My Cruelty-free Curly Hair Routine

With my generous arm hair, my nearly-untameable eyebrows, and the mop of curly hair I have on my head, I estimate I am approximate 84% hair. As such, I feel qualified to share my curly hair routine.

I admit, my hairstyles have had their ups and downs (my teens were not a good look). But I’ve finally found a simple, easy, cruelty-free curly hair method that keeps my curls defined, but not too defined (à la Shirley Temple).

1. Detangle

   • I prefer to detangle my hair in the shower. Honestly, I don’t think I would be able to get through all the tangles without some help; that’s where conditioner and a very wide tooth comb come in.

   • I wet my hair, add some conditioner for slip to help the knots slide out easier, and I start from the bottom working my way up towards the roots. I find diving the hair into sections helps as well.

   • Remember: Hair is extra delicate and prone to breaking when wet. Be patient and add more conditioner as needed.

2. Wash

   • Due to the texture of my hair, I don’t need to wash it more than once or twice a week. Any more than that would be much too drying.

   • For a normal weekly shampoos, I am currently enjoying Alba Botanica Coconut Milk Shampoo to match my conditioner choice (see more below). Live Clean, Andalou Naturals and Avalon Organics are great options as well.

   • If I need a deeper, more clarifying wash (for example, if I’m noticing a lot of product buildup) by favorite thing to use is baking soda. Yep, really. Baking soda is cheap, everyone has it, and I have never found something that gets my hair cleaner. I mix a tablespoon of baking soda into a cup of warm water, and just bring it to the shower with me. (This is very cleansing but also very stripping, so again, don’t use it too often.)

Condition

• I know it seems odd to condition again after I already used conditioner to detangle, but I like to return a bit of the moisture stripped from my hair after using shampoo.
• My favourite at the moment is the Alba Botanica Coconut Milk Conditioner. I love coconut so I like the smell and it’s accessible, being at a lower price point and found in many grocery and drug stores. Other similar option are Live Clean, Andalou Naturals and Avalon Organics and they match the shampoos listed above.
• If I need a deeper condition I turn to a hair mask. The best one I’ve found is the Neuma NeuSmooth Revitalizing Masque. It’s like magic. I like to put it on and then let it sit in my hair for a few minutes (perhaps while shaving, brushing my teeth, etc) before rinsing out.
• I have a whole video on affordable conditioners. if you'd like a more in-depth review.

Towel Dry

• This is step I think most people run into trouble. To get well defined curls, you need to do you best to avoid disturbing the curl pattern. So no mushing, fussing or overworking your hair from here on out. (ie: do not rub your hair with a towel!)
• Here’s how I do it: Gently wrap your hair in a towel or microfiber cloth, such as the Turbi Twist, and then go about the rest of your getting ready routine (make coffee, eat breakfast, do your makeup, etc).

Blow Dry

• For the best curls and least damage, air drying is best. But with my thick, curly hair, it stays wet for hours and I don’t have time for that! So instead, I use a big diffuser. Mine is so old that I’m holding it together with electrical tape, so I don’t know the brand, but something like this Sephora one or this Shoppers Drug Mart is what your should look for.
• In my getting ready routine, finishing my hair is the last step so I give it the max amount of time to dry in the towel. When it’s time to blow-dry, I gently unwrap it, and then finger comb a curl-enhancing product through it. This should be something creamy and moisturising to help with frizz. Focus on the bottom part of your hair (anything that would be below a ponytail elastic) and not at the roots, so you don’t end up with flat hair.
• The product I’m currently using is the Neuma Neustyling smoothing creme, but the Cake Beauty Curl Friend Defining Curl Cream or the Andalou naturals Silky Smooth Taming Creme (smells like mint!) are also a great options.
• For extra curl enhancement and frizz reduction, you might find a mousse helpful. You’ll want to scrunch this into your curls. I don't use mousse all the time, but the one currently in my bathroom drawer is the Boo Bamboo Volumizing Mousse. Cake also has The Curl Whip Whipped Curl Mousse.
• I like to flip my head upside down, and gather my hair into the bowel of the diffuser, and hold it there for about 30 seconds. I repeat this all over my scalp until my hair is dry!

Style

• You could totally stop at step five if you’re happy with how your hair looks. I often like to tease the roots for a bit of extra lift, and hold with hairspray. Some option are the Boo Bamboo Anti-Humidity Hair Spray, The Hold Out by Cake Beauty (smells very strongly like sugary vanilla), or any one of the many options by Paul Mitchell.
• Lastly, if there are still any fuzzy bits near your face, you can fix them with a curling iron that is similar in size to your natural curls. For me, thats a 1/4 inch curing iron.
• Do a final veil of hairspray all over, and you’re done!

So, I know this looks like a long list of steps, but it doesn’t take too long once you get the routine down. Of course, this is what works for me, but you can tweak the steps to make it fit your hair or your life a bit better. Was this helpful? Any burning questions? Are you going to try my hair regimen? If so, pop over to Instagram and tell me all about it.