Looking for hair accessories that will elevate your curls? The right tools + accessories can make such a difference to your curly hair routine. From helping you save time, by speeding up the drying process. To achieving more volume, definition and bounce, with less effort and better results. As a curly hair specialist, I’ve carefully selected these essential accessories that have consistently enhanced my clients’ curl patterns and simplified their styling process. Each hair tool + accessory serves a specific purpose in tweaking and improving your current routine, making it more efficient + effective.
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Whether you’re just starting your curly hair journey or looking to enhance your existing routine. From innovative drying techniques to volume-boosting styling solutions. These 12 hair accessories will elevate your curls, helping you embrace + enhance your natural curl pattern. And making your washday results look better and last longer, with less effort and in less time. Sometimes it’s the smallest tweaks to your routine that can make the biggest difference. These are the hair accessories that will elevate your curls, along with my tips on what they do + how to use them.
1. Scalp Massager
for a clean scalp + hair growth
A small, super affordable hair accessory that is suitable for all hair types. A scalp massager stimulates circulation, removes build up and promotes hair growth. The Bouclème Scalp Massager which are shaped for easy grip and effortless use. Crafted from high-grade silicone, with “bristles” that are flexible and soft to touch. To gently remove dead skin cells that build up on the scalp, which inhibits hair growth and can cause a sensitive, itchy or irritated scalp. Use it to gently massage the scalp + remove build up while you shampoo. Or use it to boost blood circulation and stimulate the hair follicle. If you’re trying to grow your hair, use it every day or night. For best results use after you’ve applied a hair growth serum to the scalp, read this article for more info. Get 21% off Bouclème at LOOKFANTASTIC using code CURLMAVEN.
2. Thermal Heat Cap
to boost the benefits of your conditioner or hair mask
The most effective way to deep condition your hair at home with heat is using a Thermal Heat Cap. Boosting the benefits of your conditioner or hair mask to dramatically improve the health and condition of your hair. Suitable for all hair types, but a game-changer if you’ve got really dry, brittle or damaged hair that feels like straw. Or your hair never feels soft or moisturised, no matter how much conditioner you use or how long you leave it in for. A Thermal Heat Cap uses a gentle, moist heat to open up the cuticles of the hair shaft. Allowing your conditioner or hair mask to penetrate the hair, nourishing and conditioning your hair from the inside out.
My Curl Maven Thermal Heat Caps are handmade in Ireland, using 100% cotton + 100% organic flaxseeds. Click here for more detailed instructions. I recommend leaving it on for a minimum of 20-30 mins (but no longer than an hour). Then remove the it for the last 5 minutes to allow the hair to cool down, then rinse with cool to luke-warm water. For the most beautiful, juicy curl clumps with lots of shine + definition, and minimal frizz. Squeeze out the excess water and style as usual. Click here to purchase and use code HOLIDAYS for 50% off until January 6th.
3. Denman Cushioned Paddle Brush
To distribute, detangle + define
Forget everything you’ve heard about not brushing curly hair! This Denman D83 Large Cushioned Paddle Brush makes detangling effortless, while preventing breakage to protect your curls. Unlike other brushes and wide tooth combs that can rip and tear at your hair, this one is much more gentle. Only ever brush your curly hair when it’s wet with conditioner or styling products. You need the slip of those products to protect the hair as you detangle. Always brush your hair from the ends and underneath, gradually working your way upwards. This will cause minimal breakage and split ends, distributing your product evenly throughout your hair. Gently but effectively detangling and defining your curls. Make sure to remove the hair and rinse with warm water after each use.
Alternative option: The Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler for Naturally Curly Hair. It’s lightweight so perfect for travel, and creating those gorgeous ribbon curls and thick, juicy curl clumps when styling. Get 21% off both brushes at LOOKFANTASTIC using code CURLMAVEN.
