Japanese curly hair care: 4 steps to smooth, bouncy curls

Japanese curly hair has gained worldwide admiration for its natural shine, soft texture, and perfectly defined curls. Whether you’re naturally curly or experimenting with waves, understanding how to care for your curls the Japanese way can transform your hair routine. From gentle cleansing and deep hydration to effective styling products, Japanese haircare focuses on maintaining healthy, frizz-free, and bouncy curls every day. 

Explore the best products and techniques that make Japanese curly hair so admired globally, and elevate your own haircare routine with insights you can trust. Start your journey to flawless curls today with Japan With Love, where you’ll find curated products and tips designed for every curly-haired individual.

Step 1: Cleansing and scalp care for Japanese curly hair

Achieving smooth, bouncy curls starts with proper cleansing and scalp care. Japanese hair care products are renowned for their gentle yet effective formulations, making them ideal for curly hair types. In this section, we'll explore three standout products that cater specifically to the needs of curly-haired individuals.

&honey Deep Moist Shampoo + Treatment

The &honey Deep Moist Shampoo and Treatment duo is formulated with organic honey and royal jelly, ingredients known for their moisturizing properties. These products are designed to hydrate and nourish dry, curly hair, helping to define curls without weighing them down.

• Best for: Dry, frizzy, or curly hair types seeking intense moisture.
• Effective: Provides deep hydration, leaving hair soft and manageable.
• Texture: Rich and creamy, ideal for detangling curls.
• Scent: Light, pleasant fragrance that lingers without being overpowering.

Many users have reported noticeable improvements in curl definition and reduced frizz after using this duo. The combination of honey and royal jelly helps to lock in moisture, ensuring curls remain hydrated throughout the day. 

Tsubaki Premium Volume & Repair Shampoo & Conditioner

Tsubaki, a brand by Shiseido, offers the Premium Volume & Repair Shampoo and Conditioner set, enriched with camellia oil. This oil is rich in oleic and linoleic acids, which are readily absorbed by hair, providing deep nourishment and enhancing volume.

• Best for: Curly hair in need of volume and repair.
• Effective: Strengthens hair strands, reducing breakage and promoting healthy curls.
• Texture: Silky and smooth, facilitating easy detangling.
• Scent: Fresh, floral aroma that is not overpowering.

Users have praised this set for its ability to add volume without weighing down curls, making it suitable for those with fine or limp curly hair. The camellia oil also contributes to a healthy shine, enhancing the overall appearance of curls.

N-Brand (Kiyoko Matsuzawa’s curl-focused range)

N-Brand, developed by renowned stylist Kiyoko Matsuzawa, is a line dedicated to curly hair care. Matsuzawa, known as Tokyo's "Queen of Curly Hair Care," has tailored this range to address the unique needs of curly-haired individuals.

• Best for: Curly-haired individuals seeking professional-grade products.
• Effective: Enhances curl definition and reduces frizz.
• Texture: Varies across the range, with products designed for different curl types.
• Scent: Subtle, salon-quality fragrance.

Matsuzawa's expertise has made her a sought-after stylist in Tokyo's curly hair scene. Her products reflect her deep understanding of curly hair needs, offering solutions that promote healthy, defined curls.

Step 2: Hydration and deep condition curly-haired Japanese

Achieving smooth, bouncy curls requires more than just cleansing; deep hydration and conditioning are essential to maintain curl definition and manageability. Japanese hair care products are renowned for their ability to nourish and restore hair, making them ideal for curly-haired individuals seeking to enhance their natural texture. In this section, we'll explore three top-tier Japanese hair masks that cater specifically to the needs of curly-haired individuals.

Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask

The Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask is a cult-favorite in Japan, celebrated for its intensive repair and deep hydration properties. Formulated with royal jelly, squalane, and glutamic acid, this mask penetrates deeply into the hair shaft, restoring moisture and repairing damage.

• Best for: Dry, damaged, or frizzy curly hair in need of intense moisture and repair.
• Effective: Provides deep hydration, leaving hair soft, shiny, and more manageable.
• Texture: Rich and creamy, ideal for coating each curl evenly.
• Scent: Pleasant and subtle, not overpowering.

Users have reported significant improvements in hair texture and shine after just one use. Many have found it particularly beneficial for restoring moisture to dry curls, making them more defined and less frizzy.

Tsubaki Premium EX Repair Mask

Tsubaki, a brand under Shiseido, offers the Premium EX Repair Mask, enriched with camellia oil and pearl protein. This mask is designed to deeply penetrate and repair damaged hair, providing long-lasting moisture and enhancing hair elasticity.

• Best for: Curly hair experiencing breakage or lack of elasticity.
• Effective: Strengthens hair strands, reducing breakage and promoting healthy curls.
• Texture: Silky and smooth, facilitating easy application and even distribution.
• Scent: Light floral fragrance that lingers subtly.

Many users have praised this mask for its ability to restore elasticity to curls, making them more resilient and less prone to frizz. The camellia oil provides deep nourishment, while the pearl protein enhances shine and smoothness.

YOLU Deep Night Treatment

YOLU's Deep Night Repair Treatment is a unique product designed to work overnight, allowing for deep penetration and repair while you sleep. Formulated with ceramides and a CMC-like repair ingredient, it targets dryness and damage from within, restoring moisture and strength to each strand.

• Best for: Curly hair that requires overnight hydration and repair.
• Effective: Seals in moisture and protects against dryness, leaving hair soft and manageable by morning.
• Texture: Lightweight and non-greasy, suitable for overnight use.
• Scent: Soothing neroli and peony fragrance that enhances the nighttime routine.

Users have reported waking up to noticeably softer and more hydrated curls, with reduced frizz and enhanced shine. The lightweight formula ensures that hair isn't weighed down, making it suitable for all curl types.

Step 3: Leave-in care & styling products

To achieve smooth, bouncy curls, incorporating effective leave-in treatments and styling products is essential. Japanese hair care brands offer a range of products tailored to the unique needs of curly hair, providing hydration, frizz control, and enhanced curl definition. Below are four standout products that can elevate your curly hair care routine.

Oshima Tsubaki Hair Water

Oshima Tsubaki Hair Water is a lightweight mist infused with camellia oil, designed to moisturize and detangle hair without weighing it down. This product is ideal for refreshing curls throughout the day, providing a silky finish and reducing frizz.

• Best for: Curly hair in need of light hydration and frizz control.
• Effective: Moisturizes and detangles hair, leaving it soft and manageable.
• Texture: Lightweight mist that doesn't leave a greasy residue.
• Scent: Subtle floral fragrance that is not overpowering.

Users have reported that this product effectively tames frizz and adds a natural shine to curls. Its lightweight formula makes it suitable for daily use without weighing down the hair. 

&honey Deep Moist Hair Oil 3.0

&honey Deep Moist Hair Oil 3.0 is a rich treatment oil formulated with three types of honey, argan oil, and ceramides. This product provides deep hydration, making it perfect for curly hair that tends to be dry or frizzy.

• Best for: Dry, curly hair in need of intense moisture.
• Effective: Hydrates and nourishes hair, enhancing curl definition and reducing frizz.
• Texture: Rich oil that absorbs quickly without leaving a heavy residue.
• Scent: Pleasant honey and rose fragrance that lingers subtly.

Many users have praised this oil for its ability to smooth and define curls, leaving them soft and shiny. It's particularly beneficial for coarse or thick hair types. 

Ululis Watery Hair Oil (Aqua)

Ululis Watery Hair Oil (Aqua) is a hydrating hair oil that utilizes aqua liposome technology to deliver moisture deep into the hair shaft. This product is designed to provide long-lasting hydration, making it suitable for curly hair that requires intensive moisture.

• Best for: Curly hair in need of deep hydration and frizz control.
• Effective: Delivers moisture deep into the hair, leaving it soft and manageable.
• Texture: Lightweight oil that doesn't weigh down curls.
• Scent: Fresh and clean fragrance that is not overpowering.

Users have noted that this oil effectively tames frizz and enhances curl definition, providing a smooth and polished look. 

Elujuda Mellow Oil

Elujuda Mellow Oil is a leave-in treatment oil from Milbon, formulated with baobab seed oil and olive squalane. This product is designed to soften and condition hair, leading to better and easier styling.

• Best for: Curly hair that is stiff or difficult to style.
• Effective: Softens and conditions hair, improving manageability and curl definition.
• Texture: Lightweight oil that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
• Scent: Delicate floral fragrance that is pleasant and not overpowering.

Users have reported that this oil transforms stiff, unruly hair into soft, manageable curls, making styling easier and more effective.

