Christo
-
Ask the Expert: Christo
- Sunday, November 1st, 2009 | by Christo
Q: How can you tell if your hair is protein sensitive?
A: Protein based products complete the keratin in our hair. It is important that you find the right product that will benefit the health of your hair. Heavy protein products can cause your hair to feel hard and almost course. When choosing the right moisturizing protein, you should look for structurizing proteins like corn, rice, soy and wheat proteins. Products with these proteins can be used at least 2-3 times a week to strengthen and condition your hair.
Q:How long can cones sit on your hair before creating a mess?
A: There are a lot of products on the market that contain silicones and some of them are more breathable than the others. A heavy silicone is NOT breathable and can easily suffocate and damage your hair in 6 months. Since curly hair is like a sponge that sucks everything in, the proper hair care maintenance includes:
- Shampoo your hair every 2-3 days to remove buildup
- Use a light conditioner like Curlisto Botanical Rinse which can be used everyday and will not over condition your hair.
- Use a deep conditioner like the Deep Therapy Masque at least once every other week. This will keep your hair hydrated and looking great.
If you follow this easy maintenance, you will have healthy hair.
Q: My hair loves warm weather. It has a lot more volume and curl when the weather is warm. I get flat top and less curl when the weather is colder…the waves/curls are really defined, shiny, soft and frizz-free…everything I want them to be except for lack of volume and less curl!
A: I know the cold weather is doing this. The temperatures have been rocking back and forth the past few weeks. First it got cold. The curl loosened and the volume was reduced. It got warm again, and I had a good hair day–it was warm for a few days. Then it got cold again, and my hair is flat: warm one more time for a few days, and now it got cold and my hair is flat.
Please help me!
Every curl is different and they also react differently to different climates. Understanding your curl will help you have beautiful styles no matter what season we’re in. To do this, it is important that you choose the right styling products for the weather. If cold weather causes hair to look flat then you have to use lighter ingredients to style your hair. Choose the right products for your hair texture and how your hair reacts to the climate and remember when it comes to curly hair; it is all about the styling. You just have to adjust the formula of your styling to make your curls look the way you want them to.
Q: I am trying desperately to promote hair growth…any suggestions?
A: The most important thing is to feed your scalp. Stay away from oils and feed your hair with products that complete keratin such as the Deep Therapy Masque on a weekly basis. Consult with your doctor and take 3,000 – 5,000 mg of Biotin.
-
Greek Goddesses: Curly Girls All the Way
- Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 | by Christo
I traveled to my home island of Cyprus and Athens this summer. I would like to share some amazing pictures of ancient Gods, goddesses and royalty. These images will show you that in ancient Greece, curly hair was not only embraced, but celebrated.
The image of beauty today has become distorted. Women of all ages perform harsh chemical services to have the straight hair they see on television instead of embracing their natural texture.
But that wasn’t always the case. Curly hair was and still is considered beautiful in Greek culture. While visiting the Acropolis Museum which recently opened in Athens, the statues whispered, “Look at my beautiful Curls.” The architects depiction of treasured icons showcased the fact that curls are divine.
The curly hair was always pulled back elegantly so that the sculptures look elegant and sophisticated.
I would love to show you that curly hair is beautiful, sexy and sophisticated. The key is knowledge. Knowing how to maintain your curls can keep them looking beautiful.
I grew up in a culture where 99 percent of the population has curly hair. I learned how to care for and perfect the art of curly hair. As a young hairdresser, growing up with a large curly haired clientele was a blessing. I used this knowledge of curly hair to perfect my own cutting and styling techniques. I have become an educator for salon professionals and curly hair women around the globe.
If the ancient goddess of Greece wore their hair naturally and beautifully curly, so can you. For parents with curly hair children it is important that you show them how the gods and goddesses embraced their curly hair. Show them that royalty had curly hair.
Teach your kids to love their curly hair. And remember that their feelings about their hair all start with you.
-
Christo’s Celebrity Corner
- Monday, August 31st, 2009 | by Christo
Get Hot Curls LIke Michael Cera
The Curly Cut: Layers
Who it Works Best for: Waves or loose curls
How to Get the Look: On very wet hair, apply Curlisto Control II Gel and slick it down with a wide-toothed comb. In doing so, you allow your waves to show while creating a sharp look for yourself at the same time. Finish up with Curlisto Structura Spray to keep the wet look.
8/31/09
Create Curls Like Actress Lauren Storm
The Curly Cut:
Long loveliness
Who it Works Best for: People with wavy and looser curls.
How to Get the Look: Apply Curlisto Structura Lotion in sections to wet hair. Diffuse the hair one hundred percent. Blow the bangs out a little straighter. Finish with Curlisto Shaping Spray and Curlisto Glow & Shine.
8/17/09
Get Sweet Waves Like Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles
The Curly Cut: Long, angular layers with short bangs.
Who it Works Best for: People with wavy and looser curls.
How to Get the Look: Apply Curlisto Structura Lotion in sections to wet hair. Diffuse the hair one hundred percent. Blow the bangs out a little straighter. Finish with Curlisto Shaping Spray and Curlisto Glow & Shine.
8/3/09
Sexy Waves Like Matthew Mcconaughy
The Curly Cut: Longer layers
Who it works best for: Wavy to medium curls
How to get the look: I love this look on Matthew and think it’s one of his best looks. It is edgy and sexy at the same time. Less is more when it comes to product. Scrunch in a touch of Curlisto Bio-Gel Mousse and let the waves air dry.
7/20/09
Get Luscious Corkscrews Like Terri Seymour
The Curly Cut: Long layers
Who it works best for: Wavy to medium curls
How to get the look: This style accentuates Terry’s natural texture. For curlier hair, you can diffuse and then repurpose some curls with a curling iron. For wavy hair, you can use hot rollers and a fat curling iron — 2-inch barrel — to repurpose the curls. Rub some Curlisto Finishing Pomade between your palms and run your fingers through your hair for a tousled, natural look. Finish with a spritz of Curlisto Glow & Shine.
7/6/09
Catch a Wave Like Emma Roberts
The Curly Cut: Long Layers
Who it works best for: All hair types
How to get the look: Emma has loose waves, but she accentuates them with a curling iron. This technique can be used to make straight hair curly or to redefine naturally wavy or curly hair. To create a more natural look, try using curling irons with different-sized barrels to provide a variety of curls. Remember to use Curlisto Shaping Spray after forming each curl and to finish up with Curlisto Glow and Shine.
6/22/09
Get Sexy Curls Like Thandie Newton
The Curly Cut: Face-framing graduated bob
Who it works best for: All curl types
How to get the look: Depending on your curl type, use a hot rollers or a curling iron to make your curls look bigger. After curling, make sure to run your fingers through the hair with pomade, such as Curlisto Finishing Pomade, so you don’t get frizz.
6/8/09
Get a curly bob like songstress Kylie Minogue
The Curly Cut: Short Curly Layered Bob
Who it works best for: People with waves or loose curls
How to get the look: This is an easy style to achieve for anyone with naturally curly hair. To get the look, apply Curlisto Structura Lotion in sections. Then apply Curlisto Bio-Gel Mousse. Put some duckbill clips at the crown for volume. Diffuse or air dry. Then spritz on a little Curlisto Structura Spray. It should take no longer than 15 minutes, start to finish.
5/25/09
Get polished waves like Blythe Danner
The Curly Cut: Wavy bob with face-faming layers
Who it works best for: People with waves or loose curls
How to get the look: This is an easy style to achieve with the right cut. Apply Curlisto Bio-Gel Mousse on wet hair in sections. Diffuse and defrizz with Curlisto Finishing Pomade. It takes only 15 minutes from start to finish.
