Though I’ve had curly hair all my life, I’ve only recently learned about some of the best practices for maintaining it. When I discovered the curly hair tools that keep common styling mistakes from happening, my curls started to look more like the spirals that I’d dreamed of and less like limp ramen noodles. Because curly hair is a finicky beast, there are a whole set of rules, products, and tools that curly girls can explore to help their hair to live up to its full potential.
For example, with my straightened hair, using regular hair ties for a ponytail is no problem. With curls, those aren’t even an option — not unless you want a tangled mess and tons of breakage. Instead, curly girls need special hair ties and tools to make sure there are no knots or damage. And good luck using just a few regular ol’ bobby pins for a curly hair updo. With curly hair, you’ll need an extra-strength clasp, or you risk finding leftover bobby pins in your hair days after you’ve let down your updo. Yeah, that’s what happens when you need 500 of them for one hairstyle. For a full rundown of curly hair tools that keep common styling mistakes from happening, read on.
1. Never Tangle Your Hair Again When You're Styling Your Curls
6pcs Salon Croc Hair Styling Clips, $9, Amazon
Whether you have long, thin wavy curls or shorter super-tight curls (or any type of curl in between), you know how easily they tangle, especially when you're trying to do a cool style like adding an accent braid, twists or a half-up-half-down topknot. If you're doing any style that requires you to section off parts of your hair, these clips are lifesavers. The tools have a unique double-hinged design that curves around your hair, no matter how thick or curly, while gripping it in place so that no strands get tangled.
2. Don't Destroy Curls With A Regular Comb — Use A Smooth Wide Tooth, Instead
Natural Hair Master Large Sandalwood Wide Tooth Comb, $20, Amazon
When you're detangling your hair, using a wide tooth comb is the least stressful on your curls, but a comb like this smooth sandalwood one comes in handy when styling, too. Instead of destroying and combing out your curls, the spacing is wide enough to glide through curls while maintaining their shape.
3. Get Frizz-Free, Defined Curls With A Blowdryer Just For Curly Hair
Bed Head Curlipops 1875 Watt Diffuser Dryer, $30, Amazon
Diffusers are a must-have in every curly girl's arsenal because it allows curls to dry without getting frizzy and fried — plus, it makes curls so defined. Instead of using a diffusing attachment, reviewer Suzy said that this dryer "kicks the butt of any regular hair dryer with diffuser attachment I've used. Between the flat shape of the main unit and the short 'fingers' I have an easier time drying my hair just from a physical aspect. I don't have to hold the dryer a mile away from my head! Also the frizz control is excellent..."
4. Limp Curls Because Of Heat Damage? Use These Rods For Definition!
25Pcs Styling Plastic Hairdressing Spiral Hair Perm Rod, $17, Amazon
Even curly haired girls can get droopy, flat curls over time. To bring them back to life, take your flat, limp sections, dampen them with product and wrap them around these curlers. Find the right size to match your curls, so it blends in perfectly with the rest of your hair. Even though they're meant to make straight hair curly with a perm, on their own, they really make curls pop!
5. Avoid Creating Frizz & Breakage With This Tee Towel
The Original Curly Tee Towel T-Shirt Hair Drying Towel Wrap, $20, Amazon
If you're still using a terrycloth towel to dry your hair before styling, there's a good chance your style will be a frizzy mess. (But the good news? This common mistake is really easy to correct.) The fabric is just too rough for curls. Instead, use this Tee Towel made out of smooth cotton that absorbs water without damaging your curls and creating frizz.
6. If Your Curly Up-Dos Unravel, Try These Clamps
PuffCuff Micro Hair Clamp, $18, Amazon
Trying to get naturally curly hair to stay up in a chic updo can be a hassle because curly hair just has a mind of its own, often times fighting any kind of restraint. Enter these clips — they have teeth and a hook clasp that is more securing than a million bobby pins. (P.S. Am I the only one who's ever found lost bobby pins tangled in her hair? Just asking...)
7. This Dryer Attachment Is A Savior For All Curl Types
Deluxe Limited Edition Pink Softhood Bonnet Hair Dryer Attachment, $19, Amazon
Yes, it looks crazy, but it does so much! Not only can you use it to set and dry curly styles without frizz, but you can also pop it on for 10-15 minutes while you're deep conditioning and treating your curls to make sure it penetrates the hair shaft (which is super important to keep curls strong and healthy).
8. Create Curly Ponytails That Won't Pull, Tug Or Break Long Curls
Invisibobble Traceless Hair Ring, $13, Amazon
Ponytails are the easiest hairstyles ever, but with long, loose curls, they can be a mess. Longer curly hair can tangle in classic elastics, which leaves to the inevitable pulling out of hair strands. Instead of forgoing ponytails forever, these hair rings are a curly girl's hair saver — thanks to their unique shape.
Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (8)
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