Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Adjusting your hairstyle
• Part 2 of 3: Choosing the right products
• Part 3 of 3: Dry curly hair correctly
• Tips
• Warnings

Adding weight to curls is helpful if you struggle with tight corkscrew curls that stand up and are bouncy. Making curls heavier can help tame them and keep them in place. This can be tricky if you have thick, coarse hair, as many hair products are ineffective on extremely curly hair. Fortunately, by thoroughly saturating your hair with a hair product and growing your hair long, you can get rid of unruly curls once and for all.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Adjusting your hairstyle

1. Keep the layers long. Keeping the layers long can make the curls heavier and keep them from jumping. Long layers look beautiful whether you wear your hair naturally curly or straight. Forget short layers, as they lighten and loosen hair.
   • Keep your shortest coat at least 10 inches long if your hair gets below your shoulders.
   • If you have medium length hair, keep your shortest coat at least 6 inches long.
   • If your hair reaches your chin, keep the shortest layer at least 4 inches long.
2. Ask the hairdresser for mixed layers. You need some sort of layering with curly hair. Otherwise, you run the risk of getting a triangular haircut, with all the weights coming out at the bottom. Make sure your layers don't create weight lines, as you would see in a wedge or "stacked" style. Ask your stylist for mixed layers that do not add weight.
3. Wear your hair long. Growing out your hair is one of the easiest ways to weigh down curls, but it does take time. The longer your hair is, the more weight is added to control your curls. Grow your hair no matter what type of curl you have to let it hang.

Part 2 of 3: Choosing the right products

1. Avoid volume products. Products that add volume to your hair will free up and loosen your curls, making them lighter and larger. Avoid "root-boosting" sprays or anything else marketed as a volume-adding hair product. Also, don't use gels as most of them contain alcohol and will dry out your hair.
2. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Effective moisturizing shampoos and conditioners are easily absorbed into the hair. They also draw moisture deep into the cuticle layer to keep it there, adding weight to the curls. Select a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that has a reputation for working throughout the day for optimal results.
   • Make sure your moisturizing shampoo is "sulfate-free" as this will help minimize friction.
   • Condition your hair every time you wash it (with shampoo) for best results.
   • Always rinse your conditioner with cool water to seal the cuticle of the hair. This way your hair retains moisture better.
   • When you wash it, manipulate your hair as little as possible. Rub your scalp lightly with your fingertips and then rinse the shampoo.
3. Put a high quality natural oil in your hair. Oils that are good for your hair, such as olive oil or jojoba oil, can stretch and weigh down curls. Use coconut oil if your hair is particularly dry. Temper and moisturize curls while also controlling frizz by warming half a teaspoon of an oil of your choice in your hands. Apply it along the length of damp, towel-dried hair, from the ends.
   • You can also use a leave-in conditioner for curly hair instead of oil.
4. Deep condition your hair every week. Deep conditioning will intensely moisturize your hair to keep curls frizz-free, tamed and shape-retaining. Opt for a hair care regimen that allows for a weekly deep conditioner. Apply the conditioner and then do some other things for about ten minutes.
   • For an extra deep-conditioning treatment, heat a damp towel in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds and wrap it around your head for 15 minutes. Skip the microwave if you can sit under a hooded hairdryer for 15 minutes.

Part 3 of 3: Dry curly hair correctly

1. Blot excess water from wet hair. When you're drying your wet curls, it's important to absorb water by dabbing, not rubbing. Using a cotton or microfiber cloth, place it over your hand and pat the water from the ends upwards. Do not rub, otherwise you will create frizz and friction. The more you manipulate your hair, the more your curls will pop.
2. Spray your hair with a leave-in conditioner. Leave-in conditioner is a great way to detangle curly hair because you don't want to over-comb. Look for a conditioner specifically for curly and tousled hair. Most leave-in conditioners are quite lightweight, so spray it generously.
3. Use an afro comb, wide comb or your fingers to comb the hair. Combing your hair with a wide comb, afro comb, or your fingers may seem counter-intuitive if you want to keep the curls down, but brushing will only make it worse. If you don't have tangles, comb your hair lightly with your fingers. Use an afro comb to remove knots and a wide comb to remove tangles.
   • Combing with your fingers is the friendliest way to comb through the curls to weigh them down.
4. Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser. If you have curly hair, blow dryers aren't always your friend. After you've towel-dried and combed your hair, let your hair air dry for a while. If you need to dry your hair quickly, use a diffuser on a low heat setting. Remember, the less you style your hair, the heavier your locks can be.

Tips

• Adding weight to curls can make curly hair look steeper than it actually is. This is because the added weight will stretch the curl vertically. Conversely, choosing a shorter curly hairstyle can help shape your curls and give them a softer, looser and bouncy look.
• Don't touch your hair too much or you could frizz your hair.
• Push back the curls after you wash them by tilting your head back and facing the ceiling.
• Blow-dry the roots of your curls to lengthen and weigh them down. This is especially beneficial for those who have crimped, tightly rolled curls.

Warnings

• Blow drying tends to make curls less defined. It also produces unwanted frizz.