Achieve Definition & Shine: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Finger Coils
Finger coils are a fantastic styling technique for naturally curly and kinky hair, allowing you to enhance your curl pattern, create definition, and achieve a polished, put-together look. Whether you’re transitioning from relaxed hair, looking to define looser curls, or simply want a change from your regular wash-and-go, finger coils offer a versatile and relatively low-maintenance styling option. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master the art of finger coils, from preparation to maintenance.
## What are Finger Coils?
Finger coils are created by wrapping small sections of hair around your finger, creating a tight, defined coil. This technique encourages your hair to form a specific curl pattern, resulting in uniform and bouncy coils throughout your hair. Unlike other styling methods that rely heavily on heat, finger coils are a gentle and healthy way to style your hair, promoting moisture retention and minimizing damage. They are particularly effective on type 3 and type 4 hair, but can be adapted for various curl types and lengths.
## Benefits of Finger Coils
* **Enhanced Definition:** Finger coils are excellent for defining natural curls and creating a more uniform curl pattern.
* **Reduced Frizz:** By defining each curl individually, finger coils help to minimize frizz and create a smoother, more polished look.
* **Increased Shine:** The technique helps to distribute natural oils evenly throughout the hair, resulting in enhanced shine.
* **Versatility:** Finger coils can be styled in various ways, from a simple coiled style to updos and braided looks.
* **Low Maintenance:** Once the coils are set, they can last for several days to a week with proper maintenance.
* **Heat-Free Styling:** Finger coils are a heat-free styling method, which is ideal for maintaining hair health and preventing damage.
* **Great for transitioning hair:** Finger coils is a great protective style while transitioning to natural hair.
## Who are Finger Coils Suitable For?
Finger coils work best on natural hair textures, particularly those with type 3 and type 4 curls and coils. They are also a great option for:
* **Transitioning Hair:** Finger coils can help to blend the different textures of relaxed and natural hair during the transition process.
* **Damaged Hair:** The technique is gentle and helps to minimize further damage by reducing manipulation.
* **Fine Hair:** Finger coils can add volume and definition to fine hair, making it appear thicker.
* **Those seeking a defined and polished look:** If you prefer a more structured and defined hairstyle, finger coils are an excellent choice.
## What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
* **Shampoo and Conditioner:** Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to cleanse and hydrate your hair. A clarifying shampoo once a month can also help to remove buildup.
* **Leave-In Conditioner:** A good leave-in conditioner is essential for providing moisture and detangling your hair.
* **Styling Cream or Gel:** Choose a styling cream or gel specifically designed for curly hair. Look for products that provide hold, definition, and moisture. Avoid products that contain alcohol, as they can dry out your hair.
* **Oil (Optional):** A lightweight oil such as argan, jojoba, or coconut oil can be used to seal in moisture and add shine.
* **Spray Bottle with Water:** Keep a spray bottle filled with water handy to re-wet your hair as needed.
* **Detangling Brush or Wide-Tooth Comb:** Use a detangling brush or wide-tooth comb to remove knots and tangles before you start coiling.
* **Hair Clips:** Hair clips are useful for sectioning your hair and keeping the sections you’re not working on out of the way.
* **Microfiber Towel or T-Shirt:** Use a microfiber towel or old t-shirt to gently remove excess water from your hair without causing frizz.
* **Satin Scarf or Bonnet:** A satin scarf or bonnet is essential for protecting your coils while you sleep.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Finger Coils
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of creating perfect finger coils:
**Step 1: Wash and Condition Your Hair**
Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. This will ensure that your hair is clean, hydrated, and free from product buildup. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that are suitable for your hair type. If you have product buildup, consider using a clarifying shampoo before your moisturizing shampoo.
**Step 2: Detangle Your Hair**
After washing and conditioning, gently detangle your hair using a detangling brush or wide-tooth comb. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots, being careful to avoid breakage. Apply a leave-in conditioner to help with the detangling process. This is a crucial step, as detangling ensures smooth and defined coils.
**Step 3: Apply Leave-In Conditioner**
Apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner to your detangled hair. Make sure to distribute the product evenly from roots to ends. Leave-in conditioner provides moisture, softens the hair, and helps to prevent frizz. This step is essential for creating long-lasting and well-defined coils. Consider applying a heat protectant if you plan on using a hooded dryer to set the coils.
