Curls aren’t just a trend. They’re timeless. And if you have afro-textured hair, you might be wondering if you can get those defined curls too.
The good news? You can.
The shape and texture of afro hair actually make it easier than most people think. You don’t need to change your hair—just bring out what’s already there.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make curls on African hair, why it works so well, and a few simple ways to get the look you want—without doing too much.
Can I Turn My Afro Into Curly Hair?
Yes, you can. And honestly, it’s not as hard as it sounds.
Afro hair (common known as type 4 hair) is naturally coiled, which means those curls are already there—you just might not see them clearly yet.
The strands bend and twist in tight patterns, but depending on your routine, they can shrink, tangle, or lose shape.
So it’s not about creating curls from scratch. It’s more about bringing out the ones you already have.
If you're not sure what coils actually are or how they look, you might want to learn more about coils in hair first.
That’ll help make sense of why afro hair curls the way it does.
Once you understand your texture, it becomes a lot easier to shape it.
With the right products and styling methods, you can stretch, define, and hold curls that match your natural pattern—or change it up a little, if that’s more your style.
Universal Methods of Getting Defined Afro Curly Hair
If you want to achieve and maintain afro curly texture with definition, moisture, and minimal breakage, here’s a solid universal method to follow:
1. Keep It Moisturized – Use a Spray Bottle
Dry hair = frizz and breakage. Keep a spray bottle filled with water or a water + leave-in conditioner mix.
Lightly mist your hair before styling or detangling. Curly hair thrives when it’s hydrated.
2. Detangle with Conditioner
Use a slippery conditioner to make detangling easier and prevent snapping.
Work it in from ends to roots, gently finger-detangle or use a wide-tooth comb.
Never detangle dry curls—it’s a one-way ticket to breakage.
3. Apply Styling Products
Once your hair is damp and detangled, apply your styling products. This could be curl cream, gel, mousse, or a leave-in—whatever works for your texture. Section your hair and apply evenly for best definition.
4. Use Heat (Optional but Helpful)
To set your curls and get volume, you can use a blow dryer with a diffuser on low heat.
Flip your head upside down to lift your roots. Don’t overdo it—just enough to dry your curls without frizzing them out.
5. Always Use the Right Tools
Brush or comb your hair only with:
- Wide-tooth combs for gentle detangling
- Tangle Teezer or Denman brush for defining curls while applying product
Never use fine-tooth combs—they disrupt curl clumps and can break hair.
Different Ways to Make Curls on African Hair
Whether your hair’s long, short, natural, or transitioning—there are tons of ways to define curls on afro-textured hair. Here are a few go-to methods:
1. Twist and Curl
Start with damp, detangled hair. Do two-strand twists, then wrap the ends around perm rods or flexi rods. Let it dry completely (air dry or hooded dryer), then unravel for defined curls with a stretched base.
2. Finger Coils
Apply a curl-defining cream or gel on damp hair. Take small sections and coil them tightly around your finger from root to tip. Let them dry, and separate gently for volume.
4. Braid and Curl (with Perm Rods)
Braid your hair into sections, then wrap the ends with perm rods. This method gives you smooth roots and bouncy, curled ends. Works well for medium to long natural hair.
5. Short Afro Hair (TWA)
If you have a teeny weeny afro (TWA), you can still define curls. Use a strong-hold styling gel or curl cream.
Apply to damp hair, and use a sponge brush or finger-coil method for definition.
Want a Long-Lasting and Low-Maintenance Look? Go with QVR Curly Human Crochet Hair
If you’re after a style that stays defined with zero daily fuss, crochet braiding hair is your best bet.
Start by cornrowing your natural hair flat, then install pre-curled crochet hair using a latch hook.
We recommend QVR Curly Human Crochet Braiding Hair for the most natural look and feel. QVR offers a range of textures so you can match your curl vibe perfectly:
- Kinky Curly – tight, springy coils that blend seamlessly with 4B/4C textures
- Afro Curly – soft, voluminous curls with a fluffy finish
- Twist Curly – defined, rope-like curls for a twist-out effect
- Ramen Curls – super-defined, spiral curls with a glossy pop
It’s protective, heat-free, and looks effortlessly good, whether you want short and bouncy or long and bold. Just install and go.
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