How To Wash Curly Hair the Curl Wow Way: Hydration, Definition & Frizz Control

Curly hair has its own set of rules. It thrives on hydration, requires careful handling, and can be frustratingly unpredictable if not treated with the right products.

One of the biggest questions curly-haired individuals ask is, "How often should I wash my curly hair?" The answer? It depends on your curl type, lifestyle, and—most importantly—the products you use. 

Many shampoos leave behind residues that cause buildup, leading to dull, lifeless curls that need constant refreshing. That’s why Curl Wow reinvents wash day with Naked Technology™—a breakthrough approach to cleansing and styling curls without heaviness, buildup, or frizz.

Let’s dive into the Curl Wow method—the ultimate way to wash curly hair while keeping it hydrated, defined, and bouncy.

How Often Should You Wash Curly Hair?

Unlike straight hair, curls don’t get oily as quickly, meaning you don’t need to wash them as frequently. But washing too little can also lead to scalp buildup, dull curls, and dryness.

So, how often is ideal? Here’s a general guide:

• Loose waves (2A-2C): Washing every 2-3 days can help manage oil production while maintaining volume.

• Classic curls (3A-3C): Washing 1-2 times a week helps balance moisture without over-stripping natural oils.

• Coily & kinky curls (4A-4C): Washing once a week is often enough, as tighter curl patterns tend to be drier and benefit from natural scalp oils.

The key isn’t just how often you wash, but what you wash with! Many curl shampoos leave residues that force you into an unhealthy cycle—piling on products that build up, then using harsh clarifiers to remove them.

With Hooked 100% Clean Shampoo, you get a deep, residue-free cleanse that keeps curls fresher for longer—so you don’t need to overwash.

Our Stance on Co-Washing Curly Hair

While co-washing (washing with conditioner instead of shampoo) is a popular method, the reality is conditioners are NOT cleansers. They are formulated to coat hair, not cleanse it, leading to progressive buildup on both strands and scalp.

Over time, this buildup blocks follicles, dulls curls, and can even contribute to hair loss.

That’s why we do NOT recommend co-washing. Instead, Curl Wow’s Naked Technology™ offers the perfect solution—hydration without heavy coatings or residues, so curls stay fresh and bouncy without the need for constant clarifying.

Step-by-Step: How to Properly Wash Curly Hair

1. Pre-Wash Prep: Detangle & Protect

Before washing, apply Curl Wow Snag-Free pre-shampoo detangler to remove knots without breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to gently remove knots—never dry brush curls!

Aside from detangling, Snag-Free also provides slip, which makes the shampooing process easier and more effective.

Professional stylist Felicia’s top tip? “Anyone with extremely dry hair could even put a little Coco-Motion Conditioner on their ends while using Snag-Free for even MORE hydration before shampooing!”

2. Shampoo with Care

Choose Curl Wow Hooked Clean Shampoo, a sulfate-free formula that cleanses without stripping natural oils. Many curl shampoos secretly contain conditioning agents, which leave behind residue that builds up over time.

Hooked 100% Clean Shampoo is different—it deeply cleans hair without weighing it down.

If your hair constantly needs clarifying washes, it's a sign your products are overloading your strands. Curl Wow stops the buildup at the source, so you never need to strip your curls with harsh clarifiers again.

3. Condition Like a Pro

Apply Curl Wow Coco-Motion Conditioner, focusing on mid-lengths and ends to deeply hydrate curls without weighing them down.

Traditional conditioners sit on the hair’s surface, leading to heavy, coated curls that lose bounce. Coco-Motion is powered by Profaxil-18 Complex™, which breaks up Marula and Coconut oils into micro-particles so they can actually penetrate the hair’s internal protein chains.

The result? Deep hydration with NO greasiness, NO buildup—just soft, bouncy curls that feel completely “naked.”

4. Rinse & Lock in Moisture

Use cool or lukewarm water to rinse. Hot water can dehydrate curls and cause frizz. Want ultra-hydrated curls?

Try the bowl wash method—rinsing curls in a bowl of water to retain conditioner and hydration.

5. The Post-Wash Routine: Define & Protect

Apply Curl Wow Flo-etry Vital Natural Serum immediately after washing to lock in moisture and enhance curl pattern. This is one of Kendall Dorsey's (our Curl Creative Ambassador) favorite products!

"This serum is loaded with jojoba, pequi, and coconut oils + Profaxil 18 Complex™ to deliver the rich moisture curly strands typically lack,” he says.

For extra definition, use Curl Wow Shook Mix + Fix Bundling Spray while your hair is still wet.

Kendall says, “Curl care is all about hydration, hydration, hydration. And Shook is super hydration PLUS styling, so it gives me those juicy, plump, defined bundles I want."

Most curl stylers rely on heavy butters, waxes, or stiff gels that weigh curls down or leave them feeling crunchy. Curl Wow’s Naked Technology™ delivers defined, frizz-free curls that feel weightless.

Curly Hair Washing FAQs

The Takeaway: Washing Curly Hair the Right Way

Curly hair requires extra care, but with the right routine and products, the results—defined, hydrated, bouncy curls—are worth it! The key to effortless, frizz-free curls isn’t just washing less—it’s washing smarter with products that work with your hair, not against it.

That’s exactly why Curl Wow is a total game-changer. Our Naked Technology™ cleanses without buildup, hydrates without heaviness, and defines without stiffness—so your curls feel as good as they look.

Say goodbye to residue, overload, and harsh clarifiers—Curl Wow keeps your curls fresh, light, and perfectly defined from wash day to wash day.

Find out more about the range from Dr. Joe Cincotta, Chief Chemist and Head of R&D:

Read more curl care tips and tricks on the Color Wow Blog:

• How to Identify Your Curl Type
• How to Care for Fine, Curly Hair
• Your Ultimate Guide to Curly Hair