Aftercare

This aftercare guide is here to support a more sustainable, lower-fuss routine. It’s intended as a framework—not a set of rules. You’re encouraged to adapt it based on what works best for your needs, preferences, and lived experience. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Shampoo, co-wash, and condition as needed. Rinse the conditioner as thoroughly as you prefer.
Using your hands, gently squeeze excess water from your hair. For most individuals, the ideal result is mid-way between dripping wet and towel-dried.
Re-apply a moisturising conditioner. Use a thicker, 'rinse-out' conditioner or treatment product for all dry and frizzier textures. Use a spray or other leave-in conditioner for finer or less frizzy situations. Do not rinse. Optional. Add supportive styling products (curly creme, foam, gel, mousse) based on your needs or desires. Using nothing at all is entirely okay, too. Ensure any conditioner and products are thoroughly distributed using your hands, comb, brush, or whatever works best for you.
Gently but firmly scrunch excess moisture from the hair. Once all products are applied, use a dry fabric of your preference (towel, microfiber towel, t-shirt) and gently but firmly scrunch excess moisture from the hair. This step helps bundle up and create the curl definition. You can also put your hair up in a 'towel turban' using whatever fabric you prefer until you are ready to proceed.
Air-dry or diffuse. Once your chosen drying method has started, try not to touch or further scrunch your hair.
After the hair is at least 90% dry, shake it out at the roots with fingers spread and using short, aggressive hand movements.
Apply a leave-in spray conditioner to refresh on the following days. Again, air dry or lightly diffuse as needed.

Helpful Tips

For drier textures, the amount of conditioner you reapply directly impacts frizz control and curl definition. More product typically means more control. If you prefer volume and fullness, use less—and shake out your haircut at the roots once fully dry.

When balancing protein and moisture, experimentation is essential—there’s no universal formula. If you’re using a diffuser, heat is fine—just don’t hold it too long in one spot. Use common sense.

Frizz is not the enemy—unflattering shapes are. Don’t let influencer content or social media imagery convince you that you need endless products to “fix” your curls. There’s no such thing as perfect curls. Once well-cut, your hair should reveal daily variations—dynamic and beautiful. Perfect imperfections are the goal.

Styling your hair from wet to dry—when the structure is sound—should take under 15 minutes for most people. (For reference: getting my thick, long ’80s curly hair stage-ready took just 20.)

Once the structure is sound, routine becomes rhythm—not work.