The Power of Products: How to Go From Curly to Straight Hair

No Shampoo. To most people, this is just gross, but to someone with curly hair, which is naturally drier than straight hair, this is a major factor. Dryness will ruin the result of any good blow dry, and sulfates in shampoo will dry out hair faster than any thermal tool. The act of cleansing your hair should impart moisture, not strip it, so shampoo with conditioner. Focus on the scalp, and scrub vigorously with your fingertips, then run your hands through your hair. Repeat. It works incredibly well, adds tons of body, and does not leave hair greasy at all. You pick the brand. Follow this step with a more intense conditioning treatment, and you’ll feel the clean slickness immediately. My recommendation: DevaCurl One Conditioner or Terax Original Crema.

Microfiber Hair Towel. Yes, I thought the idea of a special towel for your hair was stupid too. Actually, these towels are super absorbent, and reduce frizz considerably. More than that, the time spent blow drying will decrease measurably once used. Moreover, they are a godsend to your neck. I cannot tolerate trying to balance the heavy wrap of a body towel atop my head anymore. Always gently squeeze excess water from your hair. Never, ever take a towel, microfiber or otherwise, and rub the moisture out like you are removing a stain. This will surely result in a frizzy, tangled, damaged mess, taunting you to unsnarl with a brush, thereby creating even more damage. My favorite: Aquis Microfiber Hair Towel.

A Good Blow Dryer. I understand the allure of the row of inexpensive blow dryers at your local Target, promising the world, but none truly deliver. Invest in a powerful, hot, quality blow dryer with a concentrator attachment. This too will reduce your drying time, thereby, reducing the heat damage to your hair. All the hype about ions, and tourmaline crystals, and whatever current voodoo magic / technology companies are claiming will transform your hair, I cannot confirm or deny, so you be the judge, but like I said, I’m gullible. What I can attest to is a powerful dryer will both reduce drying time and heat damage. My suggestion: Sedu Ultrapower Professional Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Dryer.

Double Duty Products. Amen to this wave of hair products. I’m a big fan of products that will provide both thermal protection and conditioning benefits all in one. This not only saves money, but it also saves time. Remember, dryness is the biggest enemy. Thermal protection is essential from the moment the dryer is turned on and aimed at your head. A product that will also provide conditioning benefits with heat will only make your blow dry that much better, resulting in less pouf, less frizz, more shine and greater smoothness. New found product of choice: Sedu Anti-Frizz Polishing Serum with Argan Oil.

Boar Bristle Round Brush. A good brush is the difference between frizzy, mad scientist, chaos hair, or smooth, workable, bouncy, I didn’t know you have curly hair, hair. There is something about natural boar bristle that truly polishes the hair as you pull it through with heat, imparting a shine that cannot be achieved with any other kind of bristle. I notice the difference immediately. Depending on your hair texture, it can require patience and skill to use this brush, but the results are worth it. Start with the back, taking small sections, dry completely. Work your way to the sides, top, and lastly, the front. If, like me, you no longer have the strength or patience to use this brush regularly on your unruly hair, try a paddle brush, boar bristle or plastic. You won’t achieve the same results, but using a paddle brush is far less time consuming, however, the time saved will be used when you flat iron your less than polished tresses. The brush to beat: the Marilyn Double S Pro.