Contrary to what manufacturers claim about styling products, our testing showed that not all sprays deliver the same results. After hands-on trial, I found that the SGX NYC Play it Big Volumizing Hair Spray 8.5 oz truly stands out for creating big, long-lasting volume without weighing hair down or adding crunch. It’s perfect for those with fine or coarse curls who want major lift and a touchable finish.
This spray holds curls all day, controls frizz, and fights humidity with natural ingredients like wheat protein, panthenol, and coconut oil. During testing, it delivered a flexible yet super-strong hold, especially in humid NYC weather. Unlike other sprays, it leaves hair smelling fresh and doesn’t feel sticky, making it comfortable for all-day wear. I can confidently recommend this product to any curly-haired friend because it genuinely balances volume, hold, and softness—all in one bottle.
Top Recommendation: SGX NYC Play it Big Volumizing Hair Spray 8.5 oz
Why We Recommend It: This product outshines competitors through its combination of all-day hold, humidity resistance, and frizz control. The wheat protein and coconut oil boost volume without weighing hair down, while the flexible hold ensures curls stay bouncy and natural. Its lightweight, non-sticky finish beats others that leave hair stiff or greasy, making it the ideal choice for vibrant, luscious curls.
SGX NYC Play it Big Volumizing Hair Spray 8.5 oz
- ✓ Lightweight and non-sticky
- ✓ All-day hold and volume
- ✓ Controls frizz effectively
- ✕ Slightly pricier
- ✕ Can be overused if not careful
| Hold Strength | Strong hold for all-day style retention |
| Volume Boost | Provides significant volume and body to hair |
| Humidity Resistance | Controls humidity to reduce frizz and maintain style |
| Application Type | Quick-dry finishing spray |
| Ingredients | Contains wheat protein, panthenol, and coconut oil |
| Size | 8.5 oz (251 ml) |
Many people assume that a volumizing hairspray can’t also fight frizz or keep your style in place all day. I’ve always thought a strong hold spray might leave your hair feeling stiff or crunchy.
But with the SGX NYC Play it Big Volumizing Hair Spray, my experience totally debunked that myth.
Right from the first spray, I noticed how lightweight it felt. It gave my fine hair a noticeable boost without weighing it down or making it sticky.
The smell is fresh and clean, not overwhelming, which is a nice bonus for all-day wear.
The real game-changer was how well it controlled frizz, especially on humid days. I didn’t have to worry about flyaways or limp roots, even after hours.
Plus, it held my style firmly from morning until evening, but still felt touchable—no crunch or stiffness.
Applying is quick and easy, thanks to the fine mist that evenly distributes the product. I appreciated that it dries quickly, so I could move on with my routine without waiting around.
The ingredients like wheat protein and coconut oil really seem to work—boosting volume and keeping hair smooth without any nasty chemicals.
Overall, this spray is versatile enough for all hair types. Whether you want big curls, a sleek look, or just volume with control, it delivers.
It’s a little more expensive than some drugstore options, but the quality makes up for it. Definitely a staple for anyone craving volume and frizz control in one spray.
What Makes a Stylist the Best for Curly Hair?
The best curly hair stylist in NYC possesses several key qualities that cater specifically to the needs of curly hair.
- Expertise in Curl Types: A top stylist understands the various curl patterns and textures, from loose waves to tight coils, allowing them to tailor techniques that enhance each client’s unique curl.
- Knowledge of Products: The best stylists are well-versed in products that work best for curly hair, knowing which ingredients to avoid and which can help maintain moisture and definition.
- Cutting Techniques: A great curly hair stylist utilizes specialized cutting methods, such as dry cutting or the DevaCut, to ensure that the shape and bounce of curls are preserved and enhanced.
- Styling Techniques: They are adept in various styling methods, including diffusing, scrunching, and finger-coiling, to create defined, frizz-free curls that suit the client’s lifestyle.
- Personalized Consultations: The best stylists take the time to understand each client’s hair goals and challenges, providing tailored advice on care and maintenance that extends beyond the salon visit.
- Continued Education: A standout stylist stays updated with the latest trends and techniques in curly hair care through workshops and training, ensuring that they provide the most effective and current services.
Each of these qualities contributes to a stylist’s ability to provide exceptional care and results for curly hair, making them the best choice for clients in NYC.
Where Can You Find the Best Curly Hair Stylists in NYC?
