If you’ve recently embraced your natural curls, welcome to the club! The curly hair journey is beautiful, but it can feel overwhelming when you’re just starting. The key is to follow a simple, effective curly hair routine for beginners that prioritizes moisture, gentle care, and curl definition. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the ideal curly hair routine steps, using products to help you achieve healthy, defined curls, without the guesswork.

Why you need a curly hair routine (especially if you're a beginner)

Wavy, curly, coily—whatever your curl pattern is, the right routine helps enhance your natural shape while keeping hair moisturized and frizz-free. Without a proper routine, curls can easily become dry, undefined, and tangled.

A dedicated curly hair routine for beginners focuses on:

• Moisture retention
  

• Gentle cleansing
  

• Curl definition
  

• Scalp health

Step-by-step curly hair routine for beginners

Let’s dive into a beginner-friendly curly hair routine that brings out the best in your natural texture.

Step 1: Pre-wash oil treatment

Product: XO Curls Pre-wash Oil

Start with a nourishing pre-poo session. Apply the XO Curls Pre-wash Oil to your scalp and hair 30 minutes before shampooing. It helps protect your strands from stripping during cleansing and deeply hydrates your curls.

Pro Tip: For better absorption, use the XO Curls Flax Seed Heat Cap after oiling.

Know more: Benefits of Pre-Wash Oil Treatments

Step 2: Gentle cleansing with hydrating shampoo

Product: XO Curls Hydrating Shampoo

Cleanse your hair with this sulphate-free shampoo enriched with hibiscus for stronger, shinier strands and flaxseed to define curls while locking in moisture. A perfect start to your curly hair routine for beginners.

Use a Scalp Massaging Shampoo Brush to stimulate circulation and exfoliate the scalp for healthier hair growth.

Know more: How to Choose the Right Shampoo for Curly Hair

Step 3: Deep conditioning for slip & moisture

Product: XO Curls Hydrating Conditioner

Apply the hydrating conditioner and gently detangle your curls using our Shower Detangling Comb. Shea butter nourishes and softens each strand, while flax seeds help improve curl definition and manageability. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing.

Step 4: Leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture

Product: XO Curls Leave-In Conditioner

This step is crucial in every curly hair routine for beginners. Apply the leave-in conditioner while your hair is wet, do not towel dry and then apply. It helps define curls, hydrate them, and control frizz throughout the day.

Know more: The Importance of Leave-In Conditioners

Step 5: Define curls with gel

Product: XO Curls All Day Definition Gel

Scrunch the definition gel into wet curls. It holds your curl pattern in place without the crunch, thanks to flaxseed and argan oil.

Let your hair air dry or diffuse on low heat.

Read: Step-by-Step Guide to Using Definition Gel

Apply the gel section by section, scrunching upwards to encourage curl formation. Air dry or diffuse for best results.

Step 6: Dry carefully

The way you dry your curls can make or break your styling efforts. Avoid regular towels that cause frizz—use the XO curls microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt instead.

Using the ultra-soft microfiber towel helps reduce breakage and frizz while enhancing curl clumping and speeding up drying time.

Step 7: Night care routine for curls

Even while you sleep, your curls need love. Use the XO Curls Silk Pillowcase to prevent frizz and breakage. It maintains moisture and ensures you wake up to defined curls.

You can also pineapple your hair (loosely tie it on top of your head) to maintain volume and shape.

How often should you follow the curly hair wash routine?

Here’s a general timeline for your curly hair wash routine:

• Pre-wash + Shampoo + Conditioner – 1–2 times/week

• Leave-in + Gel – After every wash

• Scalp Massage – 1–2 times/week

• Refresh curls – On non-wash days using leave-in diluted with water

Consistency is key when you're starting a curly hair routine for beginners. Stick to it, and your curls will start to transform.

Curly hair routine for beginners: Quick FAQ

1. What is the 1/2/3 gel method for curly hair?

The 1/2/3 gel method is a styling technique used to define curls and reduce frizz by layering gel in increasing or specific amounts. With XO Curls, you can use this method to customize, hold and enhance definition depending on your hair's needs:

1 Layer: Use a small amount of the XO Curls All Day Definition Gel for light hold and a natural finish. Perfect for low-density or wavy curls.

2 Layers: Apply one layer of gel, scrunch with a microfiber towel (like the XO Magic Plopping Towel), then apply a second layer once partially dry. This gives medium hold with better curl clumps.

3 Layers: For max definition, apply a layer of gel on soaking wet hair after the XO Leave-In Conditioner, diffuse until 50% dry, then apply another thin layer, and finally scrunch out the crunch once fully dry. Ideal for high-density, coily curls that need extra hold.

2. Is it OK to wash curly hair every day?

Washing curly hair every day is generally not recommended, as it can strip natural oils and lead to dryness or frizz. Instead, you can:

• Use the XO Curls Hydrating Shampoo 1–2 times a week for a gentle cleanse that won’t dry out your scalp.
  

• On non-wash days, refresh your curls with a spritz of water and a small amount of XO Leave-In Conditioner.

• Use the XO Scalp Massaging Brush on wash days to boost scalp health and reduce product buildup.

3. What is the curly girl method?

The Curly Girl Method (CGM) is a hair care routine created for naturally curly and textured hair that avoids drying ingredients and promotes hydration, definition, and overall curl health. XO Curls products are perfect for following CGM, as they’re free from sulphates, silicones, and drying alcohols.

A simple CGM routine using XO Curls:

• Pre-wash with XO Curls Pre-Wash Oil to protect and nourish curls.

• Cleanse with XO Curls Hydrating Shampoo.

• Condition & detangle using XO Curls Hydrating Conditioner and XO Shower Detangling Comb.

• Style with XO Leave-In Conditioner + XO All Day Definition Gel.

• Dry with a microfiber towel or plop using the XO Magic Towel.

• Protect overnight with the XO Silk Pillowcase.

4. Should I brush my curly hair daily?

No, brushing curly hair daily can cause breakage, frizz, and disrupt your curl pattern. Instead:

• Detangle only on wash days using the XO Curls Hydrating Conditioner and a Shower Detangling Comb in the shower when your hair is wet and coated with conditioner.

• Avoid brushing or combing dry curls.

• Refresh curls with your fingers or a little Leave-In Conditioner to re-define them between washes.