5/11/09
Get Luxurious Curls Like Annalynne McCord
The curly cut: Face-framing curls
Who it works best for: Those with loose to medium curls
How to get the look: To get definition and separation, apply a combination of Curlisto Structura Lotion and Curlisto Control II Gel in sections. Diffuse or let it dry naturally. Remember not to run your fingers through the hair until it is almost dry
4/27/09
Get Madonna’s Angelic Look
The curly cut: Face-framing layers
Who it works best for: These curls work well for everyone — from straight and wavy hair to curlier textures. These curls give Madonna a soft, youthful look.
How to get the look:If you have straighter hair like Madonna, get out the hot rollers. Each roller only needs to stay in for five minutes. Spray Curlisto Shaping Spray on each roller as you unwrap it. After removing the rollers, run your fingers through the hair gently. You can get the look in 15-20 minutes.
4/13/09
Get Sexy Waves like Jennifer Lopez
The Curly Cut: Long layers
Who it works best for: People with wavy hair or looser curls
How to get the look: Jennifer really pulls off these spontaneous curls. Spray dry hair with Curlisto Curl Reform. This will help protect your hair from the heat. Use a 1 1/2-inch curling iron and curl the outside perimeter of the hair. A larger iron is faster. Spray each curl with Curlisto Shaping Spray for a bouncy hold. It takes about 20 minutes to get this look.
3/23/09
Get Sexy Curls like Eric Benet
The Curly Cut:Longer and shaped
Who it works best for:Tighter, kinkier curls
How to get the look: It doesn’t take much to get this look. Use a coin-size dab of Curlisto Unruly Paste or Curlisto Control II Gel and apply in sections to add definition to curls.
3/9/09
Get superstar waves like Academy-winning actress Cate Blanchett
The Curly Cut:Mid-Length, face-framing layers
Who it works best for:Wavy hair or soft curls
How to get the look: You can achieve this retro Hollywood look two ways. First, you can blow dry your hair and set sections in pin curls for 5-10 minutes before running your fingers through them. The second option is to use Curlisto Bio-Gel Mousse on wet hair, scrunch the hair and let it air dry or blow dry with a diffuser. With both options, finish with Curlisto Glow & Shine. This look is easily achieved when you have looser curls.
2/23/09
Get sassy waves like “30 Rock’s” Jane Krakowski”
The Curly Cut:Long, face-framing layers
Who it works best for: All curl types can wear their hair in this wavy, sexy style
How to get the look: For women with wavy to medium tight curls, use Curlisto Repair Styling Cream (for heat protection) and Curlisto Straight Time Glaze (which temporarily relaxes the curl) on wet hair. Blow dry straight and make dry pin curls on the entire head, adding Curlisto Shaping Spray on each pin curl. Let the pin curls sit for 5-10 minutes and then remove. Spray Curlisto Glow & Shine and run your fingers throughout your hair, and then you’re finished. This style takes time, but it can last for a few days.
2/9/09
Get ringlets like curl icon Bernadette Peters
The Curly Cut: Face-framing layers, shorter around the face
Who it works best for:Tighter curls
How to get the look: Take time to section hair into five sections. Apply a mixture of Curlisto Control I Gel and Curlisto Structura Lotion to each section and diffuse. To keep frizz at bay, put a dab of Curlisto Finishing Pomade between your palms, rub together and pull hair back as if you’re making a ponyail. This will take care of flyaways and frizz. Finish with Curlisto Glow & Shine.
1/19/09
Get McDreamy curls like actor Patrick Dempsey
The Curly Cut: Longer layers
Who it works best for: Natural waves
How to get the look:Use Curlisto Control Gel II on wet hair and let it air dry. Once dry, you can play with it by using Curlisto Matte Stay to create a messier, sexy look.
1/5/09
Get Curlicious Kinks Like America’s Top Model Bre
The Curly Cut: Bre has long, shaped layers
Who it works best for: Tight coily curls and kinks
How to get the look: This style is easy to achieve if you have a full head of hair and spiral curl texture. If you want to get big hair, first prepare it with Curlisto Repair Styling Cream so it will look healthier and stronger. Then section it and apply Curlisto Structura Lotion to the sections, leaving the curls looking defined and thick. To finish this look, pin the curls on the crown of the head back so that the top layer is slicked back and the rest of the hair expands out. This will achieve the sexy, full look.
12/19/08
Get Model Waves Like Rachel Hunter
The Curly Cut: Long layers
Who it works best for: Naturally waves or loose curls
How to get the look: With this tousled wavy look, the fewer products you use on your hair, the better. Part your hair into three big sections, making sure to part your hair in the middle, off center where you want it to fall when it’s dry. Add Curlisto Bio-Gel Mousse. Scrunch and then diffuse your hair until it’s 100 percent dry. Scrunch in some Curlisto Finishing Pomade to finish the look.
12/8/08
Keep your curls in perfect harmony like chanteuse Corinne Bailey Rae.
The Curly Cut: A short curly bob with side-swept bangs
Who it works best for: Tight curls and kinks
How to get the look: To style, section your hair and add a mixture of Curlisto Structura Lotion and Curlisto Control I Gel to each of the sections, twisting the sections. Diffuse until 100 percent dry in order to get the full body out of this style. Finish with Curlisto Structura Spray and Curlisto Glow & Shine. This hairdo only look better as the day progresses.
11/24/08
Get wild kinks like Little Jackie’s Imani
The Curly Cut: Imani has the wild kinks that completely fits her persona.
Who it works best for: Tight curls and kinks
How to get the look: This style is easy to achieve if you have a full head of hair and spiral curl texture. I recommend applying Curlisto Repair Styling Cream in small sections. Then put Curlisto Structura Lotion on top of it. Since bigger is better, don’t be afraid to manipulate your hair to get more fullness. Put a little more Curlisto Structura Lotion on pieces you want more defined.
11/10/08
Gorgeous Waves Like Actress Miranda July
The Curly Cut: Layered waves
Who it works best for: Wavy to loose curls
How to get the look: To define your waves, spritz on some Curlisto Protein Boost and then apply Curlisto Bio-Gel Mousse in sections. Diffuse or air dry
10/27/08
Create Curls Like Director Sanaa Hamri’s
The Curly Cut: Long layers
Who it works best for:People with a natural spiral texture
How to get the look: In order to keep the curls in place, use a combination of Curlisto Control II Gel and Curlisto Structura Lotion. Apply in sections, being careful to coat every section. Some find it easier to use a fine-toothed comb when applying product. Diffuse for more definition. Finish with Curlisto Glow & Shine for added luster.
10/13/08
Get Divine Waves Like Evangeline Lilly
The Curly Cut: Long face-framing layers
Who it works best for:People with wavy to loose curls
How to get the look:Spritz on Curlisto Protein Boost as a leave-in conditioner, and then apply Curlisto Bio-Gel Mousse in sections. Diffuse or air dry. When hair is almost dry, bend over and diffuse upside down for a little more volume. To get more height at the crown, use duckbill clips. Spray on a little Curlisto Structura Spray.
9/30/08
Rock Your Curls Like Solange Knowles
The Curly Cut: Long layers
Who it works best for: Wavy to medium curls
How to get the look: Apply a combination of Curlisto Structura Lotion and Curlisto Control II to the hair to elongate the curls so they cascade around the face. Diffuse. Spritz on a little Curlisto Glow & Shine for added sheen.
9/15/08
Hit a High Note with Curls Like Leona Lewis
The Curly Cut: Face-framing layers with bangs
Who it works best for:loose to medium curls
How to get the look:In order to achieve this hairstyle, mix Curlisto Structura Lotion and Control II Gel. Diffuse. When hair is styled and dry, put a pea-size dab of Curlisto Unruly Paste between your palms, rub together and run through your hair to reduce frizz.
9/1/08
Get sexy, defined curls like Leslie Mann The Curly Cut: Long, face-framing layers
Who it works best for: Waves or loose curls
How to get the look: In this case, less is more. Apply a little Curlisto Structura Lotion, and air dry. For more volume at the crown, put in a few duckbill clips.
