Some Thoughts for Long Curly Hair before Surgery

Hair Care Ideas for surgery or extended bed rest for long curly hair:

Why is it important to style the hair before surgery?

When spending long periods of time in a bed, the natural oils from your scalp, friction of the cotton pillowcase and the length of your hair can tangle long curly hair.  The knots will turn into a matted mess that will take hours to untangle if you do not prepare in advance. 

It may be a good time to make a trip to the salon to remove some of the length off prior to surgery. This will make caring for your long curly hair more manageable. If a trim is not a viable pre-surgery option, consider the following ideas:

Should I wash my hair before surgery?

Yes, if possible, always go the hospital with clean hair. I recommend washing and deep conditioning your hair the night before.  If possible, leave some of the conditioner from the mid shaft to ends of hair for moisture. Be sure to check with your physician, some hair products can be flammable.

Are there options for styling hair for an extended hospital stay?

After talking to clients that have been in this situation, the best suggestion is to do a braided, loose ponytail and then secure it in a bun on top of your head.  Here’s how to do it:

Step One: Start with clean, dry hair.  This hair would definitely be a tangled mess after a few days in bed.

Step Two:  Put hair into a ponytail and secure it high on top of your head.

 

 

Step Three: Braid it.

 

Step Four:  Twist it into a bun.

That’s all you need to do.

Should I bring a pillowcase?

Many stores sell satin pillowcases with zippers that will help keep your hair from becoming tangled.  If you are able to bring one with you to the hospital, it would be a good idea.

What do I do if my surgery is an emergency?

If you did not have time to prepare your hair for surgery, and your hair is now a tangled mess, the best thing to do when you are feeling better is to apply moisturizing mask. Apply to wet hair and for a minimum of one hour before attempting to untangle hair using your fingers. Using a comb could break your hair. If your hair remains tangled, consider a visit to the salon to untangle your curls.

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My Favorite Hair Color

If you have not tried the new line of hair color by L’OREAL, you should.  The professional INOA is wonderful.  Every one of my clients who have made the switch, love it. 

What makes it so good?  The absence of ammonia in the mixture allows for intensely hydrated hair and scalp.  There is no odor and no staining of hairline.  It covers white hair well and has great shine. 

You will love the pure, intense, vibrant color you get with this INOA line.  While it does cost a bit more than standard color lines, it is worth every penny.

The Art Of Diffusing Hair

                        The Art Of Diffusing Hair

My Clients often ask if using a diffuser is a good way to dry curly hair,

and I tell them it can be a Perfect choice for drying or giving volume to a curly head. But like any curly hair technique, you need to use a diffuser properly to keep your curls looking good.

What is a hair diffuser? 

A diffuser attaches to the end of a blow dryer and, in fact, most hair dryers come with a diffuser attachment. It is similar in shape to a cup with long prongs extending from one end. If your hair dryer does not have a diffuser attachment, drug stores sell a universal diffuser fits most standard hair dryers.

What is the purpose of a diffuser?

The diffuser attachment on a hair dryer restricts normal airflow from the dryer to allow minimal disruption of the curl pattern while drying. If used correctly, the cup and prongs can create a tighter and more obvious curl and/or add more volume to flat hair. A diffuser is also used to hasten the drying process. If your hair is like mine, it can take the better part of the day to dry and there are some days when I do not want my neck feeling damp!

How do I use a diffuser?

Most importantly, only use a diffuser on a cold or medium heat settings. Hot air is not your friend, curly girl!

Before turning on the hair dryer with a diffuser attachment, begin by selecting an appropriate styling product or products for your curl pattern and engage in some towel-free blotting to reduce some wetness.

If volume is your goal, flip your head over and with the diffuser attached to the hair dyer, gently put hair into the cup of the diffuser and push cup up to touch the scalp. Hold it here for five or so minutes before removing and adding another section of hair. For best results, move the diffuser slowly. It is very important not to get your free hand involved in touching the hair at all! Using the other hand with the diffuser only creates frizz.

If speeding up the drying process is your goal, hold the hair dryer with the diffuser attachment about one inch away from your hair and dry hair from all directions.

Can diffusing my hair damage it?

