As long as I can remember, I’ve had a natural wave to my hair. As a teen, I would get frustrated because I never knew how to embrace my curls without my hair looking frizzy. Over the years, I’ve learned some tips and tricks to getting my culrs to look as defined as possible. With the right products and techniques, I can get my curls looking their best and give my hair a much deserved break from styling and excess heat.

kerastase products 2

My naturally curly hair process starts in the shower. A good cleansing conditioner is the best way to prep your curls because it cleanses and nourishes in one step, and it won’t lather too much so it’s extra gentle. Using a regular shampoo can actually lead to increased frizz and misshapen curls. I use the silicone and sulfate-free Cleansing Conditioner from the Kérastase Discipline Curl Idéal Collection all over my hair from roots to ends. Don’t rush through this step, for maximum definition all of your hair needs to get enough of the product. The Cleansing Conditioner works to cleanse and condition hair, add shine, and define curls.

Because I color my hair so often, I love getting all the extra hydration to my hair especially when I wear it natural to give it a break from styling. I apply the Kérastase Masque Curl Idéal which not only strengthens hair, but also gives curls all-day frizz control. Added bonus— this mask is so good you only need to leave it on for five minutes! If your hair is really fine, you can just use it on your ends for extra nourishment.

dry using tshirt

When it comes time to dry, skip the towel and I use a t-shirt instead. Yes a t-shirt. The fibers will absorb water without disrupting your curl pattern. Don’t rebrush your hair, the objective is to protect your curls or waves while they dry, so resist the urge to play with your hair.

cream

Now that you’ve washed and got the excess moisture out of your hair, its time to apply styling products. I use a combination of a cream to keep my hair soft and a mousse that will give my hair definition. The Kérastase Discipline Curl Idéal Collection has two stylers to achieve these goals. The Oléo-Curl is a hydrating cream that you apply downward with your fingertips, just think of it as your leave-in. You can even use it on second day hair and give your hair a little scrunch as you go.

mouse

Then I apply a mousse, try the Mousse Curl Idéal. Don’t worry, it gives your hair plenty of bounce, shape, and definition without any stiffness. Mousse can tend to leave hair dry to the touch, but there’s no weird crunchy feeling with this product. I won’t ever skip this step because I find it really makes a difference with how well my curls last.

use diffuser

Now it’s time to dry! Hold your head upside down and use a diffuser on medium heat, on the low setting. When you’re done, roughly style your hair with your fingers, letting your curls fall naturally. If you want to define any wild pieces or frame your face, use a 1 inch wand or curling iron.

That’s it! You’ll be surprised at how well your curls or waves will behave when you used products designed for your texture. Head over to Kerastase-usa.com to see how other fans of this line are using it to get #myidealcurl

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Photos: Jared Thomas Photography

Curls, curls, curls…

As a manufacturer of professional hair care and styling products, Kérastase clearly understands the issues and needs of curly hair.
It’s often dry, frizzy, gets easily tangled and is not so easy to tame. Many shampoos, conditioners and styling products either wear the hair down or define the curls but without any suppleness. This is the reason why Kérastase designed Discipline Curl Idéal, a range of four products to discipline and define unruly curls, leaving them supple, boucy and shiny. Or, as Kérastase describes it in a poetic way, your hair will be dancing to the rhythm of your body. I like that! To obtain this effect, Kérastase explains they have developed a new formula, combining pro-keratine and elastin. It suits all types of curly hair, whether you have wavy, loose curls, bouncy spirals or coily corkscrews.

Kérastase, hair care, curls, Curl Idéal, beautyblog, Peggy Timmermans

Cleansing Conditioner Curl Idéal is a 2-in-1 product. I’ve never been a fan of these type of hair care products, that is until I’ve tried this one! According to the instructions, I pump 6 times (it says 4 to 6 times and I’ve got long hair) and distribute the product evenly over my wet hair all the way to the ends, letting it sit for 2 minutes. Then I add some water to make it foam, it doesn’t produce an enormous amount of lather, which is a good thing in my book. After rinsing, my hair feels soft and, to my surprise, it’s not tangled.

Kérastase, hair care, curls, Curl Idéal, beautyblog, Peggy Timmermans

To apply on towel-dry hair before styling, this range features two options: Mousse Curl Idéal, a styling mousse that defines the curls without leaving a residue, or Oléo-Curl, a flexible styling cream that fixates the curls and protects the hair from heat. To be honest, I’ve tried both of them with pretty much the same results. Both products have anti-frizz properties, they left my hair soft and shiny and my curls well defined and long lasting. So I guess it’s just what kind of texture you prefer. Oléo-Curl can also be used as a finish on dry hair.

Kérastase, hair care, curls, Curl Idéal, beautyblog, Peggy Timmermans

My curls are hooked!