Kristina is the founder of Lockenbox & Lockenexpertin. She has been intensively involved with the topic of curly hair care since her youth, when her straight hair suddenly turned into curls.
If you have curly hair, you probably know how difficult it can be to tame your unruly strands and get your wayward curls into shape.
But now a TikTok trend promises perfectly styled and well-groomed curls in no time at all: The bowl method for curly hair. And all you need is
- a bowl,
- warm water
- and some curl care product.
The beauty community on various social media platforms is certainly enthusiastic. In this article, we invite you to join us in getting to the bottom of this new miracle styling method for curls.
Is the hype about the bowl method for curly hair really justified? Let's find out together whether this styling technique for curls really does what it promises!
What is the Bowl Method Actually?
The Bowl Method is a hair care and styling technique that was developed specifically for curly hair . The basis of this method is
- moistening the hair with water
- and using curl products to add moisture and definition to the hair.
The name of the method comes from the bowl, which is used as a tool to repeatedly dip the hair in warm water.
In addition, one or more curl care products are applied and the curls are kneaded into shape with the hands .
The result is impressive! Because
- lively,
- frizz-free curls,
- full definition and bounce
With this method you can often even create curls from waves .
Due to its simplicity and effectiveness, the bowl method for curls has quickly become a real favorite hair styling method for many people with natural curls and waves.
Who is the Bowl Method suitable for?
Good news! The bowl method has no negative effects on your hair, regardless of your hair type or hair structure .
You don't know your curl structure? Our curl quiz will show you.
Therefore, it is definitely worth trying the bowl method at least once to see how your hair reacts to this technique.
Especially if your hair is very dry or other curl styling methods have not been successful so far, it is a promising way to put your own curls on the road to success in terms of moisture and curl bundling.
What do I need for the bowl method?
You don't need much for the bowl method to work. Here is a short list of the most important accessories.
The bowl: The choice of material for the bowl does not matter, whether it is made of plastic or metal. However, it should be deep enough and have sufficient height so that you can comfortably dip your hair into it up to the roots. A round bowl shape is particularly suitable for this.
Some curly-heads use the sink instead, but using a bowl has the advantage that you can simply lift it up and immerse your hair better - especially the side sections .
Curly hair care products: Use products that are specially made for curly hair , such as curl creams , curl gels or curl mousses . You can also combine different products to achieve the perfect result for you.
Your hair will receive optimal care with curl products suitable for the Curly Girl method . In our shop you will find everything your curly hair desires: Shopping in the Lockenbox Shop .
Warm water: Yes, it's as simple as it sounds. Your curls love moisture. That's why water is one of the most important ingredients when using the bowl method .
Make sure it is at a pleasantly lukewarm temperature.
- Water that is too hot can damage sensitive curly hair,
- while water that is too cold can be uncomfortable for the scalp.
Ultimately, you should feel comfortable using the bowl method.
Optional cup or measuring cup: In addition to dipping their hair into the bowl, many curlies also like to pour water over their head into the bowl. For this you will need a suitable container, such as a cup or measuring cup.
Just try out which tool you get on best with, or whether you generally like this technique or whether dipping your hair in it is completely sufficient for you.
How does the bowl method work?
Would you like to try out the bowl method for your curls? Great! As soon as you have all the equipment ready, you can get started.
The Bowl Method Step by Step:
- First, wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo or a mild co-washing product and then use a conditioner for curls . Rinse well with clean water.
- As a next step, apply a curl cream or leave-in conditioner to your damp hair and gently distribute the product by running your fingers through your hair.
- Now fill the bowl with warm water and immerse your hair completely. You can bend forward and immerse your hair upside down to make the procedure easier.
- Now gently squeeze the hair with your fingers from the tips towards the hairline and let the excess water drip back into the bowl.
- If you want, you can now carefully pour the water mixed with curl product from the bowl over your head several times using a cup and let it run down into the bowl. (This step is optional.)
- Repeat the whole process about 3-4 times until your curls feel well cared for and saturated with moisture. You should now have beautiful bundles of curls.
- Then style your hair as usual and enjoy your defined and well-groomed curls!
How long does the bowl method take?
Of course, using the bowl method takes a little more time than simply kneading in a curl cream. However, the additional effort is usually minimal and only takes about 5-10 minutes .
