Here’s How to Simplify It
If your wash day feels like a part-time job, this one’s for you.
Curls don’t need a 12-step routine, three detangling tools, and an entire shelf of potions to look good. In fact, most curls thrive with less. Simpler routines = better consistency, better hydration, and far less stress.
Here’s how to cut the overwhelm and build a curl routine that actually fits your life.
Step 1: Strip Your Routine Back to the Essentials
Most people don’t need a million products. You only need three categories:
1. Cleanse
2. Condition
3. Style
That’s it.
If you can nail these three steps, everything else becomes optional.
Ask yourself:
“What products do I use because they work… and what am I using because TikTok told me to?”
Keep the winners. Cut the clutter.
👉 If you want strengthening + simplicity, Cabela is an amazing minimalist option — chemist-created, NZ-made, reparative, fresh, and effective without heavy butters.
Step 2: Stop Over-Hydrating (Yes, That’s a Thing)
More conditioner doesn’t equal more hydration — sometimes it equals limp, flat curls.
Instead of piling on product, do this:
Add water, not more conditioner, during detangling
Work your conditioner through until your curls feel like slippery seaweed
Rinse lightly if you’re low-porosity or fine-haired
Leave more in if you’re dry or coarse-haired
Water is your best “product.” And it’s free.
Step 3: Choose One Styling Product — Maybe Two
You don’t need a cream + foam + gel + glaze + oil + prayer-hands-blessing.
Pick:
One styler you love, OR
A simple 2-step combo (cream + gel OR leave-in + gel)
If you want something that can almost do both, use a cream-gel hybrid, or a gel that builds definition without crunch.
Tip: If you’re repairing inconsistency or damage, choose a lightweight repairing line like Cabela, it strengthens curls so you need less styling product to compensate.
Step 4: Simplify Your Drying Method
You don’t need 4 towels and a 45-minute diffusing ritual.
Try this instead:
Gently scrunch excess water with a plopping towel
Either air-dry
Or diffuse for 5–10 minutes just to set curl clumps
Remember: your curls don’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. Aim for healthy + consistent, not flawless.
Step 5: Use One Weekly Treatment — Only One
If your routine includes:
- Bond builder
- Protein mask
- Hydration mask
- Hot oil treatment
- Scalp scrub
- Reparative leave-in
…your curls are exhausted.
Choose one weekly focus, like:
Repair → Cabela Curl Restorer
Moisture → Fix My Curls Moisture Melt Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Scalp → Bouclème Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo
Curls love simplicity and repetition, not constant change.
Step 6: Create a Routine You Can Actually Stick To
Consistency > Perfection.
A realistic routine beats an “ideal” routine every time.
If you only have time for wash day once a week and quick refreshes in between — that’s enough.
If you prefer low-maintenance curls that last, stick to:
- Gentle cleansing
- Regular strengthening
- Lightweight stylers
You’ll get more consistent curls with fewer steps.
Why Simplifying Works
At Curly Life, we help curlies simplify, not overcomplicate.
We’re based on the Gold Coast, ship fast, give free 1:1 curl advice, support the McGrath Foundation with every order, and stock only curl-safe, carefully curated brands.
If you want a straightforward routine, you’ll love:
Cabela → Lightweight, strengthening, chemist-formulated, NZ-made
Pretty Curly Girl → Clear steps, easy styling
CurlJar → One product to style and refresh
Fix My Curls → Affordable simplicity that works
We’re here to help you find an easy, consistent routine — not one that takes over your life.
