From Fro to Fabulous – The Best Products for Curly and Wavy Hair.

So I’m a MOT.

A Member of the Tribe.

A celebrator of Hanukkah.

A person who likes deli.

Which means, that along with the typical rites of passage of teenage-dom (such as PMS, acne and that oh-so-awkward stage of braces and Steve Madden loafers), I also had to learn how to manage that fro of mine that at 12 went from straight to curly and never looked back.

Couple that with two perms due to my pre-mature desire for curly hair (yes, they still had perms in 1998), and you’ve got yourself an expert mane-tamer. So thank me later, and de-frizz now.

Here are my top must-have products for curls, waves and fros:

TIGI- Catwalk Curls Rock Curl Amplifier:

I can get by using just a dime sized amount of this super product (and I have a LOT of hair). Comb it through towel dried hair, scrunch, and out you go. It works as great as it smells, which is heavenly. As my new best friend Rachel Zoe says, “I Die.” *This entire line is fabulous- great conditioners, etc*

Do you ever notice that the best curl/waves of your LIFE come after you get out of the ocean? And you so badly don’t want to shower but you know someone will notice that your hair smells like seaweed and other people’s pee? I can’t tell you how many times that’s happened to me… and that’s because there is something in the sea salt that makes curly hair look red carpet ready. Thanks to this fabulous product, you can have that look without the pee smell. In fact, the product actually smells delightful. Problem solved!

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Crème: $11.99

When trying to straighten your hair, this is a great product to help you along so you don’t end up with the awful feeling of “Did I just workout, or did I just shower” trying to tame those curls of yours. Also great just to smooth down those extra frizzies.

Patene Pro-V Curl Defining Scrunching Gel:

Does the trick for a fraction of the price of other great curl gels out there. CC managing editor, Lauren, swears by this product like she swears by curing her hangovers with more booze. And, damn, does her hair look great.

KMS Curling Balm

Great for the (crazy) girls who want waves but whose hair won’t hold the curl.

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Healing Shine Serum:

Curly hair is more prone to damage since the cuticle does not stay closed (because of its shape), which is why our curly hair is usually frizzier than our straighter haired pals. So once your hair is dry, run a drop of this through your hair to help it heal, and create some serious shine.

L’Oreal Kerastase Nutritive Elasto Curl Aqua Mousse:

Pricey, but mousse lovers swear by this product

Conair Curl Fusion Ionic Styler:

Dries hair quickly without bringing the frizz (i.e., a gift from the curly haired god).

A few tips:

Once you scrunch the product in STOP scrunching. I know, I know, you think you are making it curlier, but the more you scrunch, the more frizz you get. It’s a vicious cycle that leaves you looking more like Bozo the Clown and less like bohemeian chic curls.

If you have wavy hair, try taking a straighter to the ends of your hair and to your bags if you have them – it makes it look more tousled.

Also for softer waves, try combing some product through your hair (I love Sebastian Potion 9) and put your hair in one sleek low bun (or a couple mini buns if your hair is thick and you aren’t leaving the house) while it dries. Then pull it out, finger comb it, apply some finishing crème and you’re ready to go!

Last, but not least, please remember that while individually these products are great, together, you will look like a crunchy, oily, nappy, gross, hot mess. So if you must combine, please, use only a couple of products at a time… and sparingly (I learned this at 14 the hard way when my hair never looked dry… I shudder at the thought… and so badly wish I had a picture of it to upload).