Curly hair can look completely different depending on how it is cleansed, conditioned and styled, so I prefer building my routine around a few products that each have a clear purpose.

I want enough moisture to keep my curls soft, but I also need definition that lasts beyond the first few hours. These three formulas cover the steps I care about most: cleansing, detangling and styling.

A Gentler Start On Wash Day

Manetain Moisturising Shampoo is the kind of shampoo I would reach for when my curls need cleansing without that overly stripped feeling I really dislike. The bottle describes it as a gentle, non-drying cleanser for daily use and highlights baobab protein, seaweed extract and marshmallow extract.

I would concentrate it mainly on my scalp and let the lather run through the lengths while rinsing rather than aggressively scrubbing the ends. With curly hair, I find that keeping the cleansing step simple usually makes everything that comes afterwards much easier.

I especially like the idea of a moisturising shampoo when my hair feels dry or when I have been using more styling products than usual.

For Softer, Easier Detangling

Dove Beautiful Curls Moisture Boost Detangling Conditioner feels like the practical middle step my routine needs. Shea butter and squalane are highlighted on the packaging, and the conditioner is specifically made for curls.

I would apply a generous amount through the mid-lengths and ends, leave it on while I finish the rest of my shower, and then detangle carefully with my fingers or a wide-tooth comb. I never rush this step because forcing through knots is one of the quickest ways for my curls to end up looking frizzy and uneven.

For me, a good conditioner should leave the hair manageable enough that styling afterwards feels effortless rather than like damage control.

When I Want My Curls To Hold

The Curl Co Shape & Restore Strong Hold Curl Cream is the product I would save for styling. The formula highlights argan oil, flaxseed oil and rice protein and is intended for wavy and curly hair.

I would work a small amount through very damp hair, focusing on the lengths, then scrunch the curls upward to encourage their natural shape. Because this is a strong-hold cream, I would start with less product and add more only where needed.

This is the step I would rely on when I want definition that still looks soft rather than overly stiff or coated.

What I’d Keep In My Routine

Together, these three products make sense to me as a simple curl routine: gentle cleansing, plenty of slip for detangling and enough styling support to bring the curl pattern back to life. I would adjust the amount of conditioner and curl cream depending on how dry or fine my hair feels that day, but I like that the routine itself stays easy and uncomplicated.