Teri Evans

The music starts. You take your first step and it feels as if you’re floating. The walk down the aisle on your wedding day is the one dreamy moment you’ve played over in your mind a thousand times. All eyes will be on you, and the silhouette you create when you enter the room.

What makes a picture-perfect bride? You must match your curly coif with the style of your wedding gown, says curl expert Christo of New York’s Christo Fifth Avenue salon.

It’s a critical step in creating the overall look on your wedding day. In fact, Christo says he always asks to see a bride’s dress before even considering how to style her hair.

Here we provide several sensational style options to match the five most-popular dream dresses. Whether you envision a wedding day steeped in elegant tradition or dazzling drama, you’ll find a solution that best suits you!

Allover beaded lace gown with empire waist from David’s Bridal

Empire

STYLE: A Renaissance dress with a raised waistline placed just below the bust, while the rest of the gown flows freely to the hem.

BEST SUITED FOR: Curly

This captivating gown is reminiscent of the Victorian era. (Think of Ang Lee’s movie “Sense & Sensibility.”)

“This is my favorite dress for naturally curly hair, because you can leave a lot of curls showing,” Christo says. “You can wear your curls either tied back or loose, and it’s very romantic.”

If you choose to wear your hair half-up, half-down, Christo suggests taking small sections of curls — starting from the temples and then ear to ear — and tie them into small knots (as you would a rope). To sprinkle in more romance and innocence, adorn the ‘do with baby’s breath or miniature roses.

“You can also add extensions for a more dramatic look, as long as they match your hair texture,” Christo says.

Like any relationship, the one you have with your stylist is a two-way street. The expert behind the chair can glamorize your curly life, but you have to meet your stylist halfway if you want to get the most from your mane squeeze. The future of your curls depends on it!

Here are eight simple rules for holding up your end of the ‘do — and becoming the best curly client a stylist could ask for.

Rule #1: Be on time

It may sound stylish to be “fashionably late,” but remember that a hair salon is not a soiree. Punctuality counts. Even if you’re just a few minutes late for your appointment, it can shove a super-tight schedule into a tailspin. The stylist is left scrambling to catch up, and the last thing you want is a rushed cut or color. So, as the saying goes, treat others the way you want to be treated— and don’t be late!

Rule #2: Arrive in style

Since every curly is unique, a stylist needs to see your curl pattern in full effect to create the right style for you. Lose the ponytail, leave your hat at home, and coif your curls before you step into the salon.

“It’s really important to style your hair the way you normally wear it, especially if you’re a first-time client, because we want to see what you’re dealing with,” says Kaycee Clark, a curly stylist and owner of Dear Clark Hair Studio in Dallas, Texas. “I also cut hair differently, if they wear it curly all the time, than I do for someone who wears it curly and straight.”

So, remember, tell your stylist if you’re a curl purist or if you go both ways.

Rule #3: Show what you like

Think of your salon visit as a grownup game of show-and-tell. Before your appointment, grab a few beauty magazines and tear out any curly pictures that show the style you want. Photos can often visualize what you’re looking for, more than words can explain it.

“Bringing in pictures is always a great idea, whether it’s something realistic for your hair or not,” Clark says. “At least it tells me what you like and what you think is pretty. Then it’s up to me as the professional to let the client know [my opinion].”

Rule #4: Know what you want

Kaycee Clark

The stylist is there to help you, of course, but the more ideas you bring to the chair, the better off you’ll be when you step out of it.

“You don’t want to be wondering about hairstyles when you’re in the chair, and then in that moment start to go through magazines asking, ‘How about this or that?’” says Christo of New York’s Christo Fifth Avenue Salon. “If you have not made up your mind, chances are you will not get what you like at the end of the day.”

And you don’t want to just saunter in and turn over a handful of ripped-out curly images without really looking at them. What do you like about the pictures? Jot down your thoughts and any questions that come to mind before you even walk into the salon.

Once you’ve done your homework, you’re halfway there. You know what you want, you’ve got the pictures to prove it and you’re speaking your mind. Excellent.

What next?

Rule #5: Listen (Really pay attention)

Experts say this is a critical rule for any relationship — whether you’re listening to the one you love or the one who styles your curly locks.

“If you cut the stylist off or don’t let him talk, which happens many times, he can’t offer you a full explanation of the service he’s going to give you,” Christo says.

Maybe you really needed to hear that haircut you want isn’t going to work for you. Whether it’s good news or not, your stylist’s opinion is important. So, always pay attention. No mind drifting. No constant glances at your smart phone. Turn the ringer off and avoid all distractions. Be present for your stylist — and yourself.

You’re worth it!

Rule #6: Stay open to stylist suggestions

Whether it’s unique cutting techniques or product suggestions for your curl type, be willing to expand your comfort zone and try new things.

“A lot of people say I don’t want to try anything like that,” says Charles Farlow, a curl-centric stylist in Atlanta, Ga. “I understand curly-haired people have had so many bad experiences. But [it would be great] if they could come in and be a little bit more trusting of stylists who do have the expertise.”

