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.
When it comes to styling curls, there are a variety of tools, products and tips that can help you skillfully showcase your curls.
Our guide offers you useful information to help you easily style the perfect curls. Let our ideas and examples inspire you to give your curly hair the perfect look.
From choosing the right haircut to proper care and various styling techniques, you'll learn everything you need to know to make your curls stand out.
How and with what do you actually style curls?
There are various tools, techniques and products that can be used to properly style curls and natural curls of any kind and to give your hair the perfect finish. The things presented below can help you give your curls the best care and styling possible.
A suitable haircut is the be-all and end-all
A suitable haircut forms the basis for successfully styling curls. The right cutting technique and length can make a big difference in showing off your curls to their best advantage.
When styling short curls , it is important to choose a haircut that takes into account the natural texture of your hair. A short haircut with well-defined shapes can help you get the most out of your curls and create a stylish look. Very popular with curly heads, for example,
- a short bob
- or a curly pixie cut.
For people with light natural curls, a layered haircut is often ideal. By adding layers and shortening certain sections, you can better define your natural curls. This cutting technique gives your curls extra bounce and vitality.
It is advisable to visit a hairdresser who specializes in cutting and styling curls. A hair stylist who knows about curls can give you individual tips and advice. This way, your hair structure will be taken into account and the special needs of your curly hair will be addressed. Take a look at our curly hairdresser guide .
So remember that a good haircut is the basis for successful curl styling and can help you get the most out of your beautiful curls.
If you are still looking for inspiration for your next curly haircut, then our Hairstyles with Curls: The Best Cuts and Styling Tips guide could be exciting for you!
The right moisturizer
Moisture is a crucial factor in keeping curly hair healthy and looking beautiful. To style your curls optimally, you should always make sure you have adequate moisturizing care. Curly hair naturally tends to have a drier structure than straight hair. It is therefore important to retain moisture and protect the hair from drying out.
Use mild and moisturizing shampoos and conditioners that are specifically designed for curly hair. These products will help keep the hair hydrated and nourished, thus counteracting dry and brittle hair.
In addition, hair masks or leave-in conditioners for curls can be used to give your curls an additional moisture boost . At the same time, these products help to keep the hair smooth and reduce frizz.
Are you currently unhappy with your curls and feel like they have lost their elasticity and shape? Don't worry, our guide Strengthening natural curls » How to get your curls back explains the special styling and care needs of wavy and curly hair and how your curly mane can regain its strength.
Give your curls the right hold
Once your curls have been optimally moisturized after washing with leave-in products, it's all about giving your curls hold . This will help you keep your curls in place and keep them full of bounce and definition.
The classic hold product is a hair gel or curl gel . These styling must-haves contain polymers and form a film around the hair. When drying, a so-called gel cast is often created, which can then be easily kneaded out with your hands . A hair gel helps you to fix and control your curls.
A curl foam also gives your curls extra definition and hold in a light and airy way. At the same time, it provides the hair with
- nutrients
- and moisture.
A curl foam , also called curl mousse, is a very good option for all curlies who, for example, do not want a gel cast with a curl gel.
No matter which hair drying method you choose afterwards, it is important to work the styling products for curls into wet hair. This is the only way the ingredients can have the best possible effect on your hair.
Drying hair properly - air drying or blow drying
When styling curls, it is important to dry the hair properly and, above all, gently in order to maintain the natural texture and bounce of the curls. There are two different methods for drying hair - air drying or blow drying.
Expert tip: Which drying technique you prefer and works best for you depends on your personal preferences.
Gentle and natural: air drying
A gentle method that is particularly suitable is air drying the curls. There are various steps you can follow to allow your curls to air dry properly and effectively.
- After washing, you should gently squeeze excess water out of the curls.
- Avoid rubbing too hard as this can cause frizz.
- Gently pat your hair with a microfiber towel or soft cotton shirt to absorb the moisture.
- You can gently knead and shape the damp curls with your fingers to achieve a natural structure and definition.
It is important to give the curls time and leave them alone while drying . Avoid touching or styling the hair too much. Just let the curls air dry and enjoy the natural process. This can take different amounts of time depending on the thickness and length of your hair, so patience is required.
It may take a little patience, but air-drying is a particularly gentle method for achieving beautiful, defined curls - all without the use of heat.
If you need to do it quickly: gentle blow-drying
If you're in a hurry and air-drying isn't an option, you can use gentle blow- drying to style your curls . Use the diffuser attachment on your hairdryer. This distributes the airflow particularly gently and evenly. This helps to protect the curls and reduce frizz.
Also, when blow-drying, use a low to medium temperature and speed setting to avoid heat damage. Also, avoid moving the dryer around too much, as this can destroy the curl structure.
Before using the hairdryer , it is also advisable to use a heat protection spray or serum to protect the hair from heat damage. An all-rounder and perfect for heat protection is the irresistible African Citrus Superfruit Detangling Mist from Flora & Curl .
Using a gentle blow-drying method, you can style your hair quickly without compromising the health and bounce of your curls.
To shorten the drying time , you can plop your hair with a T-shirt after washing it before air-drying it or blow-drying it. You can find out how it all works in this article: The Plopping Method: Plopping Curls Made Easy .
