I can’t even begin to describe all the things I’ve tried to tame my hair including heat, chemicals, and a wide range of products. I have total hair-envy of women with big natural curls to those with super cute corkscrews and just could never figure out how to get mine to look the same.

CURLING CUSTARD | HOLDING SPRAY

And what I’ve learned is that hair truly is persuadable. Treat it right, give it what it needs, and you can coax it to do almost anything you want it to. I have kept this in mind as I’ve worked with my curls over the past few years and it has definitely paid off. And while I don’t think I’ve completely cracked the curly hair code, I definitely feel like I’ve found a few products and techniques that work for me.

Keep reading and I’ll teach you exactly how I get my curls to behave!

Step 1: Double Wash My Hair

While I'm in the shower I will wash once to get all the products out of my hair and once again to really clean. my hair - I allow this second wash to sit a bit longer. I use the HairCovery Thickening & Volumnizing Shampoo. Once done washing, I will then use the HairCovery Moisturizing & Shine-Enhancing Conditioner.

Step 2: Don’t Use A Towel

If you remember nothing else, remember this: I don’t use a towel on my hair. EVER. NEVER EVER.

Step 3: Brush My Hair

I brush my hair before, during, and after I shower. I know that’s a huge no-no for a lot of your curly-haired gals. That’s ok, too! I just prefer to get the tangles out. You do you.

Step 4: Apply Product on Sopping Wet Hair

While I’m in the shower or right when I get out, I put Kinky-Curly Curling Custard in my hair. It’s super important AND SIMPLE The more product you use the stronger the hold. For softer, looser curls use less. I apply to my hair from root to tip and use a medium amount of product - like 2 grape sized amounts. I scrunch from mid-shaft to the roots. Scrunching from the bottom up always results in triangle head for me. So scrunching in the middle toward the roots is best.

And always remember, there is no such thing as having hair that is too wet. If it feels dry, get it wet again. I love my continuous-spray spray bottle for this very reason. If you don’t have one, get one. They’re life-changing! You can buy the one I have HERE.

Step 5: Finger Coil To Encourage Curl Patterns

If you’ve never seen it done, it’s super simple. You’re wrapping your hair around your finger like you would a cord and then pulling your finger out the bottom. This should be done in the direction your hair wants to curl and will help encourage and train those stubborn wavy pieces!

Again, sopping-wet hair is best so don’t be shy with your spray bottle.

Step 6: Holding Spray

I only use the HairPlenish Thickening & Volumnizing Holding Spray and I use it VERY liberally! It is the ONLY hairspray that doesn’t leave my hair crunchy and immovable. It also creates awesome curl hold!

Step 7: Use A Hair Dryer

I’ve said it more than once and will continue to sing the praises of the Dyson Super Sonic Blow Dryer because IT IS THE BEST ON THE MARKET. It cuts down on frizz and keeps my hair healthy. I start by attaching my diffuser to break the air flow and then I use it similar to a dryer at a salon - I point the diffuser award my head and slowly rotate it around my drying hair. I don’t touch it to my hair - yet. This is simply to kickstart the drying instead of using a towel.

I get my hair to the 70% dry stage. It’s still crunchy.

CURLING CUSTARD | HOLDING SPRAY

Step 8: Diffusing - Scrunching Out The Crunch

Once my hair is * mostly * dry, I flip my head over and use my diffuser on my hair. This is where I “scrunch our the crunch” or break the crunch up by drying my hair to the 90%-95% dry stage and using my diffuser on the root, mid-shaft, and ends.

Step 9: Let It Finish Drying On Its Own

Once I’ve got it to this stage, I pretty much let my hair dry the rest of the way on its own. Sometimes I’ll add a few curls in with my teeny-tiny curling iron but during the summer this is pretty much my “let it be” stage!

You can always spray holding spray in it again or touch up your curls in the AM, but this lasts me a few days! Hope this curly hair tutorial helped! And if you need a step-by-step, here you go: