Why My Wash Routine Stopped Working (And What I Adjusted)

When my wash routine stopped working, I used to scramble for answers — until I learned how to adjust instead of starting over.
For a long time, I couldn’t figure out how the curly hair gurus on Youtube got consistent results while mine kept changing. Same products, same steps — but different curls every time. Drier some days. Less bounce others. Hair that looked “okay” but didn’t feel right. But here’s the thing : hair is different every time, and that’s completely normal. Just like some days you look in the mirror and feel cute, and other days you’re like “damn, what the helly”… your curls are allowed to have off days too. Now I switch, adapt, and listen. Because here’s the truth: my hair doesn’t want one forever routine — and honestly, neither do I. I like to switch it up and try new routines.

I’ve Never Had Just One Wash Routine
At first, I didn’t have a routine at all. I washed, styled, hoped for the best.
Then I discovered the Curly Girl Method and started following its main principles — avoiding harsh sulfates, focusing on conditioning, and being more intentional with how often I washed and styled my hair.
It worked… until it didn’t.

Over time, I realized something important: my hair actually likes being washed more often. Especially in summer. Beach days, pool days, sweat, salt — wetting my hair daily made detangling easier and prevented those horrible week-long tangles.
I still shampooed about once a week, but conditioner? Much more often.
That phase taught me something unexpected: I had less breakage and better growth, simply because my hair wasn’t turning into a bird’s nest between wash days.

When Your Wash Routine Stops Working, It’s Not Always Obvious
Here’s the thing — my hair rarely looks bad. It just feels… off. A little drier than usual, mor knots. Less responsive. Curls that don’t bounce the same way. It’s subtle. But I feel it. And when I do, I don’t force the routine to work. I adjust.

I Cycle My Routines — On Purpose
I don’t believe in dramatic “before vs after” hair eras anymore.
I cycle routines based on the season, my energy level, how busy I am, and what feels good right now. In summer, I go lighter. In winter, richer and more protective. Sometimes I wash more. Sometimes I stretch wash days and wear protective styles during the week — and if I go out, I rewet and restyle for those bouncy curls. Hair is flexible. Life is flexible. So my routine is too.

Routines aren’t meant to be rigid. Hair changes with hormones, seasons, stress, and lifestyle. What works for months can suddenly feel heavy or ineffective — and that doesn’t mean the routine was wrong, just that it’s time to adapt.

What I Adjust First (And What I Don’t Touch)
When something feels off, I don’t change everything.

What I adjust:

• Product weight: richer in winter, lighter in summer
• Frequency: more washes when I’m active or sweating
• Styling amount: less product if my hair feels coated

What I always keep:

• A real shampoo (right now I rotate between L’Oréal Elvive Amla Shampoo and Garnier Fructis Vitamin Shampoo, depending on the season)
• Conditioner + leave-in, always
• A silk pillowcase — non-negotiable (I’ve been sleeping on silk for years and notice the difference immediately)
• Light curl cream only if needed — just a small amount, because I don’t like greasy hair or strong smells

The Biggest Mistake I Didn’t Make Again
Doing too much.
In my early twenties, I straightened almost weekly. Styled my bangs daily. Heat, heat, heat.
Now I know better. Healthy hair isn’t about control — it’s about consistency and restraint.

How My Curls Behave Now
They’re more defined, softer (especially at the ends), and easier to manage day to day.
I don’t obsess over how long they last between washes anymore. I focus on how they feel when I touch them.

What I’ve Learned
Hair doesn’t betray you. It evolves.
If your wash routine stops working, it doesn’t mean you failed — it means your hair is asking for something slightly different.
And you’re allowed to listen.
If you’re curious, I also shared my full simple wash day routine here.

Final Bloom with Mae note 🤍

You don’t need a “perfect” routine. You need one that moves with your life.