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While some of us are born with beautiful curls, others come into their new texture by means of less fortunate paths. For many cancer patients, especially women, the process of losing your hair to chemotherapy can be an upsetting part of the journey. When that new hair starts to grow in, you are excited for things to get back to normal. Imagine the shock many women face when they now have a completely different texture than the hair they lost during treatment! If you are a woman experiencing what are called “chemo curls”, the struggle to find the right care solutions for your new texture can seem overwhelming. When it comes to finding the best products for chemo curls, here are a few suggestions to keep in mind.
Mielle Organics Babassu Conditioning Shampoo
One of the biggest changes when your hair grows back is the difference in moisture needed. Curly hair naturally requires more moisture to stay healthy. While you may have used shampoos with harsh chemicals before, it is best to switch to something gentler and more nourishing for your new texture. This formula is loaded up with all the hydration you need without sulfates. Sulfates strip your natural moisture and can be irritating to the scalp. This product also helps with elasticity, manageability, and overall strength.
Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner
Aside from washing and conditioning with a leave-in, your curls will most likely need a weekly deep conditioning treatment to stay healthy. This product penetrates the follicle to supply hair with deep hydration where it needs it most. With natural and organic ingredients like honey, sage, and babassu oil, this deep conditioning treatment keeps hair hydrated, healthy, and adds a bit of gloss.
Oyin Handmade Hair Dew
Speaking of moisture, if you had straight hair, you may not be aware of how much work and time goes into maintaining healthy curls. A leave-in conditioner is an absolute must to keep your curls healthy and happy. This option is one of the best products for chemo curls thanks to the gentle formula and super hydrating properties. It is a leave-in conditioner that is light enough for everyday use without weighing down your curls. It uses castor oil, olive oil, and other natural ingredients to help fight frizz and keep hair hydrated all day.
Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil
If you are looking to encourage your hair to grow after treatment, this is one of the best products for chemo curls. It is packed with 17 of nature’s finest ingredients, including elements such as emu oil, tea tree oil, horsetail powder, and more, for a formula that helps stimulate scalp health to ensure proper growth. It is anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial to give your scalp the best chance at generating new growth.
Jessicurl Spiralicious Styling Gel – No Fragrance
Of course, styling your hair will also be different now that you are working with curls. Finding the right styling gel can be the difference between bouncy, defined curls and a crunchy, stiff mess. This product offers the best of frizz control while adding definition to your pattern and helping with hold. While it starts off with a slight crunch, it can be easily scrunched out to reveal soft, touchable strands that hold their shape all day. Best of all, it is fragrance free for those with a sensitivity to excessive perfumes.
Have a story on how you grew your back after chemo? We would love to know in the comments.
Our desks, drawers, and cabinets are overflowing in the NaturallyCurly offices, so that must mean it’s Editors’ Choice time. Each year the NaturallyCurly Editors divide up by curl pattern to test, review and debate on the best curly, coily and wavy hair products on the market in order to take out the guesswork out of finding your Holy Grail. If you have Type 4 coils, these are the coily hair products that our Type 4 Editors awarded as Editors’ Choice Winners for 2018.
Not sure what your hair type is? Take our quiz!
For the NaturallyCurly Editor’s Choice Awards selection process, we considered the following criteria when making our selections:
- Product efficacy: Does the product work for my hair type?
- Miracle claims: Does the product packaging deliver false hope or stay true to its claims?
- Added bonus: Does the product exceed my hair goal expectations by providing unlisted benefits?
- Innovation: Does the product contain ingredients that I have not used before? Is the product new to the curly community?
- Industry expertise: Are ingredients suggested for use by hair care experts?
If you’re on the search for products that will work for your Type 4 coils, check out our 2018 Editors’ Choice award winners – and what we loved about them.
From the best conditioner to the most amazing scalp treatment, find out what products made the cut for our 2018 Holy Grails.
Pre-Poo: The Mane Choice Heavenly Halo Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Pre-Poo
This herbal hair tonic and soy milk deep hydration pre-poo melts away tangles, softens, and minimizes moisture loss. Gentle enough for daily use and potent enough to drastically improve your tresses.
Shampoo: Bounce Curl Pure Silk Moisturizing Shampoo
This hydrating shampoo cleanses coils more gently than other products. With safflower oil to calm frizz, repair damage, and detangle, use this shampoo for great shine and moisture without greasiness.
Clarifying Shampoo: Cantu Apple Cider Vinegar Root Rinse
Cleansing apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil combined with soothing shea butter create the ultimate root rinse. Use this to replace your shampoo when you need to calm an irritated scalp.
Dry Shampoo: Cantu Refresh Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Co-Wash
Functioning as both a dry shampoo and a conditioner, this is the perfect way to cleanse and soften on-the-go. Spray at the roots for a quick nourishing treatment that adds shine with no residue.
Cleansing Conditioner: The Mane Choice Pink Lemonade & Coconut Conditioner
This sweet-smelling conditioner combines ingredients that offer shine, softness, and strength. After clarifying and hydrating, it will leave you with perfectly defined coils.
Daily Conditioner: Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Extra Dark Conditioner
This conditioner prioritizes scalp health with ultra hydrating and growth promoting ingredients such as rosehip and sesame seed oils. Wheat proteins will strengthen your strands to prevent breakage and shedding.
Leave-In Conditioner: SheaMoisure Coconut Hibiscus Hold & Shine Daily Moisture Mist
This leave-in is a hydrating and protecting cocktail. Silk protein provides softness and slip while coconut and neem oils give your coils bounce and body.
Deep Conditioner: Ouidad Curl Immersion™ Triple Threat Deep Conditioner
This curl treatment just takes two minutes to eliminate frizz, lock in moisture, soften, and define your coils. Coconut, avocado, and grapeseed oils will bring the strength and bounce back to your hair.
Scalp Treatment: Groganics DHT Blocker On The Spot Itch Relief Scalp Medicine Drops
Prevent damage or target your breakage and thinning with this treatment. These scalp drops will encourage strength and moisture in even your driest and most irritated spots.
Hair Oil: Chocolate Kinks & Kurls Lemon Rose Hair & Scalp Renewal Oil
Lemon and rose penetrate your strands to seal in shine and moisture, leaving behind a light and pleasant scent. Use this to invigorate your scalp or as a hot oil treatment to nourish your coils.
Hair Mask: Sashapure Restorative Conditioning Masque
This mask is an intense repair treatment for dry or heat-damaged hair. With organic Peruvian Sacha Inchi oil, this deep conditioning formula creates elasticity and strength in previously-limp strands.
Styling Cream: Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie
Papaya butter and plumeria extract blended into coconut oil make a nutrient-rich smoothie perfect for your coils. With thick detangling agents, it penetrates your coils for soft, easy styling.
Styling Gel: Alikay Naturals Aloe Berry Style Gel
Aloe vera gel mixed with organic tropical scented ingredients give great moisture with medium hold. Use this gel to style your coils with zero crunch or flakes.
Do you have any Holy Grail products you’re loving for your Type 4 coils right now? Let us know in the comments so other community members can give them a try!
Check out the full list of Editors’ Choice award winners for every curl pattern here.
It’s been 20 years since Michelle Breyer co-founded NaturallyCurly, and she still has not gotten tired of trying new products. In fact, out of all of the Product Junkie editors in the NaturallyCurly offices, Michelle is *still* the most eager to try something new and change up her routine. These are the products working for Michelle’s Type 3 curls, including many of our 2018 Editors’ Choice winners. Find the full Editors’ Choice list here.
Michelle has a mix of 3a, 3b and 3c curls, depending upon what part of her head you’re looking at (3a in the front, 3b on the sides and back, and 3c on the nape”>. Depending on the occasion, she may be wearing her curls in a bun on top of her head or down and curly, the bigger the better. With so many great products to try this year – we received more submissions for Editors’ Choice than ever before – it was hard to narrow down. But here are some of her go-to products.
