While a bit of frizz is inevitable (and sometimes preferred”>, curl definition is an essential part of the curly life. Often times, it may be a challenge to get your curls to look and feel just right. It takes the right combination of products and technique to achieve defined curls with moisture without the crunch. Here are three techniques to help you maintain your natural curl definition.
Nathi’s Routine
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Cleanse hair with a mild sulfate-free cleanser like DevaCurl No Poo.
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Apply conditioner and distribute by raking product through your hair. Finger detangle.
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Wet hair and apply more conditioner. If you are not comfortable leaving your rinse-out conditioner in, rinse completely and follow-up with your moisturizing styling cream.
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Hold your head underneath the shower for a second or two. Lower your head so that your hair flips forward and apply your curl definer like DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel.
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Smooth products onto hair with your palms. Do not rake or shingle.
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Scrunch hair all the way up to the roots and squeeze excess water from hair while scrunching. A pair of Deva Gloves is just the tool for this process.
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Air dry.
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Fluff the roots with fingers and whip your hair back and forth like Willow Smith to loosen curls and add volume.
If you’re looking for more affordable options, however, SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser, Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner, and Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Souffle would work quite well, too.
Lauren Lewis’s Routine
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Cleanse and condition hair as normal.
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Apply a leave in conditioner and rake through hair to coat all your strands. Finger detangle as you go to ensure all knots and tangles are removed. Scrunch each section as you apply a leave-in.
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Apply a styling cream using the same rake and scrunch method you did when applying your leave in conditioner. TreLuxe Curl Supreme Styling Creme is a great choice in this routine, as it provides both definition and moisture.
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Flip hair to one side and scrunch with a cotton t-shirt. Flip hair to the other side and repeat.
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Use a flexible hold hairspray.
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Diffuse hair to 30% dry on cool setting.
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Air dry completely.
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Apply oil for shine and to seal hair. Darshana Natural Indian Hair Oil works great.
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Use an afro pic for added volume.
Donata White’s Plopping Routine
- Wash and condition hair as usual.
- Apply your leave-in conditioner or moisturizer while hair is still damp and seal. Use products that will help prevent frizz. Comb through. Using the Aussie Sydney Smooth Tizz No Frizz Gel over your moisturizer is a great way to tame frizz.
- Spread a large cotton t-shirt on a flat surface.
- Hang your head forward so that your hair falls in front of your face and lands in the center of the shirt.
- Slowly lower your head so that all your hair falls in layers onto the shirt. Think of pouring cake batter.
- Grab the ends of the t-shirt and bring them across your forehead and around to nape of your neck. Hold in place.
- Grab the top of the shirt and tuck the neckline down to base of your neck. This should cause the sleeves to move to the side of your head.
- Bring the sleeves around to the front of your forehead and tie. Tuck in any loose bits of t-shirt so that everything is secure.
- The next morning, undo the t-shirt in the morning and voila!
Try all three methods and see which one provides you with the results you like best. Happy experimenting!
