Get Natural Curls

Getting natural looking curls can be a challenge if your hair is normally straight. However, there are some techniques you can use to create natural looking curls, such as using bobby pins to make pin curls, rag-rolling your hair, using curlers, and using braids and buns to curl your hair. There are also some things you can do to enhance your curls if your hair already has a bit of wave to it.

Steps

Using Socks and Rags

1. Cut some socks in half length-wise. To rag roll your hair, you will need lots of rags. You can create rags by cutting up some of your old socks in half length-wise (from toe to top) or you can also cut up some old towels or t-shirts into strips.
   • Don't make the strips too short or too thin; you will be using them to tie off small sections of your hair.
2. Wash your hair. Start with hair that is clean and damp, but not soaking wet. If your hair is still dripping wet, blot it with a soft towel to soak up any moisture. You may also want to run a wide-toothed comb through your hair as well to get out all of the tangles.
   • If you have thick hair, then you may want to blow dry it to get it almost dry. Otherwise, your hair may not dry all of the way overnight and the rag rolls will not work.
3. Add some hair gel or mousse. If your hair doesn't hold a curl well, then using some gel or mousse can help to create the curls. Using gel or mousse will also help make the style last longer.
   • Try using a product that will help to create curls, such as a curling mousse.
   • Use a generous amount if you use mousse.
4. Divide your hair into smaller sections. Start by parting your hair down the middle, then divide each half into two smaller sections. This will make your hair easier to work with.
   • You may also want to clip up the top section of your hair so you can work on one section at a time.
5. Begin wrapping your hair in the sock pieces. Take a thin section of hair, and start wrapping it around the middle of a sock piece. Hold the end of the hair section under the rag, and start wrapping your hair around the rag. Keep wrapping until you reach your scalp.
   • If you wrap smaller sections of your hair, then you will get tighter curls.
   • If you wrap larger sections, then you will get looser curls.
6. Tie the rag into a tight knot. Bring the two ends of the rag together, and tie them into a tight knot. You may need to double-knot the rag if your hair is very thick.
   • You can also use a bobby pin to help hold the hair in place if you are having trouble keeping it secured.
7. Wrap the rest of your hair. Keep wrapping your hair around the rags until you have no hair left to wrap. Try to keep the sections as even as possible, but don’t worry about making them perfect.
8. Wait for your hair to dry before removing the rags. This could take a few hours for your hair to dry or you may have to leave your hair in the rags overnight. Don't take the rags out too early, or your curls may go limp.
   • Try taking out one rag to check. If your hair is dry and forms a natural looking curl, then it is probably okay to remove the other rags.
   • Don’t worry if a rag falls out during the night. You can always use a curling iron to curl any sections that did not get curled.
9. Style your hair as desired. When you take the rags out, your curls may be very tight. You can leave them this way, or you can fluff them up by running your fingers through them.
   • Spray on a little hairspray to help keep your curls in place.
   • If you prefer more of a gentle, old-fashioned wavy curl, then you can also run a brush through your hair.

Using Hair Rollers

1. Gather your supplies. You can use hard or foam hair rollers to curl your hair naturally. Because they don't require heat, they don't damage your hair. You will need:
   • a set of foam rollers in the size of your choice (small, medium, large, or extra large)
   • a wide-toothed comb
   • Some gel or mousse (optional)
2. Wash and condition your hair. It is important to start with clean, tangle-free hair, so wash and condition your hair if you have not done so today. Try running a comb through your hair while it is still wet to help remove the tangles.
3. Consider applying some hair product. If your hair is pin straight or doesn't hold a curl well, you might want to apply some styling gel or mousse. This will help your hair hold the curl better and longer.
   • Use a generous amount of mousse to ensure the best hold.
   • You can also look for a product specifically for making your hair curly.
4. Start rolling small sections of hair. Take a small section of hair and wrap it around the hair roller, starting from the end of the strand and moving towards your scalp. Take a section of hair that is a bit narrower than the hair roller itself. Place the ends under the hair roller. Hold the hair against the roller, and start rolling everything towards your head. Secure the hair roller, if necessary.
   • Make sure that the hair rollers are positioned horizontally against your head.
   • You can part your hair down the middle and put the hair rollers on the left and right side of your hair.
   • You can also gather a section of hair from the very top of your head, and insert the hair rollers horizontally into it.
5. Wait for your hair to dry completely. It is important to make sure that your hair is totally dry before taking the hair rollers out. If you are in a hurry, you can use a blow dryer on a low or medium setting. If you take the hair rollers out too soon, your hair will fall limp and it may not curl at all.
6. Style your hair as desired. You can leave the curls in tight ringlets by not touching them at all or by just separating them into a few separate curls. If you want to keep your curls tight, then you may want to spray a bit of hairspray on them as well.
   • You can also soften your curls and spread them out by running your fingers through your hair.
   • Do not use a hair brush on your curls or it may cause your hair to look frizzy. Use a wide-toothed comb or a pick if you want to smooth out your curls a bit.