4. Microfibre or Cotton Towel
To absorb excess moisture + speed up drying time
One of the biggest culprits of frizz is how you dry your hair. Traditional terry cloth towels (the ones you use on your body) create friction that disrupts your curl pattern and leads to frizz, dryness, damage, breakage + split ends. If you want to elevate your curls, one of the easiest swaps you can do is using a cotton or microfibre towel instead! If you have super fine or really damaged hair – or you want minimal frizz and minimal absorption if your hair is quite dry. Then get the Bouclème Curl Towel, which is made from organic cotton and bamboo. If you want something a little thicker and more absorbent that will still reduce frizz, get the Kitsch Microfibre Towel. Both are available at LOOKFANTASTIC, use code CURLMAVEN for 21% off.
Use either of these hair towels to remove excess water by gently scrunching your curls in sections, also called “micro-plopping.” You can either do this before you apply your styling products, or afterwards. But if you do it after, I recommend waiting 10-15 mins, otherwise that dry towel is going to absorb your styling products way quicker than your wet hair will! I also recommend you wait if you want to “plop” your hair (read this article to find out what “plopping” is). Otherwise you’ll have frizzy hair with minimal definition + hold because your products have been soaked up in places by the towel.
Tip Tip: avoid using fabric softeners when you wash your hair towel as they reduce absorbency
5. Shark Flexstyle Hair Dryer
To speed up drying time, boost volume + enhance definition
Diffusing will always give you the best shape, definition and volume. It also significantly speeds up the drying time, which is crucial if you live in a cold climate, have a weak chest or immune system. If you have high porosity hair that takes hours to dry, diffusing will be a game-changer in your haircare routine. Make sure the hair dryer you have has multiple heat and speed settings. If you’re in a hurry, up the speed not the heat. You’re trying to dry your hair faster, not hotter.
I love the Shark Flexstyle Hair Dryer because it’s perfect for travel or tweens + teens who are learning how to look after their own hair. It’s light enough and slim enough for them to diffuse their own hair. Or if you have back, neck or shoulder mobility issues. It comes with it’s own diffuser and adjustable prongs. And five other attachments similar to the Dyson Airwrap, but almost half the price! Currently 10% off at LOOKFANTASTIC, with a storage case too!
Top Tips: For extra volume, tip your head upside down while drying and finish with cool shot to seal the cuticle and lock in shine.
6. Diva Pro XXL Universal Diffuser
For the best shape, volume + definition
If you already have a good, powerful hair dryer with different heat + speed settings. Like the LanaiBLO, which is my favourite. And you just need a good diffuser, get the Diva Pro XXL Universal Diffuser. The deep bowl design cradles your curls while they dry, enhancing definition. It’s one of the widest diffusers on the market, speeding up the drying time even more! It also has more prongs, which are essential for creating shape, root lift + volume. Use code CURLMAVEN for FREE shipping in Ireland on LanaiBLO. Get the Diva Pro XXL Universal Diffuser here on Amazon UK. And now finally available here on Amazon in the US too!
7. Root Clips + Claw Clips
For root lift, volume + to prevent stretched out curls
Root clips are your secret weapon if you want to add root lift + volume. But they’re also great at creating overall shape, partings or concealing cow licks or thinning crown areas. These small but mighty tools lift your hair at the root while it dries, creating volume that lasts. You can also root clip when refreshing or even when your hair is fully dry, to give it an extra boost of volume. Make sure you get these exact metal clips from Amazon, to easily slide in and out of your hair without catching your curls. 50 root clips for £5, an absolute bargain! I’ve had mine for years and use them almost every washday.
Top Tip: apply a small amount of gel to the inside of your metal root clip for ultimate lift and long-lasting hold!
Claw clips are one of the best hair accessories to elevate your curls. Because they’re so versatile and gentle on the hair. You can quickly clip your hair back up, out of your face without stretching your curl pattern. You can use them to section your hair when styling and you can even use them to root clip! The Kitsch ones are my favourite, because they’re not lightweight and flimsy. They’re heavy enough to handle a lot of hair, especially curls. I love the Gold Open Shaped Claw Clip, also available in a medium size. The ones I use the most though are the Recycled Plastic Puffy Claw Clips from Kitsch. Use code CURLMAVEN for 21% off Kitsch at LOOKFANTASTIC – which are one of my favourite brands for hair accessories!
