Danilo explains that starting with the right shampoo and conditioner is key to creating the right kind of curl. After all, 50 percent of styling starts with a good shampoo and conditioner, he says.
Danilo suggests keeping two sets of shampoo and conditioner in the shower: one for the days you'll wear your curly hair au naturel and the other for days you're going smooth and straight. You'll want to look for products that list benefits such as "moisture" and "curl activating." His favorites for the curly days are Pantene Pro-V Curly Moisture Renewal Shampoo, $4.99, and Conditioner, $4.99.
Other curly shampoo and conditioners to try: Redken Curvaceous Cream Shampoo, $17 and Curvaceous Conditioner, $18, as well as Aveda Be Curly Shampoo, $21, and Conditioner, $21. Redken's Curvaceous line gives maximum moisture that hydrates and defines your curls without weighing them down. The Aveda Be Curly line contains aloe to give soothing moisture, and wheat protein to protect hair and enhance curl.
Photo 3/10
Smooth Day Shampoo
On the days you're blow-drying your hair straight or looking for a smoother wave, use smoothing shampoos that add shine and target frizz. Danilo recommends Pantene Pro-V Smooth Shampoo, $4.99, and Conditioner, $4.99.
Curly-haired women should pay attention to shampoo ingredients to maintain their hair's natural oils, which are essential for maintaining curly hair health and shine.
Morgan Willhite, Creative Director and Lead Stylist at Ouidad, says to avoid products that contain high amounts of alcohol and sulfates. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, and also dull the vibrancy of your color.
Instead, look for nourishing ingredients like nut oils, avocado, grape seed, and shea butter. Natural acids like ascorbic acid will add shine and balance pH. Wheat and quinoa proteins strengthen damaged hair, while sugar crystals help keep curls in shape.
Photo 5/10
Play Up Your Natural Texture
Rather than fighting your curls every day with multiple heating tools, play with different curl forms, says Danilo.
To create a natural wave, apply a smoothing cream, like Biosilk Silk Therapy, $17.99, to damp hair and then leave it in braids overnight. For sexy beach curls, mist a texturizing spray, like Bumble and bumble Surf Spray, $15, and blow dry hair with a diffuser. If you want to create defined ringlets, try scrunching your hair with Tigi Catwalk Curlesque Curls Rock Amplifier, $13.37, and air dry.
Photo 6/10
Be Picky with Styling Products
Willhite explains that it's important to protect hair from environmental stressors by using a product that nourishes and hydrates, like a leave-in conditioner/primer. Her go-to is Ouidad Whipped Curls Daily Conditioner & Styling Primer, $26. Depending on the texture of your hair, you can add a styling cream or even a water-based gel to control frizz. The curlier and coarser your hair, the more likely you'll want to use a heavier cream or gel to define your curls. If your hair is on the wavier side, you'll probably prefer a lightweight styling cream or mousse to avoid weighing hair down.
Finally, pick out the right finishing product to tame flyaways and add shine. Willhite. recommends Ouidad Mongongo Oil, $36. It forms a natural protective film over hair fibers and defends your hair from environmental aggressors.
It's a tough world for those of us with coarse, curly, or thick hair. Life is unpredictable when your hair naturally forms perfect ringlets one day and a giant puffball the next. I know when I wake up and see a massive mess on top of my head, I'll give up on any attempt at enhancing my curls and just but out the flat iron, since straightening seems to be the easiest way to de-pouf.
When you're struck with a bad hair day, it's hard not to envy women with naturally silky, straight hair. But let's be real: Mostly we're jealous of their ability to look put together, (seemingly) no effort required.
Since curly girls are blessed with bounce and body, it doesn't make sense to waste time going straight every day. Rather than succumbing to using heat styling tools, try to emphasize your curly assets. The most important step? Starting with the best curly hair products that nourish, hydrate, and define.
With this roundup, you can say goodbye to your on-again off-again relationship with your flat iron (which only exacerbates finicky frizz, people!). We asked expert stylists from Pantene, Redken, and Ouidad to learn their curly hair tips. Check out their recommendations for the best products for curly hair, the ingredients you should look for in hair care, and the best curly styles that'll simplify your daily routine. Now, let's get those curls in shape!
