Ethnic Hair and Options for Care

I am a black woman with naturally curly hair. It's soft, wispy and spirals like miniature slinkies. Should I chose to change my style I can use basic heating tools and it will straighten out with no problem. I do not have a perm. Nor would I dare revert back to the torture from my misguided youth.

In my neighborhood my type of hair is referred to as "good hair". I find this terminology offensive and frustrating at the least. It implies the rest of me is not good enough or that women with thicker, coarser hair are inferior. My sister Sean inherited the thicker and coarser version. Her hair is also stronger and longer than I could ever imagine mine being; which constantly led to us envying each others crowns of glory as children.

Having, what is now called "ethnic hair" on any level is a constant topic in the black community. This includes my bi and multi-racial friends who have even more difficult times finding competent hairdressers. If your mama didn't grow up in a household using terminology such as "hot comb", "grease", "glover's" or "perm" and you have ethnic hair; either she wasn't black, didn't grow up in a black community, her belief system wouldn't allow her to do that to her babies head or you had money to have someone else do your hair.

Today, there are many options for getting ethnic hair done. Sadly, most of these are not in ANY of the beauty schools I've visited. Most beauty school will only teach how to care for European and Asian type hair. Any hair with the vaguest resemblance of African roots is feared. Unless the teacher is African (meaning; new to this country) odds are your hair stylist will be confused by your curly hair.

Here are some things to ask when seeking a hair stylist if you have "ethnic hair"

Do you do natural hair?

Is there an extra charge?

How long have you done natural hair?

Before going to the salon, gather pictures of hairstyles that will compliment your natural tresses. Be realistic. Unless you're going to perm your hair, YOU KNOW you can't pick a straight style and expect it to last for three weeks. Pick something you can maintain on your own. If you're on a budget, pick something that will be easily maintained for six weeks and will not look weird in between washings.

Understand that natural ethnic hair needs special care. I cannot go days or weeks without washing my hair. I know some women who will only allow their hairdresser to wash their hair. They have a standing appointment every two weeks. I will scratch my scalp raw if I wait two weeks between washings. Especially if I wear it in its natural state. If I'm wearing a natural curl, I condition daily and wash every 2-3 days. Washing my hair daily would strip it of its natural oils and I would be running around town looking like I have a large bale of black hay on my head.

My hair dresser informed me that naturally curly "ethnic" hair gets drier than the average head of hair. I use olive oil daily. Yep, plain old over the counter Bertolli or a generic brand. Extra virgin.

Natural hair needs to breathe. This is where braids come in. I personally will not sit for hours at a hair dresser. Although, I will go to a spa and get a 1 hour massage which includes a scalp massage. This generates good blood flow and distributes natural oils and promotes a peace. If you are braver than me, try braids. Most braiders will want to put synthetic hair in your head. I am starting to see some scary effects of having this done and will not allow hair to be braided into my head. Instead I will normally opt for the front part being braided with the back natural or straight.

I keep straight days to winter months. I live in Texas and 110 degree weather will not allow me to keep a straight style for longer than 30 minutes. In the winter I am more apt to straighten my hair. I will normally wash, condition, and moisturize, then air dry. After that I heat up the curling iron and straighten it out. My curly hair is also slightly thin, so I do not need a lot of heat to get the results I like. If I want it straighter still, I will blow dry and then use the curling iron or flat iron. Should I lose my mind and want to venture into the land of "bone straight", I'll go to the salon and let the professionals deal with it.

Since I love the way my curls feel I never allow them to straighten it too straight. Some hair dressers have taken out the perm products as soon as they see me walk in the door and were flabbergasted when I said "no". How dare anyone not appreciate me wanting to be natural.

Test different products. Mane and Tail and olive oil are a mainstay in my hair routine. I wash with Neutrogena Triple Moisture and use their daily and intensive conditioners. Once I step out of the shower I use about a tablespoon of olive oil; distributing it throughout my hair. Then I run Mane and Tail Conditioner throughout my hair; grabbing handfuls of hair and watching the curls spring into shape. I'll either let it dry like that or add a headband to get it in the position I want it to fall for the rest of the day.

If you like straight styles but refuse to perm, BRAVO!!! Also, you should talk with your hair stylist about thermal techniques such as "hot combing".

The hot comb which was made popular by Madame CJ Walker was a fixture in my house. My mother could not comb through my sisters natural hair unless it had been straightened. My sister got the hot comb treatment weekly as a little girl. When that became too much of a chore, mom started perming. I think my sister is the only female in history who could withstand the strength of the French Perm. Oprah said she was damn near bald using a French Perm.

My friend Minerva who has a Pilipino mama, a black daddy and a gorgeous crop of raven black hair introduced me to a Japanese thermal process which allows the hair to stay straight for weeks. It costs about $700 but is a healthier solution to a perm. You can find salons in your area that do these processes simply by doing a yahoo or google search.

Another method of getting a great stylist if you have natural hair, stop any woman you see who has a great style and ask "Who does your hair?". Networking and word of mouth has its benefits. Most women are walking billboards for their stylist. Read the celebrity magazines and find a celeb who has a style you like. Take it to your stylist and ask if she can duplicate it. Most black stylist can, and will.

Now, I know you may be asking . . . if I'm technically a white woman with hair like a black woman, will someone be able to help me. Darlin, yes! You may have to step out of your comfort zone and walk into a salon filled with black woman and say, "HELP!!!" I have talked with white stylist who had no qualms telling me they "hated" doing black ("ethnic") hair because it was too "wiry", "hard", "coarse", "nappy" and hard to deal with. I can't get mad at them because those are the same things young black stylists are saying. But, they are not taught to care for "ethnic" hair. Many young black women couldn't identify their natural hair texture in a line-up! But, our society bombards us with images of long, flowing, blond hair. That is supposed to be the standard to aspire to and many women want. Therefore, many schools will teach what is popular as oppose to what is reality.

So, here are some tips to get you on your natural way:

1.Natural hair first of all is hair. Our care system (like any) is based on trial and error. Find products that work for you.

2. If your products work in San Francisco, don't be shocked it they don't work in Texas!

3. If you're on medication of any kind, ask your doctor about the side effects before perming your natural hair. I have known women to lose lots of hair when the chemicals and the drugs didn't react well together.

4. Talk to family, friends and strangers about the products they use, ESPECIALLY if you like their style.

5. If you are not a white woman and have never ventured into a predominately black salon, don't be scared. We are all about peace, joy and are entirely too cute for the drama ignited by a lack of diversity in our society.

Now get out there and get coiffed, correctly.

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Special Care for Curly Hair

From Carefree Corkscrews to Ravishing Ringlets, If You Have Curls, These Tips Are for You

Got Curls?

You're in luck! There is a large assortment of hair care products, hair dryers, and heat styling appliances solely dedicated to caring and caressing curls of every shape and size. Whether you have naturally kinky hair, soft curls, or loose waves you can find everything you need to keep your curly hairstyle looking great. Born without curls? These top tips will help you create more defined, longer lasting curls with hot rollers, curling irons, or flat irons with curved plates. From carefree corkscrews to ravishing ringlets, if you have curls, these tips are for you.

