How To Refresh Your Curly Hair In Between Washes

Not ready for wash day but your curls are calling for a little pick-me-up? We’ve all been there. While nothing beats the bounce and definition of freshly washed curls, sometimes life (and our hair) demands a quick refresh.

The good news? You don’t need to wash your curls every time they lose a little oomph. In fact, refreshing your hair in between washes is not only a time-saver, but also helps protect your strands from the dryness that can come with overwashing.

Whether you’re dealing with flat curls after a night’s sleep, post-gym frizz or just need a little midday revival, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to refresh your curls like a pro.

What is refreshing?

Think of refreshing your curls as a mini reset for your hair – without the cleansing. It’s all about reviving definition, reducing frizz and adding moisture where needed.

While your hair type, texture and environment all play a role in the condition of your hair, overwashing curly hair can strip away the natural oils that keep your curls hydrated and defined. Instead, refreshing helps you maintain that post-wash glow, extend your style and give your hair a much-needed breather.

Why refreshing is the way to go

• Keeps your curls nourished: curly hair loves moisture, and skipping daily washes helps maintain that essential hydration.

• Preserves natural oils: your scalp’s oils are like a built-in conditioner – let them do their thing!

• Saves time and effort: no need for a full wash-and-style session every day.

• Keeps curls defined: curls, waves and coils often look better a day or two after washing as they settle into their natural pattern.

Why might I need to refresh my curls?

Your curls can lose their shape and definition for all sorts of reasons. After a night’s sleep, pillow friction can flatten curls and cause frizz, leaving you with less-than-lively locks. Post-workout sweat can lead to scalp buildup and limp roots, while humidity often has a knack for disrupting curl patterns and making them frizz out. Even everyday activities like tying your hair up or brushing against your clothes can stretch curls out and leave them looking a little lacklustre.

A simple refresh can tackle all of these curl conundrums. Let’s look at the different types of refresh routines and find the best one for your curls.

Wet refreshing vs dry refreshing

A wet refresh is ideal when your curls need extra moisture or a complete shape revival. This involves lightly misting your hair with water to reactivate products from your last wash.

Dry refreshing is all about reviving your curls without water. It typically involves applying a small amount of curl cream or gel to redefine any frizzy or flat areas. For a volume boost, a quick scrunch or fluff at the roots works wonders. You can also use a foaming dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and add lift.

Your toolkit for refreshing curls

Here’s what you’ll need in your curl-refreshing box of tricks:

• Mist Spray Bottle: Ideal for wet refreshing and reactivating product. Our 200ml hair refresher spray bottle delivers an ultra-fine, continuous mist that coats hair evenly without soaking it.

• Curl Cream: this leave-in conditioner adds moisture and definition to frizzy curls. 

• Curl Defining Gel: our best-selling moisturising gel defines, provides hold and reshapes curls for extra bounce.

• Foaming Dry Shampoo: perfect for absorbing oil at the roots, this wet-foam-to-dry-powder shampoo won’t weigh down your hair.

How to refresh curly hair

Your perfect refresh routine depends on what your hair needs. Here’s how to tackle every scenario.

How to protect your curly hair at night

The first step to easily and quickly refresh your curls in the morning is taking care of them while you sleep. Curly hair is prone to frizz and breakage, especially when it’s rubbing against a rough cotton pillowcase all night. 

The solution? Silk. Wrap your hair in our Silk Turban to keep your curls intact, or upgrade your sleep game with our luxurious Silk Envelope Pillowcase.

Made from 22 momme mulberry silk, our pillowcase reduces friction, so your curls glide smoothly across the surface, instead of tangling or flattening. The result? Softer, shinier curls with less frizz come morning. 

As a bonus, silk pillowcases are also gentle on your skin, helping to prevent fine lines and sleep creases — beauty sleep, elevated. Find out how sleeping with a silk pillowcase benefits your curls and transforms your nighttime routine. 

How to refresh curly hair after sleeping on it

Woke up with curls that are more “meh” than marvellous? No worries – a quick refresh can get them back on track. Start by filling your Curl Mist Bottle with water and give your hair a light spritz, focusing on any areas that need extra attention. If your ends feel dry, apply a small amount of Curl Cream to restore moisture and softness. 

Scrunch your curls gently to bring back their shape, then let them air dry or use a diffuser on a low-heat, low-speed setting. For that extra boost of volume, shake your roots lightly once your hair is dry – it’s like giving your curls a little morning pep talk.

How to refresh curly hair in between washes

Midweek slump got your curls feeling a little lazy? No need to rush to wash day just yet. Start by assessing what your curls need most – a moisture boost, some extra definition or perhaps a little volume. If your hair is feeling dry, a light misting of water can reactivate the products already in your hair. 

For definition, apply a small layer of Curl Defining Gel to bring back that bounce. And if your roots are looking a bit flat, a touch of Foaming Dry Shampoo will absorb excess oil and add lift. 

Let your hair air dry or diffuse as needed, and you’re good to go – curls revived and ready for anything.

How to refresh curly hair after exercise

Are your post-gym curls looking a little flat? Sweat and oil build-up can leave your roots limp, but a few simple steps will have your curls bouncing back in no time. 

Start by applying Foaming Dry Shampoo to your roots to soak up any excess oil and sweat. Then, grab your mist bottle to add a quick burst of moisture to any curls that need it. 

If your definition needs a little pick-me-up, apply a small amount of Curl Cream or Curl Defining Gel to reshape your curls. 

Scrunch for that signature bounce, then air dry or diffuse to lock in your refreshed look. Post-workout, your curls will be just as powered-up and energised as you are.

Three tips for the perfect refresh

Refreshing is an art and, like any masterpiece, there are three golden rules to follow:

1. Lightly refresh: too much water can cause frizz and weigh your hair down.

2. Find the product amount that works for you: a little goes a long way. Too much product can lead to buildup and dull curls.

3. Patience is key: let your curls dry completely before you fluff or style to prevent frizz.

Keep your curls happy between washes

With a solid refresh routine, your curls can look vibrant and full of life without the need for constant washing. Whether you’re tackling day-four hair, post-gym sweat or a rogue frizz attack, you’ve got the tools and tips to bring your curls back to their bouncy best.

Explore our range of curl-loving products, including our Mist Spray Bottle, Curl Cream, Curl Defining Gel and Foaming Dry Shampoo to keep your hair looking fabulous in between washes – your curls deserve it. Shop the Bouclème Collection.