Here’s my 3 step curly routine that keeps my curls soft, defined, and easy to style every week. Winter can make curls feel dry, flat, or frizzy, so today I’m showing you how I adjust this routine for the colder months. The steps stay simple — cleanse, hydrate, style — just with a few winter tweaks to keep curls moisturized and defined.
The Monday Struggle Was Real
So Monday happened… and I was attacked by my own curl brush. You know that feeling when your hair is dry, frizzy, and you’re just trying to survive until the next wash day? That was me. The first 5 seconds of that video say it all. My curls chose violence 😂
But today? Today was redemption — I washed, hydrated, and refreshed everything, and now the curls are back to life.
Today’s Redemption Arc
But here’s the thing about curly hair — every wash day is a new chance to get it right. So today, I tweaked my routine just a little bit, and WOW. The difference! Softer curls, way more balanced, and that bouncy movement that makes you want to do a hair flip every five seconds.
May the Curly Hair Gods bless your next wash day too 🙏
What You’ll Need
L’Oréal Paris Leave-In Conditioner (Elseve in France, but its the same)
Creme Of Nature Pure Honey Curl Activator & Gel : Eco Style Curl & Wave
Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Brush
Bounce Curl Brush
(My exact model is discontinued, but this is the closest match and gets rave reviews for defining curls without frizz!)
Why This 3-Step Routine Works (The Science Made Simple)
This is why my 3 step curly routine works even when my curls feel dry or undefined. Curly hair thrives on moisture, gentle handling, and definition — and this routine covers all three. Each step is designed to hydrate without weighing your curls down and prevent frizz throughout the day. It’s simple, quick, and beginner-friendly, while still giving you soft, defined results.
My 3-Step Routine
- Step 1: Cleanse & Condition
Start with a clean slate! Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. For this wash, I used L’Oréal Shampoo and Franck Provost Curl Conditioner — both are amazing for keeping curls hydrated without weighing them down.
Want to see how I clarify my curls before this routine? Read my Climaplex Clarifying Shampoo Review.
- Step 2: Layer Your Products
On wet hair, apply your leave-in conditioner and gently detangle. Then work in your curl activator section by section, making sure every strand gets some love. Finish by applying gel throughout to lock in definition and fight frizz. Brush through with your detangling brush to distribute everything evenly. If your curls need an extra boost, you can also try my DIY Hydrating Mask — super simple and perfect before wash day.
- Step 3: Define & Dry
Here’s where the curl brush comes in! Use it to define the ends and form those gorgeous, juicy ringlets while your hair is still wet. This is the step that made ALL the difference today. Then either diffuse or air dry (I air-dried this time because I had nowhere to be and honestly? The results were chef’s kiss). Just let the magic happen!
Want to shop the exact products I use?
⤵︎ Scroll down to “Shop This Post” for all links.
For winter hydration tips, check out my Winter Curl Care Guide.
The Result
After following my 3-step curly routine consistently, my curls became softer, lighter, and more defined. Soft, shiny, defined curls with that light, airy movement we all dream of. No crunch, no frizz, just happy, healthy curls that actually move when I move my head. Is that too much to ask? I think not!
Want to try this routine yourself?
- L’Oreal Paris Extraordinary Oil Nourishing Shampoo
- L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Shampoo and Conditioner
- L’Oreal Paris Elvive
- Creme Of Nature Pure Honey Curl Activator
- Eco Style Curl & Wave
- Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Brush
- Bounce Curl Brush
And that’s it! It’s that simple – using a leave-in, curl activator, and gel is all it takes to get defined, soft curls that last.
I’d love to hear from you—have you tried any of these products? What’s your holy-grail curl combo?
Let me know in the comments below!
If you’re new to curly hair care, my Wash Day Routine is the perfect place to start.