Humidity Proofing

In my opinion, carefree curls are always in style, but only if they look healthy and defined. If you have curly hair you already know that humidity is curl enemy #1 and there is nothing worse than a head full of frizzy curls. Keep your curly hairstyle free of frizz and fly-aways with some of my favorite frizz fighters:

Frizz Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-in Fortifying Spray, KMS California Curlup Curling Balm, Matrix Curl.Life Body Shaping Foam,CurlFriends Tame Smoothing Serum

Defining Moments

Whether your curly style is long and loose or tightly wound, curls need definition to look healthy. The less definition to a curl, the more unfinished and unhealthy it looks. Tousled, sexy curls are pretty, unruly, messy curls make people cringe. Coax your curls into shapely, sexy, curves with these best-selling curl definers:

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Starlit Waves Wave Enhancing Spray, got2b Kinky Curl Defining Curling Mousse, CurlFriends Nourish Rinse Out Conditioner, TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Curl Amplifier, Sebastian Hi Contrast Gel

Diffuse the Situation

A diffuser is really a curl's best friend. Built on the principle that curls should be pampered and not blown dry into a knotty mess, diffusers come in many varieties perfect for short curly hairstyles and long alike. Shorter styles dry faster, longer lengths take more time, so be sure your diffuser works well with your hair dryer to crank out enough airflow for the length of your locks. These diffusers deliver power and pampering at the same time:

Babyliss Pro Diffuser, Metropolis Z-Ion Zirconia Ionic Diffuser, Sedu Finger Diffuser, T3 Diffuser, Bio Ionic iDiffuse Ionic Conditioning Diffuser

Mega Shine

Straight hair seems to shine effortlessly, but it's a myth to think that curly hairstyles cannot be super shiny too. You just need the right products...in the right amounts. Whether you choose a glossing styling spray, a shine enhancing lotion, or a polishing crème, just remember that less is more when applying any shine enhancer. Turn your shine up to eleven with these mega shine must-haves created especially for curly locks:

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Instant Touch Up Glossing Spray, Got2b Glossy Anti-Frizz Shine Serum, Alfaparf Cristalli Illuminating Shine Shaping Gel, CurlFriends Shine Hair Gloss

Curl Friendly Choices

Curl texture plays a big part in how cooperative your curls can be, and there are lots of curl friendly product lines on the market today that are tailor made for your type of curls and styling needs. From shampoos and conditioners, to styling creams and hairsprays, there are entire brands dedicated to making curls look their curviest. Bravo to these curl friendly brands:

Curl.Life by Matrix, CurlFriends, Curly Hair Solutions, Curly Sexy Hair by Sexy Hair Concepts

Curl Diva

Caress those curls with a hair dryer made just for them! Promising power to produce 6 times more negative ions than any other negative ion hair dryer in the world, and created with most unique diffuser innovation in over 60 years, this hair dryer and diffuser combo is specifically designed for curls and waves. There might be a few curly-specific hair dryers on the market today, but only one for divas:

DevaSun Dryer and Diva Fuser

With products like these you can get your curls into sexy, carefree curves in no time!

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How to Get that Sexy Wet Looking Hair on Dry Hair like Beyonce Knowles or Britney Spears

Wet Hair Tip for Proms, Weddings or Everyday Wear

Ever try to get that sexy wet looking hair, but all you end up with is frizzy, crunchy, and Medusa looking hair like you just woke up out of the bed? Well I have a great solution for you that will give you the ultimate sexy looking wet hair that Beyonce Knowles, Britney Spears, and Carrie Underwood from American idol has worn in the past. This product is called Kiehl's "just out of the shower hair gel'. What's really great about this product is you don't have to go out of the house with a soaking wet head to achieve this look. This product is used on dried hair. That's right people you may achieve the wet look on dried hair now. What can be better than that, especially in the summertime? Never thought you could achieve that sexy wet look on dried hair did you?

Kiehl's hair gel is for all hair types no matter is your hair is curly, straight, flat, thick, medium, or coarse. This gel will make your hair soft, shiny, manageable, not tested on animals, and will not leave your hair feeling like crispy little critters. Kiehl's hair gel is enriched with natural extracts from sunflowers, sesame, soy, and other great ingredients to boost your hair up with some luxurious shine. So how do you apply this gel on dry hair?

First you are gonna do your normal thing shampoo your hair and condition it. Then you are gonna make sure your hair is free of all tangles by taking a wide tooth comb and combing it through your hair. Then you will take a little bit of the Kiehl's hair gel and either place the gel onto the base of the comb or your fingers. Now place the gel carefully into your hair make sure you get all the sections evenly. When all sections are covered comb it through with your comb. Then you can either shake your head upside down to get the messy look or scrunch it with your fingers lightly. Please don't go gel crazy and use the whole bottle then you will end up looking like a grease ball. Kiehl's hair gel will cost you around $12 or so, but you only need a little bit to get that wet look. You can find this gel on Ebay for much cheaper or other auctions sites if you don't want to pay the full price. So if you want to get that sexy wet look like all the celebrities are doing I suggest grabbing a bottle of Kiehl's hair gel and put the sexy into your hair.

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Ouidad: The Ultimate Care for Curly Hair

Curly hair is known to be unruly and frizzy. However, with the right styling products, it can be beautiful and soft to the touch. Ouidad is one hair company that understands that there are several types of curly hair, and each kind has different needs. Ouidad has several product lines to combat frizz and brittleness including Repair, for specific hair issues, Quench, for dry hair, Tame, for frizzy, fly-away hair, and Boost for limp hair. For those final touches the Finish line has products to help keep your style in check. Each line, with the exception of the Repair and Finish lines, includes shampoo, conditioner, and a gel or styling foam.

The Repair line includes Climate Control Hair Gel, for those living in humid climates, Botanical Boost, a light spray-on conditioner and curl refresher, Water Works Shampoo, for hard-water build-up, Summer Shield Beach Spray, a spray-on conditioner with SPF, and Ouidad's Deep Treatment to "feed" and strengthen hair. The Finish line includes Ouidad's Styling Mist, a light finishing spray, Clear Control, a residue-free pomade to soften hair, and Shine Glaze Serum, a silicone-free shine serum which increases shine and reduces frizz while still allowing hair to breathe.

The foundation of Ouidad's line is the Deep Treatment. This treatment is the foundation for healthy hair and will bring your hair out to its fullest potential. By using heat and humidity to open up the hair to receive moisture, protein, and nutrients, hair will be less frizzy and less prone to split ends. Curly hair needs to be "fed" twice a month for the first few months after which a once a month feeding will be enough to maintain the hair's health. However, an extra feeding is advised before hair coloring or highlighting to lessen damage potential and increase color saturation. The conditioning treatment should also be allowed to work for at least 48 hours before shampooing so that it can continue to penetrate the hair shaft and allow for optimum absorption. If you do choose to color, remember to wait two weeks after coloring to do a treatment since the heat involved in the treatment can cause the color to seep.

When applying Ouidad's products, remember that a little goes a long way. Although these products may seem more expensive then their drugstore counterparts, they are highly concentrated and most users need only a nickel-sized amount of gel per application. Furthermore, the shampoos and conditioners are not meant to be used daily unless your hair is especially oily. For most users, shampooing and conditioning from every other day for those with loose curls, to once a week for fine, kinky curls is enough to maintain clean and healthy hair.

To start your way towards the hair of your dreams, go to Ouidad's website and create a "Curl Profile." After answering a few questions related to your hair's curl type and health, Ouidad will guide you towards products that will work best for your individual needs. Ouidad will also take weather conditions and the quality of your water supply into account.

By separating curly heads into more distinct categories, Ouidad can create products that are more personalized and effective. For more information please visit Ouidad's website at www.ouidad.com. Extra styling tips can be found in Ouidad's book Curl Talk.

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Styling Products for Curly Hair

What Works, and What Doesn't

My hair is crazy. There's no other way to say it. Long, thick, dry and curly, if left to its own devices it puffs up and frizzes out around my head, making me look like a tumbleweed on a stick. Needless to say, I've tried a bunch of different products and finally found a couple that really work. All of these were bought at drugstores, grocery or discount stores; I can't afford expensive salon products. Here's what I've tried lately, and what worked.

Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Mousse

This product smells really good and does cut the frizz and hold your curls fairly well. Unfortunately, it does it by kind of gluing big chunks of your hair together into wire-like spirals. If your hair is super-thick it's hard to get the mousse worked through all of it so you end up with hunks of your un-moussed hair separated by these hard, crunchy strands.

FX SpecialEffects Extreme Shine

This spray does tone down frizz and add shine to your hair, but it leaves it feeling greasy, almost slimy, and it has a really strange, almost noxious smell.

Got 2b curl-vacious curled-up spray

This worked all right; it makes your hair feel sticky until it dries, and leaves it feeling dry and a little bit crunchy. It does hold down the frizz and define your curls, and it has a nice scent. It doesn't last very long though, so you may have to spray your hair a few times through the day to keep it looking nice.

L'Oreal Studioline Pumping Curls

This spray works pretty well. Like the Got 2b product, it makes your hair feel slightly dry and crunchy, but it lasts longer. I just found out that Studioline has come out with new versions of their products; the new product that replaces Pumping Curls is called Tightly Wound. I haven't had a chance to try it but if it is an improvement over Pumping Curls, it should work pretty well.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Serum

This product works great. It doesn't make the hair feel dry, crunchy or sticky and tames frizz for a long time. The only drawback is, it's fairly pricey for a small bottle of it and if your hair is really thick like mine, you'll go through the bottle pretty quickly.

Sunsilk De-Frizz 24/7 Creme

This is a pretty good product. It doesn't make your hair feel greasy or weighed down like some creams do and it defines the curls well, although it does make it a little bit crunchy. You may need to reapply it once during the day to keep your hair looking good, but it smells great and doesn't take a whole lot of the product to tame your hair.

Sunsilk Anti-Poof 24/7 Creme

If your hair gets big and puffy like mine does, you'll love this product. Apply some to your hair after you towel it dry and it will keep the volume down as it dries while still staying soft and keeping the curl. You can use it on dry hair as well.

Hollywood Beauty Carrot Oil

I love, love, love this stuff. It only takes a little bit to make your curls look and feel soft, smooth and shiny. Just pour a little bit into your palm, rub your hands together and smooth it through your damp or dry hair. It lasts a long time which is another great thing about it. Look for it in the "ethnic haircare" section of your drugstore. I used a different type of carrot oil once, and it wasn't as good-it wasn't as effective and had an odd smell.

Zero Frizz Curl Rescue Perfecting Spray

This is my favorite product, tied with the carrot oil. It gives you exactly what it says it will: soft, silky, frizz-free curls. It has a great, light scent and one bottle lasts me and my super-thick hair at least a couple weeks. It kept my hair looking good right through a 3-hour visit to the park yesterday; it was warm out and very windy, I did a lot of running, sliding and chasing kids, and my hair didn't get frizzy or poofy at all.

A couple more curly hair tips

If your hair is dry, don't wash it every day. Shampoo strips the natural oils that keep your hair moisturized. Use conditioner, and don't blow-dry. Use a product like the Sunsilk Anti-Poof or Zero Frizz Curl Rescue and let your hair air dry. If you have bangs and they get all weird and curly use a ceramic straightening iron to straighten just that part of your hair. I sometimes put my hair in a loose, low ponytail while I sleep and it helps keep it from getting frizzy overnight. If your hair is getting out of control and you don't have any of your favorite product at hand, rub a little lotion or conditioner into your hair. It will soften your hair and tone down the frizz.

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Go Green Hair Products

The Best Eco-Friendly Hair Care Products for Curly Hair

Want to "go green" but don't know where to start? Why not start with yourself? Switch to some eco-friendly products to kick off your new green living. You'll not only benefit the environment, but you'll benefit yourself as well. There are tons of green products out there, but some of my favorites are green hair care products. Taking care of your hair is essential to your appearance and eco-friendly hair care is fantastic for maintaining healthy hair, especially if you have a head of unruly curls like me. Here are some great green hair care products for curly heads.

1. DevaCurl No-Poo Shampoo. This shampoo is a great green hair care product. It contains no sulfates that strip your hair's natural oils. Nor does it contain parabens, which are petroleum-based preservatives. It's made from natural, botanically infused moisturizers instead and scented with Turkish Rose to keep your hair smelling lovely all day. Plus, it's a non-lathering shampoo that works great on dry curls to make them bouncy, shiny, and most importantly, not frizzy!

2. Jason Natural Tall Grass High-Protein Conditioner. This conditioner, once again, contains no sulfates or parabens. It's made from botanical moisturizers and wheat protein. It will tame those curls and make them extremely healthy looking.

3. Aveda Be Curly Curl Control. This is a finishing product that will give you that glossy, movie star effect without all of the silicone and synthesized polymers used in most hair serums. Rather, it's made from natural oils like tamanu oil and other botanicals. Just a few dabs of this will keep your hair shiny all day but is a light, natural formula without all the hard to remove mess.

4. Product. This is a styling pomade that's made for those with extremely curly or kinky hair. It's made from aloe vera, organic shea butter, organic beeswax, and naturally derived Vitamin E. Plus, it has a pleasing, natural fragrance. Rub this over your curls to control those kinks.

5. Curl Junkie Curly Boost Curl Enhancing Spray. I love this spray because it will boost your flat curls in seconds to make them bouncy and, of course, shiny! It contains wheat protein, veggie-based glycerin, and essential oils of lavender and jasmine hydrate. This stuff will give you the perfect spirals.

Those are my top five green hair care products. Not only are they eco-friendly, they're hair-friendly as well. Why not look great while helping the environment as well?

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Managing Curly Hair with Paul Mitchell Products

The very best of the best, as far as hair products go, are the Paul Mitchell products. Specifically, Paul Mitchell original hair detangler. I have used several of the other products that also helped very well in the process of helping my hair to be healthy over the years. Paul Mitchell detangler changed my life, seriously.

First of all, my creator made me with lots of extremely thick, unruly, naturally curly, dark auburn-brunette hair. During the years I was growing up, my hair was unmanageable to do anything at all with. People told me that I was another Shirley Temple. My parents kept it cut very short after letting it grow long one time when I was about four years old. I got gum in my hair when I went to bed with gum in my mouth, so snip, snip went my mess of tangled curls. There were no inexpensive products and not many to choose from except at the beauty salons.

