Curly Hair Tips That Actually Work in Chapin

Every week at Hyde - Chapin, someone sits in my chair and sighs, “Barb, my curls just won’t cooperate.” If that sounds familiar, trust me, you are not the only one. South Carolina’s mix of humidity and sunshine can turn curls into a daily guessing game. I have spent over 20 years working with all types of textures, and I’ve seen what really makes a difference. These are the tips I give my own clients when they want their curls to look healthy and defined without feeling like a full-time job.

Tip #1: Moisture Is Everything

Curls need hydration or they will frizz, flatten, or lose their bounce. Conditioner should never be skipped. I recommend using a leave-in or even just a little conditioner mixed with water to refresh curls between wash days. A client of mine who works near Chapin Commons started carrying a small spray bottle in her car. She told me it saves her curls after long afternoons running errands in the heat.

• Wash less often, about two to three times a week.
• Use water and conditioner to bring curls back to life on busy days.
• Seal in hydration while hair is still damp for longer-lasting definition.

Tip #2: Skip the Towel Rubbing

Rubbing your curls with a bath towel is one of the fastest ways to cause frizz. That friction roughs up the hair cuticle. Instead, gently scrunch the water out with a microfiber towel or even a soft cotton t-shirt. I had a client try this for the first time last month and she came back shocked, saying, “My curls finally look like curls instead of a triangle.” Small changes really do matter.

Tip #3: Apply Products With Care

The way you apply styling products is just as important as what you use. Always work with soaking wet hair. Smooth product down each section with flat palms before scrunching. We call this the praying hands method at Hyde - Chapin. It spreads product evenly and helps curls form together instead of breaking apart into frizz.

Tip #4: Don’t Skip Regular Shape-Ups

Curly hair has its own rhythm. It grows, shrinks, and spirals in ways straight hair doesn’t. That is why waiting too long between trims makes curls uneven and harder to style. Every 8 to 12 weeks, a shape-up cut keeps curls balanced and healthy. At Hyde - Chapin, we focus on cuts that work with your natural curl pattern. A fresh shape-up makes styling at home so much easier.

Tip #5: Protect Your Curls Overnight

You put time into styling, so don’t let your curls get ruined while you sleep. Cotton pillowcases pull moisture out of your hair and flatten your curl pattern. Switching to a satin or silk pillowcase helps reduce friction. Another simple trick is to gather your curls loosely on top of your head before bed. This “pineapple” method saves a lot of restyling time in the morning.

Every Curl Is Unique

One thing I’ve learned in all my years behind the chair is that no two curls are exactly alike. Some need extra moisture, others need more hold. The key is to find a rhythm that works for you and your lifestyle. When you’re not sure, that is what we are here for. We love showing our clients in Chapin how to build a routine that feels manageable and realistic.

Curly hair is not something to fight. With the right care, it becomes your best feature. The more you work with your natural texture, the more consistent your curls will become.

Let’s Get Your Curls Back On Track

If you’re tired of battling frizz or never knowing how your hair will look day to day, come see us at Hyde - Chapin. We are right at 301 Columbia Ave., Suite 201, Chapin, SC 29036, near Chapin Commons. Call us at 803.723.2410 or book your appointment online. Let’s get your curls looking the way you’ve always wanted them to.