Not sure what your curl pattern is? Take our quiz.
Wash Routine
Step 1: Since Michelle does hot yoga 5-6 times a week, she regularly wets her hair. But she only shampoos 2-3 times a week. Her favorite right now is Amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Shampoo or The Mane Choice Super Pink Lemonade & Coconut Super Antioxidant & Texture Beautifier Shampoo. When she’s been using a lot of styling products/hairspray, she likes to clarify with DevaCurl Buildup Buster, which removes the gunk without stripping the hair.
Step 2: She loves a daily conditioner that has good slip that detangles and moisturizes. She loves Eden Bodyworks Citrus Fusion Conditioner and Innersense Hydrating Cream Conditioner, which is super thick and hydrating. A good leave-in is a staple for her, and she’s loving Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner.
Treatment
At least once every two weeks, she will do a treatment, especially if she’s been using a heat appliance or washing her hair more often. Olaplex No. 3 perfector is an amazing reconstructor that seems to magically undo damage. She’s also a fan of Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment. She’ll often put on a treatment and leave it on while she’s cleaning the house.
Michelle’s a big believer that scalp treatments are a necessary part of her regimen, and she’s in love with Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Charcoal & Coconut Oil Exfoliating Shampoo and Tea Tree Oil Scalp Treatment.
Styling Routine
She starts her styling routine before she ever leaves the shower, putting in her styling product when her hair is soaking wet. For humid, summer days, her favorite is Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel. For less humid days, she loves Curl Junkie Spiral Lotion, which is a cream gel. She will take the product and rake it through her wet hair, scrunching it with her Hair Remedie Frizz Eliminating Towel. She’ll scrunch in a little more product. Then she’ll put in some duckbill clips around her face to get some volume. To get the most volume and curl formation, Michelle always uses a dryer with a diffuser, drying one side at a time and then turning upside down and letting her hair fall into the diffuser bowl.
If there are some wayward curls, she’ll apply some FORM Protect Heat Serum – rubbing a few drops between her palms and raking it through her curls. Then Michelle uses her Amika Curling Wand to reform the curls.
Michelle is a big proponent of hairspray. She likes flexible-hold, non-sticky formulas that lock her curls in place without adding crunch. She loves the new Tresemme Compressed Micro-Mist Hairspray, and has used several of the hold levels, including Level 1 Texture, Level Smooth Hold, and Level 3 Boost Hold.
Throughout the day, to keep her curls frizz free and full, she’ll rub a pea-sized drop of Mielle Pomade to Oil Treatment with Mongongo Oil between her palms, bend over and twist it through her hair, using her fingers to fluff her hair – the bigger the better. Then she’ll spritz in some more hairspray.
Find the full Editors’ Choice list here.
There’s always a lot of celebrating around the New Year.
iStock/Filadendron
Obviously, you want to look your best when you ring it in, after all, you and your curls want to start things off on the right foot! Here are ten perfect New Year’s Eve hairstyles to start your party off right on this special night, assuming you make it until the countdown.
Curly Clip In
When you’re short on time and patience, pick up a pack of Kinky Curly Yaki Clip Ins before you head out to the party for an easy look sure to please. This style is easy to do in a matter of minutes so it’s great for when you get that unexpected invite to a last-minute shindig, or if you decide you actually ARE going to the one you know you planned on putting off. Sure you might spend the evening with ‘How did your hair grow so FAST’ comments, but hey, how you answer that is alllllllll up to you.
January Jumbo Braid
When you want a look of high glamour that is easy to put on and pull off, this is the answer. With a jumbo braid, you instantly bring some dramatic style to the mix. But just because this braid is big doesn’t mean it’s full of secrets. See how to make this look your own right here.
