Edit: The response to this post has been amazing! I’ve just created a new video tutorial of how to style curly hair for frizz free curls. You will also love my latest ebook that’s all about curly hair.
I love wearing my hair curly, but it took a long time to say that. My hair was a mix of frizz, waves, ringlets and crazy hair until I worked out an easy routine to style my curly hair that made the most of my curls.
You might think I always straighten my hair after my 30 Braids in 30 Days hairstyles, but it’s not the case. I straighten my hair for tutorials as it is easier to photograph and restyle for the step-by-step photos.
Plus the more you touch curly hair, the frizzier it becomes. My first styling tip is stop touching your hair. The oil and dirt from your hands creates frizz and will mess up your curls.
How to style curly hair
This is my quick way to style curly hair when I want to wear it out.
- Wash your hair. Here are my top 10 tips for how to wash your hair.
- Use a conditioning treatment, or leave your conditioner on for 3-5 minutes. Use a wide tooth comb or tangle teezer to get rid of any knots. This is the last time you will comb your hair. Comb gently, as wet hair is more prone to breakages.
- Rinse your shampoo and conditioner thoroughly.
- Turn your head upside-down, and gently shake your hair to let the curls form their natural shape. I use my fingertips on my scalp to lift my hair and let the curls take shape.
- Don’t rub your hair with a towel. I squeeze the water out instead of rubbing my hair and breaking up the curls. A microfiber towel, or t-shirt is even better as they are smoother on your hair.
- Apply a curl cream or mousse. I used Aveda Be Curly Style Prep and Curl Enhancer. Apply the Style Prep first, then the curl Enhancer which has a creamy texture.
- Use a diffuser to dry your hair to about 80% dry. You can let your hair dry naturally, but a diffuser is quicker and gives more volume. I used the Anthony Nader WAHL dryer to dry my hair with my head upside down. Then I flip my hair back, and check how it’s sitting. I usually restyle the front and partline, then let it be.
- As a final touch you can use a serum or wax to add more definition to your curls. I used O&M Frizzy Logic in the ends of my curls. I also love Aveda Pure Abundance Styling Potion sprinkled on my roots to add volume.
This looks like a lot of steps, but I’ve just broken it down in detail. It takes me less than 10 minutes to blowdry and style my curly hair.
Remember to check out my new video tutorial of how to style curly hair for frizz free curls. Find more curly hair posts here and hairstyle tutorials here.
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How do you style your curls?
Thanks for your post! I struggle every day with my curls. I use most of the steps you gave but have never used a diffuser. That may solve my cold weather wet head dilemma. My question is how is your hair cut? My hair is long like the picture. But its all one length with no layers. Im afraid of layers because I don’t want puffy. But my hair just hangs! 🙁 how do you have yours cut? Any suggestions?
Thanks Kati, I have quite a lot of layers in my hair. There are more details about my curly haircut here. It depends on your hair but I think most curls benefit from some layers. It depends on how you like to wear your hair too. Next time have a chat to your hairdresser about what layers would suit your hair.
Great tips. I do everything you do with these exceptions…I only use sulfate free shampoo and I use a bit of coconut oil on my ends instead of any products. I find it works just as well, is a lot cheaper and is better for my hair.
Thanks Lainey! It’s great when you find the right routine for your hair x
I do the same process as you for my curly hair that is cut in an inverted bob. I use Bed Head Curly Hair line on my hair and love it. I usually spray the curl activator and wrap my hair in towel as I do my make-up, then add some cure defining cream before I blow-dry as you do. I separate my bangs and blow dry with a brush to get them how I want and then I’m done. Takes less than 10 minutes and lasts all day.
Thanks Jeanine! I haven’t tried Bed Head curl products, I’ll have to give them a twirl in the new year x
Your method describes exactly what I do with my hair! I didn’t even realize I had so much curl until I learned how to dry it correctly. Now, I look at people whose hair is more frizzy than curly and think, “Oh, if only they’d let me get to their hair with the right product, a water mist bottle, and a diffuser!” LOL I’ve learned that the key to keeping the curls pretty instead of frizzy is to leave it alone! There’s no “brushing” my hair – ever! It actually looks better the second day after a wash, when I can mist it & re-form the curls. This is a great tutorial for folks who haven’t figured out how to manage their curls!
Hi Susan, it still surprises me how much my curls will spring up when I style them well. So glad you love your curls too x
Yes Yes! I have curly hair and this exactly what I do. I went from hating to loving my hair! however there were a couple of tricks here that I will most certainly be trying. like the tshirt or microfiber towel.. love having curly hair!!!
Thanks Cammie, I love that you love your curls!
My problem is my hair has SO much volume! How do I tone down the poof? It used to lay nice and soft and looked like I just stepped off the each then I moved from Fl to CA and its just dry and poofy. I can cake it in this oily anti frizz serum and it will look ok for a little while then poof up again. :/
Hi Georgia, I know the changes a new climate and water can bring. It can take some time to find a new routine that works for your hair. Try a clarifying shampoo once a week, this will help remove the build-up of the anti-frizz serum too. Instead try a curl cream to moisturise your hair, or a hair oil. Good luck!
