HOW TO SCRUNCH THE CRUNCH OUT OF HAIR
Tried out a new product and now you're rocking some seriously crunchy curls? Yeah, we’re guessing stiff and lifeless was not the look you were going for. But before you stash it under the sink with the rest of the beauty rejects, try to scrunch out the crunch. And if you don’t know what that means, that’s why we’re here! Read our quick how-to guide and you’ll have gorgeous, controlled, and soft curls in no time.
What’s causing the crunch?
You know what they say – curls that dry together, stay together. Or, at least, that's what our hair care formulation experts at Aussie say. That’s why your new mousse or gel might be making your curls feel thick, stiff, and, yes, crunchy. Most styling products have polymers in them, which is what gives your curls that nice hold. Polymers like to bond together, and it’s this bond that gives your hair the characteristic crunchy feel. By scrunching your hair, you’re breaking some of those bonds. (Brushing breaks all of the bonds, which defeats the purpose.) This keeps your polymers in place, so they’re still holding your style, but replaces that stiffness with movement. Aussome!
How to scrunch out the crunch
Step 1: On your wash days, shampoo and condition your hair with your usual products.
Step 2: Moisturize with your usual leave-in products. Moisturizing products should always go before styling products so they can really sink into your strands.
Step 3: Apply your styling products. There are a few different methods you can try, but if you haven’t tried the scrunch out the crunch method before, start by applying on the tips of your fingers and working into your hair.
Step 4: Diffuse your hair or let it dry naturally. It’s important it’s completely dry before you start scrunching!
Step 5: Now we’re getting to the good stuff. Cup a handful of your curls in the palm of your hand and push them up toward your roots, gently squeezing the hair between your fingers. You should feel the bonds start to break and your hair beginning to soften.
Bonus: Since no curls are alike, this method may need to be adjusted until it’s perfect for you! Try rolling your hair between your fingers, gently squashing between both palms, and using a soft towel instead of your hands to scrunch.
Step 6: Keep going until all the hair on your head is free of crunch!
