There’s something to be said for having a signature look that’s as aesthetically pleasing as your classic jeans. It’s a powerful statement that declares your personal style to the world. Farrah Fawcett sported a feathered shag, Jennifer Aniston sported ‘The Rachel’ and InStyle beauty director Lauren Valenti sported a stunning mane of curls. It’s almost hard to believe that she didn’t come into this world with perfectly coiffed curls. In fact, there was a moment when Valenti straightened her hair. It wasn’t until she came into her own as a person that she embraced her natural hair texture. “What I’ve noticed with curly hair is that it takes up a lot of space, both physically and figuratively,” says the Brooklyn-based editor. “I definitely wasn’t at a point in my life where I felt confident enough to rock it, and I don’t think I had the knowledge on how to style it and pull it off.”
After much trial and error, Valenti finally established a curly hair routine. Going forward, she’ll be sharing the products and experts she swears by to maintain a healthy, vibrant mane.
hair reservation
“Misha has wanted to give me bangs and a full shag for years. During the pandemic, I was like, ‘Okay, Misha, let’s do it.’ I think that’s what took things to a big level. That’s partly because I felt like it was a cut that really suited me, and partly because of what all the shaping and layering did to my curl pattern.
“It was truly incredible. I just want to emphasize how powerful the cut is and how it can bring out not just the contour of your curls, but the shape of your mane as a whole.”
Misha from Treehouse Social Club
ultrasonic hair dryer
“As a beauty editor, I’m embarrassed to admit that five or six years ago, I was still a skeptic. But when it comes to my hair and how I wear it, that’s non-negotiable. Volume. It takes my curly hair to the next level in terms of , definition, and body.
“In a perfect world, I’d cut my hair off, but often I just start at the ends and work my way up, shaking my hair until it’s almost dry and then just let it air dry and then… , when you start combing it with your fingers or a comb, the roots will become fluffy.
Dyson
small hair detangling comb
“I love using these combs as a little accessory, but they’re also great for when my curls start to fall out throughout the day. I use them on my roots and ends to give them a boost.”
giorgio
Styling Butter Curl Enhancement Cream
“This styling butter is thick, so a little goes a long way. When I put it in my hair, it glides on smoothly and doesn’t look like there’s any product in my hair. It makes my curls softer, smoother, and gives them the right amount of hair.” Add amount hold.
“When I apply butter, I often start at the back of my head and run from the middle to the ends. I try not to put too much product in my bangs because they need to stay out of my face. . And then I diffuse.”
Oribe
continuous spray bottle
“A big part of my routine is resetting my curls with water. I use a continuous spray bottle from Curlsmith and it’s great because you can release a long mist at once and get it done quickly. It’s very helpful.”
curl smith
Scrunchie No.003
“90% of the time when I’m in my apartment, my hair is slicked up like a pineapple. I use a Crown Affair scrunchie. It holds my hair in place so it doesn’t feel weighed down.”
crown affair
professional detangler
“In a perfect world, I’d use my fingers to comb out the tangles in my hair, but I usually use this brush in the shower. I love this brush because there’s no frills. I can comb it in and out of the shower. It’s very gentle and effective at loosening stubborn tangles in the neck.
wet brush
hair towel
“Not only is it great for drying your hair and keeping your curl pattern intact, it’s beautiful and makes the whole washing process a little more ritualistic.”
crown affair
Shampoo for moisture and control
“This shampoo is very effective, it’s thick but lathers really well. It’s effective but doesn’t strip or dry my hair. I feel like the color stays on well after use. Masu.”
Oribe
Sunday Purifying Clay Wash
“I love double-cleansing my hair. I’ve never done that. I think this is a big problem for curly hair because you don’t want to flatten the roots. It’s convenient because it’s all in one, and the clay removes all the buildup.
“Helen (Leavey) from Act and Acre taught me to wash my hair upside down and it really works. You really just have to put your hands in and scrub and lather it up.”
bumble & bumble
scalp build up system
“In a perfect world, I would do my scalp care every week. But if I’m having a day like that, it’s probably Sunday, the day I’m really good to myself. If so, I’ll definitely put scalp care back on the top of my list of things I need to do.I love Act and Acre’s Scalp Build-Up System, and again, the Scalp Detox and Stem Cell Serum. Like I said, I’m very focused on removing buildup, and I think it’s great if you can start that process even before you shower. It’s dry, so hydration is very important.”
act+acre
