Mistakes that Cause Stringy Curls + How to Get Clumps

Do you struggle with stringiness? It can be so frustrating when your curls dry stringy and end up frizzy and limp. In this video, I’m going to share common mistakes that I’ve made in the past that led to stringiness and how to style your curls for more clumps.

Disclaimer: I am not implying that having stringy curls is “bad,” because many people, including myself, who have low-density hair will naturally have smaller/skinnier curl families because there is simply less hair there to clump. However, there is a difference between healthy, skinny curl clumps and stringiness that is accompanied by frizz and dryness. If you’re not happy with how your “stringy” curls look, then hopefully these tips help.

Mistake #1: Not regularly clarifying, leading to buildup

Why: Ingredients in our products can buildup on the hair, preventing the hair from curling up properly and absorbing moisture.

Solution: Use a clarifying shampoo at least once a month. If you have hard water, use a chelating shampoo.

Mistake #2: Not deep conditioning regularly

Why: Curly hair gets dry easily, especially high porosity and damaged hair.

Solution: Use a deep conditioner after clarifying, at least once a month. If you have hair that is damaged, you may need to deep condition once a week.

Mistake #3: Not using enough water when applying your products

Why: Water helps hydrate and clump the curls

Solution: Spritz the hair with water after towel-drying and before applying stylers. Spritz water as you go to avoid frizz from forming if your hair starts to dry as you’re styling.

Mistake #4: Applying too much product or using too heavy products

Why: Using too much product can make it appear stringy and wet. Using products that are too heavy for your hair with lots of oils or butters can prevent it from clumping.

Solution: Start small and be sure to emulsify the product in your palms. A little goes a long way with most products.

If you did apply too much, microplop (scrunch) with a hair towel to absorb excess product.

Mistake #5: Not using any styling techniques or not using them properly

Why: If your hair doesn’t want to clump naturally, simply raking in your product can cause it to dry stringy. Styling techniques such as brush styling, praying hands, and finger coiling can help to enhance the curl clumps.

Solution: Use a brush to clump the curls or other styling techniques. Section hair and apply gel before brush styling for more definition.

Additionally, not brush styling properly can cause stringiness. Avoid brushing straight down like normal. Instead, hold the brush vertically and apply some pressure as you glide down the strand.

Mistake #6: Air drying and not diffusing

Why: Air drying causes the hair to dry more elongated and can result in frizz. Diffusing gives more control over the outcome.

Solution: Diffuse on low, even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes to set the gel cast, enhance shrinkage, and prevent frizz.

Mistake #7: Not scrunching out the cast

Why: With gel, after your hair dries it will look stringy. This is normal and expected.

Solution: Once it’s fully dry, crunch out the cast with dry hands and it will soften.

Mistake #8: Not keeping up with regular trims

Why: When hair grows out, the ends get thinner, especially if damaged. If you’re seeing a lot of new growth from past hairloss, it’s common to have thinner ends.

Solution: Get regular trims every few months to maintain thicker ends.

My Results

I loved how my hair turned out with this more clumped routine. I feel like I still have some good volume even with having more curl clumps. I have a little less fullness, which is expected with my low-density hair. Typically I would separate the clumps more while they’re still wet. With the products I used, my results last for days with minimal refreshing.

Products Used