If you’ve ever spent precious time styling your curls only to have them fall flat—or worse, frizz up—before the day’s even started, it might not be your products. It could be your technique.
That’s where Ouidad’s signature rake and shake method comes in.
Her styling approach has become a go-to for curl experts and everyday enthusiasts alike because it does more than define curls, it helps them hold their shape, stay frizz-free, and last longer between wash days.
Whether you’re working with loose waves or tight coils, this method makes a noticeable difference. Today, we’re breaking down exactly what the rake and shake method is, why it works, and how to do it step by step, plus, the best Ouidad products to pair with it based on your curl type.
What is the rake and shake method?
The rake and shake method is a curl styling technique designed to create well-defined, uniform curls with natural bounce. It combines two key motions:
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Raking your fingers through your hair to evenly distribute product and detangle.
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Shaking the ends of your curls to encourage natural curl formation and separation.
The result is smooth, frizz-free curls that stay defined throughout the day.
Why does the rake and shake method work?
Curly hair is designed to come together in beautifully defined sections, but tangles, uneven product application, and rough styling can disrupt that process. The rake and shake method smooths the cuticle and distributes moisture and stylers evenly along each strand.
Raking helps detangle and coat each curl with product from root to tip, while shaking encourages the curl’s natural pattern to reform without frizz or disruption. It also reduces the need to manipulate your hair after drying, which helps curls stay in place and maintain definition.
Who should use the rake and shake method?
This technique works across all curl types, but it’s especially helpful if you:
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Struggle with frizz or uneven curl definition
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Notice flat roots or limp curls after styling
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Have trouble distributing product evenly
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Want to extend the life of your wash day results
The key is to tailor the method, and your products, to your curl type.
H2: How to do the rake and shake method (step by step)
Step 1: Start with clean, soaking wet hair
The rake and shake method works best when your hair is freshly cleansed and fully wet. This allows products to distribute evenly and helps your curls form without interference.
Pro tip: Apply a few drops of Moisture Lock Mongongo Oil before your styler to seal in hydration and add a layer of protection against frizz.
Step 2: Section your hair
Divide your hair into manageable sections. This ensures even product application and makes the process easier, especially for thicker or tighter curl patterns.
Step 3: Apply your curl-specific styling product
Working one section at a time, apply a quarter-size amount (or more depending on hair thickness) of your chosen styler. Use your fingers to rake through the section from root to tip, smoothing and detangling as you go.
Here’s what to reach for based on your curl type:
- Waves + Loose Curls: Try Curl Shaper Plumping + Defining Cream for lightweight moisture and soft definition.
- Spiral Curls: Go for VitaCurl Tress Effects Styling Gel to enhance bounce and hold.
- Tight Curls: Use Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel for added moisture and control.
- Coily Curls: Reach for Coil Infusions Good Shape Defining Gel to lock in shape and prevent shrinkage.
- All Curl Types: If you’re battling humidity, Advanced Climate Control® Heat & Humidity Gel is your best defense against frizz.
Step 4: Shake it out
Once you’ve raked the product through, hold the ends of the section and give them a gentle shake. This encourages the curls to fall back into their natural pattern and form clumps.
Pro tip: Flip your head upside down while shaking for extra volume at the roots.
Step 5: Repeat throughout your hair
Continue working through each section, repeating the rake and shake process until all your hair is styled.
Step 6: Dry without disturbing the curl pattern
Let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser to dry your curls gently. Avoid touching your hair while it’s drying to preserve the definition you just created.
Once your hair is fully dry, you can gently scrunch out any crunch if you used a gel, or add a bit more Moisture Lock Mongongo Oil for extra shine and softness.
Tips to perfect your rake and shake routine
- Use enough product. Curls need hydration and hold to stay defined. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount based on your hair’s thickness and porosity.
- Keep your hair soaking wet while styling. If it starts to dry out before you finish, mist it with water to keep strands smooth and hydrated.
- Customize for volume or elongation. Want more volume? Shake sections closer to the roots and diffuse upside down. Prefer elongated curls? Focus the shake on the mid-lengths and ends.
- Seal it in. A few drops of something like the Moisture Lock Mongongo Oil after styling helps lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and add shine.
Why the rake and shake method lasts longer
One of the biggest benefits of this method is that it sets your curls up for success beyond wash day. Because the product is distributed evenly and the curls are allowed to form naturally, you’ll experience less frizz and better definition for days.
Plus, since your curls start out more organized and clumped, refreshing on day two or three is easier. Simply spritz with water or a refresher spray, and you’re good to go.
Small changes, big results
Sometimes it’s not about changing everything, it’s about changing one thing. The rake and shake method makes the most of the products you already love by ensuring they’re applied the right way.
So next time you style, take a few extra minutes to rake, shake, and watch your curls transform. With the right products and a little technique, good hair days aren’t just possible, they’re inevitable.