One of the simplest ways to fluff up curly hair is to reach for a hair diffuser. This hair tool attachment is especially great for curly strands since it disperses air to gently dry and fluff the hair for a bouncy and healthy set of curls.
Why Isn't My Curly Hair Soft? If your tresses are feeling brittle or rough, chances are it's due to some combination of damage, dryness and harsh products. In many cases, softer curlier hair can be achieved by making a few small tweaks to your curly hair regimen. The important thing is to listen to your curls!
One of the most common reasons for limp curls is too much moisture. Although, curly hair is prone to dryness, sometimes we can go overboard with moisture. When your hair becomes excessively wet, it loses its shape and definition.
You should also never brush or comb through dried hairspray. Because most hairsprays effectively “lock” your style in place, combing through hair that has dry hairspray on it can cause unnecessary tearing and breakage. Instead, comb the product through your hair before it completely sets.
Mousse provides some hold as well as added volume, and can be an alternative to heavier hair sprays. Mousse is also a great product for those with natural hair to use, as it helps define natural curls or bring out some waves when using a curling iron.
Most styling products have polymers in them, which is what gives your curls that nice hold. Polymers like to bond together, and it's this bond that gives your hair the characteristic crunchy feel.
One product isn't always better than the other, whether you should use a mousse or a gel depends on the curly hairstyle you're going for. If you're going for a natural loose and airy look — a mousse is the product you should use. However, if you're going for a sleek, defined style — opt for the gel.
“I usually recommend curl cream for a base of moisture underneath gels or mousses,” she says. “Always air-dry or use a hovering motion with your diffuser to get excess moisture out. Then go in by scrunching your curls with your diffuser attachment.”
While both a curl defining cream and curl mousse will help define curls and protect from frizz, a mousse for curly hair will give your hair more volume, especially at the roots. Additionally, curl mousses are great if you live in a more humid environment, and will help keep frizz at bay.
The number one rule to remember when you're trying to get your curls back is that moisture is your best friend. Hydrating shampoos, conditioners, leave-in treatments, and deep conditioning hair masks will give your hair a boost.
"Prep your hair before you blow-dry with a heat protectant and a hold product, then spray it with hairspray before you start curling." Not only will it keep your hair from frying, but it'll help set the curl better.
What product should I put in my hair before curling?
Heat Protectant
This is the most important styling product you can use on your hair before heat styling, which is the number one way that most women damage their hair. You can purchase a heat protectant at any drug store or hair salon, or you can go au-naturale, using certain hair oils as heat protectants.
