WHY I NO LONGER BRUSH CURL MY HAIR | Discussing Viral Curl Enhancing Methods & Hair Damage

I've stopped using some viral curl enhancing methods like brush curling, handle curling, coiling, twisting, finger rolling & finger coiling. I go into extensive detail with visuals on how doing these methods wrong can cause problems. To disclaim; there is nothing wrong with the actual methods themselves, they are styling preferences based on the individual. But you may find the video quite insightful if your hair is not living up to your expectations after trying such methods.
There are many many different names for these methods so I have tried to use as many familiar terms as possible so you can understand the specific type of method I am talking about. I have used visuals to help explain.
00:20 What is brush curling?
00:31 Difference between brush curling & styling
02:11 Why I used to do these techniques
03:47 Why I stopped using these techniques
BRUSHES I STILL USE FOR DETANGLING & SMOOTHING
Purple Tangle Teezer amzn.to/3m1PbBw
Wide Tooth Comb Options amzn.to/3zv72UO
(i didn't mention this brush in the video but I LOVE it for detangling and smoothing) amzn.to/40SnLxr
MY MOST USED CURL PRODUCTS OF 2022
Curlsmith Miracle Shield amzn.to/40D2iIV
Imbue Leave-in conditioner amzn.to/3YdYkFa
Curlsmith Shine Cream amzn.to/3I8HZMb
Curlsmith Styling Souflee amzn.to/3Xe6j3B
Moroccan Oil amzn.to/3lfkhoB
Style Expertise Serum bit.ly/3Yhu5No
Curlsmith Calming Conditioner amzn.to/3JSBRcu
💰DISCOUNT CODES 💰
10% off Curlfriend Collective: SOPHIE10 www.curlfriendcollective.com/
10% off Curlsmith: SOPHIE10 bit.ly/3Bx5lrr
20% off Umberto Giannini: SOPHIEMARIE20 bit.ly/3xfpkIC
10% off Bounce Curl: SOPHIE10 bit.ly/3d9MtFN
✨AMAZON STORE✨
www.amazon.co.uk/shop/sophiem...
Lists all my favourite products tools & essentials for curls
👋🏽 YOU CAN FIND ME
📱INSTAGRAM: sophiemariecurly
🎵TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@sophiemariecurly
💌 EMAIL: [e-mail]
DISCLAIMER
❗This video is NOT sponsored but it may contain gifted items and does contain affiliate links & codes. This means I am able to earn a small commission if you decide to purchase something linked here. This helps support me as a creator✨
❗I HAVE NO QUALIFICATIONS IN HAIR and it’s surrounding topics like product formulation. All my knowledge is from my own research, trial & error. I have naturally curly hair and am sharing my personal journey with you.

[@sparkybish]

I’ve found my best hair days are when I put in the minimal amount of effort. I slap some product in, use a wet brush to distribute the product and scrunch my hair and go.

[@esanchez1906]

Oh my gosh, I see that as well with my hair!

[@danz139]

Me too!

[@miffysbandswidth8204]

Me too

[@coletasqueen6002]

Lmao if I do that I'll look like a lion

[@dionisialieo9493]

That's probably cause you have high density hair, some of us are not as lucky 😩

[@sophiecassell8627]

I never actually used these methods because they took too long but this is so validating 😂 love how much time you've taken to go into all of this stuff! I've gotten a lot of tips from you!

[@sophiemariecurly]

Haha yes it’s not for every one for sure! Thank you so glad I can help 🥰➰

[@desertboot9755]

Same! I've never taken any time to style. I'm lazy.

[@lilyinthewater161]

If there's a nobel prize for work done for curly haired girls, it should go to you. Brilliant attention to detail and logic.

[@PedroHernandez-fl6bi]

Am I not supposed to brush my curly hair everyday??

[@GiovannaOaken]

This is PURE SCIENCE! What an AMAZING video. I've never seen anyone go into so many details on curl structures and the influence of the styling techniques. Yes you are an expert on curly hair!! I mean, look how much knowledge you have on it! You're incredible!

