We love hair of all textures; waves are beautiful, curls are stunning – we’re obsessed with it all!
This post is a mini guide for you if you want to create tighter curls within your existing curl pattern. There’s no right or wrong way to wear or style your hair, but there are some things you can do that will create different outcomes and allow you to experiment.
Can you make curls tighter?
Absolutely. There are ways to create tighter curls using stronger-hold products such as gels or mousses. Alternatively, there are specific techniques you can use when applying product, such as finger-rolling sections of your hair.
Let’s get into this a little deeper..
Quick Fixes for Tighter Curls
Swap out a product
Try switching to a styling product with more hold. You want a sticky product, such as a strong-hold gel, a firm-hold mousse, or serum.
Complete your post-wash routine as usual, using a leave-in conditioner and styling products. However, ensure that the last product you apply is one with a firm hold.
I’ll list a couple of my favourite products below. Using these can make a huge difference.
One of my personal favourites is the Davines Curl Building Serum. I absolutely love it. This product made a real difference to my hair and curl pattern the first time I used it. I love how it makes my curl pattern spring up. The serum has a slightly sticky texture, which you can’t feel in your hair afterwards, but which almost holds the curl together and makes it springy. It creates a springy cast on your hair that you can scrunch out afterwards. Many of these products will form a cast, which is part of how they provide extra hold and tighter curls.
A classic cult product. This gel features in my list of favourite products. It creates a firm cast and holds curl patterns well.
It is an affordable product, too!
I have a full post about this frankly amazing product that defines, adds volume and tightens curl patterns.
It does what it says – ‘builds curls’.
Wet hair application
One trick for achieving a tighter curl pattern is to ensure that you apply your products to wet hair. As soon as your hair has a chance to start drying without products, it’s going to do its own thing, and you’re more likely to get stringy, stretched-out curls, particularly with longer hair. Curls need to be captured straight away!
Tips for removing moisture
Additionally, using a technique like plopping (read my full guide) can be helpful. While the above is true, the weight of the water can pull your hair down, so it’s essential to add an extra step, such as plopping. You can read my guide to plopping here. When using this technique, you encourage your curl pattern from the beginning while the products are still in and your hair is still wet.
Roll-up
Another quick fix for tighter curls is to use a technique like finger-rolling or finger-coiling.
I’ll include a short video on how to do this below.
Essentially, what you’re doing when you’re finger-rolling your hair is encouraging it into its tightest kind of curl pattern.
You can use finger-rolling to correct wonky curls when they’re wet; this way, you’re just ensuring that they sit exactly as you want them to before they start to dry.
By combining a technique like finger rolling with one of the firm-hold products mentioned above, you can create a tighter curl pattern than by scrunching alone.
A longer-term fix
If you want to ensure that your curls maintain a tight curl pattern, consider addressing the overall health of your hair as a longer-term solution.
Damaged hair or a lack of moisture or protein can affect your curl pattern. Typically, damaged hair will have a looser curl pattern. Curls will ‘drop out’ and appear less well-formed.
Taking care to ensure your hair is moisturised with leave-in conditioners and treatments will help to prevent any loss in curl pattern. I’m going to add a link here to some of my favourite protein and moisture products. Additionally, regular trims will also help keep your hair healthy. Split/damaged ends are likely to sit ‘straighter’ than the rest of your hair.
EVO Mane Attention Protein Treatment
I use this mask treatment when I feel like it’s feeling lacklustre and needs a protein boost!
Great for damaged, weakened hair.
I use this treatment once a week. My hair can feel dry, and this is the best mask that I have found to make it feel moisturised.
It’s pricey but worth it for dry hair IMO.
I hope that this is helpful if you’re looking for tighter curls!
Speak soon,
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