Diffusing the hair will not damage hair if you avoid the high heat setting. It is also important to leave in a conditioner and find styling products the add moisture to hair.

By following these simple guidelines for diffusing your hair, you can always have a great hair day.

How to Style Very Curly Hair

Styling curly hair does not need to be a chore or take a ton of time.  Make peace with your curls; stop brushing or combing them.

How do I detangle my curls?

If you need to detangle, do it when hair is wet and after applying conditioner. Do not use a comb or brush to try and tame curls.  This will make hair frizzy and unmanageable.  Use your fingers. If there are tangles or matted areas, treat with extra conditioner and gently pull apart.
For very curly hair, apply conditioner to dripping wet hair and finger comb it through from roots to ends. Often, dividing hair into two sections, top and bottom, and applying conditioner in each section will help evenly distribute product on very curly heads.

When should I apply styling product?

After conditioning, add styling product to hair and finger comb through from roots to ends. Remember to divide your hair into top and bottom sections.  During extremely hot and humid days, use three times more product than normal. Keep hands out of hair until it has dried completely. Touching wet hair encourages frizz. Wait until hair has dried completely to touch it. After hair is completely dry, scrunch sections with hands to break up the product and make hair soft.

How should I dry my curls to best avoid tangles?

Never use a regular bath towel to dry your curls.  The texture of the towel leaves hair frizzy and takes out too much moisture.  I recommend using a pillowcase to take out extra wetness. The best technique is to gather hair in the pillowcase and squeeze hair in pillowcase from scalp to ends.  This will help to encourage curl and remove excess moisture. Clip the pillowcase around neck while your hair is drying to keep your back dry.

How to Protect Your Curls From Pool Water

You may love the pool but your hair definitely does not! Here are a few tips to keep your hair from soaking up the chlorine and turning into a dry, tangled mess.    

The first and best step before jumping into the pool is to wet your hair with fresh water and apply a layer of conditioner.  If a lack of running water is an issue, get a spray bottle and fill with a mix of fresh water and conditioner.  Spray your hair with the mixture, completely saturating it before you jump into the pool.


A second step, if possible, is to rinse your hair with fresh water every time you get out of the pool and then re-spray with the conditioner and water mixture.
Finally, at then end of your day at the pool put distilled white vinegar into a spray bottle and apply to hair; keep it in for 10 minutes being careful to avoid getting vinegar into your eyes.  Follow-up by cleansing with a sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner.
With just a little bit of effort, your hair will look great all summer long.  Enjoy the pool!

How to Style Fine Wavy Hair

Clients often ask about the best way to style fine, wavy hair.  It does not need to be a challenge!  Here are some answers to a few of the more common questions asked by clients at my salon.

What can I do if my hair is flat and oily at the root when I wake up in the morning and I feel the need to shampoo my hair?

Here are two possible solutions that could work great for you.  First, avoid using shampoo.  Often, shampoo dries out the scalp and causes scalp glands to produce more oil creating an oily scalp and a potentially unhealthy scalp condition.  Try using conditioner to cleanse instead. Gently massage the conditioner into your scalp with your fingertips, and rinse.

If after two weeks your scalp does not seem less oily, then try this second approach. Apply conditioner to wet hair from the mid-shaft through the ends of hair only. To the roots only, apply sulfate free shampoo and massage gently into the scalp.  Rinse out shampoo and conditioner together. This will protect the ends of your hair from getting overly dried out while more effectively cleaning your scalp. Cleansing every other day is another good option to consider.

How do I get more curls out of my wavy hair?

Here is what you do.  During your shower, do not rinse out conditioner.  How much you leave in will depend on how much frizz you normally have. While your hair is still dripping wet, use fingers to comb through the divided top and bottom sections of your hair. Apply a styling product like Surface Jump Mousse, Wella Curl Craft Mousse, or Biolage Medium Hold m Mousse. You could also try Sculpting Cream by Oribe or Biolage Deep Smoothing Leave-In Cream. Use your fingers to apply product to the hair in divided sections. I recommend using twice the amount of product you normally use because some of the product will be removed during the drying time.