As a teenager, I put my hair up in brush rollers almost every night of the week. I tried using hair gel to smooth my hair onto each roller so I would have a good hairdo for school the next morning. What torture those curlers were to me, as well as trying to get a brush or comb through my bushy hair. It was very frustrating to say the least. I have taken so much abuse about the kind of hair that I was born with, I have wanted to shave my head, wear a wig, and be someone more acceptable to the world.

In fact, I have shaved my neck hair, shaving my hair clear up to about my ears. I had used a hand held mirror to see the back as I cut it and every stroke of the razor made the line uneven, so I cut up too high. My mom told me that she saw me that next morning getting ready for school, [ I was in sixth grade then.] and when I left, she cried watching me walk to the bus stop because she figured that I would be made fun of!

Also, I started using two different wigs. One was a blond, medium length shag and a second one was medium brown, long, and straight. I looked so different when I wore either one that I fooled many people into thinking I was someone else, including two of my teachers! I loved it and got a big kick out of doing so. I felt like a new person.

In addition, I was encouraged to straighten my hair, not to wear it curly. Most people would tell me that I needed to get my hair straightened. I did everything that I could do to try to make my curls poker straight. I even ironed my hair and yes, it got straightened but damaged as a result. I gave it up and went on to experiment with products that encouraged some curl, but let them relax so as not to be so tightly coiled, as mine were.

In the seventies, the afro hair style came out and all hip, cool folks had 'fros. Frizz, afros, and curls then began to be more widely accepted and gradually I was quite cool for having the hair for the new styles by doing nothing. That was the beginning of easier days for me. Hair products started to change too, for the better and they were even made for curly hair. Salon prices were not too bad then and the products they sold were extremely good

After most of my youthful years, my hair was finally acceptable to the world. I had changed my hair care many times, trying out every new product that I could afford. Indeed, it was the Paul Mitchell original detangler that changed my hair. It smoothed my hair instantly, it allowed me to use a comb through it, and my hair was shiny, soft, not a bit frizzy, and beautiful curls hung just right.

In short, how I use this Paul Mitchell hair detangler is real simple. I wash my hair then get the excess water out of my hair, applying the conditioner all over the entire head, being careful not to rub it into the scalp too much. Then I leave it on at least five to ten minutes, rinse and air dry. I add a little bit of Paul Mitchell hair gel which is awesome too. Presto, beautiful curly hair! Finally I am happy with my hair, my naturally curly hair that is.

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How to Straighten Naturally Curly Hair

Many people are unhappy with their looks. They try new products and different tips to try to improve how they look and feel about themselves. In most cases, others do not see the imperfections that you see. Most of the time it is that you simply wish you had something that someone else has.

This is so true with people who have natural curly hair. If your hair is naturally curly you typically wish to have straight hair. Persons with straight hair spend much money on perms to curl their hair. However, it seems that long straight hair is the style that is now most preferred by women.

So what do you do if you are cursed with natural curly hair but wish that your hair could be straight?

There are many answers for you. Straightening your hair may be easier than you think. The key is having the proper products and tools.

Begin by washing your hair. Apply a frizz control product to your wet hair. Dry your hair without scrunching as you do when you wish to wear your hair curly.

Use hair clips to divide your hair into layers. Pin the top layer up and leave the bottom layer down.

Make sure that your hair is completely dry. Begin straightening by using an ionic hair straightener with high heat. If your hair has fly-aways, spray it with hairspray before or as you straighten. Straighten only small sections at a time. Move the straightener slowly through your hair stopping at wavy or curly areas.

After your have completely straightened the bottom layer, let the top layer down. Begin the same process with the top layer. When you are finished with the top layer, go back over your entire head of hair.

Style your hair as desired. You may wish to use a curling iron to slightly curl the ends. Finish off by using a silk infusion oil. Place a drop of the oil in your hands and rub your hands through or over your hair. Also try a frizz free hairspray for a finisher.

Straightened hair can be worn for a couple of days. It will normally stay straight until it gets wet. If you wish for your hair to be curly once again, wash your hair and apply a gel or moouse and scrunch. Let ti air dry or use a drying infuser and your hair will once again be curly!

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Curly Hair Goes Straight Without Chemicals

A Guide to Straightening Curly Hair

If you have curly hair, you want straight hair. If you have straight hair, you want curly hair. It is possible to get soft, silky-straight hair without using chemicals. A little practice, and you can have straight hair any time you want.

To begin to have the soft, straight hair you seek, a small investment in some tools will get you the look you want. The most you need is a blow dryer, hair straightened and some hair product.

The first step is to buy a quality straightened. There are many on the market ranging from $20 to over $200. Don't worry you don't need a $200 straighter to get the results. I prefer the Infiniti™ by Conair® 1-1/2 Straightener which is available for as little as $50. It gives good results and is not to expensive.

Infiniti™ by Conair® 1-1/2 Straightener provides Tourmaline Ceramic™ Technology to help control frizz which is the hardest to control. It also heats up in 30 seconds. The model that I own is cord/cordless so I have more control. It has high heat settings, for very curly hair.

Now you have a straightner the next step is products for your hair. You do not need many but I do suggest you get a thermal serum to protect your hair from the high heat. The serum is going to cost about $10 for a bottle. A little goes a long way, so don't use to much or you will get a greasy look. If you live in a humid climate purchasing an anti frizz spray will also keep your new do looking great.

Time to start getting your locks nice and straight. This is a process that will take some time to get comfortable with, as it is with all new hair dos. Begin by washing your hair, if you want you can use an anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner. It is important to condition your hair since you are going to be adding a lot of heat. Once your hair is washed, wrap in a towel for about 5 min or so, this will pull out extra water and make your drying time shorter.

Once you are read to dry your hair, a good brush is important. Personal preference works here. A round brush will pull out many of the curls giving you a good foundation to the straight hair you are seeking. The easiest way is to do small sections at a time. Pinning the rest of your hair up as you work on that section.

After the hair is dry you want to begin straightening your hair. Start in the back with small sections. Going to the hair at the nape of your neck first. Again working in small sections is the best way to achieve straight hair. It may seem as if it is taking a long time, but as you get more accustom to do your hair.

Straightening your hair does not have to require strong damaging chemicals. It can be achieve with just a few practice sessions. It will allow you to be verse able with you hair style whenever you want

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How to Get a Curly Hair Style Even If Your Hair is Bone Straight!

Sometimes you want to make a change to your current hair style that will give you a whole new look. If you have bone straight hair and want a curly hair style for a day, you can do it. Here are some options:

Are you looking for loose waves?

Here's a quick and easy technique you can use to get them. Shampoo and condition your hair normally. Towel dry. Create a bun at the nape of your neck by twisting your hair as you shape it into the bun. Pin your newly formed bun into place. Allow your hair to air dry naturally. When hair is dry, unpin your hair and should have long, loose, sexy waves.

Do you want a shaggy, wavy effect?

This one is easy to do. Shampoo and condition your hair. Towel dry. Apply a mousse or other styling product lightly to your damp hair to give it some texture.. While your hair is still damp, bend your head over so you're drying your hair upside down. Dry your hair with the blow dryer while using your hands to scrunch it. Once your hair is dry, throw your head back and immediately spray with hair spray.

