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CURLY HAIR ROUTINE FOR BEGINNERS 

Curly hair is beautiful and unique, but it can also be challenging to manage. If you’re new to embracing your curls, don’t worry! This beginner’s guide will walk you through a simple yet effective routine to help you achieve defined, bouncy, and frizz-free curls. Let’s embark on this curly hair journey together!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHAMPOO

The “right” shampoo is one that’s gentle and designed to enhance your curls. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming, but starting with a sulfate-free shampoo is a great choice—these are increasingly common as more brands release sulfate-free ranges.

Most products will be clearly labeled as sulfate-free, but if you’re unsure, you can easily check. Just search for the shampoo’s ingredients online, then copy and paste them into CURLSBOT, a tool that instantly tells you if it’s Curly Girl-approved. I keep CURLSBOT saved on my phone—it’s a lifesaver at any stage of the curly journey!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONDITIONER

The “right” conditioner for curly hair means opting for a silicone-free formula. If you’re used to products with silicones, going silicone-free may feel like a big change, but it’s an important step in a curl-friendly routine.

Many commercial conditioners contain silicones, so it’s worth checking labels. Silicone-free conditioners don’t need to be expensive—they simply avoid silicones that can build up on your hair, causing greasiness, weighing curls down, and reducing bounce.

A T-SHIRT FOR DRYING

That’s right—a simple t-shirt is perfect for drying curly hair! Unlike a regular towel, a t-shirt is much softer and won’t roughen the hair cuticle.

You can use it as you would a towel, or you can try “plopping.” To plop, gently lower your hair forward into the t-shirt, then wrap and secure it around your head. Leave it on for 10-40 minutes to absorb moisture while helping curls form into defined clumps.

Alternatively, there’s “micro-plopping,” where you scrunch each curl individually with the t-shirt to remove excess water. Whether plopping or micro-plopping, a t-shirt is gentler than a towel, though a microfiber towel is also a good option for curly hair.

CHOOSING A STYLING PRODUCT – GEL, MOUSSE, OR CREAM

When starting a curly hair routine, it’s common to use a gel, mousse, or cream. Some people even layer all three! For beginners, starting with one product is ideal; you can experiment and build up your routine as you get to know what works for your curls.

It’s a good idea to check product ingredients, avoiding “nasties” like drying alcohols (e.g., Alcohol Denat) and silicones. This extra step helps keep curls healthy and bouncy.

Apply styling products on soaking wet hair to lock in moisture and minimize frizz. Scrunch the product up to the roots, aiming to shape your curls while wet and keep that definition as they dry.

GEL

Gel is great for setting curls in a “cast” as it dries, holding the shape until you’re ready to scrunch out the crunch, leaving soft, defined curls. A favorite gel for many is the Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly.

CREAM

Creams reduce frizz and add moisture, giving a softer look and more volume, though they typically don’t define curls as much as gel.

MOUSSE

A lightweight mousse helps define curls and add volume, especially at the roots. It should be light and non-sticky, so curls feel soft once dry. Each product offers unique benefits—try one and see how your curls respond!

A DIFFUSER

While air-drying is a solid option, many people find that a diffuser becomes an essential tool for styling curls. Air-drying can take a long time, especially since curly hair tends to dry in clumps and retains more moisture with the products you’re using.

Using a diffuser can speed up drying while encouraging curl formation by lifting and holding curl clumps closer to the scalp. For best results, use a low heat setting to reduce potential heat damage.

Avoid using a regular dryer without a diffuser, as it can disrupt curl clumps. If you don’t have a diffuser attachment, it’s actually better to air-dry. And as you transition into a new curl routine, try to minimize the use of heated tools like curling wands—your curls will thank you!

A DEEP CONDITIONER

Deep conditioning is key to keeping curls hydrated and healthy. Aim to deep condition at least every two weeks, or even weekly if your hair needs the extra moisture. A quality deep conditioner helps rehydrate naturally dry curls, while also softening and detangling them.

These treatments often contain nourishing oils and butters. Simply apply after shampooing and let it sit for around 30 minutes before rinsing out.

Another option is a “pre-poo” treatment, where you apply an oil or conditioning treatment like Olaplex to dry hair before shampooing. Leave it on overnight or for a few hours to give your curls a deep boost before you wash.

FINAL TIP

Keep track of your washday routine to fine-tune your curly hair care and see what works best for you. Here’s what to note down:

  • Which cleansing and conditioning products you used, including any deep conditioners
  • Did you plop or micro-plop?
  • Which styling products you applied, and in what order
  • Did you apply them with your hair hanging forward or back?
  • Did you scrunch the products in?
  • Did you diffuse until your hair was 100% dry or just 80%?

Also, take photos of your results! They’ll be invaluable when you’re figuring out what works best for your curls. I still jot down small changes I make to my routine, as even minor adjustments can lead to major differences in results.

I created a tracker for myself to keep track of my washdays, and I’m sharing it here because I’ve found it super helpful!

