1.    Stop washing your hair. Well, at least so often. I used to wash everyday and once I started conditioning daily and shampooing once or twice a week, I noticed my curls were… curlier.

2. Invest in a satin pillowcase. This makes such a huge difference in how my hair looks in the morning. I can actually go to bed and wake up without looking like I belong in a horror movie.

3.Use scrunchies. Yes, I feel like I’m back in the 80s, but they really do work so much better than the elastics to which I’ve become accustomed. Just try not to wear them in public.

Image via CurlyNikki.com

4. Cut your hair. I am constantly trying to grow my hair longer, so it seems counter intuitive to cut it, but it always does help. I may lose a bit of length, but I make up for it in quality,

Ouidad NYC Stylist, Ayanna perfecting my tresses!

5. End your shower with a cold water rinse. It’s not the most pleasant thing ever, but it does seem to help my hair take product better (apparently, it closes the cuticle or something.) It also does tend to jump start a morning!

Do YOU have any curly hair tips? Share with a comment!

My KRLY Kid!

When caring for your child’s curls, moisture is the key to maintaining soft, hydrated, tangle free curls. One usually just focuses on the basic shampooing and conditioning. Taking the time to educate with more detail on good hair habits will help them appreciate and love there beautiful curly from a young age. The #1 reason why children dislike there hair and want to straighten their curls, is due to frizz. There is a simple solution…Moisture! When hair is properly hydrated, curls remain shiny, bouncy, and most importantly frizz free!!

Growing up with a head of curls myself, I know the daily struggle my straight haired mom went through, and also my poor tender head!
My mom kept my hair short, which was a “BIG” disaster. So the “headband” became one of my best friends, as you see in the picture below.
Without blaming my mom, I grew up hating hating my curls. I think back to why I disliked my hair? With not knowing how to care for my curls, it was extremely frizzy and “BIG”. This is why it’s important, at a young age…to teach our children how to care for their hair “on there own”.

It just so happens, I was blessed with a son with a beautiful head of tight curls. As most of you parents know, children get a lot of attention due to their curls! I am stopped daily because of his amazing blonde curly locks.
Because of my early childhood hair trauma, I have made it my mission to educate my son on proper hair care so that he loves and embraces his curly hair.

Here is a simple *no-fuss* regimen:
-Massage Ouidad’s KRLY Kids No Time For Tears Shampoo into scalp gently, while running fingers through the ends to eliminate tangling.

For Looser Curls: 2-3 times per week

Tighter Curls: 1 time per week

-Depending on the density of the curls, use a quarter size or more amount of Ouidad’s KRLY Kids No More Knots Conditioner on the mid-shaft to the ends. Use Ouidad’s Wide Tooth Comb and detangle the hair by combing from the ends working your way towards the roots insuring the moisture is evenly distributed.

- On Dry/Coarse hair- Ouidad’s Curl Quencher Conditioner may be needed for maximum hydration.

-For kids that have a kinky/tighter curl pattern they may need a heavier cream based leave in. Moisture Lock Leave-in Conditioner will moisturize the hair and the weight of the cream will help control the volume. I use this product on my son’s hair after the shower. It defines his curls, eliminates frizz and drys soft and silky to the touch. Rake a quarter size or more (depending on the hair’s density) through very wet hair. Blot out the excess water/product and allow to dry naturally or using a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer.

-As parents I think we all agree to avoid using heavy styling products on fine youthful hair. Ouidad formulated Krly Kids Pump & Go Spray Gel to condition the curls while forming a small barrier protecting from excess frizz. This product dries soft without a hard, tacky feeling. This product is extremely gentle and safe for fine hair. A light spritz over wet hair will help control frizz and flyaways with a light hold.

-Botanical Boost Spray- This is one of my favorites. Who has the time to wet their child’s hair every morning? Not me…I spritz this over the surface smoothing my palms over the top of his curls, which mends those frizzes and flyaways that happen while sleeping. Seriously, kids sleep wild through the night, rolling, flipping, turning. They wake looking like they stuck their finger in a light socket! Botanical Boost is the morning go-to product!. It also detangles extremely well, those knots at the nape of the neck.

