The Ultimate Guide to Get the Most Luscious Locks for Curly-Haired Malaysians

By Aqasha Nalani  •  21 Jan 2025 in Features

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Have you ever felt frustrated by the frizz that seems to take over your hair right after it air-dries? Or maybe you’re aware there are better ways to care for your curls but haven’t yet figured out the right routine or products to make them shine.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Managing curls can feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to avoiding products that dry out or damage your precious locks.

I too struggled for years to find the perfect routine for my 2C hair. But over the years, I’ve discovered some hidden gems that saved my hair from its frizzy mess.

Before diving into tips and tricks for achieving healthy, bouncy curls, it’s essential to know your curl type. Understanding your curl pattern helps you choose the most suitable products and techniques.

To get started, compare your air-dried hair to the chart below:

Now that you’ve identified your curl type, let’s dive into the essentials of maintaining your hair.

Here are a few golden rules to keep your curls looking their healthiest and most vibrant:

1. Avoid overwashing your hair

Overwashing is a common mistake that can leave curls dry and lifeless. Frequent washing strips your hair of its natural oils, which are crucial for keeping it moisturised and vibrant. Stick to washing your hair two to three times a week to maintain its natural moisture and shine.

2. Sleep with a bonnet to protect your hair

Your nighttime routine plays a huge role in the health of your curls. Sleeping with unprotected hair can cause tangles and frizz due to friction with your pillowcase. To preserve your curls, wear a silk bonnet or use a satin pillowcase. This reduces friction, helping your curls stay defined and frizz-free.

3. Do not use your body towel to dry your hair

While body towels are great for drying off after a shower, they’re too rough for delicate curls. Regular towels can damage the hair cuticle, leading to frizz and breakage. Instead, opt for a microfibre towel or a soft cotton T-shirt to gently blot excess water from your hair. A wrap-around microfibre towel, like the ones from Decathlon, is perfect for drying your curls while keeping frizz at bay.

4. Wash your hair with warm water and rinse with cold

Just like your skin, your hair benefits from temperature changes during your wash routine. Warm water helps open up the cuticles, allowing your hair to absorb the nutrients and moisture from your shampoo and conditioner.

But here’s the game-changer: Finish off with a cold-water rinse. Cold water helps seal the cuticles, locking in all the hydration and shine while reducing frizz.

5. Avoid combing and brushing your hair while it’s dry

Brushing dry curls is a big no-no! Unlike straight hair, curls are prone to frizz and breakage when brushed dry, which can disrupt their natural pattern. Even running your fingers through dry curls can cause unwanted frizz and loss of definition.

Instead, save your detangling for when your hair is damp and prepped with conditioner or hair oil. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently work through any knots. If oiling your hair is part of your routine, detangle it during the oiling process before hopping into the shower to prevent damage and ensure smooth, hydrated locks.

Now that we’ve discussed the rules to maintain your curls, here are some of the best products we recommend to elevate your haircare routine to the next level:

1. LUSH Tofu Cream Shampoo

This ultra-nourishing shampoo cleanses, revitalises, and softens your hair with every wash. It’s perfect for reviving frizzy or damaged curls, leaving them hydrated and shiny. Get it here.

2. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner

Infused with manuka honey and mafura oil, this conditioner deeply moisturises and softens your hair while imparting a sweet, long-lasting fragrance. Add it to your Shopee cart here.

3. Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Mask

Treat your hair with this reparative mask to give it a new life. Massage it gently into your cuticles and leave it on for 15–20 minutes for intense hydration and revitalisation. Get it here.

4. Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner

A leave-in conditioner provides extra moisture and protection even after your hair is dry. Unlike rinse-out conditioners, this product keeps your curls hydrated, shiny, and frizz-free post-air or blow-drying. Buy it here.

5. COCOdry LOVE Curl Cream

A curl cream is necessary to zhuzh up your curls and give them extra oomph. Without a curl cream, your curls can appear undefined and flat. Get our recommended curl cream here.

6. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse

To add volume to your hair, we recommend using the SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse after using all the products above and right before drying your curls with a diffuser. Add it to your Shopee cart here.

Now it’s your turn to shine

We’ve shared our best-kept secrets for achieving luscious, healthy curls—it’s time for you to try them out! From essential tips to game-changing products, your perfect haircare routine awaits.

To all our curl queens and kings, remember this: Your hair is a masterpiece. Pamper it, nurture it, and let it flourish in all its natural, bouncy glory. Let your curls speak volumes—literally!

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