What is Curl Clumping? | Get Better Curl Definition

What is Curl Clumping?

Curl clumping is a technique used to define curls by grouping them together to create larger, chunkier curls. This method enhances the natural curl pattern and gives a polished look to your hair styles. At Urbanbella we find that is key to helping your natural hair styles last longer.  To help you implement the technique check out the video below and the written instructions.  Have more quesitons? Join Keneesha Live on Thursdays for Natural Hair Q+A on our YouTube Channel. 

Preparing Your Hair

1. Wash and Condition: Start with clean, conditioned hair ready for styling.
2. Sectioning: Use a comb to part your hair into even sections. While I sometimes use my fingers for simplicity, a comb ensures more uniform sections. I recommend working with sections that are not more than 3 fingers wide and 1/2 inch thick. This ensure that product is evening distributed and easy to pull through your hair.

Applying the Gel

1. Choose Your Gel: It’s important to select a gel that meets the needs of your frizz level. For hair is is extra frizzy you will need a gel that contains an oil such a Urbanbella Cregel or you may want to blend 2 gels such as Shine + Define Gel and Neat Extra Soft to get both hold and control without oil.
2. Application: Use 2-3 Pumps of gel smooth it on to your section of hair by raking it through. Make sure to apply the gel to your hair from root to tip and apply more if needed for medium to hight porosity hair, longer hair and dry hair.
3. Smooth Through: Pull the gel through the hair section with your fingers, ensuring you coat each strand. Using a tool such as a curl defining comb or brush can help with this especially if you are new to wearing a wash-n-go. This prepares your hair to make the curl clumping technique easier.

The Technique

1. Clump the Curls: Use your fingers to smooth the gel through, creating chunky pieces of hair. This process pulls the hair together, forming larger curls.
2. The Opposite of Clumping: If you don’t clump, you end up with several smaller, less defined pieces. Clumping gives a smoother, more polished finish.

Tips for Effective Clumping

1. Combing the Gel: For an even smoother finish, I prefer to comb the gel through my hair using a wide-tooth comb. This ensures the gel is evenly distributed across every strand, especially for thick, porous hair like mine.
2. Gentle Handling: When doing this on a little one’s hair, be very gentle to avoid any discomfort.

Final Thoughts

Curl clumping is about creating defined, chunky curls that enhance your hair's natural beauty. By using the right products and techniques, you can achieve a smooth, polished look. For those with very thick or porous hair, ensure you use enough gel and comb it through for the best results.

I hope this clarifies curl clumping for everyone. If you have any more questions or need further demonstrations, feel free to ask. Happy clumping!