Asian woman with curly long hair

13 Kulot Hair Care Habits for Pinays

It's time to get into good hair care habits, like taking care of your kulot hair properly. Here are easy tips to get you started.

Taking care of kulot hair involves a hair care routine designed for this hair type. For one, curly hair is prone to dryness and frizz, especially in a humid climate. You need hair products that are deeply nourishing and moisturizing to give your curls a good texture.

Now is the time to switch to a nourishing hair care routine for your curls. Check out these tips, as well as our recommended hair serum, conditioner, and shampoo for curly hair.

How to Take Care of Your Curly Hair

1. Turn to styling products for help.

Frizzy hair remedies: Closeup shot of Asian girl touching her black curly hair wearing denim jacket against a stone wall
Use styling products that tame frizz and add shine to your curls. Credit: Hariono Halim

Applying hair serum can help make your curls look smoother and sleeker without weighing them down. You can also use hair mousse to style your kulot hair, as it tames frizz while helping make your curls more defined.

Bottle of TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum

Editor’s tip: Apply a drop of TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Anti-Frizz Shine Serum to your hair to keep your curls smooth and glossy. This hair serum has keratin and marula oil, giving your hair five benefits in one amazing system. It calms frizz, adds shine, detangles hair knots, makes your hair soft, and tames flyaways. It also has a non-greasy formula, so you get shiny curly hair that’s full of movement. 

2. Always condition your curly hair.

Asian woman conditioning her kulot hair
Your curly hair needs all the moisture it can get, so don’t forget to condition it when you wash it. Credit: Dennie Ramon

Using a hair conditioner is a must for curly hair. It gives your locks extra moisture to prevent frizz, making them easy to manage. After shampooing, apply the conditioner and leave it on for a minute before rinsing to give your strands time to absorb the moisture.

Editor’s tip: Go for a conditioner that moisturizes your hair deeply like Dove Nourishing Oil Care 1 Minute Serum Conditioner. It is infused with coconut, argan, almond, and sunflower seed oils as well as vitamin E. These help fight frizz and dryness, making dry and rough hair softer and smoother.

3. Shampoo your curly hair less often.

Asian woman with short kulot hair smiling
Let your hair’s natural oils moisturize your curls. Credit: Shutterstock

Kulot hair tends to be dry, and your natural oils help provide the moisture it needs. Overwashing your hair can remove the natural oils on your scalp, and this leads to dryness. On some days, opt to co-wash your curls, where you skip the shampoo and just use conditioner on your hair.

Bottle of Love Beauty and Planet pink shampoo

Editor’s tip: Use a moisturizing shampoo for curly hair like Love Beauty and Planet Murumuru Butter & Rose Blooming Colour Shampoo. It’s not only for colored hair. Because murumuru butter has deeply moisturizing properties, it can also help keep your curls from drying out and help make your hair shiny. 

4. Skip the brush.

How to brush curly hair: Asian woman combing her dark curly hair and wearing a fuchsia blouse
Out with a brush and in with a wide-toothed comb. Credit: Hariono Halim

Combing out your curls using an ordinary brush or a fine-tooth comb is a no-no. This causes the curls to break up, making your hair more prone to frizz. Instead of yanking on your curls with a fine-tooth comb after a bath, gently detangle your hair using either your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Twirl each cluster of curls, set it in place, then scrunch it. Not so hard, right?

5. Set your diffuser on low heat.

How to style curly hair: Asian woman using a diffuser on her long brown curly hair
Minimize damage by using a diffuser to dry your curly hair.

A diffuser dries your curly hair without ruining or damaging its shape. But go easy on the heat so you don’t dry out your curls.

6. Leave your curly hair be.

Asian woman with short curly hair wearing a green floral dress
Keep your hands off your curls. Credit: Dennie Ramon

It’s very tempting to keep touching curly hair throughout the day to make sure that each ringlet is still in place. It seems like a harmless habit, but it’s actually a major culprit of frizz. Constantly twisting and twirling also make your hair stressed, causing it to fall off. Just leave your hair, and get on with your day.

7. Use spiral hair ties.

Asian woman with short curly hair holding a hair tie
Minimize hair breakage and damage by using spiral hair ties instead of hair elastics. Credit: Natasha Estelle

Putting your curly hair up? Use spiral hair ties instead of regular hair elastics or rubber bands. Spiral hair ties do not wrap around your hair too tightly. They put less stress on your hair, so your strands are less likely to break and get damaged.

8. Go to an experienced hairstylist.

Woman with curly shoulder length haircut
Choose a hairstylist that knows his or her way around natural curls. Credit: Dvora

Yes, your choice of hairstylist matters a lot. Not all hairstylists know how to cut curly hair properly, especially here in the Philippines, where curly girls often get asked if they want a rebond upon entering a salon. Experienced hairdressers will cut your hair dry and snip off your strands according to your curl pattern. They can also teach you how to style and maintain your ringlets. It might take some trial and error to find “the one,” but when you do, it’ll be totally worth it.

9. Style curly hair when damp.

One of the best things to remember is the “cup, squeeze, crunch” method. Credit: progressman from Canva

Unlock the world of defined, frizz-free curls with the “cup, squeeze, crunch” method. After applying your favorite curl-enhancing product to damp hair, cup your curls in your hands and gently squeeze out excess water. Then, lightly crunch them upward and toward your scalp. This technique will encourage your curls’ natural shape, giving you gorgeous, bouncy locks as they dry.

10. Use silk or satin pillowcases.

silk pillowcase for softer hair
Silk or satin pillowcases are your new besties. Credit: Africa images from Canva

Curly-haired folks, rejoice! Silk or satin pillowcases can be your secret weapon for preserving your curls overnight. These smooth, luxurious fabrics reduce friction between your hair and the pillow, helping to prevent tangles and breakage. Make the switch to a silk or satin pillowcase and wake up to softer curls.

