Messy curls

Hey everyone! So many of you have been asking about my hair, especially these vibrant purple and reddish-brown messy curls, and I'm finally spilling all my secrets on how I achieve this look everyday. It’s actually much easier than it seems, and you don’t need a ton of fancy tools! First things first, it all starts in the shower. I use a good quality, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, especially important for keeping my dyed hair color vibrant. After washing, I gently squeeze out excess water with a microfibre towel – never rub aggressively, as that can cause frizz and damage, which is the enemy of good curls! Once my hair is damp, I apply a generous amount of curl cream or leave-in conditioner. This is key for hydration and defining your natural curl pattern. If you don't have natural curls, don't worry, there are still ways to get this look! For those with color-treated hair like my purple and reddish-brown tones, a heat protectant is non-negotiable. Even if you're air-drying, your hair needs protection, especially if you'll be touching it up with heat later. Now for the 'messy' part! I usually go for a heatless method because it’s kinder to my hair and gives that perfectly undone vibe. My favorite technique is scrunching. I flip my head upside down and gently scrunch my hair upwards towards the scalp, encouraging the curls to form. You can also use an old t-shirt to scrunch instead of a towel for less frizz. Another great heatless option is braiding or twisting damp hair into loose buns before bed. In the morning, you just unravel them, and voilà – beautiful, messy waves! For a more defined, yet still messy, curl, I sometimes use a diffuser attachment on my hairdryer on a low heat setting. This helps to dry the curls without disturbing their pattern too much, giving them volume and bounce. If I'm in a hurry or want a bit more definition, I might grab a curling wand. The trick for messy curls is not to make them too perfect. I alternate the direction of the curls and leave the ends out of the wand for a more natural, lived-in look. Once the curl is released, I gently pull it down a bit to loosen it. Don't be afraid to mix and match curl sizes if you have different sized wands – this adds to the organic, messy feel. The real secret to 'messy' is in the finishing. Once my hair is dry and curled (whether heatless or with heat), I lean my head back and gently run my fingers through the curls, never brushing! This breaks them up and creates that beautiful, voluminous, messy effect. For extra volume, you can gently backcomb at the roots. A light-hold hairspray is perfect for setting the style without making it stiff. Sometimes, I add a tiny drop of hair oil to the ends for extra shine and to combat any frizz, making sure my vibrant colors truly pop. And for those days when I want to add a little extra flair, a decorative butterfly clip, just like the one you might spot in my photos, is perfect for pulling back a few strands or simply adding a playful touch. It’s all about embracing that carefree, yet stylish look! I'm so obsessed with how easy and chic these messy curls are. Give these tips a try and let me know how it goes!