Ouidad: The Curl Experts

Question: Why does permanent hair color tend to wear off easier on curly hair, especially gray coverage, even though I am washing hair only every other day?

Answer: With curly hair, the cuticle is more open and more porous, which allows it to take on more color but also can allow it to fade more quickly. Color should be semi-permanent which is more delicate. Since the cuticle is already more open, you don't need a strong activator to break down the cuticle layer to accept color. Also to help seal in color, I recommend a glaze afterwards to promote tone longevity and vibrancy.

Question: Do you treat white/gray hair with Deep Treatment more often or use other products to tame and shine it?

Answer: You use the Deep Treatment every 4 weeks with gray hair the same as any other hair. Gray hair can be more coarse, so will need more styling products to help shape and set.

Question: Are there coloring products that dont dry out curls?

Answer: Vegetable dyes do not dry out hair, but almost all other hair color products will have a drying effect on curly hair. My best recommendation is to minimize the dryness with Deep Treatment. Apply Deep Treatment 3 days before you go in for color to get hair in prime condition and help colorants to absorb evenly. Ten days after coloring repeat the Deep Deep Treatment process to keep the color molecules bonded and to prevent fading.

Question: I have lightened my curly hair for years with permanent blond hair color. However, I want to gradually return to my natural brown with blonde highlights. Advice, please?

Answer: Start by weaving in low lights of your natural color brown. Slowly increase the amount of low lights over several appointments.

Question: A friend of mine said she sleeps with the deep treatment on her hair under a cap overnight & rinses in the morning is this a good idea?

Answer: Yes! However, I would highly recommend you heat activate it for at least 5-7 min with a blowdryer first, or even wrap a hot towel around the shower cap and sleep with it wrapped.

Question:How do I know when I'm due for a deep conditioning?

Answer: Your curls will tell you. They won't perform, won't hold a style, and will have more flyaways.

Question:My hair has several different types of textures in it - fine AND coarse and my curl pattern is weak. Should I get a perm like my stylist recommended?

Answer: It is normal to curly hair to have multiple patterns and textures. You just need to learn to work with it and my recommendation would be to start with Deep Treatment to get your hair back to its optimal condition to see how it performs.

Question: I'm growing out my thick, coarse, curly hair after 2 years of post-chemo hair. I'm miserable! Small clips & headbands don't handle my thick hair. Ideas?

Answer: One option is a softening treatment. It is a technique to loosen the curls with very mild relaxants blended with Deep Treatment. It works to soften out-of-control curls, making them more maintenance free and healthy looking.

Question: My hair is like straw on the top layers and my curls are so pretty underneath. What do I do to fix this problem? Please help

Answer: Use the Deep Treatment regularly, starting every 2 weeks and then when in better condition transition to monthly. This will bring back the health of top layers. The Deep Treatment can also be used as a leave in conditioner particularly on the dry / damaged area.

Question: I have tight curls (think Keri Rusell), but would like to try and relax them into larger waves like Sarah Jessica Parker or Lauren Conrad. How can I achieve this?

Answer: The only way to permanently relax your hair is with a chemical relaxant or softening treatment. To achieve some loosening or softening without a chemical treatment, you can use heat. After styling your hair with a styling gel amd allowing it to dry, divide the hair into 3-4 sections. Stretch out the hair in each section and hit the bend in the curls with heat, which will create some loosening of the curls.

Question:How often should us curly girls trim our hair?

Answer: Every 10-12 weeks. Often stylists will recommend 6-8 weeks, but this is not necessary for curly hair.

Question:Does the cut actually make a difference in curly hair or are you just stuck with hair that has a mind all its own?

Answer: You are definitely not stuck. No two heads of curly hair are ever the same and even one person can have multiple curl patterns throughout the hair. You need a cut designed specifically for your curl patter and face shape. Ouidad's trademarked Carve and Slice hair cut involves strategically cutting the hair at the curvature of the curl pattern. The result is well-defined curls and waves the fit gently into each other like puzzle pieces creating healthier, more manageable hair.

Question: Is it possible to obtain a cut that looks as terrific blown straight as it does styled curly, and allows the liberty of doing either?

Answer: With the Carve & Slice technique both a curly and straight style are absolutely possible. However, over-using a blowdryer or flat iron to straighten the hair damages its condition and your curls can not perform beautifully.

