Generally, women with straight hair dream of having beautiful voluminous curls. If you are one of them, there are several techniques to get some soft natural looking waves. Accessories such as hairpins, curlers and even simple strips of fabric can help. Alternatively, you can braid your hair or twist it and form lots of buns. If your hair is naturally wavy, continuing reading you will discover how to get even more beautiful and defined curls.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Use Fabric Stripes
Step 1. Take some old socks and cut them in half lengthwise
You will need several strips of fabric to curl your hair. You can make them by cutting in half (from tip to edge) clean socks you no longer use. You can also use old handkerchiefs or an old T-shirt.
The fabric strips should not be too short or too thin. You will need them to twist small strands of hair
Step 2. Shampoo
Hair should be clean and damp, but not soggy. After washing them, pat them dry with a soft towel to absorb excess water. Afterwards, comb them with a wide-toothed comb to make sure they are knot-free.
- If you have thick or very dense hair, you may need a blow dryer to make it partially dry. Do not start with too wet hair or it will not have time to dry overnight and the method will not be effective.
- If you prefer, you can roll your hair around the strips of fabric and then blow dry it.
Step 3. Apply a product that helps you set the fold
You can use a modeling gel, foam or cream for curls. They are a great help especially if your hair is struggling to hold the style. The curls will be more defined and last longer. Choose the most suitable product based on the type and thickness of your hair.
- Try using a product that promotes curls, such as a curling mousse.
- If you have decided to use mousse, apply a generous amount to damp hair.
Step 4. Separate the hair into small sections
Start by making the middle row, then divide the two main sections into two smaller sections. This parting allows you to roll up your hair more easily.
Leave one section of hair free and secure the others on the head with bobby pins to do a tidy job
Step 5. Start rolling your hair around the fabric strips
Take a small section of hair and begin twisting it around the center of the piece of fabric. Place the strip on the tips, horizontally, and then start rolling the hair up towards the head. Stop when you reach the scalp.
- The smaller the sections, the tighter and more defined the curls.
- If you prefer looser and softer curls, divide your hair into rather large sections.
Step 6. Tie the strip of fabric around your hair
Bring the two ends together and tie them together by creating a knot. If you have thick or very thick hair, it is best to tie a double knot to prevent the first one from unraveling.
If you're having trouble making an effective knot, add a couple of bobby pins to secure the strip of fabric to your hair
Step 7. Roll up the other strands
Continue the same way with each section of hair. To get a good result, all the locks should be more or less the same size, but it doesn't matter if they are perfect. Continue until you have all your hair rolled up.
Step 8. Wait until your hair is dry or blow dry before unrolling and removing the strips of fabric
Depending on the climate, it may take several hours before they are perfectly dry. For convenience you can let them dry overnight. If you want to speed up the time, you can dry them with a hairdryer. In this case, wait for the hair to cool before removing the strips of fabric.
- You can check if the method worked by unrolling a first strand. If your hair is completely dry and a nice, natural-looking ring forms, it's probably a good time to remove the other strips of fabric as well.
- Don't worry if a strip of fabric comes loose overnight. You can easily fix this with a curling iron.
Step 9. Create the desired style
After unrolling the hair and removing the strips of fabric, the curls will be very tight and defined. You can leave them as they are or, if you prefer, you can get a more voluminous and natural look by running your fingers through your hair.
- Spray a veil of hairspray on the curls to make them last longer.
- For a vintage but always current look, you can gently brush your hair with the brush.
Method 2 of 5: Use Curlers
Step 1. Prepare all the necessary tools
To curl your hair naturally, you can use classic curlers or sponge curlers. Since there is no need to use heat, the hair will not be damaged. Prepare everything you need, you will need:
- A set of curlers of the size you prefer (small, medium or large);
- A wide-toothed comb;
- A gel or a mousse to make the crease last longer (optional).
Step 2. Use shampoo and conditioner as usual
Before starting, it is important that your hair is clean and free of knots, so wash it with shampoo and detangle it with the help of conditioner. After you have dabbed them, comb them again to make sure no knots have formed during rinsing or while dabbing them with the towel. Start at the tips and gradually work your way up to the roots to reduce the risk of breaking them.
Step 3. Consider applying a product formulated to make the crease last longer
If you have hair that is straight like spaghetti or that struggles to hold the style, consider using a styling product in gel or mousse. You will get more defined curls that will last longer.
- Use a generous amount of mousse to ensure the best hold.
- Alternatively, you can try using a product that promotes curls, such as a curling mousse.
