Stringy Curls? Here’s the Secret to Bigger, Juicier Curl Clumps
If your curls are looking more meh than magical, thin, stringy, uneven or tangly, I promise you’re not doing anything wrong. Stringy curls are one of the most common concerns we see at Curly Life, even for people who’ve been wearing their hair curly for years.
The good news? This is usually a technique + hydration issue, not a “your hair is broken” problem. And with the right prep, products and a few small tweaks, you can absolutely get those juicy, bouncy curl clumps back.
Let’s talk about why stringy curls happen and exactly how to fix them using Bouclème, one of our most-loved curl ranges here in Australia.
Why do curls go stringy?
Dryness & damage
Curls need moisture to clump. Bleach, colour, heat, sun, wind, over-handling, all of it makes hair more porous and less able to hold hydration. When curls are dry, they separate instead of grouping together.
Well-hydrated curls = springy, juicy clumps.
Hair porosity matters
Low porosity curls often struggle to absorb moisture. High porosity curls absorb it quickly… and lose it just as fast. Both can lead to stringiness if your routine doesn’t match your hair’s needs.
(If your hair takes forever to get wet or dry, porosity is probably playing a role.)
Product buildup
Too much product — or the wrong kind — can coat the hair and stop curls from bonding together. If your hair feels heavy, greasy or dull, it’s probably time for a reset.
Bouclème Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo is perfect for gently removing buildup without stripping curls.
Styling without encouraging clumps
Curls won’t magically clump on their own, they need help. If you’re applying products to hair that’s not wet enough, skipping sections, or not scrunching, curls will dry separately and you’ll be left with stringy curls.
Brushing dry hair (I know… but it happens)
Dry brushing breaks curl groupings instantly and leads straight to frizz and stringiness. Detangle only on wet hair with conditioner.
How to avoid stringy curls & create bigger curl clumps
Step 1: Start fresh
If curls feel off, clarify first. Removing buildup allows moisture and stylers to actually do their job.
Step 2: Deep condition
Dry curls don’t clump — hydrated curls do. A weekly treatment like Bouclème Intensive Moisture Treatment restores elasticity and bounce, which is essential for clumping.
Step 3: Squish to condish
In the shower, scrunch your conditioner into soaking wet hair. You should hear that satisfying squelching sound. This is where clumps start forming.
Curl clumping 101: the real secret to fighting stringy curls
1. Detangle gently on wet hair
Apply conditioner and detangle with fingers or a detangling brush. This sets the foundation for smooth, even clumps.
2. Add more water than you think
This is huge. Styling works best on dripping wet hair, not damp hair.
Water helps curls stick together. When hair isn’t wet enough, products sit unevenly and curls separate — hello stringiness.
Top tip: keep a spray bottle nearby and re-wet hair if it starts drying mid-style.
3. Choose your clumping tool
Fingers = bigger, looser clumps
Wide-tooth comb = medium clumps
Wet brush = smaller, more uniform clumps
Smaller clumps when wet usually expand beautifully as they dry — oversized clumps tend to split.
Styling for juicy clumps (Bouclème combos we love)
Apply stylers in sections for even coverage.
For soft, bouncy volume:
Curl Cream + Super Volumising Foam
For definition that lasts:
Curl Defining Gel + Super Hold Styler
Want a gel cast? Smooth or scrunch your gel in, let hair dry completely, then scrunch out the crunch for soft curls with serious staying power.
Clumping techniques to try
- Praying hands: smooth product down the hair — great for fine or wavy curls
- Rake & shake: rake through, then gently shake curls into shape
- Glazing: smooth product over existing clumps to reduce disruption (amazing for frizz-prone hair)
There’s no “right” method — the best one is the one your curls respond to.
Drying without ruining your clumps
Air drying preserves clumps best, but takes time. Diffusing adds volume but can disturb curl groupings if you rush it.
Our favourite option?
Diffuse partway, then air dry.
And remember: only scrunch out the crunch when hair is 100% dry. Touching curls too early is one of the fastest ways to undo all your hard work.
Final tips for better curl clumps
- Get regular trims because split ends cause separation
- Use microfibre or cotton towels
- Sleep on silk bonnets and pillowcases
Stringy curls don’t mean bad hair — they just mean your curls need more water, better prep, and the right products working with them.
With Bouclème and a few technique tweaks, you can absolutely get back to juicy, defined, long-lasting curl clumps.
Ready to transform your curls?
Explore the Bouclème Australia at Curly Life Australia and build a routine your curls will actually love 💛
