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My Updated Curly Hair Routine for BIG Volume + Defined Curls 💁‍♀️

  • kate7760
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

Let’s start with something that completely changed my curls…

Layers Matter. A LOT.

If you have curly or wavy hair and feel like your hair turns into a triangle or “mushroom head,” there’s a good chance your cut is part of the problem.

The biggest game changer for me?✂️ Aggressive layers.

Seriously.


Find a stylist who understands curly hair and is willing to REALLY layer it. Not just a few soft face-framing pieces… I mean layers that remove weight and allow your curls to actually spring up and create shape and volume.

Without layers, curls can get heavy and just sit there.With layers? You get movement, lift, bounce, and REAL volume.


Now… once the cut is right, the routine makes all the difference.

Curly hair is like a box of chocolates… ya never know what you’re gonna get 😂You’ve just gotta trust the process.

Without this routine, my hair leans more wavy.With it? Soft, defined curls that actually last all day without feeling crunchy.


I’m sharing exactly what I do plus the products I use throughout this post.

👉 You can shop all my curly hair favorites here:https://urlgeni.us/amazon/curlyKate

(Using my link helps support my content and allows me to keep creating tutorials and videos like this 💛)


Step 1: Start With VERY Wet Hair

After washing, I use a t-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water.

Important:I am NOT trying to dry my hair.

I actually want my hair soaking wet throughout almost this entire process. If your hair starts feeling dry at any point, add more water.

Wet hair = better curl definition.


Step 2: Section + Curl Cream

I divide my hair into 4 sections total.

Then I apply Rizos Curls Curly Defining Cream pretty generously.You can find it here:https://urlgeni.us/amazon/curlyKate

I love this cream because:

  • It defines without feeling heavy

  • Gives softness and bounce

  • Helps curls form beautifully without stiffness


Step 3: Brush + Scrunch

Next, I use my favorite curl brush — the Bounce Curl Define EdgeLift Brush — to distribute the product and separate curls so they don’t all clump together.

Then comes the scrunching.

Lots of scrunching 😂

And here’s the rule:💧 If you don’t hear the “squish,” your hair needs more water.


Step 4: Volume at the Crown

At the crown of my head, I brush the hair forward first, then lift it back while scrunching.

This gives me much more volume and keeps the top from laying flat.


Step 5: Gel for Hold (Without Crunch)

Now I section my hair into 3 parts and apply gel.

Right now I’m loving:Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Flash Freeze Gel – Level 5

This helps:

  • Hold curl definition

  • Reduce frizz

  • Create a cast that locks everything in place

Don’t panic about the cast — we break it later.

I apply the gel using praying hands and then scrunch upward again.


Step 6: Diffusing for Volume

You can absolutely air dry… but I honestly never have time for that 😅

A good diffuser matters SO much.

I use my Wavytalk dryer + diffuser and love it because it dries quickly and creates amazing volume.

How I diffuse:

  • Alternate between medium and high heat

  • Dry upside down first

  • Move side to side while pushing hair upward

For extra volume, I diffuse the roots in the opposite direction my hair naturally falls.

🚫 Super important:Do NOT break the cast while your hair is still wet.

I usually let my hair finish drying while I get dressed and do my makeup.


Step 7: Break the Cast ✨

Once my hair is completely dry, I break the cast.

Sometimes I use oil, but lately I’ve been loving a hydrating finishing spray from DevaCurl.

I spray lightly, then:

  • Use praying hands

  • Scrunch

  • Shake the roots

This removes the crunchy cast while keeping the curl definition.

And THAT is the magic moment ✨

If you feel dampness as you are breaking the cast, diffuse a little more.


Final Result

Soft. Defined. Voluminous curls without stiffness.

Some days curly hair still has a mind of its own 😂But this routine has completely changed my results.

If you want the exact products I use, you can shop them all here:

And if this helped you, make sure you save this routine for wash day 💛

 
 
 

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