Curly Hair Essentials

TOOLS

• Your hands
• A tail comb for sectioning and shaping curls, or a plastic chopstick
• A wide-tooth comb for detangling
• A jersey-like or micro-fiber towel: reduces friction and gently absorbs excess moisture
• Small and large sectioning clips
• A diffuser: circulates the airflow of a blow dryer

PREP

Before you shampoo, feel for any tangles that may be in the hair. Pay particular attention to the nape area where the hair is finer, and knots and tangles easily. Detangle with fingers and/or a wide-tooth comb.

SHAMPOO

Curly and wavy hair is drier than straight hair by nature. Curls’ coils make it harder for the hair’s natural oils to coat and moisturize each strand, resulting in parched, thirsty hair. Dryness can also make hair susceptible to damage, since it reduces strand flexibility. The curlier the hair, the drier and more fragile it becomes. 
Completely saturate hair with water
Emulsify shampoo between hands, apply to the lengths of wet hair and work up to the scalp
Gently massage into a lather (apply a small amount of water if needed to enhance lather), leave in for 1-3 minutes, rinse
Leave in a shorter time for lighter feeling hair
Leave in longer for additional frizz control and shine
When treating the scalp area, use the pads of fingertips to apply gentle pressure
Avoid circular or vigorous motions, as this may cause tangles in the hair. Working in a slow, methodical manner around the head will help increase blood flow and ease tension.

HOW OFTEN?

Conditioning is a necessity for curly hair
Regular deep conditioning is a must, especially for coarser, thicker curl types
Hair’s physical condition will increase the amount of deep conditioning needed
Where and how conditioner is applied makes a difference
For curlier, coarser, thicker hair types, apply conditioner often and all over. This hair type benefits from regular deep conditioning or a leave-in conditioner before styling.
For wavy, finer, sparser hair types, avoid applying conditioner to the scalp area. This hair type benefits from regular rinse-out conditioning and the occasional deep conditioning.

STYLING

With Curvaceous you pick your styling based on curl type!! Wave  Curl  or Spiral 
Begin with a small amount of product and keep layering until desired curl, definition, shape and structure are achieved
The curlier and thicker the hair, the more moisture it needs and the more product it will absorb
For dry hair, apply conditioner as a leave-in and then layer with Curvaceous Wind Up , Full Swirl , Ringlet , or Spiral Lock .
Some wavy hair types need encouragement while drying. Techniques such as scrunching or twisting sections will help define curls.
Take a “less is more” approach. Get your curls into the desired shape, then leave untouched to air dry.
Twisting hair into several loosely wound buns at night can encourage tamer hair in the morning. Finish with a mist of Curvaceous Wind Up  to refresh and calm any frizzy pieces.
Create tighter curl by wrapping hair around a tail comb, plastic chopsticks, or plastic straws, and allow to air-dry or diffuse try
In high humidity or on hot days, loosely pin hair back by rolling the fringe area into the sides. Secure with hairpins.