Curly hair is full of personality and charm, but sometimes, it can lack the volume you want. Whether your curls are loose or tight, adding volume to curly hair can enhance its natural beauty and give it a fuller, bouncier look. In this article, we’ll go through simple, practical methods to boost volume in curly hair, covering everything from the right products to styling techniques. Let’s dive into how you can achieve voluminous curls!
Understanding Curly Hair and Its Structure
Before diving into tips for adding volume, it’s important to understand the unique structure of curly hair. Curly hair has a spiral or wave-like pattern, and each curl strand has a unique shape. This shape can affect how your hair holds its volume. Curly hair can be prone to frizz, and when it’s weighed down with product buildup or moisture, it can appear flat.
Knowing your curl type can help you choose the right methods for adding volume. There are four basic types of curly hair:
- Type 1: Straight
- Type 2: Wavy
- Type 3: Curly
- Type 4: Coily/Kinky
For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on Type 3 and Type 4 curly hair, as these hair types tend to need more volume-boosting care.
1. Choose the Right Hair Products
The foundation of voluminous curls starts with the right products. Using the right shampoo, conditioner, and styling products can work wonders in adding volume without sacrificing curl definition.
Shampoo and Conditioner for Volume
Start by selecting a shampoo and conditioner designed for curly hair. These products are often lightweight, sulfate-free, and moisturizing. Look for volumizing products that don’t weigh your hair down. Volumizing shampoos and conditioners typically contain ingredients that help to lift the roots and provide body to the curls.
Product Tip:
Opt for products that are silicone-free. Silicone can coat the hair and prevent it from absorbing moisture, which can lead to limp, flat curls.
Styling Creams and Mousses
Styling creams and mousses can add extra lift and definition to your curls. Look for a mousse specifically formulated for curly hair, as it adds volume and texture without being heavy. Mousse is perfect for giving curls body, while styling creams offer moisture and control.
Product Tip:
Apply mousse or styling cream when your hair is damp. Start at the roots and work your way down to ensure even coverage.
Curl-Enhancing Gels
Curl-enhancing gels can define each curl while adding volume. They hold the shape of curls in place without flattening them. Be cautious not to use too much product, as gel can make hair crunchy or stiff if over-applied.
Product Tip:
Scrunch the gel into damp curls and avoid touching your hair too much while it dries to prevent frizz.
2. Dry Your Hair the Right Way
How you dry your curly hair plays a big role in adding volume. The wrong drying technique can flatten your curls, while the right technique can enhance their natural lift.
Air Drying vs. Blow Drying
While air drying is gentle on curly hair, it might not always give the volume you’re looking for. Blow-drying with the right techniques, however, can add a significant amount of volume.
Blow Drying with a Diffuser
One of the best ways to blow-dry curly hair is by using a diffuser. A diffuser is an attachment that spreads the air from your blow dryer, allowing your curls to dry more gently. By lifting your hair with the diffuser, you can create volume from the roots.
- Use a blow dryer with a diffuser on the lowest heat setting.
- Flip your hair upside down and dry your curls from the roots upward.
- Avoid touching your hair too much to prevent frizz.
Air Drying for Volume
If you prefer air drying, try scrunching your hair while it’s still damp to encourage natural volume. Once your hair is almost dry, flip it upside down and gently scrunch it again to help boost volume.
Tip for Volume:
Once your hair is dry, flip it upside down for a few seconds and gently tousle your curls to encourage lift at the roots.
3. Incorporate the Right Techniques While Styling
Volume doesn’t only depend on the products you use but also on the techniques you incorporate while styling your hair. Here are some styling methods to consider when adding volume to curly hair.
The Pineapple Method
The pineapple method is a great way to preserve volume overnight. After your curls are dry, gather your hair at the top of your head and secure it loosely with a scrunchie. This will prevent your curls from getting flattened while you sleep and will help to keep volume at the roots.
Root Lifting
Root lifting is essential for adding volume to curly hair. When applying products to your hair, make sure to focus on the roots. Use your fingers to lift the hair at the roots and scrunch it. Alternatively, use a root-lifting spray that is designed to add height and body.
Tip for Root Lifting:
If you have tight curls, lift the roots using a round brush while blow-drying. This will help your curls form with added volume at the base.
Diffuse and Scrunch
Diffusing your curls can increase volume, but don’t forget the scrunching technique! As you dry your hair with a diffuser, gently scrunch your curls with your hands to maintain their shape while adding volume. This gives curls that bouncy, full look.
4. Use Volumizing Haircuts
Your haircut plays a big role in how much volume your curls have. Opting for the right cut will enhance your hair’s natural volume and texture.
Layered Haircuts for Curls
Layered cuts are a game changer for curly hair. Layers allow the curls to spring upward, creating more body and movement. A well-layered curly haircut also reduces the weight on your curls, making them appear fuller.
Tip for Layered Haircuts:
Discuss your curl type with your hairstylist before opting for layers. They can create layers that enhance the natural shape of your curls.
The Shag Cut
The shag cut, which is currently trending, is perfect for curly hair. It adds lots of volume and movement, giving curls a more textured, voluminous look. The short layers of a shag cut lift the curls, making them appear bouncy and full of life.
Avoid Heavy Blunt Cuts
Blunt, one-length cuts can weigh curly hair down, making it look flat. Instead, ask your stylist to add some layers to create more lift and texture.
5. Protect Your Hair from Frizz
Frizz can rob curly hair of its volume. When curly hair becomes frizzy, it often appears flat and lifeless. To maintain smooth, voluminous curls, you need to combat frizz.
Use a Silk Pillowcase
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase helps prevent frizz and breakage. It creates less friction than cotton, which can cause curls to lose their shape and volume overnight.
Avoid Over-Brushing
While it may be tempting to brush through your curls to smooth them out, over-brushing can cause them to lose volume and definition. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your curls.
Tip:
To keep curls frizz-free, apply a lightweight curl cream or oil to damp hair before drying.
6. Add Volume with Accessories
If you’re looking for a quick volume boost, try adding accessories to your curly hair. These accessories can lift your hair and enhance its fullness.
Use Curl-Boosting Headbands
Headbands made specifically for curly hair can lift the roots and help define your curls. Choose a stretchy headband and place it just above your ears. This will lift the hair around your crown and add volume instantly.
Clips and Pins for Volume
Using clips or pins around your roots while your hair dries can help create volume at the crown. Once your hair is dry, remove the clips for an extra lift.
Conclusion
There are countless ways to add volume to curly hair, and the techniques that work best will depend on your unique curl type and styling preferences. From selecting the right products to learning how to dry and style your curls, every step you take can contribute to creating fuller, more voluminous curls.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods, products, and cuts to find what works best for you. With the right approach, you can transform your curly hair into a voluminous masterpiece that turns heads and showcases your natural beauty.
