Whether it’s soft and loose or tight and coily, you can transform your natural curl pattern. Want proof? We went to Ouidad Salon in New York City to get the 411 on healthy ways to play with your texture:
SOFT TO RINGLETS
To get these springy coils, first apply a curl cream to soften strands. Then wrap hair using flexi rods, which create definition. Once dry, separate coils and seal using a shine serum. “It’s an easy style, as it does not involve heat,” says Ouidad senior stylist Ayanna Augustine John. To revive in the morning, flip hair upside down, shaking curls from the root.
COILY TO TWISTED UP
For tight curl textures, stick to an easy one-strand twist-out. To style, apply a cream moisturizer to damp hair while twirling strands into place. Once dry, gently pull coils apart. For extra volume, tuck a few bobby pins in the back for an easy updo. At night wear a satin bonnet to fight frizz, suggests John. Come morning, simply add a dab of oil, fluff and go.
TIGHT CURLS TO LONG WAVES
Adding a little heat offers endless styling options. “Here we used a large curling wand to create soft waves. Start from midshaft and work your way down,” says John. Once curls are set, smooth away strays by dabbing with a light oil. “To maintain, take large sections of hair and wrap into pin curls or bantu knots, then lightly spritz hair with a finishing spray.”