Half and Half
What’s been bigger this year than half up/half down styles? You don’t necessarily need to leave this look in 2017—it gives the best of an updo and a loose style, and that kind of combo is timeless. With a half up half down style, you create a look that is the right mix of casual and dressy for a laid-back party choice. Here is a quick tutorial on perfecting this look:
Braided Onwards and Upwards
One of the best New Year’s Eve hairstyles will always be a classic updo. And if you’re into protective styling, well. That’s just the rosewater in the champagne! This look lets you achieve a beautiful style that you don’t have to fuss with or worry about all night so you can just enjoy yourself. Here is a quick guide on creating this style:
Braid-Hawk
Another great choice for adding some texture to your look, this style is fun and flirty with a whole lot of glamour. Perfect for a big night on the town, this look is full of pumped up height for a take notice vibe. Sure some people are into keeping their eye on the ball, but when you’re the belle of it, we’re guessing that the more noticable drops this NYE will be everyone’s jaws. But don’t just take our word for it. See for yourself here!
Bobbing for Applause
Another style with lots of height, a bobbed updo gives you the best of a sleek updo coupled with an easy way to show off your natural curly texture. When you want an elegant option sure to look beautiful on this special night, this is the one for you to ring in the new year with. Here is a quick tutorial on this style to get you started:
Hi-Def Heatless Curls
Of course it’s always in style to let those gorgeous curls loose when celebrating a new year beginning. Everybody’s free to feel good, right? Your curls are people too. When looking for an option that gives you great definition without the use of temperature tools, this style is the one to beat the heat. Check it out:
Confetti Bun
Since New Year’s Eve is a time full of new hopes and lots of sparkle, it makes sense to choose something super glam and exciting for your curls. With a confetti hair bun, you will definitely be the center of attention at any party you attend. This look is as bold and beautiful as the woman wearing it, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate in style. Here is a tutorial on how to achieve this festive style for yourself:
Glitter Bun
Confetti too ‘out there’ for you? Okay, okay. When you want to shine, but on a more delicate scale, try this effect with glitter instead of larger confetti pieces. This look is just as beautiful as the confetti option but it uses smaller glitter pieces to add extra elegance overall. See this variation on confetti hair here:
Glitter all the way
‘Oh no, my sparkly roots are showing! Now EVERYONE knows I’m literally a unicorn!’…said no one ever. When you want just a little touch of sparkle for the big night, glitter roots are all the rage. This look lets you add a little or a lot depending on your preference and desired result. The Mickey Mouse style pulled high allow for the glitter roots to really stand out and add a pop of Disney Magic super cuteness. Create this look with these tips:
Can you handle it?
Curlies, let us know which styles you’re feeling for 2018! And always ALWAYS tag us @naturallycurly so we can see your New Year Looks and feature you and your ‘do!
Photo source: Amazon.com
There are lots of products on the market to help you achieve your best curls. One of the more innovative options for styling natural hair is a curl sponge. This tool is a sponge brush that helps give men and women more curl definition and styling options, especially short natural hair. Wondering how do you find the best hair sponges on the market? Here’s all you need to know about a curl sponge, how to find the right one for your hair and how to use it.
Hole Sizing
When looking for the best hair sponges, the hole sizing is one of the most important factors. The size of the holes will create the outcome. For example, smaller hole sizes make a tighter curl or coil whereas bigger holes create a looser curl. The length of your hair will also help you decide which hole sizing is right for your needs. Smaller holes are better for shorter hair. Larger holes are better for longer hair.
Sponge Size
The size of the sponge itself matters for a few reasons. If you have a lot of hair, you will want a larger size. For shorter hair, a smaller sponge should suffice. You also want to consider the size of your hands. If you have small hands, a large sponge may be too much to grip and maneuver with ease. You should also look at the shape of the sponge. While some are rounded, there are some that are in an 8 shape. A rounded sponge will give you a tool you can work with quickly through your hair. An 8 shape gives you a better grip and is usually on the larger size.
