There are lots of products on the market to help you achieve your best curls. One of the more innovative options for styling natural hair is a curl sponge. This tool is a sponge brush that helps give men and women more curl definition and styling options, especially short natural hair. Wondering how do you find the best hair sponges on the market? Here’s all you need to know about a curl sponge, how to find the right one for your hair and how to use it.
Hole Sizing
When looking for the best hair sponges, the hole sizing is one of the most important factors. The size of the holes will create the outcome. For example, smaller hole sizes make a tighter curl or coil whereas bigger holes create a looser curl. The length of your hair will also help you decide which hole sizing is right for your needs. Smaller holes are better for shorter hair. Larger holes are better for longer hair.
Sponge Size
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The size of the sponge itself matters for a few reasons. If you have a lot of hair, you will want a larger size. For shorter hair, a smaller sponge should suffice. You also want to consider the size of your hands. If you have small hands, a large sponge may be too much to grip and maneuver with ease. You should also look at the shape of the sponge. While some are rounded, there are some that are in an 8 shape. A rounded sponge will give you a tool you can work with quickly through your hair. An 8 shape gives you a better grip and is usually on the larger size.
Durability
Another factor when finding the best hair sponges is the matter of durability. You don’t want to spend money on a sponge that will only last for a few uses before it starts deteriorating. The key to finding a durable sponge is to give it a squeeze. If a sponge is super soft and springy, it will not last as long as a sponge that has a little more firmness and slower spring to it. When curl sponges are too soft, they come apart easily and can even leave behind pieces of sponge in your curls. Another good way to test the sponge is to put it on a flat surface and press into the center of the sponge. If the sponge gives more than an inch, it is too soft. This is not to say a soft sponge won’t get you the curls you seek, it simply means the sponge won’t last as long as a firmer option.
If there’s one thing that 2024 gave, and to be clear, it gave many things, it was head-turning hair moments and drops that expanded the haircare industry. There were new innovations in hair tools and technology, big celebrity drops (cough Cécred and Fenty Hair), more products moving towards sustainability, and prioritizing hair health. When it came to haircuts, colors, and styles, the goal was main character energy.
There was a bigger move towards creating hair looks that weren’t only trendy but timeless. Celebrities and influencers continued to use major award shows, red-carpet moments, concerts, and album releases to debut fresh and innovative approaches to their styles that had everyone running to the salon.
Let’s look back at how 2024 became a standout year for outstanding looks that we all loved.
Platinum Blonde
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Platinum blonde was everyone in 2024. Whether it was Beyoncé ushering in a new era of Country with Cowboy Carter, Camila Cabello transforming from her signature dark tresses, or the pop princess Sabrina Carpenter, platinum blonde was a mainstay hair color this year.
Old Hollywood Bob
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Low maintenance looks like the Old Hollywood Bob was on the menu all year, and here’s why: it blends nostalgia and chicness. Ice Spice turned heads at the BET Awards when she went from her signature copper curls to channeling this stunning style. Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, and Elsa Hosk are just some women who opted for this sleek, shiny, and voluminous trend.
Nostalgic Updos
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Updos have always been a pivotal hairstyle for any evening look, but we transition from sleek styles to more effortless styles that embrace volume. Most notable celebrities like Lori Harvey, Meg Thee Stallion, and Kim Kardashian channeled 90s icons like Pamela Anderson to create a “messy upo” that showcased texture and body.
Braided Topknots
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Braids never go out of style, but how we innovate them does. The topknot has always been a signature style that is easy and effortless, but braided topknots helped elevate the updo. Marsai Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Issa Rae were just a few of the beauty mavens who sported this look in 2024.
Nothing Like Natural
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Calling all naturals. Ditching the wigs, weaves, and extensions and putting your natural coils, curls, and waves front and center were all apart of the healthy hair conversation in 2024. Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Simone Biles made headlines by giving fans a peek behind the scenes and letting us see their real textures.
Nara Smith Bob
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Nara Smith became a social media darling in 2024, but it wasn’t just for her signature voiceovers. The bob made a big comeback, and her one-length style is chic, effortless, and reflects the luxury glam that we all wish to channel.
Single Braid Ponytail
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If you’re a ponytail girlie, then you know dressing it up can help add dimension and personality to the classic style. The key to a single braid ponytail is ensuring your hair is slick in the front and then using extensions or weaves to really add length that you can wear to the front or back. Gabrielle Union, Zendaya, and Selena Gomez made this no-fuss hairstyle a fan favorite.
Bombshell Blowouts
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Sabrina Carpenter was the espresso on everyone’s lips in 2024, and it wasn’t just because of her catchy tunes. Her voluminous, blonde bombshell hairstyle quickly became the talk of the town, and many influencers and stylists shared their tips on how to style and maintain this Marilyn Monroe-esque look.
The Wet Look
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Who would have thought that making your hair appear wet (on purpose) would be so popular? The wet look. What’s great about this style is that it can be achieved with any hair texture, as seen by beauty queens like Coco Jones, Kim Kardashian, and Megan Fox. The secret to this style lies in a perfect combination of products like gel, glossing spray, and serum.
Pastel Hues
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There aren’t many times when we get new hair colors that make us do a double-take, but this was definitely a head-turner. Megan Fox set the internet ablaze by debuting a series of pastel hues in blue and pink that ignited new hairstyles for the festival season.
Voluminous High Ponytails
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The higher the hair, the closer to…perfection. Sky-high ponytails are elegant, timeless, and give snatched a whole new definition. Keke Palmer, Taraji P. Henson, and Laverne Cox showed how versatile this hairstyle is, whether you’re storming the streets of NYC or slaying the red carpet.
Flipped Bob
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Sophistication was an integral part of how people approached their hair in 2024. The flipped bob was a short style that took over the summer due to its softer finish and upward flick reminiscent of 60s GOGO girls.
Powerful Pixies
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Pixie cuts have taken over the fall season. This style reflects sheer confidence and is perfect for putting your face front and center. Whether you’re aiming for old-time glamour like Audrey Hepburn or sexy sirens like Halle Berry, pixies are great for those wanting to go short.
Baby Bangs
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Baby bangs or micro bangs are often known for being super blunt, short, and can be worn across all textures. Zendaya turned heads with this style during Fashion Week, and we’ve seen even more celebrities like Oliva Rodrigo, Julia Fox, and Zoë Kravitz following suit.
Cloudy Curls
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Cloud curls have taken over the fall season since they are cut and are designed to complement your hair’s natural texture and movement. The “cloud” effect comes from embracing the halo effect or frizz that gives a youthful look. Yara Shahidi is the queen of cloud curls and is a great example of a celebrity who continually serves in this fanciful style.
Textured Updo
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Your natural texture is beautiful, and that’s why we saw more celebrities aiming to ditch the heat tools and creating updos with their curls, coils, and waves intact. A little mousse and hairspray went a long way for celebrities like Tyla, Jordyn Woods, and Anna Taylor Joy, who used their natural tresses to create jaw-dropping styles.
Which hairstyle took your breath away in 2024? What are you looking forward to in 2025? Let us know in the comments.
