How I Finally Embraced My Curls—and You Can Too
Your Guide to Healthy, Defined Curls: My Step-by-Step Routine.
Healthy Curls Start Here: Steps & Products That Worked for Me
For years, I blow-dried my naturally curly hair straight every few days. I thought it looked more polished, more manageable, and easier to style. But over time, I noticed the damage: dryness, split ends, and my curls turning into frizz. Eventually, I decided to stop fighting my hair's natural texture and learn to work with it, not against it. The results? Healthier hair, more defined curls, and a huge boost in confidence. Here’s how I did it, and how I do it, step by step.
This are the steps
I have spent a long time trying, then incorporating the steps that work to get my hair to look & feel great. I encourage you to do the same. However, the steps I outlined are ones that I think will work well for you too.,
Every curl is different
I am a big fan of Quidad and CurlSmith products because they work well with my hair texture and curl pattern. Consequently, I frequently use those products. Use trial & error to see what works for your hair.
it takes time to adjust
Remember, it takes months (or even longer) to get your hair to a healthy place where you can follow a "curly hair" routine like the I outlined below. Give yourself time to adjust to your new look. I think you will be glad you stuck with the transition!
Before You Start:
Understanding Your Curls
Every head of curls is different. Before diving into a new routine, it’s helpful to know your curl type (from loose waves to tight coils) and your hair’s porosity (how well it absorbs moisture). For example, my hair has a few different types of curl patterns. I have learned to work with this difference rather than fight it.
This knowledge helps you pick the right products and techniques.
My curly hair routine
Here are the steps I take to ensure that my hair and curls look their best. If you haven't tried some of these steps and/or products, give it a try. I think you will be pleased with the result with your hair. I will list the products below that I use and link them to Amazon for your use if you are interested.
step 1 - CLEANSE GENTLY
I use a sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash to cleanse without stripping my hair's natural oils. I have listed a few below that I use. I switch between them depending on my hair and how long it's been since I last shampooed.
- Quidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo: https://amzn.to/3Fxfmd0
- CurlSmith Essential Moisture Cleanser: https://amzn.to/4jtf8lq
- Native Moisturizing Shampoo: https://amzn.to/4kAvcCO
- "The Perfect" Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap: https://amzn.to/4dD0xT8
- The "Hair RePear" Microfiber Hair Towel: https://amzn.to/43J322F
step 2 - . clarify (this is an extra step I do every week or two).
I use a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup and reset my hair.
- Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo: https://amzn.to/3Ha2Hxi
- Malibu C un-do-goo Clarifying Shampoo: https://amzn.to/4jIZ8f6
step 3 - condition deeply (THIS IS AN EXTRA STEP I DO EVERY WEEK OR TWO).
Moisture is key for my hair. I use a deep conditioner once a week after using a clarifying shampoo. I wash my hair at the sink, then apply a deep moisturizer to increase the penetration of the deep conditioner, I use a heat cap that I microwave for about 2-3 minutes. This step significantly improves my hair texture and its ability to retain curls for days. I do this before I shower. I switch between several of the conditioners listed below.
After the conditioning, I shower, rinse my hair, and apply a bit more conditioner. Then I rinse my hair one final time. I dry it very little with the microfiber towel. My first choice is "The Perfect" towel. My second choice is the "Hair RePear" towel
- Heat cap, Cordless: https://amzn.to/4mS7VhD
- Disposable Shower Caps: https://amzn.to/3H8iTz4
- Shea Moisture Deep Conditioner: https://amzn.to/4kAnecN
- Miracle C Hair Repair Conditioner: https://amzn.to/4mwTAH1
- LiquiLinks for hand/face/hair washing: https://amzn.to/4dtzZU6
step 4 - DETANGLE CAREFULL
- Wide Tooth Detangler Comb: https://amzn.to/44RZCfa
step 5 - style while wet
I apply my styling products to soaking wet hair, section by section. I alternate leaving my hair very wet with also doing a bit of microfiber towel drying on different days.
