Upright Styling Routine vs. Upside Down Styling Curly Hair | Curly Haircare for Beginners

[@GenaMarie]

Do you style upright or upside down? Let me know what works best for you! Also, check out the blog post here for a summary and product links: genamarie.co/2020/08/upright-styling-routine-vs-upside-down-styling-curly-hair/

[@kawaiiheather5696]

I prefer upright because when I style upside down, my hair always falls in my face when it dries. I really like these comparison videos! Very helpful 🙂

[@kawaiiheather5696]

Could you do a comparison using gel first then mousse/foam vs using mousse/foam first then gel? I know you didnt use gel for this routine but I am interested in seeing which way to apply is better.

[@audreys1620]

As a new curly girl in transition, I've been struggling with exactly the same issues you found styling upside down and I've been trying to figure out how to combat the frizz and stretched out curls by the roots while trying to figure out my best definition with 2b/2c/3a curls. Perhaps I should try a combination as the upside down styling makes my underside gorgeous and then hit the top with upright styling afterwards. Thank you! This was really helpful!

[@cathismith2624]

@@audreys1620 I've been doing upside down styling and diffusing for 8 months now. As I'm an absolute beginner with a hair dryer (I'm in my 50's , but when I tried it when I was a teenager, it just turned into a mega ball of frizz) , I thought it was because I was drying it upside down, but I may be totally wrong!! My hair is 2c/3a curls and waves (and some random straight bits) and is just below shoulder length....... I'd love to see more on this too, including dryer techniques!!

[@bryanacamillebraxton4770]

Wow!! I've always styled upside down because that's the OG curly girl method way. I thought it would give me volume but I have all the issues you had with upside down styling. Now I know! I'll try upright styling next wash day.

[@GenaMarie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@irenemartinez1061]

Any update? I would love to know ☺️

[@jordynfail4769]

I'm so glad I watched this video! Everyone kept telling me to style upside down but I never liked the curls that way! So glad I'm not the only one to style upright!

[@RoseRamblesYT]

I'm so tempted to just binge your videos because your tips and tricks are so dang helpful. I learned that I have high porosity hair, which I never knew was a thing before you. I still have issues taking care of my curly hair because before KZbin I didn't have anyone around me with curly hair, nor did I really know where to look for curly hair tips. As I make my way through your videos, I am certain my hair will be happier for it. Thank you. =)

[@dianareynolds2446]

As a curly girl who has fine hair I find upside down styling more useful. It gives more volume to my hair and sometimes I skip parts when I'm styling upright. I always can make sure every strand is coated with product.

[@MistyisCrafty]

I have the same exact issues you mentioned with upside down styling. Upright works so much better for me. Love the comparison videos!

[@ron_a_gazebo]

This comes 4 years after the original post but I just want to put it here, maybe someone reads it. First of, lovely content, great effort, thank you. For the upside down styling, most of people I've seen doing this, you included, don't bend properly, you need to bend so that your hair unsticks from the scalp, it needs to hang loose in the air, all of it. I don't know if people are flexible enough to do that, for me it is not a problem, I bend so that my head is at my knees, I look at my shins while styling and turn my head very slowly left and right when raking product in and detangling. Your kind of bend where you style the hair over the back of your head turned out awesome considering that one half of the hair literally lies flat on the head. I do everything upside down, washing, conditioning, styling and it works wonders for my curls. After I am done with products I quick plop with something smooth while still upside down, then slowly go back to upright posture and diffuse. Gives more volume too. xx

[@taniyabose001]

Since your previous video I started upright styling. It has given me far better result than upside down. Thank you taking so much effort for demonstration.. always love the content in you video

[@GenaMarie]

Thank you! So glad it’s helped you!

[@kathryn2334]

This is great! I've been wondering if upside down or rightside up would make a difference in my hair, and now I'm inspired to try it and actually see how each styling method works out. Please continue to make these side-by-side comparison videos. So helpful!

[@GenaMarie]

Will do! Thanks for watching 💖

[@stacywilson9718]

Thank you for this comparison. I'm only just starting with CGM and found the same issues with styling upside down.

[@dgraycats]

Excellent video topic Gena, I just recently started going back to the upright method of styling my curly hair and what a difference in my finished look. I started the CGM a few years ago and that suggests the upside down method, well that method isn’t for everyone, my hair was a hot mess in the back of my head. Just saying, it’s not always best to follow all of the CGM rules! Thanks again for this video!💖

[@ironrose01]

I style upright but I wash upside down and I would love to see what the difference might be for someone else. :)

[@GenaMarie]

I do that a lot too! When I wash my hair over the tub

[@ironrose01]

@@GenaMarie Oh very nice. Yeah, it's the only way I wash my hair now. I started because I was using skincare on my body that can discolor hair so I had to be careful and now I just do it because my hair loves it.

[@sandrairene5579]

I just found you today and this video was very helpful. I started CGM this past week using Innersense products. I have 2b/c waves and very low density. I styled upside down and my results look similar to yours. I thought I did something wrong with the technique. Your explanation makes so much sense! I’m going to try upright styling next time. Thank you and I’m looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@GenaMarie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kalnedlewil2897]

Just found ur Channel!!! Thk u ! Ur amazing and I am half way thru every video u have without skipping LOL every second of every video has value 💕

[@marydanielle000]

I always style upside down. Next wash going to try upright. I usually have a gap in the back and my roots are always strait. Good info! Thanks!!

[@eshanidas2234]

I used to style upside down I always thought I only get a lot of frizz thanks a lot I will try the upright styling routine next day❤️❤️

[@dozeymare6857]

I love these weekly easy to follow and understand videos. I've not long since started the CGM and found it all a little overwhelming but you and a few others have helped me so much, thank you ♥️

[@GenaMarie]

Aww that’s my goal! Thank you 🥰

[@christifarris3334]

I style upright but I do upside down and upright both while I diffuse. I feel like I get better coverage with my products by styling upright. I like to diffuse both ways because I feel like I get my roots dried better doing upright and upside down. Thanks for doing this video because I wondered if it made a difference to style my way. Though I do follow a lot of CG methods, I do still pick and choose what works best for me. Thanks again. 😊

[@cathyh675]

I do like these comparison videos. I'm going to try upright styling again. I switched to upside down styling 2 months ago and I have better results with dealing with my big cowlick on the back of my head. However, I wasn't plopping before. I just finally got a handle on my frizz issue. It is horribly humid where I live.

[@kayjhoselin]

I absolutely love your hair!❤️

[@Littlebrownladki]

These comparison videos are really helpful 🌼gonna try upright styling tomorrow for sure😍

[@GenaMarie]

Yay! Hope it helps!

[@gianninal5455]

New to your channel and loving your content as my hair density is far less than it was 10 yrs ago, even 5 yrs ago. 2019 was the WORST in terms of how much more dramatically thin my hair became. After watching your videos I tried damp styling and it was not for me but this time I want to try upright styling. I realized I suffer from all the things you described when talking about the downsides of up side down styling but always figured it was the best way to achieve volume. I also have NEVER liked next day curls on me so I'm curious to know how you preserve your curls over night.

[@mblack788]

Definitely interested in the products you used.

[@ankitajain9216]

Great tutorial Gena.. Please review some affordable or drugstore brands..

[@Rachelsjourney]

Wow. This is so helpful. I have struggled with all the same things you mentioned with upside down styling. I have recently switched to upright styling and it really seems to be working better. On a side note, do you still use all the innersense products from your testing or just the ones you mentioned today? I want to try them but doing my research before making the investment. I’m surprised how well they are working for you in humidity. (I also have fine, low density, high porosity hair.) thanks for the video today! Great job as usual!

[@GenaMarie]

Glad it was helpful! I've been using all the Innersense products I have from my original video, and these. It just depends on what I'm in the mood for. The foam is easier to apply quickly, whereas the gel takes some effort since it's thick. They've done fine in the humidity when I use the hairspray and/or the gel as my sealing product.

