The secret to your best curls ever
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If you’ve ever visited a hair stylist who specializes in curls—or are a fan of Ouidad products for curls—chances are you’re familiar with the rake and shake. For those who are new to this method, you’re in for a treat because this might just be the trick to your best curls ever.

Ouidad, a brand focused entirely on letting curls do their thing, was founded in 1984 and has since become a go-to source for natural-looking curls. They currently have three flagship salons, including one in Fort Lauderdale, FL; in addition to certified salons throughout the country. One benefit of visiting an Ouidad-certified salon, or any stylist that specializes in curls for that matter, is learning about the proper technique for caring for your curls. One such method that has changed the way we style our curls is the rake and shake.

To give it a try, start with a product lineup specifically designed for your curl type. Ouidad breaks down the ideal formula on their site for loose, classic, tight, or kinky curls.

Working from the nape of the neck upward, divide hair into five sections. Apply a small amount (about a quarter-size depending on the thickness of your hair) of styling product to each section, raking from root to tip. Raking through the curls with your fingertips will help to detangle and smooth, section by section.

As your fingertips near the end of each section as you’re raking, shake your hand to loosen-up strands. The shake is what will help your curls form in their most natural way. Remember when we used to scrunch? This is the new and improved version that actually promotes your curls doing their thing all on their own.

Diffuse to dry, with your tool set on a low, warm setting—just be sure you don’t touch your hair with your fingers as you dry. Messing with your curls will promote frizz. Finally, once your strands are dry, top it off with your favorite finishing product for curls that will last all day.
 
This article first appeared on Southern Living

​Every man with curly hair knows the struggle is real. This hair type can be unruly and hard to tame most of the time. While some may think that curls should be shaved off or may not work for their face shape, we have got you covered with sexiest curly hairstyles and haircuts for men that will change the way you channel your wavy locks.

Haircuts for Curly Hair Men
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Curly Undercut
The undercut may be military-inspired, but done with curls and it is an entirely different look. Curls add a bit more dimension and fullness to this favourite hairstyle. Channelling your curls in an undercut is a great approach to tame your locks for a few reasons. Particularly for gentlemen with unruly curls, an undercut boasts shorter sides, meaning the only curls you will need to manage are the ones up top. Further, an undercut looks great with different lengths, so you are free to go for any length that suits your individual face shape.

​Curly Pompadour
The pompadour is a statement in itself, and curls take this hairstyle popularized in the fifties to a new level. Curls will boost the thickness and fullness that a pompadour already possesses. The trick to ensuring that a pompadour works best for your curls is to manage your natural waves so your hair is kept neat and in place. Work with your natural hair type for a redefined pompadour.

Men’s Short Wavy Hairstyles

Slicked Back Curls
We are talking about statement hairstyles for men with curly hair and slicked-back curls are certainly attention-grabbing. Matte or glossy, utilize a product that will complement your hair’s natural texture and will be long-lasting. Also, be conscious of your hair length and ensure that a slicked back styling will suit your face shape. Men with longer curls will be afforded more versatility when slicking back their hair, as they can switch up how they part their hair and the way the curls will sit.

Curly Side Part
The staple hair trend of the twenties and forties, the side part is one of the most iconic and timeless hairstyles of all time. Men with curls should rejoice for this ‘do because curls maximize the volume of a side part and lend well to the vintage aesthetic this hairstyle brings with it. Ensure that you part your hair on the side that suits the way your hair naturally grows and opt for a sleek glossy finish for a true retro revival.

The Curly Quiff
One of the best hairstyles for men of different age groups is the quiff. It’s classic and very well suited to gentlemen with curly hair. Quiffs are styled by brushing the hair upwards and away from the face, but for men with curly hair, things may not be that simple. The key to perfecting a curly quiff is to experiment with the way your hair falls, rearranging sections so that your curls are enhanced and not overly scrunched. Try refraining from blow drying your natural curls for a quiff, as you want to capitalize on your natural hair type.

Short and Thick Curls
If you are in possession of thicker, fuller curls, use your hairs natural body to your advantage. While many people may tend to feel intimidated styling thicker curls, a shorter hairstyle can help you manage the length. Be sure to use a high gloss product which will distinguish your curls better. Matte products can make thicker hair a bit more difficult to work with.

Short Loose Curls
Loose curls shouldn’t be fussy or too thought out. You should aim for a lightweight product that will work with your natural curls but not overwhelm the shape. For men with curlier hair types, a quick blow dry when styling your hair will allow you to get looser curls without making them too straight. Loose curls also rely on natural texture, lending a more relaxed feel to your hair.

​Short Tight Curls
Many men naturally have smaller, tighter curls. You can enhance your natural curls with a pomade or styling mousse, working product in with your fingertips. Also, be sure to start off with a smaller portion of hair product, then build your way up to using more should you feel the need to.

Men’s Mid Length and Long Curly Hair 

Beachy Curls
Well suited for casual days, beachy curls rely on much more texture than a typical glossy ‘do. Beachy curls are also a great statement hairstyle for the gent who isn’t too highly strung when it comes to styling because it allows you more freedom when it comes to drying your hair and applying the product. Yep, that’s right, beachy curls are best done messily. That being said, achieving messier hairstyles can at times be more difficult to perfect. Our tip is to find a great sea salt hairspray for carefree styling when your curls get unmanageable.

Curly Fringe
The curly fringe relies on a thick mane of hair. You want to be able to have a lot of thickness when you are styling this take on curls. After styling your hair with a shiny pomade, apply a bit of hairspray to ensure everything sits right. Also, ensure that you have enough hair length to work with.

Curly ‘Bob’
A curly ‘bob’ for reference in this article refers to longer curls that have grown out but are not long enough to hit below the chin or shoulders. ‘Bob’ in this context is thus referred to in inverted commas because your hair may not reach your chin, but you may still have a lot of lengths to work with. When curly hair grows out, there are certain lengths where its styling works most favorably. Curls with medium length frame most gentlemen’s faces more effectively, lending a bit more distinction to your natural jawline and cheekbones.

Messy Curls
Ironically, the art of perfecting messy curls is a bit trickier than just rolling out of bed. While you want to give the impression that you have done nothing at all to your hair, know that great messy curls can take time. As it can be a little harder to manage longer curls, apply a styling foam or mousse to your damp hair and scrunch and curl using your fingers to get the desired body you want. For control over longer and thicker hair, consider the angle of your cut to add dimension.

Curly Afro
For those with thicker curls that are more stubborn to work with, embrace your natural hair type and opt for a well thought out afro. We are not talking about an extra large mop of hair, but a strategically cut version that will allow you to control your hair.  Be sure to find a great barber who will know how to cut your hair to emphasize your curls without making them look too overwhelming.

Blow-dried Curls
While blow-drying your hair may make it look straighter, we propose that blow-drying curls can be done to add volume and can work to redefine your natural bounce. Working product into your hair before and after you take a hair-dryer to your hair will also allow you to curl your hair with your fingers, lending more of a bouncy curl. Technically, you could say you are blow-drying your hair only to curl it again, but natural curls already bring added volume and allow you to redefine curls in a more effective manner.

Rock Star Lob
The male version of the popularized women’s haircut called ‘the lob’ is a rockstar-inspired take on curly hair which can be achieved with a matte product. You want to add a bit of texture, so don’t be too fussy with styling, it should look a little messy. Think grunge, but with a twist; you also want the hair to look thicker, so be careful with what product you use, opt for one that maximizes your natural volume.

Hairstyles for Long Curly Hair

Curly Man Bun
Another popularized hair trend that looks even better with natural curls is the man bun, it works tremendously with coifed locks. Growing out curls can be a little frustrating for the first few months, but they usually have a great wave when your strands reach your chin or shoulders. To maximize your curly man bun, go for a textured, slightly messy approach. Utilize a matte product and work it in with your fingers until you reach desired waves.

Long Glossier Curls
A different way to channel longer curls is to style them with a product that has a subtle gloss. Particularly well suited for semi-formal or formal occasions, ensure your curls have a bit more shine and are well styled, as opposed to flaunting drier or more textured finishes. A low slicked back ponytail is also another way to channel longer curls for dressier occasions, adding a bit of sleekness to your longer curls, and still making a statement.

Long Curls with Texture
For gentlemen with longer curls, you will need to make sure that your hair does not look too dry, so ideally you should aim to boost shine. The type of product you use should be your primary consideration. A mousse that emphasizes the natural shine in your hair can be used to enhance the look of your curls, giving a sleeker finish to your natural waves as opposed to registering messy and unwashed. Opt for one that is higher in quality as you will be using more for longer hair and it will be more evident.

Bet you hadn’t realized there were SO many options for your curls.  

This article first appeared on TheTrendSpotter

Getting curls to last a long time can be a challenge, especially among those with finer softer hair.  Andrew Carruthers, Director of Education for Sam Villa, shares the top 4 reasons curls fail and offers solutions for making them last all day long.

“If you set yourself up for success, you can have lovely curls with great hold, it all comes down to product, the blow dry, hair texture and the cooling process,” says Carruthers.

4 Reasons Curls Don’t Hold:

1) Product is a must. 
Curl resistant hair (fine and soft) does not respond well to products with oil and silicone, it needs volumizing and thickening products with a dryer lighter touch. Try drying hair until it’s barely damp and then apply a massive amount of a strong hold texturizing product (he uses Redken guts 10) so hair is soaked, and then finish drying.  This creates a great foundation for curl. Before curling hair with an iron, stay away from waxes, oils and silicones. Instead use a product specifically designed for heat styling (he uses Redken iron shape 11)  to provide thermal protection and hold, without being heavy or weighing hair down.

2) The blow dry is a key factor. 
Use a strong blowdryer (he uses Sam Villa Artist Series Professional Blow Dryer) for maximum control.  For added tension and stretch for a very polished finish, use a polishing paddle brush (Carruthers uses a Sam Villa Artist Series Polishing Paddle Brush.)  Don’t over work the hair - if it’s stretched too much the curls will not be full or have bounce.  For a very organic curl, rough dry hair without any brush.

3) Add Texture. 
Really healthy soft hair does not hold curl well because the cuticle is closed so tightly it’s hard to reform into another pattern. Use a texturizing iron (Carruthers uses The Sam Villa Signature Series Textur Professional Texturizing Iron) that has plates with ridges, so when hair is compressed, it expands the cuticle creating an optimal foundation for larger curls that last longer.

4) Cool. 
After curling the hair with an iron, hold the curls in hands and let cool before letting them fall. This locks in the curl pattern so it doesn’t fall or stretch out. It actually takes 30 minutes of cooling for bonds to completely reform, so for marathon curls, after curling with wand, roll the section, clip and cool for 30 minutes.

​This article first appeared on Modern Salon