Fashion + Beauty

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Related Topics:

5 How-to Tips to Control Latina Hair

Does your hair seem to have a mind of it's own?   We've got five how-to tips to switch it up and regain  control over your beautiful Latina locks below.

How to Fake It
Tons of our favorite Latina celebrities use extensions, including Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek, and Patricia Velasquez. But there are more options that just getting extensions for your hair. For a more temporary and less expensive method, try "clipping," which is when small wefts of hair are secured in your scalp using small clips, anchoring the extension to the shaft. The clips are very tiny, so you can place them almost anywhere on your head as long as you can blend with your natural hair. When you feel like switching it up or going natural, simply just take the clip out. This is a perfect alternative to getting a new look for the weekend, without breaking the bank.


How to Get Control on an Oily Scalp

The two most important things in controlling an oily scalp is what kind of shampoo and conditioner you put in your hair. A common misconception is buying products for your hair type, rather than what kind of scalp you have. When it comes to shampoo, be sure to buy a shampoo  for your scalp, specifically shampoo for fine or limp hair. This kind of formula has detergents in it that effectively remove excess oil. For your conditioner, you should buy according to your hair type. If you need an extra-moisturizing conditioner, only apply where it is needed, and avoid using on your scalp completely. Read more about caring for oily hair here.

How to Stay Natural
If you love your curls and want to keep them healthy and natural, a big factor may be what your sleeping on. Satin pillow cases retain the natural oils secreted by your scalp, while also reducing frizz. It's also important to choose styling products that are light and liquid, as opposed to cremes and heavy gels. This will optimize your curls without weighing them down. Be sure to get a trim every six to ten weeks, to keep curls bouncy and full of body, rather than frizz. See more tips to stay natural for all hair types.


How to Blow Dry Curls
To get your curly, thick hair sleek and straight, apply a leave-in conditioner after washing. Let air-dry for  ten minutes before using a dryer with diffuser attachment. Flip your head over, and blow dry right against the scalp with the diffuser, until almost dry. Flip your head back over, and allow the rest of your hair to dry naturally for maximum volume. When hair is fully dry, scrunch with your fingers and if desired, your favorite product for extra curls. Make it a point to leave your hair alone when drying. Messing around with it will cause frizz and messy curls. Get more styling tips for curly hair.

How to Choose the Proper Blow Drying Tools

A good blow dry depends on what kind of tools you are using with your dryer to achieve it. Boar bristle brushes are perfect for drying thick hair. When deciding on a brush size, choose depending on your hair length. The length of your hair should only wrap around the brush once, unless your hair is really long. In that case, buy the largest brush size. For bristle stiffness, the curlier your hair is, the stiffer the bristles will need to be. Use an aluminum round brush in addition to dry bangs or the crown of your head, where the boar bristled brush will have difficulty reaching. See what other tools you need to blow dry your hair straight.


Related Links
Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
Syndication:

From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 49
  • Cara's Avatar
    Posted by Cara Tue Nov 24, 2009 10:33am PST

    Not Latina here, but some of us NEED styling creams and heavier gels, as the lighter-weight things aren't enough for us. Been embracing natural curls since the mid-70s, when I threw out my blow dryer and large rollers for good, seriously. I've also adopted a modified "no-poo" or "Curly Girl" routine and it works GREAT on me!

    Report Abuse
  • G's Avatar
    Posted by G Tue Nov 24, 2009 11:21am PST

    I am half Latina and guess what was passed on .My Latina mom's thick wavy/curly hair. I could'nt even imagine adding in clip-in's as my hair is so thick. I never try to straighten all my hair. What I found that works great for me is to use good shampoos and conditioners. I like the new L'Oreal sulfate free products. They really pamper my hair. Then I add a bit of mousse all over and let it almost fully air dry. I then use a large round brush and just blow out the top layers smooth but with lift. I never bother with the bottom hair as it is where the majority of my curls are. It's easy and I love the way it looks.Some times I might add a little frizz ease to the ends if it needs it or I use Moroccan oil to tame it a bit. I don't mess with it too much though or it looses it's curl and just looks frizzy.

    Report Abuse
  • Appletini's Avatar
    Posted by Appletini Tue Nov 24, 2009 11:56am PST

    I am half and my hair is very thick, fine and wavy. it frizzes in humidity and it is very hard to control!

    A good cut is essential because it takes the weight off and lets it move, also gives shape. When i go too long without a cut they scold me at the salon cuz it takes forever to reshape.

    I just use Pantene and use a paddle brush to straighten, also a shine syrum with coconut oil or silicone to define waves.

    Report Abuse
  • starfedra's Avatar
    Posted by starfedra Tue Nov 24, 2009 1:22pm PST

    100 % Latina here...Best shampoo and conditioner for thick, frizzy curly hair is Fekkai Shea butter, expensive but you will see the difference, this is a good article but would have liked to be more specific about products.

    Report Abuse
  • Jigga187's Avatar
    Posted by Jigga187 Tue Nov 24, 2009 2:47pm PST

    This article was okay, but I need good tips 4 taming African American naps.

    Report Abuse
  • Jessica's Avatar
    Posted by Jessica Tue Nov 24, 2009 3:18pm PST

    im full latina but my hair is very thin n straight ^_^*

    Report Abuse
  • Gisela's Avatar
    Posted by Gisela Tue Nov 24, 2009 4:37pm PST

    Same here jessica

    Report Abuse
  • superspecialawesome!'s Avatar
    Posted by superspecialawesome! Wed Nov 25, 2009 8:58am PST

    agreed with starfedra! i also use that product sometimes as it is expensive!

    Report Abuse
  • MiLLY's Avatar
    Posted by MiLLY Sat Nov 28, 2009 10:57am PST

    These tips don't work on my hair. Im a 100% Latina. Born and raised as a Dominican. My hair is very curly which makes it look short (to the point where it looks like it doesn't even reach my shoulders) I recently straightned it and it reaches the middle of my back. Any tips on what to use on tight, soft yet tangle, thin curls?

    Report Abuse
  • andra's Avatar
    Posted by andra Sun Nov 29, 2009 12:16pm PST

    ugh

    i hate my curly hair. it' s so difficult to care for! and the frizz... it drives me nuts. that's why it's so much easier to straighten it right after i wash it. it's 'tamed'. well, until i wash it again anyway. i'm gonna have to let it be curly again cause it's so fried and damaged.

    i wish i could not 'crush' the curls at night so that i wouldn't have to wash it again in the morning. :(

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-10 of 49

leave your comment

You must sign in to post a comment

Sign In for personalized information

New User? Sign Up

Herbal Essences Sweeps

Play our style it, wear it, try to win it* sweeps for a chance to win one of hundreds of prizes.