Best Styling Methods for Curly Hair: A Complete Guide

Best Styling Methods for Curly Hair, A Complete Guide

How to Style Curly Hair: Top 8 Techniques for Perfect Curl Definition

1. Raking Method

The raking method involves using your fingers to distribute product evenly through wet hair. 

After applying leave-in conditioner or curl cream, run your fingers through your curls in a raking motion, similar to using a wide-tooth comb. 

This helps detangle and coat every strand, and encourages curl clumping. This technique is best for looser curl patterns or curls that need help forming definition.

Pro tip: Follow raking with scrunching for more volume and spring.

Raking Method on Natural Hair

2. Praying Hands Method 

This method involves smoothing product over your hair using your hands in a “praying” motion, i.e., palms flat together with hair between them. 

It’s a gentle technique that helps reduce frizz and encourages curl clumping without disrupting the natural pattern.

This styling method is best for reducing frizz, especially for low-porosity or high-shrinkage hair.

3. Scrunching

Scrunching is a universal favorite for encouraging curl formation. With your head upright or flipped over, gather sections of hair in your hands and gently scrunch upward toward the scalp. 

This compresses the curls and helps them spring into shape. It’s best for enhancing natural curl pattern and boosting bounce.

Scrunching Method on Natural Hair

4. Shingling Method

The shingling method requires you to apply the product in small sections, smoothing it into each strand with your fingers. 

This process takes time but yields highly defined, frizz-free curls that last for days. It’s best for tighter curl patterns (Type 3C to 4C), high-definition styles.

How To Do the Shingling Method on Natural Hair

5. Finger Coiling

Finger coiling involves wrapping small sections of hair around your finger to encourage curl formation and create uniform coils. 

This technique is especially useful if your curls need extra definition or are recovering from damage.

It’s best for reviving curl pattern, special occasions, or wash-and-go styles.

6. Plopping

Plopping is a drying technique that enhances curl shape while reducing frizz. After styling, wrap your hair in a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt and let it “plop” on top of your head. 

This allows curls to dry in a coiled position without being weighed down. This technique is best for wavy to curly hair types looking for volume and definition.

How To Do Plopping Method on Natural Hair

7. Clump and Clip (Root Clipping)

After applying products and styling, use small hair clips at the roots to lift curls as they dry. 

This keeps your roots from drying flat and encourages volume without frizz. It’s best for adding root volume and avoiding a flat crown.

How To Root Clipping Method on Natural Hair

8. Brush Styling (Using a Curl-Defining Brush)

Use a curl-defining brush like Denman to style wet hair in sections.

The brush helps distribute product evenly and encourages curl clumping by smoothing and defining as it passes through the strands.

This technique works for all curl types, especially those that need extra clump and shape, but is best in small sections for curlier hair types.

How To Curl Definition Brush on Natural Hair

Best Curly Hair Styling Techniques (Summary Table)

Here’s a quick look summary table of all the curly hair styling techniques covered in this article:-

TECHNIQUEPURPOSEBEST FORPRO TIP
RakingEven product distribution and detanglingAll curl types, especially looser curlsFollow with scrunching to enhance definition
Praying HandsSmooths hair and reduces frizzFrizz-prone or low-porosity hairCombine with gel layering for better hold
ScrunchingEncourages curl formation and bounceMost curl patterns for added bounceUse a microfiber towel or t-shirt to reduce frizz
ShinglingDefines curls by applying product strand by strandTighter curl patterns (Type 3C to 4C)Take your time and work in small sections
Finger CoilingEnhances uniform curl definitionDamaged or uneven curl patternsPair with a curl cream for added hold
PloppingReduces frizz while drying and enhances shapeVolume and shape with minimal frizzLimit plop time to avoid flat roots
Root ClippingLifts curls at the roots to prevent flatnessVolume at the roots for all hair typesClip at base of curls, not scalp, to maintain pattern
Brush StylingDefines curls with brush and productEven product distribution and curl clumpingUse on soaking wet hair for best results

Final Tip: Find What Works for Your Curly Hair

There is no one-size-fits-all curling technique. Your hair texture, porosity, density, and personal styling goals are crucial in finding the proper technique for you.

For example, try the raking method followed by the praying hands technique and finish with scrunching to see what gives you the best results. 

Remember, your hair is unique, and experimentation is key to finding what works best for you.

Experiment, take notes, and don’t be afraid to change things as your hair’s needs evolve. 

With the proper methods in your routine, your curls can thrive with definition, bounce, and shine.

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Abi is an avid researcher and an expert in curly hair care. She founded Ade Ori Hair Care, Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty, and Healthy Natural Hair Products, premier destinations for the best information, support, tools, and resources for your natural hair care and healthy hair journey! Learn more here.

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