In recent years there have been various methodologies for styling curly hair, and over time we have improved these techniques while others have been left behind. Obviously, to achieve results with these techniques, it is also important to use the right products.
What are the different techniques for Styling Curly Hair ?
Scrunching:
Procedure: After applying the styling product to wet hair, cup your hands and gather a section of hair upwards, squeezing it gently towards the roots. Benefits: This technique helps create defined ringlets and give volume to curly hair. Compression of the hair promotes the formation of more defined curls and the reduction of frizz.
What is the Praying Hands Method?
The Praying Hands method: is a technique for applying styling products to curly hair to avoid frizz. Procedure: Add the product into your hands and evenly distribute the styling product over the entire hair. Then you bring your hands together in a "prayer" fashion and slide gently down, keeping your hands close to the hair to encourage definition. Benefits: This technique is particularly useful for obtaining an even distribution of the product and for lengthening tighter curls, reducing frizz and creating a smoother and longer style.
Rake and Shake:
Procedure: You "rake" the product through your hair using open fingers, then gently shake the strand to encourage curls to form. Benefits: This technique is effective in evenly distributing the product on the hair and promoting the formation of defined curls. Shaking helps give movement to curls and avoid frizz.
Ditoliss or Fingercoil:
Procedure: Wrap the locks around the fingers to create ultra-defined and full-bodied curls. Benefits: This technique is ideal for obtaining very defined curls and for controlling volume and frizz. It is particularly suitable for those who prefer a more defined and structured look.
Twist:
To twist curly hair, follow these steps:
After washing your hair, divide it into manageable sections. Take a section of wet hair and apply a styling product. Divide the section into two parts. Using your fingers, gently wrap one part of your hair around the other, creating a twist. Continue wrapping all the way to the ends of your hair. Repeat the process on all sections of your hair. Let your hair air dry or with a diffuser.
Twist Out: When hair is completely dry, gently unfold each twist to separate curls and add volume.
Wash N Go:
To achieve a perfect wash n go, it is highly recommended to have your hair well hydrated and well detangled. So:
Washing: Start by washing your hair with a gentle, hydrating shampoo for curly hair. Massage the scalp with delicate movements and rinse thoroughly.
Conditioner: Apply a rich conditioner or hydrating mask all over your hair. You can use a wide-toothed comb to evenly distribute conditioner and detangle hair or a brush like the Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangling Brush, which is fabulous for detangling tight curls.
Leave-in conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner or light styling product to wet hair to lock in moisture and prepare hair for styling.
Curl definition: For this phase, the most important tip is to apply curl styling products to wet hair. At the moment, mousses combined with a curl gel are the most recommended products. Divide your hair into manageable sections and apply a curly styling gel or cream to each section. Make sure to distribute the product evenly, focusing attention on the ends for optimal definition. You can use the raking or praying hands technique to define the curls or a brush like the Denman D7.
Scrunching : For those with tighter curls like 4C, you can skip this step or do curl stretching. Returning to scrunching, using your hands or a microfiber towel, gently wring out your hair to remove excess water and activate curl formation.
Drying : Let your hair air dry or use a low-temperature diffuser to dry your hair without disturbing the curl formation.
Stretching - Shrinkage! For those with tighter curls, we know about curl shrinkage. One way to mitigate this is to stretch: divide damp, not completely dry curls into sections. Hold the section and pull downwards from the roots to mid-length, then use a blow dryer to dry that section you are pulling, repeat this procedure.
Fixing: Once your hair is completely dry, you can apply a hair oil to add shine and definition.
Finishing touches: If necessary, gently separate the curls to add volume and final definition. Or use an afro pick at the roots to add volume.
By following these steps, you should get a beautiful "wash and go" with defined and voluminous curls!
