Like many Gen Z-ers today, I scroll through Tik Tok for a significant amount of time every day —more time than I would like to admit. Throughout my time on Tik Tok, I’ve come across some different methods to attain the perfect wave/curl maintenance routine. I’ve combined aspects of different routines I’ve seen on Tik Tok into something that works well for me.
I’ve struggled with my hair for as long as I can remember because no one I’ve met seems to have a hair pattern similar to mine. Therefore, I’ve been using trial and error (and the internet) to find the perfect concoction for me!
I don’t enjoy spending much time on my hair, so I’ve simplified my routine into just a few steps. Fair warning this is by no means a fancy or luxurious routine.
First, I wash my hair with Shea Moisture’s Curl and Shine Shampoo and condition with Shea Moisture’s Curl and Shine Conditioner. After getting out of the shower, I throw my hair up into a towel twist. I recommend finding a microfiber one, but the one I own is from when I was about 10 years old, so I’m not too sure what it’s made from.
After I let it dry in the towel for a bit, I take it out and brush it. I don’t recommend brushing (unless it’s with a Wet Brush) but it’s the fastest way to detangle. I usually have to take a spray bottle and rewet my hair a bit; for curly hair, brushing it wet rather than when it is dry is a healthier option. The proper way is to use a comb, but I’ve been struggling to find one thick enough for my hair.
When my hair is finally detangled, I take some Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie cream and run it through my hair with my fingers.
On a day where I’m feeling a bit more ambitious, I like to take a Denman brush and twist some sections of my hair into tight ringlets (I can thank Tik Tok for teaching me that one).
Now onto the last step: drying. I simply let my hair airdry. I love how simplistic it is to not have to worry about styling it while drying. I have tried to diffuse my hair before, but the blow dryer doesn’t cooperate too well with my hair.