CONCLUSION

Congratulations, you’ve taken the first step towards embracing your natural curls! Remember, consistency is key. As you continue to experiment with your routine, you’ll discover what works best for your unique hair type.

Don’t be afraid to seek advice from other curly-haired individuals or consult with a hairstylist who specializes in curly hair. By following these basic steps and tailoring them to your specific needs, you’ll be well on your way to achieving healthy, beautiful, and bouncy curls.

30 AWE-INSPIRING ASYMMETRICAL BOBS HAIRCUTS FOR AN EDGIER STYLE

The asymmetrical bob, with its shorter length on one side, adds a contemporary edge to the classic cut. Ideal for those looking to stand out, the length and angle can be customized to suit your face shape or highlight your favorite features. Here are some top asymmetrical bob styles to inspire your next look!

Twist on the Inverted Bob

Embrace this bold cut and color combo for a striking final look. The hair is stacked in the back and sharply angled forward into a chin-length chop, with a sleek, short fringe that contrasts with the edgy waves and sharp angles. Perfect for showcasing natural texture, this style works beautifully on everything from straight and slightly wavy hair to more defined curls. You’ll love the transformation!

Silver Sophisticate

The cool taupe, cloud gray, and pewter shades evoke the mood of a stormy sky, bringing a fresh, modern twist to a timeless style. This youthful yet refined palette enhances the look, particularly complementing blue eyes. Choppy layers provide a tailored finish, reducing weight while adding volume for maximum versatility.

Bob with Swing Bang

This flicked, eye-grazing fringe adds beautiful movement to the cut, while girly touches like champagne highlights, a glossy shine, and soft, blurred edges enhance its charm. The bangs and dimensional color bring a playful, flirty vibe, and the choppy ends break up the strong geometric lines. Tucking one side behind the ear creates a subtle contrast to the overall fullness for a more dynamic look.

Wavy Side Swept Bob

Loose waves swept dramatically to one side give this bob a modern edge, with blonde highlights accentuating the uneven choppy texture. If you have similar features to the girl in the photo, such as low contrast between your skin tone and eyes, the exposed roots will keep the look from appearing washed out, adding depth and dimension to the style.

Asymmetrical Femme Fatale

Want to channel the vibe of a fierce female lead or a comic book heroine? Opt for an asymmetric bob with sharp tips, a sleek finish, and a deep ebony hue. Straightening the hair with an iron creates a polished look, while a side part softens the style’s intensity. The final result is both seductive and bold, sure to boost your confidence.

Cotton Candy Bob with Shaved Side

Thick, healthy hair serves as the perfect foundation for an asymmetrical bob. This bold look takes shocking pink to the extreme, making a statement. The dramatic, forward-swept side bangs paired with a buzzed side that reveals the model’s natural hair color create a striking and edgy contrast, adding to the overall impact of the style.

Shoulder Length Ombre Bob

Hand-painted caramel highlights on dark hair soften the sharp lines of this extra-long asymmetrical bob. The length gradually increases toward the front, creating a dynamic, swingy effect. This style is ideal for those who love the asymmetrical trend but prefer to keep more length for a sleek, modern look without going too short.

Classic Straight Black Bob

This bob combines two popular lengths—chin-length on one side and collarbone-length on the other—for a stylish asymmetrical twist. Its classic straight lines and softly turned-in edges pay homage to the original bob of the 1920s, elegantly framing the face for a timeless yet modern look.

Fiery Red Angled Bob

This layered, angled cut adds a fun and funky vibe to the girl’s unique coloring. The expertly angled foxy red bob highlights the contrast between darker roots and brighter ends, creating depth and dimension. The result is a bold, playful look with easy movement that captures attention effortlessly.

Stacked Haircut for Thick Hair

Transitioning from long to short hair is a significant commitment, but it can be incredibly rewarding, especially if long locks are weighing down your features. Face-framing layers enhance smaller face shapes, providing structure and revitalizing a previously uninspired style for a fresh, flattering look.

Asymmetrical Golden Girl

What could be more lovely than this long bob featuring warm blonde tones, loose curls, and bright tendrils? To add volume at the roots, flip your hair to the opposite side of your usual part. For a relaxed, tousled look, flip your head upside down and spritz in a workable spray to create that effortless disheveled effect.

Rooty Blonde Peekaboo

For those with an eclectic sense of style, an uneven bob is a fantastic choice. Its unique proportions add an artistic flair, making it ideal for anyone seeking a perfectly imperfect look. The flicked tips and dramatic light-to-dark fade serve as bespoke details that enhance this striking hairstyle.

Sleek and Shiny Asymmetrical Bob

Showcase your shimmering strands with a stunning angled cut that flatters a variety of face shapes. The back is slightly shorter, drawing attention forward and subtly elongating the face. This style is an excellent choice for the workplace, striking a balance between chic and fashion-forward without being too flashy.

Sharp Choppy Bob

This short bob embodies the ultimate low-maintenance chic style with its effortlessly mussed-up bedhead appearance. It’s perfect for those with wavy or fine straight hair, requiring minimal daily styling for easy upkeep. Falling asleep with wet hair and rolling out of bed has never looked this good!

