The Curl Reset:
A Rizos Curls Guide to Double Cleansing
If your curls are feeling a little off—flat at the roots, thirsty at the ends, or losing definition faster than they should—it may not be your styling routine. It’s your cleanse.
Enter double cleansing for curly hair: an elevated wash ritual that resets the scalp, restores balance, and lets your curls perform at their highest potential.
Done correctly (and with curl-conscious formulas like Rizos Curls products), double cleansing doesn’t strip curls—it refines them.Think lighter roots, softer lengths, and definition that lasts.
“Great curls don’t start with styling—they start with a clean, balanced scalp.”
In this guide, we’ll explore:
• What double cleansing really means for curls
• Why textured hair thrives with this method
• How to double cleanse without disrupting moisture
• A step-by-step routine using Rizos Curls
• How often curls truly need a reset
Double Cleansing, Decoded for Curls
Double cleansing is an intentional approach to scalp-first hair care.
• Cleanse One: Targets buildup, excess oil, and residue at the scalp
• Cleanse Two: Reintroduces hydration while gently cleansing hair lengths
Curly and textured hair naturally relies on layering—leave-ins, creams, gels, oils. Over time, that layering within your curl care routine can create a barrier between your hair and the moisture it craves.
Double cleansing removes what no longer serves your curls, making room for softness, shine, and definition. Without a double cleanse you may be leaving behind some pesky, unwanted residue on wash dayat won't allow your curls to thrive.
Clean slate curls = better hydration, better definition, better everything.
Because Texture Needs More Than a Quick Wash
1. Where Growth Goals Really Begin
A clean, balanced scalp supports healthier-looking curls starting from the root. Double cleansing helps lift away buildup that can lead to itchiness, flakes, or oily roots not to mention a the layer of accumulated grime that does not allow new strands to push through to experience new growth and length.
“Healthy curls grow best in a balanced environment.”
2. When Curls Remember Who They Are
When buildup coats the hair shaft, curls lose their ability to clump and spring almost forgetting how to get in formation. After double cleansing, curls form more uniformly, delivering enhanced shape and bounce. Dirty hair gets weighed down and it doesn't take much to pull a strand down making your curls feel more “meh” than magic.
3. Good Hair Days—The Extended Remix
Double cleansing helps curls stay fresher, longer—less heaviness at the roots, more longevity in your style. A little extra effort on wash day can give you extra days of fabulous curls with nothing more than a quick touch up.
When your wash day still looks good on day three, four, five ✨
4.Absorbs The Good Stuff—Skips The Buildup
Clean hair absorbs conditioners and treatments more effectively. With squeaky clean strands, the goodness soaks in directly where you want it instead of layers of build up first, before reaching the intended target.
Richer hydration, better results, and less product layering.
5. When Your Scalp Finds Its Rhythm
When the scalp isn’t properly cleansed, it may overcompensate with excess oil. Double cleansing helps recalibrate and restore equilibrium to the natural microbiome of the scalp.
Double Cleansing: Friend or Foe to Curls?
Definitely curl friendly—when the formulas are thoughtfully and intentionally chosen. Picking the right formula with nuturing ingredients is key. Clarify without adding chaos to your curls.
Aggressive clarifiers can be harsh and disrupt curl patterns and dry out textured hair. Abrasive and stripping clarifying products can leave behind mushy, straw like strands that fall flat and become wiry,rough to the touch and dull. Rizos Curls offers sulfate-free, silicone-free formulas designed to cleanse while respecting curl integrity.
The result? A scalp reset without sacrificing softness and shine.
How to Double Cleanse Curly Hair with Rizos Curls
Step One: The Build Up Breaker
Use: Rizos Curls Detox Oil
This step is focused on breaking down excess oil,build up and gently lifting flakes for easy removal during shampooing.
How To:
-Add 2-3 drops of Detox Oil in several areas using the dropper to deliver directly to the scalp.
-Massage gently with fingertips or Scalp Massage Brush, using a circular motion.
-Let sit for at least 30 mins. Several hours to overnight is common, however a shower cap is suggested to prevent mess.
Why it Works:
• Oil breaks down oil, softening dirt and debris on hair and scalp so that it slides off easier during the washing process.
• Helps with detangling & will lubricate your hair which will make removing the knots and tangles less of a challenge.
