Why Does My Hair Go Straight After I Curl It? Tips to Know

Key Takeaways:

Wrong tools, heat, or buildup make curls fall flat quickly.
Hair texture shapes curl formation and ensures longer, stronger hold.
Match styling products by hair type for defined, long lasting curls.
Protect curls overnight with a silk bonnet or pillowcase to prevent frizz.

Obtaining beautiful and effortless, lived-in curls may seem like a dream when you have straight hair, but it's easier than you think.

We've all struggled with our curls at some point or other, whether it's from them unraveling, frizzing, or taking on the wrong shape.

If you've spent an hour plus fighting with a curling iron to only have those spirals fall right out—we feel your pain.

Achieving and maintaining perfect curls can be a challenge. But, with the right approach, products, and tools, you can make it happen!

From dry shampoo to Blissy Silk Bonnets, there are plenty of tools to help you attain long-lasting curls.

First, let's start with why your curls are falling flat. This will help you say goodbye to short-lived spirals for good.

Why Your Hair Won’t Hold Curls — And How to Fix It

If your hair goes straight after curling, you're not alone (cries in flat hair). The good news is that you no longer need to wonder, why does my hair go straight after I curl it?

The following are common reasons why your hair won't hold a curl:

Wrong Temperature

Your curling iron is set to the wrong temperature. Thick hair needs higher heat, while fine hair requires less to avoid heat damage. Always use a heat protectant.

Barrel Size

Curling irons come in different sizes. A smaller barrel size creates tighter curls on short hair, while a larger barrel size works best for looser curls or waves on longer hair.

Product Buildup

Too much product or excess oil leads to product buildup on your hair and scalp. This waxy layer makes it harder for curls to hold.

Too-Clean Hair

If your hair is squeaky clean, it won’t hold a curl. The best curls happen a couple of days after your last shampoo, when natural oils help curls stay in place.

Too Much Moisture

Excess moisture can cause curls to relax and fall flat. A dry-touch finishing spray helps maintain curl hold.

Brushing Too Quickly

Brushing your curls while hair is still hot won’t create loose curls—they’ll just fall out. Let curls cool first.

Sections Too Big

Curling hair in sections that are too big prevents curl formation. Work in smaller sections for the best results.

Quick Tips to Help Your Hair Hold a Curl

Adjust temperature for your hair type
Choose the right barrel size
Avoid product buildup on hair and scalp
Style a couple of days after your last shampoo
Protect curls from too much moisture
Don’t brush curls until they cool
Curl in smaller sections for best curls

In addition to these, other factors such as hormonal changes, stress, nutrition, and environmental influences can also impact how well your hair holds a curl and the overall health of your curls.

How Hair Texture Impacts Curl Formation and Hold

Defined curls and healthy curl pattern in dark coarse hair, styled with curling tools to achieve long lasting curls.

Your hair type can make a difference in the way that curls shape and last. Your hair's natural texture can play a role in why your hair won't hold a curl.

But—any hair type can hold a curl. You just have to implement the right products and techniques!

It's important to understand and work with your own hair texture and curl pattern to achieve the best results.

Very fine hair vs. thick hair types

It can be tough for thin hair to hold a curl. If you’re having issues, try using hot rollers instead. Or, pin your curls up for a bit after using the iron to help them set.

Thick, coarse hair can be stubborn, too. Use a titanium curling iron, which heats the hair on the surface more than ceramic. Use a smaller barrel, because a large barrel will create barely noticeable curls.

Professional techniques and tools at barbershops can help hair curls last longer than home styling, thanks to the craftsmanship and expertise involved.

Straight hair type

If your naturally straight hair falls out of the curling iron, try applying a sea salt or other texturizing spray first. This can also help add volume or revamp next-day hair.

Curly and wavy hair types

For those with more texture and kinky hair—don't wash your hair too often. This will dry out your curls.

Create curls by air-drying your hair after washing, applying quality products, and wearing a Blissy Silk Bonnet at night when you sleep.

Best Styling Products for Curling Your Hair by Hair Type

Achieving long-lasting curls takes more than a curling iron. The right products—matched to your hair type—are essential for how your curls hold, form, and last. Whether you have fine hair, coarse hair, or something in between, here’s how to get the most out of your styling routine.

Wide-tooth comb, golden bottles, and hair clip with styling products for curly hair, curl formation, and long lasting curls.

For Fine Hair: Add Volume Without Weight

Fine hair needs lightweight mousses or sprays that won’t weigh strands down. These styling products add grip and body, making it easier for your hair to hold a curl and maintain a smooth curl pattern.

For Coarse or Thick Hair: Define and Moisturize

Coarse hair benefits from richer creams or curl-defining lotions. They help lock in moisture and enhance shine, giving you longer-lasting, more defined curls.

For Straight Hair: Build Texture First

Straight hair usually needs extra prep to support curl formation. Use a texturizing spray or a bit of dry shampoo before curling your hair to boost grip and help curls last longer.

For Wavy or Curly Hair: Boost Shape and Reduce Frizz

A leave-in conditioner or curl cream can define your natural texture and reduce frizz. Finish with a light mist of hair spray to lock in shape for lasting curls.

Prep and Protect Every Hair Type

No matter your hair type, always apply heat protectant before styling. It guards against heat damage and helps curls stay bouncy. For best results, apply styling products to damp hair and blot gently with a microfiber towel or t-shirt to avoid breakage.

Don’t Skip the Drying Technique

Letting your hair air dry helps preserve your natural curl pattern, while a blow dryer with a diffuser adds volume and definition. For beachy waves, try texturizing spray followed by a quick pass with your curling iron.

