Coca Cola to Enhance Curls

Woman with curly hair and Coca Cola — Photo: Ecosy/Shutterstock

Q: Is it true that when you put Coca Cola on your hair and then shampoo it, it will give you beautiful curls? How can Coke curl your hair?

A: It is true that Coca Cola has been used for countless purposes, and adding curl to the hair is one of them. However, the thing that actually happens in this instance isn't so much that the Coca Cola "curls" the hair, but that it helps to bring out the natural curl in the hair.

The secret is this: Coca Cola contains phosphoric acid. This means that the solution of Coca Cola has a very low pH level (Coca Cola Classic has a pH of 2.5). As an acidic solution, when applied to the hair, it causes the cuticle of the hair to contract (or tighten) and will make the hair appear smoother and shinier. This also means that the hair (particularly hair prone to curl) will have its natural curl enhanced.

You simply apply the Coca Cola to the hair (it can be flat, since the carbonation isn't necessary and doesn't affect the acidity) and allow it to remain for a few minutes (5 to 10 minutes or so) then shampoo the hair.

It's important to shampoo the hair after treating it with the Coca Cola since the beverage contains a lot of sugar and could result in a gummy or crusty residue once it dries otherwise.

©Hairfinder.com

See also:

Building a better curl

How to maintain curly hair

What should I be using to bring out the curl in my hair?

What does curl shampoo do? How does it work?