Rule #7: Practice hair-healthy habits at home

Christo

The flat iron is not your friend. It can seriously damage your curly ‘do, if you use it more than just once in a while. And even if you’re careful with styling tools, curly hair is fragile and requires a lot of moisture, so never skimp on deep treatments.

“A lot of people don’t like to spend a lot of time on their hair but if they want the look, and they can invest maybe 15 minutes, it can be a big help,” Luisa Valdes, curly stylist at Lunatic Fringe Salon in Altamonte Springs, Fla. “A deep-conditioning treatment weekly really doesn’t take much time. We invest in everything else— like nails, clothes and makeup — so taking a little extra time to do your hair is important.”

Just like putting on makeup every morning, make a habit of caring for your curls and it will become second nature!

Rule #8: Give back

If you love your new cut or color, stylists say gratitude is the best way to give back. A simple thank you and a smile goes a long way. “It really makes our day, when someone tells us they appreciate what we’ve done and refer customers,” Farlow adds.

So, remember, ask not only what your stylist can do for you, but also what you can do for your stylist. Who could ask for anything more?

The vacation-filled days of summer are coming to an end, signaling a new season and a reality check on the damage done to your sun-scorched curls. Now is the time many curlies will head to the salon to renew their healthy hair vows. But this season, in a still-sputtering economy, you can’t help questioning every little beauty expense. Let’s face it, salon visits can be pricey and it’s not easy to justify much more than a haircut. Still, you don’t want to sacrifice your curls just because you have to tighten your budget. And you don’t have to.

With a little patience and just a little more effort, you can indeed have it all. Here, three whopping ways to rock your curls—and save hundreds of dollars in salon visits!

The Deep Treatment

Moisture is critical for healthy hair, especially for curlies. At the end of a summer scorcher, one of the best ways to hydrate parched tresses is the deep-conditioning treatment. Nearly every salon offers this service, but in tough times it can be hard to justify the expense.

In the salon

… a deep treatment can cost anywhere from $60 (in small towns) to $100 (in major cities, like New York). Treating yourself to this salon service once a month = $720 to $1,200/year.

At home

… deep treatments are priced in the lower range of $9 (like Miss Jessie’s Rapid Recovery Treatment or Blended Beauty Volcanic Clean Mask) to the mid-range of $32 (such as Curlisto’s Deep Therapy Masque) to the high-end of $72 (for Wen’s Re-Moist Hydrating Mask). If you use 1 ounce per deep treat, a standard 4-oz. product will provide four treats, lasting four months. If you follow a once-a-month treatment regimen, you’ll still only need to buy three products over time = $27 to $216/year.

Amount saved:

Nearly $700 to $1,000

Bonus tip:

A deep treatment at a salon will likely be more thorough than doing it yourself at home, especially if you don’t have a lot of patience or you don’t take the time to apply the heat source that many products need to sink in. So, remember to take as much care with your hair as your stylist does to receive all the benefits of the deep treat.

The Color Glaze

After the dull and drying after-effects of summer, there’s nothing like vibrant color to renew the swagger in your spirals. You can’t wait for a rich new hue to add shine and sparkle to brisk fall days—until you do the math and realize you just can’t spare the cash for your colorist.

In the salon

… a semi- or demi-permanent color glaze can cost anywhere from $60 to $90 and last about four weeks. Still, most curlies probably won’t actually get this service every month at the salon, so let’s err on the conservative side and say you might get a gloss or glaze every season (or four times a year). When you add it up, it’s still big bucks when you’re on a tight budget: $240 to $360/year.

At home

… you can add your own semi- or demi-permanent color glaze for $10 to $20. Considering the same seasonal regimen (four times a year) = $40 to $80. But remember, not all semi- and demi- glazes are alike. Choose wisely, and if you’re not sure what to buy, talk to your stylist and be honest about your budget. Colorists interviewed by NaturallyCurly.com in the past have favored Redken Shades EQ and Schwarzkopf (both are pro brands and can be purchased online; a quick Google search will find them). Stylists will warn you, though, that you have to know what you’re doing before diving into a dye. Again, ask a professional for help. Maybe even strike a deal where your stylist can offer tips for you at home, if you commit to once-in-a-while color visits in the salon.

Amount saved:

Nearly $200 to $280/year

Bonus tip:

Always remember to practice color-saving habits like using a color-depositing shampoo and conditioner, to help your color last even longer.

The Blowout

The easiest way to save on blowouts? Curl purists will tell you: just don’t do it! But for some curlies it’s not so simple. First, reality check: Are you getting blowouts once in a while for a change of pace or is there a deeper motivation to your straightening habit? Let’s say there are no hidden meanings, and you simply want to switch up your look once in a while. Not so bad, right? Until you add up the cash you’re burning to enjoy a temporary style that’s entirely dependent on the weather forecast.

In the salon

… a blowout can cost anywhere from $40 (in small towns) to $100 or more (in major cities, like New York). Treating yourself to this salon service, say, every other month to change your look = $240 to $600/year.

