All You need To Know About Curly Hair

For those of you with curly hair, you'll admit it can be both a blessing and a hassle. When your curls look good, they really look good. But all it takes is a slight change of weather and you've got frizz problems!

It's true, curly hair can sometimes need a bit more care and attention than straight hair to keep it looking its best. Hairstyle.com has curly hair information and advice, hairstyles for curly hair and curly hair care tips that will have your locks looking their best.

It is important to understand your hair - once you understand what works with your curly hair, you can really enjoy your hair and learn to love it.

HOW TO STYLE CURLY HAIR

If you have wavy hair:

Give your naturally wavy hair more defined curls. Take small sections of your hair while its damp, and roll them up into little balls. Secure them into place with pins. Once your hair is dry, unpin your hair. Do not brush; instead just use your fingers to piece out your curls.

Layers can look great with curly hair, but don't get the layers cut too short as your curly hair will turn out too poufy.

To get perfect ringlets, start with damp hair.

Step 1: Apply a dime-sized amount of serum and gel through hair from mid-strand to the ends.

Step 2: Take small sections from the top of your head & twist them down to the ends. Let them fall.

Step 3: Dry sections with a diffuser from roots to ends. (Don't scrunch your curls otherwise you could cause frizzing, instead cup the hair from below).

Step 4: When your hair is almost completely dry, bend over & shake curls loose. Massage hair at the crown, this will add body.

Step 5: Flip hair back & finish styling with your fingers. DO NOT USE A BRUSH!

TWISTED UPDO

Hair twists and updos are always a very popular style. Sweep hair into a ponytail that rests at the back of the crown. Allow your curls to billow out over the top of the base. Secure the ends loosely against the back of the scalp to form a soft curly bun.

HALF UP / HALF DOWN STYLE

Once you have washed, dried and applied some product in your hair to really define your curls, this style is quick and easy to do.

Using your thumbs, position them just above your ear lobes. Slide your thumbs inwards at a 45 degree angle, towards the center of your head. When your thumbs meet, lift that top section of hair and tie it into a ponytail. Either tie it at the back of your crown, or try a looser, more casual look and tie the ponytail lower down.

SIDE SWEEP

A sexy side ponytail - a sleek smooth crown that ties behind one ear and displays a beautiful cascade of loose curls.

Use a flat iron to straighten your hair from roots to middle of your hair. Brush your hair to one side and tie into a low ponytail. Separate the ponytail section into 1 inch sections and use a small to medium barrel curling iron to create ringlets. Hold the iron in place for up to 30 seconds.

CURLY HAIR CARE

• The best products for curly hair are products that have low alcohol or that are alcohol-free. Curly hair is naturally more fragile and dry than straight hair. Products that contain large amounts of alcohol dry out your hair, and you want to avoid these products if your hair is curly.
• Minimize breakage by allowing your hair to air-dry as often as possible.
• Some curly haired women will skip every other shampoo and just use conditioning rinses. Shampoo at least once a week to avoid greasy hair and a buildup of products, but if you shampoo too often this will dry out your hair and leave it frizzy.
• Use a moisturizing shampoo to help hydrate the scalp.
• Tip: Comb some conditioner through your hair before shampooing.
• On non-shampooing days, rinse your hair with warm water, apply conditioner and rinse well. This will give you clean hair, without stripping away the protective oils.
• Apply mousse to still-damp hair and spread from roots to end. This will help control frizz.
• Other ways to control frizz - use some leave-in conditioning products, or anti-frizz hair serums.
• DO NOT USE A BRUSH on your curly hair. Use a wide toothed comb or your fingers to detangle your curls.
• Always comb the conditioner through your hair when washing it. This will help evenly spread the conditioner from root to end. Detangle your hair before rinsing out the conditioner.
• To control frizzy hair, use an anti-frizz serum to smooth the frizz, add shine and condition your hair. Most serums contain silicone which sits on top of the hair shaft and protects hair from heat.

For more advise on maintaining curly hair visit Christopher Stephens Salon and Spa.