A commonly asked question, that’s why you’re here… you want beautiful curls!
To create perfectly defined curls, there are various methods to achieve them.
How to define the curls of your kinky, curly, or wavy hair ?
There are several methods and techniques for defining the curls of your hair.
Whether with accessories, braids, twists, or natural products, you can transform your hair and achieve beautiful curls. Moreover, there are many methods of curl definition without heat.
Before using them, it is necessary to avoid all products containing chemical ingredients and avoid heating appliances as they damage the curls and make the hair extremely dry.
We present effective and heat-free methods that will help you define your curls.
Knowing your hair type
First of all, it is important to know your hair type.
Kinky, curly, wavy?
Yes, the result depends primarily on the nature of your hair. But don’t worry, there is always a solution for each of you.
But before knowing the different methods, let’s first look at the different hair textures:
- 3A – 3B: naturally curly hair.
- 3C – 4A: naturally wavy hair
- 4B – 4C: kinky hair
It is common to think that curling irons are needed to define curls. However, this is not the best method.
Using these devices only dries out the hair fiber, leaving your curls dry and shapeless.
Remember, your hair needs hydration, not to be dried out.
11 methods to define your curls
1 – Flexi rods
Flexi rods are flexible curlers. This method is perfect if you want to achieve very tight or wide curls. These curlers come in various sizes and thicknesses.
This technique is suitable for all hair types. Note that this method is done on damp hair.
You will only need flexi rods, a curl-defining hair milk, and a shine spray for finishing touches. With this method, you can style your hair as you like.
2 – Wash N’go
The wash and go technique is very popular among women with kinky and curly hair because it is easy and quick to do. You will only need water, a gel to define your curls, and your fingers.
It is recommended to let your hair air dry instead of using a hairdryer.
Ideally, do this technique right after your hair care routine, although you can do it at any time.
But for this, your hair must be wet enough. We explain the steps of the wash and go in detail here.
3 – Twist out or braid out
This method consists of making twists or braids on damp and well-hydrated hair (definition cream, vegetable oil, shea butter…).
We explain this technique in detail here.
It can be done on all lengths, including short hair. There is no need to make precise sections, or you’ll see demarcations.
- Keep your twists or braids overnight or let them dry with a hooded dryer.
- Be careful, your hair must be dry before undoing your twists or braids.
- Gently undo your twists or braids, starting from the lengths.
- If you want volume, use a wide-tooth comb, gently lifting your roots.
- Avoid handling your hair all week, as it may create frizz and ruin your beautiful curls.
4 – Bantu knot out
This method consists of making a knot with your hair, then wrapping it around itself to create a small knot. You will then have lovely ringlet curls.
This technique is suitable for all hair types. The choice of products depends first on your hair type.
If you have curly and wavy hair, use a leave-in conditioner or a curl defining cream gel.
If you have kinky hair, use a curl defining cream or a stretching cream.
Once the knots are undone, spray your hair with a vegetable oil spray to define your curls.
5 – Perm Rod Set
A good perm rod set hairstyle starts with a good wash and care routine.
You must ensure to thoroughly wash and revitalize your hair before styling it.
If you do them on damp hair, make sure to let them dry completely before taking them down.
Result = beautiful, well-defined curls.
6 – Flat twist out
The flat twist out involves making flat twists and allowing them to dry completely before removing them.
This technique is usually done on damp hair or stretched dry hair.
7 – Curl Formers
There’s nothing easier than curl formers. After washing and moisturizing your hair well.
Just attach your strands around their internal hook and pull through.
You can sleep with the accessories overnight, although this may be slightly uncomfortable.
The end result is great, as if you had used a curling iron. You can buy it here.
8 – Curl cream
To achieve this technique, you need to apply a leave-in curl defining cream to damp hair.
It’s the water that makes your hair flexible and promotes curl elasticity.
Your hair will be soft and shiny.
You can then apply vegetable oil to your hair to seal in moisture.
9 – Aloe vera gel
This one is very suitable for curly and kinky hair, as their texture tends to dry out easily.
You absolutely must use a silicone-free conditioner that doesn’t weigh down your hair.
On wet hair, distribute the conditioner evenly throughout your hair while detangling your hair, then rinse.
Then, dry your hair strand by strand without rubbing to avoid ruining your curls.
Finally, apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel strand by strand to your lengths and let them air dry.
Feel free to twirl your curls with your fingers to define them optimally.
10 – Air dry or use a diffuser
The diffuser is an accessory often forgotten at the back of the closet. Yet very useful! If you don’t have one, I recommend getting one.
This half-sphere with small spikes offers you beautiful, defined curls or a magnificent mane in just a few seconds.
To better air dry your hair, use a microfiber towel to gently dry your hair and avoid frizz.
11 – Natural method
A simple yet somewhat forgotten method. It actually consists of using natural products to curl your hair, including: pracaxi oil, piqui oil, or shea butter.
You can certainly use creams or hair milks made with these ingredients.
- For this method, the day before, apply a sufficient amount of pracaxi oil or piqui oil to your entire hair, keeping this mask on overnight.
- Don’t forget to cover your hair with plastic wrap and a satin bonnet to maintain hydration.
- The next day, wash your hair with products containing one of these ingredients. Once rinsed, gently dry your hair with a towel without rubbing.
- On your still damp hair, apply shea butter strand by strand to your hair.
- To define your curls, make twists or braids as you go along your hair. But be careful, only untie your hair when it’s completely dry.
You see, you have many possibilities to define your curls! Once you master the technique that suits you, it becomes child’s play.
Feel free to try out the different methods to choose the one that suits you best.
Which method have you adopted to define your curls?