Step 4. Start rolling small strands of hair around the rollers
Take a first strand and twist it around one of the curlers. Start at the ends of your hair and slowly bring the curler to your head. The lock of hair needs to be a little tighter than the curler. Place it on the tips, hold it against your hair and start rolling it around it, rotating it and gradually bringing it closer to your head. Depending on the type of curler, secure it with hairpins or with the appropriate plastic closure.
- The curlers must be positioned horizontally, snug to the head.
- For convenience, you can do the middle parting and place the curlers on the right and left side of the garment.
- If you want, you can take a section of hair from the top of the head and apply a curler horizontally for more volume.
Step 5. Wait until your hair is perfectly dry
It is important to remove the curlers only when they have dried completely. If you are in a hurry, you can blow dry them by setting the airflow to minimum or medium power. Do not remove the curlers too soon, otherwise you will get a mediocre and short-lasting result.
If you don't want to blow dry your hair to avoid heat damage, wear curlers before bed so they have time to dry themselves
Step 6. Adopt the style you prefer
You can leave the curls tight and defined by avoiding touching them or just separating them. To make curls last longer, you can apply a coat of spray hairspray evenly.
- If you want, you can gently slide your fingers between the strands for a more natural result.
- Do not use the brush to prevent the hair from becoming puffy and frizzy. At most you can use a wide-toothed comb to soften the shape of the curls a little.
Method 3 of 5: Use Braids and Buns
Step 1. Start with clean, damp hair
Wash them with shampoo and moisturize them with conditioner before you start braiding or picking them up. After washing them, comb them with a wide-toothed comb to make sure they are free of knots.
Use the detangling power of the conditioner to avoid breaking them
Step 2. Apply a product formulated to make the style last longer
The hair will remain curly even in the following days if you apply a mousse or a gel before making the braids or buns. Be careful to distribute the product evenly.
Alternatively, you can try using a curl-enhancing product, such as a curling cream or mousse
Step 3. One hypothesis is to make braids to curl hair naturally
The braids must be at least two, one on each side of the head, but it is better to do a lot if you want your hair to be very wavy.
With four braids you will get a good result, but keep in mind that only the lower part of the hair will have a wavy fold. Those at head height will remain almost completely smooth
Step 4. You can do French braids to have wavy hair all over
Again, the more braids the more wavy the hair will be. With 1 or 2 braids you will get soft waves, while with 5 or 6 the waves will look more like curls.
Step 5. If you prefer, twist your hair to create lots of small buns
Part the part aside and then separate the two sections into four thick even strands. Tie them with hair ties to get four tails, two on each half of the head. At this point, start twisting your hair to create four tight buns. Finally, secure the chignon with four rubber bands or with bobby pins.
If you want, you can use a stocking to create more voluminous buns that will produce softer waves, rather than ring-like
Step 6. Wait until your hair is perfectly dry before untying your braids or buns
Depending on the climate, it could take up to several hours. If you are in a hurry, you can blow dry them by setting the airflow to minimum or medium power. However keep in mind that you will get a better result by letting them dry naturally. For convenience, you can go to sleep with your hair tied up.
Step 7. Adopt the style you prefer
After you loose your braids or buns, the curls or waves could be very tight or defined. If you prefer them softer and more voluminous, you can gently comb them with your fingers. Do not use the brush to prevent the hair from becoming frizzy.
Method 4 of 5: Emphasize Natural Curls and Reduce Frizz
Step 1. Shampoo no more than three times a week
Every time you wash them, your hair gets dehydrated. When dry, the curls become frizzy and messy. When you feel the need to revive them, you can use conditioner or try the co-washing technique, which consists of washing them with conditioner instead of shampoo.
- When using shampoo, try to apply it mostly to the roots. A small amount is enough on the tips.
- Conversely, the conditioner should be applied almost exclusively on the ends and lengths, to avoid weighing down the roots.
Step 2. Avoid hair products that contain sulfates
Sulfates are harsh cleansing substances that can make hair dry, brittle and frizzy. For this reason, it is best to select products (shampoo, conditioner, etc.) that do not have them.
- Look for products that have "sulfate-free" on the label.
- Try to wash your hair only every other day or, better yet, every 2 or 3 days.
Step 3. Tidy up the curls with a wide-toothed comb
Never use the brush on dry hair, otherwise you will break down the natural curls and your hair will become swollen and frizzy. If you need to create order between the curls, use a wide-toothed comb.
- Start at the ends, never comb curly hair from the roots, especially when dry. In addition to becoming frizzy, they may break.
- You can use the brush when they are wet, but only after applying the conditioner. Separate them into small sections and start at the tips anyway, gradually working your way up to the roots.
