How to Achieve Perfect Curl Definition: Step-by-Step Tips for Defined Curls that Last All Week
Step 1: Using the right tools
Why does using the right tools matter? The tools you use can make or break your curl definition. Make sure to choose styling tools that do not snag or pull your hair. We recommend these 3 tools that are a staple in our salon, however if you experience any snagging, pulling, or excessive hair loss, avoid using this tool and try a different tool:
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Felicia Leatherwood Brush-
- Important note: We do not recommend the EZ Detangler brush, only the official Felicia Leatherwood brush. The EZ detangler has been known to cause issues like hair snagging and breakage.
- TresLife Detangling Brush- This vented, evenly aligned, square brush is perfect to detangle without causing breaking or pulling of the hair strands.
- 3-Row Comb (which is similar to a compact defining brush)- This is not a detangler, however is an additional tool to use, that will help define and create the perfect curls..
Make sure to avoid fine-tooth combs, as this can cause breakage.
Additional tools:
- Clips to section your hair
- Water bottle to keep your curls hydrated
Step 2: Proper detangling BEFORE shampooing hair
Skipping or rushing through detangling can lead to frizz, breakage, and uneven definition. Proper detangling lays the foundation for smooth, defined curls.
NEVER DETANGLE ON DRY HAIR
How to detangle properly:
- Start with a detangling product or pre-poo: We love our Apple Cider Reboot, made of apple cider and a blend of Ayurvedic Indian herbs that melts away tangles and removes buildup, or our Marshmallow Mango Detangler made with marshmallow root and slippery elm for gentle and moisturizing detangling.
- Section your hair: Divide your hair into four or more sections to make detangling more manageable.
- Use the right tools: Make sure to use a detangling brush with bristles that can bend like the Felicia Leatherwood or TresLife Brush for gentle detangling without pulling or breaking.
- Work from ends to roots: always work from ends to roots to avoid breakage and split ends.
Step 3: The importance of steam treatments
Ever wonder why steam treatments are so effective? Curls thrive on moisture, and steam helps your hair deeply absorb hydration by opening the cuticle and depositing moisture. At TresLife Curl Bar Salon, steam therapy is a must to keep curls soft, bouncy, and frizz-free.
Step 4: Monthly detoxes for defined, frizz-free curls
Product buildup, hard water, and pollutants can weigh your curls down and reduce definition over time. Detoxing once a month helps remove those impurities, giving you lighter, more defined curls.
How to do a detox treatment:
- In our salon, we use our TresLife Clay Detox made with bentonite, kaolin, and rhassoul clay mixed with water and apple cider vinegar.
- Apply to your hair and scalp in sections, making sure everything is thoroughly saturated
- Sit for 30 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly and follow up with your favorite TresLife deep conditioner for moisture.
Step 5: Deep conditioning for deep moisture
Moisture is the key to curl definition. A deep conditioning treatment done at least once a month softens and nourishes curls, bringing out their definition.
How to deep condition for maximum curl definition:
- Apply our Coco Mango Deep Conditioner, made with nourishing coconut milk and aloe vera juice, and add a teaspoon of raw honey for lasting moisture. This acts as a natural humectant and brings moisture from the air into your hair, leaving you with lasting moisture and hydrated, bouncy curls.
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Let the product sit for 15—20 minutes and rinse.
- For the ultimate deep conditioning treatment, use a steamer while the product is on the hair, allowing the moisture to truly penetrate the hair shaft.
Step 6: Detangle (again!)
After cleansing and conditioning, another round of detangling ensures your hair is smooth for styling.
How to detangle:
- Section your hair again and detangle from ends to roots using a detangling brush.
- Then go back through each section and mist with our Aloe Vera Refresher made with aloe vera and Ayurvedic Indian herbs for added moisture, brushing it through each section and pinning the hair back up.
Step 7: Proper styling
Do your styling products enhance curl definition or weigh them down? The key to defined curls is layering products that hydrate and define without adding weight.
How to style:
- Section hair- Make sure hair is separated into sections and subsections so products are evenly distributed.
- Hydrate each section- apply water before your stylers.
- Apply curl-defining products- We recommend the following:
- Starting with our Curl Definer Gel, made with flaxseeds and honey for shine and definition, to each quadrant.
- Use the Felicia Leatherwood brush to work the Curl Definer gel in the hair strands.
- Then follow up by applying our Curl Stretch Gel (made with marshmallow root and slippery elm) in subsections to elongate and clump your curls. In each subsection, smooth the Curl Stretch Gel.
- Then define from root to tips using the 3-row comb
- Finally, rake the product through with your fingers and release curls
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Do not air dry- I know it’s a popular belief that air drying is healthier and safer for the hair… BUT IT IS NOT!!! Air drying can damage the inner layer of your hair strand, buildup, mildew, and frizz. Instead, diffuse your hair on a high speed, low heat or sit under a hooded dryer until the hair is dry.
- Once the hair is dry you can scrunch out any excess hold. When manipulating hair, make sure the hair completely dry to prevent frizz.
Step 8: Refreshing your curls
Frustrated by day 3 frizz? Refreshing your curls midweek will revive your definition without needing to style from scratch.
How to refresh:
- Only in areas of frizz, Apply Aloe Vera Refresher. Then apply a small amount of Curl Stretch Gel.
Achieving long-lasting, perfectly defined curls is all about the right routine and products. Whether you’re visiting TresLife Curl Bar Salon for professional care or following these steps at home, your curls will be popping all week long!
Ready to transform your curls?
For more personalized curl care tips and product recommendations, book an appointment at TresLife Curl Bar Salon today, or check out our full range of organic, handmade products to achieve perfect curl definition!
Need assistance? Have questions? Contact us anytime at stylist@thetreslife.com, or call us at 888-311-2479 and we will be glad to help you!