We all want nice clumps because they keep the curls nicely together, but for curl types 2A to 2C this is easier said than done.
Below are a number of reasons why your curls no longer clump.
1. Not using a Deep Conditioner (mask) enough
This is a big mistake. Deep conditioning is a must to create beautiful clumps.
Preferably weekly if you wash your curls several times a week. If you wash your curls once a week, then once every 2 weeks.
If you consistently skip a mask, any hope of clumping your curls is gone.
But the way you use the mask is also important.
Yes, there is a right and a wrong way to condition your curls.
Simply applying a mask and hoping for the best will yield minimal results.
If you want to treat your curls with a mask, start by turning your head upside down and letting the water run through it. The weight of the water pulls your curls together and forms natural clumps. Make sure all hair is soaking wet.
Apply your mask generously to the individual clumps. When applying, concentrate on the ends and any rough spots you can feel throughout the hair strand.
Once you have applied the deep conditioner throughout your hair, press the curls up (squish to condish) and pulse at the top.
Cover with a shower cap or heat cap and let sit for 30 minutes.
2. The product is too heavy OR too light for your curls
Finding the right product for your specific hair is essential. This can be frustrating, especially at first, so I recommend choosing products that are suitable for your hair type, using them for a month, trying different application techniques and keeping track of how your hair responds.
If you have wavy to curly hair and use heavy butters and oils, it's probably too heavy for your curls. It will weigh them down and cause your curls to become stringy, breaking up any clumps.
And if your hair is super curly and you use a lightweight product, it won't be able to hold your curls together because they need a little more weight.
It can be a little daunting to find the right products, but I promise it's worth it.
What about our Styling Gel, which has Shea Butter as the 5th ingredient and also an Avocado Oil further down... while it is classified as a lightweight gel?
It's about the percentage that is in it, it can be listed as the fifth ingredient, but that does not mean that there is a lot in it... the first ingredients, such as the ingredients for the hold, have a much higher percentage because we wanted to emphasize that. laying.. good hold = higher percentage of ingredient.. the shea butter is there to give your curls a nice feeling and nourishment.
The gel is indeed lightweight, tested well on fine hair, and the findings of other curly hair also confirm this, fortunately!
3. You brush your hair too much
You see a lot of curls using the Denman, Wet Detangeler Brush or wide-toothed comb to create beautiful clumps. So yes, what do you mean you brush your hair too much..??
It's fine to detangle your hair with a brush when you apply your conditioner, but try to use your hands when styling as bristles can separate your curls too much and keep them from clumping.
For wavy's, the advice is to use your hands as much as possible instead of combs or brushes.
This does not have to apply to everyone, it also depends on other factors such as thick or fine hair. Try it out so that you can experience for yourself how you get the most beautiful clumps that also stay in place.
4. Your hair is not wet enough when applying styling products
Applying products to hair that isn't fully saturated can mess with your clumps potency. If your hair is not completely wet, the products will not be distributed evenly. This means you get some flat sections, less tangles and more frizz.
Apply your styling products straight out of the shower when your hair is soaking wet. This ensures an even distribution, which leads to less frizz later.
5. Do not apply products to the roots
It may go against what you've always believed/heard, but applying products to the root can really help with clump formation.
Turn your head upside down, start with the section closest to your roots and apply your styling products before working your hair down.
6. Protein-moisture balance is out of proportion
This is so important... our Amazing Curls line does not contain protein, but that does not mean that your curls can do without it... our drops are really a must-have to use with the Amazing Curls. Too much moisture does not always work out well in the long term... as soon as your curls feel a bit more brittle, experience more frizz, and the clumps do not stay in them, then it is time to add the drops to your mask, cream or gel. If you want to see immediate results, apply them directly to damp hair. If your curls are happy, you will see that the curls clump more and curl tighter.
7. You need a haircut
Is your hair too heavy and weighing down your waves? Then it might be time to make an appointment for your hair. It's easy to think that you don't need to cut your hair anymore because you no longer use heat and drying products - but you don't, you do!
Book an appointment to get rid of split ends and ask your stylist to add some layers to lighten your hair. This will make your waves clump more easily.
CONCLUSION:
Clumping curls doesn't happen overnight. It takes dedication and consistency to let your curls form beautiful clumps naturally.
By using the right products for your curl type, giving your curls the right protein-moisture balance and getting your hair super wet, you're off to a great start!