​The viral bowl method to perfecting natural frizz-free curls

"I love this method, it literally made my curls come back"

A woman with gorgeous frizz-free locks has shown others how she achieves her bouncy curls using the 'bowl method'.

Patrizia O’Shaughnessy noticed a huge difference with her curls after trying the technique - and fans have been won over.

The 28-year-old first started the 'Curly Girl Method' a few years back - which is a guide for looking after curly hair, and includes the recommendation of avoiding traditional shampoo.

It was created by hairstylist Lorraine Massey, who published a handbook in 2010. And more recently, thousands of women have been flooding social media with before and after photos.

But Zia was struggling in her progress to achieving the perfect curls, so decided to try something new.

"The bowl method has helped so many people already, it’s had such a great response on TikTok," she told the Manchester Evening News.

"I had tried the curly girl method a few years ago so remembered some techniques I had researched back then, but starting again this year with my curly bestie, we were discussing methods to try for my hair as I had hit a lull in my progress.

"We talked about adding more moisture into my routine, and so therefore decided to try the bowl method. I remember seeing a few other curly creators sharing the technique.

"It works well for me as my curls, as well as many other hair types, really love moisture.

"It helps to reduce frizz, and create curl clumps (a lot of us struggle with stringy curls!) so both big wins. It also dilutes your products a little.

"At the time when I started the bowl method I was using a curl cream that was too heavy for my hair so this really helped with that too.
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"I’m now using Only Curls curl cream which is a lot lighter but it still works really well with the bowl method; it’s my favourite combination."

Sharing a video to her TikTok page - @curlyzia.xo - she explains how the bowl method hydrates and distributes product.

Responding to the clip, viewer Nuvia said: "I love this method, it literally made my curls come back".

Amanda Brown responded: "Did this and had my best wash day ever!"

Heather Stello commented: "I’m so glad I came across your videos!! I have curly hair but I never knew how to care for them. This method has been a life saver"
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Timeforrest2 added: "Tried bowl method thanks to you and seen huge improvements!"

Zia explains how to carry out the bowl method, which she does every wash day, twice a week:
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1. After washing your hair, fill up a bowl of water
2. Apply a leave in conditioner and curl cream, and brush it though
3. Dip your hair into the water, scrunch, and let the water run back into the bowl
4. Dip four times - once at the front, then each side, then back to the front. Before the final dip, bring your hair over your ears, and split this dip into three. This helps to avoid knots when bringing your head back up
5. Follow with a styling product like mousse or gel
6. Dry with a diffuser on a low heat

You can look into a crystal ball all you want, but it's impossible to guarantee how the next year will pan out. Whether you get a new job or find your dream apartment in 2022 is TBA, but if you're someone who likes to head into the next 12 months with a clean slate, why not do so with a new hairstyle?
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While we can't predict the future, with the help of top stylists, we can forecast which haircuts and hairstyles are going to be trending in 2022.

From Gabrielle Union's curly bixie to Beyoncé's super-long waves, we've compiled a definitive guide to the year's biggest haircut and hairstyle trends for each and every hair texture and length. Find your 2022 hairstyle ahead, screenshot it, then book an appointment with your stylist.

​1. The Shoulder-Length Shag

The shag is an anomaly of a haircut: it works across hair textures and lengths and with or without bangs because it's defined by its layers. However, while the cut is still going strong in 2022, expect shoulder-length takes, often with bangs (think Kaia Gerber's new shag or Miley Cyrus's signature cut) to reign supreme.

"The shaggy layered look is major right now in all lengths, but the shorter version is a slightly tidier, chicer version of the trend," says celebrity hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein.

