How to Increase Volume of Curly Hair Naturally

Are you tired of dealing with flat, lifeless curls? Do you want to add more volume and bounce to your natural curly hair without harsh chemicals or expensive products?

Curly hair is a crown of natural beauty, and enhancing its volume can elevate your unique style and confidence. While many resort to chemical treatments or heat styling tools, there are natural ways to boost the volume of your curly locks without compromising their health. From embracing the proper hair care routine to incorporating nourishing ingredients, this guide explores effective methods and tips on how to increase volume of curly hair naturally.

Get ready to unleash the full potential of your curls and embrace a bouncy, voluminous mane that turns heads wherever you go.

What Are the Causes of Flat Curly Hair?

Before diving into the methods to increase volume, it’s crucial to understand the root causes of flat, curly hair. Here are some common reasons why your curls may lack volume:

• Genetics: Genetics determines the shape and texture of hair, and some people naturally have thinner or flatter curls.
• Product Buildup: Using heavy products, such as silicone-based serums or oils, can weigh down your hair and make it look flat.
• Overmanipulation: Constant touching, brushing, or combing curly hair can disrupt its natural curl pattern and lead to limp strands.
• Lack of Moisture: Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, and lack of moisture can cause it to appear flat and lifeless.
• Environmental Factors: Humidity, pollution, and extreme weather conditions can all affect the volume of your curly hair.

Understanding these causes can help you identify any underlying issues contributing to your flat curls.

What Will You Need?

To increase the volume of your curly hair naturally, you’ll need a few essential items:

• Microfiber towel or T-shirt: Regular towels can cause friction and frizz in curly hair, while microfiber towels or T-shirts are gentler on the curls.
• Wide-tooth comb: Use this to gently detangle your hair without disrupting the curl pattern.
• Diffuser attachment for hair dryer: This helps distribute heat evenly and create more defined curls.
• Lightweight styling products: Opt for mousses, gels, or leave-in conditioners specifically formulated for curly hair. Look for products with natural ingredients and avoid heavy oils or silicones that can weigh down your hair.
• Hair clips or scrunchies: These will be useful for sectioning and styling your curls.

Once you have all these items, you’re ready to start increasing the volume of your curly hair naturally.

9 Easy Steps on How to Increase Volume of Curly Hair Naturally

Step 1. Start with Clean, Hydrated Hair:

Before increasing the volume of your curly hair, it’s essential to begin with a clean and well-hydrated canvas. Here’s how to do it:

• Use a Moisturizing Shampoo: Choose a shampoo specifically formulated for curly hair, as it tends to be more hydrating and gentle. Look for sulfate-free options that won’t strip away natural oils.
• Condition Thoroughly: Follow up with a hydrating conditioner to replenish moisture and nourish your curls. Apply it generously, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.
• Detangle Gently: While damp hair, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle any knots or tangles gently. Start from the ends and work up to the roots to avoid causing breakage or frizz.
• Apply a Leave-in Conditioner: To further boost hydration, apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair, focusing on the lengths and ends. This will help lock in moisture and prevent frizz.
• Avoid Towel-Drying: Instead of rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel, gently scrunch and squeeze your hair with a microfiber towel or T-shirt to remove excess water. This will prevent frizz and preserve the curl pattern.

Step 2. Section Your Hair: 

Sectioning your hair is a critical step to ensure even product distribution and better control while styling. 

• Divide into Manageable Sections: Depending on your hair’s thickness and density, use hair clips or scrunchies to divide your hair into 3-4 sections. This makes it easier to apply products and style each section effectively. 
• Work in Smaller Parts if Needed: If your hair is particularly thick, you can further divide each section into smaller subsections to ensure optimal coverage when applying products. 

Sectioning helps prevent product overload in certain areas and ensures that each curl gets equal attention, which is key for maintaining a balanced volume. 

Step 3. Apply Lightweight Styling Products: 

The right styling products are vital in enhancing your curls’ volume. 

• Choose Lightweight Products: Avoid heavy creams or oils that can weigh down your curls. Opt for mousses, curl creams, or gels designed to define and lift curls. 
• Apply Product from Root to Tip: Begin at the roots and work toward the ends. For added volume, apply a small amount of product directly to the roots, focusing on lifting them as you go. 
• Rake or Scrunch: Use your fingers to rake the product through your curls for uniform distribution. Alternatively, scrunch the product in to encourage curl formation and boost volume. 

