Scrunching vs Rake and Shake: which technique is best for your curls?

The Scrunching method (often simply called Scrunch) is one of the easiest and most intuitive styling techniques in a Curly Routine — yet no less effective for that reason. It’s a hand movement performed on wet or damp hair after applying styling products such as gel, mousse or defining cream.

How to perform the Scrunching technique

The process is very simple: gather the hair in your hands from the ends upward, “scrunching” it toward the scalp. Repeat this motion several times over all sections of the head, with a firm yet gentle touch.
You can then repeat the gesture using a microfiber towel: this helps remove excess water and product, while also speeding up drying without compromising curl shape.

The goal is twofold:

• to encourage the formation of the curl’s natural spiral, enhancing its shape memory;

• to promote definition during styling, helping the product penetrate the hair shaft more effectively.

This technique is especially useful if your curls lack movement or if you have fine hair that needs an extra boost to achieve shape and definition.

When to use Scrunching

Scrunching is ideal if:

• you want to enhance your natural texture with a soft, defined effect;

• you’re looking for a low-effort, anti-frizz technique that’s quick to perform;

• you have uneven curls that need help with definition.

It’s also a great option for refreshing curls between wash days: you can lightly scrunch dry or slightly damp hair, perhaps using a curl-refresh spray like our Magic Curl Reactivator, to revive shape and elasticity without restyling from scratch.

The Rake and Shake method is a more structured curl-defining technique and requires a few extra steps compared to Scrunching, but the results can be impressive — especially in terms of definition and volume.

What is the Rake and Shake method?

Literally meaning “rake and shake,” this technique starts by using your fingers like a wide-tooth rake to evenly distribute your styling product (gel, cream, or mousse) from roots to ends. As you do this, the fingers gently separate the strands without disrupting their natural curl pattern.

Once the product has been “raked” through a section, you hold the strand at the ends and gently shake it up and down. This motion activates curl formation and prevents a flat, weighed-down effect.

Benefits of Rake and Shake

• Structured definition: each strand is carefully separated and defined from the root.

• Guaranteed volume: the final “shake” motion helps lift curls at the base.

• Even product distribution: thanks to the finger-combing action, the product reaches every strand without buildup.

Rake and Shake is often recommended for fuller curls or mixed curl patterns, as it allows for precise, strand-by-strand control and optimization of results. It’s a technique well worth trying if you have 3B, 3C or 4A curls, or if you’re looking for a method that truly enhances curl shape and structure.

And remember: there’s no universally “right” technique. There’s only the one that’s right for you, for your curls, and for your Curly Routine.
The good news? You can try both and find your perfect balance between definition, shape, and natural movement.