Twenty-ten was the year of very bad, horrible, no-good haircuts for me. There were four of them, each more tragic than the last. You see, I’m a curly girl, and mistakes with my locks aren’t easily hidden. I’ve watched my request for “fun layers” turn Krusty the Clown in two swift and ill-advised snips.
Two years later, I knew I had no choice but to get back in the ring. But this time I was going to be prepared. Along with asking all of my friends with ringlets whom they trusted with their ’dos, I stopped wavy-haired people on the street, begging for a little curl counsel. My inquiries elicited intimate and animated stories; all of us have war stories under our belts. I was struck by how many little tricks these ladies and gents had to handle their unique varieties of curl.
I’m happy to say my investigation led to an awesome haircut by Becky Hallisey at Edo Salon. But while my search is over, I’d hate for all that useful info I gathered to go to waste. Here are eight of SF’s kinky creatures and the stylists who keep their curls looking killer. It’s no surprise that a majority of the folks I chatted with have their kink cared for at Madusalon, as it specializes in curly locks of all kinds.
When did you start to love your hair?
I grew up in an era of Punky Brewster and Jessie Spano, so as a kid I dug my kink. However, as soon as I grew older and had to ditch my scrunchies, I struggled to keep my curls feeling current. I remember the college cut that showed me that my hair could be worn naturally and still be stylish.
Advice for other curly-haired guys and gals?
Don’t make your hair crunchy! Let your curls be natural and don’t be scared of volume.
What’s your favorite curly hairstyle?
My favorite way to style curly hair is to set the curls into retro and current styles using the natural curl pattern. Curly or wavy hair provides an amazing base for so many looks!
When did you start to love your hair?
It was a love-hate relationship with my hair throughout my adolescence. I shaved my head in high school and it wasn’t until I was in my 20s that I learned to care for my hair. Now I’ve learned to have fun with color, experiment with bangs, and have curly-hair pride.
How did you find your stylist?
One day I came home and there was a crazy lady giving hair tips to my roommates in the kitchen (I think she even put cinnamon in someone’s hair). It was Ginger, who had lived in my house before I moved in and was back for a visit. I won’t let anyone else touch my hair.
What’s your favorite curly hairstyle?
It’s between the curl-hawk and the side-swept loose-tendril ponytail. One is punky and the other is romantic. You could morph the two and get the romantic curl-hawk.
When did you start to love your hair?
I always loved my hair, but the problem was that I loved my hair most when it was straightened. From 1988 until 2009, I went to a stylist to chemically straighten my hair. In 2009 I finally decided to stop straightening it, and in June 2010 I cut off all my straightened bits of hair. It was at that time that I could finally see the cute corkscrew curls I hadn’t seen since childhood. I fell in love with my hair again.
Advice for other curly-haired guys and gals?
If you have very dry, curly hair like me, ignore commercials for hair products! They normally feature straight-haired people who use a completely different hair-care regime. Thick moisturizing conditioners and hair oils are our best friends. They make our curls look their best.
What’s your favorite curly hairstyle?
Long, luscious, big curly hair is my favorite.
How did you find your stylist?
I look for someone who is familiar with curly hair and understands my style. I’ve gone to Public a few times now and all their barbers and stylists really know what they’re doing.
Advice for other curly-haired guys and gals?
Be proud of your curly hair. Your hair can do things people usually sit around in curlers to do. So get a style that shows it off.
Tips for cutting and styling curly hair?
When it comes to curly hairstyles, one must work with the curl and not fight against it. Make sure to properly hydrate your curls with leave-in conditioner or a curl-activating product. Also, don’t be afraid of the diffuser.
When did you start to love your hair?
As a guy with curly hair, you realize very soon that maintaining long curly hair is an arduous task. As a result, I always kept my hair short. But all of this changed when one day I accidentally discovered a “hair headband.” With a hair band, I could let my hair grow long and yet keep a prim and proper appearance.
Advice for other curly-haired guys and gals?
Treasure your curly hair because all the straight-haired folks are secretly jealous and in love with you. They know that they can never be you.
What’s your favorite curly hairstyle?
I love when curly hair is so big that it can be seen a mile away!
How did you find your stylist? Luckily enough, my colorist is my friend! Last summer I went through a really bad bleaching phase, and when I came out of it I needed serious color repair. Liz brought it back to life and made it look healthy again! Advice for other curly-haired guys and gals? I find that my hair does better when I don’t wash it every single day, and when I use Moroccan oil. Natural is better!
What’s your favorite curly hairstyle?
Anything that showcases the curls, like lots of layers to add body and definition. Don’t hide your curls; flaunt them!
When did you start to love your hair?
It wasn’t until college that I really embraced the curls growing out of my head. I grew up in a place that idealized straight blond hair. Once I got to a place where not looking like a Barbie was a plus, all bets were off.
Advice for other curly-haired guys and gals? Curly hair comes in as many shapes and sizes as any other type of hair. Don’t assume that just because your friend has curly hair, you should style it like she does. Figure out what your curls do, let them do it, and then give them a hand.
Tips for cutting and styling curly hair?
When styling curly hair, it’s important not to use a comb or brush. When cutting curly hair, it’s more about cascading the curls than about layering them.
When did you start to love your hair?
In high school people always said that I had “good hair,” but it wasn’t until I got linked up with Ami five months ago that I knew what to do with my hair. Now, I’m able to embrace it. Advice for other curly-haired guys and gals? Go to Madusalon. Don’t think that a salon is feminine; it can be genderless. Enjoy it.
Tips for cutting and styling curly hair?
Be patient, cut curly hair dry, and cut one curl at a time..
How did you find your stylist?
A good friend told me that her friend needed a hair model at Aveda. I jumped at the chance and ended up sitting there while four people watched CJ cut my hair, while she explained what she was doing at every step. Afterward she told me she was from Michigan (wooo, Midwest!) and it was an instant connection.
Advice for other curly-haired guys and gals?
Let. It. Go. WILD!! If you don’t want to tame it, don’t! I recently spent a week in Tel Aviv, where 95% of the population has curly hair. There wasn’t any mousse, gel, or product. They just let it go. I think we should let our hair be free, too!
Tips for cutting and styling curly hair?
Work with it, not against it. Curls are going to do what they want to do, so let them lead the way. Also, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate — curls are thirsty!
Got some mad curls that need taming? Make an appointment with a curly-hair experts at Madusalon, Level 4 Salon, Wak Shack, Rubio and Raven, Public Barber Salon, and Edo Salon.