Durability
Another factor when finding the best hair sponges is the matter of durability. You don’t want to spend money on a sponge that will only last for a few uses before it starts deteriorating. The key to finding a durable sponge is to give it a squeeze. If a sponge is super soft and springy, it will not last as long as a sponge that has a little more firmness and slower spring to it. When curl sponges are too soft, they come apart easily and can even leave behind pieces of sponge in your curls. Another good way to test the sponge is to put it on a flat surface and press into the center of the sponge. If the sponge gives more than an inch, it is too soft. This is not to say a soft sponge won’t get you the curls you seek, it simply means the sponge won’t last as long as a firmer option.
Here’s How To Use a Curl Sponge
Have you used a curl sponge before? Let us know in the comments below.
The idea of protective styles seems to encompass all sorts of looks in the natural hair community.
Image: @syeda_bombom
A common misconception is that the two things are the same, or that low manipulation is just a protective style that isn’t super tight, and neither of these is correct. Let’s take a look at protective styles vs. low manipulation styles.
What is a protective style?
A protective style is one where the main goal of the style is to protect the ends of your hair. This can be a bun, braids, or wearing a wig to let your strands get a break from styling. The main component of a protective style is that your ends are tucked away.
Image: @spstyled
What is a low manipulation style?
A low manipulation style is less about the ends and more about creating a style that requires less touching overall. This can be a pineapple updo, braids, wash and go, puffs, and other styles. Any style that doesn’t require you to touch your hair too much is a low manipulation style.
How do you know when to wear protective styles vs. low manipulation styles?
When to wear one over the other is a little less clear-cut. While the main point of both options is to help prevent breakage and damage, as well as helping you retain length, the matter of when to wear protective styles may depend on the state of your ends. If you are looking to protect your ends or they are looking a little frazzled, a protective style is the way to go. If you are looking to just handle your hair less, a low manipulation style is best. When choosing between the two, you should also consider the amount of maintenance for the style. If you are looking for something to last longer, a protective style is usually better than a low manipulation style.
Are you in need of more protective style advice?
Read one of these NaturallyCurly articles.
photo courtesy of Summyr Sheppard
Colder temperatures mean it’s sweater weather and sweater weather means wear and tear on your hair.
Break out your thigh high boots, cute fuzzy hats, and thick plush scarves. Did you know that your cute winter wonderland ensembles may be hazardous to your hair?
According to dermatologist Dr. Francesca Fusco, “wool [caps] can wick moisture away from hair as well as create friction that can contribute to breakage.” The solution? Fusco recommends “maintaining moisture with a weekly hair mask and placing a piece of satin or silk liner to work as a barrier between the wool and hair.”
Protect your hair from hygroscopic fibres
Merriam Webster defines hygroscopic as “readily taking up and retaining moisture.” Guess which one of your favorite winter clothing items contains this fiber? If your label lists that your garment is made from wool, cashmere, acrylic, polyester, or cotton, prepare for some hair intervention. According to an Interknit specialist on wool material, wool is a hygroscopic fiber that “can absorb twice as much water vapor as cotton and up to thirty times as much as polyester. This makes it perfect for absorbing sweat and body odors while keeping the body dry and fresh.” I say great to the body odors dying, but what about our ends being frazzled?
Well we can’t freeze to death just to save our curls!
So what’s a natural girl suppose to do? Well we can’t freeze to death just to save our curls! Here is a list of some great ways to keep your curls Nutcracker safe (get it nutcracker, we don’t want our hair to crack….”>
Model: Chizi Duru
Oils
Choose the right penetrating and sealing oils for your hair type and hair porosity. Putting a little extra of both will protect the hair from the inside out. Coating those ends can prove to be especially helpful when you are out and about all day with your mane in full bloom. A few of my favorite coating/sealing oils include Shea butter, castor oil and cupuacu butter.
“If the moisturizer is effectively penetrating your hair, it should feel slippery and smooth on the hair and absorb fully by the time your hair is dry.” – Rachel Blistein
Proper moisturizing is important
Moisturizing is a must all year but you need to pull out all the stops and take extra precautions during the winter months. Rachel Blistein, owner and founder of Original Moxie, is all about “moisturization.”
