How to Take Care of Curly and Frizzy Hair

Curly or frizzy hair is generally drier and more coarse than straight hair. Therefore, people with this type of hair need to be very particular in their care regimen. One of the most difficult problems encountered by people with curly and frizzy hair is moisture or humidity that causes the cuticle of each strand to open and make the shaft feel and look rougher. Fortunately, there are many methods--both commercial and natural--to help transform frizzy hair into either straight hair or curls and to help curls keep a smooth shape.

Things You'll Need

• Moisturizing shampoo
• Moisturizing conditioner
• Spray on leave-in conditioner
• Curl-defining spray or wax
• Round brush
• Flexible-hold hairspray
• Hair dryer
• Diffuser extension (for hair dryer)
• Flat iron

Instructions

1. Do not wash your hair every day; because curly and frizzy hair is coarser, it does not need it. Washing will strip the hair of oils that it needs to help keep the hair cuticle closed and the hair shaft looking smoother. Plan to wash every other day at most, and every third day if possible. Use a creamy, moisturizing shampoo, as opposed to one that is "clarifying."

2. Do not rub your wet hair vigorously with a towel, as that will contribute to overall frizz. Blot gently to soak up excess water. Apply a leave-on spray conditioner to your hair while it is still damp. Do not use a comb, even while the hair is still wet, especially if you have very curly hair. However, you may use your fingers to distribute the conditioner throughout your hair.

3. To define individual curls, or to help frizzy hair become curly, purchase a curl-defining spray or wax (available at most drug stores). Distribute evenly throughout your hair. Wind strands of hair to help define individual curls and allow the hair to air dry if possible. Do not brush or comb through it during the drying process. If you have frizzy hair that needs a little help curling, attach a diffuser to your hair dryer and dry your hair on the coolest setting possible to help set individual curls. Again, do not comb through (even with your fingers), as you want each curl to remain defined. Once your hair is dry, spray a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray throughout your hair to set it.

4. If you would like to straighten your curly or frizzy hair, follow Steps 1 and 2. Twist the top part of your hair out of the way and use a large-barreled round brush to brush out 2- to 3-inch sections at a time while blow drying on a warm, medium setting. Repeat the process until both the top and bottom sections of your hair are dry.

5. Twist the top portion of your hair out of the way again, and put your flat iron on a medium-high setting. Using sections of the same size, clamp the flat iron down at the base and slide quickly but firmly to the bottom. It may take two or three passes on each individual section of hair before it is as straight as you want it. Repeat this in sections until your hair is straight. Set your hair with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray.

6. Always patronize a stylist who is experienced in curly or frizzy hair. She can recommend the best cuts for your hair type, as well as styles and new products that make caring for your hair easier.

Tips & Warnings

• When blow-drying, it is best to point the air down the shaft of the hair instead of up, as you want to keep the hair cuticle closed to contribute to a sleeker look. Plan to bring a hat or other hair covering if you have straightened your hair and expect to be in a rainy or highly humid environment.