There’s something to be said for having a signature look, the beauty equivalent to your go-to pair of jeans. It’s a powerful statement that announces your personal style to the world. Farrah Fawcett had her feathered shag, Jennifer Aniston had “The Rachel,” and Lauren Valenti, InStyle’s beauty director, has her commanding mane of curls. It’s almost difficult to believe she didn’t come into this world with perfectly coiffed ringlets. In fact, there was a moment in time where Valenti would straighten her hair. It wasn’t until she came into her own as a person that she embraced her natural hair texture. “I think something that I've noticed with curly hair is that it really both physically and metaphorically takes up space,” says the Brooklyn-based editor. “I definitely wasn't at the point in my life where I was feeling confident enough to rock it, nor do I think that I had the knowledge of how to style it and do it well.”
After lots of trial and error, Valenti has finally nailed down her curly hair routine. Ahead, she shares the products and experts she swears by for maintaining a healthy and vibrant mane.
Hair Appointment
“Mischa had been wanting to give me bangs and a full shag for years. During the pandemic, I was like, ‘Okay, Mischa, let's do it.’ I think that took things to major levels because one, I felt like it was a cut that really suited me, but also because of what all of the shaping and the layers did for my curl pattern.
“It was just incredible. I want to emphasize how a cut can be so powerful and really bring out both the definition of your curls, but also just the shape of your overall mane of curls.”
Supersonic Hair Dryer
“It's embarrassing to admit as a beauty editor, but up until about five or six years ago, I was still a diffusing skeptic. But for my hair and the way I wear it, it's such a non-negotiable. It really just takes my curly hair to the next level, in terms of volume, definition, and body.
“I think in a perfect world, I'd section off my hair, but oftentimes I'm just starting from the end, and working my way up, and just shaking my hair around, waiting until it's almost dry. I let it air dry for the rest then I use my fingers or a comb to start to comb it out, so my roots are fluffy.”
Small Hair Detangling Comb
“I love that these combs are a little accessory, but they’re also great for when your curls start to fall throughout the day. I use it on my roots and ends to keep things up and out.”
Styling Butter Curl Enhancing Cream
“This styling butter is on the thicker side, and a little goes a long way. When I put it in my hair, it glides in and it doesn’t look like you have product in your hair. It makes my curls softer, silkier, and adds just the right amount of hold.
“I tend to start from the back of my head [when applying the butter], running it through from the mid-lengths to the ends. I try not to put too much product in my bangs because they need to stay up and out of my face. Then, afterwards, I diffuse.”
Continuous Spray Bottle
“A big part of my routine is resetting my curls with water. I use the Curlsmith Continuous Spray Bottle, which is great because it releases one long mist. It’s super helpful for getting it done quickly.”
The Scrunchie No. 003
“90% of the time when I’m in my apartment, I throw my hair up in a pineapple. I use the Crown Affair scrunchie—it’s a good amount of hold where my hair is secure, but it’s not adding any pressure.”
Pro Detangler
“I think in a perfect world, I’d finger comb my tangles, but I usually use this brush in this shower. I love this brush because it’s no frills. I can take it in and out of the shower, I can toss it around. It’s really gentle but effective for getting those really tough tangles out at the nape of your neck.”
The Hair Towel
“In addition to just being really great for drying my hair and keeping my curl pattern intact, it’s beautiful, which makes the whole wash process a little bit more ritualistic.”
Shampoo for Moisture & Control
“This shampoo is so effective—it’s thick, but it still lathers really well. It’s effective but doesn’t strip or dry out my hair. I feel like my color will still be in a good place after using it.”
Sunday Purifying Clay Wash
“I’m big on double cleansing my hair. I didn’t used to do that, and I think this is a big one for curly hair because you don’t want your roots to be flat. This is nice because it’s a mask and shampoo in one, and the clay lifts all the buildup.
“Helen [Reavey] from Act and Acre taught me to wash my hair upside down, and it’s really effective. I can really get my hands in there and just scrub and lather it all out.”
Scalp Build-Up System
“In a perfect world, I’d do a weekly scalp care routine. But if I'm having one of those days, maybe it's a Sunday, where I'm being really good to myself, I definitely bring scalp care back up to the top of what I need to do. I really love Act and Acre's Scalp Build-Up System. It's a scalp detox and a stem cell serum. Again, as I mentioned, I'm just really big on removing buildup. I think if you can start that process even before you get in the shower, that's great. Also, I have a super dry scalp, so moisturizing it is super important.”