Search Results: Ouidad
Dear Ouidad:
“Ok, so I know that detangling is a must to help keep my hair from matting together and being a tangled mess. However, whenever I do detangle, I wind up with a fluffed out mess that won’t coil back up. What am I doing wrong? I only detangle when I have a head full of conditioner. I use my fingers and a comb, sometimes my Denman, but not often.Any suggestions? It makes me not want to detangle, but I know that’s a bad idea.” -CurlTalk user PrettyLady24Ouidad:
You are absolutely doing the right thing by detangling your curls with conditioner and your fingers, but I would not recommend using a brush on curly or coily hair under any circumstances to prevent frizz. In my experience the most challenging aspect of curly hair is detangling it, and it is crucial to use tools that will slide through your curls without the ripping or tugging. I would recommend giving our Double Detangler a try if you haven’t already. It’s unique in that it has double rows of teeth to eliminate difficult knots and prevent your curls from springing back and re-tangling. Coat your wet hair in conditioner and then separate your hair into sections, gently detangle each section using a comb or your fingers on difficult knots.
After you detangle and rinse out your conditioner, you may find that your curls or coils have elongated or lost their shape. The products and techniques you use to apply them will help to reactivate your curls and give them the hold and definition you’re looking for.
After Detangling
Recommended Products
- Start with a repairing styling primer or leave-in to seal in moisture and smooth frizz
- Follow this with a moisturizing styling product that will provide soft hold and definition like the Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel
- Apply your products using the Rake & Shake technique
- Gently blot your hair with a towel to remove excess moisture
Dear Ouidad:
“I’m new to co-washing and I’ve been using products that are specifically called ‘co-wash conditioner.’ I’m really loving the results on my hair so far but my question is, should I still be using a regular conditioner after the co-wash conditioner?”
Ouidad:
This is really going to be specific to your unique curls and the kind of moisture they need. Pay close attention to your hair while you’re testing out this new cleansing routine of yours to see if the cleansing conditioners you’re using are providing enough moisture for your curls, as this will also vary based on the conditioner you are using. Our own Curl Co-Wash is unlike most cleansing conditioners in that it contains a concentrated blend of conditioners and oils plus a gentle, naturally-derived coconut cleanser that will not dry or strip your hair. If you feel that you still need more moisture you can always follow with a leave in conditioner.
How to co-wash
- Saturate hair thoroughly with lukewarm water
- Divide into 4 sections and apply 3-8 pumps to each section
- Massage the scalp with fingers and comb through to distribute evenly
- Leave on for the duration of your bath or shower, then rinse
- Optional: If you feel that you need more moisture you can follow with a leave-in conditioner like our Moisture Lock or a primer prior to styling prior to styling.
Dear Ouidad:
“Every winter I go through the same thing: excessive oiliness at my roots and an extremely dry, flaky scalp. You’d think both problems couldn’t happen on the same head! I’m struggling to find a routine that will address both issues, as a solution for one seems to exacerbate the other. What kinds of products will help me and how should I apply them?”
Ouidad:
The cold and dry air during the winter can be harsh on our curly hair. We see a lot of clients at our Salon who are experiencing scalp irritation and build-up, which leads to hair follicles being blocked and hair roots being dehydrated. In my home country of Lebanon we use a rare Bay Leaf Oil for its restorative qualities, so I developed and imported the Salon Series Mediterranean Bay Leaf Treatment to help our clients improve their scalp health.
The scalp treatment helps soothe the itchiness or irritation you’re experiencing, and its light-textured cream will exfoliate the scalp to remove flakiness. Our formula of Fennel Seed Extract serves to increase micro-circulation and oxygen flow to the root, which will result in a healthy scalp and as an added benefit, stimulate hair growth.
Products Recommended
To clear the scalp and follicles of buildup, flakes and residue I suggest first shampooing with Waterworks Clarifying Shampoo, then apply the scalp treatment on freshly shampooed hair. Using the pads of the fingertips (never use nails”>, massage gently over the entire scalp for 1-3 minutes. Rinse out and follow with an oil-free conditioner to balance the oiliness you’re experiencing, running it throughout your hair for additional moisture. For you, I would suggest treating your hair with this every other day.
My hair has too much volume!
Dear Ouidad: I really need your help. My hair is a 3b and 3c hair and is slightly above my waist in length. My hair has so much volume when I style it and sometimes I love having huge hair, but most of the time I want my hair to be more calm. I mostly use Mixed Chicks or Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and those products are good in defining my curls, but not calming them down completely. I have tried everything, including heavy gels with my curl enhancer, and nothing has calmed my hair down. What would you suggest?
