How to Style Curly Hair: Techniques and Products for Enhancing Natural Curls

Curly hair can be both a blessing and a curse. While it’s beautiful and unique, it can also be difficult to manage and style. As someone who has had curly hair for my entire life, I understand the struggle of finding the right products and techniques to enhance natural curls.

The Importance of Understanding Your Curl Type

Before diving into styling techniques and products, it’s crucial to understand your curl type. Curly hair comes in many different textures and patterns, from loose waves to tight coils. Knowing your curl type will help you determine which products and techniques will work best for your hair.

Techniques for Enhancing Natural Curls

There are many techniques for enhancing natural curls, including diffusing, plopping, and scrunching. Each technique works differently depending on your hair type and texture. Experimenting with different techniques can help you find the one that works best for you.

Products for Enhancing Natural Curls

There are also many products specifically designed for curly hair, including curl creams, gels, and mousses. It’s important to choose products that work well with your curl type and texture. Reading product reviews and experimenting with different products can help you find the perfect combination for your curls.

Techniques	Products
Diffusing	Curl creams
Plopping	Curl gels
Scrunching	Curl mousses

Understanding Curly Hair

Curly hair is a beautiful and unique hair type that comes in many different shapes and sizes. Understanding your specific type of curly hair is essential in developing a hair care routine that works best for you.

Types of Curly Hair

Curly hair can be classified into three categories based on the shape of the curls:

Type 2: Wavy hair that forms an S shape and has a loose curl pattern.
Type 3: Curly hair that forms a spiral or ringlet shape and has a more defined curl pattern.
Type 4: Coily hair that forms a tight, zig-zag shape and has a very defined curl pattern.

Different types of curly hair require different hair care techniques and products to enhance natural curls and reduce frizz.

Porosity

Porosity refers to how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture. Curly hair tends to have high porosity, meaning it can absorb moisture easily but also loses moisture quickly. Low porosity hair, on the other hand, has a hard time absorbing moisture.

To determine your hair’s porosity, take a strand of hair and place it in a glass of water. If it sinks quickly, you have high porosity hair. If it floats, you have low porosity hair.

Density

Density refers to how many strands of hair you have on your head. Curly hair can range from low density (thin hair with less strands) to high density (thick hair with more strands).

To determine your hair’s density, part your hair in the middle and look at the roots. If you can see your scalp easily, you have low density hair. If it’s hard to see your scalp, you have high density hair.

Understanding your hair’s porosity and density can help you choose the right products and techniques to enhance your natural curls and keep your hair healthy and moisturized.

Techniques for Enhancing Natural Curls

If you have curly hair, you know that it can be challenging to style it in a way that showcases your natural curls. However, with the right techniques and products, you can enhance your curls and achieve a stunning look. Here are some techniques that I have personally found helpful:

Washing and Conditioning

The foundation of great curls is a proper washing and conditioning routine. Start by using a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid drying out your hair. Follow up with a hydrating conditioner that will help to define your curls. Make sure to detangle your hair in the shower with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, while the conditioner is still in your hair. Rinse your hair with cool water to help seal the cuticle and promote shine.

Diffusing and Plopping

To avoid frizz and enhance your curls’ shape, try using a diffuser when blow-drying your hair. A diffuser helps to evenly distribute the heat and airflow while keeping the curls intact. Another technique that can help to enhance your curls is plopping. Plopping involves wrapping your hair in a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel to help absorb excess water and encourage curl formation.

Scrunching and Twisting

Once your hair is dry, you can further enhance your curls by scrunching and twisting them. Scrunching involves using your hands to lift and scrunch your hair towards your scalp to create volume and definition. Twisting involves taking small sections of hair and twisting them around your finger to create defined curls. You can also use a curl-defining cream or gel to help hold the curls in place.

Use a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid drying out your hair
Follow up with a hydrating conditioner that will help to define your curls
Detangle your hair in the shower with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers
Use a diffuser when blow-drying your hair to avoid frizz and enhance your curls’ shape
Try plopping to help absorb excess water and encourage curl formation
Scrunch your hair to create volume and definition
Twist small sections of hair around your finger to create defined curls
Use a curl-defining cream or gel to help hold the curls in place

Products for Curly Hair

Cleansing and Conditioning Products

Curly hair requires special care when it comes to cleansing and conditioning. Look for products that are sulfate-free and gentle on your curls.

Co-wash: Co-washing is a great way to cleanse your curls without stripping them of their natural oils. Try the As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner.
Shampoo: When you do use shampoo, go for a gentle, sulfate-free option like the DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser.
Conditioner: For conditioning, look for a product that will provide moisture and nourishment to your curls. The Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner is a great option.

Styling Products

Styling products are key to enhancing your natural curls and keeping them looking their best. Here are some products to consider:

Curl cream: A good curl cream can provide definition and hold to your curls. Try the Cantu Coconut Curling Cream.
Gel: Gel is a great option for those with very curly or coily hair. The Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel is a popular choice.
Mousse: Mousse can help add volume and definition to your curls. The Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Mousse is a great drugstore option.

Tools and Accessories

The right tools and accessories can make a big difference in your curly hair routine. Here are some to consider:

Diffuser: A diffuser attachment for your hair dryer can help enhance your curls without causing frizz. The Conair InfinitiPRO 1875 Watt Salon Performance Hair Dryer comes with a great diffuser attachment.
Satin pillowcase: Sleeping on a satin pillowcase can help prevent frizz and breakage. Try the Bedsure Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin.
Wide-tooth comb: A wide-tooth comb is a gentle way to detangle your curls without causing damage. The Denman Large Cutting Comb is a great option.

Product

Price

Where to Buy

As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner

$8.99

Target

DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser

$24.00

Sephora

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner

$11.99

Ulta

Cantu Coconut Curling Cream

$5.99

Target

Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel

$3.19

Target

Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Mousse

$3.39

Target

Conair InfinitiPRO 1875 Watt Salon Performance Hair Dryer

$34.99

Ulta

Bedsure Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin

$8.99

Amazon

Denman Large Cutting
curly hair maintenance

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Curly Hair

Protective Styling

One of the best ways to maintain healthy curly hair is through protective styling. Protective styles protect the ends of your hair and prevent them from rubbing against your clothes, which can cause breakage. Protective styles also help to retain moisture in your hair, which is crucial for curly hair. Some popular protective styles include braids, twists, and buns.

Braids: Braids are a great protective style for curly hair. They help to keep your hair moisturized, and they are also low maintenance. You can wear braids for several weeks, which means less manipulation of your hair.
Twists: Twists are similar to braids, but they are smaller and create a more defined curl pattern. Twists are a great way to protect your hair while still showing off your curls.
Buns: Buns are a simple and classic protective style. They are easy to do and can be done with any length of hair. Buns protect the ends of your hair and keep your hair out of your face.

Trimming

Trimming is also an important part of maintaining healthy curly hair. Trimming helps to get rid of split ends, which can cause breakage and prevent your hair from growing. Trimming also helps to maintain the shape of your hair and prevent it from looking uneven. It is recommended to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks, or as needed.

Deep Conditioning

Deep conditioning is crucial for maintaining healthy curly hair. Curly hair tends to be dry, so deep conditioning helps to add moisture back into your hair. Deep conditioning also helps to strengthen your hair and prevent breakage. It is recommended to deep condition your hair once a week, or as needed.

Product	Description
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Treatment Masque	This deep conditioning masque is formulated with Jamaican black castor oil, which helps to strengthen and promote hair growth. It also contains shea butter, which helps to moisturize and soften your hair.
ORS Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner	This deep conditioner is enriched with olive oil, which helps to moisturize and strengthen your hair. It also contains protein, which helps to repair and protect your hair.
Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque	This deep conditioning masque is formulated with shea butter, which helps to moisturize and soften your hair. It also contains vitamin E, which helps to strengthen and protect your hair.

curly hair

Conclusion

Styling curly hair can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and products, you can enhance your natural curls and achieve a beautiful, defined look. It’s important to understand your hair type and texture to determine which products and styling methods will work best for you.

Key Takeaways

Curly hair requires different care and styling techniques than straight hair.
Products such as leave-in conditioners, curl creams, and gels can help enhance and define curls.
Techniques like plopping, diffusing, and scrunching can also help create defined curls.
It’s important to use heat protectant products when using heat styling tools.
Regular trims and deep conditioning treatments can help keep curly hair healthy and prevent split ends.

Final Thoughts

Styling curly hair can be a fun and creative process once you understand what works best for your hair type. Experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to embrace your natural curls!

Product	Price	Best For
DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler	$28.00	Thick, coarse hair
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie	$13.49	Dry, damaged hair
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel	$26.00	Frizz-prone hair

Remember, styling curly hair is all about trial and error. Don’t be discouraged if a certain product or method doesn’t work for you – keep experimenting until you find what works best for your hair. With patience and persistence, you can achieve beautiful, defined curls that you’ll love showing off!