TikTok is a treasure trove of beauty hacks. Not only did we bring you this dermatologist-approved contouring hack and Jennifer Aniston’s hair volume secrets, but she also taught us all about the bowl method. Not to be confused with a bowl cut (which we’d like you to forget, as it’s a separate thing), this hack is designed for curly-haired beauties who want a defined, frizz-free style for their curls. . This issue was brought to our attention by TikToker @curlyzia.xo. Her how-to video, which claims to prevent “stringy curls,” has garnered 4.5 million views. This inspired a number of other clips showing people doing their own versions. These include @brittminetti’s TikTok that claimed it “did wonders for[my]curls” and garnered 2.5 million views.
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@curlyzia.xo
How to do #ziasbowlmethod 😊 I hope this helps those who are suffering from stringy curls or wondering how to define curls 🥰 #bowlmethod #thebowlmethod #bowlmethodtips
♬ Home – Edith Whiskers
The bowl method requires you to use a bowl to wash your hair, as you might have guessed. This is similar to how you dry curly hair using a diffuser. In her video, @curlzia.xo washes with shampoo and conditioner and added a leave-in conditioner (she mentioned that you can also use curl cream for contouring). She leaned forward, letting her hair fall into the bathtub, soaking it in a bowl of water and holding it close to her head. There’s an important point here. She curled her hair with her hands, repeating the process of dipping and curling the sides. To finish, she brushed it out with a product compatible with wet hair (don’t brush wet hair with a standard brush) and gave it another rub before adding mousse throughout.
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Does the bowl method work?
I know what you’re thinking. Does the bowl method actually work?According to hair and makeup artist Luna Viola, it has its benefits. “If you have a little leeway with your styling, it definitely works,” she told Women.com. “The more you soak and massage your hair, the more product will be absorbed, which is ideal for hair with low porosity.” Board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman agrees that the bowl method keeps curls moisturized. However, he pointed out to Allure that there is no actual scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of this method. That said, the TikToker has a gorgeous finish and it certainly helps distribute the product more evenly. It is also suitable for all types of curly and wavy hair, and can also be used on colored hair and extensions.
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To maximize your chances of getting defined curls, Viola suggests doing the dip-and-scrunch method four or more times with cold, filtered water. “This repeated process gives the curls a kind of type, defines the curl clumps, and gives the hair bounce and volume,” she shared. Another tip Viola gave us? Try not to touch your curls too much when drying. You should either air dry it or choose a diffuser. Air drying is recommended to avoid heat damage. Influencer Lana Summer wrapped her hair in a towel and dried it in her video. However, if you absolutely must use a hairdryer, read our tips for using hot tools without frying your hair first.
The bowl method also has disadvantages.
We all have very unique hair, so of course the bowl method won’t work for some people. If you have naturally straight hair, this is not for you. It can also be difficult to do without getting water everywhere, and for people who travel frequently (anyone else travel with a bowl?) or who have a hard time bending over for long periods of time. For some people, that’s not realistic. Similarly, cosmetic chemist Ginger King told Allure that doing the bowl method every time you wash your hair can cause product buildup. Especially if you’re using a combination of leave-in conditioners, mousses, and gels, the latter of which is recommended by Luna Viola to finish off your curls’ look. To combat this, use purifying shampoos to eliminate buildup or limit the bowl method to once or twice a week.
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It also takes time to soak and shrink, so it’s not ideal if you’re in a hurry. However, if you have limited time, there’s a similar, simpler hack. Viola recommended the strainer method, which works for all curl types. “After shampooing and styling your hair, simply soak your curls in a metal strainer without touching them,” she shared. “Start drying on a low setting with your head down. The combination of low temperature and strainer gives your hair a beautiful, natural diffusing effect that defines your curls and adds plenty of volume even at the roots. ” We love options!
