Beauty Q&A: Frizzy Hair

Q. I’m getting married in July in Houston. The problem is that my hair is really wavy and tends to frizz when it’s humid. How can I keep my hair under control. I’d like to blow it out and wear it straight but I’m afraid the second I step outside it’ll explode into an unruly mess. Help!!

A. Don’t let your waves get you down. To take the wave out and fight frizz, you need to use the right styling tools: a large, round brush (try Conair Classics Vented Boar Bristle Brush); a product that will smooth the hair shaft and and add some shine (try Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon or John Frieda’s readytowear Shaping & Glossing Balm); and some hair clips. When blow drying, start with a small section of hair from the nape of your neck. Secure the rest on top of your head with the clips. Start drying at the roots, following the length of hair with the round brush and the dryer. Don’t be afraid to pull the hair up a little — be sure to hold it taut with the brush. Continue until the section is completely dry before moving on to the next section. When you’ve finished drying your entire head (be patient, this may take a while), apply the finishing balm to smooth down any stray hairs and add moisture. This should hold your straight hair in place and add a little shine. Done!

Q. I have long curly hair that is curlier in some sections than others. It can be pretty stubborn. I want a style that is easier to handle and I’m not sure what to do with it on my wedding day. Any suggestions?

A. “She should be jumping up and down for joy that she has curly hair,” says New York City salon owner and curl master Ouidad. “With curls, it’s easy to achieve a romantic look – perfect for the wedding day.” Ouidad says the type of curl you have — the density and tightness — will determine the length of the style that’s right for you. “It’s very common to have three to four different textures of curls with some areas looser than others,” explains Ouidad. “The best thing to do is to avoid too many layers. Instead, go for a classic line at the bottom of the style, get an almost blunt cut with slicing and carving to create a sculptured look around the face, with your curls lying flat. Too many layers will cause the curls to stick out.” Taller women can wear their curly hair almost any length, but if you’re on the shorter side, Ouidad warns against getting a very short hairstyle. One inch below the shoulders is safe. From there, you can take the hair into a simple up-do for the wedding day. She also says that if you’ll be working with a stylist on your wedding day, it’s very important that this person understands your vision and knows how to work with curly hair. If you’re doing it yourself, Ouidad says not to blow out curls before attempting an up-do. Use the curls to enhance the style. Work with the waves and follow Ouidad’s philosophy: less is more with curly hair: the less you play with it, the better your style will look.

For an easy do-it-yourself wedding-day do, here’s what Ouidad suggests:

• Take a little hair from where your sideburns would be, tilt your head back, so all your curls fall back, take that one piece and place a hairpin there, pushing it all the way up toward the crown. Now pull down some of the curls and let them fall around the front, framing your face.

• Next, go behind the earlobe, take another section and pin it up there. Let some hair in between the pinned up sections fall and do this all around your head, so you have small trestles coming down, while the curls are held up. “It’s a style that gives a visual of both long hair and an up-do. You’ll show off your beautiful curls and your dress. It’s a soft, elegant look.”