How to Style Curly Hair in the Morning

Are you tired of waking up with a frizzy mess on your head every morning? If you have naturally curly hair, you know the struggle of taming it in the mornings.

Are you tired of waking up to unruly and frizzy curls every morning? Styling curly hair can be a challenge, but with the proper techniques and know-how, you can embrace your natural curls and start your day with confidence.

In this guide on how to style curly hair in the morning, we’ll explore simple yet effective ways to style your curly hair in the morning, ensuring that your locks are defined, bouncy, and ready to take on the day ahead. Whether you have loose waves or tight coils, get ready to unlock the secrets to beautiful, well-defined curls that will have heads turning wherever you go.

What Will You Need?

Before we dive into the styling techniques, let’s ensure you have all the tools and products to achieve a great curly hair look in the morning. Here are some essentials you’ll need:

• Wide-tooth Comb or Detangling Brush: This will help you gently detangle your curls without causing breakage or frizz.
• Microfiber Towel or Old Cotton T-shirt: These materials are gentler on curly hair than regular towels, which can cause frizz and damage.
• Moisturizing Leave-in Conditioner: Curly hair tends to be dry, so a good leave-in conditioner is essential for keeping your curls hydrated and defined.
• Curl-enhancing Product: This can be a gel, cream, or mousse specifically designed for curly hair to help define and hold curls in place.
• Hair clips or Hair Ties: These will come in handy when sectioning your hair for styling.
• Diffuser Attachment: If you use a blow dryer, investing in a diffuser attachment can help reduce frizz and create more defined curls.

Now that you have all the necessary tools and products let’s move on to styling techniques.

10 Easy Steps on How to Style Curly Hair in the Morning

Step 1. Refresh Your Curls

To awaken your curls in the morning, lightly mist them with water using a spray bottle. This helps reactivate the natural shape of your curls and reduces frizz. You can also use a curl refreshing spray or a diluted leave-in conditioner for added hydration and definition. Gently scrunch and distribute the product throughout your hair, focusing on the areas that need a little extra love. Avoid using too much product, as it can weigh your curls or make them feel greasy. Once you’ve refreshed your curls, you’re ready to move on to the next steps of styling your curly hair with confidence and ease.

Step 2. Detangle Your Curls

Using a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush, gently comb through your curls to remove any knots or tangles. Start from the end and work your way up to avoid causing breakage. If you encounter a particularly stubborn knot, use your fingers to gently untangle it instead of pulling on it with the comb. This step is essential for creating a smooth base for styling.

Step 3. Apply Leave-in Conditioner 

Once your curls are detangled, take your moisturizing leave-in conditioner and apply a small amount to your hands. Rub your hands together to distribute the product evenly, then gently work it through your hair. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends, as these areas are the driest. Be sure to use enough product to hydrate your curls, but avoid overloading them. The leave-in conditioner will provide your hair with much-needed moisture, reduce frizz, and set the stage for applying your curl-enhancing products. 

Step 4. Apply a Curl-Enhancing Product 

Choose a curl-enhancing cream, gel, or mousse based on your hair type and preference. Apply the product evenly through your curls, using your fingers to scrunch and define them as you go. You may want to section your hair and apply the product to smaller sections for tighter coils to ensure even coverage. Avoid using too much product near the roots to prevent your curls from becoming flat. Take time with this step; the product helps lock in definition and hold your curls throughout the day. 

Step 5. Define Your Curls 

For added definition, use a technique called finger-coiling. Tightening small sections of your hair around your finger to create well-defined curls. This method works particularly well on areas of your hair that may be prone to losing shape or definition. Another option is gently scrunching your curls upwards, starting from the ends and working toward the roots. Both methods help enhance your natural curl pattern and add a polished look to your hairstyle. 

Now that you’ve applied your products and defined your curls, it’s time to move on to drying and styling to complete your morning curly hair routine.