At home

… it’s really about a one-time investment in product and tools. The other cost is the time and patience it takes to master the blowout. Here’s what you need to get started (you can spend a lot on these items if you choose to, but we found them online for cheap!): 1800-watt blow dryer with nozzle (under $30), nylon/boar bristle round brush (under $15), straightening serum/glaze (under $20) and hair clips for sectioning (under $5). One-time investment = $70

Amount saved:

$170 to $530/year

Bonus tip: When you flatten your curls, beware of the consequences that may last longer than the few days you’re enjoying the blowout. Curls take longer to bounce back after a straight ‘do, and the intense heat used to stretch out your curls can cause damage.

Curlies are always on the hunt for hair help, whether it be finding the best stylist, best ingredients, best summer styles or the best advice to help a child find her curl confidence. Here, we share the best of the best when it comes to expert advice to rock your ringlets in every aspect of your curly life.

Best… tips to help your curls complement your clothes:

If you want to match your inner fashionista with your curly hairstyle, make sure you consider the occasion. For an elegant event, gently tame your textured tresses with functional hair accessories. At more carefree soirees, rock your curls and let them flow freely! Color makes a splashy difference, too. Vibrant colors and shimmery fabrics will help showcase your curls, and always have a crisp white blouse on hand when you want to shower your face in light.

Best… way to rock your curls on a budget:

Short on cash, but don’t want to skimp on style? Opt for the largest size of your favorite curl product. Chances are, when you compare the cost per ounce, you’ll be paying less. If you color your curls, always use a color-depositing or color-safe cleanser and conditioner to prevent fading so you can stretch out those pricey visits to your colorist. And don’t forget those deep treatments at home. The healthier your hair, the fewer trips you’ll have to make to your stylist to shear off frayed, damaged ends.

Best… curly looks for a va-va-voom vacation on the beach:

First, remember to pack your beach bag with a handful of essentials: sun-buffering treatment spray or UV-protecting hair oil, volumizer or workable hairspray, frizz-minimizing hair balm, spritz/rejuvenator, a couple of ponytail bands and French pins. When you’re ready to hit the sand, try tucking a few curls away with pins, or loosely pulling your curls back in a messy bun, or stay completely cool by opting for a windswept braid — keeping your curls off your sun-kissed face and shoulders.

Best…habits for frizz-free summer curls:

When the humidity soars as high as the scorching sun, head to the salon for a seasonal cut. The goal? Remove the bulk but keep the length, so you can easily pull your curls back (ever so loosely!) when the searing temperatures tip the scales as unbearable. When it comes to your shower routine, cleanse one fewer time per week (sweaty does not mean dirty) and condition more (deep-conditioning treatments up to twice weekly) during the summer months to maintain moisture in your mane.

Best… ways to embrace your curls in the workplace:

If you’ve always lived in a straitjacket at work, first experiment with new curly dos on the weekends or during vacation, before you walk into the workplace with a new style. Once you find the right curly ‘do, it’s important to step into the office with a new-found confidence—and an enormous smile. If your colleagues’ comments are still critical, find the strength to keep it positive. Remember, anything new often takes time to get used to, and there will likely be an adjustment period. This too shall pass!

Best… clues to finding a curl-savvy stylist:


Never choose a stylist at random. Word of mouth is always a good way to start. Don’t know who to ask? Find someone’s curls you love and ask where she cuts her hair. Once you have leads, call the salons and schedule a consultation. (No cutting, yet!) When you step into the salon, take a look at the products it carries and the tools the stylists use. And always come prepared with questions during your consult, so you can find out whether the stylist who plans to snip your spirals really knows about the curly scene.

Best… advice to raising a confident curly child:

Start by surfing Internet, speaking to stylists and reading books written by curl experts, such as Lorraine Massey’s “Curly Girl” and Diane DaCosta’s “Textured Tresses.” Don’t hesitate to get your curly involved in grooming and caring for their textured tresses as early as possible. Always make sure you exude curl confidence in every aspect of your life, not just when speaking directly with your child. And focus on positive reinforcement by finding curly role models your kids can relate to. When you see a curly celebrity, for instance, bring the example to your child’s attention.

Best… ingredients for thirsty curls:

It’s important to flip over the bottle of your favorite product and look for ingredients that are the most moisturizing, especially during the hot summer months. Look for shea butter and vegetable glycerin (to define and separate curls, and reduce frizz), jojoba extract and avocado oil (to heal dry or damaged hair and enhance shine), and aloe vera (to protect against heat damage, smooth hair and defines curls).

Best…ways to avoid a curl catastrophe at the salon:

Always speak up and be specific with your stylist about what you want, before the first snip. Making a snap decision in a rush always seems to lead to tress troubles. So, take at least a few moments to get a strong referral for a stylist. You can always quickly peruse the the stylist reviews on NaturallyCurly.com for a recommended stylist in your area.

Best… strategies for safe straightening:

Straightening textured tresses, even if it’s just a blowout, will weaken your curls and damage your hair. Knowing that, there are ways to make sure the damage is as minimal as possible. Being consistent with deep-conditioning treatments helps (at least once a month, more if needed). Before blowouts, you’ll also want to use a heat-protectant spray (and products with silicones will make it easier, too, but remember they are just a cosmetic quick fix). When you’re ready to straighten, choose a big round brush with boar and nylon bristles and a powerful blow dryer (that has a nozzle attachment) with at least 1800 watts and multiple heat settings.

