10 Curly Hair Techniques You Need to Know

Hello my curly girls! When you start the Curly Girl Method, you might wonder what all the different CG terms mean. What does SOTC mean? What’s a pineapple? And am I supposed to do ALL of these things?? In today’s post, I’m breaking down the top 10 curly hair techniques you should know. There are more, but we’ll save those for another day.

Here are the top 10 curly hair techniques you need to know.

1. Curly Hair Techniques: Co-wash

What does co-wash mean? It stands for conditioner-washing. This technique was pioneered by Lorraine Massey. Instead of washing your hair with shampoo, use a gentle, CG-approved conditioner to cleanse it instead. Gently massage it into your scalp and rinse it out thoroughly. If you have type 2 curls or low porosity hair, you should not co-wash exclusively, because it will cause buildup and over-moisturizing. Instead, rotate a co-wash with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo.

My favourite co-wash is the As I Am Coconut Cowash, which you can get on Amazon.com or Amazon.ca 

2. Curly Hair Techniques: Scrunching

This is definitely one of the most important curly hair techniques. You’ll use it when washing, scrunching out the crunch, or refreshing your curls. To scrunch your hair, cup it in your hands and gently squish it upwards. If your hair is wet, this will encourage your curl pattern to come out more. If it’s dry, you can use it to scrunch out the crunch (more on that below).

3. Squish to condish (STC)

The Squish-to-Condish technique is a tried-and-true method for conditioning your hair. After you apply conditioner to your hair, you can gently detangle your curls. Then, to ensure that your hair absorbs maximum moisture, you can use this technique. Cup your hands and collect a small amount of water in them. Then take a small section of hair and squish it upwards. 

The principle is that the conditioner will help your hair absorb water better. When you squish the water/conditioner mixture into your hair, the hair strand fills up with water. It also releases any excess conditioner, so you will hear little squelching sounds. Continue squishing until you have gone through all your hair. Your hair should be clumping nicely into thick, juicy curls. 

With this technique, you are leaving in the right amount of conditioner for your hair to stay hydrated. You won’t need to apply a separate leave-in conditioner (although you can apply curl enhancing products).

4. Scrunch out the crunch (SOTC)

When you use gel and other styling products on your hair, it will create a “cast.” This means that the gel hardens around your curls to define them and protect them from outside elements. However, when your hair is fully dry, you’ll want to break the cast so your curls will be soft and touchable. If you leave the cast in, your hair will look stringy and dry.

Here’s how to scrunch out the crunch. You can use either your palms or a soft t-shirt. Gently cup your curls in your hands/t-shirt and scrunch upwards. Repeat until your curls feel soft to the touch, and not crunchy. For extra shine, you can coat your palms in a little hair oil or shine serum. Be gentle and avoid ruffling your curls or running your fingers through them. This will only break up the curl pattern.

5. Curly Hair Techniques: Plopping

This curly hair technique will help you define wet curls and get more volume in your hair. To do it, you will simply lay out a t-shirt or microfibre towel on a flat surface. Flip your head upside down, cup your hair in your hands, and gently lower your head (upside down) onto the t-shirt. Gather the t-shirt or towel around your curls, and gently tie it. 

The goal is to make sure that each curl is scrunched against your head in its spiral formation. This can be tricky, especially if you have wavy hair. Here is a how-to video of a girl plopping her curls.

Another very similar technique is called micro-plopping. This means using a t-shirt or microfiber towel to gently squish the water out of small sections of hair. Just tilt your head to one side, cup a small section of hair in your t-shirt or towel, and squish upwards. Repeat until you’ve gone around your whole head.

6. Finger Coiling

This curly hair technique is specifically for wet hair. If you want your curls to be more defined and tight, you can use this technique. When your curls are wet, take an individual strand of hair. Smooth it out to ensure that there are no tangles.

Use your middle finger to twist the curl from root to tip. Next, twist it back towards the root with your hand, and from root to tip with your middle finger again. Repeat this a few times until the the strand coils when you let it go. Continue doing this until you have gone through all your hair. This will take some time, but it will give you shiny, bouncy spirals.

Here is a demonstration video of finger coiling so you can see how it’s done.

7. Root Clipping

One of the top priorities for curly girls is ensuring that they have the right balance of volume and definition. And one of the easiest curly hair techniques for volume is root clipping. You can use jaw clips, duckbill clips, or single prong clips. 

You can use this technique after applying styling products. To do it, lean your head to one side so that your hair hangs away from your face. Take a small section of hair. Next, create an “O” as you reach your arm around your head. Insert the clip at the base of your roots, perpendicular to the hair clump. Continue until you have done your whole head. You’ll need to switch arms for the other side of your head. Leave the clips in for 10-20 minutes and then remove them.

Here’s a video that demonstrates how to clip your roots with the O clipping technique.

Best clips on Amazon.com:

Amazon.ca links for my Canadian readers:

8. Praying Hands 

When you apply styling products or conditioner to your hair, you can use this curly hair technique. First, apply the hair product to your palms and rub them together to coat them evenly. Then, imagine that you’re making a hair sandwich- with one hand on the outside, one hand on the inside, and your hair in the middle. Glide your palms downward to evenly coat your hair with product. I usually finish by scrunching upwards to encourage curl formation.

9. Curly Hair Techniques: Pineapple

I always sleep with a pineapple to protect my curly hair at night. It’s super easy and actually quite comfortable, too. 

To create a pineapple, flip your head upside down, and gather your hair on top of your head. If you have short hair, you can just put it in a ponytail on top of your head. If your hair is longer, pull your hair only halfway through the elastic/hair tie on the second time around. If your hair is quite long, you can use a jaw clip to loop it again and secure the ends. 

For a more comfortable pineapple, make sure the front section of your hair is a little bit looser. Pull it out a bit more before you put it in the pineapple. I recommend using a wire-free elastic (hair tie) or a silk or satin scrunchie for best results.

This curly hair technique will help your curls stay looking good on days 2, 3, and even longer.

10. Fluffing

This easy curly hair technique will help you get more volume in your hair. To do it, just flip your head upside down. Insert your spread-out fingers into your hair at the roots and wiggle them gently. Flip your head to one side, repeat, and then do it on the other side. You can also use a root pick to do the same thing. The idea is to get your roots to stand up rather than lying flat. And it’s an easy, no-damage way to get more volume in your curls.

Want to learn more?

Purchase a copy of my ebook, Embrace Your Curls: A Manual for Curly Girls. It has 120+ pages of information, techniques, and methods to help you have the hair of your dreams! It also contains several chapters on drying techniques, styling techniques, and advanced styling methods. Check it out and get your copy here.

Let’s Chat:

Which of these curly hair techniques was a game-changer in your curly routine? And which one is your favourite? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comment section! 

love,

Claudine

p.s. Some of the items in this post are affiliate links. I only post about products that I love + think you’ll probably love, too! As an Amazon Associate or affiliate for other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you purchase through my link, I receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you SO much for your support!