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Curly hair is captivating. It's bold, beautiful, and full of personality - but styling it can feel like a daily mystery. If you’ve ever wondered how to style curly hair without compromising on softness, shine or control, you’re in the right place. In this blog, Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf shares her go-to guide for styling curly hair with grace and ease.
Step 1. Start with a nourishing wash
The foundation of any great curl style is healthy, hydrated hair. Curly strands tend to be drier, so moisture is essential.
1. Cleanse hair gently
Opt for a sulphate-free shampoo that cleanses without stripping natural oils. Because curly hair is more prone to frizz, it needs to be thoroughly hydrated. Our HYDRATE Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner has been specially formulated for dull locks, using shea butter extract to add nourishing vitamins to the hair. Argan oil is also used to help smooth and manage locks.
2. Use leave-in conditioner
Using leave-in conditioner can hydrate dry locks, whilst also detangling and targeting frizz. Our HYDRATE Leave-In Conditioning Spray uses a mix of avocado oil and hydrolyzed vegetable protein to improve hair strength and soften the strands. This can increase moisture and elasticity.
3. Consider a nourishing hair mask
Curly hair thrives on hydration, and hair masks are one of the best ways to keep hair nourished. Our HYDRATE Moisture Hair Mask can transform the look and feel of dry and dehydrated hair after just one use, using key ingredients like avocado oil and shea butter to moisturise and smooth locks.
Step 2. Apply product to soaking wet hair
The best time to start applying hair products? When your hair is still soaking wet! This stops frizz from forming before your hair even has time to start producing it. Use a wide tooth comb or your fingers to detangle and distribute the product evenly across locks. Our VELVET Nourishing Hair Oil adds weightless hydration and shine, ideal for smoothing frizz without sacrificing volume.
Step 3. Choose the right styling technique
Curly hair comes in many different varieties. Whether your curls are loose and beachy or tight and coily, the right technique will bring them to life. Whilst hair is still wet, choose one of the below ways to style.
1. Rake & shake
This technique is great for medium to coarse curls. Rake the product through sections, then gently shake the curls to encourage them to clump together and create definition.
2. Scrunching
This is ideal for looser curls or waves. Scrunch hair upwards with a microfibre towel or a t-shirt to enhance curl formation.
3. Finger coiling
For ultra-defined curls, twirl small sections of hair around your finger. This is time-intensive, but can have stunning results.
Step 4. Dry smart - diffuse or air dry
How you dry curly hair makes all the difference. Avoid rough towel drying, which disrupts curl patterns and creates frizz.
1. Air drying
This is the gentlest method. Leave hair completely alone to dry in the air - ideal for an evening when you’re not in any rush!
2. Diffuser
A diffuser can cut drying time whilst keeping the shape of your curls. Use a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment, like our HERØ Ionic Technology Hair Dryer, which dries hair quietly and quickly. Before you start blow drying, spritz a mist like our UPLIFT Volumising Mist across hair, concentrating on the roots.
Step 5. Finish with style and hold
Once your hair is dry, apply a fine mist of hairspray like our CONTROL Flexible Styling Spray. This allows for a long-lasting, flexible hold that keeps curls in place all day, with a natural finish that still allows movement in the locks.
Step 6. Refresh between washes
Curls don’t always need a full reset! To revive second or third day hair, add shape and dimension by using TEXTURE Dry Texture & Finishing Spray. In addition to refreshing locks, this spray acts like back comb to lift the hair and enhance shape.
Styling curly hair doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right care, techniques, and luxurious products, you can achieve beautiful, defined curls that feel as good as they look. Discover the full Neäl & Wølf curl-care collection: Curly Hair Products