Do you want more precise curls?
In this case you're probably going to need to use hot rollers. After applying the hot rollers to your entire head and allowing them to set, lightly brush the resulting curls and spray with hair spray to hold. You can also use standard hair rollers on damp hair or fashion your hair into pin curls using bobby pins.and sit under a hair dryer until the hair is dry. Use hair spray to hold your new curls.

Do you want permanent curls?

Although they can be damaging hair, a perm is your answer if you want to sport a curly hair style on a regular basis. If you consider how much heat manipulation you need to maintain your curls every day, a perm might be less damaging in the long run. Be sure to condition your hair well pre and post perm. Find a competent hair salon and get your perm done by a professional.

Do you want really edgy waves?

If you want waves that really stand out, give the crimping iron a try. This look was all the rage at the Fall 2007 fashion show in Paris. Most of the models sported some form of crimped hair, although not necessarily over their entire head. Always use a crimping iron on dry hair and be sure to use a good conditioner if you plan on doing this on a regular basis as the heat can be very drying. You may want to consider using a leave in condition to protect your hair. This little tool can be a great volumizer!

Now you can sport a curly hair style anytime you want even if you were born with stick straight hair!

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How to Tame Frizzy Hair with Five Easy Tips

If you have frizzy hair, you probably already know how hard it can be to tame and manage. When hair becomes dry, it can increase the frizzy tendencies of curly, and otherwise, hair. You may think that you are doing everything you can to control it, but are you really taking all of the steps needed to fight the frizzy hair syndrome? There are five basic things you can do to help tame your frizzy hair.

01. Did you know, you might be washing your hair too often? If you are shampooing your hair more than twice a week, you are probably washing it too much. For best results, it is recommended that you wash only once or twice a week, and use conditioners after each wash.

02. Leave in conditioners help keep your hair moisturized throughout the day. If you do not have access to leave-in conditioners, you can use a little bit of your regular conditioner, but do not make a habit of it. Over time, using regular conditioner as leave-in conditioner will pull it down and make your hair dull and lose its shine.

03. Tangles become a big problem with curly and frizzy hair. The best way to detangle your hair is to do it while you are still in the shower, and your hair is still wet. Run your fingers through it to get out the large tangles, and then use a wide tooth comb to comb through the rest of it. Small tooth combs are more apt to breaking apart hair and causing more frizz. Combing your hair while it's dry also creates more frizz.

04. The best way to dry your hair to avoid frizz is by air dry. Blow drying should be avoided at all costs. It pulls all of the moisture out of your hair, and pushes strands apart, creating more frizz. To avoid frizzy hair, pat your hair dry with a towel, but do not rub it. Rubbing also pulls strands of hair apart and causes frizzy hair. If you don't have time to wait for it to dry, patting it dry and then putting it up in a bun will allow it to dry while it's up, and when you take it down, you won't have the problem with frizz.

05. It is important to take care of your hair. Deep conditioning at least once a month can keep the moisture in and the frizz at bay. Get a trim frequently to get rid of the split ends so that they don't make their way further up to the roots. A healthy diet can also help keep your hair healthy, shiny, and frizz free.

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Help Me Tame My Curly Hair! How to Choose a Curly Hair Shampoo & Treatment!

You may not realize it, but you're quite lucky to be born with curly hair! You have so many wonderful options for showcasing your natural curls! Sometimes the secret to appreciating your naturally curly hair lies in selectingt the right curly hair shampoo and treatment. The right hair care products and a good haircut can make all the difference in the world in how your hair looks and feels. Here are some tips to help you avoid excessive frizz and make the most of your curls:

1. Choose and use the best curly hair shampoo.

Curly hair is usually dry hair which may have a tendency towards frizziness. As such, you're probably wise to choose a moisturizing shampoo designed for dry hair. Using a shampoo with a strong detergent base is going to deprive your hair of essential oils which will accentuate the frizziness and cause your curls to appear dry and lackluster.

2. Do regular conditioning treatments to maintain the health of your curls.

Curly haired gals need to use a moisturizing conditioner on a regular basis to maintain the health of your curls. Be careful when choosing a conditioner. If you select one that's high in protein, you may find that your hair looks even more dry and brittle. Protein is best used in moderation on curly hair due to this drying effect. There's really no scientific basis for using a protein rich conditioner since hair is dead and can't be restructured. Look for a moisturizing conditioner that's either protein free or as low in protein as possible.

3. Don't use a brush to detangle curly hair.

Using a brush to detangle curly hair will not only cause breakage, but may add to the frizz! If you've conditioned properly with your moisturizing condition, you should be able to detangle with a wide toothed comb.

4. Shampoo your hair no more than twice weekly.

All shampoos are detergent based and going to cause some stripping of natural oils. Choose the mildest, moisturizing curly hair shampoo you can find and only use it twice a week.

5. Let your curly hair dry naturally.

Avoid the use of heat on your hair as it can further deplete your hair of moisturize and promote excessive frizziness.

6. Experiment with using a leave in moisturizing hair conditioner.
A leave in conditioner can be a good frizz tamer as long as it isn't allowed to build up and cause your hair to appear dull. Experiment to see what works with your particular hair texture.

7.Find a stylist who understands how to cut and care for curly hair.

Start by asking people you see behind cosmetic counters and working at clothing boutiques who have attractively styled curly hair for a recommendation. Keep looking until you find someone who seems to understand the unique problems of curly hair. This can make a huge difference in the way your hair istreated!

8. Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel to dry it.

The best method for removing moisture from curly hair is to blot it with a dry towel. No vigorous movements!

9. Get a good haircut.

Once you find the right hair stylist, let her help you choose a haircut that will take advantage of your natural wave. You may want to consider a layered cut since layering can make curly hair easier to manage.

10. Learn to appreciate your curls!

Curly hair is a gift! Ask any straight haired person. Don't be afraid to show off your curls with a great haircut and hair accessories.

Now that you know how to choose a curly hair shampoo and give your curly hair the proper treatment it needs to look gorgeous, it's time to go show off all that beautiful hair!

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Tips to Find the Right Products for Your Hair Type

How to Find Products to Care for Your Hair Style and Hair Type

It took me a long time to realize that I can't change my hair type, so I may as well find the right products to tame my hair. I no longer haphazardly pull hair products from the shelf thinking that just anything will do. I've spent a little time figuring out what hair care products work best for my hairstyle.

Study your hair to find the right hair care products for you.

Take time to really look at your hair. Notice the texture, thickness, and whether your hair has body or tends to lay flat.

I have medium length hair with a little curl in the back. My hair is thick all over, full bodied in front but flat in front. My hair stays thirsty. If not conditioned well, it gets too dry in winter. During the summer water, sand, and chlorine sap my hair dry. Dry hair is brittle, so I have to be careful of split ends.

Analyze your own hair before you try to determine which products are right for you.

Try a variety of hair styling and hair care products.

A certain combination of shampoo and conditioner may work for me, but may not work well on your hair type. You may not like the smell of certain products once you give them a try. A hair care product may not do what you expect it to do. Don't be strong-armed by your stylist to use only the product they recommend. Try different brands until you find the hair care product that works best for your hair type.

Use a new shampoo and conditioner for two to four weeks before making a decision.

