How to Refresh Curls and Waves Between Washes

Try Plopping or Diffusing

Maintaining defined curls and waves starts with your first wash day. If you want to use heat, we recommend using a diffuser — a blow-dryer attachment that dries your hair without disturbing its cuticle and causing frizz. 

For a heat-free alternative, try “plopping” your hair. After washing and applying product to your hair, simply wrap it in a T-shirt or towel until it is completely dry — possibly overnight. This helps hold the shape of your curls and waves.

Use a Refreshing Product

On day two or three of unwashed curls, you might start to lose volume and definition. Reach for a product like L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Refresh and Reshape Leave-in Spray, which will help resculpt your curls and waves. It combines hyaluronic acid and castor oil for a boost of moisture.

If you’re in a pinch, you can also take a spray bottle and lightly mist your hair with water. This will help reactivate the products you used in your hair on wash day and prep it for a quick re-styling with your fingers.

Sleep on Silk

Whether you prefer to wear a silk bonnet to bed or sleep on a silk pillowcase, the material is key for minimizing frizz on curly and wavy hair.

Opt for a Co-Wash

Instead of shampooing, try using a co-wash once a week to help moisturize your hair. For curly and coily hair, we recommend the Matrix A Curl Can Dream Co-Wash, a sulfate-free product that rehydrates with nourishing manuka honey. For any hair type from wavy to coily, try the Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Hydrating Co-Wash. The vegan, cruelty-free formula helps promote a consistent curl pattern and softens the hair. 

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Content Director: Victoria Moorhouse, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Makeup Artist: Allie Smith, Hair Stylist: Andrew Chen, Digi Tech: Paul Yem, Photo Assistant: Matt Licari, Model: Tiffany Nika Leyba