Before I discovered the curly-girl method I would never refresh my hair. My previous hair routine would be to sleep in braids and the next morning I would use a curling wand to curl any sections that looked strange. Since beginning my CGM journey last year I’ve learned so much about curly hair that I never knew about which is why I started posting curly-hair posts on the blog because there could be a curly hair person reading this post who knows next to nothing about their curly hair, like the curl refresh.
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What is the Curl Refreshing?
It’s the process of refreshing your curls on the days when you don’t wash your hair. You use water and styling products to achieve a new curl look.
Curl Hair Styling Products 101
Shampoo is used to cleanse your scalp from dirt and oil while conditioner is used to moisturize the ends of your hair and help detangle any knots. Styling products are used to…wait for it…style your hair! There are so many styling products so down below I mention some popular styling products and their purpose.
Leave-In-Conditioner – Helps detangle and keep moisture (Make sure to use one without silicon)
Gel – Holds and defines curls (My favorite gel)
Mousse – Volumizing, holds, adds definition, and shine to curls
Curling Cream – Hydrating and moisturizing, and defines curls
Oil – Nourishing treatment, adds shine but can weigh down your curls
Tip: Remember always read the product bottle to see what a product does because every product is different and one might have different results from a different product.
How to Curl Refresh
With a spray bottle (add a tiny amount of leave-in or conditioner and shake vigorously), spray water all over your hair just enough for your hair to feel damp. Add a styling product and evenly distribute the product by pressing your hands together and moving downwards and then scrunch the product into your hair. Let your hair dry naturally or use a diffuser until your hair is completely dry. If you notice any crispiness in your hair, this is good because it means a hold was developed, break this cast by ‘scrunching the crunch’. To do this, use your hands and scrunch your hair upwards, this will create a nice curl pattern.
Tip: Avoid touching your hair while wet to reduce frizz from forming.
Tip: Use oil to break the gel cast. This adds extra hydration and shine to your curls.
How to Maintain Curls
Curl refreshes are often used on days when you don’t wash your hair. In the morning, I take down my hair and analyze my curls. If I think my curls are decent, I’ll skip the refresh and just apply dry shampoo and fluff my roots. Sometimes the mix of products from the week in your hair is enough to maintain your curls. Also, sleeping with a satin silk scrunchy and pillowcase really helps!
What are some of your curly hair refresh tips?
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