While this cut gives off an effortless vibe, the shorter the shag, the more upkeep for those with thick or coarse hair, which is something Rubenstein says anyone looking for a low-maintenance style should keep in mind. "One thing to always remember is that a short version of any cut is an expanded version. If you have a lot of hair, without the weight to hold it down, it will grow outwards," she explains. "A short shag for someone with very thick coarse hair will be a lot of maintenance."
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2. The Bixie

​One part bob, one part pixie, the "bixie" is a short cut with a little extra length up top, as seen on Gabrielle Union and Anne Hathaway. While the cut adds volume and shape to a shorter length, it's also so '90s. And if 2021 taught us anything, it's that what's old is new again — at least when it comes to beauty trends.

"The bixie haircut is ultimately a look that combines elements of the pixie and elements of the bob," as Yureesh, a professional hairstylist, global director of development at Pureology, and owner and CEO of YureeshStyle, previously told InStyle. The stylist also says it can be customized to fit each individual's hair texture.
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3. Heavy Layers

Heavily layered cuts inspired by "The Rachel," Jennifer Aniston's renowned cut from Friends, is another '90s trend experiencing a second wave in 2022. Here, Hailey Bieber shows off her gradual face-framing layers with a smooth blowout.

Rubenstein says this is a versatile cut. "Although it was a very specific look, it could be worn on hair of many textures, and from fine to coarse. The only requirement is that you should be good with using a blow dryer and a round brush."
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4. The Center Part

Let's set the record straight: the best hair part is whichever one you like the best. However, it's undeniable that the center part is having a moment. (Thank you, TikTok.) So if you're not going to go into 2022 with a new haircut, switching your part is an easy way to transform your existing style into an entirely different look.
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5. The Sliced Bob

The sliced bob is yet another ode to the '90s that will be popular going into the new year. This mid-length take on the classic cut can be worn super sleek like Selena Gomez, or a little less done up. Rubenstein says the cut has a "heavy weight line at the perimeter" and can be "middle parted or flipped to the side." She calls it "cool babysitter hair."
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6. '60s-Level Volume

"I think everyone looking at themselves for the past couple years on zoom made them realize they needed a little volume," says Clayton Hawkins, celebrity hairstylist and Sun Bum Hair Pro, of the gravity-defying bounce and volume often associated with the '60s and your mother's hot rollers.

"If you want gravity defying lift with hot rollers, it's best to prep it first," the stylist adds. He's a fan of Sun Bum Curls & Waves Whipped Mousse because it really thickens the hair. "I like to just rough dry the hair, not overly smooth or blow it out with a round brush before you set it in the rollers," he adds.
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7. Bangs, Bangs, and More Bangs

While bangs are often a post-breakup power move (or chaos move, if we're being honest), adding soft, textured fringe to your current cut is also simple way to update your look for the new year. "Bangs are a great way to change up your look in a major way while still having the comfort of keeping your length," says Hawkins. "They can be super flattering on so many different face shapes."
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That being said, there are a few things to consider before making the cut. "Once you have the bangs, it's important to keep them from looking greasy. You should always carry a dry texture spray (I love Sun Bum Dry Texture Spray) to give your fringe some lift and texture throughout the day," the stylist says. "It's also important to use a heat protector while styling with a blow dryer." Another pro tip? Use a paddle brush opposed to a round brush when blow-drying bangs.

Hair care routine is something that one ought to diligently follow. It is normal to feel lazy from time to time, but it is also essential that one understands a pattern which suits their hair, and follows it.

While most people wash their hair at least once a week, not many know of the proper way of shampooing. Dr Noopur Jain, founder and consultant dermatologist at Skinzest, tells indianexpress.com that hair is delicate and it requires proper care and attention for maintenance. “Shampooing is one of the most important steps in a hair care routine, hence knowing some facts and knowing how to do it right is crucial,” she says.

The doctor lists five shampooing tips and tricks for effective hair care; 

1. Shampoo is only for cleansing the scalp, not for hair strands
A shampoo is exclusively for the scalp, it is supposed to be massaged into the scalp alone for 30 seconds or more depending upon the intensity of the product. Remember that for even distribution and better lathering, your hair needs to be wet.
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2. Shampoo should be used in little quantity; it should be diluted with water
If you do not do this, it can cause excessive dryness. Applying too much shampoo can damage your hair. No matter how long your hair is, a coin-size scoop is mostly perfect for everyone.

