DUers with naturally-curly hair: any tips for frizz-free styling??

[grannylib]

I air-dry, no heat...
what's good for keeping curl while keeping frizzies at bay???

[Shine]

1. Try using a diffuser at the end of the blow dryer. That might help.

:hi:

[zanne]

2. Let you hair air-dry.

In the desert! That's what it would take for my hair to be un-frizzy.

[Scout1071]

3. What type of frizzies?

Are they grey frizzies? If so, they are a beast.

You can try a couple of balms or creams that you put on your hair as it's partially dry. It will help control. I recommend something like the Bumble & Bumble Grooming Cream. I will warn you that it is not cheap, but it will work well. You may experiment with other "non-Salon" brands, but look for finishing creams, rinses, etc.

Using a product like that in addition to drying with a diffuser (as posted above) will really help.

edited to add the website: http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/

[Scout1071]

4. Oh! I almost forgot another really great way to control them.

Especially if they are grey.

Get highlights in your hair. Not only will you look younger, but it lightens the weight of your hair and the kink. This is a great way to control the frizz.

[Beausoir]

5. A diffuser makes my frizzies worse.

Some of my friends swear by Garnier Fructis shampoo and conditioners. I tried them and they did help reduce the frizziness, but they seemed really hard on my scalp.

I must have soft and touchable hair so it's been a real struggle to control the curls and not have sticky or stiff hair.

Don't towel dry your hair by rubbing it.

Use the right shampoo. I used to use Aveda Shampure but it was too harsh so now I use Aveda damage Remedy shampoo and it really made a difference.

I used Biolage Hair Balm conditioner and comb it into my hair in the shower using a wide toothed comb.

Then, I use Aveda Brilliant Universal Styling Creme mixed with some Aveda Be Curly and run that through my hair. If I need to dry it faster than air drying, I have a bonnet-type hair dryer. I use the cool setting.

Finally, DON'T keep touching your hair. Everytime you touch it you break up the curls and add to the frizzies.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

6. Pantene has a curly hair line...

I have a perm, but I haven't had a perm since 2004, and it's still really curly and nice. It looks really natural and I get lots of compliments on it, not that I'm bragging, I'm just making a point. They are good products. The shampoo and conditioner are very thick, then there's a Frizz Eaze type serum or you can go for the creme. Either will do. Then there's gel if you're into that. It's good stuff. My friends say that they always trust me on matters of food and hair care. Weird combo, I know.
Duckie

[Rhiannon12866]

7. Here's what I use, one of those ceramic straightening tools, after drying.

This website has all kinds of these tools, but pic I posted looks most like mine. I don't use any styling products, though I've tried quite a few, with little results. I found that this works best for me, with advice from my hair guy. I just use a volumnizing shampoo and conditioner and one of those detangling sprays, made for kids, since my hair is fairly long, but it's gotten frizzier since I've worn it shorter. Mine cost $85, but it came from my hair guy. My previous one was only $19.95, from Target, I think, but it had teeth, and my hair guy said that those can pull your hair out. Whatever you do, avoid that Revo-Styling brush that is advertised on TV. I first tried that, and it took all kinds of practice not to get it tangled in my hair, no matter how easy they make it look. Also, the damn thing cost $100, though they sent me two. Want one?:eyes: And my hair guy also warned me that his can pull your hair out, even after you've gotten the knack of using it. I know that there are now knock-offs, but it was a real pain. Anyway, I blow dry my hair, combing it through, so it's fairly straight and smooth, then just finish it off with the smoothing tool. Also, I've been advised to avoid shampoos with wax in them, since they can cause your hair to break, as well. Good luck with this, and I hope I've been helpful in giving you some short cuts, since my regimen has kind of evolved, after trying numerous things.:-)

This website also provides advice, like what to use with what type of hair, and includes curling irons and crimpers...:shrug:
http://www.folica.com/Ceramic_To_361_1.html

Rhiannon:hi:

[politicat]

8. I quit using shampoo.

Curly girl method (using conditioner to clean the scalp and hair), then airdrying with just a tiny bit of gel. A light gel (like Garnier Fructis Curl Shaping Gel Spray) keeps the frizzies at bay without giving me hard helmet hair. But stopping the shampoo really did the trick. Plopping ( rolling hair in a microfiber towel with a bit of gel and drying the majority of the water that way) seems to be useful.

And no, my hair is not dirty, stinky or gross - in fact, my scalp and hair feel cleaner and better (and my dandruff cleared up) and I have far fewer frizzy days than I used to. It looks a lot better and behaves better, too.

On Edit: there is a site that is specifically for curly hair and several products out there that I've used in the past:
http://naturallycurly2.com
http://jessicurl.com

[bliss_eternal]

22. I was just going to recommend the same thing!

www.naturallycurly.com Been visiting that site for years!

and using the curly girl method--no products with 'cones has helped me a great deal. For the most part, I still straighten my hair (mild relaxer for control) and wear my hair straight most of the time. But when I do wash and wear it naturally this is what I do--no frizz, less dryness, etc.

