In this next section, we will describe in detail 7 ways you can define your curls and provide video tutorials that will demonstrate just how to do each one.
This is by no means a complete list but we have covered most of the styles that every natural has tried at least once in their journey. With that said here are 7 ways you can define your curls:
1. Shingling
The shingling method to define your curls is a styling method that was actually developed and created at Miss Jessie’s salon to manually “turn kinks to curls” . The Miss Jessie’s product company has been around for years and one of the things they did was actually show their styling process through video content on their website.
By doing this method you can achieve maximum curl definition and elongation because you are adding styling product to your hair when it is soaking wet.
How to Shingle:
Starting on very very wet hair moisturize and seal your curls then use gel to define super small sections of your hair and allowing your curl pattern to shine through once your hair drys.
Watch this video tutorial:
2. Finger coils
Finger coils is a stying option for women at various stages in length and who want a style that can last for at least two weeks. This method defines your curls in a more uniformed manner creating medium size ringlets that can be separated after your hair is dried.
How to finger coil
Start by washing and conditioning your hair and then section the hair into a small row ensuring to clip away the rest of your hair as you work one row at a time.
Section small pieces of your hair in less than an inch square boxes using a rat tail comb* or your fingers to detangle and twist the hair into place. For each square section your will need to add your moisturizer and setting foam or gel to help the coil to remain intact until it dries.
Once your hair dries you can choose to leave the coils as is or you can separate the curls for a very curly look on your natural hair.
Watch this video demonstration to see how it is done:
In this next section we will be talking about styles that define your curls by using methods that mold your hair without the hair being soaking wet.
Typically we do not think about styles like two strand twists or braid outs as a means of defining your curls but they are in essence very much a part of the conversation because you are manipulating the shape of your hair using products and specific techniques to create a certain look. The following styles are what I like to call unconventional methods of defining your curls.
3. Three Strand Twists
3 strand twists will give you maximum definition because of the technique used. This method of twisting your hair isn’t easy because as you learn how to do it you will find that your brain naturally wants you to braid your hair as you twist.
Three strand twists are much easier to demonstrate than they are to describe because you are essentially using three strands of hair twisted around each other to create very defined, uniformed stretched curls.
Watch this video to see how it is done: