Transforming straight-haired locks into bouncy curls might seem unattainable, but with the right products and styling tools, it’s possible to achieve gorgeous, natural-looking curly hair. Start by embracing your hair’s natural texture and using concentrated oils and lightweight spritzes to add the ultimate moisture and fight frizz. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or naturally-curly, you can create beautiful, shiny, luscious curls that last. Say goodbye to the daily struggle of heat damage and straightening; instead, take an organic approach with a variety of modern, innovative products that make achieving effortless curls a fun part of your daily routine.
How to Make Straight Hair Curly
- Start by using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to prime and protect your locks.
- After washing and conditioning, apply a leave-in conditioner to guard against heat damage while promoting smoother, stronger hair.
- For a natural wave, allow your hair to air dry about 90%, then use a diffuser on a low setting and scrunch your hair upwards.
- If some strands remain straight, use a curling iron or wand with a smaller barrel to create tighter curls that will eventually loosen.
- Alternatively, you can try no-heat methods like foam rollers, rag braids, buns, or pin curling.
- To enhance the style, apply a curl-defining gel or mousse before pinning sections into coils or rollers.
- Finally, add volume and texture by spritzing a sea salt spray and scrunching upwards to achieve a beachy hold and lift.
How to Make Wavy Hair More Curly
To make your wavy hair more curly, start by using a shampoo and conditioner that are designed to fight frizz and add definition to your textures. Wash and condition your hair once a week with an anti-frizz product to manage dryness and keep your strands soft and smooth. Apply a curl-enhancing foam and finger-comb it through your curls to enhance the pattern and tame any flyaways. Let your hair air dry, or use a diffuser on the lowest setting to speed up the drying process. Scrunch your locks upward to encourage curls to form and use a frizz-fighting mousse for added definition. If you are in a hurry, a few twists and pin-curling can help spot-treat any flat or misshapen areas. For a nourishing touch, use a bit of hair oil to moisturize and add shine to your ringlets. To keep your curls in shape, get regular trims to get rid of dry ends and maintain elasticity and health.
How To Use Heat To Curl Hair
When curling hair with heat, it’s important to protect it. If the no-heat method is not practical for your tight schedule, use a hair curler for beautiful curly hairstyles. Before using heated tools on straight hair, always apply a heat protectant spray. This styling product is crucial for protecting and keeping your hair healthy. It’s an easy but important task in your hair routine to avoid questioning damage.
Can Curls Be Achieved Without Using Heat?
Yes, you can make straight hair curly or wavy without using heat or a perm. Applying heat can be damaging if not done properly or too often. For thin or easily damaged hair, try no-heat-necessary techniques. Use the no-heat route like air drying with a spritz of sea salt spray, which works wonders. This technique is great for a recurring hairstyle. It’s perfect for curling your hair without taking a toll on its health. These are some of our favorite ways to get curly hair without heat.
How To Style Natural Curly Hair
1. Adopt the ‘twist and press’ method when drying
When it comes to making your hair curly, especially after a shower, the key lies in how you handle the drying process. Most people make the mistake of using a rigorous motion to dry their tresses, which can crush the natural curls and encourage a halo of frizz. Instead, Jonathan Van Ness, the founder of JVN, suggests a slower approach, advising not to rush the process. Curls respond best when you don’t dry or style them aggressively. Wash and condition with a gentle, sulphate-free formulation to supply hydration to your hair. After washing, use a microfiber towel or even a cotton shirt to absorb the moisture from your hair more slowly. Hairstylist Lee Stafford mentions a gentler approach: use the press and twist method rather than roughly rubbing. Simply press and twist the hair with your towel to preserve the curls and maintain their body. Vigorously rubbing can push the hair cuticles upwards, creating frizz.
2. Go gentle with the hairbrush
To keep your curly hair in its natural shape, use a detangling brush on conditioned hair. Avoid hairbrushes that can cause breakage. Michelle Sultan from Imbue recommends a wide tooth comb for better results, especially with varying hair length and density.
3. Ask your hairstylist to feather the ends of your hair with a razor or scissors
To enhance your curls, discuss with your hairstylist about feathering the ends of your hair with a razor or scissors. This method lightens excess weight, giving your natural curls a new shape. The feathering technique, similar to curling a synthetic ribbon with a sharp edge, can enliven your hair and help you achieve the desired end result for your lifestyle and aesthetic.
4. Use the L.O.C method
To achieve gorgeous curls and keep your hair type healthy, try the L.O.C method. Start with a liquid like a simple spritz of water to activate your texture. Next, use a leave-in conditioner for moisture, and then apply oil to keep your locks hydrated. Finish with a cream to add definition and lustre. This method is perfect for all curl patterns from looser curl pattern to tighter curls and coils. For those with finer hair, lighter products might work better, while heavier leave-in conditioners suit denser hair types. Experiment with different brands and formulas to find what works best for your unique routine. JVN suggests Leave-In Conditioning Mist for added strength and Instant Recovery Serum for balancing porosity, followed by Air Dry Cream for a buildable hold and 24-hour frizz defence. Adapting this method to your hair’s texture and density can help you maintain beautiful, healthy curls.
5. Always use a diffuser when blow-drying
To make your hair curly, a diffuser is essential. It helps in evening out curl patterns and gives your curls a defined shape. Use a hairdryer with a low setting, and let your hair drop into the diffuser to add volume and popularity to your style. Pro hairstylist Charlotte Mensah suggests investing in a diffuser for perfectly defined curls. JVN’s top tip is to spend time on each section with medium heat to avoid frizz. Follow the step-by-step guide: spray a mixture of water and Manketti Oil Conditioner, tilt your head to one side, place large sections in the cup, and dry. Finish with Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil for a beautiful, glossy shine.
6. Avoid ‘anti-frizz’ products
Avoid anti-frizz products that contain silicones. They can be harmful and weigh down curly hair. Instead, use sulphate-free formulas with moisturising ingredients like glycerin and plant butters to keep your hair hydrated and nourished for beautiful curls.
7. Change up your mousse game
Mousse is a real game-changer for curly hair. It contains malleable proteins that strengthen each curl without leaving a stiff feeling. Modern-day mousses are buttery and whippy, providing intense moisture for beautiful, defined curls with root lift. Jonathon Eangland, a hairstylist at John Frieda Salons, and Sultan agree that these mousses offer definition and a bouncy feel without the weight, especially for type 3 and type 4 hair. Try cocktailing your mousse with a curl cream for better hold and indulgent results.
8. Choose a light hold hairspray to lock in your style
Avoid the mistake of drenching your natural curls with strong hold hairspray. Aim for curl-specific hold spritzes and light misting with low-alcohol hairspray to keep in check your curls moisturised and luscious looking. High-alcohol sprays can be aggressive and dehydrate them, warns Eangland.
9. Don’t be afraid of salt sprays
To reactivate your curls, water is your BFF. Spritz your hair with a water spray, then reapply leave-in conditioner, gels, or serums. For looser curls, use a salt spray to add texture and revitalise the wave or curl, suggests Sultan.
10. Treat your hair to a deep condition treatment
To keep your curls looking their best at home, treat them to an intensely hydrating conditioning treatment weekly or twice monthly. This helps your hair stay nourished and gives it a lively bounce. If your hair type tends to be fluffy with flyaways, use masks with protein to help your curls spring back to shape. For dehydrated hair, look for masks with high moisture. Sultan and Leah Hill, a lead educator at Bumble and Bumble, recommend not leaving a conditioning mask on all day or all night as this can cause hygral fatigue, making your hair over-moisturised, limp, and frizzy. A good tip is to use a moisturising overnight serum to infuse your hair with goodness while you sleep, keeping it healthy and ready for the day. This maintains the texture of your hair and gives it a good resting period to recover and thrive.
How Do I Choose a Curling Iron?
Choosing the right curling iron depends on your hair type and the look you want to achieve. Hair curlers come in different sizes: small, medium, and large rods. For tighter curls, use a curling wand with small rods, and for looser waves, use medium or large rods. Always start with dry hair and apply a hair protectant spray. Sectioning your hair helps manage the process. Wrap small to medium strands around the heated rod for a few seconds, then release. This trial and error helps you find the right time for each curl. Hair wavers are another option for a beach wave look, using prongs instead of wrapping. You can even use a flat iron for a different style. For guidance, check out hair tutorial videos that assist in perfecting your technique.
FAQ’s
How can you make your hair naturally curly?
Reduce hair washing and condition hair regularly. Use a wide-toothed comb and let hair dry naturally. Try sea salt spray and curl enhancing products.
How to make your hair curly permanently?
Perms are a chemical treatment that uses heat and chemicals to permanently curl your hair. Your hair is wrapped around rods, and a chemical solution breaks down the bonds in the hair. A neutralizing solution is then applied to re-form these bonds, creating a new curly shape.
How to get curly hair without a perm?
To get curly hair without a perm, use rag curlers, foam curlers, or a curling iron. Scrunch your hair for extra curls.
How do you make your own hair curls?
To make your own curls, clamp a flat iron near the roots of a 1-inch-wide portion of hair. Twist the iron away from your face, pulling it down to the ends like curling a ribbon with scissors, as Scarlett suggests. Repeat for all the remaining sections.