I hope you got some pointers on how to care for your “Curly Kids”.
When there ready for there first haircut, look for a Ouidad Flagship Salon or Certified Salon near you. A good haircut makes the world of difference. The Carving and Slicing technique eliminates bulk and weight allowing hair to detangle easier and dry with less volume. Usually children don’t damage or overprocess their hair, so with the use of Ouidad’s moisturizing products a haircut could last you 4-5 months.

I wish so many things for my daughter. I hope she finds true love; the real kind, like I have with her father. I hope she becomes a leader, rather than a follower, even when it’s the harder course to choose. I hope that she always knows how very much she is loved. I wish for her a life full of happiness. I could go on all day. I want the world for her.

And, then there are my other hopes…the hair prayers.

• I pray that she never take a scissors to her hair, in an effort to “try” out bangs.

• If her hair becomes curly, I pray that she listens to my sage advice against brushing and in support of product.

• I pray, with all my might, that lice never again infests her glorious locks.

• I pray she never wonders how her naturally chestnut hair would look platinum blond.

• Please, hair Gods, let her resist Sun-In and Lemon juice, unlike her mother.

• I pray that she never forget that she’s chewing gum while falling asleep, resulting in a large chuck of hair needing to be cut out.

• I pray that she appreciates the hair she has been given, instead of longing for the opposite.

And, in the name of our own hair issues, let us all say: Amen.

What are some hair prayers for your curly kids?

Share with us here this Mother’s Day for a chance to win 1 of 4 Ouidad Ultimate Gift Sets!

Giveaway Ends Wednesday 5/16/2012 so enter today!

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Hi, everyone! My name is Jill, but I’m better known around the web as Scary Mommy. I blog about parenting (I’m mom to three kids,) my husband (otherwise known as my fourth child,) and whatever else happens to be going on in my life.

At the moment, I am pretty consumed by my new book, Confessions of a Scary Mommy. Writing a book has become a pretty consuming endeavor, so I’m especially excited to be here talking about one of my other favorite topics: My hair!

You can follow me on Twitter, Facebook or YouTube and you really ought to check out the book! Now onto that hair…

If you put two curly haired girls in a room together, it’s only a matter of time before they begin discussing their love/hate relationship with their hair. Last week, I got into a conversation with a complete stranger over what product I use (Ouidad, duh!) and it turned out she was a fan as well. In the line at Sephora, we started chatting about all of the crazy things we’ve done to our hair. I’m not sure if I should be proud or ashamed, but I’m pretty sure I won. Where’s my medal?

1. I used to color my hair myself. Red, black and orange all made an appearance, but the worst was the time it came out green. It also happened to be the night that my husband proposed. We ended up at the salon for three hours before going to our celebratory dinner.

2. I sleep in olive oil. Every few months, I coat my hair in olive oil, stick on a shower cap and go to bed. I smell like salad, my pillows are stained and my husband thinks I’m crazy, but it works! I swear.

3. I used to wash it twice a day. The horror!

4. I dry my hair by driving in circles. I’ve never found a way to make my hair look as good as it does when I blast the AC in the car, so when I need it to look good, I style it, hop in the car and drive to nowhere.

5. When I was 13, I cut myself bangs. Enough said.

What’s the craziest thing YOU’VE ever done to your hair?

Cheers to a great summer!

Trend 1: Bright Color Pumps

1. Kelsi Dagger $129 http://bit.ly/ICw4k1 | 2. Guess $90 http://bit.ly/Ib3Rmi

3. Gyess $90 http://bit.ly/Ib3Rmi | 4. Steve Madden $89 http://bit.ly/InXbAl

Trend 1 Part II: Bright Color Pumps

1. Fergie $69 http://bit.ly/I9oQaL | 2. Guess $188 http://bit.ly/I9p1CX

3. Boutique 9 $120 http://bit.ly/JEeEoo | 4. Ted Baker $125 http://bit.ly/HGcKBi

Trend 2: Wedges:

1. Steve Madden $99 http://bit.ly/I3NOCK | 2. BeBe $125 http://bit.ly/IDI4l8

3. Messeca Carlie Metallic $327 http://bit.ly/Io0vvo | 4. Jessica Simpson $98 http://bit.ly/IdKaLk

Trend 3: Summer Flats

1. Anthropologie $98 http://bit.ly/IQjyg8 | 2. Rachel Zoe $235 http://bit.ly/I9sm5c

3. Vera Wang $225 http://bit.ly/I9cTCr |  4. Dolce Vita $69 http://bit.ly/Jx6Kit

Trend 4: Peep-Toe Pumps

1. Steve Madden $89 http://bit.ly/I80QEj | 2. Sam Edelman $130 http://bit.ly/JHyIId

3. Guess $218 http://bit.ly/ICzV0z | 4. Journe via Target $34 http://bit.ly/JHzAfW

The look of the season is a sassy, textured haircut.