8/18/08
Get Curls like Tamara Tunie
The Curly Cut: Short face-framing layers that will stay in place the entire night when styled properly
Who it works best for:Medium to tight curls
How to get the look:Mix a Curlisto Structura Lotion with Curlisto Control I Gel and apply in sections. Diffuse or air dry. Finish with Curlisto Structura Spray. Spritz on Curlisto Glow & Shine for added sparkle.
8/4/08
Get Curls like Anderson Varejao
The Curly Cut: Face-framing layers
Who it works best for: Tight, spiral curls
How to get the look:You don’t need to do much with this type of curl because it stays in place. Use a little Curlisto Protein Boost on your gym days for extra conditioning. Or you can spice it up with Curlisto Unruly Paste if you want to wear your hair out for an evening with friends.
7/21/08
Get Curls like Mya
The Curly Cut: Long layers
Who it works best for: Mya has long, soft to medium curl texture
How to get the look: You can style this type of curl by using some Curlisto Protein Boost as a leave-in conditioner to minimize frizz. Then apply Curlisto Bio-Gel Mouse. To add a more dramatic look to your hairstyle, add some clip-on extensions, and I guarantee you will turn heads.
7/7/08
Get Idol-worthy curls like Kristy Lee Cook
The Curly Cut: This haircut should have diagonal angles around the face, with long layers
Who it works best for:Long, loose curls
How to get the look: Section and apply Curlisto Structura Lotion and Bio-Gel Mousse to wet hair and diffuse. Remember to use duckbill clips to secure volume at the root area when you have long hair!
6/20/08
Get rockin’ ringlets like the curliest Jonas Brother
The Curly Cut: Nick has fat, beautiful medium curls cut longer and layered to frame his face in a look reminiscent of the ’70s
Who it works best for:Men with everything from loose to tight curls can wear this look
How to get the look: Section the hair from the bottom to the top and apply a quarter size of Curlisto Structura Lotion to wet hair. Then air dry or diffuse. You don’t need any finishing products because a little bit of frizz actually creates a more natural look.
6/10/08
Get Macy Gray’s amazing kinks
The Curly Cut: Funky twists
Who it works best for: Fine, tight, super kinky hair
How to get the look:To get her funky look, twist wet hair in big sections with Curlisto Unruly Paste. Dry naturally or diffuse.
5/27/08
Get luscious waves like Taylor Swift
The Curly Cut: Long, face-framing angles
Who it works best for: Wavy to medium curls
How to get the look: To style, prep the hair with Curlisto Repair Styling Creme. Then mix Curlisto Structura Lotion and Curlisto Control I gel and finger comb through the hair. Diffuse until dry and then blow out small pieces with a medium-size bristle brush. Finish with some Curlisto Matte Stay for that messy, bed-head look.
5/14/09
Sendhil Ramamurthy
Get Sendhil’s Ramamurthy’s loose luscious waves.
The Curly Cut: Medium length, without clean lines
Who it works best for: Wavy to medium curls
How to get the look: This cut is polished enough for the office, yet fun and fresh. When hair is wet, finger comb some Curlisto Control I and then mix with Curlisto Finishing Pomade for shine.
5/1/08
Get beautiful curls like Kerry Washington
The Curly Cut:A long bob, with long layers. It should be texturized to prevent the “pyramid” effect
Who it works best for: medium to tight curls
How to get the look: Finger comb Curlisto Structura Lotion and Curlisto Control II on wet hair. As it dries, the curls will bounce up into this soft style. After hair is dry, smooth on Curlisto Unruly Paste to tame flyaways.
Adrian Grenier
Get sexy curls like Adrian Grenier, star of “Entourage”
The Curly Cut: Long, shaggy cut
Who it works best for: Loose curls
How to get the look: Use your fingers to comb through Curlisto Control I gel and let it dry naturally for this soft, touchable look.
Madison Pettis
Get corkscrew curls like Madison Pettis, star of “Cory in the House”
The Curly Cut: Long layers
Who it works best for: Long medium to tight curls
How to get the look: The best way to style kids’ hair is to use Curlisto Structura Lotion only. The lotion is applied in sections, and the hair should be air dried in order to create the natural glow you see with Madison’s hair. For this type of hair, less is more. The simplicity makes it appear natural. A colorful headband is the finishing touch.
3/24/08
Get ringlets Like Julianna Margulies
The Curly Cut: Your cut should have some face-framing layers, left long on the sides and back.
Who it works best for: Medium to tight curls.
How to get the look: This is an example of beautiful tight curls styled beautifully. Combine Curlisto Structura Lotion and Curlisto Control II, finger comb onto wet hair and then diffuse. If your curls are looser than Julianna’s, you can use a small curling iron to add definition. To finish, apply Curlisto Unruly Paste and Curlisto Structura Spray for hold and shine.
3/12/08
Rock your curls like Kina Grannis/h2>
The curly cut: Long, curly layers
Who it works best for: Kina has beautiful, fine curls that you can easily achieve if you have similar texture. If your hair is tighter, you may want to consider a chemical services that softens the curl, like Curlisto Bio-Softening.
How to get the look: You will need to use Curlisto Protein Boost as a leave-in conditioner. Curlisto Structura Lotion should be applied in big sections. Use your fingers or a finger comb to part the hair on the side. The best way to get the flatness of this style is to let the hair air dry. When dry, spray on a little Curlisto Glow and Shine to finish the look.
Check out Christo’s Celebrity Corner each week. Coming next… Juliana Margulies.
2/26/08
Style your waves like actress Vanessa Hudgens’
Who it works best for: This look can be easily achieved if you have loose curls or waves.
How to get the look: Finger comb onto wet hair Curlisto Bio-Gel Mousse in sections. Then dry with a diffuser. If you want added length or volume, clip in some pre-styled extensions to add length when the hair is dry.
2/11/08
Rock your long lovely curls into a look like Joss Stone’s
The curly cut: To get this look, you need a cut with very long layers
Who it works best for: Any type of curl — wavy to tight.
How to get the look: Combine Curlisto Structura Lotion and Control II gel and apply to wet hair, section by section. To optimize the style, dry with a diffuser. Then flip your head upside down to create more volume. Create spirals in the front with a small curling iron. Use a bit of Curlisto Unruly Paste and some Curlisto Structura Spray as your finishing tools. This will calm any last-minute flyaways and to keep the curls in place.
1/28/08
Melina Kanakaredes
Get Melina Kanakaredes’ beautiful curly look
The curly cut: Melina has fabulous curls that are cut to shoulder length, with framing angles. This cut helps broaden her smaller face.
Who it works best for: Any type of curl — wavy to tight.
How to get the look: Apply Curlisto Structura Lotion and Curlisto Control I to style, combing it through wet hair section by section. Apply duckbill clips at the crown for volume. Dry with a diffuser. Then take a dab of Curlisto Finishing Pomade, rub it between your palms and pull your hair back and twist it. That will help set the curls. Finish with Curlisto Structura Spray to complete the look.
1/17/08
-
Ask the Expert: Christo
- Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 | by Christo
Christo
Q: I’m sixteen years old, and during middle school my hair turned from thick and straight to thick and curly. I wouldn’t mind, but underneath, I still have a layer of wavy 2A hair (even that layer is about the thickness of most of my friends’ hair), while on top is a mixture of type 3A and 3B. My face (oval-square) is framed by a trapezoid of curls, with darker waves poking out underneath. It’s hard to prevent the trapezoid with layers, because then the top layer scrunches up and the bottom layer doesn’t. It looks really bad.
My hair regimen: shower every other day, put conditioner in for about 5-10 minutes, wash out conditioner, don’t comb or brush. In the morning after a shower, it looks okay for the morning, but it gets steadily harder to handle throughout the day. This regimen is from the “Curly Girl” book my hair stylist recommended.