My go-to method for applying product is a combination of the "praying hands" technique and scrunching. I first apply a dime size of leave-in conditioner to my hair. I then section my hair into about 4 or 5 sections using "alligator clips", working from the bottom up as I apply my liquid gel. (I use the Quidad, but you need to find the one that is right for your hair type.) I then spritz the sections of my hair that have gotten a bit dry with water to ensure that my hair dries evenly. This is the section that I spend most of my time. It takes about 10 or so minutes after you have done it a few times.
On other days, I use the leave-in conditioner with a bit of the hair oil and the mousse before defusing my hair till it is about 80 or 90% dry.
- AG Fast Food Leave-in Hair Conditioner: https://amzn.to/4kwsXQC
- or Curlsmith Leave-In Conditioner: https://amzn.to/43KfVcS
- Mousse: Herbal Essences Mousse 6.8 oz Totally Twisted Curl Boosting. Sometimes I use this instead of the Quidad. https://amzn.to/4kymEfp
- Curl Defining Vented Hairbrush: https://amzn.to/3Hq1EsY
- or Denman Curly Hair Brush: https://amzn.to/4jmapBM
- Curl cream: KMS Moist Repair Cream. https://amzn.to/4dseq6g
- Gel: Quidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Stronger Hold gel. https://amzn.to/4dwu3K1
- Mouse/Gel Extra Firm: Sometimes I use this AG product instead of the Herbal Essences. https://amzn.to/4jnAVLc
step 6 - dry without damage
After scrunching out excess water with a microfiber towel or t-shirt, I air dry or diffuse on low heat. I often add a bit of hair oil if I feel my hair needs additional moisture. For the past year, I have used the Dyson hair dryer with the diffuser. I love the way it drys quickly without over drying my hair.
- "The Perfect" Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap: https://amzn.to/4dD0xT8
- The "Hair RePear" Microfiber Hair Towel: https://amzn.to/43J322F
- Luseta Biotin and Collagen Oil: https://amzn.to/4jhg38k
- Dyson Hair Dryer: https://amzn.to/3H8r3HM
step 7 - maintain between washes
To maintain curls, I sleep on a silk pillowcase and loosely "pineapple" my hair. On some occassions, I use a sleep cap to protect my curls. Sometimes I use both the silk pillowcase and the sleep cap!
If I need to refresh (which I don't always have to do after following the steps above), I use a small amount of water and a little leave-in cream or curl spray and fix the areas or curls that need moisture. Here are some of the items I use to do the refresh. Sometimes I use only water and reactivate the products that are already on my hair.
- Quidad Botanical Boost: https://amzn.to/4kCdgYw
- Blissy Silk Pillowcase: https://amzn.to/43wN1f9
- Zimasilk Silk Pillowcase: https://amzn.to/3SPgID1
- Zimasilk Silk Sleep Cap: https://amzn.to/3FoWM71
step 8 - other products i have tried, love and use on many DIFFERENT OCCASIONS!
To maintain my curls without them looking dry and/or frizzy, I switch between a few different products. I am a big fan of Quidad and CurlSmith products because they work well with my hair texture and curl pattern. Consequently, I frequently use those products.
- Tasso Hair Holder Head Wrap: https://amzn.to/4dHEaMk
- CurlSmith Curl Defining Styling Souffle: https://amzn.to/4dvHnhX
- WOW Dream Coat for frizz-free curls: https://amzn.to/45osxHK.
- Briogeo Curl Charisma cream : https://amzn.to/4jjfivs
- Alligator Hair Clips: https://amzn.to/3SQO1Wl
- Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50: https://amzn.to/4mCgLzW
- Beauty of Joeson Korean Sunscreen SPF 40: https://amzn.to/3YYWIS1
- Mine Self Tanning Mitt: https://amzn.to/4dxgJoN
- Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector: https://amzn.to/3H6u9w1
Coming soon!! Downloadable PDF with the hair care steps.
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