The clipping Technique

Get a Grip: The clipping Technique

The roots of curly hair can sometimes dry flat because of the weight of the wet hair pulling downward. this is especially the case with longer hair. clipping hair at the roots relieves the wet hair of it's own weight as it dries, so you add lift and get a more even curl pattern from roots to ends. this also helps hair dry faster. Here's how to use clips:

1. Place clips along the part where the roots meet the scalp. If you place the clip farther down the hair, you'll add more weight and make the roots flatter. Don't be afraid of doing it wrong; it's really very simple if you don't over think it. Using a claw like motion, lift a small amount of hair from the top of your head. ( The hair should be gently pulled perpendicular to the scalp, not forward or backward.) Open the clip, slide it in at the base of the hair and leave it. Make sure the hair is as tight as when you pinched it and that the clip is close to the scalp. you will ned about six clips to lift the top of your hair - in front, at the crown, and between those two points. Now leave your hair alone and let it dry.

2. For a little more advanced clipping, you may want to target areas where your hair tends to get flat when it dries, like the sides of the head at the area where the head curves near the crown (where a cowlick would be). As hair gets longer, this flat spot is more apparent, and if you color your hair, it's where your roots show first. Use a side mirror to help you find your target for clipping. After some practice, you'll be able to do this without looking.

3. Once your hair dries completely, use care and patience to remove the clips because hair swells during drying and can wrap around the clip the way ivy wraps around a tree trunk! to take clips out, anchor the piece of hair gently with one hand, then with the other hand, open the clip and slide it out.

4. Sometimes you may want to leave the clips in for extra styling lift all day. if the clips are the same color as your hair, no one can see them hidden in your curls once hair dries. for a greater lift, add gel to the clips/

Spot Cleansing

Spot cleansing your hair can be done as often as you like. Just spray lavender mist on a soft but durable damp paper towel and wind it around your fingertip. Place your paper towel - clad finger on the scalp. With firm, circular motions, rub out all dirt particles as you would a stain on a shirt. For Wigs, extensions and weaves, you can use the same per towel - covered finger technique, by gliding over the surface and moving downward while lightly pressing. This cleaning method is great to use when you are traveling or camping.

curly girl. The Handbook by Lorraine Massey