Many girls go to great lengths to have wavy hair: they use curling irons, rollers and perms. On the other hand, many have naturally curly hair and complain about it. It's true: it is difficult to style this type of hair. It tends to be untameable in the morning, and is prone to rippling in humid places. However, with the right cut, care and styling techniques, you can create soft and defined curls. Finding a good balance between all of these elements can take a bit of experimentation and patience, but you'll soon find that it's easy to bring out the natural beauty of your hair.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Taking Care of Curly Hair
Step 1. Use the right shampoo and conditioner
Curly hair can tend to dry out and wrinkle, so it's important to choose products that don't damage it. Use hydrating, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.
- Avoid silicones, which can prevent moisturizers from getting into your hair.
- Some shampoos and conditioners are formulated specifically for curly hair. It is not necessary to use them, but we recommend that you give it a try to see if they help you define the curls.
- A leave-in conditioner is a good solution for curly hair, since it helps them stay soft and hydrated throughout the day. Otherwise, try not to rinse off the conditioner completely, it leaves some residue.
- Don't overdo the doses. On the palm of your hand, you should pour a quantity of shampoo and conditioner that is the same size as a two euro coin or two, you will see that it is more than enough.
Step 2. Try washing your hair with the cowash method
The shampoo deprives the stem of the natural sebum, which is necessary for the curls to look vital and nourished. The conditioner is less aggressive, but can partly have a cleansing action. Try to follow the cowash method regularly (always according to your needs) and use the shampoo only once a week.
Step 3. The last hair rinse should be done with cold water
This is the secret to keeping frizz at bay: use the coldest water you can handle while shampooing. Hot water is aggressive on the shaft, while cold water closes the scales, so the hair looks smooth and shiny when dry.
If you can't stand the idea of taking a cold shower, try washing your hair in the sink instead of letting the water run all over your body. When in the shower, use a shower cap to protect them from the hottest water
Step 4. Dry your hair with a clean t-shirt, not a towel
It will make them less frizzy, and a shirt isn't as harmful as a towel. Next, stand upside down and shake them, letting them take on their natural shape.
Microfiber towels are just as gentle on curls and may be more absorbent than a t-shirt
Step 5. Use a product that defines the curls
Experiment to find the one that's right for you. An inexpensive anti-frizz serum is ideal, or you could spend a little more to purchase a frizzy cream that hydrates and gives definition. After shampooing, apply a dab of product to damp hair and distribute it with a wide-toothed comb working it from tip to root (to prevent breaking).
Afterward, apply a gel to define the curls. You can do this by running your fingers through your hair like a rake, "scrunching" your hair upwards or massaging the strands. Make sure each curl gets some product from root to tip. Once you are done, use your fingers to "crumple" the curls and define them even more
Step 6. Let your hair dry
The healthiest way is to let them air dry for as long as necessary. Do not squeeze or rub them: this causes them to dry out and wrinkle.
- Avoid using a hairdryer unless it is a special occasion. Allowing them to air dry is generally preferable, since this method does not harm them.
- Curly hair often takes a very long time to dry because it is thick and thick. If patience is not your thing, use the hair dryer with the diffuser at the lowest temperature available.
Step 7. When in a hurry, dry them with the diffuser
This accessory distributes the heat, so the air flow is not directed towards just one part of the hair. Wipe it evenly all over your head. Use the prongs to lift and dry the curls in the scalp area, back, sides and ends. When drying the tips, place the diffuser under the hair; use it to gently push them up and give more volume. Turn off the hair dryer once your hair is slightly damp, not completely dry.
- Using the hair dryer at a warmer temperature will give you shinier curls.
- If you prefer to have soft waves instead of defined curls, don't push your hair from the bottom up as you blow dry it with the diffuser. Instead, aim it from top to bottom.
Step 8. Top with a dab of fixing product
Use a medium hold hairspray to keep them in place all day. However, stay away from alcohol-based sprays, as they will dry out your hair.
Alternatively, apply some serum or wax to the curls to create definition
Step 9. Avoid brushing curls, whether they are wet or dry
Brushing them when wet causes them to crack and unnecessarily stresses the hair follicles. A wide-toothed comb is preferable, and you can also use it to evenly distribute the conditioner while you're in the shower. Do not brush curly hair when it is dry as otherwise it will become puffy and frizzy.
Step 10. Aim for defined, soft curls throughout the day
If you notice that your hair starts to sag or wrinkle, moisten it and apply any product you like (defining cream, gel, mousse, etc.). Curl your hair up slightly to make the curls look as fresh as in the morning.
Step 11. Create a twisted bun
This updo is a variation of the classic chignon, and it brings out the naturally beautiful texture of your hair. It's perfect for styling when you're short on time - all you need is a rubber band and a few bobby pins.
- After drying your hair, gather it on one shoulder and divide it into two strands of the same size. Leave them on this side.
- Turn each section on itself starting from the roots and continuing to the tips. You should twist both strands in the same direction.
