Carrie-up your curls!

My hair is naturally curly - really, really, curly. But some of my most intimate friends have never seen it in that form. To the world, my hair is Japanese straightened, flat-ironed, serumed, and sleekened. The curls are subjected to just about as much bondage as possible. And then repeated as soon as a hint of regrowth appears.

The few people who do know this secret do not understand my worries. They hear my tales, and they think Sarah Jessica Parker or Keri Russell. Not so much. Had I been embraced with a Felicity mane or SATC curls, I might decide to stay natural. But alas.

If you too share my pain, I have some tips from Ouidad to Carrie-up even the most unruly of ‘dos.

To Transform Curls into Carrie Bradshaw’s Gorgeous Waves:

1. After shampooing and conditioning your hair, leave about 25% of the conditioner in your hair. Apply styling lotion in fatter sections (about 2 inches wide and 2 inches thick) so you are able to create bigger waves, and perform the Ouidad Rake & Shake method.

2. Be sure to apply the styling lotion evenly working your way all the way up to the top of the head.

3. When you get to the top, create a side part.

4. Next, take the side part section, apply styling lotion and create a wave pattern with the Ouidad Rake & Shake method.

5. Be careful not to rake too much or you will create too much bounce.

6. Allow hair to set. Once it is set, gently diffuse the hair, without placing hair in the diffuser, or again you will be creating too much bounce.

7. Once hair is completely dry, apply a pomade such as Ouidad Clear Control Pomade by rubbing your palms together, pulling hair into a mock ponytail and running your hands through. For the final touch, add a dollop of pomade at the top of the head to smooth any flyaways.

8. Get ready to turn heads with your sexy ‘do!