If you’re starting your curly hair journey, welcome to the club. Or, perhaps you’re looking to give your curls a refresh and a little more TLC—especially due to chillier months looming. Either way, “the goal of refreshing your curls is to reactivate the moisture and definition from the day before,” says celebrity hairstylist and founder of Andrew Fitzsimons Hair, Andrew Fitzsimons. “This will bring back your natural curl pattern and add a little shine as well.”
Below, Fitzsimons and other beauty experts break down each curl type and how to refresh your curls.
Understanding the curl types
Type 1 Curls
Straight, with no curl or wave. Ranging from fine to coarse textures, this hair type is usually more resistant to curling and might require the use of certain products to add texture or volume.
Type 2 Curls
Type 2 hair has a slight wave to it but is easily straightened – often referred to as having that “S” shape. These waves typically lack volume at the roots and don’t hold strong to heavy styling products. It’s better to use lightweight products on this hair type.
Type 3 Curls
These curls are more defined and have the springiness you imagine with a typical curl. This hair type can hold more heavyweight products designed for curls, like gels and creams. The Andrew Fitzsimons Fantasy Curls collection has great options, such as the Nourishing Mask with shea and avocado butters which will moisturize curls without adding weight.
Type 4 Curls
These curls are tight and coily with a shape that can sometimes look zigzagged. They’re super voluminous, which gives them a shorter appearance. This hair type is more prone to dryness so it needs lots of moisturizing products to keep that definition.
How to give your curls a refresh
Kameese Davis, hair expert and founder of Nylah’s Naturals, notes that to refresh your curls, start by using a curl activator cream or product to enhance and revive the curls. However, the key to fresh-looking curls is maintaining the health of your hair strands.
Use a moisture retention spray or cream to keep curls hydrated and long-lasting. Apply the product, then scrunch your hair upwards with your hands to encourage bounce and restore the natural curl pattern. You can also twist individual strands around your finger to define curls—just wrap the hair around your finger, then release for a more defined look.
How can I make my curls curly again?
For damaged hair that won’t curl anymore, the best thing to do is give it a chop. “This will clear out the dead ends weighing down your healthy curls,” says Fitzsimons. “To prevent damage, make sure that you keep your hair hydrated and don’t over-wash.”
The key to making your curls curly again starts with the health of your hair. No amount of curl activator can revive damaged or dead curls. Begin a healthy hair journey with consistent washing, deep conditioning, and keeping your hair moisturized. “Focusing on hydration and using natural, nourishing products is essential for restoring your curls’ natural shape and bounce,” says Davis. “Healthy curls thrive when the hair is properly cared for from the inside out.”
How to revive curls the next day
To revive your curls the next day, the key is rehydration and curl activation. Davis recommends starting by lightly misting your hair with water or a moisture spray to wake up the curls. Then, apply a small amount of curl activator or leave-in conditioner, focusing on the ends and areas where curls have flattened. Gently scrunch your hair upwards to reactivate the curl pattern. Remember, this is a short-term solution; healthy curls rely on consistent moisture and care, so maintaining hydration is essential for lasting results.
“Serum adds instant moisture to your hair and prevents frizz, plus it’ll give your curls that bounciness and definition you’re looking for,” says Fitzsimons. “Gently scrunch a small amount of product into damp hair starting at the ends to redefine your natural curls.”
How can I rejuvenate my curls without washing?
Over-washing can strip your hair of moisture, so lightly misting your curls with water or using a dry shampoo is enough to refresh and revive them. Davis recommends sleeping in braided hair to maintain your curls overnight. “In the morning, unbraid your hair, and you’ll have a loose, defined curl pattern,” says Davis. “This method helps refresh and define curls without the need for a full wash while keeping your hair moisturized.”
Should I wet my curly hair every day?
“Spraying water on your hair provides temporary moisture and reactivates curl products previously used in the hair to bring life back to the curls,” says Senior Educator & Product Evaluation Manager at Aunt Jackie’s, Mika Smith. “It evaporates quickly and may leave the hair feeling dry.”
Smith also shares that “wetting your curls daily may lead to dryness if you are not replenishing moisture with a routine that will bring your curls back to life without a full wash.” Smith notes that too much water alone generally will not damage curly hair, however over wetting without proper moisture can lead to dryness and frizz. “Curly hair needs proper moisturizing to prevent damage and it is key to maintaining healthy curls.”
