With fine, curly or wavy hair, getting the right styling products and tools is crucial to achieving a fabulous look. To gain insight into the best practices for managing these textures, I sought guidance from my trusted hairdresser, who has been perfecting her craft over 14 years. As someone with both thin and curly locks, I’ve struggled with creating volume and defining curls without sacrificing smoothness or adding bulk.
When not properly coiffed, my hair can quickly become frizzy and flat, making it essential to use the right products and techniques. In this post, I’ll be sharing the valuable tips and tricks my hairdresser has imparted over the years, including how to tame unruly curls and add bounce to thinning strands, ensuring a polished finish that’s both defined and bouncy.
How to Style Thin Curly Hair
I’ve shared a vlog on my channel that takes you along with me as I head to North London’s Golders Green neighborhood to visit Sally and treat myself to an eyebrow shaping session. Afterward, I’m off to see my hairdresser. If you’re interested in skipping straight to the curly hair styling demonstration, it begins at 04:39 in the video.
7 Top Tips for Caring for Thin Curly Hair
Use the Correct Shampoo to Wash Your Hair
When it comes to caring for curly locks, using the right shampoo and conditioner is crucial. One of the key characteristics of curly hair is that it tends to be drier than other hair types, as the natural oils from the scalp have a harder time traveling down curled strands compared to straight hair. As such, curly-haired individuals require moisturizing and hydrating products to keep their locks healthy and thriving.
For those with fine curls or thin hair, it’s also important to look for products that provide additional volume to help add body and texture. In my experience, the Kerastase Curl Manifesto range has delivered impressive results, effectively moisturizing the hair strands while smoothing out curls and adding volume where needed.
Ensure the Hair is Damp not Wet When you Apply Conditioner
To get the most out of your conditioner, it’s crucial to apply it to damp hair rather than wet hair. Wet hair won’t allow the conditioner to absorb properly and deliver its moisturizing benefits. To prepare your hair for conditioning, gently squeeze out excess water with a towel, taking care not to rub your hair too vigorously, as this can lift the cuticles and lead to frizz. For longer locks, focus on nourishing the driest ends of your hair by massaging the conditioner into them.
Start by placing the product in the palm of your hand and then work it smoothly down the length of your hair.
Comb the Conditioner Down the Hair
As you work the conditioner into your locks, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent downward motion with either your fingertips or a wide-tooth comb, as depicted in the accompanying image. This deliberate approach enables you to gently smooth the cuticles of each strand, ultimately resulting in a more luscious, radiant mane.
Apply Styling Cream Whilst Hair is Still Wet
To style your curly locks effectively, it’s crucial to apply styling products to wet hair rather than damp or dry hair. This ensures that the products can properly retain moisture and enhance curl patterns. In fact, my hairdresser swears by two specific products: Kérastase Curl Manifesto Crème De Jour Fondamentale and Organic Colour Systems Control Glaze. These products not only define curls but also seal the cuticle and prevent frizz from forming.
If you have medium-length hair like mine, take a look at the accompanying photograph for guidance on how much of the Kérastase Curl Manifesto Crème to apply. As you can see, a small amount goes a long way, making one tube last a considerable time. It’s also important to target the ends of your hair rather than applying the product near the roots. By doing so, you’ll be able to coax out defined curls and keep your locks looking healthy and luscious.
Scrunch the Control Glaze into the Hair
To proceed with the styling process, apply the Control Glaze by scrunching it into your hair, rather than raking it through like you would with the curl cream. This technique helps to coax out natural curls. For a visual reference, refer to the accompanying photograph that illustrates how to effectively scrunch the product into your locks.
Make sure to work the Control Glaze not only through the ends of your hair but also the top sections.
This will enable you to accentuate your natural curl pattern and define the texture of your hair, ultimately resulting in a more polished look.
Diffuse Upside Down for Extra Volume
When it comes to drying your hair after washing, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. If possible, let your hair dry naturally, as this is often the best way to preserve your natural texture and minimize frizz. However, if you do need to use a blow dryer, make sure to invest in a diffuser attachment. This will help to curl clumps of hair together, reducing frizz and creating voluminous curls – especially when used with the blow dryer positioned upside down.
To utilize a diffuser effectively, section off your hair and place each section into the device with the diffuser facing upwards. Then, slowly move the diffuser closer to the scalp, as demonstrated in the accompanying image. If you’re looking to add extra volume to your curls, consider using the blow dryer while positioned upside down. When it comes to choosing a blow dryer, there are many great options available on the market.
My personal experience with the Parlux 385 Power Light Hairdryer has been positive – it helped my natural curls form beautifully. While heat styling can be beneficial, it’s important to use low heat and avoid over-drying your hair to prevent damage. Whenever possible, air drying or using a low heat setting is recommended.
