THE Hair Routine That Transformed My Curls

For the longest time, I couldn’t understand why my hair constantly felt dry no matter what I did. I’d follow all the advice online: washing regularly, using “curly girl-approved” products, styling with creams and gels—yet three days after a wash, my curls would be dull, frizzy, and completely stripped of moisture. It felt like no product could actually penetrate my hair. Water seemed to roll right off my strands instead of soaking in.

That was until I discovered the missing piece: I had low porosity hair.

Understanding My Hair Type Changed Everything

Learning about hair porosity changed my entire approach to hair care. Low porosity hair has a tightly closed cuticle layer, which makes it difficult for moisture, water, and products to absorb into the hair shaft. This explained everything; from why my wash-and-gos never lasted, to why my products seemed to just sit on top of my hair.

Once I began tailoring my routine specifically for low porosity hair, the difference was undeniable. My curls became softer, more defined, and most importantly, moisturized.

Here’s what completely transformed my routine:

1. Moisture Starts in the Shower

Before anything else, I learned that moisture retention starts in the shower, not after. If your hair already feels dry before you start styling, it’s going to be an uphill battle.

• I began using moisturizing shampoos and conditioners with great slip—two that have consistently worked wonders for me are the Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme & Black Vanilla shampoo/conditioner lines as well as the Dove Daily Moisture line. These not only cleanse my hair but prep it for the next steps in my routine by leaving it soft and manageable.

2. Hair Masks + Heat = Game Changer

Incorporating deep conditioning masks into my wash day routine changed everything.

• I use a mask once a week and apply it with a heat cap. This step is crucial for low porosity hair, as heat helps open up the hair cuticle so the product can actually absorb.

• Some of my go-to masks are the "Noughty To The Rescue Intense Moisture Treatment" and the "TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask".

Since adding this step, my curls are not just hydrated—they’re stronger, more elastic, and far less prone to breakage.

3. Locking in Moisture Post-Shower

After rinsing out my mask, I immediately apply a leave-in conditioner while my hair is still soaking wet.

• I’ll usually put on a shower cap right after applying the leave-in to keep the moisture locked in while I finish up my shower routine.

• As of lately, I've been using the "Creme of Nature Pure Honey Knot Away Leave-In" that has absolutely been nourishing my curls without weighing them down.

4. My Holy Grail: TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer

After my wash routine, I style with a cream and a gel. The one product that has earned a permanent spot in my routine is the TGIN Butter Cream which provides unbeatable moisture, has incredible slip, and pairs beautifully with other styling products. I've tried many other creams and to date, no other has beat the results that this one has given me.

• I especially love that it contains Vitamin E, which helps strengthen my hair and promotes growth; something I’ve been focused on after struggling with hair thinning.

5. Gel + Definition: My Go-To Stylers

Once I’ve applied the cream, I follow with a gel to help define my curls and create a lasting hold.

• Two gels I swear by are "Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator" and the "Camille Rose Curl Maker Styling Gel."

• What they both have in common? Marshmallow root extract, which is full of mucilage that hydrates, defines, and helps reduce frizz.

6. Tools That Make A Difference

After applying my products, I style my hair using a Denman brush, which has been instrumental in shaping and defining my curl pattern. I prefer to do motions that go up and away from my scalp with this brush to create more volume. Then comes the drying process.

• While air-drying works for some, I prefer to diffuse using the Remington Damage Protection Hair Dryer.

• Before that, I used the Revlon Infrared Hair Dryer for over five years and loved it just as much!

7. Sealing It In: Oils for Shine & Softness

Once my hair is dry, I always break the gel cast and add shine with a lightweight oil.

• I rotate between Jojoba oil and Argan oil (I love the ones from OGX, but any good brand will do).

• This final step softens the cast, adds volume, and seals in all that moisture without making my curls greasy.

Final Thoughts

Yes, this routine might seem a bit involved at first; but once you experience the results, there’s no turning back. My curls are thriving: they’re hydrated, defined, bouncy, and full of life. All because I finally started listening to my hair’s actual needs instead of copying routines that weren’t tailored to me.

If you’re struggling with dry, undefined curls; especially if your wash days never seem to last—low porosity hair might be the root issue. Try these tips, adjust based on what works for you, and most importantly: stay consistent. Your curls deserve that care.