Get 5-Minute Curls in the Morning

Rule Number One

The easiest way to speed up morning prep time is by embracing your texture. Save yourself minutes and even hours of straightening or blow drying your hair by accepting and caring for your curls!

The Night Before

To save time in the morning, many curlies wash their hair the night before, if at all. If shampooing is still a daily staple in your routine, try reducing your ‘poo sessions to just once or twice a week will yield noticeably healthier and more moisturized curls (in addition to saving time). 

Use conditioner with every wash and try a leave-in masque or conditioning treatment once or twice a week. I recommend Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment. 

MORE: All About the No Shampoo Method

Wet Styling

After your shower, use the water in your hair to work wonders on your curls. For my Type 3B and 3C curls I use Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie as my winter leave-in followed with La Looks Curl Gel or DevaCurl Defining Gel. After I apply them, I gently apply a damp towel to plump up the curls a bit.

For frizz-free curls in the morning, it is important to dry your hair using a microfiber towel.

MORE: How to Dry Curly Hair

Sleep On It

In order to wake up with curls that need minimal upkeep in the morning, it is key to maintain them properly while you sleep. Satin is your best friend when it comes to sleeping with curls, whether it’s a pillowcase, a scarf, or a bonnet, make sure you’re protecting your hair from the moisture-leaching cotton of your sheets. Either air dry over night or use a diffuser on cool setting to dry your hair the rest of the way. In the morning you’ll have bouncy curls with great shine and definition.

MORE: 9 Ways to Sleep with Curls

Morning Spritz

If you’ve followed these wash, style and drying techniques then you really shouldn’t have to touch your curls in the morning. But if you have curls that are out of shape or just need a boost, then try this quick fix spritz.

Step 1: Use a spray bottle to spritz curls with water mixed with a few drops of lavender oil until damp

Step 2: Use duckbill clips to twist and keep your newly formed curls in place

Step 3: Leave clips in while you apply your makeup or have your morning coffee, then remove them

Two other quick fix sprays are the DevaCurl Mist-er Right and JessiCurl Awe Inspiraling Spray. Just mist and aid your curls by scrunching them lightly towards your scalp. Then your curls are ready for the day!

1-Minute Refresher Course

If you find your curls are lifeless in the middle of the day, a quick and easy trick is to bend your head forward and gently scrunch and push your curls from your neck up the back of your head. This helps give some “oomf” and volume to your curls.

Tip: If you have some hand lotion in your bag or your desk, use a little to put some shine on your curls or tame any mid-day frizz.