SELECTING THE BEST STYLING METHOD FOR YOUR CURLY HAIR

If you want big, full, show-stopping curls, it’s all about how you style and protect them. Curls are unique, so there’s no one right way to care for your curls, so here we’re breaking down the popular methods so you can experiment your way to Aussome hair.

Methods to add styling products to curly hair

Praying Hands Method

Also called the clapping method, praying hands is great for reducing frizz in type 4 coils and really thick hair to help your product get distributed from root to tip.

1. Wash your hair

2. Apply leave-in conditioner

3. Rub your mousse, gel, or cream between your palms

4. Take a section of hair and clasp it between your palms at the root, then pull all the way to your ends

5. Repeat until all your hair has been styled

Rake Hands Method

Also called the rake-and-shake, this method is great for type 2 and 3 curls to help create curl clumps for defined curls.

1. Divide your hair into 4-6 sections

2. Put product on your fingertips, then rake through your hair starting at the roots

3. When you reach the ends, give your hair a little shake with your fingers

Methods to make styled curls feel soft and defined

Crunch Method

Any curl types that use styling products — like gel and mousse — may leave hair feeling crunchy. Also called Scrunch Out the Crunch, this method is great for turning any crunchy curls into soft and defined curls.

1. Apply styling products using any of the above methods

2. Once your hair is dry, cup your curls in the palm of your hand and make a scrunching motion toward your scalp

Hint: want a little more help? We have a whole page on how to Scrunch Out the Crunch!

Plump Method

This method is great for getting big, bouncy curls.

1. Divide your hair into 6-8 loose sections

2. Use the praying hands technique (above) to add styling products to your hair

3. Finger curl each section

4. Press a small amount of gel into each section, being careful not to smoosh the curl

5. “Plop” your curls for at least 20 minutes by piling them into an old t-shirt and then setting it on your head (this will stop gravity from pulling down your curls)

Methods to protect your style

Pineapple Method

This method is perfect for preserving your style and protecting your curls and coils.

1. Gather your hair on top of your head

2. Secure with a loose ponytail holder that won’t pull your stands, like a scrunchie

3. Secure with a scarf or satin bonnet

Bonnet or Silk Pillowcase

Okay, so this isn’t exactly a method. But nothing does more to protect coils than a bonnet or silk pillowcase at night. Both work great, it just depends on your sleep style.

Satin or silk bonnet: keeps your hair protected and in place to cut down on frizz and breakage.

Silk pillowcase: slide right into bed with a silk pillowcase that won’t tug or pull on your coils. Plus, it’s good for your skin!