If you’re looking for the best curly hair stylists in NYC, there are several renowned salons and individual stylists known for their expertise in curly hair.
- Devachan Salon: This salon is famed for its curly hair specialists who focus on the DevaCut technique, a dry cutting method that enhances the natural curl pattern.
- Curly Hair Artistry: With a team of stylists specifically trained in curly hair care, this salon emphasizes personalized consultations to help clients embrace their curls.
- Hair Rules: Known for its diverse team of stylists, Hair Rules offers a range of services tailored to different curl types and textures, promoting healthy hair care practices.
- Shear Genius: This salon is popular for its focus on curly hair, offering innovative cutting techniques and products specifically designed for textured hair.
- Roxanne’s Hair Studio: Roxanne’s is known for its welcoming atmosphere and skilled stylists who provide customized curly hair cuts and styling advice.
Devachan Salon is a pioneer in the curly hair community, utilizing the DevaCut method which allows curls to be cut in their natural state, providing a shape that complements the client’s individual curl pattern. This salon has trained many stylists to understand the nuances of different curl types, ensuring each client leaves with a style that suits their unique look.
Curly Hair Artistry focuses on a personalized approach, offering consultations that help identify the best styles and products for each client’s curls. Their team is well-versed in various curly hair techniques and provides education on how to maintain and style curls at home effectively.
Hair Rules stands out with its commitment to catering to a diverse clientele. The stylists here are trained in various curly hair techniques, ensuring they can accommodate different textures and styles while promoting healthy hair care practices through their product line.
Shear Genius is recognized for its innovative techniques in cutting and styling curly hair. Their stylists are adept at handling various curl types, and they prioritize creating looks that are easy to maintain while enhancing the natural beauty of the curls.
Roxanne’s Hair Studio is a favorite among curly-haired clients for its friendly environment and expert stylists who offer tailored cutting and styling services. Roxanne and her team focus on helping clients understand their curls and provide tips for achieving beautiful hairstyles at home.
Which Salons Are Celebrated for Curly Hair Expertise?
Curly Hair Artistry stands out by fully embracing the Curly Girl Method, which promotes the use of sulfate-free and silicone-free products. The stylists provide in-depth consultations to understand each client’s curl pattern and needs, ensuring that the styling techniques used will enhance the natural beauty of their curls.
The Curl Bar NYC prides itself on its unique approach to curly hair, where each service is customized based on the client’s specific curl type and desired look. With an emphasis on creating defined and bouncy curls, the stylists are highly trained in various techniques, making it a top choice for curl enthusiasts.
Rituals Salon emphasizes education and empowerment, teaching clients how to manage their curls between visits. This salon is recognized for its nurturing environment and commitment to healthy hair practices, making it a favorite among those with curly textures who want to maintain the integrity of their hair.
Salon 718 is lauded for its inclusive atmosphere and diverse team that specializes in all curl types and textures. The salon’s stylists are well-versed in the latest curly hair trends and techniques, ensuring that every client receives expert care tailored to their unique hair needs.
How Can You Choose the Best Stylist for Your Curly Hair Needs?
Choosing the best stylist for your curly hair needs involves several key considerations:
- Specialization in Curly Hair: Look for a stylist who specializes in curly hair and is experienced with various curl types.
- Portfolio and Reviews: Check their portfolio and online reviews to see examples of their work and customer satisfaction.
- Consultation Process: A good stylist should offer a thorough consultation to understand your hair type and desired style before any cutting or styling.
- Techniques Used: Inquire about the cutting and styling techniques they use, as certain methods work better for curly hair.
- Product Knowledge: The best stylists are knowledgeable about products that enhance and maintain curly hair.
Specialization in curly hair is crucial because curly hair requires different cutting and styling techniques compared to straight hair. A stylist well-versed in curls will understand the unique needs, such as shrinkage and moisture retention, and will be able to tailor their approach accordingly.
Checking a stylist’s portfolio and reading online reviews can provide insight into their previous work and customer satisfaction. Look for photos of their curly hairstyles and read testimonials from clients with similar hair types to gauge if they might be a good fit for you.
A thorough consultation process allows the stylist to assess your hair’s texture, density, and curl pattern, ensuring that they recommend the best cut and style. This step is crucial for building trust and ensuring that your stylist understands your personal style and hair goals.
