by Ariel Stephens

Created on: November 20, 2009

Curly hair can be a great soruce of frustration. The beauty and spunk is there-how to enhance it is the mystery. Every curly head has a different personality-spirals, kinks, waves-so not one formula works for everyone. But there are basic steps to take to ensure your curls are lively, smooth and most important frizz free!

Find a good stylist. This really is true for any type of hair, but especially for curls because of their structure. You don't want curls laying too flat and mangled looking or too puffy that they borderline afro. Look at pictures to find styles you like. A good stylist will also educate you on your type of curl and recommend products and techniques that work best. Between gels, creams, mousse, hairspray and palmade more you can become easily lost. Salon products can be pricey sometimes, but if the product works wonders stock up! Curly hair works best with less product anyway so you'll be hanging on to them for longer than you think.

After you've applied product to wet hair do not touch! In fact, try letting them air dry as long as possible or split drying time using half air and half blow-dryer. If you must use a blow dryer, an ionic on is best. Also using a bowl diffuser lessens the likelihood of becoming a frizz head. When blow drying, turn it on low air and a cool heat setting. For some, scrunching curls work, for others it's promotes frizz so if you're the latter hands off. It's time consuming but worth it.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Curly hair is naturally dry so from time to time it needs some love. A light wieght leave-in conditioner can do the trick, combing it into wet hair before styling products. For more fun, try a hair mask or deep conditioning treatment to replenish lost moisture and make a girlie moment out of it!

Some frown upon using a straightener, but in moderation and with a good heat protectant, it's not horribly damaging. Blow-dry your hair on a cool, low setting just as you would with the diffuser. The key is to make sure your hair is completely 100% dry before you begin straightening to prevent further damage. If your straightener has heat settings, set it on the lowest setting while still being able to achieve straight hair. Section off your hair and smooth the straightener over your locks being very careful not to burn yourself. When finished, style. You haven't permenatly changed your hair from curly to straight so still use as little product possible. If you're concerned about whether or not to straighten, consult your stylist.

With these tips, hopefully you can enjoy your curls. From one curly head to another, it takes alot of trial and error to formulate a look you're happy with but once you get it down you'll dismiss the hat, the ponytail and maybe the straightener forever.

Learn more about this author, Ariel Stephens.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.