Top 10 Curly Hair Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Do Instead)

Caring for curly hair is a journey—full of trial, error, and growth (literally and figuratively!). Whether you're just starting to embrace your natural texture or you've been natural for years, avoiding these common curly hair mistakes can make a massive difference in how your curls look and feel. Here are the top 10 curly hair mistakes to steer clear of—and what you should do instead for healthier, defined, and thriving curls.

4/11/2025

1. Washing Too Often

The Mistake: Washing curly hair daily or even every other day strips it of its natural oils, causing dryness and frizz.

The Fix: Stick to washing once or twice a week. In between, use a co-wash or refresh with a leave-in spray and water.

2. Skipping Deep Conditioning

The Mistake: Neglecting to deep condition regularly leads to brittle, lifeless curls.

The Fix: Deep condition at least once a week. Look for treatments with ingredients like honey, aloe vera, and coconut oil to strengthen and hydrate.

3. Using Sulfates or Harsh Shampoos

The Mistake: Many shampoos contain sulfates, which can be too harsh for textured hair.

The Fix: Use sulfate-free shampoos or cleansing conditioners that cleanse gently without stripping your hair’s moisture barrier.

4. Detangling Dry Hair

The Mistake: Brushing or combing curly hair while it's dry causes breakage and disrupts your curl pattern.

The Fix: Always detangle while your hair is wet and has conditioner in it. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to minimize breakage.

5. Applying Products to Soaking Wet or Bone Dry Hair

The Mistake: Applying your products when your hair is dripping wet or totally dry can affect absorption and definition.

The Fix: Apply products to damp hair. This helps seal in moisture while still allowing the product to penetrate.

6. Not Protecting Hair at Night

The Mistake: Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase or without a protective style leads to dryness and frizz.

The Fix: Use a satin or silk bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase. Pineapple your curls or braid them loosely to reduce friction while you sleep.

7. Using Too Much Product

The Mistake: Overloading on product can weigh curls down, leave residue, and lead to build-up.

The Fix: Start with small amounts and build up if needed. Layer your products intentionally (leave-in, then cream, then gel or oil if necessary).

8. Neglecting Regular Trims

The Mistake: Avoiding trims can cause split ends to travel up the hair shaft, leading to more damage.

The Fix: Trim your ends every 8–12 weeks, even if you're growing your hair. Healthy ends = better curl definition and retention.

9. Styling in a Rush

The Mistake: Rushing through your wash day or refresh can lead to uneven application, frizz, and undefined curls.

The Fix: Take your time sectioning and applying products. Let your hair dry completely before touching it for best results.

10. Comparing Your Curls to Others

The Mistake: Everyone’s hair is different. Constant comparison can make you feel like your curls aren’t “good enough.”

The Fix: Focus on learning what your hair needs. Track your progress, celebrate your wins, and remember that your curls are uniquely beautiful.

Final Thoughts

Your curly hair journey is yours and yours alone. Avoiding these 10 mistakes can save you years of trial and error—and bring you closer to healthy, defined, beautiful curls that feel like you. At House of 8, we’re here to help you every step of the way with blogs, tutorials, and honest product recommendations.

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