While I love getting dolled up, I’m a total sucker for beauty shortcuts – a cute up-do to cut down on primp time, a tinted moisturizer to get bronzed and moisturized in one step, a quick highlight shadow under your eyebrows to give them better shape when you’re due for a wax. So on days when I just don’t have the time or energy to do my hair, I let it be curly. I’ve tried so many different mousses, gels, and sprays and my favorite has to be John Frieda Frizz-Ease Curl Reviver Styling Mousse for Curly Styles. Of course, you need to have a natural curl to your hair for this to work as well for you as it does to me. If so, it’ll likely be the last styling mousse you’ll need to try.

What this mousse does so well is create the perfect texture for my hair. Other products have made my hair so stiff or too limp, but this one puts the perfect amount of hold on my curls without weighing them down or making them look crunchy. My hair is left with the ideal amount bounce that I’ve searched high and low for. Since I have layers throughout my hair, a curly look tends to work well on days I don’t feel like doing a real hairstyle.

Here is exactly how I use this mousse: I apply it right on my wet hair – I do not towel dry at all. Then after combing it out, I shake out my hair to get it more piecey. Once it looks like the natural curls are sort of coming out, I flip my head and apply one big dollop of mousse, scrunching my hair up. Last, I play around with it a bit more with my head upright and voila! It won’t look like much until it dries, but this is my tried and true lazy hair look. The whole thing takes around 5 minutes.

And my favorite part: the price! One bottle will cost you $5.99 at drug stores. Admittedly, you may need to restock on this product more than with some of my other favorite beauty buys, but it is well worth it. Especially with summer approaching, this will give you those perfect beachy curls. Happy styling!

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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).

Hot and dry? Flat and sweaty.

Hot and humid? Big and frizzy (and sweaty).

You look great as you walk out the door. Glancing at your reflection in every passing window you even give yourself a wink. “Good Hair Day!” you think to yourself. But come lunch – game over. Your hair has fallen flat or totally frizzed out.

Beat the heat, as they say; when you hit the store for last minute school supplies look for these hairsprays. They work for nearly all hair types – trust me, I tried – and will keep that just walked out the door with awesome hair look goin’ all day long.

1. Sheer Blonde by John Frieda: Crystal Clear Shape and Shimmer Spray

The name says it all – and also doubles as something of a tongue twister. Frieda’s hair spray is non-yellowing, non-dulling and dries clear. I’ve discovered this hairspray is not only good for blondes, but for all shades of hair. Because the spray dries to clear, anyone can use it and definitely should if they want a straight, sleek look. But blondes should most definitely give this spray a go. Bonus: no matter how much you use, you can still run your fingers through your hair. Or whoever else might want to…

2. Aussie Sprunch Hairspray

A great cost for great hold. Sprunch is particularly good for wavy or curly hair. Its fine mist is easy to control and doesn’t get sticky. You may not love the smell, but get over it. This stuff is great.

3. Samy’s Amplifying Hair Spray- FAT “O” Calories Hair Spray

If you want that hair to stay put, go for it with FAT hairspray in the red bottle. This spray is a little more expensive, but nothing will stop it from keeping your locks locked. Just be sure to shake it to get the best juice otherwise it can get a bit sticky. This is by far the best spray for goin’ out and dancing; your hair will last until the morning.

4. Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode

The people over at Bumble and Bumble are good. Very good. I love their products, especially their most recent addition to their product family, Spay de Mode. Again, a little on the pricey side but for good reason. This spray actually molds to your hair and sets it for prefect styling while maintaining much needed flexibility. No helmet head here.

5. Redken numbered Hairsprays

I like 23, but you may prefer 18. Whatever your fancy, whatever your hair, Redken can accommodate. The higher the number, the stronger the hold. Redken has really personalized this product for you, which means perfect hold for your needs. Plus it smells awesome. It’s a win/win.

Let us know what some of your favorite hair products or sprays are! And if you feel like sharing more, send us some pics of your fabulous tousled strands.

In fear of skin cancer, we slather our bodies with SPF, but often leave our hair victim to the same brutal UV rays of the summer sun.

Until recently, my hair seemed to be benefiting from its exposure to the natural elements. It felt soft and it shone, whether I had straightened it or let it dry into my natural curls.

Then, one morning out of the blue, I realized my hair was completely fried. It didn’t straighten without a layer of extreme frizz. I let my hair dry naturally. My curls were frizzy, untamed, and unattractive.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. I abstained from shampoo. I assumed that only using conditioner would restore my hair to its natural, moisturized state. Needless to say, this experiment was a no go.

Now, it’s time to turn to the products. With so many choices out there, I have narrowed down the hair products that have been best reviewed by beauty sites throughout the web.

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment-$21- This product is made from palm nut oil and serves triple duty, promising to act as a deep conditioning treatment, leave in conditioner, and shine enhancer all in one. Ojon’s coconut shaped container is adorable and with multiple uses, it may prove itself to be worthy of its high price tag.

Pantene Pro-V Moisture Replenishing Mask-$6- Apply to wet hair after you shampoo. Wait one minute and rinse. This mask is said to strengthen hair and help resist breakage all in 60 seconds a day. Pantene is the classic drug store solution to all hair troubles. I’m sure they won’t let us down this time.

John Frieda Hair Serum-$9-This leave in formula should be applied to post-shower hair that is still dripping wet. The serum is said to zap frizz, repel humidity, protect hair from the sun, and create a healthy, glossy glow. I’m putting my money on this one. After all, John Frieda was the one who started the whole Beach Blonde/Brilliant Brunette sensation in hair products.

Shisheido Refreshing Sun Protection Spray SPF 16-$26- Dual use spray that is suitable for body and hair. The bottle can spray scalp and hard to reach areas on the head conveniently and does not leave a sticky residue. Since this spray is water resistant, it may be a one stop shop when looking for beach products.