Revealed at Last! 8 Secret Tips to Make Your Curls Last Longer

Do you often leave your home in the morning with perfect, bouncy curls, only to have them fall flat by the end of the day?

Curly hair can certainly be tricky, especially when it comes to maintaining that bounce all day long.

Luckily, there are some tricks you can employ to keep your curls luscious 24/7.

Check out this guide to learn how to make curls last longer.

1. It All Starts in the Shower

Perfect curls all begin in the shower. Although it’s best to curl your hair after having not washed it for a day or two, you can still take measures when you wash your hair to ensure your curls come out right.

When you plan on curling your hair, you should skip the conditioner, as this can cause your hair to be too slippery and soft, which leads your curls to fall out faster.

The key to long-lasting curls is to have the right amount of texture and grit, so skip the conditioner next time around.

When it comes to shampoo, we suggest using one that contains a light amount of moisturizer. And, if your hair is too greasy by the time it comes to curling it, give it a few sprays of dry shampoo.

2. Use the Right Curling Iron

As you may have guessed, the right curling iron can make all the difference when it comes to the longevity of your curls.

When it comes to material, we suggest buying a curling iron made from tourmaline or ceramic. These materials are best at distributing heat evenly, controlling frizz, and doing less overall damage to your hair.

In addition to the material, you’ll also want to make sure you choose a curling iron that comes with multiple heat settings. If you have thick hair, you should use a higher heat setting to curl your hair, whereas you’ll want to use a low setting if you have thin hair.

Lastly, pay attention to the barrel size of the curling iron. If you find that your curls go limp with a one-inch barrel, switch to a smaller size.

3. Invest in a Good Hairspray and Heat Protectant

To give your curls an extra boost, there are two hair products you’ll definitely want to invest in: heat protectant and hairspray.

Heat styling can cause severe damage to your hair, which is why a heat protectant is so important. A heat protectant can be purchased at any salon or drugstore, and it should always be applied before curling your hair.

To hold your curls in place, you’ll want to invest in a good hairspray. The hairspray should be applied before, during, and after curling. If you find that hairspray doesn’t agree with your hair, try mousse instead.

To prevent your curls from crunching, don’t hold the hairspray too close to your hair. Spray a light mist on your hair, and then wait a few moments for the spray to dry before applying the curling iron.

4. Use Clips

Clips can be a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your curls in place.

Clips should be used both pre- and post-curl. All you have to do is wrap your curls and then use the clips to pin them on top of your head. Leave them like this for a few minutes, then unpin them to get more-structured, voluminous curls.

5. Try Hot Rollers

If you limp, fine hair that refuses to curl, heated rollers are a great option.

To get the technique down, we recommend practicing with hot rollers before attempting to style with them for a big event. The main thing to remember with hot rollers is that they should sit in your hair for a minimum of 10 minutes. Typically, the longer they sit in your hair, the better your curls will hold.

Here are some other tips to keep in mind when using hot rollers:

Make sure to dry your hair properly before using hot rollers, as this will ensure that your curls last long
If you don’t want super tight curls, start wrapping them mid-strand
Just as you would with a curling iron, use a heat protectant before putting in hot rollers
To make curling your hair easier, begin by separating it into three sections

6. Leave the Curls Tight

While you may not be super into the Shirley Temple look, it’s best to leave your curls a little tighter than you’d like them.

No matter how diligent you are with your styling, your curls are going to inevitably loosen throughout the day. By leaving them a bit tighter, you’ll end the day with curls that have the ideal bounce.

7. Finish With a Texturizing Spray

A texturizing spray can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your curls in place.

The great thing about a texturizing spray is that unlike hairspray, it doesn’t weigh your hair down at all. Additionally, curling spray adds volume to your hair and acts similarily to dry shampoo by neutralizing your hair’s oils.

If you want to make your hair look fuller, a good texturizing spray is a must.

8. Keep Your Hands Away

While it’s certainly tempting to run your fingers through your luscious curls, avoid doing it as much as possible. This is because running your fingers through your hair can cause your curls to quickly fall out.

If you can’t seem to keep your hands out of your hair, we recommend bringing a min bottle of hairspray with you so you can do touchups throughout the day.