Testing the Finger Coiling Method – Is it worth it?

Have you heard of the finger coiling technique? This styling technique fine-tunes each individual curl into spirals. Although it’s time-consuming, the results are perfectly defined and long-lasting, saving time on refreshing throughout the week. Is it worth it? I’m putting it to the test in this routine and sharing my results on my low-density hair.

What is Finger Coiling?

Finger coiling is a curly hair styling technique where you pick small sections of hair, about the same width as your natural curl clumps, and twirl them around your finger until it creates a spiral. It’s known for being great for those with damaged hair that struggles to maintain a consistent curl pattern and those with frizzy hair who want maximum definition.

I always think of my curlfriend, Chloe from @frizzandfrillzz when I think of finger coiling. She has a great beginner tutorial that you can watch here. I’m going to be following her routine loosely, but using drugstore products. She and I have similar hair types but also very different. She has coarse hair, high-density, and high porosity. I also have mainly high porosity and medium/coarse hair, but low-density.

In the video, I also shared the new spring collection of scrunchies from Chloe’s brand, Curlfriend Collective. I also now have a discount code, so you can save 10% with GENA10.

How to Finger Coil

1. Start with clean, wet hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner and/or curl cream.
2. Section your hair and apply a firm hold gel to the first section.
3. Use a brush to smooth out any tangles from the section.
4. Look at where the curls naturally separate, and pick up small curl clumps.
5. Twirl the strand around your finger as you move down the strand, twirling in the natural direction of the first bend in your hair shaft at the root. Scrunch.
6. Repeat on each section
7. Scrunch with a hair towel to absorb excess water and product. Glaze on additional gel if any frizz forms.
8. Diffuse until dry and scrunch out any unwanted crunch with a little oil or dry hands.

My Results

I had a ton of definition, and because I picked up such small sections, my curls were separated but not stringy. This actually helped maintain fullness and volume. I had very little frizz within the inner layers of my hair. My curls were overall more even-textured and areas that usually struggle to curl had ringlets.

Although I loved my results, because this routine is so time-consuming I don’t see myself finger coiling my entire head each wash day. Perhaps I would finger coil my entire head before a trip when I want my curls to last. I also think I will use this technique on any problem areas such as around my hairline.

Hair Types to Consider

Those with damaged hair that struggles to maintain a consistent curl pattern can benefit from finger coiling. If you have very frizzy hair that doesn’t last long, definitely give it a try. All hair textures can use finger coiling, but those with coarse hair should consider using extra product to help glide the fingers down your strands.

Low-density hair tends to expose more of the scalp, so shaking out the roots will help break up the curl clumps at the scalp so it appears fuller. Separate any large curl clumps while your hair is still wet for added fullness.

Do you plan to try out finger coiling? Let me know if you are already using the method and your tips!

Products Used:

• Cantu Avocado Curl Activator Cream with Avocado Oil Shea Butter
  • Amazon
  • Target
• Kinky Curly Curl Custard Gel
  • Amazon
  • Target
• Curlsmith Bonding Oil, 10% off first order with code GENAMARIE10
• Bouclème Flarisol Mist Spray Bottle, 15% off with code GENA15
• HairRepear The Ultimate Hair Towel, 10% off with code GLAMMEUP
• Tangle Teezer Naturally Curly Detangling Brush