Curly long hair on men can be a striking and stylish look when properly cared for and styled. It offers a unique charm and versatility that can set an individual apart. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various techniques and tips for styling curly long men’s hair.
Understanding Curly Long Hair
Curly hair has its own distinct characteristics. It tends to be more porous than straight hair, which means it can absorb and lose moisture more easily. Long curly hair is prone to frizz, tangling, and may have different curl patterns throughout, such as loose waves, tight coils, or a combination. Before styling, it’s essential to understand the specific type of curls you are dealing with.
Curl Types:
- Wavy curls. These have a looser, more S-shaped pattern.
- Curly curls. They form distinct ringlets and can range from loose to tight.
- Coily curls. Very tight, spring-like coils that can be more fragile.
Hair Texture: Curly long hair can also vary in texture from fine to coarse. Fine curly hair may need lighter products to avoid weighing it down, while coarse curly hair can handle more substantial styling agents.
Washing and Conditioning
The foundation of great curly long hair styling starts with proper washing and conditioning.
Shampoo: Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Gently massage the shampoo into the scalp and let it run through the lengths of the hair, but don’t overly scrub the curls as this can disrupt the curl pattern. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Conditioning: Apply a conditioner that is suitable for curly hair. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends, as these areas are more prone to dryness. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the hair shaft. For extra hydration, you can use a deep conditioning treatment once a week or as needed. Rinse the conditioner out with cool water. This helps to seal the cuticle and enhance shine.
Drying Techniques
Proper drying is crucial to maintain the integrity of the curls and achieve the desired style.
Towel Drying: Avoid rubbing the hair vigorously with a towel as this can cause frizz. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt. You can also scrunch the hair upwards while blotting to encourage the curls to form.
Air Drying: Allowing the hair to air dry is a gentle option. However, it may take longer, and you need to ensure the hair is not disturbed while drying. You can apply a leave-in conditioner or a curl-defining cream while the hair is still damp to enhance the curls as it dries.
Diffuser Drying: A diffuser attachment on a hairdryer is a great tool for curly hair. Set the hairdryer to a low or medium heat setting. Place the diffuser close to the scalp and lift the curls gently into it. Move the diffuser around in a circular motion, allowing the warm air to dry the hair evenly. This helps to enhance volume and define the curls.
Styling Products
Choosing the right styling products is essential for achieving different looks with curly long hair.
Curl-Defining Creams: These creams help to enhance and define the natural curl pattern. They provide moisture and hold without making the hair crunchy. Apply a small amount to damp hair, working it through from the roots to the ends. Scrunch the hair to encourage the curls to form.
Gels: For a stronger hold and more defined curls, gels can be used. However, it’s important to choose a gel that is not too heavy and doesn’t leave a residue. Apply a small amount to wet or damp hair, distributing it evenly. You can use your fingers to separate and shape the curls.
Mousses: Mousses are lightweight and can add volume and hold to curly hair. They are easy to apply and work well for creating a more voluminous, bouncy look. Pump a small amount of mousse into your palm, then work it through the hair, starting from the roots and scrunching the curls.
Hair Oils: After styling, a small amount of hair oil can be applied to add shine and reduce frizz. Use a lightweight oil like argan oil or jojoba oil. Apply a few drops to the palms of your hands and run them over the surface of the hair, avoiding the roots if you have oily scalp.
Styling Techniques
The Classic Messy Curls:
- Start with clean, conditioned, and towel-dried hair.
- Apply a curl-defining cream evenly throughout the hair.
- Use your fingers to scrunch the hair upwards, creating a tousled look.
- Let the hair air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting to enhance the curls and add volume.
- Once dry, you can use a small amount of hair oil to add shine and tame any flyaways.
The Side-Parted Curls:
- Wash and condition the hair as usual.
- Apply a mousse to damp hair for volume.
- Use a wide-toothed comb to create a side part.
- Gently comb the curls on each side of the part, following the natural curl direction.
- You can use a small amount of gel to smooth the edges around the part and define the curls on the top.
- Let the hair dry naturally or use a diffuser for a more polished look.
The Man Bun with Curls:
- Gather the hair at the back of the head.
- Before tying it into a bun, apply a gel or a strong-hold curl-defining product to the lengths of the hair to keep the curls in place.
- Twist the hair into a bun and secure it with an elastic band or a hair tie.
- You can leave a few curls loose around the face and nape of the neck for a more relaxed look.
- To add an extra touch, you can insert a decorative hairpin or a small wooden stick into the bun.
The Braided Curls:
- Start with damp hair and apply a leave-in conditioner.
- Create a loose braid, either a single braid down the back or two side braids.
- As the hair dries, the curls will form within the braid, creating a textured look.
- Once the hair is dry, carefully undo the braid and use your fingers to separate the curls, adding a curl-defining cream if needed for extra definition.
Maintenance and Tips
Regular Trims: Even though you are growing your hair long, getting regular trims (every 3 – 4 months) helps to get rid of split ends and keeps the hair healthy and looking its best.
Nighttime Care: Before going to bed, you can loosely tie the hair up with a silk or satin scrunchie to prevent tangling. You can also sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase, which reduces friction and helps to maintain the curl pattern.
Avoid Over-Processing: Limit the use of heat styling tools like straighteners and curling irons. If you must use them, use a heat protectant spray first.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals to promote healthy hair growth and shine.
Protective Styles: Occasionally, you can wear protective styles like a turban or a beanie to protect the hair from environmental factors such as wind and sun.
Conclusion
Styling curly long men’s hair can be a fun and creative process. By understanding the unique characteristics of curly hair, using the right products and techniques, and maintaining it properly, you can achieve a variety of stylish looks that showcase your individuality and charm. Experiment with different styles and find the ones that suit your personality and lifestyle best. With patience and practice, you can master the art of styling curly long men’s hair and turn heads wherever you go.
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