Wavy & Curly Hair Types, Take Heart. Cypriano of Curly-Haired Haven Christo Fifth Avenue has Tips & Tricks to Transform Your Locks from Blah to Bodacious. FASHIONTRIBES BEAUTY BLOG & PODCAST INTERVIEW

PODCAST - Wavy & Curly Haired Types, Take Heart. Cypriano of Curly-Haired Haven Christo Fifth Avenue has Tips & Tricks to Transform Your Locks from Blah to Bodacious. FASHIONTRIBES BEAUTY BLOG & PODCAST INTERVIEW - MP3 File

Anyone's who dealt with curls on a recalcitrant day - every day in some cases - can be forgiven for being less than thrilled with their locks. However, the first step to taming a woolly mane is to start showering it with TLC explains Cypriano, Color Director for New York's Christo Fifth Avenue (who is responsible for the styling of the above) - where curls of all colors are most welcome. "The first thing is to love your hair. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. The top reason people have trouble with their curly hair is that no one ever showed them how to take care of their curls." This includes nourishing them with top-notch professional products that contain a lot of amino acids, keratin, and botanical extracts instead of silicon & heavy oils. Deep conditioning at least once a week is crucial, as is using specialty treatments like ion masks - and not shampooing more than once or twice a week. "It's really important not to shampoo too much, nor is it necessary to wash your hair with shampoo as much as people do. It affects the shape of a curl, the way a curl performs, and dryness."

At Christo Fifth Avenue, they approach curls systematically. After analyzing your locks, they take the extra step of explaining step-by-step what to do when left your own devices. "We put you on a program and provide a prescription of which products to use when, so at home, you have all the answers. As the weather changes, you need different products. If it's raining, you'll want to use one thing, and if it's dry, another."

While taming your curls takes a little extra effort, finally having a 'do that's as gorge as you is well worth it... not to mention the probability of getting stopped on the street & interrogated as to how your got curls to be so stunning - as happens frequently to Cypriano's devoted clientele. When Cypriano recently had his way with my limp, frizzy mop, he somehow unearthed a head full of loose wavy tresses I never knew I possessed. Looking in the mirror, I was actually rendered speechless - an event so rare as to be noteworthy. Although I'm still getting acquainted with this new tousle-haired rock goddess in my life, we're fast becoming BFFs.

Cypriano's summer Rx for curls:

• RARELY SHAMPOO Once, or at most, twice a weekly. Once a weekly, use a clarifying shampoo such as the Aqualizer from their own line of Curlisto products.
• CONDITION OFTEN & deep condition weeky.
• SWIMMING PRECAUTIONS Apply a conditioner before going in the water, which puts a barrier between your hair and the water. If you go swimming a lot, wear a swimcap as well. And never, ever leave salt water or chlorine from the pool in your locks for any length of time, so make sure to shampoo. "If you leave chlorine in overnight, it's the same as leaving in bleach." In other words, a bad, bad thing which carries heavy penalties - such as green hair for blonds.
• COLOR CARE Being exposed to so much more strong sunlight in the summer months can cause color to fade, so opt for products that protect your color while they condition. They offer Colorective, a in-salon treatment which can accommodate over 75 different shades.
• PRODUCT USE 101 Wavy hair gets max style from Curlisto Structura Lotion, which is loaded with panthenol and soy protein to seal in moisture, as well as Bio-Gel Mousse (to locks in the curl). Curls do better combining Control I gel with the Structura Lotion, while tight curls get Control II.
• PREMEDITATED HAIR ABUSE If you're going to wield a flat iron, curling iron or blow dryer, obey the rules of engagement: "You have to accept the fact that you're going to have to prep your hair first. That's where professional tools come in, like good straightening products which help retain the moisture, and nourishing your hair properly first...and only using the flat iron and blow dryer occasionally."
• ONGOING UPKEEP Commit to a schedule of maintenance and followup at your salon. Christo Fifth Avenue recently introduced two new treatments: an anti-frizz treatment just in time for summer frizz season, and an exclusive anti-aging treatment (yes, hair ages, just like skin & nails) - a temperatmental, refrigerated brew whipped up as needed in micro-batches.

Christo Fifth Avenue is at 574 5th Avenue (between 46th & 47th street - enter by the pizza joint) 212.997.8800. To order Curlisto products or get more tips on dealing with your hair, visit. Curlisto.com.

- Lesley Scott

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