Finish with Shine and Hold

Use a touch of serum or oil to boost shine and lock in moisture. Mist your whole head with a light hair spray for even, touchable hold.

Wrap-Up

With the right products and a few tweaks to your routine, you can create curls that look stunning—and stay put from day to night.

7 Proven Tips to Help Your Curls Hold All Day

woman with beautiful curly hair

Ready to make those curls stay in your hair longer!?

We've compiled popular tips and advice from celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa to help you achieve your hair goals:

Use a setting spray that also acts as a heat protectant. It will help protect your hair while locking in curls.
If your hair's a bit greasy, use dry shampoo before curling.
Make sure to curl your hair in small sections. This will help the curl hold better.
Blow drying before curling can help you achieve voluminous curls! Apply a mousse beforehand to create a better foundation for curling.
If you're going for looser curls, don't brush or comb out your curls right away. Wait until your hair is cool. Then, spray your brush with firm-hold hair spray and gently brush through your strands.
Make sure to remove all tight bands, clips, and pins from your hair before going to sleep. These cause damage and create unsightly creases.
Wear a pure silk bonnet each night, and sleep on a silk pillowcase. Unlike cotton, silk and satin do not absorb moisture from your hair, which helps prevent dryness and frizz. This will help keep curls hydrated, bouncy, and frizz-free. A Blissy Silk Pillowcase is the best silk pillowcase for curly hair!

How the Blissy Bonnet Protects Curl Formation Overnight

woman protecting fine strands with fine silk bonnet

If you wear a Blissy Bonnet, you won't need to worry about your hair losing its curl. Our luxurious 100% mulberry silk bonnet is a game-changer for curls.

Crafted from the highest-quality mulberry silk, our bonnet doesn't just protect and preserve your style. It'll also hydrate hair, fight frizz, prevent bedhead, and enhance shine. By minimizing friction and breakage during sleep, the Blissy Bonnet helps prevent split ends and keeps your hair looking healthy.

Plus, our silk bonnet is naturally moisture-wicking. It'll help you stay cool and comfortable at night. Hot sleepers won't wake to crumpled curls!

How to use the Blissy Bonnet

Preserve curls each night with minimal effort by wearing a Blissy Bonnet.

You won't have to worry about intricate hair-wrapping methods, scarf folding, or pesky bobby pins.

Simply:

Prepare your hair for bedtime via your nightly routine
Place our chic, silk bonnet on your head
...That's it!

The elastic band and perfectly placed cinching will keep your bonnet in place all night long. Preserve your hairstyle, avoid bedhead, and wake up to beautiful curls for days!

Blissy Bonnet

297 Reviews

Snag and dent free
Eases frizz
Prevents Damage
Nourishing

More Ways to Keep Your Curls from Falling Flat

Here are some additional ways to keep your curls fabulous:

Check if your hair has the proper level of protein. If your curls are spongey and lack definition, you might need to replenish your hair via a protein treatment. The VERB Reset Repairing Mask is a great option to try.
Get a haircut! Add layers or try a new style (like the wolf cut) that will keep your hair light and bouncy. Shorter hair tends to hold curls better since there's less weight tugging down on strands.
Use a texturizing iron or similar tool to enhance hair texture and provide a long lasting hold for curls. This technique helps your curls stay defined and durable throughout the day.
Reactivate second-day hair products. You might not need to apply more styling product. Simply spritz your hair with a bit of water. (This will activate the product if its main ingredient is also water.) If your hair feels smooth again, scrunch it and allow to air dry.

Look Gorgeous With Curls That Last

There's no need to be disappointed at sad, limp curls losing their bounce. With these tips, tricks, and a Blissy Bonnet, you'll instead be wondering:

How do these perfect curls stay so long!?

Want your curls to be even more fabulous? Click here and discover how to get super-shiny, glossy hair!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hair Going Straight After Curling

Why does my hair straighten after curling?

Your hair may go straight after curling due to its natural hair texture, fine strands, or lack of hold from styling products. Humidity, damp hair, or skipping heat protectants can also disrupt curl formation. To help curls last, let them cool completely and consider sleeping on a silk pillowcase, like Blissy, to reduce friction and frizz.

Why will my hair not hold a curl?

If your hair won’t hold a curl, it’s often because it’s too clean, too fine, or weighed down by heavy products. Straight hair textures naturally resist curl definition. For lasting curls, prep with a lightweight mousse, avoid over-conditioning, and use the right curling tools.

What is the rarest hair type?

The rarest hair type is 1A, which is pin-straight, fine hair with no visible wave or curl pattern. Because of its smooth texture, it struggles to hold curls and tends to look flat. Proper styling techniques and lightweight products are key if you want curls to last.

How do I keep my hair from going flat after curling?

To prevent your curls from falling flat, start with dry hair, use a heat protectant, and let each curl cool completely before brushing. Styling products like texturizing sprays can add grip. At night, wrapping your hair in a silk bonnet or sleeping on a Blissy pillowcase helps maintain volume and curl shape.

How do I keep my hair curled after curling it?

For curls that last, prep your hair with a lightweight styling product, curl in smaller sections, and pin curls until they cool. Avoid touching them too much during the day. At night, silk scrunchies and pillowcases can protect curl definition and prevent friction that flattens hair.

Why doesn't my hair hold straight?

If your hair won’t stay straight, it may be due to natural curl or wavy hair patterns, humidity, or damaged hair cuticles. Using a smoothing serum and high-quality heat styling tools can help. A silk pillowcase can also reduce overnight frizz, keeping your straight style smoother for longer.