Whoever said you couldn't achieve defined curls with the snap of a finger never tried the finger-coil method... Okay, maybe you can't snap your fingers and make magic happen, but you can use the low-fuss technique to achieve defined, shiny curls that last for days.
This particular method isn't new — some of us have been rocking finger-styled curls since we were babies. But it's still the preferred styling option for those who want definition without twisting or braiding. You only need your fingers (yes, really) and your favourite styling products.
You want to start your finger coils on wet hair, apply a curl cream or gel (for hold and definition), and separate your hair into loose sections. Then — piece by piece — twirl your hair around your finger. It's that simple. Once your coils are dried, they can be teased with an Afro pick, separated for volume, or stretched into an updo. Fair warning: Even though the coiling motion is brief and easy to DIY, doing your entire head will take some time — especially if you have lots of hair. But the results will last at least a week.
If you need more incentive to try the finger-coil method, we rounded up a few easy-to-follow tutorials ahead.
For Short Hair
If a wash-and-go is your preferred styling method but you want even more definition, finger coils are right up your alley. YouTuber Ashley Williams used The Mane Choice Bold Buttery Gel to coil her pixie-length natural hair.
For Thick Hair
Briogeo's Curl Charisma Coil Custard was the key to Jewelianna Palencia 's extra-shiny coil set. The YouTuber, who has super thick curls, spent an hour twirling her hair into small sections (told you this was time consuming). But her glossy, frizz-free curls at the end were well worth it.
For Type 4 Hair
To define her type 4 curls, Joy Navon used the cult-favourite Eco Styler Gel. First, she stretched her hair with cornrows. Then, on air-dried hair, she twirled her curls in small sections with gel, which gave her Afro extra shine and definition. She finished up by blowdrying her coils to set the style.
For Fine Hair
Some styling techniques can make fine curls fall flat, but finger coils did the opposite for Ladon. She used the method to add definition to her low-density curls, and let them air-dry. Once her hair was 100% dry, she separated each curl using her fingers.
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