How to tame naturally curly hair

You love your naturally curly hair, but sometimes it seems to have a mind of its own. What can you do to sport your beautiful curls without worrying that they'll frizz or get out of control? A few simple steps when styling will help to keep your curls in check.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Styling products of your choice
• Comb
• Plastic bristle brush
• Plastic hair clips
• Diffuser hair dryer or dryer with diffuser attachment
• Pomade (optional)

1. Begin with wet or very damp hair. Curly hair that has already begun to dry will often frizz; products won't do much good on hair that has begun to dry.

2. Separate your hair into three sections by parting it like this: from behind one ear to behind your other ear is one section and then by parting your hair down the center, you have two front sections.

3. Hold any section you're not currently styling out of the way with hair clips.

4. Beginning at the back section, apply styling product of your choice, whether mousse or gel. Your hair's thickness and degree of curl will determine what products you need.

5. Rake your fingers through this section to make sure the product covers all hairs. Use as much product as necessary to ensure even, full coverage. If desired, you can use the bristle brush to help distribute your styling product.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for the remaining two sections of hair.

7. Allow hair to air dry or, if you're pressed for time, use a diffuser hair dryer. Set the heat setting for "low" as this is the least drying or damaging.

8. Gently pull the ends of nearly dry curls to lengthen them. Don't dry hair with a dryer until it's completely dry. Stopping when hair is still a little damp is fine and won't cause overdrying.

9. Add a dime to quarter size dab of pomade if needed. This will add a bit of shine.

Tips & Warnings

• Curly hair is often dry and doesn't respond well to daily shampooing. Daily wetting with conditioner is gentler.
• Use shampoos and conditioners made for dry or frizz-prone hair.
• Shampoo dry curly hair a maximum of two to three times per week.
• Gels come in many formulations; thick gels are good for thick, extremely curly hair while lighter gels and mousses are fine for finer curls and waves.
• Air dry hair whenever possible.
• Longer hair is heavier and will weigh curls down. If your hair seems to grow "out," try wearing it longer.
• Once curls are set, do not comb or brush. This will create frizz.
• Don't scrunch curls if your hair is frizzy; this creates more frizz.
• Avoid high heat or daily blow-drying.

Who Can Help:

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[joannabanana]

on 11/10/2008 Thanks sooo much! i'll definitely be using this advice soon!