Here’s my Curly Hair Routine for Teens. A simple, step by step guide with techniques and product recommendations that really work. For what teens need and what they want. So they can feel comfortable, happy and confident when they look in the mirror, or take pictures with their friends. And learn how to embrace their natural hair texture and curl pattern, which can often change throughout their teens. This curly hair routine for teens is especially helpful if you don’t have curly hair yourself. Or you have a teenager who’s getting frustrated with their natural hair texture, curl pattern and frizz.
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Curly Hair Routine for Teens
This is part one of a two part series on hair care for teens. I’ve got a teenage son and a teenage daughter, both with curly hair. This article is where being a mom, meets being Curl Maven. If you have curly hair, you may remember your curl pattern or texture developed or changed during puberty. And we all know the feeling of wanting to fit in and look like everyone else. Or just not have to deal with the frizz or hair that changes with the weather, literally! When you just want to hang out with your friends, look cute and feel confident.
Here are the techniques and product recommendations you need for your teenager to keep their scalp healthy. Reduce knots, tangles, frizz and dryness. And give them what all teens want: minimum volume, maximum hold and absolutely no frizz! Because frizz is the reason most teenagers want to straighten their hair. So with this curly hair routine for teens, they can minimize their frizz, and feel a lot better about their curls.
1. Start with the Scalp
Start with the scalp and honestly, don’t worry about the sulfates. This has been the biggest struggle in our house. Because if they don’t spend enough time massaging their scalp with shampoo (and they often don’t). This leads to scalp issues, product build up and dandruff. Which doesn’t feel great or look good, and it certainly doesn’t do anything for their confidence. So it’s a case of picking your battles and knowing where to let go and make adjustments in their hair routine.
So if they’re struggling with product build up, dandruff, an itchy scalp or greasy roots. Use a sulfate shampoo, like the Bumble + Bumble Sunday Shampoo. Which is chelating so it also removes hard water build up, metal and mineral deposits from their hair. If they’re experimenting with colour, get the Olaplex Clarifying Shampoo instead. If their hair is really dry and frizzy, or you want a more affordable option, get the Sally’s Ion Hard Water Shampoo. If you want a sulfate-free shampoo that effectively removes product build up and soothes the scalp. Then I highly recommend the Flora + Curl Scalp Refresh Shampoo.
2. Make Detangling Easy
Knots, tangles and dryness can be difficult at the best of times. But especially when you’re learning new techniques and how to apply products correctly. So as part of this curly hair routine for teens, I recommend making it as easy and effortless as possible to detangle their hair. And you do this by getting a really good conditioner. And using the right brush to distribute the product evenly, detangle without ripping or tearing the hair and defining the curl.
The best detangling conditioners for your teenager’s curly hair, especially if it’s dry and frizzy are the Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioning Balm, KLORANE’s Nourishing + Repairing Mask or Curlsmith’s Fragrance Free Shine Conditioner. If you want something that’s great for slip, shine and detangling, but also contains protein to strengthen the hair. Then I’d recommend the budget-friendly Imbue Curl Respecting Conditioner. Or my favourite, the Phyto Joba Moisturizing Mask. Currently out of stock at LOOKFANTASTIC, but available on Amazon here.
how to detangle:
Apply the conditioner or hair mask to soaking wet hair from the ends upwards and then (this is key) use this Denman cushioned paddle brush to gentle detangle each section, from the ends upwards. Read this article for more tips + advice on how to detangle curly hair (coming next week!). You can use any of these as a regular conditioner for up to 5 mins. Or you can leave them in for 20-30 mins to deep condition. Don’t rinse out fully if the ends feel dry or look frizzy.
3. Styling: Minimal Volume, Maximum Hold, No Frizz
Minimal volume, maximum hold and absolutely no frizz! That’s what teens want when it comes to their curly hair routine and styling products. Add moisture and reduce frizz by using a leave in conditioner or lotion. Next apply a stying product that will define the curls, but without the volume. And then lock it all in with a gel. I’ve found the trick with the gel is using something that’s hydrating, but with strong hold. And I highly recommend brush styling to create smooth, frizz-free definition. Here are some styling product recommendations for each of those steps. Get 21% off all these products using code CURLMAVEN at LOOKFANTASTIC.
styling product recommendations for fine hair:
- Giovanni Direct Leave in Conditioner or Aveda Nutriplenish Leave in Conditioner – also a UV + heat protectant
- Umberto Giannini Curl Whip Mousse – read this article for application tips
- Bouclème Curl Defining Gel – (for light hold) or
- Curlsmith Shine Jelly (for light – medium hold) or
- Umberto Giannini Curl Scrunching Jelly (for medium hold)
styling product recommendations for thick, coarse or dry hair:
- Curlsmith Shine Cream Leave in Conditioner
- Living Proof Curl Definer – the best curl definer I’ve found for my daughter’s hair!
- Bouclème Super Hold Styler (for strong hold) or
- Curlsmith Shine Gel (for strong hold) or
- Living Proof Curl Gel (for strong hold)
4. Tools + Accessories
I highly recommend investing in a good hair dryer + diffuser, a few silk scrunchies and a silk pillowcase. Slip Silk is my favourite for scrunchies and pillowcases because of the quality, durability and wide variety colours available. Your teens will use them for years to come to tie their up during the day, and protect their hair at night. Watch this video to know how to do that.
I always recommend diffusing wavy + curly hair to achieve the best results. I’ve found from experience that a smaller, lighter hair dryer and diffuser works best. Either the Dyson Super Sonic Dryer or the Shark Flex Style, now available at LOOKFANTASTIC. These are both much easier for teens and tweens to grip, hold and handle because they’re so lightweight and compact. Which also makes them great for packing, whether that’s spending weekends or holidays at their Dad’s or sleep overs with their friends.
I really hope you found this article helpful! The tips, techniques, and product recommendations I’ve shared will help establish a simple, but effective curly hair routine. To achieve beautiful, hydrated, detangled, and frizz-free curls. If you have any questions, leave a comment below. And check out my YouTube channel which features washday and styling routines, tips, advice + tutorials. Including videos on the best hair cut for curly hair and my DIY hair cut for curly hair – which is how I cut my daughter’s hair.
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