| CURL AT HOME Nicole Simon’s Five Quick Steps on Styling Curly Hair 1. Shampoo and condition 2. Towel dry well 3. Mix a small amount of a defrizz serum with a creme-based curl product in your palm and apply. Start at the ends of your hair and work up the mid-shaft. You don’t need it on your scalp. 4. With your fingers, twirl your curls in the direction of your natural curl pattern. 5. Scrunch and go |
I’ve met two kinds of people in this world: those who have curly hair and hate it; and those who don’t have it and want it. (Though on rare occasion, I happen upon someone who actually loves their curly hair.) “Curly hair, because of the amount of body and texture, can look great in its natural form if handled correctly,” says Nicole Simon, who has curly hair and is a stylist and curly hair expert at Splitends in Costa Mesa.
The wave and texture of the early ’90s is back after years of clients wanting hair the straightest of straight, says Simon, so us curly-haired folk have plenty of reason to go wild with curl. “It’s amazing how every 20 years we go back to looks that we love,” says celebrity hair stylist Kim Vo, who owns Kim Vo Salon at Montage Laguna Beach. “The only difference is that in 1991 we had that big curly hair off the face with tons of hairspray, and now we have bangs that sweep over to modernize it.”
Speaking as someone who was born with curly hair, I have to admit, I’ve always quite enjoyed it. However, I understand some of the trials and tribulations that could lead others with curly hair to condemn their manes and yearn for a simpler, curl-free existence. I’ve decided to address the issue with some expert help for those who hate it and those who want it.
Those Who Hate It
Problem: Frizz
Fix-It Tips: Never brush or comb through dry, curly hair, says Simon. Since curly hair tends toward dry, extra moisture is always a good idea. Also, always air dry or use a diffuser; never blow dry.
Problem: Can’t get the curl the way I want it
Fix-It Tips: Mix a defrizz serum with a bit of lotion-based creme for curls and style with your fingers – keep curls together in their natural curl patterns for best results, says Simon. Unless you want a “wet” look, avoid mousse and gel since these two can result in dry, sticky, crunchy, flaky hair.
Problem: I don’t care, I want it straight
Fix-It Tips: While excessive flat ironing and heat are damaging to the hair, if you have to go straight every now and then, David File, creative director at Crew Salon at The Lab in Costa Mesa, says blow drying and flat ironing are the best techniques. But always use thermal protecting products like Sebastian’s Trilliant spray. When flat ironing, start from the bottom, working up by taking one-inch sections (take smaller sections for thick, dense hair). And before you even consider permanent straightening – which File recommends against – test out semi-permanent straighteners like Brazilian Blowout and other keratin-based treatments. “They don’t completely straighten the hair, but it makes it much easier for people to style their hair straight and it actually improves the condition of the hair,” File says.
Those Who Want It
Problem: All I want is a headful of curls
Fix-It Tips: Try hot rollers and/or wet-setting the hair in braids, barrel curls or even pin curls, File says. Also, some of the newer flat irons, including ghd, allow for curling, he says. Always use thermal protecting hair products. “I’m not a big fan of perms myself, but there are some people that still get perms and there are some new techniques that are less damaging than the old traditional ones,” File says.
Heidi Bennett, stylist at the Rancho Santa Margarita Spa Gregorie’s salon, recommends a curling wand (clipless curling iron). “It gives the most natural look and is easy to use,” she says. “Your curling iron should have a protective coating on it so as not to damage the hair.”
