To stop curls from looking wet, focus on relieving the cast that forms when using styling products. The "cast" is the crunchy, stiff feeling that occurs as these products dry. Breaking this cast will allow your curls to look soft and natural.
Here's a breakdown of why curls look wet and how to prevent it:
Understanding the "Wet Look" in Curls
The "wet look" is usually a result of:
- Styling products: Products like gels and mousses often create a cast as they dry, making the hair look wet and crunchy. This cast is designed to hold the curl shape, but you must break it for softness.
- Overuse of product: Applying too much product can lead to excessive moisture and a persistently wet appearance.
How to Eliminate the Wet Look
Here are techniques to help your curls look soft and defined instead of wet:
1. "Scrunch Out the Crunch" (SOTC)
- What it is: After your curls are completely dry and the product has formed a cast, gently scrunch your hair upwards with your hands.
- How it helps: This process breaks the cast, revealing soft, touchable curls. You can hear the crunch break if you are doing it right.
- When to do it: Ensure your hair is 100% dry before starting SOTC. Attempting to scrunch when the hair is even slightly damp will create frizz.
- Example: In the provided video, the demonstrator emphasizes breaking the cast by gently scrunching the hair. This method is a key to eliminating the "wet look."
2. Use a Lightweight Oil
- What to do: After scrunching, you can add a small amount of lightweight hair oil (like argan or jojoba oil) to your palms and gently smooth it over the curls.
- How it helps: The oil adds shine and further breaks down any remaining product cast. It also helps to eliminate frizz and keeps the hair moisturized.
- Application: Focus on applying the oil to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair to avoid greasy roots.
3. Fluffing and Separating
- Technique: Use your fingers to gently separate and fluff the curls at the roots, creating more volume and breaking up the clumped, wet look.
- Benefit: This enhances the overall appearance of volume. Be sure to not fluff too hard, as this can lead to frizz.
4. Proper Drying Techniques
- Air Drying: Allows the product to fully dry and form the cast which will be broken by scrunching.
- Diffusing: Using a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer will dry curls more evenly, making the cast easier to scrunch out.
5. Product Selection and Amount
- Right products: Use styling products suitable for your curl type and hair thickness. Heavy products are more likely to create a wet look if not used correctly.
- Less is more: Avoid using excessive amounts of product. Begin with a small amount and add more as needed, focusing on the lengths of the hair.
Key Takeaway
The key to stopping curls from looking wet is to ensure your hair is completely dry and to break the cast created by your styling products by gently scrunching. The reference video emphasizes this step.
