Choosing the best products for textured hair is one of the hardest jobs for stylists and clients. Curls have their own personalities and preferences, and there are vast numbers of products that perform everything from moisturizing, to curl formation, to curl refreshing. So how do you know what to recommend to your curly girls and guys? Robert Thomas, Master Artistic Educator for Ouidad, breaks it down and highlights Ouidad’s latest launch – a trio of dry stylers known as the Stylutions – that help finish styles, no matter the curl pattern. Ouidad Stylutions are multi-benefit styling products that resolve curls biggest concerns.

Tight Curls
According to Robert, tight curls are often dry and dehydrated and sometimes misinterpreted as being damaged. “Creating a stunning finish like this comes down to understanding the curl’s hydration levels and supporting them from cortex to cuticle to ensure soft, manageable structure,” says Robert.
His suggested regimen starts with Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo to remove buildup, followed by Curl Immersion™ Low-Lather Coconut Cleansing Conditioner. “Look for a rich conditioner if your physically active client cleanses frequently,” he suggests. To style tight curls, Robert combines Ouidad Advanced Climate Control® Featherlight Styling Cream and Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment. “Apply Featherlight to wet hair and Mongongo Oil to dry hair and you’ll get radiant coils,” he says.
On day two and subsequent days, he recommends new Ouidad Clean Sweep Dry Shampoo -- applied at the root for a refresh that lasts for days -- and then reviving curls with the new Ouidad Revive & Shine Rejuvenating Dry Oil Mist. “Mist the oil through mid-lengths and ends,” he advises, “it is fine enough that you don’t need to run your fingers or a comb through the curls to distribute the product evenly, unless you want to. With watermelon seed and mongongo oils to condition strands and argan, walnut and avocado oils for shine and nourishment. It adds a boost of shimmer and hydration.”

Defined Curls
“These curls are hydrated masterpieces!” declares Robert. “They’re perfectly hydrated, defined and healthy.” He recommends cleansing with Ouidad Curl Immersion™ No-Lather Coconut Cream Cleansing Conditioner, which infuses stability into the curls, followed by Curl Immersion™ Triple Treat Deep Conditioner.
Next he applies Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner to lock out frizz and add even more moisture. “For curl dimension and style definition, go for Ouidad Advanced Climate Control® Heat and Humidity Gel with Anti-Frizz Nano Technology and a dedicated UV filter,” he suggests.
“Use Ouidad’s signature Rake and Shake styling technique, then use the Ouidad Revive & Shine Rejuvenating Dry Oil Mist after sleeping in a silk bonnet to recharge the curls.” 

Classic Curls
“This classic curl with a soft S-pattern is the most challenging because it’s prone to frizz which makes it difficult to achieve curl definition,” Robert explains. “The goal with a curl like this is to deliver soft, elongated curls without ‘crunch.’ I would start with Ouidad VitalCurl™+ Clear and Gentle Shampoo and Ouidad VitalCurl™+ Balancing Rinse Conditioner to balance out the curl’s pH level and Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-in Conditioner to add extra moisture. Then I would apply Ouidad VitalCurl™+ Define & Shine Styling Gel-Cream for manageable curls with definition and soft hold. For extra shine with no residue, I like to mist the OuidadRevive &Shine Rejuvenating Dry Oil Mist over the hair.

Multiple Curl Patterns
“Many clients have multiple curl patterns which creates a texture on texture effect,” explains Robert. “The goal with a shape like this is to expand the texture. To get this look, I would use a one-inch rotating style iron to shape curls strategically throughout the hair. Then I would open up the cooled-down curls with Ouidad Going Up! Volumizing Texture Spray. It contains raw silk powders, light holding polymers, manuka honey and carob tree proteins to prevent frizz + add volume.
To secure and maximize that volume, I would use Ouidad Curl Last Flexible-Hold Hairspray to set the curls in place. It expands curls but leaves the hair soft and touchable. Another favorite for achieving these ‘free’-looking curls is the Ouidad Clean Sweep Moisturizing Dry Shampoo. It provides lift at the scalp and restores the hair for days. Plus it’s for all curl types, colors and textures and it doesn’t leave a residue or powdery finish. To open curls, use a large metal pick and lift the hair up from the scalp.”

BTW, Robert says the newest dry styling products in the Ouidad collection—Going Up! Volumizing Texture Spray, Clean Sweep Moisturizing Dry Shampoo and Revive & Shine Rejuvenating Dry Oil Mist—are “game changers. They really give curls the freedom to be curls and will help finish off just about every style. Plus, the scent is incredible.”

Explore the new Ouidad collection, available at SalonCentric.