Curly Hair Care: 9 Tips From Martha's Chair

Curly and wavy hair is naturally drier than straight hair, because the scalp's oils have a harder time traveling down each bend of the strand. That's why curls frizz, tangle, and lose definition so easily. The good news: a few simple habits make a big difference, for women and men alike.

1. Wash Less Often

Most curly hair does best with a wash every 2 to 4 days. Washing daily strips the oils your curls need. On in-between days, rinse with water or refresh with a little conditioner.

2. Use a Gentle, Moisturizing Shampoo

Choose a sulfate-free, hydrating shampoo and focus it on your scalp, not the ends. The suds that rinse through are enough to clean the lengths.

3. Never Skip Conditioner

Conditioner is the most important step for curls. Apply it generously from mid-length to ends and let it sit for a few minutes.

4. Detangle Only When Wet and Conditioned

Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while conditioner is still in your hair. Start at the ends and work up. Brushing dry curls breaks up the curl pattern and causes frizz.

5. Skip the Rough Towel

Regular towels rough up the hair cuticle. Gently squeeze out water with a microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt instead of rubbing.

6. Style While Damp

Apply a leave-in conditioner, curl cream, or gel while hair is still wet, then leave it alone. Touching curls while they dry is one of the biggest causes of frizz.

7. Go Easy on Heat

Air-dry when you can, or use a diffuser on low heat. Always use a heat protectant before a blowout or flat iron.

8. Protect Curls While You Sleep

A satin or silk pillowcase, or a loose pineapple ponytail on top of your head, keeps curls from flattening and frizzing overnight.

9. Get Regular Trims and Treatments

Trim every 8 to 12 weeks to keep split ends from traveling up the strand. A customized hair treatment in the salon adds deep moisture and strength. We use professional lines like K18, Olaplex, and Truss, and Martha will choose the one your curls need.

Products We Recommend

In the studio, we use and sell professional shampoos, conditioners, and treatments that are kind to curls, including Verb, Truss, K18, and Olaplex. Ask Martha which ones fit your curl type, or see all our products.

Curly Hair and Color

Color-treated curls need extra care. If you color your hair, ask us about adding Olaplex or K18 to your hair color service to help protect your curl pattern.

Book a Curly Hair Visit

📍 Martha's Unisex Beauty Studio LLC

39-05 63rd Street, Woodside, NY 11377

📞 (917) 698-8552 — or book online. Walk-ins welcome 7 days a week. Hablamos español.