Make the most of your wavy or curly hair!
Learn to love your curls and they will love you back. Figuring out what your curls need and how they deserve to be treatedwill result in beautiful, well-behaved hair.
So, if you're tired of fighting with your curls, these 11 tips from me will help you win the battle -- and look great doing it!
Tip 1: Lay off the flat iron (for a bit)
OK, so you're not really going to forego all heat styling appliances for good and, I know that, but understand that these tools are, especially damaging to the weak spots in curly hair. Note that heat protectant sprays are key for this type of hair structure.
Heat protection products that contain gentle, moisturizing ingredients like ceramides are best as they help hair maintain moisture.
The type of tool you're using can also make a big difference. Cheaper styling tools, such as metal flat irons and curling irons should be avoided. Non-ceramic or tourmaline plated tools will burn your hair, causing lack of moisture and a burnt cuticle.
This will prevent a tight and gorgeous curl from forming and usually causes an immense amount of frizz.
I use a silicone-plated iron which doesn't cause any damage to the hair and adds a beautiful shine to the cuticle. go to salontech.com to view more.
Tip 2: Ease up on the shampoo
When it comes to shampooing curly hair, less is more. As a woman with curly hair myself, I never wash my hair more than once a week. Curly hair tends to be dry, and too much cleansing can make it worse. Curly hair has a unique structure. Each strand has many twists and turns and weak spots are often created at each turn.
The trick is not to further damage these spots with overzealous, frequent shampooing and to instead offset the damage by using a product that's specifically designed for curly hair. (Try Redken Fresh Curls shampoo and conditioner $18.99)
Curly girls should only wash their hair once or twice a week. Natural oils from the scalp are very conditioning for curls. The more you wash, the more oils are stripped off the hair causing dryness and frizz.
Tip 3: Know Your Products!!
Curls, like women, come in a range of shapes and sizes, and figuring out what kind of mousse, gel, pomade or serum to use can be a daunting task!
For perfect curls, the best approach is to create a custom-blended product cocktail.
If your curls are fine, mix a dab of mousse or styling cream in your palm with a light gel.
For thick or coarse hair, blend a heavier gel that has more hold with a styling cream. I use a mousse and a leave in conditioner because my curls are small and dry, but soft as well so I need hold and moisture. Try these Redken Products below. Mix and match according to your texture and dryness.
TIMING IS CRUCIAL!
Knowing when to apply a styling product is almost as important as knowing which one to choose. Apply styling products to damp -- not wet -- hair, except, of course, if the product's instructions specifically call for you to use it on very wet hair.
A great tip is to blot excess moisture with a towel first, then use a quarter-size dab of product more if your hair is really long -- and pat or scrunch it into your hair from the ends up, NOT from your scalp down!
Tip 5: Conditioner is your friend
All conditioners are made to beat frizz, But, a leave-in conditioner will moisturize and protect the hair. If you have fine hair though, she advises you opt for a Lightweight spray-in product that won't weigh it down.
Many brands make products that allow you to choose a conditioner based on your specific needs. that for curly hair,
And, both experts agree that a weekly deep-conditioning treatment can work wonders too. The results are totally worth it.
Tip 6: Embrace the Diffuser
You know that big bullhorn looking thing that came with your blow dryer? Yes, that attachment that you've never used? That is your curly hair's best friend! It works by changing the airflow of your dryer from a concentrated, direct stream to a more diffused circle of air. I ALWAYS use it on my curly haired-clients (unless I'm doing a rollerset or rod set)
Absolutely always diffuser dry or air dry to beat back the frizz. To prevent curls from breaking up or becoming straggly.
How do you use it, you ask?
Don't be afraid!
Begin drying on a low setting (so you don't disturb your natural curl pattern) and put the diffuser as close to your roots as possible. Leave it there until the section you're working on dries.
And, I caution that you always let your curls cool down before shaking them out or you run the risk of disrupting the pretty curl pattern and creating dreaded frizz!
If your dryer didn't come with a diffuser, you can pick one up at your local drugstore of beauty supplies. The nozzle on many of them is universal so you don't have to worry about it fitting onto your blow dryer.
Tip 7: Girl! Don't touch! As a rule, curly hair should be handled as little as possible throughout the drying process. warns Berg. And, if you need to touch them, do it gently. The more hair moves when it is wet and drying, the frizzier it will get. This means, don't comb your fingers through your hair as you diffuse it dry, and don't scrunch, twist or otherwise contort it either. Just leave it alone to do what it's supposed to do -- curl!
Tip 8: Lose the brush
While the old wives' tale lauds brushing your hair hundreds of times before hitting the hay, if you have curly hair this is not the way to go!
Though brushing is a great way to distribute natural oils through to the ends of the hair, avoid brushing curly hair, because it leads to frizz, use a wide-tooth comb if you're feeling absolutely compelled to "brush" your hair.
Ideally, curly hair should only be combed while wet, before styling/drying. But, some purists shudder at the mention of combing or brushing of any kind, because it can disturb your curl pattern.
Always use your fingers to comb through your hair to detangle. When your hair is wet it is at its most fragile state, combing though tangles causes breakage and distress to your hair.
I also advise against creating tight braids or ponytails too as both can, over time, lead to breakage and hair loss.
And, the tighter the hair is pulled back, the more the curl will be stretched out. This prevents you from being able to just drop your hair down and go."
Tip 9: Remove some bulk
When it comes to curly haircuts, there are a few cardinal rules but in general, the best cut and length for curly hair all depends on the type of curl. It is different for every person. Curls should be cut while dry so the natural state and pattern of the curl will be apparent to your stylist.
Soft, flowy layers are a great way to remove bulk from curly hair, while blocky cuts tend to result in poufy-ness and frizz.
Whatever you do cut-wise, both experts agree that blunt, full bangs should definitely be avoided. They're hard to pull off, though wisps are ok, they're never flattering, unless, you have a very, very slight wave.
Tip 10: Resist the razor
MY WARNING: If you have curly hair never have your hair cut by a stylist who uses a razor instead of, or in tandem with, scissors. Never ever razor-cut curly or wavy hair. It can take years to undo the damage!
Tip 11: Learn to embrace your curls
While many curly haired women spend their lives believing that the grass is greener on the other (straighter) side, experts agree that embracing your curls is a very important step in learning to work with them.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT ALL YOU CURLY-HAIRED BEAUTIES:
Learn to love your curls and they will love you back!
This should be your new mantra!
~The Beautyqueen.
