Styling

Styling curls is an essential part of your routine, along with proper cleansing. It is often underestimated, but it can make all the difference. Not only the right styler, but also the amount and the way you apply it will determine how your curls look. Discover our range of stylers and choose the perfect one to take your curls to the next level!

Why is curl styling important?

Styling your curls is an important part of your hair care routine. It helps to define your curls, keep them in shape longer and reduce frizz. You've probably experienced this: you get out of the shower and haven't done anything to your hair. Your hair dries out of shape and frizzy. Curls need extra support to keep their natural shape and bounce.

Benefits of good styling:

• Less frizz: Styling helps retain moisture and control frizz. It creates a weightless layer around the hair.
• More shine: Well-styled hair reflects light better and looks healthier.
• Longer-lasting style: Your curls stay in shape longer without the need for daily re-styling.
• Better definition: Your curls take on a more defined shape.
• More volume: With the right styling techniques, your hair will look lighter and fuller.
• Protection from humidity: Styling products can help protect your hair from weather conditions such as high or low humidity.
• Curls that stay put all day: Prevent your hair from sagging or losing shape during the day.

Curl styling techniques

There are countless techniques for styling your curls to perfection. Here are the most popular ones:

#1 Finger curling

Did you know that this method is also widely used by curly hair stylists? Finger coiling is when you wrap a strand of hair around your finger to add definition to your curls. This is often done after you have finished styling your hair, especially if you have used a special styling brush. You will find that some strands or groups of curls could use some extra shaping. That's when finger curling comes in handy.

This method is suitable for everyone, but we especially recommend it for less curly hair, such as type 2 hair. You don't need to finger coil your entire head, that would be too much work. For a beautiful and natural effect, you can finger coil your front and top sections. This will give you that extra definition without taking too long!

#2 Scrunching

Scrunching is a method we recommend from the very beginning of your curling routine. It involves squeezing your hair, usually upside down, for extra volume and better access to your hair.

After styling your hair:

• Add a little extra water with a mister.
• Bend your head forward, place both hands in your hair and squeeze with upward movements.
• If done correctly, you should hear a slight "squishy" sound. If you don't, add a little more water for the best effect.

Scrub the "cast" out of your hair:

• Is your hair completely dry after blow drying with a diffuser or air drying? If so, you may feel a harder layer around your curls, also known as a 'cast'.
• Take a small amount of hair oil, rub it between your hands and squeeze your hair in short, quick movements.
• Repeat until the hard feeling is gone and your curls are soft and defined.
• These scrunching techniques work with all types of curls and textures.

#3 Plopping

Did you know that plopping is a way to dry your hair faster and more beautifully? In addition to styling, drying is an important step in your routine and popping can help. This method dries your hair faster, prevents frizz and creates extra volume.

Plopping works for all curl types and textures, but is especially popular with people with finer hair or wavy hair because it helps add volume. For best results, use a microfiber towel. This is a quick and effective technique to let your curls dry naturally without weighing them down.

Discover our CG curly styling products

There are countless styling appliances for curly hair. But what exactly does each one do? We've broken them down for you below!

• Gel: A must for beautifully defined curls. Gel gives you more definition, less frizz, extra shine, and keeps your curls in shape longer.
• Mousse: A lightweight styler that is often used to add volume. But did you know that mousse also adds definition? Combine it with a gel for even more hold and long-lasting curls. This category also includes foams, which are similar to mousse but are water-based and often provide lighter hold.
• Cream: A cream has a conditioning function and provides a more natural look. Some creams also contain styling agents that activate your curls and add definition.
• Refreshing spray: The solution to quickly and easily refresh your curls. Use on dry or slightly damp hair to bring your curls back into shape without having to wash them again.
• Mist: Dries quickly on your hair and provides extra hold and volume. Ideal for holding your style in place throughout the day.
• Serum: A lightweight product that creates a protective layer around your hair. It makes your hair smoother, shinier and less frizzy.
• Wax: Similar to gel, but stays flexible and gives a matte effect instead of shine. Perfect for shorter hair or styling specific strands.

The best tools for curl styling

The right styling tools make all the difference when it comes to creating the perfect curl. Think alligator clips, water spray bottles, brushes and combs. But how exactly do these tools help you style your hair? We'll explain!

Brushes and combs - essential for washing

It is important to brush your hair thoroughly while you have conditioner or a mask in it. Not only will this help remove tangles, but it will also distribute the product more evenly. This gives your curls the best care and makes styling easier.

Alligator Clips - Stay on top of your style

Do you have thick, long or kinky hair? It can be difficult to apply product evenly. Use alligator clips to divide your hair into sections. This allows you to work step-by-step and make sure every part of your hair gets the attention it needs.

Styling brushes - for extra definition and volume

After applying your styling products, you can use a special styling brush to define your curls. This helps to create beautiful, bouncy curls and more volume. Work section by section for the best results.

Water spray bottle - keep your hair hydrated during styling

Notice your hair gets a little dry during styling? Use a water spray bottle to lightly moisten your hair. This will help your styling products like gel and cream work better.

Microfiber towel - the best choice for drying curls

A cotton towel can cause extra friction, damage and frizz. Instead, use a microfiber towel, which is gentler on your hair and helps keep your curls in shape.

These tools will make styling your curls not only easier, but more effective. See all our styling tools here!

Curly Hair Styling: Step-by-Step Guide

Want to learn how to style your curls the right way? Then this step-by-step guide is a handy resource to follow! We'll start at the beginning, because you can style your curls right after washing, but also if you want to refresh your hair without washing it.

#1 Wash & condition

Massage the shampoo thoroughly into your scalp and work the lather through the lengths before rinsing. Then apply a conditioner or hair mask, concentrating on the lengths, and brush your hair to distribute product evenly and prevent tangles. Rinse and gently blow dry with a microfiber towel, without rubbing to prevent frizz. Next, apply a leave-in conditioner to the lengths and brush through briefly for even distribution.

#2 Styling: Gel, Mousse and Cream

To style, divide your hair into two sections and secure the top section. Apply gel to lengths using the praying hands method and brush through briefly. Work section by section, misting your hair in between to help distribute the product and prevent drying. For extra hold, apply a little more gel, rub well between your hands, and scrunch your curls while tilting your head forward or to the side for extra volume.

#3 Dry & Set

After styling, pat your hair again with a microfiber towel and use the scrunch method to remove excess water and product. Blow dry your hair with a diffuser on low speed, increasing the speed as your hair gets drier to minimize frizz. If your hair still feels soft after drying, squeeze some extra gel into your curls and blow dry briefly. If your hair feels hard from the blow-dry, knead it with a little hair oil for soft, bouncy curls. For extra hold, use a hairspray to hold your style in place.

How do you prevent frizz during styling?

The way you dry your hair is just as important as the way you style it to prevent frizz. Use a microfiber towel instead of cotton to minimize friction and moisture loss. Also, choose hair products without drying alcohols and silicones to keep your hair healthy. Drying technique also plays a role: let your hair air dry or use a diffuser on a low setting to preserve your curls. Want to know more? Read our blog 'What to do about frizzy hair on top'.

Heatless styling: how to do it?

It is important to avoid heat tools such as flat irons and blow dryers as they apply heat directly to the hair and can cause damage more quickly. But did you know that blow drying with a diffuser is a safer way to dry your hair?

A diffuser is specially designed for curly hair and has several advantages:

1. It distributes air evenly over a larger surface area, exposing the hair to less direct heat.
2. The pins on the diffuser lift the hair so you can blow dry the roots better and create more volume.

So you can blow dry your hair safely as long as you do it right. To prevent damage, it's a good idea to set your blow dryer on a low to medium heat setting. It's not necessary to blow dry on the coolest setting all the time; a medium temperature is a good balance between drying efficiently and protecting your hair.

Want extra heat protection? Use a heat protectant. You can spray it on at different times, such as after styling, but sometimes before applying your gel, depending on the formula.

Finally, you can let your hair air dry. A good method is to blow dry about 80% of your hair and let the remaining 20% air dry. This will help to dry your hair faster without exposing it completely to heat.

Buy your CG styling products fast at CurlyTools

Of course you can buy your new curly styling products at CurlyTools, the webshop with specially selected brands for curly hair.

New to CurlyTools? Then get a 10% discount on your first order. As an existing customer, you will benefit from exclusive discounts, handy tips and fun gifts via email.

If you order before 21:00, your order will be shipped the next day. Browse our web store and discover the best stylers for your curls. Need more help or inspiration? Check out our special help sections or contact us.