How Emmy Rossum Keeps Her Curls Gorgeous and Frizz-Free, According to Her Hairstylist

Emmy Rossum radiates natural beauty and confidence. One of her most coveted features? Those stunning spirals. We asked celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway exactly how she keeps Rossum’s curls looking so bouncy, shiny, and defined. Here, tips you can use to keep your own curls looking frizz-free and fabulous—even in the summer heat. (Got straight hair? Don’t worry—we asked her how you can fake them.)

Redway says one of the most important tips for making the most out of your curls starts long before you style your hair. “Ask your hairstylist for round layers,” she recommends. Doing so will ensure that your curl pattern pops.

How to Score Emmy Rossum’s Juicy Curls

Hydrate your hair in the shower

Curly hair has a tendency to be dry, so Redway encourages using a shampoo and condition duo that’s all about moisturizing. (She used a drugstore pair from Dove.) “You want to protect your strands before styling and lock moisture into your hair, which will give you the best results,” she explains. When your hair is dry, moisture in the air causes the hair to swell, creating frizz.

Amp Up Natural Curls

If you have naturally curly hair like Emmy Rossum, Redway says to use a defining curl cream on damp hair. But before you just plop it on, make sure it’s evenly distributed so that every curl is covered. “I section the hair into four quadrants and then massage the curl cream into the hair,” she explains. Yes, sectioning the hair is an extra step, but the results are worth it.

Next, Redway breaks out the blow-dryer (her go-to is from ghd). “I use a dryer with a diffuser to create shape,” she says. And she has a very specific method. “I have the client lean their head forward first, then backward, then side to side for 20 seconds in each spot,” she says, adding “I have them repeat this rotation to get their hair in a good formation.” It’s like a HIIT workout for your hair! This is how she gets the voluminous shape.

Get the Look on Straight Hair

Don’t worry—even if you have stick-straight hair, you can still achieve ringlets that rival Rossum’s. You just need the right tools. Prep hair using the same moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, then air-dry or rough-dry strands. Then use a curling iron or wand to wrap small sections around the barrel. With this style, Redway says there is more direct heat applied to your strands, so it’s important to prioritize using an effective heat protectant product to minimize the damage.

Another key, Redway says, is using multiple size irons to create a less uniform shape throughout the hair. So you might need to plug in two instead of one, but the results will look like you were born with the bounce. Once hair is cool, finish with a light shine serum to add definition and a glossy finish, and set it in place with hairspray.