Styling your curly can often feel like a fun experiment. With a few simple tweaks to your routine, product application technique and even your drying method, you could easily end up with wildly different results on different days. However, one of the biggest factors that can determine the outcome of your curly hairstyle is the amount of water in the hair. Seriously, it can affect the volume, definition and overall look of your hair which is why one of the most pressing styling questions on most people's minds is: is it better to style your hair when it is damp, wet, or completely dry?
In this article, we're settling the debate once and for all and comparing wet, damp, and dry styling to determine which is the better choice for curly hair.
What Is Wet Styling?
Wet styling is a styling technique that involves applying products to soaking wet hair. Wet styling is often done in the shower or immediately after washing the hair to allow the manageability of the hair while it is infused with moisture. This method starts with the addition of a leave-in conditioner while water is squeezed out of the hair. It is then followed up with a curling creme like our Coconut Oil & Jamaican Black Castor Oil Curling Creme to enhance the curls. To further define the curls and create a long-lasting hold, a lightweight gel-like Sofnfree's Curl Elongating Gel is added as the final layer.
Pros
- The hair absorbs products better since the cuticles would be more open when the hair is wet.
- Wet styling ensures maximum hydration, leaving no room for dryness.
- The hair is softer and smoother when it is wet, making it easy to shape into your desired style.
- Wet styling produces thicker clumps and curls
- It simplifies your hair routine, allowing you to complete each step in the shower
- Wet styling prevents frizz
Cons
- Longer drying times.
- Wet styling can sometimes leave the roots slightly puffy as a result of the product running down the hair shaft.
- It can be a little bit messy. With soaking-wet hair, your styling products can get diluted and run down your neck. This is generally not something you want to do after getting dressed.
- Wet styling can also result in less volume.
- Wet styling can result in a lot of shrinkage especially if you have tight curls.
What Is Damp Styling?
Damp styling involves styling the hair when it is partially dry. With damp styling, the hair is firstly towel dried to squeeze off all excess water. Then, you can apply our Curling Creme for curl definition and follow up with our Flaxseed Oil and Rosewater Curl Elongating Gel or Curling Mousse.
Pros
- Damp styling gives more volume.
- The hair dries faster.
- Damp styling gives you more control over the coverage of the product, as you can properly feel which part of the hair is coated.
- More definition at the roots.
Cons
- Thinner clumps and curls.
- Damp styling can make the hair slightly frizzy as the hair is not able to absorb the products as it would when it is wet.
What Is Dry Styling?
Dry Styling involves styling the hair when it is completely dry. This technique is generally not aimed focused on curl definition as you will have the least amount of curl definition when the hair is dry. However, dry styling is best suited to hairstyles like braids, cornrows, and twists that require a lot of manipulation. Since the hair is very fragile when it is wet, dry styling reduces the possibility of breakage while allowing easy handling of the hair. Dry styling is also great for tightly coiled hair as it produces a more stretched look, reducing the extreme shrinkage associated with these hair types.
Now, although the hair has to be dry with this technique, you still have to moisturise it beforehand. After washing with our Hydration Shampoo and conditioning with our Moisture Rich Conditioner, apply ample amounts of our Manuka Honey Leave-in Conditioner to smoothen and hydrate the hair. Then seal the moisture in with our Hair & Scalp Oil before letting the hair dry. You can air dry the hair or use a blow dryer to speed things up
Pros
- Prevents shrinkage.
- Produces more volume.
- Prevents breakage when doing protective styles.
Cons
- Dry styling does not give the best curl definition.
- It can result in more frizz.
Which Styling Method Is Better?
The ideal styling method for will vary based on your desired hairstyle and personal preferences. If you want more volume, try damp styling. If you prefer thick curl clumps and love to finish your hair routine in the shower wet styling is the perfect choice for you.
Additionally, if you are opting for protective styles that require a lot of manipulation or you want to minimise shrinkage on your tight coils, then dry styling is the way to go. Each method has its moments so feel free to experiment and try out all three to determine the perfect option for you.
Wet, damp, and dry styling each have their moments in every curly's routine. Now, although damp and wet styling are undoubtedly the better choice for curly hair, the ideal choice for you will depend on your personal preference. So, feel free to test out each method and see what works for your hair. For best results be sure to use our Styling Bundle to keep your curls shiny and defined.