13 Moisturizing Tips for Men with Curly Hair

Many men are not very cognizant of haircare, and this can be an issue for men with curls since curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair types. Keeping curly and wavy hair moisturized can be challenging, but no worries, guys, I’m here to help. In this post, I share the best moisturizing tips for men with curly hair. 

1. Use Less Shampoo 
2. Get the Right Shampoo 
3. Use a Co-Wash  
4. Don’t Forget about Conditioner 
5. Leave-in-Conditioner is a Must 
6. Deep Condition Regularly 
7. Style your Curls When Wet 
8. Styling Tools
9. Reduce Heat Exposure 
10. Use a Diffuser to Dry 
11. Apply Serum/Hair Oil 
12. Switch to Microfiber Towels 
13. Invest in Silk/Satin Pillowcases 

While it may seem like keeping curly hair well moisturized is a lot of effort, if you incorporate certain aspects into your general haircare routine and ensure that you use the right products for curly hair, it will be easy to maintain your curl’s moisture. Below are 12 practical tips that you can use: 

1. Use Less Shampoo 

Considering that with curly hair, it takes a long time for the natural oils to work their way down the twists and bends, shampoo can often be very drying when done too often. Curly hair is more prone to tangles, breakage, frizz, and dryness, all of which can worsen with too much shampooing. It is best to shampoo only 1-2 times a week.

Other than having reduced shampoo days, try to use less shampoo. That means using shampoo sparingly. A great tip is to lather the shampoo between your palms first and only apply it on the scalp by gently massaging. Then rinse it out. Do not apply shampoo to the ends of your hair. Consider using a dry shampoo between wash days to maintain freshness without overwashing.

2. Get the Right Shampoo 

Sometimes, your shampoo doesn’t work and strips the natural oils from your scalp or causes your hair to become rough because it contains too many sulfates and other harsh chemicals.  

These are excessively drying. Switch to sulfate-free shampoos and get a nourishing or moisturizing shampoo formulated specifically for your hair type, especially for men’s curly hair.

3. Use a Co-Wash 

Co-washing might be a better option if shampooing is still drying your hair too much or you have a coarser type of hair. This means you forgo shampoo entirely and use a co-wash instead. It is a lot more nourishing and cleanses your hair without stripping it. 

4. Don’t Forget about Conditioner 

Men’s products often come in 2-in-1 combined shampoo and conditioner options. This is ineffective and does not work since shampoo and conditioner require different formulations and do different things. Some men also just leave out conditioner entirely, which is a huge mistake. 

Refraining from using conditioner will leave your hair dry, dehydrated, coarse, and easily prone to breakage. It will also result in undefined curls with excessive frizz. Using the right products, including conditioner in the shower, is a must for guys, too. That will help restore moisture and soften your strands.

5. Leave-in-Conditioner is a Must 

Don’t stop at the conditioner in the shower. Regardless of what products you apply after a shower to style your hair, a leave-in conditioner is one of the best products you can use every time. It is highly moisturizing and leaves your hair feeling and looking soft and smooth. It also helps create defined, bouncy curls and protects your hair from the environment.

6. Deep Condition Regularly 

After incorporating conditioner and leave-in-conditioner, don’t forget that a regular deep conditioning treatment is essential for your hair. Whether you use deep conditioners, oils, or masks, a deep treatment effectively repairs damage and restores moisture to your hair. 

7. Style your Curls When Wet 

One way to ensure a good hair day and prevent your hair from looking dry and drab is to avoid letting it dry without applying any curly hair products. Styling with damp hair or wet hair enhances product absorption, ensuring your hair stays moisturized, looks better, and feels healthier. Consider using a styling product like hair gel to further enhance your curl type and protect it from environmental exposure.

8. Styling Tools

Enhance your curly hair styling routine by incorporating tools you might not usually think of using. When styling your curls while wet, consider reaching for a curly hair brush or a wide tooth comb. These tools can help distribute products evenly, make detangling your curls easier, and enhance their natural texture.

Don’t underestimate the impact of the right tools on elevating your curly hair styling game and achieving those enviable, well-defined curls.

9. Reduce Heat Exposure 

While using a flat or curling iron is less common amongst guys, many men occasionally use a hair dryer or straighter. But heating tools can dry your strands, damage the structure of your hair, cause damage to your curls, and mess with your curl pattern and hair texture. 

It’s a good idea to avoid using heating tools. If you must use one, don’t forget about heat protectant. Also, try to reduce heat exposure from the sun. Wear sun hats and scarves, or keep them out of direct sunlight when possible. 

10. Use a Diffuser to Dry 

While you should avoid heat as much as possible, a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment is a pretty helpful tool for people with curly hair. It dries your curls evenly, and using a heat protectant will make you less prone to damage. It also seals your moisturizing products like leave-in and curl cream into your hair. 

11. Apply Serum/Hair Oil 

Many curlies like to use coconut oil, but it can easily weigh down your hair, especially wavy hair. A great option is using a serum or multi-purpose hair oil, such as Righteous Roots Oil, to moisturize and nourish your hair. Simply rub a little bit between your palms and run your fingers through your strands. However, it’s crucial not to overdo oils and serums to avoid excess oil and greasiness.

Another way to use oils is to heat them up and gently massage them onto your scalp, leaving them in for 1-4 hours before shampooing. This process helps add and restore moisture to your hair.

12. Switch to Microfiber Towels 

I discuss microfiber towels all the time. But you only notice the difference once you make the switch. That’s how it was for me. A regular towel is severely drying. They also can cause damage by tugging on your strands and leading to breakage. A microfiber towel is more absorbent and gentler. Alternatively, you can also use just a plain old cotton T-shirt for a similar effect.

13. Invest in Silk/Satin Pillowcases 

Another recommendation I have made several times and continue to make is an investment in good-quality satin or silk pillowcases; this applies to both short curly hair and long curly hair. These items are associated with curly accessories designed to protect your curls overnight. Much of your hair’s moisture loss occurs at night while you are asleep. 

Traditional cotton and polyester pillowcases absorb moisture from your hair, drying it out. The rubbing can also cause breakage and hair fall. Silk/satin is much smoother, less absorbent, and does not mess with your natural curls. They are even better for your skin!