Prom Hairstyle Tips: Curls Are Back Karen Marie Shelton

Date: 2/8/2004

Introduction

The hottest news for Spring 2004 Prom tresses has a big kink. As in soft kinky curls.  

If you don't believe me check out the many celebrities from Mischa Barton of the OC and Sarah Jessica Parker to the famous Friend, Jennifer Aniston and you will see what I mean.

(Image of Mischa Barton from The OC - FoxTV - 2004 - all rights reserved).

Yes its true, straight is out and curls are in, along with waves and textured twists.  In some circles even faux dreads are making a comeback.

Fashions trends have turned towards a sensual, romantic style that calls for soft, pretty, Bottecelli inspired curls.  The days of stick straight strands are quickly fading.  

Even shorter tressed celebs like Naomi Watts, Halle Berry and Evan Rachel Wood have been turning up all over town with an assortment of curls.

Steal The Look:
For Naturally Curly or Wavy Tresses

If you have naturally curly or wavy hair like Sarah Jessica Parker (shown to the side), you are half way to the finish line.  

(Image of Sarah Jessica Parker - NBC - 2004 Golden Globes - all rights reserved).

1. Start by shampooing your strands with a curl enhancing, moisturizing  product.  

Note: If you are a no-poo naturally curly hair believer, follow your traditional wash procedures.

2. Apply a good curl friendly rinse out conditioner and rinse well.  Finish with a cool rinse to help seal the cuticle, add shine and set the curls.

3. Apply a moisture enhancing leave in product like Phyto 7 or Phyto 9 or similar product.  If appropriate, use a good frizz protection products like Phytodefrisant or similar.  

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Note: If desired you can mix the your defrisant with your leave-in product for more protection against frizz and moisture loss.

4. Towel blot and finger arrange curls into a towel and plop them on top of your head to air dry.  Or use a long finger diffuser and blow dry on a cool, slow setting.  

5. When hair is 100% dry, use a curling iron to touch up any loose curled sections.  

6.  Use fingers sparingly to arrange and lightly tousle strands.  Be careful not to overtouch the curls or they may become fuzzy or frizzy.

6. Spray with a light hairspray.

7.  Adorn your gorgeous new curls with the hottest accessories with include headbands in an assortment of sensual fabrics, jeweled side combs and lots of flower motifs ranging from big and funky to small and crystal encrusted.

Steal The Look:
For Straight Or Slightly Curly 
Wavy Tresses

If you have naturally wavy hair like Jennifer Aniston and Renee Zellwegger, you may have to work a little harder to achieve the curled style of your dreams.

1. Start by shampooing your strands with a curl enhancing, moisturizing  product.  

(Image of Jennifer Aniston - NBC - 2004 Golden Globes - all rights reserved).

Note: If you are a no-poo naturally curly hair believer, follow your traditional wash procedures.

2. Apply a good curl friendly rinse out conditioner and rinse well.  Finish with a cool rinse to help seal the cuticle, add shine and set the curls.

3. Apply a moisture enhancing leave in product like Phyto 7 or Phyto 9 or similar product.  If appropriate, use a good frizz protection products like Phytodefrisant (available at HairBoutique.com or fine salons & spas) or similar.  

Note: If desired you can mix the your defrisant with your leave-in product for more protection against frizz and moisture loss.

4. Towel blot hair to remove excess moisture.

5.  Blow dry straight using a good styling or sculpting product.  

6.  Working from side to side separate hair into 1 to 2 inch sections.  Spritz each individual section with a good holding spray.  

(Image of Rene Zellweger - NBC - 2004 Golden Globes - all rights reserved).

7.  Wrap each section around a 1 inch barreled curling iron.  Hold for up to one minute. Release the curl and carefully pin into place to allow the curl to hold its shape while it cools. Be sure to let each newly curled section completely cool before touching.   

Note: For an ultra curly style use smaller sections of hair and a 1/4 to 1/2 inch curling iron or hot curlers.  the smaller the sections and the smaller the heating unit, the kinkier the curls.

8. When hair is completely cooled, use fingers to carefully tousle and arrange the curls.   

6. Spray with a light hairspray.

7.  Adorn your new curls with your favorite accessories such as headbands, jeweled side combs or similar.

Steal The Look:
Options

If you want the curly or wavy style without it being too much, copy Jennifer Aniston and Renee Zellwegger's leads.  Both ladies went for more casual wave then kinky curl.

If you prefer less curls but more texture, you can go for the not-too-coiffed twisted style that celebrities like Uma Thurman and Cameron Diaz have adopted instead of the fuller curled look. 

To achieve a less curly style, wrap larger sections of hair around a 1 1/2 or larger barreled curling iron.  If you prefer, you can use large hot rollers instead.  

Summary

Keep in mind that the key to creating great curls and waves, whether they are natural or not, is using the preparing the hair with the right products.  Without the right products, even the most gorgeous of ringlets will drop at the sight of the first rain cloud.

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