The alarm just went off and you need to get out the door, fast! This might be your everyday scenario, so having a streamlined styling process for your curls is crucial. Here are our start to finish tips for defined and bouncy Type 3 Curls that are ready to walk out the door in just five minutes.
Get 5-Minute Curls in the Morning
Rule Number One
The easiest way to speed up morning prep time is by embracing your texture. Save yourself minutes and even hours of straightening or blow drying your hair by accepting and caring for your curls! The more your curls are cared for, the less time you will need to style in the morning. Is your hair frizzy? Instead of heading to the flat iron, moisturize your curls the night before and save time in the morning.
The Night Before
To save time in the morning, many curlies wash their hair the night before, if at all. If shampooing is still a daily staple in your routine, try reducing your ‘poo sessions to just once or twice a week will yield noticeably healthier and more moisturized curls (in addition to saving time”>. Use conditioner with every wash and try a leave-in masque or conditioning treatment once or twice a week. I recommend Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment.
Wet Styling
After your shower, use the water in your hair to work wonders on your curls. For my Type 3B and 3C curls I use Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie as my winter leave-in followed with La Looks Curl Gel or DevaCurl Defining Gel. After I apply them, I gently apply a damp towel to plump up the curls a bit.
For frizz-free curls in the morning, it is important to dry your hair using a microfiber towel.
MORE: How to Dry Curly Hair
Sleep On It
In order to wake up with curls that need minimal upkeep in the morning, it is key to maintain them properly while you sleep. Satin is your best friend when it comes to sleeping with curls, whether it’s a pillowcase, a scarf, or a bonnet, make sure you’re protecting your hair from the moisture-leaching cotton of your sheets. Either air dry over night or use a diffuser on cool setting to dry your hair the rest of the way. In the morning you’ll have bouncy curls with great shine and definition.
Morning Spritz
If you’ve followed these wash, style and drying techniques then you really shouldn’t have to touch your curls in the morning. But if you have curls that are out of shape or just need a boost, then try this quick fix spritz.
Step 1: Use a spray bottle to spritz curls with water mixed with a few drops of lavender oil until damp
Step 2: Use duckbill clips to twist and keep your newly formed curls in place
Step 3: Leave clips in while you apply your makeup or have your morning coffee, then remove them
Two other quick fix sprays are the DevaCurl Mist-er Right and JessiCurl Awe Inspiraling Spray. Just mist and aid your curls by scrunching them lightly towards your scalp. Then your curls are ready for the day!
1-Minute Refresher Course
If you find your curls are lifeless in the middle of the day, a quick and easy trick is to bend your head forward and gently scrunch and push your curls from your neck up the back of your head. This helps give some “oomf” and volume to your curls.
Tip: If you have some hand lotion in your bag or your desk, use a little to put some shine on your curls or tame any mid-day frizz.
