The MPH Method: Styling Secrets for Defined, Voluminous, Lasting Natural Curls! Curly Hair Tutorial

[@meerasolomon3507]

I’ve been playing around with something pretty similar and it’s my favorite way to style. I love the separation and volume my waves get with damp styling, but the definition and smoothness of wet styling. It’s like the best of both worlds. I do an abbreviated version but with the same order of operations. Rake leave in or cream in the shower and add more water before giving a little scrunch upside down. Then I wrap in my tshirt towel (don’t even bother to properly plop) and do skincare and get dressed. When I take it down I glaze and crab hands something with hold and then scrunch, followed by microplopping if I’m still drippy. I like to use a little gel and then mousse overtop for my hold products, so sometimes the gel goes on before a microplop and the mousse afterwards. I’ve also been using gel and serum mixed to scrunch SOTC when dry ever since I saw you do that and it’s been amazing at reducing frizz and extending my style.

[@cherylgratton7940]

Your curls are fantastic. I appreciated your saying in the video that your hair is thick. Mine is very thin (perhaps too thin to do the Curly Girl Method) and I use the MPH method now. I think having thin hair makes it necessary for me to use less product than you use. Does anyone else in the Low Density cetaegory need a video on working with thin hair?

[@albagarcia1419]

I desperately need to learn how to work with thin high porosity wavy to curly hair. Especially MPH method.

[@cherylgratton7940]

@@albagarcia1419 I look at many of the videos by "real life+curly girl" who is more wavy than curly, but I like her advice. I have looked at a lot of videos by Gena Marie, who describes herself as having thin or low density hair. There's another woman whose name escapes me right now, but I found her by googling thin hair and curly girl method. I have experimented with every product under the sun, and I also had two Zoom consultations with Swavy Curly Courtney. That was very helpful also. I would be happy to share my email address with you if you think sharing ideas back and forth would help. Let me know!!

[@Faithinj]

Me!!!

[@sandstormelliott]

I agree, that’s ALOT of product for thinner hair!

[@mwsmith6209]

Me too

[@bymilliebphotography8249]

Wish i would have found this channel sooner. Best curly hair guru right here. Thank you! Subscribed!

[@mwsmith6209]

I'll second that 🙏

[@shallowwaters6690]

Wow! I also do something similar but has never realized why it works so well.

[@TheFitCurls]

Yay for understanding the why!!

[@jvinson4181]

Thank you for throwing in the low porosity tips!

[@BELillicious]

I love all of your videos and advice, it is loose and not restrictive. Making it my own, while listening to your new tips and insights. My only regret is that I didn't have this curly hair advice sooner! Thank you for helping me make my curly hair all it can be!

[@VengefulAngeI]

I started styling my curls on soaking, dripping, "coming up for air while swimming" hair last winter. It actually was working well. But then in the heat my curls were super limp, flat, and much too soft to hold their shape no matter how much protein I used. I finally realized it was all the water.🤦 Now I do what I had always done before, which is style on fairly wet - but not dripping - hair. I apply my leave in while in the shower, then loosely wrap my hair in a perfect hair care towel, and Huge difference! My hair is still very prone to over clumping, and now I'm actually experimenting with using a fine tooth comb (yep, FINE TOOTH COMB!) instead of a brush, and so far I'm getting more volume just due to more separation, without sacrificing the actual spiral shape to the curls. Your curls look great BTW 😊

[@dennissems]

That happened to me. Depending on the weather is how I style my hair LOL.

[@TheFitCurls]

Over-moisturization is a very real phenomenon!! And I love that the fine-toothed comb is helping you get smaller clumps and more volume! I’d love to see your results if you want to share them on IG!