Frizzy hair is the curly girl’s arch nemesis and you need to arm yourself with tools for battle. But first, you have to figure out what’s causing the fight — and that’s not always easy.

“We can confuse frizzy hair as being in bad condition and that’s not necessarily true,” says Kaz Amor, a stylist at Warren Tricome Salon in West Hollywood, Calif. “It’s usually the way curls are being handled that causes the hair to frizz.”

Here, a guide to the undercover causes of frizzy hair — and how you can fight back.

1. You avoid styling products

If you refuse to try any products at all, it’s nearly impossible to avoid frizz. You don’t have to crowd your vanity with stylers, but it’s critical to test frizzy hair remedies that are appropriate for your curl type to see what works best to tame your curly mane.

“A lot of people equate using any product in their hair as it being a high-maintenance hairstyle,” Ethan Shaw, a curl-centric stylist with James Allan Salon in Austin, Texas. “The challenge is to convince them they need to change their attitude about all of that.”

Frizz-Fighting Fix: Shaw suggests you decide what you want your hair to look like, and then work with your stylist to set goals to get there — one step at a time. It may mean cutting off hair that’s damaged or finding the right styling produucts, or changing your cleansing and conditioning routine.

2. You’re using the wrong products

Curlies are often product junkies. You hear about a product that is working for someone else, so you unwittingly buy it without really considering if it’s the right product for your curl type. And if the product is not a perfect fit, the result once again can be annoying frizz. Or, frazzled curls can come buying the cheapest (read: wrong) products just to pinch pennies. “With the economy the way it is, I’m finding out that a lot of my clients have been going to different cheaper shampoos that are more drying,” says Teri Parr, a curly stylist at The Strand at Pinecrest, a salon in Miami, Fla.

Frizz-Fighting Fix: Parr suggests thinking hard about how the challenging economy is affecting you. “I ask about what they’re cutting back on,” she says. “Everyone is trying to cut back on something and the first thing is the shampoo and conditioner.” Ask your stylist about the curl-crushing effects of cheap products, then what products they can suggest that won’t bust your budget. If you’re using your best friend’s latest, greatest find, make sure it’s the greatest for your curl type.

3. You don’t apply products correctly

If you are using all the right products, but still find yourself buried in frizz, you may simply not be using them the right way.

“I try to guide my clients step by step through the styling process and simplify it as much as possible,” Shaw says. “So much of the style is about the application.”

Frizz-Fighting Fix: “A visual aid is best,” says Giselle Grant, a curl-centric stylist at Curltopia in New Smyrna, Ga.

Show your stylist how you style your hair from start to finish, so he or she can figure out what you’re doing wrong and show you the right way to style your curls.

4. You’re not using enough product

When you are using the right products and applying them the right way, the problem could lie in the amount you’re using. Chances are, it’s not enough. This problem is more likely to surface in curlies with a longer, thicker mane, which requires more than the standard dollop of product.

Frizz-Fighting Fix: Ask your stylist to show you rather than tell you how to correctly apply products.

“I’ll show them in front of the mirror, what one side looks like without enough product and what the other side looks like with the adequate amount, which is a completely different look,” Grant says. “Showing them what a balance should look like, generally will eliminate the problem.”

A Day in the Life

This is the third in an ongoing series of features about some of the top curl stylists. We take you behind the chair to experience a day in their life. This month, we get up close and personal with long-time curl expert Carlos Flores from New York’s Mario Diab Salon. Flores has developed an international reputation for his knowledge and passion about curly hair techniques.

Carlos Flores

On this soggy Friday morning in springtime, New York’s Mario Diab salon is a welcome haven for curlies. Stepping inside, the classic black-and-white decor is brightened by select pieces of stylish art. The look is minimalist, but not sterile. Soothing, soft music sets a peaceful ambience. Clients are greeted with freshly brewed cappuccinos, a myriad of herbal teas, sparkling water, and a square or two of rich, dark chocolate.

It’s cozy. And that’s exactly how curl-centric stylist Carlos Flores likes it.

A self-described “Jersey boy,” Flores grew up in a close-knit Puerto Rican family. “It was almost like a village, we took care of each other,” he recalls.

Flores sports a buzz cut, but his natural texture is curly. He donned his curls for several years in the past to experience firsthand the twists and turns of textured tresses.

“Curly hair is misunderstood. I remember my haircuts, when I felt tortured,” Flores says.

And although being a stylist wasn’t a childhood dream, his sisters were unwittingly prophetic when they pressed him into his passion. “You never shut up; you should be a stylist,” they would say, with affection.

Throughout his 12 years as a stylist, his conversation skills have served him well. His chats are breezy, sprinkled with bouts of laughter and quick smiles. Often the topic turns to travel, which Flores relishes. He flies to London three times a year to cut hair and enjoy a mini-vacation. But in his view, a stylist should be less about ego and more about simply getting to know his clients.

“Life is a mirror,” says Flores, dressed simply in Levi’s jeans and a black t-shirt underneath a striped, button-down shirt (left open with the sleeves rolled up), with black-leather sneakers. “If you keep it real, you get back real.”

11:00 a.m.

“So, what’s cookin’?” Flores asks Isabel McGurn, a client of six years with shoulder-length caramel curls.

As he begins the cut (always on dry hair), the chat revolves around McGurn’s 10-year-old son, who has no idea how to manage his curly locks.

“First, get him off the shampoo, never use a brush and have him leave in tons of conditioner,” says Flores, offering tips to minimize frizz. He also suggests a curl-rejuvenating spritz or a spray bottle filled with two parts water and one part conditioner, if the curls are “too puffed.”

“Well, it’s less puffy and more like it just goes in a weird curly direction,” McGurn says.

She promises to bring him in for a cut, possibly the following month. “I think he’d be OK with the help. He’s so into curls,” McGurn says.

11:37 a.m.

Flores’s stealth assistant Mitzy steps quietly toward his chair, glancing at him with eyebrows gently raised.

“She’s dry?” Flores asks, referring to an earlier client.

Mitzy, with short, mocha ringlets and a soothing presence, nods yes.

Throughout the day, there will be more nudging nods and gestures exchanged between stylist and assistant, but few words. There’s a comforting familiarity that comes from knowing what each other is thinking, seamlessly guiding clients in and out of the chair.

11:55 a.m.

An out-of-town client arrives with dark-chocolate curls resting just above the shoulders.

“Hi, how are you?” Flores says.

“Well, my daughter is here to visit and says she’s going somewhere to get a blowout,” says the curly client from Florida.

Meanwhile, the rain outside has shifted from a drizzle to a downpour.

“On a day like today?” he asks.

“Yes,” she says, laughing and shrugging her shoulders.

12:07 p.m.

Flores steps into the next open room to check on McGurn who sits quietly under a dryer next to a table decorated with fresh, lemon-yellow tulips and glossy green apples.

Convinced McGurn’s style is on track, it’s back to his curly client from Florida. She has been coming to him for more than two years. Their chat resumes and he mentions possibly taking regular, quick trips (once every five weeks) to Washington to cut hair as well.

“What about Florida? You know, where it’s sunny and gorgeous. Hello!?” she exclaims. “Do you know how many curly clients in Florida would line up for you?”

He says he’ll definitely consider it; they agree to work out the details.

12:35 p.m.

Again, Mitzy subtly enters the room, gives Flores the eye and a smile.

“Ready?” he asks.

“Yes,” she says.

“OK,” he turns to his Florida client, “you’re going to follow Mitzy.”

Mitzy is beloved by Flores’s clients, especially this one. “I love Mitzy because she takes care of Carlos,” the radiant curly from the sunshine state tells me. “Anyone who takes care of him is in my circle of love.”

12:48 p.m.

Carlos makes a few final tweaks to McGurn’s curly do and she’s off. His next appointment is canceled, but the time is quickly filled. While his Florida client is in the back for a cleanse, her daughter arrives and introduces herself.

“My mom’s a big fan, BIG fan!” says the 20-something, brunette curly just in from the rain — her hair pulled back in a short ponytail. Poking out the edges of a bag she’s carrying are an umbrella and a newly purchased flat iron, still in its packaging. (She opted out of a salon blowout since it’s raining, deciding to try straightening it later herself.)

“Be careful with that,” Flores says, eyeing the flat iron.

“Oh, it’s just for once in a while, for special occasions.” she remarks, nonchalantly.

“Really? I see you have weak hair, and I say that with so much love,” he says. “We need to talk, just to learn some dos and don’ts about it, to prevent your hair from breaking.”

Flores always tells his clients there’s no such thing as bad hair, just bad habits. In fact, almost all his clients are curlies, although he also sees “the occasional curly girl in denial.”

1:04 p.m.

The Florida mom strolls back in the room. “Your hair looks nice!” her daughter says.

“Well, duh,” mom says with a smile.

“OK, Carlos, I’ll work on strengthening my hair. Positive affirmations!” the daughter says, before heading out to shop while her mother finishes up at the salon.

The banter bounces back to convincing Flores to come to Florida. “What time of year do you want to come down?” she insists.

They vow to put something on the calendar soon.

2:00 p.m.

Next in the chair, a cheery curly redhead.

“It’s too long, I’ve had to use a lot of clips,” she says.

Flores knows what to do and moves right in for the cut. The back-and-forth banter now ranges from TV shows (Dancing with the Stars) and musicals (West Side Story, Hair) to travels through Europe and President Obama. He rarely allows more than a hiccup of silence, yet the conversation never seems forced.

After they exchange rave reviews about Oscar-winning movies “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Milk”, Mitzy whisks her away to cleanse her newly trimmed ringlets.

2:46 p.m.

The redhead is back in Flores’s chair.

“How was it?” he asks.

“It was wonderful,” she says, with her fiery ringlets in perfect shape. “If I were a cat, I’d be purring. You know all the comments I get. People stop me on the street and say ‘Oh your hair is so beautiful!”

There are important days when you want to look fabulous, and then there are special moments that are rites of passage. For those rare events you’ll remember for years to come, finding the right curly style can be downright nerve-wracking. And when your nerves are frayed, mistakes are often made.

