Applying products too close to the root area can weigh down your hair and might make volume more difficult to achieve, Renee says. Additionally, she points out that excess product around the hair’s part can sometimes make clean hair look greasy.
Renee says that many of her clients have been told never to use a tool to detangle soaking-wet hair, but she disagrees. “I believe that as long as you’re gentle with your hair, using a brush or comb can help ensure proper saturation to every curl, and help to define your curl pattern,” she says. She recommends investing in a quality detangling brush, like Framar’s Vent Brush; this choice works great on wet hair, it’s easy to clean after brushing through product, and it doesn’t store excess moisture.
How can you prevent damage when styling curly hair?
Properly caring for your curls while they’re wet is key to protecting them. After washing and gently detangling your hair, Renee advises wringing your curls out gently instead of rubbing or creating friction with a towel. “Forcing your curls to dry stretched out is very damaging,” Amiel says. He notes that pulling wet hair into ponytails, buns, or braids, and overusing hot styling techniques (round-brush blowouts, flatirons, or roller sets) won’t “allow your curls to shrink as they do naturally” and can lead to damage and loss of definition over time.
When teaching clients how to style curly hair, Renee also advocates for minimizing heat as much as possible but suggests a diffuser when needed to speed up the drying process. Even with a diffuser, use a heat protectant and low heat, she says, and hover your hair over the tool whenever possible. Additionally, Renee says to avoid going to bed with wet hair; to sleep with a satin or silk hair bonnet at night to prevent frizz and breakage; and to moderate “super-tight hairstyles,” which cause tension and could lead to hair loss over time.
How should you style your curls on a nonwashday?
If you’ve made it this far, you already know that wet hair is the ideal styling condition for curls. But dousing your head every day isn’t always realistic, and sometimes you just need a quick touch-up. Amiel still advises partially wetting your curls in this case, even if it’s just a light mist of water from a spray bottle before adding more product. For a little added moisture and protection, Renee recommends using a continuous spray bottle of water mixed with a lightweight leave-in.
“The best way to revive day-old curls is with moisture,” Amiel says. “Turn on your hot water in your shower, and allow your hair to absorb the steam. Wet your palms to smooth down the flyaways, and allow hair to dry naturally.” For quick touch ups, like smoothing a flyaway on a sleek updo, hair spray or gel can sub in.
When tackling everyday hairstyles for curls, Renee advises working with your curls du jour rather than battling them. “It’s all about product prep and what my client’s hair needs are in the moment,” she says. “I’m utilizing more hairspray and or texturizing products for up styles. For worn-down looks, I’d definitely utilize a moisturizer as well as mousse for volume and touchable hold, and gel for extra hold if needed.”