 | Kim McIntosh, a former graduate of Xenon Int'l. School of Hair Design serves as the school’s Director and is a shareholder in the business. She holds a Cosmetology, Esthetics and Instructor's license in Kansas and Nebraska. She has worked behind the chair and managed some of the most prominent salons in the Wichita area. As an educator, her primary goal has been to provide the beauty industry with successful licensed professionals. Having served in the past as Second Vice-President on the Board of Directors for the National Cosmetology Association of Kansas, Kim is currently a Director on the national board for the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. You may contact Kim at (316) 943-5516. |
Beauty & Fashion
2006-03-30 14:20:00
Taming the curly hair blues
Answer: I hear this all the time – there are tricks to managing and styling curly hair.My first recommendation would be to take time with your hairdresser and ask him/her to show you how they use each product and teach you how to style your hair at home. This will give you the products and confidence you need to create great looks on your own. You are in luck if you have curly hair! The trend is back! After a period of straight textures and soft razor cuts, hair design for spring and summer of 2006 will emphasize a bolder look with more volume, texture and curls. This approach remains soft and feminine for women, unlike the permed “big-head” look of the 80s. (Oh well, at least the 80s are back, I’m an 80s girl!). Men will follow suit by going for volume and texture without extra weight. Keeping your curly hair free from fly-aways and frizz will be the key.My second recommendation is to get a complete regimen of professional products for your curly hair. Use moisturizing shampoos specially designed for curly hair. Be careful not to over shampoo. Too much shampooing can leave curly hair dry. Follow up with a weightless conditioner. Curly hair has a tendency to dry out easily, apply a leave-in conditioner and use a reconditioner once a week. When it comes to styling curly hair, set your curls when they are wet. Use products such as glaze, gel or mousse specifically designed to enhance curls and combat frizz. I recommend letting your curls air dry, but if you are in a hurry, always dry with a diffuser or on low heat. When your hair is completely dry, gently finger comb curls. Apply a shine spray or pomade to trap moisture in your ends. This will add shine and strength to your hair. Like I stated before, the trend is healthy, shiny, combable curly hair. Not over sprayed big hair. If you want to minimize some of curly locks, you can start by gently blow-drying your hair straight. Remember, curly hair is the trend; however it is nice to have versatile styles. But, it is imperative to take precautions when straightening naturally curly hair to prevent damage. Follow the same maintenance tips as above to keep hair moisturized at all times. Prior to straightening your hair you will want to apply a straightening balm instead of your glaze, gel or mousse. This will prevent the hair from burning and assist in the smoothing process. To blow dry your hair properly, you will need an 1800 to 2700 watt hair dryer, a round brush and a paddle brush. Start by dividing your hair into sections, and blow drying in a downward movement, using the round brush. Keep the round brush tight – the tension will help straighten your hair. After using the round brush, smooth over frizzies by doing one quick round with your paddle brush. Finish off with a very small amount of smoothing serum (too much will make hair appear oily). Once again, I recommend that you don’t straighten your hair daily. Give it sometime to re-coup after all the damage caused by straightening. If you have a tighter curl, you may want to invest in a flat iron. A professional flat-iron can straighten the curliest hair. Apply your straightening product and use your flat iron. Be sure not to leave the iron in one place too long. It can burn the hair, resulting in split ends. After you have sectioned and straightened your hair, apply a shine spray or anti-frizz control product to smooth down your hair.Make sure you ask your stylist for their recommendation on styling your hair at home. Curly Hair Rocks!
