How to Deal with Out of Control Curls!

Curly hair has become the envy of many, but at the same time is hated by those who were blessed with the crazy locks from birth. Most women born with stick straight hair often dream of having beautiful, flowing curls (and spend lots of money to do so), while women with curly hair often spend their time (and money) trying to straighten and smooth out their curls.

If you were one of those girls lucky enough to have been blessed with nice full head of curly hair, embrace it! Love it! Most importantly, learn to take care of it properly so that you can live with it!

The golden rule with curly hair is to wash only every other day. The shampoo will dry out the natural oils that your hair needs to maintain silky smooth curls. Washing everyday can cause your curls to look like a frizzy mess. It is very important that you condition your hair every day though. The conditioner will keep your hair clean, smooth and frizz free combined with the natural oil that your hair produces.

Deep conditioning really helps. If you have the time, once a week or once every two weeks, find a deep conditioner in your store and apply it for 3-10 minutes. The best way to do this is to apply the conditioner first thing when you get into your shower and then go through the rest of your washing routine. Shave your legs or wash your body and then rinse out the conditioner. The longer it is in your hair, the harder it will work for you.

Be sure that you use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. This is especially important for the conditioner, but both is better. Curly hair has a tendency to be dry, so it's needs as much moisturizer as possible. There are tons of products on the market specifically targeted for curly hair. Try out a few and figure out what works best for you.

Play around with several hair care products. Different products work for different people. If you hair is super curly on it's own, use a relaxing serum to give your curls definition and make them smooth while still holding their curl. If you hair is wavy, or somewhat curly and you'd like them more defined, use a gel or mousse to help them hold their shape. My preference is Frizz-Ease by John Frieda. He makes a gel called Clearly Defined that is fabulous for defining curls and has a long lasting hold. Frizz-Ease products are more expensive, but very much worth it. You will just need to experiment with different products and see what holds best in your hair, what feels best, etc. until you find one that takes the cake. Make sure you start at a little at a time though, too much product will make your hair stiff or greasy looking.

Let your hair air dry whenever it's possible. Giving your hair a break from the heat will help it to stay healthy and shiny. Using a blow dryer will dry your hair out, frizz your hair and make you look poofy all day. If you have to blow dry your hair for times sake, use a diffuser and try to avoid touching it as much as possible. If you have the time to let it air dry, apply the product you need then leave it alone! The best way to do so is to buy a cheap headband, the kind with the little prongs. It will keep your hair out of your face, thus resulting in less touching. Once you hair is completely dry, remove the headband and style however you wish!

Regardless of what you may have been taught, never use a brush on curly hair. This is the quickest way to damage your hair. Always use a wide tooth comb or your fingers when styling curls. They are far less detrimental to your hair and will keep you from looking like a frizz factory.

You must get a proper hair cut with curly hair. Long layers will allow your curls to fall smoothly without creating width on your head. If you can, let you bangs grow out as curly bangs are hard to manage and, lets face it, they look a little funny on some people. A good hair cut maximizes curly hair, so take advantage of it.

Pin point a stylist whose specialty is curly hair. She will know how to cut it for maximum style and she will be able to provide you with some tips and tricks you may not have known or tried before.

Embrace your curls! You are one of the lucky few fortunate enough to have them and your curls can help to define who you are as a person!