Are you tired of dealing with rough and curly hair that feels unmanageable and lacks softness? If so, you're not alone. Many of us with curly hair struggle with maintaining its texture and keeping it silky and smooth. Fortunately, there are effective ways of rough and curly hair softening, and here, we'll explore some helpful tips. Read on and learn!
01Rough and Curly Hair: The Basics
From using the right hair care products to adopting a healthy hair care routine, we'll provide the tips on how to transform your rough and curly hair into luscious, soft locks. Whether you're looking for quick fixes or long-term solutions of how to soften hair, this article has got you covered. Say goodbye to frizz, tangles, and dryness, and say hello to soft and manageable curls. Get ready to embrace the natural beauty of your locks with confidence.
02Tips on How to Soften Rough and Curly Hair

1. Avoid Harsh Hair Products
Some hair products, such as shampoos and styling products that contain sulfates, alcohol, and other harsh chemicals, that strip the natural oils from your hair, making it dry and rough. Pick specifically formulated for curly, dry and frizzy hair shampoos and conditioners, that are gentle and sulfate-free.
Instructions on How to Use Tip
When spending time outdoors, wear a hat or use a headscarf to protect your hair from the sun and wind. If you're swimming in chlorinated water, rinse your hair with clean water after swimming to minimize damage. Additionally, consider using a hair product with UV protection to prevent sun damage.
2. Incorporate Regular Oil Treatments
Natural oils, such as coconut oil, olive oil, and argan oil are all great hair softeners. Add regular oil treatments into your hair care routine to provide deep nutrition and achieve silky smoothness.
Instructions on How to Use Tip
When spending time outdoors, wear a hat or use a headscarf to protect your hair from the sun and wind. If you're swimming in chlorinated water, rinse your hair with clean water after swimming to minimize damage. Additionally, consider using a hair product with UV protection to prevent sun damage.
3. Use Leave-In Products
Leave-in products provide continuous moisture to your hair throughout the day, helping to soften and hydrate rough and curly hair. Look for a leave-in conditioner, hair softening cream or hair softening serum that is specifically formulated for dry or curly hair.
Instructions on How to Use Tip
When spending time outdoors, wear a hat or use a headscarf to protect your hair from the sun and wind. If you're swimming in chlorinated water, rinse your hair with clean water after swimming to minimize damage. Additionally, consider using a hair product with UV protection to prevent sun damage.
4. Apply a Hair Mask
Hair softening masks are intensive treatments that can help smooth and moisturise rough and curly hair. Look for hair masks that are formulated with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or olive oil. Does honey soften hair? Also yes, but before using any homemade recipes or potentially allergenic ingredients like honey, first do a patch test, or consult with a trichologist.
Instructions on How to Use Tip
When spending time outdoors, wear a hat or use a headscarf to protect your hair from the sun and wind. If you're swimming in chlorinated water, rinse your hair with clean water after swimming to minimize damage. Additionally, consider using a hair product with UV protection to prevent sun damage.
5. Deep Condition Regularly
Use a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week for hair softening at home. Apply your favourite conditioner to damp hair, focusing on the ends, and leave it on for at least 15-30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Instructions on How to Use Tip
When spending time outdoors, wear a hat or use a headscarf to protect your hair from the sun and wind. If you're swimming in chlorinated water, rinse your hair with clean water after swimming to minimize damage. Additionally, consider using a hair product with UV protection to prevent sun damage.
6. Use a Wide-Toothed Comb or Detangling Brush
When detangling your hair, use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush to gently work through knots and tangles. This helps prevent breakage and minimizes damage to your hair, leaving it softer and smoother.
Instructions on How to Use Tip
When spending time outdoors, wear a hat or use a headscarf to protect your hair from the sun and wind. If you're swimming in chlorinated water, rinse your hair with clean water after swimming to minimize damage. Additionally, consider using a hair product with UV protection to prevent sun damage.
7. Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can help reduce friction between your hair and the pillow, preventing frizz and roughness. Silk is smoother compared to cotton, which can help maintain the natural oils in your hair and keep it soft.
Instructions on How to Use Tip
When spending time outdoors, wear a hat or use a headscarf to protect your hair from the sun and wind. If you're swimming in chlorinated water, rinse your hair with clean water after swimming to minimize damage. Additionally, consider using a hair product with UV protection to prevent sun damage.
8. Protect Your Curls from Environmental Factors
Environmental factors like sun exposure, wind, and pollution can damage your hair and make it rough and frizzy. Protecting your hair from these helps to create a softening hair care routine for your curls.
Instructions on How to Use Tip
When spending time outdoors, wear a hat or use a headscarf to protect your hair from the sun and wind. If you're swimming in chlorinated water, rinse your hair with clean water after swimming to minimize damage. Additionally, consider using a hair product with UV protection to prevent sun damage.
03FAQs about Rough and Curly Hair and How to Soften It
Q1 Does silk press treatment soften hair?
Yes, a silk press procedure shows its efficacy as a hair softening treatment. The heat and smoothing technique used in a silk press can help to straighten your hair, resulting in a softer and smoother texture.
Q2 Does hard water make my hair rough?
Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can build up on the hair shaft and cause it to feel rough, dry, and brittle. Using a water softener for hair wash can help to reduce the damaging effect of hard water. Hard water softener for hair works by removing or neutralising the minerals in hard water, resulting in softer water that can help prevent hair from becoming rough, dry, or damaged. Learn more about how to prevent hair damage and beat hair fall caused by hard water.
Q3 How to do curly hair smoothening at home?
You can safely do hair smoothening at home by using special treatments or serums with heated styling tools such as flat iron. However, before permanent hair straightening at home, it's important to be cautious, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and use heat protectant products to minimize heat damage. If you want to straighten your hair naturally, learn about homemade hair straightening gel for smooth and shiny hair. Once you've learned these hair softening tips for curly and rough tresses, also check the ways to add volume and bounce to limp curls.