Why Your Hair Won’t Hold Curls: 7 Common Reasons + Fixes (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Worried your curls won’t last? Find out the 7 most common reasons why your hair won’t hold curls and how to fix it.

1. Not using the right products.

The wrong products can weigh your hair down and prevent it from holding a curl. Look for lightweight products that are specifically designed for curly hair.

2. Over-styling.

Styling your hair too much can damage the hair cuticle and make it difficult to hold a curl. Avoid using heat styling tools on your hair every day, and be gentle when you’re styling it.

3. Not using enough product.

If you don’t use enough product, your hair will be too dry and frizzy to hold a curl. Make sure to apply a generous amount of product to your hair, especially from the roots to the mid-shaft.

4. Not applying product correctly.

The way you apply product to your hair can make a big difference in how well it holds a curl. To get the best results, apply product to your hair while it’s still damp, and use your fingers to scrunch your hair.

5. Not drying your hair correctly.

The way you dry your hair can also affect how well it holds a curl. Avoid using a hair dryer on high heat, and instead let your hair air dry or use a diffuser.

6. Not styling your hair correctly.

The way you style your hair can also affect how well it holds a curl. Use a curling iron or wand to create your curls, and then use a light hold hairspray to hold them in place.

7. Not maintaining your curls.

Just like any other hair type, curly hair needs to be properly maintained in order to stay healthy and looking its best. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and deep condition your hair regularly.

Heat Damage

Heat over 350°F can cause your hair to shut its cuticle and flatten itself, making it impossible to hold a curl.

To protect your hair from heat damage, use a heat protectant before styling, and never exceed 350°F on your styling tools.

If you have color-treated hair, be extra careful not to use heat on it too often, as the color can fade more quickly.

Also, rinse your hair with cold water after styling to help seal the cuticle and keep your curls looking their best.

Improper Rinsing

Now that we’ve covered the potential damage caused by heat styling, let’s move on to another common reason why your hair might be struggling to hold a curl: improper rinsing.

Yes, you heard it right – something as simple as not rinsing out your conditioner thoroughly can have a significant impact on your curls.

When you don’t rinse out all of the conditioner from your hair, it can leave behind an oily residue that prevents heat activation and weighs down your strands. This lack of proper rinsing disrupts the natural curl pattern and makes it difficult for any type of hairstyle to hold.

To avoid this issue, make sure you take extra care when washing out conditioner. Take the time to thoroughly massage and rinse until there’s no trace left in your hair. By doing so, you’ll eliminate any product buildup that could be hindering those beautiful curls from forming properly.

So remember: next time you’re in need of some bouncy curls or luscious waves, pay attention to how well you’re rinsing out that conditioner – it may just make all the difference!

Wrong Hairspray

You’ve probably heard that you need to use a certain kind of hairspray to hold your curls in place – and that’s true! But not just any hairspray will do.

Look for a hairspray that’s specifically designed for curly hair. These hairsprays are usually lightweight and won’t weigh your hair down. They also contain ingredients that help to hold curls in place without creating frizz or volume.

By following these tips, you can choose the right hairspray to help your curls hold their shape all day long.

Other Styling Mistakes

Brushing or touching curls when they’re still warm will cause them to fall out. It’s a common mistake that can ruin all your hard work in creating those beautiful curls.

1. Using the wrong products: Curly hair requires specific care and using the wrong products can weigh it down or make it frizzy. Look for curly hair products that are specifically designed for your hair type.
2. Using too much product: Applying too much product can lead to buildup, making your curls heavy and lifeless. Use just enough product to enhance your natural curl pattern without weighing it down.

To prevent this, allow ample time for air-drying before going bed or use a diffuser attachment if blow-drying is necessary.

By avoiding these styling mistakes, along with following a proper curly-hair routine including regular trims at least every 8-12 weeks,you’ll be well on your way towards having stunning bouncy curls that hold their shape all day long!

Hair Length

Hair that’s too long won’t hold a curl.

The weight of the hair will weigh down the curls and cause them to fall out.

If you want to keep your curls, you may need to cut your hair shorter or use a styling product that will help to hold the curls in place.

Twist cutting is a technique that can help to release weight from hair and help curls to spring back into shape.

Twist cutting involves cutting small sections of hair at a time and twisting them into a spiral before cutting them.

This helps to create a more defined curl pattern and can help to reduce frizz.

If you have thin hair or fine hair, you may need to use a styling product that’s specifically designed for curly hair.

These products will help to add weight and definition to your curls, and help them to hold their shape.

Curly Girl Method

Go all out and try the Curly Girl Method to help your curls retain their natural moisture and curl pattern.

The Curly Girl Method involves avoiding sulfates, silicones, and other harsh ingredients, and using products that are specifically designed for curly hair.

You can also try plopping your hair to help define your curls. Plopping is a styling technique that involves wrapping your hair in a t-shirt or microfiber towel after you apply conditioner.

Cutting Down on Heat Styling

Cutting down on heat styling is the best way to protect your curls from damage and keep them looking their best.

If you can’t give up heat styling altogether, use a heat protectant, use a low heat setting, style your hair in the least amount of time possible, and avoid styling your hair every day.

You should also use a gentle cleansing routine to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)