Worry no more! Here, stylists reveal the most common mane mistakes that are made at a wedding, prom and big-wig corporate soiree — and how to avoid them.

The Wedding

Mane Mistake: Caving in to pressure to create a ‘do that looks nothing like you. Maybe you’re nudged to straighten your curly locks, or wear a hair piece that would drastically alter your short curls. If it’s a complete departure from your natural self, stylists say “Don’t do it!” Diane DaCosta, curl expert and author of “Textured Tresses,” recalls styling a brides-to-be with tight coils, for example, who have felt pressure to get a weave for their special day.

Solution: “You have to tell people ‘No, I’m not going to do that’,” DaCosta says. “If you’re natural, and you’ve been natural, stand by your beliefs and be confident that you look beautiful the way you are.”

Mane Mistake: Asking your stylist to decide on your hairstyle.

You should never leave one of the most important decisions of your wedding day to chance, according to Carlos Flores, a stylist at New York’s Mario Diab Salon.

“Handing that decision to your stylist is like giving up the vision of your dress to the designer,” Flores says. Of course, finding the perfect wedding dress is important too, so make sure it matches your curly style.

Solution: Flip through magazines and tear out pictures of hairstyles you might want, and share them with your stylist.

“I love when clients bring in pictures,” Flores says. “A vision can be tough to verbalize, so bring in as many pictures as you can find. You should at least have a blueprint, a vision, and work off that.”

Mane Mistake: Waiting until the eleventh hour to decide on a hairstyle. “Many brides always think the hair is the least important, but it is the most important,” DaCosta emphasizes.

Solution: If you’re experimenting with chemicals, experts suggest testing the new look at least six months before your wedding. “That way, if you don’t like it, or want to change it, you still have time to create something else,” DaCosta says.

Mane Mistake: Skimping on product, but expecting your style to last.

“If you don’t use enough product, the curls can get frizzy after a little while,” says Heather Packer, a senior stylist at New York’s Cutler Salon. “A bride needs her hairstyle to last for six to eight hours — the whole day and into the night.

Solution: Schedule a trial style to test out products and hairstyles far in advance.

“Practice a style with the hairstylist and leave the salon with your hair done and see how it lasts throughout the day,” Packer says. “Then, you can come back with comments and the hairdresser can work from there, if you need to make any changes.”

The Prom

Mane Mistake: Choosing a hairstyle that is too formal (read: too old)!

Solution: Remember to keep it simple. You don’t want to look “too done,” Packer says. “I can’t stress enough that they should go with their natural curls, especially when they’re that young,” she says.

“Keep it youthful; keep it 17,” adds Flores. “You can pull it up and still keep it fun. If the back of the dress is open, then maybe you wear your curls half-up, half-down.”

Mane Mistake: Going overboard with accessories.

Solution: Don’t overdo it with tons of chachkas or baby’s breath or too many other items poking out of your curly do.

“And what’s with the tiara? What is that?” asks Flores, referring to what he has seen girls resort to in the past. “Less is more.”

If you want to add glam to your do, he suggests choosing one simple accessory.

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The Business Soiree

Mane Mistake: Keeping the same corporate curly style.

Solution: Even though this isn’t a family affair or a night out with your girlfriends, you still want to look at least a little different.

“If you’re a corporate powerhouse, show some softness,” says Flores. “Maybe let your curls fall to one side. You want to show that softer side. You’re not at work.”

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Mane Mistake: Making a drastic shift in your curly cut or color right before the event.

“When you make a big change, you’re never sure how you’re going to feel afterwards,” Packer says. “There are so many other things going on at the event, you don’t want to have to worry about your hair.”

Solution: Get a trim or make subtle changes, then wait until after the event to experiment with any major style shift.

And if you’re in a transition period from relaxed locks to a natural ‘do, you do have options, according to DaCosta.

“You can get a twisted set or flat twist set and wear your hair in a bun,” DaCosta says. “Then you can take it out and unloosen the twists to achieve a full curly look. And if you want it to be more formal, swoop up your curls with a jeweled accessory.”

A blustery winter can take an especially tough toll on textured tresses. Now, as spring helps you thaw out from the big chill, you’ll want to return to the healthy habit of deep conditioning to protect and prepare your curls for the warmer months to come.

“Deep conditioners fill in the cracks in the surface of the hair, so there’s no friction between the strands, and the hair is smooth,” says Titi Branch, owner of Miss Jessie’s Salon & Products in Brooklyn, N.Y. “A deep treatment can make all the difference in how your hair handles.”

“It’s a moisture issue,” adds Brent Hardgrave, a curly stylist at Salon 124 in Roswell, Ga. “As soon as you step into the humidity, whatever moisture is not in your hair, your hair is going to find it. If you practice preventive medicine on your hair, you have more opportunity to battle the humidity.”

Curl-centric stylists say the key is knowing how to apply the treatment — and making sure it includes the right ingredients for your curl type. Here, expert advice and a deep-treatment guide for every curl type.

Wavy (Curl Type: 2)

Ingredients: Wavies want to look for amino acids for curl repair — since this curl type is most likely to go back and forth between curly and straight — as well as a lightweight, conditioning ingredient like coconut oil, according to Hardgrave, also a Redken artist.

