Curly Hair and Volume

Q: How do you get volume? I have curly hair that can hold volume, but I don't know how to style it properly. Also, how do you get a bump at the crown with low ponytails or when wearing your hair down?

A: Well, when you have curly hair, you are always going to have a certain amount of natural shape, but to enhance your volume, you have to maintain the integrity of your curls while styling and drying so that you get the most lift possible.

This is accomplished best by applying your leave-ins, smoothing serums, or curl creams to soaking wet hair first to lock in moisture and prevent frizz. Then, use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. To maximize lift, flip your head upside down or tilt to the side while drying, gently cupping the hair in the diffuser bowl and pushing up toward the scalp.

You can also use your fingers to hold the hair out from the scalp like a comb. Just avoid pulling tightly, as that will stretch and flatten your curl pattern. Avoid running your fingers through the hair the drier it gets, since that friction breaks up the curl clumps and leads to frizz.

As for the bump you mention: I'm going to hazard a guess that you want lift at the crown or the top front of the hairstyle that curves back over the head.

As with building general volume, this is a matter of lifting the hair in that area while drying the scalp portion. You can insert small root clips (like duckbill clips) right at the crown, placing them perpendicular to the scalp to hold the hair up while it dries. Leave them in until the hair cools to set the shape. Make sure to dry the hair completely (100% dry), as leaving ends damp will weigh the hair down, pull out your root volume, and cause frizzy flyaways as the water evaporates.

Keeping this lift at the forefront of the style is simple once the hair is set. All you need to do is use a little hairspray or a sprinkle of volumizing root powder at the roots for added hold. Try to avoid backcombing or teasing curly hair, as this can cause tangles and breakage. Instead, gently lift the roots from underneath using an afro pick once the hair is fully dry.

If you want to wear a low ponytail and keep the lift in front, remember not to pull the hair back tightly. Instead, gather the hair loosely at the nape of the neck and secure it with a soft scrunchie or silk tie. If you pull tightly on the hair, you will flatten the lift you worked so hard to achieve.

©Hairfinder.com

See also:

Curly hair and hairstyles

How to use a diffuser attachment properly

Frizzy hair causes and treatments