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Shape short curls with a sponge

Make light circular passes with a clean curl sponge over short damp hair. Keep one direction, lift it away before the hair catches and let the grouped curls dry.

Step by step

  1. A man lightly places a perforated curl sponge against his own short damp curls for circular shaping.
    STEP 1 OF 2

    Use light circles on damp hair

    • Start with slightly damp detangled short curls or coils after any chosen label-directed preparation. Check that your sponge is clean, intact and suitable for your hair.
    • Place its perforated working face lightly on the hair. Make small circles in one direction without pressing the foam against your scalp.
    • Lift and reposition over reachable areas, keeping the same direction. Stop as the curls group; do not keep rubbing to force matching shapes.
    • For catching, dragging or discomfort, lift away and ease hair free with your fingers. Do not pull the tool or add pressure.
  2. A man holds the sponge away from his hair to inspect its perforated working face after styling.
    STEP 2 OF 2

    Leave the hair and inspect the tool

    • Set the shape by leaving the hair to air-dry without further rubbing. A section that will not group is not a reason to press harder.
    • Inspect the sponge for caught hair or damaged foam. Remove loose shed strands gently and follow its maker’s cleaning and drying directions.
    • For later restyling, separate curls gently with your fingers. Use your usual wash and detangling process for resistance instead of rubbing through it.

Light passes over a short head of hair and tool inspection. Detangling, any product preparation and air-drying take additional time.

Unmeasured editorial handling estimate for the stated scope. Familiarity, access and the item or hair being handled change the time.

You’re done when…

Short curls group softly without scalp pulling, the sponge lifts clear and the hair is left to air-dry without repeated rubbing.