3. Shampoo frequency varies from person-to-person
Most of us apply shampoo once or twice a week. But depending on your hair texture and scalp nature, you must change your frequency. Some might require shampooing every day and in that case, using mild shampoos is a must. While some scalp might not require regular shampooing, hence slowing the frequency is important for texture and growth. Consulting a dermatologist if you’re facing any issues while shampooing can help you derive better results.

4. There’s no best shampoo
What suits someone else may not work for you. Everyone’s hair is different. You need to find a shampoo that suits your hair according to its nature. A dermatologist (or your hairstylist) can guide you regarding your scalp condition and hair texture. Some may have dry scalp and some oily, hence picking the correct shampoo will work wonders.
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5. Tying wet hair with a towel causes breakage
Once you’re done washing your hair, the drying part should also be considered. Carelessly tying up your hair with a tight towel can cause damage and breakage. One of the best ways to dry your hair is using a cotton towel or a cotton t-shirt; its soft texture won’t cause any damage.

​It's a little weird to say that my life has been vastly improved by a wad of absorbent fabric, but it's true. I recently invested in one of the best hair towels, and since then, my daily routine has gone a whole lot more smoothly. No longer do I have to bend my neck like an ostrich to keep the towel on top of my head. No longer do I feel beads of cold water dripping down my back, or end up damaging my hair by twisting too hard.

Most stylists would agree that, believe it or not, you should never dry your hair with a regular towel. That's because hair is especially delicate when it's wet, and the texture and material of a regular towel is often too coarse for fragile wet hair to handle. Your average bath towel might also not be the most absorbent, so if you do choose to blow dry your hair after towel drying it, you're not preventing as much heat damage as you could be.

Not only is a great hair towel made from a soft, special material that’s effective at absorbing water without damage, but it actually stays on your head while you move on with the rest of your routine. These top-rated hair-drying towels can help you dry your hair faster with less damage. Keep scrolling for the best hair towels that dry your hair fast.
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1. The Fan-Favorite Hair Towel

The DuraComfort Essentials Hair Towel is a top-seller in hair towels because it dries your hair quickly without getting in your way. It's lightweight, super absorbent, and one size fits all — though it comes in extra-wide, too. "This towel is a miracle worker!" one reviewer commented. "I have very long and thick hair, I use this towel and it absorbs almost all the water, it’s drying power is incredible! [...] It’s super soft and doesn’t damage my hair at all. Highly recommend this towel!"

According to one reviewer: “This the best head towel I have ever had. It is absorbent but dries fast. I no longer use a hair dryer since getting towel. All I got to do is wrap around my head and let it sit for a minute and hair i dry.”

2. The Best Value

They’re not the most durable, but if you have several people in your household or you always want to ensure that you have a clean hair towel on hand, AmazerBath hair wraps are one of the best values on Amazon. They come in a pack of three for $10, which breaks down to roughly $3 a towel. They’re also soft, absorbent, and thick, but still lightweight — and they have a plaited rope closure for security.

According to one reviewer: “These are really thick and good quality for a low price! I had a similar hair towel before that I spent 3x the price and it was much thinner. I also like the loop on this towel. It’s very thick and strong.”
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3. The Editor-Recommended Towel That’s Great For Thick Hair

“I have thick, coarse hair and this helps it dry much more quickly. It also stays in place and is lighter weight than other hair towels I've tried. I recently just bought a second one,” wrote BDG Commerce Editor Jen Fiegel. Consequently, if your hair is so thick that it drenches a regular towel in seconds, this Aquis hair towel might be the answer. It's made from Aquitex, a unique microfiber that can hold tons of moisture. It also comes in seven different colors, and it’s earned over 1,000 five-star ratings from past buyers.

