How to Enhance My Curls

Curl enhancement is something most curly folk explore at one point or another. Unfortunately, sound advice on this topic can be hard to find. It's great that you've found this article. If you're ready to maximize your hair's natural texture, you're in the right place. There are several methods you can use to make your curls look springier, bouncier, and more defined, and we’ll cover the most effective in this article.

Use Curl Enhancing Products

One way to enhance your curls is by using curl enhancers or styling products specifically designed for curl definition. Some of the top ones include gel, mousse, curl cream, and leave-in conditioner.

How well a given product will work for your hair depends largely on your hair type, so experiment with several to find the right fit. If you have fine or thin curls, avoid heavy products that will weigh them down. For thicker and coarser curls, choose a heavier cream or gel. To maximize definition, apply the product while your hair is still damp from showering.

Different product combinations can also be used to achieve the desired result. For example, you might use a leave-in conditioner first and then layer on a curl cream or mousse for added definition. Experiment to see what works best for you.

Scrunch Your Hair During Styling

Scrunching is a technique used to enhance looser curls like type 2 and type 3. You'll scrunch small sections of hair upward after you've applied your curl-enhancing product(s). Doing so will encourage curl clumping and definition. Scrunching is most effective when done on damp, product-coated hair.

Don't Overdo the Heat

Heat styling tools like curling irons and blow dryers can be useful for creating uniform curls and waves, but it's important to use them sparingly. The intense heat from these tools can cause irreparable damage to your hair, ranging from split ends to dryness to breakage. All of these issues can contribute to less-than-defined curls. So, it's best to avoid direct heat as much as possible. And if you can't resist the temptation, always use a heat protectant spray beforehand.

Don't Brush Through Your Curls

Brushes are a mainstay in just about everyone’s styling tool arsenal. But when it comes to curly hair, brushes can be problematic. Brushing through your curls disrupts their natural shape and can even cause breakage. If you want to detangle your mane, use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers. These will get the detangling done without disrupting your curls too much.

Add a Diffuser Attachment to Your Blow Dryer

Blow dryers are one of the main definition killers in our hair tool arsenal - blasting your curls with hot air can quickly eliminate their definition. That is, if you don't use your blow dryer with a diffuser. A diffuser is a special attachment that fits over the nozzle of your blow dryer. It's designed to disperse air across a wider area than a traditional blow dryer, creating gentle airflow around your curls that won't disturb their shape. 

So, there you have it - some concrete steps you can take to enhance your curls at home. With a few tweaks to your hair care and styling routine, you'll soon be rocking your best curls!

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.