Understanding the techniques used by a stylist is important because certain cutting methods, such as DevaCut or dry cutting, are specifically designed for curly hair. This ensures that the stylist cuts the hair in a way that works with your natural curl pattern, preventing unwanted shapes or volume.
The best stylists will also have extensive knowledge of products specifically formulated for curly hair, which can help enhance your curls and maintain their health. They can recommend styling products, shampoos, and conditioners that will suit your hair type and help you achieve your desired look consistently.
What Curly Hair Styling Techniques Should the Best Stylists Use?
The best curly hair stylists in NYC utilize a variety of specialized techniques to enhance and define curls while ensuring hair health.
- DevaCut: This dry cutting technique is specifically designed for curly hair, where the stylist cuts the hair in its natural state. This approach allows for precise shaping and helps maintain the curl pattern, resulting in a style that enhances the natural bounce and texture of the hair.
- Curly Girl Method: This technique emphasizes the use of sulfate-free shampoos and silicone-free products tailored for curly hair. It promotes hydration and reduces frizz by encouraging the use of conditioning methods and styling products that support curl definition without weighing the hair down.
- Finger Coiling: This method involves wrapping small sections of hair around the finger to define curls individually. It allows for more control over the curl shape and can help achieve a more uniform look, making it ideal for creating bouncy, well-defined curls.
- Plopping: After washing and conditioning, this technique involves placing the hair into a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel to absorb excess moisture while preserving curl formation. This helps to reduce frizz and enhances curl definition as the hair dries, resulting in beautifully defined curls.
- Diffusing: Using a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer, this technique helps to dry curly hair without disrupting the curl pattern. It allows for volume and texture while minimizing frizz, making it a preferred method for achieving well-defined curls without the risk of heat damage.
Why Is It Crucial to Select a Stylist Experienced in Curly Hair?
Selecting a stylist experienced in curly hair is crucial because curly hair has unique texture, structure, and styling needs that require specialized knowledge and techniques to manage effectively.
According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, different hair types, such as straight and curly hair, exhibit distinct physical properties that can influence how they should be cut and styled (Smith & Johnson, 2021). Curly hair tends to be more prone to dryness and frizz due to its spiral shape, which makes it more difficult for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. A stylist trained in curly hair is better equipped to understand these nuances and apply appropriate techniques.
The underlying mechanism lies in the way curly hair behaves differently compared to straight hair. For instance, curly hair often requires specific cutting techniques, such as dry cutting or the DevaCut method, which allows the stylist to see how the curls naturally fall. This method can significantly enhance the shape and volume of the curls while preventing the dreaded triangle shape that can occur with improper cutting. Furthermore, an experienced curly hair stylist understands the importance of using products that cater specifically to the needs of curly hair, which often includes hydration and curl definition, resulting in healthier and more manageable curls.
What Should You Consider When Booking an Appointment with a Curly Hair Stylist?
When booking an appointment with a curly hair stylist, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you receive the best possible service.
- Stylist’s Experience with Curly Hair: It’s crucial to find a stylist who specializes in curly hair and has ample experience working with various curl types. A stylist familiar with curly textures understands the unique cutting and styling techniques required to enhance your natural curls without damaging them.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Look for online reviews and personal recommendations from friends or social media groups dedicated to curly hair. Positive feedback can provide insight into the stylist’s skills and customer satisfaction, helping you make a more informed choice.
- Consultation Availability: A good stylist will offer a consultation before the actual haircut, allowing you to discuss your hair goals and address any concerns. This step is essential for establishing a rapport and ensuring the stylist understands your vision for your curls.
- Products Used: Inquire about the products that the stylist uses during the appointment, as curly hair often requires specific formulations to maintain hydration and definition. A stylist who uses high-quality, curl-friendly products will help ensure your curls look their best and stay healthy.
- Salon Atmosphere: The salon environment can greatly affect your experience, so consider the vibe of the place. A welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where curly hair is celebrated can make your appointment more enjoyable and comfortable.
- Pricing and Services Offered: Understand the pricing structure for curly hair services, as they can vary based on the stylist’s expertise and the complexity of the services. Ensure that the salon offers a range of services tailored for curly hair, from cutting to coloring and styling.
- Location and Accessibility: Consider the salon’s location and how accessible it is for you. A conveniently located salon can save you time and make it easier to maintain regular appointments, which is especially important for keeping your curls looking their best.