How to Curl Wavy Hair

Bringing out the natural curls of your wavy hair may be a challenge. However, there are some tricks you can use, such as scrunching your hair with your hands or a diffuser, making pin curls, or using hair rollers to achieve natural looking curls. You may also add volume and curl-enhancing products during the process of curling your hair to make the look last the day.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Scrunching and Using a Diffuser

1. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.^[1] Saturate your hair with water in the shower. Squeeze a quarter sized amount of sulfate-free shampoo into your palms. Rub your hands together to create a lather, then scrub it into your roots. Massage through your hair as you normally do, and then rinse it out.^[2]
   
   • Lather shampoo at the scalp only, because that’s where the hair is the oiliest. The oldest and driest hair is at the bottom of the strands, so it doesn’t need as much washing.
   • Warm to hot water is good for washing your hair, because it opens the cuticles to remove buildup.
   • Don’t use circular motions, because that can tangle your hair. Use vertical strokes instead.
2. Scrunch conditioner through your hair to encourage curls. This method is also known as “squish to condish.” With your head leaning forward, and apply enough conditioner so your hair feels slick and smooth, almost like seaweed. Evenly work the conditioner through your hair, then rinse.^[3]
   
   • When your hair is dry, look at your curl patterns. If you want them to be tighter, use more shampoo.
   • Avoid putting conditioner on your scalp, because that’s where your natural oils are most concentrated.^[4]
3. Wrap your hair in a towel after washing it to absorb excess water. You should wrap your hair up in a microfiber towel or old cotton T-shirt for two minutes to increase the waviness and prevent frizz.^[5] Place the towel on top of your head and wrap it around the hair at the nape of the neck. Once it’s at the nape, wrap the towel ends all the way to the top of the head and tuck the edges around the forehead.^[6]
   
4. Apply a hair curling product to damp hair and scrunch it.^[7] The product should say on the label that it will enhance curls and combat frizz. Also apply volumizing products, such as mousse, and scrunch it through your wet hair. Gently squeeze the ends of your hair up towards your roots. Move your head forward and side-to-side as you scrunch it.^[8]
   
   • Use a little bit of oil in your hair if it feels a little crunchy with product.
   • Use a cream or mousse on your wavy hair. Try to avoid gels, which can be too heavy.
5. Use a hair dryer diffuser to scrunch curls. After washing and applying product, blow dry your hair using a diffuser attachment on your dryer. Turn the blow dryer on, and with your hair flipped forward, lift sections gently and plop them into the diffuser. Flip your head forward and to the side while you set your hair on the diffuser. Use the fingers of the diffuser to scrunch your hair towards the roots.^[9]
   
   • Using a diffuser counteracts the heaviness of the wet hair stretching out your natural waves.
   • Don’t scrunch your hair with your hands while it’s diffusing. Moving it as little as possible will help to minimize frizz.

[Edit]Making Pin Curls

1. Part your hair down the middle to create sections. Your hair should be freshly washed and blow dried completely. Divide the hair into as many small sections as you need, about wide. Twirl each section and clip it to your hair. This will create a section for you to curl later when you’ve curled other areas. Undo a section when you’re ready to curl it.^[10]
   
   • If you have layers, separate your hair into more sections to make sure all the hair is evenly curled.^[11]
2. Take the first section and wrap it around two of your fingers. This creates the curl shape. Slip your fingers out of the section. Roll the hair up to the top of your head and flatten it so it looks like disk.^[12]
   
   • Make sure the end of your hair is curled up as much as possible, so the end of it won’t be straight when the rest is curled.
3. Pin the rounded hair disk against your head. Use two bobby pins to hold it down in an X shape.^[13] Insert bobby pins so that that grooved half is facing down against the hair, because this part helps the pins stay in.^[14]
   
   • Spray a texturizing spray on the bobby pins before inserting them to prevent slippage.^[15]
4. Repeats this step with the rest of your hair. Unclip each section as you curl. Wrap each section around your fingers, creating the rolled curl shape. Flatten it against your head, and pint in place with bobby pins.^[16]
   
   • Check to make sure no stray hairs are left hanging. Roll and pin them up if there are.
5. Wear a satin bonnet or silk scarf while you sleep. You’ll be sleeping with the pin curls in your hair overnight, so a bonnet makes it more comfortable to sleep on the bobby pins and curls.^[17] Satin also protects your hair from being damaged and from coming out of the pins while you sleep. You can also tie a silk scarf around your head for th same effect.^[18]
   
   • Satin keeps your hair well hydrated, as opposed to sleeping directly on cotton, which most pillowcases are made of.
   • You can also buy satin pillowcases if you don't want to get a scarf or bonnet.^[19]
6. Take the pins out of your hair in the morning. Take off your bonnet or scarf and remove the bobby pins. Finger rake your curls as they’re released to create a natural look. Feel around your head just in case you forgot any bobby pins.^[20]
   
7. Apply a product a moisturizing product to the ends of your hair. Apply a small amount of oil to your hands and rub them together, then gently cup and squeeze your curls. Argan oil, is an example of a light moisturizer for your hair. If your hair tends to get static and frizz, this will keep the ends smooth throughout the day.^[21]
   
   • Hairspray will hold curls in place throughout the day.

