How to Refresh Your Curls: Getting Past Day 2

Every curly-haired person can relate to the struggle of waking up with day 2 curls that look like they've seen better days. The good news? You don't need to wash your hair every day to have defined, frizz-free curls. With the right refresh technique, you can extend your wash day results for days, sometimes even longer than a week.

Before diving into techniques or product recommendations, it's essential to understand your hair's specific needs. Start by identifying why your day two curls aren't performing as expected. Remember to have grace for yourself – not every wash day will be perfect, and that's completely normal. Some days your hair may need a break from heavy styling to just breathe, and embracing your natural texture in its undefined state is perfectly acceptable.

Here are some potential reasons why your day 2 hair isn't looking its best:

Not wearing a bonnet or sleeping on a satin/silk pillowcase

Your hair is extremely dry

The weather is hot and humid where you are

Your hair isn't protected from the weather (think satin-lined caps)

Your hair was still wet when you went to bed

Your curls are 'too soft' and lack hold

Using too much product

Using too little product

So how to refresh curls?

Through trial and error, I've learned what it takes to make my curls last. To stretch my style for seven days, or even longer, I start by finger coiling (or using a curl defining brush) every strand on wash day. I also make sure to sleep with my hair protected, either with a bonnet or on a satin pillowcase. And throughout the week, I refresh with a little leave-in cream and water. And I do mean just a bit … When it comes to product, less is definitely more for me.

As much as hair types and porosities might be helpful when it comes to hair routines, we have to see each head of hair as an individual. This is especially true when it comes to fine, medium, and coarse hair textures. For example, my hair doesn't need to be washed too frequently, every 7 to 12 days works well unless my hair needs extra moisture, then it might be more often. Sometimes my hair craves lightweight leave-ins, and other times it desires heavier creams or gels. That being said, as a fine-textured, medium-to-high density girlie, I do often opt for lightweight or medium-texture creams. When I use heavier creams, I use just a little (I know the pain of using too much product and having the style ruined!)

The key is learning to read your hair's signals. Are your curls simply flattened from sleep, or have they lost moisture and definition? This assessment will guide your refresh approach and help you achieve the most defined curls.

For curls that are for the most part defined, you might just need to use a spray bottle to give them a slight boost. This technique works particularly well for day 2 hair that's maintained most of its curl pattern but needs a little encouragement.

Start with a spray bottle filled with water and add a few drops of your favourite leave-in conditioner or curl cream. The ratio should be about 90% water to 10% product. Keep in mind that most spray bottles aren't designed for leave-in products, so make sure to check compatibility first.

Lightly mist your hair, focusing on areas that appear dry or frizzy, then gently finger coil the strands.

Start by sectioning your hair into four sections and spraying your hair down with water. Pump some leave-in conditioner into your hands and emulsify it. The key is to use just enough moisture to reactivate your curl pattern.

Sometimes your curls need a complete reset without a full wash. This intensive refresh method is perfect for day 3-7 hair that's lost most of its curl pattern or has significant frizz.

Start by spraying the perimeter of your hair first, then gradually work your way in. You might need to almost drench your whole head, but taking this gradual approach helps you control moisture levels. Once thoroughly dampened, check if your hair feels moisturised – sometimes water alone is enough.

If additional moisture is needed, apply leave-in conditioner followed by your styling products. Treat this like a mini wash day with proper sectioning and application techniques.

If your hair feels limp or greasy at this point, you may need to wash early. For hair that's mostly fine but needs refreshing, co-washing offers a great middle ground between a full wash and this intensive refresh method.

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Mastering curl definition takes time (it might even take you a lifetime), but don't be discouraged – curl refreshes come in handy when your wash day results have not gone past day 1.

What works for your hair may be different from what works for others, so don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and products until you find your perfect refresh routine.

It's also important to remember that sometimes your go-to refresh method might not work perfectly. Environmental factors like hard water, humidity, working out, or even moving to a new location can all affect how your hair responds to your usual routine. If one method doesn't work, try another – surely one of these techniques will help you achieve the curls you're looking for.

So what are you waiting for? Whether you're wondering how to refresh curls in the morning or looking to extend your wash day results, we hope you are now ready to enjoy beautiful, defined curls day after day.