How to Make Your Curls Last

Does anyone remember the movie “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”? I love that movie. I especially want to be Andi Anderson -“How To Girl” for a magazine. When I went to see that movie, I thought that sounded like the coolest job ever. Since I don’t live in NYC and have a big, splashy job at a magazine, I’ll just write about things I know how to do on this little blog instead. Anyhow, I thought of this during a conversation with a friend. She asked how I found the time to curl my hair every day. I told her the truth- I don’t. I usually make my curls last at least two days. When I told her how I did it and she told me I needed to share my secrets. So here it is- how to make your curls last.

** Use the right products. Without products, your curls just won’t hold. I use a heat protectant, some hair spray, dry shampoo, and some oil or shine spray. It sounds like a lot but it really helps. Heat protectant helps to protect your hair from damage (duh) and it provides some hold. I personally use Big Sexy Hair Protect Me Hot Tool Protection Spray, Joico Medium Protective Hairspray, Redken Pillow Proof Dry Shampoo, and Moroccan Oil, or VERB Ghost Oil Spray. A lot of people shy away from heat protectant because it’s sticky, but if you use it correctly, it’s not. Here’s the trick- Spray the section you want to curl, comb or brush through it, then curl.

** Curl your hair right the first time. Instead of just haphazardly curling pieces of your hair, take your time and section it out. I usually section mine into the following sections- nape of the neck, then from my temples back to the center of my head on both sides, then split the top “horseshoe” shaped section into 2 sections. Start at the bottom and curl up. In addition, curl from the root of your hair rather than the end. If you curl the end, your hair will just be curly at the end and the roots will still be straight. Sometimes, I alternate my curls as well- curl a section back, then curl the next section forward. This gives me a really curly look the first day and then a wavy look the next day.

** Let your curls cool properly. Remember the days of hot rollers? (I’ve heard they’re making a comeback.) If you didn’t let it cool, your curl didn’t hold. After you curl, let the curls cool for 3-5 minutes (or longer if you can) before combing through. I curl mine, then spray it lightly with hairspray, let it cool, then rub a small amount of oil between my hands or spray with oil spray before combing through. Then use hair spray to hold. It sounds like a lot, but it takes 30 seconds.

** Use the right tools. I use a curling iron because it’s faster for me but some people use a flat iron. I have too much hair to take the time to use a flat iron. Right now I’m using BioIonic Long Barrel 1 inch Curling Iron. This makes smaller curls but then they last longer. I also like the Babyliss 1.25 Inch Curling Iron. You don’t have to spend a lot on a curling iron. My last curling iron wasn’t a fancy brand and I used it for 10 years until I bought the BioIonic iron. I like to use alligator clips to section my hair and a vented Wet Brush to comb through the curls while I’m curling (Don’t brush after curling – you’ll just end up with frizz) When it comes time to tousle the curls, just use your hands. Massage the roots to break up the curls and then slide your hands through.

** Treat your hair right at night. Spray some dry shampoo at your roots to soak up the excess oil, rub some oil (or oil spray) into the ends and comb through with your fingers to get rid of tangles. If you have really long hair, you can sleep with it in a loose bun or even a braid but I don’t do that.

** Treat your hair right the morning after. I usually get up and workout with my hair in a ponytail. After my workout, I put my hair in a coiled bun, and shower. After I do my makeup, I take my hair down, massage the roots, and then figure out my plan. If it’s frizzy, I might have to spray some oil into it and smooth it down. If it needs some volume, I spray some more dry shampoo or dry texture spray into the roots. Don’t worry if some of the pieces have went kind of straight. It’s ok if it looks kind of messy and not so perfect-that’s the trend. If you’re worried about it, just curl those pieces. If you still don’t like it, put your hair half up or in a ponytail or bun. The texture will help it look better.

I realize none of this is rocket science, but if it helps you to save some time in the morning, it’s worth a try. I’m all about sleeping and not rushing around before I go to work. And if I can make my hair look good two days in a row without using heat, I’m all about that too. If you’re curious about the curling technique, watch this video by Harmonize Beauty. She doesn’t use her products like I do, but she shows how to curl from the root instead of the end. The picture I’ve used of myself is a picture with second day curls. Yes, I took it sitting on the floor of my closest but the lighting was good and my hair looked good. Let me know if any of these tips work for you!