A Double-Duty Hair Idea For Naturally Curly Brides

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Sleek looks never go out of style for a formal affair, but if you have curly hair, you'll want to make sure you're applying heat the right way to prevent damaging those delicate strands. Anthony Dickey, cofounder of Hair Rules Salon in New York, has the solution to getting the smoothness you desire, all while maintaining the integrity of your hair. So convert your curls into sultry vintage waves, or opt for a more modern asymmetrical updo. Here are two looks you'll love to try this holiday season.

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When it comes to curly hair, follow the cardinal rule: never blow-dry dry strands. "Moisture is its own natural heat protectant," he said. That's why it's important to start on wet hair that has just been cleaned, conditioned, and detangled. Starting the straightening process with wet hair will also help elongate the curls for a sleek finish.

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After prepping hair with Hair Rules Blow It All Out ($16) to fight humidity, Dickey sectioned off the hair and began to blow-dry.

To ensure that there will be minimal tangling and maximum protection, Dickey suggested using a comb attachment. "[This way,] there is no extra tension on the hair — you're basically just detangling," he explained. "And it's always moving, so it's not burning your hair."

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Next, Dickey used a flat iron to smooth, but not too perfectly. "Doing a hardcore blow-dry, then going over it with a flat iron is just too much heat," he said. So forget about trying to achieve stick-straight strands, and maintain a bit of body and texture instead.

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Recognize this favorite styling tool of the '90s, the Caruso steam hairsetting system? "The source of the heat is steam, so it's moisturizing for naturally dry, color-tested, and chemically straightened textures," Dickey said. Just make sure to dry off each roller and cap after blasting them with steam: you don't want the condensation, only the heat.

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Roll one-inch sections around the sponge rollers, ensuring the hair is curled under. Let sit for 20 minutes to an hour before removing. The longer the better, but Dickey warned against sleeping in the rollers, which can lead to breakage. You can also sit under a cool hood dryer while you wait to enhance shine.

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After hair has cooled completely, remove the rollers to release large curls. Make sure to twirl the hair around with your finger to form loose ringlets.

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And to achieve the perfect vintage wave, use a paddle brush to clump curls together. But if you want a more formal updo, here's how you can take this glamorous look up a few more notches . . .

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"One thing about textured hair is you can make shapes to get a seamless look," Dickey explained. Starting in the front, take random sections and roll hair around two fingers to form a barrel shape. Secure with bobby pins.

Continue rolling sections (the majority of the curls should be toward the front of the face and bit off center).

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Finally, you want to sweep the sides and back upward. Make sure to secure the hair with a bobby pin first, then create the barrel curl and secure again.

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Tame fly-aways by spritzing a comb with hair spray and then sweep the comb over the hair to smooth.

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You can top this updo off with a flower or barrette for added glamour or wear it as is. The best part about this modern take on a victory roll is that it maintains your curls — and that means that your second-day hairstyle will be a cinch.