The Beginner's Guide to Healthy Curls

If you've spent even a few minutes looking up curly hair advice online, you've probably come to one overwhelming conclusion:

Apparently, taking care of curls requires an entire shelf of products.

Pre-poo oils. Sulphate-free shampoos. Co-washes. Deep conditioners. Hair masks. Leave-ins. Curl creams. Mousses. Gels. Serums. Refresh sprays. 🤯

And somehow, after all of that, curly haired folks still struggle with frizz, dryness and undefined curls.

Here's the good news: healthy curls don't have to be complicated.

At Untie, we believe in doing what's needed, not what's trendy. Most people don't have the time, energy or budget to spend hours on a curl routine every week. College students, working professionals, new mothers and busy people in general need a routine that works in real life.

That's why we believe a simple curl care routine is often the best place to start.

If you're new to caring for your curls, this guide will show you everything you need to know.

Why Curly Hair Needs Different Care

Curly hair behaves differently from straight hair.

The natural oils produced by your scalp have a harder time travelling down the twists and bends of curls. As a result, curls tend to feel dry at the ends even though your scalp is greasy, become frizzy more easily and require more conditioning.

This doesn't mean curly hair is difficult.

It simply means curls benefit from:

• Regular cleansing

• Consistent conditioning

• Gentle handling

• Moisture retention

The problem is that many brands and their routines overcomplicate these basics.

Before adding more products, focus on getting the fundamentals right.

The Biggest Mistake Beginners Make

Most beginners assume: more products = better curls.

In reality, many people end up layering product after product without understanding what each one actually does.

A common routine might include:

• Conditioner

• Hair mask

• Leave-in conditioner

• Curl cream

• Serum

• Gel

• Refresh spray

Most of these products are for conditioning. But ask yourself, why so many steps to do just 1 thing?

And the result?

Weighed down & dull curls, buildup due to too many product layers, and a routine that feels like a 2nd job.

The truth is that consistency matters far more than complexity.

A simple routine you follow regularly will almost always outperform an elaborate routine you abandon after a month.

What Does a Simple Curl Care Routine Look Like?

A beginner-friendly curl routine should do three things:

1. Cleanse the scalp

Healthy curls begin with a healthy scalp.

Product buildup, excess oil and environmental pollutants can weigh curls down and affect how they look and feel.

2. Condition the hair

Conditioning helps improve softness, manageability and moisture retention.

3. Define and protect curls

The right styling product helps curls dry in a more organized pattern while reducing frizz.

That's it.

Everything else is optional.

The Untie 2-Step Curl Care Routine

At Untie, we've built our routine around simplicity.

Step 1: Cleanse

Start by washing your hair with a shampoo designed to clean thoroughly without leaving curls feeling stripped.

The scalp is where healthy hair begins. If your scalp isn't being cleaned properly, no amount of styling products can compensate for it.

We generally recommend washing curly hair 3–4 times per week unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.

Our Frizz Repair Deep Cleanse Shampoo uses:

• Fermented rice water

• Wheat protein

• Coconut charcoal

to remove buildup while helping support stronger hair over time.

It is sulphate-free and designed for all curl types.

Shampoo twice:

The first wash helps loosen oil, dirt and buildup.

The second wash cleans the scalp more effectively.

Think of the first wash as removing the day's mess and the second wash as actually cleaning your hair.

Step 2: Condition and Style

After cleansing, apply a curl cream to damp or slightly wet hair.

Many people assume they need separate products for conditioning, moisturizing, repairing and styling.

In reality, a well-designed formula can perform multiple functions.

Our Frizz Repair Multi-Tasking Curl Cream was created to replace multiple steps in a traditional routine.

Instead of using:

• Conditioner

• Hair mask

• Leave-in conditioner

• Curl cream

you can simplify your routine into one product.

The formula contains:

• Fermented coconut water

• Amino acids

• Ceramides

• Dates

• Moringa

• Argan oil

Apply it only to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.

Then:

1. Comb through evenly.

2. Scrunch upward.

3. Allow your curls to dry.

The cream provides moisture, conditioning and moderate hold while helping improve shine and reducing frizz.

Air Dry or Diffuse?

Both methods work.

The best option is the one that fits your lifestyle.

Air drying requires less effort but takes longer.

Diffusing speeds up drying and can help create more volume.

Our recommendation is simple:

Try to get your hair dry as efficiently as possible.

The less time your curls remain wet, the sooner you can get on with your day.

How Much Curl Cream Should You Use?

There is no universal amount.

The right quantity depends on:

• Hair density

• Hair length

• Curl pattern

• Frizz levels

As a general guideline:

Fine or shorter hair may need only a small amount.

Longer, denser or drier curls may require more.

Start with less than you think you need and gradually increase until your curls feel moisturized without feeling heavy.

What About Refreshing Between Wash Days?

One of the easiest ways to simplify your routine is to refresh instead of restyling from scratch.

If your curls need a boost between washes:

1. Lightly dampen your hair.

2. Apply a small amount of curl cream.

3. Scrunch.

4. Allow your curls to dry again.

This can help restore definition without restarting your entire routine.

Are Sulphates Bad for Curly Hair?

Not necessarily.

Sulphates are effective cleansers.

The concern is that some sulphate-based shampoos can be too aggressive for curly hair and may leave it feeling dry.

That's why many people with curls prefer sulphate-free options.

The goal isn't to avoid ingredients out of fear.

The goal is to choose products that clean effectively while respecting your hair's needs.

Are Silicones Bad for Curly Hair?

This is one of the most common myths in curl care.

Silicones have been unfairly criticized for years.

In reality, silicones are among the most effective ingredients available for:

• Smoothness

• Frizz reduction

• Shine

• Protection

Many people with curly hair actually benefit from silicones.

Like any ingredient, success depends on formulation and proper cleansing.

Healthy hair care isn't about avoiding ingredients because they're unpopular online.

It's about understanding how they work.

Do You Need the Curly Girl Method?

The Curly Girl Method introduced many people to the idea of embracing their natural curls.

However, some routines inspired by it have become increasingly complicated.

For beginners, following dozens of rules can quickly become exhausting.

You do not need a 10-step routine to have healthy curls.

You do not need a bathroom shelf full of products.

You do not need to spend hours styling your hair every week.

You need a routine you can actually maintain.

Signs Your Routine Is Working

A good curl routine should make your hair feel:

• Easier to manage

• Less prone to tangles

• More consistent

• Softer

• Less frizzy

• More defined

Progress is usually gradual.

Healthy curls are built through consistency rather than overnight transformations.

The Bottom Line

The beauty industry often profits from complexity.

The more steps you're told you need, the more products you're encouraged to buy.

But healthy curls don't have to come with a long checklist.

A simple curl care routine focuses on the fundamentals:

• Cleanse regularly

• Condition consistently

• Define your curls

• Repeat

That's why Untie's approach is built around a straightforward two-step system.

Nothing more.

Nothing less.

Because the best curl routine isn't the most complicated one.

It's the one you'll actually stick to.