If you have curly hair you are likely to either be in the camp that embraces their locks or the one that devotes a lot of time to ironing it flat. Whichever you are, no doubt you are constantly battling with the humidity, sun, and air-conditioners to avoid that frazzled look. But keeping your curly hair tamed doesn’t have to be a daily chore. You can have luscious-looking waves and keep the frizzies at bay by taking a few simple steps.

Don’t comb it dry

To be blunt, brushing dry curly hair is a recipe for disaster. It aggravates the hair’s cuticle, causing more frizz, and it stretches the hair which is likely to cause breakage. The best solution is to lightly brush or comb when it is wet after washing. If you need to, comb your hair with wet fingers throughout the day, as water helps to add moisture and reduce the fuzz.

Don’t wash the ‘fro too often and clean it before bed

Washing your hair too frequently is not great for your wavy locks as it strips the hair’s natural oils, which are fighting the frizz. Experiment with washing two to three times a week and see if it makes a difference. To ward off the greasy-look use a dry shampoo or steal some of your child’s talcum powder. Washing before bed rather than the morning can help to combat the frizz, too.

Invest in a good conditioner

Buying a decent conditioner will do wonders for your hair. Look for one containing protein because it tames the frizz and creates a glossy look. Try to find a conditioner with more natural products and less chemicals – the latter can do more harm than good. Also, use a deep conditioning treatment on your curls every two weeks to keep it looking super sexy.

Avoid using heat on your hair

Frequently using straighteners and curling tongs is not good for your curls. Applying heat to your hair is like applying heat to your skin; it can burn. Heat can cause breakage and split ends. Occasional use is better, such as a special night out or a trip to the hairdressers. Also, if you want to blow dry, always use a diffuser or a hood.

Drying your curly mane

Should you dry your hair naturally or use a hairdryer? It really depends on your hair type and what works for you. If you wash your hair in the morning and then leave it to dry naturally, then you are likely to turn up to early morning appointments sporting the wet look. The best solution is to wash your hair the night before then roll your wet locks up in a t-shirt overnight to retain some of the moisture and avoid the frizz. Then in the morning style and let it dry naturally.

When drying your hair with a hairdryer you should always use an adaptor, such as a diffuser or a hood. Both of them disperse the air more evenly over your hair. Always set the hairdryer at a low speed and heat, as a high setting will get you in a tangle and defeats the purpose of the adaptor. If you are unsure of what works for your hair, ask your hairdresser to experiment next time you have an appointment.

Styling your curls

To maintain your curls, the best way is to style them rather than leave them untouched. Natural oils are great for curly hair as they can control that frizz and reduce split ends. Try one which is rich in vitamin E, like argan oil. Other popular oils for curly hair are coconut oil and olive oil. But always use them sparingly as they can dry out the hair.

Style your waves by either scrunching or twisting sections around your finger and use styling products such as a wax, curl cream or hairspray. Look for ones designed for curly hair and containing more natural products. To finish your hair, add a serum by applying to the roots and smoothing to the ends.

How do you control your frizz? Do you have any secret tricks to keep the frizzies from rising?