A curly hair tutorial on how I get these super voluminous waves (with minimal heat).
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One advancement I’ve made in quarantine: I’ve nailed achieving curls with mega-volume. I always knew my hair was wavy, but I didn’t realize I had this much defined curl. I mentioned I had been playing around with different styling techniques after stumbling across India Batson’s YouTube channel and realizing our hair was very similar.
I’m walking you through exactly how I get these voluminous, touchable waves (with very minimal heat styling). Let’s start in the shower with shampoo and conditioner.
I’ve been trying Prose out for the past month or so; Prose is a hair care company offering completely customized products for your hair type. And not just your general hair type– your exact hair type, based on a quiz you take before ordering. They ask about thickness (me = really thick), porosity (me = very porous), how dry your hair is (mine = really dry), where you live (so they can factor in UV and air pollution based on your zip code), and what you want to achieve (me = color protection, hydration, and curl definition).
The products I ended up getting: a pre-shampoo scalp mask (because my scalp can get dry, itchy, and flaky), the shampoo and conditioner, the leave-in conditioner, and the curl cream. (More on these products and the other products I use below.)
I use the mask every week or so, but have been using the other products every time I wash + style for the past 4-5 weeks.
So after washing and conditioning in the shower, I wrap my hair in a microfiber hair towel. These are super lightweight and absorbent; a two-pack was just $12 on Amazon. I leave my hair in the towel for a few minutes, then scrunch it with the towel to start defining the waves.
Note: I do not comb/brush my hair post-shower. I will detangle (sometimes using a wet brush) in the shower, but I don’t comb it through after. It’s important to let the curls naturally clump together at this point.
Product lineup! This is the order I use ’em, too, from left to right. I start with the Bumble&Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil primer; it protects hair from heat and UV light (aka the sun isn’t just bad for your skin, kids, it’s also bad for your hair!), conditions, and fights frizz. I spray a generous amount over my whole head, then follow with a few spritzes of the Prose leave-in conditioner. My specific Prose formula boosts shine and protects my color.
Next up: curl cream. I really work this into the hair by scrunching it. That ensures the product gets into the hair shaft so it conditions and shapes the curl. I love the Prose formula; mine aims at touchable waves and weightless definition. I find that I can use several pumps of this product all over and it doesn’t weigh my hair down. (Important to note: I have a lot of hair, and that hair is super porous, which means it sucks product up. I can put a silver dollar-sized dollop of oil on my hair and it won’t get greasy. My hair is essentially a sponge in lion’s mane form.)
Last product before drying: a defining gel. I know what you’re thinking, “Ashley, a gel?! Aren’t you going to end up with super crunchy curls?” The key here is to lightly pat it on your hair (vs. working it in via scrunching). Think of it like this: you want the curl cream to penetrate and really get up in there, while you want the gel to sit on the outside of the hair shaft and lock in that moisture.
It’s also a good idea to get a gel that works against that crunch factor; I like this DevaCurl version and have used it for years.
Here’s what my hair looks like post-product. Sometimes I stop here and don’t diffuse. I’ll still get defined, voluminous curls. How? I don’t let the hair settle into a part and I’m constantly flipping it back and forth from one side to the other to aid in volume-building.
The diffuser step, however, really amps everything up while (obviously) shortening dry time.
I have a super expensive, ionic technology-based hair dryer for when I blow out my hair. (Which is rare, especially in quarantine.) But for this job? I use the trusty ol’ Conair Cordkeeper (the cord is retractable!) because it comes with a diffuser. It’s $15, y’all. (My other dryer doesn’t offer the ability to slip on a diffuser attachment.)
The process is really easy: I keep the heat on warm (vs. hot) and the airflow on high as I gently dry my hair. I’ll push the diffuser up into the curls from the bottom for a few seconds here and there. Lots of hair-flipping. I don’t allow my hair to settle into a natural part when it’s drying, which boosts volume on the top.
I’ll occasionally switch to the cool temperature setting, mainly to keep me from getting hot. Cool shots do add shine and help you tell where your hair is still damp.
This massive head of hair only takes about 15 minutes or so before it’s 95% dry with the diffuser– which is so impressive since I’m usually under the dryer for at least 30-45 minutes when I’m giving myself a proper blowout. And because the heat is kept low, I don’t get nearly as hot as I usually do when drying.
Final step: I define and tame some of the curls with Aussie’s curl-defining oil. I use a full pump on my whole head (except the roots), but a little of this goes a long way. I’m super impressed with this formula– the jojoba oil is really moisturizing and it does add some beautiful definition. This is also my go-to product for reviving second- and third-day hair.
Shop the products:
And here we have it: the finished look! I’m so here for the super huge, very 90s beach waves.
What do you guys think? Was this tutorial helpful and easy to follow? Let me know if you try to recreate these waves! I would love to see your results.
