Why Does My Hair Not Hold a Curl All Day?

After spending all that time curling your hair, you deserve to enjoy your style for at least a day, right? Unfortunately, keeping your curls bouncy and defined for more than a few minutes or hours can be difficult. If you want to learn how to get more wear out of your curly hairstyles, this article is for you. In it, we’ll tell you why your hair isn’t holding a curl and what you can do about it.

You Have Fine Hair

Fine hair is notorious for not being able to hold a curl for long. And it’s because it doesn’t take much to weigh down fine hair - just a little scalp oil can do it. If you’ve been blessed with fine straight or wavy hair, there are a few things you can do to keep those curls around for longer:

• Use heat tools like curling irons and wave wands.

• Allow each curl to set by holding it in your hand for a few seconds before releasing it. You can also pin each curl to your head for several minutes to an hour or longer to enable it to retain its curled shape for longer.

• Use a holding spray after styling to keep your curls in place.

You Have Product Buildup

Product buildup is when residue from your shampoo, conditioner, styling products, and the environment begin to accumulate on your hair strands. This buildup forms a barrier between your hair and your styling products and tools, reducing the longevity of your curls. 

If it’s been a while since your hair was deep cleaned, give it what it needs. Wet your hair down, apply a clarifying shampoo focusing mainly on the roots. Leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. You’ll be greeted with cleaner hair that’s better able to hold curls.

Your Hair is Damaged

Damaged hair is known to fall flat and appear lifeless - and when you try to add curls to it, they fall soon after. Some of the most common types of damage include heat damage, chemical overprocessing, and split ends. The best way to fix this issue is to give your mane some TLC. Here are a few ways you can turn your hair’s health around:

• Always avoid your ends when shampooing your hair.

• Focus conditioner on your ends.

• Eat a varied diet high in vegetables and fruits.

• Take the time to deal with unchecked stress.

• Cover your hair up at night with a silk or satin bonnet, or sleep on a silk/satin pillowcase.

• See a cosmetologist or dermatologist if these remedies don’t work for you.

You Don’t Use Enough Holding Spray

Holding spray is essential if you have trouble getting your curls to last all day. But the product won’t work if you don’t use enough for your hair and desired style. Thankfully, this issue has an easy fix - use more holding spray. If you’re concerned about your hair being too stiff, choosing a flexible hold spray rather than a traditional one.

So, there you have it - why your hair doesn’t hold a curl all day. Before you go, be sure to check out Daily Dose products. Our natural leave-in conditioner and deep conditioner are formulated to help you unlock the absolute best version of your hair. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best with your mane!

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.