How do you get smooth curls with curly hair?

Achieving smooth curls with curly hair involves a combination of proper techniques, products, and understanding your hair's specific needs.

Here's a breakdown of methods to get smoother, less frizzy curls:

1. Proper Washing & Conditioning

Hydrating Shampoo: Start with a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo. Sulfates can strip your hair of natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz.
Deep Conditioning: Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment weekly to replenish moisture. Look for products with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil.
Rinse with Cool Water: A cool water rinse helps seal the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and enhancing shine.

Apply Products on Wet Hair: Apply your styling products (leave-in conditioner, curl cream, gel) while your hair is still soaking wet. This helps the products distribute evenly and lock in moisture.
Scrunching: Gently scrunch your hair upwards with your hands to encourage curl formation.
Plopping: "Plopping" involves using a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel to absorb excess water while maintaining curl definition.
1. Lay the t-shirt flat on a surface.
2. Flip your wet hair onto the center of the t-shirt.
3. Wrap the sleeves around your head and tie them at the nape of your neck.
4. Leave it for 15-30 minutes (or longer) before air drying or diffusing.
Finger Coiling (Optional): For more defined curls, you can finger coil individual sections of hair.

Air Drying: Air drying is the gentlest method for curly hair. Avoid touching your hair while it's drying to minimize frizz.
Diffusing: If you're short on time, use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer.
1. Use low heat and low speed to prevent frizz.
2. Hover the diffuser around your hair, or gently cup sections of hair in the diffuser.
Avoid Towel Drying: Regular towels can cause friction and frizz. Use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to gently blot your hair dry.

Leave-in Conditioner: A good leave-in conditioner provides moisture and helps detangle hair.
Curl Cream or Gel: Choose a curl cream or gel based on your hair type and desired level of hold. Experiment to find what works best for you.
Serum/Oil: Applying a small amount of serum or oil after styling can help seal in moisture and add shine. Argan oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil are popular choices.
Avoid Products with Alcohol: Alcohol can dry out your hair, leading to frizz.

"SOTC": Once your hair is completely dry, you may have a "cast" from the gel or mousse. This is a crunchy feeling.
Shake and Separate: Grasping your ends, shake the length of your hair back and forth to break the cast. This encourages curl separation and removes the product crunch, leaving you with softer curls. You can also gently scrunch your hair with a small amount of oil on your hands.

Sleep on a Satin Pillowcase: Satin reduces friction and helps prevent frizz overnight.
Protect Your Hair at Night: Consider using a satin bonnet or pineapple your hair (loosely gather it on top of your head) to protect your curls while you sleep.
Regular Trims: Get regular trims to remove split ends, which can contribute to frizz.
Avoid Over-Processing: Minimize heat styling, coloring, and other chemical treatments, which can damage your hair and make it more prone to frizz.

By incorporating these techniques and products into your hair care routine, you can achieve smoother, more defined curls.