Curly hair has its own set of rules. What works for straight hair often fails completely on curls — and in Chicago's climate, with its humid summers, dry winters, and everything in between, those rules matter even more. At Reverie Salon in River North, our curly hair specialist Marissa White has put together this guide to help curly-haired Chicagoans get the most out of their texture year-round.
The Biggest Mistake Curly-Haired People Make
The most common mistake we see is treating curly hair the same way straight hair is treated — washing it too often, brushing it dry, and using products that strip moisture. Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair because the coiled structure prevents your scalp's natural oils from traveling down the shaft the way they do on straight strands. That means moisture retention is everything.
Building Your Chicago Curly Hair Routine
Here's what we recommend for most curly-haired clients:
- Co-wash or shampoo 1–2x per week — Overwashing strips the natural oils that curls depend on. A moisturizing co-wash (conditioner-cleanse) on off-days is a game-changer for many curl types.
- Deep condition regularly — especially in Chicago winters when indoor heat pulls moisture from your hair. A weekly deep conditioning mask makes a significant difference in curl definition and frizz control.
- Apply products to soaking wet hair — curly products (leave-ins, curl creams, gels) work best when applied immediately after washing while the hair is still fully wet. This seals moisture in rather than on top.
- Diffuse or air dry — never rough-dry — rubbing curls with a towel creates frizz by disturbing the curl pattern. Use a microfiber towel or old T-shirt to gently scrunch out excess water, then diffuse on low heat or air dry.
- Refresh between washes — mix a small amount of your leave-in conditioner with water in a spray bottle and lightly spritz and scrunch on day 2 and 3 to revive curl shape without washing.
Dealing with Chicago's Climate
Summer humidity: Frizz is the enemy. A gel or mousse with strong hold applied to wet hair, then scrunching out the crunch when fully dry, is the most effective approach for high-humidity days. Look for products with anti-humidity ingredients like flaxseed or castor oil.
Winter dryness: Central heating dehydrates curls rapidly. Increase your deep conditioning frequency, use a richer leave-in conditioner, and consider a weekly hot oil treatment for extra moisture. A silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction overnight and helps maintain moisture.
Getting a Great Curly Haircut in Chicago
The single most important thing you can do for your curls is find a stylist who understands them. At Reverie, we cut curly hair in its natural, dry state — the only way to see exactly how your curl pattern falls and shape the cut accordingly. Cutting curly hair wet almost always leads to unexpected (and unwanted) results when it dries and the shrinkage kicks in.
A good curly haircut should work with your natural curl pattern, not fight it. It should require minimal effort to style and look intentional whether your hair is fully curly, stretched, or somewhere in between.
Curly Hair Color at Reverie
Color and curly hair are absolutely compatible — it just requires a colorist who understands how curl pattern affects color distribution. Marissa White designs balayage, highlights, and custom color specifically for textured hair, accounting for how the color will look with the hair both stretched and coiled.
Book with Our Curly Hair Specialist in Chicago
Ready for a cut and color that actually works with your curls? Learn more about our curly hair services → or book with Marissa White at Reverie Salon.
Reverie Salon | 300 W Grand Ave Suite 5 | River North, Chicago | (312) 664-0055
