Curly Hair Products: How to Build a Routine That Enhances Your 3A and 3B Curls
Choosing the right curly hair products can radically transform your hair routine. Defined spirals, bouncy curls, natural shine: it all comes down to care suited to the specific nature of curly hair. At Les Secrets de Loly, we draw a clear distinction between curly hair (types 3A and 3B according to the Walker classification) and wavy or loose coily hair, because each texture calls for a different routine. This complete guide helps you build yours, step by step.
Curly hair: what are we actually talking about?
In LSL terminology, curly hair corresponds to types 3A and 3B only. You recognise it by its defined curls, forming tighter or looser spirals. Each curl shapes a slightly raised cuticle: that's what gives movement, but also what explains the strong need for hydration.
If your curls are wider and S-shaped, you're probably wavy rather than curly. Conversely, if your curls are very tight (3C/4A), you belong to the loose coily textures and your routine will be different. Not sure of your texture? Our article on understanding your hair type will guide you.
Key features of 3A/3B curls:
- Medium to high porosity
- Increased need for hydration (sebum travels poorly down the strand)
- Sensitivity to frizz in humid weather
- Definition that collapses without a suitable styler
Why curly hair products differ from other routines
Curly hair needs a subtle balance: enough nourishment to stay supple, without weighing it down to the point of breaking definition. That's why the LSL curly routine is neither the wavy one (too light, would lack nourishment) nor the loose coily one (too rich, would weigh the spirals down).
The dryness of textured hair isn't a flaw: it's a structural characteristic linked to the curved shape of the follicle. The right products make up for this reality by delivering water, lipids and nourishing actives at the right moment.
The official LSL routine for curly hair
Here is the 4-step sequence designed specifically for 3A and 3B:
Step 1 — Cleanse with Perfect Match
The Perfect Match shampoo cleanses gently without stripping or weighing down. Its light formula preserves the hydrolipidic film while bringing volume and protection. Gently massage the scalp to stimulate blood circulation, and let the lather glide down the lengths as you rinse.
For a dry scalp and/or thick hair, use Perfect Clean instead, enriched with baobab proteins to strengthen the strand.
Step 2 — Detangle and nourish with Pink Paradise
More detangling and more nourishing than Cream Conditioner, the Pink Paradise conditioner glides down the lengths and eases the passage of the Magic Brush. Always detangle from ends to roots, never the other way round, to avoid breakage.
Step 3 — Hydrate with Kurl Nectar
The Kurl Nectar leave-in is the heart of the curly routine: rich in nourishing and moisturising actives, it's applied to very wet hair to maximise absorption. If you're new to this kind of product, our guide what is a leave-in explains its essential role.
Note: if you have fine hair, the lighter Kurl Potion can be a relevant alternative.
Step 4 — Define with Boost Curl
The Boost Curl jelly seals in hydration and shapes each spiral. Apply it to still-wet hair, scrunching (pressing from ends towards the roots) to amplify the bounce.
Discover the complete curly hair routine in a single kit.
The LOC method applied to curly hair
The LOC method (Liquid – Oil – Cream) optimises long-lasting hydration:
- L (Liquid): water
- O (Oil): a few drops of Kurl Nutrition, a concentrated anti-breakage oil
- C (Cream): your Kurl Nectar leave-in to seal everything in
On 3A/3B hair, this method is ideal between two washes to refresh the curls, or in the evening before bed.
The essential complementary treatments
A wash routine alone is rarely enough. Weekly treatments are essential to maintain the health of the strand.
| Treatment | Frequency | Leave-on time | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repair Time | 1x/week | 15-30 min (heat ideal) | Dry, dull, rough hair |
| Pink Power Mask | 1x every 15 days | 5-10 min | Brittle, weakened, coloured hair |
| Kurl Nutrition (oil bath) | 1x/week | 30 min to 1h under a heated cap | All textured hair types, dry lengths or prone to breakage and split ends |
| Tropical Détox (clarifying) | 1x/month | 10-20 min | Hair loaded with residue (products, pollution, colour or straightening), scalp to purify |
⚠️ Pink Power Mask contains proteins: don't confuse it with a moisturising mask. Save it for moments when the hair breaks while brushing, and always alternate it with a nourishing treatment like Repair Time.
Protecting your curls at night
Without night-time protection, friction against the pillow breaks definition and creates frizz. Go for the Silky Twist, our silk night bonnet, or the Kiss Pillow. More tips in our article "Protecting your textured hair at night".
FAQ — Curly hair products
How often should you wash 3A/3B curly hair?
Generally once or twice a week. Fine hair may need more frequent washing, while thicker hair can sometimes go 10 days. Listen to your scalp.
Should you apply leave-in to dry or wet hair?
Always on very wet hair, just after the squeezed-out conditioner. It's the water that hydrates; the product seals it in.
What's the difference between Kurl Potion and Kurl Nectar?
Kurl Potion is a light leave-in, perfect for fine and wavy hair. Kurl Nectar is richer in nourishing actives, recommended for 3A/3B curls and beyond.
How can I limit frizz on curly hair?
Sufficiently hydrated hair + application on soaking-wet hair + scrunching + silk night protection. Details in our article limiting frizz.
Can you combine Repair Time and Pink Power Mask?
Yes, alternating them: Repair Time hydrates and nourishes, Pink Power Mask strengthens with its proteins. Too much protein would make the strand stiff; too much hydration, limp. Alternating creates the balance.
Ready to build your routine?
Choosing your curly hair products becomes simple once you know your texture, your porosity and your needs. For 100% personalised recommendations, take our free hair diagnosis: a few questions are enough to reveal your 3A and 3B curls at their full potential.
