This is the routine for someone who wants their curls to actually look like curls — clumped, defined, holding shape — rather than soft but shapeless. It's four products and about forty minutes on wash day.
The short answer
Cleanse the scalp, condition and detangle in sections, apply leave-in to soaking wet hair, then curl custard in small sections. Dry without touching. The two things that decide your result are how wet the hair is when the custard goes on and whether you leave it alone while it dries.
Step 1 — Cleanse
Oh So Clean! Moisturizing & Softening Shampoo on the scalp only, worked in with fingertips.
Definition needs clean hair. Product layered on top of last week's product doesn't clump — it just sits there looking heavy. If your curls have been limp lately, this is usually why.
Step 2 — Condition and detangle
Four sections. In Control Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner through each, then detangle with the conditioner in, ends upward.
Do all your detangling here. Once you start styling, you want clumps held together — running a comb through later pulls them apart and you lose the definition you're about to build.
Step 3 — Leave-in, hair still dripping
Do not towel dry. On soaking hair, rake Quench! Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner through each section, then scrunch upward.
Curls clump while they're heavy with water and separate as they lose it. Every minute you spend towelling is definition you've given away.
Step 4 — Custard, in small sections
Curl La La Defining Curl Custard is the product doing the visible work. Take a section about the width of your hand, rake the custard through so it coats every strand, then scrunch upward toward your scalp.
Use more than feels sensible. Under-application is the most common reason a wash and go looks great wet and fluffy dry.
Step 5 — Dry and leave it alone
Air dry or diffuse on low heat, low speed, with the hair resting in the bowl rather than being moved around. No plopping, flipping, separating or checking.
When it's completely dry, scrunch gently with a little oil on your palms to break the cast. Soft, defined curls underneath.
Where people go wrong
- Applying to damp hair. The single biggest cause of poor definition.
- Using too little custard. Small sections, generous amounts.
- Touching it while it dries. This is how frizz happens, every time.
- Scrunching the cast out before it's fully dry. You'll get frizz instead of softness. Bone dry, not nearly dry.
Common questions
How long does this take?
About 40 minutes of active work, then drying time — an hour with a diffuser, three to five hours air drying.
How often do I do the full routine?
Once a week. Refresh with water and a little leave-in in between rather than restyling.
Can I add a gel on top?
Yes, and for firmer hold you should — gel over the custard gives a stronger cast and better day-three definition. The Curl La La Styling Kit covers that side of it.
My hair is fine. Will custard be too heavy?
Apply it to the mid-lengths and ends and keep it off the roots. If it's still too much, a mousse gives definition with less weight.
How long does the definition last?
Three to four days with satin at night and minimal handling. One day if you sleep on cotton.
The four products
The Curl La La Wash & Define Pack is these four together — shampoo, conditioner, leave-in and custard.
For more on the technique behind this, read how to get defined curls that actually last. Or browse the full Aunt Jackie's range.
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