Love your curls, but sometimes they just don’t look as fresh and defined as you’d like? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Curls can lose their definition after sleeping or during the day. But with the right touch-up methods, you can revive your curls and give them a new lease of life. In this article, I’ll show you different methods you can use to freshen up your curls.

Refresh is the English name for the process of refreshing curls between hair washes. It can be helpful if your curls lose volume, definition or shine overnight or throughout the day. Various techniques and products are used to revitalize the curls and restore their natural appearance. By doing a refresh, you can quickly and easily freshen up your curls and give them a fresh and vibrant look without having to completely restyle or wash them.

The best methods for refreshing curly hair

Here I’ll show you the most common methods to freshen up your curls. Common methods include spraying water or curling sprays, applying leave-in conditioner, hair gel or oils, kneading the curls or applying steam.

Refresh curls without washing – the dry refresh

You don’t necessarily have to re-wet your curls every time you refresh. Some days – especially the day after wash day, your hairline may possibly just be lying a bit flat, but your curls can still bounce beautifully. You should therefore definitely give your curls a few minutes first, so that you can assess how to refresh them. You can refresh your curls without washing by using a curl pick, lifting your curls at the hairline.

Refresh curls with water after sleeping

One of the easiest ways to freshen up your curls is to use water. Fill a spray bottle with water and spray it evenly on your dry curls. Then, you can gently run your hands over your hair (Praying Hands method) to reactivate the curls. This simple trick often already brings amazing results and instantly gives your curls more definition. By the way, the spray bottle is one of my personal game changers when it comes to curl care. My tip: You can spray individual strands that are no longer well bundled with a little more moisture and then help them to bundle again – for example with finger coiling.

Refresh with water and leave-in conditioner

You can also modify the above-mentioned refresh method with the spray bottle even further. For this, take the spray bottle, fill it with water and a small amount of leave-in conditioner. A leave-in conditioner moisturizes your curls and helps reduce frizz. Spray with this mix on your curls and gently knead it in. This is how you additionally care for your curls during the refresh.

Make sure to protect your curls at night, that way you’ll have a lot less hassle reviving your curls the next morning.

Refresh curls with spray and hair gel

I have already described above the Refresh with only water or also a mixture of water and Leave-In Conditioner. But you can, of course, refresh your hair with any other product that looks good on your curls. Wet your curls with the spray mist, distribute the product of your choice like a hair gel or even a curl cream in your palms and then work it into your hair.

Refresh curls with a steam brush

My personal highlight the day after wash day is the refresh with a steam brush. This is a device that was originally created for steaming garments and produces warm steam. Here, of course, my hint that you are misappropriating this product with which you can mist your hair – Leave enough safety distance so you don’t scald yourself with hot steam.

Steam opens the hair cuticles and allows moisture to penetrate deep into the hair to revitalize it. This activates the care products and within a few minutes the curls are awake again. If you feel that your hair is a bit thirsty for moisture, you can also use some leave-in conditioner, curl cream or even hair gel during this refresh.

Revive curls with water

I have already described above the refresh with water from the spray bottle. Depending on your hair needs, you can also wet your hair completely so that you don’t wash it, but you can style it all over again when it’s wet. Be sure to test how much moisture your curls tolerate best.

With the right touch-up methods, you can revive your curls and give them a new shine. Experiment with different techniques and products to find out what works best for your curls. Remember that regular care and moisture are crucial to keeping your curls healthy and defined. Be patient and give your curls the love and attention they deserve, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful, fresh curls.

Refresh curls with a spray

Of course, there are also products that are very suitable for a refresh. So you can refresh your curls with a spray. The advantage is that you do not always have to determine the amount yourself, but it is already mixed.