A great curl cream can make a big difference in your lifestyle. treatment for curly hair— that is, if you know how to apply curl cream correctly. These styling products (designed for curly, curly and wavy hair types) can help improve hair definition while combating dryness and frizz. But if you notice more buildup and heaviness than bounce and shine, it's worth reconsidering your product choice and application technique.
Not sure where to start with a curl cream or if you're getting the best results from it? Below, we asked a curly hair expert to share her best tips on how to choose and apply a curl cream based on your hair type and routine.
How to choose a curl cream
Anyone with curly hair knows that perfecting your grocery list can take some trial and error. But when it comes to choosing a curl cream, one hair characteristic will point you in the right direction.
“The most important thing when choosing a curl cream is to know your porosity” Peaceful Joseexpert on curly and textured hair and Thank you the hairdresser tells Glamor. Not sure what your porosity level is? You can do it quickly”strand test“say according to She's Diaz-Santingeneral manager 5 Salon Spa.
Here's how it works: Dip a clean strand of hair into a glass of water. If it sinks to the bottom, you have high-porosity hair; if the strand floats at the top, your hair has low porosity; if it floats somewhere in the middle, you have medium porosity hair.
“High porosity hair has open cuticles that both absorb moisture and lose it quickly, so you need to find a curl cream that will fill the cuticle and not leave it empty,” says Jose. She also notes that high-porosity hair absorbs product more quickly, but often needs more moisture.
Low porosity hair, on the other hand, “has tighter cuticles that product can't penetrate as easily, so it needs something lighter in consistency.” If you have low porosity hair, avoid heavy oils. Jose recommends Ishima's curls don't lie Curl Perfector for a lightweight formula with strong hydrating properties that “can be used effectively on both ends of the porosity spectrum.”
How to apply curl cream, step by step
Step 1: Start with damp hair.
After wash your hairJose recommends using leave-in conditioner to detangle and lock in excess moisture. Many treatments for curly hair combine a leave-in treatment with a curl cream for best results.
Step 2: Section your hair
“Sectioning is the most important step,” says Jose. “Nothing else matters if you don't split your hair, because the product will just stay on your hair!” The fewer sections you can work in, the better. As a last resort, quickly section your hair into at least three “levels,” using a neat clip to remove any exposed, damp hair. Work from the bottom layer of hair up.
Step 3: Apply curl cream.
“Once you start applying curl cream to damp sections, focus on applying from the mid-shaft to the ends,” says Jose. She notes that since the ends are the driest part of the hair, they should receive the most attention. Squeeze or scoop the recommended amount of curl cream into your palm and start from the bottom of your hair. Work your way up the scalp, massaging the product to ensure even coverage of curls.
Step 4: Dry your hair as recommended.
The next steps in your process depend on your perm routine and product selection. Many curl creams are designed to speed up the air-drying process. you could compress your curls while they're damp to enhance their shape, but whether you air dry or dispersiveIt is better to avoid fluffing and touching wet curls. This will help the curl cream prevent frizz.
Common mistakes you should avoid when applying curl cream
Starting from the root
It feels natural to run your hand through your hair from root to tip, but with curl cream you should avoid scalp and focus on applying the product to your hair. Starting at the roots can result in product buildup, unevenness, and uneven distribution.
Using too much (or too little) product.
Jose says there is no golden rule when it comes to how much curl cream you should use. “Everyone must understand their hair thickness to apply the right amount,” she says. “Yes, you can start with half your palm, but if you have a lot of hair, you will need more.” One tip that applies to everyone: start applying product where your hair is driest (ends) and work your way up.
Going against your porosity.
Many people with thick hair or tight curls automatically gravitate toward rich, buttery curl creams. But remember: You'll find a better option if you base your choice on porosity—that is, how quickly your hair absorbs the product—rather than texture. For best results, look for a curl cream that works for both!
