Oh, that dreaded hair dent.
Whether your ponytail, sleeping weirdly, hat, or incorrect product application caused it, the unsightly, unwanted hair dent is a major issue that disturbs our curl pattern. The easiest (and perhaps most obvious) way to get rid of them might be by re-washing and re-styling our hair while it is wet, but we do not always want to put that time and effort in, especially if we have recently washed our hair. The good news is that a few products and tricks can help prevent and fix hair dents.
EZBASICS Hair Steamer 2 in 1
The portable hair steamer works like magic. It makes post-work-out ponytail dents disappear, and pairing it with a product like U R Curly Sili-Free Hair Serum helps it better eliminate frizz. First, I spray my hair, and then once I fill the reservoir with filtered water, I aim the tool at the dent, pull the trigger, and allow the steam to work. Then, I will usually finger coil–or gently rake–the section with my fingers while the steam is hitting it to make the dent go bye-bye.
Invisibobbles
Image Source: @filipinahairsis
99% of the time, you will see one of these on my wrist, and the 1% is because it is holding my hair back. In my honest opinion, these are the best hair ties a curly can buy–they are shaped like an old telephone wire to hold hair back without kinking or denting it. They also do not cause tension headaches that some curlies experience when tying their hair back with an elastic. If you are not using these and often get ponytail dents, try this one out and see if you notice a difference.
Use a refresher spray
Sometimes, a refresher spray will revive droopy curls and finely remove a dent. Spray your hair thoroughly, re-scrunching the hair to bring back to its original shape. If scrunching is not working, do a quick two-strand twist or pin curl. Please leave them in for up to 10 minutes before taking them down. My favorite refresher sprays are OBIA Naturals Curl Hydration Spray, Alikay Naturals Wake Me Up Daily Curl Refresher, and Design Essentials Coconut & Monoi Coconut Water Curl Refresher.
A satin-lined cap
Image Source: @graceeleyae
If you’ve been wearing hats all Winter to stay warm but see a “hat dent” when you take them off, don’t despair because there is still hope. I like the SLAP from Grace Eleyae because it keeps me warm without disrupting my curl definition—some curlies even like to sleep in these to preserve their curls.
Don’t tie your hair back when it’s wet
Image Source: @keekz.co
Our hair is most manipulative when wet so this is a surefire way to add a dent in the hair because it will dry around the ponytail holder. If you can help it, wait until your hair is dry; if you must get your wet hair off your face, I suggest clipping it back in a ‘cinnamon bun.’ The hair will still dry, but instead, it should take the shape of softer waves instead of curls with a dent in the middle.
How do you avoid a ponytail dent?
Leave your secret in the comment section below.
