Should You Hairspray Before or After Curling? - GirlsHeartIt

Tuesday 30 May 2023

It is recommended to apply hairspray after curling your hair but if you want your curls to last longer, you need to apply hairspray throughout the curling process.


Applying hairspray throughout the curling process is best for achieving long-lasting curls.

Table of Contents:

1. Order of steps to curl your hair.
2. Can hairspray make hair stiff or crunchy after curling?
3. Common mistakes people make when curling their hair.
4. Tips for preventing hair damage while curling.
5. Specific hairstyles that work well with curled hair.
6. Hair products to help curls last longer.

1. Order of steps to curl your hair.


Here's a step-by-step guide for achieving long-lasting curls:

a) Start with clean, dry hair: Ensure that your hair is clean and dry before you begin curling.

b) Prepare your hair: Apply a heat protectant spray or serum to protect your hair from heat damage. This step is essential to minimize any potential damage caused by the curling iron.

c) Curl your hair: Use a curling iron or curling wand to curl small sections of your hair. Start at the base of the area, wrap the hair around the barrel, and hold for a few seconds. Release the curl and let it cool before moving on to the next section.

d) Repeat the process: Continue curling small sections of your hair until all of your hair is curled. You can vary the size of the sections and the direction of the curls to achieve a more natural look.


e) Let the curls cool: Once you have curled all of your hair, allow the curls to cool completely. This will help set the shape and ensure they last longer.

f) Apply hairspray: After the curls have cooled, apply a light mist of hairspray to hold the curls in place. Hold the can about 12 inches away from your head and lightly spray over the curls. Avoid applying too much hairspray, as it can make your hair stiff or crunchy.

Remember, using a heat protectant before curling your hair is essential to minimize damage. Additionally, using hairspray with a flexible hold will help keep your curls intact while maintaining natural movement.

2. Can hairspray make hair stiff or crunchy after curling?


Yes, hairspray can potentially make hair feel stiff or crunchy after curling. 

What can I do to avoid the situation?

 
To avoid your hair feeling stiff or crunchy after using hairspray, you can follow these tips:

a) Choose the right hairspray: Opt for a hairspray that offers a flexible or medium hold rather than an extremely strong hold. These types of hairsprays allow for natural movement and touchable curls.

b) Apply hairspray from a distance: Hold the can of hairspray about 12 inches from your head when applying it. Spraying from a distance helps distribute the product more evenly and prevents it from concentrating in one area, reducing the likelihood of stiffness.

c) Use a light touch: Apply a light mist of hairspray rather than drenching your hair in it. Start with a small amount and gradually add more if needed. This will help maintain the softness and natural texture of your curls.


d) Comb or brush through the curls: After spraying the hairspray, gently comb or brush through your curls using a wide-toothed comb or a brush with soft bristles. This will help distribute the hairspray throughout your hair and loosen any excessive stiffness.

e) Scrunch the curls: If you notice any stiffness or crunchiness in certain areas, lightly scrunch the curls with your hands to break up the hairspray and restore softness.

f) Avoid overusing too much hairspray: Using too much hairspray or applying multiple layers can lead to stiffness. Start with a light application and only add more if necessary.

By following these tips, you can help maintain natural-looking and touchable curls while still benefiting from the hold provided by hairspray.

3. Common mistakes people make when curling their hair.


When curling their hair, people often make the following common mistakes:

a) Using too much heat: Applying excessive heat to the hair can cause damage and lead to dryness and breakage. It's important to use a moderate heat setting on your curling iron or wand and avoid leaving it on the hair for too long.

b) Curling large sections of hair: Trying to curl large sections of hair at once can result in uneven or loose curls. It's best to work with smaller sections to ensure each curl is well-defined and holds its shape.


c) Curling in the wrong direction: Curling all sections of hair in the same direction can make the curls blend together and appear less natural. To achieve a more dimensional and voluminous look, alternate the direction of the curls by curling some sections toward your face and others away from your face.

d) Skipping heat protectant: Failing to use a heat protectant spray or serum before curling can leave your hair susceptible to heat damage. Always apply a heat protectant product to shield your hair from the high temperatures of styling tools.

e) Not allowing the curls to cool: Letting the curls cool down before touching or brushing them is crucial for setting the shape and making the curls last longer. Rushing this step can cause the curls to unravel or lose their definition.

f) Overusing styling products: Applying excessive amounts of products like hairspray, mousse, or gel before or after curling can weigh down the hair, make it appear greasy, or create a stiff texture. Use these products sparingly to maintain a natural look and avoid build-up.

g) Holding the curling iron too tightly: Gripping the hair too tightly with the curling iron can create unwanted creases or kinks. Hold the iron gently and release the hair smoothly to achieve smooth and seamless curls.

h) Not varying the size of the curls: Curling all sections of hair with the same barrel size can result in a uniform and less interesting look. Experiment with different barrel sizes to create a more dynamic and textured hairstyle.


By avoiding these common mistakes and following the tips for preventing hair damage while curling, you can achieve beautiful curls while minimizing the risk of heat-related damage.

