How to Style Curly Hair 101

How to Style Curly Hair 101: Product Tips & Tricks


Curl experts aren't just professional stylists - everyone who wears their hair curly holds some wisdom about how to work their natural texture. No wonder some of the most brilliant tricks we've learned on how to style curls have come straight from the curl community. Whether your goal is to tame frizz, boost volume, or create definition in curls that lasts longer, check out these curly hair styling tips and tricks crowd sourced from our best reviews.

Curly Hair Hair Styling Tips and Tricks

Routinely Rehydrate Your Curls Try this: Advanced Climate Control Restore + Revive Bi-PhaseCurl styling tip: "This product sprays well directly onto hair, or into the palm of your hand then smoothed over hair. I also dampened my hands with water and smoothed my hair, then added more of this refresher. Within a minute or two, my type 2b waves emerged after a night of not pineappling or sleeping on a silk or satin pillow case. It controlled my frizz and recreated the waves from the day before." - Midori A., Loose Curls

Apply Styling Cream with a Fine-Tooth CombTry this: Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling CreamCurl styling tip: "I use [Featherlight Styling Cream] first and then use the new Advanced Climate Control gel. I comb through with a fine-tooth comb to make sure I get every hair, and then scrunch to achieve soft, bouncy curls." - Donna W., Classic Curls

Craft a Cocktail of Styling GelsTry this: VitalCurl+ Define & Shine Styling Gel-CreamCurl styling tip: "A cocktail of this gel cream mixed with a little gel is awesome on curls too!" - SLM, Tight Curls

Use Hairspray to Defrizz CurlsTry this: Botanical Boost Curl Energizing & Refreshing SprayCurl styling tip: "I use this product after towel drying my hair. I spray it on and comb. This helps keeps the frizzies at bay until I can use the Tress Effects Styling Gel. I also use it in between washes to refresh my curls!" - C., Tight Curls

Put on Pomade to Lose the CrunchTry this: Clear Control PomadeCurl styling tip: "I tend to use more gel than my stylist uses, so my hair is a bit crunchy when I finish. This product is perfect for removing the crunchiness and makes my hair feel soft." - Sarabeth, Tight Curls

Turn Up the Volume with Amplifying Foam Try this: PlayCurl Amplifying FoamCurl styling tip: "I use the Amplifying Foam on my roots only, after I have combed through some of the Featherlight cream. The foam does seem to help with lifting my roots a bit and adding some volume." - Lori, Classic Curls

Use Curl Cream to Get Your Twist Try this: Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl CreamCurl styling tip: "I have type 4 hair and I use this as part of my LOC [Liquid, Oil, Cream styling method]. My twist out lasts anywhere from 3 to 4 days and it's never dry. The twists dry so shiny I don't want to take them out." - Sabrina, Kinky Curls

Styling Spray Help Your Curls Finish StrongTry this: PlayCurl Amplifying Styling SprayCurl styling tip: "I use this product after my hair is styled with the Advanced Climate Control gel and I have scrunched out the crunch - it gives my curls and waves extra bounce and hold!" - Megan, Classic Curls

Style at Night and Sleep on ItTry this: Finishing Mist Setting & Holding SprayCurl styling tip: "I style at night and break my cast in the morning. Because of this, I like a nice cast that holds throughout the night. This is perfect. Gives a great cast, helps keep my curls together and lasts for several days. I literally use this every single time I style. It's the one thing that never varies in my routine." - Courtney, Tight Curls

Apply Defining Crème Right After Wash

Try this: Curl Immersion Silky Soufflé Setting CrèmeCurl styling tip: "After I wash my deep conditioner out, when I step out the shower, I make sure my hair is absolutely *saturated* with water. Then, I add a healthy amount of this product to each section of my hair and add the Ouidad Hi-Defining Custard over that. I shake my hair like a rockstar so my curls can settle into place and voila! True wash & *go* styling. Done! No need to spend 3 hours defining each individual curl or shingling or raking." - Sunny, Kinky Curls

Don't Blow Dry , Diffuse! Try this: Curl Last Flexible-Hold HairsprayCurl styling tip: "I recently started diffusing my hair dry instead of blow drying which has helped tremendously with getting more curl and volume, and this hairspray is my final step. I can leave the house with my hair looking great and I think this hairspray really helps it last all day." - Leslie H., Loose Curls

Tag your texture: Show us how you use your favorite products by tagging #Ouidad on Instagram.