Self-Care Routine for Curly Moms (Hair, Skin & Cozy Beauty)

Self-care has always been my love language. Beauty routines, face masks, hair treatments—they’ve never felt like a chore. In my mind, a self-care routine for curly moms looks like a girls’ sleepover: nails drying, sheet masks on, a movie playing in the background, and that warm feeling of being taken care of.

Growing up in Ukraine, beauty was simply part of everyday life. Beauty centers were as common as cafés — accessible, affordable, normal. Seeing a dermatologist, getting your nails done regularly, hair treatments — it wasn’t framed as indulgent or excessive, but as maintenance, as self-respect. When I moved to France, that relationship shifted. Professional beauty care felt more expensive and occasional, so I naturally turned toward DIY routines at home, learning to recreate that feeling of care in a quieter, more personal way.

Then motherhood happened, and everything shifted again.
During pregnancy, I ditched my beloved nail polish and started scrutinizing every product label. After giving birth, time disappeared completely. Between postpartum recovery, my velcro baby, and sleepless nights, even a simple face mask felt complicated. My son was genuinely scared the one time I wore one around him—so those rituals had to wait. My nails weakened and stayed bare for nearly two years. New lines appeared under my eyes, souvenirs from countless interrupted nights.

Now, a little over two years postpartum, I’m slowly finding my way back. I have a little pouch where I keep collecting face masks, lip masks, hair treatments—but honestly? The collection keeps growing faster than I’m using them. I really need to get back on it! I’m doing some of my old routines again—just not as much, and not in the same way.

Here’s what I’m learning at 33: self-care doesn’t have to look like it used to. It’s softer now, simpler, more intentional. It’s less about doing everything and more about choosing what truly helps me feel like myself again—rested, vibrant, and quietly confident, even on very little sleep. I don’t chase perfection anymore. I chase those stolen moments that make me feel alive and comfortable in my own skin.

My self-care routine for curly moms

Hair Care: Doing Less, Protecting More

Hair has always been at the center of my self-care, but right now, it’s all about doing less while still keeping my curls healthy. I wash my hair once or twice a week, depending on how life looks. On busier weeks, I keep it simple. If I have an event or want to refresh my curls, I’ll occasionally wet my hair in the shower without doing a full wash—just enough to bring them back to life.

My current priority is hydration and low manipulation. Winter, fatigue, and motherhood don’t leave much room for complex routines, so I focus on keeping my hair moisturized and protected rather than constantly styling it. I still rely on products I trust, like L’Oréal Elseve routine and nourishing masks, and I don’t experiment much during this season.

I’ve also learned to respect my hair’s need for rest. Protective styles help me avoid over-manipulation, especially on days when I don’t have the time or energy to style properly. When I need a deeper reset or more structure, I already have detailed guides where I go into the technical side of winter care and wash day routines. But here, hair is part of the picture, not the whole story. In this season of life, taking care of my curls means protecting my energy as much as my strands.

Skin & Body: Simple, Comforting, and Consistent

My skin sits somewhere between dry and combination. I can’t skip moisturizer—my skin immediately feels tight—but my T-zone still gets shiny after a few hours. Overall, it’s balanced as long as I keep things simple. Appart from the occasional hormonal pimple, one thing I’ve learned to be careful with is pigmentation. On my skin, even a small blemish can leave a dark mark for months, so I try not to overdo it or irritate my skin unnecessarily.

Right now, my skincare routine is mostly an evening ritual. At night, I always start by washing my face—sometimes with water, sometimes with a gentle cleanser. I then use Avril micellar water with aloe vera, a product I’ve been using for years and consistently repurchase because it’s gentle, effective, and lasts a long time. After that comes moisturizer, every single night. Eye cream and serums are optional and depend on my energy level. Recently, I’ve added a small beauty ritual I really enjoy: applying castor oil to my lashes before bed, a tiny step that makes me feel put together without much effort.

In the morning, I keep things even simpler. I rinse my face with water and apply cream. That’s it. I’ve learned that consistency matters more than complexity, especially with combination skin.