“Coconut oil is extremely moisture-rich, but it won’t weigh your hair down,” Hardgrave says. “Oleo-amido, an amino acid, will also repair the hair from stretching and give it moisture. Every time you pull curly hair you’re breaking down the bonds in the hair, so you need to replenish where the bonds have been broken.

How often: Once a week for dry climates, and up to three times a week in humid environments, according to Hardgrave. “A daily curl refiner or leave-in, anti-frizz detangler, also with coconut oil in it, will really help,” he says.

Timing: Five minutes is usually long enough. If you’re multitasking, you can apply the treatment in the shower and just leave it in while shaving your legs. Or, you can spritz your waves with water, apply the treatment and leave it in while working out or cleaning the house. “The heat from your body that comes from being active will help,” Hardgrave says.

Amount: Less is more, especially for wavies with fine hair. Focus on the ends, not the scalp.

Application: For wavies, start at the mid-shaft of the hair and work your way down. Always use a wide-toothed comb in the shower or dampen the hair and then apply, to avoid breakage. “Don’t just glop it on the top of the head and comb it through,” says Hardgrave, noting that’s a common mistake.

Curly (Curl Type: 3s)

Ingredients: Curl experts agree that shea butter is your best bet, with just enough weight and slip to it so the detangling process works so much easier. Finding a treatment that includes natural oils will also help, according to Anna-Lee, a stylist with Chaz Dean Studio in Los Angeles, Calif. “Your ends are the most porous and need the most hydration,” Anna-Lee says.

How often: For shoulder-length curlies, twice a month; once a week for longer locks. Of course, every curly is unique, so apply the treatment more often if your curls are especially dry or brittle. “Longer hair requires a lot of care with deep treatments because it’s older, so you want to protect the hair and apply as much deep treatment as you possibly can,” Branch says.

Timing: At least 10 minutes.

Amount: Again, it depends on the length and density of your textured tress.

“You want to have enough coverage,” Branch says. For shoulder-length curlies, a golf-ball size amount of treatment should be enough, and simply add more for longer lengths.

Application: Start a quarter-inch from the scalp and work your way down. Always use wide-toothed comb only on wet hair or your fingers.

“If you can sleep with the treatment, and rinse it out in the morning, even better,” Anna-Lee says.

Tight Coils and Kinks (Curl Type: 4s)

Ingredients: “This curl type is very kinky so you definitely want shea butter, which is a very rich emollient,” Branch says. “It allows the hair to be slippery, easily detangled and helps the strands align with one another, so there’s an elimination of frizz.”

Cetyl alcohol, which is a natural fatty alcohol (not the drying kind that often comes to mind), is also recommended as an emollient and lubricant to the hair shaft. “Cetyl alcohol gives the hair a lot of slippage, which is going to create smoothness on the surface of the hair,” Branch adds.

How often: At least once or twice a week. “No deep conditioning is too much for Type 4,” Branch explains.

Timing: 20 minutes. For an even deeper treatment, use a heating cap or apply the product while in the shower; the steam will make it more effective.

Amount: For every four inches, add at least a quarter-size amount of treatment. “Type 4 tends to be the most dense curl type and you want to use enough product to get good coverage,” Branch says. “There’s more strands per square inch on a tighter, kinkier coil then there is on a Botticelli type of curl.”

Application: Again, avoid the scalp and start a quarter-inch from the roots, working your way down. Make sure the treatment is applied evenly throughout and remember to concentrate your effort on the ends — especially important for Type 4 curls, which are the kinkiest and driest of textures.

“With kinkier hair, don’t rinse the treatment completely out, either,” Branch adds. “Leave in about one-tenth of the treatment to protect and coat the hair.”

Finally, always finish with a cool rinse to seal the hair shaft, lock the moisture in and show off a smooth, shinier — and healthier — curl.

Earth Month reminds us to focus on being good to our environment — and ourselves. Part of our renewed commitment includes choosing the right beauty products that helps, without harming, the planet. Eco-friendly. Organic. Natural. (Argh!) We know the buzzwords can be confusing, leaving you to figure out for yourself what they really mean. Where can you go for helpful information to cut through the clutter? Enter the beauty bloggers, with a green twist. Several of these beauty cops have made it their mission to call out the bad guys and to help you safely get your glam on.

Here, in no particular order, we dish on a half-dozen of the most interesting and informative eco-friendly beauty bloggers.

Best Organic and Natural Skin Care

The Voice: Dr. Christine H. Farlow, who practices chiropractic and nutritional counseling in Escondido, Calif., is the author of three health and nutrition books and has been researching the safety of ingredients in beauty products since 1991.

What it covers: Detailed information about safe cosmetics, as well as exposing harmful ingredients in skin-care and hair-care products.

What’s Cool: With easy-to-read blog posts, the self-described “ingredients investigator” offers helpful information and cuts through the jargon that can confuse even the savvy consumer. You can also sign up for a free e-newsletter with product reviews and ingredient safety information.

Drawbacks: Blog posts are sporadic; there may be only two posts in one month, but more than a dozen during another month.

Fig+Sage

The Voice: A collaboration of two sisters in California who share a hip and fun, yet informative, eco-friendly point of view.

