Curly Hair Styling Techniques You Need To Know In 2024

Curly hair is much more complicated to style and care for than any other type. A study shows that 21.3% of the respondents didn’t know how to care for their hair and straightened it for several years.

However, it’s not difficult to care. Rather, you only need to know and practice a few techniques. So, let’s learn to style your curls here!

1. Comb when wet and from the bottom

Curly locks are difficult to detangle, but you can smoothen this process with this single step. If you comb the hair dry or begin combing from the top, it’ll cause lots of breakage and damage. Instead, once you wash your hair, gently squeeze out the excess water and part your hair in several sections.

Start combing your wet hair with a wide-toothed comb. It’ll help you retain your curl patterns even after drying and prevent your hair from becoming frizzy! Gently work on your hair from the bottom of each section and detangle while working toward the top. Once you’re done, let your hair dry!

2. Invest in the right products

Don’t treat your curly hair with products meant for wavy or straight hair. Your hair is special and needs the best products for curly hair.

It also depends on the condition of your hair. If your curls are dry, choose sulfate-free shampoos. This ensures your locks won’t lose nutrients. To add moisture further, invest in a moisturizing conditioner.If your hair is curly, coconut oil is a must-have. You must also use a leave-in conditioner for the best hydration and a curl cream or mousse to make your curls well-defined and shiny!

3. Follow a balanced deep conditioning routine

Grab a curly, hair-friendly, deep-conditioning hair mask. Use it once every week to restore the lost shine and luster of your gorgeous curls and keep your hair moisturized. Don’t use this product more than once a week unless your hair loses its shine and moisture faster.

Especially if post-shampoo conditioning doesn’t help much, change this routine. Instead, apply the conditioner generously to your dry hair before washing. Ensure you apply the product to every strand and then put on your shower cap for 20 minutes.

After that, shampoo your scalp and not the length of your hair. Once you wash off, follow your usual post-shampoo conditioning routine.

4. Dry your hair with the right fabric

Do you use terrycloth towels to dry your hair? If yes, you need to switch to better alternatives. This fabric creates excess frizz and leads to breakage. Instead, use one of your old t-shirts or go all fancy with microfiber towels. These fabrics are much softer and treat your curls gently. Use these fabrics to pat dry your hair. Don’t ring your hair harshly. Lastly, let your hair air-dry.

Alternatively, you can also try the “plopping” method. In this, you place your hair in a mound on the top of your head. Then, you wrap the mound with a t-shirt or microfiber towel.

5. Follow a nighttime protective routine

While you toss and turn in your sleep, there’s a high chance of your curls going flat or frizzy. To ensure your curls stay as defined even after a good night’s sleep, follow the “pineapple” trick.

In this, you gather all the hair on the highest point of your head. Using a soft hair tie or scrunchie, you tie it up in a loose bun. If you move a lot in your sleep, this ensures that no damage is caused. It prevents bedhead and maintains the original hair volume. Using a silk hair scrunchie and silk pillowcase is best to ensure your hair stays shiny and frizz-free between wash days.

In the morning, gently undo the hair tie and shake your hair softly to let your curls down.

6. Get a regular trim

Curly hair is way more prone to damaged and split ends. These make your locks look frizzy and create tangles. Get regular trims after a specific period to ensure your hair looks fresh and healthy. Usually, it’s recommended to trim hair every 6-8 weeks. However, it’s best to talk to your stylist and know the best routine for you.

7. Use curl-refresher sprays

If your hair loses the defined curl rings too soon, invest in a commercially available curl-refresher spray.You can also go for DIY sprays. For this, mix warm water and a leave-in conditioner. Ensure you don’t add too much conditioner, or it’ll weigh down your hair. Add the solution to a quality spray bottle.

Spritz the solution throughout your hair liberally until your hair is damp. With your hand, define your curls and let your hair dry!

8. Go for the diffuser settings when in a hurry

When you want to blow-dry your hair, always use the diffuser attachment. This prevents direct heat from reaching your hair as it causes frizz. You can also use heat protectants before the process for extra protection.