Curly hair 101

  So it never fails, if you have curly hair you want straight, if you have straight hair you want curly. That's just the way it is. I can remember back when was school everyone straightened their hair, that was the look, straight flat hair. Not for me! I tried flat ironing my hair... even used an actual IRON on my hair ( that makes me cringe now) but my hair was always frizzy as soon as I went outside. I think that as the day went on my hair would get bigger and bigger.

                   

    Now a days texture is making a come back in the hair world. All you see is people curling, scrunching, teasing, anything to get a little volume, wave, or curl. Now its your time to shine curly headed one! Not only can you go a few days without shampooing, with a little time and effort you can get smooth hair, curled hair,volume, almost anything. Also your hair holds curl, so you never have to worry about all your time spent curling with the curling iron wasted, because the curls fell out! Seriously sometimes I don't even use hair spray, and my curls stay in.

                      

                               How to tame that curly mane!

  MOISTURE, MOISTURE, MOISTURE!! Curly hair tends to be on the dry side..hints the reason why humidity is not your friend...It sucks up all that moisture in the air, causing the cuticle to expand...which leads to frizz.There are few great IN salon treatments, as well as at home treatments and products to maintain your hair.

  

 First, lets talk about in salon treatments... For as little $15, and an extra 15 min. you can get a deep conditioning treatment at the salon.

  Redken Chemistry System is one of them. Whats great about the "Chem shot" is that it can be customized to your specific hair needs, for example... if you have frizzy, dry hair, then your stylist can do a little mix off Redken's smooth down, and all soft shots.

   L'oreal is another AMAZING product...and their power dose is awesome! Like the chem shot, its another at the shampoo bowl treatment. Your hair instantly feels softer afterwards, and it smells amazing, which is always nice.

  Now lets talk more long term treatments... Coppola Keratin Complex Smoothing treatment. Let me just say, from personal experience.. I love this. Not only I have performed this service on clients, I have had this treatment done 2 times. I absolutely loved the results. Keratin complex.com says "infuses natural keratin deep into hair’s cuticle. This revolutionary therapy reduces frizz and curl and instantly adds amazing shine, silkiness and condition to the hair."  This is for reducing frizz, and curl..this is NOT a relaxer, or permanent straightener. This is an in salon treatment, that last up to 3 months with the proper shampoo and conditioner. In my opinion its well worth the money!

  It also helps to have a good shampoo and conditioner. I use Pureology Hydrate. Pureology also has a smoothing system for those with more "unruly" hair. Another great shampoo is Redken's Smooth Down.

                                                    Styling

  So I admit, I rarely blow dry my hair. Usually I let it air dry over night, then worry about it the next morning. But a good blow dry can really help you out when trying to smooth out your hair. Products I recommend for a blow dry would be Align by Redken, and Moroccan Oil. Hello I love Moroccan Oil!

  The key to blow drying is to never go against the cuticle of your hair...which means stop flipping your head upside down and drying it like that, because when you flip over you will have a huge poof of frizzy hair. Instead let your hair air dry a little, or if you don't have time power dry it. Just enough to get most of the moisture out. That way you can really focus on getting it smooth instead of getting in dry, then by the time its dry your arms hurt and you don't care anymore. Take sections, and use a round brush to help smooth it out. This doesn't come naturally to people, but with a little practice you will be a pro blow dryer in no time!

   Invest in a good flat iron!! A good flat iron will not fry your hair, or snag and pull. I use the Sam Villa Sleekr. Look for ceramic, and one that you can adjust the heat settings. Not everyone needs the same setting. When flat ironing always use a heat protectant. I use Heat Glide by Redken.

  

   Get a good haircut!!! There is one reason why salons charge the prices that they do, and the reason is: EDUCATION!! When you go in there you are getting a well trained stylist who is educated with the latest trends, techniques, and consultation skills. They know their stuff. A lot of higher end salons invest a lot of time and money into their employees, making sure they can give you the best of the best! So find someone you like and stick with them!

                                Go Natural!

  Why not? its quick, and easy, and different from every one's straight hair! Be yourself and love it! Add a headband, or a side braid, and your good to go!