What to Do With Curly Hair After a Shower

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Author Name: Mia Barnes
Date: Friday January 10, 2025

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If you have naturally curly hair, you’re one of the lucky ones to have curls to frame your face. However, your curly hair after a shower needs some TLC to look and stay shiny throughout the day.

Discover the secrets to having perfect curls after shower and explore tips on how to wash your hair properly.

fresh curly hair after shower

1st Step: Keep Your Hair Wet

After the shower, you want your hair to remain soaking wet. Even if you didn’t use shampoo that day, run it underwater. Damp hair absorbs products better since the moisture opens your hair follicles. You can also use a spray bottle to soak your hair, making sure to get the roots.  

2nd Step: Apply a Leave-in Conditioner 

While your hair is wet, it’s time to add some products. This is one of the crucial steps for what to do with curly hair after a shower. Adding a leave-in conditioner gives your hair moisture and makes it appear soft and shiny. For thicker curls, separate them into sections. Then, spread a small amount of gel on your palm between both hands. Look for conditioners with lightweight hydrators, and moisture-locking oils. 

Avoid using products with alcohol, parabens and sulfates that could further cause damage to your hair and health. Opt for products with naturally moisturizing properties like keratin — a protein that helps strengthen and detangle hair.

3rd Step: Use a Styling Product With Hold

Once you’ve locked in moisture in your locks, it’s time to use a product with hold, like a gel or mousse. Here are various styling techniques you can perform. If you’re a first-timer, it will take some trial and error, but it will be worth it.

Raking

This technique is ideal if you want smaller, defined curls. Start by spreading your fingers, then rake your hair perpendicularly to how it falls. Be sure to move your curls toward the ceiling. Make this motion all through your hair. Ensure you focus on the shafts and ends of your hair. You can brush the cream throughout your hair with a detangling comb. Then, you can just leave it in without rinsing. 

Scrunching

Have your head upside down and shape your fingers into a claw. Then cup your hair at the bottom and scoop it upward while squeezing your fingers. You’re probably doing it right if you hear a squishy sound and see water dripping. If not, you may need to add some more water or product. Start with dampening your hair first. 

Watch this tutorial for more details: 

4th Step: Let Your Hair Dry 

This is the last step for your curly hair after a shower routine. Letting your hair dry helps to keep your curls defined. You can use a microfiber towel to help retain moisture for shinier hair. You can use a shirt if you don’t have a microfiber towel. Avoid using a regular towel as it can further damage your hair or render your efforts useless.

5th Step: Use a Diffuser 

Before getting started, add a heat-protecting spray to your hair. This can help prevent damage by creating a barrier between the heat and your hair. 

Then follow this process:

  • Place a section of hair into the diffuser.
  • Turn the device on a low setting.
  • Cup the diffuser around your hair and push it around to shape the curls.
  • Start with the ends of your hair and move toward the roots.
  • Flip your head upside down to get hard-to-reach spots.

6th Step: Find the Right Hairstyle

Once your hair looks nice and shiny, it’s time to do your hairstyle. There are many fun styles you can try with curly hair. Choose one that matches your personality and complements the theme of your event. If you don’t have any products on hand, try combing your hair from the bottom up instead.

Here are a few easy updo ideas to get you started:

  • Braided bun
  • Hair up with ringlets 
  • Twisted low bun
  • Half-up, half-down 
  • Side ponytail 

After styling your hair, apply a few drops of essential oil for added shine. These are the best essential oils for curly hair — give one or two of them a try:

  • Ylang-Ylang: This works amazingly well as a detangler, especially when applied to wet hair.
  • Geranium: The ancient Egyptians used geranium to boost their complexion before special occasions like weddings. Apply geranium oil to your crowning glory to boost keratin production and volume.
  • Jojoba: Tighter curls will benefit the most from jojoba oil. It can help bring moisture into your locks and maintain their shine and shape.

Tips for Showering With Curly Hair

When you style your hair after the shower, it maintains your beautiful curls. However, the prep work can even start before then. Here are a few tips for showering with curly hair. 

1. Use a Conditioning Wash

After you clean your hair, use a conditioning wash. Co-washing or “conditioner washing” refers to applying conditioner only to give your hair a boost of fragrance and protect the ends from dryness. Try to stay away from creams containing sulfates, silicones and parabens.

2. Go for a Cleansing Cream

This can save you time in the morning instead of washing with shampoo and conditioner. It can provide extra moisture. It also works better than a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. The product gives your hair nourishment in one simple step. That way, you have plenty of time to eat a good breakfast and head out on time. 

3. Find a Deep Conditioner 

Cleanse and condition your hair before rinsing if you have more defined curls. Apply small amounts of conditioner to each section of your hair. Work the cream through your hair with tension. When you’re done, end your shower with a cool rinse. It will help to provide maximum definition and maintain curls. 

4. Brush Out Curls in the Shower 

While you’re in the shower, take time to detangle your curls. The water can help control any frizz. Use a moisturizing conditioner to strengthen and control volume. Try to use a wide-tooth comb to brush out curls. After that, rinse your hair and pat dry with a towel to get beautiful ringlets. 

5. Remember to Moisturize 

Curly hair can be drier, so use a moisture-rich shampoo. Also, ensure you rinse the shampoo to prevent buildup on your scalp. After, apply the conditioner and comb it through your hair. Once it sets in, rinse it out. This process can also help keep your hair less detangled and soft. 

Can I Make My Hair Curly Without Showering?

woman with curly hair

Yes, but it’s only possible using a curling iron. However, as you may already know, this will be more damaging than curling your hair after showering. 

Here’s how to refresh curly hair without washing:

  • Pick a gel, mousse or cream.
  • Emulsify the product in your wet palms. Apply all over your hair without disturbing your curls. 
  • Spread and diffuse evenly.

The 6-Step Curly Hair After Shower Routine

woman with styled curly hair

Keeping your curls looking at their best throughout the day with these simple steps:

  • Keep moisture in your hair.
  • Apply leave-in conditioner for soft and shiny hair.
  • Rake or scrunch your hair.
  • Dry hair with a microfiber towel.
  • Use a diffuser.
  • Find the right hairstyle. (Optional: Apply essential oil for additional shine)

Follow These Tips for What to Do With Curly Hair After a Shower

Taking care of your hair keeps it looking fresh. So, having a beauty routine is critical. So, if you have curly hair, follow these steps to learn what to do with curly hair after a shower. 

Originally published June 17, 2022. Updated January 10, 2025.

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