**Step 4: Section Your Hair**
Divide your hair into small, manageable sections. The size of the sections will determine the size of your coils. Smaller sections will create tighter, more defined coils, while larger sections will result in looser, more voluminous coils. Use hair clips to keep the sections you’re not working on out of the way. Work on one section at a time to ensure that each coil is properly defined.
**Step 5: Apply Styling Product**
Take one section of hair and apply a styling cream or gel from roots to ends. Make sure to coat each strand evenly with the product. The amount of product you use will depend on your hair type and the desired level of hold. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. The styling product helps to define the coils, provide hold, and minimize frizz.
**Step 6: Create the Coils**
This is the core of the process. Here’s how to create the perfect finger coil:
1. **Wrap:** Take the section of hair and wrap it tightly around your finger, starting at the root and working your way down to the end. Use your index finger or middle finger, depending on the size of coil you want to achieve.
2. **Direction:** Maintain a consistent direction as you wrap. This will help to create uniform and defined coils. Wrapping in different directions can lead to uneven and less defined results.
3. **Tension:** Apply gentle tension as you wrap the hair around your finger. This will help to create a tighter coil and prevent frizz. However, be careful not to pull too hard, as this can cause breakage.
4. **Release:** Once you reach the end of the section, gently release the coil from your finger. The hair should retain its coiled shape. If the coil unravels, try applying more styling product and re-coiling.
5. **Repeat:** Repeat this process for each section of hair until your entire head is coiled.
**Step 7: Optional – Add Oil**
After coiling each section, you can apply a small amount of lightweight oil to seal in moisture and add shine. This step is optional, but it can help to keep your coils hydrated and prevent dryness. Focus on applying the oil to the ends of your hair, as this is where it tends to be the driest.
**Step 8: Drying Your Coils**
Allow your coils to air dry completely. This can take several hours, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. Avoid touching or manipulating your coils while they are drying, as this can cause frizz. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a hooded dryer on a low heat setting to speed up the drying process. Be sure to use a heat protectant if you choose to use a hooded dryer.
Alternatively, you can diffuse your hair on a low setting to speed up the drying process. When diffusing, be gentle and avoid moving the diffuser around too much, as this can disrupt the coils and cause frizz. Hover the diffuser over each section of hair until it is dry.
**Step 9: Separate (Optional)**
Once your coils are completely dry, you can gently separate them to create more volume. This step is optional, but it can help to prevent your hair from looking stiff or unnatural. To separate your coils, use your fingers to gently pull them apart at the roots. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this can cause frizz and breakage. You can also use a hair pick to lift the roots and create more volume.
**Step 10: Style as Desired**
Now that your finger coils are complete, you can style your hair as desired. You can wear your coils loose, create an updo, or add accessories to personalize your look. Finger coils are a versatile style that can be adapted to suit any occasion.
## Maintaining Your Finger Coils
To keep your finger coils looking their best, follow these maintenance tips:
* **Protect Your Hair at Night:** Sleep with a satin scarf or bonnet to protect your coils from friction and prevent frizz. This will help to prolong the life of your style and keep your coils looking defined.
* **Refresh Your Coils:** If your coils start to look dry or frizzy, you can refresh them by spritzing them with water and applying a small amount of leave-in conditioner or styling cream. Gently smooth the product over each coil to redefine the curl pattern.
* **Moisturize Regularly:** Keep your hair moisturized by applying a lightweight oil or leave-in conditioner every few days. This will help to prevent dryness and breakage.
* **Avoid Over-Manipulation:** Minimize touching or manipulating your coils, as this can cause frizz and disrupt the curl pattern. Try to leave your hair alone as much as possible.
* **Gentle Washing:** When washing your hair, be gentle and avoid rubbing your coils vigorously. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to prevent dryness. Consider co-washing (washing with conditioner only) to maintain moisture.
* **Deep Condition Regularly:** Deep condition your hair once a week to replenish moisture and strengthen your strands. Use a deep conditioner that is specifically designed for curly hair. Apply the deep conditioner to your hair, cover with a plastic cap, and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
* **Scalp Care:** Pay attention to your scalp. A healthy scalp promotes healthy hair growth. Massage your scalp regularly to stimulate blood flow and remove buildup. Use a scalp oil or serum to nourish your scalp and prevent dryness.
## Troubleshooting Common Finger Coil Problems
* **Frizzy Coils:** Frizz can be caused by several factors, including dryness, over-manipulation, and using the wrong products. Make sure to moisturize your hair regularly, avoid touching your coils too much, and use products that are specifically designed for curly hair.
