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Refresh your curls: 8 tried-and-tested methods for achieving dreamy curls without washing

How to refresh curls is something that every curly-haired person knows: on the first day, everything sits perfectly defined and full of bounce. But as soon as you open your eyes the next morning, the once-beautiful curls have collapsed or are sticking up in all directions. What now? Daily washing is not the solution. That’s why, in this post, we’ll show you 8 proven tips for reactivating your curls in the morning – without any shampoo.

05 June 2024 • 4 min. reading time

Pflege für lockiges Haar

How to refresh curls in the morning? Timing is everything

When it comes to the question of when is the right time to refresh your curls, the answer is, as is so often the case: it depends. First and foremost, it depends on the nature of your curls. Tight and small curls are more stable than wide waves. The current condition of your hair is also an important factor to consider. The better your hair is moisturised, the more it will be able to cope with external influences. In addition, all curly heads have their own needs that should not be neglected.

As soon as volume and bounce decrease, it’s time for a refresh. The cold season can be responsible for the dreaded frizz to occur more quickly, meaning you have to refresh your curls in response. The exact point in time is very individual, and you will quickly get a feel for when you need to refresh curls without washing.

These factors can play a role in when your curls need a refresh

  • Washing intervals: paradoxically, washing your hair too often can cause your locks to dry out. Two to three times a week is the maximum. If you need to wash it more often, make sure you moisturise well.

  • Sleep quality: if you don’t sleep well, you might also suffer from flattened curls. The more you move around at night, the more your hairstyle will suffer.

  • Sleeping position: ideally, you should sleep on your stomach or on your side to best protect your curls at night.

  • Bed linen: cotton and hair are not good friends. It’s better to use a silk pillowcase to protect your curls while you sleep. Alternatively, use a soft silk scrunchie to tie them up in a high bun or other sleeping hairstyle that minimises friction.

  • Leisure activities: if you like to do sports or go swimming, you’ll need to refresh your curls more often. This is because sweat and chlorine are poison for any curly look. Wind, rain, fog – these three factors are the main reasons why you will need to refresh curls without washing. Even if you protect yourself from the weather with a hat, the hat will itself unfortunately flatten every head of curls.

  • Holidays: your locks need extra care when you’re on vacation. That’s because the combination of high UV radiation, the sea and pool water can cause your already stressed mane to dry out.

8 proven methods for freshening up your curls without washing

Whether it’s after a sleepless night or a foggy commute home, if your curls don’t look so fresh any more, you can revive them in no time. Here are 8 effective techniques to refresh curls without washing:

1. Refresh your curls with a hair steamer

A hair steamer is an easy way to give your curls a new lease of life. The moisture in the steam helps your locks to form almost by themselves. Simply hold it carefully in your hair and gently steam strand by strand.

2. The super soaker method

You will need a spray bottle with water or a ready-made curl refresh spray. Moisten your the full length of your hair and then gently scrunch it up. Work from roots to ends to define individual sections and reactivate your curls from top to bottom. This method is very gentle. But sometimes curls need a more intense refresh. The next two methods for refreshing curls are ideal for this.

3. Refresh your curls after sleeping with the foam refresh method

This will keep your curls bouncy all day long: lightly moisten your hair and apply a generous amount of curling foam to the lengths. Let your hair air dry or blow-dry it for extra volume.

4. Gel refresh

It’s basically the same as the foam refresh, except that you start with a leave-in conditioner and then use a curl activator. After that, you can either let your hair air dry or blow-dry it as usual. Your curls will shine as if they had just been washed!

5. Curl or braid your hair overnight

Before you go to bed, lightly moisten your curls with water or a curl refresh spray. Then braid them loosely or twist them into papillotes. Let them dry overnight and open them in the morning for refreshed curls.

6. Gel cast

This interesting name refers to a simple method of refreshing your curls. After washing your hair, apply a gel cast and let it air dry. This creates a rigid protective layer that prevents your curls from rubbing together while you sleep. In the morning, simply scrunch it all up and enjoy great bounce.

7. A visit to the hairdresser to freshen up your curls

Dry ends can tangle more quickly and are one of the main reasons why your curls don’t behave as desired. A visit to your trusted salon will quickly restore definition and bounce.

8. Freshen up dry curls in the morning

If you’re in a real hurry, simply work a little curling product of your choice into your dry hair. This will banish the pesky frizz and give your hair a tamed and prettier look.

Hair gels & creams

Refresh curls: you should always have these products close to hand

Special care products for curly hair are rich in moisture and valuable nutrients. They help you to refresh curls in the morning and to get them to appear tamed and defined even without washing your hair.

  • Curl spray: polymers improve bounce, while aloe vera or glycerine bind moisture. Ideal for an occasional refresh.

  • Curl lotion or cream: these two textures promise definition to go. Simply work in a small amount and you’re ready for the day.

  • Hair oils: applied drop by drop, these plant-based nutrient bombs can add shine and suppleness, refreshing your dry curly hair.

  • Leave-in conditioner: ideal for damp hair, this product will invigorate your curls and add definition. Simply apply, scrunch, and leave to dry in the air or blow dry.

  • Curl mousse: the airy texture adds extra volume and is ideal for quickly freshening up your curls in the morning.

Refresh curls in the morning: FAQs

Which method will refresh my curls the quickest? Gel or foam on dry curly hair only requires a few steps and is therefore particularly quick. With the steam method, you can expect to spend around 10–15 minutes. All other techniques take somewhere in between.
When should I stop refreshing my curls? You will usually feel it when you touch your hair. A film forms on your hair due to what is known as build-up, which increases with each curl refresh. If shine and suppleness are slow to return despite a refresh, you may need to wash with shampoo.

Takeaway

With these proven techniques and the ideal products, you can refresh your curls any time. In any case, pay attention to the needs of your hair and don’t be afraid to experiment. This way, you will quickly find out what works for your curls. Put an end to bad hair days and rediscover the joy of your gorgeous curls.

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