How Can I Make My Hair Curlier? Expert Tips and Techniques for Gorgeous Curls

Have you ever looked at someone with beautiful, defined curls and wondered, “How can I make my hair curlier?” If you have straight or wavy hair and long for bouncy, voluminous curls, you’re in the right place.

Achieving curlier hair is easier than you might think, whether you’re looking to add a bit of texture or go all out with tight curls. This comprehensive guide will take you through several techniques, from heat styling methods to chemical treatments and natural alternatives.

By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to turn your hair into the gorgeous curls you’ve always dreamed of. Let’s dive in and explore all the possibilities!

Table of Contents

Understanding Your Hair Type

Before you begin trying different curling methods, it’s crucial to understand your natural hair type. Hair type plays a big role in determining which technique will work best for you.

Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, knowing your hair’s characteristics will help you achieve the most natural looking curls.

Hair Types and Their Curling Potential

Here’s a breakdown of common hair types and how they react to different curling methods:

Straight Hair: Straight hair tends to be stubborn when it comes to curling. It has little to no natural texture, so you’ll need heat styling or chemical treatments to get curls to form.
Wavy Hair: Wavy hair is somewhere in between straight and curly. It has some texture but not enough to form defined curls on its own. With the right techniques and products, you can enhance those waves into soft curls.
Curly Hair: If you already have curly hair, your goal might be to define or enhance your natural curls. This type of hair often requires extra moisture and curl enhancing products to keep curls in shape.
Coily Hair: Coily hair has tight curls or a zigzag pattern, and it may already be curly. The challenge with coily hair is maintaining its moisture and ensuring the curls remain bouncy and well defined.

Why Your Hair Type Matters

Straight Hair: To make your hair curlier, you’ll likely need to use heat based tools like curling irons, wands, or even hot rollers. You may also want to try chemical treatments like perms.
Wavy Hair: Wavy hair is easier to curl and can be defined further with a curling iron or products that enhance texture. The results will be more defined curls rather than just loose waves.
Curly or Coily Hair: For people with curly or coily hair, the focus is usually on enhancing the natural curls with moisture rich products, diffusers, and techniques like twist outs and braid outs.

Heat Based Methods for Curling Hair

If you’re looking for a fast and efficient way to get defined curls, heat styling tools are your best bet. They provide you with a high degree of control over the size, shape, and longevity of your curls.

However, it’s essential to remember that excessive heat can cause hair damage, so always be sure to use a heat protectant before applying any hot tools to your hair.

Curling Irons and Curling Wands

Curling irons and curling wands are tried and tested tools for achieving perfect curls. Depending on the size of the barrel, these tools can create everything from tight ringlets to soft beachy waves.

Small Barrels (¾ inch to 1 inch): Best for tight curls and ringlets.
Medium Barrels (1 inch to 1 ¼ inches): Great for classic curls.
Large Barrels (1 ½ inches or more): Ideal for loose, voluminous waves.

How to Use Curling Irons and Curling Wands:

Prep your hair: Before you start curling, apply a heat protectant to damp hair. This prevents damage from high temperatures.
Section your hair: Divide your hair into smaller sections using clips. This will ensure even curls.
Curl your hair: Take a small section of hair, wrap it around the barrel of the curling iron or wand, and hold for about 10-15 seconds. Release the curl and allow it to cool. For a more natural look, alternate the direction in which you curl your hair.
Finish with hairspray: To make sure your curls last, use a light hold hairspray to set them in place.

Pro Tip: For a more voluminous and natural look, leave the ends of your hair out of the curling iron. This creates a more relaxed, beachy effect.

Blow Drying with a Round Brush

If you want volume and body without using a curling iron, blow drying with a round brush is an excellent method for creating curls. It adds bounce and movement to your hair while reducing frizz.

How to Blow Dry with a Round Brush:

Prep your hair: Apply a heat protectant and volumizing mousse to damp hair.
Section your hair: Divide your hair into sections, starting with the bottom layers.
Dry each section: Wrap the hair around the round brush while blow drying. Use the brush to pull the hair upwards and towards your scalp to create volume.
Cool it down: Once each section is dry, switch the blow dryer to a cool setting and blast it over the section to lock the curl in place.

Tip: For a beachy look, blow dry the hair downward and curl only the ends of the hair. This creates soft, natural waves.

Hot Rollers

Hot rollers are a fantastic option for achieving long lasting curls with minimal damage. They are easy to use and provide volume and definition without the need for direct heat from curling irons.

How to Use Hot Rollers:

Prepare your hair: Apply a heat protectant or styling mousse to damp hair.
Roll your hair: Section your hair and roll each section into the hot rollers.
Set your curls: Leave the rollers in for 20-30 minutes to allow the curls to set. You can remove them sooner if you need a looser curl or wait longer for tighter curls.
Style and finish: Once the rollers are removed, gently finger comb your curls to soften them. Finish with hairspray for hold.

Pro Tip: Hot rollers work best on medium to thick hair as they provide volume and long lasting curl definition.

Chemical Methods for Permanent Curls

For a more long term solution, chemical treatments like perms and texturizing can provide you with permanent or semi permanent curls.

