Hair On The Brain

Antonio Prieto, founder of Antonio Prieto Salon in New York City, is the stylist responsible for the easy-to-do looks in the August Issue of SELF magazine, has the top four things things every curly girl should remember.

1. You don’t have to shampoo your hair with suds! Rinsing your hair and washing your scalp with conditioner or a sulfate-free shampoo reduces frizz because you’re not taking away the natural oils that protect the hair.
2. Avoid creating a lion’s mane: Don’t brush your hair while it is dry! Instead, comb through it with a large tooth comb or your fingers while it’s really wet to get the best curl formation.
3. Take advantage of your texture when you create updos: Since it’s not super slippery like straight hair, you can easily create an elegant (and long-lasting) style by twisting large sections into knots and pinning with extra-large hairpins.
4. Gel is your friend! A good gel has great properties for defining curls and keeping them flexible (not crunchy). If your curls get a little hard, don’t stress! Just wait until hair is 100 percent dry, then scrunch it until it’s soft. This also helps curls look more defined.

Thanks, Antonio! And thanks, SELF! And don’t forget to check out the Top 6 Tips For Styling Straight Hair!