Nataly is an experienced freelance writer well-versed in lifestyle, beauty, and fashion. She enjoys testing new hair products to tame her long locks. Believing in the power of self-care, Nataly collects styling tips like gems. Currently, she delivers exclusive content on the latest hairstyle trends and transformations.
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A hair blogger shares her step-by-step guide for curlies and wavies using the viral bowl method.
You probably saw viral TikTok videos with people dunking their heads in salad bowls full of water. And no, it’s not some sort of the Ice Bucket Challenge. The bowl method is a tried-and-true hair hack that promises to give you defined curls and bouncy waves, depending on your hair type.
The idea behind the bowl method is to dunk washed hair upside down in a bowl of water to get it fully wet before applying styling products. In such a way, the product is going to stick to the hair more than wash out into the water, providing weightless hydration and forming gorgeous curl clumps. The hair blogger and content creator, Sophie Marie, demonstrates this styling technique on her wavy locks, proving that it actually works.
“There is a common misconception that the bowl method takes longer than other styling techniques…but that isn’t really true!” the hair blogger explains. She claims it takes her only 2-3 minutes to do, which is way simpler than section styling. First things first, wash and condition your hair. Then, take the bowl full of water to wet your head in. Apply your favorite curl cream and brush the hair to make it smooth. Dunk and squish your tresses a couple of times – it’ll help form your curl clumps.
Pro Tip: To avoid frizz, try using a weekly deep conditioning mask.
Cover your locks with a hair gel or a curling custard. Glaze and then scrunch the hair with wet hands to evenly distribute the products and make sure they penetrate each strand. Repeat the process with a hair mousse to coat your clumps and lock all the hydrating products in.
Pro Tip: Don’t dunk your hair after applying styling products. They’re meant to create volume and hold after deep hydration in Step 1.
Once the hair products have done their magic, put the bowl aside and grab a microfiber towel to microplop. It will help get rid of the excess hair product and absorb water. Wrap the towel around your head and leave it for 15 minutes to let the tresses dry a bit. To preserve curls overnight, add a satin bonnet for less breakage and frizz.
Pro Tip: You can also use a cotton T-shirt instead since it doesn’t catch on the hair strands and gently blots extra water out.
Before blow-drying your hair, make sure you know how to avoid common diffusing mistakes. Start off by hover diffusing your curls to dry the roots and create a cast. Then proceed with pixie diffusing by scrunching and holding each section. Hover diffuse again to get the hair fully dry.
Pro Tip: While pixie diffusing, keep your hair dryer on only when the curls are scrunched up to avoid tangles and frizz.
If still in doubt, give the bowl method a try. Your curly or wavy tresses will thank you for that.
For more hair care tips, check Curl Care: Top Tips for Low Porosity Hair and Tips and Tricks for Naturally Wavy Hair.
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