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You’ve probably seen those amazing before-and-after photos online, where someone has transformed their wavy hair into a stunning curly look. If your hair is naturally wavy, you can use the right products and techniques to create gorgeous, natural curls. Keep reading for some tips and tricks to make your waves curl even more.
Steps
Use products that help hold your curls after washing your hair.
Styling gels or creams will help maintain your curls. Creams are lighter, while gels tend to be a bit heavier. When your hair is still damp, pour a small amount of product, about the size of a coin, into your hands. Lean your hair forward and use your fingers to distribute the product evenly through your hair.
- As the cream or gel dries, it will form defined curls and keep them in place all day long.
- If your hair feels stiff when it starts to dry, don’t worry – once fully dry, simply scrunch and massage your hair to soften any crunchy gel spots. Your curls will remain intact, and you’ll feel the bounce and lightness of your locks.
Apply styling products to your hair.
Scrunch your hair to lift it and make the curls tighter. While your hair is still damp after washing, pour your chosen styling product into your palm, then tilt your head to one side. Starting from the ends of your hair, rub and scrunch the product into your strands, gradually working your way up toward your roots. Continue scrunching throughout your hair to add lift and enhance the curls.
- You can also try flipping your hair forward to apply the product and scrunch your hair.
Shape your curls with a Denman brush.
This brush has nylon bristles designed to help define small curls. Wait until your hair is completely wet after washing. Apply leave-in conditioner or styling cream, then flip your hair forward and brush through your hair. Lift your head and part your hair as usual, then take a 5-8 cm section of hair. Start from the roots, brushing upwards and away from the scalp.
- Repeat this technique throughout your hair, making sure to brush the back sections as well.
- The Denman brush has both thick and sparse bristles, helping to create tighter curls. Brush upwards and away from the scalp to form smaller, tighter curls.
Try twisting your hair around your finger to form curls.
Wrap your hair around your finger to form smaller curls. After washing your hair, leave it damp and gather half of it into a loose bun, securing it in place. Apply styling cream or leave-in conditioner to the ends of your hair, then take a 2.5 cm section from the lower part of your hair. Grab the ends and twist the hair around your finger to create a tight curl. When you release it, it will form a spiral-shaped curl.
- Continue twisting 2.5 cm sections of hair around your fingers until your entire head is curled.
- Once all your hair is twisted, you can let it air dry or use a blow dryer with a diffuser to speed up the drying process.
- This finger-wrapping method can be a bit time-consuming, especially if you have thick hair. However, many people prefer it as it gives the best definition and least frizz after the curls set.
Wrap your hair on top of your head.
This is the technique of wrapping hair on top of your head to form curls. After washing and applying your hair products, lay a t-shirt or microfiber towel on your bed or table. Bend your head forward, drape your hair in front of you, and place it between the towel or t-shirt, then wrap it around your hair. To keep the towel in place, tie a knot at the front of your forehead.
- You can leave the wrap on for 10-15 minutes while you get dressed or do your makeup. Afterward, you can either let your hair air dry or blow-dry it with a diffuser.
- This wrapping technique helps absorb moisture without drying out or frizzing your hair. It also adds volume and creates tighter, more defined curls.
Use a lightweight conditioner.
If you have fine hair, a heavy, thick conditioner might weigh it down. When creating curls, you don't want your hair to feel heavy. Choose a lightweight daily conditioner instead of a thick deep conditioning product. Apply it to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair after shampooing.
- A lightweight conditioner will provide the necessary moisture after washing. Without it, your hair may become frizzy.
Apply a hair mask once a week.
A hair mask will provide intense moisture to your hair. The better your hair is hydrated, the more defined your curls will be. Once a week, you should use a hair mask or deep moisturizing treatment with ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, almond oil, or avocado oil to keep your hair shiny and healthy.
- Using a hair mask or deep conditioner too frequently can weigh down curls, causing them to lose their bounce. Therefore, limit hair mask use to once a week.
Use dry conditioner to prevent frizz.
If the ends of your hair aren't curly, try this technique. After washing your hair, spray a dry conditioner onto the ends. It won't weigh down your curls or waves, and it helps to keep your hair moisturized all day.
- If you have fine hair, avoid heavy products that can make your curls limp. In this case, less is more.
- If you have thick hair, you may want to apply a leave-in conditioner to the ends as well. It will help reduce frizz and keep your curls in place.
Use a heat protectant product.
If you're using heat styling tools (such as a hairdryer), make sure to protect your hair first. After washing your hair, spray a heat protectant product all over your damp hair and allow it to dry for a few minutes. This product will help prevent damage, keeping your hair healthier and curlier.
- Generally, it's best to avoid heat styling tools as much as possible to maintain healthy hair.
Dry your hair with the diffuser attachment on your blow dryer.
The diffuser helps reduce frizz and maintains the curl pattern. Attach the diffuser to your blow dryer before you begin drying. Flip your hair forward and dry from the ends up to add volume and define your curls.
- You don't need to dry your hair completely – in fact, many find that drying it halfway and letting it air-dry helps smooth frizz and keeps curls intact.
Brush your hair with a wide-tooth comb.
Regular hairbrushes can cause your waves to frizz. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or even your fingers to gently detangle any knots or tangles. Start from the ends and work your way up to prevent breakage and minimize hair loss during brushing.
- In general, using a regular hairbrush on wavy or curly hair will cause frizz. Try to brush as little as possible, and always be gentle when you do.
Trim your hair regularly.
Damaged hair won't curl as beautifully as healthy hair. If it's been a while since your last trim, now is the time! Visit a salon and ask them to trim off the dry, frizzy ends. You don't need to cut much – even just 0.5 cm can help create smoother, more defined waves and curls.
- Experts recommend getting a trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
Revitalize your hair with bond-building products.
If your hair is damaged, you may need deep conditioning. Hair that used to curl but now only has waves can be restored with bond-building treatments. These products, available in hair care stores, should be used carefully according to the instructions. Results can be seen after a few weeks or months.
- The most common bond-building product is Olaplex. You can buy the at-home version instead of the salon treatment.
