DO: TUCK CURLS INTO A BONNET OR SILK SCARF AT NIGHT. “You have to protect your curls at bedtime!” says Dickey. “And if it’s long, first gather your hair into a high ponytail, using a loose scrunchy.”
Here, Jill Scott flaunts an asymmetric, cornrowed ’do at the premiere of “Why Did I Get Married Too.”
DON’T: SHAMPOO YOUR HAIR EVERY TIME IT GETS WET. "You"ll dry out your curls if you shampoo too much," says Dickey, who recommends using Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream Moisture-Rich No Suds Shampoo ($22). “I suggest a ‘big shampoo’ once a week. And don’t worry about it not getting clean—when you wet your hair and rinse it, you’re cleaning it!”
Here, ‘Dreamgirls’ star Syesha Mercado sports a adorable, tousled look with one side pinned back.
DO: USE STEAM TO HELP REFRESH 2ND AND 3RD DAY CURLS. “To redefine your curls, stand in the shower and let the steam seep into your hair,” says Dickey. “It adds moisture, which is so key for bouncy curls. After the shower, apply a finishing cream.”
Here, model-turned-actress Noemie Lenoir rocks a tumble of rumpled ringlets on the red carpet at Cannes.
DO: TRY A PORTABLE HOOD DRYER INSTEAD OF A DIFFUSER. “After applying your styling product to sopping wet hair, sit under a pre-heated hood dryer,” says Dickey. “Stop when your hair’s almost dry, and then let the rest air dry. Your curls will have great definition!”
Here, “Community” star Yvette Nicole Brown flaunts her glossy shoulder-length curls.
DON’T: USE TOO MUCH STYLING PRODUCT. “This leads to crunchy curls,” says Dickey. “Your product should be lite enough that you can saturate your hair with it, and your curls don’t get crunchy or weighted down.”
Here, Tracee Ellis Ross creates a casual, loose updo by piling her curls on top of her head.