How To Set Garba Curls That Survive Nine Nights Of Dancing

Garba nights have their own unique way of testing every hairstyle. You can spend an hour creating soft curls, pinning the front, adding a little shine, and feeling completely ready, only to find the curls looking totally different after just a few rounds of dancing. The heat, sweat, constant movement and humid festive evenings can make curls drop faster than expected. So, how do you actually set Garba curls that can stay bouncy for longer without making the hair feel stiff? 

Start With Hair That Is Ready For Styling
Photo Credit: iStock

The trick is not only in the curling iron. Hair preparation, the amount of styling product, cooling time and even how you tie your hair later all make a difference. This guide will show you how to set stunning garba curls that survive all nine nights.

Also Read: Beyond The Blur: How Pore-Minimising Primers Work And Tips To Get The Best Results

Start With Hair That Is Ready For Styling

Great-looking curls often begin way before you actually start working on your hair with a curling iron. Oiliness, humidity, or excess conditioner can prevent the shape from lasting long.

1. Wash Your Hair A Little Earlier

Do not wash your hair just before getting ready for Garba. Freshly washed hair will appear too soft, thus becoming difficult to curl and fix properly.

Wash it a few hours beforehand or even on the previous day, provided that your hair agrees well with this technique. Make sure that the conditioner covers mainly the lengths and ends of hair and does not make the hair roots oily.

2. Dry Your Hair Completely

This tip seems quite obvious but is overlooked while being in a hurry with hair styling. Before styling your hair with a curling iron, make sure that your hair is totally dry.

Otherwise, curls will not be fixed in an even shape. What is more, applying heat to humid hair is not very safe for your hair.

Build The Curl Before You Try To Lock It

Divide your hair properly into sections and work with them. Larger sections can seem easier, but smaller ones provide a stronger curl, which has a better chance of lasting longer.

1. Apply Heat Protectant First

Spray a heat protectant all over the lengths of your hair before curling it. However, do not saturate hair with the product; apply a thin layer instead.

If you have fine hair, use less heat protectant to keep your hair from feeling heavy. If you use some products like heat protection sprays, let them settle.

2. Curl Smaller Sections

Take sections around one to two inches wide, depending on your hair thickness. Wrap each section around the barrel and hold it only as long as needed for the curl to form.

For a Garba look, you don't need every curl to be perfectly identical. A slight variation actually makes the hairstyle look more natural once you start dancing.

Let Every Curl Cool Before You Touch It

This is probably the step that gets ignored the most. A freshly curled section looks ready, but it needs some time to cool and settle before you start brushing or separating it.

1. Hold The Curl In Your Hand

After releasing a curl from the barrel, gently catch it in your palm and hold it there for a few seconds. This allows the shape to cool without immediately stretching under its weight.

If your hair is thick or tends to lose shape quickly, you can loosely clip the cooled curl near the head for a few minutes. It takes extra time, yes, but it can help the curls settle better.

2. Don't Brush The Curls Immediately

Wait until the entire head has cooled before separating the curls. Running a brush through warm curls can turn defined sections into loose waves much faster.

Use your fingers when you finally break them apart. Start from the ends and work upwards, instead of pulling a comb from the roots down.

Use Hold Without Making Hair Feel Hard

Nine nights of Garba means your hairstyle needs some support. But using too much product can make the hair heavy, sticky and difficult to refresh the next evening.

1. Choose A Curl Cream For Definition

A small amount of curl cream can help add definition and control frizz, especially if your natural texture is wavy or curly.

Don't apply a large amount just because you want "extra hold." That can backfire. Start with a little, spread it between your palms and work it through the lengths before curling or scrunching, depending on your hair type.

2. Finish With A Light Hairspray

Once the curls are completely styled, use hairspray from a little distance instead of spraying one section heavily.

Focus on the outer layer and areas where your curls normally fall flat. The goal is to support the shape, not turn the whole hairstyle stiff. This becomes especially useful when you're dancing for several hours.

Some Garba Hair Products You May Like
Photo Credit: iStock

Some Garba Hair Products You May Like

1. VEGA Ease Curl 19 mm Barrel Hair Curler

2. Havells Hair Curler | KeraNourish + Argan Revitaliser

3. AGARO Hair Curler With 7 mm Barrel

4. Ashba Botanics Flaxseed Curling Custard Gel

5. Moxie Beauty Super Defining Curl Cream,

6. Curl Up Weightless Curl Enhancing Mousse

7. Fix My Curls: Curl Quenching Hair Butter

8. Arata Curl Cream For Curly, Frizzy & Dry Hair

FAQs

1. For how long do Garba curls last?

It depends on the hair type, humidity, styling method, and hair care products. If the curls are correctly cooled and styled, they should last for several hours, and then it is possible to keep them using refreshing styling.

2. Should I style my hair before putting on the outfit or after?

It is preferable to style your hair after putting on an outfit. But if it is impossible, try to protect your hairstyle while changing clothes.

3. Why do my curls flatten when I dance?

It could be due to sweating, humidity, and movements, as well as the weight of your hair. It is necessary to use smaller sections, cool each curl and apply finishing products.

4. Can I use hairspray before curling?

There are some special hair sprays that can be applied before heat styling. Nevertheless, it does not mean that all hairsprays can be used before using heating appliances. It is necessary to read the instructions.

5. How to refresh my Garba curls for the next day?

First, separate curls by fingers. Apply curl cream or gel to frizzed or flattened curls, reshape them and apply finishing spray.