[@nanciutay5620]

I enjoyed watching both routines you implemented. I actually do both. First I put product on upside down and then again upright to make sure I have it in all the areas. My hair is course and thick especially underneath. I have not used hair spray, but maybe that’s what I need to fight with the humidity where I live. I haven’t tried innersense products, but I would like to. I’m trying to use up what I have before adding more. My bathroom cabinet looks like a store because I have so much.

[@GenaMarie]

I do that sometimes too! A lot of my videos from last year use both techniques. Wanted to just show the 2 extremes for this vid!

[@Melissa-cy9se]

Hi Gena, does that Innersense spray dry your hair out? I like the leave in and the volumizing foam from that brand, but I was not a fan of the spray, it felt too strong. I also looked it up on curlsbot recently and it said the alcohol is too harsh. I know you know a lot about hair product ingredients, what do you think?

[@michellethompson7548]

Would love to see more testing routines! This was very informative. One thing that I have problems with is using the Denman brush. It feels like it almost snags in my hair. I stopped using it as soon as that happened because I didn't want to have breakage from it. Any other options other than finger coiling?

[@GenaMarie]

Not sure if you saw the last testing video I did, but I show tips for using the Denman brush :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYOvn5h6nryMe5I

[@michellethompson7548]

@@GenaMarie I did watch that one but for some reason, the Denman brush just doesn't slide through my hair. Not sure if it my texture or what. I have a different brush ordered that have the rubber tips but made like a Denman, I am hoping that one will work better. :) By-the-way, just hope you know that you are one of the only You Tube influencers that actually respond to questions. :) Thank you!!

[@yolandam6642]

Thank you so much for don't this video. I literally was thinking about doing this today on my hair, no joke!!! The upside-down hair styling. I thought it would give me more volume. My hair is also high porosity but double your length. I guess I will skip that today and just do right-side up styling.

[@GenaMarie]

Glad it was helpful! It's worth a try, just to see how your hair does. It's all about experimenting with curls 😊❤️

[@annaburns5382]

Good demo. I think that I need to change the way I style my super fine waves. It might look better in the back. I have the same issue as your. For the upright styling, did you diffuse upright also?

[@GenaMarie]

I do a combo of both for diffusing. Here's a video on how I "plop" diffuse: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p33JeIGsYtl_eKM

[@andreaplummer3841]

I have to make sure I'm not diffusing upside down too long or my hair falls in my face all day. But I do start upside down for a bit more volume.

[@lorettarendon1725]

Would you be able to do styling with affordable product for everyone like from sallys or drugstore?

[@GenaMarie]

Yep! I have many previous videos featuring brands like Not Your Mother's that are affordable. Innersense is just a brand I'm experimenting with at the moment so they've made an appearance a lot lately :)

[@kristinekerr3688]

Have you tried styling right side up and then diffusing upside down? It’s the best of both worlds!

[@shakedgabbay1]

I have those exact problems when styling upside down! never before have I seen someone showing it... I feel like for normal density and above it kinda works itself out but for me it just shows all my bald spots.

[@VengefulAngeI]

I've never been able to do upside down styling. I asked my hair stylist about that, and she said some people (including me) have very stubborn growth directions, which can include cowlicks. So she can style my hair upside down only because she can re-arrange everything from behind me, and re-direct all the wonky pieces, which is almost the entire back half of my head. Density may play a role too - I'm somewhat low density, not too low but not quite medium either.

[@TheTinydawg]

I'm confused - in the upside down styling you weren't completely upside down bent at the waist with your hair hanging straight down, it's more of a forward leaning type of styling, right? Also in the upside down styling after brushing your hair through you raked in the gel with your hands giving lift at the roots because you stated the brushing flattened the roots at the scalp but then you went in again with the brush to distribute flattening the roots again, then you scrunched in mouse.