We have also created a guide for you that deals extensively with the topic of blow-drying curls properly: techniques with and without a diffuser .
Curls for straight hair – what are the best methods?
If you have straight hair , you may sometimes look longingly at a mane of flowing curls. But even with straight hair, it is possible - at least temporarily - to get beautiful curls in a gentle way.
One option is to use a curling iron or straightener to create bouncy waves or defined curls. It is important to apply a heat protection spray from CURLSMITH | Miracle Shield Spray / 237ml before using the styling tools, which will protect your sensitive hair from heat damage.
Also, use low to medium heat to avoid damaging the structure of your hair . Another great source of information on the subject is our guide: How to make straight hair curly: The 7 best methods .
Another method is to twist the hair into curlers or rollers that are left in the hair overnight to create soft waves. Braiding the hair into small plaits or twists and then removing the plaits can also produce curly results. Another method is to use curlers that are twisted into the hair to create curls.
Did you know that there are many ways to create curls and waves in straight hair while you sleep? In our guide: Curls overnight: simple methods including instructions, we reveal our secrets to making curls!
Applying curling mousse or foam to damp hair and then blow-drying with a diffuser can enhance the curly result . You can find out more tips and tricks on how to make homemade curls last longer in our article How to make homemade curls last longer: techniques and tips for setting them .
Styling Curly Hair: Ideas and Examples
When it comes to styling curly hair, there are countless ideas and ways to give your curls the perfect look. Whether you want to accentuate your natural curls or try out different hairstyles, here are some inspiring ideas for your curly mane.
styling curls straight
Sometimes we curlies want a change and wish we had straight hair . Before you start straightening your hair, however, there are a few things to consider. First of all, your hair should be really dry , because moisture will literally burn your hair when you straighten it .
- Apply a heat protectant spray to protect hair.
- Divide your hair into sections and work from bottom to top.
- Use a high-quality straightener with adjustable temperature and be careful not to hold the straightener in one place for too long.
This will help prevent heat damage. To fix the smooth result, use a light, fixing hairspray, such as the alcohol-free hairspray from Bounce Curl .
use accessories
Accessories are a great way to add a special touch to your curly hair. Hair accessories can give your styling an individual and unique touch. Here are some ideas on how to skillfully integrate accessories into your curly hairstyles:
Hair clips and bobby pins: With hair clips and bobby pins you can pin back individual strands or sections of your curls and create an interesting contrast.
Pearls or rhinestones: For a glamorous look, add pearls or rhinestones to your curly hairstyles. Use bobby pins or hair clips with sparkling embellishments to accentuate individual strands or sections of your curls.
Scarves or shawls: A colorful scarf or a chic scarf can spice up your curly hair. With different patterns and materials you can vary your style and show off your curly hair perfectly.
Headbands and scrunchies: Headbands are versatile and can be worn in a variety of ways. You can use a wide headband to hold your curls back and create a retro look.
Scrunchies are also a real evergreen when it comes to hair accessories and can be used to tie all kinds of different braids. Our scrunchies made from 100% pure mulberry silk are super gentle on the hair and a perfect gift idea.
Updos: Simple and quick
Updos are a great option for adding style to curly hair , whether for special occasions or just as a practical everyday hairstyle.
Regardless of whether
- loose bun,
- braided buns,
- the classic ponytail
- or an elegantly low chignon, straight curly hair looks particularly beautiful when pinned up.
The great thing is that with curly hair, updos can look completely different depending on the styling: from playfully romantic to classically serious or rockingly wild, curls are a real updo all-rounder.
To fix your hair in place, you can use a natural hairspray that doesn't contain any chemical additives and also protects against environmental influences. How about the volumizing and shine-giving Suncoat Natural Hairspray , for example?
Conclusion
Styling curls is a wonderful way to give your hair expression and personality. A suitable haircut, the right moisturizing care and gentle blow-drying lay the foundation for healthy and well-groomed curls.
By using the right tools, products and techniques, you can transform your natural curls into a variety of hairstyles and styles.
Straighteners and curling irons also allow straight-haired people to temporarily create a variety of curls in the desired shape and texture. Accessories and updos offer further creative options for styling and showcasing your curly mane in an exciting way.
With the ideas, tips and product recommendations presented here, you can make your individual curls shine at every opportunity. So experiment, have fun and find your personal curl style to show it off to the world with confidence! :)
FAQ
What tools and products can I use to style my curls?
You can use various tools and products to style your curls. Examples include curling irons, straighteners, curlers, curling irons, hair curlers, hair gel, curl mousse, leave-in conditioner and heat protection spray. The choice of suitable tools and products depends on your individual preferences and the desired results.
How can I temporarily turn my straight hair into curls?
It is possible to create temporary curls even with straight hair. You can use curling irons, straighteners, curling irons or braiding your hair in small braids or twists to create curls. Applying curling mousse or foam to damp hair and then blow-drying with a diffuser can also produce curly results.
How can I dry my curls properly?
There are two ways to dry your curls properly and gently: air drying and blow drying. When air drying, you should squeeze excess water out of the curls, gently pat the hair dry with a microfiber towel or soft cotton shirt, and then gently knead and shape the curls with your fingers.
When blow-drying with a diffuser, use a low to medium heat and speed setting to avoid heat damage. Choose the drying method that best suits your preferences and needs.
