SELECTING THE BEST STYLING METHOD FOR YOUR CURLY HAIR

If you want big, full, show-stopping curls, it’s all about how you style and protect them. Curls are unique, so there’s no one right way to care for them — and that’s part of the fun. The way you apply products and choose your styling method can influence how your curls look, feel, and hold their shape throughout the day.

Because curls can behave differently depending on texture, thickness, and overall condition, experimenting with different techniques can help you find what works best for your routine — especially when it comes to keeping curls smooth and minimizing frizz.

Methods to add styling products to curly hair

Praying Hands Method

Also called the clapping method, the praying hands technique is great for thicker hair types and coils. It helps distribute product evenly from root to tip, which can help reduce uneven areas that lead to frizz and keep curls looking smoother.

• Wash your hair

• Apply leave-in conditioner

• Rub your mousse, gel, or cream between your palms

• Take a section of hair and clasp it between your palms at the root, then glide down to the ends

• Repeat until all your hair has been covered

This method can help keep product application more uniform, which supports a smoother look and feel throughout your curls.

Rake Hands Method

Also called the rake-and-shake method, this technique works well for wavy to curly hair types. It helps separate strands and encourages curls to form into more defined sections for a more even, natural finish.

• Divide your hair into 4–6 sections

• Apply product to your fingertips

• Rake your fingers through your hair from root to ends

• Shake the ends gently to help curls fall into place

This method can help create shape while keeping curls looking fuller and easier to manage.

Methods to make styled curls feel soft and defined

Some styling products — especially gels and mousses — can leave hair feeling stiff once dry. These methods help adjust the finish so curls feel softer while still holding their shape.

Crunch Method

Also called “Scrunch Out the Crunch,” this technique helps soften curls after styling products have set.

• Apply your styling products using your preferred method

• Allow your hair to dry fully

• Gently cup curls in your palm and scrunch upward toward your scalp

This helps reduce stiffness while keeping curls defined, so they feel softer without losing their shape.

Plump Method

The plump method is designed to help create bigger, more voluminous curls. It combines product application with curling and setting techniques to help build shape.

• Divide your hair into loose sections

• Use the praying hands technique to apply products

• Finger coil each section

• Lightly press gel into each curl

• “Plop” your curls using a cotton t-shirt for at least 20 minutes

This method helps support curl formation while hair sets, which can influence how well curls hold their shape and stay defined throughout the day.

Methods to protect your style

Once your curls are styled, protecting them is just as important as the styling process itself. Keeping your curls in place overnight or between washes helps maintain shape and reduces the need for restyling.

Pineapple Method

The pineapple method is commonly used to preserve curls overnight by reducing friction and flattening.

• Gather hair loosely at the top of your head

• Secure with a soft scrunchie

• Avoid pulling too tightly to maintain curl shape

• Optional: cover with a scarf or satin bonnet

This helps keep curls lifted and can reduce disruption to your style while you sleep.

Bonnet or Silk Pillowcase

While not a styling method itself, using a bonnet or silk pillowcase can help protect curls and reduce friction overnight.

• A satin or silk bonnet helps keep hair in place

• A silk pillowcase reduces pulling and friction on strands

Reducing overnight friction can help curls stay smoother and easier to refresh the next day.

FAQ’s:

How does the way I apply styling products affect my curly hair?

Applying styling products correctly helps distribute them evenly, improving curl definition, reducing frizz, and supporting a consistent finish. For extra frizz support, Aussie’s miracle curls frizz-free curl cream is designed for frizzy, curly hair. The Aussie Ultra Smooth Collection is also the key to frizz free, moisturized hair.

How does the rake hands method work for curly hair?

The rake hands method uses fingers to rake product through hair sections, separating strands and encouraging fuller, defined curls with a natural finish. Pair it with an Aussie curl styler, like Aussie’s miracle curls mousse, to help add volume and frizz control while keeping curls touchable.

What is the crunch method and how does it soften curls?

After styling products dry, gently scrunching curls upward softens stiffness while maintaining curl definition for a softer feel. Aussie’s curl stylers are made to help support defined curls, so this method can help keep that bouncy finish without the crunch.

How does the plump method enhance curl volume?

The plump method combines product application with finger coiling and “plopping” curls in a cotton t-shirt to create bigger, more voluminous curls that hold shape. To lean into that full, defined look, try layering in Aussie’s ultra wonder gel crèmedesigned to help curls stay bouncy and frizz-free.

What is the pineapple method for protecting curls overnight?

How do bonnets or silk pillowcases help protect curly hair?

Silk or satin bonnets and pillowcases reduce friction and pulling on curls overnight, helping maintain smoothness and making curls easier to refresh.

What is the key to styling curly hair effectively?

Styling curly hair effectively involves experimenting with methods that suit your texture and lifestyle, combining product application, styling techniques, and protection. With Aussie products designed to help solve frizzy hair and support soft, defined curls, your routine can feel easier from wash day to refresh day.

Bring it all together

Styling curly hair isn’t about following one set routine — it’s about finding the techniques that work for your hair type and lifestyle. From how you apply products to how you protect your curls, each step plays a role in how your curls look and feel.

With a mix of methods, a consistent routine, and the right products, you can create curls that feel more defined, smoother, and easier to manage day to day