How to make my curly hair curlier?

[Flamingosareflummoxed]

I have curly hair. It only goes into proper ringlets when it’s got wet in the rain and dried. I can’t seem to replicate this at home! If I brush it it’s frizzy. I wonder if there’s any product which would make tighter curls when dried? Even not using a hairdryer it doesn’t go into the tight curls I want.
Ive got naturally oily hair so try to avoid more oil based products.

Look up some curly girl methods online, you should be able to find some for your specific curl type.

If you’re brushing when dry that will cause so much frizz.
Apply products when your hair is still wet and scrunch it in. Use a micro fibre towel or tshirt to dry this will keep down frizz, and if you use a hairdryer use a diffuser. Curls are a pain in the ass!

Have you tried letting it dry naturally after washing it, if thats the closest replication of rain? I never brush my hair apart from with my fingers when I shampoo/conditioner on it, and I brush through my products with my fingers too then scrunch and plop it on top of my head with a buff. Sometimes I use a diffuser if Im in a rusb or my curls have started to fall out after a few days and Im doing a quick refresh. I also only wash my hair once or twice a week.

this sub reddit offers a lot of advice @Flamingosareflummoxed, may be worth having a browse.

I have long curly hair and don't use hair styling products on it or heat dry.

I wash and conditioner it then rinse. While it's still wet, I put a tiny bit of conditioner one my hand and pull it through my hair.

I then use a detangling brush or wide tooth comb to brush it and leave it to dry naturally. I don't towel dry it but wrap it briefly in a towel or t-shirt to absorb water without rubbing the towel on my scalp or hair. I also never brush it when it's dry.

The curls sit in ringlets from root to end. I wear it down the day it's washed. Low ponytail day 2, often to the side, and in a loose bun or up do on day 3. I put a little diluted conditioner on my hands and slick it over before styling it. Friction contributes to frizz so I don't over-style it. Quick style and go. Day 4, I wash it again or evening of day 3.

I love having curly hair and it is often complimented. Hairdressers have commented on my hair being in good condition so the minimal approach works for me.

The rainfall curls you describe probably come from the natural drying afterwards as it will sit in its natural curl without brushing.

Since your hair gets oily easily, I’d avoid heavy oils/butters & look more toward lightweight curl-enhancing gels or mousses with flexible hold polymers instead. Try applying while the hair is very wet, then leaving the curls alone while they dry.

Depending on where you live, curly hair specialists are a big thing now! My DDs hair sounds like yours and I booked her in for an 1 off consultation which is kind of a lesson. It was amazing and now she knows exactly what to do and which products to use to have brilliant curls. It’s a one off appointment and it was a birthday present- a bit more expensive that your average trip to the hairdressers but she has that knowledge for life now. I would highly recommend if you can find one in your area.

I use a leave in conditioner, apply mousse while it's very wet (I have a water spray if it doesn't feel wet enough) and brush through with a curl defining brush. This gives me ringlet type curls. I use a diffuser to dry as my hair is very thick.

I love having curly hair and frequently get stopped and asked about it. Just today a conductor on the train asked to touch it. 😂

Oh, I also meant to say! You could look into doing a protein treatment on it to strengthen the bonds.

Like others have said, I find the key is to apply product (a small amount in my case) to soaking wet hair in the shower. I scrunch it in a towel a bit, and then leave to air dry. It's still very wet - just not dripping on my clothes. For some reason, doing it outside really cuts down on the frizz - a walk to the station on my commute if I'm getting the train gives me the most perfect curl for some reason.

Do not brush unless it’s soaking wet. You need to fing products that your hair likes. Mine at the moment likes LA Sports gel. I wash then put it in when it’s wet. Diffuse it until 60% dry then add more. I leave it to dry naturally and scrunch the crunch the next day.

Satin pillow case and I refresh on day 3 with water and gel. Don’t fall for all the curly products that claim you’ll get amazing curls by using them, I’ve given loads of stuff away as my hair doesn’t like it.

It’s a game I’m afraid !