Hi, I love your hair, I love my hair and always have. My stylist says I am the first person in all her years that actually asks for a cut to encourage the curl. It’s amazing how beautifully defined the curls are when I don’t let my hair grow below chin length but it’s thick and heavy and when I grow it any longer I end up with wave instead of curl. I am in love with the Aveeda Be Curl. I am not in love with the price but it is the first curl product I’ve found to do what it says it does. I only use the curl cream right now because I’m trying to use up the liter bottle of Aveeda shampoo for red hair I had bought when I had it colored back in May! I imagine it’ll be a big difference once I’m using the whole line. I love my hair the first day I wash but I still end up putting it up in a pony tail by noon and get the flatness on top also. I appreciated your tips for that problem and will have to pick up some of the powder and give that a try. I only wash it twice a week and only put product in if I’m doing something other than the normal errands. Anyway, I say all this to say I will have to try your steps and see how much a difference it makes. Thank you for your site and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hi Lauree! You’re so right, the longer your hair, the heavier it gets. I had the best curls when my hair was above shoulder length. Hope these steps help and have a very Merry Christmas! Xx
hey i love you hair its beautiful, my hair is similar; i tend to wash it then add mousse and dry it with my hair dryer, i was wondering if you could help me out, because i don’t like brushing my hair because its really curly and if i do brush it its very tangled and then after i finish it’s frizzy as hell and i can’t control it; i tend to only brush it before i wash my hair and i tend to loose a lot of hair because of it, is this a bad thing or is it just something normal?? :/ please could you let me know if i should brush it or carry on doing what i do?? xx….and the hair products you recommended are they only available in the US?? because I’m from the UK and i don’t think I’ve seen them around x
Hi Salma, your hair sounds normal and just like mine. I don’t brush it when it’s curly for the same reasons. Most people lose around 100 hair a day. If you’re not brushing it daily, you’ll lose all those hairs at once. After washing my hair, I comb it and I lose a LOT of hair. It’s gross, but it’s totally normal. You can definitely find Aveda in the UK, and get my gave leave in conditioner Aussie Miracle hair insurance. It’s a bargain from Boots x
I love this look!! My hair is similar in curliness. My question is this. I am struggling with the cut!!! My length may be a bit shorter with no bangs. My problem seems to be when they cut long layers in my hair it seems the layer looks to stairstep on the side. It doesn’t seem to blend. My hair is not real thick. I seem to have trouble with having my “bangs” be too heavy and just lay there. I cant’ seem to ge them to look nice. Any ideas on a cute cut for midlength curly hair very similar to the picture. My hair is not super curly and not thick. I already blow dry upside down and do a lot of the tips you gave. Would love your feedback. I way prefer straight hair and am trying to love my hair curly because it is so much easier, but I also want to feel pretty and can’t seem to find a pretty cut.
Hi Melissa, it sounds like an awkward hair cut. Its possible to have layers but blended rather than a strong step in your hair. I think some face framing layers work well, and keep the bottom layer of your hair quite blunt. Avoid a feathery finish as this will make your hair look thin x
I shampoo and condition my natural curls every other day also. This is the only time my hair sees a pick (in the shower). After I have wrapped my head in a towel for a minute, I utilize one of my absolute favorite leave in conditioning treatments (Regis’ Design Line Olive Oil Conditioner). I then comb through it with a wide tooth comb and apply a generous amount of Catwalk Strong Mousse while upside down, of course! I apply a dime sized amount of Paul Mitchell Re-Works Texture cream. I too utilize a diffuser and dry my hair upside down until it’s about 80% dry. I finish my look with Paul Mitchell aerosol hairspray. Growing up, I hated my stupid curls, now I LOVE THEM!!!
I love that you love your curls! And love your routine too x
Loved this post! Pretty much my routine. I’ve heard a lot of people say that curly haired gals shouldn’t shampoo their hair, but what do you use to clean it? Do you use a leave-in conditioner? How does that work? Whats your routine for washing and what products do you use?
Thanks! Can’t wait to try it out!!!!!!
Hi Katy, I don’t use the no shampoo method as I colour my hair but it’s possible to just wash curly hair with conditioner. The full method is described is in the book Curly Girl. I use a sulphate free shampoo and conditioner, and a deep conditioning mask weekly. I’ll do a post about my routine soon x
I have naturally very curly blonde/strawberry blonde hair. I have flat ironed it almost everyday for the last 5 years. More recently I have tried to start wearing my natural curls again, but the curls (especially around the front of my face where my hair is a bit thinner) are very limp and sad looking. I have been getting trims very 3 months to help and i have always only washed every 2-4 days, but it still has pieces here and there that have almost no curl left to them. Someone recommended Not your mother’s kinky moves curling cream. I like it enough, it is pretty good at controlling the frizz. Any tips on how to help my curls come back to life? I have been considering getting a perm just to have decent looking curls again. Would that help or do more damage?
A perm is most likely going to cause more damage, sorry Ali. It will take time for your hair to grow and recover from the flat iron damage. Perhaps try a deep treatment in salon, as well as weekly treatments.