Give new hair shampoo or conditioner long enough to work before you make a decision about whether it is right for your hairstyle. Some shampoos and conditioners you will not like, right away. It's fine to change, but when you are looking for a shampoo to help strengthen fragile hair, moisturize dry hair, or keep oily hair under control it may take time for the product to work.

Remember it takes time to remove the residue from the last hair care products you used.

I need a shampoo and conditioner that adds shine, but if I use a shampoo with volumizer in it the back of my hair flies out of control. Knowing this about my hair type enables me to make a shampoo purchase that will enhance my style. My combination hair requires a standard shampoo, but because it is dry I need a shampoo that hydrates and strengthens my hair.

Choose mouse, gel, or holding spray based on your hair's volume and style.

Not every gel volumizes, not ever volumizing spray holds your hair. Find a hair styling product that will enhance your volume if you have flat hair. I use a root lifter in front. The back of my hair has volume, so I don't use a volumizer. I do have a little curl which I like to use for style. That requires a light gel to set or hold the curls, but dries soft.

Determine what kind of hold you want for your hair style.

Use sculpting lotion or gel if you need definition for a short hair. Long, soft, curly locks will be held by spray. Use soft drying spray if you want your hair to move, use an "ultra hold" product if your hairstyle has to be held stiffly in place.

Check your hair's luster, or shine.

Hair luster can be affected by hair color and/or condition. Add sheen to styled hair with a finishing spray. I don't need additional sheen if I keep my dry hair well conditioned. I use a conditioner that hydrates my hair and adds shine without weighing it down.

Alternatives for adding shine include color enhancing shampoo and conditioner. Texturizers will help tame split ends and give also give your hair a smooth, shiny look.

Find products that will keep your hair soft and supple.

Hair styling and finishing products should enhance your hair. If you find a product is drying or damaging your hair stop using it. If the product cakes your hair and is difficult to remove without using a harsh shampoo, switch hair care products.

Your objective in choosing hair care products for your hair type is healthy, beautiful hair.

Don't trade healthy hair for style, and don't trade a beautiful style to keep your hair health. You can have both beautiful and healthy hair for your hair type by finding the right hair care, styling, and finishing products.

The best hair care product for your hair style and type is not always the most expensive. It may not be the cheapest, either. Be willing to be flexible when buying hair care products to find the right product for your hair.

You'll feel better about yourself when you have healthy, beautiful hair, regardless of your hair type.

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Do Curl Enhancing Shampoos and Conditioners Work?

Does curl enhancing shampoos and conditioners work?. The answer is simple but a little more complex than one may think. It takes the right combination of products to create the results curly heads desire. Let me clue you in a few misconceptions about curl enhancing shampoos and conditioners along with a few products that can actually help give you more defined curls.

The Common Misconception about Curl Enhancing Shampoos and Conditioners

When people purchase a curl enhancing shampoo and conditioner they are often under the impression that they will see curls where there were none before or will see their unruly curls and waves become more defined immediately after washing. However, enhance is a tricky word. If your hair was dull before using the products and comes out shiny afterwards this was an enhancement. If your curls are less frizzy than before then this too is an enhancement. Often these are the type of results that curl enhancing shampoos and conditioner promise.

Keep in mind that a shampoo and conditioner that helps restore the right moisture balance to your hair can also make these same enhancements. When hair is sufficiently moisturized it is often less frizzy and the curls respond by looking smoother and more defined.

Creating a Smoother Hair Shaft Helps Curl Definition and Prevents Frizz

While curl enhancing shampoos and conditioners do not change the way your hair curls, they can help set the stage for your styling products to work more effectively. The extra conditioning agents found in curl enhancing shampoos and conditioners coat the hair shaft and help to flatten the cuticle. A flattened cuticle prevents hair frizz, holds shine and hair shape. So if your hair is naturally curly, the flatter your hair cuticles lay, the more curl definition you will have.

What Does Help Define Curls

When curly hair is wet -- not damp, but wet -- curls are elongated and defined. The key is to find styling products that will hold that definition or come close. For wavy locks to loose curls, a mousse applied to damp hair or even a frizz serum applied to wet hair before you dry, will help your curls hold that definition. If you have tighter curls like ringlets or coils you may need something heavier like a silicone serum or a hair pudding to hold that "wet" curl definition.

Some curl defining products to try include:

1. Pantene Pro-V Curly Hair Series Curl Shaping Gel

2. Carol's Daughter Hair Milk The Original Curl Definer

3. Shea Moisture Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie at Target and Walgreens

So do curl enhancing shampoos and conditioners work? The answer is not by themselves. They provide the ground work so that curl enhancing styling products can define the curl in curly hair. Unfortunately, if your hair is straight, even a curl enhancing styler will not give you bouncy curly locks. For most hair types, the best way to get defined curls is to set your hair with a curling iron, hot rollers or a wet set.

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Protecting Your Hair when Using Sulfate Shampoos

Recently I found myself in the position of having to use an anti-dandruff shampoo. Unfortunately, the ones that have been effective in treating my seborrheic dermatitis contain sulfates. My natural hair texture does not like shampoos that contain sulfates because they make it drier. However, there are ways to minimize the drying effects of these shampoos. Check out a few ways I protect my hair when using a sulfate shampoo.

The Pre-(Sham)poo

I do this whether I use a shampoo containing sulfates or a sulfate-free shampoo. However, I need extra protection when using a sulfate shampoo. I normally use, Carol's Daughter Olive Oil Infusion as a pre-poo. To boost it, I add a tablespoon of mayo and extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) to the jar. I use about half a jar on my hair to thoroughly coat it, concentrating on my ends. I allow the mixture to sit on my hair for two to three hours with a plastic cap on top and warm towel wrapped around my head. Once the allotted time is up, I rinse with warm water and proceed to use shampoo.

Deep Condition

It may seem like overkill to deep condition after such an intensive pre-poo. Depending on the shampoo you use, this may be critical in helping to control frizz and maintaining moisture. The anti-dandruff shampoo I am currently using requires me to deep condition to prevent my ends from drying out and frizzing. This is something I learned through trial, error and dry ends. I found an awesome deep conditioning mud mask, Tresemme Nourishing Rituals Rejuvenating Mud Masque, $5.49 at Walgreens that kept my ends moisturized. I leave it in for 10 to 15 minutes but the packaging recommends to leave in for three to five minutes. When it comes to conditioning, my motto is to apply based on what your hair needs. Rinse with warm water then follow with a cool or cold water rinse to flatten the cuticle.

Apply a Leave-In Conditioner

Test to see how your hair feels. If it feels soft and supple then use a leave-in conditioner spray. If you think you need a little more moisture, try a thicker leave-in conditioner. I use Kinky-Curly's Knot Today. Only a quarter size drop is needed for me after this intensive conditioning process.

Seal and Protect

You can use different products to seal your hair like a shine serum, anti-frizz serum or split-end serum. I prefer EVOO to seal my hair. Just apply a small amount of your sealant into your palm, rub palms together and smooth throughout hair. This helps to keep the cuticle flat and seals in moisture. Depending on how dry the conditions are outside or indoors you may need to refresh. Lightly spray a leave-in conditioner or water on hair then reapply your sealant sparingly.

