The Challenge of Developing a Natural Hair Routine: Finding What Works for Your Curls and Coils!

By Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks
Originally published February 21, 2015 | Refreshed October 2026

Finding the right products, moisture balance, and methods for your natural hair.

Hello, My Beautiful Curl Friends!

Ladies, have you ever stood in front of your bathroom mirror, surrounded by hair products, wondering why something that worked beautifully last month suddenly isn't giving you the same results?

Oh, honey, I've been there! LOL!

One of the biggest challenges of embracing our natural hair is developing a routine that actually works for us.

And just when we think we've figured everything out, our hair changes!

Perhaps it's longer now. Maybe the weather has shifted. Or that conditioner we once considered our Holy Grail doesn't seem to be doing much anymore.

Welcome to the ever-evolving natural hair journey!

The good news? Developing a successful natural hair routine doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.

It simply requires understanding your hair, being consistent, and knowing when to make adjustments.

Why Your Natural Hair Routine May Need to Change

When I began my natural hair journey in March 2010, I discovered that caring for my curls required a completely different approach from what I had been accustomed to.

As my hair grew from a teeny-weeny Afro into longer curls and coils, I noticed that my styling methods and product preferences changed.

Products that worked well when my hair was short didn't always give me the same results as it grew longer.

And that's perfectly normal!

Your hair routine may need occasional adjustments because of changes in length, weather, styling habits, product buildup, or the condition of your strands.

What matters is learning to recognize what your hair needs rather than constantly purchasing something new.

Understanding Your Hair Before Choosing Products

Ladies, here's something I've learned over the years:

Your curl pattern is only one part of your hair story.

I have fine strands with a mixture of 3C and 4A curls, and my hair tends to be low porosity.

That combination has taught me to pay attention to product consistency and the amount I apply.

Heavier creams and butters may work beautifully for someone else while leaving my finer strands feeling weighed down.

That's why understanding your hair's characteristics is so important.

Pay attention to how your hair responds to water, conditioners, leave-ins, styling creams, and oils.

And remember, your hair doesn't have to behave like anyone else's!

The LOC Method: Liquid, Oil, and Cream

One technique many naturals have explored is the LOC method.

LOC stands for:

L — Liquid: Usually water or a water-based leave-in conditioner that helps hydrate the hair.

O — Oil: A small amount of oil used to lubricate the strands and help reduce moisture loss.

C — Cream: A conditioning or styling cream that adds softness, manageability, or hold, depending on its formula.

The order and amounts aren't universal. Some naturals prefer LCO, while others find that a leave-in conditioner and one styling product are all they need.

What I've Learned About LOC and My Hair

Because my hair has fine, low-porosity strands, I prefer lightweight products that leave my curls soft and full of movement.

I don't want products sitting heavily on my hair, making my curls look limp or feel coated.

Sometimes a little leave-in, a few drops of oil, and a light styling product are enough.

And sometimes I can simplify the routine even further!

Here's the lesson:

Use what your hair needs, not what a popular routine says you must use.

Five Steps to Developing a Simple Natural Hair Routine

1. Start With a Clean Scalp and Hair

A good routine begins with cleansing.

Choose a shampoo that removes dirt, excess oils, and product buildup without leaving your hair feeling unnecessarily stripped.

Condition afterward to improve softness and manageability.

The frequency of washing depends on your scalp, styling habits, and personal preferences.

2. Condition and Detangle Gently

Conditioner can help provide slip, making it easier to work through knots and tangles.

Divide your hair into sections, begin detangling near the ends, and gradually work toward the roots.

Whether you prefer your fingers, a wide-tooth comb, or a detangling brush, the goal is to reduce unnecessary pulling and breakage.

Remember, ladies: patience is part of the process!

3. Find Your Moisture Balance

Water and water-based conditioning products play an important role in keeping natural hair manageable.

Oils can help lubricate your strands, but oil alone doesn't replace the need for hydration.

If you're experiencing dryness, consider your cleansing routine, conditioner, styling products, and how often your hair needs refreshing.

For me, lightweight liquid leave-ins and small amounts of oil are usually more comfortable than heavy layers of butter.

4. Choose Styles That Work With Your Lifestyle

Ladies, I love a beautiful hairstyle, but I also appreciate simplicity!

Whether you enjoy wash-and-gos, twists, braids, buns, or stretched styles, choose something you can maintain without unnecessary stress.

Avoid excessive tension around the hairline and give your scalp a break from styles that pull.

Your hairstyle should complement your life, not take over your entire day!

5. Protect Your Hair at Night

Nighttime care makes a difference in how manageable my curls feel the following morning.

A satin bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase can help reduce friction while you sleep.

Depending on your style, loose twists or a pineapple may help preserve your curls.

Most importantly, avoid covering soaking-wet hair overnight in a way that keeps the scalp damp for extended periods.

When Your Favorite Products Stop Working

We've all experienced it!

That beautiful product you once loved suddenly seems less effective.

Before throwing it away, ask yourself a few questions.

Have I been using more product than necessary? Is there buildup on my hair? Has the weather changed? Am I using a different conditioner or styler? Does my hair need a trim?

Sometimes a small adjustment is all that's necessary.

And sometimes it's perfectly fine to try something different.

Experimenting is part of learning, but constantly changing everything makes it difficult to know what's actually working.

Give your routine a reasonable opportunity to show results.

Remember: Healthy Hair Is More Important Than a Perfect Curl

My beautiful curl friends, we can become so focused on curl definition, length, and styling techniques that we forget to enjoy the hair God has blessed us with.

Our curls and coils are wonderfully diverse.

Some days they'll be beautifully defined.

Other days, they'll be fluffy, stretched, or full of volume.

And yes, there will be days when we look in the mirror and wonder what in the world happened overnight! LOL!

But that's all part of the journey.

The goal isn't to create a perfect hairstyle every single day.

It's to develop healthy habits, reduce unnecessary damage, and discover a routine that supports your hair and your lifestyle.

Your natural hair journey is not a competition. It's a beautiful process of learning, growth, and self-appreciation.

More From Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks

1. 10 Ways to Keep Your Natural Hair Moisturized

Need practical moisture tips? Explore ways to keep your curls and coils soft and manageable without overloading your strands with products.

2. What Is Hair Porosity? A Simple Guide to Moisture and Natural Hair Care

Confused about why one product works for someone else but not for you? Learn how porosity can influence your hair's relationship with moisture.

3. The Ultimate 3C & 4A Wash-and-Go: Beautiful Curl Definition Without All the Frizz!

Ready to put your routine into practice? Discover styling tips for soft, beautifully defined curls.

Let's Talk, Ladies!

Now, you know I'd love to hear from you!

What's the biggest challenge you've faced while developing your natural hair routine?

Is it finding the right moisturizer, managing frizz, maintaining definition, or deciding which products to purchase?

And here's another question:

Have you discovered that your hair needs fewer products than you originally thought?

Come on, ladies! Share your experiences in the comments. We can all learn something from one another.

Until next time, love your curls, embrace your coils, and celebrate every beautiful kink!

Happy Curls to You!

Lady Carolyn M. Summerset

© 2026 Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks by Lady Carolyn M. Summerset. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or republished without prior written permission of the author.