What Product Helps Make Straight Hair Curly?

You're not alone if you've ever wished for curly hair but were born with straight locks. Fortunately, there are a variety of products and techniques that can help transform straight hair into beautiful, bouncy curls. Whether you want to create natural-looking waves or defined ringlets, the right styling products can make all the difference. Below are some of the most effective products that can help you achieve curly hair from a straight texture.

1. Curl Creams

Curl creams are designed to enhance and define curls. These products hydrate the hair, improve texture, and add bounce. When applied to damp hair, curl creams help lock in moisture and encourage the formation of curls. For straight hair, a curl cream can provide enough hold and definition to shape your hair into curls, mainly when used with a curling iron or diffuser.

How to Use: Apply curl cream to damp hair, scrunching it upwards to encourage curl formation. Then, use a blow dryer with a diffuser or let your hair air-dry for natural curls.

2. Texturizing Sprays

Texturizing sprays are perfect for giving your hair a beachy, tousled look. They create texture and volume, which can help make waves and curls in straight hair. Some sprays contain sea salt, which enhances waves and gives the hair a more effortless, natural appearance.

How to Use: Spray the texturizer on damp hair, then use a curling iron or your fingers to form curls. You can also scrunch your hair to create a more natural wave.

3. Mousse

Mousse is a lightweight foam that adds volume and texture to the hair. When applied to damp hair, mousse lifts the roots and enhances the natural texture, making it easier to curl straight hair. It also provides some hold, so curls last longer throughout the day.

How to Use: Apply a generous amount of mousse to your damp hair, focusing on the roots and mid-lengths. Then, use a curling iron or roller to shape the hair into curls.

4. Curling Gels

Curling gels are another excellent option for creating defined curls. These gels typically provide a firm hold and are perfect for keeping curls in place. They can be used alone or with a curling iron to help shape the hair. The gel’s formula ensures curls stay bouncy and defined throughout the day.

How to Use: Apply the gel to damp hair and scrunch it with your hands. Dry the hair with a diffuser or air-dry for a more natural look.

5. Heat Styling Tools

Though not a product, heat-styling tools like curling irons, wands, and straighteners can help create curls in straight hair. These tools allow you to shape your hair into whatever curl pattern you desire. When used with a styling product like a heat protectant or mousse, heat tools can create long-lasting curls without causing damage.

How to Use: Choose the barrel size based on the type of curls you want to achieve (larger barrels for loose curls, smaller barrels for tighter curls). Wrap sections of hair around the barrel and hold for a few seconds before releasing. Finish with a hairspray or styling cream to set the curls.

6. Setting Sprays

Setting sprays are perfect for locking curls in place after styling. These sprays provide long-lasting hold and help maintain curls throughout the day. You can use a setting spray after curling your hair to ensure your curls don’t fall flat.

How to Use: Once your styled curls are fully set, spray evenly over them. This will help keep the curls intact while preventing frizz.

7. Rollers

For a more old-school approach, rollers are still a reliable way to create curly hair. Foam or velcro rollers work by setting the hair in a curled shape as it dries. Using rollers helps you achieve a voluminous, bouncy curl without the heat damage that comes with other styling tools.

How to Use: Roll your damp hair around the rollers and leave them in until your hair is dry. Once removed, gently separate the curls for a voluminous, curly look.

8. Leave-In Conditioners

While leave-in conditioners primarily provide hydration, they also help create smooth, frizz-free curls. They help maintain curl definition while adding moisture, making them ideal for curly hair or when defining curls in straight hair.

How to Use: Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair and scrunch it with your hands. For a more defined look, use a curling iron or diffuser.

9. Curl Activating Sprays

Curl-activating sprays are specifically formulated to boost and enhance curls. They are designed to bring out the natural curl pattern in the hair, especially for those with a bit of natural wave but who want to intensify it. These sprays typically contain ingredients that hydrate and define curls without weighing them down.

