Curls are exotic, natural looking and uniquely sexy. In fact, a recent study shows that men find long curly hair sexier than any other hairstyle (even straight blond hair). So while it’s tempting to attack wild, frizzy curls with a straightening iron, your best bet for sexy hair is to cultivate your natural curl. The first step is to find the right products for your curls. Here is a list of my favorite products for curly hair to help you get started.
Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Shampoo. I know it sounds strange to use a shampoo for straight hair on curls, but this shampoo has more de-frizzing power than any curl shampoo I have tried. It’s great for curly girls with oilier scalps who just can’t afford to skip the shampoo, because it cleans thoroughly without stripping the hair’s natural oils. The result: clean, frizz-free curls that are, well, actually sleek and shiny.
Redken Smooth Down Conditioner. Again, this product wasn’t marketed for curly hair, but I find it works much better than the Fresh Curls conditioner by the same brand. It’s richer and heavier than most conditioners, which means that it detangles more easily, provides more moisture, and leaves curls glossier and less frizzy. It also works great as a leave-in conditioner, as long as you use only a pea-sized amount. I love that it contains macadamia oil, which soaks into your strands making them healthier and more resilient. The result: healthy, hydrated, manageable curls.
ISO Bouncy Crème. This is a lightweight, non-greasy texturizer that tames frizz while encouraging ringlets to form. It never makes curls look wet or crunchy, just naturally smooth and defined. The only downside is that it doesn’t have too much hold, so it’s best to use it along with a thicker cream or mouse. The result: smooth, natural-looking curls.
Tigi Catwalk Curls Rock Curl Amplifier. I mix a dab of this mouse into a quarter-sized amount of ISO Bouncy Crème to give my curls extra volume and definition. It keeps ringlets from going limp half way through the day, which is no small feat in the middle of summer. This stuff is powerful and a little goes a long way, so be careful not to overdo it. The result: bouncy, long-lasting ringlets.
Curl-Ease Towel. Unlike regular cotton and micro fiber towels, this towel will not create frizz or damage your curls. And unlike a T-shirt, it’s big and absorbent enough to effectively dry your hair. Curl-ease is made out of birds-eye cotton, which strangely enough is the same material used to make cloth diapers. I switched to this towel recently from a regular towel, and have seen a huge decrease in frizz. It comes in pink and white (get the pink – it’s adorable!). The result: damp (not sopping wet) hair with no extra frizz.
Remember that everyone’s hair is different, so it’s always a good idea to do a little research and experimentation to see which products work best for your curls. In no time at all, you’ll be the envy of all your straight haired friends. You can always sell that straightening iron on ebay.