[@nikkipayne9940]

Wow as someone who is new to this curly journey. That was all greatly received. Thank you honey bun xx xx

[@irmatubi564]

i had learnt to do my curls quite late in my teens. i had grown them quite long in my 20's and decided to have really short hairstyle for 8 years and now trying to grow them out again(since jan). Your curls are really gorgeous btw! The way u explained all the different styling techniques are clear and is motivating me to grow back my curls. keep up the good content!

[@jeisiannerosariocolon7733]

I love that you incorporated plenty of images and videos that illustrated what you meant. Great video!

[@TheBaumcm]

As with any technique, ymmv. The takeaway within the curly community should be all curlies welcome and use and do whatever best supports the aesthetic you’re going for because no two heads are alike.

[@sophiemariecurly]

Exactly that! 🥰

[@TheBaumcm]

@@sophiemariecurly heck the curls on one head don’t always behave the same way two wash days in a row. Otherwise, I’d have 3 products and not a products graveyard the size of my boot/car trunk.

[@sarahb2652]

Thanks for sharing what you have learnt, it's good to hear others experiences. It is definitely trial and error with all these methods for curly hair styling. I enjoy trying different ways and I am learning so much as I go. I appreciate all your hints and tips.👍

[@sophiemariecurly]

Thank you Sarah :) It definitely is, we are all so different and I wish someone told me that at the beginning because if not it can become a comparison game and frustration if we don't get the same results as someone else. So glad you're enjoying my channel appreciate your support :) :) x

[@rgrdesigns]

Great video with so much helpful information. I don't have the patience or stamina for all that brush curling, but felt like I could be missing out on my best curls. Now I feel much better about brush styling.

[@sophiemariecurly]

Glad it was helpful! always do what works for you time wise! the minute we start to stress too much about our hair... hair has taken over haha. Doing our hair should be fun and easy as possible! x

[@jcmorton8003]

I've wached many many curly methods, You are the first one that really hit home!!!!! thank you so much!

[@nochu9753]

I'm loving your videos! I'm just starting in this journey and all of your videos are helping me a lot to know what to do and how to do it 💖

[@sophiemariecurly]

I'm so glad! This makes me really happy that I am helping your curls thrive, there is sooo much information out that I'd I want to help simplify it 😊 x

[@meadowmaiden4621]

love the explanations and example pictures. This is so helpful.

[@belindachappell9875]

Always love your videos, thanks Sophie, especially the focus on healthy hair over the look❤ love the tangle tweezer brush for detangling & styling/smoothing, so good!! When I first started wearing my hair curly I tried brush curling but I’m way too lazy and I didn’t like the ‘too perfect’ look of the curls. My natural curl pattern is very uneven and I have patches of wavy hair that could probably benefit from a curling technique to enhance it but because I can’t be bothered taking the time I’ve learnt to love my wonky curls as they are 😂 so grateful for channels like yours that are really informative and focus on the health of the hair thanks 🙏🏻

[@sophiemariecurly]

ah I love this comment thank you! i think a lot of people assume brush curling is the way to start but it can be very time consuming and the results as I mention in the video aren't for everyone! At least you know it is so normal to have a mixed curl pattern and we should embrace it as you say! as long as our hair is healthy as possible then we can have fun with it :) xx

[@SunshineHappiness161]

For some reason you really remind me of Claire From the show Outlander'. I guess its the eyes! Great video as usual 😊

[@christina6254]

This is such good information! Loved it 💓

[@christinenolan1418]

I just found your channel and have been watching all your videos. They’re so helpful. Thank you so much for these wonderful techniques.

[@tajr.2650]

This channel is fantastic. Great techniques!

[@beeanca_curls_beauty]

Such a great video Soph! I absolutely agree with you on this, regular brush styling while using a comb is now my go to 😊

[@sophiemariecurly]

Thank you SO much 🥰🥰🥰

[@TaylorTheBurninator]

This was so helpful, thank you!

