The Ultimate Curly Girl Glow-Up Guide 💫

Hey, my curly queens, it’s me again, Holly Haircare! 💋

Back at it with another blog where I continue to speak the truth and spill the tea… you’re welcome. Today, we’re diving head-first into the wild, wonderful, and sometimes wacky world of curls. And yes, they come in all shapes, sizes, and moods—but one thing we curly babes all know? The struggle to maintain them is real.

But don’t panic, I’m here to dish the facts, simplify the lingo, and give you a curl education that slays.

Curl Type 101: What’s Your Hair’s Sign? 🔮

Let’s break it down real quick. Curly hair isn’t one-size-fits-all; we’ve got a whole spectrum of curl patterns, and knowing yours is the first step to unlocking your best curl days ever.

The curl system is split into four main types (1–4), and each one has subtypes (A–C), because apparently our hair is just as extra as we are. 💅

Type 1: Straight Up, No Curls Here 💁‍♀️

This hair is straight as a runway—zero curl, zero wave. Not much to see here in the curl world, but we still love a sleek moment.

Type 2: Wavy Baby 🌊

Think beachy vibes and “I woke up like this” energy.

Think beachy vibes and “I woke up like this” energy.

2A – Loose, tousled waves that look like you’ve just walked off Bondi Beach.
2B – More defined S-shaped waves with a bit of frizz (she’s moody but manageable).
2C – Thick, more voluminous waves that start right at the roots, frizz is her middle name.

Wavy girls, your go-to is lightweight hydration—think water-based leave-ins, creamy masks that won’t weigh you down, and definitely sulphate-free everything.

→ Try: Clever Curl Curl Wonderfoam – The hero of the range and a true multitasker. Adds bounce, moisture, and definition with light-medium hold—perfect for volume days, refresh days, or just fabulous hair days. Magic in a bottle.

Type 3: Curls for the Girls 💃

This is where the bounce kicks in. Big energy. Big volume. Big curls.

3A – Loose, shiny curls with major bounce.
3B – Spirals getting tighter, more corkscrew realness.
3C – Thick, tightly packed curls that know how to make an entrance.

Curly babes, it’s all about moisture, moisture, moisture. Deep conditioners, leave-ins, hair masks; you want it all. Oh, and keep the sulphates far, far away.

→ Try: EverEscents Moisture Conditioner - This rich formula is like a spa day for your curls. Powered by Lexfeel Natural (aka fancy castor oil), it drenches dry hair and brings bounce back to life. Deep conditioning = deep satisfaction.

Type 4: Coily Queen 👑

Tight coils, zig-zags, and major texture. Type 4 hair is stunning, versatile, and deserves all the love.

4A – Soft, defined coils that spring back like a boss.
4B – Z-shaped curls that bend and flex can be a bit more fragile.
4C – The tightest curls of all, with major shrinkage and zero uniformity, and we love her for it.

You need deep, rich hydration that locks in moisture for days. Butters, oils, braids and twists will be your protective best friends. And please, don’t skip the satin scarf at night.

→ Try: Davroe Curlicue Deep Conditioning Rinse - Buttery, thick, and full of curl-loving ingredients. It melts away knots, fights frizz, blocks humidity, and leaves coils soft, shiny, and defined. Curl royalty in a tub.

🛍️ Let’s Go Shopping: Curly Girl-Approved Ranges I’m Loving

Because no blog is complete without a little retail therapy, right?

💛 Brands We Love (And Our Favourite Products)

No, hair gloss isn’t damaging, most formulas are designed to reduce the appearance of damage. However, like any hair colour product, it’s important to choose the right formula and follow the instructions carefully for the best results. If you’re getting a gloss in the salon, your colourist will guide you on how often to return for maintenance. For at-home treatments, be sure to follow the product instructions closely.

How Often Should You Gloss Your Hair?

Most hair gloss treatments last around a month, you’ll need a touch-up every four to six weeks if done in a salon. For at-home glosses, you may need to use them more frequently, depending on how quickly your colour fades. Glossing can also help preserve your hair colour, especially when used with colour-safe shampoos and conditioners and by washing with cooler water.

Hair Gloss vs Hair Glaze: What’s the Difference?

Hair glosses and glazes differ primarily in how long they last. Glosses are semi-permanent, typically lasting a month, while glazes offer more temporary results, usually around one to two weeks. Both add shine, smooth hair, and enhance colour, and both can be done at home.

