If you’ve spent any time on curly hair Instagram lately, you’ve likely seen the title:
“The Worst Curly Hair Routine” by @aannaprimaveraa. As a curly hair educator, coach, and long-time product experimenter, I had to try it.
Let me tell you—this routine is simple, rebellious, and refreshingly honest. And contrary to its title, it’s not “bad” at all. Just different. Very different from the brush-styling era we’re all in.
Here’s my take on it — the HonestLiz way.
What Makes This Routine “The Worst”?
It completely skips the use of a styling brush. No brush for distribution, no Denman for curl definition, no controlled clumping. In 2023–2025 curly world, that’s borderline hair blasphemy!
But here’s the thing…
- Wavy hair folks often don’t need heavy product or brush tension.
- Fingers-only routines can actually give more volume and less cast.
- And not every routine needs to look “Instagram polished.”
This routine challenges the belief that you need tools to have definition. It strips it all down to the basics. And that’s what made me curious.
What the Routine Looks Like (Steps)
Here’s the rough breakdown from her reel + what I did:
- Brush + Detangle Hair – dry if you can, you can alos wet your hair and brush to detangle
- Wash Hair
I used a gentle cleanser (you could use clarifying shampoo if you have hard water). No prep, no oiling. - Mask
Just fingers. No wide-tooth comb. No wet brush. Conditioner with great slip is key (I used TreLuxe Ultra Moisturizing Deep Conditioner). Rinse it all out. - Styling Mousse
On soaking wet hair — apply using praying hands, then lightly rake. That’s it. - Gel Time
Use a lightweight gel (I used Treluxe H! definition Gel) and scrunch it in.
Zero brush definition. No sectioning. No glaze-coil-clump technique. - Gel again at 50% dry hair. Apply a little more side to side
- Dry & Fluff
Diffuse to fully dry. Then scrunch out the crunch (if any) and fluff at roots.
You’ll notice it’s not so crunchy, fluffier, — but so natural.
What I Loved
✅ Faster routine. I finished styling in 5–7 minutes flat.
✅ Less product needed. My hair didn’t feel coated.
✅ Volume over perfection. Great for days when I want curls with body.
✅ Perfect for wavy textures. Especially if you’re still figuring out curl patterns.
✅ It’s real. Your hair looks like you, not like it belongs to an AI filter.
What I Missed
❌ Curl clumps weren’t as soft as my usual cream-gel routine.
❌ Not for coarse textures unless you already have soft hydrated hair.
❌ Overlapping steps. The re-coating with gel at 50% dry had to be intentional.
Final Verdict: Is It Really the “Worst”?
No. Not at all.
It’s just not mainstream. And that’s what makes it worth trying — especially if you’ve been overwhelmed by product layering, endless routines, or simply don’t own a brush for stlying curly hair.
This routine reminds us: you don’t always need more. Sometimes, less really is more.
Pro Tips If You Try It
- Use a water-based gel like TreLuxe H! Definition Gel. So it doesnt dry your hair out!
- Hydration is key — make sure your hair mask gives restores moisture.
- Expect gritty, untouchable waves/curls — not soft hold.
- Great for travel, lazy days, or when you want to “reset” your hair.
Would I Do It Again?
Yes.
Maybe not on a dry winter day in Doha… but yes.
It’s a refreshing reminder to not overthink hair care.
Sometimes, curls just want to be left alone.
🎥 Watch the full breakdown of this routine
Products used in this routine: (Use my affiliate links to get you 15% OFF TreLuxe products!)
- Curl Renew & Restore™ – Gentle shampoo
- Ultra Moisturizing Deep Conditioner – Mask
- Curl Defining Mousse — Mousse
- Treluxe H! Definition Gel – Gel
Want More Real-Life Experiments Like This?
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