You look amazing in the mirror once you finish getting ready in the morning, but your hair has fallen flat and doesn’t come close to resembling the masterpiece you started with by the time you finish your day.

Or you’re on the other end of the spectrum and you cajole your hair into cooperating by smoothing your frizz and shaping soft and romantic ringlets only to have it explode into a fuzzy mess once you hit the humid air outside.

Keeping a cute curled look all day long can seem impossible, no matter what your hair type. The environment and your hair itself feel like they’re fighting against you. But you can win this epic battle and we’ve got the tips to help you do it.

Tips for Lasting Curls

The great thing about these tips is that we’ve designed them to help in a number of situations. We know that some days you’re schedule is tight and in other instances you have lots of time to play and create a dramatic date-night look.

We also understand that each person has different hair concerns, so you can mix and match tips to create a curl technique that’s perfect for your hair.

Shower timing. Curls actually tend to stay better the second or third day after a wash. Hair allowed to accumulate a little of its own natural oils (sebum) has added texture and holds curls fantastically. If you can, plan your shower and wash accordingly. Then, use a shampoo and skip the conditioner.

Dry shampoo. Invest in a good dry shampoo and skip the shower ritual before attempting curls. Dry shampoos add texture and volume, which means they’re great for creating curl-ready hair.

Mousse. If you’ve showered, then mousse is your wet head’s best friend for curls. Mousse typically has alcohol in it, which is great for holding curls and creating texture. It’s not great for the moisture level of your hair so extra conditioning or a hair mask the following day is a good idea.

Blow dryer. Invest in a quality hairdryer that plays up your hair’s assets. If frizz is your problem, you want an ionic dryer. If you’re battling dry hair, try ceramic, porcelain or infrared technology.

Heat protectant hair spray. Find a quality hairspray that has a heat protectant. Then lightly spritz your hair section before curling. This does double duty, holding the curl in place and protecting your hair from damage. Just don’t use too much or hold it too close when you spray, that can make your hair crunchy.

Curling iron/wand. The decision between curling iron and curling wand doesn’t have to be as difficult as some experts make it sound. In fact, we suggest both.

To get a natural looking curl, you’re going to have to have some tighter curls, some looser ones, some bigger ones and some tiny pieces of curl. This is best achieved by using multiple curling tools.

Practice makes perfect here. If you have a day to play with, try curling one half of your head with a curling iron, the other with a wand and make note of how the curls look and how they last. Then use that knowledge to create amazing style.

Invest in rollers. If you have the time to let your hair sit in rollers, you’ll get a longer-lasting curl. Velcro rollers, hot rollers, flexi rods—there are a wide variety of hair rollers and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Do a little research to see which ones will support your hair type best.

Finger style. Brushing your hair after curling it destroys the look and creates a different style. Skip the brush and comb and opt for your fingers instead. A little shaking and finger combing and you can loosen the curls just enough to give them the look you want.

Finishing spray. Find a lightweight hair spray to protect your curls all day long. Try to avoid overly sticky or heavy sprays that turn your soft curls into helmet head. But stay away from products with too much moisture or oil, as they can weigh hair down and pull curls straight.

Final Thoughts

There are many different ways to approach getting long-lasting curls. Each head of hair has a unique set of needs that need to be addressed before your hair is going to cooperate and hold those curls all day. Once you figure out what your hair needs, you’re ready to rock the ringlets.

The above tips not only help you customize your curly look, but they can be used in different situations. If you are pressed for time, try a dry shampoo and quick curls. If you have lots of time, start with a shower and finish in rollers. No matter which approach you take, these tips will help you keep the look all day long.

Nobody likes those heavy, silicone-based styling products. That’s why Hair La Vie Serum contains 7 natural ingredients, like avocado, coconut, and argan oils, to go on light and absorb right away. Get the tame, frizz-free hair you deserve!

At Hair La Vie, we know beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and textures. Your beauty should be celebrated, not dictated! So we’re here celebrating the naturally beautiful you. And we hope you’ll join us. Hair La Vie products are designed specifically to empower you to great hair, naturally. Visit the Hair La Vie Shop to learn more about enhancing hair growth as well as cleansing, hydrating and protecting your hair.