What Is Scrunching?
Scrunching is a technique of gently squeezing sections of hair upward toward the scalp to encourage curl formation and remove excess water.
Understanding Scrunching
Scrunching is a fundamental technique in curly hair care where you cup the ends of your hair and squeeze upward toward the scalp. This motion encourages curl formation, helps distribute product, and removes excess water without the friction of towel drying. Scrunching can be done with bare hands, a microfiber towel, or a cotton t-shirt at various stages of your routine.
Why It Matters
The scrunching motion mimics the natural coiling of curls and encourages strands to group together into defined clumps. It is one of the simplest yet most impactful techniques in a curly routine. Scrunching out a gel cast (the hard, crunchy layer left by styling gel) after drying reveals soft, defined curls underneath.
How To Apply This
- 1After applying products, cup the ends of your hair in your palms.
- 2Squeeze hair upward toward your scalp in a pulsing motion.
- 3Repeat throughout the head, being gentle to avoid disrupting curl clumps.
- 4To scrunch out a gel cast, wait until hair is 100% dry, apply a small amount of oil to palms, and scrunch.
- 5Avoid raking fingers through hair while scrunching to prevent frizz.
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Related Terms
Plopping
A drying technique where wet, styled curls are wrapped in a t-shirt or microfiber towel to enhance definition and reduce frizz.
Diffusing
A drying technique using a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer to dry curls gently while preserving their natural pattern.
Wash and Go
A styling approach where hair is washed, products are applied to wet hair, and curls are left to air dry or diffused.
Squish to Condish
A technique where you squish conditioner and water into your hair to maximize moisture absorption and enhance curl definition.
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