FAQ: Which Styling Mousse Is Best For Permed Hair?

Question: 
I had my hair permed for the first time and for styling I used my favorite mousse for hair. However, I am not happy it feels on my hair. Would you tell me which mousse is better for permed hair?

Answer:
A styling mousse (also called a styling foam) is best for straight hair, in my humble opinion. Mousse contains quite a bit of alcohol, which makes hair feel more "crunchy" than soft. For styling permed hair, I would choose a gel that is designed to make curly/wavy hair soft and pliable. If you apply it to your tresses and blow dry them with diffuser while "scrunching" the hair carefully, you will make your ringlets strong and bouncy.

I personally like gels that do not have a strong hold, because strong hold gels make hair "hard" after hair dries. The best gels for bouncy hair are gels with moisturizing ingredients because they smooth and define curls. Below are some gels with moisturizing emollients that are ideal for curly/coarse hair to provide soft curl control without a crisp feel and that leave hair natural feeling:

• Ouidad Curl Quencher
• Fructis Style Curl Sculpting Cream Gel (my favorite)
• Aquage Curl Defining Creme
• or try Moroccan Argan Oil

But there are many more gels similar to the above mentioned products. Explore other companies. Look for words like: moisturizing, emollient, supple, curl defining, and conditioning, while looking for a perfect product for your hair.

FAQ: How Can I Make My Curls Stay?

Question:
My hair is medium length and it is straight. Every time I curl my hair with a curling iron my curls go flat by the time I am finished with styling it. I follow the hairdresser's recommendation - I use a mouse on my damp hair, then blow-dry it,  then curl small sections and immediately spray them with hair spray. However, my curls do not hold. What am I doing wrong? Do I need a new curling iron?

Answer:
From your description your hair seems to be pin straight. Some hair just will not hold curl for too long no matter what, especially if it is a "heavy" and/or long hair. If you had the styling done in the hair salon and curls held longer than when you do it at home, then you are leaving a slight moisture in your hair, which will cause your curls to "fall out". So, you would need to blow dry your hair even more dry (your curling iron may not dry your hair up entirely). You could also try to get a spray that is designed to use with curling irons (check with your local salon what they carry and ask for samples) instead of your mouse.

If your stylist has same problem as you do, then the only solution would to give yourself a perm on medium perming rods (light purple or combination of peach and purple) for those nice big waves that are fashionable these days. In the long run, your hair would grow out, however the permed area should hold the waves a lot better, provided that you would follow all the steps you usually do.

And lastly if your curling iron does not get hot enough, then you need a new one.

Credit:
The above image is from http://styletips101.com/

Note: 

This post should be taken as a first step for a discussion with your hairdresser and/or colorist about your ideas, desires or problems with your hair. Under no circumstances, you should act upon this post ONLY. I strongly advice you to have your hair done by a skilled and reputable hairdresser/colorist in your area.

FAQ: Large and Frizzy Hair, Please Help!

Question:
Right after I wash my hair it is OK. But when it dries, it gets large and frizzy. How can I keep it tamed? Are there any good products I could use on my hair to stop it from puffing up?

Answer:
From what you are telling me, you must have a very curly hair. If you try to play with it after it dries it may get frizzy. This is what I'd do if I would have curly hair - after shampooing my hair, I would put a heavy duty (deep) conditioner and comb my hair before I would rinse it. After it would be tangles free, I would gently rinse my hair by running my fingers through it from scalp toward the ends. I would wrap a towel around my hair to get the moisture out. Never rub your hair, because you will disturb the hair cuticle. Then I would put a little bit of a moisturizing conditioner into my palm and gently spread it evenly all over the hair - doing especially good job on the outer layer, which gets damaged by various factors the most. Now comes the last step - there are a lot of great products on the market (some more expensive than others and I am sure you can find a product you can afford) that you can use for styling and to tame the ringlets. I particularly love Curl Sculpting Cream-Gel by Garnier (fructis style) for your hair type. Put a small amount into your palms, rub the palms together and distribute it into your damp and conditioned hair. Repeat as necessary until you feel your hair is soft - do not overdo it, but do not under do it neither. Style it while it is wet and then let your hair dry naturally. Do not shake your hair or disturb any other way. The creamy styling gel makes hair very soft after it dries it should make curly hair sort of cling together into beautiful ringlets. Remember - the more you touch your hair after it dries, the more puffy and frizzy it will get. If you feel the hair has a bit of a wet look (after it dries) and you do not want it, then place your fingers under the hair on the scalp  and make hair move just a bit for a softer look. Do not shake your hair too much and do not touch it much, so the ringlets do not frizz up.

BTW - Garnier should pay me for recommending their product to all my friends and teaching them to use it on their curly hair :-)

Note:

This post should be taken as a first step for a discussion with your hairdresser and/or colorist about your ideas, desires or problems with your hair. Under no circumstances, you should act upon this post only. I strongly advice you to have your hair done by a skilled and reputable hairdresser/colorist in your area.