[@VengefulAngeI]

@@dennissems I started brush styling every wash day last winter, and it really helped. But these last couple of months the humidity plus my hair being prone to over moisturization was equalling weird curls. If they weren't over clumping, they were just falling out completely. Then i realized that i actually didn't use to style with a brush, nor did I ever style my hair literally soaking wet (another thing I started last winter that worked well at the time). All that excess water (in the air and what I was locking into my hair via stylers) was not working for me. Brush styling helps make clumps, too, so why I kept doing it once it stopped working is beyond me. It's Like I thought I HAD to use a brush to get curls, which is really stupid of me, because my hair was curly way before I ever styled it with a brush lol

[@VengefulAngeI]

@@TheFitCurls It took me a bit to do it, but I managed to get a few pics on IG. I had removed the app last year because I never used it. I think there was 1 or 2 posts from 2020, and a small handful from 2019, and that's it 😂 I HATE posting pictures of myself because I'm just not photogenic at all & it makes me really self conscious. Plus I don't have all the lighting that makes people's skin look great & hides frizz. But I tagged you. I think. I never really used IG and so I never really got around to really using the features. I'm old lol

[@dennissems]

@@VengefulAngeI definitely. I had to switch my Ouidad climate control gel from the extra hold to the light hold during the summer. I didn’t know what I was doing wrong. Then I saw someone say what you’re saying (over moisturization in the summer months). I also added home made flaxseed gel and it’s made a difference during the summer months.

[@carolharrington4745]

Thank you Thank you Thank you. The MPH method has saved me from giving up. FINALLY I can get consistent results. I have truly tried to get defined curls for about a year now. i have had some successful days. I keep switching up products hoping to get more defined curls. I would always put the hold product in while still in the shower but that left my plopped hair with wonky bends rather than defind curls. Golly! Can't thank you enough.

[@monas.6839]

I’m loving the Leonid Afremov painting in your background! I have a print of his Farewell to Anger! 💜

[@Lisanow85]

Your videos have saved my curls! I’m so glad I stumbled upon you! Your advice has helped me more than any of my stylists ever could. The Cake curl cream and mousse is a game changer! I was styling all wrong and not applying enough products my whole life. Thank you a million times!!!

[@TheFitCurls]

Oh my gosh, this makes me so happy to hear!!! I am so so so glad that you’re living in and loving your curls!!!

[@thatbapa]

I shall try this for tomorrow's wash day and see if my unruly curls reward me with a few good hair days or not.

[@emkn1479]

I do something very similar and it’s taken me a couple years to figure it out. I hope others find this sooner! I’m almost positive my hair is low porosity. But also my scalp is pretty oily and prone to product buildup so I never pile my hair on top of my head with product in it. I put it in a plastic shower cap right after showering (wrapped in a microfiber towel to absorb drippage), then after dressing and doing skincare I add a leave-in (All About Curls often, sometimes mixed with Curl Keeper) and scrunch, then loosely gather in a perfect hair care towel for maybe 15 mins. I then take it down, add gel (often also using all three methods you mentioned), and scrunch out excess water, maybe glazing flyaways or frayed clumps with a bit more product. I then usually air dry, flipping back and forth so it’s not flat. I’ve tried lots of techniques and this is the most consistent and my hair feels it’s best. On days I don’t want to add gel I do the other steps and still get some definition and smoothness…I think it’s really all about the water having time to sit and absorb. Thanks for sharing!

[@maryw9876]

Emily I started my curly hair journey a few months ago and found my hair does really well putting in a shower cap too! I also wrap a towel over the shower cap not only to absorb any water dripping but to also keep the heat from my head and the shower on the hair as long as possible like a mini steam. My hair stays glossy and holds throughout the day. Thanks for sharing! Mary

[@emkn1479]

@@maryw9876 Yes, another perk!

[@TheFitCurls]

Yes!! Time to absorb water and/or product is key when your cuticle takes its job of protecting your cortex a little *too* seriously 😅 I’m so glad you’ve found a routine that works for your hair and your life!

