With the Autumn season about to begin, what better time to check out these 25 easy wash-and-go finger coils styles? Perfect for the cool cozy weather, these finger coils styles are easy to maintain, leaving you with defined coils or curly fuzzy finger coils.
One experience that helped me gain insight into working with finger coils was a long-time client of mine. This client was a person who would get her hair flat-ironed every week. As she sat down, she said she was done fighting her texture, and to do whatever. We did a full set of coils that day, and she sat in complete silence looking at her reflection for ten seconds. Finger coils have a special and unique effect, that looks really great after having been styled, and makes the person even more in-tuned with their hair and avoid styling, which makes the hair feel like a clump of strands.
The best part about finger coils in autumn is that while summer humidity can ruin your hair, the drier autumn air is better for your coils. This means your coils can truly be wash-and-wear as long as you are keeping up with moisture. Most styles do not wash-and-wear and hold up to the same promise that finger coils do, so I wanted to capture that excitement with these twenty-five styles. There is a range of styles here, some with braids and colored details to some that are more straightforward, which means there are options for everyone!
#1: Chic Wash-and-Wear Finger Coils
I imagine the kind of styles that I would show a client who tells me that she wants her hair to look intentional, but that she doesn’t want to have to spend forty minutes on it every morning. The coils here are medium length, and they are long enough to show their shape without getting weighed down. The definition is even from the root to the tip, so it seems to me that whoever did this was very specific in their sectioning. This is your sweet spot if your hair is on the coarser side of the spectrum. The only thing I would mention is that you need to stay on top of the moisture when it comes to coils like these, so a leave-in conditioner on damp hair a few times a week should prevent them from going brittle.
#2: Defined Short Finger Coils with Soft Texture
These look really good because they accentuate the face, but don’t draw too much attention to it. The length is short enough to feel light but long enough to provide some nice movement when she turns her head. I can tell that the coils weren’t over-manipulated, and that there was just a softness to the texture which is honestly the hardest thing to teach people. This is going to look like it grew right out of your head, and if your curl pattern is naturally tight and your density is somewhere in the middle, then that’s the highest compliment I can give a style.
#3: Textured Golden Finger Coils with Natural Volume
The first thing I noticed was the color. The rich golden color contrasts so beautifully with dark hair. It adds a beautiful dimension that will be so pretty in the fall, especially with natural light. The way the coils get cut shorter as you go to the front really helps create a nice angle. It adds a lot of shape to it without looking like a one length solid cut all the way around. If you’re thinking of coloring your coils, this is a great option. The warmth will complement your natural base really well and you won’t have to worry about maintenance. Just so you know, humidity will loosen the coils. If you live in a humid area in the early fall, keep that in mind.
#4: Textured Finger Coils with Defined Shape
This looks really intentional as it sits so delicately by the head. Coils being neat is appreciated because doing this style short means there’s really nowhere to hide uneven bits. A lot is being done by the shape here; it’s a good shape that sits right along the contours of her head and allows her face to take center stage. This is about as good as it gets for someone who wants a look that says polished and effortless. A touch of curl defining cream on wash day and that’s all you need.
#5: Stylish Finger Coils with Braided Undercut
The way the braided undercut complements the coils on top of the head is simply amazing and creates a completely different silhouette. It gives structured volume and movement to the desired areas, while directed lines give order and focus to the overall style. I have done versions of this on clients with hair that is thicker and wants to get rid of bulk, but not lose the look of fullness. It works wonderfully for that. The only honest thing I’d say is that the undercut braids are going to need to be touched up on a more consistent basis than the coils, so keep that in mind for your schedule. However, the payoff in the shape and visual interest is definitely there.
#6: Textured Finger Coils with Intricate Braided Undercut
Like the braided undercut, the more detailed braiding is more creative than the last style. The coils on top have nice definition and length to show movement, while the braided section below becomes nearly a design feature in its own right. I would recommend it for someone who loves their hair as a form of self-expression, and who is prepared to spend a bit more time in the chair to have something a bit more. The maintenance on the braided section will require some commitment, but the coils are pretty much wash-and-wear.