According to one reviewer: “My hair is past shoulder length and quite thick, so it holds a lot of water when I wash it. I squeeze out the excess water, wrap it up in the AQUIS [...] and in a short time the towel soaks up more water than any other.”

4. The Writer-Beloved One Worth The Splurge

I blow dry my hair every single day, so it’s important that I minimize damage and save as much time as possible. The VOLO Hero hair towel is my daily go-to, and in my opinion, it’s worth every penny. It's large but lightweight, soft but absorbent, and plush but secure. Last but definitely not least, it absorbs 10 times its weight in water and uses a special fabric that reduces drying time by up to 50%, so you can be out the door much sooner.

According to one reviewer: “Machine washed and dried 3x so far, owned for 10 days, still just as absorbent (and soft) as the day I opened the box. No fraying, no pulled threads. [...] My hair has never looked better.”
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5. A Budget-Friendly Set Designed To Stay In Place

​If you like to check your e-mail, clean your room, and do your makeup right out of the shower, you need something that'll stay in place. These AuroTrends microfiber hair towels have a button, an elastic band, and a lightweight design to keep the towel on your head no matter what, and without pulling or pain. They also absorb water quickly and come in a pack of two, both with bright, multi-colored stripes. Amazon reviewers also love how much value you get for the price.

According to one reviewer: "This is a great little towel to use fresh out of the shower. Starts the drying process on my thick hair while I’m applying make up. It stays secure on my head so it’s not falling every time I move my head."

6. The Best Bamboo Hair Towels For Freshness

Bamboo is an extremely popular material right now, and that's because it's soft, lightweight, dries quickly, and prevents the growth of bacteria. These Laluztop Hair Towel Wraps (bamboo hair towels) absorb water so hair dries quickly and with minimal damage, but they also smell fresh and clean for a long time, according to reviewers. One user concisely listed its pros: "Very absorbent and soft. Dries quickly so it doesn't get a musty smell. Very comfortable to wear." You get two towels instead of one with this pack.

According to one reviewer: “My hair dries so much quicker than with a regular towel, and this keeps all of the loose postpartum hairs off of my body towel! I hate that "microfiber feel" and these are a great alternative.”
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7. The Best Hair Wrap Designed With Curly Hair In Mind

​The DevaCurl DevaTwist Anti-Frizz Microfiber Towel Wrap is specifically made for natural curls. It helps them to dry bouncy and healthy without frizz. One Amazon fan raved, "I have tried cheap "microfiber" hair towels that didn't work worth squat. This towel is incredible." This microfiber towel stays in place thanks to a button and loop, and comes in a fun, vibrant pattern.

According to one reviewer: “This is a super convenient head wrap towel. Works great for my curls and my hair is noticeably less frizzy. Love it because it keeps my hair out of my face while drying it enough that I don’t have drippy hair. Super absorbent too.”
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8. An Affordable Hair Towel That’s Great For Extra-Long Hair

This large Desired Body Microfiber Hair Towel is soft and absorbent, and it's much bigger than some others on the market. (It measures 45 by 25 inches.) It's also got a fine waffle-weave microfiber design that's lightweight despite its size.

According to one reviewer: "I am very happy with this towel. I have waist length hair and it is long enough to cover it all. The best hair towel I have every had. Super absorbent and soft. A must have with long hair."
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9. A Great Set For Short Hair

Turbie Twists have been around for a while, and while some brands have expanded on these designs to suit people with longer hair, those with short hair may prefer the thin fabric and buttonless design. The absorbent microfiber material is extremely lightweight and slip-resistant, while the no-excess tail slips right into an elastic loop at the nape of the neck. You can also opt for both fun patterns and solid colors. “My hair comes just below my shoulder blades and is pretty thick so when I wrap it in this towel it comes just to the end of the towel and it all fits,” one reviewer wrote.