[@karenlevitt7430]

I love this shorthand “ order of operations. I use 2 gels- one BEFORE defining: the Ouidad Climate control “firm hold” which is really a soft-medium: it’s a moisturizing liquid gel with amazing slip. My Denman just glides through my hair, and any finger coiling is a breeze. I use a hard hold gel to finish. I’ve been microplopping at the very end, I’m going to try plopping and then using my holding gel to see how that works!

[@disneyknitter9189]

Which gel do you like for hard hold?

[@karenlevitt7430]

@@disneyknitter9189 I use Harry’s, which is technically a men’s product,. Firmest hold I’ve found so far.

[@TheFitCurls]

The Ouidad Advanced Climate Control is a GREAT gel for raking! I tried it the other day and freakin loved it.

[@LauraDerocher]

Super helpful. And beautiful results! Thanks

[@apwhoa7767]

Thank you, after a full day deep dive into starting a Curly type of routine and feeling overwhelmed by products and information I find this basic MPH direction a bit more comprehensive.

[@amyrobertson5093]

I really like your acronym! Thank you for talking about Lo Po variations - that’s me ;-)

[@TheFitCurls]

Happy to! I’m honestly jealous of my low-po friends 😅 the shine y’all can get is unreal!!

[@Adahleni]

Good I found your channel, I have big curls pattern so I don’t recognise myself in wavies nor in most curlies, I think I m a betweener

[@joannerios7034]

I can't wait to try this 👍. I'll definitely tag you if I'm successful.

[@emmaswan6219]

definitely going to try this out! I do something similar (MHP) but I will give this method a try :)

[@alisonva9494]

You should do a video using Paul Mitchell Sculpting foam. I have been using it for years. I enjoy the enthusiasm that you bring to your videos.

[@camy87]

Excellent method! Love all your content!

[@TheFitCurls]

Thank you so much!! 🥰

[@mcf1674]

Love your on-screen presence and content. Are you still making videos?

[@rheiyah2683]

thank you. i consider you as my only curl mentor 😭

[@TheFitCurls]

Oh my gosh, I am honored!!

[@susanwestmoreland9732]

I appreciate that you describe the purpose of a leave in conditioner, curl cream, and product such as orange marmalade. Could you do a video explaining the different types of products? I had Uncle Funky’s Daughter curl stimulator recommend to me…. I’m not sure if I need to apply it as a gel or as a styler (applying gel afterwards)… so many products, such little time… especially when just starting out!

[@cherylgratton7940]

I can relate to this!! I can never tell what is a curl activator and what is a gel…

[@mwsmith6209]

The title alone sounds commanding, big lol. Did it do the job for you? Is ur hair beautiful and "funky" ? Hope you had a great experience!

[@Angelaangelat]

Brilliant! Fabulous idea. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheFitCurls]

My pleasure!! Took a lot of experimenting to get here and I hope it helps others too!!

[@Angelaangelat]

@@TheFitCurls definitely! Your videos are always helpful and inspiring…and so beautifully done!

[@mwsmith6209]

I have learned more from YOU than any other curly hair vids out there. Please keep up the good work. We appreciate you!

[@ruvinibb]

I love how fit and healthy you look. Please do a video on your fitness routine and diet xx

[@mwsmith6209]

Yes but, let get our heads /hair in shape 1st please 🙂

[@td4234]

I’m so glad I watched this video! I’ve changed my styling method slightly based on this and now follow the mph method. The slight change (putting leave-in/curl enhancer on very wet hair, then waiting until right before diffusing to put my hold product/gel in) has made a huge difference, not only in curl definition and hold, but also in the softness of my hair. Thank you so much for posting these helpful videos!

