12 Ways To Get Maximum Curl Definition

Have you been experimenting with products and regimens in an effort to achieving the best curls? Sure you have. We all have done that at some point. We bet you have searched many videos and websites on how to get the best curl definition, with Wash and Go’s, twist outs, etc. Well, honey*, look no further; I think I have everything you need in a short twelve step list.

Ok, twelve isn’t very short, but it helps to be detailed. Before I get to the list though, I must point out that your curl definition is not the same as anyone else’s, so don’t go into this expecting to achieve results that you see in a picture or a video.  You will be enhancing your own curls, and no one elses. Now that we have got that business out of the way, lets go:

1. Keep your hair well-moisturized

One of the best ways to train your curls to stay curly longer is by keeping them moisturized. To do this, you must condition regularly, and deep condition as well. Curls that are dry will not have the same definition as quenched and moisturized curls.

2. Shampoo or co-wash in the shower

Cleansing your hair in the shower is a great idea, and this type of cleansing is highly recommended. When you wash your hair in the shower, the water keeps your curls elongated downward reducing tangles. Flipping your hair over causes tangles, and the less you manipulate your hair, the less it frizzes.

3. Divide your hair into sections

To wash or apply products, make sure you section your hair off, which makes this easier, and avoids tangles. It also ensures that products get applied completely, and covers every inch of your hair.

Use clips to keep your hair out of the way, and apply your products from root to tip. Be sure that each section is saturated with product, which helps with curl definition and moisture maintenance.

4. Apply your products while your hair is wet

Before styling your hair, it should be wet! Do not towel dry your hair. Instead, squeeze out the excess water from your hair. After leaving the shower, begin applying your products, and if your hair dries before you finish applying, spray it with water.

Putting your products on while your hair is wet helps lock in the style and moisture. Using your hands or a denman brush*, work the product through, and watch your curls and coils clump together on their own. When you are applying your products, take your time, and smooth the hair shaft in downward motion to distribute the products evenly.

5. NO Scrunching!

Sorry, but scrunching your hair is not for curly hair. Its actually for wavy hair. Wavy-haired women do this to achieve a more curly look. Scrunching curly hair will cause it to frizz up.

6. No touching your hair after products are applied

Leave your style alone! No combing, no touching, nothing; just let that bad boy dry.

7. Use high quality products

Now that does not always mean the price is high on these products. Some cheap products are rich, and some high priced products are no good. That is up to you to experiment with. Using cheaply made products will only leave your curls parched and dry hours later.

8. Allow your hair to air dry

If you can, you should allow it to dry without heat. The less heat you feed into your hair, the more moisture it will hold. No blow drying it or diffusing it. This can help maintain healthy frizz free curls.

9. Try to avoid oils*

Oil-based products are not the answer to well-defined curls. Products which are not oil-based will give you some really good results, and won’t weigh your hair down.

10. Cut your hair, MAYBE?

If you notice your curls are no longer forming, then it may be time for a trim or cut. Healthy hair is growing hair. Revive those curls with a great cut. Don’t be scared. The older the ends of your hair get, the less defined the curls may become, so get your scissors if they start to look limp.

11. Roller sets?

Okay, this is a more tedious process, of course. Do a set of rollers, curlformers*, flexi rods*, perm rods* – you get it. These come in all different sizes, and you can just about get any shape and definition you want. After allowing the set to air dry, remove the rollers carefully. Separate the curls, however the curls naturally decide to separate.  Use the pineapple method to reserve the curls. PS: this is great for those who are transitioning into natural hair.

12. Try the shingle method

This is simply applying product, curl by curl. Remember to work in sections. The shingle method is literally taking it strand by strand and saturating it with product. You can even twirl the strand around your finger a few times, and after the curls are defined, leave it alone, and do not touch. This is a very popular way to ensure that each curl is heavily defined with attention on each strand (curl). This method is, of course, done on wet hair, and is more effective if done with a really great quality gel.

What about you? Do you have any particular ways you define your curls? Let’s hear it!