Usually we are always trying to perfect each individual curl. Well, let the perfection go this season. Your haircut is the most important step in your curl regimen.

Our Ouidad styling team has the artistic vision and texture expertise to give you the most current trends in cutting.

So what’s hot for this spring?

Modern Bi-Level Bob

It’s easy to maintain and simple. As a stylist I want to offer our clients different  looks that would apply to their hair texture. One option is a “Modern Bi-Level Bob”. Just simply taking one side and extending it longer framing around the jawline gives a sassy, edgy look within minutes. Again this style works on most hair types!

Mid length 80′s Shag

I’ve talked about this cut for the last month. To be honest I cant get enough of it! It’s HOT HOT HOT. Mid length, short shaggy layers with fun tousled textured bangs.

This cut works best on naturally curly to wavy hair.

Short length Shag

I love this look because of the texture and movement. I like to call this the new age “Meg Ryan” cut. This is an easy everyday style with little fuss!

Medieval Long

I understand that there are curls that love their length and are not willing to part with more then an inch trim. How can you freshen our look without loosing length? By creating texture and adding a lot of movement around the hairline. A side swept bang can give you that “piecey” textured look.

This spring make a change, that not only looks good, but works well with your everyday life!!

Name: Abby Best- Manhattan, NY

What do you do at Ouidad? I work on the creative marketing team.

What are you wearing today?: Dolce Vita Shoes, Hive & Honey Dress, Christian Dior Glasses and a Michael Kors Watch

Favorite Ouidad Products: Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner and Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel

Describe Your Personal Style: Boho meets quirky

Favorite thing to do in New York City: Eat, Live Music, Shop – basically everything! I love New York!

Advice to all curly girls: Try different product combinations, you never know which combo will give your curls their best look!

Who is your curl icon?: Emmy Rossum

There are an array of styles you can choose from (as seen below). I have put together the top six trends; color block, aztec print, tie-dye, floral, stripes and solid colors.

Be sure to have fun and explore with happy hues and prints!!!

If you have any fashion or style questions, be sure to ask us on Twitter @stylepantry or www.facebook.com/stylepantrycom.

Trend #1 Color Block Maxis: Splendid Tee dress $138 http://bit.ly/ILzcaB | C&C Tank Dress $98 http://bit.ly/IiFDbj | River Island Cut Out Dress $44.76 http://bit.ly/Hwu13t

Trend #2 Aztec Print Maxis: Sunshine Aztec Dress $264 http://bit.ly/Iz1WUB |  Yellow Aztec Dress $78 http://bit.ly/GYg0aY | Guess Aztec Dress $118 http://bit.ly/IqmBO4

Trend #3 Tie-Dye Maxis: BillaBong Off Shoulder $59.50 http://bit.ly/ILCBGl | C&C $138 http://bit.ly/HFJAEJ |  Young, Fabulous & Broke $182 http://bit.ly/HzNKN2

Trend #4 Floral Maxis: ASOS $57 http://bit.ly/I1lgZu |  Guess $118 http://bit.ly/IoWLrg | $125 http://bit.ly/HFKqBk

Trend #5 Striped Maxis: Joie Striped Maxi $148 http://bit.ly/I1dDoY |  Tommy Bahama $92 http://bit.ly/HzPSnY |  Calvin Klein $108 http://bit.ly/Iz6iLo

Trend #6 Solid Color Maxi: Winter Kate $295 http://bit.ly/IDg41Q | Petticoat Lace Maxi $187 http://bit.ly/HJdfZw |  Tinley Road Cutout Maxi $89 http://bit.ly/HIa1c8

Follow @Ouidad on Pinterest to see more of our Spring Inspired favorites!

What inspires your style this spring? Create your board and join us…