The Lazy Minimalist Curly Girl’s Guide to Doing Less With Better Results

Hey girlfriend! Sorry for the delay. I’ve been swapping out my seasonal wardrobe, which naturally spiraled into a full-on decluttering session. As I removed shirts and shorts I hadn’t worn in the past year, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come.

Just a few weeks ago, I was showing a friend pictures of my bathroom cabinet (yes, I’m that proud), and they reminded me of my college days, when my version of “minimalism” was owning an all-white comforter. Granted, it was my favorite thing at the time, but I’ve since then taken minimalism beyond Pinterest aesthetics and made it a daily practice.

I still have work to do when it comes to condensing my closet, but one thing I can say with my chest is I’ve finally nailed down my curly hair routine to a minimalist science.

Being a curly girl and a minimalist don’t exactly go hand in hand. Most curly girls (my former self included) have shelves overflowing with products. And while having all the options felt convenient, the clutter gave me lowkey anxiety every time I opened a cabinet.

Over time, I learned that technique and consistency matter way more than the number of products you own. My mission became clear: simplify my routine without sacrificing curl definition. These three tips helped me do exactly that. Honestly, they’ve saved my time, space, and sanity. (Because, tbh I was this close to cutting it all off again.)

1. Detangle in the Shower

If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my journey, it’s that you know a method works when either

a) your results are absolutely amazing, or

b) you stop doing the method and your hair starts to look like a hot mess.

Option B happened when I stopped detangling in the shower.

Years ago I would drag three creams, two brushes, a comb, and some DIY oil concoction into the living room multiple times a week to detangle. And hey, if that routine brings you joy (and an upper-body workout), do you booboo. But as for me and my curls, we needed something quick and effective.

Nowadays, I just let conditioner (Aussie Miracle Moist) sit in my hair while I bathe. And since I like my showers the same way Lucifer likes Hell, I also stand under a cold rinse while lightly finger-detangling. I still hear mixed reviews about whether this actually does anything, but in my mind, cold rinses help to seal my hair cuticles and prevent frizz. My curls come out soft, smooth, and ready for a wash-n-go. And baby, let me tell you. I f’ed around and found out when I ran out of conditioner and thought it’d be fine. Chile. My hair was tangled, brittle, and just plain sad. So lesson learned! This routine saves me 30–40 minutes when getting ready and keeps my curls thriving.

2. One-and-Done Products

Okay, now for products. Remember Option A? She makes a guest appearance in a few paragraphs.

I used to hoard multiple versions of everything: conditioners, leave-ins, gels, you name it. And with the amount of influencers and ads I see daily, it’s honestly hard to resist. But I had to make a choice: a cluttered bathroom or a clear mind.

So, I challenged myself to stick to two-three products max. I would allow a product for moisturizing and one for styling. The essentials— everything I needed despite what my Sephora shopping cart silently whispered to me. At first, it felt impossible. I was still avoiding certain ingredients, shopping for my porosity, and experimenting constantly. But eventually, I did pare it down to only a few items. Then I found multi-tasking products that do both and the game really changed. As a lazy curly girly who always falls back on wash-n-gos, these products are a gem. My 3B–4A curls literally love them. The technique I use to help my curls clump together is the prayer hand method rather than finger rake or comb through them. As a curls girl’s girl, I’ll stop gatekeeping and let you in on a few of my favs. But don’t tell nobody!

• Mielle Curling Custard

• All About Curls Bouncy Cream

• Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

• Miche Beauty Anti-Humidity Firm Hold Hair Gel

Defined curls. Fewer bottles. And a bathroom shelf that can finally breathe.

3. Low-Tension Styling: Claw Clip or French Pin

This tip hasn’t saved me cabinet space per se, but it’s been a game-changer for my scalp and edges.

I love wearing my curls down, but sometimes mood, weather, or schedule say otherwise. The classic slick-back style saves me every time. But now instead of tight hair ties, I reach for claw clips or my new obsession: the French pin. Surprisingly, they hold my curls securely and without tugging or causing breakage. It took a few tries to get the hang of using the French pin (yes, it actually does hold a lot of hair), but it’s not only healthier, the style is soo cute and chic. I’ll still rock a bun now and then, but gone are the days of ripping out strands with cheap elastics that break at the most inconvenient times.

Simplifying my curly hair routine has given me freedom in regards to my time, my space, and most importantly, my peace of mind. Minimalism and curls can coexist. You just have to find what your hair loves and what it can’t go without. Remember: it’s not about doing the most. It’s about doing what works.