Love your curls

Hair trends keep changing and so do the styling procedures. If curly or wavy hair is in vogue, then people with straight hair want to get their hair textured or curled, and vice versa. Procedures like perming or straightening involve the use of chemical lotions that can damage the hair with repeated use. Hence, it is best to accept your hair’s natural texture and condition and celebrate it with some styling.

Learn about the products that you can use to enhance the beauty and style of your hair. Here are some useful tips you can try:

* There are ways in which you can control frizz or unruly curls. For instance, take two drops of a light vegetable oil, like sunflower oil on your palms and rub them lightly together, so that the oil spreads over evenly. Smooth the palms over the hair. Or, take the ends of the hair in your palms and scrunch them. Leave the oil on.

* Mix some water with creamy hair conditioner and pour it in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on your hair. Then comb the hair, so that it spreads through the hair. This will make your hair easier to tame and style.

* Avoid hot water to wash the hair. After shampoo, wrap a towel around the head and let it soak up water. Avoid rubbing. If you are planning to use a hairdryer, take a big round brush and divide the hair into sections. Dry one section at a time. Blow in a downward direction. Using the dryer over the hair can cause more frizz.

* After using a spray with leave-in conditioner and a little water, part the hair horizontally into two layers, one on top and a lower one. Tie a low ponytail with the lower section, by back-combing the hair slightly and pinning into a bun. The top section can also be tied and pinned up, but allow a few loose curls to fall on either side.

* If your hair is wavy or has large curls, apply the hydrating spray and use your fingers to twist the hair into curls or ringlets from top to end. The hair may then be tied on one side, with the curls falling on one side. The hair can also be scrunched in the palms. The curls can also be tied on top of the head, like a top knot.

* A curling wand also helps texturise wavy hair. A wide curling wand would be better Wavy hair is actually quite difficult to style. Pin up the top part of your hair and then take one section at a time from the lower layer and wind around the curling wand. Wind sections alternately towards the face and away from the face. Let down the top half and do the same.

* You can also texturise wavy or even straight hair by braiding it in sections. Then use a flat iron along the braid. Then open the braid and use your fingers to tousle it. Do the same with the rest of the hair. Make sure the hair looks natural and not over-crimped. A styling gel or mousse can enhance the style.

* Twisting the locks also helps create a different hair texture. First, apply some styling cream using your fingers. Comb the hair to distribute the cream evenly throughout the hair. Part the hair in sections of about an inch in width and twist each section with the fingers. Start from the roots and continue twisting till the end of each section. Use mild heat from the dryer to dry the twists. Do this till it is almost dry and then let the hair dry naturally.

Trying different styling methods will help you understand the true nature of your hair, its needs and what will make it look good.