As a gal who received my curly hair genes from my Dad, growing up I had no idea how to make my hair look decent. In fact for most of my pre-teen years, it resembled a cropped poof ball on my head...it was bad. Mom was no help - with her pin-straight hair, she simply didn't know what to do with it.
Taming my hair took years of trial and error, but I finally found my miracle product: Frizz Ease by John Frieda. Even today it is my staple product. No matter what other alternatives I try, nothing compares to this frizz-fighting miracle in a bottle. Since finding the right product and techniques, my spring ringlets now regularly inspire “Oohs” and “Ahhs”.
Since I now have my regime perfected, and curly girl rules to live by, I thought it would be nice to share:
Rule 1: Shampoo infrequently, or better yet, use a vinegar rinse such as Rene Furtererʼs Fioravanti in place of your regular shampoo. Regular shampoos are often too harsh on curly hair. Even though curly hair is typically thick, it is naturally fragile and dry.
Rule 2: Use deep conditioners OFTEN. The key to curls sticking together, and thus looking beautiful, is more moisture.
Rule 3: Always use a wide-tooth comb in the shower to comb out your hair. This allows you to use the conditioner as a detangler and save your hair the damage done by brushing it out.
Rule 4: After you have detangled your curls, allow your conditioner to sit for at least 5 minutes, then rinse with cool light water pressure. This light water pressure will allow your hair to keep its natural curly shape and prevent frizz from starting.
Rule 5: Don’t use a towel to “towel dry” your hair. Instead, use a cotton T-shirt because it creates less friction. Simply blot your hair with the T-shirt rather than rubbing it. Less friction equals less frizz.
Rule 6: Add your Frizz Ease serum and lightly twist sections of your hair.
Rule 7: Either let your hair dry naturally or use a diffuser to partially dry it. And don’t be afraid to try other finishing products along with your frizz serum!
Last, but not least, be sure that you go to a hairdresser that is not only great at cutting, but specifically great at cutting curly hair. I love working with Mishi because she cuts according to how my curls fall naturally. She's the best!
Enjoy your ringlets!