If you have fine curls that tend to get dragged down, achieving the volume of your dreams can feel difficult. You want volume, but you don’t want to add frizz to the mix. In order to get big, bouncy curls, there are a few techniques you can try.
Washing:
Avoid washing your curls every day. Over shampooing can cause curls to dry out, so keep a few days between washes. When you do shampoo, select a sulfate free, all natural shampoo. Chemicals in cleansers can strip your curls, which will also create frizz. Make sure you follow each washing with a moisturizing conditioner and apply right after you shampoo your curls. Allow your conditioner to sit for 10-15 minutes, or 20-30 if it’s a deep conditioner so the product can be absorbed into your curls. When you rinse, allow some conditioner to remain in your curls to help seal in moisture.
Drying:
Before you start drying your curls, make sure you completely detangle them by using a wide toothed comb or your fingers. Start with the ends and work your way up the strands, tackling each knot individually. Apply your product, such as leave in conditioner and curl defining cream, completely throughout your curls, and allow it to air dry until it’s about 50% dry. To help the process along, you can scrunch your curls individually with an old t-shirt or a microfiber towel to help remove excess water. Plop your curls onto the t-shirt and allow them to complete drying. While your curls are being plopped, they will stay in their correct shape and won’t become frizzy. You can allow your curls to finish drying this way or use a diffuser to finish them up. If you use the diffuser, dry your curls upside down and use heat sparingly, so you don’t dry out your hair.
Style:
Once your curls are dry, you can help pump up the volume by applying a sea salt spray throughout to give texture and definition. Make sure to utilize lighter products so your curls won’t get weighed down. Apply evenly throughout curls to ensure all your strands get covered. Allow to dry and scrunch unruly curls using a little more of your curl defining cream. On your off days, use a dry shampoo at your roots to help absorb excess oil and lift your roots. If you have long curls, consider a cut with layers, which will allow movement and lift. For curlies with shorter, finer hair, go lightly with your curl care products, as too much can weigh them down.
