Curly Hair...A way of life.

   Does your hair look like this?

Really ?

If it does then thank God you’ve made it here! Having curly hair can sometimes be the best thing in the world or the biggest pain in the ass. It comes with its set of troubles, of being frizzy, dry, poofy and even inhibiting others people’s personal space. I have gone from product to product, trying everything to get it to look all shiny and beautiful like those pictures of Victorian women you see with their fat sausage- like curls. Finally, I hit gold and now have a trusted set of products I use.

I love my hair. A lot. I hate it when people come up to me and ask me about why I haven’t got my hair straightened or tell me they like straight hair better. I find it insulting, like as if they have a problem with my features or my face. I should go up to them and be like ‘so have you considered getting a new nose? You’d look so much better’ that would show

them!

 Ok so back to curly hair and taking care of it –

The first thing to do is, embrace your curly hair and love it!

Note - These products can be bought by MEN and WOMEN !


Shampooing

Curly hair is dry to begin with, so washing it every other day is a bad idea. It makes the hair dry, brittle and frizzy. So unless you want to look like you are starring in a Tim Burton movie use an intense shampoo that not only cleans but also strengthens. I use Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Shampoo, it seems to work well on my hair leaving it supple and shiny. Remember to not use scalding hot water but lukewarm water whilst shampooing and only wash your hair thrice a week, maximum.

Conditioning

Now shampoos are usually alkaline (basic salt) and you should use a conditioner that brings your hair back to its natural low acidic pH and gives hair a more compact structure. Look for products that contain essential oils and botanicals such as avocado, jojoba oil, or shea butter, as these have Humectants and are ideal for dry hair. Always apply the conditioner only on the hair (not the scalp as this leads to hair-fall and an oily scalp). Start from mid- length hair and then work your way to the ends and generously apply to tips! Leave your conditioner in for approximately 10 minutes (do some scrubbing till then!)

Personally I don’t Condition my hair after every wash. I use Leave-In Conditioner. This is the best thing for people with curly hair. Leave- in conditioner is a conditioner that you apply to damp hair after shampooing and leave in till the next wash. It tends to rely not on oils but instead helps keep tangled hair calm or impart a little moisture to dry hair.

Products I swear by for my hair – TIGI Bed Head Foxy Curls Contour Cream. This just leaves my hair like totally rad. (I’ve always wanted to say that) and the L’Oréal Paris ELVIVE Total Repair 5 Restoring Night Elixir Leave-In (I don't know why its called Night Elixir, I wear it in the day too and it works fine) What I like is that they don’t make my hair greasy and lumpy and still give it that wet and shiny look. They might be a bit expensive but they last forever since you don't use a large amount!

Styling

I rarely comb my hair. No, I am not lazy or a pig. It’s just that when you have curly hair its best NOT to comb your hair and if you do use a wide- tooth comb. If you are combing your hair do so when barely damp, be gentle and quick. No need to go on and on like Rapunzel.

I don’t use serum because of the leave- in conditioner but I know Tigi Bed Head has a fabulous serum for frizzy hair.

I use the Pantene Pro V Curl Defining Mousse when I go out. It makes all my curls super springy and into thick ringlets. It looks good for partaays!

PRIDE

Do something fun with your hair once in a while, braid it or accessorize with clips and pins.

Sexy Tips 
1. Since I use a lot of product in my hair, once a month I do a Vinegar Cleanse. Vinegar removes scaly build-up and residue from hair shafts and closes the cuticles giving it more shine and stopping tangles. Take 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of water.  If you want to get fancy, create a vinegar rinse tailored to your hair by adding herbs and/or natural essential oils like rosemary, chamomile, peppermint etc. After shampooing apply the vinegar rinse. Rinse.

      2.  Mix together 1 tbsp honey, 1 egg yolk and 2 tbsp castor oil. While you’re applying it to your hair, make sure it covers the full length of your hair. Keep it for around 45 minutes. Rinse with shampoo.

      3. I use these 3 Hair Spa thingies, best thing to ever happen. I got them from a store called Watsons in Thailand. They have chain stores all over the world so look it up in case you’re traveling abroad. They leave my hair shiny, fragrant and so beautiful, I love!

Delicious Hair Spas : Watsons Olive Hair Treatment, Watsons Smoothing Treatment Wax Yougurt, Watsons Moisturizing Treatment Wax Honey.

Also I get a haircut every 2 months or so from Nalini's. Where the genius Elton Vessoaker does wonders with my hair. He is pure (hair) Beast. I don't know what my brother and I would do without him.

So if you guys have any questions , let me know. I would be super happy to answer them ! Have a great day people and don't forget to love your hair and treat it well.


Exploding High- Five !
Naaz