A: I would encourage you to visit one of my Ouidad Flagship Salons in New York and Santa Monica or Ouidad Certified Salons. They are highly trained in my Carving and Slicing technique. It is less about taking off length and more about removing the bulk of your curls so they easily lie into one another, making them easier to manage. You can also try using Climate Control Shampoo and Conditioner to remove frizz that may be involved in making your hair “huge”.
Dear Ouidad: I am at my wits end with my hair! It has always been difficult, but more so since having my baby. The front pieces are very kinky and curly and don’t grow very long (and it looks as though I am growing new hair, so I now have a crown of short frizz along my hair line”>. Underneath the tight curls by my ears, the hair is completely straight, and in the back ,it is flat on the top and bigger curls as it gets to the length. I just want a hair style that I can manage and have it look the same every day. I am willing to try some chemicals that are reasonable in price, but realistically, I am not a high maintenance person, so I will not be going to the salon every month. I am debating having it cut A-Line and straightening it, but again, I don’t like to do hair or makeup, so I’m afraid that I would be making a mistake assuming that I will do that every day. Right now my hair is shoulder length, and I usually bobby pin the “bangs” back.
I am out of hair spray and moose so I am open to suggestions on that, but I recently bought Biolage shampoo and conditioner and gel for curly hair — not that impressed.
Do you have a recommendation on a haircut? Do you have a recommendation for a stylist in my area? I live in Santa Rosa California, zip code 95404.
A: After having a baby, it’s very normal for women to experience changes in their hair because of the change in estrogen levels that your physique is experiencing. However, I absolutely love curls and never suggest any chemical treatments that could further damage the hair. You can start repairing your locks by using my 12-Minute Deep Treatment once a week until you feel it’s no longer necessary and continue to use it at least once a month after that.
Secondly, it’s very important to have the right haircut, so you can achieve the low maintenance curls that you want. If you are able to, I suggest going to one of my Ouidad Flagship Salons or a Ouidad Certified Salon. All Ouidad Stylists have been trained in my technique called Carving and Slicing. This technique is designed specifically to address the special needs of curly hair — to remove the bulk associated with the dreaded “pyramid” look, while preserving and enhancing your natural curl pattern.
Lastly, I suggest using my moisturizing Curl Quencher Shampoo, Conditioner and Gel for your everyday products to help with the dryness and frizz you are experiencing.
Read More: 5 Best Hair Oils for Curly Hair
How do I keep volume under control?
Dear Ouidad: I have a hair type that is somewhere between 2c and 3a. I had very long hair until last year, when I cut it short for the first time. It was kind of a haphazard cut (I did it myself in my dorm”>, but I enjoyed having it short. I’d like to cut it again, about to the nape of my neck, but my hair tends to poof out into a mushroom when I don’t have length to weigh it down. Do you have any suggestions for a cut or styling method that will help me keep the volume under control?
A: I suggest, if you can, going to one of my Ouidad Flagship or Certified Salons. Our stylists are highly trained in my Carve and Slice technique. If you are not familiar with it, this haircut is designed specifically to address the special needs of curly hair — to remove the bulk associated with the dreaded “pyramid” look, while preserving and enhancing the natural curl pattern. You also want to keep in mind that when cutting your curls the shortest piece of hair around your face should stretch from the top of your forehead to the chin. This allows enough length to accommodate shrinkage and provide movement around your face.
Dear Ouidad: I have mixed kinky and kinky curly hair and I have been going natural for almost a year now. I just got it cut really short about two weeks ago, and now when I wash it, it curls majorly, but after letting it dry, it’s thirsty. I don’t know what to use to moisturize it. Any suggestions?
A: I would highly recommend my 12 Minute Deep Treatment at least twice a month, to feed your hair after all the damage it goes through from day to day. It will help with the overall “thirst” you feel your hair is having. I also have a product called Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner. This is formulated to hydrate your curls and help seal the cuticle layer to prevent frizz and encourage healthier hair and a healthier scalp.
Read More: How to do a Hair Rinse for Healthy Hair
Dear Ouidad:
I am really trying to transition from relaxed to natural, but my family makes jokes about how nappy my hair will look. I have a wavy, kinky curl pattern, but it is very dry and hard to detangle.
There are so many different companies out for curlies like Mixed Chicks, Ouidad, and Kinky Curly. Which products should I use? If I mix and match different products from different companies will I still be able to get good results?
