How to Make Tightly Curly Hair Into Loosely Curled Hair

Tight curls can be loosened up, but you have to have the right hair care products on hand.

It's the paradox of the ages. No matter what your hair texture, you're always looking to change up. Those with straight hair want to go wavy or curly. Those with strong wave or curl patterns opt for straighter hair. If you have tightly curly hair and just want to loosen up the curl pattern, you can forego the extreme measures of an extreme texture change. All you need are hair curlers and styling products. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Wide-toothed comb
• Settling lotion, gel or mousse (optional)
• Hair curlers of 1 inch or larger
• Light hold hair spray

Instructions

1. Wash your hair and apply conditioner. Use a moisturizing conditioner, as curly hair can never get enough moisture.

2. Comb your hair while the conditioner is still in it. Part your hair into four to eight sections or so. Take the first section in one hand and detangle the hair gently, taking care to avoid ripping or tearing. Starting at the ends of the hair and gradually moving toward the scalp helps minimize breakage. Repeat this step with all remaining sections.

3. Rinse out the conditioner and gently wring excess moisture from your hair.

4. Set the wet hair on rollers to match the curl size you are after. Large rollers are typically 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Use as many rollers as you need to achieve the desired effect. You may need as few as 12 or as many as 30 or more.

5. Dry your hair under a hooded dryer. Be sure it is completely dry before you remove the rollers or frizz can result. If you prefer to let your hair air-dry for an hour or so, you may be able to reduce dryer time. Dryer time depends on your hair length and the size of the rollers. For longer hair, you may need an hour or more under the hood.

6. Remove the rollers and finger-comb your hair. Combing the hair may cause the curls to flatten, so proceed gently with your fingers. Mist lightly with hold spray, if you like.

Tips & Warnings

• Use setting lotion, gel or mousse if you prefer. Heat alone, however, can set the hair. Be sure to pull the hair tautly around each roller. Tension will encourage a better set. Set hair in sections of 1 inch or less to improve the set. Spiral curlers or even empty orange juice cans can be substituted for rollers, depending on the curl size you want.

References

• Hairfinder: How to Make Tight Curls Looser and Sexier Looking

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish