Afro Hair Care Tips for Brides with Curly, Coily & Kinky Natural Hair Textures

When it comes to wedding day prep, we often think of dress fittings, makeup trials, and hairstyle inspiration. But when it comes to curly, coily, kinky, and textured afro hair, caring for your strands in the months leading up to your wedding day is just as essential as the style itself. Thoughtful preparation can ensure that your curls are healthy, shiny and bouncy - ready to shine on your special day.

Afro hair care is as beautifully unique as each curl type. From softer waves to the tightest coils, every texture has its own needs. Some may crave moisture, while others benefit from lightweight care to maintain natural volume and prevent buildup. Regardless of where your hair falls on the curly-to-coily spectrum, a tailored approach to care can make all the difference in achieving wedding-worthy hair.

We’re here to guide you through everything you need for the healthiest, happiest curls possible. From deep conditioning rituals that restore softness and shine to protective styles that shield your curls during beauty sleep - following these afro hair care tips promises to help you feel radiant on your big day.

We spoke with top afro hair brands and specialists, As I Am, Mielle, and Vatika Curls, all passionate about helping brides-to-be achieve their hair goals. From hair care regimes to product recommendations and styling tips, your journey to beautiful, healthy curls begins now.

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Top Tips and Best Product Recommendations for Brides from As I Am

As I Am, founded in 2011 by chemist and visionary Dr. Ali Syed, has carved out a celebrated space in the textured hair community, offering science-backed formulas crafted for curly and coily hair. With deep respect for textured hair needs, the brand has become a global staple, delivering products infused with natural ingredients to nurture and define curls, celebrating textured hair.

Backed by rigorous research and expertise, As I Am embraces inclusivity and empowerment, creating products that honour the beauty and versatility of afro-textured hair while prioritising health, moisture, and curl definition, perfect for brides who want to wear their natural hair on their special day with confidence.

We spoke to hairstylist and Avlon educator, Hannah Larden, in coordination with As I Am on hair care for brides with textured hair:

It’s all in the prep

To prepare your hair for your wedding day, it’s important to start early, ideally 6-12 months in advance. Regular trims will keep your hair healthy, and incorporating deep conditioning treatments every 2-3 weeks will ensure your hair stays moisturised and damage-free. Looking for the perfect product to support you on your healthy hair journey? As I Am’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil range is a perfect choice, known for its rich, nourishing formula.

Get the right shampoo & conditioner

Don’t rule out cleansing shampoos! While shampoos are often known for being stripping, many believe it’s better to skip cleansing and stick to a solo Co-Wash. But that’s not true! Regular cleansing helps remove product buildup, refreshes the scalp, and allows your hair to breathe and thrive. Opt for shampoos tailored to your hair type that cleanse and maintain a healthy scalp whilst creating the perfect foundation to layer your products. For conditioners, look for nourishing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil and coconut which help maintain moisture. As I Am has excellent options like the Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner and Coconut Co-Wash.

On the day styling essentials 

On the big day, focus on hold and curl definition, using lightweight products like As I Am’s Curling Jelly, which offers flexible hold for curls and textured styles without stiffness. In humid climates or for destination weddings, using Long and Luxe Edge Gel is a must for taming edges and flyaways. Finally, to add a finishing touch of shine, a few drops of As I Am So Much Moisture will keep your hair radiant and smooth throughout the day.

The 4 Best As I Am Hair Products for Afro Hair

A perfected afro hair care regime is all in the products! While knowing how to look after your hair is one part of the picture, having the right products to aid you makes all the difference. We’ve selected some of our favourite As I Am products for curly, coily and kinky textured hair for brides, tried and tested by Rock My Wedding. 

My Experience with As I Am’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Range

Finding products that hydrate, define, and nourish my curls has been a journey—and as someone with 3c hair, moisture is always top of mind. My hair leans toward the drier side, so I’m always looking for products that deliver deep, lasting hydration, especially when styling for braid-outs or wash-and-gos. Recently, I had the pleasure of trying out a selection of As I Am products, each specifically designed to cater to curly and coily textures. Here’s my take on how these products held up!

To test the full potential of these formulas, I stuck to my usual braid-out routine, beginning with the Jamaican Black Castor Oil CoWash. This cleansing step was perfect for setting the stage—it left my hair feeling soft, moisturised, and refreshed without stripping it of its natural oils, which was exactly the foundation I needed.

Since my hair dries quickly after washing, I started styling with the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Water to rehydrate each section, giving my curls the moisture boost they crave. From there, I applied the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner, which did wonders for detangling and adding a layer of nourishment. Finally, I topped off each section with the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Curling Creme—a creamy yet lightweight formula that coated each curl without weighing it down.

The result? Beautiful body, volume, and the fluffiest, softest curls I’ve ever had on a braid-out. My hair felt genuinely healthy and hydrated, with a natural movement that was hard to beat. My one critique? While these products delivered on hydration, my curls lost a bit of definition and gained some frizz by day two. Perhaps adding an As I Am product with extra hold - like a jel - could give that long-lasting definition for future styling.

Want to shop any of the products I used to achieve this braid-out? I've linked them all above! 