Dear Confused Transitioner:
Don’t let anyone discourage you from embracing your curls! It can be daunting when transitioning to your natural texture, but with time and effort you will figure out your own perfect curl routine and be glad you did!
As far as mixing products, everyone’s curl is different, and it will take time to find out what products work for you. Many brands offer hair profilers on their websites that will diagnose exactly what products you need. You can also try buying trial and travel sizes at first so you can experiment with different brands and combinations. In the end, you will have a much healthier, happier head of curls!
Dear Ouidad:
I am a 48-year-old, type 2 diabetic since I was 40-ish. I don’t know if that will have anything to do with my situation, but I wanted to throw it in there. I have had a natural curl/wave since I was born. In the beginning I didn’t really know how to handle it and, like most, tried blow-drying to straighten. Then, about five to seven years ago, I decided to quit fighting and “let it go,” which is what I did and began embracing my “wash & wear” hair.
Well, I started noticing at the beginning of this year that with a few haircuts, my curls are pretty much gone. I still let my hair air dry, because that’s what I’m used too, and then put in a pony-tail because it’s so fine and, to me, looks lifeless. I’ve always taken pride in my hair and now I just don’t know what to do with it. I’ve also used several products to “revive” my hair, but nothing seems to be working. Any advice?
Dear Missing Curls: I’m sorry to hear about your missing curls! The issue may be leftover damage from your days of blow-drying. Curly hair is very delicate, and heat styling can cause serious damage to the curl formation. However, this can be remedied with a nourishing deep treatment. Start out by using a deep treatment weekly until your hair starts to look noticeably healthier and the curl formation returns. Then, continue doing a deep treatment every other week as a part of your regular routine. Doing this is guaranteed to make your hair stronger, softer, healthier, and less frizzy! If you’re still looking for a little extra boost, try a curl refreshing spray like my Botanical Boost to revive the hair. With this process, your hair should be sporting beautiful curls again in no time!
Dear Ouidad:
I am 45-years-old and was blessed with naturally curly hair. All my life I have struggled with this thick, Italian, very curly hair and dreamed of having hair like Cher, or straight hair.
Finally, a year ago my stylist gave me a Simply Smooth Keratin Treatment which I loved and my life changed for the better. It lasted 9 months and I had another treatment ($200 a treatment”> which was not as successful as my first. I had a mini treatment in between as instructed, but I am afraid my old hair has won the battle and I am, once again, battling this curly hair drama.
I don’t want to spend money on another treatment, but my stylist told me she did the same thing as the first time and I need to use the Simply Smooth products.
My question to you is what can or should I do? Is there something I can purchase myself and treat my hair like the Simply Smooth? I am desperate for your sound advice.
Dear Desperate in NY: I always advise my clients to avoid straightening treatments. Naturally curly hair is gorgeous and straightening seriously damages the hair. So my advice to you is to embrace your curls! Start doing a weekly deep treatment to repair the damage and replace lost proteins. Once your hair starts to become healthier you can cut back to every other week. Also, as you transition, try visiting a stylist who has experience and training in cutting curly hair.
Dear Ouidad:
My daughter is 7-years-old and biracial. When she was younger, she had silky curls, but I may have sabotaged her hair while desperately trying to find the right products for her hair. Now she has semi kinky, frizzy, dry curls that tangle badly. She loves to wear her hair down, but its torture for both of us because after an hour or so, it’s like a fuzz ball. How can we achieve a softer, less tangled look that hangs down over her shoulders when she wears her hair loose? Please help my little princess get her “look.”
Dear Saboteur:
I would suggest a gentle shampoo and conditioner for your daughter to help repair and nourish her curls. Make sure to shampoo her hair only once a week to cut back on dryness. While conditioning, try not to rinse out all of the conditioner; moisture is the key to beautiful curls! Detangle her curls with a wide tooth comb like my Double Detangler while there is still conditioner. Finish with a moisturizing gel for shiny, frizz-free hair throughout the day. You may also want to try my Rake and Shake styling technique.
Dear Ouidad:
I recently did a store-bought keratin treatment that was only supposed to last for a month, however after three months my curls are still flat. How can I return my hair back to its natural state?Dear Store Bought Flat:
Chemical treatments, like keratin and relaxers can damage and strip away the protective layer of the hair cuticle. It will take time and proper care before your curls are finally restored. To help, try using my Deep Treatment every other week to replenish and revive your curls. A moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will also help restore your curls to their natural state. Please be patient. Only time will bring your hair back, but at least the Deep Treatment will revive what not has been completely damaged. I’m not a fan of any keratin treatment.
