Tutorials – Studio B

The Right Way to Take Care of Your Curls

Have you fallen into temptation to chop off your curls, or straighten them, just because they’re constantly giving you the hardest time when styling them? We wouldn’t blame you if you did, but your curly hair doesn’t have to step off the scene if you know how to properly maintain it.

Curly hair is like the diva all of all hair types, and it requires some special care to look gorgeous as you would like it to. It’s constantly affected by humidity, the frizz is like its arch nemesis, and split ends are more likely to pop up every so often. So, to stop your curls from going all kinds of crazy on you, we decided to share a few essential curl maintenance tips that are going to help you nurture your curls, instead of trying to avoid them.

Step 1 – Wash and Condition

Curly hair is naturally dryer and when you use shampoo on the regular, you’re actually drying it out additionally, and inviting the frizz to your hair. Instead of constantly reaching for your favourite, hydrating shampoo, try co-washing. Co-washing includes alternating washing your hair with conditioner only, so you don’t dry out your curls and cause an unnecessary frizz.

Step 2 – Start from the Bottom

It doesn’t really matter what you’re doing – combing or condition, but always start from the ends of your hair, and work your way upwards. It’s easier to detangle your hair without creating excessive breakage.

Step 3 – Give it a Hydrating Boost

As we’ve mentioned before, your curls are probably dryer than the average straight hair strands, so you absolutely have to boost it with some moisture. Hydration is key, and the more hydrated your hair is, the better. Now, that doesn’t mean you should coat it in five different products at once, because that can make your hair look more flat and dry, and simply weigh it down. Ask your stylist to recommend a super-moisturising conditioner and leave it in your curls for at least five minutes. Be patient and do this every time you wash your hair.

Step 4 – Air Dry

As often as possible. We know that’s a bit unrealistic in a busy world we live in, but air drying your hair can help you lock in and keep so much of that moisture in. Moisture means less frizz and easier maintenance, as well as shinier and healthier curls. When you do have time, let your curls run free and dry on their own.

Step 5 – Trim Religiously

Not only are split ends unattractive, they also make your hair harder to manage. Give your curls a proper trim at the salon at least once in 6 weeks. Write it in your planner, put it on your calendar and think of it as the most important day in your life.

Step 6 – Detangle with Fingers

We’ve heard so many horror stories about detangling curly hair, simply because of the wrong way everyone approaches detangling. We recommend you detangle your curls with fingers, but not running them through the locks, but rather separating them with fingers. Start from the ends and work your way up.

Do you have any secret tips and tricks nobody has ever heard of before? We’d love for you to share them with us, and help all curly girls live the curly life!

July 7, 2017/by 5Tud10B

News, Tutorials

The Do’s And Don’ts of Curling Your Hair with a Straightener

Would you love to learn how to curl your hair with a straightener to get those beautiful, bouncy locks that look like you’ve just stepped out of a commercial? It might not sound right curling with a straightener, but it definitely has its advantages. Not only are you able to use one tool to style your hair straight as an arrow, but you can achieve luxurious, runway curls as well. Well, grab your straightener because we’re about to talk you through your first straightener curling session and tell you which steps to take along with which steps to avoid completely.

The Big Do’s

* Prep and Protect

We can’t stress enough the importance of using a heat protectant. It will obviously protect your hair from the heat, but will also give it some more shine. You’re also more than welcome to use a root booster, if you need that extra oomph in your roots. Try Evo day of grace as a moisturising pre styler.

* Section Your Hair

If you don’t section your hair off before you start styling your hair, you might as well not do it all. This means, no big chunks of hair, because you’re going to risk frying your outside edges, and leaving the inside intact and ‘unstyled’.

Take some extra time to do this, and you’ll see that lush curls are possible to make at home. Brush out any knots or tangles, and use an inch section of your hair at a time. Or if you’re a visual person, never take sections of hair that are wider than your straightener plates are.

* Twist

Start off by clamping your hair a little less than half way through. Twist your hair iron or straightener away from the face and turn it 360 degrees so that the ends are away from your face. Gently pull the straightener down without applying too much pressure until you almost get to the ends, leave a little hair out so you don’t look too curled.

* And Twirl

Afterwards, twirl the piece of your hair to create the desired curl. Simply take your fingers and curl it away from the face.

* Different Techniques

Different kinds of locks require different techniques, but the great thing about curling with a straightener is, you don’t have to change the size of your barrel to achieve a different look.

For example, if you’re looking for looser, beachy waves, all you have to do is take bigger sections of your hair, and turn your straightener 180 degrees away from your face, pulling it downwards at a medium speed. You don’t want to hold your straightener on your hair for too long, if you’re looking for less defined curls.

*Adjust the Speed

You don’t want to hold your straightener in one place, but adjusting the speed is a must if you want to play around with your curls. If you want tighter curls, you’re going for a slower motion, and if you want those sexy, Victoria’s Secret model waves you’re aiming for a higher speed of motion.

Now, the Big Dont’s

* It’s all about steady movement! Never hold a straightener for too long in one place, otherwise you’ll risk burning or creasing your hair. Even, steady movement is key to creating voluminous bouncy locks.

* If you’re not happy with how your curl turned out, don’t rush into the same piece you just curled. Wait for it to cool down first, and go through the same section again to achieve the desired shape.

* Once you’ve curled the entire hair, your job is not done. Shake those curls out using your fingers for a bouncier look, or use a very wide toothed comb and brush out for a looser and structured look, then set it with hairspray like Evo Helmut workable spray.

We love curling with a straightener, because it’s like a multi-tool. Our go to is Cloud nine for heat control (max 150c for thin/medium hair/ and 175c for thick/course hair) We don’t have to change the sizes of the barrel, yet we’re still able to achieve different types of curls! With a little practice, you’ll be curling and twirling in no time. Once you master this look book in for a blow-dry and we will show you how to use a waving wand for totally different looks.