All of this conditioning I do protects my hair and keeps it hydrated when I use a sulfate shampoo. Not all sulfate shampoos strip hair of moisture. However, if you've been sulfate-free for a while, switching to a shampoo that contains sulfates may be too drying on your hair. Thus, an intensive conditioning treatment may be necessary. Remember, dry hair becomes brittle hair that is prone to split ends, breakage and frizz. The more hydrated your hair is, the less that breakage, split ends and frizz will occur.

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Hair Styling: Let's Talk About Curls, Curls, and More Curls

Having thick curly hair has many advantages to it, even though many people that has this hair type beg to differ, because they don't know what to do with it. I know from being a hairdresser and having very curly hair myself, it tends to have a mind of its own sometimes. I do feel a great plus about having this curly hair is many people I know have to pay a fortune to receive this look. The ones that have curly hair always complain that it's too frizzy, unmanageable, or just too bulky.

So if you are trying to decide on what to do with that unruly curly hair, the first thing to do is consider a hair cut that will help the matter with the curls and not make it worse. I would highly suggest a mid-length cut with lots of layers and some texurizing with the razor a little to get out some of the heaviness of your hair, but also so you can control the movement better with your curl. For the ultimate curl control I always suggest to wear your curls below the shoulder with lots of layers added through out for that awesome shape and balance for all your curls.

From my own experience I know that curly hair always seems like it has no shine, because of its texture and porosity of it. So to place some shine back into your head you can use a smoothing serum like silk elements, and put it through out your entire head. What you can also do to control some of that unwanted frizz is to, add flat beer to your hair before you wash it and let it stay on your hair for about a hour or so before you rinse it out. This will give your hair a lot of shine and less frizz.

Now if you don't want to use beer in your hair then you can do another trick I have which works wonders to curly hair. This was a old school trick when I was in cosmetology class. Comb through a straightening balm into your entire head from the top to the bottom of your hair. Then remove the ends of a beer or soda can and smooth your hair over it to dry. Then after it's all smooth and no frizz you can then use a jumbo size curling iron to reshape your hair.

Just because you have curly hair don't get disappointed about it, because to me having curly hair has so many more advantages than having straight hair. You can smooth your hair out as much as you want to get it straight, or just let it all go and have a head full of captivating curls that all your friends or people around you will envy. What is great about curly hair is you can really make a huge color and trend statement by adding all those layers, but also some amazing bold high lites to those ringlets to stand out even more.

I always love when I see or do someones hair that has those thick tight curls because curls will aways be in style, but if you combined these curls with a deep shade of red this will absolutely stand out and you will be the new trend setter in my opinion. Red hair colors always look so fabulous with a head full of ringlets. So try and make the most of your curls instead of complaining.

The one bad thing about having very curly hair is, when you wake up out of the bed and it's all over the place, but that's OK, because all you need to do to tame that wild look is spritz some watter on your hair, then place some curl enhancer product, then you can either scrunch it with your fingers or allow it to air dry so you don't get that frizz. If you want to straighten your hair without having to put a relaxer in your hair, well you can use a perm to straighten your hair. Place some Vaseline around your neck, ears, and forehead, cotton around the head and also you will need a few towels and a big wide tooth comb. Make sure your hair is washed the day before.

Apply the perm solution to your entire wet head, and start combing the hair from the top to the bottom for at least twenty minutes. when the time is up then rinse your hair with cool water for five minutes to make sure all the perm solution is out. Then apply the neutralizer to the hair and make sure you comb the hair for a good seven minutes or so non stop. After the seven minutes is up rinse the hair again for another good five minutes and boom there is your straight hair.

Using a perm is less harm on the hair than a relaxer and it won't ruin your natural curl like a relaxer does. Your own natural curl will come in very nice in about four to eight weeks depending on how fast your hair grows. This process will only cost you around ten dollars the most, but will allow you to have a lot of fun with your curls, without spending so much money and ruining your hair.

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Using the Right Kind of Hairbrush for Your Hair Type

They say that hair is most attractive when it is kept clean and shiny. Hairdressers add that hair is even more appealing when it conforms correctly to the shape and size of the individual face and head. Each year in the United States alone, a large part of the millions of dollars spent on beauty-aid products is spent for hair styling and care. But most simple hair styles can actually be cared for at home economically and effectively.

Shiny hair is synonymous to healthy hair; and healthy hair depends upon the body's overall general health. Hair is nurtured at the roots by your blood. Good health habits assist your blood in providing all the nutrients your hair requires. Massaging the scalp with the fingertips stimulates good blood circulation to the roots of the hair. Brushing the hair spurs on blood circulation and helps spread out oil along the length of each strand from the oil gland at the base of each hair. But while normal hair can benefit from daily brushing (especially with a stiff-bristled hairbrush), oily hair may become even more oily if brushed too frequently.

Talking about hair brushing, it would help a great deal to know that there is a particular hairbrush (or a comb) for every hair type and style that you want to attain. For medium-length hair that is naturally straight and smooth, a cushion hairbrush is best; its back reinforces the sleekness of hair. For those who have short- to medium-length hair and want to create substance and volume, a tunnel vent hairbrush is ideal; when blow-drying, the vented center allows the circulation of air through the brush and hair, while the broadly-spaced pins help in loosing hair from tangles.

For those with long hair and want to create smooth and straight styles, a paddle hairbrush is recommended; it is not, however, advisable for styling layers since it does not add volume. A round hairbrush is the best option for those with straight hair who want to add waves or curls; when used with a blow-dryer, it effectively coils hair (like a roller) and enhances movement.

A wide-toothed comb (also called detangler) is best for untangling wet hair after showering; it gives lift and volume to curly hair. A tail comb, on the other hand, is suggested for those who are focused on the fine details of hair styling; it is perfect for teasing fine hair, sectioning hair, and creating straight parts.

For all hair lengths and textures, an all-purpose hairbrush is appropriate for everyday brushing; it keeps hair in place and is great for easy styling.

As a final reminder, be aware that natural hair-shedding, scalp exfoliation and oils can build up on a hairbrush or comb, causing impairment in its efficiency. To clean, soak it in warm water with a bit of a cleanser; rinse with water and remove tangled hair; shake off excess water, and then place the brush cushion-down to air-dry. Needless to say, you ought to take good care of your hairbrush as it takes good care of your hair.

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Perfect Hair Styles for Curly Hair

Best Hair Styles, Products and Tips for Naturally Curly Hair

If you weren't born with it, you probably see people with beautiful curly hair and you think that it is such a blessing. Those who are born with naturally curly hair sometimes think it is a curse instead. The reality is that curly hair can create fun, unique styles that look effortless. On the flip side of the coin, curly hair often requires more care and more hair styling products to tame the beast and create those "looks so easy" curly hairstyles.

Almost 10 years ago now, this Mom with thick but fine and perfectly straight as a stick hair was truly blessed with curly hair. Not on my own head mind you. As my adopted daughter entered the world straight into to my eager hands, the first thing I knew about her was that she had lots of curly hair.

Through out her life she's been called Curly Sue, Shirley Temple and Orphan Annie. She loves it when perfect strangers call her Orphan Annie. She tells them with a smile that Annie has been adopted and she's no longer an orphan. Her own favorite curly head is Julia Louis-Dreyfus. (I think we watched a lot of Seinfeld reruns during late night feedings when she was an infant.)

