Hair Shingling Is a game-changer for curly or kinky hair! If you often wear a wash-and-go style, there’s a good chance that you’re already shingling in some way.
Before we just into it, Let me introduce myself if you're a newbie here!
Hi There! I am Queen, I would like to warmly welcome you to my Natural hair Blog! Here I share great information and valuable tips that will help you maintain your natural hair, after all, we all want a beautiful crown, right?! :)
I made a special page for you all (my lovely queens!) with helpful resources like coupon codes, discounts and products that will help you and me in our hair journey! I'll also be sharing different Best Selling Products for natural hair as i discover them!
I think we can learn to embrace and have fun taking care of our hair, so join me and let's do it together(Join My Exclusive Facebook Group to get instant access to me, and let's build a community beyond hair)!
Lastly, I have a gift for you! We've all been there, The struggle to grow and maintain our hair Long! Ugh, i know trust me! My hair was stuck at shoulder-length for the longest till I finally passed it :) Now my hair is all the way to my bra strap!
I made this to help a sista out! You can get your free Natural hair cheat sheet guide to longer hair here!
Quick Tip❤️--> If you are experiencing lots of breakage or shedding... maybe you need to solve it from the inside out! I Remember I experienced shedding and breakage and when i strategically started taking specific vitamins it stopped (well, this supplement makes things soooo much easier instead of taking 5 vitamins a day, haha!). Or you can try this hair formula which i think targets more hair problems. I helped me and I hope this tip helps you dear .
Now that we've got that out of the way, let's continue!
Contents
Hair Shingling: Your Secret Weapon For Beautiful Curls Everyday!

Hair Shingling: Your Secret Weapon For Beautiful Curls Everyday!
Read on to learn how to separate, define, and elevate your textured tresses to a new level of excellence before your next wash day.
The Shingling Method: What Is It?
Applying a curly hair product, such as a curl cream, hair gel, or leave-in conditioner through each curl to separate and smooth it into a bouncy coil is known as “shingling.” Shining demands precision when working products through your hair. When shingling hair, you must separate, stretch, and smooth the product onto each curl, as opposed to using typical techniques where you may simply rub your curly hair products over the top of your curls.
Those with Shingling Hair should try it.
Every kind and texture of curly hair can benefit from the shingling process when performed correctly. But curly hair, which shrinks a lot and is packed more closely together, benefits from it the most. Since shingling entails separating curls that naturally interlock, hair with more compacted curl patterns, such as 4A to 4C hair, can benefit the most from the technique. Hair that is shinning also helps to smooth the cuticle, reducing frizz and extending the life of your style. The fact that hair length is unimportant while shingling is still another benefit. Short curly hairstyles can be defined to the same degree as longer curly hairstyles.
What Hair Shingling Products Are the Best?
Similar to other curly hairstyles, 4C hair demands a lot of hydration and product layering. Depending on your texture requirements, the curly cocktail you choose should change, but generally speaking, slip is required for your products to work, which means that the leave-in conditioner or curl cream you use should easily glide through with a slick, but non-greasy feel. You can get this by applying a leave-in conditioner like Monoi (Repair + Protect) Multi-Styling Milk to your hair, which will also facilitate easier detangling and separating as you work it through. A leave-in conditioner will also add moisture to the hair and serve as a base for the styling items you will add later.
You also need a product that has some grip or that will give your curls some memory once your style has dried, but you definitely don’t want any crunch from sticky gels. Try the Pracaxi Nectar Style & Hold Foam or the coconut oil-infused Coco Creme Curl Shaping Creme Gel as an alternative. You can also include a light oil in your shingling cocktail; this is a fantastic idea if your hair is very porous or has a denser texture between 4A and 4C. Any spaces where moisture may ordinarily escape will be filled in with the oil. Oils also add shine and aid in cuticle smoothing.
Advantages of The Shingling Method
The shingling approach has a few advantages, which is why some people find it to be so appealing.
These are the advantages:
1. It’s excellent for making your curls clump together, which improves their definition and gives your hair the ideal sheen.
2. Once you get the hang of it, styling your hair with it is simple and will save you time.
3. This technique is ideal for people who are still figuring out their natural hair texture or who may have never been able to get their hair to clump because it works on all types of curly hair.
4. This technique has the advantage of lasting all day without your needing to worry about it. It’s over when it’s finished.
The Shingling Method: How to Apply It to Curly Hair
Although it takes time, shinning natural hair is not the same as being difficult. So, is shingling a challenging task? The technique is simple once you have the proper natural hair care supplies on hand. Along with a detangling brush or comb, gather a couple reliable hair clips to keep your strands divided into manageable pieces. When you have those, you’re prepared to get in the shower.
Which types of hair respond best to shingling?
Any hair type can be shingled, although technique works best on hair that naturally forms clumps into distinct curls, thus finer hair may require more encouragement to do so. Shingling denser, Type 4c curls may take more time, but the result is defined, springy coils. The waves in wavy hair can also be shingled to make them more uniformly smooth. The fact that this technique works on hair of any length is another reason we adore it!
Which do you require?
You’ll need shingling for this.
- an aftershave conditioner
- cream or gel for curling
- a hair oil, if desired
- either a detangling brush or your fingers
- a spray bottle for moisture maintenance
- If you are not air drying, use a diffuser.
- sectioning your hair with clips or pins
Choosing a leave-in that ensures maximum slip and glides through your hair, such as Garnier Hair Food in Banana and Curls Blueberry Bliss Leave-in, is a good place to start because moisture is the name of the game when it comes to shingling. Your gel or hair cream should also be strong enough to provide some hold to maintain the integrity of the curl once defined.
This method of applying products is known as the LCO Method. You can also include a hair oil, such as Righteous Roots RX, to daily shingling routine. Oils help to seal the hair cuticle to prevent moisture from evaporating. They are especially helpful for highly porous hair or denser 4A to 4C coils.
Curly hair shingling techniques
First, start over.
You don’t want your hair to be completely stripped of its natural oils, so choose a hair cleanser like the micellar-powered Wash Day Delight Sulfate-Free Shampoo with Rosewater, which gently grabs dirt without drying your hair out.
Step 2: Completely untangle.
When shingling natural hair, it’s important to properly detangle your hair first. Section your hair, apply generous amounts of Coco Creme Creamy Conditioner or Hair Milk 4-in-1 Combing Creme, and gently work a wide-tooth comb through from your ends upward until all knots are removed. Even at this stage, you may notice a slight improvement in how smooth your curly hair looks.
Step 3: Keep hair damp
The best way to rub the product into each curl is with wet—but not dripping—hair, so wring out any extra water with your hands before stepping out of the shower.
Work in portions in step four.
To ensure that you’re adequately working the product through and to ensure that you start from the back of your head, part your hair from ear to ear. Keep each piece of hair about two inches thick.
Fifth step: LOC to shingles
The L.O.C. method, which involves layering a leave-in conditioner, oil, and cream, is best for shingling. Coat one section of hair with a leave-in conditioner like Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Leave-In Conditioner, and then rake the product through with your fingers, making sure to stretch each curl as you go. Do the same with the oil and cream layers, and then move on to the next section.
Step 6: Avoid touching
Try your best not to touch a single curl once your products have been evenly distributed over your head and your curls appear defined; touching will simply promote frizz and may cause curls to overlap, disturbing the definition you just achieved.
Step 7. Dry gently
You may either let your hair air dry or, if you have time, use a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer to set your style more quickly and help prevent any potential curl tangles while the hair dries.
how long does shingling hair last?
The length of time shingled hair will last depends entirely on how you take care of your hair in between washes; however, you’ll need to pull your curly hair into a pineapple at night or put on a bonnet to prevent any rubbing or frizz-causing friction as you sleep. Depending on your care routine, expect to get a week to a week and a half out of your style.
what not to do
Do not neglect detangling
You can detangle with your fingers or a wet brush, but detangling is very necessary for this process so you may smooth products through hair and along each individual clump without any lumps or knots.
Avoid using too much product.
You don’t want products that you know are too heavy for your hair; you are aiming for slip, not over-moisturizing. An example might be products heavy in shea butter which may weigh down low-porosity or low-density hair. Another problem some curlies may have is applying too much product. Therefore, choosing the right products for your hair is key.
Avoid using too much oil.
An oil that is heavier, like coconut, to lock in the moisture on each clump is ideal for denser, higher porosity curls, but try a lighter oil, like jojoba, for low-porosity or low-density hair, or skip the oil altogether if necessary.
This may seem like a lot of information to take in, but once you’ve mastered the process, you’ll realize that the longer-lasting results allow you to spend less time on your hair.
Which Products Are Best For Using The Shingling Method?