#7: Stylish Short Finger Coils with Intricate Side Braiding
Typically, what stands out is the contrast between the springy coils on top and the clean, neat braiding on the sides. The overall look is more interesting than any single part would be on its own. I’ve found that clients with naturally curly hair and at least medium density get the best version of this, as it requires enough hair for the coils to keep their rounded shape and enough density for the braids to lay flat. If your hair is finer, a light-weight curling mousse may aid in supporting the top section of curls.
#8: Textured Finger Coils with Intricate Side Braiding
While the territory may seem similar to the last, the differing proportions changes the entire look. Shorter and more compact coils make the side braid more prominent, and I find the braid to be very appealing. It almost acts as an accessory, guiding the viewer on a journey rather than letting them take in the entire style as a whole. The coil work is very even and tight which, at this length, demonstrates a lot of patience and the presence of clean, small sections. For these reasons, I believe the style is one that looks better in person. It allows the viewer to truly appreciate the craftsmanship up close.
#9: Voluminous Wash-and-Wear Finger Coils with Defined Texture
This is the one to study if you want volume. The coils have been designed to achieve maximum fullness, and they definitely do. My favorite part is that it doesn’t even look heavy or overdone. With all that density, it still has an airiness to it. The medium length really hits that sweet spot where the coils are long enough to have good bounce but not so long that gravity is going to pull the definition out. I will say if you are new to finger coiling, I expect your first attempt to take quite a long time. The technique has quite a steep learning curve, however, once your hands are in the right places, a style like this will come very naturally to you.
#10: Textured Wash-and-Wear Finger Coils with Defined Shape
What takes this style beyond the average coil set is the bob shape. While most other curl sets emphasize on defining each individual curl, this one is more focused on overall shape and silhouette and that is what makes a style great vs good. The volume of the curls is perfect, and even with the fullness, they feel light. I would send a heart-shaped client to this one as the width at the jaw area is softened nicely. In humidity and heat, patterns will open, but even this style looks good when it is relaxed a little.
#11: Textured Short Finger Coils with Defined Bounce
The energy the style brings is great. The length is just right for the coils to ‘spring’ rather than ‘hang’. That bounce is youthful and airy. The definition is great all the way through which on thick hair at this length means some good sectioning. I’d keep this one simple in terms of product, maybe some light curl cream on wet hair and that should be all. The less you touch coils like these after they’re set, the better they look.
#12: Vibrant Copper Wash-and-Wear Finger Coils
Copper is fresh on natural hair, and I love how light reflects off of it. In the lower autumn light, there’s a warmth that almost glows from within. It works best when the coils are tight and well formed, with a density that allows the color to really pop. For thicker natural hair, this tone provides dimension that you wouldn’t achieve with darker colors. The only tradeoff with copper is that it may fade, but a color-depositing conditioner will keep it honest in between salon visits.
#13: Textured Short Finger Coils with Warm Honey Highlights
The honey highlights look great here! Because they breaks some of the traditional rules when it comes to placement, we do enhance the depth of the coils while also making the whole look better than just single-process color. On coarse, medium-density hair, highlights like these just grab the raised parts of each coil and create their own light pattern. It’s almost like the hair is doing the work for you! The cut is close and simple, which lets the color be the story. Yes, highlights mean a bit more upkeep, but the vibrancy and shine they add to coils like these make scheduling the extra appointment worth it.
#14: Defined Short Finger Coils with Natural Volume
This coil set is really well done and is reliable. Volume is natural, length is average, and definition is present. I wouldn’t call it flashy, but that’s one of the reasons it works well for everyday wear. It’s the kind of style that a client returns for over and over again, because it works for her lifestyle without her having to shift her mornings. Moisture is still key here. Keep the hair hydrated and these coils will reward you by holding their shape in between washes.
#15: Textured Short Finger Coils with Defined Shape
What I appreciate most about this shape is that the crown is fuller and it tapers a bit at the tips, which adds some character that a blunt, even shape wouldn’t have. A lot of the work is done by the natural curl pattern and the coiling technique is just organizing it into something more intentional. For an individual whose hair tends to lose definition as it dries, I have found that this works best with a curl cream applied in sections to wet hair. Doing so creates nice clumps and enhances definition.