Step Two: The Rizos Reset
Use: Rizos Curls Detox Scalp Scrub and Rizos Curls Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp & Hair Rinse
This first cleanse focuses on the scalp—where buildup begins.
How To:
Detox Scalp Scrub
-Apply to wet scalp in sections, parting hair in several areas to ensure coverage.
-Massage gently with fingertips or Scalp Massage Brush in a circular motion creating a lather.
-Rinse thoroughly. A second rinse maybe needed to throughly remove exfoliant beads.
Why it Works:
• Gently exfoliates & removes dead skin
• Absorbs toxins, impurities & pollutants
• Stimulates scalp & hair follicles for healthy hair growth
ACV Scalp & Hair Rinse
-Apply to wet scalp and length of hair.
-Massage gently with fingertips or Scalp Massage Brush in a circular motion creating a lather. Allow to sit for approx. 3 minutes.
-Rinse thoroughly.
Why it Works:
• Gently clarifies removing build up on strands that can weigh hair down
• Balances scalp pH levels
• Nourishes scalp microbiome creating ideal growing environment
• Enhances shine & softness
Step Three: The Quench Cleanse
Use: Rizos Curls Biotin Shampoo
Now that the scalp is reset, it’s time to replenish moisture & hydration.
How To:
-Apply to scalp and hair. Be sure to focus on roots.
-Massage gently with fingertips or Scalp Massage Brush in a circular motion creating a lather.
-Rinse thoroughly.
Why it Works:
• Nourishes & enriches hair with nutrients to supports longer, stronger, thicker hair
• Hydrates hair restoring softness and elasticity
• Prepares hair to accept moisture replenishment from conditioners.
Step Three: The Moisture Moment
Use: Rizos Curls Biotin Conditioner or Vitamin C Hair Repair Mask
Conditioning is the moisture restoration moment your hair will need. Whether choosing a rich conditioner or a moisture treatment mask, this step seals the deal for a double cleansing routine.
How To:
-Apply generously from mid-lengths to ends
-Detangle gently with Shower Comb or Flexi Brush
-Leave on 3–5 minutes (longer for treatment mask days)
Why it Works:
Conditioning after Double Cleansing:
• Adding back moisture to super clean, highly receptive strands.
• Nothing (build up, oil) is blocking the mositure surge being delivered to your hair
“Cleansing reveals the curl. Conditioning perfects it.”
The Final Touch: The Finish After the Reset
With curls so pHresh and so clean, they are now primed for styling.
Follow with your custom curly hair styling routine using the best product for curly hair from Rizos Curls.
PREP & PROTECT:
• Refresh & Detangle Spray
-Use to refresh and rehydrate curls between wash day
• Heat Protection Multivitamin Leave In
-Be sure to reapply daily for vitamin benefits and when refreshing with a diffuser.
DEFINITION & FRIZZ CONTROL:
• Curl Defining Mousse
• Curl Defining Cream
• Defining Custard
HOLD & SHINE:
• Light Hold Gel
• Strong Hold Gel
• Alcohol Free Hairspray
Without buildup to fight through, products perform with intention—never excess.
Ready for a Reset?
How Often should you double cleanse your curls? Its more about knowing your hair and less about setting an exact frequency. If you use heavy stylers like creams and butters, you may want to double cleanse on wash day 1-2 x a week. Weekly is suggested for active curlies who are sweat prone. Every 2-3 weeks is standard for those with minimal product routines with no added challenges.
Another way to determine when double cleansing is a good option is if you notice changes in your hair. When it seems you curls are flat, dull or feel like they have a coating on them, you are definitely needing a reset. Your scalp is also an excellent indicator. Oily, irritated, itchy scalp is all a desperate cry for a deep clean. The most common and noticeable sign your curls need to be given a clean slate is when your favorite tried and true products are not delivering the same results. It's time to take a load off of those strands so they can breathe.If your curls feel heavy, it’s time to cleanse—not pile on more product.
Be Intentional With Your Curl Care Routine
Double Cleansing is not washing and scrubbing more, its about having a wash day with purpose and intention.
When you scalp is clear and your hair is ideally hydrated, your curls thank you and respond with:
• Curls that actually show up
• Bounce you can see and feel
• Freshness for days, not hours
• A healthier foundation overall
With Rizos Curls, double cleansing becomes less of a chore and more of a ritual.
Because truly beautiful curls begin at the root—and thrive with balance.