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Introduction
I’m basically making this guide mostly for 3a-3c hair types. I don’t really know if my guide can be applied for 4a-4c hair types though. Curly hair is beautiful but its hard to maintain, so here is a guide…
What are the core principles?
I’m basically making this guide mostly for 3a-3c hair types. I don’t really know if my guide can be applied for 4a-4c hair types though. Curly hair is beautiful but its hard to maintain, so here is a guide…
What are the core principles?
1. Water is the foundation
Water is the best moisturizer for the hair (because its water, obviously) hair needs water first, then products to keep the water inside
2. Moisture retention
Hair needs to HOLD ONTO moisture so it isn’t dry, which causes frizz
3. Protein balance
Hair is mostly protein (keratin)
- Too little protein -> curls can feel limp, mushy, and struggle to hold their shape
- Too much protein -> hair can feel stiff, brittle, or straw-like
4. Minimize damage
Healthy curls lose moisture more slowly because the cuticle stays in better condition
Try to avoid:
- Excessive heat
- Rough towel drying
- Dry brushing
- Tight hairstyles that cause breakage
Routine based on hair thin/thickness
1. Thin/Fine 3A–3C routine
The goal is basically volume and definition without weighing your curls down
Wash (2–3×/a week):
- Lightweight moisturizing shampoo
- Lightweight conditioner (focus on mid-lengths and ends)
While soaking wet (fresh out the shower):
- Leave-in conditioner (lightweight spray or milk)
- Volumizing mousse
- Lightweight gel (optional, for hold)
Dry:
- Scrunch with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt
- Diffuse on low heat/low speed or air dry
Refresh (days 2–4):
- Mist with water
- Add a tiny amount of leave-in or mousse.
- Scrunch
Weekly:
- Deep condition every 1–2 weeks
- Clarify every 3–4 weeks if using styling products regularly
2. Medium/Coarse 3A–3C Curls
You’d want moisture, frizz control, and defined curls (obviously)
Wash (1–3 a week)
- Moisturizing shampoo
- Rich conditioner
While soaking wet:
- Leave-in conditioner
- Curl cream
- Medium-hold gel
Dry:
- Scrunch.
- Plop for 10–20 minutes if desired.
- Diffuse or air dry.
Refresh:
- Water spray.
- Small amount of curl cream.
- A little gel if needed.
Weekly:
- Deep conditioning mask once a week.
- Clarify every month.
Optionally you could add in a few drops of argan or jojoba oil on the ends after drying
3. Thick/Dense 3A–3C Curls
You want MAXIMUM moisture and long-lasting definition.
Wash (1–2 week):
- Moisturizing shampoo
- Rich conditioner, detangle thoroughly
While soaking wet:
- Leave-in conditioner
- Curl cream
- Strong-hold gel
Dry:
- Scrunch
- Plop 15–30 minutes if you like
- Diffuse or air dry (this may take several hours)
Refresh
- Water mist
- Leave-in or curl cream
- Gel if needed
Weekly:
- Deep conditioning treatment every week
- Clarify every 4–6 weeks
Again, I recommend you add light oil on the ends to reduce dryness
Universal Routine (works for all 3A–3C curls)
- Wash with lukewarm water
- Detangle only when wet with conditioner
- Apply products to soaking-wet hair
- Scrunch upward to encourage curl formation
- Don’t touch your hair while it’s dries to reduce frizz
- Once completely dry, gently scrunch out any crunchy gel cast with clean hands
- Sleep on a satin pillowcase or wear a satin bonnet
- Trim every 3–6 months
Product order:
- Shampoo (scalp)
- Conditioner
- Leave-in conditioner
- Curl cream (if needed)
- Gel or mousse
- Oil (optional, mostly for coarser or thicker hair)
The key is that finer hair usually needs fewer, lighter products, while coarser and denser hair generally benefits from richer products and more moisture retention. Even within the same 3A–3C curl pattern, hair thickness and coarseness often have a bigger impact on your routine than the curl type itself.
Conclusion
Curly hair stays healthy by focusing on hydration, moisture retention, and gentle care. Water is the foundation of healthy curls, while conditioners and styling products help lock in moisture and reduce frizz. Choose lightweight products for fine hair and richer products for coarse or thick hair, avoid excessive heat and dry brushing, and maintain a healthy scalp. Above all, consistency with a simple routine is more important than using many products.
(Hope my second guide was okay, I mostly used bullet points instead of paragraphs since it’s easier to read, and I think everything is sort of self explanatory)
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I used to plop but I felt like it was making my hair frizzy, so I just diffuse for like 20 minutes and then let it air dry. Takes like 4hrs to be fully dry maynn 