Curly hair can be a blessing and a challenge. While its natural bounce and texture make it unique, many men with curly hair struggle with maintaining volume. Lack of volume can make curly hair look flat, lifeless, or unruly. If you’re a man with curly hair and you’re looking for ways to increase volume and achieve a fuller, bouncier look, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we will guide you through simple techniques, styling tips, and product recommendations to enhance the volume of your curly hair, helping you achieve a head-turning, voluminous look that suits your personality.
Understanding Curly Hair and Its Structure
Before we dive into how to increase the volume of curly hair, it’s essential to understand the structure of curly hair. Curly hair has a unique structure due to its shape and how it grows. The hair follicles that produce curly hair are oval or asymmetrical, unlike straight hair follicles, which are round. This causes curly hair to form bends or spirals.
Curly hair tends to have more volume naturally, but this can be masked by several factors such as the weight of the hair, lack of product, or improper care. Understanding your curly hair’s texture and how it behaves is key to knowing how to handle it and increase its volume.
1. Keep Your Hair Healthy
Healthy hair always has more volume. When your curly hair is healthy, it is naturally more resilient and full of life. Dry, damaged hair lacks the bounce and body that you want for increased volume. To promote hair health:
Hydrate Regularly: Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner designed for curly hair to keep it hydrated and nourished. Look for products that contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil.
Trim Regularly: Split ends and dry, damaged hair can make your curls look lifeless. Regular trims are essential to maintain the shape of your curls and keep them looking fresh. A trim can also prevent your hair from becoming too heavy and dragging down the curls.
Deep Condition Weekly: Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to replenish moisture and strengthen your curls. This will help reduce frizz and keep your hair looking full and bouncy.
2. Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
The foundation of voluminous curly hair starts with your shampoo and conditioner. Selecting the right products is essential for building volume.
Volumizing Shampoo: A volumizing shampoo can help lift your curls from the root. Look for sulfate-free shampoos that cleanse without stripping away the natural oils that curly hair needs. Sulfates can make hair dry and frizzy, so avoiding them will help maintain softness and volume.
Lightweight Conditioner: Use a lightweight conditioner that won’t weigh down your curls. Avoid heavy creams that can make your hair appear flat and greasy. Look for products labeled “volumizing” or “lightweight” to keep your curls light and bouncy.
3. Drying Techniques Matter
How you dry your curly hair plays a significant role in how much volume it will have. The right drying technique will enhance your natural curls and add body to them.
Avoid Rubbing with a Towel: After washing, don’t rub your hair with a towel as this can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, gently pat your hair with a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to absorb excess water. This helps to maintain the curl pattern and prevent frizz.
Use a Diffuser When Blow Drying: If you use a blow dryer, attach a diffuser to help distribute heat evenly without disturbing the natural curl. Dry your hair on a low or medium heat setting and avoid high heat, as it can cause your hair to lose moisture and become frizzy.
Dry Hair Upside Down: To maximize volume at the roots, try drying your hair upside down. This allows gravity to work in your favor, lifting your hair away from the scalp and giving your curls more body.
Avoid Over-Drying: Over-drying your hair can cause it to look flat. Make sure your curls are dry enough to hold their shape, but don’t leave them too crispy. Let your curls have a natural bounce.
4. Use Volumizing Products
The right styling products are crucial for adding volume to your curly hair. There are many different products available that can help amplify your curls and make them look fuller.
Mousse: Mousse is an excellent product for adding volume to curly hair. It’s lightweight, so it won’t weigh your curls down. Apply mousse to damp hair and scrunch it in to encourage curl formation and lift.
Volumizing Gel: Volumizing gels provide hold and structure without weighing your hair down. They can help define curls while adding body. Look for gels that are specifically formulated for curly hair to ensure they don’t cause crunchiness or flaking.
Root Lifting Spray: Root lifting sprays are designed to lift the hair at the roots, which creates a voluminous look. Apply the spray directly to the roots and use your fingers to massage it in. This will give your curls extra height and body.
