This Is How You Get That Amazing Volume

Help!! My Curls Are Flat and Lifeless - How to Get Big, Bouncy Curls

You know the feeling - you spend ages styling your curls just right, only to have them autumn flat an hour later. Ugh! As curly girls ourselves, we've been there too many times to count. But don't despair, love - after 40 years of helping our fellow curly-haired customers here in London, we've learned a trick or two for getting big, beautiful, bouncy curls that last all day. Let's get you sorted!

Let's transform your hair! Photo by RDNE Stock project from Pexels

What You'll Need

• A curl-defining cream like our best selling Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curling Crème
• - A good diffuser attachment for your hairdryer
• - Styling clips or kirby grips
  
• - A silk scarf or bonnet for bedtime

Step-by-Step Guide
1. Start with freshly washed, damp hair. We find washing at night and styling in the morning gives the best results.

1. Apply your curl cream evenly through your hair, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute. Don't be stingy - your curls need moisture to hold their shape!

2. Here's the key: flip your head upside down! Crazy, we know, but it makes a world of difference.

3. With your head still flipped, use your diffuser on low heat to dry your curls about 80% of the way. Cup the curls gently in the diffuser and push them up towards your scalp. This is how you get that amazing volume.

4. Once your hair is mostly dry, flip back upright and assess. At this point, we like to use styling clips at the roots in a few strategic spots to lift the top layers. Just slide them in vertically right at the root and leave them while your hair cools.

5. Finish drying your hair with the diffuser right-side up, scrunching and cupping the curls to encourage definition. If you have looser curls or waves, try twisting small sections around your finger as you dry.

6. Remove the styling clips, fluff your gorgeous curls, and you're ready to take on the world!

Pro Tips
- Avoid touching your hair while it dries. We know it's tempting, but fussing will just make your curls autumn flat. Hands off!
- Try the "pineapple" trick for 2nd or 3rd-day curls - gather your hair loosely on top of your head (like a pineapple!) with a scrunchie before bed. This preserves your curls without crushing them.
- Remember you can always refresh your curls with a light misting of water and a tiny bit more curl cream as needed on subsequent days. So definitely invest in a water spray bottle!
- Protect your curls while you sleep by wrapping them in a silk scarf or bonnet. Cotton pillowcases will rough up your curls and steal their moisture.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong products. Put down that chemist mousse, sis - your curls deserve better! Look for products made specifically for curly hair, like our BSSET Original Curl Cream. Or our Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard 
• - Skipping deep conditioning treatments. Curly hair is prone to dryness, so give it a moisture boost with a deep conditioner or hair mask at least once a week. Your curls will thank you!
• - Roughing up your hair with a regular towel. The nubby texture wreaks havoc on delicate curls. Opt for a microfibre towel or an old t-shirt instead to gently squeeze out excess water.
• - Giving up too soon. Getting enviable curls takes practice, especially if you're newly embracing your natural texture. Keep at it - you'll get there!

To really make your curls pop, consider adding some sun-kissed highlights with our gentle L'Oreal Dia Light. It's a customer favourite for a reason - the results are stunning and it won't damage your curls.

So there you have it - the secrets to big, beautiful, bouncy curls straight from our styling chairs to you. Remember, we're always here to help you love your curls! Pop round our Shepherds Bush shop anytime for more personalised tips, product recs. Your curl journey is our passion.

Until next time, keep calm and curl on!

Charlie, Elena, & Stephanie xxx

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I wash my curly hair?
   Most curlies find that washing once to twice a week is the sweet spot. You want to let your hair's natural oils do their thing, but not so much that your curls get weighed down. Experiment to find what works for you!

2. What if my curls get frizzy during the day?
   Frizz is the bane of every curly girl's existence, but there are ways to tame it. Keep a travel-size curl cream in your bag for midday touch-ups. Just smooth a tiny bit over any frizzy bits to calm them down. You can also try misting with a light hair oil to add shine and definition, the Design Essentials Daily Curl Revitalizer. Or alternatively spray hair with water to reactivate the product in your hair already.

3. Can I still use heat tools on my curly hair?
   We get it - sometimes you want a change! It's okay to straighten or heat style your curls occasionally. Just be sure to use a good heat protectant (we love Avlon Texture Release Thermal Protector) and don't overdo it. Embrace your natural texture most of the time and save the heat for special occasions.

4. My curls are really dry and brittle. Help!
   Oh honey, let's get you moisturized ASAP! Look for products with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera. Do a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week. And consider using a satin pillowcase or bonnet to protect your curls while you sleep. With a little TLC, your curls will bounce back in no time! We love the Osmo Deep Moisture Intensive Repair Mask.

   
   

Hope this helps! And remember, every hair journey is unique - we're here to support yours.