I don’t know who needs to hear this, but curly hair is not low-maintenance. It’s cute, it’s fun, it’s got personality—but it’s also a full-time job sometimes. Between frizz, breakage, and trying to keep definition past 10 a.m., it can get…a lot. What surprised me most, though, wasn’t just how much my hair loved hydration or a good curl cream—it was how big of a role my accessories played (or did not play) in how my curls held up.
Seriously. The clips, bands, combs, and closures I used had more impact than I thought. It’s one of those things you don’t realize until your curls go from “poppin’” to “what happened” in the span of a couple hours. So, if you’re on the same rollercoaster, let me save you some time and frustration.
I’ll be honest; I didn’t know what closure was until a few years ago. I kept seeing people with flawless, full-curly styles and assumed they had amazing hair. Many of them were using the Best Closure for Kinky Curly Hair Bundles, and it made so much sense once I tried one myself.
Here’s the deal: a closure is a piece that blends into your natural hairline and matches your curl texture. If you wear extensions or bundles, it finishes off the look in a way that doesn’t scream, “This isn’t mine.” But the real perk? It protects your actual hair underneath. I didn’t have to manipulate my curls every day to make everything match—I could let them rest.
If you’re doing bundles and not using a closure, you’re making your life harder than it needs to be. Just sayin’.
One word: cotton. Sounds harmless, right? Wrong. Cotton headbands and scarves were my go-to until I noticed my hairline thinning out and my curls losing shape up front. It didn’t click for a while, but cotton was literally sucking the moisture from my hair. Like a sponge.
When I switched to satin and silk accessories, the difference was ridiculous. My edges stayed intact, my curls weren’t as frizzy, and I didn’t look like I’d been electrocuted by lunchtime. Now I only use satin-lined headbands, scrunchies, or scarves. I don’t even look at the cotton ones anymore. Lesson learned.
Look, wigs are lifesavers—especially on days when your curls aren’t cooperating, or you just want to switch it up. I’ve worn Natural Hair Wigs with curls that almost mimic my own, and it’s honestly been a game-changer. But here’s what people don’t tell you: wigs don’t magically stay perfect. You must take care of them like you would your hair.
That means no brushing dry curls. I made that mistake once, turning a cute spiral curl into a frizzy mess that never came back. I only detangle curly wigs when they’re damp and with a wide-tooth comb or my fingers. I also use curl refresher sprays and leave-in conditioners to keep them soft. Heat? Only if I absolutely have to. I try to let them air dry and bounce back naturally.
One trick I picked up: if your wig is looking tired, a quick steam session or light conditioning soak can do wonders. Just don’t toss it on your dresser after wearing it—store it properly.
Have you ever detangled your hair and noticed more strands coming out than usual? Yeah. Been there. Curly hair is already more delicate, and if you’re not gentle, it breaks easily—especially when wet. I used to use those small plastic combs because they were cheap and everywhere. Huge mistake.
Now, I do most of my detangling with my fingers in the shower, with loads of conditioner. But on stubborn days, I’ll pull out a wide-tooth comb. I’ve also stopped using rubber bands or tight clips. I stick with coated pins, soft scrunchies, and clips that don’t snag.
Also, product-wise? You gotta experiment! What works for me might flop for you. I’ve tried mousses that made my curls crunchy and creams that made my hair limp. Eventually, I landed on a lightweight gel that holds without the helmet effect. But it took time.
I don’t care how good your curls look in the morning—by 2 p.m., the game changes. For me, it’s usually humidity, wind, or just life happening. So now, I carry a mini emergency kit in my bag: satin scrunchie, travel-size curl spray, and a couple of smooth bobby pins. Sounds extra, but honestly? Lifesaver.
Sometimes, I pin a few curls back to refresh the shape. Or I mist them, scrunch, and move on. It takes two minutes, and I look like I actually planned my hair that day.
Oh, and if you ever have a long day ahead, style with intention. On windy days, a low puff or half-up style will survive a lot more than free curls.
Remember how I said cotton is evil? That includes your pillowcase. I slept with my curls loose on a cotton pillow, and it was a frizzy disaster every morning. Now I sleep on a satin pillowcase or wear a satin bonnet—and wow, what a difference.
If I’m wearing a curly hairpiece, I either wrap it up or put it on a stand before bed. Just flinging it onto the dresser guarantees I’ll spend half my morning trying to bring it back to life. Not worth it.
Nighttime is when your hair either keeps its shape or gets wrecked. A one-minute prep before bed saves you 20 minutes in the morning. Just trust me on this one.
I’ve learned that curls have their own agenda. You can’t force them into behaving but you can set them up for success. And surprisingly, the little stuff (like a better headband or a silk pillowcase) makes the biggest difference.
What worked for me might not work for you, and that’s okay. Try things out. Notice how your hair reacts. Change one habit at a time. You build a routine that fits your curl type and lifestyle.
Curls don’t want to be perfect. They just want to be understood. And once you get there? It’s magic.