Many curlies are loading their hair with multiple moisturizers in an attempt to add moisture. However, if these products are not the best fit for your hair, they may simply sit on the outside of the hair shaft and actually block moisture with dulling build up.
To correct this problem, start with a thorough but gentle cleansing treatment, like Uncle Funky’s Daughter Rich & Funky Moisturizing Cleanser to open the hair shaft and ensure that it is not coated with product. Follow up with a rinse-out conditioner like The Doux Sucka Free Moisturizing Conditioner to restore any moisture that may have been lost during the cleansing process. Isolate a small section of damp hair, spray to re-wet if needed, and apply enough of your moisturizer to thoroughly coat the strand from scalp to ends. If the moisturizer is effectively penetrating your hair, it should feel slippery and smooth on the hair and absorb fully by the time your hair is dry. You should see enhanced curl definition even before the section is dry. Remember: the tighter the curl pattern and the denser the hair, the smaller the section.
hair by DyeVerCity Salon
Protective styling is key.
I know some of us just don’t like to pin our naturals up. But, hanging loose can cause frayed, or what I like to call paunchy ends. There are a billion cute, sassy, sophisticated pin-up hair styles that can prove to be your hair’s lifesaver in sub-zero weather. When your hair is pinned up it doesn’t rub against your sweater or coat during the day. I do suggest that you continue to oil your scalp or spray an oil-based moisturizer like Obia Curl Hydration Spray nightly before putting your satin scarf on. When synthetic hair is added to your up-do, it does have the tendency to suck the moisture out of your hair.
Winter is here! How are you keeping your ends protected?
Tell us your plan of attack below. We want to help!
For up-do protective style inspiration, check out @DyeVerCity on Instagram.
Photo courtesy of : @curlsfothegirls
Maintaining and styling natural hair isn’t easy, so when you find a styling routine that works, most naturals like to stick to it. While there is certainly nothing wrong with knowing what style suits you and your lifestyle bets, it is important to know if your favorite style could be causing damage to your curls. If your go-to hairstyle is the puff, there are a few things you may want to know. There are 5 major issues with wearing a puff consistently.
1. Tangles
One of the biggest issues with wearing a puff consistently is the matter of tangles. You may be thinking that because your hair is pulled up, it shouldn’t be getting tangled. However, when your strands are left loose for too long in a puff, the curls can easily become intertwined and go unnoticed until you try to detangle.
2. Shrinkage
While some shrinkage is somewhat inevitable for some curlies, wearing that daily go-to puff style can make it worse. Again, this is because of the strands being more exposed to the air as opposed to when they are in a protective style. If you are seeing a lot of shrinkage, it may be time to ditch the puff for a bit.
3. Damaged Edges
Edges, in general, are usually fragile. When you wear your hair in a puff, you are always pulling those fragile strands too tight. This can lead to breakage and damaged edges. If you have ever struggled with growing back your edges, you know this is nothing to play around with.
4. Permanent Puff
When you take your hair out of the puff and it stays in that puff shape instead of falling back into a more relaxed state, you may be wearing a puff too much. You should be able to loosen your hair with your fingers, but if this doesn’t work, it is a definite sign you are too committed to the puff.
5. Rebellion
When talking about hair rebelling, it means hair that simply won’t do what you want it to do. If your hair is in rebellion mode, you need to take a break from the puff style. Wearing hair in braids overnight will help to stretch the hair back out and aid in manageability in the morning.
Do you wear your hair in a puff? Share your experience with us below!
Keeping your curls healthy and happy can seem like a full-time job.
From which products to use to dangers to avoid, there is a lot of information to take in regarding caring for your natural hair. Let us make it a little easier with our list of the top 10 do’s and don’ts for healthy curls.
Moisturize often
Moisturize like your curls depend on it — because they kind of do. In terms of keeping hair healthy, moisture is key for maintaining healthy curls, which tend to be drier than other hair types. Using a nourishing leave-in conditioner every day in between wash day is a good way to do it.