4. Tips for preventing hair damage while curling.


To prevent hair damage while curling, consider the following tips:

a) Use a heat protectant: Apply a heat protectant product, such as a spray or serum, to your hair before curling. This creates a barrier between your hair and the heat of the styling tool, minimizing damage.

b) Adjust the heat settings: Avoid using excessive heat on your hair. Find a temperature setting on your curling iron or wand that is suitable for your hair type. Lower heat settings are generally safer, especially for delicate or fragile hair.

c) Limit the exposure to heat: Don't leave the curling iron on your hair for longer than necessary. Curl small sections of hair at a time and release the curl after a few seconds. This reduces the overall heat exposure and helps protect your hair.

d) Use high-quality curling tools: Invest in a good quality curling iron or wand that has adjustable heat settings and features that help distribute heat evenly. Cheap or low-quality tools may not heat up evenly, which can lead to hot spots and potential damage.


e) Opt for ceramic or tourmaline barrels: Curling irons with ceramic or tourmaline barrels emit more even heat, reducing the likelihood of hot spots and heat damage. These materials also help seal the hair cuticles, resulting in smoother and shinier curls.

f) Don't curl damp or wet hair: Ensure your hair is completely dry before using a curling iron. Curling wet or damp hair can cause the hair shaft to expand rapidly, potentially leading to damage or even breakage.

By implementing these tips, you can minimize the risk of hair damage while achieving beautiful curls. Remember, healthy hair is more resilient to heat and styling, so taking care of your hair is key.

5. Specific hairstyles that work well with curled hair.


There are so many hairstyles that work well with curled hair, but I would like to talk about the main and best ones here.

a) Curly Bob

Curly Bob hairstyle for curly hair



How to do this hairstyle?
  • Wash and condition your hair.
  • Apply curl-enhancing product or mousse to damp hair.
  • Use a diffuser on your blow dryer to dry your hair while scrunching the curls with your hands.
  • Use a curling wand or curling iron to define your curls.
  • Optional: Use a texturizing spray or sea salt spray for more volume,
  • Finish with hairspray to hold the style.

b) Curly Ponytail

Curly Ponytail hairstyle for curly hair



How to do this hairstyle?
  • Apply curl-enhancing product to damp hair.
  • Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser on low heat.
  • Gather your hair into a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
  • Optional: Leave out some curls around your face.
  • Optional: Wrap a small section of hair around the hair tie to hide it.
  • Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to loosen the curls in the ponytail.
  • Finish with hairspray to tame flyaways.

c) Curly Updo

Curly updo hairstyle for curly hair



How to do this hairstyle?
  • Start with curling your hair.
  • Take small sections of hair from one side and twist them towards the center, securing them with bobby pins.
  • Repeat the twisting and pinning on the other side, crossing over the previous twists.
  • Continue twisting and pinning until you reach the nape of your neck.
  • Gather the remaining hair into a bun or loose knot at the back of your head and secure it with bobby pins.
  • Pull out a few curls around your face and loosen some twists for a softer look.
  • Set with hairspray.

d) Half-Up, Half-Down

Half-Up, Half Down hairstyle for curly hair



How to do this hairstyle?
  • Part your hair horizontally, separating the top section from the bottom.
  • Apply curl-enhancing product to the top section and scrunch to define curls.
  • Gather the top section from the temples and secure it at the crown with a clip or hair tie.
  • Leave the bottom section down to show off your curls.
  • Pull out a few curls around your face.
  • Finish with a light mist of hairspray.

6. Hair Products To Help Curls Last Longer


To help your curls last longer, it is essential to use hair products that provide hold, enhance curl definition, and combat frizz. 

Here are some recommended products:

a) Curl-Enhancing Cream or Gel


These products are specifically designed to enhance and define curls. They help to shape your curls, reduce frizz, and provide long-lasting hold. Apply them to damp hair, scrunching or twisting your curls to encourage their formation.


Try this tgin Twist and Define Cream. This curl cream is made with coconut oil and vitamin E. It moisturizes your curls and makes them smooth by taming flyaways. It's great for thick hair as it gives a strong hold and lasting definition without making your hair heavy.

b) Heat Protectant Spray


If you plan to use heat-styling tools like curling irons or wands, it's crucial to protect your hair from heat damage. Apply a heat protectant spray before styling to create a barrier between your hair and the heat, reducing the risk of frizz and maintaining the curl pattern.

Try this Living Proof Hair Protectant Spray. This heat protectant spray is versatile and can be used on freshly-washed hair or hair that hasn't been washed for a few days. It provides heat protection for up to 48 hours and can be applied to both damp and dry hair.

c) Hairspray


A good-quality hairspray can help lock in your curls and keep them in place for longer periods. Choose a lightweight, flexible-hold hairspray that won't weigh down your curls or make them stiff. Spritz it lightly over your styled curls to set the look.


Try this Rizos Curls Volumizing Hairspray. This hairspray is perfect for rainy and humid days. It adds volume to your hair without weighing down your curls and tame frizz. The alcohol-free formula won't make your hair greasy, and it adds shine. It contains red algae and argan oil to nourish and protect your hair from damage.

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