My hair looks IDENTICAL to yours in the back. Same length, same curls….everything! I also can make my hair poker straight or curly….my hubby likes is curly! My question is this……How do you style the front of yours? I struggle with mine! Thanks!
Sounds like you have great hair Jessica 😉 When I flip my hair back I check where my part falls and adjust any pieces. You can dampen any pieces that aren’t sitting right and twist them to shape them into the curls you want x
In one of your previous posts you recommend curly haired girls use only conditioner to wash their hair, and my question is, what conditioner do you recommend, and how do you wash your roots/ keep them from getting oily if you only use conditioner from mid-shaft down? Thanks!
Hi Molly, you should read Curly Girl for the full story about not using shampoo. It’s a process and it depends on different curls. I still use shampoo as I colour my hair but I use sulphate free products.
I have recently discovered that my hair is pretty wavy and have started styling my hair curly after years of using a flat iron and blow drying it straight. I do something similar to my hair, but I always have a few pesky straight pieces, any tips on how to deal with that? Will my hair have more natural curl if I continue to style it this way and quit using the flat iron?
Hi Christi, it depends – it could be damage or it could be straight pieces. My hair is a bit mixed like that. You can use a curling iron to touch up any straight pieces so they blend with the rest of your waves x
I thought that was a pic of my hair! No kidding. Almost identical. I do exactly those things when going curly. I want to add that its best to use your diffuser first on the roots to add a little volume (so you don’t have Christmas tree hair) and to always use the lowest air flow setting and highest heat so that you get the wetness out quickly without disturbing the curl. For less curl and more wave, just lean to the side a little and diffuse through the hair instead of up the hair shaft like when your upside down. In this technique you want to start with the length of the hair and finish with the roots. Thanks for the tips on products though. Finding the right ones is sometimes a monumental task if they change your formula or quit making the product.
FANTASTIC tips Amy! xx
I have very loose curls/wavy hair. I finally gave up fight what God gave me and follow your tips, but find my curls go flat overnight. I’d rather not wash my hair everyday and dry it out. Any advise to re-energize my curls for the next day?
Hi Mary, you can spritz your hair with water and twist the curls around your finger to reshape them. I also use Bumble & Bumble curl revitalizer spray
Satin pillowcase! If I want to wear my 2nd day hair down, I spritz it with water pretty good and re-scrunch it. It adds a lot more volume and curl definition back in.
Great tips Angela! I swear by my silk / satin pillowcases x
I can’t believe it only takes you about 10 minutes to style and dry your hair! My hair, even thinned out, it CRAZY thick. It takes at least 20 minutes for me to get to 80% dryness
How exactly do you diffuse it? You just flip your head upside down and go? Either way I’m amazed and jealous your hair dries that quickly.
Have you ever tried the Ouidad products or styling method? That’s what I use now.
Hi Christina, I use a professional dryer which makes it so much quicker. I flip my head upside down and then just use the diffuser around my hair, moving it up and down to dry the roots and ends. I’ve not tried the Ouidad products, which ones should I try first?
Sorry this took so long – I have a pro dryer as well which did help a lot but it’s still takes a crazy long time.
It really depends on your curl type but you can’t go wrong with the anti-frizz shampoos and gel. I use the volumizing shampoo and conditioner and the anti frizz gel. Their moisture lock stuff is great too. I also use their mongongo oil since my hair can get very dry even though I only wash it a couple times a week. If you go to their website they have a little shopping process that you can go through that will help you choose what’s best for you. They also have videos and stuff up to show you how to style it their way which works really well for me. Let me know what you think!
I don’t have a diffuser but I have just a plain blow dryer.. will that work?
The diffuser makes all the difference, a regular dryer will not have the same effect. You can buy diffusers cheaply that fit any hairdryer, or a sock diffuser can work too. A sock diffuser is a heat proof mesh “sock” that fits around the nozzle of your dryer to act as a diffuser. It will change how you style your curly hair forever x
how do you recommend restyling at the front? i’ve just started trying to wear my hair curly & get away from my straightener. but pieces of hair right along my hairline are horribly frizzy so i either wear it half up with a barrette to hide it, or pin it back with a bobby pin. any tips? thanks!
Hi Sarah, I know what you mean. Don’t overdry your hair. I try not to dry my hair completely at the front, and then when I flip my hair back over I let it fall and re-position my part where I want my hair to sit. If it’s dry, I can’t change how it sits. To fix this, you can dampen your hair down again and then twist to re-form the curls. This also works on day 2 if it’s a bit flat in the morning x
I am amazed by how much better my hair looks after trying this! I was already doing a lot of things right: washing my hair only every 2-3 days, squeezing the water out and not combing it … I even use the same Aveda products. But I wasn’t doing step #4 to let the curls take shape. I realized after reading this that I was applying my product wrong … I have always raked it through my hair to get it evenly distributed, but if you do step #4, then raking the product through breaks up the curls. So I started just scrunching the product into my hair instead (and using less product). It has made such a huge difference!! My curls are more defined and less frizzy. I love how my hair is looking! Thank you!!
That’s great Karen! Thank you so much for letting me know and I hope you’re loving your curls even more x
I am eager to try all your tips! I did have a couple questions. After washing and conditioning do I squeeze out the water first or shake and use fingertips at the scalp to form curls first? In your steps it says to form curls first then squeeze the water out. Also when you apply product do you scrunch it in?
