Top 3 Mistakes Stylist Make with Curls and How to Avoid Them

Posted on July 24th, 2025

 

Curls can be stunning, unpredictable, and—let’s be honest—a little high-maintenance. They're not just a hairstyle; they’ve got their own attitude, rules, and rhythm.

Yet too often, stylists treat them like straight hair that just got a little wild overnight. That’s where things start to go sideways.

Curls aren’t misbehaving—they’re misunderstood. And if you're trying to wrangle them into submission without knowing what makes them tick, they’ll rebel every time.

The truth is, curls have their own set of needs, and skipping the basics can lead to a lot of frizz, frustration, and clients who don’t come back.

Stylists mean well, but even one wrong product or rough technique can throw those spirals into chaos.

Want to know what really messes up curly hair—and how to avoid doing it again? Stick around. We’re breaking down the top curly hair crimes and how to get it right without breaking a sweat.

 

Top 3 Mistakes Stylist Make with Curls

Working with curls isn’t just about talent—it’s about knowing what not to do. These strands don’t follow the same rules as straight hair, and if you treat them like they do, you’re basically asking for drama.

Curls have their own energy: they bounce, shrink, puff, and twist in ways that demand attention and finesse. So when stylists roll in with one-size-fits-all techniques, things go south—fast.

Some of the most common slip-ups happen not out of malice but misunderstanding. Curls aren’t just wavy straight hair. They're shape-shifters, thanks to shrinkage, elasticity, and texture that changes from root to tip.

The same haircut that looks accurate on straight hair can turn into a triangle-shaped nightmare when applied to curls. It's not only about how you cut—it's about when, how much, and if you actually listened to what the hair was telling you.

Here are a few of the usual suspects whenever it comes to curly hair mishaps:

1. Cutting curls wet and straight, ignoring how much they'll spring up when dry.

2. Using harsh shampoos or skipping proper hydration altogether.

3. Brushing through curls like they’re knots in a shoelace—no thank you.

Curls crave moisture, not chaos. And too many stylists unknowingly dry them out with sulfates, aggressive washing, or heat that’s way too intense.

That’s when curls stop curling and start frizzing. This isn’t just a product problem—it’s a pattern problem. You need products that play nice with curls and styling habits that support them.

Hydration is non-negotiable, and that includes using the right cleanser, spacing out washes, and drying methods that don’t suck the life out of each coil.

Let’s not forget technique. Ripping through curls with a fine-tooth comb or blasting them on high heat like you’re drying paint? Recipe for ruin.

Gentle is powerful. A wide-tooth comb, a little diffusing, and some curl-friendly products can take those curls from chaos to controlled with half the drama and double the definition. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing better.

Mastering curls starts with unlearning the habits that wreck them. Avoid the big missteps, and you’ll earn more than great results—you’ll earn the trust of every curly-haired client who’s ever walked out of a salon wondering what just happened to their hair.

 

Essential Techniques for Perfecting Curl Styling

Whenever it comes to curls, success isn’t just about having the right tools—it's knowing how and when to use them. A lot of stylists have the heart, but not always the right game plan.

Curl styling isn’t a quick flick of the wrist; it’s a mix of timing, technique, and a solid respect for the curl’s mood that day. You can’t strong-arm curls into place—they’ll fight back with frizz, flatness, or both.

One big area where things go sideways? Product application. Stylists often apply leave-ins or curl creams when the hair is already drying out, thinking it’ll still soak in. It won’t.

Curls need that hydration locked in while they’re fresh out of the shower and still dripping with potential. Getting that timing right changes the entire outcome—defined curls instead of scattered fluff.

Here are a few tried-and-true methods every curl-savvy stylist should master:

• Apply styling products to soaking-wet hair for even coverage and hydration retention.

• Cut curls dry or in their natural state to respect the true curl pattern.

• Use finger-coiling or raking techniques to sculpt shape and definition.

• Diffuse with care, low heat, and minimal movement to reduce frizz and maximize volume.