Texturizing Spray: A texturizing spray can give your hair a more defined, voluminous look. It adds texture without making the hair stiff. Use a light hand when applying it to avoid making your hair feel heavy.
5. Avoid Heavy Hair Products
Some hair products can make curly hair look flat and greasy. It’s important to choose products that are lightweight and designed for curly hair, avoiding those that contain too many silicones or heavy oils. These ingredients can weigh down curls, causing them to look limp.
Steer Clear of Silicones: Silicones can build up over time and make your hair feel heavy. Opt for products that are silicone-free, which will allow your curls to bounce and look fuller.
Avoid Heavy Oils: While oils like argan or coconut oil are beneficial for curly hair, using too much can weigh your curls down. Be mindful of the amount of product you use and focus on light leave-in conditioners and sprays for hydration.
6. Experiment with Different Hairstyles
Certain hairstyles can also help increase the appearance of volume in curly hair. Experimenting with different looks and haircuts can make your curls look fuller and more defined.
Layered Cuts: Layers are a great way to add volume to curly hair. A layered haircut gives your curls room to breathe and prevents them from becoming weighed down. Talk to your stylist about getting a layered cut that enhances the shape and volume of your curls.
Shorter Styles: A shorter haircut can help curly hair look voluminous. Short curly hairstyles often have more lift because the curls don’t have as much weight pulling them down. A well-crafted short haircut can provide an instant volume boost.
Afro or Curly Fade: If you want a bold, voluminous look, consider an afro or curly fade. Both styles are designed to maximize volume while keeping curls defined. A curly fade, for example, involves short sides and longer curls on top, which creates a striking contrast and adds height.
7. Don’t Over-Wash Your Hair
Curly hair can be prone to dryness, so it’s essential not to over-wash it. Washing too often strips your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and flat.
Wash Less Frequently: To preserve volume, wash your hair only two to three times a week. In between washes, you can rinse your hair with water to refresh your curls. Use a dry shampoo if your hair starts to look oily at the roots.
Co-Wash: Co-washing, or using conditioner to wash your hair instead of shampoo, can help retain moisture and avoid the dryness that causes curls to look flat. Co-washing can also help define your curls without stripping them of natural oils.
8. Protect Your Hair While Sleeping
While you sleep, your curls can become flattened or frizzy, which diminishes their volume. To maintain volume overnight, consider these tips:
Pineapple Method: The pineapple method involves loosely gathering your curls on top of your head with a silk or satin scrunchie. This prevents them from getting squished during sleep and helps maintain their volume in the morning.
Silk or Satin Pillowcase: A silk or satin pillowcase helps prevent friction that can cause frizz and breakage. These materials are gentle on curly hair and will help preserve its volume overnight.
Loose Braids: Another technique is to braid your hair loosely before bed. This will help retain the natural shape of your curls and reduce frizz, giving you more volume when you wake up.
9. Nutrition for Healthy, Voluminous Hair
Healthy hair starts from within. A well-balanced diet can contribute significantly to the health and volume of your curly hair.
Protein-Rich Foods: Hair is made of protein, so ensure your diet includes protein-rich foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes. This will help promote healthy hair growth and strength.
Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins such as Biotin, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E are essential for healthy hair. These vitamins can improve hair texture and encourage thicker, voluminous curls.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your hair hydrated from the inside out. Hydrated hair is more likely to have bounce and volume.
Conclusion
Increasing the volume of curly hair for men doesn’t require complicated steps, but it does require the right care, products, and techniques. By maintaining healthy hair, using volumizing products, and adopting proper styling methods, you can achieve fuller, bouncier curls that are the envy of everyone around you.
Remember, the key to voluminous curly hair is regular care, finding the right products for your unique hair type, and experimenting with different styles and techniques. With these simple tips, you’ll be able to enhance the natural beauty and volume of your curls. Happy styling!
