Curly, wavy or straight, here's how you can ditch the curlers or straighteners and let your natural hair make a starry appearance
Halle Berry
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Actress Halle Berry’s recent red carpet outing at the Academy Awards made several girls with curly tops smile across the world. The Oscar-winning actress proudly let her naturally curly hair go wild and take centre stage at the biggest night in Hollywood. Curly, wavy or straight, here’s how you can ditch the curlers or straighteners and let your natural hair make a starry appearance.
Emma Stone at the 89th Annual Academy Awards. Pics/Getty Images/AFP
For curly and wavy hair
>> It’s a myth that you can’t experiment with different haircuts. It’s about extra contrast when it comes to cutting and shaping curly hair, as opposed to straight hair. So, if you are opting for the asymmetric cut, going extra short at the back and longer in the front is what will make you curls look daring, springy and stylish. It comes down to where you cut the layer to get the look you are aiming for — steeper the layer, stronger the look.
>> Never comb your hair dry with a comb or your fingers. It will make your hair look like a frizzy helmet. With curly hair, combing does not equal neatness. Use a thin towel or a cotton T-shirt to gently squeeze out the water. When your hair isn’t too dirty or greasy, go for a co-wash (condition instead of shampoo).
>> Curly and wavy hair loses moisture faster than straight hair. Read the ingredients at the back of your products and use silicone, paraben and sulphate-free products. These absorb moisture and tame the frizz.
>> Shampoo cleanses hair; conditioner closes shafts and leave-in conditioner gives moisture, so don’t skip the leave-in-and-scrunch routine.
>> If you wish to oil your hair, do so overnight and not half an hour before. This makes the hair absorb all the oil and hence you use less shampoo. This helps control unruly hair.
>> Creams, gels and oils are the go-to products to hydrate and style curly or wavy hair. Pick your product keeping in mind your scalp and hair type.
For straight hair
>> Even a subtle difference in your haircut can make a big difference when it comes to straight hair.
>> Ask your stylist to play with geometry for a dynamic look. With straight hair, you can experiment more with fringes and bangs, be it a short one with a pixie bob or a long fringe that goes across your face right upto the jaw.
>> The biggest task for straight hair is to not make it go the limp and greasy route. Use lighter products to make it look voluminous. A quick spray of a dry shampoo when on the run can help eliminate grease and add volume to the crown for a short time.
>> Darker hair colours help subtract volume, and lighter highlights make your hair look more voluminous.
Inputs: Avani Yashwin, hair stylist