Get the look of smooth ringlets with this simple routine. With a little extra styling time, your curls will give it all back and more with days of defined curls.
From Everyday Curls to Smooth Ringlets
One of my absolute favorite techniques for achieving dreamy, long-lasting curls is finger coiling. If you’re on the quest for smooth, defined ringlets that hold their shape for days, this is a must-try routine! One of the main reasons I love finger coiling is that it gives me incredible control over the uniformity of my curls. Unlike some other styling techniques where you might end up with a mix of defined and less defined strands of different thicknesses, finger coiling allows you to intentionally shape each curl. By taking the time to section your hair and decide on the thickness of each coil, you can minimize those frustrating stringy bits that sometimes pop up and mess with your overall look
More Than Just Pretty Curls
Beyond just aesthetics, finger coiling offers some real benefits for the health and longevity of your curls:
- Frizz Control: By carefully shaping each curl, you’re encouraging the cuticle to lay flat. This is a major key to reducing frizz and achieving that smooth, polished look.
- Enhanced Definition: This technique helps define your curls right from the root. Get more consistent definition throughout the entire strand.
- Stronger, More Resilient Curl Set: Creating a stronger curl set results in curls that can withstand more movement and environmental factors without losing their definition as quickly. This is crucial for extending the life of your curls throughout the week.
- Tackles Uneven Curl Patterns: If you have areas of your hair with looser or straighter tendencies, finger coiling can be particularly helpful in encouraging those sections to curl more consistently with the rest of your hair.
- Lasting Hydration: By intentionally smoothing water and product over each curl, you’re ensuring every curl is hydrated with hold that will last for days.
What Products are needed?
The great thing about finger coiling is that it’s not too picky about products. You can use your favorite leave-in conditioner, cream, mousse, or gel. I love using a medium-hold gel to lock in the curl shape, get that lasting definition, but without the crunch. Experiment with different product combinations to see what works best for your hair type and desired results.
How to Finger Coil Your Curls
Check out this finger coiling tutorial on how to transform everyday curls into super smooth ringlets.
- Start with Wet Hair: After you wash and condition, apply your styling product(s) as usual. Make sure your hair is evenly saturated. Raking in my product and smoothing the ends with the praying hands method works best for my hair.
- Section Your Hair: Work in sections, starting from the bottom layers of your hair to the styling the top last. The size of the sections will determine the size of your curls. Smaller sections are best for tighter curls, while larger sections can work for looser waves or larger curls.
- Curl Families: Take a small subsection of hair to create a curl family or ‘curl clump.’
- Coil or Twist: Starting at the root, wrap or twist the strand of hair around your index finger in a spiral motion. You can coil away from your face for more volume.
- Repeat: Continue this process throughout all the sections of your hair.
- Dry as Usual: Allow your hair to air dry or diffuse on a low heat setting. Avoid touching your hair too much while it’s drying to prevent frizz.
- Scrunch out the Crunch: Once your hair is completely dry, you can gently scrunch out any crunch from your styling product to reveal soft, defined curls.
While finger coiling might require a little extra time upfront, especially when you’re first getting the hang of it, the payoff in terms of defined, long-lasting curls is undeniable. It’s a fantastic technique for enhancing your natural curl pattern, minimizing frizz, and ultimately, enjoying more good hair days. So, if you’re looking to take your curls to the next level and achieve that coveted “curls for days” look, give finger coiling a try – you might just find your new favorite styling method!
Whether this becomes your regular routine, or reserved for special occasions, you’ll love the results every time!
Cheers!
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