How to Do Finger Coils

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According to hair augmentation specialist Nikia Londy, "Coiling your hair with your fingers is a simple and safe way to get gorgeous curls that will last for days." To do this, make sure you have a curl-enhancing cream to spread throughout your hair and a couple of hours to spend on the hairstyle. By wrapping each strand of hair around your fingers, you'll create voluminous curls that last several days.

How to Do Finger Curls

  • Moisturize your hair with a leave-in conditioner and then part your hair into 4 roughly equal sections.
  • Rub a curl enhancing cream into a 1 in. (2.5 cm) square section of hair and twist it around your finger tightly, starting close to the roots.
  • Twist the same section over and over until the hair is springy enough to coil when you pull and let go of it.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Moisturizing and Detangling Your Hair

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  1. Hair augmentation specialist Nikia Londy suggests "preparing your hair by applying sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner in the shower." If you've dried your hair, fill a spray bottle with water and use it to wet your entire head of hair. While your hair should be damp, make sure it’s not dripping wet. [1] In that case, Londy advises "patting your hair dry."
    • It’s okay if you didn’t wash and condition your hair immediately before coiling it—you can dampen your hair if it's dry.
  2. Choose your favorite leave-in conditioner and follow the instructions on the bottle to apply it to your hair in an even layer. This will help lock in moisture and make it much easier to detangle your hair using a brush. [2]
    • Leave-in conditioners come in mist and cream forms.
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  3. Once your hair is damp, use the comb to gently brush out any tangles. Start combing the tips of the hair first, working your way upwards with the comb to make the process easier. [3]
    • It is especially important to use a wide-tooth comb if you have curly or afro-textured hair. This will help to prevent damage and breakage.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Sectioning Your Hair

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  1. According to hair augmentation specialist Nikia Londy, "The number of hair sections depends on how thick you want your finger coils to be." Use the end of a rattail comb to create a line at the back of your head. This line should go down the middle of your head vertically to create the 2 sections. Hold each section in place using a hair tie or clip.
  2. Once you have 2 main sections of hair, split each of these sections in half horizontally so that you’re left with 4 sections of hair. Use clips or hair ties to hold each section separately. [4]
    • It’s okay if the sections aren’t equal—they’re only used to separate your hair into more manageable sections.
  3. [5] While it doesn’t matter which section you choose to start with, it’s easiest to work from the back of your hair to the front. Undo the first section of hair and squeeze a quarter-sized amount of the gel onto your fingers before rubbing it into the entire section of hair thoroughly. [6] Hair augmentation specialist Nikia Londy stresses that you should "make sure every part of your hair is evenly covered in curl-enhancing cream from top to bottom." [7]
    • Use a comb to brush the gel through the section of hair evenly if desired.
    • Make sure you apply the gel to the ends of your hair to prevent frizz.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Creating Coils

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  1. [8] Opt for a smaller or larger piece of hair depending on how small or large you want your coils to be and depending on the length of your hair. If you have short hair, then your coils will need to be small, but if you have long hair, then you can do small, medium, or large coils. This strand will turn into your first curl. [9]
    • For example, for super small coils you might pull out 0.5 in (1.3 cm) sections of hair.
    • If the strand needs more curl enhancing gel, apply another small drop to your fingers and spread it throughout the strand of hair.
    • Use a rattail comb for even, precise sections, or use your fingers if you don’t mind sections that are not as precise.
  2. [10] Wrap the first section of hair around your finger, starting super close to your roots as you create the spiral. This will ensure you get the fullest coils possible. [11]
    • Twist the coils as tightly or loosely as you'd like.
  3. Gently pull the strand down as you're twisting the hair around your finger. Continue twisting the strand until you reach the very bottom, and repeat the process starting at the roots until your strand coils nicely when you release it. [12]
    • It doesn't matter which direction you coil the hair, but if you do plan on separating the coils once they're dry, it's best to coil them all in the same direction.
  4. [13] Continue pulling out small sections of hair with your fingers or a rattail comb and twisting them around your fingers to create a tight coil. Once you finish one entire section of hair, continue with another until you’ve coiled your entire head of hair. [14]
    • This process may take 1-2 hours, or even longer if you have thick or long hair, so be patient and take a small break if needed.
    • Dampen your hair again if it starts to dry out.
    • Apply additional curl enhancing gel to the sections of hair if necessary. [15]
  5. [16] This may take an entire day if you plan to let your hair air dry, so avoid separating or styling the coils until they’re completely dry. Spray a curl-refreshing spray on your coils to ensure they don’t frizz. [17]
    • You can separate each coil with the end of a comb the next day to add volume, though this may cause tangles.
    • If desired, you can sit under a hooded dryer to make your hair dry faster.
  6. Do this before you go to bed to prevent your coils from getting flattened. Use a silk or satin scarf to cover your coils. When you wake up, use a refreshing spray to bring your coils back to life if necessary.
    • If you don't want to tie your hair up in a scarf, use a satin or silk pillowcase instead of a cotton pillowcase to help prevent damage to your coils.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Are finger coils bad for your hair?
    Nikia Londy
    Hair Augmentation Specialist
    Nikia Londy is a Hair Augmentation Specialist and the Founder and CEO of Intriguing Hair, a one-stop solution for women from all ethnicities wanting to purchase high-quality human hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs. With over 16 years of experience, she specializes in artificial hair integrations, hair extensions, hair loss, hairpieces and wigs, and non-surgical hair replacement. Nikia holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from Charter Oak State College and received her Cosmetology Certification from Blaine Beauty School. She is also a member of the American Hair Loss Council.
    Nikia Londy
    Hair Augmentation Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Not at all! Finger coils are a simple, safe way to get gorgeous curls that will last for days.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 38
  • Question
    How do you get perfect finger coils?
    Nikia Londy
    Hair Augmentation Specialist
    Nikia Londy is a Hair Augmentation Specialist and the Founder and CEO of Intriguing Hair, a one-stop solution for women from all ethnicities wanting to purchase high-quality human hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs. With over 16 years of experience, she specializes in artificial hair integrations, hair extensions, hair loss, hairpieces and wigs, and non-surgical hair replacement. Nikia holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from Charter Oak State College and received her Cosmetology Certification from Blaine Beauty School. She is also a member of the American Hair Loss Council.
    Nikia Londy
    Hair Augmentation Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Apply a curl-enhancing cream or lotion to part of your hair, making sure every part is evenly covered from top to bottom. After coiling your hair, apply more curl-enhancing cream for extra definition.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 31
  • Question
    Can it still work with wavy or transitioning hair?
    Community Answer
    This style will work fine with wavy hair. The curls may not be as tight, but it'll still work. As for transitioning hair, your new growth will curl, but your straight ends won't. The style will not look pleasing at all; it will look messy.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • Be patient, as coiling your hair may take a while. If you get tired, take a break and continue when you're ready.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Shampoo
      • Conditioner
      • Leave-in conditioner
      • Wide-tooth comb
      • Spray bottle
      • Hair ties or clips
      • Curl enhancing cream or gel
      • Brush
      • Silk or satin scarf
      • Refreshing spray
      • Silk or satin pillowcase (optional)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-dirty-truth-about-washing-your-hair
      2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/leave-in-conditioner-tips
      3. ↑ https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/sites/default/files/2022-04/Hair-Care.pdf
      4. ↑ https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/beauty/Lesson_9_Styling_prac.pdf
      5. ↑ Nikia Londy. Hair Augmentation Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.
      6. ↑ https://pedsderm.net/site/assets/files/1028/spd_edi_curly-coily-hair_bw_pub.pdf
      7. ↑ Nikia Londy. Hair Augmentation Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.
      8. ↑ Nikia Londy. Hair Augmentation Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.
      9. ↑ https://www.jdinstitute.edu.in/sectioning-the-hair-3-methods/
      1. ↑ Nikia Londy. Hair Augmentation Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.
      2. ↑ https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1723243835/bcvttecpaus/gtc0e0zqndtfcpbj9vch/Cos-Chapter17Hairstyling.pdf
      3. ↑ https://pedsderm.net/site/assets/files/1028/spd_edi_curly-coily-hair_color_web.pdf
      4. ↑ Nikia Londy. Hair Augmentation Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.
      5. ↑ https://pedsderm.net/site/assets/files/1028/spd_edi_curly-coily-hair_color_web.pdf
      6. ↑ Nikia Londy. Hair Augmentation Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.
      7. ↑ Nikia Londy. Hair Augmentation Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/health/hair-dryers/smarter-which-is-better-for-your-hair-blow-drying-or-air-dry-a1119618703/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To do finger coils, all you need is some curl-enhancing cream or gel. First, wash your hair so it's clean and damp. Then, part your hair down the middle, and split each of those sections in half to give you 4 even sections. Secure them with hair ties or clips. Then, apply your curl enhancing cream or gel to the first section to help hold your curls. After you’ve applied your cream, take an inch of hair at the roots and wrap it tightly around your finger. Release the hair and repeat the process until the coil holds when you let it go. Do this with all of your hair, about an inch at a time, until your hair is all coiled. For more tips, including how to protect your finger-coiled hair while you sleep or do your makeup, read on!

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