If you’re building your own curly hair tool kit for winter, here’s exactly what works for me.
Three winters ago, I walked outside with soaking wet curls in December (check out My Simple Wash Day Routine). By evening, I had the worst cold of my life. That was the last time I air-dried in winter. I love letting my curls dry naturally most of the year, but winter changed the game. Between freezing mornings, a toddler who doesn’t wait for anyone, and hair that takes hours to dry, I needed a routine that actually worked for my life—not just for Instagram.
So I slowly upgraded my toolkit. Nothing fancy. Nothing complicated. Just tools that make my curls softer, faster to dry, and easier to manage when I’m literally getting dressed with one hand.
Here’s everything I actually use, from my 10-minute diffuser sessions to the satin essentials that changed everything.
What You’ll Find in This Post
- Why I finally started diffusing (and how I keep it under 10 minutes)
- The one tool I’d never give up (hint: it’s satin)
- Winter-specific tricks for protecting dry ends
- My minimal beauty routine for winter hydration
- Exact product links (Amazon FR + US)
Why I Finally Started Diffusing This Winter
I’ve always been the “let it air-dry” type. But this season, I started experimenting with heat after learning that low-porosity hair often responds well to controlled warmth. I’m still learning as I go, but here’s what I know for sure:
I only diffuse when I absolutely have to. Here is my 🠒 Diffuser Guide
Usually that means:
- I’m rushing out the door with my toddler
- The house is freezing and I refuse to walk around damp for three hours
- I need my curls to actually have volume instead of lying flat against my head
My Diffuser Setup
What I use:
- Remington hair dryer (basic, affordable, gets the job done)
If you are in the US: My exact model is not always available in the US, so I recommend the Remington Pro Wet2Style Hair Dryer. It gives a very similar result: quicker drying, balanced heat, and a diffuser that preserves curl shape.
- Universal diffuser head
My technique: I’m not a 40-minute diffuser. I’ve done maybe 10 minutes max. But even that short session makes a noticeable difference.
Results I’ve seen:
- My roots actually lift now instead of staying glued to my scalp
- Drying time cuts from 3+ hours to under 1 hour
- Curls hold their shape better throughout the day
The key? I don’t aim for 100% dry. I diffuse until I’m about 70% there, then let the rest air-dry while I’m doing things around the house.
Want to see exactly how I do it? I filmed a quick tutorial so you can see the movements and technique in action.
The One Tool I’d Choose Forever: Satin Everything
If I could only keep one curl tool for the rest of my life? It’s not a diffuser. It’s not a fancy product.
It’s satin.
What I Use Daily
Satin pillowcase – every single night, non-negotiable
Satin scrunchies – for all day-to-day styles
Bonnet – rarely at home, but essential for travel (because I’m not packing a pillow)
Why It Changed Everything
I used cotton pillowcases for years without realizing the damage. The difference since switching to satin?
- I wake up with 80% of my curls intact instead of 40%
- Way less frizz around my face and crown
- My hair feels softer and less dry overall
- Fewer tangles in the morning
Even my curly-haired husband sleeps on satin now. Fully converted. No going back (not on my watch :D).
My Microfiber Towel (Non-Negotiable in Winter)
I never use regular towels on my curls anymore. Only microfiber.
Why I love them:
- They actually stay on my head (crucial when I’m chasing a toddler)
- They keep hair completely out of my face
- They’re cute (yes, this matters)
- They reduce frizz compared to cotton towels
- No dripping water everywhere
My routine: I wrap my hair in the microfiber towel after the shower, then go do everything else—make breakfast, get my toddler dressed, tidy up. By the time I take it off, my hair is already halfway dry with zero effort.
Winter-Specific Curl Struggles (And What Actually Helps)
I don’t feel like winter destroys my curls the way it does for some people. But my ends? They get super dry.
What saves me:
Regular trims – I aim for every 5-6 months to cut off damage before it spreads
Protective styles – braids are my best friend on harsh weather days
Oil on the ends – especially right before leaving the house
Never going outside with wet hair – this is the rule I never break anymore
It’s not revolutionary. It’s just consistent. And that’s what works when you have zero extra time.
Scalp Care Tools I Actually Use
Nothing complicated here. Just two simple tools I use once a week (or every two weeks when I forget).
Scalp massager – improves circulation, feels amazing
Oil applicator bottle – way easier than trying to apply oil with my hands
Honest results: It’s hard to isolate what’s working since my whole routine is consistent now. But I do notice my scalp feels healthier, and oiling is so much faster with the applicator.
My Minimal Winter Beauty Routine
Winter doesn’t just affect my curls—it affects everything. So I keep a few gentle beauty essentials on rotation.
What I use:
I’m splitting this review in two: Nuxe Merveillance Lift is my favorite French pharmacy treasure, but for my US-based followers, the L’Oréal Revitalift Laser X3 offers the same intensive ‘laser-effect’ smoothing without the international shipping.
eos 100% Natural & Organic Lip balm – literally nonstop, I have one in every room
EOS vanilla body cream – my current obsession, smells incredible
Topicrem – CICA+, Stretch Marks and Scars Concentrated Oil for France and Cicatricure Cica Oil for Stretch Marks & Scars for the US. I love Stretch mark oils year-round for self-massage
I keep it minimal but very hydrated. That’s my whole philosophy for winter: less is more, but moisture is mandatory.
Shop My Curly Hair Tool Kit
I keep my routine simple, and these are the tools that work best for my curls in winter. I’m adding both Amazon France and Amazon US options since availability varies.
Diffuser / Hair Dryer
Heat Protecting Spray
CHI 44 Ironguard Hair Protector for US and Franck Provost F. Provost Professional Expert Protection 4-in-1 Rinse-Free Care 230°C pour la France.
Microfiber Towel
Satin Pillowcase
Satin Scrunchies
These are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Want a Faster Morning Routine?
If you’re looking for something even simpler, I created a free 5-Minute Curly Routine Cheat Sheet you can download below. It’s perfect for rushed mornings when you need results fast.
Get the 5-Minute Curly Routine Guide
Save This for Later
Pin this guide to come back to it whenever you need a winter curl refresh.
What’s your biggest winter curl struggle? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working (or not working) for you this season.
I hope this little winter routine helps make your curl days easier and softer. If you try any of the tools or tips, let me know — I love seeing what works for you too.