Linking up with Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, The Fashion Canvas, I Do DeClaire, Style Splash, Straight A Style, Rosy Outlook + Seeking Sunshine, Jersey Girl Texan Heart, Living on Cloud Nine, Effortlessly Sophisticated, Curly Crafty Mom + Doused in Pink, A Labour of Life, Elegance & Mommyhood, Nancy’s Fashion Style, Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva, Lizzie in Lace, A Pocketful of Polka Dots, Shelbee on the Edge, My Random Musings, Mutton Years Style and I, Glass of Glam, and Away from the Blue.
I love this tutorial! My hair is fine and wavy but the dryer always makes it frizz. I need to pat some of the products on my hair instead of scrunching them in and use a cooler setting on the dryer. Your curls are gorgeous!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Definitely let me know how it works out for you- you can also use the microfiber towel to gently scrunch at the beginning (before product) and encourage that wave shape!
That is some beautiful hair right there girl! Love the curls! And I wanted to tell you, I loved your Instagram stories this weekend with your Q&A about influencers, so true so real and so funny!
I am so happy you’re loving the influencer question series! That is so sweet of you to say! I’m actually going to be working through the backlog of questions I still have- people went WILD over it! Super fun!
Your hair looks beautiful. My hair is very similar.
I had heard a lot about Prose. Good to hear you like it as well. I too do not comb my hair after a shower. Currently I am using a coconut serum called The Good Stuff from Target which is helping with the definition of my waves.
Yes! Combing post-shower is a big no-no for me, too! 🙂 Oooh, that coconut serum sounds lovely- I’ll have to check it out!
Such a great tutorial, absolutely love your hair and all the products sound really lovely!
Gemma x
https://www.jacquardflower.uk
I’m so glad you like it, Gemma! I am really loving the Prose line- and these styling products are all legit!
You have absolutely gorgeous curly hair!
Thank you so much, babe! <3
your hair is beautiful 🙂
Thank you so much!
I love that Deva Curl gel!!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
It’s LEGIT! I love how it doesn’t leave my hair crunchy!
I love the result! I have unruly curly hair and it is a real issue for me!
Hi Ashley
Thanks for sharing your hair secrets with us, in summer my hairstyle is just like that!! Curls and more curls!!
xoxo
marisasclosetblog.com
Thank you so much, Marisa!
My hair is naturally curly and as it has gotten longer since I haven’t been to the barber since winter, the curls are back everywhere except on top… Can you show us how to sow and grow hair? 🙂
Hi Jeff! I can’t speak to growing hair- I have too much hair on my head as it is, so this isn’t my area of expertise! I’m sorry! Thank you for your comment and for swinging by this space!
FABULOUS post! I will likely make a Prose product purchase after learning about the company here on your blog. Thanks for sharinng your tutorial.
I’ve been really impressed by Prose! 🙂
Dang…this makes me want to grow out my hair again and try for the curls. I love the idea of not letting them settle…so you keep flipping them.
You have such gorgeous hair Ashley,
XOOX
Jodie
Haha, yep! By not allowing them to settle in a true “part” you get a ton of volume up top! 🙂 I’m so glad you like this, Jodie!
I think we have somewhat similar hair types! My hair has been getting curlier over the years too. I find that using a shine enhancing oil or hair oil after drying it helps break the gel casing and make it soft! Thanks for sharing the products you love !
That’s a great tip! I love gel for locking out frizz, but you can to make sure you can fight the crunch! 🙂
Your curls are amazing and so voluminous!!! Also, I’ve been loving your blogger/influencer talks on IG Stories! hehe
Ahhh, thank you so much for watching- it’s been fun to answer all the questions! Who knew people (outside of the influencer industry) really wanted to know this stuff?! But I guess it makes sense- when there are so many influencers in different spaces now (and a lot of fakery, as you know, lololol). Totally taken aback by the response! 🙂
Your hair is gorgeous! Such a great guide too! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
So glad ya dig it! 🙂
You have the most amazing hair and such pretty curls. Those products seem to be good! Thanks for sharing!
https://www.aproposh.com
I’m so glad you liked it, Yvonne!
Wow.. just love your hair… you look so beautiful dear 🙂
Beauty and Fashion/Rampdiary/Glamansion
Thanks, Rashmi! 🙂
Love this natural curly look on you! I need to try some of these products.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
I am loving my product lineup- the Prose is pricier, but the Aussie is coming THROUGH with some serious budget goodness!
Ugh I wish my hair would curl like this–maybe I should give it a try with these products! You look gorgeous!
Rosy Outlook
I really never thought had much “curl”; I totally thought I was more of a wavy gal. But this method helped bring my curls out! You should try and lmk how it goes! 🙂
Your curls look perfect! My hair is so wild right now, I haven’t been to a hairdresser since pre-covid.
I’ve only been once- and that’s only because my stylist has her very own single room (ie, no big salon) and she’s SUPER careful about screening her clientele. It’s wild! But I try and just let my hair do its thing, for the most part- the products I use here and the diffuser just give it the little boost it needs in the right direction! 🙂
Fabulous as always! LOVE that this haircare line is specifically for your hair type and I’m always a sucker for things with my name on it <3
Green Fashionista
I thought the little personalization bit was so cute- I mean, if they’re customizing the product to your specific hair, it def makes sense to put your name on it! I’ve been really impressed with Prose so far! 🙂
Wow. Just wow. So pretty and your tutorial is clear.
