MAKING HAIR LESS POOFY

Dear Jellybean,

I have thick, dark brown wavy hair that is medium-long (goes about 3 inches below my shoulder). Since my hair is thick, it retains a rather and poofy shape all the time. It's not that bad, but I feel I want a change. Do you have any suggestions for more high-fashion hairstyles, without getting a haircut or flat-ironing? Perhaps a style as simple as using hair accessories like pins, clips, or pony-tail holders? I am open to anything. Thanks.

Dear Writer,

Thick hair can definitely get poofy. Are you sure you're not willing to consider a haircut? You don't necessarily have to go any shorter - cutting a few layers into hair can give it more movement and relieve bulkiness from the middle section, without having to sacrifice any length. Talk to your regular hairdresser about what you could do to improve your style without going any shorter. Or if you know someone with awesome layered hair, talk to their stylist!

If you're not open to changing your haircut or using heated tools, you're pretty much left with three options for reducing poof: Hair products, hairstyles, and hair accessories.

Hair products can be your friend, for sure. Start your anti-frizz campaign in the shower, by using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. When you're done, gently squeeze hair with a towel to remove excess moisture. (Don't rub with the towel though - that can make poofiness worse!) Help hair retain moisture and combat the poof all day by applying a glop of frizz-preventing cream to wet strands. (Two products I personally like are John Frieda Frizz-Ease Corrective Styling Gel, and Sebastian Laminates Cream Styler Anti-Frizz Control). Blow-dry your hair using a natural-bristled round brush to smooth out tresses. Or if you prefer to let hair air-dry, just brush it smooth under a blow-dryer when it's 99% dry to help it lie flat. Finally, to give your locks a smooth and shiny seal, apply a teensy dab of shine serum.

When I mention hairstyles, I mean updos and styles that you can do with your hair as it is, without going near a stylist's scissors. These might include pigtail braids, French braids, a high ponytail and other styles. Check out the Myjellybean.com article Glam Up Your Ponytail for some stylish options.

Hair accessories can also help. You could pull the sides of your hair back and clip them at the back of your head, for a half-up, half-down style that looks good on everyone. Or play with doing a deep side part, and clipping bangs over your ear with a cute clip or hairpin. As summer approaches, wrapping a pretty scarf or bohemian bandana around your head and knotting it at the back is easy and always cute. Or maybe you look good in hats - try on different styles at your local accessories shop to see which flatter you best.