How to Style Curly Hair: 6 Steps for Defined Curls

If your curls look incredible some days and frizzy, flat or undefined the next, the problem usually isn't your hair, it's the method. Knowing how to style curly hair properly, from wash day through to drying, is what separates soft, springy, defined curls from a frizzy halo. And in Australia's climate, where humidity and harsh sun work against you, technique matters even more.

The good news: curly styling follows a fairly simple set of rules once you understand them. This guide walks you through it step by step, then helps you match the right products to your curl type. If you've ever bought a product everyone raved about and it did nothing for you, our explainer on hair porosity is worth a read first, it's often the missing piece for curly hair.

Why Curly Hair Behaves the Way It Does

Curly and wavy hair is naturally drier than straight hair. The bends in each strand make it harder for the scalp's natural oils to travel down the hair, so curls tend to lose moisture faster and frizz more easily. They're also more fragile, which is why rough handling and over-washing show up so quickly.

That's the key mindset shift: curly hair is thirsty and delicate, so everything you do should add moisture and reduce friction. Get those two things right and definition tends to follow. Browse the curly hair collection to see formulas built specifically for this.

Before You Style: Wash and Prep

Great curls start in the shower. Reach for a gentle, hydrating, sulphate-free cleanser rather than a stripping one. The Unwritten Bliss Out Hydro Repair Shampoo is sulphate-free and made for dry, coarse or curly hair, using hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the strand while native Kakadu plum and green tea help protect against Australia's harsh sun.

Once or twice a week, swap your conditioner for a richer treatment. The La Biosthetique Curl Activating Repair Mask deeply conditions and revives curls, using wheat proteins to restructure and Provitamin B5 to restore moisture — left in for around ten minutes, then rinsed. A weekly mask keeps curls elastic and stops the breakage that leads to frizz.

How to Style Curly Hair: Step by Step

This is the part most people rush. The order and the timing make all the difference, so work through these steps each wash day.

Step 1: Style on soaking-wet hair

Unlike straight hair, curls want product applied while they're dripping wet, straight out of the shower. Water is what helps curls clump together and form their pattern, so don't towel-dry first. Work in sections so nothing gets missed.

Step 2: Add a leave-in for moisture

Start with a hydrating leave-in to prime the curl. The La Biosthetique Curl Activating Conditioning Spray is a leave-in that springs curls back into shape, with wheat protein for strength and a “bounce back” polymer for soft, lasting hold. Spray it evenly through damp hair as your first layer.

Step 3: Define with a styling fluid or cream

Next, lock in the shape. The La Biosthetique Curl Defining Styling Fluid tames stubborn curls and adds flexible hold and shine without heaviness, thanks to Moroccan argan oil and natural moisturising factors. For looser waves or fine hair that needs a lighter touch, the multitasking Unwritten Hey Genie! Define & Shine Styler smooths frizz and enhances natural curl while keeping things weightless.

Step 4: Scrunch to encourage curl

Cup sections of hair in your palm and gently scrunch upward toward your scalp to coax the curl pattern. This is also a good moment to use the “praying hands” method  smoothing product down each section between flat palms  to reduce frizz before you dry.

Step 5: Dry gently — diffuse or air-dry

Rough towel-drying is the enemy of definition. Instead, press and scrunch with a soft towel or old cotton t-shirt to remove excess water. To dry, either air-dry undisturbed, or use a diffuser on low heat and low speed, cupping curls up toward the scalp. A heat protectant is wise whenever you apply heat. Avoid touching your curls while they dry, that's what creates frizz.

Step 6: Scrunch out the crunch

Once hair is fully dry, you may notice a slight crisp “cast” over your curls. That's a good sign, it means your style will last. Simply scrunch gently with a little oil or serum on your palms to break the cast, and your curls will soften into a defined, touchable finish.

Building a Curly Hair Routine

You don't need to fully wash and re-style every day; in fact, curls do better when you don't. Most curly types thrive washing every two to four days, refreshing in between.

On non-wash days, revive curls by misting with water or a curl spray and lightly scrunching to bring the pattern back. A leave-in like the Curl Activating Conditioning Spray doubles beautifully as a refresher. Protecting curls overnight loosely piled in a “pineapple” on top of your head, ideally on a silk or satin pillowcase helps you wake up with far less frizz and more shape.

Choosing the Right Curl Products

Curl products aren't one-size-fits-all. Fine waves get weighed down by heavy creams, while thick, coarse curls need richer moisture and stronger hold. As a rough guide:

• Fine or wavy hair: lightweight sprays and a small amount of a multitasking styler like Hey Genie!
• Medium curls: a leave-in spray layered under a defining fluid for definition with movement.
• Thick or coarse curls: a weekly mask plus a richer styling fluid, applied generously to soaking-wet hair.
• Dry, frizz-prone lengths: add a moisture milk such as the Microtexx Moisture Active Milk to smooth and hydrate.

Still finding your formula? The full curly hair range and the La Biosthetique collection have options for every curl pattern. Enjoy free shipping on orders over $90 and 140-day returns, so it's easy to experiment until you find your match.

Common Curly Hair Styling Mistakes

• Styling on damp instead of soaking-wet hair. Curls need water to clump — apply product while dripping.
• Brushing curls dry. This shatters the pattern and creates frizz. Detangle with conditioner and a wide-tooth comb in the shower instead.
• Touching curls as they dry. Hands-off until fully dry, then scrunch out the cast.
• Skipping moisture. Dry curls frizz; a weekly mask and a good leave-in are non-negotiable.
• Rough towel-drying. Swap your bath towel for a soft t-shirt or microfibre and press, don't rub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I style curly hair wet or dry?

Wet, water helps curls clump into their natural pattern, so apply your leave-in and styler straight out of the shower before the hair starts to dry.

How often should I wash curly hair?

Most curly types do well washing every two to four days and refreshing in between. Over-washing strips the natural oils curls need, leading to dryness and frizz.

Why does my curly hair get frizzy as it dries?

Usually from touching it while it dries, not using enough moisture, or rough towel-drying. Apply product to wet hair, leave it undisturbed, and dry with a diffuser on low or let it air-dry.

What products do I actually need for curly hair?

A hydrating cleanser, a weekly mask, a leave-in for moisture and a defining fluid or cream for hold. You can keep it to two or three products technique matters as much as the line-up.

How do I refresh curls on day two or three?

Lightly mist with water or a curl spray, scrunch to revive the pattern, and add a touch of serum if needed. Protecting curls overnight on a silk pillowcase makes refreshing much easier.

Get Curls That Last

Styling curly hair well comes down to a few habits: cleanse gently, moisture deeply, apply product to soaking-wet hair, and dry without disturbing your curls. Nail those and you'll get definition that lasts well beyond wash day no matter what the Australian weather throws at you.

Not sure which products or technique suit your curl type? Connect with a professional through our Find a Pro directory for tailored advice, or start exploring the curly hair collection to build your routine. For more frizz-fighting tips, see our guide on how to fix frizz without weighing hair down.