[@isabelgelinas3946]

Thank you for the video and sharing your tips with us ❤ I learned a lot from you and I’m always so excited to do my hair and see the improvement 👍👍👍

[@sophiemariecurly]

You are so welcome! I am so glad you have learnt a lot and that my videos are of value to you, it makes it so worth it! 🌞

[@bubblemakeup3]

I don't brush style because it pulls sooooo much hair out 😭 i always see comments like "curly hair can't be brushed dry!!!!😤😤". None of these curly hair influencers or commenters show how much they shed when detangling wet hair and brush styling so how are we supposed to know what is considered "normal" shedding and what isn't. Of course making sure your hair is wet with enough product is necessary but for fine hair or hair that gets weighed down easily, that isn't possible and may lead to more breakage and hair fall due to tension or friction. Not everybody can brush/detangle wet hair and that's okay. Kinda sick of the notion that curly should only be brushed wet, thus making people feel like they NEED to brush their hair wet and potentially cause more damage without them even realising. You can dry brush or finger detangle before and after washing. You have more control and are less likely to cause breakage because you can feel the knots as opposed to hair being wet with conditioner and relying on the brush to get through the knots. People don't talk about this enough so thank you for highlighting this 💛

[@Katrn30]

I tried this…got a Denman brush…and hated it…it pulled out my hair, was awkward to do…so I quit. I also find it was hard because my hair is layered.

[@lynnmayes4507]

Kat B same here,too faffy,made my hair a weird mess too.

[@Phoenixhunter157]

I can not brush my hair wet because it stretches and snaps. I have to brush the dampen it

[@puggirl415]

I dry brush my hair. A couple days after wash day I will take my simple detangling brush and brush each ringlet around my hand while holding the hair a few inches below the scalp. I put a little bantana oil on my palms and graze each curl with oil as I brush them. Then I'll separate the ringlets with my fingers. If there is a tangle anywhere I will stop and carefully brush that out. The thing I missed most when first doing the CG method is not dry brushing my hair for a week! Brushing it during the week helps me not have tons of tangles and shed hair sticking in my curls. Plus it feels so good. I have 3acurls without styling and 3b curls with styling.

[@aelysisguzel4658]

If you're having bald spots on your scalp, then you know you're shadding too much. There are videos on KZbin on the topic as well. Shedding a lot of hair is normal, because we don't brush our hair everyday taking away the hair that naturally sheds every day. Don't worry if you've got a ball of hair after detangling. As for the Denman brush, applying the wrong tension will break some hair strands but it's the technique and not the brush itself. Also, it's normal to shed some hair while brushing after washing and detangling your hair because some hair strands stay trapped in your hair and you get them the more you go through your hair with a comb or brush. Curly hair need slippage, if you prefer dry brushing you need an oil. You can't just brush it out. People with straight hair can do it because they have the natural oil of their scalp coating each single strands. We don't have it because it's more difficult for oil to get through the hair strands because our hair is curled. You pick your preference, no one is better than the other. You can use anything that gives you slippage to wet brush before showering to detangle your hair, you're washing it off anyway and then you can use a light leave in conditioner along with a hair cream to style

[@carolagerhardt889]

Very helpful, thanks! I wasn´t too happy with the outcome of brush curling in my hair and the video helps me to see that it´s not necessarily me doing it wrong and having to practice more, but that there might be good reasons to not do it.

[@angelag669]

I tried brush curling and I couldn't get it to work well for me. I do brush style usually and it works better for me. Also, I love your dark hair. That color really brings out your eyes.

[@donnamayoh1196]

Good points to consider.

[@ashleyvargas2477]

Great video!

[@e11ionore79]

I tried not to brush my hair but it lacked the volume. So I style it wet with gel and dont brush till its dump, then spray it with leave in and brush with wide comb gently. It works for me. I choose volume to definition. Its greatly depends on the hair type, you are lucky to have both definition and volume without brushing 😍

[@michelles.7804]

Such an making explanation!

[@marissalorraine8700]

I also pulled back from brush styling because of the mechanical damage. I could rarely get quite enough slip - because I couldn’t figure out how much product was too much to not enough. I yanked a lot of hair out 🤣 my denman always had lots of hair in the bristles *tear tear*.

[@tess4385]

Completely agree with everything in this video. At 56 I’ve lost a lot of hair, I value volume which means I’m happy to take on some frizz as long as I’ve got shiny healthy hair. Clumps are not my friend - my scalp is much to visible. I’ve not got patience for whole hair brush styling every wash either BUT I love it for the sides/refresh and always follow with a quick wide tooth comb through as my curls are very similar width to your yours. Enjoying your channel - Mel sent me 😻- looking forward to any recommended U.K. products you may have!