Spray the Hair on Day Two to Refresh Your Curls
As I stepped away from my diffuser hairdryer, I was greeted by a mane of curls that looked remarkably vibrant. To ensure they stayed that way, my hairdresser introduced me to a game-changing spray: Kérastase Curl Manifesto Refresh Absolu Second Day Curl Refreshing Spray. This gentle, lightweight mist works wonders to revitalize curl definition and inject a much-needed dose of moisture between washes.
The secret lies in spritzing it onto the locks the day after shampooing, where it effortlessly maintains that bouncy, fresh-from-the-salon feel.
Styling Thin Curly Hair: Before and After
Upon comparing the before and after photographs, it’s strikingly evident that my curly locks have transformed with increased volume and texture following the use of specialized products and a diffuser. This notable improvement serves as a testament to the effectiveness of these tools in enhancing the overall appearance of thin curly hair.
For those struggling with thin curls, I highly recommend incorporating regular deep conditioner treatments into your routine to maintain optimal moisture levels. Additionally, when using a diffuser, experiment with holding it upside down to create a more voluminous look and avoid weighing your locks down by applying lightweight products only.
Best Haircuts for Thin Curly Hair
In my previous video, I showcased a medium-length haircut. Following extensive research on various thin curly hairstyles, I’m convinced that the shoulder-length cut is my best match. If you’re struggling to decide on the ideal cut for your own curls, I’ve curated some helpful resources below, featuring photographs of different hair lengths from short to long layers. These visuals aim to inspire and guide you in selecting the perfect hairstyle for your fine curly locks.
POST FROM OTHER BEAUTY BLOGS
For those who’ve benefited from this article, I recommend exploring more insights from the reputable beauty bloggers I regularly read. Their valuable content often resonates with my own readers, offering a fresh perspective on the world of beauty.
BYRDIE
Styling naturally curly hair requires a unique approach. There are several secrets to unlocking your hair’s full potential, from using the right products to embracing certain techniques. For instance, there are seven ingredients you should avoid if you have curly hair, as they can exacerbate frizz and dryness. On the other hand, certain essential oils can work wonders in defining curls and adding shine.
It’s also important to be mindful of your daily routine, making sure to do certain things that promote healthy, bouncy locks. By incorporating these secrets into your daily hair care regimen, you’ll be on your way to achieving the luscious, curly mane you’ve always wanted.
NATURALLY CURLY
To add texture and visual interest to your wavy locks, you can try one or a combination of these six methods. First, use a diffuser while blow-drying to help enhance natural curls. Next, apply styling products like curl-defining creams or light hold mousses to enhance definition. You can also try using a curl-enhancing spray before drying for added texture and bounce. Another option is to rough-dry your hair with a microfiber towel or t-shirt, then let it air dry to allow natural curls to form.
If you want to add some extra oomph, use a curling iron or wand on damp hair to create defined curls. Finally, scrunch your hair while it’s still damp to help lock in moisture and enhance natural texture.
CURLY NIKKI
Among the myriad of hair care options available, selecting the right box dye for natural hair can be a daunting task. The good news is that there are many excellent choices on the market that cater specifically to the unique needs of natural hair. When it comes to maintaining and nourishing our locks, we often find ourselves wondering if we can get away with using a rinse-out conditioner as a leave-in treatment.
In this post, we’ll be exploring the best box dyes for natural hair, as well as delving into the world of hair grease and its various uses. Additionally, we’ll be answering some frequently asked questions about using henna on natural hair.
MANE ADDICTS
For those with curly locks, understanding the fundamental principles that govern their hair is crucial for achieving healthy, vibrant tresses. The concept of the 3 C’s of curly hair is a vital one, encompassing the importance of curl definition, moisture control, and styling savvy. Without these essential elements in place, curls can quickly become frizzy, dry, or worse – limp and lifeless.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your natural texture or simply maintain its integrity, mastering the 3 C’s is a must. Furthermore, before embarking on a highlighting adventure, it’s vital to consider your curl pattern and the best approaches for achieving the desired results. Brushing techniques can also make all the difference between smooth, silky strands and flyaways galore.
And let’s not forget the role that hair oils play in nourishing and protecting curly locks – with nine expert-recommended options at your disposal.
GET THE GLOSS
For many women, curly hair can be a source of pride and self-expression. However, it can also be challenging to style and maintain. That’s why I want to share with you my top tips for working with your natural texture. First, let’s start with the fundamental technique of ‘plopping’. This simple yet effective method involves gathering your hair into a ponytail-like structure and securing it with a clip or elastic band.
Not only does plopping help define curls, but it also reduces frizz and adds volume to the hair. It’s a game-changer for those looking to add some extra oomph to their everyday look.
