Curly Hair 101: How To Start Your Natural Hair Journey
- JJ - The Curl Store
- May 15
- 3 min read
Are you ready to embrace your natural curls?
Whether you're transitioning from heat styling or just discovering your curl pattern, starting your curly hair journey can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through the basics of curly hair care, help you build a simple routine, and avoid some common mistakes along the way.
Fair warning though, many curlies who have transitioned to their natural hair have found it is 'about more than just hair'. Finally coming to love the way your hair naturally grows out of your head, can be an empowering experience of self love and acceptance - one which can spread into other areas of your life. I believe that's why they call it a journey!
1. Understanding Your Curl Type
Curls come in many textures (Fine, Medium or Coarse texture), various porosities (low, normal and High Porosity) and curl patterns—wavy (Type 2), curly (Type 3), and coily (Type 4). Knowing your curl type helps you choose the right products and techniques. Don’t stress about getting it perfect; it’s more about understanding how your hair behaves when hydrated or dry.
To help you discover your texture, porosity and curl pattern, visit this helpful post
Top Tip: Your hair may be a mix of types, and that’s totally normal!
2. Key Principles of Curly Hair Care
For a number of reasons, curly hair tends to be dryer than straight hair. Due to it's structure, the natural oils that easily slide down straight hair, have a more difficult time making their way down curly or coily shafts. Curly hair also tends to be more fragile than straight hair (again, the struture that looks so amazing, also brings about this fragility).
As a result, curly hair thrives when it’s moisturised, protected, and handled gently. Some basic recommendations include:
Avoiding sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols
Avoiding mechanical damage from daily dry brushing - Using a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle and gentle brush styling when wet are great alternatives
Sleeping on a satin pillowcase or using a satin bonnet to protect your curls at night
Avoiding daily heat styling
Some people like to start off with the Curly Girl Method, because it gives a structure in which to learn. If you go this route, just remember that it's not a one size all method and many folk adapt the method to suit them. If you'd like to learn more about the CGM, try this post.
3. Building Your Starter Routine
There are some basic features foundational to all curly routines. These include:
Cleanse: Use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo, creamy cleanser or co-wash.
Condition: Follow with a suitable, silicone free conditioner.
Style: Apply a curl cream or leave-in while your hair is still wet, then define and hold with gel if desired.
Dry: Air dry or diffuse on low heat.
You can always tweak this based on how your curls respond!
4. Must-Have Curly Hair Products
Aside from curly hair products - there's a few accessories that will make your routine easier, we recommend these curly essentials (available in our store):
Diffuser (This one is universal and fits most dryers)
Gentle Towel (This one is a turban style and very easy to use)
Satin pillowcase (This one comes in colours to suit all bedrooms)
A routine designed for your texture, porosity, pattern and density. For specific product recommendations, see this blog post.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Washing hair too frequently or not frequently enough – start with every 3 days and go up or down depending on how your curls and scalp respond.
Using harsh towels (they cause frizz!) – try a jersey or microfibre option
Brushing dry curls (hello, breakage)
Expecting perfect curls overnight—consistency is key. Damage did not occur overnight and will not be sorted in one wash day!
6. Bonus Tips for Curly Girls in Australia
Australia’s climate can be harsh on curls—here’s what to keep in mind:
Use a UV-protectant if you're in the sun a lot
In humid areas, go for anti-frizz gels
In dry regions, deep condition weekly
Consider extra protection (or after care) if you swim a lot
7. Final Thoughts
Your curly hair journey is a personal one, and it won’t look like anyone else’s. Be patient, learn as you go, and celebrate each stage. You’ve got this—and I’m here to help (just email curlfriends@thecurlstore.com.au for extra help!
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