Curls are delicate. And like a house of cards or a perfectly folded fitted sheet, it takes one wrong move (or pillowcase) to wreck all your hard work. But fear not — we’ve got lazy-parent-friendly hacks and nighttime tricks to make curl care last.
💨 Let’s Talk Drying: No More Towel Turbans of Doom
Wet curls are fragile. The way you dry them can make or break the style — literally.
🚫 Say No To:
- Terrycloth towels (aka frizz bombs)
- Aggressive rubbing (just… don’t)
✅ Do This Instead:
- Use a microfiber towel or 100% cotton T-shirt
- Blot and scrunch gently — no wringing!
- Air-dry whenever possible — or diffuse on low heat
- Use a diffuser attachment
- Set to low speed + low heat = less frizz, more definition
🎙️ “We call it ‘gentle squishing.’ If it sounds like a sponge in a storm, you’re doing too much.”
😴 The Sleep Saga: Protecting Curls Overnight
If you’ve ever seen your kid’s hair post-nap and gasped, welcome to the club. Nighttime protection is not optional.
👑 Enter: The Satin Army
Satin and silk are your hair’s best friends — they reduce friction and preserve moisture.
Your Arsenal:
- Satin bonnet – essential for toddlers and beyond
- Satin pillowcase – backup plan if bonnets “mysteriously disappear”
- Satin sleep cap with strap – for wriggly kids or wild sleepers
Bonus Tip: Pillowcase and bonnet. Like double insurance. For when they yank one off mid-dream and end up upside-down with glitter on their cheeks.
🍍 The Art of the Pineapple
Not the fruit. The style.
This high, loose ponytail protects curls overnight and prevents tangles and frizz.
How To Pineapple:
- Gather hair at the top of the head (use your hands, no brushes!)
- Secure gently with a silk scrunchie or loose band
- Add a satin bonnet or scarf over it
Works best for longer curls, but even short styles can benefit from a mini version.
🌤️ Morning After? Refresh, Don’t Reset
Unless there’s food in their hair or a glitter accident, you don’t need to rewash daily.
The Quick Curl Revival:
- Light mist with water or a leave-in mix
- Smooth with fingers or a soft brush
- Add a little product if needed (less is more)
- Shake, scrunch, or fluff it out
✨ Think of it as “curl CPR.” Don’t panic. Just revive what’s already good.
🧠 Teaching Toddlers to Love Their Night Routines
Nighttime protection can feel annoying at first — but it becomes normal with routine and praise.
Try:
- Letting them pick their bonnet colour or pattern
- Wearing your own bonnet (solidarity, baby!)
- Turning it into a game: “Let’s tuck your curls into bed!”