Question: My hair is much curlier on the sides and back. What should I do to make the two types of hair work together?

Answer: Assuming your top hair is a different curl, blending the types starts with the cut. Carving and Slicing enhances your curls, fitting them with the surrounding different curls and waves. Styling with the Rake & Shake technique will also help you curls work together. View the How To: Rake & Shake Video Here

Question: How do I determine the best length for my curly hair?

Answer: The length should be determined by many factors – your height, facial features, your lifestyle, the overall look you want to achieve, not simply by the type of curls you have. These attributes and your goals should be discussed during you consultation with your stylist before the cut.

Question:Is it damaging to constantly have my hair in a ponytail during the day? Does this damage my hair at the root?

Answer: Yes, and yes. You are stretching out your curls and can be ripping out hair along your hairline. You can put it back but more loosely, not tight, so you don't stretch out your curl pattern. And I would certiainly not recommend a ponytail every day.

Question: When you have naturally curly hair is it best if you use a diffuser? Or a product in conjuction with a diffuser?

Answer: First, curls are better if they are let to air dry, and products will help set them in place. However, many of us need to have our hair dry before we leave the house. So you can use a diffuser but use low heat and use products such as Climate Control that will help protect the hair from heat and help hold the style.

Question: What is the best way to control curls at the end of the day?

Answer: I always recommend the Botanical Boost Moisture Infusing & Refreshing Spray to re-cap curls at the end of the day. Spray on dry hair, and with your palm smooth hair down. Then placing your fingers at your scalp, shake the curls out at the roots.

Question: How does one maintain their look for the next day without having to wash their hair again? Is it better to wash the hair everyday?

Answer: When you sleep put the hair in loose ponytail on the top of the head to preserve curls as best possible for the morning. In the morning, use Botanical Boost to refresh your curls. After your hair is dry, you can use a drop of Shine Glaze and your hair will look beautiful for the day. In terms of washing your hair, generally it isn't necessary to shampoo daily. Your curl pattern should dictate how often you should shampoo.

• Loose waves - 2-3 times per week
• Curly/Tight - 1-2 times per week
• Kinky - 1 time per week

Question:What is the best towel to use for blotting wet hair? A paper towel - a micro fiber - an old tee shirt - or will a plain ordinary bath towel work just as well?

Answer: Any towel will work. The key is just to not do any rigorous rubbing which will disturb the curl patter, and no twisting, and no turbans. View Our How To Dry Curly Hair Video Here

Question:Does straightening my hair permanently damage my curl pattern?

Answer: Of course - your curl pattern is going to change and be damaged. As the hair grows out, you may also see a different curl pattern - the roots will be tighter and the ends will be looser

Question:Can you have a short hairstyle and still do the rake and shake?

Answer: You can use the Rake & Shake method on hair that is 2 inches or longer. If the hair is shorter, you can run styling products through the hair and position the curls and waves. View Our How To: Rake & Shake VideoHere

Question: I love the red "Iron Clothes Not Curls" t-shirt in your 4 Minute Curls video, where can I get one?

Answer: It's now available on ouidad.com in 3 sizes!.

Question: What is the difference between Botanical Boost and Sun Shield? Do they get used together?

Answer: No they don't need to be used together as they are both spray-in conditioners. Sun Shield has UV inhibitors to provide protection from the sun and Botanical Boost seals in moisture to the hair and refershes curls throughout the day. The normal recommendation is to use Sun Shield in Spring and Summer months and to use Botanical Boost in the Fall and Winter months.

Question: How can I prevent tangles on a curly haired 1 year old? She does not sit still long enough to let me detangle, so I would like to try prevention

Answer: I agree that prevention is essential. Use products that are gentle on the hair. Conditioning is the key to provide detangling, but also use a leave in conditioner to help the curls be healthy and manageable and less stressful to comb.

Question: My Daughter is 4 years old and has curly hair. It is beautiful but when she wakes up, it looks like electricity has run through her. What should I do?

Answer: She should sleep with a loose bun or ponytail on the top of the head. In the morning spray Botanical Boost to wet hair and then spray Krly Kids Pump n'Go Styling gel and work through with your fingers to define curls.