It is an ongoing joke that, in the event of unexpected downpour, my hair is unthreatened because it looks basically the same in all elements.
I have extremely curly hair that ventures on Raggedy Ann territory, especially now that I've chopped it short. On a good day, it is as carefree and buoyant as my personality. On a bad day, people assume (sometimes correctly but sometimes not!) that I'm going through some personal issues.
I have never straightened it. I did not own a blow dryer until I was 27. All this, I believe, makes me an expert on curly coiffure. Below, the products, processes and tools I would take with me to the apocalypse.
Amika 3-Barrel Curling Iron
My mother has the straight, blonde, corn-silk hair that we as a society covet, and so she was of no use in my youth. It wasn't until college that one of my sorority sisters taught me how to, counterintuitively, manage my curls with a curling iron. Her reasoning was simple: Don't bother attempting to make curly hair anything other than what it is. You know it holds a curl; curl it.
This iron has three interchangeable titanium barrels of different diameters, goes 0 to 360 degrees in 60 seconds and has a clipless design so you can apply heat all the way to the tip. Also, you get to wear a sweet heat-proof glove which is great for when Michael Jackson and/or "Single Ladies" comes on.
Argan Oil
You can buy pure oil basically anywhere (which doubles as a face moisturizer) and apply it to sopping wet hair post-shower OR invest in a haircare line that incorporates it, like this one from Kiehl's, which I've used for years:
Don't Wash Your Hair
Seriously. I wash my hair about every four days, with periodic rinsing as needed. Hairdresser after hairdresser has confirmed that my lazy sudsing is perfectly hygienic, with the added benefit of helping my disjointed locks retain necessary oils and reduce frizz. It's easier to style and easier to get to work on time!
This cat has bathed itself more recently than I have in this photo, probably.
Have any of your own indispensable tips for the Ilanas among us? Share them in the comments!
