Achieve Defined Curl Clumps In 11 Simple Steps

What Is Curl Clumping?

Curl clumping is when curls naturally group together to form larger, more defined sections. Individual strands can look stringy, limp or frizzy depending on your hair type, whereas clumped curls look fuller and more polished. 

Making your overall curl pattern appear more cohesive and voluminous, curl clumps are achieved by 3 things. 

• The right products 
• The right techniques 
• The right amount of hydration.  

Why Do My Curls Look Stringy?

Even after you've gone to all the effort of styling them, stringy looking curls can still happen! This can be really disheartening.  

There isn't any one reason for ending up with stringy curls, however most often they're due to insufficient moisture in the hair. 

When curls lack hydration, they can separate into thin, stringy sections instead of clumping together. Other factors like uneven product application during styling (aka not brushing or raking your products through), beginning your styling process with dry or damp hair, or overlooking tools to smooth and define curls can also lead to stringiness.

Luckily, with the right products and technique, (and a few tips from the pros) you can transform stringy curls into gorgeous, defined clumps.

How To Encourage Curl Clumps

The number one sure-fire way to encourage curl clumps is water. Sounds too simple right? However, adding water to your curls, either through means of washing your hair pre-styling, or refreshing with a spray bottle as you style is the easiest way to get your curls hydrated. 

It's a misconception that we need layers upon layers of hydrating products. Of course, layering products that enhance curls can be helpful to coarser hair types however, hydrating your curls with water is the simplest way to activate your curls and get them clumping together.

 

Encouraging juicy curl clumps comes down to 3 key strategies. 

1. Start with a hydrated base, (aka wet hair) 
2. Use ‘slip’-enhancing products (like Hydrating Creams, Gels and Foams.) Apply your styling products on wet hair. 
3. Additionally, using the right tools (like a detangler and curl defining brush). Methods such as sectioning and scrunching can help promote well-formed clumps, however, if your hair isn't wet enough or adequately hydrated, scrunching will disrupt the curl and consequently, create frizz. When scrunching what you're listening for is a SQUELCHING sound. 

 

11 Steps To Create More Curl Clumps 

1. Start with a Hydrating Cleanse

Begin by washing your hair with a Cleansing and Hydrating Shampoo, which hydrates while removing buildup that can cause curl separation.

2. Use a Slip-Enhancing Conditioner

Apply Conditioner generously to your hair. Its slip makes curls more manageable and preps them for better clumping. 

**What is ‘Slip’? In curly girl terms, 'slip' refers to the silky, smooth (slippery) feeling that a product provides when applied to wet hair. Products with good slip make it easy for fingers or a brush to glide through curls without snagging, which helps prevent breakage and minimises frizz. 

3. Detangle

With the conditioner still in your hair, use the Flexi Detangling Brush to carefully remove knots. The Flexi is really good at removing tangles without disrupting your natural curl formation. This sets up your hair for more cohesive curl clumps.

4. Rinse with Cool Water

Rinsing your hair thoroughly with cool water helps seal the cuticle, which reduces frizz and makes it easier for curls to clump together.

5. Apply Products to Soaking Wet Hair

Use styling products on wet hair for better distribution. Start with LOHY.’s Cruise Control Curl Cream for soft hold, applying from roots to ends.

5. Evenly distribute products with the LOHY. Detangler

Using your Detangler again, brush your curl cream through your hair, ensuring every strand is evenly coated.

6. Section Your Hair for Even Product Application

Divide your hair into sections and apply Styling Products to each one. This method ensures every curl is evenly coated and clumps uniformly.

7. Style with the LOHY. Flexi Brush

Brush each section at a 90-degree angle with the Flexi Brush, which aligns curls for uniform clumping. Start from the roots and work outward, gently shaping the curls.

8. Try the “Squish to Condish” Method

Use the squish-to-condish method by scrunching your curls in your hands up towards your scalp. This helps curls naturally clump together and encourages maximum ‘clumpage’. 

9. Emulsify Products Before Applying

Pro Tip - For a smoother, clump-promoting product layer, emulsify products like Cruise Control Curl Cream and Oomph Hydrating Gel in your hands before applying, this helps to prevent any stringiness or frizz from over handling.

10. Scrunch & Diffuse Upside Down

Flip your hair upside down and start diffusing from the roots to enhance volume and clumping. Avoid moving your diffuser around too much as this will disrupt the curl pattern. 

11. Finish with a Light Hold Hairspray

Once your hair is dry, lock in your clumps with LOHY.’s Hold-It Shimmer Hairspray. Either give your curls a light spray, or apply the product to your fingertips and work through your roots. Leave it to ‘set’ for 5 minutes and then with your hands, gently ‘scrunch out the crunch’ for a soft hold that keeps curls in place all day without breaking up clumps.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why does my hair get stringy when I use certain products?

  Stringiness can happen if a product is too heavy, not applied evenly or under-hydrated. Starting with soaking wet hair and using the right products can help.

• Can I get clumps if I have fine curls?

  Yes! Using lightweight products like Chutzpah Volumining Foam and using sectioning techniques can help fine curls achieve a clumped look without weighing them down.

• What if my hair still looks frizzy?

  Try adding more water as you apply products, especially if you have dry or porous hair. Frizz often means your curls need more hydration.

• Help! I’m doing all the ‘right’ things but my hair is still throwing stringy vibes!

  Two things could be happening, 1. You need to clarify your hair. Give it a REALLY good wash and condition to cleanse your hair from any residual styling products that might be weighing your curls down. 2. It might be in need of some extra hydrating- use LOHY.’s Drench and Quench conditioning mask to give your curls an extra boost of hydration. 

 

Achieving defined curl clumps takes a bit of practice but is well worth the effort for fuller, more uniform curls. With the right products and styling techniques, you can say goodbye to stringy curls and hello to healthy, gorgeous curl clumps. 

Love & Hydration xx