How To Style Curly Hair: Find The Right Technique For You

We all know that when it comes to curls, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Whether you're rocking loose beachy waves, bouncy spirals or tight coils, understanding your unique curl type is the key to unlocking your best-ever hair days.  And that’s why styling is so important: because each curl type needs a different technique. 

Today, we’re diving deep into the world of curl styling, exploring techniques and tips specifically tailored to waves, curls and coils. 

If you’re wondering how to style curly hair, it’s understandable to find all the terminology a little confusing. Wondering whether you should be using praying hands, finger coiling, raking or the bowl method? Do not worry. That’s why we’ve created this mini guide to break it all down, helping you personalise your styling technique for curls that wow.

Wash and condition your hair - the crucial first steps

First things first: start your routine with our Hydrating Hair Cleanser. Wet your hair and massage the product through your scalp, soothing tension away with a mini massage. Rinse thoroughly and follow with Curl Conditioner. Our super-hydrating formula was specifically created to replenish moisture without weighing down your freshly plumped-up curls.

In the shower, divide your hair into sections and leave the conditioner in as you detangle your hair from the ends up (to avoid knots and breakage). Working with wet hair is so much easier, as it helps the beneficial ingredients soak into the cuticle, prepping your curly hair for styling. Your curls will thank you, especially if you use our Wide Tooth comb or our Detangling Wet Brush. 

Curl Conditioner is a wonderfully versatile product that can be left in or rinsed out partially or fully, depending on how thirsty your curls are. 

Me time tip: don’t forget to take a mindful moment and enjoy the citrus scents of grapefruit and bergamot blended with uplifting rosemary and spearmint. All our products have their own uniquely formulated natural fragrances to put a spring in your step – as well as your curls.

And now, the bit you’ve all been waiting for … styling! Let’s get you on the way to achieving the definition, volume and bounce you’ve always dreamed of. 

How to style wavy hair

Wavy hair is characterised by a loose and effortlessly chic S-shaped pattern. Finding the right styling routine can make all the difference in enhancing your natural waves and keeping frizz at bay.

For an in-depth explanation of the best methods for styling wavy hair, check out this video from our Back to Basics Masterclass: 

Key takeaways for wavy hair

• Product choice is crucial: as you saw in the video, using a lightweight product like our Seal + Shield Curl Cream or  Super Volumising foam, which provide hold and definition without weighing your waves down. If you prefer a gel, our Curl Defining Gel is ideal if you like a lighter hold or for curls with staying power, try the Super Hold Styler. 

• Application technique matters: applying your stylers to soaking wet hair and raking it through will help with even distribution and encourage those gorgeous wave formations. If you just scrunch, you might not get the product into the inner layers of your waves. 

• Styling 101: there are various different styling methods to choose from if you have wavy hair, including using a brush to create beautifully defined curl clumps. Finger coiling also works well. 

How to style curly hair

Curly hair, with its tighter, springier ringlets, often craves moisture and can also be susceptible to frizz. The right styling routine can help you define your curls, combat dryness and achieve that enviable bounce.

We show you the best methods for styling curly hair in our Back to Basics Masterclass, exploring the differences between curl cream, foam and gel to help you find the perfect routine. 

Key takeaways for curly hair

• Layering stylers can be beneficial: combining Curl Cream for moisture (with soaking wet hair while still in the shower, when your follicles are still open) with a gel for hold can give you the best of both worlds.

• Sectioning your hair: applying products in sections ensures even distribution and helps to define individual curls.

• Diffusing can add volume and definition: if you’re short on time, diffusing can help to speed up the drying process and enhance your curl pattern.

How to style coily hair

Coily hair, with its beautiful, tightly wound spirals, is often the most prone to dryness and shrinkage. The key to styling coils lies in maximising moisture and using techniques that help with elongation and definition.

In this video, we explain our top styling tips using Curl Cream and Revive 5 Hair Oil, with a focus on moisture and elongation.