According to one reviewer: “The microfiber Turbie Twist cuts that time down dramatically, even if I only wear it briefly before blow drying. (If I have a bit more time, I leave the towel on longer and can then let my hair air dry the rest of the way--but that's more a weekend thing than a mad rush, fall out the door, weekday thing.)”
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10. The Best Option If You’re Worried About Breakage

Some hairstylists claim that drying your hair with a T-shirt is the best thing you can do to prevent the damage, breakage, and split-ends that towels cause. This Ultimate T-Shirt Hair Towel is made from that same soft material, but designed to stay on your head. It's smooth, absorbent, and leaves your hair shiny and manageable. It also comes in three sizes.

According to one reviewer: “A curly hair essential, this towel is ideal for plopping curly hair for a few hours or even overnight. I usually wear it to bed when I wash my hair in the evening. Definitely cuts down on frizz and breakage when drying hair. I love this towel so much!”
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11. The Most Adorable Hair Towels

For kids or kids at heart, these pocova Original Magic Animal Hair Wraps are fun, whimsical, cheap, and actually effective. While they look like cute animals, they’re made from absorbent microfiber that soaks up excess water and gets softer with every wash. They also minimize both frizz and unwanted strain on your neck, thanks to their gentle, lightweight texture. (Note that they’re better for shorter hair.) A button keeps them in place.
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According to one reviewer: “These are very cute towels and they do a good job of drying hair. My girls love them!”

Just like brushing your teeth daily, it is important to comb your hair every day. Believe it or not, just this simple activity can do wonders for your hair — the only hair care routine that you must religiously follow on a daily basis.

Arthi Raguram, the founder of Deyga Organics, says people with dry hair or those susceptible to hair loss are reluctant to comb in order to avoid losing extra strands.

“But, combing hair is not just a self-care practice as it has obvious scientific benefits. Brushing hair twice a day — once in the morning and once in the evening before bed — is a norm. The frequency can vary from person-to-person, depending on hair length and texture. For instance, people with long hair should comb at least thrice a day to prevent knots and breakage,” she advises.

Raguram lists the following benefits of combing hair every day;

* Promotes blood circulation in the scalp
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Combing acts upon the capillaries of the scalp, which helps in transporting oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles effectively, thus, promoting blood circulation in the scalp, nourishing hair roots, promoting growth, and helping reduce hair loss.

* Stimulates and distributes natural oils

Sebaceous glands in the scalp produce sebum that naturally conditions and protects hair. Combing stimulates the sebaceous glands and ensures natural oils are properly distributed from sebum to the root of the hair, all the way along the shaft. Thus, combing maintains a healthy scalp and creates the right pH balance.

* Exfoliates scalp

Regular combing helps to clean old hair, dead skin cells, hair product residues, grime, and other deposits that sit at the root of your hair and scalp. Unclogging the scalp’s pores, combing allows scalp and hair to breathe and rejuvenate dull and dandruff-ridden hair.

* Adds volume to the hair

Combing hair from time to time helps to keep the shine, enhance volume, and maintain bounce since the hair looks healthy and fresh. Also, combing prevents the accumulation of loose hair that leads to tangles or knots. People with oily scalp can benefit from regular combing as the comb distributes the natural oils and makes hair look less greasy.

Brushing hair the right way

1. Select the right tools
Use a wooden comb (preferably made from rosewood) as it is anti-static, unlike plastic combs that make hair frizzy, brittle, and prone to damage. Besides, wooden combs don’t pull on your hair or scratch the scalp while detangling hair.

2. Never start brushing hair from roots
To ensure a damage-free experience, brush your hair in sections and start mid-hair. Going all the way from top to bottom will lead to breakage, so continue moving up your hair until you reach your scalp, and then brush the entire length.

3. Do not comb wet hair
Wet hair is highly susceptible to breakage. Always make sure to air-dry or blow-dry hair before using a comb.