[@jessicagalyon5840]

Hey! I’m a fitness instructor Just found you bc I had a nervous breakdown standing in the shower, in freezing cold water bc I used it all.. just trying to use a wet brush on my hair. My hair that has wet frizz & webbing. I’ve been deep conditioning every wash. I wash way more often now tho, bc I can feel residue from products now. I used to wash once a wk before CGM 🙄

[@jojoxoxo444]

I would say only use a deep conditioner once a week and for the other washes just use a conditioner to detangle your hair I also recommend looking for moisture and protein balance cause I think you have moisture overload as for the wet brush it doesn’t work perfectly for everyone my favorite detangling brush at the moment is the tangle teezer it detangles so well and minimizes my hair shedding for the residue you should try shampoo brush to scrub your scalp and don’t be afraid to use a sulphate shampoo from time to time to clarify I also suggest using a clarifying mask for your hair twice a year for example the Indian clay mask works wonderful but needs a strong moisturizing deep conditioner afterwards

[@genkestrel7254]

Hi Angela, I was wondering, how do you think using Cake mousse as a substitute for curl cream and then applying a holding gel would work?

[@Chezerhenlow]

How do I know how much leave in to use? When you show us the trick in the circumference when putting cream on, should we do the same with leave in and gel?

[@mwsmith6209]

Gorgeous!

[@yaeledmonds5158]

I usually do a PMH... Will try your method when I next wash.

[@TheFitCurls]

Let me know how it goes!!

[@KittyLovesGlover]

for your do, is your hair layered? my stylist always layers my hair. not sure if i should grow it out.

[@Star-dj1kw]

I agree that the nubby microfiber towels create too much friction.

[@jennyrose9454]

I'm finally wearing my hair wavy( between 2b-3a I think) and I really don't like gels much except Miss Jessie jelly soft. I love curl creams and will use non crunchy hair spray. Idk I really have never tried super wet styling because I always then he dry my hair im not sure i could stand drippy wet hair. I enjoy watching all diffetent methods and product reviews. Might try Curlsmith if I can find it on sale.

[@belindagonzalez1021]

Going to try this method

[@mwsmith6209]

Will someone please direct me to this 2b, c3 (or whatever this chart is!, Lol). I don't know what I am 🙂

[@hildamedrano9376]

Just found your channel and binge watched you a lot! OMG thank you, so many great tips. Can’t wait to try them on my natural curls. Love your personality!

[@tamarapace3036]

Thank you! Thorough and easy!

[@TheFitCurls]

Thank you so much!! That’s always the goal 🤗

[@JIMKOR]

So how do you find porosity of your hair

[@omasrosebud]

Covid took my curls, and a lot has just fallen out. I have tried multiple times in the methods I used to do, but nothing helps. Any suggestions?

[@melanieb4270]

Thanks for the tip. Im currently trying the bowl method but will do microplop before scrunching in the gel tomorrow and hope for more hold than i get when incorporating gel into the bowl method

[@TheFitCurls]

Let me know how it goes!!! I have a feeling it will work super well!

[@melanieb4270]

@@TheFitCurls i think i need to invest in a denman brush. My day 2 hair is a disaster lol

[@melanieb4270]

@@TheFitCurls do you use an oil for scrunching out the crunch? Im trying to find a good one for 2a 2b hair and not having much luck

[@elizabethfarnsworth5725]

@@melanieb4270 I have 2b curls and I use Paul Mitchell's Super Skinny Serum. Holds down the frizz and gives some shine. And it smells really good. I don't follow CGM exactly so it might not be CGM approved.

[@melanieb4270]

@@elizabethfarnsworth5725 thank you. Im really after no silicones for my products if i can

[@alineparadis8444]

Great content, thanks!! 🥰

[@TheFitCurls]

My pleasure as always!

[@jflo2012]

Hi. Do you ever find that gel makes your hair tangle more? What can be done to minimize this? I need gel for hold. Great video. Thank you.

[@emkn1479]

For me personally any styling products that have drying ingredients like salts or proteins make my hair tangly (that’s why sweat makes it feel terrible too). I don’t seem to need the proteins in leave in products so they sit on the surface and make it rough and more prone to tangling. For context my hair is on the low porosity end. I hope you figure it out!

