What Are Finger Coils?

Finger coils are curls made using the fingers. Divide your hair into multiple sections and twirl them around your fingers to create these coils. If done correctly, they can last up to 2-3 weeks.

If you want to master the technique of curling your hair with your fingers, check out the next section.

How To Do Finger Coils– A Detailed Tutorial

You Will Need:

• Curl enhancing cream
• Wide-toothed comb
• Water in a spray bottle (optional)
• Rat-tail comb
• Hair clips
• Hairspray
• Blow dryer with a diffuser attachment

Step By Step Process For Finger Coils

1. Prep The Hair

Apply Shampoo

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• Cleanse the hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to lockin moisture.
• On busy days, dampen your locks with a spritz of water. Ensure that your hair is not dripping wet.

Apply Leave-In Conditioner

A leave-in conditioner helps smoothen and detangle your hair. Pick a chemical-free conditioner for extra nourishment and apply it to wet hair for optimum results.

Comb The Hair

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• Use a wide-toothed comb/brush to remove all knots and tangles from the hair. Detangling makes your ends smooth and frizz-free.
• Start combing from the tips and work your way upwards gradually to make the process easier.

2. Section Your Hair

• Divide your hair into two sections using a rat-tail comb and clip the sections on the top of the crown.
• Divide the sections into more sub-sections, depending on how thick or thin you want your finger coils to be.

3. Apply A Curl-Enhancing Cream

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• Apply a curl-enhancing cream or gel or a setting lotion to each section of the hair.
• Start to emulsify it from the root to tip. Apply it on both the front and the back.
• Use a brush to comb the cream for even distribution along the hair.

4. Create Your Finger Coils

• Pick small 1-inch sections of the hair and twirl them with your fingers from roots to tips. You can pick small or large sections of the hair, depending on its length and density.
• Twirl your hair in a spiral motion as close to the roots as possible until the ends. You can apply more curl-enhancing cream for added definition.
• Alternate the twirling direction to give your coils a natural look.
• Continue this process until all your hair is coiled. The time required to coil your hair will vary depending on the length and density.
• Blowdry your hair with a diffuser to maintain the curl pattern.
• Use a curl-refreshing spray to eliminate frizz. You can also use a hooded dryer to dry your hair quickly.
• Ensure that the coils are completely dry before styling or separating them.

If you have 4c hair and are wondering about creating finger coils, here’s a tutorial.

Finger Coils On 4c Hair

• Cleanse your hair with a curl-defining shampoo to eliminate oil, grime, and impurities.
• Apply a leave-in hair mask to nourish and hydrate the curls.
• Use a leave-in conditioner to provide extra moisture and nourishment to your locks.
• Put on a shower cap and leave it on for 20 minutes.
• Part your hair into small sections. Spritz some water, spread the curl-enhancing gel, and comb it through your hair.
• Take 1 inch of the hair and twist it around your finger from the root.
• Repeat by separating each section horizontally.

Check out this video for a clear picture of the process:

Check out the next section to master the finger coil technique for natural long hair.

How To Do Finger Coils On Natural Long Hair

• Towel dry your long natural hair after shampooing.
• Divide your hair into sections and tie a knot on the top of the crown.
• Separate each section using a rat-tail comb and apply a leave-in conditioner for extra moisture and softness.
• Comb the hair to detangle any knots.
• Apply a curl-enhancing gel or cream to each section.
• Start finger coiling from the roots to the tips and repeat for each section.

Here’s a video to guide you:

Now comes the big question – how long do finger coils last? Swipe up to find out!

How Long Do Finger Coils Last?

With the right products and proper maintenance, finger coils can last up to three weeks. But you cannot wash your hair during this period. Hence, stock up on your favorite dry shampoo. You can also spray a curl refresher.

Sleeping with finger coils is tricky. The following section will explain how to nail it to perfection.

How To Sleep With Finger Coils

Apply natural carrier oils, such as coconut, olive, and jojoba oils, to the coils to keep them hydrated, soft, and smooth throughout the night. These oils add shine and moisturize the hair and scalp. Wrap your hair in a silk head wrap, satin bonnet, or elastic bands to lock the nourishment.

Bored with the finger coil structure and want to deform it? Check out the next section.

How To Remove Coils

To deform the finger coils, use a chemical-free shampoo and hair butter. These products prevent dryness and tangles. After applying a hair cream or butter, comb it thoroughly to remove the coils and detangle your hair.

Infographic: Stunning Ways To Style Finger Coils

There are different ways you can style finger coils. You can pair a hair accessory with finger coils, like a headband or head wrap. You can weave your finger coils into a protective braid style or ponytails. An elegant way to style finger coils is high buns or updos.

You can use finger coils to style your naturally textured hair in twist-outs. Patterns and colors are other ways you can experiment with your finger coils.

Check out the infographic below to learn how to achieve those perfect finger coils.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Are finger coils damaging?

Finger coils are not damaging to the hair. However, not following the right method to remove the coils may damage the hair.

Do finger coils change your curl pattern?

Finger coils may not completely change your curl pattern – but consistent effort can help you get more defined and tight curls.

How do you keep finger coils from unraveling?

Applying natural carrier oils to the hair and wearing a satin bonnet at night may help keep your finger coils from unraveling.

Should I finger coil wavy hair?

If you want a more curly pattern, you can finger coil wavy hair.