The Ultimate Guide to Super Curly Hair – Expert Advice
Super curly hair is powerful, expressive and completely individual. After years of hands-on work with curly clients, one thing is clear: curls don’t need to be controlled — they need to be understood.
At Chalk Hair, our Brighton salon (Fiveways, BN1) is known for working with natural curl patterns, not against them. This guide is here to help you care for super curly hair between salon visits, with practical, often-overlooked tips that genuinely make a difference.
What Is Super Curly Hair?
Super curly hair usually sits between tight curls and coils. It can feel dry, shrink significantly when dry, and react quickly to weather, products and handling.
Common traits include:
Tight spiral or corkscrew curls
Shrinkage of 50% or more
Dryness through the mid-lengths and ends
High sensitivity to friction and heat
Understanding this is the first step to healthy curls.
The Biggest Mistake Curly Clients Make
One of the most common issues I see (even after years working with curls) is over-handling.
Brushing dry curls, constantly re-styling, or touching hair throughout the day breaks the curl pattern and causes frizz before the hair even has a chance to settle.
Expert tip: Once your curls are styled, leave them alone. The less interference, the better the curl formation.
How Often Should You Wash Super Curly Hair?
Less than you think.
Super curly hair doesn’t need frequent shampooing because natural oils take longer to travel down the curl. Over-washing strips moisture and leaves curls dull and brittle.
Our recommendation:
Shampoo once every 7–10 days
Use a gentle, sulphate-free cleanser
Refresh between washes with water and a lightweight curl cream
Unusual (But Game-Changing) Tips for Super Curly Hair
These are the small changes that make a huge difference:
1. Style Hair Soaking Wet
Water is your curl’s best friend. Apply styling products while hair is dripping wet — not towel-dried — to lock in hydration and definition.
2. Ditch the Regular Towel
Traditional towels cause friction. Use a cotton T-shirt or microfibre towel to gently squeeze excess water.
3. Dry from the Ends First
When diffusing, start at the ends and work upwards. This helps curls form without collapsing at the root.
4. Sleep Protection Is Non-Negotiable
A silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction and prevents flattened curls overnight.
The Right Cut Changes Everything
Super curly hair should never be cut like straight hair.
At Chalk Hair in Brighton, we shape curls based on:
Natural fall of the curl
Density and shrinkage
How the hair behaves when dry
A well-executed curly cut reduces styling time, improves definition, and allows curls to sit properly without forcing them.
Colour & Super Curly Hair – What You Should Know
Colour, blonding and balayage can work beautifully on curly hair — when done correctly.
The key is:
Low-impact lightening techniques
Bond protection during colour services
Moisture-focused aftercare
When curls are respected during colouring, they retain bounce, elasticity and shine.
Finding the Right Curly Hairdresser in Brighton
If you’re looking for a curly hairdresser in Brighton, it’s important to choose a salon that understands texture at an expert level.
You’ll find Chalk Hair in Fiveways, BN1 — a relaxed, professional space where curls are treated with care, patience and experience.
Many of our curly clients travel across Brighton and the surrounding areas because they want hair that feels healthy and looks effortless.
Final Thoughts
Super curly hair isn’t difficult — it’s misunderstood.
With the right cut, thoughtful products, and a gentler approach, curls thrive naturally and become easier to manage over time.
If you’d like expert advice, a proper curly cut, or help understanding your hair better, you’re always welcome at Chalk Hair.
Find us in Fiveways, Brighton (BN1), or book online when you’re ready.