To use a curl defining brush, start with soaking wet hair that already has leave-in conditioner and styler in it, take a small section, and pull the brush through from roots to ends while keeping tension on the hair. As the brush leaves the ends, the section springs into a single clump. Repeat section by section, scrunch gently, and let the curls dry without touching them. The brush groups strands that would otherwise dry separately, which is what gives defined curls instead of frizz.
What is brush styling?
Brush styling means shaping each curl with a brush while the hair is wet and coated with product. The rows of bristles gather neighboring strands and smooth them together into a ribbon. When that ribbon is released, it coils as one. It is slower than raking product through with your fingers, and it gives more uniform, more defined curls.
What do you need?
- A curl defining brush
- Leave-in conditioner
- A styler with hold: curl cream, gel or mousse
- A spray bottle of water
- Sectioning clips
- A microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt
How to brush style, step by step
- Wash and condition. Detangle in the shower with conditioner in.
- Keep the hair soaking wet. Do not towel-dry yet. Water is what lets curls clump.
- Apply leave-in, then styler, smoothing them over the hair with flat palms.
- Section. Clip the hair into four or more parts. Smaller sections give more definition.
- Take a piece two to five centimeters wide from the bottom layer. Re-wet it with the spray bottle if it has started to dry.
- Brush from roots to ends. Hold the section away from your head and pull the brush through with steady tension.
- Choose your direction. Brush up and away from the scalp for volume, or downward for elongated curls.
- Release. Let the ends slip off the brush. For a tighter spiral, turn the brush a half-turn as you reach the ends.
- Leave the clump alone and move to the next piece.
- Scrunch upward gently once the whole head is done, to encourage the curl.
- Blot with a microfiber towel, then air dry or diffuse on low heat without touching.
- Break the cast when completely dry, by scrunching, if gel has left the curls stiff.
How do tension and section size change the result?
| Adjustment | Result |
|---|---|
| Smaller sections | More, tighter, more defined curls |
| Larger sections | Fewer, chunkier curls and a quicker routine |
| More tension | Smoother, more elongated curls |
| Less tension | Looser, more natural clumps |
| Brushing up and out | More root volume |
| Twisting at the ends | A more defined spiral |
What does a hollow or vented brush add?
Curl brushes often have open, hollowed-out bodies. The gaps let water and product pass through instead of building up in the brush, and they make the brush lighter in the hand over the many small strokes this method takes.
The Uexim hollow curl-defining detangling brush has a hollow-out design and is described as detangling wet and curly hair and helping to shape and define curls, on wet or dry hair. It is made of plastic, measures 24 x 7 cm, and comes in pink, green, purple or beige.
Tips by curl type
- Waves: use lighter products and larger sections, and scrunch well afterward. Too much tension can pull waves straight.
- Curls: medium sections and moderate tension. Twist the ends for bounce.
- Coils: small sections, plenty of water and product, and firm tension for definition.
Common problems and fixes
- Stringy curls. Sections were too small or the hair had too little water. Take bigger pieces and re-wet.
- Frizz at the roots. Product did not reach the roots, or the brush started too far down. Begin each stroke at the scalp.
- Curls fall flat. Brush upward and away from the head, and clip the roots while drying.
- Clumps break apart. They were touched before they dried. Hands off until fully dry.
- The brush drags. The hair needs more water or more conditioner for slip.
Looking after the brush
Rinse product out of the brush after each use, pull out trapped hair and let it air dry. A weekly wash with a little shampoo stops styling product building up on the bristles.
Frequently asked questions
Do I use a curl defining brush on wet or dry hair?
Wet, with product in, for defining curls. Brushing curls dry breaks them up.
Is brush styling better than finger coiling?
It is faster and gives a more uniform result. Finger coiling gives the most control over individual curls.
Will it work on wavy hair?
Yes, with a light touch and larger sections.
How long does brush styling take?
Roughly 10 to 25 minutes, depending on how thick your hair is and how small you make the sections.
The bottom line
Soaking wet hair, product in, small sections, steady tension from roots to ends, and no touching while it dries. The brush builds the clumps and the drying sets them.
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