Frizz-Free Curls

THE BEST IN BEAUTY
FROM THOSE WHO KNOW BEST

VIOLET GREY began with our search for the best eyelash curler. To find the answer, we formed a band of inside-Hollywood experts and editors — from makeup artists to movie stars — to test every eyelash curler against our rigorous set of standards (the VIOLET CODE). We tested on film sets, on red carpets, and in the back of Jack Nicholson’s limousine — and once we learned which curler would make our lashes curve and not crimp (Utowa, it’s from Japan), we moved on to mascara, lip stain, dry shampoo, and everything else a girl needs in her cosmetic wardrobe. On any given day, we are discovering, testing, and approving best-in-class beauty. The result is a discerning curation of products, tips, and inspiration deemed essential — the Industry’s Beauty Edit.

A Hollywood hairstylist well versed in curly hair divulges the products necessary to tame frizz-prone curls.

Written By Katie Dickens

QUICK FIX KIT for frizz-free curls | #VioletGrey, The Industry's Beauty Edit

– PHOTOGRAPHED IN THE STUDIO WITH VIOLET GREY

Curls can be like the best kind of lovers: wild, unpredictable and not quite ready to settle down. The smallest affront to their fickle nature can cause the neatest of ringlets to become disoriented (frizzy) and distant (puffy). Curls are also temperamental and can lose their cool in seconds, whether it’s from exposure to adverse weather conditions, misguided styling attempts or the use of ill-suited products. Though the former concern is beyond one’s complete control, addressing the latter two will help keep corkscrews in line and combat many climate-related woes.

For expert guidance on keeping the most rebellious ringlets frizz-free, VIOLET GREY consulted Christian Wood, stylist to stars like Thandie Newton, Sarah Jessica Parker and Nicole Richie, for a three-part prescription for perfect curls. His expert tips, and The Violet Code–approved products you need to implement his advice, below.

THE FRIZZ-FREE
REGIME

Shu Uemura Art of Hair - Kengo Feather Tenacious Hold Lightweight Cream

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PREP

“Choose two formulas to mix, like a lightweight styling cream to retain the shape of curls and a dry oil for flyaways,” says Wood. Add a few drops of oil into a dollop of cream (Violet suggests: Serge Normant’s Meta Sheer Dry Finishing Oil and Shu Uemura’s Kengo Feather Tenacious Hold Lightweight Cream), then disperse it from mid-length to ends.

Shu Uemura Art of Hair

Kengo Feather Tenacious Hold Lightweight Cream

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DRY

Wood strongly advises against letting curls air-dry when a frizz-free finish is desired (loose waves are an exception to this rule). If one wants a smooth, even shape, the best bet is to twist sections with your fingers and then use a blow-dryer affixed with a diffuser on a low setting to get soft, nicely formed curls, he says. (Violet suggests Parlux’s 385 Light Dryer and Diffuser.)

Parlux - CC

Parlux 385 Diffuser D385

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SET

It’s of paramount importance to finish with a product that protects a style from the elements. “Once hair is dry, use a shine mist all over for a bit of glisten,” Wood says. If your hair is very coarse, use an oil instead. The goal is to create a soft, gleaming finish, Wood says. (Violet suggests Rene Furterer’s Vegetal Styling Glossing Spray or Oribe’s Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil.)

Oribe

Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

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Shop THE FRIZZ-FREE CURLS KIT
(Approved by The Violet Code)

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