Keeping up with curls can feel like a full-time job. There are treatments and cremes, even pillowcase requirements. So, we checked in with Mitchell Cantrell, Ouidad brand ambassador to find out how to care for curly hair, from washing to brushing and even styling.

“I suggest washing, conditioning, and using a mask or treatment at least once a week. Styling and caring for curls require gentle care like wearing a bonnet or sleeping on a silk pillowcase, drying your hair with a microfiber towel, getting trims regularly to prevent split ends, and avoiding high heat and chemicals when possible. Lastly, taking care of your scalp is crucial to maintaining healthy curls,” says Mitchell. “Doing an occasional scalp mask is an amazing way to deep clean the scalp while creating healthy blood flow to the follicles. My favorite scalp mask is Ouidad’s Heavy Lifting Bubbling Scalp Mask. It eliminates buildup, oil, and impurities that can lead to dryness, flaking, and irritation and disrupt the curl pattern,” he adds.

While there are a lot of goldilocks requirements when it comes to curls, length isn’t one of them. The only non-negotiable is upkeep. “There is no best length, in my opinion. If curls are properly cared for and trimmed regularly, then they can grow freely. However, if someone is looking for more volume in their hair, a face-framing effect, or added shape, a haircut is always a great option. He recommends a cutting technique like the “Carve and Slice” in which curls sit into each other in neat, circular patterns, rather than on top of each other causing a pyramid-like shape. “A blunter shelf-like cut can lead to frizz,” he explains.

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We know that curly hair people should avoid brushing hair when it’s dry, and according to Mitchell, overwashing curls “is a big culprit,” he notes. “This strips the hair of its natural oils and bounce. Try using one of Ouidad’s cleansing conditioners for a more moisturizing wash. My favorite is Coil Infusion Drink Up Cleansing Conditioner.”

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Mitchell’s go-to is the Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Touch-up Gel Cream. “It’s great for refreshing styles in between wash days and defining dry curls on the go. It’s formulated with a protein called sericin (derived from silk) that wraps each strand in a protective shield to lock in moisture and lock out humidity (read: frizz).” Gel may conjure less than glam sticky memories, but all that hold is necessary when controlling waves.

“Hydration is always the key to great curls,” adds Mitchell. The more filled curls are on the inside, the more likely they are to perform their best. The Ouidad’s Advanced Climate Control Frizz-Fighting Hydrating Mask is my favorite way to boost moisture levels quickly when curls need a reboot.”

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Mane: (n.) A head of distinctly long,  thick hair.  Addicts:  (tr.v) To occupy or involve  oneself in something habitually or compulsively.