The secrets to maintaining curl definition

So you've done it! You've achieved hair victory. Wash day was a monumental success. Your curls are seriously fabulous. At least, they were when you left the house. By lunchtime, they're a sad state of affairs. And let's not even talk about the next day. 

How do those other curlies do it, you wonder? How do they manage to maintain next level definition? 

Here are some of their secrets...

Start with the right products

The products you choose play a crucial role in how well your curls maintain their definition.

Gel is your friend: A good quality gel can be a game-changer for curl definition. Apply gel to wet hair after curl cream to lock in the curl pattern while the hair dries.

Application technique matters

How you apply products can affect your results as much as the products themselves.

Raking and scrunching: After applying gel, use the "raking" method to distribute the product evenly through your hair. Better yet, brush style. Follow this by "scrunching" your curls from the ends towards the roots to encourage curl formation.

Less is more: It’s easy to think that more product means more definition, but overloading your hair with multiple different products can weigh it down and lead to build-up, which actually reduces volume and definition. Start with a small amount of curl cream straight out of the shower. Then add gel as you need it.

Drying your curls properly

The way you dry your curls can impact their definition and overall health.

Air drying: This is the gentlest method but for curlies with low porosity hair, it can literally take all day for their curls to dry. Which means air drying is out. So...
Diffuse with care: Use a diffuser attachment set to a low heat and speed setting. Always hover over your curls without touching them. Do this until the gel cast forms for maximum lasting definition.

Hands off!

Touching your hair too much after it has been styled can disrupt curl definition and lead to frizz. Consider it the number on definition killer.

Avoid touching your hair while it’s drying: Let your curls set by avoiding manipulation. 
Scrunch out the crunch: Once your hair is dry, if you used a gel, you may feel a 'cast' around your curls – this is normal. Gently scrunch your hair to break the cast and soften your curls without losing definition. Try doing this with a clean, dry microfibre towel to limit the amount of oils you transfer from your hands.

Nighttime care to preserve curls

How you treat your curls at night can affect their shape and definition the next day.

Pineapple your hair: Gather your curls loosely at the top of your head and secure them with a soft hair tie. This “pineapple” method prevents curls from being squished while you sleep.
Use a satin pillowcase: Switch to a satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz and breakage that can occur with regular cotton pillowcases.
Try a bonnet: Like the Curlytops satin sleep bonnet. It's the ultimate game changer for curls.

Regular maintenance

Keeping your curls healthy is essential for maintaining long-term definition.

Trim regularly: Trimming your hair regularly helps prevent split ends and damage, which can affect how well your curls hold their shape.
Deep conditioning: Regular deep conditioning treatments help keep your curls hydrated and elastic, which is crucial for maintaining good curl definition.

When you achieve hair victory, you want it to last. So it pays to put in a little extra effort to maintain that definition. 

Looking for more curly hair tips and tricks? 

Check out more of our advice here.

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