Quick & Easy Curl Definition - Oct. 18, 2013

I'm sure almost every curly girl has heard of Individual Finger Coiling/Twirling/Doodling, but what exactly does that mean? Well, it's a trick that curly girls use; when one (foolishly) takes the time to tirelessly define each and every curl on her head. Now, I say "foolishly" because I think us naturals are way too hung up on definition. The nature of the beast (curly hair) IS imperfection, difference in length, frizz, craziness! We who bear Afros are meant to look like lions! However, that being said, I know what it's like to want a defined look or a beautiful wash and go hairstyle. So, I'll dish out my simple tips for getting QUICK & EASY curl definition on wet or dry hair with limited products and tools.

(On wet hair - in the shower or using a spray bottle with water)

I discovered this easy method one day when I didn't have much time to get ready & do my hair. This is a great way to achieve a wash and go look without spending much time. I can complete this process in about 30 minutes.

• Wet your hair thoroughly with water
• Apply a conditioner all over your hair in medium sized sections
• Instead of washing the conditioner out completely, wet your hair again & squeeze the excess water & conditioner out in a scrunching motion
• Use a towel turban or cotton t-shirt to soak up extra water
• Put on your hair accessories at this point (headbands, bows, bobby pins)
• Use a blow dryer with or without a diffuser attachment, put it on low cool heat and aim it at your hair for a few minutes to speed up the drying process and enhance the curls

(On Dry Hair)

This method is great when you want to do a faux-hawk or up-do hairstyle and want definition but don't necessarily need definition everywhere. I can complete this process in about 15 minutes.

• Mix water and a moisturizing hair butter together and apply all over your hair
• Define the front, sides and back of your hair by sectioning the hair using the hair butter and coiling strands around your fingers
• Style hair as necessary

These methods are both easy and fast. You too can get beautiful definition without coiling every single strand on your head. To summarize, all you need are:

• A multipurpose leave-in/rinse out conditioner
• Blow dryer
• Hair butter