Curl definition is one of the first goals a newly natural tries to reach. There are two problems with this for newly naturals: First, they must deal with accepting the idiosyncrasies of their hair after years of chemical treatments and second, accept the fact that not everyone will have the same or any curl uniformity, better known as clumpage. These techniques cannot create curls, but only define them so if your texture does not curl while in a moisturized state, no product can yield such results.

Most curls, whether loose or tight, can be defined with a few techniques and lots of conditioner, gel, custard, or pudding. Products preference and performance will vary depending on your hair’s porosity, density, length, and tendency to frizz. Here are the top 5 curl defining techniques that will help you achieve a more defined loose styles.

1. Curly Girl Method (CGM)

CGM was created by Lorraine Massey and has liberated many curlies from feeling their curls were a hindrance. The method works on all hair types, but in varying ways according to your curls. The basics are to use botanical products or eliminate shampoo from your regimen in exchange for a cleansing conditioner or a botanical, sulfate-free shampoo. After applying a conditioner or your moisturizer of choice as a leave in, you can follow up with a styling gel with your fingers before air-drying. Using your fingers to apply the gel instead of a comb will help to reduce frizz. Once your styling products are applied do not touch your curls! This will only induce frizz. Also avoid brushes, as they tend to create frizz and are not necessary. This is a critical step in allowing the curls to form and set on their own. CGM encourages curl hydration without your hair feeling heavy.

2. Tightly Curly Method (TCM)

TCM is similar to the curly girl method, as it agrees that a cleansing conditioner can replace shampoo. Created by Teri LaFlesh, a curly girl who struggled for years with your own hair, the key to this method is tons of conditioner and a paddle or Denman brush. Conditioner is slathered onto your tresses to point of squishing through your fingers. Once that’s been applied, section the hair and use a brush to smooth out your curls and allow them to clump.

Once the entire head is complete, reinforce the definition by finger combing and smoothing or twirling each curl. Just as in the CGM, allow your curls to dry without touching. Many curlies using the tightly curl method rave of super hydration to their hair and the curls stay distinct and happy.

3. Finger Curls/Twirling

After hair has been cleansed and conditioned, part the hair into sections and from there create smaller sections using your fingers. This is great for a TWA but may be more challenging if your hair is longer. Just as it sounds, you are taking small sections of hair and curling or twirling it around your finger to help the hair form and hold a uniform clump. Once the clump is created, move on to the next section. This technique is great for curlies with multiple curl patterns, as it will make all the curls uniform. Just as the methods mentioned above, once the hair has been completed, leave it alone so it dries without any disturbance.

4. Shingling

This method is simply a concentration of product to each strand of hair. You are simply using your fingers, a brush, or a wide toothcomb to evenly distribute product before smoothing your hair in a shingling method. Once your hair has been cleansed and conditioned, section it into four sections. Start with the first section and create an even smaller section before applying conditioner to your fingertips and rake it through, making sure to elongate the curl and smooth it as you go. Lay it down and continue on to another finger part and repeat. Once your entire head is completed, do not touch during the drying process.

5. Smoothing

Begin to section freshly washed, conditioned, and detangled hair. Starting with one section, run your hands down the hair and smooth the curls into the same direction and pattern. If you want tighter, more separated curls, then smooth in smaller sections. For bigger curls, smooth the hair in bigger sections. Once all the sections have been smoothed, leave your hair alone as it dries so the curl will not be disturbed.

6. Two-Strand Twist or Braid Out

Women with various curly and coily textures use this method, but it is extremely helpful for those seeking to stretch and create definition that they would not have otherwise. These techniques are used for curlies that have less distinct curls, even when the hair is in a wet state. For extremely defined curls, the twist can be done on wet hair in small sections. For more volume and elongation, twist on dry hair. You pick the size of twist and make sure each twist is as uniform as possible. Finger comb each individual section, apply a styling product, take each section into two parts, and begin twisting those parts around one another like a rope. Twist all the way down to the ends and add some oil or the butter to ensure they are soft and smooth.

You can add flexi rollers to the ends or twirl the ends around your finger to create curls. Continue the whole head and allow the hair to completely dry before unraveling. Applying a small amount of oil or butter to your fingers and palms before unraveling will help to reduce any frizz your dry hands can induce.

Braid outs are created in the same fashion as two-strand twists, but the sectioned hair is braided instead of twisted. For more polished ends, use flexirods on your ends and unravel with an oil or butter.

It’s not necessary to create a perfect curl, but there is nothing wrong with perfecting your own curls, coils, and waves. Once you have accepted this, then you can strive to define your texture.

Sabrina, founder of seriouslynatural.org and contributor to several online publications, is a freelance writer who engages her audiences on the relevance of natural hair, beauty, and style.