If you're wondering about the Benefits of Using Curl Activators on Natural Hair, check out my article below for more info on natural hair.
There are times when our curls stand limp and flat and look absolutely horrible, right? Well, a lot of people are envious of those with luscious curls, but little do they know how hard it is to actually look after them.
If you are one of those people who are looking for a way to bring back life into your curls and give your curls the definition it deserves, then a curl activator should be a product you should invest in!
Curl activators can help give your hair more volume and restore your hair’s natural bounce without making your hair stand flat or limp.
In this article I’m going to let you in on all the details you need to know about curl activators, what they are, how they will benefit your hair, how to use them and much more!
What is a Curl Activator?
A curl activator is a type of product that is used on hair that is wet or dry to help enhance hair hydration and increase the moisture levels in the hair, in order to make one’s curls become more voluminous and defined.
They contain ingredients like humectants that can draw in moisture into the hair strands. Thus, when these products are used on the hair, they can improve one’s natural curl pattern.
Moisture is something that curly or wavy hair craves for the most, in order for them to remain healthy and thus, feeding curls with moisture can do the trick!
But here’s something important that you need to know – while humectants are good for the hair, they can sometimes draw in excessive moisture (even more than required) and then it can make the hair super frizzy (causing a reverse effect on the hair). This could result in your curls losing their shape.
So, you need to be able to strike that right balance in your hair to achieve proper curl definition. Hence, after using a curl activator, you will require to use a product over it (especially if you live in dry or humid places).
Benefits of Using Curl Activators on Natural Hair
1. Can help add definition to one’s curls
Using a curl activator can help give your curls more volume, thus adding more definition to them. This will make them look better, fuller and of course, way more healthier than it currently is.
2. Acts as a hair moisturizer
Since curl activators contain ingredients that are humectants like natural hair oils or hair butters, they can help feed the curls with moisture and keeps the hair hydrated.
3. Makes the hair look voluminous and bouncy
If you make it a habit to use a curl activator on wet hair, it can make your hair look very bouncy, thus regaining the hair’s natural bounce.
4. Holds curls for a longer time
Using a curl activator can help the natural curls remain in their shape for a longer period of time without falling flat or limp.
5. Helps detangle and separate curl clumps
There are times when our curls begin to clump up and lack definition. Using a good curl activator can help separate each hair strand and make the curls look better, with an enhanced definition.
6. Gets rid of flatness and limpness of curls
Sometimes when we over-moisturize our hair, or use different types of hair products, our hair may begin to stand limp and flat. At this point, our curls too begin to look limp and weighed down, losing their natural bounce. Thus, using a good curl activator can help add life back into lifeless looking curls.
Do Natural 4C Hair Need Curl Activators?
Natural 4C hair is already super curly, in fact, one of the curliest hair types out there and therefore you might be wondering whether 4C curls actually require to use curl activators.
Well, the answer is a yes! Even though 4C hair is naturally curly, there are times when product buildup or lack of moisture can destroy the natural curls and make them stand dull and lifeless.
Therefore, using a good curl activator can help restore lifeless curls, no matter which type.
How to Use a Curl Activator on Natural Hair?
Applying a curl activator is not a very hard task, but it does take a little time and effort to get the job done right. Here are four simple steps you could use to help you apply your curl activator the right way.
Step 1: The hair wash
Applying a curl activator to unwashed hair can just increase the product buildup in your hair and that will lead to making your curls look even duller and limp. Thus, it is important to use a curl activator only on clean hair.
Make sure to wash your hair well with your regular cleansing shampoo and thereafter, use a good conditioner to condition your hair.
After your hair has been washed, make sure to use a good quality microfiber towel to get rid of the excess water from your hair, while ensuring that your hair is still sufficiently damp.
Using a microfiber towel is always recommended so as to protect your curls once your hair is washed.
Step 2: Detangling of the hair
Then, while your hair is still damp, use a wide-toothed comb to comb your hair. Always remember that a curl activator product must be used on hair that has absolutely no knots. Tangles can ruin the natural pattern of your curls.
Do not put too much pressure while detangling your hair because wet hair roots are at their weakest and can cause hair breakage. Ensure gentleness during this process.
Step 3: Make sections of your hair
In order to be able to apply the curl activator easily and also, evenly, you must make sections of your hair. This means that you can section your hair into six to eight parts and pin up each section with a clip.
Step 4: Application of the curl activator
Next, release one section at a time so it is easy to work with. Then, take a sufficient amount of curl activator product in your fingers and right from the root up until the tip; evenly apply the product, without missing out on any portion.
Once you’re done with one section, release another section and repeat this process until all your hair has received the product.
Step 5: Plopping your curls
Lastly, plop your curls soon after the curl activator has been applied so they will form well with better definition.
You can use an old t-shirt or microfiber towel to plop your curls. This means you should self-contain your curls for at least 20 minutes so that they can set well and have a better hold for longer periods of time.
Tip: Once you’ve finished plopping your curls and your hair has dried up completely and if you still feel like your curls aren’t well defined yet, you can simply reapply a little more curl activator on your dry hair if required.
Best Curl Activators for Naturally Curly Hair
Being a curly-haired girl, I have tried out several different brands of curl activators over time and here are the four that I liked the best.
1. Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
I paid $11.99 for the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. It is scented with coconut and hibiscus and smells nice.
I really like that it was silicone free, as well as sulfate, paraben and phthalate free as well.
After using this product, my curls looked better defined and it had a long lasting hold too!
2. Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
I bought this product at just $6.48 and felt that it was really worth the price because it did a great job in defining my curls.
This curl activator cream has a slightly nutty scent, with a tinge of coconut and it smells heavenly! It doesn’t contain any sulfates, parabens or phthalates. Overall, a superior quality product for curly hair.
3. Luster’s S-Curl Activator Moisturizer
I bought the Luster’s S-Curl Activator Moisturizer for $6.95 and it came in the form of a spray bottle, so it was quite easy to use on my hair.
This product is also free from parabens and mineral oils and it worked well on my curls. I also noticed that it gave my curls a nice shine, which my hair lacked earlier.
4. Crème of Nature Curl Activator
This is yet another good curl activator product. I paid $5.98 for it. It has a mild scent of honey, which makes the hair smell very fresh.
It is sulfate free and also doesn’t contain silicones and mineral oils either. It really worked very well to enhance the definition of my curls.
Can I Use a Curl Activator for Permed Hair?
Using a curl activator on permed hair is possible. But it is essential to remember that if you have just got your perm done, then you will have to wait for about a week or two before you can use a curl activator.
Also, since your hair is permed, after you’ve showered and your hair is still wet, that’s when you can apply the curl activator product and simply scrunch your hair with your finger in the palm of your hair.
That’s the best way you can set your curls and I’d recommend that you do not try out anything further because that could mess up your perm.
The Final Takeaway
For those of you curly-haired people out there, who are struggling to keep your curls alive, I hope this article has caught your attention and you’re convinced enough to try out a good curl activator.
Well, since a curl activator is a product that adds moisture to the hair and can help make your curls look more defined and voluminous, it is definitely one you must try if your curls have been looking dull and lifeless.
So you guys, go ahead and control your chaotic curls today!