5 Rules for Dealing With Curly Hair w/ T-Monster

In Educate by T-Monster32 Comments

Talkin ‘Bout That Super Curl

I’ve been rocking the curls since 84’, and have become a pro at dealing with curly hair. Over the years I’ve had my ups and downs, suffered through horrible haircuts, wrote off my curls in favor of straightening it out, but now, more than ever, I have embraced my curly locks—and so should you!

My clients joke that I am “hair famous;” I am approached at least once a day by an admirer or fellow curly-haired human to ask, “what products do you use,” or “where do you get your hair cut,” or “how long does it take to get your hair like that,” or, my favorite, “can I touch it?” I have a head of hair so thick I could probably make five wigs with plenty to spare, which I think is why it’s so unique.

So for all you curly-haired babes out there, here are the rules to live by for dealing with curly hair.

 

Rule #1: Ditch The Shampoo

Most of us in the curly community have dry and/or coarse, thick hair. If you are using shampoo, you’re doing it all wrong, as it can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture.

Consider conditioner your best friend! Additionally, most people tend to over-wash their hair. Typically, and unless you live a tremendously sweaty, outdoorsy lifestyle, you only need to wash 2-3 times a week.

If you work out a lot and are a particularly sweaty man (like my husband) and you feel like your hair is becoming super frizzy, try an anti-frizz serum or curl cream after your workout.

Trista wearing a blue snapback cap, looking at a downward angle where you just can't quite see her eyes, her brown curls bursting from below the hat, filling the entire frame.

Here are a few that work for me: Grooming Creme, Pre-Style/Re-Style Primer, Curl Defining Styling Cream, No Frizz Humidity Shield, Smooth Curls Anti-Frizz Curl Re-Activating Spray.

You can also hit your roots with a quick blow dry after your sweaty activity. Lastly, try a deep conditioning treatment if your hair is feeling extra dry or damaged. There are a lot of good products out there, but never be afraid to stop in a salon and ask for free samples!

 
dealing with curly hair

Rule #2: DON’T BRUSH, YOU MANIAC!

With super curly locks you NEVER, EVER want to brush out your hair, unless you are interested in looking like Phil Spector. Honestly, I don’t even own a brush. If you find your hair is getting knotted, here are a few things you can do:

1.) Get a pick or a wide-tooth comb to detangle while in the shower and use once you have your conditioner in.

2.) Use your phalanges to your advantage! Once you have thoroughly applied your conditioner, start from the bottom/base of your hair and slowly work your way up to the roots.

Rule #3: Silky Smooth

If you are a wild sleeper like myself (i.e. tossing, turning or moving the pillow all night), try a silk pillowcase. These have been an insider-secret that will help keep your curls from losing form or frizzing overnight.

Another thing I like to do is loosely tie my hair in a pony knot on the top of my head while sleeping to keep the shape of my curls. You can also flip your hair forward and gather all your curls into a high ponytail and leave the tips of your curls sticking out. A perfect use for those new Hair Ties for Guys you just copped 😉

Rule #4: The Right Product Is Priceless

Favor oils and creams over gels and mousse. When dealing with curly hair it’s most effective to put your product of choice in while your hair is damp. Then, to reduce the moisture, wrap everything up in a soft t-shirt.

If you choose to use a blow dryer, always use a diffuser, a device that attaches to the end of most blow-dryers. These can be purchased online and in most retail outlets and salons, and come in both hard form (molded plastic) as well as collapsible. Using a diffuser will absolutely help eliminate frizz and also helps give a boost to those stubborn curls that need a little TLC. Yes I’m a girl, but I could not live without my diffuser!

Trista is a certified expert at dealing with curly hair.
Trista with her handsome husband Andrew in formal attire, and Trista knows some things about dealing with curly hair.

Rule #5: Trim It Dry

When it’s time to get a trim, I recommend requesting your stylist always cuts your hair dry. As you know, curly hair looks very different when it’s wet versus when it’s dry. When cut wet, you’ll find once it dries it shrinks up and they typically take off more than you were hoping for. Here's more about trimming curly hair.

There ya have it fellas, all the secrets a person dealing with curly hair should know. It has taken me a really long time to figure out how to tame the curly beast, so I am happy to share the knowledge and things I have learned over the years. If you are reading this right now, you are a man that truly cares about his hair, so get out there and rock those curls!

T-Monster Is Dealing With Curly Hair

Trista is a native Coloradan, was born, raised and schooled in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. After graduation, she moved to Chicago where she has resided for the last decade. When she is not totally immersed in the dynamic world of mobile advertising, you can find her buried in Netflix or Spotify, attending a music festival or eating at some of Chicago’s best restaurants and gallivanting the globe.

tdaher21

doubledaher

 

Rule #3: Silky Smooth

If you are a wild sleeper like myself (i.e. tossing, turning or moving the pillow all night), try a silk pillowcase. These have been an insider-secret that will help keep your curls from losing form or frizzing overnight.

Another thing I like to do is loosely tie my hair in a pony knot on the top of my head while sleeping to keep the shape of my curls. You can also flip your hair forward and gather all your curls into a high ponytail and leave the tips of your curls sticking out. A perfect use for those new Hair Ties for Guys you just copped 😉

Rule #4: The Right Product Is Priceless

Favor oils and creams over gels and mousse. When dealing with curly hair it’s most effective to put your product of choice in while your hair is damp. Then, to reduce the moisture, wrap everything up in a soft t-shirt.

If you choose to use a blow dryer, always use a diffuser, a device that attaches to the end of most blow-dryers. These can be purchased online and in most retail outlets and salons, and come in both hard form (molded plastic) as well as collapsible. Using a diffuser will absolutely help eliminate frizz and also helps give a boost to those stubborn curls that need a little TLC. Yes I’m a girl, but I could not live without my diffuser!

Rule #5: Trim It Dry

When it’s time to get a trim, I recommend requesting your stylist always cuts your hair dry. As you know, curly hair looks very different when it’s wet versus when it’s dry. When cut wet, you’ll find once it dries it shrinks up and they typically take off more than you were hoping for.

There ya have it fellas, all the secrets a person dealing with curly hair should know. It has taken me a really long time to figure out how to tame the curly beast, so I am happy to share the knowledge and things I have learned over the years. If you are reading this right now, you are a man that truly cares about his hair, so get out there and rock those curls!

About The Author

Trista is a native Coloradan, was born, raised and schooled in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. After graduation, she moved to Chicago where she has resided for the last decade. When she is not totally immersed in the dynamic world of mobile advertising, you can find her buried in Netflix or Spotify, attending a music festival or eating at some of Chicago’s best restaurants and gallivanting the globe.

tdaher21

doubledaher

A Gentleman's Guide to Long, Curly Hair

You don’t need to be a curl expert, but there are a few things every man with a wavy mane needs to know. Get the mandatory curly hair hacks and facts from The Longhairs.
LET’S GO
Or browse our complete library of long, curly hair content.

QUICK TIPS

You don’t need to be a hair expert, but there are a few things every guy with long hair needs to know. Get the fundamentals from the guys with flow.
QUICK TIPS