Dear Ouidad:
I have really thick, wavy 2C hair and my question is about my scalp, actually. I have a pretty dry scalp and my cosmetologist sister has told me it’s because of all the parabens and sulfates in the products I use. Can you recommend something to help with the itch? I don’t have flakes, though, just itch. I don’t know if switching ALL of my products to P/S-Free is the answer or if just switching my actual styling product would suffice. Thanks for any help you can provide!
Dear Itchy:
The problem may be that you are washing your hair too often. I would consult a dermatologist for more assistance, but over washing strips natural oils. Curls should only be washed once every few days in order to prevent dryness of the scalp and hair. When this is done, sulfates should not be an issue. However, if you would still like to go sulfate free, you should probably switch to a sulfate free shampoo, since shampoo is where sulfates are most often found.
Dear Ouidad:
Hi! My name is Allison. I am 15 years old and I have naturally curly hair (ringlets”>. I really love it and embrace it a lot, but it tends to be flat on the top of my head with no volume. I’d love for it to have volume all over, but I don’t know what cut would be good for me. Help!
Dear Volume-less:
Hi Allison! How your hair looks when it’s dry depends greatly on what you do with it when it’s wet. A tool like my Curl Clips will help to position your curls, create height, or style hair away from the face. For a how-to tutorial, visit my Expert Tips section on Ouidad.com, or watch the video below!
Dear Ouidad:
My hair is thick, curly and dry. Recently, I had my hair cut from long to short, and my stylist used a razor to decrease my hair volume. I am desperate — I feel my hair is ugly now and I can’t find any way to style my hair.
Dear At a Loss:
The first step to reversing damage to your ends is a nourishing Deep Treatment every other week! Deep Treatment penetrates through the hair cuticle to repair the internal structure of your curls, restoring bounce and controlling frizz. Also, try using an ultra hydrating leave in conditioner like my Moisture Lock Leave-in Conditioner on your ends and dry areas. This creates a “moisture foundation” by infusing individual strands with conditioning proteins vital to healthy hair and great looking curls! It can also be used sparingly as a styling lotion to touch up dry curls in between shampoo.
Tip: NEVER use a razor on curly hair; it will shave the hair shaft in half causing more expansion and frizz!
Dear Ouidad:
I have had type 3a curly hair my entire life. Last year, I cut my hair that was down my back up to my neck. Since that time, my curls have left me! My hair went from a 3a to less than a 2a. I used to be able to throw some gel in my hair and leave the house with no problems. Now, gel or mousse just doesn’t do it for me anymore.
I have been straightening my hair because it no longer looks right with my hair wet. I have also been putting my hair in a ponytail because I don’t feel confident about my hair any more. Please help me! I don’t know what to do! Should I perm my hair? I thought that growing my hair out would do the trick, but it didn’t. I had it down to my bra line, and NOTHING!
I just recently had someone who was Ouidad certified cut my hair. When he styled it, it came out too crunchy and flaky. It was curly though. I tried it at home the next day and it came out wavy. I am desperate to get my curls back. Please HELP ME!
Dear Curl-less:
It sounds like my Certified Stylist was a bit heavy with the amount of products, but applying the products using my “Rake & Shake” technique will definitely get more curl out of your hair. Also, when the hair is very dehydrated (possibly from straightening your hair on regular basis”> the curls can collapse, so a Deep Treatment would be helpful.
My PlayCurl will have you loving your curls again soon! This line was developed to help add volume and encourage curl formation. The PlayCurl Volumizing Shampoo contains a blend of green tea extract, aloe and wheat protein with volumizing polymers which provide a gentle shampoo that livens limp curls and encourages curl formation. Follow this with my PlayCurl Volumizing Conditioner to build fullness and strengthen baby fine curls.
After shampooing and conditioning, apply a nourishing, but volumizing mousse throughout your curls using my “Rake and Shake” technique. Turn head upside down and dry using a diffuser to add curl definition and volume.
Dear Ouidad:
I have hair about 2 inches or so past shoulder length; it has a natural wave. I’m getting older, past 55, and curl/wave is losing its volume. I got a perm, but it was way too tight — I had to use curling iron on parts to loosen up. What a pain, as I wanted something I could wash and let air-dry. The hairdresser used the biggest perm rollers, and when I asked if she could make curls looser by not leaving the solution on for the entire time, she said that would not work.
She did suggest that she take bigger chunks of hair to put in the rollers. Would this help and make my curls looser, or is there something else you might suggest?
Dear Perm Gone Wrong:
While you still have the past perm in your hair, I would not suggest using more chemicals to change your curl, but try to work with your current texture. Build a hair care regimen specific to your curl type with a great shampoo and conditioner like my nourishing Curl Quencher line created to revive and repair aging/dehydrated curls. You should only shampoo and condition your hair two to three times per week maximum.
If your curls need a little extra moisture, treat them every other week with our Deep Treatment to rebuild chemically processed curls and maintain hair’s health with a combination of essential amino acids, proteins and effective moisturizers. In the future your hair stylist can create looser curls by taking bigger sections on large rods, but the time of the processing solution needs to be the same. The deep treatment will also help get you the look you’re going for.
Dear Ouidad:
I was debating a Curl Softening Treatment to to create loose curls with my 4b hair, similar to Corinne Bailey Rae’s. Is that possible, and is the Curl Softening Treatment permanent?Dear Seeking Softer Curls:
I would definitely recommend a softening treatment to get the look you’re looking for. But remember to work with your natural (and beautiful!”> curl texture before trying any type of treatment.
However, if you do want to get loose curls, make sure you use a New York and Santa Monica Salons. The Softening Treatment is meant to gently loosen curl pattern without the harsh chemicals found in most relaxers.
If you’re just looking for an easier way to style your tight curls, try pairing a Rake & Shake technique to apply Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel.
Dear Ouidad:
I love to color my hair and normally do a permanent color and a rinse once a year. I have noticed however that my hair is dry at times and seems to be shedding/breaking (I don’t know the difference”> when I twist it at night. Can you advise me of ways to (a”> get my hair back to a more healthier state, and (b”> color my hair in a more healthy way?.A:
Try these hair coloring tips for healthy hair. Use semi- or demi-color instead of permanent. Also use a Deep Treatment 3 days before coloring and 10 days after coloring to protect and nourish your curls. For coloring services, make sure your stylist is using a gentle coloring system and following with an in-salon Deep Treatment to seal in color (makes it last longer!”> and condition your curls after the processing. Finally, try not to twist your hair because it causes breakage. Instead, gently put your curls on top of your head in a loose ponytail (with soft strip of cloth or scrunchie”> so that there’s less stress on your curls.
Dear Ouidad:
I am 33 years old, have very thick Type 3b hair and I follow most of the below tips:- Use duckbill clips on the crown of your head to lift top curls
- Let hair air dry or use a diffuser
- Once your curls are dry, rub a little pomade into the palm of your hands and smooth over your hair gently
- Do not use a brush or comb on your dry curls
- Reduce tangles by sleeping on a satin pillowcase
Dear Bleached Curls:
Bleach strips the proteins out of your hair, causing your curls to collapse. You should use a Deep Treatment (concentrating the treatment on the bleached hair portions”> every 10 days to revive the proteins that have not been totally stripped so your hair will curl while you grow it out. For styling use a leave-in conditioner and moisturizing styling gel like Moisture Lock and Curl Quencher.
Do you long for straight hair?
Dear Ouidad: I have naturally curly type 3b hair. It is frizzy and kinky and very hard to maintain. I did thermal straightening four years ago and have been getting it done every 6 months. Since my hair is so curly, it looks funny when the new hair begins to grow. I do not want to use too many chemicals too often on my hair and have read that it is best to wait at least 6 months to get hair thermally straightened, so I generally pull my hair back in a pony.
Now my questions to you are:
- Is it harmful to get your hair thermally straightened so often?
- I live in Florida and the humidity doesn’t help my frizzy hair. What other alternative would you suggest if I do not get my hair thermally straightened?
- Can you recommend any products/treatments that might help me in controlling my curls?
I have been very frustrated with my hair for a very long time. I’d really appreciate it if you can help me out and let me know the right way to handle my hair.
A: Thermally straightening your hair and other salon straightening techniques (such as a Japanese straightening or a kearatin treatment”> can be extremely damaging to your hair in the long run. I recommend trying to embrace your natural curls and start by using a deep conditioning treatment every other week to bring your curls back after all of the chemical processing. Once your hair has grown out of the straightening damage you can style using products for curly hair . Keep the frizz down by using one of my favorite conditioning and styling combinations: Moisture Lock leave-in conditioner and “>Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel. You’ll never go back to straightening again once you learn to style your naturally beautiful curly hair!
