Fine curly hair is one of the most challenging hair types.
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“You’re trying to do two things to your hair that, in most cases, work against each other,’ says John Frieda, creator of the Frizz-Ease line. “You want body. But on the other hand, you don’t want to use anything that will make your hair any drier or frizzier. It’s a bit of a Catch-22 with that hair type.”
Unfortunately, many body-building products contain ingredients like alcohol that dry out the hair and make it frizzier. Products that reduce frizz can often leave the hair flat and lifeless.
“Fine hair is one of the most difficult hair types,” agrees Natasha Septimus, a master stylist with the Warren Tricomi Salon in New York.
But there are tips, products, and hairstyles that can make fine hair much easier to work with. When washing the hair, many stylists recommend using a thickening or volumizing shampoo, rather than one that’s too heavy.
Lighter conditioners tend to work best on fine hair. Leave-in conditioners and detangling sprays, which often are lighter, are recommended.
When using conditioner, put it only halfway down the hair shaft. The roots don’t need it, and the conditioner can weigh hair down.
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“Baby fine hair can become over moisturized very easily,” says Karen Nace, National Education Director for Nexxus Products. “It becomes limp, lifeless, and can’t support a style.” Nace compares it to cooking pasta. When it’s cooked right, it has a great texture. But when left in boiling water too long, it becomes limp.
Anti-frizz products can be used in moderation. Ruth Roche, a master stylist with Redken, suggests putting a very small amount of an anti-frizz serum in damp hair. The water in the hair helps dilute the product and spreads it out. Styling products, whether gels, styling cremes, or mousses, can be applied at the roots for lift. Thickening lotions also help add body to the hair by expanding the hair shaft.
Here are some suggestions for fine hair from some top hair stylists and companies:
L’Oreal Professional
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When you leave the shower, comb your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Don’t play with it. Anything that’s less disruptive to the curl is best.
Product suggestions: L’Oreal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Boost It Volume Inject Mousse, which can be sprayed on the scalp and roots for volume. L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Leave-In Serum is a very light serum with heat protection.
John Frieda
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Make sure you’re using products specifically for your hair type. You wouldn’t use the same cream on oily skin that you would for dry skin. Also, the amount of product you use and how you apply it can have a very dramatic effect on how well the product works.
Shampoo with a product that’s not too heavy. Apply a very small amount of Frizz-Ease when the hair is soaking wet. You may only need it on your ends. Apply where it’s frizziest. Then, use a product that gives body, such as a mousse or a gel.
When styling, the less you do, the better. Let your hair fall into a towel, but don’t rub. Gently squeeze. Take a diffuser and keep it on a low setting. Let the hair fall into the cup of the diffuser. Dry the inside of the hair first. When hair feels hot to the touch, it’s dry. The worst thing you can do is overdry the hair.
Product suggestions: John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curly Hair Shampoo, John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Air Dry Waves Styling Foam
Tigi
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You want to make sure you’re using products that build and maximize the fullness of the hair.
Product suggestions: If you need help fighting frizzies, Tigi recommends mixing a 50-50 concoction of Bed Head by TIGI Texture Spray for Hair, Queen For A Day Volume Spray and TIGI Small Talk MINI 3-in-1 Hair Thickening Cream. While the texture spray works on the outside of the hair to give good curl formation and get rid of frizz, the thickening cream expands the hair shaft, giving it more volume.
Nexxus
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With conditioners, make sure you don’t over moisturize. With styling and finishing aids, remember that a little goes a long way. Put it in your hands first and rub them together to disperse it. Massage them into the scalp first. Then comb it through. It’s better to reapply little amounts than to apply too much at one time. It’s good to alternate products. Maybe use a treatment shampoo one day and a lighter shampoo the next.
Product suggestions: Nexxus Climate Control Gel Cream Curl Define for Cashmere Curls and to style, Nexxus Volumizing Foam Hair Mousse.
Redken
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When it’s wet, squeeze out the excess water and apply a combination of Redken Gutz and Glass to the hair. Then twirl the hair when it’s wet, twirling pieces 1 to 2 inches in diameter from the roots to the end, like locking. Let dry naturally or with a diffuser.
Product suggestions: REDKEN Acidic Bonding Curls Silicone-Free Shampoo and Conditioner. To refresh, REDKEN Curl Refreshing Spray.