"When you know you are going to go for a style that is a lot different from your natural hair texture, you want to make sure that you set yourself up with the proper base, which starts in the shower," explained Strahan. He suggested using a clarifying shampoo and lightweight conditioner like Herbal Essences Naked Clean and Refresh Shampoo ($6) and Conditioner ($5).
Using a purifying shampoo before styling is a must, as it removes buildup that can weigh down and straighten out curls. While fine-haired gals might typically skip conditioner, you shouldn't before using hot tools.
"Ensuring that the hair is properly and lightly conditioned is important because the heat you are going to use to create the curl can adversely affect the hair," Strahan said. Healthy, conditioned hair also creates a more effective base for other styling products.