[@Melissa-cy9se]

Wowww mind blown! 🤯 I’ve been styling upside down and my hair looks exactly like your example but I honestly never thought that it was because of the way I was styling my hair since it’s almost second nature to me to style upside down. Thank you! I also haven’t tried plopping after applying products, I can see how it would help with volume, but I would be afraid of frizz. I have to test it out...

[@GenaMarie]

It's worth a try upright! Also, my next video will be testing plopping 😉

[@kristak9811]

I like to style upright, I feel like I can distribute the product better. I’ve tried it upside down and my hair looks weird and tangled.

[@GenaMarie]

Mine too!

[@lizette2769]

I tried styling upside down styling when I first started doing my hair and I never liked it, upright styling is definitely for me. Great video 😁

[@Its_e]

You should do a video where you don’t break apart the curl clumps until it is fully dry

[@GenaMarie]

I get frizz that way! But I could try 😊

[@montillamusic]

I have tried styling upside down and it didn't work out for me. So I do it upright and my hair comes out better

[@GenaMarie]

Same!

[@safzal60]

Hi girl! I am working on creating a tool to allow women to scrunch their hair with less effort. I have a few questions to guide the development of the product 1. I was wondering what your big pain points are when it comes to scrunching hair? 2. On average, how long do you scrunch your hair? 3. Why do you scrunch your hair - how does it benefit your hair? 4. What would you expect from a hair scrunch tool (besides the basic functionality)? You can speak to design, functions, ergonomics etc. Would love to hear everyones feedback!

[@lady253]

Hi gena.i have dry, fine curly hair. Would giovaani direct leave in moistue conditioner together with giovani gel suit me??

[@GenaMarie]

I've never tried them, so I am not sure unfortunately

[@BeTheChange99]

If it helps anyone, I split my hair in top half and bottom half and do "up right styling" on the bottom half and then upside down styling thereafter with the top half. I sometimes get those stringy curls on the top half, but with some practice it will not happen as often. For my hair, medium density, if I dont do upside down for my crown area, I will have absolutely no volume:(

[@makeupjunkie723]

I prefer to style upright and side to side. When I style upside down all my hair goes forward and I agree that I miss spots Sometimes I do upright in sections if I’m motivated

[@GenaMarie]

Same here!

[@annaburns5382]

When using the mousse, is it better for the hair to be partially dry? When I use it on my wet hair, it is horrible. It gets so frothy and my hair clumps into giant clumps that won't separate.

[@GenaMarie]

I usually apply it to damp hair (towel dried). It's not dripping or anything but not dried :)

[@annaburns5382]

@@GenaMarie thanks so much. I'll try it that way...hopefully better results

[@sossomelkonian7821]

Great video👍🌹❤️

[@gandawatisoeminta3505]

that's also what happened to my hair when doing upside down, my hair looks wonky, out of shape and weird bang :))... I style my hair upright now..

[@belindacoggan8867]

Where can I purchase this hair repair towel? 😊

[@GenaMarie]

All products are linked in a video description box

[@invisibletouta9526]

You can get a haircut Love your hair🧡🧡

[@annaburns5382]

Innersense I create finish has a lot of alcohol in it, it's the first ingredient on the list. You don't feel concerned about using that on your hair? Alcohol in products makes my hair get so much static and get very dry. Everyone is different, some can do it and some not.

[@GenaMarie]

Agreed! I have talked about the alcohol in this hairspray over on my IG stories a couple times, and I shared how this spray doesn't dry out my hair even with the alcohol. I think because it is combined with other really moisturizing ingredients. I also only use a few sprays of it. I wouldn't recommend something like a mousse that is full of alcohol because that would be going all over my hair. I also mentioned how liquid hairsprays that contain water seem to do be better and aren't as drying, opposed to an aerosol hairspray with alcohol.

[@annaburns5382]

@@GenaMarieBounce Curl has alcohol free hair spray. I was going to get some after watching your video, but they are out of stock. When it comes in, I will be purchasing it.