Don’t be afraid of the CRUNCH
You’ve washed, conditioned, and hydrated your curls — now comes the part that can make or break your style: styling products.
Here’s the thing most people don’t realize: it’s not just what you use, but how and when you use it.
If you’ve ever felt your curls go “crunchy” after styling and thought, oh no, I did something wrong, I’m here to tell you — that crunch is actually a good thing!
I often see clients apply too little product (hello frizz!) or too much (hello crunchy, weighed-down curls). And then there’s the biggest myth of all…
Myth: Gel makes your curls hard and crunchy.
Truth: When you apply your styling products to wet hair (and enough of them!), they create a protective cast around each curl. This locks in all the water and hydration you added in the shower, helping your curls stay defined and frizz-free for days.
The best part? That crunch is temporary. Once your curls are completely dry, all you need to do is gently scrunch out the crunch. And then… hello soft, bouncy, beautiful curls that last!
The keys to long-lasting curls:
🌸 Apply on soaking-wet hair. Water is your best styling tool. Always start styling while your hair is still dripping wet.
🌸 Use enough product — and coat every strand. Don’t be shy! If your hair feels slimy before it dries, you’ve done it right.
🌸 Scrunch, then leave it alone. Once your curls are styled, resist the urge to touch them until completely dry. This helps the cast form and prevents frizz.
🌸 Break the cast when dry. Once your hair is fully dry, gently scrunch to reveal soft, defined curls.
The right styling routine can take your curls from frizzy and flat to defined and gorgeous for days. And remember — styling products aren’t about control, they’re about protection. They keep the hydration you worked so hard to add from escaping!
my go-to product combo for lasting curl definition - For longer-lasting curls, I always start with a mousse. Mousse adds extra hydration by re-wetting your hair, which helps lock in moisture before you layer on your gel. This extra water means better clumping, more bounce, and curls that hold their shape for days
Natulique Mousse on wet hair - how much water you leave in, will depend on your hair & your environment, The Natulique mousse contains humectant ingredients, which help draw in moisture. If your hair struggles to absorb water, try lightly misting your curls with water after applying the mousse — this helps the humectants do their job and lock in even more hydration. Brush this product through the hair.
Natulique Styling Gel is a rich, concentrated formula — so a little goes a long way. Use a small amount (about a 5cm piece) at a time and scrunch it into your hair, starting from the ends and gently working upward with your curls cupped in your hands. This technique helps set the shape and encourages bounce. Because Natulique Gel is an anti-humectant, it locks in all that precious water, giving your curls longer-lasting definition and frizz protection.
Want an extra boost? Try this game-changing step:
To finish your routine, spray on a chemical-free hair spray while your curls are still wet. Why?
✔ It cuts drying time (yes, really!)
✔ It gives your curls longevity so they last for days
✔ It helps reduce frizz without making your hair feel stiff
And here’s the truth: don’t be afraid of hairspray when you use the right one. If it’s applied on wet hair and made with nourishing ingredients, once you scrunch out the crunch, your hair won’t feel like it has hairspray in it at all. My 2 favorites are - Natulique & Eco Style Project