How to Use: Lightly spray the product on damp hair and scrunch upwards. You can either air-dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to encourage more defined curls.

10. Deep Conditioning Masks

While deep conditioning masks aren't typically used to create curls, they are crucial for maintaining healthy, bouncy curls once they are created. Hydrated hair holds curls better and appears shinier and more defined. Regularly using a deep conditioning mask will ensure your curls remain healthy, soft, and frizz-free.

How to Use: Apply the deep conditioning mask to your hair after shampooing, leave it on for the recommended time, and rinse thoroughly. Use this treatment weekly to keep your hair moisturized and ready for styling.

11. Sea Salt Sprays

Sea salt sprays are fantastic for creating texture and beachy waves. They mimic the natural curl-enhancing effects of seawater by adding grit and volume to your hair. If you're looking for a relaxed, wavy look with minimal effort, sea salt spray is an easy way to create natural curls.

How to Use: Spritz the sea salt spray on damp hair, then scrunch your hair to encourage waves. You can also twist small sections of hair to create defined curls.

12. Anti-Frizz Serums

Frizz can be a significant issue when creating curls, especially for those with fine or straight hair. Anti-frizz serums help smooth the hair cuticle and keep frizz at bay, ensuring your curls stay sleek and polished. While serums alone won't curl straight hair, they are essential for keeping curls intact and frizz-free.

How to Use: Apply a small amount of anti-frizz serum to your damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. Once the curls are formed, use the serum to smooth and add shine without disrupting your curl pattern.

13. Heat Protection Sprays

Heat protection sprays aren't just for preventing damage—they can also help you achieve better curls. These sprays often contain ingredients that add texture and enhance the hold of your curls. Using a heat protection spray before applying a curling iron or wand ensures that your curls are both long-lasting and healthy.

How to Use: Spritz the heat protection spray evenly throughout your damp hair before curling. This will create a barrier between your hair and the heat while providing extra hold to your curls.

14. Curling Wands and Iron Attachments

A curling wand with adjustable barrels or an iron with different-sized attachments can provide maximum versatility when achieving curly hair from straight strands. The barrel or wand's size determines the curl's tightness, allowing you to customize your curly look, from loose waves to tight ringlets.

How to Use: Wrap small sections of hair around the curling wand or iron. Hold for a few seconds before releasing. After curling, you can tousle your curls with your fingers or apply a light-setting spray to hold the look in place.

Hair Mousses with Volume-Boosting Ingredients

With added volume-boosting ingredients, Mousse gives straight hair a voluminous, curly look. These products typically add body and texture to hair, helping to create defined curls. The volume created by the mousse makes it easier to style your hair into curls that hold up longer throughout the day.

How to Use: Apply mousse to damp hair, focusing on the roots. Once applied, use a curling iron or diffuser to add curls, and you'll enjoy voluminous, textured hair.

Final Thoughts: 

Whether you're looking for soft waves or defined ringlets, combining the right styling products and tools can help you achieve the curly hair of your dreams. From curl creams and mousse to heat protectants and texturizing sprays, plenty of products are designed to add texture, volume, and definition to straight hair. With the help of these products, you can experiment with different curl types and discover which one best suits your style.

Curly hair often requires extra hydration and care, so incorporate nourishing treatments like leave-in conditioners, deep conditioning masks, and anti-frizz serums into your hair care routine. Using the right hair products and adopting the proper techniques allows you to enjoy beautiful, curly hair no matter your hair’s natural texture.

FAQS

Can straight hair become curly with products?

Yes, straight hair can be made curly with the right products. Curl creams, mousse, texturizing sprays, and heat styling tools like curling irons can help create curls or waves in straight hair, temporarily giving it a curly texture.

What is the best curling product?

The best curling product depends on your hair type and desired curl style. Curl creams and mousses define curls, while texturizing sprays add volume and natural waves. Heat styling tools like curling irons, wands, or rollers can create more defined curls when paired with a styling product.