This post is sponsored by Curlsmith. Full disclosure here.
Are your curls and scalp in need of a major reset? If they’re looking limp, frizzy, dry, this routine is for you.
I’m sharing a reset routine that will restore your natural curls and clear your scalp, using some products from Curlsmith who are kindly partnering with me for this video.
Assess your hair needs and make a plan
My hair and scalp are in desperate need of attention with this dry winter weather. My curls are stretched out and super tangly.
To keep my rotation of products simple, I do what I like to call a treatment wash day. A treatment wash day involves a couple of extra steps to treat a problem. This can be done 1-3 times per month depending on your hair’s needs. There are a few different ways you can approach this depending on your hair.
Step 1, Option 1: Bond Building Treatment (optional)
If you have damaged hair, start with a bonding treatment like Curlsmith Bond Curl. This is also ideal if your curls are really stretched out, if you previously had your hair straightened, or if they’re lacking bounce. Bond Curl is applied on damp hair prior to shampooing. It has a little bit of slip to it so you can also detangle with it.
This salve repairs all 3 types of hair bonds, strengthens with proteins and is lightly conditioning.
Let it sit for anywhere from 10-30 minutes, but do not exceed 30 minutes. Make sure you follow with shampoo.
- Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve
Step 1, Option 2: Primer/detangler (optional)
Another option is to use a primer like the Curslmith Super Slip Pre-Wash Primer to get rid of major tangles and protect the hair. This high slip primer also softens the hair, reduces breakage and prevents stripping.
The Curlsmith Detox Kit makes it easy because it contains all 3 steps (primer, shampoo, conditioner) and they work perfectly together. This option would suit any hair type.
- Curlsmith Super Slip Pre-Biotic Primer
- Curlsmith Detox Kit
Option 3: Start with step 2
For the most basic, simple treatment type of wash day would be to first clarify to remove buildup then use a deep conditioning for some extra moisture. This works for all curl types.
Step 2: Detox Shampoo
The next step is to use a clarifying shampoo like the Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo. This contains a microfine scrub to gently exfoliate the scalp and take care of any excess oil, dry flakes, and buildup. It will also cleanse the hair from build-up and product residue.
I love that this natural perlite scrub is really fine and not like some scalp products that have those plastic beads that don’t dissolve. It contains ACV and is considered color-safe.
I also love the Curlsmith Scalp Scrubber which has soft bristles that gently loosen any buildup or flakes on the scalp. This is game-changing if you have stubborn buildup. I often can still feel a residue on my scalp after the first shampoo, but after using a scalp massager it takes care of it. It helps to gently lift around the hair follicles to really get in there.
Since I already detangled before I shampooed, my hair is not all matted up. If you’re doing the primer step before this, that can also help prevent your hair from tangling and feeling stripped after shampoo.
Rinse it thoroughly then we’re ready for conditioner.
- Curlsmith Scalp Massager
- Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Pro-Biotic Shampoo
Step 3: Conditioning
Option 1: Condition, detangle, rinse
Once your hair is clean, we need to replenish that moisture with a deep conditioner or a conditioner.
One option is the Curlsmith Post-Wash Calming Conditioner that comes in the detox kit. This is a highly moisturizing yet lightweight conditioner that can also be applied to the scalp.
It has this cooling sensation to calm an irritated scalp. I would use this if your hair gets weighed down easily.
- Curlsmith Post-Biotic Calming Conditioner
Option 2: Deep condition, detangle, rinse
If you used Bond Curl or if you just have extra dry hair, you may want opt for a deep conditioner for even more moisture. Bond Curl is strengthening but you want to balance that out with something softening.
For super dry hair, you can use something like the Curlsmith Double Cream Deep Quencher to replenish moisture. This thick cream is super rich in oils and butters, so it’s great for coarse and high porosity hair types. It’s also protein-free.
You do not need to use both a conditioner and a deep conditioner. Your deep conditioning mask can replace your conditioner. Put it on the shower and pop on a plastic cap, then rinse after at 5-15 minutes.
Wrap your hair in a hair towel to soak up excess water. I’m using the Curlsmith Microfiber Towel which is perfectly absorbent and won’t cause frizz with it’s smooth, flat surface.
- Curlsmith Double Cream Deep Quencher
- Curlsmith Microfiber Towel
Step 4: Heat protectant (optional)
Once your curls are clean and moisturized, you have the perfect base to style.
First I mist down my hair with the Curlsmith spray bottle so it’s evenly wet. Then I apply the Curlsmith Miracle Shield, which is the heat protectant I use almost every wash day. This will protect from the heat when diffusing. It also provides UV protection. I brush it through so it’s evenly distributed.
- Curlsmith Continuous Spray Bottle
- Curlsmith Miracle Shield Heat Protection Spray
Step 5: Leave-in or curl cream (optional)
I like to keep it simple and style with just one gel usually, but in the winter I usually need a leave-in or a curl cream for extra moisture and to provide slip. I’m using the Hydrate & Plump Leave-In which is a lightweight leave-in that will moisturize without weighing down the hair.
- Curlsmith Hydrate & Plump Leave-In
Step 6: Gel & style
For styling, I like the Shape Up Aqua gel which is one of my favorite gels from Curlsmith. I apply it in sections and then do some quick brush styling. Using a gel will define your curls, tame frizz and create hold.
This gel has a thin, liquid consistency and provides a light medium hold. It has some proteins in it too. Normally I go with stronger hold gels, but when it’s not humid outside I like using some of lighter hold gels. This gel is also moisturizing and has high slip.
After styling, I microplop with the Curlsmith Microfiber towel to speed up my dry time. Then I add extra gel to increase my hold and tame frizz.
- Curlsmith Shape Up Aqua Gel
Step 7: Diffuse
After styling, diffuse to set the curl shape and cast. I start with a bit of hover diffusing upside down, then scrunch diffuse right side up. With the Curlsmith Defrizzion hair dryer, it only takes about 10 minutes to fully dry my hair.
I also use the prongs to lift my roots and create volume. This is my favorite dryer since its quick and uses gentle heat.
- Curlsmith Defrizzion Hair Dryer & XXL Diffuser
Step 8: Scrunch out the cast & set (optional)
After your hair is fully dried, you can scrunch out the cast or leave it in for longer-lasting curls. If any frizz forms, smooth it down with some of the Shape Up Aqua Gel.
If you want to add shine and help with moisture retention if it’s dry where you are, you can use a hair oil like the Shine Oil which is lightweight and won’t weigh down your hair. It also softens the hair nicely.
- Curlsmith Fragrance-Free Shine Oil
Results
Day 1
Nothing beats the feeling of a fresh wash and style after the curls were neglected. My curls are now moisturized, shiny, and soft. I have a light to medium hold but the curls are not frizzy which is rare.
Day 2 – No Refresh
Is it just me or does it look even better on day 2?! This gel often looks even better on day 2 because it softens up more and gets fuller. Even though some moisture evaporates, it still looks and feels moisturized. I didn’t have to refresh and could just leave my hair as is. If you do need to refresh, this gel makes it really easy because you can just use water or add a little gel.
Also note this gel is something I tend to use in mild to dry climates, or paired with a hairspray when it’s humid because it doesn’t contain humidity-blocking ingredients.
Curls still limp or flat?
Read this post next about 6 Signs You’re Over Moisturizing your Curls + How to Fix It using some of the same Curlsmith products.
One Response
Thank you for the blog post outlining the order of use of products etc. Just when I’m moving towards fewer products – this one came along and feels a little overwhelming but may be something I should do when I have my hair blown dry straight which has become more infrequent.