Maintaining curly hair can feel like an ongoing challenge. Hair can look and feel shiny one day but look limp and frizzy the next. A key to helping curls stay fresh between washes is by keeping them hydrated.
Overwashing, especially with harsh shampoos, can strip away the natural oils crucial for healthy hair and scalp. Not to mention it can take so long to go through all the steps in a complete washday routine with a head full of curls… Even worse, dryness for curly hair usually translates into frizz, breakage and difficulty in maintaining your curl pattern. By learning how to refresh your curly hair between washes, you can extend the life of your washday routine while minimizing damage.
That’s why we created this guide with our favorite curl refresh techniques, plus the curly hair products and tools needed for restoring your curls, coils, waves or kinks without daily shampooing. So keep reading and learn how you can create a tailored routine for styling your curls on non-wash days!
How to refresh curls between washes: 5 techniques
1. Start by protecting your curls while you sleep
To keep your curls protected while you sleep, you can try a few different methods. The most popular is the "pineapple method" (pictured above) which involves gently gathering curls into a very high, but loose, ponytail using a silk scrunchie or hair tie. This technique prevents creases and reduces friction, helping you wake up with nearly the same defined curls you fell asleep with.
You can also try sleeping on a silk pillowcase, using a silk bonnet or tying hair up with a silk headscarf. This type of fabric will help to maintain your curls' shape and prevent them from becoming flattened or frizzy while you snooze.
2. Use a spray bottle to dampen and refresh curls in the morning
One of the best ways to refresh your curls between washes and extend the life of your curls is with a simple spray bottle. Using a bottle filled with water, mist your hair to “reawaken” its waves and curls. You can “re-dampen” your whole head or just focus on areas that need it most. This method allows for even product distribution without completely soaking your hair, which can disrupt the curl pattern.
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For looser waves and fine hair, our lightweight Curl Cream or Leave-In Mist can restore definition without weighing hair down or making your roots greasy.
3. Or, for thicker textures, refresh curls dry using conditioning products
For those with thicker textures, refreshing curls between washes can be streamlined with a "dry refresh" technique. This method is particularly beneficial for these hair types because their natural structure typically retains its shape well and responds well to hair oils. Additionally, thicker strands tend to have a higher capacity for absorbing oils and a bit less need for dry shampoos between washes, making them well-suited for this method.
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The key to a successful dry refresh lies in gentle styling. Avoid the urge to use a comb or brush, which might disrupt the curl pattern and introduce more frizz. Instead, use your fingers to delicately detangle any knots or sections that need attention. The beauty of this technique lies in its efficiency. A small amount of conditioning product, such as a curl cream, hair oils or our Ghost™ Air Dry Whip is all that's necessary. Simply smooth, twist and scrunch the product into your hair to revive your curls and combat flyaways, effectively refreshing your curly style without the need for water.
4. Create a DIY curl refresher spray
A DIY curl refreshing spray is a wonderful solution for refreshing curls between washes. We recommend using it on dry or slightly damp hair to help add moisture, enhance definition and reduce frizziness. The best part is that you can make your own by adding a very small amount of your favorite hair products to a spray bottle of distilled or filtered water.
Some of the most common ingredients to add are your favorite curl conditioner, leave-in or lightweight hair oil. Make sure to shake the bottle before use to ensure the ingredients are properly mixed before you spritz it on your curls. One extra tip: fill a small spray bottle with the mixture and keep one in your purse, car and desk so you can do a curl refresh on the go!
Keep your curls healthy and refreshed with Verb!
Remember, the perfect curl refresh routine might take some experimentation. Your hair type, porosity and even the environment you’re in can all play a role. Don't be afraid to mix and match these techniques and find what gives your curls new life! Also, whether or not you’re refreshing your curls, make sure to be gentle, focus on moisture and avoid creating frizz.
This is why at Verb, all of our products, including those for curly hair, contain only the good stuff and are free of parabens and harmful sulfates. Plus they’re vegan and gluten-free! Head over here to check out our full Curl collection if you want to achieve defined and frizz-free curls.
If you want more product recs for your unique hair type, texture, concerns and goals — check out our shampoo + conditioner guide or our hair quiz for personalized recommendations!
Have specific hair questions? We can help you build your perfect curly Verb routine designed just for you! Send us a DM at @verbproducts on Instagram and we can help you say goodbye to bad hair days in-between washes.
