Transform your curls: A pro’s guide to defining each strand

With summer just around the corner, it's all about basking in the sunshine at the park, chilling on beautiful beaches, and planning fun day trips or long vacations to soak up the fantastic weather. These adventures are the perfect excuse to flaunt the best summer outfits, get your toes summer-ready with a fresh pedicure, try out some bold new makeup shades, and, of course, make sure your hair looks fabulous. If you've got waves, curls, or coils, you'll definitely want to know how to define curls so they're looking their best for all those amazing summer days coming your way!

As someone with curly hair, I've spent years figuring out what works (and what definitely doesn't) when it comes to styling my locks. I've discovered tips that work wonders for others but turned into a hair disaster for me. That's why getting to know the different types of curly hair, understanding what kind of care each type needs, and investing in the right products is key to truly defining curls.

Identifying your curl type is the first step to figuring out what is the best method and products that will work to define curls in your hair. After years of trying to define my curls and keep them that way, this is the haircare and styling routine I trust.

With the best curly hair products and the right techniques, this would work to define curls on Type 2 wavy, Type 3 curly and Type 4 kinky hair. For those with Type 1 straight hair, although you might have to try a few different methods and products to get more volume and bounce, it is still possible to achieve a curly look. To make things easier, I will be also be listing out different methods and products according to different hair types to define curls, regardless of whether you are trying it on short hairstyles or longer cuts.

Step-by-step guide to define curls

1. Pre-shower hair care

Achieving bouncy and shiny curls is a process that begins well before you even wash your hair. It is important to nourish your scalp with the best hair growth products like oils, pre-wash treatments or your favourite hair masks to hydrate your hair prior to washing it. It could be anything – as fancy as the best Olaplex products or a simple massage using rosemary oils. This will make sure the shower does not strip your hair too much of its natural oils and make it dry.

2. Use the right shampoo and conditioner

Regardless of your hair type, it is always beneficial to invest in the best sulphate-free shampoos that will gently cleanse your scalp and hair without being too harsh or drying. You can also go for the best shampoos for curly hair to help minimise frizz, provide enhanced hydration and keep your curls defined. Our hair naturally tends to become more dry as we age, so using a conditioner for dry hair will help provide an additional layer of moisture and lock it in post your hair wash.

3. Detangle your hair

You can either opt to detangle your hair before your shower after applying your oils or after spraying some water to make it damp so it’s easier to run a comb through. You can also do it while you are washing your hair in the shower. Using a good detangling hair brush to do it prevent breakage and damage.

4. Use the right hair towel

Switch to a microfiber hair towel and you will definitely notice the difference it makes especially when it comes to frizz, flyaways and dry hair. Regular hair towels create a lot of friction due to threads and fibre that protrudes out a lot from the surface, while microfibre towels are designed to be gentle on hair and absorb moisture from your hair without having to rub it a lot.

5. Use leave in conditioner

If you've got fine or wavy hair, lightweight options like Merwave hair products are a must-try. We've tested them out, and trust me, they won't weigh your hair down or leave you with a flat crown. Now, if your curls are fuller and more voluminous like mine, hydrating leave-in conditioners can be a real game changer for keeping frizz in check and your curls looking fabulous. And don't forget, you can always add a few drops of your favorite hair oil to the lengths of your hair for that extra shine!

6. Protect your natural curl pattern

You might be seeing that your hair naturally falls into loose waves or defined curls when it is damp and while you apply your products, make sure that you are not combing through the hair too much and disturbing the natural curl pattern. Use your fingers to comb through and evenly apply products and never a close-toothed comb.

7. Use styling products

The first rule is to use your styling products while your hair is still wet and if your hair has begun to dry a bit, spray some more water onto it and it will help the process. If you have wavy hair that lacks volume, using a good mousse to add definition and curls will help. However, if you have curly or kinky hair, using the best curly hair products – be it curling creams, gels or styling mousses – will help to hold curls and keep them defined for days.

8. Scrunching and finger coiling

When it comes to styling techniques, defining curls can be as simple as taking a handful of your hair from its ends and scrunching it up to the roots a couple of times and letting the natural curl pattern form; or you can also practice finger coiling – where you take each curl clump and wrap it around your finger in the direction away from your face for a few seconds and let it fall. This method is a bit time consuming, but you are sure to get well-defined curls. To make things easier, you can also choose to select and finger coil only a few curl clumps and let the rest of your hair air dry after scrunching to get a more natural curly look.

9. Curly girl method

As someone who has been using Curly Girl Method to take care of my curls for almost 5 years now, I can confidently state that it improves the health of your hair while also making it look good. The method involved 3 simple steps - cleansing, conditioning, and styling – which will ensure your curls are maintained, nourished and enhanced. The best part about the Curly Girl Method is that it is designed to work on any type of curls or waves.

10. Use curl defining brushes

If you wish to save some time on styling your hair, investing in the best brushes for curly hair will help to separate, style and define your curls effortlessly. Personally, deciding to purchase a styling brush for curly helped me save lots of time I spent finger coiling or scrunching. It is honestly a one-time investment that will give you gorgeous results.

11. Air drying or diffusing

You can either take it easy and let your hair air dry naturally or you can invest in the best diffusers for curly hair to create more volume at the roots and add more long-lasting definition to your curls.

12. Revitalise your curls between your washes

There are several curl reviving sprays and light revitalising creams which will help to refresh your curls in between washes. This will add more moisture and reduce frizz which will make your curls look more defined.

13. Use satin products to reduce frizz

Investing in the best frizzy hair remedies like satin pillowcases and sleeping bonnets will help to reduce frizz, flyaways and keep your curls undisturbed while sleeping. Unlike cotton pillowcases that create a lot of friction, this will keep your curls looking gorgeous for a longer time.

14. How to define curls with Type 1 straight hair

If you have straight hair that does not have any natural curls or waves but would love to go for a more defined and bouncy style for the summer, there are several easy ways and products that can help you get the desired results. With the right techniques and the best straighteners you can create soft, dreamy curls. However, you can also opt for heatless curls achieved with the best heatless curlers to prevent any excessive heat damage. For results that last longer, you can also think about investing in the best hair curlersthat work for every type. But always be sure to use heat protectant sprays before using any heat styling devices.

Akhila Thomas is a digital writer at Yours.co.uk and her areas of interest are beauty, fashion, food, wellness and lifestyle. She has previously written for magazines like Leftlion, Women’s Health and t’Art and worked extensively with art, culture, fashion and social media trends. She also likes to travel and explore new cultures and cuisines.