The Three Biggest Mistakes That Keep Your Curls From Holding- And How to FixThem

Written by: Samantha K. Paris

Picture this: You have a night out with friends that you've been looking forward to since Monday and you've planned it all: You're going to an amazing restaurant, going to get a fun drink, and have fun plans after dinner. You laid out an outfit before work and plan on getting a quick shower and doing your hair and makeup before heading out. You spend 45 minutes getting ready, and after putting on your outfit and jewelry, you look in the mirror to find your freshly curled hair flat, straight, and frizzy. There is truly nothing more frustrating than that. If you've ever wondered why your curls just "won't stick", you're not alone. Here are the three biggest mistakes we see and simple ways to fix them.

Mistake #1: Not Prepping Your Hair Properly

Even the best curling iron can't work miracles on unprepared hair. If your strands are weighed down by oil, heavy conditioner, or product buildup, curls won't hold. Additionally, if there is no grit to your hair or you're using heat on unprotected hair, your curls will fall quickly.

Fix it:

• Start with clean (ish), dry hair. A day or two after washing (dependent upon your hair texture and density) is best. Use a lightweight shampoo and conditioner as to not weigh down the hair.

• Use heat protectant spray that also has a light hold component. This gives your curls traction while protecting your hair from damage.

Mistake #2: You're Taking Too Big of Sections

... Or not sectioning at all. Large sections don't heat evenly, so the curl won't fully form and will fall out quickly. Additionally, it makes it easier to miss pieces that will just be straight and flat from the start.

Fix it:

• Understand that you first section, then sub-section.

• You will likely have 3-8 sections depending on thickness. Start with the bottom, split into right and left. Then the middle, split into right and left, etc. Work up the head.

• Work in sub-section is what is going on the curling iron at once. These will be about 1-2 inches in width.

• Smaller sections allow the heat to penetrate evenly, creating a stronger, longer-lasting curl.

• Curl each section carefully and release it slowly to maintain shape.

Mistake #3: Skipping the Right Post-Curl Products

So many people are scared of hair spray or products with any hold. Don't be! Without the right finishing products your curls drop quickly and the technology has come a long way-- not all hairsprays make your hair crunchy!

Fix it:

• A lightweight spray such as Flexible Hairspray by Redken or Fluxus by Amika will give you an aerosol, touchable hold.

• A texture spray such as Dry Texture by Redken or Texture Spray Beach Club can give you just the right amount of grit to hold that curl + volume.

• Use your shine spray in place of hair oil before going out, and use your hair oil before bed!

Bonus Tips:

• Sleep with your hair in a braid, flexible curling rod, or silk bonnet to hold curls even longer

• Make sure your hair is being moisturized well in-between styling so that it will not frizz up and deflate.

• Use a good curling iron! You can't go wrong with the Bioionic.

• Curl from top to bottom, not bottom to top!

• Hold the curls in place for a moment

• Don't brush them out immediately

• Blowout your hair (don't airdry)

• Give time between blowing out and styling

Bottom line:

We know how annoying it is when you just can't get your hair to hold curl, and we're here to help! For further assistance choosing the right products for your hair, learning how to curl with an iron, or help deciding which iron is for you, come see us!