Step 4. If possible, allow your hair to air dry
If you really have to use a hairdryer, protect them by applying a heat protection product, set the air to a low or medium temperature and use the diffuser. This way you will respect your natural curls.
Roll damp hair around your fingers to emphasize curls. Twist them and then gently unwind them to emphasize the spiral shape of the curls. Continue in this way strand by strand, following the natural direction of the curls
Step 5. Blot your hair with a microfiber shirt or towel
Terry towels are too rough and aggressive towards curls. Hair can get caught in the fibers of the fabric and as a result could break or be damaged. It is much better to pat them dry with a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt.
Step 6. Use products formulated to emphasize curls or to counteract frizz
In perfumery or at the hairdresser you will find a wide variety. In most cases they should be applied to damp hair, but some can also be used once dry. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Apply a mousse or gel to damp hair to emphasize your natural curls. Start with an amount the size of a hazelnut and apply the product with your fingers.
- If you have dry hair, it is best to use an anti-frizz oil. In this case, a few drops should be enough to apply on the tips, to avoid weighing down the lengths or greasing the roots. Try using a natural oil, such as argan, coconut, or jojoba oil.
- Use a sea salt spray for soft beach waves. Keep in mind, however, that the hair may be sticky. To save money, you can easily make it at home by simply mixing water and sea salt.
- Alternatively, you can use an anti-frizz cream product to apply to damp or dry hair. Start with an amount equal to a hazelnut and focus especially on the tips and outermost strands.
Step 7. Consider getting your hair trimmed every six weeks
By cutting them regularly, even by just a couple of centimeters, you will be able to eliminate split ends. You can take advantage of it to tidy up or review the cut. A slightly layered cut is able to emphasize curls, while with an even cut they could be weighed down and smoother.
Method 5 of 5: Use Hairpins
Step 1. Prepare everything you need
Thanks to simple hairpins you can make your hair wavy, this has been a technique that has been in use for decades. You don't need expensive products and you won't have to apply harmful chemicals to your hair. All you have to do is twist some small strands of hair, secure them with bobby pins and then wait a few hours. Here is the list of what you need:
- Hairpins;
- Hair comb;
- Mousse (optional).
Step 2. Start with clean, damp hair
They don't have to be very wet or they will take too long to dry. If necessary, pat them dry with a soft towel to absorb excess water.
If you have hair that is straight like spaghetti or that doesn't hold the style well, it is best to apply a modeling mousse
Step 3. Make the middle row
This will make it easier to understand in which direction to twist the hair. Those on the left side of the head are twisted clockwise. Conversely, those on the right side are twisted counterclockwise. Do this to get even curls.
Step 4. Take a 2-3 cm wide section from the top of the head
It shouldn't be too big or you won't be able to get it flat against your head by pinning it. In addition, strands that are too large would have a harder time drying, so you should wait longer. Also, even if you use a lot of bobby pins, you won't be able to fix your hair properly.
- Use a comb to separate the strands.
- You can pull part of the hair behind your head so you can focus on one small section at a time and get a neater result.
Step 5. Comb the section before twisting it around itself
Remove any knots and make it as smooth as possible. Begin to skate your hair from the roots and gently advance towards the ends.
Step 6. Begin to twist your hair
Keep the tips still and start wrapping them around one finger. Continue until you reach the scalp.
Step 7. Remove your finger from the twisted strand
Grab the lock with your free hand to prevent it from unrolling and pull your finger out. Press the twisted lock against your head.
Step 8. Secure the twisted strand with two bobby pins
Position them so they form an "X". Do not let go of the strand until you are sure that it is properly secured against your head.
Step 9. Repeat the same steps with the rest of the hair
Remember to twist all the locks in the direction of the face. This means that those on the left side of the head should be rolled clockwise, while those on the right side counterclockwise.
Step 10. Wait at least three hours before melting your hair
Make sure they are perfectly dry before removing the bobby pins. If you are short on time, you can use the hair dryer on low or medium power to do it sooner.
After removing the bobby pins, the curls may be very tight or defined. If you prefer them softer and more voluminous, you can gently comb them with your fingers. Do not use the brush to prevent the hair from becoming frizzy
Step 11. Finished
Advice
- If you are going to use the curling iron, don't forget to apply a heat protection product first so as not to damage them.
- Give your hair a break between treatments to give it time to repair itself and to prevent it from becoming dry or brittle. Use these methods to curl them no more than 3-4 times a week.
- Before going to sleep, take a bath to relax, then braid your damp hair and go to sleep. You will wake up with soft waves.