I’m growing my hair long right now and, someday, hope to replicate what you’re doing here. I’ll probably need professional help but you give me something to shoot for.
I’m glad the tutorial is easy to follow- honestly, I am really minimal with my hair and don’t much real “styling”; I just kinda give it the product it needs and let it go wild!
Quick tip- when your hair gets long enough, pop in somewhere and have it cut by someone who knows curls! My stylist is a genius and knows how to cut my hair so it looks good both curly AND when it’s blown out. 😉
Such a wonderful tutorial Ashley, your curls looks great!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thanks, Lovely! Happy mid-week!
Your hair is soooo beautiful !
It seriously looks like Shakira !
Thanks for theses tips but I don’t think my hair is naturally enough curly to have theses beautiful curls.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Thank you so much, Margot! Shakira has beautiful hair, right? So lovely! Thanks for swinging by!
I seriously love your hair like this! Your curls are so gorgeous!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thanks, Rach! I am def vibing on these curls! 🙂
Love it!!! My hair is to straight to try this, though I’d kill to have it look like this one day 🙂
Lindifique
Conditioner is a curly girls best friend. My go ti is Aussie moist. It makes my hair happy.
I love a diffuser but it makes my arm hurt…hahahaha, so I just got a standing hair dryer and it works wonders.
Love this!
xxx
https://ooomaye.com
Wow you have serious Carrie Bradshaw hair here! Prose sounds amazing love the packaging. I will have to check out that YT channel. I wish I had wavy hair, I have lumpy hair otherwise known as cowlicky here lol.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Your hair is amazing !
http://www.fruityandpassion.com/2020/07/weekly-inspo-edit-1.html#more
This is an excellent tutorial, Ashley! Thank you for sharing! I too have wavy/curly, thick, porous, coarse, dry, frizz prone hair. I may try this if I get the chance. I have seen ads for Prose and am curious. One question – how long does it last? I know when I have perfect wavy/curly hair, it’s usually gone by day 2 or 3 and my hair is just a big frizz ball. Lol! I don’t wash my hair everyday because my hair is too dry.
http://lizzyslatest.com/
You look gorgeous in both style curly and straight Love the idea of customised hair products I will check this company out Thanks for sharing darling Cris
http://www.photosbycris.com.au/?p=8672
Thank you for sharing this tutorial. Your hair look amazing.
New Post – https://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2020/07/biotherm-biomains-age-delaying-hand-and.html
Your hair is beautiful! Love that the company gathers the zipcode to provide proper UV protection!
http://www.NancyUgo.com
Perfect a curly hair…. glad to read tutorial.
Have a great day
Du hast wirklich wunderschöne Haare, ein Traum. LG Romy
I never thought to use a gel that way, but looking at your curls I’m sold on the effectiveness!
https://sundaydahlias.com
Curly hair suits very well to your beauty
It looks really great on you. I have curly hair but usually strighten it. I have just tried a few Prose items that my sister gifted me. I love the brand, hope they expand globally forever! 🙂
It’s great that you found hair products that work for your hair. It is great that this company takes so much (different factors like the dryness and the thickness of hair) into account to deliver great hair products. Your curls look amazing!
I think a lot of women think they cannot maintain their curls once they dye their hair, but you prove that it is definitely possible to keep one’s curls in top shape.
You have gorgeous curls, love your hair! <3
http://www.couture-case.com/
Oh wow! Ashley, you have beautiful hair and those beach waves are TDF! I mean it. My hair is so fragile and thin. Sometimes I am afraid if I stare at it too long, it will just fall off on its own. That’s the reason my hair is almost always in a bun. Can I get self conscious about bald spots? I need to check out Prose and see what they have for my type of hair. Anything to prevent hair loss is a must, am I right? Btw, I love your no-makeup look. You are absolutely beautiful.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Your skin is perfect!
The Best Wallet
You hair is so pretty!
Thanks for sharing this tutorial and those are great products!
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
First of all, you’re such a beauty Ashley! Secondly, I really like this hair routine. Your locks look fab xx
Naya
http://www.nayatilly.com
I genuinely loved reading this blog post! I have the complete opposite hair to you, so I’m super jealous that you get these luscious, thick and bouncy curls, without needing to use a curling wand or straighteners. My fine, oily and straight hair could never achieve such gorgeous waves! Your hair is so beautiful and this method sounds like it’s very friendly to your hair overall. Love, love, love!
I love your curls! It’s so cool how the products are completed customized for you right down to the bottle!
Cheers,
Eileen | yesmissy.com
I have heard so many good comments about Prose products, I definitely need to give this brand a try this fall ! Thanks for sharing your routine 🙂
Sonia
http://www.soniaaicha.com
In love with your hair! Thanks for sharing.
Lots of love.
http://www.NataliaBosch.com
Thank you for sharing this tutorial. Love how you rock those girls. I have to get me one of those microfiber hair towels.
Xx
Nikki
http://www.nikkilivinglife.com/blog