Over the years, there have been various methods for styling curly hair, and over time, these techniques have improved while others have fallen by the wayside. Of course, to achieve results with these techniques, it's also important to use the right products.
How to style curls with different techniques?
Scrunching:
Procedure: After applying the styling product to wet hair, cup your hands and gather a section of hair upward, gently squeezing it towards the roots. Benefits: This technique helps create defined curls and add volume to curly hair. The compression of the hair promotes more defined curls and reduces frizz.
What is the Praying Hands Method?
The Praying Hands method: This is a technique for applying styling products to curly hair to prevent frizz. Procedure: Add the product to your hands and distribute it evenly throughout your hair. Then, place your hands together in a "praying hands" shape and gently slide the product downward, keeping your hands close to the hair to encourage definition. Benefits: This technique is particularly useful for evenly distributing the product and for stretching tight curls, reducing frizz and creating a smoother, more elongated style.
Rake and Shake:
Procedure: "Rake" the product through the hair using open fingers, then gently shake the strand to encourage curls . Benefits: This technique is effective in evenly distributing the product throughout the hair and encouraging the formation of defined curls. The shaking helps give movement to the curls and avoid frizz.
Ditoliss or Fingercoil:
Procedure: Wrap the strands around your fingers to create ultra-defined, full-bodied curls. Benefits: This technique is ideal for achieving very defined curls and controlling volume and frizz. It's particularly suitable for those who prefer a more defined and structured look.
Shingling
With the "Shingling" method, shape tight curls. Using a product that holds well, separate your hair, and apply product to each section using the "Raking" technique. Take one strand at a time, run your fingers downward, then roll it around your finger for better definition or let it fall naturally. Repeat this process for your entire head and let it air dry or use a diffuser for more volume.
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. Using your fingers, gently wrap one section of hair around the other, creating a twist. Continue wrapping until you reach the ends. Repeat this process on all sections of hair. Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser.
Twist Out: When hair is completely dry, gently untwist each twist to separate curls and add volume.
Wash N Go:
To achieve a perfect wash and go, it's highly recommended to have well-hydrated and well-detangled hair. So:
Washing: Start by washing your hair with a gentle, hydrating shampoo for curly hair. Massage your scalp with gentle strokes and rinse thoroughly.
Conditioner: Apply a rich conditioner or hydrating mask throughout your hair. You can use a wide-toothed comb to evenly distribute the conditioner and detangle your hair, or a brush like the Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangling Brush, which is great for detangling tight curls.
Leave-in conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner or lightweight styling product to wet hair to lock in moisture and prepare hair for styling.
Curl Definition: For this step, the most important tip is to apply curl-defining products to wet hair. Currently, mousses combined with curl gel are the most recommended products. Divide your hair into manageable sections and apply a curl-defining gel or cream to each section. Make sure to distribute the product evenly, focusing on the ends for optimal definition. You can use the raking or praying hands technique to define the curls, or use a brush like the Denman D7.
Scrunching : For those with tighter curls like 4C, you can skip this step or stretch your curls. Returning to scrunching, using your hands or a microfiber towel, gently squeeze your hair to remove excess water and activate curl formation.
Drying : Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser on a low setting to dry your hair without disturbing the curls.
Stretching - Shrinkage! For those with tighter curls, we know about curl shrinkage. One way to alleviate this is to stretch: divide damp, not completely dry, curls into sections. Hold the section and pull downward from the roots to mid-length, then use a blow dryer to dry the section you're pulling, repeating this process.
Setting: Once your hair is completely dry, you can apply a hair oil to add shine and definition.
Finishing touches: If necessary, gently separate curls to add volume and final definition. Or use an afro pick at the roots for added volume.
By following these steps, you should get a beautiful "wash and go" with defined and voluminous curls!
