How to Define Curls: Methods for Maximum Curl Definition
by Iris George
Let’s face it—curly hair is the main character. So it’s no wonder everyone from Selena Gomez to Taraji P. Henson is rocking their curls with confidence! Yup – whether you were blessed with natural curls or need heat to obtain your style, defined curls have never been more popular. Which probably has you wondering, how to define curls and get yours looking their springy best...
To save you hours of watching curly hair videos on TikTok, we’ve created this go-to guide. Full of tips onhow to define curls with confidence, it might even inspire you to come up with a #curlyhairtutorial of your own! So, to tame your mane and get the curly hair of your dreams, read on!
Curl Training for Long-Lasting Definition
Curl training is a heat-free, natural way to enhance your hair's curl memory and restore its natural pattern. This technique involves twisting wet hair or scrunching with curl-defining products to encourage well-formed curls. For best results, pair curl training with deep conditioning treatments to lock in moisture and prevent frizz. By consistently practicing curl training, your curls will become more defined and easier to style over time.
Understanding Curl Definition and Patterns
Defining your curls starts with understanding your hair's natural texture and curl pattern. From loose waves to tight coils, each curl type has unique needs to achieve maximum definition. Knowing your curl type helps you select the right products and techniques, such as curl training or diffuser drying, to enhance your natural texture and maintain healthy, defined curls.
Method 1. Curl Training
Now that curly hair is back in style, curly-haired angels everywhere are trying to learn how to finger curl hair to get their curls to cooperate. Whether you want extra curl definition or a heat-free routine, curl training can restore your hair’s natural curl pattern and bring it back to life! Here’s how to do it and start mastering how to define curls naturally.
Shampoo and Condition: When it comes to learning how to define curls, preparation is key, so it’s important to know how often to wash your hair. For those with natural coily curls, it’s important to avoid over-washing.No matter your hair type, curls love moisture, so we recommend a shampoo and conditioner that revitalises hair—instead of drying it out. Our Super Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner are infused with avocado oil and pineapple enzymes so you can go further between washes while strengthening strands to reduce breakage and grow your hair longer. Because we all know curls make hair look a lot shorter than it is #curlyhairproblems.
Dry Hair:Removing excess water is key to prepping curly hair for styling. Skip the blow dryer and use a Microfibre Hair Towel Wraps to plop your hair, reducing frizz without stripping moisture. For those who prefer a blow dryer, attach a diffuser, set it to low or medium heat, and hover it over small sections of your hair. This method enhances curl definition, adds volume, and minimizes frizz without disrupting your curl pattern. For best results, apply a curl-defining cream or gel before drying and scrunch gently to activate your curls.
Apply Deep Conditioning Treatment: The praying hands method and scrunching are essential techniques for evenly distributing curl-enhancing products and activating curls. To use the praying hands method, smooth your deep conditioning treatment over damp hair by pressing your hands together, ensuring every strand is coated. Follow this with scrunching, where you gently squeeze small sections of hair upwards to define and encourage curl formation. These techniques minimize frizz and help you achieve soft, well-defined curls.Need a product pick? Choose between our OG Like a Virgin Hair Mask that’s suitable for all hair types and our Sweet Repair Hair Mask that’s a go-to for damaged hair. Both work like a dream for curl training!
Twist Curls: To define curls, twist two thin sections of your hair together, working around your head. Don’t wind the curls too tight, as your hair is prone to breakage when wet. Let your hair sit for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse: Rinse the deep conditioner out of your hair and follow with a brush or comb to gently pull apart the twists.
Style: Ready to skip to the good part? Feel free to follow your typical styling routine, but we recommend applying a curl-defining cream to scrunch your way to enviously defined curls.
While you may not be born with stunning curls, you can still fake it until you make it! We stan anyone who wants to improve their confidence by changing up their look—plus, you may even get more right swipes on your Tinder profile with curly hair. (It’s a theory we’re currently testing.)
Step-by-Step: Using Heat to Get Defined Curls
Work with Day-Old Hair: The best way to learn how to define curls is by working with day-old hair shampooed the day before. This is because some oils in your hair will allow the curl to hold better. If your hair feels too oily, use a dry shampoo and focus it on your roots.
Prep Hair:Choose a hairspray with a medium-to-strong hold, depending on your hair’s natural texture. If your hair is naturally straight, use hairspray before you begin to create more grip for the curl. Follow up with a heat protectant to prevent breakage.
Choose Your Tool of Choice:When it comes to learning how to define curls, the trick is picking the right tool. To get beachy waves like Hailey Bieber(yes please), divide your hair into small sections. Next, use a flat iron and bend your iron towards you, then away from you as you slowly drag it towards your ends.
If you want voluminous Elle Woods-style hair, opt for a one-and-a-half-inch curler wand. For a more tousled look, stick with a three-quarter to a one-inch wand. As curling wands come in all shapes and sizes (with and without clips), you can create an endless amount of styles and find one that you love! No matter the size of your curling wand, each method can be replicated with the steps that follow.
If you’re a newbie, consider getting heat-resistant gloves to prevent accidental burns. They happen to the best of us!
Eliminate Knots and Section: To begin, brush any tangles out of your hair. If you’re stuffing with stubborn knots, try applying a detangling leave-in conditioner to ease the process. Next, create small sections with clips. Our convenient Claw Clips don’t pull on the hair and make a cute accessory if you need to put your hair up later on in the day. For thinner hair, choose a temperature at or below 93.3 degrees Celsius and for thicker hair, stay around 148.8 degrees Celsius to avoid damaging strands.
Curl Hair: Taking one small section at a time, twist curls away from your face, holding the curl to the hot wand for 15-20 seconds. To make sure you don’t wind up on Brad Mondo’s naughty list, curl down to the ends to avoid a crinkled finish.
Brush Out:For a more natural look, we recommend brushing your hair out to give it a slightly worn-in vibe. Feel free to backcomb your roots with hairspray if you want more volume on top too.
Finish with Hairspray: Apply a hairspray or texture spray for maximum tousle and hold!
For the ultimate #lazygirl hack, test out this technique and wake up knowing exactly how to define curls effortlessly. Who knew a bathrobe tie could give you the stunning hair you’ve always wanted?
How to Use a Bathrobe Tie for Defined Curls Overnight
Brush Out: Brush out any knots from your hair and part your hair where it naturally falls. Try our Tangle Tamer which works on all hair types.
Pin Robe Tie: Place the middle of the robe tie on the centre of your head, allowing the sides to fall across your ears. Secure it with a bobby pin at the top of your head.
Braiding Method:Working with either the right or left section first, braid your hair around the robe tie by simply taking one strand across the front of the robe tie, then taking it behind the robe tie and back out the other side. Repeat the process until you are left with two adorable braids. For more volume, take bigger sections of hair, as you would when doing a French braid.
Secure the Curls: Secure the end of your hair with hair ties. Remove the bobby pin and bring the excess robe belt around the top of your head, tying the ends together at the crown of your head.
Take Out the Curls: Come morning, gently remove your belt tie and run your fingers through the curls. To tame night-time frizz, smooth your hair with our Miracle Hair Elixir for a lightweight, silky finish.
Just like mom Jeans and chokers, hot curlers are coming back in style. For a 1950s vintage hair-do or a modern Victoria’s Secret runway look, try your hand at hot curlers to get defined tresses.
How to Use Hot Curlers for Perfectly Defined Curls
Blow-Dry Hair: Start this process with freshly washed hair. Use a round brush to dry your hair for maximum volume. Blow-dry hair away from your face to create smooth, bouncy curls. This doesn’t need to be perfect, but it will help create an easier base for the hot curlers.
Curl Hair: Beginning at the crown of your head, section out small pieces of hair. Tuck your ends around the hot curler first, then continue wrapping the hair around the curler until you reach the base of your head. For a younger look, wrap hair away from your face, or for a classic throwback style, curl hair towards your face.
Secure each curler in place with a bobby pin. Continue this method until all your hair is pinned up. You can let the hot curlers sit for 30 to 50 minutes—or the length of a Queer Eye episode!
Brush Out: Carefully remove all the pins and curlers. For a more relaxed look, brush your hair out. If you want more defined curls, rewrap each section with your fingers and spray each curl with hairspray!
Curl Questions, Answered: Your Guide to Perfect Definition!
How to Use Hot Curlers for Perfectly Defined Curls
To achieve curl definition, start by using a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to hydrate your hair. Apply a curl cream or leave-in conditioner and use the scrunching method to enhance curl patterns. Dry gently with a microfiber towel or diffuser to minimize frizz, and avoid excessive heat styling to maintain healthy curls.
How do I bring out my natural curls?
Bring out your natural curls by hydrating your hair with water or a curl refresher spray. Apply a leave-in conditioner to define and soften curls, and follow with a lightweight curl-enhancing product. Scrunch your hair gently to activate the curls, and let it air-dry or use a diffuser for added volume.
Why do my curls have no definition?
Lack of curl definition may be due to product buildup, overuse of heat tools, or insufficient hydration. Focus on using hydrating products, such as curl creams or leave-ins, and avoid heavy oils or silicones that weigh hair down. Incorporate curl training techniques like scrunching or finger-coiling to encourage curl patterns.
How to define curls after a shower?
After showering, gently detangle with a wide-tooth comb while your hair is still wet. Apply a curl-defining cream or gel evenly using the 'praying hands' method, then scrunch upwards to enhance your curls. Finish by air-drying or using a diffuser on low heat to lock in curl definition.
Conclusion: Achieve Your Best Defined Curls
We hope you’re now a curl expert and know how to finger curl hair like a pro to get those stunning twists. Test out our top methods above to master how to define curls and achieve dreamy, defined twists.