- Working in the opposite direction, twist the two strands from roots to ends. In other words, if you twisted each section clockwise (to the right), you now need to form a kind of rope by twisting the locks counterclockwise (to the left).
- Secure the end of the crop with a rubber band. A similar color to your hair is less visible after completing the hairstyle.
- Twist the braid at the base of the head to form a bun. Try to do it slightly to the side, and secure with bobby pins.
Step 12. For a sleek yet quick hairstyle, roll your hair around a headband
This hairstyle is graceful and romantic, and it looks more complicated than it is. The only tools you need to make it are an elastic band adapted to the size of your head and a few bobby pins.
- Put the band on the head so that it fits the circumference of the skull; it should pass right under the occipital bone, which curves at the back of the head.
- Tuck your hair into the headband. Take 2.5-5cm strands at a time and start behind the ears. After passing a section under the band, you must then thread it again so that it gradually forms a roll. Proceed to the back of your head and continue until you have all your hair tucked into the headband.
- If necessary, secure the strands tucked into the headband with bobby pins.
- The band will only be seen on the top of the head.
Step 13. Create a curly pompadour hairstyle
This crop highlights curls without putting too much effort, and is refined enough for elegant occasions.
- Collect the hair on the top of the head; use a comb to smooth the sides and back. Make a ponytail.
- Secure it using a rubber band.
- Bring the ponytail forward and tuck the tips underneath; then, secure the curls in place using a few bobby pins.
- Twist a few strands around the elastic of the tail and pin it to hide it.
Step 14. Enhance the loose curls with two braids to be created in the central area of the head
When you want to wear your hair down, this hairstyle is what it takes to get a great look with minimal effort.
- Braid a 2.5-5cm strand of hair starting at the top of the left ear. Fold the braid at an angle so you can wrap it around your head and secure it with a small, transparent elastic.
- Repeat the same procedure with a strand that is on the upper part of the right ear.
- Twist the left braid to the back and wrap it around the head, towards the right ear. Secure it with some bobby pins.
- Repeat with the right braid; pull it over the first braid and tuck the ends underneath it. Secure with bobby pins.
Part 2 of 2: Making the Right Cut
Step 1. Consult a hairdresser who has experience with curly hair
This hair is notoriously difficult to cut, and hairdressers need to understand the needs of different types of curls in order to create the right hairstyle. The good news is that getting a proper cut means you're half done to style this hair. With the right hairstyle, you could have a real love at first sight for your curls.
- Ask a friend who has curly hair to recommend a hairdresser. Alternatively, if you meet someone with fabulous curls, don't be afraid to ask her where she cut them. She will likely feel flattered by your compliments!
- Try searching the internet to find salons or hairdressers in your city that specialize in curly hair. Read reviews and compare prices.
Step 2. Go to the beauty salon with your hair fresh from shampoo
For the hairdresser, it is important to observe them in their natural state: puffy and curly. This allows him to make a more accurate assessment of the right cut for you.
- Wash your hair in the morning or evening before going to the hairdresser and let it air dry.
- Avoid using oils or silicone-based products.
Step 3. Cut your hair before dyeing it
While in a salon the procedure is usually the reverse (first the color is done, then the cut), it is important that curly hair is cut in order to immediately acquire a general shape.
Step 4. Curly hair should be cut dry
Each curl has its own shape and weight, and these characteristics are only noticeable when the hair is dry. The hairdresser must observe the peculiarities of each curl to understand how to cut the various individual strands and achieve the desired overall effect. Often, cutting hedgehog by hedgehog is the best way to go.
Step 5. Climb them the right way
If you want long, curly hair, ask the hairdresser to create long layers - they prevent it from getting too heavy on the tips. Either way, make sure they are long enough to carry some weight. Short layers that are too light curl in on themselves, creating a puffy effect.
Step 6. Dye them gently
Curly hair tends to be more brittle than straight hair, and the caustic chemicals contained in dyes are quite harmful. In fact, they compromise the structure of the curl and cause an annoying frizz effect. If you want to color your hair, choose a more delicate color and proceed gradually.
For example, instead of going from dark brown to platinum blonde, you could start with some highlights
Step 7. Ask the hairdresser to dry the hair naturally
You need to see them in this state in order to gauge the success of the cut, so dry them with a diffuser or, better yet, sit under a helmet. Resist the temptation to request a smooth blowout.
Advice
- If you live in a particularly humid area, try to find an anti-humidity hair product that works for you. Most of these products have the consistency of a diluted gel.
- To get more volume at the roots, move the hair dryer in small circular movements while the diffuser collects the hair and the prongs massage the scalp.
- For an extra pinch of hydration, apply coconut oil to your hair from root to tip after moistening it. Using a wide-toothed comb, untie all the knots. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo two hours later. Leaving the oil on overnight is even more effective.
- Use a curling iron to better define the curls. If there are places where they look a little saggy or matted, use a coarse-wanded iron to make them more defined.
- Sleep on a satin pillow, which does not tend to wrinkle or flatten your hair like cotton or a blend of polyester and cotton.
