10 Curly Hair Mistakes You’re Probably Making (and How to Fix Them)

Plus 5 Bonus Tips from CurlyEllie That Could Save Your Curls

If you love your curls but sometimes feel like they're working against you — frizzy, dry, tangled, or just plain unmanageable — you’re not alone. While there’s tons of advice out there on what to do for your curls, sometimes it’s what you don’t do that makes all the difference.

Here are the top curly hair mistakes (aka the CurlyEllie DO NOT List) — and how to fix them so your curls can thrive.

❌ 1. Sleeping on a Cotton Pillowcase

Cotton strips moisture and causes breakage.
✅ Fix it: Sleep with a satin cap or use a CurlyEllie pillowcase. Try a loose pineapple bun using one of our CurlyEllie Satin Scrunchies to keep your curls intact overnight.

 

❌ 2. Skipping Daily Moisture

Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair and needs daily hydration.
✅ Fix it: Use leave-in conditioners or products with humectants like glycerine that lock in moisture all day.

❌ 3. Using Harsh Ingredients

Silicones, sulfates, and parabens can ruin your curl pattern and dry out your hair.
✅ Fix it: Switch to clean, curl-friendly products like the CurlyEllie range, made with plant-powered, gentle ingredients.

 

❌ 4. Embracing Knots and Frizz

Detangling matters — but only when done right.
✅ Fix it: Use a Leave-In Conditioner or Detangling Spray and avoid touching your curls when dry. Try our CurlyEllie Scrunch Towel instead of rubbing.

❌ 5. Skipping Weekly Deep Conditioning

Deep moisture = healthy curls. Period.
✅ Fix it: Use the CurlyEllie Intense Treatment Mask once a week for 15 minutes to restore hydration and bounce.

❌ 6. Overusing Heat

Flat irons and blow dryers strip moisture fast.
✅ Fix it: Embrace your natural texture and, if you must use heat, apply a protective conditioner first and stick to low heat and low power settings.

❌ 7. Using Too Many Products

Mixing too many oils and creams = build-up and confusion.
✅ Fix it: Stick to a few well-formulated products that match your curl type — not trends.

❌ 8. Washing Too Often

Overwashing removes natural oils your curls desperately need.
✅ Fix it: Limit washes to once or twice a week with gentle, natural shampoos and conditioners. Avoid sulfates!

❌ 9. Skipping Shampoo & Conditioner Altogether

Some routines skip washing, but your scalp still needs care.
✅ Fix it: Shampoo and condition regularly to support healthy growth and moisture retention.

❌ 10. Falling Out of Love With Your Curls

Your curls are your crown — wear them with pride.
✅ Fix it: Care for them with love, patience, and the right routine. Curly hair is beautiful, bold, and unique.

 

✨ BONUS TIPS FROM CURLYELLIE FANS:

❌ 11. Brushing Dry Hair 

It causes breakage and frizz.
✅ Always detangle on wet, conditioned hair only.

✅ Use this opportunity to gently work through tangles. Always start at the ends.

❌ 12. Not Applying Shampoo Upright

✅ Apply shampoo to your hands first and rub your hands together top active the Gentle Shampoo and start the lather or apply to exfoliator and rub into scalp.

❌ 13. Rubbing Hair Dry

✅ Instead, pat and squeeze with an old t-shirt or our Scrunch Towel to preserve curl pattern.

❌ 14. Brushing From Roots to Tips

✅ Work your way up from the tips while holding the hair above the knot.

❌ 15. Being Afraid to Touch Your Hair

✅ It takes just a few minutes to refresh curls with leave-in and detangling spray. Show your curls some love — they’re worth it.

 

🌿 The Bottom Line:

Healthy curls aren’t just about what you do — they’re also about what you stop doing. With a few small changes and the right products, your curls can be hydrated, defined, and frizz-free all day long.

 

Ready to give your curls what they need?
Explore our full CurlyEllie range – 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and made for every curl pattern.