When I started writing last week’s post about how I use the curly girl method, I realized the post was getting far too long. Between my step-by-step routine and then my added curly girl hacks, it was a novel - so I split it into two posts. If you missed the first post, you can read all about how I use the curly girl method here. These curly girl hacks, tips and tricks, are ones I’ve discovered at some point in the last 8 months as I began to take this journey more seriously.

8 Helpful Curly Girl Hacks, Tips and Tricks:

Ditch the Shampoos (and all other products that contain harmful ingredients). It’s a really rare occasion when I use traditional shampoo. For the most part I cleanse my hair either with a cleansing conditioner or with the DevaCurl lo-poo shampoo. I know, you are probably thinking I could never do away with shampoo. But you’ll be surprised how easy it is. Yes it takes a little getting use to, but you can do it. For a full list of products you can use, check out this post of mine from a couple years ago.

Cleanse infrequently. I tend to go through the whole cleanse and condition routine once a week, maybe twice if I have had some intense workouts. Otherwise, let your hair get used to less frequent washes, and let your curls live their best life. You can always refresh your curls with water to get them to reform if they are getting out of shape.

Microfiber towels are your friend. If you hair plop or like to partially dry your hair with a towel so it is not a dripping mess I highly recommend either using a microfiber towel or a t-shirt that is 100% cotton. Anything else will leave your hair frizzy.

Silk pillow cases. I’ve only been using one of these for a couple weeks, but I bought one after my mom who is new to the whole curly life swore the pillow makes her curls last longer. I do have to say, after sleeping on the silk pillow case I need to refresh my hair less in the morning. I can usually apply a little water and gel via scrunching and am good to go.

Nourishing oils. For the non-wash days, it’s good to nourish your curls. The environment and your life is likely working to dry out your hair, so the more moisture you can provide your curls to remain healthy the better. I will often scrunch a nourishing oil into my hair at night before bed, or in my morning curl reset routine.

Nighttime nourishment. Sometimes your curls need more than the moisture you’re providing through conditioner and even nourishing masks. When I notice my hair is beginning to look limp or my ends are beginning to have a mind of their own, I will get my hair damp and then apply a liberal amount of a deep conditioner just before bed. I leave it in all night and then rinse it out in the morning.

Hair clips for volume. I look crazy, but after I finish diffusing my hair, I will put a couple clips at the top of my head to keep the curls stacked on top of my head as my hair finishes drying. Since gravity naturally pulls your hair down, this helps combat that. Yes, it looks ridiculous to have clips standing up on top of your head with your hair, but it makes a big difference. I leave these clips in as long as possible - certainly while I do my makeup, get dresses, and drink my morning coffee.

Rice water rinses. This is the newest hack I’ve tried and the one I am the most in love with. Rice water rinses can help add protein to your hair, which apparently curls crave - who knew? I tried it for the first time this weekend and it has made a huge difference in the way my locks curl and the way they last. I’m going on four days and my curls still look great. Put 1/2 cup of uncooked white rice in a bowl with two or three cups of water. Allow the rice to soak for at least 30 minutes. Mix the water and then pour the hazy water into a squeeze bottle. Evenly distribute the rice water to your cleansed hair and then leave it in for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and then condition as usual.

Are you a curly girl? Do you have any curly girl hacks, tips or tricks to share? Leave a comment and let me know what I should try next.