When wearing this hairstyle, always choose lightweight products to offer you less product build-up and to still enable your hair to move freely.
The Giovanni leave-in conditioner or the Kinky Curly Knot Today would both be excellent leave-in conditioners because they are both very gentle on hair.
I can suggest the Shea moisture curl boosting smoothy or the Cantu curling cream as two decent gel options.
Black hair gels should definitely be avoided because they tend to be very heavy on the hair.
The Shingling Method: How Long Does It Take?
The length, thickness, density, and other characteristics of each person’s hair, as well as a host of other variables, will all influence how long it takes to shingle their hair.
One thing is for certain: you will get more adept at using this strategy the more you use it.
Whom Doesn’t the Shingling Method Suit?
The shingling technique is not recommended for those who dislike doing their hair.
People who don’t want to devote a lot of time on their hair should avoid it.
People with really dense, thick hair might not want to use it because it will take a lot of time to go through.
This procedure may not work well for people with very fine hair that does not clump together because it will be difficult to achieve any definition.
This technique is probably not for you if you like soft curls.
Advice on how to shingle fine natural hair
Use fewer products, first
For this wash and go, I used only my styler (Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie + Curl Prep Around the Way Gel) since you want your curls to be able to move, not be stuck in one place with a bunch of products on them.
II. Make use of light products
In addition to using few products, you want them to be light enough to allow your hair to move, building on point #1.
When applied to drenched hair, the Curl Enhancing Smoothie not only defines curls beautifully. It contains coconut, neem, and avocado oils that are healthy. Even when mixed, these oils are fairly light on the hair. This item serves as both a styler and a leave-in conditioner. I stopped using my usual leave-in conditioner and oil sealant because of this.
I’ve been in love with Curl Prep’s Around the Way Gel for a long. It is a light, extremely hydrating gel made with goat’s milk. Thus, it aids to strengthen, shine, and define fine hair without weighing it down. I can never build up a layer of this gel on my hair, no matter how much I apply. It seems to be soaking right into my strands.
Before shingling my hair, I co-washed with Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa conditioner.
III. Apply the plopping technique
The plopping method is a procedure that helps your curls stay defined while drying and speeds up the drying process.
IV. Overnight Pineapple Hair Drying
Simply put, the pineapple is a long ponytail. It can be fastened with a satin scarf or a scrunchie. How to make the pineapple work for you is provided here. Curls that are somewhat stretched as a result are known as fight shrinking.
Any length of hair can be styled with the pineapple technique. Create many pineapple ponytails if your hair is short (for example, two in the back and one in the front).
V. Apply Hair Refresher.
Why? Your curls have just been made.
Apply a small amount of curl refresher to the ends of your hair and crimp upwards if your delicate curls are beginning to look limp from shingling. This will cause the curls to slightly contract, giving the ends some volume.
Meaning of Shingled Hair: A Fashionable Twist to Natural Hair
The phrase “shingled hair,” which describes a particular styling method for kinky and coily hair types, has gained popularity in the natural hair community. The term “shingled” refers to the resulting hairdo because it resembles the rows of shingles on a roof.
Shingling entails applying a style product in small parts to damp or wet hair, such as a leave-in conditioner or curl defining cream. Then, using a comb or your fingers, carefully smooth each part and separate it to produce well-defined, even curls or coils. This technique helps to emphasize the natural curl pattern and produce a polished, smooth appearance.
Individuals with type 4c hair, which is distinguished by its tight coil pattern and substantial shrinkage, benefit most from the shingling process. Shilling creates a lovely, elongated hairstyle that accentuates the natural texture of the hair by lengthening the curls or coils.
Embrace Your Natural Curls with the Shingling Method on 4c Hair
On 4c hair, the shingling technique is an excellent approach to embrace the natural beauty of your hair structure while achieving defined curls and coils. This hair style method entails section by section application of a curl-defining product to damp or wet hair, followed by smoothing and separating each region with a comb or fingers.
In order to lengthen the curls and coils and give them a more defined appearance, the shingling procedure can be especially useful for people with 4c hair, which has a tighter coil pattern and significant shrinkage. It aids in reducing frizz and producing a sleek, consistent appearance.
Use products made especially for 4C hair, including moisturizing leave-in conditioners or curl defining lotions, to get the greatest results. The shingling procedure can also be made simpler and more successful by making sure your hair is properly hydrated and detangled beforehand.
