In our Hair Q&A series with hair experts, we connect Madame Noire readers with various experts and stylists to answer their most pressing questions about hair care. In this edition, Cindy Tawiah, founder of DIVA BY CINDY , responds to reader-submitted questions about jumpstarting curls and flat ironing hair. If you have a hair care issue you’d like to have addressed, Facebook us or email us at editors_at_madamenoire.com. 

Question 1: I was hoping to get some good recommendations for fine curly hair, to keep it hydrated? Also a way to jumpstart the curls after the hair has been straightened a couple weeks in a row, please?

Fine curly hair needs body and volume. Any mousse or wrapping lotion with a foam dispenser should provide you with great results. If you have straightened your hair for weeks, jump start the process with a great deep conditioner. Search for products which don’t rob the hair of moisture and products which contain panthenol ( vitamin B derivative which helps hair retain moisture).

Question 2: I have short natural hair (almost 3 inches long) and I’ve tried a flat iron and a root iron on my hair to straighten it and nothing works. What am I doing wrong or what shall I try? I get better results when I band stretch my hair.

Hair can be straightened with a Marcel iron or by using a hot blow dryer to blow dry hair first. It is about technique and products. Use products which will detangle your hair in order to make the process easier. If all else fails and you need it straightened or a hot pressed for an event,  have a professional straighten it for you and watch the process closely. Good luck.

Cindy Tawiah is the founder of DIVA BY CINDY product line for all women who desire natural based products that will give them longer and healthier hair. A motivational speaker and advocate for women’s rights. Cindy has been featured on WBAL TV, Shecky’s media, Beauty Store business and Hype Hair.