How to Style Curly Hair

The possibilities for how to style curly hair are endless!!!! You may read our previous posts on how to manage curly hair, and how to get curly hair on our blog. Your naturally curly hair can actually be molded and adjusted to more styling methods than any other hair type. Of course, we all know there are some limitations with textured hair styling, but don’t let that stop you from taking your look to higher heights. Tis the perfect season to take a few risks with your hair. You might be surprised at what works! The most cherished style that all curlistas adore is the beloved “wash and go.” This seemingly time saving hairstyle is known to give the appearance of natural, effortless beauty. However, if not executed appropriately, this simple ‘do could be super difficult. Here is a little help in the wash and go department.

10 Tips for an Effortless Wash and Go

1. Detangle your hair

The preparation is just as important as the application. Prepare your hair for supreme style by using the finger detangling technique before hopping in the shower. Start at the nape of your neck and with your fingers, separating all clumps from the ends to the roots. Gently release the knots and tangles that have accumulated between the threads. Once all of the obvious snags are set free, you can choose to utilize a comb or brush if you feel you need or want to.

2. Try a Pre-poo

Frequently dry strands could need an extra boost of strength and moisture before styling. A pre-poo will fortify the strands and add elasticity, which is the hair’s ability to stretch and return to its normal shape without breaking. This is extremely important when styling to prevent manipulative breakage. An easy pre-poo to try is pure, natural coconut oil. Simply apply to your dry hair and coat from root to sit. Cover with a plastic cap and allow the hair to absorb the nutrients for 30 minutes. This procedure will fill in the parched and weak areas of the hair strand providing a stronger, smoother, consistent hair shaft. Rinse and move on to the next step.

3. Cleanse your hair

Rinse your hair with warm water to thoroughly hydrate. Now apply your cleanser. For a great curl style, give a gentle yet effective cleanse using a sulfate free shampoo without harsh chemicals that could leave your hair dry. Try CURLS Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream by adding a quarter sized amount to your wet hair and gently massage into the hair and scalp. Rinse and repeat.

4. Condition your hair

Thoroughly rinse your hair of all traces of cleanser and apply your conditioner. Curly hair is often parched and in need of moisture, so cover each and every area to ensure your hair receives all the hydration it needs. An ultra moisturizing conditioner is the CURLS Coconut Sublime Conditioner. After applying, leave the formula on for at least 5 minutes while you shower, then rinse. *Insider’s tip- If you desire to comb or brush your hair again, right now is the appropriate time as the conditioner will naturally aid in the detangle process. Form this point forward, you will only use your fingers. This is an important secret for how to style curly hair.

5. Micro-fiber towel Blot

These fabrics along with cotton white t-shirts, will not cause friction along your hair shaft and support a smooth wash and go finish. After removing excessive moisture, you are ready to style!

6. Apply a Leave In Conditioner

The light leave in formula will bring your hair to the appropriate pH balance after the cleansing and conditioning process, preparing the hair for the final steps of styling. For finer hair or a high volumized style, use a wet based moisturizer like CURLS Quenched Moisturizer. For thicker hair types or for a smoother, more defined finish, use the new, cream based Reparative Leave In Conditioner.

7. Apply your Styler

Section your hair in 3 major quadrants and choose your part around the front of your hairline. Apply your styler to your hair covering all areas with your styling product. Remember, for curl styling, finer hair will do best with a light botanical gelle or serum based product. Normal hair will do well with light hair creams or gel based stylers and thick hair types should use thick heavy creams and/or jelly or gel based stylers with hold. After emulsifying the product onto your threads, smooth along their hair shaft with your fingertips or by using “praying hands.” This technique will clump the curls together to define your curly/coily look.

8. The Finish

You have three drying methods to choose from when completing your curl set. You could:

1. Air dry and let nature take it’s course
2. Use a hooded dryer ( beware, this could flatten your overall appearance.)
3. Or you could diffuse your wet hair using a blowdryer with diffuser attachment, perfect for frizz prevention and volumizing.

TIP- when drying your curls, do not use any styling tools or even your fingers to touch the hair. It is important that the hair interacts with the product so you may shake you’re head or scrunch for a curl boost but then remain still with no interaction for the best result!

9. Final Touches

Once your curly hair is completely dry, apply a curl control styler to unruly edges and on individual curls to defrizz and add shine.

10. SHAKE AND GO!

You have made it to the end! Congratulations, you now know how to style curly hair! Now go out there and flaunt your (very intricate) style, making it look simple and effortless, but wait! The last and final step is simply to give your new curl set a good SHAKE and GO! Ready? Shake!

 

Check out how @sunkissalba's performs her Wash 'n Go tutorial. For more hair product options visit www.curls.com and have fun with styling your curly hair, it’s YOURS!