My hairstylist has straight, thin hair, and has butchered my hair cut a few times, but she’s starting to get the hang of it…sort of…so I don’t want to switch to someone who has absolutely no idea what my hair’s like and tries to cut it wet or something. In short, I’m afraid to get my hair cut, and I’m getting some terrible split ends. Do you have any suggestions for my hairstylist or me about how to cut my hair, how to keep it from trapezoid-ing, how to prevent split ends and frizz, or anything you think would be helpful!
Christo: It is normal for your hair to change texture during your middle school years because that is when you reach puberty. During puberty your body’s hormones change, affecting the texture of your hair. There is nothing you can do to change your hormones and their effects on your hair texture, but you can learn how to work with your new hair; it is a challenge but it is possible. Let me give you the fundamentals of curly hair, which is keeping your hair healthy.
As far as cutting curly hair, there is no one technique that can be used. Every curl has its own personality — no one curl is like another. Therefore, you have to take many things into consideration before cutting curly hair. The stylist must look at and identify the texture of your hair as well as how you like to style your hair so that you can have a cut that fits your needs. For the best cut, the stylist has to work on wet hair. Cutting dry hair never works and I think that it’s the cause of the trapezoid affect that you now have. You are not the first person to have the trapezoid shape. In order to correct your haircut, I first suggest that you make sure your hair is healthy and that you find a hairstylist who already knows how to work with curly hair. In order to find a good stylist, ask them if they know how to treat and manage curly hair. If they explain some of the things I have listed for you, they know a good deal about working with curly hair and will probably be a good stylist for you. If they suggest cutting your hair dry, then run out the door. You should book a free consultation so that you can ask follow up questions and get a good feel of the stylist. You might be scared to try a different stylist but I don’t suggest you keep going through trial and error with your current one. After you go to a few free consultations and see that you have better options you should try someone new who can fix your haircut so that you don’t have the trapezoid affect.
Healthy hair equals great-looking styles. Apparently the hair regimen you mentioned to me is not working for you. Here is a successful formula that you should try to prevent split ends and frizz.
- You should shampoo your hair 2 times a week to remove build up and keep it from suffocating the hair shaft and damaging your hair.
- Conditioner should be used every time you wet your hair. After applying the conditioner to your hair in the shower, you should detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb (you should never use a brush on curly hair) so that it is applied evenly throughout and so that your hair will be easier to style after you rinse it out.
- Use a deep treatment like the Curlisto Deep Therapy Masque once a week in order to moisturize and repair damaged hair.
- Use the right styling products. You have to treat the 2A part of your curls with products that can benefit that texture. With your hair, you should use a light lotion, such as Curlisto’s Structura Lotion. The texture on the top part of your hair (3A and 3B) are tighter and the lotion by itself will not be strong enough. Therefore, you should mix the Structura Lotion with Control II Gel in order to get structured curls.
Life is about balance and I believe you should find a way to manage your hair by trying different ways and follow the right advice. Always remember your hair is the #1 thing in your wardrobe. You should feel free to style your hair any way you feel comfortable- either curly or straight. By doing that you will be more confident and happier with your look, and complete the puzzle of your whole image.
Q: I have naturally curly hair and can always remember the salons spending hours on my hair blowing it straight, I have been blessed with hair that can curl but also hold a flip up curl without hair spray.I have thick wavy/curly hair, I do try to let my hair air dry but do have to put products in my hair or it will go frizzy. I have read that mousse is a no no, that spray on gel is better, because mousse dry’s out your hair, is this true? I have let my hair grow long it is about in the middle of my shoulder blades. All my aunts and uncles on my father’s side have thick wavy hair. Can you please tell me what styling products would benefit me, as I do not want to dry out my hair but want to preserve my wavy/curly hair.
Christo: You are fortunate to have a hair texture that can be easily worn both curly and straight. There are many mousses on the market that are not designed for wavy to curly hair so be careful. If you use the right mousse, I don’t believe that it will dry out your hair. For your thick texture, here are my recommendations:
Use Curlisto Structura Lotion which has panthenol, amino acids and soy protein ingredients that moisturizes, conditions and makes your hair more manageable. Mix a quarter amount of lotion with a dime amount of Control I Gel and apply it to your hair in sections. Watch a styling video on how to do this here . For those of you who can’t log onto the site, here is what you should do:
Separate your hair into five sections. Add the combination of Structura Lotion and Control I Gel to each section by raking it through your hair. When you finish with the last section, scrunch your hair and blow dry it using a diffuser for curl definition. Once your hair is dry, use a fingertip of Finishing Pomade to smooth hair and get rid of fly aways. Finish with by spraying Structura Spray for long lasting style throughout the day.
Q: I was thinking of trying a new haircut, and since my hair is long i decided something crazy. I’ve never had a short haircut before, so what do u think of such hair cut for a 3b girl like me?
Christo: The answer is YES! I believe that you can have any haircut that you desire as long as it works with your facial structures, body type, lifestyle and curl texture. Please feel free to email info@curlisto.com and attach a picture of yourself so that I can analyze your facial structure and be better equipped to give you advice on a haircut. If you are concerned about the texture, I have done many hairstyles before for women with 3B texture. You can see samples on my portfolio on CHRISTOnyc.com.
Q: I LOVE highlights in my hair, but every time I get them, they damage the holy heck out of my hair. My curls look beautiful initially, but then after some time, my hair starts to look like tumbleweed as a result of the stripping of the highlighted hair. The ends get so damaged that it becomes plain “skanky”. Now that I am CG and have learned how to really moisturize and care for my curls is it possible for me to get highlights again without the damaging results?
Christo: When you highlight your hair, you have to take your texture into consideration. Otherwise, you end up with all the problems you mentioned—damage, breakage, etc. The tighter your hair, the easier it is to become damaged. Your 3B texture is very fragile and dries out easily. The Curlisto way to highlight hair like this is to first treat the hair with the Colorective Line which is designed to prepare your hair before applying any chemical color process. Coloring curly hair is a lot more complicated than coloring straight hair. It involves a little more work but it can be done. Chemical processes can dry out your hair so it is very important to hydrate the hair shaft so you must CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION! Use deep treatments like the Curlisto Deep Therapy Masque once a week to counteract the negative effects of coloring.
Q: My problem is that all the hair underneath the top layer gets great curls, even some spirals. But all the stuff on top lays pretty flat. Is that just the result of damage and will improve with time, or will I have to keep helping the top to curl more? I’d be so grateful for any ideas on products and/or actions to bring out the curl on the top layer?
Christo: It seems like the texture on the top has a different texture than the one on the bottom and your haircut probably doesn’t help the style. The hair on the top layer of the head usually gets the worse abuse. Therefore, you have to use the deep therapy masque on a weekly basis to feed that area of the hair. When you are styling, you should pay attention to that part. Use clips and diffuse immediately. This will deliver a better curl.
-
Ask the Expert: Christo
- Monday, March 9th, 2009 | by Christo
-
Christo
Q: I have an inside scoop on a position opening at my city’s police department. I was wondering if anybody had a good style just in case I get an interview? I would really appreciate it.
Christo: If you are applying for a position with the police department, then it is important for your hair to be neat. I would suggest that you wear your hair slicked back with a side part, a hairstyle that is timeless, professional and exudes confidence and power. You can effectively achieve this look with both straight and curly hair. For straight hair, use a blow dryer so that it looks neat. Make a side part and slick your hair back with a little bit of Curlisto Control I Gel to keep all the hair in place. For curly hair, start on semi-dry hair and make a side part. Use Curlisto Control II gel to slick the hair back into a classic chignon. Your interviewer will see you are serious and professional.
Q: I’m thinking about getting my hair cut like a little longer than chin length. Will this change the way my hair sits on my head? I have 3b hair. Any suggestions on how to get the right short cut for my face? Do you think it’s better to go shorter gradually?
