Unlocking Your Natural Curls: A Journey Through Curl Training
I don’t know that I have ever been as frustrated with my hair as I have been lately. It’s frizzy, dry, random styling, and just flat annoying. The natural curl in my hair has always created issues. It was either weird and random curls and curl styles (spiral or no consistency), or horribly frizzy; sometimes both! So, I decided to embrace its natural texture!
Curl “training” is something I never gave much thought to. I didn’t really know it was a thing. Then, my daughter did it with amazing results! However, my journey was a bit more frustrating – figuring out my hairs wants and needs. I am sure if you have tried to curl train your hair, you may know exactly what I mean! The product may not have been right, or damage to the ends of your hair caused weird curling on top and nothing on the bottom, or maybe you didn’t use enough gel or your hair was too, yes – too, wet. These were some of my issues, which I will elaborate on a little later.
Have you ever wondered if your hair has the potential to form beautiful curls? Whether you have waves, frizz-prone locks, or even straight hair with hidden texture, curl training can help you unlock your hair’s natural curl pattern. It’s all about patience (this is a big one!), proper techniques, and the right application of hair products. Here’s how to get started on your journey, using what I have learned, to help guide you for healthier more defined curls.
WHAT IS CURL TRAINING?
Curl training is the process of encouraging your hair to adopt a consistent curl pattern. This involves rehydrating and strengthening your hair so it can hold its natural curl shape over time. If your hair’s natural curl pattern has been altered due to heat damage, chemical treatments, or improper care, curl training can help restore it. Though, it may take some time, especially the more heat damage your hair has been victim to.
Curl training works by gradually retraining your hair to remember its natural texture. Hair often loses its curl pattern due to a combination of factors, including environmental stressors, overuse of heat tools, or product buildup. Through repair, consistent care and intentional styling, you can coax your hair into forming and retaining curls. The key is to focus on improving your hair’s elasticity and moisture retention, as hydrated and healthy hair is more likely to form defined curls.
It’s important to understand that curl training isn’t about forcing your hair into a curl pattern it doesn’t naturally have. Instead, it’s a process of enhancing and celebrating the unique texture you were born with, whether that’s loose waves, tight coils, or something in between.
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STARTING OUT – THE BEGINNING.
Getting your hair rehydrated and starting the repair process starts with a good repair mask. bondbar Bonding Recovery is great for all hair types, though I used it to help with my color treated hair. This repair can be combined with bondbars shampoo and conditioner line, but not necessary. Here are a couple of their products:
Next, remove any buildup from your hair and scalp. Use a clarifying shampoo or an apple cider vinegar rinse (dilute properly when using this method) to cleanse thoroughly. This ensures your hair is free from product buildup that might weigh it down or inhibit curl formation. Next, you’ll shampoo and condition – do not dry hair when complete.
Make sure to choose sulfate-free shampoos and silicone-free conditioners. These products help maintain your hair’s moisture levels, which is crucial for curl definition. Look for products enriched with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and glycerin.
Deep Condition Regularly – Hydration is key to defining curls. Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your routine once a week. This helps repair damage, reduce frizz, and promote curl formation.
So, now that repair and hydration is complete and the hair has been washed (I comb mine in the conditioning phase to help with the next steps) and keeping your hair soaked, the next step is to start the product application. This is best with your head upside down, while still in the shower – but this is solely up to you and what you find the best method for your process. I have learned that having my head down works well for my system. Here is the system that I have found that works best for me:
- Apply leave-in conditioner throughout sections of your hair using the palms of your hands to apply strait down the hair, from midway to ends. Then, use fingertips to run the conditioner throughout your hair to coat well. bondbar Detangling Spray
- I section my hair into 2 areas, front half and back half, holding the back with a claw clip. I then use a curl foam to fully saturate to the ‘squishy’ level in my hair, starting with the front half of my hair. I apply the All About Curls Boosting Foam, combing through with a wide tooth comb or using a curl defining brush, then move to the back half. The comb or brush create sections in your hair that will be the focus of your curl experience.
