Loving Your Curly Hair

Think all great 'dos start with freshly shampooed hair? Think again!

Curly locks are usually drier than straight hair and daily sudsing can dry out your strands even more, inviting a bad case of the frizzies. Most experts recommend shampooing every other day and on your off days, just rinse and scrub your scalp with your fingertips.

On the days you do shampoo, if your ends are dry, keep the shampoo at your roots because that's the only part that gets greasy.

Curly girls should always use a leave-in conditioner. Because your tresses are already on the parched side, the conditioner helps lube your locks, keeping them protected from frizzing as a result of heat-styling.

Curls look best when left to dry naturally: That means no rubbing with a towel the minute you get out of the shower. By just blotting out the excess moisture, your curl is sure to keep its shape.

If you must blowdry, do your hair a favor and invest in a good dryer that comes with a diffuser attachment. This works to dry your hair without blasting the air directly onto your curls. Also, it's best to wait until your hair is almost completely dry before turning on the heat.

Fake perfectly defined curls by curling small, one-inch-square sections with a hot iron for 5 to 10 seconds. You don't have to do your whole head, just a couple on each side to frame your face.

Finally, give your curls a quick spritz with a glossing spray. The light oils from the spray will coat each strand, giving your 'do a super shine — they also help your locks from absorbing too much humidity from the winter air, 'cuz any girl worth her curls knows this is how a bad-hair day starts.

If you decide to play it straight, here's how: Start with damp hair and lightly tug at the roots to flatten before applying a straightening balm or gel, from the scalp down to the ends. Then take a small section of hair and place a flat, paddle brush underneath, right at the roots. Holding a blowdryer above the section, drag both brush and dryer down the hair. Repeat all over. If you want zero trace of curls, finish off each section with a straightening iron and dab of glossing wax.