It might work differently for your curls, but I use my fingertips to start to let my curls form when my hair is dripping wet. Then I take my towel and press it up to my hair to absorb the water. I use a press/squeeze motion rather than a rubbing or shaking motion with my towel. (hope that makes sense!) And yes, I scrunch product into my hair, rather than run my fingers through to break up the curls.
I absolutely love your site. Beautiful pictures and tutorials. Your curl pattern is the closest thing I have ever seen to mine. Similar texture and style. However, I recently gave in to getting full fringe and love it when I straighten my hair. However, I hate the way straight bangs look with effortless curly hair. Do you have any tips or photos on how I can style my bangs so that blend better with my curly hair? Thanks!!
Thanks so much Kristen! I have a longer side fringe so I find it curls up and I twist it together with longer layers to blend it into the rest of my hair. I also like a curly finge to frame my face so leave it loose too. Try twisting small sections of your fringe to encourage the curl to twist away from your face so it sits better with the rest of your hair x
I’ve recently switched over to organic/ natural foods and body care. It’s hard to find chemical free products however I’ve been using Unrefined organic Coconut oil as lotion and mixed with sugar as a scrub so I thought why not try it in my hair? Haha. It actually worked wonders. My hair feels super soft and it really cut down the frizz. It won’t create more curl like some products, but it will define what you’ve got. Stay away from root application or using too much as it might make your hair look greasy. I highly recommend it from the tip of your head to the tip of your toes, my husband keeps telling me how soft my skin is and it smells super yummy! Get the Unrefined, it’s about $2 bucks more but worth it!
I’m going to have to try this, thanks Krysta!
Amy, you need to find a stylist that offers the “Pravana Smoothing Perfections” treatment. It is a treatment made of amino acids and shea butter (to name the most improtant) and is guaranteed to remove all the frizz from your hair and naturally weigh your curl down a little (in a good way!). This will allow your hair to be mroe manageable for you and than you can love your curls!! It is NOT a relaxer or a formaldehyde-based straghtening system, it is a frizz eliminating system. And please, PUT DOWN THE SUAVE! Just use your Matrix! I promise you though, you will love the Perfection System.
I have a lot if natural curl. I squeeze water out pick thru spray on a mixture of conditioner, epsom salt (for volume), curling gel, olive oil and water. Its fluffy meaning volume soft ringlets without being stiff.
Thanks Catherine x
I use a similar method, without drying it. I can’t use any of those products, though. My hair is baby FINE and I have at least 10 times too much of it. Have you ever tried to make a baby’s hair lay down when it’ messed up? You can’t. lol I have to wash my hair at night, at least 8 hours before I have to be somewhere, or it won’t be dry (it’s above my shoulders in length). All products to eliminate frizz are laughed at by my hair. I use a mixture of oils and wax or a promade to weigh it down. The mixture changes from time to time, but it’s always similar. Suave conditioner with Matrix seems to work best. It seems the more money I spend, the worse it looks. And, I’ve spent thousands. I’d give anything to have straight hair one day, but I know after many tries, it’s not even close to possible. 🙁
I feel that dry cut is the only way to go for curly hair. If it’s cut when wet, it’s impossible to get a feel for the length. Also – one side of my hair is curlier than the other – a dry cut helps the stylist compensate for that.
Good point JC x
Like Nathascha, I only wash my hair every few days when it starts to feel or look greasy. This really cuts down on the dried out/frizzy look because I’m not stripping the moisture. I have very long (only a few inches above my waist) hair, and I sleep with my hair in a low bun right at the nape of my neck to protect the curl. I normally wet the part of my hair that is going in the bun before I tie it back. In the morning, I just take it out of the bun, add a little curl cream or mousse to hold the curl, and I’m ready to go.
Great tips Mel, your hair so long! Sounds amazing x
Hi,
I’m so glad I finally found people who understand the nightmare that curly hair can become. It took me 22 years to finally like my hair, as a curly redhead, getting over teasing was difficult. I think the best day of my life was when my younger sister who has gorgeous, long blond, straight, efortlessly perfect hair, told me she was jealous of my curly hair!
After years of constant straightening, last year I decided to wear my hair curly, and at the beginig it was a mess, but I learned a few tips:
I only wash my hair with dry hair shampoo (because curly hair are more fragile than straight hair), always use conditioner, and once a week I use a mask that I leave for half an hour.
I always comb my hair while there is conditioner or mask on it. So I don’t have to do it when they are dry.
I last rince my hair with really cold water (yeah it is as bad as it sounds, it took me a long time to try it, but so worth it !), it makes your hair shinier!
I then put some curl cream, put my hair into a twist for about ten minutes, and finally let them dry naturally.
I always take care of not sleeping on wet hair, because it destroys all my curls.
I agree, don’t touch your hair! It usually makes it awfull. I avoid tying them as much as possible, because then they get all frizzy.
Strangely I discovered that my curls look even better after 2 or 3 days without washing them! They make beautifully defined ringlets, and people always ask me what curly iron I use (but I don’t even own one!), so don’t wash your hair to often!
Fantastic tips Nathascha! I am so glad you finally love your hair, I think it sounds gorgeous x
I always leave my conditioner on for atleast a few minutes in the shower before washing it out, and only us my fingers to comb thru tangles. I squeeze out as much water as i can, let it air dry a couple minutes, then use the ONE product that has worked for my hair time and time again- Aussie mousse+leave in conditioner. Then i just air dry it- perfect curls every time. 🙂
Thanks Kate, sounds like you have a fail-safe routine. I’m a fan of the Aussie Miracle hair Insurance to revive my curls on the second day x
I do about the same thing too, although I use different products. My curls are a bit different than yours. My hair is big and somewhat frizzy but not unmanageable. The one thing I do differently is that I don’t use a blow dryer. I find that when I blow dry my hair ( with or without the diffuser) it turns out even bigger and frizzier than normal. I let my hair air dry ( it dries fairly quick). After I’m done washing my hair, I use a leave-in conditioner and mousse.
Thanks Mae! It’s better to not use a diffuser but it’s so much quicker for me, and I do love some big hair 🙂
Great tips!!! It took me until my late 30s to love my curls!! I use the same method as you and can’t agree more with your DON’T TOUCH statement…only makes frizz worse. For those of us in high humidity areas, (Louisiana anyone???), I find using Paul Mitchell Fast Form helps my hair dry faster on those really bad weather days, and to combat the “crunchy curl” I use Paul Mitchell Foaming Palmade, this stuff is amazing!!! It starts as a liquid, turns to a foam and then slick, rub all over your head with the flat of your hand, leaves soft, beautiful, frizz free curls!!! Changed my life!!!
Thank you! Will have to check out the PM products you suggested x
I’m so glad I found this post. I have curly hair but straighten it EVERY DAY, and have since I was in junior high. Reason is, my hair curls really pretty from about the bottom of my eyes down…..from the top of my head to me eyes, my hair is straight. I’ve never been able to get it to curl enough to make it look good. I’ve used product, diffusers (woah frizz!), air dry…. I just can’t do it. When I do let my hair go curly, I have to wear ir half up half down to hide the top. My hair is pretty fine too.
Anyone have this problem and have found a solution? Would LOVE any advice 🙂
Hi Emily, it can be because your hair is long, the weight of it causes it to lay flat at the roots. The best product for this is styling powders, they are amazing for creating instant volume at the root.
I would add some long layers to lighten the top up
This is a really late response, but have you ever tried plopping? Plopping scrunches your hair straight to the root, and since you shake your hair out up side down and then let it dry above your head, it should add plenty of volume to the roots. People often do it to avoid the triangle effect.
Thanks Lyss! I can’t say plopping without laughing but the technique sounds great. I’m going to give it a try x
These are great tips!
I like to wash my hair at night and use some sort of mousse to control some of the frizz. I don’t blow dry, because I think that caused my hair to puff out. Rather, I sleep on it while its still wet to prevent it from over frizzing. In the morning, I touch up the curls that were flattened or bent out of shape when I slept with a curling iron. I hold the curling iron upside down and wrap the pieces hair that need curling around the iron like I’m using a wand. The result is a bouncier, more natural looking curl that freshens up my normal curly hair!
Great tips Ella! Xx
Thanks so much Christina!
Do you have any other pic’s of your hair from other angles?
I want to be able to show my stylist all that I can so we’re on the same page when she cuts my hair…ya know?!
Thanks for all your help! 🙂
Lorri
I use the same steps! I highly reccomend Curls Rock by Catwalk – its a curl booster that defines and separates curls, adds volume, and enhances texture and shine. I also add silk infusion CHI oil to the ends to help prevent heat damage from the diffuser. The CHI oil also aids in preventing the curly hair “crunch.” Both products are expensive but you don’t need much – I even have really long hair and I only need two pumps of Catwalk and a dime size of CHI oil. (A little product goes a looong way!)
Hi,
I have very similar hair except for the cut. I just let it grow out all one length and I don’t like it. How would you say your hair is cut? It’s so hard to find a stylist that knows how to cut curly hair so I’ve avoided it but I really think I need some or a teeny weeny bit of layering. What can you tell me on how your hair is cut?
I would love my hair to look just like yours!
Thanks a bunch! Lorri
Hi Lori, there’s clearer photos of my haircut and a description here – https://www.hairromance.com/2012/11/tips-for-great-curly-haircut.html. I have a lot of layers and the bottom is rounded too. Hope this helps! Christina x
What does the front of your hair look like? It is beautiful from the side and back pictures. Just wondering how you style the front. 🙂
Hi Helen! I have a side sweeping fringe / bangs and I usually diffuse the roots to give it more volume. You can see more here in this post on curly hair tips xx
Nice post! My method is pretty similar to yours, but I leave in a little conditioner before putting in my curl cream, and I always add gel at the end. Additionally, instead of a diffuser, I actually just hang my head over the side of my bed and turn a space heater on it. The airflow is even gentler than the diffuser, which helps keep things pretty frizz free and lets me achieve chunkier curls. The gel does form a hard cast, but if I tip my head over and scrunch out the crunch, I get great, frizz-free volume and super soft curls.
Thanks Kate, I love your tip for using gel to shape the curls, then scrunching it out once they have dried.
Hi! This is super helpful, I’ll have to give it a try. This are my curls —> http://bit.ly/TKnowG They are a lot longer now, and I’m thiking about having them shorter (I’ve been reading your posts about curls). If you have any suggestions, I would like to read them. THANK YOU for your posts!
Isabel from Venezuela.
Hi Isabel, I adore your curls! Xx
Thank you for this! I’ve been wanting to encourage my natural waves for years, but every time I try, the results are very fork-in-a-light-socket. Maybe your method will make my waves pretty and defined like your lovely curls!
Thabks Whitney, hope this helps you love your curls x
I’m a straight Wash and Go gal. No heat at all. In the winter I don’t do as many Wash and Go’s though because it’s too cold.
I have pics of my curly hair on Instagram at radiantbrownbeauty.
going to follow you on Instagram now!
You have gorgeous hair Michelle!
I have pretty much the same routine, except I’m in a ‘organic – only’ period so I work a little mask with olive oil and egg yolks and / or honey before the actual washing, then I wash (with baking soda & yolks home – made shampoo) and rinse with diluted apple cider. I only keep the towel wrapped around my head until I put on my clothes and then it’s air – dry. When it’s at 60% – 80% dry, I use my hands to scrunch from the ends up to mid – lenght, with head flipped down with either argan oil, coconut oil or vaseline, whatever I have on hand. I discovered they all work. Waterproofing the ends is what keeps my curls curled. I repeat that every time I feel my ends are dry and look frizzy.
I love that you have such a natural system worked out Kpriss. Apple cider vinegar and coconut oil are so good for your hair.
I too have ridiculously curly/frizzy hair! It drives me nuts at times and wish it would relax! My hair is like noodles! I find that a great cut always helps with it sit right otherwise it could seem just plain old boofy as I like to call it! Do you have any tips on cuts that suit particular hair types?
Sophie xo
Hi Sophie, I agree. A good haircut is the secret to great hair. If your hair is really curly your stylist should cut it dry, so they can see exactly how the curls are forming. I often get asked about my haircut so I’ll write some more tips about curly haircuts.
I get stopped on a daily basis in Chicago re: my curls and especially my daughters. I have to TOTALLY DISAGREE with the DRY CUT. I will argue anyone on the dry cut vs. wet when it comes to curly hair. I went to a curl specialist in chicago and she believes in cutting DRY. NEVER AGAIN! I am two years out and after taking hair growth pills and wearing my hair in a pony tail, I know that cutting curls dry is a recipe for disaster. When you have curly hair, every day is a new curl pattern. When the hair is cut wet, you can see the lengths, but dry could look good that second, but for teh next year or two, you will have pieces that are inches longer than others in all the wrong places. Stay away from the dry cut. I am still recovering.
That’s awful Erica! Sounds like a disaster of a cut.
I too disagree with the dry cut. Every time someone has attempted that on my curls i’ve ended up with shredded awful ends, plus uneven layers that look fine when your hair is curly but awful if you want to straighten it. To Sophie – I get my hair cut by a Ouidad trained stylist – you can find them at ouidad.com. My hair has NEVER looked better. If you can’t find a Ouidad stylist I’d suggest going to someone who specifically specializes in curly and/or ethnic hair.
Hi I live in Sydney, Australia and my curls look almost exactly like Christies only a bit longer and crazier. I have been using the same hairdresser for most of my life. However recently I really haven’t like the way she was cutting it. I heard Christie that you also live in Sydney and your hair always looks great so I was wondering if you could recommend any hairdressers for my wild hair.
Thx
Hi Charlie, I go to Stevie English Hair in Bondi Junction and highly recommend Missy and Jimmy. Not sure if they’re near you but they are worth the drive 🙂
I get my hair dry cut as well. I used to have it cut wet & I will never go back to it. My stylist uses a flat iron on my hair and then cuts it straight. I have never had an issue with it once I go home & wash it. I always hated going to get my hair done b/c after they would wash & cut, the stylist always wanted to make my hair so fuzzy & I hated it. I used to say don’t dry it I’m just going to go home and do it myself anyway. But now i’m happy when I leave!
I have to agree with the no wet hair cut. I have extremely curly/thick hair. I’ve gotten it cut dry once, and it was a nightmare. my curls curl different on some days. some guy tried cutting it dry. it was alright then (altho i was very nervous and should have stopped him) but then i had some pieces that were ridiculously long and others that were too short and made my hair poof out more then it should ever be, when i washed it and it styled. I can’t blow dry my hair, even with that diffuser, for it makes it dry out too much, and again i am on the verge of an afro.
As for styles of hair cuts, or any ideas for just styling, if you had any ideas i would appreciate some. I never do anything different then putting gel in it, letting it air dry and going about my day
Hi Carly, you can pin back the sides to create an easy style and still wear your hair out. Or check out my hairstyle tutorials, there will be more styles for curly hair coming soon x
My hairdresser cuts my hair twice – dry first and then she checks it after washing it to make sure all the lengths and layers are correct. Workd for me. No disasters to date!
