Embracing the natural beauty of wavy and coily hair can be a journey of discovery. These hair types are blessed with unique textures that can create stunning styles, but they also come with their own set of challenges. From managing frizz to enhancing definition, there's always something new to learn. Today, we're diving into some underrated styling methods that can take your hair game to the next level.
GUIDE
Understanding Wavy and Coily Hair
The Importance of Hydration
Underrated Styling Methods
Product Spotlights: Enhancing your Natural Texture
Expert Tips for Long-Term Care
Embracing your Natural Texture
Understanding Wavy and Coily Hair
Before we jump into styling techniques, it's crucial to understand the nature of wavy and coily hair. These hair types tend to be more prone to dryness and frizz due to their structure. The curves and coils in the hair shaft make it harder for natural oils to travel from the scalp to the ends, which is why moisture is the cornerstone of any good hair care routine for these textures.
The Importance of Hydration
Hydration is key when it comes to maintaining healthy waves and coils. Geneva Fowler, a natural hair expert, emphasises the importance of a hydration-focused routine. She recommends using a good conditioner and leaving it in for 2-5 minutes, or up to 10 minutes for particularly dry or coily hair. This simple step can make a world of difference in the health and manageability of your locks.
Underrated Styling Methods
1. Finger-Coiling: Defining Curls with Precision
Finger-coiling is a technique that can transform your hair's natural pattern into more defined, uniform curls. Here's how to do it:
- Start with damp hair, freshly washed and conditioned.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to ensure moisture and hold.
- Take a small section of hair and twirl it around your finger from root to tip.
- Gently slide your finger out, leaving a perfectly formed coil.
- Repeat this process throughout your hair, working in small sections.
- Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser on low heat for added volume.
This method is particularly effective for those with looser curl patterns who want to enhance their natural texture.
2. The LOC Method: Locking in Moisture
The LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method is a game-changer for maintaining moisture in wavy and coily hair. Here's the breakdown:
- Liquid: Start with water or a water-based leave-in conditioner to hydrate the hair.
- Oil: Apply a natural oil like jojoba or argan to seal in the moisture.
- Cream: Finish with a curl cream or butter to define and hold your curls.
This method helps to create a moisture barrier that keeps your hair hydrated for longer periods, reducing frizz and enhancing curl definition.
3. Plopping: Frizz-Free Drying
Plopping is a drying technique that can significantly reduce frizz and enhance your natural curl pattern. Here's how to plop:
- After washing, apply your styling products to soaking wet hair.
- Lay a microfiber towel or old t-shirt flat on a surface.
- Bend over and lower your hair onto the center of the towel.
- Wrap the towel around your head, securing it at the nape of your neck.
- Leave it on for 20-30 minutes or overnight for maximum effect.
This method allows your curls to dry in their natural shape, reducing the need for heat styling and minimising frizz.
4. Curl Training: Teaching Your Hair to Behave
Curl training is a long-term strategy that can help your hair maintain its natural curl pattern more consistently. The process involves:
- Consistently using the same styling techniques and products.
- Avoiding heat styling and chemical treatments.
- Protecting your hair at night with a satin bonnet or pillowcase.
- Regular deep conditioning treatments to maintain hair health.
Over time, your hair will "learn" to fall into its natural curl pattern more easily, requiring less manipulation for defined curls.
Product Spotlight: Enhancing Your Natural Texture
The right products can make a world of difference in your styling routine
- Curl kitchen Avocado Curl Curl Cream: Specially formulated for Curly, wavy, and coily hair, this cream enhances curl definition without weighing hair down.
Remember, what works for one person may not work for another. It's all about experimenting to find the perfect combination for your unique hair texture.
Expert Tips for Long-Term Care
Maintaining healthy wavy and coily hair is about more than just daily styling. Here are some expert tips for long-term care:
- Minimise Heat Styling: Excessive heat can damage your hair's natural curl pattern. Embrace air-drying and heatless styling methods whenever possible.
- Regular Deep Conditioning: Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your routine to provide extra moisture and nourishment to your curls.
- Protective Styles: Consider adopting protective styles like braids or buns to help retain moisture and protect the ends of your hair from breakage.
- Regular trims help prevent split ends and keep your curls looking bouncy and healthy.
Embracing Your Natural Texture
As we wrap up our exploration of underrated styling methods for wavy and coily hair, remember that the journey to loving your natural texture is personal and unique. What works for one person may not work for another, and that's okay. The key is to experiment, have patience, and most importantly, have fun with your hair.
Embrace the versatility of your waves and coils. Try out these methods, mix and match techniques, and don't be afraid to create your own unique styling routine. Your hair is a beautiful expression of who you are, so wear it with pride and confidence.
Remember, the current trends in the textured hair community are all about embracing natural hair and exploring playful, colourful styles that enhance rather than overpower your natural texture. So go ahead, give these underrated methods a try, and watch your waves and coils flourish!
For more inspiration and detailed tutorials, check out these helpful resources:
- Naturally Curly's Guide to Finger Coiling
- Allure's Tutorial on Plopping Curly Hair
- Byrdie's Breakdown of the LOC Method
Here's to embracing your natural beauty and unlocking the full potential of your wavy and coily hair!