The (all-true) taming of the frizz

Curly hair can sometimes be hard to manage.

People think I'm odd when I tell them I have to plan when I wash my hair; it needs a couple of days to settle down. On the first day of washing my hair it can sometimes look like I've electrocuted myself. So although some think I'm odd, others nod emphatically, they have the same battle.

Textured hair has a natural tendency to be drier than straighter hair types and requires a bit more TLC. The following suggestions will help you manage your curly, thick and/or coarse hair.

INVEST IN A GOOD SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Use a quality shampoo and conditioner, one specifically formulated for your hair type. I also find it beneficial to change products from time to time; the hair seems to respond well to the change.

How to condition your hair:

- Dry your hair slightly by squeezing it and/or lightly and gently towel-drying it.

-Apply the conditioner, concentrating on the ends first, not the scalp. Massage this in gently.

-Leave in for about 5 minutes, or as instructed on the packaging.

-Rinse thoroughly.

DON'T OVERWASH YOUR HAIR

Some people wash their hair every day but that doesn't allow the natural oils from your scalp to work their way down the hair. Consider extending the time between washes, using a dry shampoo to keep it under control at the roots if you need to.

CO-WASHING

Co-washing? What the heck is that? Glad you asked. Also known as "no-poo" or the Curly Girl Method.

Co-washing is when you only wash your hair with conditioner, not shampoo. A client of mine has recently turned to this method and can't believe how fabulous her hair now is. It's so manageable and looks fantastic from day one, not two to three days later.

A GOOD HAIRSTYLIST

Not all hairstylists are skilled or good at cutting thick, curly, coarse hair. It's really important you find one who is. It will make the world of difference to how your hair looks and how manageable it is.

In terms of current styling, curly hair responds well to having length in it (as opposed to layers), to help weigh it down, keep it manageable and fabulous.

WEEKLY HAIR TREATMENT

Thick, coarse hair can often suffer from a lack of natural oils and nutrients from the scalp; a hair mask/treatment will help to repair and moisturise parts of the hair that are lacking.

Your hair will absorb the treatment better when it's warm. We suggest wearing a shower cap once the treatment is on and/or dampen and heat a hand towel in the microwave and wrap that around your head. Follow the instructions on the length of time you should leave the product in.

KEEP IT TRIMMED

Get the ends trimmed every 6-8 weeks to help keep your hair in good condition.

KEEP THAT BRUSH AWAY

Don't brush curly hair - the brush separates the curls and you could end up a frizz ball. Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers. Hair is most fragile when it's wet so be sure to take extra care.

USE HAIR SERUM (OIL)

Apply a small amount of serum to damp (or dry) hair. Avoid applying it at the scalp because after a couple of days the natural oils will present themselves and you'll end up with an oily effect.

Alternatively, coconut oil is proving very popular. I use it, one, lightly on the ends of my hair to help keep it under control and style it, and two, applying it liberally the night before I wash my hair, as a treatment.

A LA NATUREL

Let your hair dry naturally to keep it in good condition. If you do use a hair dryer, use it on a cool setting and preferably with a diffuser, scrunching the hair softly in your hand as you dry it to retain the curls. Be careful with hair colours - some are very damaging and can further strip the natural goodness from the hair.

Lisa Lyford is the founder of Gorgeous Me, free DIY personal styling and makeover advice. www.gorgeousme.co.nz

Send your questions for Lisa to regionalfeatures@nzme.co.nz.