March 5, 2023

Bringing Back My Mom’s Damaged, Wavy Curls! Routine for Color-Treated Gray Hair

Today, I’m so excited to share my mama with you! We are bringing back her wavy curls in a wash day routine. She is a natural redhead but is fully gray now, so she dyes her hair regularly and also heat styles. Her hair type is medium-textured and her density is high, which was definitely a learning lesson for me. It was also super tangly and dried quickly due to being high-porosity. For this routine, I’m going to be focusing on damage repair and nourishing her waves back to life.

Wash Day Routine Steps

Bond building treatment
We started with the Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve to help repair the broken bonds in her hair from highlights, hair dye, and heat. This can be used 1-3 times per month, depending on your damage level. This also contains protein to strengthen the hair.
Clarify
For a clean slate, I wanted to use a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup from the silicone hair products she typically uses. I went with the Malibu C Un-Do Goo Shampoo which also removes hard water minerals that accumulate over time. I typically clarify 1-3 times per month.
Deep condition
Deep conditioning on a regular basis is a must, especially for damaged and color-treated hair. She hasn’t used a mask in a very long time so I wanted to restore the moisture without weighing it down. I went with the Curlsmith Hydro Creme Soothing Mask because it’s lightweight yet highly moisturizing. This can be used weekly.
Styling cream
To add moisture and help smooth the cuticle, I used the AG Curl Fresh Definer Styling Cream. This is lightweight so I knew it would be good for her waves and not weigh them down. I used my Tangle Teezer Naturally Curly Detangling Brush to detangle and style the hair. This was a must for her very tangly hair to smooth everything out and help clump and define the curls. Be very gentle with using a brush on damaged hair.
Gel
For hold and definition, I went with the AG Liquid Effects Gel. This has a very thin, slippery consistency so I thought it was a good fit for her waves. It also provides a strong hold that can be scrunched out for a softer feel. I also scrunched with my hair towel before diffusing to absorb any excess water and gel.
Diffuse
Using a hair dryer with a diffuser on warm heat is the best way to set the waves in place and create volume. I used the Curlsmith Defrizzion diffuser I cupped the hair into the diffuser bowl and pressed it towards her scalp to create lift.
Oil
Once it was completely dry, I use a little bit of the Curlsmith Bonding Oil to add shine, lock in moisture, and help strengthen the hair. This will also soften any of that gel cast.

Results

Her waves were so much more defined and felt softer and healthier. I was shocked by how much texture we were able to restore even with the heat and color damage. Her results lasted her all week, which saved her time. This is a routine that I would do on the weekends, perhaps once per week, until the hair becomes healthier, then cut back to twice a month. For regular wash days, you can just use a regular shampoo and conditioner, then style the same way. Putting in the extra effort on wash day can help nourish your waves or curls back to life.

To watch my style my sister’s low-density, healthy curls, watch this video.

Let me know if you would like to see more content with my family!