The key to preventing crunchy curls is to manipulate and soften the hair after applying styling products, as the crunchiness is often a temporary result of product setting.
Understanding Crunchy Curls
Crunchy curls typically occur after using styling products like gels or mousses designed to define and hold the curl pattern. These products often create a cast or a hard layer around the hair, which helps maintain the curl's shape. However, this cast can feel stiff and crunchy. According to the provided reference, don't worry when you experience crunchy curls; it's a normal part of the styling process.
How to Eliminate the Crunch
The reference video highlights a method to get rid of the crunch, while maintaining volume and definition, by manipulating the curls after they are dry. Here's how:
- Wait for the Hair to Fully Dry: Ensure your hair is completely dry before attempting to remove the crunch.
- "Scrunch Out the Crunch" (SOTC): Gently scrunch or massage your curls with your hands. This technique breaks the cast created by the styling product, softening the curls. This process is demonstrated in the video where after manipulating the hair for five minutes the "curls are beautifully defined still voluminous. And touchably soft."
- Use a Hair Oil: Applying a small amount of hair oil to your fingertips while scrunching can help soften the curls and add shine, reducing the crunch further.
Practical Tips for Softer Curls
Here are some extra tips to help prevent and manage crunchy curls:
- Choose the Right Products: Use moisturizing styling products to keep your hair hydrated, which can minimize the potential for crunchiness. Avoid heavy, overly firm-hold gels that can cause stiffness.
- Use Products Sparingly: Applying too much product can lead to a more intense cast. Start with a small amount and add more only if necessary.
- "Plopping": This method involves wrapping your wet hair in a t-shirt or microfiber towel after applying styling products, which helps create definition and volume while reducing frizz and crunchiness as the hair dries.
- Diffuse Gently: If you are using a hairdryer, use a diffuser on a low heat and low speed setting to avoid disturbing the curl pattern and to dry the hair evenly without making it stiff.
- Avoid Touching While Drying: Try to avoid touching your hair too much while it’s drying, as this can disrupt the curl pattern and lead to more frizz and crunchiness.
Summary Table
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Crunchy Curls | Scrunch out the crunch after drying |
| Stiff Curls | Use hair oil while scrunching. |
| Over-product | Apply styling products in moderation |
| Drying Problems | Diffuse on low setting and avoid handling while drying. |
By using the SOTC technique, along with these additional tips, you can effectively stop your curly hair from going crunchy, leaving it soft, defined, and beautiful.