Top Tips and Best Product Recommendations for Brides from Mielle

As we know, picture-perfect wedding hair is months in the making. Yes, the right hairstylist can achieve a gorgeous wedding hairstyle, but for those looking for some extra bounce and shine, it’s essential to start working on your curls months before your wedding date. But where do you begin? We spoke to curly, coily and kinky hair experts at Mielle Organics - a black-owned hair care and beauty brand that creates healthy products targeted to textured/curly hair - about how to care for your hair in the lead-up to your special day.

3-4 Months Before the Wedding: Regularly

• Deep Cleansing: Begin by thoroughly cleansing your hair with the Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo. This will help remove any product build-up and keep your scalp in top condition, ensuring it’s ready to absorb the following nourishing treatments as part of your hair care routine.
• Deep Conditioning: Follow up with the Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner to replenish moisture and strengthen your hair. This step is essential for maintaining the hair’s elasticity and preventing breakage.
• Moisturising & Hydration (Weekly): To lock in moisture, apply the Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner, especially if your hair tends to feel dry. It expertly smooths and moisturises curls, keeping your hair manageable and soft.

A Month Before the Wedding:

• Lock in Moisture (Twice a Week): Use the White Peony Leave-In Conditioner before your usual styling products to give your hair extra moisture and softness. It’s perfect for detangling and making your hair more manageable - precisely what you need for achieving the more elaborate wedding hairstyles that may require more manipulation than you’re typically accustomed to.
• Oil Treatment (Weekly): For some extra TLC, treat your hair to a hot oil treatment using the Mielle Mint Almond Oil. It’s a fab way to lock in moisture, smooth the cuticles, and add a gorgeous shine. Your curls will be smooth, protected from breakage, and wedding-ready!

Wedding Day Tips:

• Prep with Hydration: Kick off the day with well-hydrated hair! Use a leave-in conditioner like Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner or White Peony Leave-In Conditioner to keep your curls soft and moisturised. This makes styling easier and helps define those gorgeous curls.
• Layer Your Products: For extra definition, layer your products. Start with a leave-in conditioner, then a curl-defining product like the Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie. This combo locks in moisture and enhances your curl pattern, giving you a polished look that lasts.
• Use a Holding Gel or Mousse: Finish with a light gel or mousse to keep your curls in place all day. It’ll give your hairstyle extra hold without making your hair feel crunchy, ensuring your natural look stays fresh and intact.
• Protect from Humidity: Humidity can wreak havoc on natural hairstyles. If your wedding is outdoors, consider using an anti-humidity spray or serum to keep frizz under control and help your style last longer.
• Set with a Satin Scarf or Bonnet: If you’ve got time before the ceremony, gently wrap your hair in a satin scarf for about 10-15 minutes. This will help set your style and keep your hair smooth and frizz-free until you’re ready to walk down the aisle.
• Carry an Emergency Hair Kit: Pack a little kit with essentials like a travel-size holding spray, bobby pins, and some oil or curl refresher. A quick touch-up will keep your hairstyle looking fresh throughout the day.
• Limit Hair Touching: Avoid touching your curls too much, once your hairstyle is set. The more you touch your hair, the more likely it’ll frizz or lose definition.
   

The 6 Best Mielle Products for Afro Hair

Keen to give Mielle’s 4-month afro hair care regime a try? We’ve selected 6 of the best products for you to buy and commence your very own journey to healthy hair! From moisturising curl-enhancers to cleansing shampoos, hydrating conditioners and oils - shaping a hair routine that works for you is easy when aided with the right products. 

My Experience with Mielle's Pomegranate & Honey Range

I tried my go-to braid-out style to see how Mielle’s range worked on my 3c curls, and the results were stunning!

I began by cleansing with Pomegranate & Honey Moisturising and Detangling Shampoo - a silky shampoo that felt lightweight but still incredibly nourishing. It left my hair feeling thoroughly cleansed without any dryness, which is a must for my curls which lean toward the drier side. Next, I applied the Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner, a refreshingly minty treatment that added softness and bounce. The conditioner’s richness hydrated my hair without weighing it down, making it a great base for styling.

For the braid-out, I layered products from the same collection, starting with the Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner to provide long-lasting moisture and make detangling a breeze. Then, I used the Pomegranate & Honey Twisting Soufflé to enhance the curl shape and added the Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard for a touch of hold. The combination left my hair beautifully defined, and the custard provided just the right amount of grip to keep the curls in place all day.

The result was exactly what I look for in a braid-out - high-definition curls with elongated length and a healthy shine. Compared to other products, the Mielle range didn’t give me quite as much fluffiness and volume, but it delivered exceptional definition and sleekness that held up throughout the day! 

Want to shop any of the products I used to achieve this braid-out? I've linked them all above! 

Top Tips and Best Product Recommendations for Brides from Vatika Curls

Vatika, a pioneering name in natural hair care, recently introduced Vatika Curls, a specialised range designed to nourish and celebrate curly and coily hair textures. Vatika Curls offers six targeted hair oils, each addressing specific needs from moisture and strength to growth and shine. With a dedication to inclusivity and natural hair empowerment, Vatika Curls isn’t just about hair care—it exists to celebrate the beauty of every curl, kink, and coil. From Jojoba to Tea Tree and Coconut oils, each formulation aims to empower women everywhere to embrace and celebrate their natural selves.

To get you started on your healthy hair journey, we spoke to hair experts - Vatika - about their top tips for brides with textured hair. 

Pre-Wedding Hair Care: 

Every moment of preparation leading up to your wedding day goes through a fine-tooth comb, and it’s no different for your hair. For curls to shine, they need to be nourished and healthy. In the weeks leading up to your special day, your routine needs should include a cleanser, conditioner, curl crème and gel to maintain the moisture and oil needed for nourished locks. Focus on oiling your hair with the Vatika Curls Coconut, Jojoba and Castor hair oil to release the pre-wedding stress, and nourish the scalp.

Product Recommendations:

The Vatika Natural Curls Hair Oil range is the perfect product to implement into your haircare routine, with natural ingredients helping tackle all the pre-wedding hair worries. Gently massage an adequate amount of the oil with your fingertips in circular motions for 3-5 minutes on your scalp and from roots to ends. Then leave it on overnight, and wash off with mild shampoo, letting your hair air dry. Post-drying, use a few drops of oil to control frizz and dryness and give your hair a lustrous shine for the rest of the day. Using the oils this way will ensure your hair’s at the right pH balance, entirely soothed, conditioned and nourished. 

Wedding Day Tips:

Keeping your hair natural for your big day means a chance of frizz, especially if you plan to take to the dance floor after dark or get married during the height of humid summer, but there are some things you can do to maintain curl definition. On the day, strip it back to basics, starting with ensuring your hair is washed and deep conditioned, using a hair mask like Vatika’s Naturals Wild Cactus or Garlic mask to replenish and restore your curls. Then it’s key to reach for a curl control styling cream and gel for defined curls that will hold all day. To finish off, always use a hair oil for an extra shine!

Hairstyling:

Considering your curl type, texture, and shape of your curls or coils, there are so many ways you can style your hair. Whether that’s a low bun or having your curls out in all their glory - whatever you decide to go for, it’s all about feeling like the best version of yourself, letting your personality shine through on your special day. If you’ve prepped your locks with the right creams and gels, whatever style you go for will hold from the morning, into the night.

Must-Have Products: 

When it comes to wedding planning, there are so many ‘what ifs’, and your hair shouldn’t be one of them. To ensure you're prepared for any fallen curl, tangled lock, or unforgiving flyaway, always keep your essentials close by, whether that’s a mini hairspray, extra bobby pins, your Vatika Naturals Ritual Oils hair serum, and a just-in-case umbrella. Because while the weather may surprise you, your hair should never be a wild card! 
 

The 4 Best Vatika Curls Products for Afro Hair

If you’re hunting for affordable yet amazing products for your afro-textured curls and coils, look no further than Vatika! For just £4.99 the range of Vatika Afro Naturals hair oils includes natural ingredients to boost hair health and control frizz. Want to incorporate oils into your pre-wedding hair care regime? We have just the products for you! 

My Experience with Vatika's Afro Naturals Hair Oil Range

To give the new Vatika Curls hair oils a true test on my 3c curls, I went with a classic braid-out routine, letting these oils take centre stage in my styling process. Known for tackling dryness, frizz, and scalp care, the Vatika range offered a unique blend tailored for curls and coils, so I was curious to see how they’d impact my hair’s overall health, definition, and moisture retention.

To start, I prepped my scalp with the Tea Tree Hair Oil, massaging it gently to help relieve any dryness and itching, a common issue for me. The tea tree infusion was incredibly soothing, and post-rinse, my scalp felt noticeably refreshed and hydrated. Later, I tried the Cactus Hair Oil, which is all about strengthening and deep conditioning, beyond scalp care. Applying this along the full length of my hair, I rinsed it out for a moisture-boosting finish before styling.

For the braid-out itself, I used my usual leave-in, curl cream, and gel combination. Once my hair was diffused dry, I layered a bit of Coconut and Jojoba Oils to smooth the strands and add shine. The result? Soft, bouncy and voluminous curls. Something to bear in mind? Using oil as the last step of my braid-out process seemed to break down some of the product, meaning I lost some definition and gained more body, which is not necessarily bad, especially for those who love the look of big, fluffy hair! 

Want to shop any of the products I used to achieve this braid-out? I've linked them all above! 

Prep to Big-Day Perfection: Plan Your Path to Beautiful, Healthy Wedding-Day Curls

Taking care of afro-textured hair before the wedding day is essential to achieving your desired look, especially when your hair thrives on moisture, protective styling, and consistent care. With the right techniques and products, like targeted hair oils, nourishing cleansers, hydrating leave-in conditioners, and protective nighttime practices, you can maintain healthy, defined, and bouncy curls, even in the lead-up to your big day. Remember, the key to vibrant, resilient curls is a personalised routine that works for your hair type and unique needs.

If you have your pre-wedding hair care sorted, why not consider the kind of wedding hairstyle you want for your big day, from loose curls to elegant updos? Don’t forget to complete your look with gorgeous wedding hair accessories!