Living in Augusta, you know our Southern humidity can be both a blessing and a curse for curly hair. While that Georgia moisture can help define your curls, it can also turn your hair routine into a daily battle against frizz and unpredictable texture. After years of working with curly-haired clients here at Salon Sano, I’ve noticed the same mistakes happening over and over again, and honestly, they’re totally fixable once you know what to look for.
Whether you’re dealing with 2A waves or 4C coils, these seven common mistakes might be sabotaging your curl game without you even realizing it. The good news? I’m about to spill all the secrets to getting your best curls yet, right here in the heart of Georgia.
Mistake #1: Brushing Your Curls When They’re Dry
This is hands down the biggest curl killer I see. I get it, when you wake up with a tangled mess, your first instinct is to grab a brush and start working through those knots. But here’s the thing: dry brushing literally breaks apart your curl pattern and creates that dreaded triangle shape we’re all trying to avoid.
The Fix: Only detangle when your hair is soaking wet and loaded with conditioner. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers (yes, your fingers are tools too!) and work from the ends up to the roots. This might take a few extra minutes in the shower, but trust me, it’s worth it when you see how much more defined your curls look.
In Augusta’s humidity, this technique is even more crucial because once you create frizz through dry brushing, our moisture-heavy air will amplify it throughout the day.
Mistake #2: Using Regular Terry Cloth Towels
That fluffy bath towel hanging in your bathroom? It’s creating friction and roughing up your hair cuticle every time you use it. Cotton terry cloth is way too harsh for delicate curl patterns, especially in our Georgia climate where your hair is already working overtime to manage moisture.
The Fix: Switch to a microfiber towel or even an old cotton t-shirt. The key is to gently scrunch excess water out, never rub or twist your hair. Think of it like you’re squeezing a sponge rather than wringing out a dishcloth. Limit your towel time to about 10 minutes max, then let air drying take over.
Mistake #3: Loading Up on Sulfates and Silicones
I see this mistake constantly, and it’s totally understandable because these ingredients are everywhere in hair products. Sulfates strip your hair of its natural oils (which curly hair desperately needs), while silicones create a coating that can weigh down your curls and prevent moisture from getting in.
The Fix: Read those ingredient lists! Look for sulfate-free shampoos and silicone-free conditioners and styling products. Your curls need gentle cleansing and lightweight moisture, not harsh detergents and heavy coatings. This is especially important in Augusta because our humidity means your hair is constantly adjusting to environmental moisture changes.
Yes, it might take a few weeks for your hair to adjust to sulfate-free products (some people call this the “transition period”), but stick with it. Your curls will thank you with better definition and less frizz.
Mistake #4: Applying Products to Dry or Damp Hair
Timing is everything with curly hair products. I’ve had so many clients tell me their leave-in conditioner or curl cream isn’t working, and nine times out of ten, it’s because they’re applying it to hair that’s too dry.
The Fix: Apply your styling products while your hair is still dripping wet, ideally while you’re still in the shower. This ensures even distribution and helps your products work with your hair’s natural curl pattern instead of against it. The water helps carry the product through every strand, which is crucial for getting consistent results.
After applying products to soaking wet hair, gently scrunch out excess water with your microfiber towel. In Augusta’s climate, this technique helps lock in moisture before the humidity has a chance to create unwanted frizz.
Mistake #5: Skipping the Deep Conditioning
Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair because the oils from your scalp have trouble traveling down those curves and coils. Add in Augusta’s heat and humidity fluctuations, and your hair needs all the moisture support it can get.
The Fix: Make deep conditioning a weekly ritual, not an occasional treat. Look for protein-free deep conditioners if your hair feels mushy or overstretched, or protein-rich treatments if your curls feel limp and lifeless. Leave-in conditioner should be a daily staple: think of it as moisturizer for your hair.
During those brutal Augusta summers, you might even need to deep condition twice a week. Pay attention to how your hair feels and responds, and adjust accordingly.
Mistake #6: Heat Styling Without Protection (Or Using Too Much Heat)
I love a good blowout as much as anyone, but excessive heat is one of the fastest ways to damage your curl pattern permanently. And let’s be real: in Augusta’s humidity, that perfectly straight hair is often fighting a losing battle anyway.
The Fix: If you must use heat, always use a heat protector and keep temperatures below 300°F. Better yet, embrace the diffuser life! Use a diffuser attachment on low heat and scrunch your curls while drying. Or go completely heat-free and master the art of air drying.
Air drying in Augusta can actually work in your favor: our natural humidity helps curls set beautifully when you’ve used the right products and techniques. Just be patient and resist the urge to touch your hair while it’s drying.
Mistake #7: Sleeping on Cotton Pillowcases
You spend 6-8 hours every night with your hair pressed against your pillowcase. If that pillowcase is cotton, it’s creating friction, absorbing moisture from your hair, and undoing all your hard work from the day before.
The Fix: Invest in silk or satin pillowcases: they’re gentler on your hair and help maintain moisture. You can also try the “pineapple method”: gather your curls very loosely at the very top of your head with a gentle scrunchie before bed. This keeps your curls off your pillow and maintains their shape overnight.
Some of my clients swear by silk scarves or bonnets for extra protection, especially during Augusta’s dry winter months when indoor heating can zap moisture from your hair.
The Bottom Line
Living with curly hair in Augusta doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. Most of these mistakes happen because we’re applying straight-hair rules to curly hair: but once you understand what your curls actually need, everything changes.
Remember, every curl pattern is different, and what works for your friend might not work for you. It takes some experimentation to find your perfect routine, but these seven fixes will get you started on the right track.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or want personalized advice for your specific curl pattern, that’s exactly what we’re here for at Salon Sano. We specialize in curly hair and understand the unique challenges of caring for curls in our Georgia climate. Sometimes having an expert assess your hair type and current routine can save you months of trial and error.
Your curls are beautiful: they just need the right care to shine. Stop fighting against your natural texture and start working with it. Trust me, once you break these common habits and embrace curl-friendly techniques, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to make the switch.