Christo: The most important thing to consider when going from long to short hair is committing to it. You must first ask yourself a very important question: Can my facial features carry this style? If you have a round or square face, the answer is no. If you have an oval or triangle face, the answer is yes. Equally important, is the right hair texture. If you are 3B, then the curls have to texturized right so that the curls don’t puff who understands your texture, and make sure to discuss facial shape and texture. Before getting the haircut, you have to make sure that your hair is in good condition so that there isn’t too much frizz when it is cut short. In order to improve the condition to prepare it for the short cut, use the Curlisto Deep Therapy Masque. Deciding how much to cut is based on how much you want a change. If you are really convinced that you want a visible change, you have to just go for it as long as it fits your face. If you’re not ready and you gradually get shorter, you might get discouraged.
Q: I have 3a thick hair — very soft curly — but the curls seem thin and stringy right now. Is this a product problem or technique problem? I’d really like to try to get them to clump more.
Christo: If you want thicker curls then you will have to use the right product and right technique. First, I would use the Repair Styling Cream, a leave in conditioner that will prepare your hair to group together for a fatter curl after styling. For styling, mix a quarter-size amount of Structura Lotion with a dime-size amount of Control I Gel and apply it to your hair in sections. When applying it to your hair, rake through with 3 fingers instead of 4 for fatter curls. This technique will add definition and make your curls fatter.
Q: So I used to have a mass of gorgeous ringlets — massss of them! Everywhere! I don’t know what happened but between March and now of this year, they seem to have completely died. I have a random curl here and there but the rest is brittle waves. I NEVER use a straightener on my hair as it easily blow drys straight. I never blow dried it often but I’m considering that the times I did it myself, I may have burnt it. So I got sick of it and cut it short hoping the new hair would be curly. But it doesn’t seem to be the case. Still dead. I’ve put multiple amounts of treatments in it. I just can’t get the curl back. What happened?
Christo: Texture always matters and it is important for your hair to be healthy. I understand that you had gorgeous ringlets in March, but keep in mind that your hair changes every 7 years and this could be the cause of the change in texture. The multiple treatments that you have used might be the cause as well. There are many treatments out there that don’t help maintain the healthiness of your hair. Instead of resorting to treatments that might have harsh chemicals that can damage your hair, you should use products that are made with Keratin and other proteins that improve the health of your hair and reverse the damage of neglect and chemical treatments. I suggest you use the Deep Therapy Masque at least once a week to bring your hair back to a healthy condition. There is no guarantee that your curl will come back to the ringlets that you had before, since your texture might have changed naturally. Burnt hair from blow drying and flat ironing can be fixed with the right hair cut and treatment, but the curl might never come back.
Q: Once I scrunch out the crunch, my ends start to separate and frizz. I have been avoiding hairspray because I hate how drying and fake it looks. But, I’m getting desperate! Any suggestions?
Christo: This is the perfect example of dehydrated hair. When your hair becomes frizzy as you’ve described, it is time to treat it with special treatments. I suggest Deep Therapy Masque at least once a week to bring back the health and prevent further damage. When styling your hair, you should also use leave-in treatments like the Repair Styling Cream. Then, when you’re finished styling, do NOT scrunch the hair with your dry hands because it will cause frizziness. Instead, use a light pomade that will smooth out flyaways and leave your hair soft and shiny. For a great hold without messing up the hair, I suggest you use Structura Spray, an anti-frizz product for high-humidity conditions.
Q: I need help! I am going to spend some time up north over the winter holidays. I have no idea how to take care of curly hair in those temperatures. I’m born and raised in Florida, and it’s never cold here, so I’m clueless. I was wondering if you have product and styling suggestions for colder, drier weather?
Christo: When traveling up north, consider it a break from styling your hair as you will need to fight high-humidity weather. Styling your hair will be a lot easier since you can use fewer products. When you are away for the holidays, I recommend that you start by preparing your hair with Protein Boost, a leave-in conditioner and re-structurizing spray. When styling, apply Structura Lotion to your hair in sections and let it air-dry or diffuse. Finish up with some Finishing Pomade. You will probably need half the amount of product that you normally use down in Florida.
-
Ask the Expert: Christo
- Sunday, June 1st, 2008 | by Christo
-
Christo
Q: What I’ve realized is that I don’t like the way I look with my hair all down. Even if the hair looks fine, I don’t. I think it’s because it does tend to get flat and flat hair is not flattering on me at all. I look much better with some hair pulled back. My question is whether there is a haircut that I could get which would take care of this problem so that I could wear my hair all down and have it look nice on me?
Christo: It is very important to wear your hair down because you are able to enjoy the full benefit of having long hair. The best way to do this is to have angles that frame the face and are reversible so that they can be pushed back to give lift to the top layer of the hair. I highly recommend texturizing the top layer to have the best look. I do not agree with texturizing the sides because it only looks good when its tied back and not when its left loose. Cutting the sides will make you look like you have the wrong haircut. Overall, the cut has to frame angles down to the shoulders and texturizing has to be enough to provide lift on the top. The products that you use can make or break your style. They can help create a glamorous look or make your hair look unhealthy.
Q: I am afraid that I am beyond help. I have medium-long naturally curly hair (2c - 3a), and I color it professionally because the grays are taking over. For the past few years the ends have broken off, making the last four to five inches of my hair look really thin. My hair grows very slow, but I do cut it every eight weeks. To add insult to injury, I had surgery six months ago and now may hair is coming out. I feel like I may need to cut my hair short, but I am scared to death to cut it and I haven’t got a clue what type of cut to get. I have always wanted long curly hair. Gosh, what do I do first?
Christo: It is very scary to cut off all your hair when you’ve had it long all your life. I hope you are doing well after surgery. There are a few things I would like to share in case you didn’t know. The anesthesia causes hormonal changes and you can therefore see hair loss afterward. It will grow back when your hormone levels return to normal, but it will take a little time. Hormones also change with age: hair becomes thinner and breaks easily. Here are some steps you can take to get your hair back in shape:
- It would be in your best interest to nourish your hair with Curlisto Deep Therapy Masque once a week.
- Go for a consultation with your hairstylist and mention all the issues you are having with your hair. Get expert advice to see if a short haircut will work with your face. If there is a lot of breakage on the bottom, I would recommend you minimize length to get rid of them. There are products that help you to create lift into the root area and make your hair look and feel thicker. For us, this is the Curlisto Curl Reform. This product will lift the root, make the hair look fuller with its Expansion Technology and protect your hair from breakage.
Q: I have a problem with the hair closest to my nape being frizzy. It’s the strangest thing to me because my hair will be fine and frizz free except for that area. Only 15 minutes after styling, it reverts back to this intense, coarse frizz like it’s severely moisture-starved. Yet no amount of moisture quenches it. Any suggestions?
Christo: The hair by the nape of the neck is very sensitive and tangles very easily. You should use a leave-in conditioner like Curlisto Repair Styling Cream as a leave-in conditioner helps prevent hair from getting dry and tangled. A lot of people suffer from this problem. If this suggestion doesn’t help, you should go for treatment to soften the curls, get rid of frizz and eliminate build up.
Q: My hair is soft and relatively easy to manage. I just can’t seem to get the hair on the top of my head to curl, no matter how much I scrunch! Any advice?
Christo: From what you describe, the top layer of your hair is a different texture from the rest of your head. A lot of people have different curl textures, and it can be remedied by getting the right hair cut. If you don’t want to relax that area, you will have to get the right cut and use the right styling products. For a start, change the styling products you use on the top. You should use lighter products like Repair Styling Cream and Bio-Gel Mousse. You want to texturize in order to give body. If this does not satisfy your question, I highly recommend that you talk to your stylist to address this problem and ask about a cut or body wave. Always keep your hair healthy; it is the most important aspect of having the right style. Therefore use the Curlisto Deep Therapy Masque at least once a week even though you feel that your hair is healthy.