The way you cut curls matters just as much as the way you style them. Snipping wet, stretched-out curls is like cutting fabric before it shrinks in the wash. It's asking for post-cut regret.

Trimming curls dry, in their natural state, gives you a real-time view of shape, volume, and how the hair lives. No surprises—just balance and bounce that holds up once they walk out the door.

And styling? It’s not about taming or controlling—it’s about enhancing. Finger-coiling sections can help redefine pattern, especially if some curls need a little pep talk.

Diffusing? Treat it like a gentle breeze, not a wind tunnel. These small adjustments change everything, making the styling process more intuitive and less chaotic.

Stylists who understand curl texture, listen to what the hair needs, and use the right techniques build more than good hair days—they build loyalty.

Clients remember the ones who gave their curls life instead of trying to flatten them into submission. Respect the curl, follow its lead, and it'll return the favor tenfold.

 

Proven Solutions to Increase Your Curls Volume

If there’s one thing curls never want to be, it’s flat. Volume is the crown jewel of curly hair, and yet, so many curls fall flat from avoidable missteps.

Styling technique, product choice, and even the way someone sleeps can either give curls life or leave them limp.

Thankfully, a few smart moves can turn the volume way up—without resorting to teasing combs or crunchy hairsprays straight out of the '90s.

It all starts at the wash. Heavy products or over-cleansing can smother curls before they even get a chance to shine.

Using a lightweight, hydrating shampoo and conditioner—like the Rockin’ Curl Shampoo and Conditioner Set—lays the groundwork for volume success.

These products cleanse without stripping and moisturize without weighing curls down, giving the hair structure without sag. Once the foundation’s in place, everything else becomes easier.

Here are some foolproof tricks to pump up the volume:

• Use a diffuser upside-down or at the roots to build lift without frizz.

• Apply lightweight products with your head flipped to encourage root elevation.

• Get regular trims to eliminate weighty, volume-killing ends.

• Sleep on silk or satin to preserve shape and fullness overnight.

Diffusing is a game-changer when done right. Aim the airflow from underneath the curls instead of blasting from above.

Bonus points if the client flips their head upside down while drying—it helps break up clumping at the root and lets curls dry lifted. You’re not just drying hair—you’re setting the shape.

And let’s talk product application. Most people go for volume at the crown but smother it with too-rich creams or oils.

Encourage clients to focus lighter products at the roots and save heavier ones for the mid-lengths and ends. Root-lifting sprays or mousses with a clean formula can add just enough structure to keep curls perky without the crunch.

Volume isn’t only won during the day—it’s preserved at night. Flat hair in the morning? That’s usually from friction.

Swapping cotton for silk or satin and pineapple-styling the curls before bed helps curls keep their bounce and definition through sleep. Add in a quick upside-down fluff in the morning, and volume’s back without any heat or stress.

Curly volume isn’t an accident—it’s a strategy. A little education, the right tools, and some solid habits go a long way. Give curls room to rise, and they will—loud, proud, and full of life.

 

Upgrade Your Curl Care Routine with Products from Le Beauty Advisors

Curls are more than a texture—they’re a statement. When cared for properly, they speak volumes (literally and figuratively), showcasing individuality, health, and confidence.

As a stylist, refining your approach to curly hair isn’t just a professional upgrade—it’s a commitment to giving each client the experience they deserve.

Product choice plays a huge role in that transformation. The right shampoo and conditioner can mean the difference between flat, frizzy strands and colorful, defined curls.

That’s why we stand behind the Rockin’ Curl Shampoo + Conditioner Set, designed to give curls what they need without the heavy baggage of sulfates or parabens.

It hydrates without weighing down, defines without stiffness, and supports curl health from root to tip.

At Le Beauty Advisors, we’re not just about great products—we’re here to support your growth as a beauty professional.

If you’re looking to sharpen your skills, refine your client strategy, or just want expert insight on running a stronger business, we’ve got the tools and experience to help.

Let’s take your curl game to the next level together. Reach out any time at [email protected] or give us a call at 703-574-0307. We’re ready when you are.