Think beachy vibes and “I woke up like this” energy.

Pro Tips from Your Curl Coach (aka me 💁🏼‍♀️)

No dry brushing—unless you want the frizz explosion of the century.
Satin or silk everything—pillowcases, bonnets, scrunchies. Trust me.
Refresh on non-wash days with a mist of water or leave-in conditioner.
Trim those ends—split ends can disrupt that gorgeous curl pattern.

Welcome to the Curl Cult: The Curly Girl Method Explained 💫

The Curly Girl Method was created by curl queen and stylist Lorraine Massey (author of Curly Girl: The Handbook). It’s a specific approach to caring for curly hair without harsh ingredients or heat—think of it as a love language for your curls.

This method follows four fab steps:
Cleanse. Condition. Style. Dry.Sounds simple, right?

Let’s break it down...

💬 Curly Girl Terminology: Decoded by Yours Truly

Because let’s be honest—sometimes you curly girlies have more terms than Sephora has lip glosses. But don’t worry, I’ve got you.

Curly Girl Approved
This means your product is free from the big baddies: sulphates, silicones, and drying alcohols. Basically, anything that’ll leave your curls crying in the shower.

No Poo Cleanse
No, it’s not what it sounds like.“No poo” is a gentle cleanser that skips the lather and foam—because bubbles = dryness. These cleansers open the cuticle and clean without stripping your hair. Think of it as skincare, but for your scalp.

Co-Wash Cleanse
Conditioner-washing only. No shampoo in sight. You use a Curly Girl-approved conditioner to clean your hair—yes, seriously! It’s all about massage magic—work it through your scalp for over a minute. And nope, not just any conditioner will do. It must be light, hydrating, and ready to multitask.

Squish to Condish
Add water. Add conditioner. Now squish it all in. This motion pushes hydration into the cuticle and gives your curls that juicy, defined bounce we all dream of.

Roping Deep Conditioning
Work in sections, apply your deep conditioner from roots to ends (and back again), and really work it in. You’ll be shocked at how much hydration your curls can hold.

Praying Hands (Styling)
Rub your curl cream or gel between your hands, then press your curls between your palms—like you’re praying for the perfect hair day. Spoiler: You might just get one.

Cast Styling
Once your gel dries, you might feel like your hair is made of crunchy noodles. That’s the cast—and it's a good thing!It seals in moisture and defines your curls. Trust the process, babe.

Scrunch Out the Crunch
The moment we’ve all been waiting for. Once your hair is dry, scrunch out that crispy cast with your hands (maybe with a dab of curl cream for good vibes).No brushes, no combs. Just your hands, your curls, and your time to shine.

Pineapple (Nighttime Routine)
A high ponytail on top of your head—secured with a silk or curl-friendly scrunchie—preserves your curl pattern while you sleep like the curly goddess you are. Pro tip: In the morning, release the pineapple, give your hair a shake (bonus points if done upside-down), and let it settle before refreshing.

🧼 So… how often should you wash your curly hair?
Great question, curly queen.

The general starting point is once or twice a week.But let’s be real: your lifestyle, hair type, and products all play a part.

If you’re super curly or coily, you might go up to two weeks (respect). If you’ve got looser curls or hit the gym often, more frequent washes might be your thing.

Listen to your hair. If it feels dry, brittle, or greasy, switch it up.
Some things in life are personal, and this is one of them. You do you, boo. ✨

💛 Brands We Love (And Our Favourite Products)

No, hair gloss isn’t damaging, most formulas are designed to reduce the appearance of damage. However, like any hair colour product, it’s important to choose the right formula and follow the instructions carefully for the best results. If you’re getting a gloss in the salon, your colourist will guide you on how often to return for maintenance. For at-home treatments, be sure to follow the product instructions closely.

How Often Should You Gloss Your Hair?

Most hair gloss treatments last around a month, you’ll need a touch-up every four to six weeks if done in a salon. For at-home glosses, you may need to use them more frequently, depending on how quickly your colour fades. Glossing can also help preserve your hair colour, especially when used with colour-safe shampoos and conditioners and by washing with cooler water.

Hair Gloss vs Hair Glaze: What’s the Difference?

Hair glosses and glazes differ primarily in how long they last. Glosses are semi-permanent, typically lasting a month, while glazes offer more temporary results, usually around one to two weeks. Both add shine, smooth hair, and enhance colour, and both can be done at home.