What it covers: Reviews of organic makeup, skin-, hair-, and baby-care products, as well as latest eco-news consumers can use.

What’s cool: Easy-to-search blog posts based on detailed categories. Site includes a “deals & steals” section (lots of coupons!), as well as well-organized links to everything ranging from green bargain sites to ingredients you’ll want to avoid in skin care.

Drawbacks: None

Organic Makeup and Skincare

The Voice: An everyday woman who evolved into an avid researcher after her hypersensitive skin suffered from reactions to makeup and skin care products.

What it covers: Detailed reviews and brand overviews of natural cosmetics, homemade tips, and detailed consumer information.

What’s cool: Delves deep into the organic world, with information that’s helpful for everyone from the novice buyer to the savvy, informed shopper. The site is searchable by keyword and easy to navigate with a variety of categories to explore. The blogger even posts a “Samples and Reviews Policy,” which warns marketers that she “absolutely cannot guarantee a positive review” and there will be “no strings attached.”

Drawbacks: None.

Eco-Friendly Beauty & Fashion

The Voice: Self-described fashionista Sydney Chavez, based in Seattle, Wash., who has three other blogs focused on beauty and fashion.

What it covers: Going green with style, with a strong focus on fashion.

What’s cool: Good mix of the latest news in eco-friendly cosmetics, skincare and clothing, as well as green-living tips. Knowledgeable about the topics she covers, or includes supporting research when warranted.

Drawbacks: Posts are sporadic, but she has three other blogs for fellow fashionistas to flip back to, depending on your interests.

Green and Glam

The Voice: A young, work-at-home from Indiana.

What it covers: Reviews of a wide variety of eco-friendly products, from fragrances and fashion to cosmetics and cleaning supplies.

What’s cool: Offers the perspective of the everyday gal, with lots of coupons and some giveaways.

Drawbacks: Not a lot of bells and whistles or extra categories. No ability to search by category or product. But she encourages readers to contact her with specific questions.

Innocent Skin & Mother Nature

The Voice: A skin-care specialist based in the United Kingdom.

What it covers: Natural skin-care tips and advice, including what to look for and how to avoid toxins in beauty products.

What’s cool: An overseas perspective. Plenty of useful, well-researched information, including links to important watchdog sites. Plus, some giveaways and recipes for homemade cleansers and more.

Drawbacks: There may be a perception of bias, since blogger also runs her own e-commerce site and promotes it on the blog. However, self-promotion is not too over the top.

On a recent episode of “Millionaire Matchmaker,” host Patti Stanger, center, argued with her cohorts about the virtues of curly hair.

Patti Stanger, the brazen matchmaker with raven, stick-straight locks, is back. You may recall the curl controversy from the first season of Bravo’s “Millionaire Matchmaker.” Last year, the reality TV star directed women to flatten their textured tresses if they wanted a shot at one of her bachelors — even referring to one woman’s hair as a Brillo pad.

Fast forward to the February launch of the show’s second season. Stanger returns with a somewhat softer, gentler side. But it’s a slow reveal.

During the second episode, textured tresses again become an issue. This time it’s the Botticelli curls of a modelesque, green-eyed brunette that sparks a match of wills.

Destin, Stanger’s right-hand man on the show, apparently crosses a line when he tells the curly candidate that her “makeup looks great, hair looks great.”

“No, no, no, no,” Stanger pipes in. “Hair does not look good.”

“I love it. I love it,” Destin says.

Then begins the singsongy standoff.

“Hair does not look good. Hair does not look good. Hair does not look good.”

“Hair looks great. Hair looks great.”

“Yeah, because you like curly,” Stanger retorts, ending the repetitive chorus-like tussle. She quickly turns to the potential love candidate with finality: “I need you to blow it straight.”

Oh no, not again. You can almost feel curlies cringe everywhere.

Then, an apology. (Sigh of relief.) Well, kind of. It seems Stanger (or her producers) want to avoid any curl commotion. The show cuts to what appears to be a preemptive strike.

“I usually suggest women blow their hair out to be silky straight because the men request it,” explains Stanger, looking straight into the camera. “It has nothing to do with me not liking curly hair. In fact, I do like curly hair, as long as it’s not damaged.”

Huh? The woman’s hair in this episode did not look damaged and we never actually hear any of the bachelors request “silky straight” hair. But at least she appears to give curlies a collective hug. In fact, she even hires the curly girlfriend of her right-hand man Destin to work for her. (You never hear Stanger ask her to find a flatiron.)

To her credit, Stanger openly admits she’s “really harsh” during her casting sessions. And this season, she also appears empathic (dare I say, sympathetic) to the women who are chosen, often saying she has to protect “her girls.”

At the same time, she explains: “If I don’t use tough love in this business, they will walk all over me.”

Unfortunately, the tough love was taken to heart by that brunette with Botticelli curls. After the bachelorette hammered her hair straight, she didn’t even garner a glimpse from the episode’s millionaire during a mixer.

Maybe next time Stanger will take a chance on a curly. And maybe curlies will give the reality star another chance. Hmm . . . perhaps there’s a match here after all.