It’s wild to think I started my curly hair journey in 2016 and tried many routines. But on hard days and on my days off, I prefer a simple curly hair routine.
Curly hair has come a long way in the last decade though.
We now have brushes for definition, primers for slip, gels for hold, creams for moisture, foams for volume, and endless routines that promise “perfect curls.”
And while tools and techniques can be helpful, there’s something many curly-haired people are quietly experiencing:
- Overwhelm.
- Curls that open up or fall flat the next day inspite of doing everything.
- And curls that still don’t look like the ones online.
That’s usually when I tell my 1:1 coaching clients to pause, and go back to basics.
The Original Curly Girl Method Was Tool-Free for a Reason
When the Curly Girl Method first became popular over 20 years ago, there were no defining brushes.
No viral tools. No complicated layering systems.
It was hands, water, product, and understanding how curls naturally behave.
That simplicity wasn’t accidental. It was designed to help you see your real curl pattern before trying to control it. And that part still matters today.
Why More Products Don’t Always Mean Better Curls
One of the biggest mistakes I see—especially with beginners—is jumping from product to product without a system.
You might own:
- Three shampoos
- Four styling creams
- Shelf full of gels
- A brush you’re not sure how to use
Yet your hair still looks frizzy. That’s not because the products are bad. Actually most of my clients have the best brands in their product graveyard! They notice what is trending, read reviews, and always buy the best stuff on the market.
And yet… It’s because your routine isn’t matched to your hair type.
Without knowing:
- your curl pattern
- your density
- hair’s porosity
- your climate
even the best brands of the curly world will fall short.
Back-to-Basics Styling Shows You the Truth
When you strip styling back to:
- soaking wet hair
- finger raking
- one main styler
- light hold at the end
your hair tells you what it actually needs.
You can see:
- where curls clump naturally
- where frizz starts
- how much product your hair can handle
- whether you need moisture, hold, or balance
This is especially helpful if:
- you feel confused by brush styling
- you live in a moderate climate
- want softer, more natural curls
- you’re tired of forcing definition
Back-to-basics routines aren’t a step backward. They’re a reset.
Brushes Aren’t the Enemy—But Timing Matters
Brush styling can be powerful. In fact the most viral hair brush is in my shop right now!
But these make sense only after you understand your hair.
The type of brush matters. The direction matters. Stay tuned for a write up on brush styling. But meanwhile, don’t forget, how much tension you apply on the brush matters also.
Without that knowledge, brushes often:
- break curl clumps
- stretch the pattern too much
- create definition that doesn’t last
That’s why I often recommend starting without tools, then introducing them intentionally later.
Why Most People Stay Stuck in Trial-and-Error
The real issue isn’t technique. It’s lack of structure. Most curly-haired people are:
- buying products based on trends
- copying routines from different hair types
- assuming what their hair needs
That loop is exhausting.
What changes everything is having a clear system.
This Is Exactly Why I Created My Curly Hair Products Guide
My Curly Hair Products Guide isn’t about pushing more products. It’s about helping you:
- identify your hair type properly
- understand what ingredients actually work for you
- choose products based on your hair and your region
- build a routine that makes sense
So whether you’re going back to basics or ready to layer techniques with confidence, you’re no longer guessing.
Simple Haircare Is Not Lazy Haircare
Simple routines still require intention. When you understand your hair:
- you need fewer products
- your washdays feel easier
- your curls behave more predictably
That’s the goal. Not perfect curls. Not viral routines. Just hair that makes sense to you.
Here’s my simple curly hair routine wihtout any brushes or complicated curly techniques.
Ready to Reset Your Routine?
If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with your curls, start here. Download my Curly Hair Products Guide and learn how to build a routine that works for your hair, not someone else’s.
Your curls don’t need more effort. They need more clarity.
