For women with wavy hair, it’s common for their natural curl pattern to become lost in a sea of frizz, flatness, or damage. While it’s impossible to fundamentally alter one’s curl pattern, there are steps that can be taken to restore moisture, repair damage, and enhance definition. This post offers 15 valuable tips to help revive curls in wavy hair, whether naturally curly locks have lost their shape or wavy tresses desire a curlier appearance.
How to Make Wavy Hair Curly
Pin Your Curls
A popular method for enhancing natural texture is to twist damp hair when it’s most receptive to manipulation. Secure the twists with a bobby pin and allow them to dry naturally. For optimal results, consider applying a curl enhancer beforehand to amplify the effects. This heat-free approach makes it an ideal alternative to traditional styling methods, which can damage the hair over time.
The twisting technique is particularly useful for creating tighter curls, such as ringlets, when paired with a foam or silicone curler. Amazon offers a range of sizes and materials to suit individual preferences.
Curl Activator Spray to Make Wavy Hair Curly
To enhance the definition of your curls, consider spritzing a curl activator onto your hair before it dries, especially if you’ve used the pin curls method. This can result in tighter, more spiral-like waves for those with naturally wavy hair. Once your locks are dry and you’ve removed the pins, you’ll be left with lush, bouncy curls that cascade down your shoulders.
The Noughty Haircare Hello Curls product is a great choice to use on your hair while it’s drying.
Alternatively, you can apply it directly to your hair without twisting and pinning it first. This unique blend of shea butter and avocado oil helps reduce frizz and adds a radiant shine to your tresses.
Use a Sea Salt Spray to Make Wavy Hair Curly
When it comes to adding texture and enhancing natural curls, sea salt sprays are a popular choice among hairstyling enthusiasts. Unlike chemical-based products, these sprays work by exploiting the inherent properties of salt. When applied to hair, salt helps transform waves into curls and even amplifies the curl pattern in naturally curly locks. This makes them an excellent option for those seeking beachy waves or wanting to add volume to their wavy mane.
OGX’s take on this formula is particularly noteworthy, as it combines the texturizing effects of salt with the nourishing properties of Argan oil. By misting hair with this blend, you can achieve bouncy, fresh-looking curls that last throughout the day. For optimal results, apply to damp hair after washing, but feel free to spritz on dry locks whenever you need a quick curl refresh.
Use a Diffuser Attachment on Your Blow Dryer
When drying your hair, using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer can be a game-changer. Not only does it help create volume, reduce frizz and define curls, but it also preserves the integrity of your locks by dispersing heat evenly across the surface. To get the most out of this technique, it’s essential to keep the heat setting low and maintain a safe distance from your scalp.
For those with long, wavy hair, adding an extra step to the process can make all the difference.
Try scrunching your hair or applying a curl enhancer before diffusing to enhance your natural texture and achieve a tighter curl pattern.
Scrunch Your Hair to Make Wavy Hair Curly
To define curls and add texture, try the scrunching technique. Hold your hair in place with both hands, applying gentle pressure towards your roots. This method can be employed after applying styling products like gel or mousse, or while blow drying with a diffuser attachment. By scrunching, you’re helping to shape your hair and stimulate curl formation, making it an ideal way to enhance wavy locks without relying on heat-based styling tools.
To take it up a notch, you can apply more pressure to coax out tighter curls.
Use the Curly Girl Method
For those looking to coax their wavy locks into tighter curls, a shift in hair care routine may be just what the stylist ordered. The Curly Girl Method, pioneered by Lorraine Massey and outlined in her book ‘Curly Girl: The Handbook’, is built around a simple yet effective principle: nourish your hair with moisturizing products like gels and conditioners, and avoid drying alcohols or harsh sulfates that can strip your locks of their natural oils.
What’s more, the CG method eschews silicones and heat styling tools in favor of a more gentle, low-maintenance approach. The result? Women who stick to this regimen long-term often find that their natural curl pattern tightens and becomes more defined as their hair grows healthier and stronger. If you’re tired of wavy locks that don’t quite have the curly flair you crave, the Curly Girl Method may be worth a try.
Keep the Hair Moisturised
When it comes to maintaining wavy or curly locks, moisture is key. These hair types tend to be drier than others, making it crucial to keep your strands well-hydrated. As you incorporate more moisturizing products into your routine, you may notice a significant improvement in curl definition and overall texture. For optimal results, consider combining leave-in conditioners or masks with light oil applications, such as grapeseed oil, every week or so.
The added moisture will work to enhance the natural texture of your hair over time, leaving it looking healthier and more vibrant. The L’Oréal Hydra Hyaluronic Acid range is an excellent choice for keeping curly hair hydrated. I’ve reviewed this range in a previous video, providing an in-depth look at its benefits and effectiveness.
Plop Your Hair
Hair plopping, a technique that involves wrapping wet locks with a cotton T-shirt or microfibre towel post-shower, offers a double benefit: reduced drying time and preserved moisture levels. Unlike regular towels, this method doesn’t strip your hair of its natural oils, allowing for enhanced curl definition and minimized frizz. For wavy-haired individuals, applying a curly enhancer prior to plopping can result in voluminous, bouncy curls.
