Having curly hair is a great asset! It adds volume and style to your hair, and there are so many fun and unique ways to style it. But, for some people, the curls just won’t stay. Curly hair can be especially tricky to manage, and it’s not uncommon for curls to fall flat, even after hours of curling. But don’t worry, all hope is not lost! With the right tips and tricks, you can keep your curls looking bouncy and fabulous all day long.
The Science of Hair
Before we dive into tips and tricks, let’s take a quick look at what causes hair to curl in the first place. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, and it grows from follicles in the scalp. The shape and texture of hair depend on a few factors, including the shape of the hair follicles and the chemical bonds that hold the hair together.
Hair Follicles
The shape of the hair follicles can affect the curliness of your hair. Follicles that are shaped like circles tend to produce straight hair, while follicles that are shaped like ovals or crescents produce curly hair. This is because oval and crescent-shaped follicles force the hair to grow in a curved shape rather than straight out of the scalp.
Chemical Bonds
The chemical bonds that hold the hair together can also affect curliness. There are three types of chemical bonds that hold hair together: hydrogen bonds, disulfide bonds, and salt bonds. Of these, disulfide bonds are the strongest and can withstand the most heat and pressure. When hair is heated, the bonds break and then reform when the hair cools. This is why applying heat to hair, such as with a curling iron, can help create curls.
Tips and Tricks for Keeping Curls
Now that we understand the science behind hair, let’s look at some tips and tricks for keeping curls in your hair.
Start with Clean Hair
The first step to getting your curls to stay is to start with clean hair. Make sure to wash and condition your hair before attempting to curl it. This will help remove any buildup or oils that can weigh your hair down and make it harder for curls to hold their shape.
Use a Heat Protectant
Before you start curling your hair, it’s important to use a heat protectant. This will help prevent damage to your hair from the heat of the curling iron. Apply the heat protectant to your hair while it’s still wet, and make sure to distribute it evenly throughout your hair.
Section Your Hair
One common mistake people make when trying to curl their hair is to curl too much hair at once. This can make it harder for the curls to set and can lead to a frizzy, messy look. Instead, section your hair into small, manageable sections, and only curl one section at a time.
Choose the Right Curling Iron
The type of curling iron you use can also make a big difference in how your curls hold up. For tight, bouncy curls, use a curling iron with a smaller barrel. For looser, more relaxed waves, use a curling iron with a larger barrel.
Hold the Curling Iron Correctly
When curling your hair, make sure to hold the curling iron correctly. Start by placing the curling iron at the top of the section of hair you want to curl. Then, wrap the hair around the barrel of the curling iron, making sure to keep the ends of your hair in the curling iron. Hold the curling iron in place for a few seconds, and then release the hair.
Let Your Curls Cool
After you release the hair from the curling iron, let the curl cool completely before touching it. This will help the curl set and hold its shape. Once all of your hair is curled, you can use your fingers to gently separate the curls and style them as desired.
Finish with Hairspray
To help your curls hold their shape even longer, finish off with a light mist of hairspray. This will help lock in the style and prevent frizz and flyaways. Make sure to hold the hairspray several inches away from your head and spray lightly to avoid weighing your hair down.
Final Thoughts
While curly hair can be tricky to manage, with the right tips and tricks, you can keep your curls looking fabulous all day long. Remember to start with clean hair, use a heat protectant, section your hair, choose the right curling iron, hold the curling iron correctly, let your curls cool, and finish with hairspray. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be able to create the perfect curls every time!
FAQs
- Why won’t my hair stay curled? There are a few reasons your hair might not be staying curled. It could be due to a lack of product, not using a heat protectant, or not sectioning your hair properly.
- How can I get my curls to stay in all day? To keep your curls in all day, make sure to use a heat protectant, section your hair properly, and finish off with a light mist of hairspray.
- What type of curling iron should I use? The type of curling iron you should use depends on the type of curls you want. For tight curls, use a curling iron with a smaller barrel, and for looser curls, use a curling iron with a larger barrel.
- How can I prevent frizz and flyaways in my curls? To prevent frizz and flyaways, make sure to use a light mist of hairspray and avoid touching your hair too much after it’s been curled.
References
The Science Behind Curly Hair: https://www.scienceabc.com/nature/human-curious-case-curly-hair.html
10 Tips to Make Your Curls Last Longer: https://www.matrix.com/blog/10-tips-to-make-your-curls-last-longer
How to Curl Your Hair: 6 Ways to Do It: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-curl-your-hair