My Curly Hair Routine (a.k.a. Trust the Process 💁‍♀️)

Curly hair is like a box of chocolates… ya never know what you’re gonna get.

And let me be honest — this is not the hairstyle for anyone with control issues. 😂You’ve gotta trust the process, go with it, and let your curls do their thing.

Without a routine, my hair is wavy at best. With this routine? Defined curls, zero crunch, and they last all day.

I’m sharing exactly what I do step-by-step, plus the products I use.👉 You can find all of my preferred curly hair products here: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/curlyKate

(Using my link helps support my content and allows me to keep making videos and tutorials like this — thank you 💛)

Step 1: Start With SOAKING Wet Hair

After washing, I gently squeeze out excess water using a t-shirt — not a towel.

Important note:🚫 I am not trying to dry my hair.✅ I actually want my hair very wet.

If your hair isn’t dripping at this point, add more water.

Step 2: Leave-In Conditioner

Next, I apply a leave-in conditioner (Mielle — linked here).

How I apply:

• Use praying hands to smooth it on

• Then use a brush to distribute evenly throughout my hair

This step helps keep curls soft and manageable.

Step 3: Section + Curl Cream

I section my hair into 4 sections total.

For each section, I apply a generous amount of curl cream (Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Cream — available here).

Why I love it:

• Great definition

• Doesn’t weigh my hair down

• Keeps curls soft, not crunchy

  
  

Step 4: Define + Scrunch

I use my favorite curl brush (Bounce Curl Define EdgeLift Brush — linked here) to:

• Evenly distribute product

• Separate curls so they don’t clump

Then I scrunch several times to encourage curl formation.

💧 Pro tip:If you don’t hear the squish, add more water. Wet hair is key.

Step 5: Crown Technique for Volume

At the crown:

• Apply product

• Brush forward

• Then lift back and scrunch

This helps with volume and even product distribution.

Step 6: Gel for Hold

Next, I section my hair into 3 parts and apply a lightweight gel (linked here).

This step:

• Creates a cast

• Helps curls hold their shape

Apply using:

• Praying hands

• Scrunching upward

  
  

Step 7: Drying (Diffuser Is Everything)

You can air dry… but I never have time for that 😅

A good dryer + diffuser makes all the difference. I love my Wavytalk dryer (linked here).

How I dry:

• Alternate between high and medium heat

• Dry the outside while upside down

• Move side to side, holding the diffuser in place

For extra volume:🔥 Add heat at the roots in the opposite direction your hair naturally falls.

🚫 Do not break the cast while hair is wet.

Step 8: Break the Cast (The Best Part ✨)

This is when I:

• Get dressed

• Finish my makeup

• Let my hair fully dry

Once dry, I break the cast using a hydrating finishing spray (DevaCurl — linked here).

How:

• Light spray

• Praying hands to soften

• Scrunch and shake at the roots

Repeat until curls are soft and bouncy.

Final Result

✨ CUTE CURLS — ready for the day. ✨Defined, soft, no crunch, and full of life.

If you want to shop the exact products I use, everything is linked here:👉 https://urlgeni.us/amazon/curlyKate

#curlyhair #curlyhairtutorial #curlyhairroutine #curlyhairproducts