Wavy Side Parted Bob

The gorgeous caramel highlights in this style beautifully enhance the loose, natural waves. You can achieve the look of this long asymmetrical bob by applying a bit of mousse and scrunching your hair or creating very loose waves with a large-barrel curling iron for added texture.

Layered A-Line Cut

This slightly edgy cut is a favorite, especially when paired with rich, dark brown hair. The surface layers help manage thick strands by removing bulk, while the deep side part beautifully complements the uneven lengths. If you have straight hair, this style is a perfect match for you!

Classic Chin-Length Bevel

In this image, the hair on the longer side gracefully falls below the jawline, grazing the collarbone and naturally flipping inward. For those who prefer an understated aesthetic, this variation offers a cute, timeless look with flattering unevenness. A panel of lighter color through the front piece draws attention to the elongated side and beautifully frames the face.

Layered Bob

Here’s another great example of how to revitalize thin, lifeless strands with artful layers. This stacked cut adds volume without the need for curls, incorporating short, spunky layers throughout the crown. It’s an excellent everyday style that maintains its shape with minimal maintenance, making it a perfect choice for a woman always on the go.

Pop of Color

Nothing captures attention quite like strong contours and bold colors. This vibrant fade accentuates the movement of the cut with rich shades of green. A one-length shape with asymmetry in the front serves as an ideal foundation for intricate tonal designs, while the tightly cropped nape reduces weight and enhances the hair’s swing.

Fake Asymmetry

If you’re looking for an asymmetrical bob without a permanent commitment, you can achieve this look on an angled bob with a simple side sweep and tuck. By wearing one side forward and tucking the other behind your ear, you’ll create a sultry and temporary asymmetric style that’s effortlessly chic.

Perfectly Sleek Asymmetrical Bob

If you have beautifully straight hair and are open to experimenting with length, consider trying this strikingly asymmetrical bob. While it has a bold and daring appearance, you can easily transform it into a cute style by tucking the shorter side behind your ear and adding a charming accessory, like a flower. This creates a softer, more playful look!

Wine-Red Waves

Asymmetrical bob haircuts offer incredible versatility. You can wear your hair naturally straight or use a flat iron for a sleek, glossy finish. Alternatively, embrace elegant loose curls or relaxed beach waves, like these, to add a touch of effortless charm to your look.

Cute Asymmetrical Bob

Asymmetrical bobs are excellent for balancing square face shapes, thanks to the visibly longer section that softens the angles. A deep side part significantly enhances this effect. Plus, if you have straight hair, styling an asymmetrical bob is a breeze—just use a hairdryer and a round brush to achieve a polished look effortlessly!

Wavy Bob with Dark Roots

Women with thin hair should incorporate layers into their asymmetrical style to add fullness. This look also features highlights that blend beautifully with darker roots for added dimension, while spiral curls enhance the overall volume, creating a stunning and lively appearance.

Asymmetrical Bob with a Fun Twist

This short asymmetrical bob truly stands out thanks to its trendy color block. If you find ombre and highlights to be passé and are seeking something completely fresh, consider this striking idea. A shine spray and a quick pass with a flat iron will elevate this asymmetrical bob, giving it an exceptionally glamorous and chic finish.

Yellow and Purple Bob

If you’re open to bold colors, why not combine a few for a truly eye-catching look? Contrasting yellow and purple create a stunning effect on this edgy asymmetrical bob. However, remember that vibrant hues require proper maintenance, so be sure to consult your colorist about the best shampoo to keep your locks bright for as long as possible. And don’t forget to check out a flat iron tutorial for styling tips!

Stacked Bob for Fine Hair

If you’re seeking an asymmetrical cut that flatters fine hair texture, consider this layered asymmetrical bob. The multiple layers effectively add volume and movement to fine strands. As a bonus tip: strategically placed highlights can further enhance the volume and depth of your hair, creating a lively and dynamic look.

Wavy Asymmetrical Bob

Asymmetrical bob haircuts can strike a perfect balance between edgy and cute, and this particular style leans towards the latter. Soft waves, a lack of sharp angles, a natural parting, and a beautifully blended ombre come together to create a charming, feminine look.

Simple Asymmetrical Cut

If you’re just starting to explore asymmetrical bob hairstyles, this style is a perfect entry point. It features a subtle difference in lengths and utilizes a deep side parting to balance the longer and shorter sections. This is an excellent way to upgrade your classic bob without making a drastic change to your overall look.

Sleek Style for Black Hair

This trendy haircut maintains the essence of a classic bob while adding a bold statement. The deep side part creates extra volume in the longer section, enhancing the overall shape. The shorter strands blend seamlessly into a striking asymmetry, especially when tucked behind the ear, giving it a chic and modern flair.

CONCLUSION

The asymmetrical bob is more than just a haircut; it’s a statement of individuality and style. With its daring design and endless possibilities, this versatile cut can complement a variety of face shapes and personalities. So, why wait? Embrace the asymmetrical bob and unleash your inner style icon.