Using a gel or strong hold product to define your curls? You are more than likely to experience “crunchy” hair if so. Crunchy hair is stiff and lifeless and not exactly what we envision when it we style our hair. Here are some tips on how you can “scrunch out the crunch” or SOTC, giving you defined curls that move!
SOTC
SOTC is not just scrunching
SOTC is different from “scrunching.” Scrunching your hair from tip to root, lifting the hair while your hair is wet and product has just been applied, can “help” define your curls and give body. But scrunching throughout your drying time keeps your curls from being well defined altogether.
Never SOTC when your hair is wet or even slightly damp. Doing this will send an army of frizzies and leaves curls less defined.
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If the product you used to style your curly tresses isn’t a gel or a product that gives your curls a strong hold, you may not have any crunch to scrunch. If your hair density is high you’ll need products that claim to give your curls maximum curl definition, like Kinky-Curly Curling Custard.
Smooth Application
Getting your curls to look consistent requires that you apply your product consistently. Make sure to smooth the gel or product through your hair evenly. Having crunchy sections and not-so-crunchy sections all over your head is a no-go.
MORE: How to Apply Hair Gel
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Once your hair is COMPLETELY dry it’s time to scrunch! Some gels (including alcohol-free gels”> can leave hair looking dry.
If you have frizzy hair after scrunching, try scrunching with an oil. Jojoba and coconut are two light oils that work perfectly for scrunching. Drop a dime sized amount of oil in the palm of your hand and rub your hands together.
Your Technique
With oily hands, scrunch from the tips to the roots of your hair by grabbing sections of your hair and squeezing. You should feel and maybe hear a very slight crunch. That is a sign that you are releasing some of the hold that the gel or product had on your curls. The definition will be a little less defined, giving your hair life!
You can also pat and lift your hair with the oil to give you more or less volume. Smoothing is not recommended as this can cause unnecessary frizz.
Depending on weather conditions like the dew point and wind your hair may experience more of less frizz after scrunching. Find a happy medium for your tresses. SOTC is a great way to sport great looking, flexible and bouncy curls!