:hi:

[Madrone]

26. Me too -

Great site.

I don't use shampoo either. Haven't for a couple of years. MUCH better.

a couple things to add -

NO BRUSH. Get a wide toothed comb and use it IN THE SHOWER - just before stepping out. Don't rub your head to dry - pat and squeeze. After getting out I put some conditioner in (same stuff I use in the shower), then some gel - use my fingers to push it into place, then I don't touch it again.

[ccjlld]

23. I love Garnier Curl Shaping Gel spray!

I tried the Curly Girl method for a while but it just didn't work for me. My hair is really fine and just tangled in a mess. So now I use tons of conditioner plus I spray Pantene Light Spray conditioner on the ends, then the Garnier gel and dry it on low using a Ionic hair dryer with a diffuser. I get more defined curls with the Garnier gel and they aren't hard and crunchy. I've also used the Garnier Curl Balm but my hair is so fine it didn't hold the curl.

[politicat]

27. Mine's scary fine, too....

Of course, right now it's short; I'm just starting to get my Botticelli curls back. I can comb it with conditioner in the shower and it does fine. We'll see how it does when it gets longer. (note to self: Never, ever cut your hair in August again... when you do, you're acting out of frustration with summer, not with your hair.)

I liked Pantene's light spray, but the scent started to make me sneeze, so no more.

No blowdryers in the house - well, we have one, but it is for shrinking plastic on the windows and stuff. Diffusers even make my hair tangle like no tomorrow.

Haven't tried the Curl Balm.

[Hoooweee]

9. The only product that works for me is New Image's

End Game. It's pretty easy to find at any boutique or beauty supply place.

[curlyred]

10. naturallycurly.com

If you have naturally curly hair, this is the place for you. There are very helopful people there, and believe me, there is at least one person with hair just like yours....there are a lot of helpful styling and product hints.

For me, I avoid shampoos with sulfates....I use Creme of Nature Shampoo (available at Sally Beauty) and I use a LOT of conditioner and I don't rinse it all out. Lots of gel, no silicone. Minimal frizz.

[trof]

11. Royal Crown Pomade

[Cobalt Violet]

12. Catwalk's Curls Rock product line is very good.

Check out their
Curl Amplifier

Also once it's dry a good defrizzer. Almost every product line makes one these days.

[Cobalt Violet]

14. I meant to add:

Another way of styling it with out straightening it would be to use ionic hot rollers. You may be changing your curl to a looser curl (or tighter) but it will defrizz it quite well. The Ionic is very important for defrizzing and shining if your going to get hot roller.

[graywarrior]

13. Crisco.

Works every time. You just attract horse flies and such.

[GirlinContempt]

15. Frizz Ease

http://www.folica.com/Frizz_Ease_Secr_d341.html

I like the whole line, but the secret weapon stuff WORKS. Holy crap, I love love love it

But only use a little if you try it. A lot will make your hair slimy and icky

[hyphenate]

18. Yes

This is the same stuff I use. It's great.

[DawgHouse]

16. Another recommendation for hair coloring

Even if you stay with your natural color, it seals the cuticle. I have good luck with Dove gel. And make sure you're getting frequent hair trims to keep the frizzies away.

[hyphenate]

17. I like John Frieda

They have a line called "frizz-ease" and they work well. I particularly like the "dream curls" product, which is a spray you put in at the end and leave in. You can also use it on dry hair to get some of the curl back. The whole line, though, works well to keep the frizz at a minimum.

And it's not really that expensive compared to some other products.

[ContraBass Black]

19. I just shave it.

But then, I'm young, dark, and male.

[NMDemDist2]

20. my worst frizzies are the grey ones and it's true that coloring it helps

a lot. I hate "roots" so I use Clariol's Natural Instincts. it's easy to use doesn't stink too bad, i can get it on sale for $6 and it lasts a couple months (they claim 28 shampoos)

and it looks good!

http://www.clairol.com/brand/naturalinstincts/index.jsp

[PittPoliSci]

21. i just dry my hair with a towel

and hope more doesn't fall out.

[Scout1071]

24. Bottom line? See a hair care professional. Someone recommended.

And pay a little extra if you have to for the consultation, even if you go somewhere less expensive to maintain. Sample a few of the recommended products and find out what is right for your hair type. Then do a little magazine research and find out which less expensive ones are comparable. A hair care pro can probably clue you in as well.

Best of luck. Just keep faith that it is manageable!

[politicat]

28. Add to that: a professional with Curly hair experience.

Seeing someone who thinks hair is hair can mean disaster. (Curly hair should not be cut wet, for example.)

If you have salons that cater to African American women around, that might be a good place to start.

[MadAsHellNewYorker]

25. I use conditioner as gel.

It works wonders and keeps my curls without the hard crustiness of gel.