My curls keep getting tangled and dry no matter what I do

“My curls keep getting tangled and dry no matter what I do. I want my curls to be soft and manageable. What am I doing wrong?”

Dry, Matted, or Tangled Curls? Maybe It’s Your Products 

If your curls are dry, tangled, or knotted no matter what you do, it’s not always your detangling method — sometimes it’s what’s in your products.

A lot of curly products contain: Heavy oils and butters, like coconut oil or shea butter. These can leave some curls feeling dry, frizzy, and tangled. Ingredients that aren’t Curly Girl–approved, like drying alcohols, harsh sulfates, or silicones. These can block moisture or rough up your cuticle, causing even more dryness, frizz, and tangles.

Here’s what we recommend for hydrated, tangle-free curls:

• Try products that are coconut oil–free and shea butter–free.
• Choose Curly Girl–approved Leave-Ins and Conditioners with no sulfates, silicones, or drying alcohols.
• Pro tip: Use a complete wash day system designed to hydrate fine curls, reduce