Ask Rebecca Mariolis

This is what my hair looks like with a ton of product.Ask Rebecca MariolisThis is an example of what my hair is really like, but I think mine may have more curl.

Dear Rebecca: I am convinced that I have some of the worst curly hair around. It’s somewhere between type 3 and type 3c I believe. It is copper red, dry, very coarse, and frizzy. No matter what I do to it or put in it, it will always frizz. It is poofy! Without product in it, I will have a fro. I cannot wear it straight because it refuses to stay straight in any weather condition. My roots refuse to straighten and my hair will poof in a matter of minutes. When wearing it curly I put a ton of mousse and gel in it. The front is okay but the back always frizzes. In order for me to get my hair under control, I have to put so much mousse and gel in it that it feels like plastic. It feels like it would break if you were to bend it. I need help. I am 17 and have been dealing with this my whole life. I have senior prom coming up and I would absolutely love to be able to wear my hair down. I like my curls. I just want to know how to work with it.

Dear Young and Full of Hope: Okay, these are words to live by: “Moisture, now and forever.” The best way to control your beautiful curls (and yes, I said beautiful”> is to begin with a healthy hair regimen and a great styling plan.

1. Begin with a moisturizing shampoo, followed by a moisturizing conditioner.

2. Allow the conditioner to remain on your hair for 10 – 15 minutes then comb through to remove any tangles.

3. Always, always rinse with cool, or lukewarm water (this seals your cuticle and locks in the moisture”> when rinsing your hair.

4. Towel blot your hair, then apply a leave-in conditioner or treatment. Gently (and I mean gently”> comb the product through your hair.

Styling

When wearing curls, try first using a shine serum, then follow with a styling gel. Comb through, then diffuse (only if you really need to”> until the hair is about 80% dry.

By applying the shine serum first, you create a sort of seal over the cuticle to give the gel a better no-frizz hold.

If wearing straight, begin by styling with a smoothing styling product. I really like something with a silicone base because it tends to work better, and last in many different conditions.

1. Apply a generous amount to your ends first.

2. Slowly work towards your roots with the remaining product on your hands.

3. Then comb through, and begin air-forming your hair by finger combing your hair to get it about 80% dry.

4. Once 80% dry, take a large paddle brush, and work your dryer while brushing your hair in a downward motion.

5. Once completed, section your hair into manageable sections and style using a medium temperature styling iron.

6. Once the hair is smooth and straight, apply a smoothing serum (or shine serum”> like Design Essentials Silk Essentials to add immense shine to the beautifully finished hair. The result will be a beautiful, no-frizz finish, and stunning prom curls.

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