[@sophiemariecurly]

Thank you for this comment! I'm so glad you have managed to work out the best methods for you! we are all so different! Glad the wide tooth comb tip works too! Couldn't be without it now haha! Thanks for joining my channel, so glad Mel sent you thats amazing. I have a fun UK product haul and testing video coming up soon! Speak soon xx

[@kneadinghands]

Same. Had some health issues, causing a lot of hair loss. I started using the topical stuff ~ it's over the counter.

[@missfryGRR]

I love that you dont bash any method. I see people who change their mind. and then the method is the worst thing ever.

[@ArianaZ6]

After over styling I realised it affected my hair a lot, I usually spent wayyy too long and get stressed half way through which causes my hair to fall out more than it used to 😭 my hair is rlly stubborn, and a mess if I don't style it so I'm trying to find better methods. ❤Ty for this video because I feel its not spoken about as much as it should be. I feel like people get pressured to use every possible hair product when starting to care for their curls which isn't actually good.

[@kathydilorenzo9744]

Thank you darling. BTW, your eyes are stunning! Viewer from AL USA

[@krupaabrokwaa]

Starting out on my curl journey and literally was about to go home and do brush curling. Back to the drawing board!

[@sophiemariecurly]

Don't rule it out unless it already causes you problems. As I mentioned at the start of this video it is a great option for some people, especially if you have the time. Trial and error is your best friend, try starting simple first and then build upon it. For some beginner tips check out my Q&Q video as I chat about beginner product recommendations. And my latest video "Upright styling routine" is a great place to start in terms of styling as the "styling" isn't too complicated and gives great results xxx

[@krupaabrokwaa]

@@sophiemariecurly will check it out now! Thank you! Since becoming pregnant, my curl pattern is sooooo different.

[@puggirl415]

I'm seven years in to the CG methods. Of course each of us has to try as many techniques as we can. I left the denman brush method until last for some reason but it's my go to styling method now. My hair is fine, dense and more of a 3a/3b curl. For me this means styling with fewer larger ringlets keeps my fine hair curled for a week, whereas a small ringlet will just frizz up very soon after styling and drying. I separate my large ringlets into smaller ones after my hair is dry and that leads to longer lasting curls during the week. The brush styling method works the best for me. I've tried all the mechanical curling methods and the brush method is the easiest and the quickest. And I can always just do the brush out 90º, shake and scrunch method if I'm in a hurry.

[@ilyrose9086]

Your hair ain’t 3A/B at all

[@nataliedean7551]

So far, I haven't been able to get the hang of brush curling. But, I have noticed when I comb through my hair after brush styling, my clumps do tend to be more defined. My comb's teeth are not very wide apart. Maybe my curl clumps are smaller than I originally thought. Thanks for the bringing this up. Once again, great video and great advice!!

[@sophiemariecurly]

Yes I have the exact same experience, not all wide tooth combs give me the best results so it has been a bit of trial and error, So glad I can help! ❤️✨

[@angies49]

Thank you!

[@randomchannelonyt9125]

Awesome video, I'm new to brush styling and didn't know why my hair reacted badly to it and I got all sorts of weird curls and it seemed so unnatural

[@netamoshe]

Hi! ❤ What would you recommend for clumping- tangle teaser or denman brush? Not using the handle.

[@ednaflynn5987]

Your hair is amazingly beautiful

[@sophiemariecurly]

Thank you so much 😀

[@ceystal]

I use a wide tooth comb to form clumps after applying each product. The more water the better and I usually style upside down. I usually end up with loose beachy curls but I could brush style for a more defined look. I'm just lazy

[@sjackson5980]

I would do brush curling for my son and ur so right about how long it takes.

[@saoirsesuchil2249]

EXCEPTIONAL information about the story behind the story. I think the part about fighting the natural direction your curl wants to go -- think about that and what a difference that might make. A big reason i wear my hair curly is I dont believe in fighting your natural hair -- i think people's hair looks BEST in accordance with the natural preference of the hair.

