Embracing the Curls: How I Style my Curly Hair

I often get asked how I achieve my hair’s effortless look, and the answer is quite simple: I have curly hair. While it’s a blessing, curly hair is also known as a curse to those with curly hair. It can feel like a full-time job trying to keep my curls looking fabulous. Many people with curly hair can relate—it’s stunning, but maintaining those red carpet-worthy curls takes dedication. From how often I wash it to my sleep habits and styling techniques, curly hair definitely demands attention.

Growing up, I struggled with my curls. I envied those with sleek, straight hair, wishing for the silky locks that seemed so easy to manage. I often felt lost when it came to styling my own hair. However, through trial and error, I’ve developed a routine that defies expectations and keeps my curls looking their best.

Cut 

Cutting curly hair is truly an art form. I have never been able to just go get a haircut. It’s really all about finding someone with the education and expertise on how to properly cut your curly hair. When I lived in Nashville, I loved going to both Libby George at Holiday Salon and Bathhouse and Leah Billingsby at Part Time Lover Salon. Not only do they both look like rockstars themselves, but they make you feel at home every single time you sit in their chair which is so important. Then moving to NYC, I knew I had to find someone amazing and I stumbled upon Iriving at LRN Beauty Salon. Having the most delicate hands, Irving has my hair looking in tip top shape at all times. Perfecting his craft in both haircut and hairstyling, he is someone I trust to always have me feeling amazing when I leave the salon. 

Color 

My journey with hair color has been quite the adventure! Believe it or not, I didn’t dye my hair until I was 22—insane, right? People often think I’m exaggerating, but I was genuinely afraid to alter my curly hair. Then I discovered the allure of platinum blonde. There’s something about having that striking color that feels like a superpower; if you’ve experienced it, you know exactly what I mean. However, the constant bleaching took a toll—I noticed my curls losing their pattern and my hair shedding like crazy. It was clear I needed to take action.

That’s when I found Courtney Gerics, a true superstar for blondes and redheads. Honestly, I’d love to sit in her chair right now, but my highlights from May still look incredible—she’s just that talented! She was refreshingly honest, telling me, “Christian, your hair is just going to become more damaged if you keep bleaching it.” Having been platinum herself, she understood my love for the color. Together, we agreed on the best approach (a full head of highlights with a K18 treatment), and now, five months later, my hair is healthier than ever—maybe even healthier than before I started coloring it!

Treatments

When it comes to treatments, I will be honest and say most things I do at home. Here in NYC, hair treatments can be very expensive so I try to keep it at a minimum. My go-to treatment that Courtney does is a K18 treatment on my hair when we color it. The famous K18 treatment works by repairing and restoring damaged hair and I must say it’s magic. For at-home treatments, I love the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment. Coming in at only $33, this offers an intense hair bond repair treatment using citric acid and a 14% bonding care complex. I simply leave it in on damp hair for 5-10 minutes pre-shampoo and voila, I have silky smooth curls. I also love K18 leave in and while a little more pricey, she really is my go to. When I was platinum blonde, this was really the only thing that saved my brittle hair! 

Styling 

Over the years, I’ve explored nearly every curly hair product available, yet most have left me feeling either underwhelmed or simply mediocre. That all changed when I discovered Bread Beauty Supply and Ouai. Bread has genuinely transformed my hair care routine; I can confidently say that I’m impressed with nearly all their offerings—except for the Bread Hair Wash , which I haven’t tried, and their exquisitely packaged hair oil , to which I have an allergy. Aside from those, their products feel nothing short of magical.

I first discovered their curl cream about 6 months ago when I couldn't find my original tried and true Ouai Curl Creme. With Bread, I have been able to simply run their Curl Cream and Hair gel product through my hair, scrunch, diffuse, and then be on the go. She really is that girl when it comes to hair products and I’m not sure I will ever get over it. The Bread baby soft conditioner is also unbelievable. Luxurious and state of the art if I must say. I was actually on the phone with my boyfriend the other day and while touching my hair. I was like wait, my hair has never felt this good from a conditioner. I’ve already persuaded several friends to try it, so consider this your invitation to make the switch if you’re dissatisfied with your current conditioner. If the Bread Beauty Supply curl cream is ever out of stock and you're in a pinch, I would recommend also trying the Ouai Curl Creme. While comparable to the Bread, it leaves a similar look and feel which will always be a staple in my hair cabinet. 

That encapsulates my journey with curls, and I hope you’ve found some valuable hair advice along the way. I also recommend sleeping with a silk bonnet and drying your hair with a t-shirt cotton towel , like the one offered by Bread. As I mentioned, curly hair is not for the faint of heart, but once you master the art of maintaining your curls, you’ll truly feel on top of the world.

Xoxo, The Blush Boy

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