The ABCs Of Curly Hair Styling: 5 Key Terms Every Beginner Should Know
Let's get plopping now!
If you’ve recently embarked on your journey to embrace your natural curls, congratulations! Curly hair is a beautiful and unique asset that can be both fun and challenging to style. As you dive into the world of curly hair care, you’ll encounter a myriad of styling terms and techniques. To help you navigate this curly-haired wonderland, we’ve put together a beginner’s guide to five basic curly hair styling words that you’re likely to encounter along the way.
1. Plopping
You might be wondering, “What on earth is plopping?” Plopping is a method to enhance your natural curls and reduce frizz. To do it, you’ll need a clean, microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt. After washing your hair, gently scrunch out excess water with the towel. Then, lay the towel flat, place your curls onto it, and fold it over your head. Secure the ends to create a “plop” or turban-like shape. Leave your hair like this for 20-30 minutes to allow it to dry slightly. Plopping helps maintain your curl formation while reducing friction and frizz.
Also Read: How To Style Curly Hair Like Jawan Actress Sanya Malhotra? 4 Hairstyles To Bookmark
2. Diffusing
Diffusing is a hairstyling technique that involves using a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to evenly distribute heat while preserving your curls. To do this, start with your hair flipped upside down and cup sections of your hair with the diffuser. Move the diffuser in an upward motion while scrunching your curls. This method speeds up the drying process without causing frizz, leaving you with bouncy, defined curls.
3. Curl Clumps
Curl clumps are groups of curls that naturally form together, creating a more defined and uniform curl pattern. To encourage curl clumps, apply your styling products while your hair is still very wet, and use a gentle scrunching motion. Avoid over-touching or raking your fingers through your curls, as this can disrupt the clumps and lead to frizz.
4. Curl Gel Cast
When you apply a styling gel to your curly hair, it may feel crunchy or stiff at first. This “gel cast” is actually a good sign! It means the gel is creating a protective barrier around each curl, helping it hold its shape as it dries. Once your hair is completely dry, you can scrunch out the gel cast gently, revealing soft, defined curls that are ready to shine.
Also Read: What Are Curl Activators? Here’s How They Can Transform Curly Hair
5. Pineappling
Pineappling is a method for preserving your curls overnight and preventing them from getting flattened while you sleep. To pineapple, gather all your hair into a loose, high ponytail on the top of your head, resembling the shape of a pineapple. Secure it with a silk or satin scrunchie or hair tie. This technique helps maintain your curls’ shape and volume, so you wake up with gorgeous, second-day curls.
Now that you’re armed with these five basic curly hair styling words, you’re better equipped to navigate the world of curly hair care.
First Published: October 10, 2023 1:43 PM
