Self-Care Sunday: How to Maintain Long-Lasting Curls with Raw Hair Extensions

Be honest — have you ever spent an hour curling your hair, only to watch it fall flat before you’ve even finished your morning coffee? You’re not alone. Struggling to make curls last all day is one of the most common frustrations we hear from Yummy Girls.

The truth is, curls aren’t just about looking pretty — they’re about feeling confident, put-together, and ready to slay whatever the day throws at you. Curls can transform your look in minutes, taking you from casual to glam with just a few passes of a curling iron. They frame your face, add body, and give your style that extra “wow” factor. But when they drop too soon, it doesn’t just mess with your hairstyle — it messes with your vibe. Nothing’s worse than stepping out the door with perfect curls and coming home with limp waves that barely resemble the look you worked so hard for.

But here’s the good news: with the right extensions, tools, and technique, long-lasting curls aren’t just possible — they’re practically guaranteed. And today, we’re sharing the exact tips you need to keep your curls flawless from morning to night (and even into the next day).

With Raw Wavy Hair Extensions as your base and the styling magic of the KOSA 5-in-1 Curling Iron Set, you’ll finally be able to create curls that not only look beautiful but actually stay beautiful. Whether you’re going for effortless wand curls, polished barrel curls, or soft, romantic waves, we’ve got the secrets to make them last. 

Let’s get into it.

Why Your Curls on Raw Hair Aren’t Lasting  (And How to Fix It)

Before we talk solutions, let’s address the problem. Curls usually don’t last because: 

• No Chemical Coating: Raw hair isn’t treated with silicones, so curls fall more naturally.
• Moisture & Humidity: Weather affects raw hair just like natural hair.
• Product Buildup or unclean hair: Too much oil/conditioner weighs hair down; too little hold leaves curls unsupported.
• Styling Technique: Wrong heat setting, skipping cool-down, or using large barrels can cause curls to drop.
• Hair Condition: Dry hair won’t grip styles—hydration and care are key.
• Length & Weight: Longer bundles are heavier, so curls may loosen faster. 

Sound familiar? Don’t worry — these are all easy fixes, and once you learn them, your curls will hold like never before.

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Think of curls like building a house — you need a solid foundation first.

• Start Fresh: One of the major reasons your raw hair extensions won't hold a curl is that your hair needs to be washed. Frequent washes are highly recommended with raw hair. Wash and condition your extensions with sulfate-free products. Heavy buildup weighs curls down, making them fall faster.
• Protect: Always use a lightweight heat protectant. 
• Blow-Dry Smooth: A smooth base means your curls form evenly. Use the KOSA Professional Blow Dryer with the concentrator nozzle for a frizz-free start.

Step 2: Pick the Right Curling Tool

Not all curling irons are created equal. The KOSA 5-in-1 Curling Iron Set takes the guesswork out by giving you five interchangeable barrels to create any curl you want: 

• Wand curls for that effortless, “off-duty model” vibe.
• Barrel curls for polished, uniform glam.
• Tight curls with the 0.5-inch wand for major volume.
• Beachy waves with the oval wand.
• Soft, bouncy curls with the wedge wand.

The titanium barrels heat evenly up to 450°F, locking curls into place so they last longer.

Step 3: Curl, Pin, Set

Here’s where the real magic happens.

• Wand Curls (Effortless + Flirty)
• Wrap 1-inch sections around the wand (leave the ends out for a natural look).
• Hold for 8–10 seconds.
• Release and pin the curl flat against your head until it cools.
• Barrel Curls (Polished + Luxe)
• Use the 1.25-inch barrel clip.
• Clamp 1–2 inch sections and roll upward.
• Release and pin the curl to set.

The Pinning Secret: This is the number-one hack for curls that last all day. Hot hair is malleable — it needs to cool in place to lock the curl pattern.

Step 4: Lock It In

Now that your curls are set, let’s keep them that way.

• Holding Spray: Mist each curl with a flexible-hold spray after removing pins. Avoid stiff hairsprays that make hair crunchy.
• Brush Smart: Once cooled, gently run your fingers or a wide-tooth comb through curls. This keeps body without breaking the pattern.
• Seal with Shine: A drop of lightweight serum on your ends keeps curls frizz-free and polished.

Step 5: Keep Curls Fresh for Days

Nobody wants to redo curls daily. Luckily, with raw hair extensions, you don’t have to. 

• Night Routine: Protect your curls with a silk bonnet or scarf (our Yummy Night Bonnet is perfect).
• Next-Day Touch-Up: Use your curling iron to revive just a few pieces — no need to redo your whole head.
• Hydrate Lightly: If curls feel dry, mist with a water + conditioner mix for bounce and softness.

Why YUMMY Raw Wavy Hair Is Perfect for Curls