a curl-refreshing ritual.

Stick with this method for several cycles and you’ll see softer, more defined, healthier curls that resist frizz — even in humid climates.

FAQ

1. How often should I wash curly hair in the UAE?

With the UAE’s hot and humid climate, washing your curls 2–3 times a week is ideal. Over washing strips away natural oils, making hair dry and frizzy. If your scalp gets sweaty or dusty, use a gentle co-wash or sulfate-free cleanser midweek to refresh your scalp without drying your curls.

2. Why does my curly hair get frizzy after washing?

Frizz usually happens when curls lose moisture or are handled too roughly. Using hot water, harsh towels, or skipping conditioner are common causes. Always rinse with cool or lukewarm water, gently blot with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt, and apply your styling products on soaking-wet hair to lock in hydration and prevent frizz.

3. Can I use regular shampoo on curly hair?

Regular shampoos often contain sulfates, which strip away natural oils and cause dryness. Curly hair needs sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoos or co-washes that clean gently while keeping curls soft, hydrated, and frizz-free — especially important in the UAE’s dry air and hard water.

4. Should I detangle my curls before or after washing?

Always detangle before shampooing or while your conditioner is in. Detangling dry hair can cause breakage and ruin curl clumps. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently work through knots from ends to roots while your hair is damp and coated with conditioner.

5. What’s the best way to dry curly hair without causing frizz?

Avoid rubbing with a towel — it breaks up curl clumps. Instead, gently scrunch with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt to remove excess water. You can air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat and speed to preserve your natural curl pattern and reduce frizz.

6. How can I protect my curls from Dubai’s humidity?

Humidity can make curls puff up and lose shape. Use anti-frizz serums, lightweight gels, or curl creams that form a barrier against moisture in the air. Avoid heavy creams or glycerin-heavy formulas on very humid days — they can make your curls swell or lose definition.

7. Does hard water in the UAE affect curly hair?

Yes — hard water can leave mineral buildup, making curls dry and dull. To fix this, use a clarifying shampoo once a month and always follow with a deep conditioner. This helps remove buildup, restore bounce, and keep your curls soft and hydrated.

8. How should I protect my curls while sleeping?

Friction from cotton pillowcases causes frizz and breakage. Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase or tie your hair in a loose “pineapple” style. These small habits keep curls intact, smooth, and frizz-free overnight — so you wake up with defined curls the next morning.

9. How long does it take to see results with a new wash routine?

You’ll notice smoother, softer curls within 2–3 washes, but it takes a few weeks of consistent care to see your curls fully transform. Stick with gentle cleansers, deep conditioning, and styling on wet hair — your curls will gradually become healthier, more defined, and frizz-free.