- At first, I did not use any kind of towel. I realized my hair hated all that weight and water. I found out that a microfiber towel, or better yet, a microfiber plopping towel, did wonders for my hairs curl response. Therefore, this is the next step for my routine. After combing out the sections, I shake my head to see the curl start to form and use my hands to gently scrunch my curls in an upward motion. My head is still bent down at this point. After scrunching, I gently place my curls into the plopping towel and tie back. This has been a game changer for me. I went from a simple wave to full-on spirals when I first started this method.
- Leaving the towel on while I do my makeup or other morning routine items, generally 10-20 minutes, I again bend over so my head is down and gently unwrap the towel. Here is where I add the gel. At first, I was not liberal enough with it, which created a lack of *casting (read more on this below). Do not be afraid to really coat it in there. Using praying hands, I apply All About Curls High Definition gel to my hair in 3 sections; both sides and the center. And scrunch up again.
- I realized my hair also did not do well when air-drying. Using my diffuser, the Remington One, I was able to help my hair find it’s form. This was my “inexpensive” solution for drying my hair using the diffusing method — and I am glad I did. Cupping the ends of your hair, allow the diffuser to dry on low to medium head, slowly gloing around your head in different methods; starting on the sides and moving around the head then leaning over and drying upside down. Make sure hair is fully dried allowing the gel cast to harden.
- Once hair is fully dry, it is time to break the cast. I have several hair oils that I have used. To start I used one I had on hand, that is also a heat protectant: Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil. It smells good, knocks out the friz, and leaves my hair shiny and soft. I still use it on occasion, but have grown some since I started my journey. I have moved to a more hydrating oil, Olaplex No.7. This is more of a personal preference and you may find something more suited to you. It is a trial and error system. Working the oil through the hair with praying hands, I use just about a dime size and apply from mid section to ends; finishing with my gentle scrunching. I then use my tips to gently massage the center scalp area to hydrate and break the gel around my crown.
Treat your hair carefully. Notice I used the word ‘gently’ often. Our hair takes a beating and it needs some extra TLC. Show it some love during this process. It will help your hair return to a moisturized and smoothly curled masterpiece. All curly hair is different. Be sure to embrace your hairs texture and nurture it to its full potential.
Hair Casting: What It Is and Why It Helps
Hair casting is a method of using styling products, such as gels or mousses, to create a “cast” around your curls as they dry. This cast forms a protective shell that locks in moisture and helps curls maintain their shape during the drying process.
To achieve a cast, apply your preferred styling product evenly to wet hair, ensuring each strand is coated. Allow your hair to air-dry or use a diffuser on a low setting. Once your hair is completely dry, gently scrunch out the crunchiness to reveal soft, bouncy curls underneath. This process not only helps define curls but also minimizes frizz and ensures longer-lasting styles. Refer to the prior discussion on this in the steps outlined above.
OTHER TIDBITS WORTH NOTING
MASTER THE ART OF FINGER COILING
After applying a curl gel to damp strands, divide your hair into sections and twirl small pieces around your finger to encourage the curl pattern. This technique trains your hair to form uniform curls over time. This does take some practice. I have yet to perfect my system on this. There are several ways to create curls, not just the finger curling method. This article is not about this aspect, but there are tons of videos out there that cover this aspect. Find your method or allow this to occur naturally. It is up to you.
PROTECT YOUR HAIR AT NIGHT
Prevent your curls from losing their shape overnight by sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase. You can also use a satin bonnet, this is my preference over the pillow case. I love the bonnets with the thick elastic bands (vs. the ties or thin scrunched elastic). They are far more comfortable in my opinion.
BE PATIENT AND CONSISTENT
Curl training doesn’t happen overnight. It may take weeks or even months for your natural curl pattern to emerge fully. Stay consistent with your routine and avoid heat styling or harsh treatments that can disrupt your progress.
Training your hair to become curly is about more than just aesthetics. It’s a journey toward embracing your hair’s natural beauty and improving its health. With time, effort, and the right techniques, you’ll see your hair transform into the bouncy, defined curls you’ve always wanted.
It’s worth it!
The products linked in this article are suggestions based off my “beginning” journey as a way to show that most any product will work. The method that works for me may need to be tweaked for you. However, it does not have to break the bank when just starting out. You will find products you prefer over others as you grow with your method and curl style. Best of luck!!