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Hair-care guide

Finger Coiling: Define Curls One Section at a Time

TheWashDay editorial · Updated · How we compare

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Finger coiling means wrapping small sections of wet, styled hair around a finger so each one sets as a defined curl or coil. On tight curls and coils it gives every section its own defined coil, so the result depends on small sections, enough styler and leaving them alone until dry; on looser curls it is a quick fix for the few curls that won’t clump. It takes time on a whole head, so many people coil only the front or the top.

The steps

  1. Take a small section
  2. Wrap it round a finger
  3. Slide out, leave to dry
Diagram. Take a section about the width of one curl, wrap it around your finger from root to end, slide the finger out and leave it to dry. The numbered steps below say the same in full.
  1. Start with wet hair and your leave-in and gel already in, applied as their labels say.
  2. Take a small section, about the width of one curl.
  3. Wrap it around your finger from root to end, then slide the finger out.
  4. Repeat around the head or only where curls don’t form.
  5. Let it dry untouched, then scrunch out the gel cast.

Getting it to hold

Keep the hair wet as you go with a spray bottle; coils formed on half-dry hair frizz. A firmer gel holds the shape longer.

Gels and foams, compared How to do a wash-and-go

Updated · The sources for this guide are on our Sources page. Report a changed detail.

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