Maintenance: Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, so wash no more than twice a week, to let scalp oils hydrate hair naturally. “Use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner to treat the cuticle and calm frizz,†says New York City hairstylist Julie Lin.
Styling: Dry your hair with a T-shirt or paper towels instead of a bath towel, which can cause frizz, says Jayson Morgan, style director at the Patrick McIvor Color Studio, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Detangle hair with fingers or a wide-tooth comb, never a brush. And use a leave-in conditioning spray, which “can also be misted on when the hair is dry to help the wave bounce back,†says Amanda B., a Los Angeles–based hairstylist and colorist.
Common Misconception: Hair should be scrunched with the hands as it dries to enhance curls. Actually, scrunching disturbs the curl pattern and creates more frizz. Apply a product and either let the hair dry naturally or twist damp sections into the desired shape and let them air-dry completely.
What’s to Love: Treat them right and your curls will be low-maintenance.
RS Picks for Curly Hair
Matrix Curl.life Shampoo (14, Matrix - Hairstyles for salons) cleanses without weighing hair down
Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisturizing Conditioner ($15 at drugstores) hydrates and helps manage unruly hair
Aveda Be Curly Curl Control lotion ($17.50, Aveda - Official Site - Shop Online or Find a Salon) curls and adds moisture and shine.
Caring for Curly Hair | Life Skills : RealSimple.com