[@TheFitCurls]

I do not get that effect from gel, no. But I DO get that tangly feeling when my hair is under-conditioned because the cuticle is raised so the hair strands snag on each other. Same thing can happen with protein overload. Best gel I can recommend for either case - and literally every human - is Camille Rose Curl Maker.

[@jflo2012]

@@TheFitCurls Thank you, Angela. I will try that product, even though I promised myself I wouldn't buy any more hair products until I used up the ones I already have. LOL Have a nice weekend.

[@jflo2012]

@@TheFitCurls Wow! I tried the Camille Rose Gel. It’s the first gel that doesn’t cause my hair to tangle and also, it helps create nice waves in my hair that last. Thanks so much. Great recommendation.

[@maym8543]

Your curls are beautiful my curls are the same, I'm going to buy the products and I like your hair color, what hair color did you use? And your haircut too.

[@TheFitCurls]

So I do my own haircut 😂 and I have collarbone-length round layers with curtain bangs! My color is way more complicated as I get it done professionally and my colorist custom mixes my formula every time. But the basic thing I asked for this time was a lived-in dimensional neutral blonde, so I got highlights, lowlights, and an all-over toner!

[@REDSTU1]

I was really dissapointed with my beharful brush. Even when I am very careful when using it the bristles scrape my scalp really bad to where it hurts. I guess I have thinner hair than I realized. I am only adding this comment so others know that its a possibility so they dont waste their money since its kinda expensive. I did love your video and enjoyed all your tips. Thank you so much

[@irairod5160]

Oooooh, that's sad to hear! I have very fine hair, but no problems with the Behairful brush as long as I take my time. If you are tender headed (or a vigorous brushe-er) you might like the WetBrush or the Hair Re-pear brush a lot better. They have rounded tips and bristles that are spaced out farther, so you don't have to get as close to your scalp to pull up and away and create volume. Also--it helps if you start your brushing head down. I don't know why, but I can control any brush better when I'm in that position.

[@imajenn3006]

I love 'methods'. BTW, I REALLY extole the virtue of Virtue Labs Curl line BTW. They use human hair keratin (upcycled from small business wig makers left over). Their curl line us Fab. With CurlWhip fit defining and something for hold (their volumising mousse or gel of choice, ir both). My hair us SO different jn a great way after finding. I love your methods with these products.

[@TheFitCurls]

I’ll have to look into Virtue Labs!

[@imajenn3006]

@@TheFitCurls my hair is Amazingly better after 1 shampoo/conditioner and 5 was the magic number. I've been using it for a month (go with Sephora so you can return) The human keratin seals onto and damaged places jn a way that other proteins can't & my hair is much thicker. You don't need much product either. The Curl Whip is more of a cream/enhancer, but I think it could be a single styler for people with entrench curls or waves. I top it with their Volumizing Mousse & sometimes FSG or spiraliscious. The Curl Line and Mousses/ whips have no silicones (I know you aren't CGM) but a lot of their other products have Dimethicone. My hairstylist cuts the hair of one of the developers who was an Aveda formulator. That person met an ex Amy Surgeon/general in regenerative medicine on a plane & he had noticed that hair in wound areas grew back better so they did a trial formulation and a Line was born. It really is All that and a box of cookies. They are working in a gel, but even just the shampoo and conditioner is amazing. You don't need damaged hair, but you don't get protein or moisture overload with it and I haven't needed to deep condition. (But is has only been a month). Nor do I have to gently clarify my fine hair once a week. They have a purify shampoo that may get rid if the silicone, but I'm not sure. I don't use them and use Makibu C hard water once a month. I just left the conditioner on longer after. Anyway. Hope it works for you and thanks for all the great tutorials!!

[@MrRachelrei]

Trying this today.

[@TheFitCurls]

Keep me posted!!

