We get that chin-length curls may not seem “short” to you (we’ve rocked everything from pixie cuts to buzzcuts in the NaturallyCurly office”> but this is relatively short for people who use the pineapple method in their routine.  If your hair is too short to pineapple, we recommend sleeping with a satin bonnet or silk scarf instead. If you have tighter curls and coils, check out Amanda’s tutorial for taking down her Type 4a pineapple. Here is our writer Nina’s sleeping and morning routine for her Type 2-3 curls.

Hey, curly friends! Nina Sultan here! Today I’m going to show you how I like to revive and refresh my fine, short curly hair. If you follow these steps for your Type 2 to 3 fine curly hair, you should also have fabulous curls two to four days after you have washed it.

The Pineapple + Satin Pillowcase Method

If you don’t know what the pineapple method is, it is basically a top knot that is a surefire way to make sure your curls are more manageable and easier to style the next morning.

Unlike cotton, satin pillowcases do not encourage frizz and breakage, especially on fragile, fine curly hair. I use both of these for dual protection while I am sleeping. Here is what you will need to follow this method:

  • Satin pillowcase
  • Hair tie
  • A spray bottle with an adjustable nozzle, filled up halfway with water
  • Depending on your hair length, bobby pinsto take care of the hairs in the back that don’t reach your pineapple scrunchie

Before Bedtime: The Pineapple

I take my scrunchie hair tie, gather my curls at the top of your head into a loose ponytail (AKA a pineapple”>. I love this hairstyle–it really does make my hair look like a pineapple.


I have a lot of short ‘baby’ hairs that cannot go into the pineapple. I use bobby pins to keep them into place so they are not flopping around everywhere while I sleep. You don’t have to—whatever your preference is.

I get into bed, catch some zzz’s and let my hair do its thing while I sleep.

The Next Morning: Restyling/Refreshing

This routine keeps my curls looking voluminous, fresh, and healthy until the next time I wash it.

I untie my hair and bobby pins, gently pull my hair apart, and let my hair fall down. This is what it looks like when I take my hair out of a pineapple.

I like to give my hair a little scalp massage, shake, separate, and part my hair where I want the curls to sit. This wakes them up.


I don’t want to put too much water in my hair, but I use a little bit to reactivate and wake up my products from the day before. This allows them to work through days 2 and 3. I need to wash my hair more often than others since my hair is finer in texture than some curl types. Spritz, scrunch, and fluff.


Watch my routine

How do you sleep with and refresh your short, curly hair the next day? Share your experiences in the comments section, below.

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