Are you tired of your finger coils losing their definition and shape after just one day? Well, you’re not alone. How to maintain finger coils can be a challenge, but with the right techniques, you can keep them looking fresh for days.
Finger coils are a popular hairstyling method, especially among those with naturally curly or coily hair. This technique involves wrapping small sections of hair around the fingers to create defined, springy curls. While finger coils can last for several days and even weeks, proper maintenance is crucial to keep them looking fresh and healthy.

This guide will cover essential tips and techniques for maintaining finger coils, ensuring your style remains vibrant and well-defined. From moisturizing routines to protective sleeping arrangements, we’ve got you covered.
What Will You Need?
Before diving into the maintenance routine, having the necessary tools and products on hand is essential. Here are some items that will come in handy when maintaining your finger coils:
- Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush
- Moisturizing leave-in conditioner
- Curl-defining cream or gel
- Satin/silk scarf or bonnet
- Hair clips or bobby pins (optional)
10 Easy Steps on How to Maintain Finger Coils
Step 1: Refresh Your Coils
To keep your finger coils looking fresh, start each morning by lightly misting your hair with water or a water-based moisturizer. This will help to reactivate the products you initially used to style your hair. Once your coils are damp, gently use your fingers to reshape any flattened or frizzy areas. Avoid using a comb or brush at this stage, as it can cause frizz and disrupt the curl pattern.
Next, apply a small amount of curl-defining cream or gel to your hair, focusing on the ends and any areas that need extra definition. Be careful not to use too much product, as this can weigh your coils down and make them look greasy. Instead, start with a small amount and add more if necessary.

If you notice any coils that have completely lost their shape, you can redo them by wrapping the section of hair around your finger again. This will help to maintain a consistent curl pattern throughout your hairstyle.
Step 2: Moisturize Regularly
Keeping your finger coils moisturized is key to preventing dryness and frizz. Begin by applying a moisturizing leave-in conditioner to your hair, focusing on each coil individually. Use your fingers to gently distribute the product evenly, ensuring that every strand is coated. This step can be done daily or as needed, depending on your hair type and climate.
After applying the conditioner, seal the moisture using a natural oil like jojoba, argan, or coconut oil. Take a small amount of oil, rub it between your palms, and gently glide your hands over your finger coils. This will help to lock in the hydration and add an extra layer of protection against environmental elements.
Step 3: Protect Your Coils While Sleeping
To maintain the shape and definition of your finger coils, protecting them while you sleep is crucial. Begin by covering your hair with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet. These materials are gentler on your hair than cotton, which can cause friction and lead to frizz and breakage. If you prefer not to cover your hair, consider investing in a satin or silk pillowcase as an alternative.
Before bed, you can lightly mist your coils with water or a leave-in conditioner to moisturize them overnight. Using a pineapple method can also help protect your coils; gather your hair into a loose, high ponytail at the top of your head and secure it with a soft scrunchie or hair tie. This technique helps to preserve the curl pattern and prevents your coils from getting flattened while you sleep.

Step 4: Minimize Manipulation
To preserve your finger coils’ integrity, minimizing how often you manipulate your hair is best. Excessive touching, combing, or styling can lead to frizz and disrupt the curl pattern. Throughout the day, try to keep your hands out of your hair as much as possible. If you need to restyle or adjust your coils, do so gently and with minimal disturbance.
For those times when you do need to restyle or touch up your coils, use your fingers instead of tools like combs or brushes. This gentle approach will help to maintain the shape and definition of your curls. Consider incorporating protective styles such as buns or updos to safeguard your finger coils from unnecessary manipulation further.
Remember, the less you mess with your coils, the longer they look fresh and well-defined.
Step 5: Avoid Heat Styling
Heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can harm the longevity and health of your finger coils. The high temperatures can weaken the hair’s natural protein structure, leading to dryness, frizz, and even breakage. To maintain the integrity of your finger coils, it’s best to avoid using any heat-styling tools. Instead, allow your hair to air dry naturally after washing and styling.
If you must use heat for a special occasion, apply a heat protectant spray or serum beforehand. Use the lowest heat setting possible and limit the exposure time to minimize damage. However, it’s worth noting that embracing your natural curl pattern without heat will yield the best results for long-lasting, healthy finger coils.
Step 6: Handle with Care When Washing
When washing your hair, handling your finger coils with care is essential to prevent them from unraveling and losing their shape. Start by thoroughly wetting your hair with lukewarm water. Apply a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to your scalp, massaging it with your fingertips to remove any buildup. Avoid vigorously scrubbing your hair, as this can cause tangling and frizz.
After rinsing out the shampoo, apply a moisturizing conditioner from root to tip, focusing on the ends of your coils. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes to hydrate your hair deeply. Gently detangle your hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, working through any knots without disturbing the curl pattern.
Once detangled, rinse the conditioner thoroughly and consider following up with a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask for added moisture. After rinsing out all the products, use a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt to blot excess water from your hair gently. Avoid rubbing or wringing your hair, which can cause frizz and disrupt your coils. Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting if necessary.