* **Coils Unraveling:** If your coils are unraveling, it could be due to not using enough styling product or not wrapping the hair tightly enough around your finger. Try applying more styling product and ensuring that you are wrapping the hair tightly.
* **Dry Coils:** Dryness is a common problem for curly hair. To combat dryness, make sure to moisturize your hair regularly with a leave-in conditioner and oil. You can also try using a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air.
* **Lack of Volume:** If your coils are flat and lack volume, you can try separating them gently with your fingers or using a hair pick to lift the roots. You can also try using a volumizing styling product.
* **Uneven Coils:** Uneven coils can be caused by not sectioning your hair properly or not wrapping the hair in a consistent direction. Make sure to section your hair into even sections and wrap the hair in the same direction for each coil.
## Product Recommendations
Here are some product recommendations for achieving perfect finger coils:
* **Leave-In Conditioners:**
* Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Leave-In Milk
* Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
* As I Am Leave-In Conditioner
* **Styling Creams and Gels:**
* Eco Style Professional Styling Gel (Olive Oil or Argan Oil)
* Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel
* DevaCurl Styling Cream
* Camille Rose Curl Maker
* **Oils:**
* Argan Oil
* Jojoba Oil
* Coconut Oil
* Grapeseed Oil
* **Shampoos and Conditioners:**
* Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner
* As I Am Coconut Cowash Cleansing Conditioner
* Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner
Remember to choose products that are specifically designed for curly hair and that are free from sulfates, parabens, and silicones.
## Finger Coils vs. Other Styling Methods
While finger coils are an excellent styling option, it’s helpful to compare them to other methods to understand their unique benefits:
* **Wash and Go:** A wash and go involves applying styling products to wet hair and allowing it to air dry. While simple, it doesn’t always provide the same level of definition as finger coils.
* **Twist Outs/Braid Outs:** These methods involve twisting or braiding the hair and then unraveling it for a defined texture. They create a looser, wavier pattern compared to the tighter coils achieved with finger coils.
* **Rod Sets:** Rod sets use perm rods or flexi rods to create defined curls. While similar to finger coils in definition, they require the use of rods and can be more time-consuming.
* **Flexi Rod Sets:** Similar to rod sets, flexi rod sets use flexible rods to create curls, providing a more comfortable alternative to traditional perm rods.
## Variations and Creative Styles
Once you’ve mastered the basic finger coil technique, you can explore various variations and creative styles:
* **Two-Strand Twists with Coiled Ends:** Create two-strand twists and then coil the ends for a unique look that combines texture and definition.
* **Partial Coils:** Coil only certain sections of your hair, such as the front or the top, for a customized style.
* **Coils with Braids:** Incorporate braids into your finger coil style for added visual interest and texture.
* **Updos with Coils:** Create elegant updos using your finger coils. This is a great way to showcase your defined curls for special occasions.
* **Adding Color:** Experiment with temporary or permanent hair color to enhance your finger coils and add dimension.
## Conclusion
Finger coils are a fantastic way to enhance your natural curl pattern, add definition, and achieve a polished and versatile hairstyle. By following this step-by-step guide and incorporating the maintenance tips, you can create beautiful, long-lasting finger coils that promote healthy hair and boost your confidence. With practice and experimentation, you’ll be able to customize the technique to suit your individual hair type and style preferences. Embrace the beauty of your natural curls and enjoy the journey of mastering the art of finger coils!
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: How long do finger coils last?**
A: Finger coils can last anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on your hair type, the products you use, and how well you maintain them.
**Q: Can I do finger coils on relaxed hair?**
A: While finger coils are primarily designed for natural hair, they can be done on relaxed hair to blend textures during the transition process. However, the results may not be as defined or long-lasting.
**Q: How often should I wash my hair when wearing finger coils?**
A: It’s best to wash your hair as needed, typically once a week or every other week. Consider co-washing to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
**Q: Can I use heat to dry my finger coils?**
A: While air drying is recommended, you can use a hooded dryer or diffuser on a low heat setting to speed up the drying process. Be sure to use a heat protectant.
**Q: What if my coils are not defined enough?**
A: Try using a stronger styling product or wrapping the hair more tightly around your finger. Make sure your hair is properly moisturized and detangled before coiling.
**Q: How do I prevent my coils from frizzing?**
A: Minimize touching or manipulating your coils, protect your hair at night with a satin scarf or bonnet, and use products that are designed to reduce frizz.