Q: I checked the humidity level first thing this morning and was happy to see 10 percent: bone dry! Even though it’s raining, I thought i would have a good hair day. I drove to work, which is 20 minutes away and in another county. I walked in my office and WHOA! My curls turned into frizz. How can I deal with the humidity?
Christo: There are many ways that you can keep your curls frizz free this summer, even though there is a lot of humidity. My first suggestion is to condition, condition, condition with Curlisto Deep Therapy Masque even when you feel your hair is healthy. Then, use the right styling products for your curls. Watch an informational video on how to style your curly hair. I guarantee that if you follow the instructions, you will enjoy frizz-free curls all summer long. We tested it in very humid climates and the results were amazing. The only thing you have to do is have the right product and follow the directions.
Q: I don’t know what’s happening, but I am losing my curls. In the past few days, I have notice that my hair doesn’t clump as much. The last time I highlighted my hair was this past December and lately I have notice that once the gel dries and I scrunch the crunch, my blond pieces of highlighted hair stay together and don/t clump with the non-highlighted hair. So now I have these blond pieces that don’t look natural. I do a deep treatment once a week. What’s going on with my curls?
Christo: This is a sign that your hair texture changing dramatically. It usually happens because of a change in body hormones. The best thing that you can do is to ask a nutritionist or your doctor if you are going through any changes. You should also condition, condition, condition with Curlisto Deep Therapy Masque at least 3 times a week. It will take a long time for you to see improvement in your hair. I recommend that you gradually cut off the ends so that they better blend with your style. If you are in New York City, feel free to come to my salon for a free consultation with a senior stylist.
-
Ask the Expert: Christo
- Thursday, November 1st, 2007 | by Christo
-
Christo
Q: I am in desperate need of help. My hair makes me so sad. I can never wear it down because I don’t know how to manage the fuzziness and the volume. My permanent hair style is a bun. I like my hair when it is wet. But when it dries, that’s when it goes into a bun because it gets so pouffy and unmanageable. I need advice on how to care for my hair so I can wear it down and not be self conscious about it. I have brown S-shaped curls that are shoulder length.
Christo: My first advice to you is to continually condition your hair. The hair will frizz and poof up like you describe because it is dry. Therefore, the best way to care for it is to use Curlisto Deep Therapy Masque every week as well as conditioning more often with the Bio Curl Shampoo and Conditioner no more than twice a week. As for styling, check out our web site. We have a new section called “Styling your Hair” and click on your hair type to follow the product formula and view the step-by-step video. I think you will be more than successful.
Q: After many years of struggling with my hair I have finally realized what is the cause of most, if not all my bad hair days — forehead baby hairs! I can’t tell you how much time and money I have spent trying to get this weird, almost unconnected part of my hair to behave. My hair is 3a with some 3b, and for the most part, I can get it to look good with or without gel. I just use some leave-in conditioner and scrunch and it looks good, except for those dreaded forehead baby hairs. I can style my hair down, in a bun, in a ponytail and everything will look great except for that area. Even when I relaxed my hair, that was always the part that looked bad. They stand out because the rest of my hair will look either wavy, curly or super-curly smooth and soft. That part looks like I stuck my hand in a electrical socket. It is about 1.5-2 inches in length and sticks up and to the side.
Christo: Baby hairs are dry and dehydrated, so I would suggest using a fingertip amount of a paste — not a gel — to finish styling your curls. tuck them in with another curl and then spray Structura Spray for better hold. For better styling, make sure you use Curlisto Deep Therapy Masque on a regular basis, especially on those unruly hairs.
Q: I really love how my hair looks in the front. It’s really clumpy and loose s-shaped. But in the back, the curls are pretty stringy and super curly. It looks really odd. What can I do? Do you think using a relaxer just in the back would help? I used one all over my hair about two or three months ago and it just loosened the curl a teeny bit. I think that’s why my hair looks so good in the front now.
Christo: Using a regular relaxer can be very damaging to your hair because of the heavy chemicals. Here at Christo Fifth Avenue Salon, we use Curlisto Bio Softening as well as Curlisto Reconditioning treatments. Of course we go directly to the areas that need the most attention in order to balance your texture and not to completely relax or restructure the curls. I recommend seeing a professional for any chemical treatments.
Q: I need tips for washing and styling my curly hair at night so it still looks decent in the morning. Any suggestions?
Christo: After you shampoo and condition, twist the curls in a rope and clip in place. The next day, finish touching up. For example, keep the curls in a shower cap and afterward, bring them down and smooth a little bit of Curlisto Unruly Paste on. Spritz with Structura Spray for hold and then finish with Glow & Shine, and you’ll be ready to go.
Q: My hair has been looking flat on top. Using clips hasn’t worked, and drying my hair upside down and putting product in upside has not worked. Any other suggestions? Would short layers work? Do I have product buildup?
Christo: Apparently there must be a problem with your styling formula if after all that work, nothing happens. It’s possible that product build up is causing the flatness of your hair. So always choose a styling tool that works best with your hair texture. Please view our styling lesson videos on our web site for directions. Feel free to e-mail us a picture of your product-free curls so we can provide you with an e-mail consultation and hair prescription.
Q: I am a very fine 3a/3b, if that’s possible. My curls are somewhat loose but there are also some spirals. I think I have come to the conclusion that moisturizing shampoos and conditioners weigh my hair down. My question is, is it better to use a volumizing shampoo and moisturizing conditioner or moisturizing shampoo and volumizing conditioner?
Christo: The tighter your curls are, the finer and more fragile your hair is. Therefore, when you choose a shampoo and conditioner, make sure that they are protein-based and not wax-based. Curlisto’s Botanical Shampoo and the Botanical Rinse is protein-based and is also pH balanced, which means that it will not weigh down your hair, no matter how fine your hair is.<
Q: I’d love to wear my curly, but it scrunches up too much, and since I had layers in it I look like Bozo the Clown. I was wondering if there is anything that would help my hair grow faster. I’m thinking the longer it is, the more it will weigh my curls down.
Christo: Sorry to hear the description of your hair, but here is a tip: hair cannot be forced to grow faster. Keeping it healthy will help so use a good masque as well as really good styling tools for more hold, such as Curlisto Structura Lotion and Control Gel II. Please view the videos on Curlisto.com to see details on how to style your specific curl type. Also, the Curlisto Anti-Frizz treatment might benefit you.
Learn more about and ask questions of Christo and our other columnists.
Learn more about purchasing Curlisto products in CurlMart.
-
Ask the Expert: Christo
- Tuesday, May 1st, 2007 | by Christo
-
Christo
Q: I have curly hair and am very frustrated with the lack of growth. I was wondering if there was something wrong with my hair, and why it doesn’t grow. It is very frizzy and looks like I just woke up all the time. It is about down in the mid-neck line. I have been trying to grow it for 3.5 years now, with minimal trims.
Christo: I can understand how frustrating it can be, especially when our hair is 80 percent of our look. Hair grows differently for everyone, but I will give you some tips that will help you and your hair. The first step is that you must feed your hair. We need to eat to survive, and so does our hair. Use our Curlisto Deep Therapy Masque as a weekly treatment. Treatments are not a luxury when it comes to hair — they are a necessity. If you use the masque regularly, your hair will be less frizzy and unruly and will help maintain your hair’s health. But remember the three steps to successful styling of healthy hair: the correct cut for your texture and face, the right styling tools and knowing how to use them properly. The Curlisto philosophy is that there is always room for improvement, so don’t give up and turn your frustration into a challenge.
Q: I love wearing my curly hair down because I love how it looks. But it always falls in my face. The front part of my hair always bothers me and doesn’t cooperate. So I usually end up pulling it back into a ponytail. What different things can I do with my hair that will keep it out of my face, yet will also allow me to wear it down?
