fun fact: when I’m snapping these pics I’m praying the Hail Mary out loud. Two birds. And the pics are better haha!
When the Twist is Also the Prayer
My Journey + Nighttime Hair Routine for Natural Hair
by Nikki Walton for CurlyNikki.com
When I started posting, I thought it was just me sharing hair pics, product breakdowns, and reviews in forums back in 2003. I had no idea it would grow into a career, a lifestyle. And when I completely lost my passion for it in 2013, I thought I’d moved onto a whole new path. A “real” one. A spiritual one. But, honestly? It was all the same path. It started with hair, and it took me up, down, and around so many twists to land me right back here—with hair, with Love, Jesus’ other name.
It’s wild to think I used to believe my spiritual path meant leaving hair behind. I held onto this belief that my hair didn’t fit the “deeply spiritual life” I had envisioned. But there’s purpose—even in detangling. Spirituality doesn’t mean abandoning the body that carries you. Instead, it asks you to honor it. To care for it. I fasted for years; it transformed me. But now, I feast. You can do both. Pray and primp. Chaplets and curls. Once this Love that you’re seeking shifts to what you are, everything becomes prayer.
Speaking of twists and prayer, I tried a super simple, super quick nighttime routine last night that left me with soft, hold-all-day curls by morning. I thought I’d share it here since fast, easy nighttime routines are my favorite (and I know you can relate).
Instead of pulling out a million products and trying to perfect every curl—which would have taken me away from my altar for way too long—I kept it simple. I parted my hair into 7 or 8 chunky sections and flat-twisted each one, using the praying-hands method to coat my hair with Cecred’s Moisture Sealing Lotion.
To secure the ends, I again used gray perm rods, which added just enough curl to keep it polished without me having to overthink it. No water. No extra spritzing. Just product and hands. Truly, the whole process took 6 minutes, tops. Before I knew it, I was back under my satin scarf and back at my altar, praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet for YOU before bed!
There’s beauty in that rhythm, you know? Twisting my curls, tucking them in for the night, saying prayers, and stretching into rest. The whole thing feels like an offering—not just for my hair, or for me, but for God. The Saints say you reach a new level when you’re brushing your teeth and realize, you’re doing it all for Him.
You’re not cleansing your body for you, it’s His body. You’re washing His body, driving His kids to school, preparing His meal, and like me last night, stretching His body… that shift in perspective changes EVERYTHING and happens naturally. That’s how you move from the ‘I have to do xyz’ to the, ‘I GET to do xyz’ mode and you can offer it all up to Love! Sister Grazille told us to see everything as ‘God calling‘! Like, right now, God is calling you to… stretch that tech neck!
I’ve been trying to work this nightly stretching routine into my flow too, and it’s such a grounding practice. I started using this stretching video (add it to your YouTube saves!) to loosen up and release any tension before bed. It only takes a few minutes, and my body feels so much lighter the next day. My spirit too. Notice everything I do only takes 5-10 minutes away from Prayer time haha! Even though it’s fully integrated into my life now, my egoic preference is still to spend as much time as possible on spiritual pursuits– reading, watching, praying, meditating, LOVING!
This morning, when I unraveled those twists, my hair was soft, defined, and held without getting all crunchy or flaky. I love it when a routine is this effortless and actually works. Cecred isn’t as “everyday-reapply-friendly” as Oyin’s Hair Dew, but the results are worth it. And I’ll probably revisit Taliah Waajid next week for a little experimentation (as usual).
Speaking of tomorrow … will you pray with me? Same time, same place? 4:44 am ET on CurlyNikki.com. It’s been such a joy seeing all 458+ of you log in to connect and share, to pray together.
I love you!
nik
FAQ’s
If you’ve been searching for ways to simplify your natural hair nighttime hair routine, you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions about keeping your curls thriving with quick and easy methods. Plus, we’re weaving in some spiritual gems along the way because beauty flows from the inside out.
What’s the quickest natural hair nighttime hair routine?
The quickest natural hair nighttime hair routine is all about simplicity. For example, last night, I used the praying-hands method to coat my hair with a single product, Cecred, parting it into 7-8 chunky sections and flat-twisting each one. I secured the ends with gray perm rods for a balanced curl pattern, skipped any extra water or spritzing, and wrapped it all up in less than 6 minutes. The key is to focus on minimal, effective steps that protect your hair overnight.
Is it necessary to use water in a natural hair nighttime hair routine?
Not always! For this natural hair nighttime hair routine, I didn’t use any water or liquid. Since my hair already had moisture from the day, I simply focused on applying product with the praying-hands method. This kept my hair soft and hydrated without adding unnecessary steps. If your hair feels dry before bed, a little water or a light mist could help, but it’s not a must for every routine.
How do flat twists fit into a natural hair nighttime hair routine?
Flat twists can be a game-changer for your natural hair nighttime hair routine. They’re quick to install, stretch your curls, and protect your hair while you sleep. Plus, they help you wake up to defined curls or waves without heat styling in the morning. Securing the twists with perm rods, as I did, can add a polished curl to your ends for a little extra flair.
How long should a natural hair nighttime hair routine take?
For a super-efficient natural hair nighttime hair routine, aim for 5-10 minutes. By skipping unnecessary steps and sticking to one or two key products, you can save time while still protecting your hair. My routine, for example, took just 6 minutes from start to finish, giving me more time to rest and recharge.
Is there a way to connect spirituality to a natural hair nighttime hair routine?
Absolutely. A natural hair nighttime hair routine can be more than just practical; it can double as self-care and as a moment of grounding. Twisting your hair and tucking it in for the night can become a meditative practice. Last night, after finishing my routine, I returned to my altar to pray, and the whole process felt like an offering—to my hair, my body, and my spirit. Caring for your hair can be a beautiful way to honor the body that carries you through life.
Can a natural hair nighttime hair routine help with morning styling?
Yes! A well-planned natural hair nighttime hair routine can make your mornings so much easier. Flat-twisting or styling your hair before bed sets the stage for soft, defined curls that hold all day. For example, after unraveling my twists this morning, my hair had great texture and no flakes or crunchiness thanks to Cecred. Putting in a little effort at night saves you time and frustration in the morning.
Should I wear a scarf or bonnet with my natural hair nighttime hair routine?
Definitely! Wrapping your hair with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet is an essential part of a natural hair nighttime hair routine. It helps to protect your hair from friction, retain moisture, and keep your twists or other styles in place overnight. I use a satin scarf that stays snug while I sleep, ensuring my hair looks great in the morning.
Are there other practices that complement a natural hair nighttime hair routine?
Yes, pairing your natural hair nighttime hair routine with a relaxation or stretching practice can be incredibly calming. Beyond hair care, I’ve started incorporating this nighttime stretching routine into my evenings. It helps loosen tension from the day and prepares my body and mind for rest. Adding simple, grounding habits like this can turn your nighttime rituals into an act of self-love.
Final Thoughts
Your natural hair nighttime hair routine doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few steps and a mindset of care and intention, you can protect your curls while nurturing your whole self. Whether you’re twisting your hair, stretching, or saying a quick prayer, it’s all an opportunity to connect with yourself in a deeper way.
What’s your go-to natural hair nighttime hair routine? Share with us in the comments or join the discussion on CurlyNikki.com. We’d love to hear from you!
