5 Common Curly Hair Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

If your curls are feeling frizzy, undefined or more tangled than usual—it might not be your hair, but how you’re caring for it. Curly and wavy hair can be beautifully low-maintenance if you're using the right tools and habits. But all too often, simple mistakes can get in the way of great curl days.

Here are five of the most common curly hair mistakes we see—and more importantly, how to fix them.

1. Drying Your Hair with a Regular Towel

The problem: Traditional terry cloth towels are designed to absorb water fast—but for curly hair, that can also mean removing too much moisture and roughing up the hair cuticle. The result? Frizz, breakage and undefined curl patterns.

✅ How to fix it:
Swap your standard towel for a Muslin Towel Turban. Made from 100% cotton muslin, this lightweight, smooth fabric is gentler on curls and helps reduce frizz. It’s also perfect for “plopping,” micro-plopping, or simply wrapping up wet hair while you get ready—without drying it out too much.

2. Skipping Silk at Night

The problem: Cotton pillowcases and rough fabrics can cause friction while you sleep, leading to flattened curls, tangles and moisture loss overnight.

✅ How to fix it:
Protect your curls with a Silk Lined Tubular Hair Wrap or sleep on a silk pillowcase. The smooth texture helps reduce friction and breakage, and because silk doesn’t absorb moisture like cotton, it helps your curls stay hydrated and defined. Plus, it cuts down on morning refresh time—win-win.

3. Washing Too Often

The problem: Curly hair can be drier by nature, so washing too frequently can strip away the natural oils that curls need to stay soft and defined.

✅ How to fix it:
Extend the time between wash days with protective sleep accessories and gentle refresh techniques. Curl-refreshing sprays, and sleeping with your curls protected in silk will help your style last longer without needing a full reset.

4. Using Hair Elastics That Pull or Snag

The problem: Tight elastics can stretch and weaken your curls, or worse—snap strands right out.

✅ How to fix it:
Use soft, silk or satin scrunchies and avoid tying your hair too tightly. For sleeping or lounging at home, consider simply wrapping your curls in a silk-lined wrap to keep your hair out of your face while giving it some extra love.

5. Brushing Your Curls When They’re Dry

The problem: Brushing dry curls disrupts the curl pattern, causes frizz, and can make your hair appear fluffier than usual (and not in a good way).

✅ How to fix it:
Detangle your curls gently when they’re wet or damp, using a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush. If your hair’s prone to tangling, you can also gently finger detangle during your conditioning step in the shower.

Final Thoughts

Caring for curly hair doesn’t have to be complicated—but the right habits (and tools) go a long way. By avoiding these common mistakes and incorporating gentle, curl-safe accessories like our Muslin Towel Turbans and Silk Lined Tubular Hair Wraps, you’re setting your hair up for success—day and night.

✨ Your curls are unique—so treat them with the care they deserve.

Want to make the switch?
Explore our collection of hair wraps and turbans designed specifically for curly hair