Does Oily Hair Curl Better?

Many methods can help curls hold.

Natural Oils Help Curls Hold

It's not only an old wives tale that slightly oily hair helps curls stay put. According to HairBoutique.com, "As a general rule of thumb, hair will hold curls longer and tighter when created on 'day old hair' that has not been recently washed."

Styling Products Can Help

If you've already washed your hair and plan to curl it, styling products can make your curls last. A "Glamour" magazine website article recommends applying a lightweight setting or styling lotion to your hair before you curl it to add texture. It also states to avoid spraying hairspray prior to curling: It can make your hair crunchy.

Bottom Line

Hair shouldn't be washed for one to two days prior to curling if possible. A professional-grade curling iron can be used, or you can pin up newly formed curls with bobby pins until they cool to help create longer-lasting curls, states the "Glamour" website article.

References

• HairBoutique.com: Creating Gorgeous Spiral Curls
• Glamour, Beauty: How Do I Get My Curls to Hold?