These treatments are particularly beneficial for people with straight or slightly wavy hair who want to reduce the effort required to curl their hair every day.

Perms

A perm is a chemical process that alters the structure of your hair to create long lasting curls or waves. This process involves using chemicals to break and reform the bonds in your hair, creating curls that can last for several months.

What It Does: A perm creates tight, defined curls that last anywhere from 2 to 6 months, depending on your hair type and the aftercare.
The Process: Your stylist will wrap sections of your hair around rods and apply a chemical solution. After processing, the rods are removed, and your hair is left with curls.

Pros:

Long lasting curls: Once you perm your hair, you don’t need to style it every day.
Customizable: You can choose the size of the curls, from tight ringlets to loose waves.

Cons:

Damage potential: The chemicals used can weaken your hair over time, especially if it’s not properly cared for.
Regular maintenance: As your hair grows, your natural texture will begin to show, and you’ll need touch ups.

Texturizing Treatments

If you’re not ready to commit to a full perm, texturizing treatments can provide you with softer, more manageable waves and curls. This treatment works by enhancing your natural texture and curl pattern without drastically changing it.

What It Does: Texturizing products and treatments are designed to enhance your hair’s natural curls and waves, making them more defined without a permanent change.

Pros:

Less damaging than perms.
Customizable: You can choose the level of curl you desire.

Cons:

Temporary results: Unlike perms, texturizing treatments won’t last for months and may require reapplication.
More maintenance: Regular use of curl enhancing products is necessary to maintain results.

Natural Methods to Enhance Curl Definition

If you prefer not to use heat or chemicals, there are several natural techniques that can help enhance your hair’s curl pattern and texture. These methods focus on creating defined curls while maintaining hair health.

Twist Outs and Braid Outs

Twist outs and braid outs are simple, heatless methods that work particularly well for people with naturally wavy or curly hair. These techniques involve braiding or twisting sections of damp hair, allowing it to dry to form natural curls.

Twist Outs: After washing your hair, apply a curl cream or leave in conditioner. Divide your hair into sections, twist each section tightly, and let it dry. Once dry, untwist for bouncy curls.
Braid Outs: Similarly, apply product to damp hair and divide it into sections. Braid each section and let your hair dry completely. Once dry, undo the braids for defined, wavy curls.

Using Curl Creams and Mousses

Curl creams and mousses are perfect for adding definition to natural curls. These products help define and enhance the curl pattern without using heat.

How to Use Curl Cream:

After washing your hair, apply curl cream to damp hair.
Scrunch your hair to enhance curl formation.
Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser for added volume.

Plopping

Plopping is a great way to encourage your natural curls to form without heat. This method involves using a t-shirt or microfiber towel to wrap damp curls, encouraging them to set into their natural shape.

How to Plop:

Apply your favorite curl enhancing product to damp hair.
Lay a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel on a flat surface.
Lower your head into the towel and wrap it around your curls.
Let it sit for 15-30 minutes to help curls form.

Scrunching

Scrunching is another simple and effective method for creating curls. This technique works best when combined with curl enhancing products like mousse or gel.

How to Scrunch:

Apply curl cream or mousse to damp hair.
Flip your head upside down and scrunch sections of your hair toward your scalp.
Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser for added volume.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Curls

Once you’ve achieved your perfect curls, keeping them healthy is essential. Here are some key tips for maintaining gorgeous, defined curls.

Moisturizing Your Hair

Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, so keeping it moisturized is crucial. Use deep conditioning treatments, leave in conditioners, and hair oils to lock in moisture and keep curls soft and bouncy.

Avoiding Heat Damage

If you do use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant before styling. Try to limit the use of hot tools to avoid damaging your hair and causing your curls to lose definition.

Sleeping with Curls

To preserve your curls overnight, use a silk pillowcase or a satin bonnet. This helps reduce friction, preventing frizz and breakage while keeping your curls intact.

Regular Trims

Trim your hair regularly to avoid split ends and maintain the shape of your curls. Regular trims also promote hair growth and keep your curls looking healthy.

FAQs

How often should I curl my hair with heat styling tools?
It’s best to avoid using heat on your hair every day to prevent damage. Limiting heat styling to 1-2 times a week can help maintain healthy curls.
Can I make my hair curlier naturally without any products?
Yes, techniques like braid outs, twist outs, and plopping can naturally enhance your curls without any products, though curl enhancing products may help improve results.
Is a perm damaging to hair?
Perms can be damaging due to the chemicals used, but with proper aftercare and moisturizing, you can minimize damage and maintain healthy curls.
What are the best products for curly hair?
Look for curl creams, mousse, leave in conditioners, and curl gels that enhance texture, define curls, and provide moisture.
How can I stop my curls from frizzing?
Use a satin pillowcase, avoid excessive touching of your curls, and apply anti frizz products like oils or serums to keep your curls smooth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, achieving curlier hair doesn’t have to be difficult! Whether you prefer heat based tools, chemical treatments, or natural methods, you can find a technique that works best for your hair type and preferences.

By following the right methods, using the best products, and maintaining a healthy hair care routine, your curls will stay bouncy, defined, and gorgeous.