Second Day Curly Hair Tips: How to Refresh Curly Hair
No matter how long you spend sculpting your curl after washing your hair, you might wake up the next day with curls that need a refresh. If this sounds like you, you're in the right place.
There are a few easy steps that you can take steps to extend your hairstyles, as well as a range of solutions for anyone who is looking to refresh second- or third-day hair. Continue reading to learn how to refresh curly hair, discover hairstyles that will help you go longer in-between washes, and uncover tips to preserve those bouncy curls and extend your styles.
What Causes Second-Day Hair?
Pollution, workouts, the pillowcase you sleep on, and humidity are just some of the factors that can affect how your curls look over time. However, it is possible to maintain that freshly washed, just styled look for more than a day or two by refreshing your hair with a dedicated routine using products that work for you
Replenishing your hair means getting that freshly done look without going through the long process of frequently washing and styling. It means nourishing and moisturizing strands, while also protecting them against environmental damage and humidity—by choosing the right hair products for you and taking protective measures.
Second-Day Hair Wins
If you're someone whose hair is prone to losing volume or curl definition throughout the day, you might be better off letting your hair air-dry after washing it. You can also try applying hair oil or leave-in conditioner to hydrate curls, then tie it up in braids or a bun, and sleep on it overnight to help preserve your styles for longer.
The next day, you'll wake and release those beautiful supple curls or waves to find them well-defined and flyaway-free. If your hair is wavy, curly, or coiled, and less porous, you'll know because your hairstyles will hold for the duration of wash day.
How to Refresh Curly Hair
To refresh curly hair, you'll need a couple of spray bottles, some hair oil, and a styling product formulated for your hair type.
- The feather-light method: If you've got fine hair, adding extra product each day could be a no-no, as using too much product could weigh down finer curls. Instead, try using a spray bottle filled with water to dampen hair and reactivate yesterday's product. Then, either scrunch or finger coil your curls, depending on your hair type and your preferred styling method. For the best results, we recommend using a superlight conditioner and leave-in hair milk on wash days.
- Lightweight method: If your hair feels a little dry and is medium-to-thick or thicker, try this: First dampen hair, then opt for a lightweight styling cream like Advanced Climate Control® Featherlight Styling Cream or a mousse like VitalCurl®+ Soft Defining Mousse. These products are specifically formulated to renew curls by nourishing and hydrating them, while also helping to define curls and provide flexible hold.
- Heavyweight method: If you've got thick hair and curls that are prone to frizz (especially in hot and humid climates) then we recommend trying out the heavyweight method. Avoid adding water altogether, and simply scrunch hair with a long-lasting strong hold gel to redefine your curls. Generally speaking, the thicker your hair, the heavier the gel you can use to replenish curly hair.
Second-Day Hairstyles You'll Love
If you're short on time, you might need to skip the second-day hair replenish and just style and go. Below are some on-trend ideas for how to style curly hair on non-wash days.
Messy Braid
Intentionally messy curls can often be the best way to style second-day hair. Whether you prefer a fishtail or a standard braid is up to you. Make it look casually elegant by teasing out bangs in the front to frame the face.
Bubble Braids
If you're in a real hurry, bubble braids are quick, easy, super-fashionable and look especially adorable with coil ties. Pull hair up into a high pony and continue to add ties about an inch a part. Pick sections apart to create the “bubble effect”
Go Big or Go Home
The days of feeling compelled to flatten or iron curly hair at any cost are, thankfully, long gone. So why not embrace the flyaways and volume second-day hair can bring and tease hair out so it's even bigger and better? Replenish those tresses with a hair-refreshing spray made with natural plant extracts.
Twisted Bun
Keep it fresh and cool with a timeless twisted bun. Channel Meghan Markle's polished bun by twisting your hair and gathering it in a tight bun at the base of your neck, and finish by sculpting your bangs into curls with gel cream. Keep in mind that the lower you wear your bun, the gentler it'll feel on your scalp.
How to Refresh Curly Hair After Sleeping on It
You can do a lot to protect your hair while you sleep and prevent those curls from losing shape overnight.
Do's
- Choose hair care products specifically for your hair type, designed to lock in moisture and keep your hair strands as nourished and hydrated as possible.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap those curls up in a silk scarf overnight.
- Try pinning up your curls overnight or maintaining them with braids or twists.
- Keep your scalp clean and fresh by cleaning your scalp and including scalp rinse, scalp mask and hair oil once a week.
Whichever way you prefer to wear your second-day hair, Ouidad's extensive range of products formulated specifically for all curl types can help you achieve a salon-quality finish every day.