[@miriamgrace4172]

hi I have a quick question form another vid, I have high porosity thick curly hair, can I use a deep conditioning mask and olaplex 3 not exactly at the same time ofc but I mean and the same time as in the same day/week or do they need weeks apart

[@TheFitCurls]

Yes of course!! Olaplex No. 3 isn’t a conditioner - it’s a treatment - so if you follow the treatment with shampoo and then a deep conditioner that’ll work just fine!

[@marykurent4315]

I like your haircut. What do you ask the stylist for when you get it cut?

[@REDSTU1]

I think she cut it herself and has a video on it. I love her hair also so I would like to know the answer.

[@dennissems]

Lori is right. She followed Manes by Mel pig tails tutorial. You can check both videos out. I forgot to add that I asked for round long layers to my hairdresser. I also showed her several pics of people with my similar hair type and how I want my hair to look dry.

[@TheFitCurls]

I do cut my own hair 🤣 the cut i have now is collarbone-length round layers with curtain bangs! I like a round shape and plenty of volume at the crown :)

[@barnes-md7mf]

How do you sleep in your curls? What is your opinion on silk caps/scarves/pillowcases?

[@TheFitCurls]

I actually have a whole video on this from a while back up on my channel!

[@disneyknitter9189]

Would you consider the Ouidad light, medium or firm hold? I’ve been looking for a firmer hold.

[@dennissems]

Light-medium hold. Hope that helps.

[@TheFitCurls]

I’d put the “stronger hold” one I use at a solid medium hold: good cast but flexible hold that does need a bit of refreshing daily. For stronger hold, I love Camille Rose Curl Maker!

[@kellyv3448]

I have an Evolve brush which is a generic Denman. I tried it again today and got the same results. Very frizzy separated strands ;0( I think I need to try it with some bristles taken out. I am so sad my hair looks like a stringy mess for this upcoming week ;0(

[@TheFitCurls]

Y’know, I tried the Evolve brush and had lackluster results using it - the bristles are stiffer than the Denman so I think that makes a difference. Definitely take a couple rows out and see if it helps! If not, maybe brush styling just isn’t your best defining option! You can still use this method with any styling technique that works best for you 💕

[@kellyv3448]

@@TheFitCurls Thanks for replying! I can tell you one thing I have some major ringlets hiding underneath ;0) My hair is colored so the top is damaged and has a tendency to be more straight. Try try again ;0)

[@nicolette3436]

Come back please

[@mrspress8057]

Adding gel after micro plopping...that made me nervous. Have you tried applying all products first, then micro plopping? If so, how did it go?

[@TheFitCurls]

I have indeed! I don’t get as strong of a cast or results that necessarily last as long when I apply my gel before microplopping. This is because some of the product comes off when you microplop! So this is my way of still getting the clumps from defining wet but getting stronger hold from styling damp 🤗

[@mrspress8057]

@@TheFitCurls thank you! I might have to try this method...regular plopping doesn’t work for me.

[@TheFitCurls]

Me neither, my friend. Me neither. So. Much. WONK.

[@mrspress8057]

@@TheFitCurls YES! Hair going every which way, just a mess.

[@lauralarios423]

Unreal because it’s!

[@tinafogarty404]

That’s what my hair looks like just under the top layer. The top layer and face framing area gets fuzzy and unattractive

[@SSabeskis]

Mine too! It's SO frustrating.

[@orvisalma]

Moisturize, Plop, Hold

[@hac13]

I must be the only person in the world who can have actual tight ringlets after brush defining and when I dry it goes almost flat/straight.

[@TheFitCurls]

You are not alone, I promise - I’ve heard stories like you from my TikTok community! Sounds to me like you might need to use a slightly different product combo! But unfortunately without knowing more about your hair I can’t give too much advice.

[@samanthathompson9812]

I have so much damn frizz. It's made of shorter hairs that don't want to cooperate with the longer ones.

[@MaresBarres]

Me reading the title: MmmehPuhhhh.

[@maureenvos5111]

Maybe you should look into fast hair growth shampoo to double hair growth.