Curls are God's unique creation. But we curly-haired folks know the struggle! Every time you face the mirror, and feel annoyed as you don't know where to even begin styling those curls. It feels like a never-ending battle - no matter if you are a girl or a guy!
But it does not have to be so. Today, I am going to empower you with every bit of knowledge you need to know to style your curly hair. Taming those curls requires nothing but the right techniques and tools. Without them, your curls can soon turn into a frizzy mess. All you need is to put in that extra effort to ensure your curls behave and look mind-blowingly good.
Without wasting your precious time, let me just uncover the styling secrets for you to achieve those gorgeous curls of your dreams.
How to Style Short Curly Hair
Why fret over something as petty as short, curly hair when you have the right styling techniques at your disposal? Let's find out more about the tools you want to use, styling tips, and techniques to follow:
1.Prep your hair
Your curly hair styling needs a little prep work to maintain those short hair curls. Unless you do proper cleansing and conditioning, your curls are not going to look the way you wish them to. A sulfate-free shampoo specifically designed for curly hair can do the trick. Finish with a hydrating conditioner to help your curls lock the moisture in.
2.Detangling
Now comes the detangling part. Use a gentle, wide tooth comb to get the job done right. Work your way from the bottom of your hair to the roots and avoid harsh tugging.
3.Scrunching
Gently scrunch your curls when applying some lightweight curl-enhancing products. If you love that flawless bounce, follow this expert advice. Take a small section of your hair to ensure the styling products are evenly distributed. This gives your short curls an added definition. Make sure to use gentle strokes to define their shape and make them sit in your desired position.
4.Hot air hair brushing
Now use a hot air hair comb or dryer to give your curls that extra care they deserve. You may also want to attach a diffuser to the dryer. Make sure you set it to low heat to reduce frizz and enhance its texture. Then, cup your curls in the diffuser. Now, lift the curls towards your scalp to add volume.
Now, you might be wondering about a perfect hairstyle that you can try. Let me share these two of my goto hairstyle options you can try at home:
Dainty Headband
What more stylish way to accessorize your short curls than a dainty headband? All you need is to slide the headband onto your head.
Chic Half-Bun
Try this amazing half-bun style that works well with short, curly hair. Gather the top half section of your curls. Twist it into a loose, small bun and secure it with a hair tie. Let the rest of your hair flow freely.
How to Style Long Curly Hair
Styling long, curly hair can feel like a battle. Let me tell you with the right styling product, tool, and method, it can feel like a breeze. Your long curls do great when you use a hot air hair brush. To maintain its volume and add definition to your curls, don't forget to add a diffuser on low heat to your hot air hair brush.
Now it is important to get the right curly hair products to achieve frizz-free and voluminous locks. Use a moisturizing curl cream on your clean hair to give your curls the nourishment they need. A moisturizing gel can also help lock in moisture and reduce frizz. Say no to products with parabens that can strip your hair of its natural oil.
Your long curls need a little extra care when it comes to styling. Try some protective hairstyles like buns or braids to prevent tangling before going to bed.
Wondering which styling tools to use for your long curls? Believe it or not, a hot air hair brush or a diffuser is all that you need. If you prefer to air dry, make sure to scrunch your hair with gentle hand strokes.
Try these two easy styles for your long, curly hair:
Sleek High Ponytail
If you are after a sleek and polished look, go for it. Create a high ponytail and secure it with your favorite hair tie.
Mermaid Waves
For a more bohemian look, try mermaid waves. Twist your damp hair into sections and let it air dry. Once dry, gently unravel the twists to reveal beautiful, beachy waves.
With that said, it's time to talk about some important things about how guys should style their curly hair. Here is what you want to know.
How to Style Curly Hair for Men
Now it's time to talk about some styling tips for men with wavy curly hair. As you are done with cleansing your hair super good, use a curl defining cream or leave in conditioner to help keep it moisturized and healthy. Your curls will love when they get the nourishment they need. Plus, it will help your curls to stay in shape and fluffy, making it easier for you to style them later.
