If you’ve been avoiding styling products because you’re afraid of "crunchy" hair, we have a secret for you: The crunch is actually the secret to your best hair day.
At AuBonacci, we hear it all the time: "I want volume and definition, but I want my hair to feel soft!" We get it. Nobody wants "stiff" hair. But there is a massive difference between hair that is dry and brittle and hair that has a professional styling cast.
If you want curls that don't frizz the moment you step outside, and volume that doesn't collapse by lunchtime, it’s time to embrace the crunch. Here’s the science behind the "cast" and how to use our signature duo to get the look.
What exactly is "The Crunch"?
In the professional curl world, that crunch is known as a cast. When you apply high-quality styling products—like our AuBonacci Styling Serum and Final Touch Spray—they form a clear, protective layer around each individual curl as the hair dries.
This cast serves two vital purposes:
-
It locks in moisture: It prevents the water inside your hair shaft from evaporating too quickly, keeping your curls hydrated.
-
It locks out humidity: It acts as a shield, preventing outside moisture from entering the hair and causing that dreaded "frizz halo."
If you touch your hair while it’s drying and it feels a bit firm, don't panic! That means the products are doing their job. They are holding your curls in their perfect, spiral shape while they set.
The AuBonacci Volume Method: Step-by-Step
To get maximum volume that stays "up" all day, follow this specific routine using our classic volume duo.
Step 1: The Foundation (Styling Serum) Start with soaking-wet hair. Apply the AuBonacci Styling Serum from mid-lengths to ends. This botanical-rich serum provides the internal moisture your curls need. It ensures that once you "break the crunch" later, the hair underneath is silky and shiny, not dry.
Step 2: The Architecture (Final Touch Spray) This is where the magic happens. While your hair is still damp, mist the Final Touch Spray liberally, focusing on your roots and the outer canopy of your curls. Flip your head upside down for an extra boost. This spray is designed to create that firm, supportive cast that defies gravity.
Step 3: The Wait (Hands Off!) This is the hardest part: Do not touch your curls while they are drying. Whether you air-dry or use a diffuser, every time you touch your hair before it’s 100% dry, you break the cast prematurely and invite frizz to the party. Wait until your hair feels completely "crunchy" and dry to the bone.
How to "Scrunch Out the Crunch" (SOTC)
Now comes the transformation. Once your hair is dry and feels firm, it’s time to reveal the softness.
Using your clean, dry fingers (or a tiny drop of serum on your palms), gently scrunch your curls upward. Use your fingertips to reach into your roots and give them a gentle massage to "shake out" the lift. You aren't brushing the hair—you are simply breaking that protective outer shell.
The result? The "crunch" disappears, and you’re left with curls that are incredibly defined, full of body, and soft to the touch. Because the cast held them in place while they dried, your volume is now "locked in" for the rest of the day.
Why the Duo Works
Using just a serum won't give you enough "hold" to keep volume. Using just a spray can sometimes feel too dry. But when you combine the AuBonacci Styling Serum with the Final Touch Spray, you’re giving your hair the perfect balance of internal hydration and external structure.
You get the big, bold, bouncy curls you want, with the professional hold you need.
Ready to try the "Crunch and Define" method yourself? Shop the Volume Duo below and tag us in your "Before and After" shots on Instagram!