Body care is where I allow myself a bit more pleasure. I love scrubs and often make my own at home—coffee, sugar, coconut oil, and a touch of vanilla essential oil when I want something comforting. On quicker days, ground coffee mixed with shower gel does the job just as well. I also enjoy self-massage when I can, even if it’s just a few minutes. During pregnancy, I practiced it daily, and some of those habits have stayed with me.

Because my skin is prone to stretch marks, I still use nourishing oils regularly. I do light lymphatic massage, dry brushing from time to time, and simple pinching techniques, especially around areas that need extra care. None of it is done perfectly or on a strict schedule—but it feels grounding, familiar, and comforting.

Most days, my skin and body routine is inconsistent, but it’s gentle and intentional. And that’s enough for this season of life.

Cozy Beauty

Self-care, for me, is deeply connected to the environment I’m in. Even when I don’t have much time, the atmosphere can completely change how a moment feels. I naturally gravitate toward cozy settings (especially in the evening) but in reality, these moments happen whenever I get a minute, often when I’m home alone or the house finally quiets down.

I almost always prefer dim light—a lamp instead of overhead lighting, sometimes a candle. It instantly softens the space and helps me slow down. Add a cup of tea or coffee, and the moment already feels more intentional. I also notice that when I make a small effort with my appearance—a cute outfit, my nails done—it adds to that feeling of care, even if the routine itself is simple.

Sound plays a big role too. I love soft background music, especially cozy café or ambient playlists on YouTube—the kind with warm visuals, candlelight, or that slightly magical, comforting atmosphere. It creates a sense of calm without demanding attention, which feels perfect for this season of life.

Scents matter sometimes, not always. When I do pay attention to them, I’m drawn to warm, comforting smells—vanilla, coffee, hints of chocolate. They make the space feel inviting without being overwhelming.

Visually, I don’t need perfection. Warm light, a tidy corner, a pretty mug, a blanket nearby, a plant, or soft window light are enough. Even when toys are on the floor or the day feels a bit chaotic, these small details help ground me. Most days, my environment is a mix of calm and cozy chaos—depending entirely on my son—and I’ve learned to be okay with that.

Creating this kind of atmosphere turns even the smallest routine into a pause. It reminds me that self-care doesn’t require silence, space, or perfect conditions—just a willingness to soften the moment you’re already in.

What I Skip When I’m Exhausted

When I’m exhausted, I don’t force myself to do much, except removing my makeup before bed if I’ve worn any. These days, I wear makeup far less often, so that single step already feels manageable.

I no longer force makeup into my daily routine. I used to but now I keep it minimal and intentional. When I do put on some makeup I stick to what feels like me: brows, mascara, a touch of blush, and sometimes my signature gold eyeshadow dabbed with my finger in the inner corner of my eyes to brighten up my look. Simple, familiar, and enough.

On the most tired days, my version of “bare minimum” self-care is very clear: a shower, body cream, and a cute outfit. That alone helps me reset. I’ve learned that feeling clean, moisturized, and comfortable in my clothes already changes my energy — even if nothing else happens.

There are still moments of guilt, like my half-bitten nails with no manicure. I try to keep them tidy and nice but sometimes I just can’t.

If there’s one thing I remind myself of — and what I’d say to any curly mom feeling behind — it’s this: do one thing. Just one. Put it in front of you without pressure. Often, that single step is enough to create momentum. And if it’s not, it’s still enough for that day.

Conclusion

Self-care, in this season of my life, isn’t about doing more or getting it “right.” It’s about choosing what feels supportive, realistic, and kind to my body and mind. Some days that means full routines, and other days it means just one small thing. For me that is already an accomplishment.

If you’re a mom navigating your own version of self-care, I hope this reminds you that there’s no single way to take care of yourself. Softness, consistency, and intention matter far more than perfection.

I’ve linked a few of the products and essentials I genuinely use and come back to — nothing excessive, just the simple things that fit into real life. Feel free to take what resonates and leave the rest. I keep my routines intentionally simple.
This self-care routine for curly moms reflects what works for me right now — gentle, flexible, and grounded in real life.

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