A Modern Haircut for Natural Hair Is the Shingling
For people with natural hair who wish to experiment with a new style, the shingling haircut is a fashionable and functional choice. The shingling haircut includes cutting the hair in layers of varied lengths, in contrast to conventional haircuts where the hair is trimmed to a consistent length. Dimension, movement, and improved curl definition are produced by this approach.
The shingling haircut allows the natural pattern of the hair to shine through, making it especially suitable for people with curly or coily hair textures. The layers create a visually beautiful and dynamic haircut by highlighting the curls or coils.
Regular trims are advised to preserve the shape and definition of the layers and to prevent split ends when wearing the shingling hairstyle. Additionally, employing products created especially for curly or coily hair, such as styling creams and moisturizing leave-in conditioners, can improve the overall appearance and manageability of the hairstyle.
The shingling haircut offers a contemporary and fashionable choice for embracing your hair’s distinctive texture, whether you’re seeking a radical makeover or simply want to emphasize your natural curls.
Embracing Texture and Length with the Shingling Method on Short 4c Hair
Even with shorter hair lengths, the shingling technique on short 4C hair is a great way to accentuate your natural texture and produce pronounced curls and coils. For people with type 4c hair, which frequently has a tight coil pattern and can significantly shrink, this approach works effectively.
Start by thoroughly covering damp or wet hair with a curl-defining product before shingling short 4C hair. Then, separate and smooth each area of hair with a comb or your fingers to produce well-defined coils or curls. The hair’s natural texture is enhanced and lengthened by this treatment.
Due to the shorter length, shingling short 4C hair may take more accuracy and care, but the results can be magnificent. You can embrace your natural hair structure in a distinctive and fashionable way thanks to the defined curls or coils that give the haircut depth and perspective.
It’s crucial to constantly refresh the style by hydrating and restyling the curls or coils as necessary to keep the shingled appearance on short hair. When you sleep, using a satin scarf or pillowcase will keep the definition and lessen frizz.
The shingling technique offers a flexible and lovely approach to display your natural hair texture, regardless of length, whether you are transitioning to a shorter hairstyle or are rocking a shorter hairstyle by choice.
Meaning of Shingling: A Method for Defining Curls and Coils
The styling technique known as “shingling” is used to define curls and coils in natural hair. This method entails smoothing and separating the hair strands after applying a curl-defining product to damp or wet hair in order to promote the creation of consistent curls or coils.
The term “shingling” comes from how the resulting hairdo resembles the rows of shingles on a roof. The shingling technique emphasizes the natural curl pattern of the hair while giving it a sleek and polished appearance by precisely outlining and dividing each part of hair.
Shingling is frequently employed by people with curly and coily hair textures because it brings out the hair’s inherent structure and pattern. The shingling technique can be modified to meet your unique requirements and tastes, regardless of whether you have type 3 or type 4 hair.
It’s crucial to utilize solutions created especially for your hair type and desired end if you want to shingle successfully. This could contain creams or gels that define curls, as well as hydrating leave-in conditioners. Discovering the ideal method for your hair can be accomplished by experimenting with various products and methods.
Overall, shingling is a flexible and effective approach for defining curls and coils that enables people to appreciate and highlight their natural hair texture’s attractiveness.
Shingling Hair Durability: Preserving Definition and Style
Natural hair can be styled with shingling to get defined curls and coils. The durability of shingled hair is influenced by a number of variables, including hair type, product preference, and maintenance practices.
Depending on how well the hair is taken care of, shingling generally lasts a few days to a week or more. Humidity, sleeping patterns, and physical activity are a few examples of variables that can impact how long a style lasts. It’s vital to keep in mind that over time, the curls or coils may progressively loosen or lose some of their definition.
Following a few maintenance guidelines is essential to extending the longevity of shingled hair. First, to prevent friction and preserve the integrity of the style, cover the hair at night by sleeping on a satin pillowcase or donning a satin bonnet or scarf. Additionally, keep your hair free of frizz by avoiding excessive manipulation such as excessive touching or brushing.
Changing up the look in between wash days can also help shingles last longer. In order to restore any lost definition, reapply a little amount of curl-defining product after misting the hair with water or diluted leave-in conditioner.
In the end, the length of time that hair shingles differs from person to person, so it’s critical to pay attention to your hair’s needs and modify your maintenance program as necessary. You can enjoy the defined curls and coils produced by the shingling process for a considerable amount of time if you take the necessary precautions and care for them.