Textured hair and springy ringlets are still very much in style, so if you have naturally curly hair, consider yourself lucky. Your straight-haired friends may not understand your struggle with frizz and dry ends, but with the right hacks, your curls can be pretty effortless.

However, if you struggle with keeping your curls bouncy and defined, here are some tips to help you embrace your waves.

Conditioner is Key

Before you shower, apply a deep conditioner, tuck your hair into a shower cap and wash your body before washing your hair. The steam from the hot shower will help lock moisture in your curls. You can also apply coconut oil all over your hair before showering, or rub a little bit of coconut oil on your ends after your shower for extra shine.

Before drying your hair, try mixing in a leave-in conditioner with gel or other preferred styling product to protect your sculpted the curls.

Detangling and Pineappling

Frizz and tangles can start the moment you step out of the shower, so fight back right away. Instead of rubbing your hair dry with a regular bath towel, carefully wring out the water in your hair with a cotton t-shirt or a softer microfiber towel. The smoothness of the material will also help calm your curls and prevent matting.

To better detangle your hair, avoid a brush and instead use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. This will prevent breakage, reduce frizz and preserve the shape of your curls.

If possible, let your hair air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. If you wash your hair at night, try “pineappling” when you go to bed by piling your hair into a loose bun, topknot or ponytail on top of your head. Pulling your curls up in this manner will prevent gravity from straightening out your curls and causing uneven waves or frizz.

Consider switch to a satin or silk pillowcase, instead of cotton pillowcase, to prevent tangled or flat spots in the morning. Cotton pillowcases can also absorb all the natural oils and moisture from your hair as you sleep

Avoid Crunch and Frizz

The right products can make all the difference. Apply mousse or styling cream into your roots and ends, but you shouldn’t need product all over your hair.

Prevent stiff, crunchy curls by using a hair oil as your final styling product to add bounce. To revive flat curls in between washes, spray the ends of your hair with a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner before scrunching your hair.

These tips, combined with a great haircut and the right products, will keep your curls smooth and bouncy.