Christo: Absolutely! For starters, make sure you explain to your stylist how you want to wear your hair. It sounds like your hair needs a little bit of texturizing away from the face so your curls can be pulled back. Also, you can style your hair away from your face using small bobby pins close to your roots. This way it’s not so visible. If you prefer hair accessories, use small, fun clips. Another good way is to use braiding techniques, braiding the curls in the front so it looks stylish but controlled.
Q: I have really weird hair. It is naturally curly on the top layer, but straight underneath. It is really long and I like it that way, but I have a triangle thing going on where it’s flat on the top of my head and then gets more volume toward the bottom. I like it curly. But if it’s layered, they cut the curly part and I don’t want that. Is there anything else I can do to get more volume on the top of my head and get rid of the triangle look that is driving me crazy?
Christo: This is very a very common texture when it comes to curly hair. I always suggest that before cutting, you use a Curlisto Anti-Frizz treatment, an in-salon conditioning treatment, on top so you can take away the frizz and dryness from your hair and make the curls easier to blend with the bottom layers. That alone will minimize the pyramid effect and make your styling easier. Then you need to have the correct hair cut, with 68-degree angles that frame the face and take the bulk away from the bottom. Get a good consultation before you do anything.
Q: My name is Allie. and I’m 12 years old. I have really curly hair that is thick and rebellious. I am attempting to grow it out longer. When curly, it’s a tiny bit past my shoulders. I don’t have enough time to shower before the school bus so my hair is never wet. And I don’t know what to do with my curls for school except to put them in ponytails. Any suggestions?
Christo: The curly texture is one of the most exotic textures of hair. It takes more time and care in order to look good, but when it does, no other texture comes close to it. So you should feel proud of your hair. When it comes to styling, it’s better to style the curls the night before if you have to catch a bus in the morning. I will advise you to check out the “My Texture” section on the Curlisto website and then follow the styling lesson under the FAQ section. Before going to sleep, always pull the curls up in a rope twist, and the next day touch it up with Curlisto Unruly Paste. It takes 2 minutes and is not necessary to wet the hair. Other fun styles including braiding in different styles as well as small twisties.
Q: I just found this site, and I really need some help. My hair is a 2b/3a, and I am having serious problems with it. It is extremely frizzy. The ends do this strange things where they are majorly frizzy and don’t curl at all. My hairstylist called them “fizzled out,” and I’ve had them for years. I take vitamins, I don’t straighten or blowdry, and I don’t color my hair. But they are still there! It’s horrible. I’ve taken to wearing my hair up every day, but I want to wear it down. Can you help me get beautiful curls?
Christo: You probably have different textures. Curly hair comes in twos and threes, with hairs from the follicle pushing into each other and creating a curl. Some may be curly, and some are kinky curly. So the best way, if you haven’t already yet, is to start with the Deep Therapy Masque every week. If that doesn’t help, you may want to consider a more intense chemical treatment such as the Curlisto Bio Softening treatment (done in-salon) that will provide you with better results. Go one step at a time.
Also consider that frizz comes from extreme dryness. And in order to succeed I would like you to visit www.curlisto.com to read the three steps to successful styling. This is something that I’ve been testing for more than 20 years and have proven it to be the only way to achieve successful styling. With that, you should be able to wear your curls however you want, up or down, and have a beautiful style.Q: In what order are you supposed to diffuse? Should you put on your product and diffuse it right afterward, or do you put on your product, wait a while and then diffuse? Or do you get out of the shower, wait a while, put on your product and diffuse right after?
Christo: Either way, you will get good results. Apply products on wet hair right after you get out of the shower and then diffuse it immediately. Or you can apply the products first and then let your hair air dry for eight to 10 minutes while finishing your make up, and then diffuse. Definitely do not wait a while after you get out of the shower to apply the products and diffuse because you will end up with FRIZZ! The hair not only will look frizzy but will absorb more product than you want to apply into your hair. So the best thing is to squeeze the excess water out and start applying the product then.
Learn more about and ask questions of Christo and our other columnists.
Learn more about purchasing Curlisto products in CurlMart.
-
Ask the Expert: Christo
- Wednesday, November 1st, 2006 | by Christo
-
Christo
Q: Hi! I am writing because I have naturally curly hair, which is shoulder length. I am 36 years old and prefer to wear my hair long. In the past 10 years, I have had only three good haircuts — one in Montreal and two in Miami. When I go to a stylist — I’ve been to many where I live in upstate New York — I explain what I would like, and leave the salon looking halfway decent. But when I go home to style my hair, it looks like a rat’s nest. Many times the stylist will straighten my hair (I never wear it that way), or make it very curly and big. Is naturally curly hair more difficult to cut? Is my problem the cut or my lack of styling ability? The hairdresser in Miami gave me such a great cut, I could literally roll out of bed and look great. But no one here can duplicate it. I literally fear my next haircut, but the one I got two weeks ago is very difficult to manage. (I’ve been told by people to let it grow out for several months and only get it cut when I can travel to a large metropolitan area.) Are there any important things I should mention before getting my hair cut to the stylist? Thank you for your advice.
Christo: Every hair texture has its challenges, but that does not mean you can’t have a good style. Successful styling depends 50 percent on you and 50 percent on the stylist. Here are three steps that can help:
1. Start with healthy hair. That means using a lot of Deep Therapy Masque at home – at least once a
Get the right hair cut for your texture and the facial structure. Before the cut, make sure you get a consultation and ask as many questions as you need to prevent mistakes.
3. Learn how to style from your stylist and know which products can work for your texture in order to get the best results. (You might also want to check out this article on choosing a stylist.)
Tips for Stylists:
1. Never cut straight layers, but rather angles.
2. Never blow the hair out straight and cut.
3. Never thin, but texturize when cutting curls
4. Always choose the styling tools that fit your client’s texture.
Q: I have a curly, medium-length bob and I am blond. I find blond curls show frizz more than dark curly hair. Please tell me if you know of a product that really tames frizz without a stiff or gluey feel to the hair. I like my hair touchably soft.
Christo: It’s true: blondes show more frizz. So make sure you use intensive treatments such as Curlisto’s Deep Therapy Masque. Never depend on a quick fix. But if you have to, use products like Finishing Pomade or Unruly Paste from Curlisto, which will add shine and smooth frizz, without silicone.
Q: I love my curls. They are shoulder length and naturally red, with the underneath dyed black. They are beautiful and thick. But I have to gel them and put hairspray on them everyday. I fear it is damaging my hair. I’m kind of bored with doing the gel routine. I’m sick of the stiffness. It’s like a helmet. What else can I do?
Christo: It sounds like you have great hair. You are lucky. But it also sounds like you are using the wrong products for your hair type. The gel or lotion should not make you curls stiff. Try to use water-soluble products with less gum, and make sure they are alcohol-free. Check our Curlisto Systems on CurlMart.
Q: I’m a curly from Massachusetts, so my hair is always frizzy. Some days I love my hair. But most days I hate it. On the side of my head that I sleep on, my hair is soft and wavy, with some spiral curls underneath. But on the other side, it’s much curlier. Also my hair is flat and wavy on top, but very curly underneath. Any suggestions on how to get it to look more uniform?
Christo: It looks like the problem is the hairstyle and your maintenance. To maintain healthy hair, you have to treat it with a deep conditioning mask on a regular basis. You also have to have the right tools for styling. So according to how curly your hair is, use a Structura Lotion and Control Gel mixture, and make sure to apply it in three to four sections, bottom to top. Let it air dry or blowdry with a diffuser. This will add consistency to the style. When you go to sleep, put the curls up in a twisted bun so they will not be frizzy. The next day, touch them up with a little Unruly Paste.
Q: Now that the weather is cooler, I like to wear my hair straight, but I’m not sure which causes less damage. Any thoughts?
Christo: You are absolutely right. This is the best time for a blow out. But keep in mind that any style that goes against the texture causes damage. First, ask yourself if you have been good to your curls with intensive treatments. If so, when you get a blowout. they will look great. But don’t go overboard. Do it sparingly and make sure to use the Deep Therapy Masque when you shampoo after the blowout. Remember it is all about balance.