The right styling technique can make a world of difference in how you look. If you prefer a natural finish, finger combing will suffice. But if you are someone with a little tight curl, using a wide-tooth comb for detangling the curls. It also helps you to keep your curls intact.
Men love these curly hair styles, and you can try to pull them off, too:
Curly Fringe:
A curly fringe is a classic look that can frame your face and add a touch of personality.
Tousled Look
For wavy hair, a tousled look is a great option. Simply run your fingers through your hair to create a messy, textured style.
The best part about these styles? They need little to no maintenance and are easy to achieve. So the next time you have a party to attend, try one of these without spending hours in front of the mirror.
Tools and Products for Styling Natural Curly Hair
Want to amp up your curly hair styling game? These must-have tools and products will make styling curly hair easier:
Clarifying Shampoo: You need a curly hair cleansing solution to remove buildup and excess oil from the scalp. Not only does it help your curls stay light and bouncy, but it also makes them free from product residue.
Moisturizing Conditioner: I bet your curls will love the way a conditioner works. It helps them to stay soft and supple.
Microfiber Towel: Unlike regular towels (that can cause frizz), a microfibre towel is gentle. It absorbs excess water from your hair without causing harm to the hair cuticles.
Hair Dryer Brush Curling Comb: Want to style your curls quickly and that too without the risks of overheating? This one is a must-have tool you may want to buy.
Hair Curling Wands or Hair Straighteners: Let your curly hair be free from frizz while you style it using curling irons or straighteners.
Protein-Based Deep Conditioner: Your curls need a balance of adequate moisture and protein to stay healthy. Using a deep conditioning solution is, therefore, a must.
Diffuser: Do you prefer blow drying your hair? Adding a diffuser attachment to the blow dryer you use can help preserve the pattern of your curls. It also minimizes heat damage and frizz while adding volume.
The Curly Girl Method: Embracing Your Natural Texture
If you have curly hair, you must have heard of the Curly Girl Method (CGM) already! So, what's it? Simply put, CGM is a hair care routine you may want to follow to keep your curls hydrated. CGM requires you to avoid ingredients that are harsh on your curls, like sulfates and silicones.
Here is how to do CGM step-by-step:
Step 1: Start cleansing your curly hair with a sulfate-filled clarifying shampoo. This helps you to remove all the previous product residue and buildup.
Step 2: Use a sulfate-free shampoo or cleansing conditioner to cleanse your curly hair with care. Massage your scalp for at least one minute using your fingertips.
Step 3: Apply a generous amount of CGM-approved conditioner. Detangle your hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
Step 4: Apply your favorite styling products to damp hair. If you are a beginner, take a handful of CGM-approved gel and scrunch it into your wet hair from roots to tips.
Step 5: You can either air dry your hair or diffuse it on low heat. Do gentle scrunching with your hands to remove the gel coating from your hair.
There you have it! The CGM method is super easy to follow. Once you become a pro, you are free to experiment with different application methods or curly hair products to explore different results.
Conclusion
Embracing your natural curl patterns (no matter the type) is a practice that you learn over time. It's about learning to love and appreciate your uniqueness. Experiment with different products and techniques as part of your curly hair routine that help your curls thrive. It's all about finding a curly hairstyle that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
FAQs on Curly Hair Tips
How often should I wash my curly hair?
It depends on your curl type. For girls with loose curls, the ideal washing frequency is 3 to 4 times a week. If you have oily curls, choose to co-wash once a week. Do deep cleansing once a month.
How can I reduce frizz in curly hair?
The answer is to use styling creams or gels specifically formulated for curly hair. A curling cream, essentially, helps your curls stay in a certain shape as they dry.
What's the best way to style curly hair for volume?
Scrunching and diffusing are the two best ways to style your curly hair and add volume to it. Plus, you may want to deep clean your hair once a month to clarify all the buildup and product residues.
How to style naturally curly hair?
Treat your curls the best way possible. Choose a good shampoo with gentle curl-friendly ingredients. Using the right styling methods and tools also works.
How often should I trim curly hair?
It's time to trim your curly hair when they begin to knot easily. Generally speaking, trim your curly hair every six to eight weeks to enhance the texture of your curls.
