How can i make my thick, curly hair more managable?

It gets bulky and stiff pretty easily. I`m tired of wearing it pinned back in a bun and I want to show it off, but it tends to look "big."

Every so often i get it thinned out, but sometimes it even looks thicker after it`s cut. What`s a good style and length for this type of hair?

How do I make the curls smoother and more defined? i`m afraid a gel or lotion will just make it stiffer and wetter, which is what i don`t want.

Any suggestions?

How can i make my thick, curly hair more managable?

Don't use gell-at all! Instead use a an anti-frizz serum or curl creams. Like Matrix 'Contouring Cream', or the entire Biosilk (Silk Therapy)* line. For cut and style, if its long the weight will hold it down-so it wont look "big". Layering also works as well, and make sure to get it trimmed reguraly-the spit ends can add to the rough texture(moistureising shampoo,conditioner, and leave-in conditioner will also be good). What I like to do is after I shower, I flip my hair over and add a generous amount of Silk Therapy serum, then scrunch my hair into a messy bun for about 10-20 minutes. The hair will form messy curls and a give a carefree look. Its also good to sleep with your hair in a loose bun-it helps wth frizz and...l'm not really sure what else-but it does help!

I suggest hitting up a flea market and checking the saloon product stands for cheap, great buys. Since most of the products that will help won't run cheap.

*This stuff is proof God exists-its that good.

How can i make my thick, curly hair more managable?

get some good merchansdice from a saloon or a store they have tons out there.

Ask a hairdresser

How can i make my thick, curly hair more managable?

shave it off.

How can i make my thick, curly hair more managable?

Get a perm. No kidding! When getting a perm your telling your hair what to do, instead of other way around. An old friend of mine had the most uncontrollable curly hair and she got a perm. What a transformation.

I think after you get a perm, "try" it out for a week or so and then go back and get it styled. The shorter you get it the more weight is taken off and the more likely it will curl up.