pin curls before and after

CANDIED CARROTS

Candied carrots make a playful and elegant garnish for your carrot cake or cupcakes, adding the perfect crispy texture to your dessert! This distinctive topping is sure to impress even the most discerning guests. The process of making candied carrots is as enjoyable as eating them, and their delicate curls create a stunning decoration that elevates your baked goods to a whole new level.

With their mild flavor, candied carrots are a versatile addition, perfect for enhancing almost any cake, cupcake, muffin, or sweet bread.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large carrots (outer skin removed)
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat the oven to 225°F.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
  • Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel 15-20 long strips from the carrots.
  • In a saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil.
  • Add the carrot strips, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the syrup from burning.
  • Drain the carrot strips and let them cool for 5 minutes.
  • Arrange the strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other to prevent sticking.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the carrot strips from the oven.
  • Working quickly, wrap each strip around the handle of a wooden spoon, slide it off, and sprinkle with sugar.
  • Let the carrot curls cool for 30 minutes.
  • Once cooled, layer them between wax paper and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

NOTES
Be sure to act fast after removing the carrot strips from the oven to prevent them from drying out. By removing them one at a time, you’ll have a bit more time to work with each strip before it hardens.
This recipe makes 15-20 candied carrot curls.

HOW TO GET MORE DEFINE CURLS AT THE ROOT

To help encourage tighter, more defined curls at the root, especially for curl girls experiencing flatter or looser curls right at the root, here are 10 tips to boost curl definition and volume:

Clarify to Remove Buildup

Build-up from products, oil, and sweat can weigh down your curls, leaving them flat at the roots. Use a clarifying shampoo regularly to remove this buildup and give your hair a fresh start.

Avoid Applying Conditioner Directly to the Roots

Conditioner can weigh down your curls if applied too close to the roots. Focus conditioner on the ends and let the leftover product work its way up. This will keep your roots from getting too heavy and help maintain volume.

Use Olaplex No. 3 for Stronger Curls

Olaplex No. 3 works by repairing the hair’s cuticle, making your hair stronger and healthier. Regular use helps enhance curl pattern, tightening and adding more bounce to your curls, especially at the root.

Wet Plop After Washing

After washing your hair, try wet plopping (a method where you gently wrap your damp curls in a t-shirt or microfiber towel) to encourage curl retention while your hair is still wet. This helps prevent curls from elongating before styling.

Avoid Heavy Styling Creams at the Root

Stick to light products like gels or mousse at the root. Avoid applying heavy styling creams or leave-in conditioners directly to the scalp. Instead, focus on the mid-shaft and ends to ensure your curls stay light and voluminous.

Use the Denman Brush for Root Definition

Pick up small vertical sections of hair at the root and use the Denman brush to define individual curls. Wrap the brush around each section of hair twice, and gently pull downward. This encourages tighter curls right from the root.

Don’t Brush Your Hair Forward When Styling Upside Down

When styling upside down, avoid brushing all your hair forward. This can stretch out your roots. Instead, keep your head upright and apply styling products as you normally would to preserve root volume.

Lift and Scrunch with Gel or Mousse

After applying your styling product, lift sections of your hair at the root and scrunch with gel or mousse to encourage curls to form and stay bouncy. Doing this close to the scalp adds volume and helps curls form tightly.

Create a Messy, Zig-Zag Part

Instead of creating a straight, defined part, try a zig-zag part to add more volume to your roots. This trick helps prevent flatness and gives your curls more lift.

Diffuse with Focused Root Attention

When diffusing, place the diffuser at your root and lift it upwards. Hold for a few seconds before releasing. This helps create volume at the roots and adds definition. For less frizz, try plopping your hair upside down while hovering the diffuser over your curls.

By following these tips, you can encourage tighter, more defined curls at the root and maintain a full, bouncy curl pattern throughout your hair.

CONCLUSION

Conclusion:

Achieving tighter, more defined curls at the root is completely possible with the right techniques and products. By clarifying regularly, using the right styling products, and focusing on root-specific methods like wet plopping, scrunching, and defining curls with tools like the Denman brush, you can enhance volume and curl shape. Avoiding heavy products at the roots and making small adjustments like creating a messy part or diffusing with focus can all contribute to a fuller, bouncier curl pattern. With consistent care and styling, your curls can stay tight, defined, and voluminous from root to tip!