11. Don’t forget to take care of your scalp.

Asian woman shampooing curly hair
Give your curls a boost—massage and hydrate your scalp for a healthy foundation. Credit: torwai/Getty Images from Canva

Let’s talk about the real MVP of your hair routine: a healthy, happy scalp! Get those fingers working with regular scalp massages to boost circulation and hair growth. If your scalp is itchy or flaky, use a gentle anti-dandruff shampoo like Dove Dermacare Scalp Soothing Moisture Shampoo. It has Olacare Scalp Actives, a blend of Octopirox, sunflower seed oil, and glycerin. Octopirox works deep in the scalp to keep flakes away. Meanwhile, glycerin helps keep our scalp from drying out and helps with skin barrier repair. Sunflower seed oil keeps your hair moisturized.

Dove Dermacare Scalp Shampoo bottle

12. Always shower with cold water.

Asian with short brown hair and colorful background
Cold water seals the hair cuticle and locks in moisture. Credit: Hài Nguyen from Pexels

Let’s be real, hot showers feel amazing, but they’re actually doing your curly hair dirty by stripping away all those natural oils your hair needs. This leaves your hair dry and prone to frizz and breakage. So, next time you’re lathering up, give cold water rinses a try. Trust us, your curls will thank you for it!

13. Get regular trims to avoid split ends.

Keep split ends at bay and promote luscious, healthy growth. Credit: RDNE Stock Project from Pexels

When it comes to maintaining gorgeous curls, one of the best-kept secrets is getting regular trims every six to eight weeks. By cutting away split ends and damaged hair, you’re ensuring that your curls stay healthy and bouncy. Don’t underestimate the impact of this simple routine on your curly hair journey—embrace regular trims and let your healthy-looking curls shine!

Curly Hairstyles to Try

1. Curly Half Updo With Scarf

Asian woman with kulot hair in a half updo
A patterned headscarf pops against your naturally dark, curly hair. Credit: Natasha Estelle

This hairstyle keeps strands off your face while showcasing your curls’ natural shape and bounce. Then, get a headscarf, fold it, and wrap it around the base of your half updo to add color to your hairstyle.

2. Curly Side Ponytail

Asian woman with curly long hair in a side ponytail wearing a white dress outdoors
Put your pretty curls in a pretty side ponytail. Credit: Hariono Halim

Dressing up for your friend’s wedding? A curly side ponytail can make your curly long hair stylish and elegant. This hairstyle also suits any outfit—whether you’re wearing a long gown or a simple cocktail dress.

3. Curly Hair Down ‘Do

Asian woman with long kulot hair
Leave your curls down and show how proud you are of your natural hair. Credit: Natasha Estelle

Celebrate your natural curls with a long, beautiful down ‘do. Nail this ‘do by making your curls well-moisturized with a drop of hair serum or leave-on cream.

4. Half-Wet Waves

Side view of a woman with long dark wavy hair wearing a blue vest and green top
Half-wet waves make for a sexy hairstyle, too. Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows

You can also sport a half-wet look along with your curly or wavy hair. It’s a sleek hairstyle that makes you look polished and sophisticated sans the need to straighten your curls.

5. Half-Up Space Buns

Asian woman with black curls in a half-up space bun wearing a light yellow jacket
A bun hairstyle is a fun hairstyle! Credit: Natasha Estelle

Love playful looks? Put your curls in a half-up space bun hairstyle. It’s a young and hip look that you can sport during weekends when watching a movie or going on a tour around your city.

6. Turban

Caucasian woman wearing a purple outfit and purple turban in a fashion show
Having a bad curly hair day? Wear a head gear. Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images for TRESemmé

Having a bad hair day? Wear a turban or a bandana, and no one will notice! You can also wear a hat, which can double as sun protection for your hair.

7. Crimped Curly Hair

girl in red with long curly hair
Look like a mermaid with long, curly hair. Credit: Hariono Halim

Sometimes, the best way to wear your kulot is to just let it flow like mermaid waves. You can also use hair crimpers to achieve this look. Feel free to add some gloss so your hair looks polished.

8. Braided Updo

girl is wearing an off-shoulder top and dangling earrings to show off her kulot hairstyle
Look fab with this sleek and elegant hairstyle. Credit: Dennie Ramon

Going out to a party or having a romantic dinner date? Put your hair up in this braided updo and look fresh all night. This stylish look helps you maintain your curls and keep them in check. You can also wear this hairstyle to a wedding.

9. Curly Crown Braid

Asian girl smiles with her nice crown braid hairstyle
Glam up for a date with this hairstyle. Credit: Hariono Halim

Try this day-to-night hairstyle when you’re planning to go out after work. This braided hairstyle is equal parts sleek, elegant, and romantic. You can curl the tips of our hair for added glam.

10. Half-Up Ponytail for Short Curly Hair

girl wearing a black jacket has an '80s-inspired kulot hairstyle
Bring back that classic ’80s look. Credit: Natasha Estelle

The beauty of having kulot hair is that you have natural volume and body to work with. This is a good start if you’re in the mood for ’80s hairstyles. Go for a half-up ponytail for curly hair for a fun and cute hairstyle for your barkada night!

You don’t have to resort to straightening your curls to get a manageable mane. All you need is patience, practice, and a sense of appreciation for the gorgeous hair you were born with. With the right haircut and hair care routine, you can rock your kulot hair confidently!

Asian woman styling her hair with heat
Article

4 Rules you shouldn’t break when styling your hair with heat

If you often style your hair with heat, make sure you don’t break these rules—for your hair’s sake!

See article