How To Get Curly Hair - The Ultimate Guide

Not everyone was born with a head full of bouncy ringlets. However, it shouldn’t bother you too much if you have pin-straight hair or wavy hair and you wish to have curly hair.

This is because it is attainable to get curly hair no matter how straight your strands are.

To attain it, you have to first consider your hair’s texture and use this to choose the right products, styling tools and suitable curling method.

There are several ways you can curl your hair. Some that require heat and some that don’t. Some that have a temporary effect and some that don’t. In this article, I’ll be explaining all possible forms of getting curly hair. You just have to read and pick what’s best for you.

Table of Contents

How to transform your hair to curly hair

Curling iron method

Curling your hair with heat styling tools is often temporary as the curls tend to loosen with time. Before getting to it, there are things you should do to get the best result and natural looking curls.

This process involves applying heat, and this means you might experience moisture loss or heat damage if done improperly, so to avoid this, you should prep your hair by doing the following:

Add moisture to your hair before curling it by using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. This is to protect your hair from dryness and damage.

Another way is by using leave-in conditioners that hydrates, strengthens and protects your strands from heat damage. Use lightweight leave-in conditioners if you have fine hair so that your hair doesn’t fall flat after curling.

Air dry your hair after washing or use blow dryers with diffusers on low heat.

Grab the curling iron. You can either make your curls loose or tight, depending on the look you’re going for. Curling by yourself is attainable, but if you don’t know much about it, you can visit your hairstylist.

How to use curling irons correctly:

Use the right curling iron size for your hair length for easy use and good results. Go for a 1” barrel size if you have short or medium hair. If you have long hair, use a 1.25” iron size. For loose curls, you can also use the 1.25” size.

Use light hairsprays before and after curling for better hold if you have fine hair.

Ensure your hair is completely dry before using the curling iron.

Use low heat if your hair is fine to prevent heat damage. You can turn the heat up a little bit if you have thick hair. Use heat protectant sprays regardless before using your curling iron.

For more volume, hold the curling iron horizontally and heat the root of your hair first. If you want lesser volume, keep the curling iron straight and upward.

Avoid keeping the iron in your hair for too long. 10 seconds is enough time to curl every strand you pick.

Depending on the type of curl you want, you might need to wrap your hair around the rod in different ways. For tighter or glam curls, wrap all strands you pick up around the rod. If you want loose curls, leave out the ends.

Rollers method

Another way to get curly hair is by using rollers. Like curling irons, the curls are often temporary and loosens with time.

Due to the use of less to no heat, it is considered a safer way to curl your hair than using a curling iron. There are numerous types of rollers and you can use any depending on the type of curls you want and the length of your hair.

Depending on your hair type, length and desired curl, there are several types of hair rollers you can use.

If you want tight curls, foam rollers are the best rollers to use. It comes in big and small sizes depending on how big or small you want each curl to be.

For lighter or loose curls, you should opt for velcro rollers. It is usually done at the crown of the head to add more volume to the hair.

Hot rollers on the other hand are rollers that require the use of heat. You don’t have to worry about heat damage though because they are often made of ceramics. The outcome of using this roller is big, bouncy and voluminous curls.

Perming

Getting a perm used to be a popular fashion trend in the 80’s. In fact, it is still very present and even better than before. Perming used to involve the use of too much heat and chemicals. The case is different now.

Perms are even way better now with a variety of hairstyles available.

What does perming mean?

Perming means using chemicals that alters the texture of your hair to form a new one. That is, your curly hair can be made straight, and your straight hair or wavy hair can become curly.

Any type of hair can get a perm. However, if your hair has just been chemically treated or colored, it is best to avoid perming. Colored hair needs products that will replenish it and not more chemical procedures. Perming could also result in hair loss on colored hair.

How are perms done?

Perms basically involve three steps. First is having your strands wrapped around perm rods, then depending on the texture or type of hair, a perm solution that befits it will be selected to set your hair.

The solution will then be rinsed out, dried and a neutralizer will be applied. This procedure usually takes about three hours.

How long does a perm last?

Perms tend to last for months. For short hair lengths, it could last for about four months. Longer hair lasts for about eight months.

The duration perms last for may make it more preferable than using heat styling tools. If you are the type that likes to curl your hair often, it is advised you perm your hair to prevent heat damage that will occur from frequently using curling irons.

Should you perm your hair yourself?

Perms can be damaging if done repeatedly or incorrectly. While you might be able to DIY other hair procedures, perming your hair shouldn’t be done by yourself, unless you’re a professional.

To save your hair from very possible damage, it is best you visit the salon.

Note: Avoid getting your hair wet 2days before your appointment.

Types of curly hair perms

Spiral perm

This is a very nice perm style for people who have wavy or curly hair. This perm produces a bouncy and vertical spiral curls from the roots to the ends.

Body wave perm

If you’re looking to transform your straight hair into waves or loose curls, we absolutely recommend this perm.

Spot perm

Spot perms are also called partial perms. They are done only in needed areas. Curly haired people especially go for this kind of perms. It is especially done on areas with stubborn curls or areas that are thinning.

Multi-textured perm

This perm style gives your new curls a natural look. Natural curls often have irregular curls and this perm makes use of big and small lol rollers to achieve this look.

Root perm

Root perm is best for those whose hair goes flat frequently and doesn’t hold volume. This perm is done in the first few inches of your hair, starting from the root. The effect of this is voluminous curls. You would even be needing too many products to hold your curls after.

How to make curly hair more defined

Curly hair can also lose volume and definition. This can be caused by several factors like dryness, humid air or improper handling of your curls. For whatever reason your curls must have lost definition, the following are ways to get your bouncy curls back:

Ensure you detangle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to prevent loss of curl definition and frizz.

Curls are prone to dryness. Lack of moisture or habits that can dry out your hair should be discontinued. Make use of moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to keep your curls healthy and shiny.

If you have fine hair, use lightweight products to prevent your hair from going flat.

Use curl defining creams or gels to define your curls and add volume.

Curly hair is prone to frizz, especially during humid days. Use hair products that can tame your frizz and keep flyaways away.

Air dry your hair or blow dry with a diffuser on low heat, to prevent your hair from going flat after drying.

You can also use curling iron to define your curls. Ensure you don’t use this method frequently and use heat protectant sprays before using curling irons.

How to care for your new curls

Transforming your straight or wavy hair to curly hair means you now have to ditch your straight or wavy hair routine for a curly hair routine. This is because curly hair texture is way different and should also be taken care of differently.

Unlike other hair type, curly hair often gets dry, hence it is prone to frizz, tangle and breakage. Not enough oil can coat your curls, hence, you need to make sure your hair is well hydrated. The following are the ways you can care for your hair while it is curly:

To make sure your curls are still in place and defined, detangle with your fingers or wide-tooth comb.

Use hydrating shampoos and leave-in conditioners to add moisture to your hair.

Avoid harmful hair ingredients that can dry out your hair like sulfates, alcohol and silicones.

Wear silk or satin bonnets to sleep to prevent moisture loss, frizz and tangles.

Use curl creams, gels or hairsprays to add volume and definition to your curls.

Conclusion

Now that you know it is very possible to have curly hair, it is up to you to now pick a method suitable for your hair type. Regardless of what you pick, you should note that you now have to take care of your hair differently as long as you still have ringlets on your head.

If you’d like to alternate between your natural strands and curly hair, you already know which way to go. And if you’d like to rock your curls for long, it’s also up there. Goodluck!