Key takeaways for coily hair:

• Moisture is key: hydrating products like curl creams and oils are essential for keeping coily hair moisturised and manageable.

• Shingling can enhance definition: this technique involves applying product to individual sections of hair and smoothing it down from root to tip, helping to define each coil.

• Twist-outs and braid-outs: these styles can help to stretch your coils and create gorgeous definition.

Additional curly styling techniques and tips 

Remember we mentioned praying hands, finger coiling, raking or the bowl method? Here, we explain in more detail how these different styling techniques work. Remember, there’s no single “right” way: everyone's curls are unique. You may even come up with your own hybrid method. Share any top tips with us if you do!

Praying hands

Best for: reducing frizz and stretching out your curls

Effort level: low

Try it for yourself

1. Rub your favourite Bouclème styler between the palms of your hands. Use our Curl Defining Gel for medium hold plus great shine or try Super Hold Styler for next-level hold that keeps curly hair in place for longer. Can’t decide? Mix them together and create your own curl cocktail.
   
2. Lock a section of your hair in between your palms and smooth the product down the length.
3. Repeat until all sections are done. This will stretch your curls out, smooth the cuticle down and aid definition.

Raking

Best for: creating curl clumps and achieving great definition

Effort level: low

Try it for yourself

1. Divide your hair into sections (smaller sections = more definition and more volume).

2. Apply Curl Cream (for moisture) or Curl Defining Gel (for definition) to your hands and rake them through your hair from root to end.

3. Give a little shake to the selected section to ensure natural curl formation and then repeat until all your hair has been styled.

Brush styling

Best for: Creating uniform curls and enhancing your natural pattern

Effort level: medium

Try it for yourself

1. Apply your favourite styler – we recommend Curl Defining Gel for medium but lasting hold.

2. Working in sections, slide a brush down the length of your hair, ensuring the brush’s head is facing upwards.

3. As you reach the end of the section, twist the brush downwards to release the hair.

4. Give the curls a little scrunch and then repeat the process on the remaining sections.

5. Once your hair is fully dry, use Revive 5 Hair Oil to scrunch out the crunch without creating frizz and separate bigger clumps for a more natural look.

Bowl method

Best for: creating curl clumps in fine, wavy and curly hair looking for weightless hydration. If you experience “stringy curls”, this is the method for you.

Effort level: high

Try it for yourself

1. On soaking wet hair, apply Curl Cream followed by Curl Defining Gel.

2. Fill a bowl with warm water and dip your head into the water a few times, ensuring you turn your head each time and scrunch your curls after every dip. This will ensure even product distribution and will lock in all that good moisture.

3. Plop with our Curl Towel to remove excess water and then proceed to drying.

Squish to condish

Best for: dry and brittle hair that is crying out for moisture. This method, done in the shower with your Curl Conditioner, ensures your curls are intensely hydrated and conditioned, maintaining shape and bounce. 

Effort level: low

Try it for yourself

1. On soaking wet hair, apply your conditioner then with your hands cupped like a bowl, gently gather your hair from the ends up and squeeze it towards your scalp, just like you would when scrunching dry hair.

2. As you do, catch the conditioner-rich water dripping from your ends and work it back into the upper strands – this should make a satisfying squish! 

3. This technique helps your curls absorb the conditioner and lock in moisture. The more time you spend on this, the better the results.  

Your stellar styling solution

Looking for a complete curl care kit that ticks all the boxes? Look no further than Bouclème's bestselling Style Icons trio! This power-packed combination has everything you need to give your curls definition, volume, and long-lasting hold, no matter your curl type.

The Style Icons set includes

• Curl Cream: An ultra-nourishing leave-in conditioner for velvety, bouncy curls.

• Super Volumising Foam: A lightweight foam that gives exceptional hold and definition, from wash day to wash day.

• Curl Defining Gel: A moisturising, medium hold gel for smooth and defined curls.

New to embracing your curls? Our 30 Day Kits are a great place to start or shop the whole Bouclème range. Watch the full Back to Basics series for tutorials on all curl types.