Step 7: Trim Regularly
Regular trims are essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your finger coils. Trimming your hair every few months helps to eliminate split ends and prevent breakage, which can lead to frizziness and a less defined curl pattern. To ensure your coils stay looking their best, trim approximately a quarter-inch off the ends of your hair or as needed, depending on the condition of your ends.
Step 8: Refresh Your Coils
To keep your finger coils looking fresh and vibrant between wash days, consider refreshing them every few days. Lightly mist your hair with water or a leave-in conditioner to reactivate any leftover product. You can also apply a small amount of curl-defining cream or gel to redefine any coils that have lost their shape. Gently scrunch your hair or use your fingers to twirl individual coils back into place. Allow your hair to air dry, and avoid over-manipulating it to maintain the integrity of your curls.
Step 9: Embrace Your Natural Texture
The final step in a successful finger coil care routine is embracing your natural texture. Celebrate the unique qualities of your curls and avoid comparing your hair to others. Understanding that each coil has its own personality and pattern encourages you to appreciate the beauty and individuality of your hair. Confidence in your natural look will not only make you feel better, but it also helps to promote healthier hair practices, ensuring your finger coils remain vibrant and well maintained.
Step 10: Protect Your Hair from Environmental Stressors
Environmental factors such as sun exposure, wind, and pollution can affect the health and appearance of your finger coils. To shield your hair from these stressors, consider wearing a hat or scarf when spending extended periods outdoors, especially in harsh weather conditions. UV rays from the sun can be particularly damaging, leading to dryness and color fading, so a protective style can help mitigate these effects.

By following these steps and incorporating them into your finger coil care routine, you can achieve long-lasting, well-defined coils that will make heads turn.
Conclusion
How to maintain finger coils requires a gentle and consistent hair care routine. Emphasizing minimal manipulation helps preserve the integrity of the curls while avoiding excessive heat styling prevent damage and frizz.
Regular trims and careful washing techniques are essential to prevent split ends and keep your curls looking fresh. Refreshing your coils between wash days and protecting your hair from environmental stressors further contribute to long-lasting definition and health. Most importantly, embracing and celebrating your natural texture promotes confidence and encourages healthier hair practices.
By incorporating these steps into your routine, you can enjoy beautiful, well-maintained finger coils that stand out with vibrancy and style.
About the Author
Jane Hubbard is a passionate beauty expert with a wealth of experience in makeup, hair, and overall beauty techniques. After years of working as a hairdresser specialist, she followed her entrepreneurial spirit and started her own consultancy business.
Jane has always been driven by her desire to help others feel confident in their own skin, and she does this by sharing her knowledge, experiences, and practical beauty tips. Through her consultancy, she empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty, offering tailored guidance that boosts both self-esteem and personal style.
Professional Focus
- Specializes in makeup, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Provides personalized beauty advice, tips, and techniques to help individuals feel confident in their appearance.
- Dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments.
- Passionate about creating a comfortable and empowering experience for every client.
Education History
- University of Craft and Design – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Woodworking and Furniture Design
- Woodworking Apprenticeships – Extensive hands-on training with skilled craftsmen to refine carpentry and furniture making techniques
- Online Courses & Masterclasses – Continued education in advanced woodworking techniques, design principles, and specialized tools
Expertise:
- Makeup artistry, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Personalized beauty techniques to enhance confidence and self-expression.
- Educating clients on how to maintain their beauty routines at home.