Q&A for How to Tighten Curls

I suggest applying a curl cream. When curl cream dries, it shrinks and helps tighten your curls.

This may be because you need a trim. When hair gets damaged, it loses elasticity, which weighs curls down.

How is your hair damaged? Do you have straight strands due to heat damage? If so, you can cut the straight pieces off for a fresh start. Do you have any chemicals on your hair? If so, you may need to get rid of them before being able to return to, or get close to your natural curls.

If you are mixed or black you can just wash your hair and leave it like that overnight and it will poof, but if you're not you should have it professionally made into an afro.

Yes. I am mixed and I had really damaged hair from putting it up so much. My stylist said to leave it down. I used the Shea Moisture Jamaican black castor oil leave-in conditioner and my hair looks great. The Chi products are also very good.

It may be that you are using products that are weighing down your hair. You may want to do a sulfate shampoo wash to remove all the build up you have. You can continue to use the products you have with the occasional sulfate rinse, or you can switch to silicone-free products. Another good tip is to squish your hair from the roots to the top of your head when you condition.

If you're looking for gel, I use the LA Looks Extreme Sport for styling (such as edges); it has a 10+ hold and can weigh your hair down. I use my Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean gel, which is a medium hold; not too heavy, but it still holds it in place. As for creams, I use the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie - this stuff is the best, as it holds and defines your curls and smells amazing! It can also be used as a leave-in conditioner or a deep conditioner. I also use the ORS olive oil cream, which can be used for the same things. Lastly, I use the Hawaiian Silky Miracle Worker, which is lightweight and can do 14 jobs in one!

You can use Black Jamaican Castor Oil and massage it into your scalp to help hair growth. You can also put hair masks on your hair and stop heat damage. A trim every 4-6 weeks will also help.

I've personally ditched shampoos. After you stop using shampoo there is a reaction phase, but after this, my curls became much tighter and more weighted. Just use hot water in the shower.

Try to finger coil and scrunch that section of hair more than the front, which is only a little extra effort. You can also try pin curls, or something like bantu knots if you want guaranteed curls, but it's more effort and time to do that.