3 Steps To Perfect, Touchable Curls For Any Hair Type

Tired of stick straight strands? Why not liberate your locks by adding curl? Everyone can achieve tousled, luxurious waves regardless of hair's innate tendencies. With the correct products and tools, perfect ringlets are just three steps away.

1. Wash and Condition: Many shampoos and conditioners promise to instantly curl naturally straight hair. Although they do aid in enhancing hair's natural wave, a “wash ‘n curl” affect is not produced by these products alone. Rather, it is best to use a shampoo and conditioner that promotes curls, facilitating the styling process. Start by washing the hair with a specially formulated shampoo, such as Matrix Curl Life Shampoo . Make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid build-up. Follow up with the accompanying conditioner, Matrix Curl Life Conditioner. For normal to oily hair, only apply conditioner to the ends. If hair is dry, condition the scalp lightly. Any residue will add weight, reducing body and volume.

2. Dry: Towel-dry hair and spritz a curl-defining spray, such as Tigi Uptight Curl Maker Spray. For a free-flowing daytime look, simply run fingers lightly through hair, shaking hands side-to-side to separate waves. If strands begin to frizz, rub a styling crème like Halo Styling Curl Enhancing Crème to smooth fly-aways. To achieve Drew Barrymore's (above) cute and controlled ringlets, an extra step is involved. After spritzing the curl-defining spray, blow-dry hair until completely dry. It is important to remove all dampness; otherwise curls will deflate during the next step. Avoid frizziness by using a tourmaline dryer, which utilizes ionic technology and cuts drying time by 70%.

3. Curl: Use a ceramic spring iron to achieve polished curls. The CHI Turbo Round Ceramic Curling Irons are superb and available in various sizes from ½” to 1 ½”. For a more economical choice, try the Helen of Troy Hot Tools Ceramic Titanium Spring Iron. Drew's curls (above) were achieved using a ¾” barrel. Begin by dividing hair into five parts (bottom, middle left/right, top left/right), working with one part at a time. Starting with the bottom, taking a 1”-1 ½” lock of hair and clamp the iron in the middle. Holding the iron vertically (so that the top of the barrel points upward), curl hair towards the scalp. Once iron reaches the scalp, pull gently, wrapping the end- half of the hair onto the iron. Wait a few seconds and release the iron, pulling it downwards vertically. Curling hair from the middle vertically, rather than at the end horizontally, prevents rabbi-type waves. Repeat the process until all five sections are complete. When finished, run fingers lightly through hair to separate. If hair appears dull due to heat styling, add shine with a defining crème, such as Matrix Biolage Curl Defining Crème.