How to Make Curls Stay

Are lifeless-looking curls the bane of your existence? We feel your pain. There’s almost no beauty letdown worse than leaving your house with a curly mane, only to sport a flat look by mid-day. If it feels like you’ve tried everything under the sun to maintain your curls to no avail, you’re probably not sure where to turn. Lucky for you, we’re here to help you learn how to get your hair to hold a curl.

The truth is, it’s pretty easy to master how to make curls stay. All you need are a few tweaks to your curly hair routine, a few hair styling products, and a positive spirit to work some magic. Ready to start your journey to long-lasting curls? Follow along as we give you all the details on how to make curls last.

WHY DOESN’T MY HAIR HOLD A CURL?

First things first, you’re probably wondering why your hair doesn’t hold a curl. While you may think that something is wrong with your texture, the answer is much simpler than that. For starters, the main culprit is likely to be that you have too much product in your hair. While your styling products may be a go-to for achieving curls, too much product can actually weigh your hair down, causing your curls to droop and prevent them from staying intact. The best way to stay ahead of the game is to use as little product as possible.

If excess styling product usage is not your issue, there is a myriad of other reasons why your strands won’t hold a curl. From not fully drying your hair before curling to using the wrong size curling tool to not allowing your hair to cool for long enough, you’d be surprised how the little things can impact your curly mane.

HOW LONG DO CURLS LAST?

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Like it or not, all hair textures come with their own rulebook and hold curls differently. You may find that you can maintain a curly mane for a few days, while others can hold curls for a week.

8 TIPS TO HELP FOR LONG-LASTING CURLS

Ready to learn how to make curls stay once and for all? Keep these eight tips in mind to work your way to curls that won’t fall in a matter of hours.

1. PREP YOUR STRANDS THE RIGHT WAY

While you may be ready to reach for your curling iron, the key to achieving lasting curls starts in your shower. That’s right, using a nourishing hair care system allows your strands to absorb moisture, which is the number one thing curls need to look their very best. Get the ball rolling with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Conditioner. This sulfate-free system helps to provide your strands with moisture while providing long-lasting frizz control.

2. REACH FOR A CURL MOUSSE

Prefer to score defined curls without the drama? This is where a curl mousse comes into play. The L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse is an ultra-lightweight offering that ads instant definition to your strands to create soft and bouncy curls. To use, apply an egg-sized amount to damp hair and scrunch from the roots to ends. Let your hair air dry and call it a day.

3. USE THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE SETTING

It’s easy to think that a super-hot curling iron is the only way to score lasting curls, but too much heat can have the opposite effect. Simply put, using too much heat can cause damage, which can get in the way of your curly hair dreams. So, you should always do a strand test to see how your hair curls before committing to a temperature setting. You’d be surprised to learn that you can achieve gorgeous curls without using too much heat.

4. CLIP YOUR HAIR

One easy way to help your curls go the distance? A hair clip! Instead of curling each section of your hair at a time and leaving it to cool, clip your hair up against your head after creating a curl. This will help your hair hold on to curls much longer than leaving your strands to hang free.

5. SKIP THE SHAKE OUT SESSION

Once your curls are set, you may be tempted to shake out your hair a bit. However, we’d advise against it. It’s only natural for curls to fall with time, but opting to keep your curls tight can work in your favor for a long-lasting look.

6. CONSIDER YOUR BARREL SIZE

If you notice that using a large size barrel curling iron leaves you with flat hair, it’s time to switch it up. Trade in your go-to barrel for a smaller offering to help get the curls you desire.

Editor’s note: Need more help with picking out the right curling iron size? Here’s How to Pick the Right Curling Iron Size.

7. ALWAYS USE HEAT PROTECTANT

Of course, you always want to make sure that you reach for heat protectant before using your heat tools. Depending on the formula, this beauty staple will not only protect your hair from heat but also also calm frizz, seal in shine and block out humidity, which can help your curls last. Consider adding the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray into the mix to see what the hype is about. Trust us, your curly strands will thank you!

8. MAKE STRONG-HOLD SPRAY YOUR BFF

Last but certainly not least, it’s always smart to have a can of strong-hold hair spray in your arsenal. Known to provide an extra layer of protection, this essential can give your strands lasting hold without a hard or stiff feel—as long as you pick the right formula. We love the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold, which works to give your mane a soft, shiny finish while keeping your strands in shape.

OTHER TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CURLS IN PLACE

As we mentioned above, there are plenty of ways to make your curls last. Below, we’re sharing tips to keep in mind so you can maintain a curly mane while you sleep and during your day to day activities.

1.PINEAPPLE YOUR HAIR AT NIGHT

One of the most important curl concerns is crushing your curls when you sleep. Thankfully, there is a way you can protect your curls and wake up to pretty spirals in the morning—enter the pineapple technique. This method is all about keeping your curls placed strategically on top of your head to help maintain their shape. Start by gathering your hair on the top of your head, then take the silk scarf and wrap it around the base.

Editor’s note: You can also pineapple your hair with a hair scrunchie then wrap your hair with a scarf for extra protection. 

2. AVOID MOISTURE

One of the worst things you can do to your curly mane is to expose your strands to moisture. To help prevent your strands from reverting to their natural texture, you’ll need to take the proper precautions. From covering your hair with a plastic cap while showering to reaching for an umbrella on rainy days, these steps can help you keep your curls in place. 

3. DON’T TOUCH YOUR HAIR

While we understand the desire to run your hands through your curly strands, you can cause your curls to fall flat faster. So, play it safe and keep your hands out of your mane.

Next: Our Best Curly Hair Products