How to Get Curly Hair

Suffering from a bad case of curl envy? If you’re a straight-haired gal, you might think bouncy curls are unattainable for your hair type. And if you already sport naturally curly or wavy hair, fighting frizz and achieving that perfect curly texture is probably a daily struggle. 

The key is learning how to work with your hair’s natural texture, using the right products and styling tools to achieve gorgeous, natural-looking curls. As curly hair experts, the stylists at RUSH are here to guide you through the process of transforming your hair, no matter your starting point. Whether you have pin-straight strands, waves that need some extra oomph, or curls that tend toward frizzy rebellion, we’ve got the tips and tricks to help you achieve the curly looks you’ve been longing. 

How to Make Straight Hair Curly

If you have naturally straight hair, achieving curls may seem like an uphill battle. But with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of patience, you can transform your hair into bouncy, beautiful curls. Here’s how to make straight hair curly using both heat styling and heatless methods.

Heat Styling Methods:

1. Start with clean, conditioned hair. Wash your hair with a moistursing shampoo and conditioner to prime and protect your locks before heat styling.
2.  Apply a leave-in conditioner and heat protectant. Distribute a leave-in conditioner throughout your hair to strengthen and shield it from heat damage. Follow up with a heat protectant spray for an extra layer of defence.
3. Rough dry or air dry your hair. Gently scrunch excess water from your hair with a microfiber towel, then let it air dry about 80% of the way. Alternatively, rough dry your hair on a low heat setting, tousling it with your fingers to encourage volume and texture.
4. Use a curling iron or hot rollers. Divide your hair into small sections, then wrap each section around a curling iron or hot roller, holding for 10-15 seconds before releasing. For looser curls, use a larger barrel size; for tighter ringlets, opt for a smaller barrel. Let your curls cool completely before gently finger-combing or brushing through.
5. Set your curls with hairspray. Mist your finished curls with a light-hold hairspray to help them stay bouncy and defined all day long.

Heatless Curling Methods:

1. Braid or twist damp hair. After washing and conditioning, work a curl-defining cream or mousse through your damp hair. Then, divide your hair into several sections and create braids or two-strand twists. Allow your hair to air dry completely before unravelling the braids or twists to reveal soft, heat-free waves.
2. Use flexi rods or foam rollers. Apply a styling product to damp hair, then wrap small sections around flexi rods or foam rollers. Let your hair dry fully (overnight, if possible) before removing the rods or rollers and finger-combing your curls.
3. Try the robe belt method. Dampen your hair, then wrap sections around a robe belt or long fabric strip, tying the ends together to secure. Sleep on your robe belt curls overnight, then unwind and shake out your curls in the morning.
4. Create pin curls. For vintage-inspired waves, part damp hair into small square sections, then twist and coil each section into a tight pin curl, securing with a bobby pin. Let your pin curls dry completely, then remove the pins and brush out your curls for a glamorous, retro look.

How to Make Wavy Hair More Curly

If you’re blessed with naturally wavy hair, you’re already halfway to achieving the perfect curls. With a few simple tweaks to your styling routine and the right products, you can enhance your waves and create more defined, bouncy curls. Here’s how to make your wavy hair curlier.

