Curly Hair Care: Expert Tips from Pilsen

Curly and textured hair is beautiful, but it comes with its own set of challenges. From finding a barber who actually understands your curl pattern to maintaining moisture and shape between cuts, there's a lot to navigate. At Traditions Pilsen, we see all hair types and textures—here's what we've learned about keeping curls looking their best.

Understanding Your Curl Type

Before diving into care tips, it helps to understand what type of curls you're working with. The curl typing system ranges from Type 2 (wavy) to Type 4 (coily), with subcategories A, B, and C within each type.

• Type 2 (Wavy): S-shaped waves that range from loose to more defined
• Type 3 (Curly): Springy curls that form defined spirals or ringlets
• Type 4 (Coily): Tightly coiled or kinky hair with dense curl patterns

Knowing your type helps you choose the right products and communicate better with your barber about what you want.

Finding the Right Barber

Not all barbers are comfortable with curly and textured hair—and that's a problem. A great curly haircut requires understanding how curls shrink when dry, how they fall naturally, and how to cut them without disrupting the curl pattern.

When looking for a barber, ask these questions:

• Do they cut curly hair wet or dry? (Dry cutting is often better for curly hair)
• Can they show you examples of curly cuts they've done?
• Do they understand how to work with your specific curl type?

At Traditions Pilsen, our barbers have experience with all hair textures. We take the time to understand your curl pattern and create cuts that work with—not against—your natural hair.

Washing Curly Hair

Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair because the natural oils from your scalp have a harder time traveling down the curved hair shaft. This means you need to wash less frequently and more carefully.

Tips for Washing

• Limit washing: 2-3 times per week is usually enough. Over-washing strips moisture.
• Use sulfate-free shampoo: Sulfates are harsh and can dry out curly hair.
• Focus on the scalp: Shampoo your scalp, not your ends. Let the suds run through the rest of your hair.
• Consider co-washing: Washing with conditioner only (co-washing) can help maintain moisture for very dry or coily hair.

Conditioning and Moisture

Moisture is everything for curly hair. Without it, you get frizz, breakage, and dull-looking curls. Here's how to keep your hair hydrated:

Regular Conditioner

Use a rich conditioner every time you wash. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing, and consider leaving a little in your hair for extra moisture.

Deep Conditioning

Once a week or every two weeks, use a deep conditioning mask. Apply generously, cover with a shower cap, and let it work for 15-30 minutes. This makes a huge difference in curl definition and softness.

Leave-In Products

After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream while your hair is still wet. This helps lock in moisture and define your curls as they dry.

Styling Tips

Ditch the Towel

Regular towels cause frizz. Instead, use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to scrunch out excess water. The smooth fabric reduces friction and preserves curl definition.

Don't Touch

Once you've applied your products, keep your hands out of your hair while it dries. Touching disrupts the curl pattern and leads to frizz.

Diffuse Carefully

If you use a blow dryer, attach a diffuser and use low heat. Cup your curls in the diffuser and bring it up to your head—don't blast air directly into your hair.

Maintaining Your Cut

Curly hair can go longer between cuts than straight hair because the curl pattern hides growth more easily. Most curly guys can wait 6-8 weeks between cuts, though this varies by style and how fast your hair grows.

When your curls start losing their shape or the style feels off, it's time to come in. Regular trims also help prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and causing damage.

Products We Recommend

While every head of hair is different, here are the types of products that generally work well for curly hair:

• Curl cream: For definition and moisture
• Gel: For hold and fighting frizz (look for alcohol-free options)
• Oil: For sealing in moisture and adding shine
• Leave-in conditioner: For daily moisture

Ask your barber for specific product recommendations based on your hair type and the style you're going for.