My Curly Hair Routine Using the Rake and Scrunch Method

If you have curly hair, you know that no two wash days are ever exactly the same. But after a lot of trial, error, frizz, and accidentally creating a bird’s nest on my head — I’ve finally found a routine that works (well...most of the time) and I often will get compliments on my curls.

I use the rake and scrunch method, and it’s been a game-changer for curl definition and moisture. Here’s a breakdown of my full routine, step by step — plus a few tips that help my curls stay soft, defined, and frizz-free.

Step 1: Wash Day Starts Good Cleanse

I feel like due to all of the product that I use and gym days, products can really build up. I know it is very common to use a sulfate-free shampoo or a co-wash, but I often feel my scalp does not get clean enough. I do try to avoid washing my hair every other day as I do feel washing every day does dry it out.

Additional Tip: I don’t scrub the ends — that just dries them out. The focus is on a clean scalp and healthy roots.

Step 2: Condition + Detangle

Next, I apply a moisturizing conditioner and detangle with my fingers or a wide-tooth comb while the conditioner is in and while in the shower. This is the only time I detangle my hair. Trying to do it dry? Is an instant regret situation. I let the conditioner sit for a few minutes before rinsing — usually while I finish the rest of my shower.

Step 3: Apply Leave-In on Wet Hair

Right after rinsing out the conditioner, I gently squeeze out some excess water — but I don’t towel-dry. I want my hair to still be pretty wet. Then I apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream, using the rake method.

Step 4: Rake It Through

Now here’s the key part — I use the rake method to distribute the product evenly. That just means I take sections of hair and rake the product through with my fingers, like I’m combing it in. This helps every strand get coated and encourages natural curl clumps instead of frizz.

Step 5: Scrunch in Gel

Once I’ve raked everything through, I grab my favorite curl-defining gel and scrunch it in. I will not flip my head, but I will go side to side with my hair and scunch the gel from the ends upward, gently pressing the curls toward my scalp. This helps define the curl pattern and give hold.

Additional Tip: I listen for the “squish” sound — that’s how I know there’s enough water + product. If it’s too dry, I’ll re-wet a little with a spray bottle before scrunching. Or I will add water to the gel which will add water to my hair and thin the product.

Step 6: Dry Without Touching

After scrunching, I either air dry or diffuse depending on the day (and how late I’m running). The rule here is: don’t touch it while it’s drying. Touching = frizz. Letting it be = defined curls.

Step 7: Scrunch Out the Crunch

Once everything’s 100% dry, I scrunch again to break the cast (if the gel made one). This makes the curls feel soft and natural, but they still hold their shape because the gel locked them in earlier. I will also fluff the hair near my scalp so it does not look so slicked down to my head.

Optional: Refresh Days

On non-wash days, I’ll refresh by running my hands through my hair with a bit of gel on my hands. This seems to work great! The "typical refresh" of misting your hair with a water + leave-in spray and lightly scrunching always left my hair frizzy.

Additional Tip: Less is more when concerning the gel. Just remember you already have a full head of hair of gel. Ya just need to get the little frizz out from sleeping the night before. You also do not want to weight down your curls either with too much product.

This routine isn’t complicated, but it’s consistent — and for curls, consistency really matters. The rake and scrunch method gives me soft, defined curls without a ton of effort or product overload. It works because it helps the products go where they’re needed, and lets my curls do their thing naturally. I learned pretty early on that the more I fought with my curls, the more that they fought back (and frankly won!).

If you’re struggling with frizz, flat curls, or dryness, try this method. You may also have to give it some time. There is such a thing as the protein/moisture balance that does take time to find where your hair is at. Also you might be surprised how well your hair will respond with just a few intentional changes. Good luck!!