Curly-Hair Hacks That Will Completely Change Your Life

Waves are categorized by their loose S-shape and include those with 2A, 2B, and 2C hair. Some people may mistake their wavy hair for straight without the proper hair-care routine. To learn wavy-hair styling tips from a pro, keep reading.

We know it’s tempting to rake conditioner through your freshly shampooed hair, but the right way to apply moisturizer to your curls is a press and smooth strategy. Squeeze the conditioner from midshaft to ends. Then, run your fingers through to detangle. “The cuticle for curly hair isn’t a smooth cuticle, so you have to smooth it in yourself,” says Lebron. Once the product is distributed, rinse with cool water to close the hair cuticle completely and lock in the moisture.

It can be hard for waves to take shape, but it’s all in the twirl. When your strands are dripping wet (even before you blot dry), coax hair into waves by twisting sections away from the face. Add a product like Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel Stronger Hold ($26) to cut down on frizz and help with definition.

We hate to break it to you, but you’ve been scrunching your waves all wrong. This technique helps each curl separate into gorgeous ringlets. Here’s the right way: cup the ends and push curls upward. Squeeze just around the ears, release, then slowly move hands away. Go section by section so that every area gets scrunched equally.

Rubbing your head with a terry towel is the quickest way to ruin any natural curl definition. The Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair Turban ($30) is a better solution, but don’t put it in the dryer. “The ridges open up more and create frizz when you put it in the dryer,” says Lebron. Since the fibers are smooth, a t-shirt is an even better alternative to blot your mane dry.

That bowl-like contraption that comes with your blowdryer is a diffuser, and it’s one way to dry your curly hair fast. First, spritz wet hair with a hairspray like the Amika Fluxus Touchable Hairspray ($26), that way all the frizz that is lurking will stay put. When you use a diffuser like the Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser ($34), cup your curls between the attachment and your hand so you can feel when your hair gets too hot. Once your hair is completely dry, hit strands with a cool blast to add even more shine.

While those with extra coily hair have the Afro pick, wavy and curly textures can use a chopstick to tease hair. Just push hair from midshaft to roots to get more volume (never tease the ends where your want to preserve the curl pattern). You can also use this unusual tool to separate ringlets with without frizzing the hair up.

Waves tend to get crushed after eight hours rolling around in the sheets. You can save your amazing waves by wearing a ballerina bun to bed. Don’t run your fingers through the hair. Just grip strands, twist, and pin up with bobby pins. In the morning, you can refresh the ends with water and a shine serum.

Curly hair includes those with 3A-, 3B-, and 3C-type curls. Styling curly hair takes a little bit of extra love and care. Keep scrolling to learn more about styling curly hair.

Eladia believes that everyone with curls should own a satin pillowcase, like the Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase ($89), because cotton absorbs all the natural oils and moisture from your hair as you sleep. To avoid, after wetting your ringlets every day, pineapple your ends every night. You can use a loose hair tie to pull hair up to the top of the head. Try to get the hair as close to the hairline as possible. In the morning, just take down and shake.

Curly hair has the tendency to get super dry at the ends. That’s because it’s nearly impossible for the natural oils at the scalp to make it all the way down the hair shaft, especially when you’re not combing and brushing your curls. First, spritz the ends with warm water to open up the cuticle. Then, massage in some Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil ($57).

Coily hair differs from curly hair thanks to its tighter curl pattern. 4A, 4B, and 4C are all coily hair textures. Keep reading to learn how to style coily hair from a pro.

Got an old pair of ripped tights? Then you have everything you need to stretch your curls out overnight. Cut off the legs and use the control top as a DIY bonnet. Place the pantyhose over your neck then pull up over ears and hair. This style will help you get more volume on day two.

If your short hair won’t stretch into one pineapple ponytail, split the strands into four sections. Loosely layer two rubber elastics (yes, this is one time it’s OK to use these particular hair ties) around the hair only once, and place them closer to the ends. “If you put it too tight, you’ll have an indent of the rubber-band on the hair,” says Lebron. “Leave it sort of loose so there is less damage.”