[Edit]Using Hair Rollers

1. Pick the type of rollers to use. Hair rollers are made in different shapes and sizes. Choose a set of rollers to achieve the type of curls you want. Magnetic rollers and hot rollers work efficiently, although heat can sometimes damage hair.^[22]
   
   • Foam rollers will take overnight to set, because your hair needs to be damp when you set them up.
   • Small hair curlers create smaller, tighter curls, and large rollers give you beachier waves.
2. Prep your hair by washing and adding a product. If you’re using hot rollers, apply a setting product or a heat-activating spray or oil to your dry hair. If you’re using wet rollers, use a smoothing cream, so the curls appear smooth when they’re dry.^[23]
   
3. Section your hair off while it’s damp with ties or clips. Make your sections as big as your rollers are. So make large sections for large rollers and smaller sections for smaller rollers.^[24]
   
   • Divide your hair into 3-5 sections. Begin with a central mohawk shape along the top and back of your head, then clip the sides or divide them in half above each ear and clip.
   • While you’re curling your hair, you’ll separate out subsections that are about the same diameter as your rollers. Using sections that are too big will give you just a small curl at the bottom of your hair.
4. Wrap your hair around the rollers. Start by lifting your hair straight up. Beginning at the tips, wrap the hair around the curler and roll down until you reach your roots. Make sure your curls are secure against your head without being too tight, so you achieve a good curl without pulling your hair at the roots.^[25]
   
   • Use caution with hot rollers, and keep your fingers on areas that are cool when you curl your hair. Let the rollers cool completely before removing them.
   • Brush or comb each section before wrapping it in a curler to ensure a smooth, flawless curl.
5. Secure your curlers in place. All rollers have different methods for staying in your hair. Hot rollers require clips to stay in place. Velcro attach themselves to hair, and foam rollers are secured with clips. Secure the roller so that it’s flat against your head.^[26]
   
   • If you’re using rollers with pin clips, put a tissue in between the clip and your hair so you don’t end up with a dent in your curl.
   • Put some hairspray over your hair once the rollers are set in to add extra hold.
6. Let your hair set in the curlers. It will need a different amount of time depending on the rollers you use and whether your hair is wet or dry. Some take overnight, and some take a few minutes.
   
   • Foam rollers should set overnight, but if you’re pressed for time, use your blow dryer on a high setting for 15 to 20 minutes.
   • Hot rollers take about 10 to 15 minutes to cool.
7. Remove the rollers after the hair is dry and set. For hot rollers, you’ll know to remove them when they’ve cooled. If you’re using magnetic rollers, wait until your hair is completely dry. When removing curlers, always start with the ones at the bottom sections of your head, and then move up to avoid tangling your hair.^[27]
   
   • Make sure your hair is completely dry before removing rollers to prevent the style from dropping out too soon.
   • Use hairspray to hold the look.
   • Finger rake your curls gently to separate them and make a natural look.

[Edit]Tips

• If your hair doesn’t hold curls very well, skip conditioning when you wash your hair. This just makes your hair softer and more difficult to hold a shape.^[28]
• Add a volumizing product before putting the rollers in your hair to add more hold to your curls.^[29]

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

[Edit]Scrunching Your Hair

• Microfiber towel or t-shirt
• Scrunching gel
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Diffuser attachment
• Mousse
• Curling product

[Edit]Making Pin Curls

• Bobby pins
• Alligator clips
• Hair spray
• Satin bonnet
• Argan oil

[Edit]Using Hair Rollers

• Hair rollers(Hot curlers, Velcro, or sponge)
• Brush
• Hairspray
• Curling product

[Edit]References

1. ↑ [v161236_b01]. 10 January 2020.
2. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/how-to-wash-your-hair/
3. ↑ https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/styling-transitioning/squish-to-condish-the-curl-enhancing-technique-you-need-to-try-today-bi
4. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/how-to-wash-your-hair/
5. ↑ [v161236_b01]. 10 January 2020.
6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr1QkRGwrkY
7. ↑ [v161236_b01]. 10 January 2020.
8. ↑ https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/wavy-hair-type-2/5-ways-to-make-your-wavy-hair-look-curlier
9. ↑ https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/wavy-hair-type-2/5-ways-to-make-your-wavy-hair-look-curlier
10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQC0zP0cXW8
11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQCKQtv3IpY
12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQCKQtv3IpY
13. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQCKQtv3IpY
14. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a34086/how-to-use-bobby-pins-tips/
15. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/a6123/life-changing-bobby-pin-tricks/
16. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQCKQtv3IpY
17. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQCKQtv3IpY
18. ↑ https://www.graceeleyae.com/blogs/the-slap-life/24420417-6-reasons-to-use-satin-to-protect-your-hair
19. ↑ [v161236_b01]. 10 January 2020.
20. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQCKQtv3IpY
21. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQCKQtv3IpY
22. ↑ https://fashionista.com/2013/04/how-to-use-hair-rollers
23. ↑ https://fashionista.com/2013/04/how-to-use-hair-rollers
24. ↑ https://fashionista.com/2013/04/how-to-use-hair-rollers
25. ↑ https://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hairstyles/hair-rollers-tips-and-tricks
26. ↑ https://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hairstyles/hair-rollers-tips-and-tricks
27. ↑ https://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hairstyles/hair-rollers-tips-and-tricks
28. ↑ https://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hairstyles/hair-rollers-tips-and-tricks
29. ↑ https://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hairstyles/hair-rollers-tips-and-tricks