What are the steps in styling curly hair?

Author: Brionna Rolfson  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Journey to Curls Part 2: Styling
  1. Begin styling your hair when it is dripping wet. Don't towel dry your hair after your shower. ...
  2. Apply your styling product using the “prayer hands” method. ...
  3. Let hair air dry. ...
  4. Use a diffuser. ...
  5. Once dry, gently tousle hair with finger tips. ...
  6. Make small adjustments.

What is the correct order of products for curly hair?

The recommended order of products for curly hair is typically pre-shampoo treatment, shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioning treatment, and leave-in conditioner. Lastly, styling products and oil or serum should be used.

What is the Curly Girl Method step by step?

The lazy girl's guide to starting the Curly Girl Method
  • Step 1: Final wash.
  • Step 2: Co-wash.
  • Step 3: Scrunch.
  • Step 4: Style.
  • Step 5: Dry.
  • Step 6: Repeat.

What is the 1/2/3 gel method for curly hair?

What is the 123 Gel Method
  • Water-down hair creme using the #bowlmethod
  • Apply 3 different gels, one pump each, one after the other. PRO TIP: Use creamy gels for more moisture. End with Glycerine-free gel. Wet Plop, then dry as usual.

What are the steps for curly hair?

These are the 7 steps in the Curly Hair Routine for Newbies :
  1. Washing – Shampoo + Conditioning.
  2. Applying products and scrunching.
  3. Drying – Tee drying + Plopping.
  4. Sleeping with curly hair.
  5. Never brush or comb curly hair once it is dry.
  6. Refreshing 2nd and 3rd day curly hair.
  7. Treatments.

Find Your Curl Type! | All Hair Types w/ Pictures

What goes first foam or gel for curly hair?

If you choose to use both products, you should always start with the mousse before the gel. This is because the gel will harden up after application, so it's easier to start with the light mousse first and then add a little bit of gel afterward depending on where you want firm hold and definition..

What does Type 3 curly hair look like?

In general, Type 3 curly hair is defined by having an “S” shaped curl pattern. Additionally, because the cuticle doesn't lay as flat as Type 1 or Type 2 hair, the hair also isn't as shiny.

What is the curly hair method called?

Curly Girl Method. The Curly Girl Method is an approach to hair care designed by author Lorraine Massey for textured hair in its natural state (coils, waves, and curls) that has not been chemically relaxed. This method discourages the daily use of sulfate shampoo, which is considered too harsh for curly hair.

What is the Irish curl pattern?

Irish curls, also known as Irish waves or Irish hair, are a unique and sometimes challenging hair type. Unlike uniform curl patterns, Irish curls have a distinctive dual texture: straighter on top with waves or curls hiding underneath.

What is a cowash?

Co-washing is short for "conditioner-only washing." It means skipping shampoo and relying solely on conditioner, whether you're a daily or a weekly washer. Most conditioners contain trace amounts of detergents called cationic surfactants, or "quats" for short.

What does mousse do for curly hair?

Hair mousse is a super versatile foam that you can use to give some hold and definition to strands, as well as protect and tame your hair and give unruly curls some control. Mousse helps keep frizz in check and helps make your curls bouncier. Using the right amount of hair mousse can really make a difference.

Do you put curling cream or gel first?

Creams are best for hydration and elongation. Gels are best for definition and hold. Want the benefits of both? Apply a cream formula first as a primer, then layer on gel to lock in moisture and define your curls.

Should you comb curly hair up or down?

Before brushing, apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to help add moisture and protect your strands. Once your product is applied, gently brush through your hair using a brush or hair pick. Begin with the foundation and work up down to the ends.

What is the rarest curly hair type?

Type 1A is the rarest hair type and is stick-straight without even a hint of a wave. This type of hair tends to be healthy and glossy, but it's extremely difficult to get it to hold curl or style. Type 1B is a bit coarser than 1A, which means that it has more body and can generally hold a wave or a curl.

How often should you wash curly hair?

Loose and classic curls can lather up two to four times a week. Coily curl types can co-wash weekly, and deep cleanse with shampoo once a month. Tight curls fall somewhere in between - shampoo or co-wash every few days to a week. A good rule of thumb: If your curls feel dry, try washing less frequently.

What is the difference between spiral and ringlet curls?

Celebrities with ringlet curls include Julianna Margulies and Annalynne McCord. SPIRAL CURL – Similar to ringlet curls, spiral curls have a corkscrew pattern. However, they are slightly tighter in that their circumference measures that of a pencil.

Which is better for curls, gel or mousse?

If you have finer hair or looser curls, try a mousse. If you have thick hair or tighter curls or coils, try a gel. And don't be afraid to experiment: after all, your curls are as unique as you are. You can't go wrong with products that were created for unique waves, curls, and coils in mind.

Do you need leave-in conditioner for curly hair?

As someone with curly or coily hair, it's important to recognize that your locks might benefit from using both a regular conditioner & a leave-in conditioner. Combining these products can help your curls thrive from one wash day to the next, offering both deep hydration & long-lasting moisture.

How do you style curly hair neatly?

How to style naturally curly hair
  1. Know your curl type. ...
  2. Detangle gently. ...
  3. Use a deep-conditioning mask once a week. ...
  4. Apply products to wet hair. ...
  5. Dry with a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel. ...
  6. Protect your curls while you sleep. ...
  7. Avoid over-brushing. ...
  8. Use a curling iron for rogue curls.

How do I get the most defined curls?

How to Get Defined Curls
  1. Ditch Your Brush. This might come as a surprise, but don't panic. ...
  2. Avoid Sulfates (Most of the Time) Sulfates are not your friend. ...
  3. Avoid "Cones" Shampoos aren't the only risk. ...
  4. Wash Less Often. ...
  5. Condition the Right Way. ...
  6. Dry Without Damage. ...
  7. Style Your Curls. ...
  8. Defined Curls are Within Reach.

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