1. Cleanse and condition with frizz-fighting products. Wavy and curly hair textures are naturally prone to dryness and frizz. Combat these issues by washing and conditioning once or twice a week with an anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner. Look for products that contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil to help moisturize and smooth your strands.
2. Define your curls with a curl-enhancing styling foam. While your hair is still damp, dispense a dollop of curl-defining foam into your palms and finger-comb it through your hair, focusing on the midshafts and ends. This will help enhance your natural curl pattern, control frizz, and provide light hold without crunchiness.
3. Air dry or diffuse to minimise heat damage. Heat styling can be particularly damaging to wavy and curly hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and frizz. Whenever possible, allow your hair to air dry after applying your styling products. Cup your hands around your waves and scrunch upwards to encourage curls to form as your hair dries. If you’re short on time, use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer set to the lowest heat and speed settings.
4. Tame frizzy flyaways with a nourishing hair oil.Once your hair is dry, smooth any remaining frizz or flyaways with a few drops of a lightweight, frizz-fighting hair oil. Look for oils that are specifically formulated for curly and wavy hair, as they won’t weigh your strands down or disrupt your curl pattern. Gently scrunch the oil into your ends and mid-strand for added definition and shine.
5. Revive flat or misshapen curls with pin curling. If you notice any sections of hair that look a bit lifeless or frizzy, try a quick no-heat fix. Simply twist and coil the offending sections into small buns, then secure them against your scalp with bobby pins. Wait about 10 minutes (or longer, if you have time), then remove the bobby pins to reveal soft, frizz-free ringlets.
6. Lock in your style with a frizz-fighting hairspray. To help your curls withstand humidity and maintain their shape all day long, mist your finished style with a flexible-hold hairspray designed for frizzy hair. Hold the can about 10 inches away from your head and spray in a light, even layer to avoid weighing your curls down.
7. Keep your hair healthy with regular trims. Split ends and damage can cause your wavy hair to lose its shape and elasticity over time, making it harder to achieve defined curls. Be sure to schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks to keep your ends healthy and your curls bouncy.

How to Style Curly Hair

If you’re blessed with naturally curly locks, embracing your texture is the key to achieving gorgeous, bouncy curls. With the right products and techniques, you can enhance your curl definition, combat frizz, and rock your natural hair with confidence. Here’s how to style curly hair for optimal results.

1. Cleanse and condition with curl-friendly products. Curly hair tends to be drier and more delicate than other hair types, so it’s crucial to use shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for your texture. Look for sulphate-free, moisturising formulas that gently cleanse without stripping your hair of its natural oils. When conditioning, focus on the mid-strands and ends of your hair, using your fingers to detangle and define your curls.
2. Protect your curls from humidity with a frizz-fighting serum. Humidity can cause curly hair to frizz and lose definition. To combat this, apply a pea-sized amount of hair serum to your soaking wet curls, distributing it evenly from root to tip. This will help seal in moisture, repel humidity, and keep your curls soft and defined throughout the day.
3. Style with curl-defining products and air dry. Heat styling can be particularly damaging to curly hair, so it’s best to embrace your natural texture and air dry whenever possible. After applying your frizz-fighting serum, work a curl-defining gel, cream, or mousse through your damp curls, scrunching upwards to encourage clumping and definition. Be sure to coat each curl liberally to help hydrate and protect your strands, promoting smoother, shinier results.
4. Enhance your curl pattern with styling sprays and creams. If your curls need a boost, try using a curl-enhancing styling spray or cream to help restore elasticity, fight frizz, and keep your curls defined all day. Look for products that contain nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera to help moisturise and strengthen your strands.
5. Tame frizzy flyaways with nourishing hair oils. To achieve smooth, touchably soft curls, apply a few drops of a lightweight hair oil to your ends and mid-strands. This will help seal in moisture, tame frizz, and add shine without weighing your curls down. Be sure to use oils that are specifically formulated for curly hair, as heavier oils can cause buildup and greasiness.
6. Experiment with curl-enhancing techniques. Depending on your specific curl type and texture, you may benefit from techniques like twist-outs, bantu knots, or finger coiling. These methods can help create unique curl patterns, enhance definition, and minimise frizz. To try a twist-out, divide your damp hair into sections, apply your styling products, then twist each section tightly before allowing your hair to air dry. Once your twists are completely dry, gently unravel them to reveal soft, defined curls.
7. Protect your curls while you sleep. To prevent your curls from becoming flattened or frizzy overnight, try sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a satin scarf or bonnet. This will help minimise friction and preserve your curl pattern, ensuring that you wake up with bouncy, defined curls every morning.

Maintaining and Enhancing Curly Hair

Keeping your curls looking their best requires a combination of proper hair care, regular maintenance, and the right styling techniques. To maintain healthy, bouncy curls, be sure to moisturise your hair regularly with deep conditioning treatments and nourishing hair oils. Protect your curls from heat damage by air drying whenever possible and use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer when you do need to use heat. 

When it comes to enhancing your natural curl pattern, experiment with curl-defining products like gels, creams, and mousses, and try techniques like finger coiling, pin curling, or using flexi rods to create unique curl shapes. Finally, don’t forget to protect your curls while you sleep by using a satin pillowcase or bonnet, and refresh your second-day curls with a quick spritz of water or curl-reviving spray. With a little TLC and the right techniques, you can keep your curly hair looking gorgeous, healthy, and full of life.

Essential Curly Hair Care Habits

Caring for curly hair requires a bit more attention and effort than other hair types, but by establishing a few key habits, you can keep your curls looking healthy, bouncy, and defined. Here are some essential curly hair care practices to incorporate into your hair care routine:

1. Wash your hair less frequently. Curly hair tends to be drier than straight or wavy textures, so it doesn’t need to be washed as often. Aim to shampoo your curls no more than once or twice a week to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils. When you do wash, use a sulphate-free, moisturising shampoo and focus on cleansing your scalp rather than your ends.
2. Prioritise moisture retention. Keeping your curls hydrated is crucial for maintaining their health and definition. After washing, always follow up with a rich, nourishing conditioner, and consider using a leave-in conditioner or curl cream for added moisture. Deep conditioning treatments once a week can also help keep your curls soft, supple, and manageable.
3. Protect your curls from heat damage. Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling wands can be particularly damaging to delicate curly hair. Whenever possible, allow your curls to air dry rather than using a blow dryer. If you do need to use heat, be sure to apply a heat protectant product first and use the lowest temperature setting that still gets the job done.
4. Use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to dry your hair. Traditional terry cloth towels can be too rough on curly hair, causing frizz and breakage. Instead, gently squeeze excess water from your curls with a microfiber towel or soft t-shirt, which will be much gentler on your delicate strands.
5. Sleep on a satin pillowcase or use a satin bonnet. Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your hair and cause friction that leads to frizz and tangles. To protect your curls while you sleep, switch to a satin or silk pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a satin bonnet or scarf before bed.
6. Protect your curls from environmental damage. UV rays, wind, and humidity can all take a toll on curly hair, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage. To protect your curls from the elements, try wearing a hat or scarf when you’ll be spending time outdoors, and use an anti-humidity serum or spray to keep frizz at bay.

Picking the Right Products

Choosing the right hair care and styling products is essential for maintaining healthy, defined curls. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here’s a guide to help you select the best products for your curly hair.

Shampoos and Conditioners:

• Look for sulphate-free, moisturising formulas that gently cleanse without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
• Avoid shampoos with harsh, drying ingredients like alcohol, which can leave your curls feeling brittle and frizzy.
• Opt for conditioners that contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera to help hydrate and strengthen your curls.

Leave-In Treatments:

• Choose leave-in conditioners, creams, and serums that are specifically formulated for curly hair.
• Look for products that contain ingredients like glycerine, honey, and silicones, which can help attract and seal in moisture.
• Apply your leave-in treatment to damp hair, focusing on the mid-strands and ends where your curls tend to be the driest.

Styling Products:

• Select styling gels, creams, and mousses that provide hold without leaving your curls feeling crunchy or weighed down.
• Look for products that contain curl-enhancing ingredients like aloe vera, flaxseed, and sea kelp extract.
• Avoid styling products that contain drying ingredients like alcohol, which can cause your curls to become frizzy and lose definition.
• Apply your styler to wet or damp hair, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute the product evenly and define your curl pattern.
• Scrunch your curls upwards towards your scalp to encourage clumping and enhance your natural texture.

Book Your Hair Appointment Now

Ready to embrace your naturally curly hair or transform your straight locks into bouncy curls? Whether you’re looking for a full curly hair makeover or just need some guidance on maintaining and styling your natural texture, our experienced team will work with you to create a customised care plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. 

Don’t settle for lacklustre curls or fight against your natural texture – find your nearest salon and  book your appointment at RUSH today! Let us help you unlock the full potential of your gorgeous curls!