How to Manage And Style Curly Hair
So you have curly hair, and you’ve accepted the fact that on most days you may be mistaken as Frankenstein’s bride. Well I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news: yes, curly hair does not always adhere to your morning vision of “a good hair day.” The good news: there are many things you can do to ensure your “good hair days” weigh out the bad and your curly hair becomes a noticeable feature, not a flaw.
Me and my curly hair met with Devina Little, a curly hair expert and stylist from Rumors Hair Salon in Scottsdale, and she enlightened me on ways to keep curly hair beautiful. People with naturally curly hair are unique, so rather than envy our straight haired friends, we should embrace our curly locks and flaunt them whenever possible. I asked Devina how to approach some common curly hair complaints, and her answers assured me that curly isn’t a curse, it’s a blessing.
Complaint #237: “My Hair is too big and poofy.”
Consequently, the volume of curly hair largely depends on the cut. If you layer your hair it can prevent you from looking weighed down by your locks and help your hair appear volumeous. Shorter layers create a funky and playful look, so if you’ve got a little spunk in you, go for the layers. Longer layers are also attractive on curly hair. Think of Kate Hudson’s loose curls, she has long layers that start below her lips, creating that beautiful beachy look. However, if you want a tamer look, keep your hair at an even length. By wearing your hair long the weight of the long locks will bring your hair closer to your face, avoiding eighties, “perm gone wrong” disaster.
Complaint #308: “My curls are dry and frizzy.”
Let’s face it, only a select few have the moisture enriched curls we see in Pantene commercials. In order to keep our curls looking healthy, Devina recommended some effective styling methods.
1. Ask your stylist for a deep conditioning treatment whenever you feel your hair is abnormally brittle. Devina used Pyhto’s Huile D’ Ales natural oil treatment on my hair when I when I visit her and I always notice a big improvement in my hair’s texture after this treatment.
2. Refrain from brushing your hair after you get out of the shower. When you brush, it breaks the curl pattern and creates a lot of frizz. Devina recommended combing your hair before you get in the shower or before you wash conditioner out. After you get out of the shower, apply product to your hair and let it air dry.
3. To further define your curls, take one-inch sections of hair, and twirl them around your finger to further define curls. Here are some products Devina recommends: Catwalk “Root Boost”- spray evenly, six to eight inches from scalp. Don’t over do it or your hair will be crunchy.
Phyto “Defrisant”- apply when you get out of the shower. This product helps keep curls tame in humid conditions.
Barex “Gloss Shine”- A spray shine with a silicon base, which works well with heat for diffusing and straightening. Sprays are great to achieve even application, but avoid sprays with alcohol like Biosilk to keep from drying your air out. Also avoid applying too much which can leave your hair looking greasy.
Complaint #482: “My hair is so difficult to straighten.”
Sometimes when we straighten curly hair, we don’t get the sleek look we were going for. Devina explained the best process for straightening your hair is to tackle the curls in sections which allows the hair to straighten faster and more completely. While you are using the straightening iron, make sure to brush out each section before straightening it. You wouldn’t start ironing a heaped up shirt, so why straighten curls that haven’t been untangled? The type of straightener you use is also an important factor in the straightening process. The new ceramic and ionic straighteners cause the least damage to your hair, and provide high temperatures to make straightening faster.
Chi is an excellent brand of straightener, but for a less expensive iron, check out the Hot Tools collection.
After I spoke with Devina I found a new confidence in my curls. Now, I see my hair as a trait that sets me apart from other girls, and gives me a mysterious allure. I want to show off my curls rather than stifle them with a straightener 24-7. Curls are in style, just look at all the Hollywood stars. The truth is the days of stick straight hair are over, and voluptuous curls are on the rise. “It has a beauty of its own that can’t be replicated with a curling iron,” said Devina. Those of us with naturally curly hair should realize we have the best of both worlds; we can have natural enchanting curls or relaxed straight strands. What more could we ask for?
Devina Little
www.scottsdalehair.com
480-998-1888
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