Also note that the hair will take longer to dry after use because it is intensively moisturized and nourished by the multiple dipping and rinsing.
What are the advantages of the bowl method?
Let's get to the reward for your efforts! The Bowl Method, especially integrated into the CGM (Curly Girl Method), has numerous positive aspects and benefits for your curly hair !
1. Sustainable
You may not think of this aspect first, but the bowl method is actually very sustainable because it is simply more water-efficient . Especially if you use conditioner.
Unlike long care and styling routines in the shower, this method only requires a bowl of water. The “conditioner water” is used again and again . Therefore, this method definitely deserves a thumbs up in terms of environmental friendliness.
2. More defined curls
Isn't that what we all want as curlies? Bouncy, lively curls without frizz. As is often the case, it's all a matter of definition ;-)
The bowl method can ensure that your curls are bundled much better and, thanks to the effective moisture supply, they also curl much more easily. This way, your curls won't become limp as quickly.
3. Moisturizing
When it comes to moisture supply, the bowl method is extremely effective as it intensively hydrates your care-hungry curls.
If your hair is prone to frizz or if you even suffer from damaged and stressed hair , then the bowl method can help to give your curls new strength. Almost like a refreshing treatment for your hair.
5. Tighter curls
The repeated pressing and "squishing" while squeezing out the curl cream water will enhance the shape of your curls.
The care products dissolved in water can penetrate every hair effortlessly and the curl strands are effectively bundled, which ensures bouncy and vital curls.
Maybe there is even a magical ringlet hidden in a tired wave?
6. Less frizz
Frizz affects every natural curl. The flyaway, curling hair is absolutely annoying.
All the better that the bowl method also effectively combats frizz . The high moisture supply and the immersion procedure make it easy to bundle the hair. This means that flyaway hairs no longer stand a chance.
Which products are best for the bowl method?
Curl creams and leave-ins with nourishing and natural ingredients are ideal for the bowl method . The product shouldn't weigh your hair down too much, otherwise the curls will quickly fall out or look stringy.
Depending on your hair type, your curls can tolerate different amounts of product and moisture.
For thinner or less curly hair, try a leave-in with a lighter formula. How about the delicious Les Secrets de Loly Kurl Nectar enriched with honey?
Would you like to see more Leave in Conditioner? Click on the button :)
For thicker hair and for curly and coily hair types, more intensive and richer care is recommended. The heavenly-smelling Ecoslay Rice Pudding is a real powerhouse when it comes to moisture and nutrient supply.
These were just two examples of the many great leave-ins and curl creams in the Lockenbox range. Perhaps your personal curl care favorite is still waiting for you in our shop? You can see more here: All Lockenbox leave-in conditioners .
Conclusion
It's no wonder that the bowl method is spreading like wildfire on social media platforms - this hair care and styling technique is simple but ingenious!
In addition to its simplicity and effectiveness, the bowl method for curls has another advantage: it is gentle and kind to the hair because it relies on natural moisture and care products that keep the hair healthy.
With just a little time, you can achieve great curling results : bouncy and frizz-free curls that simply look great!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bowl Method
Can the bowl method also be used with short hair?
You can also try the bowl method if you have shorter curls ! The technique remains the same, but you should be careful not to put too much product in your hair so that it doesn't become unnecessarily heavy or stringy.
The bowl method is worthwhile for curls of any hair length because it provides the hair with lasting moisture and can help to bundle and define the curls.
So don't let your hair length stop you, because even shorter curls benefit from good curl care and can be easily brought into top curl shape.
Does the bowl method also work for straight hair?
The bowl method was developed specifically for curly hair to improve curl definition and add an extra dose of moisture. Unfortunately, this means that the same impressive results cannot be achieved on straight hair.
But immersing the hair in warm water and applying nourishing products can help revitalize any type of hair and give it more shine. This makes the bowl method interesting for people with straight hair who want to care for their hair.
However, you should be careful not to over-condition straight hair, otherwise it will quickly look greasy and stringy. It is also important to mention that the bowl method unfortunately cannot create curls in naturally straight hair.
Would you like to try out more styling techniques? Take a look at Lockenbox Magazine and Styling & Techniques .