Using Braids and Buns

1. Make sure that your hair is clean and damp. Shampoo and condition your hair before you get started. You may also want to comb it with a wide-toothed comb while it is still wet to ensure that it is tangle free.
   • Try combing your hair in the shower while you still have conditioner in it.
2. Apply some hair product. Your hair will hold the curls better if you apply some mousse or gel before you get started. Make sure that you use enough to cover your stands.
   • Try using a special curling hair product, such as curling mousse. This may result in better curls.
3. Consider braiding your hair to get a wavy look. The more braids you make, the tighter curl you will get. Plan on having at least two braids, one on each side of your head.
   • For a tighter curl, try doing four braids. Note that this will only leave the bottom portion of your hair curly; the hair at the top of your head will still be mostly straight.
4. Try doing some French braids for an all-over curl. Again, the more braids you put in, the tighter curl you will get. One or two braids will cause thicker waves, and five or six braids will cause smaller curls.
5. Twist your hair into several small buns. Part your hair down the middle, then divide each side into two sections. Secure each section with a hair tie, so that you end up with four mini ponytails. Take the hair from the bottom left section and twist it into a rope. Keep twisting it until it curls in on itself and forms a bun. Secure the bun with another hair tie or some bobby pins. Repeat this for the bottom right, and the two top sections.
   • You can also use a sock bun or two to create more wave-like curls.
6. Wait for your hair to dry completely before taking out the buns or curls. This could take several hours. If you are in a hurry, you can use a blow dryer on a low or medium heat setting. You will get the best curls, however, if you let your hair dry overnight.
7. Style your curls, if desired. When you take out the braids or buns, your curls may be very tight. You can fluff them up by running your fingers through them. Avoid brushing them, or you will cause them to frizz.

Bringing Out Natural Curls and Reducing Frizz

1. Wash your hair no more than three times a week. The more often you wash your hair, the drier it becomes. If it’s dry, it will look more frizzy than curly. You can, however, use conditioner on your hair more often.
   • When using shampoo, try to use more on your scalp, and less on the ends of your hair.
   • When using conditioner, try to use more on the ends of your hair, and less on your scalp.
2. Use sulfate-free hair products. Sulfates are harsh cleaning agents, and they can make your hair dry, brittle, and frizzy. That is why it is best to avoid shampoos and other hair products that contain sulfates.
   • Look for hair products that are labeled as “sulfate-free.”
   • You might also consider only washing your hair every other day, or every third or fourth day.
3. Use a wide-toothed comb to style your curls. Never use a hairbrush on your hair when it is dry. This will break up the curl pattern and cause your hair to frizz. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb to tame your curls.
   • Always start from the ends first, and never comb your hair from the roots straight down. This will cause your hair to snap and break.
   • You can, however, use a hairbrush on your curls while they are still wet. Make sure that you are brushing in small sections, starting from the ends first.
4. Try to let your hair air dry. If you must blow dry your hair, spray your hair down with a heat protecting spray first. Then, use a low or medium heat setting and a diffuser attachment. This will help maintain the natural pattern of your curls.
   • While your hair is still damp, try forming curls with your fingers. Wrap a curl around your finger tightly, then gently slip your finger out of the spiral. Repeat this for the other curls. This will help shape your curls, and make them flow in the same direction.
5. Dry your hair with a t-shirt or a microfiber towel. Regular towels tend to be too rough on curls. The fibers can snag the delicate hair strands and cause them to rip or tear. Instead, try blotting your hair dry with a towel or t-shirt.
6. Use some hair products to Enhance Curly Hair or tame frizz. There are many different products available at beauty stores and salons that will bring out your natural curls. Most of these need to be applied to your hair while it is still wet, while others can be used while your hair is dry. Here are some ideas to get you started:
   • Use mousse and gels on damp hair to enhance curls. Start with a grape-sized amount, and apply it with your fingers.
   • Use oils on dry hair to tame frizz. Start with a pea-sized amount, and focus on the ends. Try using natural Argan oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil.
   • Use a sea salt spray to create beach waves. Keep in mind, however, that this can make your hair sticky. You can also make sea salt spray at home by just mixing sea salt with water.
   • Use an anti-frizz cream on dry or damp hair. Start with a grape-sized amount, and focus on the ends of your hair, as well as the outermost layer.
7. Consider getting your hair trimmed every six weeks. Getting your hair trimmed regularly will help to eliminate split ends. You can also use this opportunity to even out any layers, or add layers to your hair. Layers are great for bringing out curls; straight, non-layered hair will weigh down your curls and make them appear straighter.

