We aren't exaggerating when we say that the struggle for women with curly hair is very real this time of year. Between hosting those BBQ grilling parties when there's 80 percent humidity outside to dodging random thunderstorms, our curls are constantly turning into a frizzy, unmanageable mess.
But thanks to The Mysteries Of Laura star and Zyrtec brand ambassador Debra Messing—someone who totally understands #curlyhairproblems—we might not have to worry about major curl hassles ever again. As a naturally curly gal herself, Debra was eager to share her top beauty tips on how all of us can flaunt sexy ringlets despite the rainforest-like temps outside:
1. Use a leave-in conditioner.Her leave-in conditioner of choice? Davines Leave-In Mist, which is great for women with thick, and/or color-treated hair like Debra's."I put that on wet hair before my hair is dry. I use it every time my hair is being dried before it's styled to shoot The Mysteries of Laura and it helps protect my hair," says Debra. A little leave-in spray might not solve all your problems, but Debra says having this in your hair every day helps it look shiny and fresh rain or shine.
2. Protect, protect, protect!Between the blow dryers, curling irons, and hair straighteners, your hair has been through a lot over the years. That's why Debra says it's so important to always seek out haircare products that will keep your curly hair from getting too damaged."I like the Bumble and Bumble hairsprays and mousses," says Debra."I work 12 hours and we use a curling iron and a blow dryer every single day, all day...I'm always looking for things that are going to protect my hair and keep a vibrant curl."
3. When you actually have spare time, try a hair mask.We get it: finding some quality "me" time is damn near impossible—and if you do find some time, hey, you probably want to use it on this. But if you can manage to spare 10 minutes after your shower for a deep conditioning mask, Debra says do it. (Or, hey, you can always double up.) And if you literally have no time? Leave in the mask all day like Debra does."When I'm not working, I'll wake up and use a really thick conditioning mask and comb it through and then I'll put my hair in a bun and wear it for the entire day," says Debra. "I'll go to the museum, out with my son, and then wash it out and have a really intensive conditioning." Debra uses Kerastase Chronologiste Creme de Regeneration, but, really, any hair mask—be it $40 or $4—is worth it if you want to protect your hair from the elements.
4. Use a non-silicone shine spray before walking out the door on a rainy or humid day."Rain is not my friend. Sweat is not my friend...If my hair is blown straight and it's humid outside, I will look like a Brillo pad. It will puff up like a marshmallow and get all kinky and weird,"says Debra (preach girl, preach). Instead of admitting defeat, though, Debra advises to fight back with a non-silicone spray to keep your hair looking the way you—not the weather—want it to."Rusk has this spray shine that I'm obsessed with and the smell is incredible,"explains Debra."It adds shine but it doesn't add weight like a lot of the silicone products do, so that's always the finishing touch for me."
5. When all else fails, ponytail it. And then, there are some days when you just have to throw in the towel, says Debra. On days like these, it's time for the good old-fashioned pony."For me, you can never go wrong with a low ponytail. If you've got wet hair you can just put in some styling lotion and make it shiny. You can wear that anywhere." Not feeling that? Debra also says curly-haired women can go for an edgier look with a messy bun by pulling out small pieces to make it look more textured and less ballerina-esque.
6. Throw your hair up in a bun before going to bed. If you dread spending 30+ minutes on your hair every single morning, Debra says to turn to your '90s best friend, Mr. Scrunchie."I wrap strands of my hair around the barrel of the curling iron, holding the iron about 30 degrees away from my head," advises Debra."I do the whole top layer like that and then let the curls cool. Once they are cool, I run my fingers through my hair to marry it to the other layers of my hair...It looks natural but also cute and it's a little bit dressier than not doing anything. Once those curls are in your hair, I'll just scrunchie my hair on the top of my head...and when I take it out in the morning, I can go another day because the curls have stayed in tact." Then it's just a matter of redoing a few curls in the A.M. around your face and, voila, you're out the door!
