Learning how to refresh curls without constant washing can be a game-changer for those with curly to coily hair. While these hair types are undoubtedly gorgeous, having them can sometimes be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they’re less prone to becoming greasy and, by extension, require less washing. On the other, few-and-far-between shampoos can be a recipe for smushed, frazzled, or undefined curls. Ahead, we’re outlining a few of our favorite ways to help curls spring back to life sans an everything shower. Whether you’re curious about how to refresh curls after sleeping or desperate to keep unwanted frizz at bay, we’ve got the advice and salon-grade products that can help.
How Often Should You Wash Curly Hair?
Before we dive into the best curl-refreshing methods, you may wonder how often you should wash your hair. The truth is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Generally speaking, the thicker and tighter your curl pattern, the longer you can usually go between shampoos. That’s because the twists and bends of textured hair make it harder for the scalp’s oils to travel down the hair shaft and make it appear greasy. However, this can also make curls and coils more susceptible to dryness—and overwashing can worsen matters. As such, experts advise washing every 5-7 days based on your surrounding climate and physical activity level.
But since there may be extended time between shampooing, things like pillow friction, haircare product buildup, and everyday styling habits can deflate your once-buoyant curl pattern. Fortunately, there are things you can do to revive your hair’s definition in the meantime. Which brings us to…
Good hair day by @lisariverahair.
How To Refresh Curls: 6 Methods We Swear By
Use a curl-refreshing spray
Curl refreshing sprays are haircare products that help redefine your curl pattern, reduce frizz, and restore moisture without necessitating a full wash and styling routine. Typically, the liquid formulas are made with moisturizing ingredients and water-attracting humectants. In addition to helping with curl definition, many of these spritzes leave strands with a pleasant scent so that hair smells as fresh as it looks.
The Redken Refreshing Curl Mist is among our favorites to help revitalize flattened hair. The lightweight leave-in, which is formulated with jojoba oil and squalane, is designed to reactivate up to seventh-day (!) waves, curls, and coils. Plus, it helps reduce frizz by up to 76%* and is suitable for use on color-treated hair. Or, if you’re more specifically wondering how to refresh curls in the morning, look no further than the L’Oréal Professionnel Curl Expression Curls Reviver Spray. The glycerin, hibiscus seed, and urea H-infused formula is ideal for reviving hair after pillow friction and helps extend curl definition until your next wash day.
*vs. non-conditioning shampooUsing a curl refreshing spray is easy: First, divide your hair into workable sections. Then, mist your chosen formula evenly through your hair and gently scrunch it upward to reinvigorate your natural curl pattern.
Mist hair with water
A budget-friendly way to refresh your curls is with a dose of good old-fashioned water. Hydration can help make curls more pliable, allowing them to bounce back to their natural shape. What’s more, water can also serve as an activator for any styling products (like gels, creams, or mousses) already in your hair so they can work again as intended.
Use a spray bottle to mist H2O through your hair, or wet your hands with running water and lightly scrunch them through your curls. If you want extra shape memory, run a bit of a curl cream through your ringlets as a finishing touch. We recommend Mizani True Textures Curl Defining Lotion to give your locks a soft hold and a crunch-free feel.
Try finger-coiling
For heatless definition, try the finger wave method to help coax more shape and volume out of deflated curls. Simply wet your hair following the steps above, then apply your desired curl-enhancing product. We’re partial to the Matrix A Curl Can Dream Lightweight Oil for finger coiling because it helps separate out your curls and add shine. Another option we love is the Redken All Soft Mega Curls Hydramelt Leave-In Conditioner. When applied to dry hair (and used in conjunction with All Soft Mega Shampoo and Conditioner), the leave-in formula helps reactivate curls and coils to provide healthy-looking hair for up to 72 hours.*
After you’ve applied your oil or cream, wind a single curl around your finger, hold it there for 10 seconds, and pull your finger out. Repeat the process around your whole head for a rejuvenated curl pattern.
*based on consumer testing results when using full bundle of All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo, Conditioner, and HydrameltHit it with a diffuser
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have time to air dry your curls, reach for your diffuser. As a quick refresher, diffusers are blow-dryer attachments designed for textured hair. Their spiky nozzles help separate your curls as you dry them, yielding a more defined look. Plus, diffusers help distribute heat more evenly throughout your hair, which can help minimize heat damage and keep frizz at bay.
To begin, lightly mist your hair with a leave-in conditioner so that your hair is slightly damp. Opt for one that offers heat protection like Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner, which protects against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Set your diffuser to low heat and speed. Then, working in sections, gently place the ends of your curls into the diffuser, lifting hair up toward the roots to promote volume and shape. (Try to avoid touching your curls too much while drying, as this can create frizz.) Once dry, lightly scrunch your curls to enhance their definition. Finish with a light mist of hairspray like the L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Infinium 3 Medium Hold Spray for touchable shape memory, added shine, and controlled frizz.
Spritz on dry shampoo
Dry shampoo is the gold standard for freshening up all types of unwashed hair, but it can be especially useful for curls. The oil-absorbing formula allows you to skip washing your ends, which is essential since frequent washing can strip moisture and exacerbate dryness. Not to mention, certain dry shampoos, like Pureology Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo, also help lift up your roots, restoring uniform volume from root to tip.
To use, hold your dry shampoo nozzle about 8-10 inches (you can also use the length of the can as your marker) from your head. Spritz the formula directly along your roots, switching up your part line as you go to ensure you’ve covered all areas that need refreshing. Gently massage the product into your scalp with your fingertips to help blend any excess powder, and you’re good to go.
Work an oil through your ends
To restore moisture to dry ends between wash days, work 1-2 pumps of a nourishing hair oil (adding more or less depending on your hair length and density) through them. One of our go-to oils is the Matrix Food For Soft Multi-Use Hair Oil Serum, which is brimming with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and avocado oil and can help give parched lengths some extra TLC. Those looking for mega shine can scoop up the Kérastase Elixir Ultime L'Huile Original Hair Oil Refillable. The wild camellia-infused formula is somewhat of an icon in the hair world, leaving hair up to 10x smoother* and with 92% more shine.**Discover more ways to use it in our article, Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Review.
*vs. non-conditioning shampoo**vs. unwashed hair
Now that you know how to refresh curls between wash days, head to our guide, How To Dry Curly Hair, for all the best ways to dry your locks when it does come time to lather up.
Header photo credits (left to right): @lisariverahair and @redkenpro
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