Curl Bake Technique: What It Is & Why You Should Be Doing It

Here’s Everything You Need To Know About The Curl Bake Technique

Have you heard of the curl bake technique? If you service curly-haired clients, then you need to offer this add-on treatment STAT. We reached out to two Surface educators to learn more about it so keep reading to find out what exactly a curl bake is, how it can be customized for different curl patterns and what to know before you offer it!

What Is A Curl Bake?

It’s a luxurious add-on treatment that instantly moisturizes and defrizzes wavy, curly and textured hair types through the hydrating blend of Cocoa Butter and Babassu Seed Oil found in Surface Curls products. “This treatment promotes elasticity, strength, and moisture for curls,” notes Surface Educator Tangie Muschette (@tangie.surface.hair).

Does This Technique Work On All Curls & Texture Types?

Definitely! Surface Educator Amy Brandt (@amyb_surfacehair) says all curly-haired clients benefit from a curl bake because, “Curly hair craves moisture no matter the curl pattern.” It also works great for straight-haired guests who need some moisture added back into their strands.

When To Do A Curl Bake

Because it’s a super hydrating treatment, you can totally offer this add-on every salon visit and do it before a cut, after a color service or before a blowout. However, a curl bake doesn’t have to be in-salon only. “You can also retail the products so clients can treat their hair at home in between appointments, if needed,” shares Tangie. “I see it as a great way to build trust and respect for you as their stylist.” 

How To Customize It For Every Curly-Haired Client

Know that not all curly hair is the same, so customizing the curl bake technique per client is highly recommended. Tangie says as long as you use Surface Curls Shampoo, Surface Curls Intensive Masque and Surface Curls Whip Mousse, you can follow with whatever Surface stylers you think work best for each client’s specific hair type!

“Those who have a more coarse, stressed, fine or tighter coil benefit from applying Surface Trinity One Shot treatment for added protein. This is especially beneficial for 4C patterns,” says Amy. “Surface Curls Serum may be added for additional moisture. To enhance and even the curl pattern, mist with Surface Swirl Sea Salt Spray.”

Watch how it’s done from Surface Educator Jammie Thompson (@hairbyjammie904) in the video below!

Products Used

Conditioners

Curls Shampoo & Conditioner

Surface

Haircare

Curls Intensive Masque

Surface

Haircare

Curls Serum

Surface

Mousse

Curls Whip Mousse

Surface

Haircare

Trinity One Shot

Surface

Styling

Swirl Sea Salt Spray

Surface

Hairsprays

Curls Finishing Spray

Surface

TK2 Rake Pick

How-To:

1. Shampoo the hair twice using Curls Shampoo.

2. Apply Curls Intensive Masque from ends to scalp and rinse. Then, blot the hair with a towel to roughly dry it. “Curly hair is fragile so to respect the hair’s integrity, always towel blot. Never rub it dry,” advises Amy.

3. Back at your chair, apply Curls Intensive Masque again all over the hair to ensure complete saturation. Then, apply Curls Serum right on top. Do not rinse. 

4. Next, apply Curls Whip Mousse all over starting from the ends. “For maximum hydration for extremely coarse hair, apply Surface Curls Serum after Surface Curls Whip Mousse to the driest areas,” shares Amy.

5. Gently separate the curls with the Surface TK2 Rake Pick, then diffuse the hair with the blow dryer on high heat and low airflow. “When 80 percent dry, mist Surface Curls Finishing Spray and switch to cool,” notes Amy.

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