12 Sep 5 Rules for Softer Curls
Looking for the secret to achieving soft, bouncy curls? It’s all about keeping them hydrated and avoiding that dreaded crunchy effect from styling products. Luckily, these curly hair styling techniques will help prevent dryness and damage, leaving your curls soft and defined.
- Comb and Shake:
Define your natural curl pattern by applying a lightweight, slippery styling product throughout your hair. Hold the ends and shake the lengths of your hair forward and backward. This motion separates the curls and eliminates the crunchy feeling from styling products, leaving your curls softer.
- LOC Method:
LOC stands for Leave-in conditioner, Oil, and Cream. It’s a layering technique that provides long-lasting hydration and definition to your curly hair. After washing your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner to your curls. Next, apply a hair oil (such as argan oil or avocado oil) throughout your hair. Finish by applying a curl cream to seal in the moisture.
- Praying Hands Technique:
Crunchy styling products can hinder soft curls. With this technique, you can evenly distribute the product from root to tip without overdoing it in any section. Prep your palms with a hydrating hair gel and take a section of damp hair between your hands. Glide your hands from the root to the tip. You can also use this technique to apply oil to your dry hair to stretch the curls and add long-lasting softness.
- Co-Wash Method:
Co-washing involves washing your curls with conditioner instead of shampoo to improve hair hydration. Use it in place of your shampoo. Apply the conditioner from the ends upward, detangle your hair, massage, and rinse. Your hair will be left feeling fresh and soft.
- Hair Plopping:
This gentle hair drying technique removes excess water without drying out your curly hair or causing frizz. Simply wrap your damp, styled hair in a soft T-shirt or microfiber towel and wait until it’s almost completely dry. But why a T-shirt? Standard towels can be abrasive on your hair, so a delicate fabric is the best option to keep your curls soft and frizz-free.