I've had a lot to learn in the past nine years about caring for and styling naturally curly hair. Early on I often conditioned and combed and cringed and cried out for a hair fairy. Some things my daughter and I have just had to learn on our through experimentation. Luckily we've gotten lots of helpful advice on styling and products from professional hair stylists and good friends with natural curly hair that have been willing to share their secrets. Here we are going to share some of our favorite hairstyles for curly hair and the best hair care tips we've learned for caring for naturally curly hair.

The Wide Head Band Hair Styles for Curly Hair:

My naturally curly haired daughter and friends alike all agree that a wide head can be a curly haired girls' best friend. Headbands come in so many styles from cute and casual to ornate and eye catching to sleek and stunning. After scrunching mouse or styling gel into damp hair to avoid the frizzies, a wide headband can be worn close to the brow with all bangs swept under or farther back with soft bangs or even a tendrils escaping. My preteen daughter enjoys the one tendril hanging down look.

Tips for using headbands:

Wide headbands are not only more stylish than thin ones, they are also easier on the hair because less tension is needed with more width. Look for stretchy fabric or fabric-covered headbands. Plastic headbands can cause too much damage and breakage. Also, headbands shouldn't be used for every day, as constant use will damage the hair over the ears.

The Twisted Up Do Hairstyles for Curly Hair:

My daughter had long admired seeing her role models with curly hair styling their curly hair into a twisted up do style. She couldn't wait until her hair was long enough to try this look. It has become her favorite hairstyle for special events like violin recitals. A twisted up do keeps her hair out of face and gives her a very neat, mature look. (O.K. this Mom sometimes thinks it makes her look too much older than her age but I must agree that it is both stunning and practical.)

For a twisted up do with curly hair, apply styling products like serums into damp hair. Pull the hair back as if it is going to go into a ponytail. Lift the ponytail up and clip the mid-section with a two-sided clip placed vertically. Allow the "up do" to flow freely back down over the twist.

Before you can try out fun new hairstyles for your curly hair, your curly hair needs to be healthy and tangle free. Curly hair is generally more fragile and dry than straight hair. Some good advice that we got early on was that curly hair does not need to be washed everyday. We wash every other day or less but rinse with warm water and condition daily. We go through conditioner twice as fast as shampoo, which is usually the opposite for those of us with straight hair.

We've tried a variety of hair care and hair styling products and these are our top two favorite lines for curly hair.

Matrix

Matrix has a "curl.life" defining system that includes shampoo, conditioner and a contouring cream for styling that really provides better curl definition and makes any styling efforts more successful.

Redken

Redken also offers two lines that we like for curly hair especially when it is also dry, "Real Control" and "All Soft." These Redken lines offer shampoo, conditioner and styling products like the "All Soft" Heavy Cream that is a super treatment for dry or brittle hair.

Some days curly hair is a dream, with soft, bouncy well-defined curls. On other days curly hair can seem like a nightmare with fly aways, frizzies and tangles. By using styling products made especially for curly hair and having a few hair do helpers like wide headbands and two sided clips on hand, naturally curly hair can at least look effortlessly elegant even if you curly haired girls (and their Moms) know the truth.

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Natural Hair Styles for School Aged Children, Tweens, and Teens

How to Maximize Your Time by Creating Long Lasting Hair Styles

You may be secretly not excited about which new hair style your daughter will be returning to school with. Natural hair styles do not have to be time consuming or hard. Here are some great tips to maximize the time that you do spend on hair upkeep. These tips below will help you to keep natural hair styles looking beautiful for several weeks.

Two strand twists

Two strand twists can create numerous hair styles. Start with clean untangled hair. The key to having your two strand twists look nicer for a longer period of time is how you start the twist. With your comb, part the hair horizontally. Select the size of twist that you want. Keep in mind the smaller the better. Choose medium to small sized twists. Small sized twists would be considered the width of a pencil. Use your finger; or the end of the comb part that section in half. Apply your favorite hair twisting gel, hair butter, or oil. Start twisting at the root. Do not grab loosely, and start twisting. The goal is to have the twist lay down flat.

Time

These twists make take a few hours to put in. With medium length hair 6 to 8 inches long expect to spend 4 to 5 hours. This time is the length of watching two DVD movies. Keep in mind that with proper care, you can go up to 4 weeks with the same hairstyle. In the mornings you can quickly mist with water and put on a different hair accessory. A 6 or 7 year old can do this themselves.

Maintenance

Conditioner wash the twists as needed, shampoo is not needed every week. Apply a light oil or cream moisturizer to the ends of the hair. Be sure to wrap nightly with a silk or satin scarf. If your daughter refuses to wear the scarf, purchase a silk or satin pillowcase.

Hair Accessories

While school shopping for clothes, make note of what colors your daughter really likes. Purchase hair accessories that will not snag or rip through the hair. Choose head bands in silk or satin. Remnants of fabric can easily be turned into headbands. Ouch free hair scrunches and decorative clips are a great way for your daughter to add a bit of spice to her hair everyday.

An afternoon of styling your daughters hair is a great opportunity to teach her how to care for her natural hair. This is a great time to catch up, share her favorite DVD movies. It is up to parents to show their daughters how versatile their daughter's natural hair can be.

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Homemade Hair Care Products

Great Hair Care Recipes to Make at Home

Homemade hair care products are one of the best things for beautiful hair, shampoos and conditioners bought in stores usually contain chemicals that could be toxic. If you go look at your bottle of shampoo there is a good chance you won't even be able to pronounce several ingredients, let alone tell someone what they actually do.

Here are two great homemade hair care recipes, one designed to reduce dandruff, the other for deep conditioning to reveal gorgeous hair. This first homemade hair care recipe is a rinse that will reduce dandruff when used on a regular basis (of course these recipes will work for most people but some may not see the same results). All you need to do is boil four or five dried thyme leaves with two cups of water for approximately ten minutes. After the mixture has cooled down, remove the thyme leaves and massage the liquid onto your scalp. Some people find it easiest to put the homemade hair care mixture into a spray bottle and spray their head, make sure you saturate the scalp. Leave the mixture on your head for twenty to thirty minutes and then wash it out. You should be left with a dandruff free head of hair.

Although many people do experience dandruff at one point in their life or another, some people may be looking for a deep condition homemade hair care product instead. You may already have the ingredients for this hair care product in your own which would make things easier but everything is easy to locate.

Avocados are great for hydrating and they contain vitamin B6 and E so they provide more nutrients than store bought hair care products. Simply mash the insides of one avocado with the following:

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon pure aloe

Combine these ingredients until they form a paste. Spread the mixture through your hair using your fingertips, covering from the roots to the tips to ensure the best hair care results. Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap, for best results, wrap a warm towel around the shower cap. Let this homemade hair care mixture sit for twenty to thirty minutes while you sit back and relax. Rinse your hair and then shampoo and rinse as you usually would. The end result of this hair care product will be soft beautiful hair.

If you don't have all of these ingredients but are looking for a healthy hair care product to use right away, you can just use half a cup of mayonnaise. Simply massage it into your hair and wrap the same way you would with the previous hair care, using a plastic shower cap and warm towel. After letting this homemade hair care product sit for twenty minutes, rinse and shampoo as usual.

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