Curly big hair can give men a stylish, confident, and eye-catching look. With the right techniques and products, you can transform your hair into a voluminous and defined curly mane. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to do curly big hair for men.
Understanding Your Hair Type
Before you start styling your curly big hair, it’s crucial to understand your hair type. Curly hair can range from loose waves to tight coils. If you have fine curly hair, you may need to focus on adding volume and hold without weighing it down. Medium to thick curly hair has more natural body but might require taming frizz and enhancing definition.
Wash and Condition
Choosing the Right Products
Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Look for shampoos that are formulated for curly hair and contain moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera or coconut oil.
Conditioner is essential. A good conditioner will hydrate the hair, making it more manageable. Apply conditioner from mid-length to the ends of your hair, avoiding the roots if you have oily scalp. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Deep Conditioning
Once a week or bi-weekly, depending on your hair’s condition, do a deep conditioning treatment. You can use a store-bought deep conditioner or make a homemade one with ingredients like avocado, honey, and olive oil. Apply the deep conditioner evenly throughout your hair, cover it with a shower cap, and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Then rinse it out with cool water. This helps to repair and strengthen the hair, enhancing its natural curl pattern.
Drying Techniques
Microfiber Towel or T-Shirt
Instead of using a regular towel, which can cause frizz, use a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt to blot your hair. Gently squeeze the excess water out of your hair without rubbing. Rubbing can disrupt the curl pattern and lead to frizz.
Diffusing
If you want to speed up the drying process and enhance volume, use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. Set the blow dryer to a low or medium heat setting. Place the diffuser close to your scalp and lift the hair gently as you dry. This helps to dry the roots and create lift. Move the diffuser around your head, focusing on different sections of your hair until it is about 80% dry. Do not over-dry, as this can make the hair frizzy.
Styling Products
Curl Creams
Curl creams are great for defining curls and adding moisture. Apply a small amount of curl cream to your palms, rub them together, and then scrunch the cream into your hair from the ends upwards. This helps to enhance the curl shape and reduce frizz.
Gels
For a stronger hold and more defined curls, you can use a gel. Apply the gel evenly throughout your hair, making sure to coat each curl. You can use your fingers to rake the gel through or a wide-toothed comb for a more even distribution. However, be careful not to over-apply, as it can make the hair look crunchy.
Mousses
Mousse is another option for adding volume and hold. Shake the mousse well and dispense a small amount into your palm. Then apply it to your hair, scrunching as you go. Mousse is lighter than gel and can give a more natural look while still providing some hold and volume.
Oils
After styling, you can apply a small amount of oil, such as argan oil or jojoba oil, to your palms and run them over the surface of your hair. This helps to add shine and tame any remaining frizz.
Styling Techniques
Scrunching
Scrunching is a key technique for curly big hair. After applying your styling product, use your hands to scrunch the hair upwards from the ends. This helps to encourage the curls to form and adds volume. You can scrunch multiple times throughout the drying process or after the hair is dry to refresh the curls.
Plopping
Plopping is a method that helps to enhance curl definition and reduce drying time. Lay a T-shirt or a microfiber towel flat. Flip your head over and place your hair in the center of the fabric. Then wrap the fabric around your head and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. This allows the curls to set and absorb excess moisture.
Finger Coiling
For more defined individual curls, you can use the finger coiling technique. Take a small section of hair and wrap it around your finger, starting from the end and working your way up to the root. Hold it in place for a few seconds and then release. Repeat this process for different sections of your hair, especially in areas where you want more defined curls.
Maintaining the Style
Sleeping Routine
To protect your curly big hair while you sleep, you can use a satin or silk pillowcase. These materials cause less friction than cotton, reducing frizz. You can also tie your hair up in a loose bun or use a satin scrunchie to keep it in place.
Refreshing the Style
The next day, if your curls have lost some of their volume or definition, you can refresh them. Spritz some water or a curl refresher spray onto your hair. Then use your fingers to scrunch and reshape the curls. You can also apply a small amount of styling product if needed.
Trimming
Regularly trim your hair every 3-6 months. This helps to get rid of split ends and maintain the health and shape of your curls. A trim can also make your hair look more voluminous and defined.
Conclusion
By following these steps and techniques, you can achieve and maintain curly big hair that looks great and shows off your personal style. Experiment with different products and methods to find what works best for your unique hair type and texture. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to rock those curly big locks with confidence.
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