To dry your dripping wet, product-laden hair, bend over with your head pointing toward the ground. Use a smooth pillowcase to gather hair not a bath towel if possible. While still bending over, push and scrunch hair in the pillowcase making an upward motion toward your scalp. When your hair seems sufficiently dry, stand upright and clip the pillowcase around your neck to keep your wet to protect clothing from wet hair as it dries. Avoid the urge to wrap your hair up in a towel. This will take the wave out. Most importantly, DO NOT touch hair as it dries. This will cause frizz and take the wave out as well.

Learn to Moisturize Your Curls

During the year hair can become dehydrated from exposure to the seasonal elements . To keep your hair healthy and hydrated all year round , you need to take these few simple steps to keep your curls soft and manageable.

First:  Apply a deep condition mask two to three times a week

This may sound excessive but hydrating hair by using a deep conditioning treatment two to three times a week is an important step in summer hair maintenance. A deep conditioning masque is normally left on your hair for 15-30 minutes (maximum of 60) to penetrate the hair strands. Apply the deep conditioning mask to the ends and mid-shaft of your hair and then work into the root area.  Partially rinse, keeping 50% of the conditioner in to coat and protect hair from all of the drying elements that summer can bring.   Be sure to look for products that contain moisture-enhancing ingredients like olive, sesame or sunflower oils, and Glycerin.  Products like Orbie Signature Beautiful Color Masque and Matrix Biolage Aqua-Immersion Crème Masque contain some of these ingredients and are generally good choices.

Second: Use a moisturizing shampoo

Some shampoos can strip hair of its natural oils and moisture. To rejuvenate and hydrate summer hair, be sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo that is specifically designed for dry, curly hair. Just be sure to purchase a moisturizing shampoo that does not contain sulfates in the list of ingredients. As a general rule I always recommend that my curly girls shampoo only when their scalp feels like it needs it. Normally, I only shampoo my hair once a month when my scalp starts to feel dirty.  My hair stays clean, soft and beautiful following the moisturizing treatment I outlined in the first step.

Third: Never rub your hair vigorously with a towel as this can cause tangles and break your hair, particularly if it's already dehydrated. I often use a pillowcase to dry my curly locks.  It’s a great way to gently and lightly remove excess moisture.

Follow these three simple steps and you will be well on your way to beautiful, summer hair.

Extending the Life of Your Curls

This blog focuses on how to get a second day out of your curls with out getting them wet the next morning.

Going to bed with dry hair:

1.     If your hair is long enough, put your hair up in a loose ponytail on top of your head. Use a large silk type fabric covered hair tie.

2.     Use twice the amount of product in your hair that day. Try not to break up curls too much or touch it during the day.

3.     Sleep with silk pillowcase.  To keep the curls from frizzing.

4.     Use a shower cap while in the shower.

5.     If you wake up and the underside looks great but the top is questionable I always go for the half up and half down look. Top off with hoop style earrings.

Going to bed with wet hair:

1.     I would not recommend it.

2.     If you have to wet your hair try to diffuse it all the way or partially to keep it from frizzing before you go to sleep.

3.     Sleep with a smooth towel over pillow .

4.     Sleep with it in a loose pony tail( silk fabric) or braid.

I am Valerie Harrison and I believe that if you have curly hair, you are one of the luckiest people in the world.  I love my curly, corkscrew hair and I want to help you love yours.  Each month, my blog will contain helpful tips and strategies for healthy, natural-looking curls. 

To get started managing FRIZZ, here are three basic rules:

First, stop cleansing with harsh shampoos or clarifiers.  You do not need it!  Use a moisturizing conditioner instead.  That’s right.  You do not need to use shampoo.  Conditioner and water is all that is really necessary to cleanse curly hair and keep it looking shiny and beautiful.

Second, when you are cleaning your hair, use your fingertips to massage the conditioner into your scalp, moving in circular motions.

Third, if you feel the need to use shampoo, pick a sulfate-free cleanser and use it only on your scalp.

Try this and you will be well on your way to making your hair your best accessory!

Valerie Harrison is a professional hairstylist and curly hair specialist with over 20 years experience.  She currently works at Salon Studio in Bernardsville, NJ 908.696.0060 or www.thesalonstudio.net.