Curl Enhancers: Straight Hair's Secret Weapon? (2025)

Those with straight hair often desire curls, and vice versa. But does curl enhancer work on straight hair? The short answer is yes, but it's a little more complicated than that. While you can't change your hair texture without harsh chemicals, the right hair products and tools can help you achieve curls and enhance your natural texture. The key is to create grit and texture on your strands, which helps your hair adhere to a new shape with the help of heat.

The best curl-enhancing products for straight hair

While it's impossible to change your hair texture without resorting to harsh chemicals, the right hair products can help you achieve and maintain a curly style.

Mousses

Mousse is one of the most effective curl pre-stylers. It creates a bit of grit and texture on your hair strands, which helps them adhere to a new shape with the help of heat.

• Crown Affair Air Dry Mousse is the best overall mousse for straight hair. It's a weightless, texture-enhancing styling foam that promotes effortless, tousled waves and soft, touchable volume without the crunch.
• Briogeo Style + Treat Hair Styling Volume Foam is the best long-lasting mousse. It adds insane volume and ensures your curls last for not just hours, but days. It even doubles as a heat protectant up to 450 degrees.
• Redken Stay High Mousse is the best multi-use mousse. It has a unique gel-to-mousse texture that combines the benefits of a gel and a mousse. It has a 24-hour defined curl hold and won't weigh your hair down.
• Rahua’s Aloe Vera Hair Mousse is the best plant-based mousse. This alcohol-free hair mousse provides lift and hold while maintaining shine. The liquid-to-lightweight foam formula is perfect for voluminous blowouts, long-lasting curls, and sleek ponytails.

Creams

Curl-enhancing creams help snap your spirals back into a bouncy, more defined shape.

Bed Head by TIGI On the Rebound Curl Recall Cream is a shaping and defining cream that helps snap your spirals back into a bouncy, more defined shape.

Sprays

Styling sprays made specifically for protecting hair against frizz are key products for those with finer hair. Their humidity-proof formulas help curls stay defined and leave spirals with a non-crunchy look and feel.

TRESemmé Flawless Curls Hair Spray is a humidity-proof spray that helps curls stay defined and leaves hair with a non-crunchy look and feel.

Permanent Solutions

For a more long-lasting solution, you can get a permanent curling treatment (a "perm") at a salon. However, like straightening treatments, these processes can damage your hair and leave it vulnerable to breakage and dryness, so be sure to go to a reputable stylist.

How to use curl cream to enhance natural waves

Step 1: Start with a haircut

Your haircut is the foundation of your waves. Ask your stylist for long layers that work with your natural wave pattern. This will help create movement and definition, especially if your hair is prone to getting weighed down easily.

Step 2: Choose the right hair products

Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that won't strip your hair of its natural oils. Ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter are great for hydration and enhancing your waves.

Step 3: Dry your hair gently

Instead of rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel, gently squeeze out the excess water. This will help reduce frizz and maintain your natural wave pattern.

Step 4: Apply a curl-enhancing product

Look for a lightweight curl cream or mousse that won't weigh your hair down. Apply the product to damp hair, then scrunch your hair gently to encourage wave formation.

Step 5: Master the scrunching technique

Flip your head upside down and scrunch your hair while it's still wet. This encourages the wave pattern and adds volume.

Step 6: Try the plopping method

Lay a microfiber towel or t-shirt flat, flip your head over, and wrap the towel around your head. Leave your hair wrapped for 20-30 minutes, then let it air dry. This technique helps set your waves in a defined pattern without frizz.

Step 7: Protect your waves overnight

Use a satin or silk pillowcase to sleep on as these materials cause less friction than cotton, helping your waves stay intact. You can also loosely braid your hair or use the "pineapple" method, where you gather your hair into a loose, high ponytail.

Step 8: Refresh your waves between washes

Waves can lose their shape between washes, so lightly mist your hair with water or a leave-in conditioner, then scrunch to reactivate the wave pattern.

Step 9: Opt for a diffuser attachment when blow-drying

If you prefer to blow-dry your hair, always use a diffuser attachment. This disperses the air evenly, reducing heat intensity and preventing your waves from becoming frizzy.

Step 10: Be patient and experiment

Achieving the perfect wave pattern takes time and experimentation. Stay consistent with your routine, and don't be afraid to try different products and techniques to find what works best for your hair.

Mousses and texturisers

Mousses and texturisers such as salt sprays or foams are great pre-stylers. They create a bit of grit and texture on your hair strands, which helps them adhere to a new shape with the help of heat. Try Bed Head by TIGI Foxy Curls Mousse or Crown Affair Air Dry Mousse.

Curling irons

When choosing a curling iron, consider your hair type, the kind of curl you want, ease of use, price, material and more. Here are some of the best curling irons for straight hair:

• Hot Tools Professional Marcel Iron/Wand: This curling iron is a favourite of professional hairstylists. It has a rotating handle and a 24-karat gold barrel, which remains hot for longer and can sustain high, constant heat without being damaged. It comes in three sizes: 1, 1.25, or 1.5 inches.
• Bed Head Rock N’ Roller Clamp-Free Bubble Curling Wand: This curling wand gives you the option to create two different kinds of curls. It has a tourmaline ceramic barrel that distributes even heat to seal your hair’s cuticle for all-day style. It heats up quickly and reaches up to 400 degrees.
• T3 Whirl Trio Styling Wand: This curling wand comes with three wand attachments—two straight barrels and one tapered barrel—to create a range of styles, from mermaid waves to spiral curls. It has five heat settings, reaching up to 410 degrees, and an automatic shut-off feature.
• Paul Mitchell Neuro Angle Rod Curling Iron: This curling iron bends into four different positions at angles from 90 to 180 degrees, so you don't have to strain your arm to use it. It heats up to a maximum temperature of 450 degrees and has an extra-long 1-inch barrel for creating both loose and tight curls.
• CHI Air Spin N Curl: This curling iron does most of the heavy lifting for you. You simply slip a piece of your hair into the curling iron’s opening and press the button that correlates to the direction you want your curl to face. The spinning barrel automatically wraps your hair and holds it for an amount of time that you set.
• Drybar 3-Day Bender: This curling iron creates even, steady heat within 60 seconds thanks to its dual ceramic heaters. Its infrared technology heats hair from the inside out to maintain your hair’s health and shine, and it prevents frizz. It heats up to 440 degrees and has a digital temperature control for custom styling on all hair types.
• Dyson Airwrap: This innovative curler uses hot air instead of a hot surface to create styles. The Coanda effect attracts hair to the barrel and wraps it into a coil. It never reaches more than 302 degrees, preventing excessive heat damage.
• Bed Head A Wave We Go Adjustable Waver: This curling tool allows you to set the style of waves you want, from tight and defined to loose and tousled. The barrel heats up to 400 degrees and has an automatic shut-off feature.
• Beachwaver S1: This curling iron rotates itself to curl your hair at two different speed options. Its clamp is small and doesn’t leave telltale kinks in your hair, and the temperature ranges from 290 degrees Fahrenheit to 410 degrees.
• BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron: This curling iron comes in three different sizes and has a rotating handle to help ease your styling process. It has 50 heat settings, going up to 450 degrees, and utilises infrared technology to heat your hair from within.
• InStyler MAX: This tool can straighten or curl your hair while adding volume and smoothing your strands. It has two-way rotation, four different heat settings and is versatile enough for any hair type.
• Ghd Curve Soft Curling Iron: This curling iron has a 1.25-inch rod that creates voluminous, Hollywood-style curls. It gets hot enough to curl hair without causing damage and has a spring clip that's easy to work with, along with a heat-protected tip to prevent accidental burns.
• Bed Head Curlipops skinny iron: This tiny half-inch wand is meant to enhance and define any flyaways or baby hairs that don't hold your natural shape as well as they should. It's great for creating random textured pieces throughout your hair and will reduce frizz and boost shine.
• InfinitiPro by Conair: This is a good, affordable standard ceramic curling iron. It comes in four sizes and heats up to 400 degrees in just 30 seconds. It has an auto-shutoff feature and comes with a protective heat shield.
• Tyme Iron Pro: This two-in-one curler and straightener creates perfectly straight hair, ribbon curls and everything in between. The internal titanium plates heat your hair while the round outside of the iron cools and styles each strand. It comes with a free virtual styling session.

Permanent curling treatments

If you're committed to getting curls, you can go for a permanent curling treatment (a "perm") at a salon. However, like straightening treatments, these processes can damage hair and leave strands vulnerable to breakage and dryness, so be sure to go to a reputable stylist.

How to get curls to stay in straight hair

Getting curls to stay in straight hair can be a challenge, but with the right techniques and products, it's definitely achievable. Here are some tips to help you get those bouncy curls you're looking for:

Choose the Right Products

The products you use can make a big difference in how well your curls hold. Here are some recommendations:

• Mousse: Mousse is an effective curl pre-styler. It adds texture and grit to your hair, helping it adhere to a new shape when curled. Look for mousses that won't leave your hair feeling crunchy, such as Crown Affair Air Dry Mousse or Briogeo Style + Treat Hair Styling Volume Foam.
• Hairspray: Hairspray can be used before, during, or after curling to give your hair a grittier texture and hold the curls in place. Hold the can about an arm's length away from your head to ensure you don't apply too much product, which can weigh down your curls.
• Heat protectant: Using heat styling tools can damage your hair, so it's important to use a heat protectant before curling. This will also help to fight back against the drying effects of alcohol-based products.
• Texturizing spray: A texturizing spray is a lighter alternative to hairspray. It will keep your curls in place without weighing them down and will add volume to your hair.

Prepare Your Hair

The way you wash and condition your hair can also impact how well your curls hold. Here are some tips:

• Skip the conditioner: Conditioner can make your hair too soft and unable to hold a curl. If you must use conditioner, choose a very light one and only apply it to the ends of your hair.
• Go a few days without washing: The natural oils that build up in your hair after a few days can provide a grittier texture that helps curls hold. If you're concerned about oil build-up, you can use dry shampoo.
• Detangle in the shower: Detangle your hair while the conditioner is in, and avoid brushing it after rinsing. This will help maintain the natural wave or curl and prevent it from stretching out.

Curling Techniques

The techniques you use when curling your hair are also important. Here are some tips:

• Use the right barrel size: Smaller barrels will give you tighter curls, while bigger barrels will give you loose, wavy curls. If you're having trouble getting defined curls with a larger barrel, try switching to a smaller size, such as a 1" or 1.5" barrel.
• Allow curls to cool: Once you've finished curling, pin the curls in place and let them cool completely before brushing them out. This helps set the curls and prevents them from losing their shape too quickly.
• Use the right tools: Invest in a good quality curling iron or wand. Higher-quality tools will give you better results and are less likely to damage your hair. Look for tools made with pure Tourmaline Ceramic, Ceramic, or Titanium.
• Adjust the heat setting: If you have thin, straight hair, use a lower heat setting to avoid frying your hair.

Other Tips

• Use a scrunchie: If you have long hair, use a scrunchie to loosely secure your hair on top of your head while you sleep. This will prevent you from sleeping on your curls and flattening them.
• Use a satin pillowcase: Satin causes less friction on your hair, helping to keep it smooth and curly.
• Consider a texturizing treatment: If your hair still won't hold a curl, consider an in-salon texturizing treatment like a digital wave or body wave. These treatments can add permanent texture to your hair, making it easier to curl.

The best hairsprays to set curls in straight hair

If you have straight hair and want to hold curls, there are several hairsprays and other products that can help you achieve your desired look. Here are some of the best options:

Garnier Fructis Texture Tease Dry Touch Finishing Spray

This finishing spray is perfect for setting curls without leaving your hair feeling crunchy. It's a lightweight and inexpensive option that can be applied after styling to set your curls in place. One reviewer with thin, straight hair loved how it added texture and grip to their hair without weighing it down.

SexyHair Big Spray & Play Harder Firm Volumizing Hairspray

If you're looking for a strong hold hairspray, this volumizing hairspray from SexyHair is a great option. It produces a fine mist that dries quickly and helps fight frizz caused by humidity for up to 72 hours. While it provides a strong hold, it might leave your hair feeling a bit stiff, so it's important to use it sparingly. A reviewer with thin, straight hair mentioned that it maintains their curls without making them too stiff.

Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25

This hairspray is ideal if you want a maximum hold without weighing down your fine hair. It provides a flexible hold, boosts volume, and leaves your hair feeling soft and bouncy. The formula sprays on as a fine mist with a pleasant scent and doesn't make your hair crunchy or greasy. One tester with straight hair noticed that it kept their waves intact for longer than without any spray.

Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray

If you're looking for a softer hold with flexible styling, the Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray is a fantastic option. It adds texture and thickness to each strand, making your hair look fuller and more manageable. While the initial hold is fantastic, it does fade within a few hours, so it might not be the best choice if you need an all-day hold.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

The Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is a popular choice for adding volume and texture to your hair. It can also help set styles in place and freshen up second-day hair. It's a bit pricy, but many users find it worth the investment. A reviewer with thin, straight hair mentioned that it gave their hair volume without the '80s-level volume and lasted all day.

TRESemmé Flawless Curls Hair Spray

If you have fine hair that tends to get frizzy, the TRESemmé Flawless Curls Hair Spray can help you achieve defined curls without the crunch. It's a humidity-proof formula that helps keep your curls shiny and separated while fighting frizz.

In addition to hairsprays, there are other products that can help hold curls in straight hair, such as mousses, texturizing sprays, and heat protectants. Experimenting with different products and techniques will help you find the perfect combination for your hair.

Frequently asked questions