Finger coiling your hair is a simple and safe way to get gorgeous curls that will last for days, and the process is super simple! In this article, we spoke with various professional hairstylists to break down how to do finger coils and maintain them. All you need is some hair products, combs, and a few hours to yourself.
What you need and how to prep
Choose your favorite leave-in conditioner and follow the instructions on the bottle to apply it evenly to your hair. Start by towel drying, but leave the hair damp. If you’ve already dried your hair, fill a spray bottle with water and use it to wet your entire head. Once your hair is damp, use the comb to gently brush out any tangles and prep your curls. It is especially important to use a wide-tooth comb if you have curly or afro-textured hair.
Rub a curl-enhancing cream into a 1 in. (2.5 cm) section and twist it around your finger, starting by the roots. Londy says to “apply a curl-enhancing cream or moisturizer to each section of your hair. Londy advises to “coil small one-inch (2.5 cm) sections of your hair in your fingers from the roots to the tips and apply more curl-enhancing cream for extra definition. If you have shorter hair, your coils will need to be small, but longer hair can be done in any length.
Step-by-step finger coiling
- Part your hair down the middle, and split each of those sections in half to give you 4 even sections.
- Use the end of a rattail comb to create a line at the back of your head, and send the line down the middle of your head vertically to create the first few sections.
- Coil small one-inch sections of your hair in your fingers from the roots to the tips and apply more curl-enhancing cream for extra definition.
- Take an inch of hair at the roots, wrap it tightly around your finger, then release. Repeat until the coil holds when you let it go.
When you’re done with all sections, you’ll have evenly coiled curls ready to dry. If you prefer letting your hair air dry, it may take an entire day. Either way, avoid separating or styling the coils until they’re completely dry. Do this before you go to bed to prevent your coils from getting flattened. Use a silk or satin scarf to cover your coils. Apply mousse and leave-in conditioner to make your curls last all day.
Drying options and maintenance
Letting hair air dry is an option, but it takes time-so plan accordingly. If you need quicker results, you can use a diffuser on a low heat setting to speed up the process without disturbing the coils. Once the coils are dry, you can gently separate them for more volume or leave them as-is for tighter definition. Avoid aggressive combing or brushing after drying to preserve the coil shape.
To prolong lifespan of the coils, keep your hair moisturized with a leave-in conditioner and seal in moisture with a light mousse or curl crème. If you’re transitioning or dealing with different textures, note that new growth may curl differently from straight ends, and the overall look may vary. Patience is key as coiling your hair can take a while, but results are worth it.
Product and technique notes from professionals
Nikia Londy, a Hair Augmentation Specialist and the Founder & CEO of Intriguing Hair, emphasizes moisturizing first with a leave-in conditioner, followed by sectioning and applying a curl-enhancing cream. She notes that coils vary in size depending on hair length and that shorter hair yields smaller coils, whereas longer hair can accommodate coils of any length. Londy also highlights the importance of using a wide-tooth comb for curly or afro-textured hair and of waiting until coils are completely dry before any styling adjustments. The guidance from other industry professionals reinforces these approaches, with a focus on even product distribution, careful sectioning, and patience during drying.
Matt King, Director of Education at Fox and Jane Salon Group, and Nick Arrojo, Master Hair Stylist and Founder of Arrojo NYC, contribute to the consensus that careful sectioning, appropriate product choice, and gentle handling are essential for successful finger coils on men with curly hair. They stress following product labels for application guidelines and tailoring coil size to your hair’s natural texture and length.
Additional tips and considerations
- If you have shorter hair, keep coils small to maintain definition and avoid heaviness.
- If you’re transitioning or have mixed textures, be mindful that new growth may curl differently from the ends, which can affect overall appearance.
- For best results, start with clean, damp hair and apply product evenly before coiling.
- When sleeping, cover coils with a silk or satin scarf to prevent flattening.
Not at all! This style will work fine with wavy hair. The curls may not be as tight, but it’ll still work. Be patient, as coiling your hair may take a while. If you prefer letting your hair air dry, it may take an entire day, but you can achieve a natural, long-lasting curl pattern with proper technique.
Practical example and quick start guide
Article Summary: To do finger coils, all you need is some curl-enhancing cream or gel. First, wash your hair so it's clean and damp. Then, part your hair down the middle, and split each of those sections in half to give you 4 even sections. Secure them with hair ties or clips. Then, apply your curl enhancing cream or gel to the first section to help hold your curls. After you’ve applied your cream, take an inch of hair at the roots and wrap it tightly around your finger. Release the hair and repeat the process until the coil holds when you let it go. Do this with all of your hair, about an inch at a time, until your hair is all coiled.
Supplementary visual aids
Infographic: A compact diagram showing step-by-step finger coiling technique, from sectioning to drying. This can help readers visualize the process and reduce mistakes during the first attempt.