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How to Layer Products for Touchably Soft, Bouncy Curls

How to Layer Products for Touchably Soft, Bouncy Curls featured image
Photo by wilfried Vowoto on Unsplash
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Calling all curl queens! Every person with curly hair has a unique curl pattern, and while achieving soft, bouncy curls may seem tricky, the right layering techniques can make all the difference. With the proper products and application methods, your curls can look defined, smooth, and full of life. Whether you’re prepping for a night out or refreshing your curls between wash days, knowing the best way to layer products is key. Below, two curly hair care experts share their top tips for achieving the soft, voluminous curls of your dreams.

Featured Experts

  • Jeannetta Walker-Rodgers, Global Technical Director with Joico
  • Paul Labrecque, Creative Director and Master Stylist at Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa

Prepping Your Hair

Start by thoroughly cleansing your curls with a detox shampoo. “This removes any buildup from the hair,” says Jeannetta Walker-Rodgers, Global Technical Director with Joico. After clarifying, it’s time to add moisture. “I follow with a shampoo that provides moisture and hydration, then condition or use a mask,” she adds.

Celebrity hairstylist Paul Labrecque of Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa agrees and emphasizes conditioning after cleansing. “After washing, let excess water absorb into a towel wrap, then use a leave-in conditioner like K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask ($75) or Olaplex No. 6 ($30),” he suggests.

Layering the Right Products

Next, choose products that will hold your curls without weighing them down. Walker-Rodgers recommends starting with the Joico Curls Like Us Smooth and Bounce Foam ($26) on wet hair. “I then follow with the Curls Like Us Hydrate and Define Crème Styler ($26) or Curls Like Us Define & Seal Defining Gelee ($26), depending on curl type and texture,” she explains.

Labreque highlights the importance of curl gels for definition, recommending twisting strands around your finger to enhance the curl shape. “Be mindful of not applying too much product to the roots if you have fine hair,” he says. “My signature Paul Labrecque Curly Style Curl Defining Gel ($28) shapes curls, nourishes strands and offers humidity protection.”

Keeping Curls Smooth and Frizz-Free

Frizz is one of the biggest challenges with curls. Walker-Rodgers recommends keeping hair “super saturated with water while you rake and layer the product through sections of hair.” Once you’ve set your curl groupings, avoid touching them until the product cast dries. “Then, scrunch the crunch to break up the cast,” she says.

Labrecque advises against brushing or pulling fingers through curls to avoid frizz. Instead, use a scrunching motion. “It’s a great way to restyle and reshape curls without causing frizz,” he notes.

Styling Mistakes and How to Fix Them

A common mistake many people make is not hydrating their curls enough, says Walker-Rodgers. Labrecque adds that over-drying is another issue that leads to frizz and breakage. “Clients sometimes over-dry their hair, which can result in damage,” he warns.

Refresh Between Wash Days

Both experts agree that how you sleep at night can impact your curls. Walker-Rodgers suggests protecting your hair with a bonnet or by pulling it up in a “pineapple” with a silk scrunchie. “In the morning, just take your hair down, shake, fluff, and go!” she advises.

Labrecque recommends refreshing curls by misting them with water and using a scrunching motion. “Twisting the curls around your finger can also quickly revamp the look,” he adds.

Whether you’re styling freshly washed hair or refreshing curls between wash days, the key is to prep properly, lock in moisture and avoid weighing down your hair. With a little guidance from the pros, your curls will be smooth, soft and full of life

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Joico Curls Like Us Smooth and Bounce Foam ($26)

Try this lightweight foam to instantly add bounce and volume to your curls, perfect for days when they feel flat or lifeless. It smooths frizz and leaves your curls looking soft and defined without any heaviness.

Joico Curls Like Us Smooth Bounce Foam
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Curls Like Us Hydrate and Define Crème Styler ($26)

For an added boost of moisture and definition, this crème styler is your go-to. It hydrates your curls while giving them soft, long-lasting shape—ideal for creating flawless, touchable curls all day long.

Joyce Curls Like Us Hydrate Define Styler
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Curls Like Us Define & Seal Defining Gelee ($26)

On days when your curls need extra hold and definition, reach for this gel-based formula to seal in moisture and lock out frizz. It enhances your curl shape and gives them a glossy, smooth finish.

Joico Curls Like Us Define Seal Gelee
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Paul Labrecque Curly Style Curl Defining Gel ($28)

Tame frizz and shape your curls with this humidity-resistant defining gel that keeps your curls in place. It adds shine and bounce while nourishing your strands, leaving you with smooth, frizz-free curls.

Paul Labrecque Curly Style
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K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask ($75)

Revive damaged hair with this powerful leave-in treatment that restores strength and elasticity from the inside out. Perfect for giving your curls a healthy, resilient boost, leaving them looking soft and strong.

Award Photo: Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Award Photo: Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask
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Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother ($30)

This leave-in cream is your secret weapon for ultra-smooth, frizz-free curls. Use it on damp or dry hair to hydrate, reduce frizz, and strengthen your hair for silky, manageable curls that last up to 72 hours.

Olaplex No 6

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