#16: Rich Auburn Wash-and-Wear Finger Coils
We are so glad to hear that you like the auburn color! It adds warmth, and the darker base gives the color a nice gradient effect. A good designer gets viewers to do double takes, and it is great that you appreciate my work! I also value the rich, defined, and tight coils that will carry the color most richly. For anyone thinking about this color, I would advise getting sulfate-free shampoo and deep conditioner, as the coils and color will need a lot of moisture.
#17: Textured Finger Coils with Fluffy Volume
The transition from tapered sides to more fully rounded coils on top creates a blend of structured cut and natural expression which is why I find it so interesting. The fluffy top volume is not big for the sake of being big; it is structured to achieve maximum fullness from every angle while maintaining the outline. This is especially worked on medium to thick hair where there is a density to support that volume naturally. If you’ve been thinking about going shorter on the sides and leaving more length on top then this is a great reason to do it.
#18: Defined Short Finger Coils with Natural Bounce
Short, thick, and alive coils give this haircut a rounded shape that fits nicely on the head. Since length is limited, it depends on the quality of the coils, and these are pretty solid. It’s a good option for those who want to look put together without having to style it on a daily basis. The bounce is already there; if the hair is kept moisturized, it will do its thing with minimal effort.
#19: Textured Finger Coils with Defined Volume
The coils show a tale, and the reflections tell us most. Light reflecting off the hair suggests that moisture was added and it isn’t just a dry styled look. Additionally, the effortless look adds to the definition, as opposed to the forced look. The frame is medium length, and it’s perfect because it doesn’t crowd the face. There’s also enough density in the hair so it holds shape throughout the day. Personally, I would expect these to need to be re twisted each week to be this defined, but home maintenance is super low. This is a result of good coil care, and it shows.
#20: Defined Short Finger Coils with Natural Movement
The most important thing is the movement. There is softness and looseness that suggests the perfect amount of product was used. The volume is impressive and it does not look like it is going to lose its shape. That is actually harder to achieve than it may look. When coils dry on their own, movement like that is natural on medium to thick hair, and a curl refresher spray will be just the thing to bring that liveliness back to the hair. You won’t have to start from scratch to revive your curls.
#21: Defined Finger Coils with Intricate Side Braiding
The side braid is a nice detail that takes this from just a coil set to something a little more interesting. I like that it’s not a super complex braid, because it helps the coils instead of overshadowing them. With type 4 hair like this, the length and combination gives and keeps the sides neat at textures to work with on days when the coils aren’t fresh. That braid does take a bit of skill to make it tight and clean though, so if you’re thinking of doing it yourself, I’d suggest some practice runs before you go for it.
#22: Defined Short Finger Coils with Side Braids
What sets this style apart from other braided looks is the taper on the sides. The eye is drawn up toward the coils, which are really defined and have a lot of character. Side braids that are simple not overly intricate mean that maintenance is easier. If you love the idea of a braid detail but don’t want to spend an hour on your hair, this is a good compromise. Once the braids and coils are done, you’re in the go and wash zone for a while.
#23: Playful Short Finger Coils with Defined Texture
The finger coils are soft and shiny, and there are a variety of types. However, too much product can dull that shine. I would recommend using a lightweight product to style this because the natural texture is working really well. If you use anything heavy it will take away from the relaxed feel that this style has. Sometimes the best thing you can do, is leave a style alone, and this is definitely one of those times.
#24: Defined Finger Coils with Fresh Movement
The coils’ movement is what makes this whole style so captivating. The coils have been given a wonderful natural texture instead of an artificial one. It’s so nice to see a style that doesn’t seem like it was made just for pictures, and looks like hair that a person would actually wear. The difference in sizes of the coils looks natural and not at all like a messy clump, and that is the kind of `controlled imperfection` that makes coils so good. A light oil serum on dry coils will enhance shine without altering the texture.
#25: Defined Wash-and-Wear Finger Coils with Rich Dimension
What I find most impressive about this work is the detail as well as the variations in color. There are cool and warm tones mixed throughout, and with coiled hair, each twist will catch and reflect the light differently. This results in a level of dimension that solid color simply does not have. The hair is well defined in its coils, has good density, and the length is practical, which means it will look just as good on a Tuesday morning as it does right after being done. That’s the whole point of wash and wear hair. Just one product to control the frizz, and you are good for the week.
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