Steve Granitz/WireImageYou've been blessed with thick, wavy hair, like Jane the Virgin's Gina Rodriguez. It's a hair type that lends itself to a full-bodied, va-va-voom look one day and tricky-to-control moments the next.
Luckily, E! Style Collective member Marc Mena, a hairstylist to stars like Tina Fey and Hilary Swank, is sharing which products, styles and cuts reign supreme for this luxurious hair type.
Find the right cut: For thick and wavy hair types, precise, layered cuts add dimension while cutting back on frizz and unintentional, Sia-like silhouettes. "When you have thick and curly hair, very layered haircuts are best because it keeps your hair from forming a triangle shape," the stylist advised. "A layered haircut maximizes the curl, while also taming it down for best results."
Use the right products: Alcohol-based styling products, like hairspray, can dry out thick hair. This can be particularly damaging for this hair type, which Mena noted, is oftentimes already parched to begin with. Instead, reach for cream-based hair care products—including shampoos, conditioners and styling creams. "Cream penetrates deeply to nourish all the hair and not just the top layer (like silicone-based products)," he said. "Thick hair contains many layers, so you want to make sure the creamy styling products penetrate throughout."
Optimize the style: After shampooing and conditioning with cream-based products, work a quarter-sized dollop of styling cream into wet hair to shape and define layers and curls. If a styling cream feels too greasy, try blending your own bespoke styling product to achieve shine, control and shape. "Experiment with different products," Mena advised. "Try mixing a gel and leave-in conditioner to help fight frizz and control the curl. Combine a quarter-sized amount of each product and apply to wet hair, then style as normal."