Managing curly hair can sometimes be a challenge. Curly locks require attention and special considerations to look their best. "The biggest problem with curly hair is that it tends to be dry, leading to the frizzies," says hair stylist Dustin David, owner of Dustin David Salon in Los Gatos, California. The good news is that caring properly for curly, dry hair can help eliminate management problems and give you gorgeous curly tresses.
Steps
Step 1
Get a good haircut. The right cut will make managing curly hair easier. "A multi-layered cut is ideal for curly, dry hair because it allows waves to cascade naturally, but without being too heavy," says Gail Hassall, a hair stylist at the Circle Salon in Berkeley, California. Have your hair trimmed every eight to 10 weeks to keep your curls frizz-free. "Split ends contribute to the frizzies," Hassall says. Choose a stylist experienced in working with curly hair.
Step 2
Shampoo no more often than four times a week. Shampooing strips hair of its natural oils, making it dryer and more unmanageable. "The curlier your hair, the less often you should wash it," says David. Use a mild shampoo or one designed for curly hair. Harsh shampoos can strip away even more oil, leaving your hair frizzy. If you feel you must wash every day, use conditioner only.
Step 3
Moisturize with conditioner. Curly hair is dryer than other types of hair, says David, so moisturizing is crucial. After shampooing, apply a generous amount of conditioner formulated for dry hair. Once a week use a deep conditioner or hot oil treatment that you leave on your hair for 20 to 30 minutes, advises David. The better conditioned your hair, the less frizzy it will be.
Step 4
Separate and detangle. While still in the shower, use your fingers to separate your wet, moisturized strands of hair, recommends Hassall. Then finish detangling in front of the mirror using a wide tooth comb. Be gentle because wet hair is prone to breakage, says Hassall. Never use a brush, which can lead to hair breakage, split ends and frizz.
Step 5
Air dry or use a dryer with a diffuser. Without a diffuser, blow drying can lead to extreme dryness and unmanageable hair. "The diffuser attachment lifts and heats hair, but doesn't fray the outer surfaces of the hair shaft," says David Kingsley, Ph.D., a hair and scalp specialist and owner of three salons in New York City. Use low heat--no higher than medium.
Step 6
Apply finishing product. Use a tiny bit of pomade, anti-frizz serum or light hair spray to control flyaway hairs and frizzy ends, suggests Kingsley. Carry a travel-size container in your purse. Humidity can make curly hair frizzy and hard to manage, notes Kingsley. If you start to frizz later in the day, touch up with a dab or quick spritz of the finishing product.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid towel drying your hair after showering. That can disturb the cuticle of your hair, making it more prone to frizz as it dries. Instead, blot dry with a towel or wring out water while in the shower. Stay away from hot rollers and styling irons. Extreme heat applied directly to the hair will make your tresses even drier and more prone to frizz.
- Don't wear tight barrettes and ponytail bands. "They can cause hair breakage leading to frizziness," says Kingsley. The wider the band or bigger the clasp, the better. Kingsley recommends scrunchies and large barrettes that won't overstress your hair.
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Finishing product
- Wide tooth comb
- Hair dryer with diffuser (optional)
References
- Dustin David, hair stylist and owner of Dustin David Salon, Los Gatos, CA
- Gail Hassall, hair stylist, Berkeley, CA
- David Kingsley, Ph.D, trichologist, New York City
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