8. Silk Scrunchies + Nylon Elastics
To tie your hair up without causing damage
Regular elastic hair ties can create breakage and disrupt your curl pattern. A silk or satin scrunchie provides a gentle alternative that won’t catch or pull at your hair. But, I only like to use silk scrunchies when I wear my hair up in a pineapple to protect my hair at night. Read this article to see exactly how I do that. I use either the Slip Silk or Silke London ones. But when I’m cooking, cleaning or exercising I use these Nylon Elastics from Kitsch, 20 for just over £5 with my discount code! You know when you just need your hair up and out of the way?! These are way better than the silk or satin scrunchies, because they don’t slip or fall out but are still gentle on the hair. Trust me, once you use these you won’t go back to anything else! Get 21% off Slip, Silke London + Kitsch at LOOKFANTASTIC using code CURLMAVEN.
9. PuffCuff
The INNOVATIVE ALTERNATIVE
I’m a massive fan of Puff Cuffs, designed specifically for curly and textured hair as an alternative to a silk scrunchie or traditional hair tie. PuffCuff is a small, independent, Black-owned, female-founded, family business that’s really been struggling this year. But they’re an amazing brand, with a really innovative product that I’ve used every single day/night since I bought this multi pack back in 2017. Almost 8 years later, one of them just broke! I use the Mini to protect my hair every night. They’re the perfect curly hair accessory, without the headaches or hair damage from tension or breakage. Available on the PuffCuff website in the USA, my Amazon US + Amazon UK storefronts. Curl Warehouse (CA), Sari Curls + Le Curl Shop (EU), The Curl Store (AU + NZ) and Kiyo Beauty (UK) – use code CURLMAVEN for 10% off.
10 . Silke London Hair Wrap
To prevent friction, frizz + breakage
I have been using the Silke London Hair Wraps every single night to protect my curls, for years! They’ve been featured in so many articles. I have them in every colour and hand wash them in the sink with luke-warm water. Using whatever shampoo I’m using on my own hair, so long as it’s gentle and sulfate-free. They come in lots of colours, made from the highest-quality 100% mulberry silk and are one of the best investments I’ve made in my haircare routine. But they’re not just to protect your hair at night…
Wear it under your favourite winter hat to prevent frizz, dryness + friction. You can significantly reduce frizz when you use it to gently scrunch out the crunch. And put it one when you pull a tight fitting top, dress or jumper (sweater) over your head, without ruining your curls or causing frizz. I love the Silke London ones the most because of the quality, size and fit. Big enough to fit all of my long, curly hair and tight enough to stay on all night, but without causing a headache or marks on my forehead. There’s also Silke London scrunchies available in lots of colours + sizes. Get 21% off Silke London at LOOKFANTASTIC using code CURLMAVEN.
11. Silk Pillowcase
to prevent frizz, dryness + breakage
You don’t have to get both of these, and the Silke London Hair Wrap is the more affordable option. But if you can invest in a really good quality silk pillowcase, it will not only elevate your haircare routine, but your skincare routine too! Slip Silk Pillowcases are my favourite and I’ve had mine for years! Made from the highest grade (6A) long fibre mulberry silk with a 22 momme thickness, in beautiful colours from certified non-toxic dyes. They do silk scrunchies in lots of colours too. Get 21% off Slip at LOOKFANTASTIC using code CURLMAVEN.
12. Fine Mist Spray Bottle
to hydrate your curls when styling or refreshing
Out of all the hair accessories that will elevate your curls, this is the one I use the least. But whenever I do need to refresh my curly hair or my daughter’s curly hair. Especially when I’m tying it up or doing a slick back, this Fine Mist Spray Bottle from Tangle Teezer is key! For best results, use warm water and don’t add any leave in conditioners or other products into the bottle. Just let the warm water re-hydrate the hair, then apply any styling products if needed. If you live in a hard water area, make sure to empty it each time after use to prevent limescale from clogging up the fine mist spray component.
These are the 12 hair accessories that will elevate your curls, but aren’t just about styling. They’re about maintaining the health and integrity of your hair while enhancing your natural curl pattern. Now you know what accessories to get and how to use them effectively, you’re ready to embrace and enhance your beautiful curls! Remember to use code CURLMAVEN to save 21% off at LOOKFANTASTIC.
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