If you often notice flat roots after drying, or if your curls tend to fall flat right at the scalp, the Clipping technique might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. It’s simple, accessible to everyone, non-invasive, and can make a big difference in the final volume of your Curly Routine.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Clipping for curly hair: what it is, how to do it, and why it helps you achieve more definition and volume at the roots. Get ready to give your curls a little lift (literally)!
Clipping involves using metal or plastic clips — typically classic curly hair clips, like our Curl Clips — to lift the roots during the drying phase, giving support and structure to curls right from the base.
This method was born within the curly community, always on the lookout for smart solutions to manage volume and enhance the natural shape of curls.
The biggest advantage of Clipping? It allows you to achieve more root volume without relying on volumizing products or aggressive manipulation. Clipping can help you:
- add volume at the roots, especially if your hair is fine or tends to fall flat;
- avoid the “crushed curl” effect that can sometimes happen during diffuser drying;
- guide the direction of curls, especially around the front and sides;
- encourage more even drying, since lifting the hair away from the scalp allows air to circulate better through inner sections.
To get the most out of this curly-hair drying technique, clips should be placed right after applying your styling products, on hair that is still wet or damp, before you start drying. This is the phase when hair is most pliable and ready to take on shape.
Placement is simple and takes just three steps:
- Take a small section of hair at the roots, avoiding excessive manipulation of the lengths.
- Gently lift the strand upward, following the curl’s natural direction.
- Insert the clip horizontally at the base of the section, so it supports the hair in a lifted position throughout the drying process.
You can repeat this in different areas of the head — front, sides, and nape. The goal is to create strategic lift points wherever you want more volume. Generally, 4–6 clips are enough to achieve a noticeable result.
A few extra tips:
- Don’t clamp too tightly: clips should support the hair, not flatten it.
- Avoid heavy clips: lightweight plastic or aluminum ones (classic duckbill or curly clips) work best.
- Make sure your leave-in or gel doesn’t leave residue that could reduce grip or soil the clips.
Once the clips are in place, you can proceed with drying as usual. The Clipping technique works well with both diffuser drying and air-drying, depending on your habits and available time.
- With a diffuser: set your dryer to medium heat and low airflow, keeping some distance from the clips to prevent overheating. Avoid moving the strands too much while drying — the clips are already doing the lifting work for you. When hair is completely dry, gently remove the clips, starting from the outer areas.
- With air-drying: avoid resting your head on surfaces while the clips are in place. Stay upright and let the air do the work. For an extra boost, you can tilt your head forward slightly and use gravity to enhance root lift.
What to do after removing the clips? Follow these simple (but essential) steps:
- If you’ve used a gel, you can break the cast by gently massaging the roots with your fingers or a few drops of oil.
- Avoid touching your hair too much: the volume is already there — no need to force it.
- If you want extra lift, use a wide-tooth comb (such as a Root Comb) only at the roots to gently raise them.
Special diffuser for natural and fast drying for perfect curls without frizz.
Ergonomic hair dryer with Air Ionizer Tech. Fast but gentle drying of curly hair. Lightweight and balanced design in black version.
Ergonomic hair dryer with Air Ionizer Tech. Fast but gentle drying of curly hair. Lightweight and balanced design in graphite version.
Whether you have soft waves or very tight curls, the Clipping technique can truly make a difference — especially if you’re looking for more volume at the roots without sacrificing definition.
It’s particularly suitable for fine to medium textures, low-porosity hair, or curls that tend to be flatter at the roots than at the lengths. But with the right adjustments, it can work on virtually any curl type.
A small technique with a big impact: if you haven’t tried Clipping yet, it might just become one of your favorite allies in your Curly Routine.
