If you’ve recently ditched heat, switched products, or decided to finally embrace your natural texture, I’ve put this guide together for you!
This is your reminder that the first month is meant to feel messy, and that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
Why the First 30 Days Feel So Hard
The first month of switching up your hair care routine is often the most challenging part of the entire journey. Not because curls are difficult, but because change takes time.
During this phase, you’re asking your hair to:
- Adjust to new products
- Let go of old habits (heat, harsh shampoos, over-manipulation)
- Reveal its natural pattern, sometimes for the first time
This can look like:
- Inconsistent curl results
- Increased frizz
- Hair that feels unfamiliar or unpredictable
This is where and why so many people give up, not because the process doesn’t work, but because they expected instant results.
Everyone Goes Through the “Awkward Phase”
When I say everyone experiences this stage, I truly mean everyone, including me! This was my hair at the start of my journey!
In my first week of ditching curling irons (yes, I used curling irons to create “perfect curls’ in my already curly hair!), my hair did not look how I wanted it to. I had relied on daily heat to smooth and force my curls into a more uniform state instead of embracing my natural texture.
When I removed heat and switched to gentler, curl-friendly products, my hair pushed back. It wasn’t happy at first, but consistency changed everything.
What to Expect in Your First 30 Days
Week 1–2: Confusion & Adjustment
- Hair may feel frizzier or drier
- Curl pattern can look uneven
- Scalp may need time to adjust to gentler cleansing
This is not the time to panic or overhaul everything again.
Week 3–4: Small Shifts
- Moisture retention improves
- Curls start clumping more naturally
- Wash days become slightly more predictable
Progress may feel slow but it’s happening!
The Most Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
1. Changing everything at once -Too many new products make it hard to know what’s working.
2. Expecting every wash day to look perfect - Consistency matters more than individual results.
3. Giving up too soon - Your hair needs repetition, not constant correction.
What You Should Focus On as a Beginner
1. Gentle Cleansing - Keep your scalp clean without stripping natural oils.
2. Consistent Moisture - Conditioner and leave-ins are essential for curl flexibility and definition.
3. Low Manipulation - Less brushing, less heat, less forcing let curls settle naturally.
4. Patience Over Perfection - Healthy curls are built slowly, they don’t appear over night
You don’t need complicated routines; you need strong foundations and habits. If I had known this back then, it would have saved me a lot of time and frustration!
Final Reminder for New Curl Followers
Starting your curl or healthy hair journey isn’t about perfection, pressure, or rushing results.
It’s about trust, consistency and giving your hair time to respond. The first 30 days don’t define your outcome; they're simply the start of the process.
If you’re here, reading this, and wondering if it’s worth continuing…It is! And you’re doing better than you think
Past this stage? Help Someone Else Through It!
If your curls are now flourishing and you’ve moved beyond the early struggles, consider sharing this guide with someone just starting out.
Love Claire x
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