Using products sparingly and strategically ensures your hair stays light and bouncy. 

Step 4. Use the “Flip and Scrunch” Method: 

Flipping your hair upside down when styling can help create instant root lift and volume. 

• Flip Your Hair Over: For this method, bend forward so your hair hangs freely. 
• Scrunch Your Hair: Using your hands, gently scrunch your curls while damp. This encourages curl definition and amplifies volume at the roots. 
• Apply a Bit More Product If Needed: While scrunching, you can apply a bit more lightweight product to any sections that need extra hold or definition. 

The “flip and scrunch” technique is a game-changer for achieving voluminous curls without extra effort. 

Step 5. Dry Your Hair with a Diffuser: 

Air drying is excellent, but using a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment can make all the difference for enhanced volume. 

• Set the Dryer to Low Heat and Speed: Avoid high heat settings to prevent frizz or damage. Low heat is essential for keeping curls intact while enhancing volume. 
• Diffuse in Sections: Starting at the roots, place your curls into the diffuser bowl and gently lift toward your scalp. Work on one section at a time. 
• Flip Your Hair While Drying: Like the scrunching method, flipping your hair upside down while diffusing helps add more volume to the roots. 
• Finish with a Cool Blast: Once your hair is about 80% dry, use the cool setting to lock in the curls and reduce frizz. 

Diffusing speeds up the drying process and maximizes curl definition and volume. 

Step 6. Plop Your Hair with a T-Shirt: 

Plopping is an excellent alternative for those who prefer not to use heat. 

• Lay Out a Clean T-Shirt or Microfiber Towel: Spread it flat on a surface, then flip your head forward so your hair piles in the center. 
• Wrap and Secure: Wrap the sides of the T-shirt or towel around your hair and secure it at the back of your head. 
• Leave It On: Allow your hair to sit on the plop for 20-30 minutes or until it’s damp but not dripping. 

This technique enhances the natural curl pattern while boosting volume without the risk of damaging heat tools. 

Step 7. Fluff and Lift the Roots: 

After your hair is dry, you can create even more volume by fluffing and lifting the roots. 

• Use Your Fingers or a Pick Comb: Gently insert your fingers or a Pick comb at the roots and lift them slightly to create additional volume. Avoid disrupting the curl pattern. 
• Shake Out the Curls: Shake your head from side to side to encourage the curls to separate and fall naturally, adding more body and shape. 

This final touch helps your curls appear fuller and more voluminous without looking frizzy or over-manipulated. 

Step 8. Avoid Over-Manipulating Your Hair: 

Once your hair is styled and dry, avoiding excessive touching or brushing is vital. 

• Preserve the Curl Pattern: Over-manipulation can disrupt your curls, causing them to lose definition and volume. 
• Use Satin or Silk Pillowcases: Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to minimize friction, which can flatten your curls overnight. 

This step is essential for maintaining your voluminous curls throughout the day. 

Step 9. Refresh and Maintain Throughout the Day: 

To keep your curls fresh and voluminous all day, refresh them with a few simple steps. 

• Spritz with Water or Leave-In Conditioner: On days when curls need a little extra moisture and volume, use a spray bottle filled with water or leave-in conditioner to revive them. 
• Do a Quick “Flip and Scrunch”: Flipping your hair upside down and scrunching it again can help you add volume without reapplying any products. 
• Avoid Touching Your Hair Too Much: Over-manipulation can cause your curls to lose their shape and volume, so try not to touch them excessively throughout the day. 

These precautions will help keep your voluminous curls looking fresh and bouncy all day.

You can achieve voluminous curls full of life and movement by following these steps and incorporating them into your haircare routine.

Conclusion

Voluminous curls can be a game-changer for your overall look, and they don’t have to involve harmful heat or excessive manipulation. By choosing the right products, using specific techniques, and taking proper care of your curls throughout the day, you can embrace your natural volume and enhance it even further.

Hopefully, the article on how to increase volume of curly hair naturally has provided you with valuable tips and tricks to achieve those voluminous curls you’ve always wanted.

So go ahead and try these steps—your curly hair will thank you with gorgeous, bouncy volume!