While using an old t-shirt might be a thrifty option, microfibre towels offer a similar outcome with the added convenience of being machine washable. Elasticated towels also exist as an alternative, featuring an adjustable edge for effortless hair containment. I personally opt for a microfibre towel with an elasticated edge, which has become a staple in my hair care routine.
Use a Wide Tooth Comb Instead of a Brush
When it comes to defining and enhancing natural waves, a wide tooth comb is an essential tool. By gently separating individual curls without disrupting the curl pattern, this type of comb helps to create curlier waves that are more defined and less prone to frizz. In contrast, using a regular brush can have the opposite effect, leading to disrupted curl patterns and increased frizz.
A wide-tooth comb’s unique design also allows it to distribute natural oils from the scalp down the hair shaft, keeping the hair well-lubricated and shiny.
Use Lightweight Products
When it comes to styling wavy hair, the type of product you use can have a significant impact on the overall appearance. Heavy products, such as those containing silicones and heavy oils, can weigh down individual strands and cause curls to elongate, ultimately leading to a loss of natural texture and definition. On the other hand, lighter formulas that are free from these heavier ingredients can work to enhance your natural curl pattern, giving the illusion of curlier hair.
To achieve this, look for styling products like mousses or gels that prioritize lightweight textures and gentle hold.
Mousse, Cream or Gel with Hold
When it comes to enhancing wavy hair’s natural texture, utilizing styling products that activate and hold curls can be a game-changer. Specifically, curl creams play a crucial role in defining and setting your curls while preserving their overall shape. Additionally, gels or mousses can be applied to damp, towel-dried locks to provide definition without weighing the hair down.
One product I’ve found particularly effective is the Cantu Shea Butter Curl Activator Cream, which boasts a pleasant aroma, excellent hold, and impressive curl definition. Its benefits make it a staple in my hair care routine.
Use a Clarifying Shampoo Regularly
For individuals with naturally curly hair that has lost its luster, using a clarifying shampoo can be a game-changer. The buildup of residue on the hair can be attributed to living in an area with hard water or frequently applying styling products containing silicones and heavy oils. This accumulation can cause your curls to appear flat and lackluster, weighing them down and diminishing their definition.
By incorporating a clarifying shampoo into your routine every one to two weeks, you may find that it helps to gently lighten your locks and enhance your natural curl pattern.
Use Ayurvedic Hair Care to Make Wavy Hair Curly
Following an Ayurvedic approach to hair care can revolutionize your tresses. This holistic method views hair as a reflection of overall health, allowing you to identify and address the root causes of dryness, damage, and frizz. By incorporating Indian herbs into your routine, you can revive dry locks, restoring shine and softness while redefining lost curls. Ayurvedic hair oils are particularly effective in replenishing moisture and coaxing curls back to their natural glory.
Use a Hair Curler
For optimal results, I suggest refraining from using heat styling tools whenever possible. However, if you want to achieve curls without compromising on style, there are excellent curling tongs available on Amazon that can help you achieve the desired look. To ensure your hair remains healthy and resilient, always apply a heat protectant before using hot tools like flat irons or curling irons.
Prolonged use of these tools can cause damage to your hair strands, leading to frizz and a loss of natural texture over time.
Curling tongs with varying barrel sizes allow you to create tight curls, coily textures, or effortless beach waves. To achieve the perfect curl, divide your hair into smaller sections and wrap each segment around the barrel. Hold for a few seconds before gently unraveling the curl.
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For those who appreciated the insights shared in this article, you might also find value in exploring related content from reputable sources in the beauty industry. The collective wisdom of these trusted bloggers can provide a wealth of information on various topics, including skincare routines, makeup tutorials, and product reviews.
NATURALLY CURLY
When it comes to caring for wavy hair, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. To get the best results, you need to understand your unique locks and tailor your routine accordingly. As an expert in all things curly, I’m here to share my top tips for keeping your waves looking their absolute best.
BYRDIE
Whether you’re looking to accentuate your natural texture or try a new style, finding the perfect haircut for wavy hair can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are many great options out there that cater specifically to this hair type. In fact, I recently put three different wavy hair tutorials to the test, and the results were impressive. Not only do these styles showcase the versatility of wavy locks, but they also demonstrate the importance of proper air-drying techniques.
Speaking of which, getting air-drying right is a crucial step in maintaining healthy, soft hair. That’s why I’ve put together an official guide on how to get it just right. And for those looking to take their hair care routine to the next level, Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths Shampoo is a great option to consider – it leaves hair feeling soft and bouncy.
REALLY REE
For a effortless beachy hair look, consider incorporating products like Tresemme’s Perfectly Undone or VO5’s Give Me Texture Dry Texturizing Spray into your styling routine. Alternatively, you could try using Elnett Styling Sprays from L’Oreal Paris to add volume and texture to your locks with minimal effort required. These products can help you achieve a relaxed, undone hairstyle that’s perfect for casual days or special occasions alike.
This Post was All About How to Make Wavy Hair Curly
As we wrap up our exploration of transforming wavy locks into luscious curls, I’d love to hear from you! If you’ve implemented any of the tips outlined in my previous post, please take a moment to share your experience in the comments section below. For those with loose waves, the possibilities are endless when it comes to converting your natural texture into captivating curls – simply tweak your hair care regimen to achieve the look that suits you best.
