How To Achieve Gorgeous Curls For All Hair Types

Looking to achieve big, bouncy, gorgeous curls that turn heads? You’ve come to the right place. Before you reach for that curling wand, the key to perfecting any curly look starts with understanding your hair type. 

Whether you have pin-straight natural hair or tight coils, each hair type has its own unique needs – and getting to grips with these will set you on the path to achieving the curls you want.

In this guide, we’ll cover the techniques and tools you’ll need to create voluminous curls, no matter your hair type. 

UNDERSTANDING YOUR HAIR TYPE

Before we jump into creating those gorgeous curls, it’s important to know your hair type. Not all hair reacts the same way to styling, so having a handle on your hair's natural texture will help you choose the best techniques and products.

There are four main hair types: straight, wavy, curly, and coily. Each type has its own subcategories. Let’s break it down:

Straight hair (Type 1) comes in three kinds: 

• 1A - super-straight and fine
• 1B - a little more texture
• 1C - straight but thicker or coarse.

Wavy hair (Type 2) has a bit more body. The three types are: 

• 2A - loose, soft waves
• 2B - more defined S-shape waves
• 2C - thicker, frizz-prone waves

Curly hair (Type 3) forms more defined ringlets or curls, ranging from: 

3A – looser curls

3B - tighter spirals

3C - packed with volume and springy curls.

• Coily hair (Type 4) has the tightest curl pattern, ranging from: 
• 4A - soft coils 
• 4B - more defined kinks 
• 4C - super-tight and dense curls. 

Knowing your hair type – and its subcategory – is the first step to mastering the art of beautiful curls. Head to our expert guide to hair types for more help working out yours.

ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR CREATING BIG BOUNCY CURLS

When it comes to achieving big, bouncy curls, the right tools can make all the difference. From hair dryers to curling wands to using a straightener to create sleek curves, we’ll run through the perfect CLOUD NINE tools to achieve the curls of your dreams. Before reaching for any heated styling tool, be sure to apply a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion, which is full of expert haircare ingredients designed to nourish and protect your hair during heat styling.

The Airshot Pro

Whether you want to show off your natural curls or smooth them into a curvier style, the CLOUD NINE Airshot Pro is a curly girl’s best friend. 

If you have type 2 or 3 hair and want to define your natural waves or curls, diffusers are ideal as the gentle airflow evenly distributes heat, helping to reduce frizz and enhance those gorgeous curl patterns. Simply click on the Magnetic Diffuser Attachment, apply a curl-defining lotion or mousse, scrunch your hair upwards, and watch your curls bounce back into place. Use our comprehensive guide to using a diffuser to help define your natural curls.

For stretching out type 3 or 4 curls, attach the Airshot Pro’s Precise Drying Nozzle and blow dry your hair straight. Then it’s up to you whether you want to go for the Curling Wand or 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro to add the style of curl or curve you want. 

The Curling Wand

If you’re after voluminous curls with plenty of bounce, the CLOUD NINE Curling Wand is an absolute must-have, especially for straight or wavy hair. Even if your hair is naturally curly or coily, blow-drying it straight and then using the wand gives you those effortless, full-bodied curls we all love. 

The magic lies in its barrel size – it’s perfectly designed to give you that big, glamorous curl without the frizz. Plus, its mineral-infusion means it distributes heat evenly. The Curling Wand also has Variable Temperature Control, so you can tailor it to your hair type, ensuring smooth, shiny curls every time.

The Contouring Iron Pro

For more natural, undone waves, the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro is your go-to for an effortless, lived-in look. It’s a fantastic all-rounder for creating big, bouncy curls, especially for type 1 or 2 hair and it’s great for blow-dried type 3 or 4 hair. Its unique curved plates make the Contouring Iron Pro extra special – they glide effortlessly through your hair, creating smooth curls without tugging or snagging. It also features expert haircare technology like Revive ModeTM that minimises heat damage, ensuring your curls stay healthy and full of life. Whether you want loose waves or tighter curls, this iron gives you plenty of styling options.

Brushes

A good brush can make all the difference in your curl routine. The CLOUD NINE Wet Hairbrush is perfect for detangling in the shower, gently working through knots without breaking your hair. For blow-drying and curling, a round brush is your best friend – it helps you shape the hair and add volume while you dry. Once your curls are set, the Luxury Dressing Brush is a dream for gently brushing through them to create softer waves or separating them for a more relaxed, beachy look. 

TECHNIQUES FOR ACHIEVING BIG BOUNCY CURLS

Whether you’ve got straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, you can achieve those big, bouncy curls with the right approach. In this section, we’ll walk you through step-by-step guides for each hair type.

Curling techniques for straight hair

If you’ve got straight hair, achieving long-lasting curls can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s totally doable with the right method. Here’s how to get those voluminous curls:

1. Prep your hair: Start by applying a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion to clean and dry hair. This step is vital for preventing damage and keeping your curls smooth and healthy.
2. Section your hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections. The thinner the section, the more defined your curl will be.
3. Use the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro: Starting at the root, press the iron down so its SpringFlexTM plates gently touch your hair, and twist it away from your face as you move down your hair. The curved plates will help create those big, bouncy curls. Repeat.
4. Let the curls cool: Once you’ve curled your entire head, let the curls cool completely before running your fingers through them to help set the curl and make it last longer.
5. Finish with hairspray: Lightly mist your hair with a lightweight and flexible hold hairspray to keep your curls in place without making them stiff.

Curling techniques for wavy hair

For wavy hair, enhancing your natural texture is key to achieving big, defined curls. Follow these steps:

1. Enhance the waves: Start by applying a curl-enhancing mousse or spray to damp hair to boost your natural waves.
2. Use the Curling Wand: For even bigger, bouncier curls, wrap sections of your hair around the CLOUD NINE Curling Wand. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends to keep the natural wave at the roots.
3. Scrunch as you go: After curling each section, give it a gentle scrunch to encourage more volume.
4. Set with a light hairspray: A light misting will help your curls last, but avoid heavy products that could weigh them down.

For long-lasting results, try letting your curls cool completely before touching them, and always use a heat protectant before styling. We recommend our Magical Quick Dry Potion to keep them looking smooth and healthy.

Curling techniques for curly hair

If you already have curly hair, you’re halfway there. Here’s how to create more consistent, voluminous curls while defining your natural texture:

1. Start with damp hair: Apply a leave-in conditioner like the CLOUD NINE Magical Remedy, which is a moisturising 3-in-1 product that can be used as a wash-out or leave-in conditioner as well as a hair mask. Using it as a leave-in conditioner will help to define and hydrate your curls.
2. Use the Airshot Pro with the diffuser attachment: Scrunch your hair upwards as you diffuse to dry, lifting your curls for extra volume.
3. For a sleeker look: You can blow-dry your hair straight using the Airshot Pro, then use the CLOUD NINE Curling Wand to create big, uniform curls.
4. Finish with a curl cream or serum: A light coating of a curl-defining product will add shine and tame any frizz without flattening your curls.

Curling techniques for coily hair

Coily hair is all about definition and volume, and with the right techniques, you can smooth out your coils and create those enviable big curls:

1. Blow-dry your hair straight: Start by using the Airshot Pro to blow-dry your coils straight. Make sure to apply a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion before drying.
2. Use the Curling Wand: Once your hair is dry, use the CLOUD NINE Curling Wand to wrap small sections of your hair, creating defined, bouncy curls.
3. Maintain volume: After curling, gently fluff your roots with your fingers or a wide tooth comb to keep the volume without disturbing the curl pattern.
4. Lock in moisture: Use a lightweight oil or cream to keep your curls hydrated and frizz-free throughout the day.

MAINTAINING YOUR BIG BOUNCY CURLS

Once you’ve styled your hair, your attention turns to keeping those curls bouncy and full of life. Here’s how to keep your curls looking fab all day (or night) long.

Daily care and refreshing tips

To keep your curls looking voluminous throughout the day, avoid touching them too much or brushing through them once they’re set. For a quick refresh:

1. Use a lightweight curl refresher spray: A curl-specific reviving spray can revive your curls without weighing them down or making them sticky.
2. Fluff your roots: Gently fluff your curls from the roots using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to add volume and lift without breaking up the curl pattern.
3. For natural, diffused curls, spritz with water: A spray bottle filled with water is perfect for reviving natural curls that have been diffused or left to dry naturally. The water helps to reactivate any curl-defining products used in the drying process, and a few scrunches can bring your curls back to life.

Nighttime Routines for Preserving Curls

To keep your curls looking fresh and defined on day two, a good nighttime routine is key. Here’s how you can avoid waking up with frizzy hair or finding that your curls have completely fallen out.

1. Use a silk pillowcase: Silk is much gentler on your hair than cotton, reducing frizz and preventing your curls from flattening while you sleep.
2. Try a pineapple: For curly and coily hair, gathering your curls into a loose ‘pineapple’ on the top of your head with a silk scrunchie can help protect your style overnight without squashing or disrupting your curls’ shape.
3. Twist or braid your hair: For looser curls or waves, try loosely braiding or twisting your hair before bed. This will help maintain your curl pattern without making your hair look too ‘done’ when you wake up.

The secret to gorgeous curls is to experiment with what works for you. Got some curl tips to share? We’d love to hear from you on our socials: TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.