[@claudiagarvey2938]

wow very interesting thank you!!!! you are awesome. How do you keep you hair from falling into you face

[@sophiemariecurly]

Thanks so much 🥰✨ I try to dry my hair in a way that it stays off my face but I also frequently wear satin headbands around the house

[@sannkopp1]

Would you please provide a link to the tangle teaser?

[@ZoeLander-cv7yb]

How do I recognize a good prep product for slip? I keep trying different products some are okay and some are just sticky and I'm not sure what I could be looking for for better slip?

[@sophiemariecurly]

I like to use a lightweight cream based product for slip, nothing that’s sticky as that can cause friction. I would look at leave-in conditioning sprays like the Imbue one, that’s really smooth and light

[@maggienoodles3333]

I stopped doing it when I lost my brand new Denman brush abroad. Caused too much shrinking for my liking anyway

[@songulsuer]

I’ve stopped brush styling as I found my curls didn’t last as long and were less defined

[@marya2966]

How to know the direction of my curl pattern

[@helens1083]

I find that curl clumping is crap. My hair ends up looking the same way regardless. It’s not necessary at all I think. You are damaging your hair more and more. Using your fingers is best. All these methods, you know the praying hands method, the detangle with that stupid denman brush which I think literally reaps havoc on your hair, flipping your head upside down while brushing wet, please!! What I do again after I did all that nonsense is wash, condition, wrap it in a terry cloth towel, or t-shirt, flip my head upside down put my product in which is mousse, run my finger through it while upside down still, then flip my head up, and then just move it around, get it where I like it, and that’s it! No biggie!

[@avalinah]

Brush styling just makes my problem hair parts straighter. I don't get it how it works for people.

[@88Mikje123]

same haha i can't get it to work. maybe my hair is too wavy for brush styling - it just falls flat

[@nataliedean7551]

I think I've found the key is to gently shake your hair as soon as you brush style, then scrunch quite a bit. I brush style, and I have the same worries, because it seems my hair gets straighter, but when I scrunch and diffuse, all my curls come back!

[@avalinah]

@@nataliedean7551 tried it, for the problem strands it just doesn't work :/

[@nataliedean7551]

@@avalinah Oh I understand, completely! You're not alone! I feel you! I have those problem strands and small clumps, too. I think I just try to ignore them, because nothing seems to work on mine, either. 🤪 I just try to focus on what I can get to perform to par. 😃Good luck!

[@berchyzgb4423]

I have some different texture of curls on the crown of my head, brush styling doesn't do much, but brush curling really helps with those parts, try it if you didn't, but just to mention, it took me few wash days to get into it, it was kinda confusing at first, but it helped a lot 😊

[@presleymelrosegaming7785]

What is your natural hair color?

[@reecepeace5839]

Scrunching my hair after combing out the knots with a wide tooth on clean damp hair is enough for me.

[@user-wh5ir4fo4r]

I have straight, wavy, wurly, and spirals all on one head. Drives me nuts.

[@daileighnovember]

That stuff even finger chrling doesnt seem good enough to me 😂 to spend an hour trying to part it out. Might as well wear some curlers for an hr or two or overnight

[@shefali567]

I feel like this cause more frizz and it’s so unnecessary. Your separating ur naturally forming curls and making it more frizzy, like if ur curls are already there and if ur hair is curly what is the need for this. I’ve tried this and it’s never worked for me

[@jerzeyzgirl]

I never brush curled because I always thought my curls dont look natural

[@lizlibbey9450]

Brush styling makes my curls straight. Horrible experience for me. I just finger in my product while also using praying hands and scrunch.

[@irmaradinson2320]

I use finger coiling on my bangs

[@hundekacke]

Brush curling doesn't work for me at all. The danem brush was a waste of money for me.

[@kathyo9420]

I wondered why this was a thing from the beginning. What a waste of time. Common sense would say a brush wouldn't curl one's hair. 👀

[@stacyemmynik]

I only brush curl my hair when I need reliable results. Lol.

[@andreaherrera754]

There’s so many techniques. Curly hair is the worst. I hate mine. There has to be a correlation between self harm and curly hair, there just has to be.