Curly Q: Most curly hair products leave my curls stiff and sticky. How can I get my curls to look soft and natural?
I think it's safe to say that every curly girl out there has experienced her fair share of sticky, crunchy curls. I remember when I was younger I would load tons of heavy-duty gel in my hair to prevent my curls from frizzing up, but by the end of the day my tresses pretty much looked like seaweed. Not a good look! The trick to getting smoother, soft curls is really in the products that you use. I had a chat with Moroccanoil's Artistic Director, Antonio Corral Calero, who came up with some amazing tips on how to get natural looking curls without the crunch. Check them out!
Readmore ¿Qué más? How can I make my curls look more polished?
Set your foundation: "The start to every great hairstyle is a solid base and strong foundation," says Spain native Calero, who suggests applying an oil treatment, like Moroccanoil Treatment ($43) into damp hair, from mid-length to ends. "This will help ensure that curls stay soft and bouncy."
Use a curl cream: Most gels and mousse formulas can leave curls stiff and sticky. Calero recommends using a leave-in conditioner or curl cream like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream ($34) instead. It keeps curls moisturized and soft. For a cheaper fix, try Garnier Fructis Curl Calm Down Anti-Frizz Cream ($5).
Hydrate: "Anyone with curls knows that their hair has a tendency to become dry, and keeping a look in place can be a challenge. So it's important to hydrate those curls to give them a bit of TLC, and protect them from environmental stress," he says. Calero claims that the combination of an oil treatment plus a curl cream will do just that. You might also want to consider doing a deep conditioning hair mask at least once week. I love Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask ($7). It does wonders!
Use a diffuser: When it comes to sporting curly hair, it's always best to air-dry. But "if you do blow dry your hair, always use a diffuser," says Calero. Diffusers use less direct heat, prevent frizz, and define curls. It also adds a boost of volume.
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