Step 4: Daily styling & protection

Maintaining healthy, defined curls requires more than just cleansing and conditioning; daily styling and protection are crucial to keep your curls looking their best. Japanese hair care products offer innovative solutions tailored for curly hair, providing hydration, frizz control, and protection against environmental stressors. In this section, we'll explore three standout products that can elevate your curly hair care routine.

Finishing oil: Oshima Tsubaki Camellia Oil

Oshima Tsubaki Camellia Oil is a 100% natural, plant-based oil derived from Japanese camellia seeds. Renowned for its lightweight texture and deep moisturizing properties, this oil is ideal for sealing in moisture and adding a natural shine to curls without weighing them down.

• Best for: Curly hair in need of lightweight hydration and shine.
• Effective: Seals in moisture, reduces frizz, and enhances natural curl definition.
• Texture: Lightweight and non-greasy, absorbs quickly into hair.
• Scent: Fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive scalps.

Users have reported that this oil effectively tames frizz and adds a natural shine to curls. Its lightweight formula makes it suitable for daily use without weighing down the hair. Additionally, it's versatile enough to be used on both hair and skin.

Heat protectant: Arimino Style Club Heat Protect Mist

Arimino Style Club Heat Protect Mist is a lightweight spray designed to protect hair from heat damage caused by styling tools like flat irons and curling wands. Infused with moisture-locking ingredients, it helps maintain hair's natural shine and smoothness while styling.

• Best for: Curly hair exposed to heat styling.
• Effective: Protects hair from heat damage and maintains moisture balance.
• Texture: Fine mist that evenly coats hair without residue.
• Scent: Fresh geranium fragrance that lingers subtly.

This mist is ideal for daily styling, ensuring that curls remain protected and vibrant. Its lightweight formula doesn't weigh down hair, making it suitable for all hair types.

Edge/baby hair control: Matomake hair mascara

The &honey Matomake Hair Mascara is a compact, roll-on styling stick designed to tame flyaways and baby hairs. Formulated with honey and other nourishing ingredients, it provides a natural hold without stiffness, making it perfect for defining edges and maintaining a polished look throughout the day.

• Best for: Taming flyaways and defining baby hairs.
• Effective: Provides natural hold without stiffness or greasiness.
• Texture: Gel-like consistency that applies smoothly.
• Scent: Delicate floral fragrance that enhances the styling experience.

Users have praised this product for its ability to keep hair in place without the crunchy feeling associated with traditional gels. Its compact size makes it convenient for on-the-go touch-ups.

Why should you follow a Japanese curly hair care routine?

Japanese curly hair care routines are designed with precision to nurture, protect, and enhance the natural beauty of curls. Unlike generic haircare approaches, Japanese products and methods focus on hydration, gentle cleansing, and long-term hair health, which are especially crucial for curly hair that tends to be drier and more prone to frizz.

Following a Japanese curly hair care routine offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Curl Definition: Products formulated for Japanese curly hair help maintain the shape and bounce of curls, making them look more natural and lively.
• Frizz Control: The unique blend of oils, butters, and plant-based extracts smoothes hair cuticles, reducing frizz and flyaways.
• Deep hydration and Repair: Treatments and masks penetrate deeply to restore moisture and repair damage, keeping curls soft and manageable.
• Protection from heat and environmental damage: Heat protectants and lightweight oils shield curls from styling tools, UV rays, and pollution, ensuring long-lasting health.
• Versatility and Styling Ease: Japanese leave-in products and styling oils allow for effortless curl styling while keeping hair nourished.

By following a Japanese-inspired routine, you’re not just styling your hair, you’re investing in healthier, more resilient curls that stay smooth, bouncy, and full of life.

Caring for Japanese curly hair is all about combining gentle cleansing, deep hydration, effective leave-in treatments, and protective styling practices. By following a Japanese-inspired routine, you can enhance curl definition, reduce frizz, and keep your hair healthy, soft, and bouncy. From nourishing shampoos and masks to lightweight oils and styling products, each step supports your curls’ natural beauty.

FAQs - Answering most asked questions about Japanese curly hair

Yuzuki Tsukihana

Yuzuki Tsukihana is a Japanese beauty writer and researcher with over 8 years of experience in the skincare and cosmetics industry. She holds a Master of Science in Cosmetic Science from the University of Cincinnati (USA), where she specialized in skincare formulation, ingredient efficacy, and product safety.

View articles by Yuzuki Tsukihana