Techniques
Ive tested out numbers of different techniques the past yea trying to get my curls back. Here are my biggest recommendations for you to try!
Brush Coil Technique
Brush Coiling is when you take a thin brush (Denman brushes work great) and brush all the way to your ends and coil it upward to wrap the hair around the brush handle. After you reach the top, unravel the hair to reveal a beautiful curl. Make sure to not wrap the hair around the brush bristles or else your hair will get stuck. Use this on wet hair after you apply product.
Finger Coil Technique
Finger coiling is taking two fingers, placing one above the other, and spiraling your hair upward. Once you reach the top, hold it there for a couple seconds then release. Once your curl is released, scrunch it to create the tightest curl you can. Use on wet hair after applying product.
Diffusing
Diffusing is a method used to dry curly hair by using a diffuser attachment on a hair dryer. Diffusing is great for volume and if you want your natural hair dried fast. Start by attaching a diffuser onto your hair dryer. Use cold heat and hover over your roots for around one to two minutes. Then start hovering over your middle section and your ends for around the same time. Then set the diffuser directly onto your roots. For more volume, push your hair up and set the diffuser in the same spot on your head, leaving some hair pushed up by your part. Now cup your ends into the diffuser and move upward, eventually getting a whole section of hair into the diffuser. For more volume, repeat this with your head flipped upside down. I personally do this until my hair is about 70 or 80% dry but find out what works best for you. I let my hair air-dry after diffusing to prevent my hair from frizzing.
The Pineapple
The pineapple is a method used by curly girls to keep their curls intact while they sleep. Take a scarf (satin/silk works best) and flip your head upside down. Collect all the hair as close to your forehead as possible and wrap the scarf around it. Make sure the pineapple is loose but not loose enough it'll come undone.
The Plopping Method
Plopping is a method used mainly before diffusing. You take either a microfiber hair towel or a long sleeve cotton t-shirt and wrap your hair in it to let the curls and product set. For a microfiber hair towel, put the towel on the floor and flip your head over. Collect all the hair in the front (larger) part of the towel. Flip back over and twist the back (thinner) section and pull that forward above your head. Tie the loop onto the towels button or clip. For a t-shirt, lay it on the floor with the bottom of the shirt closest to you. Flip your head in the middle and collect all your hair in the center of the shirt. Fold the access area of the bottom shirt towards you and pull the top of the shirt over onto the top of your head. Take the left sleeve and pull it under your forehead onto the right side of your head. Repeat with the other sleeve. Then flip your head back over and tie the sleeves behind your head. Tuck in any loose fabric into the sleeves.