Using Bobby Pins to Make Pin Curls

1. Gather your supplies. You can get a lot of natural curl in your hair by using bobby pins, which have been around for decades. Using bobby pins doesn't require any chemicals or costly products, either. Pin curling is the process of wrapping small strands of hair up in a loop, and pinning them to your scalp for several hours. Here's a list of what you will need:
   • Bobby pins
   • Mousse (optional)
   • Comb
2. Start with freshly-washed, damp hair. Your hair should not be dripping wet, or else it will take too long to dry. If necessary, blot your hair with a soft towel to remove excess moisture.
   • If your hair is very straight or doesn't hold a curl well, you might want to put some styling mousse into it.
3. Part your hair down the center. This will make it easier to tell which direction you should be curling your hair. When working on the left side of your head, you will be wrapping your hair clockwise. When working on the right side of your head, you will be wrapping your hair counter-clockwise. This will create a uniform curl.
4. Take a 1 inch (2.54 centimeter) wide section of hair from the top of your head. Make sure that the section is small enough to pin it flat against your head. If you make the hair section too thick, then it will take too long to dry. Also, the bobby pin won't hold the hair as well if the hair section is too thick.
   • Try using a comb to section your hair.
   • You may also want to clip up some of your hair so that you can focus on a smaller portion of your hair at one time.
5. Run a comb through the section to smooth the hairs down. Try to make the section of hair as straight as possible. Start at the roots of your hair, and move the comb down towards the end of the section.
6. Start rolling the hair using your finger. Place the ends against your finger, and start wrapping it around your finger, all the way to the top of the section.
7. Pull your finger out of the curl. As you pull your finger out of the center of the curl, be sure to hold the curl together with your other hand. Press it close to your head.
8. Secure the curl with two bobby pins. As you are slipping the bobby pins through the curl, try to make an X shape with them. This will help to hold the curl securely in place.
9. Repeat these steps for the rest of your hair. Remember to always curl your hair towards your face. This means that when you are working on the left side of your head, you are curling clockwise; when you are working on the right side of your head, you are working counter-clockwise.
10. Wait at least three hours before removing the bobby pins. Your hair must be completely dry before you remove the bobby pins. If you are in a hurry, you can use a hair dryer on a low or medium heat-setting to speed up the drying process.
    • Your curls may be very tight once you remove the bobby pins. You can tease them a little by running your fingers through them. This will break them up a little and make them fluffy.
11. Finished.

Tips

• If you plan on using a curling iron, make sure that you apply a heat-protecting spray first. This will prevent your hair from getting ruined.
• Have a bath (to make the hair wet) then do a plat (or more) then hair dry it or strategy it then leave it over night then take it out.

Related Articles

• Curl Hair
• Curl Your Hair Without Heat
• Get Natural Beachy Curls (Without Heat)
• Make Curly Hair Beautiful and Frizz Free
• Go from Messy Waves to Retro/Fancy Waves
• Turn Curly Hair Into Loose Waves
• Take and Control Your Curly Locks

Sources and Citations

• Videos provided by AndreasChoice

See also

• Turn Frizzy Curls Into Beautiful Twirls
• Get Curly Hair to Turn Into Wavy Hair
• Follow the Curly Girl Method for Curly Hair
• Repair Damaged, Curly Hair
• Bring Out the Natural Curl in Your Hair
• Care for Your Curly Hair
• Determine if a Hair Product is Curly Girl Approved
• Make Naturally Straight Hair Curly
• Style Curly Hair
• Grow Longer Curly Hair

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