She sounds great! I think the checking wet & dry is key to an even cut.
I have very curly hair as well, but when I get a cut my stylist blows it out straight and cuts it. That way I get beautiful hair that when curly looks great and if I want to blow it straight every now and again, it looks good straight as well. When I used to have cheap hair cuts and inexperienced stylists I’d end up looking like the triangle head woman in the Dilbert comics.
I’m all about the dry cut, but not when it’s curly dry. It has to be straight dry. I’m sure it does depend on the level of curl of the hair.
I totally agree woth this post. I pretty much have exactly the same hair routine. If I have time though, once my hair’s completely dry, I like to use my curling iron to fix any curls that didn’t form right or are just going crazy that day. The trick is to make sure they blend in decently well an look natural. Otherwise it just looks silly to have these irregular natural curls, and some nice polished symmetrical curls.
Great minds Beth! I also use a curling wand to touch up shorter layers! Now my hair is longer, it’s mostly the same but I would curl my fringe.
yes…sometimes I have to redampen, patting with damp hands, to get them to match/mesh!
My method sounds similar to yours. I have to wash my hair to reset the curls – I usually wash my hair every day for this reason. I do the quickest towel dry to get rid of the drips but so that it is still really wet. I am finding that I can get away with just using Morocan Oil as my curl setting product (though it doesnt hold if it is windy outside) so I rub a couple of drops of that through the mid lengths and ends. I then comb it with a wide tooth comb – this puts the hair together into curls, turn my head up side down and gentle scrunch the curls to really bring them out then I will usually just let it air dry. I have issues with crispy curls so don’t like to use a lot of product in them.
Great tips Sarah, I hate crispy curls too. I prefer to leave them softer rather than overly defined and crunchy.
I hate crunchy curls too but always have to use gel, or the frizz gets ridiculous by the end of the day. I found that the cure for crunch is to tip your head upside down after your hair has totally dried and gently scrunch it. It breaks up the gel cast and makes the curls soft again.
Great tip Kate!
Hey, Sarah: I have to get my hair wet to re-set the curl, too, but I don’t wash every day because it would dry the snot outta my curls. The second day, I rinse it in the shower, runs some conditioner through to detangle & then follow with my usual styling routine. Try it!
I wet my hands and rescrunch for Day 2-4. Generally works pretty well, and I don’t have to fool with re-establishing my bang/part again that way. When my hair starts to feel heavy or my slap itchy, then I wash or rinse and start over. I love the “plop” method for drying my hair, gel, then add hair clips to the top for added volume for about 10 minutes.
Any have trouble with the neckline on a shoulder length do? Mine kept going flat, so I had some layers added in…now, my neck is cold! LOL Wish I had found another solution…trying to grow it out!
I never wash my hair. I use ren pure cleansing conditioner every day when I shower. It’s awesome. You can get it on Amazon for 6.99 in different fragrances like pomegranate or lavender (my fav)
I do almost the same thing! I love Moroccanoil and use the same fingertips to the scalp trick! I have bangs though (to hide my huge forehead) so I straighten those before I diffuse the rest of my hair. Still only takes ~10 minutes!
Great minds Molly! When my bangs were shorter, I would sometimes use a curling wand to reshape them so they sat where I wanted them.
Your hair is absolutely gorgeous. I have wavy hair too and rarely straighten it. I’m going to try out your routine. 🙂
Thanks Catherine!
So the whole upside down diffusing method SEEMS like a good idea, but my hair is super ultra fine, but curly with lots of untamed baby hairs around my face. I have tried everything to get them to grow, but they can’t. So when I slip my head upside down to diffuse, the front of my head looks like a disaster and my hair becomes even more frizzy even with good product. Should I just avoid flipping my hair upside down or do you have any other suggestions?
Me, too. And it’s hard to find tutorials on FINE curly hair. And with fine curly hair, it’s hard to maintain a part. One breeze and you turn into Kramer from Seinfeld. My only other choice is to straighten the bangs a bit and use spray — but that only makes me look like I just escaped the 80s. 🙁
Fine curly hair can be tamed with a little gel when doing a wash ‘n go You don’t have to diffuse either. Air drying is better for your hair anyway.
I too have fine hair but a lot of it. I apply gel on soaking wet hair, let it air dry and then scrunch the gel cast out. While drying, I do not touch my hair and the curls will set on their own.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for the style tips Michelle! xx
If you put your hair up when it is wet, it breaks as it dries. It took me years to get rod of those wispy bits and it tool a great hair stylist to look at my hair and say: “girl if you keep putting your hair up wet it will never grow” – its been a year and the wispy bits ar almost as long as my shortest layer.
Great tip! I never thought about that before x
oh, I am laughing about the 80’s remark! I’m a child of the 80’s so I know too well the flat bangs with curls look – EW!
My head has two crowns, so my curls all want to frizz forward, while the back of my head eternally looks as if I slept on it. Grrrrr …..
I like Miss Jessie’s curl products, but still suffer from *bad* hair days – 5 out of 7. It doesn’t matter which chemical concoction I made with my 10,000 curly hair products.
Try leaning your head back instead and avoid the hairline around your face.
I also have fine curly hair and I use a blow dryer with my head upside down but count for 7-9 second per section of my head. 7-9 seconds per side and then 7-9 seconds on either side of the back. Same with the top 7-9 seconds on the top, still upside down. If I blow dry for longer I can forget getting a decent looking style for that day.
Try an edge control or stiff, alcohal free gel for your baby hairs. I would try and keep it just at the baby hairline though, as you do not want to weigh your hair down as it is fine, although a little gel around the part could help maintain it. This may not work for everyone of course, each curl is different.
great tip! Thanks for sharing x
Lavender essential oil encourages growth. I haven’t tried it on my hair yet (I have baby bangs too, they are the curliest of all my curls) but I do add the oil to my mascara and my eyelashes are significantly longer!!!
I haven’t taken the plunge yet of adding oil to my roots for fear of oily looking hair.
Maybe adding it to shampoo or conditioner would work.
You put lavender oil so closely to your eyes? Is that safe? If it were me, I’d use coconut oil instead. You should Google coconut oil and its uses–it is one of the most versatile and useful thing around! It’s amazing the gamut of uses!
Be careful with your eyes–they are a precious assets!
Wow! I have never heard about using lavender on eyelashes! I have very blonde eyelashes that are medium length at best. I have always wanted longer lashes without the cost of fake or medical intervention. Thanks for posting this!
Ren pure has a cleansing conditioner with lavender. I love it. You can get it on Amazon. Only 6.99
Putting lavender oil in your makeup (not skin care or shampoo) or buying makeup with lavender oil in it is discouraged. Its primarily used for fragrance and if the concentration is strong enough to smell, it strong enough to do some damage.
https://www.truthinaging.com/review/lavender-and-skin-safety
I have baby hairs too, especially having my second child, it got worse. For the last two months I have been doing hair masks once a week, it involves. 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons of heated coconut oil (30 seconds) and leaving it during an entire movie. Then I wash it out with Cantu cleansing shampoo(made with no sulfates, paraban, alcohol etc) and then I let it hair dry and then heat up some more coconut oil and leave it in my hair for 2 days and then I Co wash. With conditioner made with no sulfate etc. Made by Cantu as well and the products I use on my hair are all made natural with coconut oil/milk etc. Anyways, since doing that long drawn out process. My hairs are growing! My hair is amazingly healthy and it is GROWING. I can’t believe it. I’m going to try other things too because you don’t want your hair to get used to one thing. So it’s good to switch up. But I have also heard coconut oil mixed with 1-2 drops of rosemary essential oil and messaging scalp helps promote growth as well!! 🙂 I am ordering my essential oil kit soon and I am going to try this! 🙂
I have fine curly hair and I have to put my blow dryer with a diffuser on cool because our hair does not like heat. And use a damp towel towel to gently scrunch my hair while it’s wet.
try the plopping method it will work a lot better for you! and try She Moisture they have a great line of products
I like the Shea Moisture conditioner, but the spray on coconut oil only made my hair frizzier.
I would recommend you use a max or strong hold gel. I have very fine, super frizzy 3a hair and have always done upside down diffuser routine. If that doesnt help the baby hairs you could plant them down with a toothbrush and hairspray.
I have always used Got2b Spiked Up which might leave a little cast/crunch but usually doesn’t. If you prefer a natural product Shea Moisture and Cantu both have strong hold gels too
your problem with your baby hairs you can do your edges. i’m not trying to be racist but i am white and have curls and doing my edges still works! you just need something to shape them and gel or something of the sort to hold them 🙂
This is very similar to the way I style mine. I recently found that if you put you hair up at night with a wide soft elastic hair scrunchy into a ponytail on top of your head, then curl your hair up into a bun. hold the bun and the rest of your hair in place with several flat hair clips that the next morning, all you have to do is shake it out and maybe use the end of a rat tail comb to style. May need a little hairspray allover. Never use your fingers, that messes the curls up. This allows me to stretch the style into 3-4 days without having to wash again. Mine gets softer and fuller each day.
Great tips Lynette! I also pin my hair up to sleep, it definitely keeps your curls looking better the next day x
Last night i did you tip and now i have to straighten my hair because it didnt work and im quite annoyed about that
Hi Poppy, I’m sorry it didn’t work for you but every curl is different. If you’re frequently straightening your hair you’ll find it will take a while for your curls to come back to their perfect form again. You can find out how to get your curl back here. Good luck x
Be patient and give your hair at least a week of making it curly before you give up. Plus I think curly hair is all in a great cut! Lots of layers (I like my front layers long to avoid it being too fluffy around my face). At night, after a shower I toughly soak my wet hair with infusium leave in conditioner, and brush with a paddle brush. I brush a lot, as I only wash my hair every other day and my fine hair sheds a lot. I think getting rid of the dead hair is key to great curls. Then flip upside down and add Pantene curly moose and thoroughly spray with Pantene hair spray. Diffuse it with your blow dryer until dry or almost dry depending on weather or humidity. Spray again with hair spray and go to bed. In the morning it will be soft and beautiful. I enjoy my curls and get compliments often.
Great tips Meg! Thanks for sharing x