Every curly girl's journey to loving and fully embracing her curls often begins with the Curly Girl Method. While this method can work wonders for your tresses, it’s also painstakingly long and a hassle. Between co-washing, scrunching, and diffusing, I always find my arms shaking, my brow sweating, and, guess what—I’m also late for work!
Instead of a daily routine, I believe the Curly Girl Method is best for giving your locks a nourishing reset, something you’d do once a month—like an everything shower—but definitely not for day-to-day use. It’s simply unrealistic when you’re a working girl with other responsibilities (or simply too lazy to be bothered with a long routine!).
That’s why, as a curly girl who’s always on the go, I’m sharing my “lazy curly girl routine.” This streamlined, tried-and-tested routine will keep your curls looking great no matter what the week throws at you.
A personal note before we get into it: I have 2B hair, which falls under the "wavy hair" category due to its defined S-shaped wave pattern. It starts with flat roots and gets wavier towards the ends. Type 2B hair is usually not too thick and has well-defined waves.
GUIDE: How to Do the Three-Step Lazy Curly Girl Method
The key to getting the best curls doesn’t solely rely on the steps you take to shape and style your curls and coils–it’s also in the products you use.
1. Shampoo or Co-wash
I don’t shampoo my hair every day, but when I do, I only use the shampoo to cleanse any build-up on my scalp, whether from product, sweat, or both.
Most days I just co-wash, which is short for conditioner-washing, the practice of washing your scalp and hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. Since people with curls and coils tend to have drier locks, washing your hair every day with shampoo isn’t always the best idea since it can dry out your scalp.
Instead, wash with a moisturizing and nourishing sulfate and silicone-free conditioner from the scalp to the ends of your hair. This will help leave your mane looking shiny and feeling soft. Just remember to rinse well to avoid unwanted product and oil build-up!
Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo, P550, CANTU, Available at Mitsukoshi BGC
Sulfate-Free Hydrating Cream Conditioner, P449, CANTU, Available at Mitsukoshi BGC and Lazada
Argan & Macadamia Ultra Hydrating Hair Co-Wash, P999, KISS, Shopee and Lazada
2. Hair Oil
While the right shampoo and conditioner have always been crucial for healthy hair, incorporating hair oil can elevate your routine by sealing in hydration and delivering an extra boost of nutrients.
Curly hair, in particular, requires a bit more TLC. My curls used to be dry and frizzy, especially at the ends, and it took me a while to find a hair care regimen that provided the hydration it needed without leaving my hair greasy or causing build-up.
The key is to apply the hair oil while your hair is damp. I like to take one full pump of either Kerastase’s Elixir Ultime L'Huile or Mise En Scene’s Perfect Serum, rubbing it in between my hands before spreading it throughout the middle section of my hair to the tips. I try to avoid getting it on my scalp or too close to my roots.
Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil, P2850, KERASTASE, Lazada
Perfect Serum Original, P645, MISE EN SCENE, Available at Mitsukoshi BGC, Lazada and Watsons
3. Air dry
Opt for air-drying your hair instead of using a diffuser. Letting your curls dry naturally is often seen as the healthiest method, especially if your hair is delicate and you want to maintain its health. Air-drying minimizes heat damage, saves time, and can result in shiny, well-defined curls.
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