Step 6. Plop Your Curls 

Plopping is a popular technique among curly-haired individuals that helps enhance curls and reduce frizz. To plop your curls, lay a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt on a flat surface, then flip your hair over onto the towel or T-shirt, with your curls facing down. Gently wrap the fabric around your head and secure it in place for 10-15 minutes. This method helps absorb excess water from your hair without creating frizz.

Step 7. Air-dry or Use a Diffuser Attachment 

After plopping your curls, you can air-dry your hair or use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment. For air-drying, simply allow your curls to dry naturally without touching them to avoid disrupting their shape. This method is the gentlest on your hair but may take longer. 

If you prefer to speed up the drying process, attach a diffuser to your blow dryer. Set the dryer to a low to medium heat setting to prevent heat damage. Flip your head upside down and gently cup sections of your curls in the diffuser, starting at the ends and working up toward the roots. Avoid moving the diffuser too much to reduce frizz. Once your curls are about 80-90% dry, stop diffusing to prevent over-drying, which can lead to frizz or stiffness. 

Step 8. Break the Cast (If Needed) 

If your curl-enhancing product creates a slight cast or stiffness around your curls, you can gently “break the cast” to make your curls feel softer and more natural. Once your hair is dehydrated, use your hands to scrunch your curls, focusing on areas where the cast feels firm. You can also smooth a small amount of lightweight hair oil onto your palms before scrunching to add shine and reduce frizz. This step will leave your curls looking soft, bouncy, and touchable. 

Step 9. Fluff Your Roots 

Use your fingers or a pick comb to fluff your roots for added volume. Delicately lift sections of your hair at the roots and gently shake them to encourage more movement and fullness. Be careful not to disrupt your curl pattern while doing this. This step is instrumental if you prefer your curls to have a more voluminous, lively appearance. 

Step 10. Set Your Style 

Finish your styling routine by applying a light-hold hair spray or anti-frizz spray to ensure your curls stay intact throughout the day. This will help lock in your curls and define them regardless of humidity or environmental factors. If you notice any areas needing a touch-up during the day, you can lightly mist them with a curl-refreshing spray or water and scrunch to revive their shape. 

With these easy steps, your curls are ready to shine! Following this morning routine, you’ll enjoy hydrated, well-defined curls that remain bouncy and beautiful all day.

5 Things You Should Avoid

Brushing Dry Hair: Brushing dry, curly hair can lead to frizz and breakage. Instead, opt for finger-combing or using a wide-toothed comb on wet hair to gently detangle without causing damage.

1. Overwashing: Washing curly hair daily can strip it of its natural oils and lead to dryness. Instead, try to wash your hair every 2-3 days or as needed, and use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for curly hair.
2. Using Heat Styling Tools Without Protection: Excessive heat can cause damage to curly hair, leading to dryness and frizz. If using heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant spray or serum to safeguard your curls from heat damage.
3. Skipping Deep Conditioning Treatments: Curly hair tends to be more prone to dryness, so regular deep conditioning treatments are essential to keep it moisturized and healthy. Look for deep conditioners rich in moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or argan oil.
4. Touching and Manipulating Hair Too Much: Constantly touching and playing with your curls can disrupt their shape and cause frizz. Avoid excessive touching and brushing or combing your hair throughout the day to maintain the natural texture and definition of your curls.

Conclusion

How to style curly hair in the morning doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these simple steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can achieve beautiful, defined curls every day.

With the right practices, you can maintain the health and beauty of your curls while reducing common frustrations like frizz, dryness, or loss of definition. Remember that everyone’s hair is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the perfect methods and products that work best for you.

Commit to a consistent routine and avoid harmful habits, and your curly hair can truly thrive. Celebrate the unique texture of your curls and experiment with different styles that highlight their natural beauty. Whether rocking voluminous waves, tight ringlets, or anything in between, caring for your curls will leave you feeling confident and radiant every day.