Ah…natural curls. They are a blessing and a curse. Everyone tells you to straighten your curls while they are out getting perms or getting on Pinterest looking for curling iron hacks. So, don’t listen to the critics and feel like you have to slick down your curls–let them breathe! Embrace the beautiful craziness of your natural curls! *fist in air*
Now, you might be thinking I can’t wear my curls natural because the battle with frizz is too stressful! Trying to dry my curls takes too long! It’s an endless struggle because my curly strands have a mind of their own! Trust me–I know the struggle all too well; however, I have fabulous news for you! On this special post of VIP Beauty Tues, I am going to spill the beans about all of my top-secret naturally curly hair hacks! Okay–so maybe the tips and tricks aren’t top-secret or super ground-breaking…but they surely are helpful *wink*
SO, without further ado, let’s take a look at the VIP’s curly hair hacks that are perfect for girls with short curls *wink*
1. Talk to your stylist!
Before you make any drastic changes to your hair or hair routine, talk to your stylist about the best cut and products he/she recommends for YOUR curls.
If you have natural curls and friends with natural curls, you know that all curls have different textures, volume, and curl style (like spiral, wavy, messy, etc). So, it is important to consult a professional before lopping all of your hair off or deciding to try products (like oils) that could make your curls cooperate less than before…leaving you more frustrated and ready to schedule a blowout. *gasp* and we wouldn’t want that!
My hair stylist, Courtney Bennet of Salon Confidence, always helps me choose the best length and layers to help me manage my natural curls while also making it easier and faster to get ready in the morning. Recently, I chopped my hair off the shortest it has ever been + for added attitude, Courtney cut it short in the back and long in the front. See photos above.
2. Know Your Curl Type
This hack is pretty self-explanatory; however, it is very important to know your curl type because different curl types require different styling products and hair care. If you are uncertain of what your curl pattern is, refer to step one and talk with your stylist :)
**Do keep in mind that as we age and our hormones change, our curls can change too. I have noticed as I am getting older, my curls have gone from super spirals to a messy combo of waves and loose spirals. If your curls start to change like mine have with me, you can experiment with a new hair cut (like I am currently doing) in order to revive and manipulate your curl style.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Use Heat!
Sure, drying curls on “hot” with a diffuser can cause damage; however, ways to prevent breakage, flyaways, and excess frizz include: anti-frizz sprays (like the one I mentioned on last week’s Beauty Tues), a conditioner made specifically for curly hair, and a weekly hair-repair mask. You can find all of these products online or at your local Walgreens/CVS!
4. Taming Frizz and Flyaways Without Product
Though taming frizz without products MIGHT sound impossible, trust me–it’s not! Two hacks I swear by are scrunchies/lose pony tail holders and dryer sheets. SAY WHAT?! How does that work? Well–let me explain *wink*
If your curls are frizzing all over or your curls aren’t as peppy as usual after styling, take a few stretched-out pony tails and make loose buns in random places all over your head by starting at the roots and working your way to the back. Let the loose buns set for approximately 5 to 8 minutes then flip your head over and remove the pony tails. Once you have set your curls free, lightly shake out the curls with your fingers before flipping your head back up.
If this does not help with the frizz the first time, take a damp rag, lightly scrunch the ends of your curls, and repeat the process above.
Now, about the dryer sheet–
On cold days, I find that my curls often frizz and have lots of flyaways, so I figured out that dryer sheets are a need little trick for taming that craziness. I simply rub a dryer sheet on the problem areas and/or all over–and TAH DAH! Done. *presses Staples button* That was easy!
**This handy-dandy dryer sheet hack also works fabulously if you’re straightening your natural curls and trying to tame static frizz without using styling pastes or heavy hair sprays.
5. Skip a Wash Once a Week
I am a total clean freak when it comes to my hair; however, I have learned the power of skipping a wash once a week. Because my hair tends to be quite oily when not washed everyday, I schedule my skip-a-wash day around my busy schedule + when I know I will be home with no plans on venturing out *wink*
Skipping a wash once a week gives your curls a break + allows the curls to “soak up” natural oils that can help keep your hair healthier longer. If your hair is oily like mine, I recommend using a clarifying shampoo the day after your skip-a-wash day in order to strip the excess oil and grime without damaging or over-drying your hair.
Now, go out and love your curls, girls *wink* Remember your curls are something to be proud of–not something to hide! :)
To see what products I use to style my natural curls, please check out the Beauty Tues post here.
Stay Fabulous,
Abby Hathorn
vintageinspiredpassionista.com 