When it comes to curly hair, it’s never just about the products you use. It’s also about how you apply them. At Curly Secret, we love reminding curlies that the right technique can completely change your results. A gel, leave-in or foam can work wonders on one person and fall flat on another, simply because of the application method. Understanding these techniques helps you bring out the best in your curls, giving them the definition, bounce, and longevity you’ve been dreaming of.
Why Application Methods Matter
Curls are delicate and unique. Unlike straight hair, they need careful product distribution to stay defined and hydrated. The right method ensures your hair soaks up the product evenly, your curls clump together beautifully, and your wash day results last longer. That’s why experimenting with different techniques is key. It’s not about finding the one but rather discovering what works for your hair in different moods and conditions.
The Praying Hands Method
This method is exactly what it sounds like: you smooth the product along your curls with flat palms pressed together, almost like you’re praying. The beauty of this technique is in its simplicity, it ensures every strand gets evenly coated, and it minimizes frizz by sealing the cuticle downwards. Many curlies love it for creating sleek, shiny curls. On the flip side, some notice that it can slightly reduce volume, since it presses curls flat against the head. If you’re someone who loves a smooth, polished finish, this method is perfect. But if you live for big, fluffy volume, you might want to combine it with scrunching afterwards.
The Raking Method
With the raking method, your fingers act as a wide-tooth comb, pulling product through your strands in sections. It’s amazing for detangling and helps create natural curl clumps that look soft and effortless. This method really allows the curls to choose their own shape, which is why many curlies love it for enhancing definition in a natural way. However, finer curls or waves may sometimes lose some tightness and definition when raked too much. The trick is to find the right balance: rake enough to distribute product evenly, but stop before you break up your curl pattern.
Squish to Condish
This cult-favorite technique is all about hydration. With soaking wet hair, you scrunch your conditioner or leave-in upwards into your curls, pushing moisture deep inside the cuticle. You can literally hear the squish as your hair absorbs the product. The result is plump, bouncy curls that feel juicy and nourished from within. The downside is that it can be a bit messy and time-consuming, but many curly girls swear by it for locking in that perfect moisture balance.
Brush Styling
Brush styling is a method where you use a styling brush to define curls section by section. This is the method for curlies who want maximum control over their shape. The brush distributes product evenly and encourages uniform curl formation, leaving you with perfectly spiraled curls. It’s also great if you want to style for a specific look, whether that’s tighter ringlets or looser waves. However, it does take time and patience, and it can sometimes lead to more shrinkage since it enhances your curl pattern so strongly. For special occasions or when you want that extra polished look, brush styling is worth the effort.
Scrunching
The most classic and probably the most loved technique is scrunching. After applying your product, you scrunch your curls upward towards your roots, encouraging them to form their natural pattern. It’s quick, effective, and boosts volume in seconds. Scrunching also helps encourage curl clumps and makes curls look more springy and alive. The only watch-out is frizz. If you scrunch when your hair is too dry or with too much friction, it can disrupt the curl cuticle. Always scrunch on wet or damp hair, ideally with a gel or foam to lock everything in, and you’ll get that effortless, bouncy finish.
The Secret to Success
At the end of the day, there’s no single method that works for everyone, every time. The magic often lies in combining techniques. Many curlies start with praying hands to smooth product into the hair, then rake to separate, squish to add hydration, and finally scrunch for volume. What matters most is experimenting and paying attention to how your curls respond. With patience, you’ll discover your own perfect routine, and when paired with your favorite Curly Secret stylers, the results can be nothing short of magical.
