With the right routine and a little TLC, your curls can go from “meh” to “main character energy.” Who knows? You might even find yourself in the running for the title of Curl King alongside Aditya Roy Kapur.
It’s official: curls are having a moment. From Adam Brody’s effortlessly tousled locks to Gavin Casalegno’s beachy waves and Jim Sarbh’s “devil-may-care” curls, these men are proof that natural hair textures can look downright irresistible. And let’s not forget Ishan Khatter and Aditya Roy Kapur, who have made curls their signature, sending hearts aflutter everywhere. But here’s the catch—those luscious curls don’t magically happen. Behind every perfectly imperfect curl is a routine that ensures those spirals are hydrated, defined, and ready for their close-up.
Not everyone is blessed with celebrity stylists, but worry not! Whether you’re just embracing your curls or have been battling frizz since birth, here’s your ultimate guide to taming, flaunting, and loving those curls.
Step 1: Ditch the Bubbles
Curls and sulfates? A total love-hate relationship. Sulfates (the chemicals that make shampoos lather like your favorite soda commercial) strip natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry, frizzy, and harder to handle than the plot of a Nolan movie. Swap out your regular shampoo for a sulfate-free one designed specifically for curly hair. It’ll cleanse your scalp without throwing your curls into crisis mode.
Insider tip: Try “co-washing” (using only conditioner) once or twice a week to keep curls hydrated without overwashing.
Step 2: Moisture Is Your New Best Friend
Here’s the thing about curls: they’re thirsty. No, not in an attention-seeking way, but literally. Curly hair needs extra hydration to stay soft and manageable. After washing, work in a leave-in conditioner or curl cream while your hair is still wet. Think of this as your curl armor—it protects, defines, and keeps your hair from looking like a poodle caught in the rain.
Bonus tip: If you’re feeling fancy, try the “squish-to-condish” method: scrunch your hair while applying the product to lock in moisture and encourage curl definition. It’s oddly satisfying.

Step 3: Layer Like a Pro
Celebs don’t achieve that “perfectly undone” curl by chance—it’s all about layering products strategically. After your leave-in conditioner, seal the deal with a lightweight gel or mousse. This step is your curl insurance policy, keeping them in place without weighing them down. The result? Defined curls that can survive everything from humidity to an impromptu photo op.
Pro move: For extra shine, scrunch in a few drops of hair oil after your gel has set. Your curls will look so glossy they might get mistaken for a magazine ad.
Step 4: Ditch the Towel, Get a T-Shirt
Drying your curls is where things can go terribly wrong. Rubbing them with a towel? A one-way ticket to Frizz Town. Instead, opt for a cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel to gently squeeze out excess water. Better yet, air-dry or use a diffuser for added volume.
Pro-level hack: Flip your head upside down while diffusing for extra root lift. Just try not to get dizzy.

Step 5: Refresh Like a Pro
Curls can be high-maintenance, but they’re worth it. To keep second or third-day curls looking fresh, spritz them with water or a curl-refreshing spray. Scrunch in a bit of leave-in conditioner, and voila—your curls are back in action.
Celebrity secret: Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize friction and wake up with curls that don’t look like they’ve been through a tornado.