The curly community on TikTok has been abuzz for a while now with the latest hair trend on getting super defined curls, and that trending technique is the bowl method. One of the things that makes this trend so much talked about is that you only need a bowl of water to get it done. It requires zero heat and no complicated steps to follow.
The origin of this curl-defining technique trend is attributed to TikToker @curlyzia.xo, whose videos showing how to do the technique have gained millions of views. Since then, it has become the go-to of many naturalistas for enhancing their curls. The bowl method caters to all types of curls, from tight coils to wavy strands, and the result is soft, bouncy curls.
In today’s article, we’ll focus on this method’s effectiveness, how you can do it, and what products to use.
IMAGE SOURCE: @MELLI
HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE BOWL METHOD FOR DEFINING CURLS?
IMAGE SOURCE: @SOPHIEMARIEGRAF
Many TikTokers and other curly hair sisters on the internet who tried this method have testified to its effectiveness in enhancing curl patterns in very simple steps. They also claim that the bowl method helps boost their curls’ volume while noticeably reducing frizz. The bowl method is also effective in helping hair with low porosity absorb moisture and products. Furthermore, it helps with getting products evenly distributed in every strand.
HOW TO DO THE BOWL METHOD
Now, while this is a simple process, the bowl method can take up more of your time than usual, so this is not something you want to do in a last-minute rush. Another thing to prepare for is that the bowl method can get pretty messy because you’re going to have water from your hair dripping all about your face, neck, body, and the floor, so you want to do this in the bathroom or somewhere else in the house that will be easier to clean up afterward.
IMAGE SOURCE: @ZOYERSS
To begin, make sure your hair is detangled and freshly washed. Apply a curl cream to your hair and brush to detangle and get the product evenly distributed in the hair. Next, fill a large bowl with water and place that right in front of you. Flip your hair forward and dunk it inside the water, making sure the body of your hair is fully absorbed in it. You can further raise the bowl up just so the hair close to your roots is completely soaked in it.
When that’s done, gently lift your head up, take out the hair from the bowl, and scrunch (that is, squeeze out the water from) your hair, starting at the ends and going up the body of your hair. After scrunching, release the hair gently from your grip and gently let it down. You’ll notice that your curls are starting to get defined.
Repeat this process of dunking and scrunching a few more times until you get your defined curls. Follow this up by using a towel to plop your hair or a diffuser to dry your hair. Plopping or diffusing can help to enhance your curls further and give them that extra volume when they are dry. You can also apply mousse to your strands to hold the curls in shape and for an extra bounce.
IMAGE SOURCE: @AM11N33
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION FOR THE BOWL METHOD
While we recommend these as some of the products you can try out to accompany the bowl method, we understand that everyone’s hair type has its unique needs, so if your curls aren’t defined as expected, you can try other products here from our store.
KINKYCURLY CURLING CUSTARD
AS I AM RESTORE & REPAIR JAMAICAN BLACK CASTOR OIL CURLING CREME
TGIN HONEY WHIP HYDRATING MOUSSE
LOTTABODY MILK & HONEY REFINE ME CURL DEFINING MOUSSE
The bowl method is one of the easiest ways to achieve bouncy curls, especially on wash day simply using items that you already have in the house. Will you try the bowl method soon? Tell us in the comments.