"The Ultimate Scrunching Guide for Gorgeous Hair"

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If you’ve been styling your curly or wavy hair without much success, it’s time to level up your routine with a must-try method: scrunching. This technique, perfect for looser and tighter patterns, involves simply cupping and squeezing your hair to enhance its natural texture and definition.

Whether you’re aiming for frizz-free, defined curls or just want to take care of your natural hair more effectively, scrunching can transform how your curls look and feel.

Have You Ever Heard About Scrunching?

Scrunching is a styling technique that works wonders for both curly and wavy hair types. This simple process involves using your hands or a towel to cup and gently squeeze your wet curls or waves. The goal? To enhance their natural shape and achieve volumized, defined, and frizz-free curls.

Scrunching isn’t just about shaping your hair; it’s a beauty secret that encourages your hair to reveal its natural form. By helping it settle into a more defined shape, scrunching provides a non-damaging way to define your curls and waves without heat damage or using too much product. It’s an easy way to add extra definition to your look, saving you hours of styling time.

Is Scrunching Appropriate for Your Hair Type?

Scrunching is an easy-to-do method that doesn’t damage your Twisty treasure and is perfect for those looking to add volume and definition. It’s especially beneficial for type 1 and type 2 hair, as well as those with thin or fine hair.

It is also appropriate for those having any type of waves and curls. Even those with straight hair can try out the scrunching method to achieve a more relaxed and tousled look, though it won’t provide a firm hold as it does with waves and curls.

Those with tighter ringlets or type 4 curls might prefer other styling methods, such as twisting, finger coiling, or a wash-and-go approach. However, everyone is encouraged to start dreaming up all the scrunch hairstyles they can achieve and try out various tips on how to scrunch hair effectively.

How Scrunching Becomes Favourable for Your Curls and Waves?

Scrunching is a gentle styling method that enhances your hair’s natural texture by accentuating your natural curl pattern.

When your hair is wet and product-saturated, simply cupping and squeezing it from the ends toward the root boosts volume and gives separation and bounce. This technique allows natural waves and curls to form without the harsh impacts of heat.

This approach not only increases volume but also reduces damage. Since scrunching involves little to no heat exposure, and minimal combing or brushing, it significantly reduces the risks of damage and breakage.

By using hydrating and moisturizing products, you ensure that the hair remains healthy and vibrant.

Another significant benefit is how it saves time. Scrunching doesn’t require high precision and is suitable for air drying, which helps minimize the time spent in front of the bathroom mirror trying to dry and style your hair. It’s a quick way to achieve a put-together look without much effort.

The versatility of scrunching is noteworthy. Depending on your choice of drying method and products, scrunching can offer a range of looks, from subtle waves to more defined, bouncy curls. Each day can be a new opportunity to flaunt a different aspect of your curls and waves.

How to Scrunch Hair?

METHOD: Scrunching with Towel

When it comes to scrunching, using the right technique and tools is key, especially if you aim to enhance your curly or wavy hair texture without adding frizz.
After washing your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, it’s essential to handle your locks with care. Here’s how I do it to ensure my waves are defined and free of tangles.
Instead of roughly drying your hair with a standard towel, opt for a microfiber cloth or a clean cotton T-shirt.
These materials help reduce frizz by absorbing excess water without the harsh friction of a regular towel.
Gently squeeze the water out of your hair in sections, then use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, starting from the ends and working your way up to avoid knots and breakage.
Once your hair is towel-dry but still damp, apply a curl-enhancing product—I prefer a light mousse or serum that doesn’t weigh my hair down.
Bend your head forward, letting your hair flip upside down. Now, cup your hair in your hands and scrunch upwards, mimicking the action of crumpling paper.
This movement helps to define your curls or waves without disrupting their natural texture.
Remember, the key to perfect scrunching is minimal pressure and maximum care. I finish by pressing a bit more product at the roots for extra lift and volume, then I stand upright and let my hair air-dry or diffuse it on a low heat setting.

METHOD: Scrunching With Clips

After stepping out of the shower, it’s essential not to roughly towel dry your hair. Instead, gently press the towel against your hair to remove excess water without causing frizzing.
Your goal is to leave your hair damp, not soaking wet. Once damp, divide your hair into sections. This is where clips come into play.
Using butterfly clips, fold each section of hair gently at the scalp and arrange the clips in a seemingly haphazard fashion.
You can also make numerous small and large, tighter and looser buns with the help of bobby pins.
This technique enhances the natural texture of your hair, steering towards a beachy, wavy look with varying tighter and looser waves. While your hair air dries, the clips help maintain the waves without the use of heat.
For added definition, once your hair is dry, spritz a little strong-hold hairspray around the clips.
After spraying, let it sit for a few more minutes to ensure the waves are set properly. Once dried, gently release the clips and use your fingers to scrunch your hair from the ends upwards, which enhances the curls.
If you desire more defined curls without frizz, consider applying a small amount of hair gel or serum.
Use your fingertips to apply the product mainly on the edges and tips of your hair, which helps keep the curls shiny, vibrant, and free from frizzing.

Method: Scrunching Using a Diffuser

To master the art of scrunching using a diffuser, begin right after towel drying your hair post-shower.
Start by applying a styling gel to your damp hair. Spread it from roots to tips using your palms to avoid a greasy look. A light coating of hairspray can help manage frizziness and add texture.
When it comes to diffusers, opt for a wide-mouthed bowl type that can disperse air flow evenly across your hair.
Attach it to your hair dryer, or better yet, a blow dryer with adjustable speed and heat settings. Use a low heat setting to minimize heat damage and prevent your hair from burning or becoming overly dry.
Flip your head upside down, allowing your hair to fall freely. Place the diffuser close to your scalp and gently move it around. This technique helps the diffuser to gathers air and disperse it with minimal damage to the hair.
As you dry, use your fingers to scrunch the hair sections into the diffuser bowl, enhancing your natural curls and waves without frizziness.
A mid-day touch-up might just need a reapply of hairspray to keep everything in place and maintain the look without additional frizziness.

Final Thoughts

Scrunching is a simple technique that enhances volume and definition in wavy and curly hair. By cupping and squeezing your hair with your hands or a microfiber towel, you can effectively shape your hairstyle while minimizing heat exposure and reducing styling time. This haircare method is a staple in daily routines with no downsides.

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Dive into the world of curls with Farah, a celebrated curly hair expert whose passion and expertise have transformed her into a beacon for those seeking to embrace their natural hair texture. With a vibrant career spanning over a decade, Farah has dedicated herself to the science and art of curly hair, making her an authoritative voice in this niche. Her deep understanding of curly hair’s unique needs and challenges allows her to craft personalized care routines and styles that not only enhance the natural beauty of curls but also promote hair health.