Curlies love to obsess over curl definition.
We will do anything to get the “perfect” curl because after all, it will result in our hair standing out in the crowd! However, as a curlie, we also know that curl definition doesn’t always come — naturally. It isn’t always easy to achieve on its own; the right technique, tools and products are definitely necessary.
I suffered from dry and frizzy wash and go’s for years which led me to transition to natural hair. After three years of trial and error, I have finally mastered the steps to get the best curl definition and want to share them with the world.
A defined curl is one that has no flyaways, frizz or dryness. To achieve this you want all of your curls to flow softly without being clumping together with the rest of your hair. You should be able to see every curl one by one.
My hair is low porosity, meaning that it is harder for moisture to get into my hair’s cuticles and results in dryer hair. To avoid the dryness, I layer products, applying enough conditioner on day one to last me for the next few days. Here is how.
1. Start with soaking wet hair.
Achieving the best curl definition means starting off on the perfect canvas which is wet — not damp — hair. I always get the best definition when I style freshly cleansed, conditioned and cold-rinsed curls. Hair that is cleansed and conditioned will give a start fresh, leaving behind no past product build-up and some moisture left over from a rinse-out or deep conditioning treatment.
2. Generously apply a leave-in conditioner and finger detangle.
Now it’s time to apply the product. I like to apply my base leave-in conditioner SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-in as it is very light, water-based and is a great foundation for the heavier product I use next. I take advantage of its amazing slip by finger detangling in sections. Once my hair has been conditioned with the leave-in, I go in with my favorite product and secret to defined curls, theBoucleme Curl Cream. It has the right consistency to seal and hold the perfect defined curl without clumping the hair together and flaking once dry. I simply smooth a handful of curl cream through my hair section by section (a total of four sections”>.
3. Detangle again!
To get perfectly defined curls, I like to go the extra mile and detangle again using my Denman Brush, which helps to get all of the hidden tangles out and evenly distributes the product to my thick hair. I get the best definition when every strand is covered in the product as it prevents frizz.
4. Wrap flexi-rods.
I recently suffered from some heat damage near the front of my hair which has given me a huge issue for defined curls in that section. To combat this, I have been using a flexi-rod to blend and match the straighter strands with the rest of my curls. I simply separate the heat damaged section carefully away from the rest of the hair — remember, manipulation has to be avoided. Next, I wrap the section around the rod and fold the rod upwards into a curl.
5. Air dry.
The best way for me to avoid causing any frizz is to air dry. Yes, it takes longer and can be a pain, but my advice is to try to plan ahead! I like to air dry without a towel around my shoulders, as these can rub against the curls and cause frizz. A t-shirt is the best thing to wear. After an hour or so I take down the flexi-rod and separate the curl to match in with the rest of my hair.
Here are my results!
My hair doesn’t feel clumpy or hard at all and I never have any white residue or flakes, thanks to the Denman Brush and applying conditioner on wet hair”>. I have a head full of different curl types so having uniform curls isn’t something I can achieve but as long as every strand is moisturized you will achieve the defined look we all pray for!
The above products are my go-to’s for curl definition but below I have listed some other products I recommend.
- Aunt Jessies Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curl Gel
- SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Styling Lotion
To conclude, curl definition is a process and the formula consists of hair type, products and technique!
The above steps along with patience, a steady hand and practice will lead you to achieve your best curl definition!
