10 Things I Quit for my Best Curls Ever
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If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours trying to find the perfect routine to get those dreamy curls. It can be overwhelming with all the products and techniques out there. Trust me, I’ve been through it all. But in this post, I’m going to share something that changed my curl game: the things I stopped doing to achieve my best curls ever. Yes, sometimes less is more! If you’ve got fine, lower density, low porosity hair like mine, these tips might just change your life.
1. Applying Styling Products to Towel-Dried Hair
Applying products to towel dried hair is the most common way to apply products, and it’s recommended for thin and low density hair. So I avoided the common curly tips to apply products to wet hair for a long time. But there’s a huge difference between towel-dried and wet, damp hair.
When I started applying styling products directly in the shower on wet hair, my curls became more defined and less frizzy. If you’re worried about dripping water everywhere, try micro-plopping your hair for just a couple of minutes before applying your products. Trust me; it makes all the difference!
2. Using Curl Cream
I originally thought I had to use curl cream in my routine because everyone said it was essential. However, I noticed my curls looked stringy and fluffy, and they didn’t hold up throughout the day. Skipping curl cream and going straight to gel changed everything for me. My curls are now bouncier and last much longer without that unwanted fluffiness.
I think curl cream is a great product if you’re looking for more moisture and definition. but if you struggle with hair that is too soft, stretched out curls, or curls that don’t last, skipping curl cream could make a big difference.
3. Co-Washing
I initially jumped on the no-poo method bandwagon, thinking co-washing was the answer to all my problems. It’s how I got into the curly girl method world. Unfortunately, it left my hair flat and greasy with an unhappy scalp. Switching back to actual shampoo has been a game-changer. Now, my scalp feels clean and my curls are bouncy and shiny.
4. Doing Hair Treatments
In the early days of caring for my curls, I went overboard with treatments like deep conditioners and protein treatments. My hair was damaged, so I did need these treatments.
But even as my hair got healthier, I kept doing them. The treatments started to weigh down my hair and cause more frizz. Once I eliminated these excessive treatments from my routine, I experienced lighter curls with more volume and less frizz.
And now that my hair is healthy, I’ve stopped them altogether. I never do a deep conditioning treatment, not even after clarifying.
5. Using Microfiber Hair Towels
Microfiber towels are beloved in the curly community but I came across t-shirt towels and had better results. I noticed significantly less frizz and smoother curls overall so I never went back to microfiber. Flour sack towels are also a better option, but harder to find.
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6. Avoiding Sulfates
Following advice from the curly girl method led me to avoid sulfates at all costs—big mistake! Mild shampoos and co-washes resulted in an itchy scalp with flakes galore due to buildup over time. As a result, my hair was always limp and dull. Introducing clarifying sulfate shampoos into my routine has helped keep both my scalp happy and curls thriving.
7. Washing Only Once or Twice a Week
Stretching out wash days seemed like a smart idea until day three rolled around with flatness accompanied by greasiness plus itchiness—not fun at all! Washing every other day instead has made such positive changes not only for how great both scalp health & overall appearance look but also feel too!
8. Layering Multiple Styling Products
I remember the frustration of spending time applying creams, gels, mousses, and sprays only to end up with limp curls by midday. It felt like no matter what I did, my hair just wouldn’t cooperate. That’s when I decided enough was enough.
Now, I’ve simplified my approach. Instead of piling on everything under the sun, I focus on using just two types of products: one for volume and another for definition and hold. This combo has been a game-changer for me. By using a lightweight volumizing mousse followed by a hard hold gel, my curls are bouncy and defined without being weighed down.
If you’re struggling with flat curls or feeling overwhelmed by too many products, try cutting back. You’ll likely find that less really is more when it comes to styling your gorgeous locks.
9. Cutting Layers into Hair
Oh, layers—the double-edged sword of curly haircuts! For years, I thought adding layers would give my curls more shape and movement. But with fine, lower density hair like mine, they often had the opposite effect.
After each layered haircut, I’d notice my hair looking thinner and lacking volume at the roots. Not exactly what you’d want from a fresh cut! The layers seemed to accentuate the sparseness rather than enhance the overall look.
Switching to a blunt cut with even lengths was one of the best decisions I made for my curls. This style gives an illusion of thicker hair while providing a uniform shape that allows curls to clump beautifully together. A few face-framing layers are still part of my routine but kept minimal to maintain fullness throughout.
If you’ve got fine or lower density hair and feel like layers aren’t working for you either, consider opting for a more even cut next time you visit your stylist—it might just be the trick you need!
10. Air Drying
When it comes to drying curly hair naturally versus diffusing with heat tools—there’s plenty of debate out there! Like many others initially worried about heat damage from blow dryers—I stuck religiously with air drying whenever possible.
But here’s something interesting: despite common beliefs about diffusers causing harm, they don’t because the heat is dispersed across a larger area instead of a single spot.
Switching over from air drying entirely wasn’t easy at first; however—I quickly noticed significant improvements once incorporating medium-heat diffusion into my routine instead:
- Better Volume: Diffusing helps lift roots during the drying process resulting in much-needed bounce. The water weight doesn’t pull down on the hair for as long as air drying, so the overall volume is significantly better with diffusing.
- Enhanced Definition: I find that air-drying leaves my hair with more frizz, whereas diffused curls had better curl formation and clumps.
- Longer-lasting Styles: With proper technique (medium heat setting), my style holds up better throughout day compared to air drying. This alone is worth it for me, since I don’t have to refresh my hair as often.
If any fellow curlies remain skeptical regarding use hot tools within their regimen—I encourage giving diffuser another shot before dismissing outright—you may discover newfound appreciation yourself too!
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Bottom line
Blindly following curly hair advice doesn’t really work, since all hair is different. You have to consider the health of your hair, density, porosity, texture, and the weather which are lots of variable to consider. So if you’re not totally happy with your hair, try some of these changes I made and see if it makes a difference for you.