CURL FACTOR C’EST QUOI?
Cleansing conditioner
DESPERATELY SEEKING SUMMER-HAIR SERENITY If you’ve got curly hair, the easiest way to fight frizz is to take yourself out of the game and go “Drunk in Love”-style slick. Not ready to go full-on Yoncé drip diva? Try Paul Mitchell Spring-Loaded Frizz Fighting Conditioner ($31). This cuticle smoother makes delicate wet hair easier to comb through in the shower. Taking a curl vacation? Straighten things out with T3 SinglePass X 1.5" ($255), which contains a microchip that keeps the temperature consistent and puts coarse, thick hair in its (perfect) place. No two heads of curly hair are alike, and finding the right product is often a lifelong search. Although most women find that “cocktailing” products is the best option, starting with something specifically suited to your type of hair might help you find “the one.”
“A cleansing conditioner is a low-lathering gentle cleanser that will help clean your scalp but keep your hair conditioned,” says Justin German, consulting stylist for Pantene Pro-V. “It’s great for women with drier hair who tend to avoid shampooing because they’re afraid they’ll dry out their strands even more.” Summer’s the time to give a cleansing conditioner a spin, since your hair has likely succumbed to some damage due to UV-ray exposure, chlorine and salt water. Note: Cleansing conditioners are designed to complement—not replace—your regular shampoo and conditioner. To use, focus on the scalp and massage the product into the roots as you would a regular shampoo. Since cleansing conditioners are lower in lathering agents, don’t expect a foam party—just smoother, softer and generally less cranky hair.