For the most part, our busy schedules don’t always allow us to make the time to wash and style our hair every day. At the same time, washing our curls isn’t always healthy for them either.
Is there a happy medium? Achieving methods for 2nd and 3rd day curls may take you some time and practice to get “just right,” but is sure to be worth your time.
Third Day Curls
The Challenge
The top enemies of 3rd day hair are:
- frizz
- definition
- loss of shape
- too much or too little oil on the scalp
The Solution
Healthy first day curls lead to gorgeous 2nd, 3rd and even 4th day curls. Caring for your curls on the first day will help keep them looking and feeling their best for the following week with minimal styling.
MORE: How to Tame Frizzy Roots
Healthy From Day 1
Your regimen on day one will determine the success of your curls for the rest of the week. It’s important to take your time and don’t rush, to make the most of this process. Be gentle when you detangle, dry and apply product to your hair, this will lead to great curls to start with!
- Condition, paying attention to your roots and ends, combing the product through with a wide-tooth comb as you shower
- Use a leave-in conditioner and gel (appropriate for your curl type”> to help form and hold better 2nd and 3rd day curls
- Apply your product in sections to your hair and allow it to air-dry or use a diffuser
Sleep Well
A bad night’s sleep is sure to thwart your first day curls, so be sure to care for your newly styled curls with best practice sleeping methods too.
- Pineapple your hair by tying it up with a satin or cotton tie. Knowing how to pineapple will prevent curls from losing shape while you sleep
- Wrap curls in a satin bonnet
- Sleep on a satin or silk pillow case to prevent frizz and breakage
MORE: 9 Ways to Sleep with Curls
Pick Me Ups
Finger Style
Over the next two to three days, use your fingers to shake and rake through your curls – GENTLY.
Quick Fix Spray
If need be, use a “quick fix” spray like Deva Mista-Right or JessiCurl “Awe-Inspiraling” spray. These are gentle enough to not cause build-up, and will help revive curls and give some “spring” and bounce to curls.
Water Your Curls
Try to not use too much product in addition to what’s already in your hair. Have a spray bottle with water (to which you can add drops of lavender oil”> and tend to your curls by spritzing them with a light mist of water throughout various parts of your day. This will help to revive curls and the products applied in the days prior. Carry a small spray bottle of bottle with you (or keep one in your car or your office”> to have on hand.
MORE: DIY Lavender Hairspray
Spot Treatment
You may notice some changes in your hair over the next days, as you don’t wash. Embrace the changes and try out new styles too.
If your curls loosen up or relax a bit, try some pins or headbands to keep them at bay.
If some frizz comes your way, use a small amount of pomade to add some sheen and shine to a few small parts of your hair, to keep your natural look.
After a few “practice” rounds, you just may find that your schedule isn’t as hectic and your hair looks just as great, or even better!
