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Want curly hair, but aren’t sure where to start? Most of us have some natural waviness to our hair, even if it looks pin straight! No matter what hair type you have, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll tell you how to enhance your natural curls and encourage waves with the right products and routines. For all our curling secrets, read on!

Things You Should Know

  • Enhance your natural curls by using moisturizing products and adding gels or curl creams to your routine.
  • Pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel, then let it air dry or use a diffuser.
  • Get a haircut with layers, and try to get trims every 6 weeks.
1

Condition your hair regularly.

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  1. While conditioning is important for every type, it’s extra important for people with curly hair. Whenever you wash your hair, be sure to add conditioner to your mids and ends, then let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out.[1]
    • If you have thick hair, use your fingers to gently comb through your locks while they soak in conditioner. This will gently detangle your curls without pulling your hair or damaging it.
    • Some people with curly hair like to co-wash, meaning only “washing” their hair with conditioner on the days they don’t use shampoo. If you have thick or coarse curly hair that needs a lot of moisture, consider adding co-washing into your routine.
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5

Moisturize your hair with leave-in conditioner.

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7

Use sulfate-free hair products.

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9

Wash your hair no more than 3 times per week.

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  1. [9] Dry hair becomes frizzy, which can make your hair look less curly than it is. Try to limit your wash days and spread them out so the natural oils from your scalp moisturize your hair.
    • When using shampoo, try to use more on your scalp, and less on the ends of your hair. This will help prevent the mids and ends of your hair from getting dry.
    • When using conditioner, try to use more on the ends of your hair, and less on your scalp. That way, your ends are moisturized but your scalp doesn’t get as oily.
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12

Use bobby pins to create pin curls.

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  1. While your hair is slightly damp (but not dripping wet), roll 1 in (2.5 cm) wide sections of your hair up and over your fingers. When you reach your scalp, secure the hair with bobby pins to keep the curl in place. Do this all over, then wait for your hair to dry completely before taking out the bobby pins.[12]
    • Pin curls will give your hair natural-looking curls if it’s straight. You can also use pin curls to enhance your natural waves or add volume to a flat or limp spot in your hair.
    • Other options for adding curls to straight hair include using rollers, braiding your hair, and curling your hair with rags.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How long do these methods last?
    Ashley Adams
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    All of these methods should last for a day, and have the potential to last longer. Take care of your curls by wrapping your hair with a scarf at night while you sleep.
  • Question
    How can I keep my hair curly even after sleeping?
    Ashley Adams
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    At night, you could sleep with rollers in your hair or even do pin curls. After you've curled your hair the very first time, take large sections of hair and roll or pin them. The following morning, remove the tool that you've used, and separate the curls into smaller sections to maintain your curly hair.
  • Question
    What do I do if my hair is too frizzy at the ends?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    I suggest cutting the frizz, as it may be old, damaged hair. I also put conditioner at the ends to minimize the frizz and smooth it out.
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About This Article

Christine George
Co-authored by:
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
This article was co-authored by Christine George and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty. This article has been viewed 1,451,466 times.
10 votes - 60%
Co-authors: 71
Updated: September 11, 2024
Views: 1,451,466
Article SummaryX

To get natural looking curls, start by wetting your hair and applying some mousse or gel, which will help your curls last longer. Then, separate your hair into sections and tightly braid it. The more braids you make, the smaller your curls will be. When you're finished braiding your hair, let it dry completely overnight, or blowdry your hair to speed up the process. Once your hair is fully dry, take out the braids and style your curls. For more tips from our beauty reviewer, including how air drying your hair can bring out your natural curls, read on!

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