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How To Style Naturally Curly Hair

Posted: 03-07-2013 - More Hair Care Articles

Styling naturally curly hair can be challenging. It can be very tempting to fight frizzy curls by reaching for the flat iron, but too much straightening can lead to damaged hair. Instead of trying to make your hair do something it doesn't normally do, embrace your texture and learn how to style naturally curly hair.

What Makes Hair Curly?

Scientists believe that naturally curly hair is caused by a combination of genetics and follicle structure. Naturally curly hair can be passed down from parents or grandparents. The shape of hair follicles can also cause hair to grow out curly. Also in rare cases, some cancer treatments can alter hair follicles in straight hair and cause hair to become curly. (PopSci.com)

Products You'll Need To Style Naturally Curly Hair:
1. Shampoo for curly hair
2. Moisturizing conditioner
3. Anti-frizz serum styling cream
4. Defining pomade or mousse
5. Ionic blow dryer with a diffuser

How To Style Naturally Curly Hair:

The first step to styling naturally curly hair is washing hair with the proper shampoo and conditioner. Since curly hair tends to be dryer and coarser than other hair types, it is best to use a shampoo specifically formulated for curly hair and a moisturizing conditioner.

After washing, gently squeeze excess water from hair. Do not towel dry hair! Towel drying can lead to breakage and frizzy hair. While hair is still damp, apply an anti-frizz serum styling cream to hair. This will help seal hair cuticles and prevent hair from becoming frizzy after it dries.

To avoid heat damage, it's often best to let hair air dry. But if your curly hair tends to puff out or frizz, using a heat protectant spray and an ionic blow dryer with a diffuser will help tame your curls.

While your hair is drying, apply a lightweight defining pomade or mousse and scrunch hair to separate curls and add volume. Do not try to brush hair with a comb or hairbrush! Combing or brushing curly hair will only cause curls to stretch and result in uneven frizzy strands. If you need to, gently use your fingers to untangle hair. After hair is dry, use a light hold hairspray to keep curls from falling flat throughout the day.

Take a look at our curly hairstyles picture gallery to find a style that's right for you!

We recommend using these products to style naturally curly hair: