Healthy, defined curls all start with the right routine. However, it’s also important to understand your curl type to decide how to bring out natural curls.
Different types of curls need different care. So, it can be easy to miss the mark on which products really help your curls versus those that provide lackluster results.
It can also be easy to overdo your routine and cause your results to go the other way. You can end up with curls that are not very healthy or have lost their volume.
Summary
- Understand your curl type for proper care and product selection.
- Common reasons for loose curls: no lightening, too much moisture, too many products, insufficient hold.
- Tips for bringing out natural curls: add co-washing, pineapple at night, improve moisture, style when wet, section hair, use gel products, invest in quality products, choose to air dry, use a Denman brush and try rollers.
Why are my natural curls falling flat?
It can be very frustrating to spend time styling all your curls only to end up limp and lifeless hours later.
Unfortunately, this is very common with curly hair, but there are very simple ways to help prevent limp curls and learn how to bring out natural curls.
Here are some major reasons why your natural curls are falling flat.
You don’t make it clear
Lightening your hair is essential when it comes to treating curly hair. Lightening is the process of removing buildup from the scalp.
The buildup is usually caused by natural oils and hair products, which can lead to limp curls. This happens quickly as the buildup weighs the hair down.
Too much moisture
It might sound weird, but you can actually over-wet your curls. We always hear how essential moisture is pressed with curls, but this can, unfortunately, become a problem.
While it’s essential to keep curls moisturized, ultimately, your hair will retain moisture. Unfortunately, once this happens, it will become over-moisturized.
Instead of constantly adding products, you should apply protein. Protein balances the moisture in your hair, reducing the chance of premature moisture loss.
You are applying too many products
Using more products than you need is the more common cause of limp curls. However, depending on your curl type, you may need to use additional products.
Thicker curls will require more product than usual. However, you don’t need nearly as much if you have thinner curls.
Too much product will cause curls to become heavy and droop throughout the day. So make sure you use the right amount of product for your curl type.
Use the amount of product you need; If your curl type is tighter, curls that dry quickly. However, if your hair isn’t thick and your curls are looser, you only need a nickel-sized amount of each product.
You need a stronger grip
If your curls keep falling out, sometimes it could be because you don’t have enough hold. Products with a light hold tend to wear off faster than those with a stronger hold.
So instead, choose products with a higher level or significant grip. If you are not a fan of crispy girls, then you can apply a creamy product before any gel.
Doing this application will help prevent gel casting and flakes.
How to get natural curls
Your routine provides the right definition and keeps your hair in a healthy tact. However, if you add the wrong products, style incorrectly or aren’t gentle with your hair, you’ll cause your curls to lack definition.
Fortunately, it can be easily fixed. Here’s how to get natural curls.
1. Add shared laundry to your routine
Unfortunately, some shampoos dry out the hair because of their harsh ingredients. Co-washing your curls is beneficial for many reasons, and one reason is that it helps define the pattern of your curls.
Co-washing is using conditioner to wash your hair instead of shampoo. Washing with conditioner can help restore moisture while locking in hydration.
Washing with conditioner is great for curly hair because it cleans the scalp without stripping the hair of its natural oils. Co-washing also helps retain moisture, eliminating dry scalp and dry curls.
2. Pineapple at night
Protecting your curls while you sleep is an essential part of keeping your curls defined. If your curls are loose while you sleep, they will quickly fall apart or tangle.
An easy way to prevent messy, ruined or even frizzy curls is by styling your hair into a pineapple at night. You achieve a pineapple by pulling all your curls over your head as if you were going to style it into a bun.
Next, take a curling iron and pull your curls through it once. Again, your curls should fall down, usually closer to the forehead.
Along with the pineapple style, it also helps if you sleep on a satin pillowcase. This will prevent even more breakage and frizz.
3. Improve the moisture in your hair
Moisture and moisture are essential when it comes to curly hair – moisturized curls hold definition much better, which helps the style last longer.
Moisture is critical when it comes to activating your curls. Of course, you need a hold product, but you also need hydration to keep your curls healthy and intact.
Unfortunately, curls have a harder time retaining moisture due to the shape of the strands. So ceramic products along with using water during styling routines create the perfect recipe for hydrated curls.
Finally, hydration also fights frizz. Frizzy curls can be really hard to work with. Keeping ringlets frizz-free is much easier when the hair’s cuticles are full of moisture.
4. Style curls while wet
Trying to style curls when they are dry is the worst thing you can do to bring out your natural curls. Even if your curls are damp, it will make your style look less defined.
Instead, be sure to style your curls while they are wet. Of course the water doesn’t have to be dripping, but your hair should be slightly soaked at the very least.
Styling should begin immediately after you wet your hair. Apply the products carefully, and if you have to use something to catch water, make sure it’s a cotton shirt.
Do not use a towel, as a towel can get stuck and cause breakage. They can also absorb too much water and leave your hair a little dry even after applying your products.
5. Cut your hair
This is unnecessary for everyone as some people can style perfectly without parting the hair. However, if your hair is curly and requires a decent amount of product, it’s best to cut.
Cutting your curls helps you distribute the product correctly. It also allows for uniform coverage of moisture and saturation.
6. Use gel products
Gel is another great method to define your natural curls. Gel-based products are perfect if you’re looking for a hold that can last for days.
You should carefully choose gel products, as some can be too flaky and crunchy. You always want to go for a gel with a light hold.
These gels usually provide the perfect balance of hold and definition without causing frizz or crunchy curls.
7. Use top quality products
You don’t have to break the bank, but you do want to ensure you’re investing in quality curling products. It can be easy to buy products that look good quality but are very damaging to the hair.
You want to make sure these products are loaded with natural moisturizing ingredients. Additionally, products that are creams and even masks are great for providing your hair with critical nutrients needed to improve your curls.
These products may be on the expensive side. However, they will last longer and won’t damage your curls like other products.
8. Select Air Dry
Although this is not always possible, depending on your time, choose to allow your hair to dry instead. This is much more beneficial as you won’t be using heat on your curls.
Air drying is also a great way to reduce frizz. However, if you must use heat, sprinkle on low heat.
9. Use a Danman brush
A Denman brush may be the easiest way to get bouncy, defined curls. This style of brush was specifically designed with curly hair in mind.
It helps activate luscious, defined curls that last for days. It’s best to use it on wet hair while you’re applying your products.
10. Use rollers
Rollers are an effortless way to get natural curls without heat and still achieve definition. They’re handy, especially if you’re not into wet styling your curls every day.
Wet design can produce beautiful results, but can, unfortunately, be time consuming. Using rollers can help save you a lot of styling time.
The best part about using rollers is that this style can last for a few days as well. Use a product with lots of hold to keep your hair moisturized while achieving maximum definition.