Q: I have a haircolor question. In the beginning of August, I had blonde highlights put into my medium brown hair. At the time, they looked great. But now, I feel like they have gotten that brassy, orange hue. How do I solve this problem?
Christo: Simply visit your salon and get a vegetable glaze to match your hair color. That will actually add a lot of shine to your hair and will tone down the brassiness. You can maintain your color with such treatments as Colorective Chocolate Creme to avoid becoming brassy again.
Q: I have naturally curly hair. But if I don’t scrunch it with hairspray, and other products, it gets frizzy, and puffy. I want beautiful curls, and I don’t want to spend hours doing my hair. I don’t want to have to pull it back in a ponytail if I don’t have hours to do it. Do you have any suggestions for my hair? Help!!!
Christo: The most important part is to start with healthy hair. Do your homework with intensive treatments, and then find out which products work best for your curls. Follow with the correct styling method and apply products in three to four sections, from bottom to top. It should not take you more than 10 minutes to style.
Learn more about and ask questions of Christo and our other columnists.
Learn more about purchasing Curlisto products in CurlMart.
-
Ask the Expert: Christo
- Saturday, July 1st, 2006 | by Christo
-
Christo
Dear curl fans,
An essential element that is important to remember: maintenance is the key! Shampoo your hair only when you need to — once or twice a week. Use a light daily shampoo, such as Botanical Shampoo from Curlisto. Always follow with a conditioning rinse after shampooing. Use Deep Therapy Masque on a regular basis (we need to eat to survive ,and our hair also needs similar nourishment), at least twice a month for a healthy look.
– ChristoQ: I have 2b hair, and lately it’s been looking really flat and frizzy. Even if it looks great the first hour, it significantly loses its curl after that. I’m sure I could improve my “process,” but anything new I try doesn’t seem to work because my hair is so fickle. I think I need a new product that’s right for my hair and some suggestions. Here is my routine:
I wash every other day.I use conditioner each time.I dry the top section (equivalent of where bangs would be, but I don’t have them) with a large round brush to give it height, which seems to work well.Then I flip my head over and re-wet it because it has to be pretty wet when I put product in or it separates and the curls won’t form.Then I use Wired by Rusk and “crunch” it into my hair (don’t like gel because I don’t like the wet, crunchy look).I blow dry with diffuser, crunching a bit not too much.I dry it until it is half dry. When I start to notice frizz, I stop.Maybe it’s just the nature of my hair and it won’t get much better. But any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Should I dry it all the way, dry it less, use different products, use additional products?Christo: First we must start with your daily maintenance. Only shampoo your hair two times weekly. That is enough cleansing. Try my Curlisto Botanical Shampoo. You can condition your hair as often as every day with the Curlisto Botanical Rinse. It is a must to use Deep Therapy Masque. Even if your hair is 2b, it doesn’t mean it won’t frizz or look dry. Hair needs continuous nourishment in order to look good. It is important that your haircut work with your specific curls and complements your facial features. It sounds like you’re struggling too much to make your style work for you. Remember that styling your hair should be fun, not work. And you need the right haircut to allow that principle to work. Make sure you’re choosing the right styling tools for your hair. When the right products are used, your hair will look better and styling it will be fun instead of a struggle.
Product suggestions:
1. A leave-in treatment such as Curlisto Protein Boost3. Curlisto Control I (used correctly it will give you a soft, healthy and touchable style — not a crispy wet look.)
Q: Help! I have been unable to find anyone in my area who can cut my hair in a decent style. I love my curls, but rarely wear my hair down because I can’t find a cut that works. I have incredibly thick (pulled back, I can only wrap a wrist-sized elastic around my pony tail twice), wavy/curly hair. I’ve tried to identify the type of curl, and my hair is a combination of many. I had ringlets as a little girl, but now my hair is somewhere between wavy and curly. If I pull a strand out, it still curls in a nice “s” curl, but the weight of my hair seems to pull out the curls even though I keep it somewhere between shoulder and the bottom of my shoulder blades in length.If my hair is shorter, I have more curl. But with that comes the “poof” and I look like I have a triangle sitting on my head — a triangle that grows as my hair dries. I have a combination of products I really like, and with the right cut I know my hair could look great. Unfortunately, I live on the west coast (Vancouver, WA) and all the “great curly salons” seem to be on the East Coast. What can I do to find a stylist who knows what she/he is doing without going to different people every few month and spending ridiculous amounts of money on less than fantastic styles?
Christo: First let me tell you how exhausting it is to have that kind of tight curl. Some hair cuts seem to kill these kinds of curls, and they end up making them look poofy as you described or like a long pyramind. The way of cutting every curl is different. Keep in mind that tricks such as thinning do not usually deliver the desired results. Long angles and smart texturing will benefit curls. Then you can go as short as you wish. The best way to go about finding a stylist that understands these principles is to go first for a consultation. Let the stylist talk to you and see what he/she will suggest. If thinning is mentioned, you could just walk away and not look back. However, if he/she takes time and starts suggesting long angles, cutting into curls or texturing that makes sense, give them a shot. You might want to check out CurlSalons on NaturallyCurly.com for recommendations in your area.
Q: I finally had to admit it: My hair is curly! All though childhood, my hair was stiff straight and light brown. But now, in my early 20s, it has changed completely to dark brown waves bordering on curls, with perfect spiral curls around my face. I have no idea what to do with this newfound head of hair that came out of nowhere! Years of denial and flatirons have left it pretty damaged, so it frizzes at the slightest inclination. Have you ever heard of a woman’s hair changing so completely? What do I do with these poor, abused curls?
Christo: It is normal for our hair to change, more for some of us than others. Hair will continue to change in a cycle of seven years. The best suggestion I can give is to embrace the texture you have and you will be able to achieve styles. Don’t fight it. The more you go against the texture, the more dryness and frizziness you will have. You should get some lessons about how to deal with your current texture from a curl specialist at a salon in your area.
Q: My hair is shoulder length, with looser curls. When it’s wet, the curls look really nice. But as they start to dry, they start tangling and frizzing. I’m in Ethiopia and have no opportunity to buy all the products I hear about. Are there any simple tips to make my hair look great?
Christo: It sounds like your hair is dry from the inside out. I suggest you get products that work better for your texture. Stay away from oils and silicones. To start, use your daily rinse and don’t rinse it out completely. Leave at least 15 percent of the product through the ends. Also try a leave-in conditioner.
Q: How do you know when your hair needs clarifying? Is it when it becomes limp and dry, or is it when your products won’t work?
Christo: All of the above. But also when your hair loses shine and starts looking dull. I suggest using a product like Curlisto Aqualizer.
Q: I just got bright light, brown highlights. They look beautiful. I use gentle shampoos and conditioners. I was wondering if I need to change my routine at all to maintain the color. My hair is very strong but I haven’t had color for a few years.
Christo: The most important thing to help color last is to use color-treated shampoos and conditioners, like my Curlisto Colorective line. They will make hair color last longer, give hair shine, and keep your color fresh between touch ups. Also make sure you use Deep Therapy Masque without heat. Shampoo less if you don’t use color shampoos, and make sure the product is low in sulfates.
Q: So many moons ago I got thermal reconditioning done. I’m trying to let my hair grow out long — like mid-back. Right now, it’s about three inches below my shoulders. If I chemically straighten and keep maintaining it, will I have to stop letting it grow out because of the damage it will do to my ends? Is there anything out there that’s more gentle? Any advice? Recommendations?
Christo: There are many other softer chemical treatments. But they are only made available at some select salons. To name a few of these treatments: (1) Curlisto Anti-Frizz (2) Curlisto Bio Softening (3) Curlisto Reconditioning. And make sure you’re deep conditioning your hair with a product like Deep Therapy Masque.
