For most of my tutorials I talk about “2nd day hair” but how do you get great second day hair in curly hair?
I received a great question from a lovely reader, Cindy, who said:
The biggest issue I face with my hair right now is “2nd day hair”. I wash my hair every other day and my curl is very weak. So on the 2nd day, I have what looks to me like bed head. I have a very difficult time bringing any curl back to life.
So how do you bring your curl back to life on the second day?
First off, I make sure I sleep with my hair up.
If my hair is down, it’s more likely to get knotted and tangled as I sleep. It’s sometimes called “pineapple-ing” and see my secret to waking up with great curly hair here.
Then I have a few tricks for reviving 2nd day curls.
The next morning I have a steamy shower. The moisture helps to bring my curls back to life. Depending on what product you used to style your hair, this can help reactivate the product too. You can also use a water spray bottle to dampen your hair to refresh your curls.
If there are any tangles, I’ll use a leave-in conditioner spray to soften my hair. That way I can loosen any knots and re-shape any flat curls. I like Unite 7 Seconds Condition and Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance.
I’ve also discovered two fab products designed for exactly this purpose. Bumble & Bumble Curl Conscious Reactivating Mist and Indola Innova Curl Restructuring Spritz are made for 2nd day hair. I spray them on my hair and twist any messy sections around my finger to reshape them.
Now there’s always a little frizz in second day hair but I don’t really worry about it. To tame any major fuzz, I use a serum or oil. Lately I’ve been reaching for bhave Riot Control Oil because it works and it smells amazing.
What’s your trick to revive 2nd day curls back to their original glory?
I use lavender water that I make based off Curly Girl: The Handbook, by Lorraine Massey. I also mix in a little clear gel and my favorite leave in conditioner. Shake up the spray bottle and spritz away. It works great on my fine curly hair and smells wonderful!
ooh great tip Sue! Love that book too x
What about chin length layered curly hair? Too short to pineapple?
Hi Libby, you can try twisting small sections into mini buns to help hold the curl overnight ( a bit like bantu knots but not as tight) or just clip up the top layers. A quick spritz with water and / or leave in conditioner should refresh your curls in the morning 🙂
My hair is wayyy to long for the pineapple technique. Any other suggestions?
Hi Abby, try doing a loose topknot hairstyle instead 🙂
Hi Christina! Thanks for your tips!
I was wondering, maybe you have some tips on how to deal with “transitional” hair? I have an incredible amount of hair and have always used chemical products to make my hair look straight. I’m trying to go back to curls and I’m on that strange fase of half-curly/half-straight hair. It’s been so difficult!
A big kiss and congrats on the blog!
Hi Beatriz, ah that is tricky to manage. Depending on what type of straightening you’ve done, it may take a long time for your curls to come back, if at all. You can heat style your straight hair to match your curls when you wear it out. I would practice some easy updos and braids so you can wear your hair up. Check out my hairstyle tutorials here xx
Yes, it has been so difficult!! I’ll check the tutorials. Thank you!!
Alright…forgive me for being stupid, but do you just stick your whole head in the water when you’re in the shower for 2nd day curls? Or shower everything else but keep your hair as dry as possible?
Sorry for being so dumb! :X
Hey Kristen! I usually clip my hair up and don’t get it all wet in the shower. Usually at the end of my shower when it’s all steamy, I take my hair down and let may hair absorb some of the steam. I use damp hands to scrunch my curls a little. Some people do wet their hair completely on the second day but my hair is thick and takes too long to dry. For fine hair or short hair it would be easier. You can also use a water spray bottle just to wet the curls that need reshaping. Hope this helps! x
I pull it up in s messy bun. After a shower I take it down a spritz with rain water.
Great idea Cheryl! Love that and will try it too x
So I wash my curls everyday and always have to go through the same 15-20 minute routine. If I don’t wash my hair everyday I feel oily and dirty. And most days I end up putting it in a ponytail because it takes to much time to style it and when I leave it down, it gets bigger and bigger throughout the day. What should I do?
Hi Acadia, your hair really doesn’t get that dirty in day. Overwashing can make your hair oily as your scalp overproduces oil to make up for the amount of shampoo. If you want to stretch out the time between washes, try using dry shampoo to give you an extra day. You’ll find over time you’ll use less dry shampoo as your scalp adjusts. As for hair ideas, most of my curly tutorials are simple and take only a minute or two to do. There are so many options! If you’re really frustrated with your curls, you can always get your hair straightened or get a haircut. Curls do take some work to style every day x
My hair won’t curl. I used to straighten my hair everyday for about 3-4 months. No it’s a mixture of straight pieces of hair and loose curls. What’s wrong?
Hi Kyra, it sounds like your hair may be damaged from the straightening. I’d follow my tips above and do a deep condition and stay off the heat completely to see how your hair recovers. Good luck!
My hair looks best on day #2 I put my hair up to sleep and use a satin pillow. Then in the am I spritz water and crunch.
I only use non toxic shampoo and other hair products. Beautiful Curls by Alaffia has great products for us curly girls. I use Shea Moisture styling products, too.
thanks for the recommendations Molly!
This is probably a dumb question but no shower cap when you are in the shower?
good question, Donna! I haven’t found one that fits my head and hair and I find them quite hot to wear. I just clip my hair up and keep my head out of the shower. I have really hot showers so I never wash my face in the shower so it works easily for me 🙂
Everyday I’m having to refresh my curls because when I wake up they’re usually flat and dont have any life in them.. is this normal? also it seems like my hair is getting very oily at night or something.. not too sure.. ive been heat free for 1 yr and I try to keep my hair trimmed and healthy so im not too sure what is going on
I still refresh my curls each day too, but mainly with water and just a little product. Depending on how you sleep it’s totally normal for your curls to be flat in the morning. Keep experimenting with clipping your hair up at night in different ways and see which way to refresh your curls works best. Or you could create a pillow fort and sleep upright. Sometimes I consider this option if I know I have to be ready early the next day…xx
Wondering how to use an anti frizz serum On the second day, I know it’s important not to run fingers through the curls I order to protect them.
I smooth it over the top and into the ends of my my hair xx