Best Ways To Get Rid of Curly Hair

People with bone straight hair look longingly at curly hair and spend hours with a curling iron trying to get that look. People with curly hair look longingly at straight hair and spend hours with a straightener trying to get that look. A person with wavy hair feels stuck in the middle, so is anyone really happy? If you’ve got curly hair and you’re looking for some tips on how to tame the frizz and get rid of curly hair, you’ve come to the right place.

1. Start with a good shampoo and conditioner.

When getting your hair to look it’s best, it’s important to start with a good shampoo and conditioner. When straightening your hair, try a straightening shampoo and conditioner; when leaving your hair curly go for a product made for naturally curly hair so it won’t weigh down your curls. Whether you’re planning on straightening your hair or going for the curly look it’s good to look for something with an anti frizz component.

2. Deal with your hair when it’s wet.

Curly hair is easier to tame and make it straight when you start with a wet product. If you let it air dry, or worse yet sleep on it when it’s wet, then the chances of frizziness are higher and it’s harder to get to the straight state you desire.

3. Start with a blow dry.

Use a blow dryer and a brush (or comb with your fingers) and dry your wet hair. Using a fat round brush can be good as the bristles are close together and the action of brushing the hair plus the heat from the blow dryer will move the hair from curly to straight. There may still be some frizz and/or curling happening at this stage – don’t worry we’ll tackle that soon.

You can also blow dry your hair if it’s not wet for a good straight start before using a straightener. It’s the heat from the blow dryer that gets the hair to do what you want with it so be sure to use the hot setting on the blow dryer.

4. Use a straightener.

Now that you have dry hair (that is hopefully straighter than usual after a trip through the blow dryer) it’s time for a go around with the straightener. Before using a straightener make sure it’s nice and hot or you’ll end up working longer and harder for the same result.

Pull back the top parts of your hair and straighten the bottom part first, work at your hair going layer-by-layer ending with the top layer. The smaller bits of hair your put in the straightener the less times you’ll probably have to run it through the straightener.

Take your time, don’t rush, and use a smooth fluid motion to take the straightener from the root to the tip of the hair. Repeat this process, straightening on certain sections of hair if needed until hair is smooth. If you’re finding the straightener isn’t working so well try investing in a salon grade one – you’re more likely to get better results with a better, hotter straightener.

5. Product, Product, Product.

When trying to keep frizz to a minimum and trying to keep naturally curly hair straight it’s important to use the right products. Josh Freida is a reliable name in frizz reducing products. Ask your hair stylist for other suggestions as well!

6. You may not have to straighten everyday.

Depending on how curly your hair is – or how humid it is – you may be able to get away with straightening your hair one day and wearing it straight for 2 or 3.

When showering, be sure to use a shower cap to avoid moisture reaching your hair. You will likely have to run the straightener through it a few times each morning to get it back to looking good straight (as opposed to slept-on straight) but that can be faster and easier than starting the whole straightening process again.

7. Get your hair professionally straightened.

At the salon there is a chemical procedure that you can go through to have your hair straightened. You can go to a salon and get a ‘Brazilian straightening’ or a ‘Japanese straightening;’ before going for either of these options it’s good to consult your haircare specialist and know the cost (as they can be expensive), how it’s done and the long term effects on your hair.

This fad may be a lot like perms in the 80s, something that fades out as another trend comes in. Before you professionally straighten your hair be sure it’s something you want as the results are longer term, some two to four months, some forever. There are also at home straightening treatments as such but before going that route be sure to clearly read all labels and know what you’re getting into.

8. Find a good curl product.

Using a lightweight product that will give your curls some bounce is important. Using gels can weigh curls down; using hairsprays can make curls crunchy. Curl serums or mousses usually work best for curls. Make sure you buy a product specifically made for curls as it is more likely to cut frizz and sculpt curls.

How you apply the products matters as well. Make sure you start at the ends of the hair and work all the way up to the roots. Apply the product in a scrunching motion, and when possible flip your head upside down to do so.

9. Blow dryers and curling irons.

When using a blow dryer it’s best to use a diffuser so that it lightly dries the curls instead of blowing them hard and pulling them long. If you are looking for a more polished look, consider taking some of the top curls and the curls around your face and making them sleek with a curling iron.

There are different sizes or curling irons so look for one that best matches your natural curl – skinny ones for tighter curls and fat ones for wavier hair.

10. Embrace the curl.

If you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em, right? Maybe the best solution to curly hair is not getting rid of it but loving the curls and making the most of them.

Whether you go straight, curly, or wavy, try and enjoy your hair and have fun with it. A good haircut can make a world of a difference, so go to the salon and let them help you too. Use these tips, have fun with your hair and, even though you’re bound to have a bad hair day every now and then, know that someone is looking longingly at your hair asking ‘just how did they do it?’