The one amazing thing about curly and natural hair is that our hair can take so many forms and shapes. This can look like some people's curls and strands being tighter than others, or the same person having tighter curls at one point in time compared to another. So, how do we influence the ways in which our curls form? The answer is curl training.

What is Curl Training?

Curl training is a process where curly and natural hair is styled over and over again, in the same or similar way each time. This helps to promote and preserve defined curls, and can maximize the length of time your curl definition lasts. Curl training is simple, but it requires consistency over a long period of time to notice the effects. Different methods will work best for different textures, so it's important to note what type of curls you have and use that information when deciding which methods to implement. Check out the following methods you can implement to begin curl training.

Set Your Styles Overnight or for a Few Hours

Curl training is improved when the hair is kept in the stage of styling that occurs before it is let down for a longer period of time, whether those are twists, rolls, bantu knots or braids. This will depend on your hair type; if your hair is tightly coiled, it might be best to do this overnight so that the curls have more time to form and set. Afro-textured hair forms especially well to styles and shapes it is twisted into, and leaving your twist out in overnight will help to encourage the longevity of the shape. If you have looser curls, you might be able to get away with doing this for a few hours during the day. Twist, coil or roll your strands onto rollers, perm rods or set with curl clips to clump your curls together and set their shape.

Create a Routine

One of the most important parts of curl training is the consistency. Complete the same routine each wash day to encourage similar results for definition. An example of a routine you can implement if your a type #4 natural, is to complete a twist out on wash-day, leave the twists in overnight (or a few days), take them down and style. Leave your hair in its twist out for another 3 to 4 days, and repeat the process. Put your hair away overnight by pulling it up or back and covering it with a satin bonnet. Let the steam from your shower in the morning refresh your curls. Sticking to this routine for a few weeks or months will help to encourage the formation and increase the moisture of your strands. Stick to the same styling products and use the same amount each wash day to get similar results. 

Be Patient & Experiment

We always encourage naturalistas to take their time with curl training, as it can be frustrating at first when you are initially figuring out how you want your curls and coils to set. Play around with different methods and techniques to find which one works best for you. When you find it, stick with it so that you can see the results of your hard work!