This Simple Trick Is The Key To Moisturized, Defined, Frizz-Free Curls

By Jelani Addams Rosa & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

In the six years I’ve been natural, I’ve tried what seems like hundreds of products and at least 10 different styling routines. After countless trial and error, I’ve finally settled on a routine that worked for me.

As much as I loved my wash-and-go routine, I always felt like something was missing. No matter what products I used or how many times a week I washed my hair, my curls were always frizzy and undefined by day two—that is, until a simple trick saved my curls: applying my products to soaking wet hair. Whether you have dark brown hair or ash blonde strands, this quick and easy curly hair trick can help to create moisturized, defined, frizz-free curls.

Continue reading to find out how I switched up my wash-and-go routine and why an expert says this trick is great for anyone with dry hair.

My Old Curly Hair Routine

My old wash-and-go routine went a little something like this: First, I’d hop in the shower to wash and condition my hair with my go-to shampoo and conditioner combo of Mizani’s Moisture Fusion Moisture Rich Shampoo and Moisture Fusion Intense Moisturizing Mask. After allowing the mask to sit in my hair for about 10 minutes, I’d rinse my hair thoroughly and gently wring any excess water out of my strands. After stepping out of the shower, I’d apply a leave-in conditioner to my damp strands (I love Redken’s All Soft Hydramelt Leave-In Treatment for the dry winter months) followed by some heat protection in the form of Mizani’s 25 Miracle Milk and diffuse my curls. All of these products were provided to me courtesy of the brands.

Unfortunately, by day two my ringlets were all but gone. If I wanted my curls to look defined and frizz-free, I had to re-wet large sections of my hair or start my whole wash-and-go routine from the beginning. I knew there had to be a better way.

My New Curly Hair Trick

While contemplating my frizzy dilemma in the shower one evening, I started to think about all of the times my curls looked the most defined and frizz-free—and almost all of those times were when my hair was soaking wet. Whether I was in the shower detangling my hair or coming out of the ocean after a day at the beach, my curl pattern looked its best while soaking wet. I knew it wasn’t realistic for me to walk around with soaking wet hair all day, but maybe there was a way to lock in the definition I seemed to experience exclusively in the shower.

That evening, instead of gently wringing out my strands before applying a leave-in conditioner, I applied my product in the shower to my soaking wet strands. I had to use a touch more leave-in than usual as the water slightly diluted the product, but the end result was well worth it. When my hair was completely dry, I had defined, frizz-free curls that lasted four whole days!

I couldn’t wait to spill my newest hair revelation during my next appointment with my stylist Daryce Brown-Willis, a Mizani artist. It turns out my styling trick wasn’t just a fluke. There’s a scientific reason applying a product to wet hair may help you achieve the curls of your dreams.

We talk a lot about retaining moisture and locking moisture in—moisture comes from water, so you want the hair to be full of water...The goal of applying the product to soaking wet hair is to retain as much moisture as possible.

Daryce Brown-Willis

Applying your leave-in conditioner on soaking wet hair coats your wet strands, essentially “locking in” moisture.

If you have dry, frizz-prone curls that crave moisture, this simple trick may just be exactly what you need to get the Insta-worthy wash-and-go you deserve.

Interested in personalized advice about how to care for your curls? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.

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