Don’t overload on products
One of the biggest parts of do’s and don’ts for healthy curls is finding the balance between giving your hair the amount of product it needs and keeping it free from product buildup. The best way to do this is to know the right portion per product. For example, most shampoo and conditioners should be around the size of a quarter with styling products being more on the side of two dimes.
Don’t shampoo as often
Everytime you shampoo your hair, you are stripping it of natural moisture. A better goal is to wash your hair every 3-4 days, depending on your personal needs. It is also important to find the right shampoo for your hair type. It is a good idea to steer clear of sulfates when shampooing since they can strip hair of natural moisture even faster.
Refresh hair regularly
While you may have figured out your shampoo schedule, refreshing might be a newer concept. Many curlies claim that their second-day hair look is usually the best one; cocktailing with a leave-in and water mix on dry strands for days three and four can add the needed moisture for strands to stay fresh and beautiful in-between washes.
Don’t neglect a protective style
Wear a protective style to protect your strands against damage and to just give them a general break from manipulation. However, you should only leave a protective style in for a maximum of 8 weeks — anything past this point can lead to issues like breakage or split ends.
Handle edges with care
Your edges are the most fragile part of your hair. They require special care and consideration. This area needs to be treated with care by not wearing overly tight styles which can tug on the edges and lead to breakage. Depending on your hair texture, you may also want to avoid brushing your edges since this can lead to breakage for those with fine hair textures.
Don’t detangle dry
It is usually easier to work through tangles in the shower when your hair is loaded up with your favorite slippery conditioner. You can also use a detangling brush post shower with plenty of leave-in conditioner to ease each knot without ripping out your hair.
Wrap hair
You are doing a major disservice to the health of your curls everytime you go without wrapping your hair before bed. The pillowcase tugs on your hair and edges, creating friction which will make you wake up with more than just bedhead. Wrapping your hair in a silk or satin bonnet ensures protection.
Don’t use harsh hair dye
Many hair dyes have ammonia and other harmful chemicals in them which can quickly lead to dry, damagede curls. If you want color, opt for gentler alternatives like henna.
Lay off the heat
While heat tools can be a quick fix and an easy way to achieve your desired look, it can damage hair. Too much heat can lead to dryness and brittle strands. To keep your curls healthy and as natural-looking as possible, learn to master the wash and go.
Need more curly advice? Read this.
If you’ve found yourself constantly pulling at your hair when it’s time to detangle, you may need to switch things up by using a detangling hairbrush.
While finger detangling is common in our NaturallyCurly community, it doesn’t hurt to get a little help from a tried and true friend that separates curls, from roots to tip, like the Tangle Teezer Thick & Curly Detangling Hairbrush. This hairbrush features two-tiered teeth technology! Meeting the challenge of thick, coarse curly hair, this hairbrush is perfect for those of us that want defined curls that finger detangling simply cannot give us.
No matter your curl pattern, you can reap the amazing detangling benefits.
Got thick hair? The Tangle Teezer’s innovative combination of short and long teeth easily glide through your hair to eliminate knots and tangles while enhancing your curls’ natural sheen. Got coarse hair? Wet those hair strands with water to detangle, prevent breaking your ends, and stave off fairy knots. Got curly hair? Well, of course, you do so you know that detangling curls can cause frizz… Not with the award-winning Tangle Teezer Thick & Curly Hairbrush which should be used on wet hair.
Need proof?
In just a few seconds, you’ll see how amazing this hairbrush is for all curl patterns. Its short teeth smooth hair cuticles and minimizes frizz, and its long teeth detangle and reduce hair breakage! Click the GIF below to take a look at the Tangle Teezer in action:
Curious about how the NaturallyCurly Editors used the Tangle Teezer Thick & Curly Detangling Hairbrush? Here’s what each lady had to say about it!
NaturallyCurly Editor Lauren Murray says:
I have a mix of 3c/4a coils and curls, and my hair is quite dense. If you stick your hand in there, it isn’t coming back out. Hahaha!
I used the Tangle Teezer Thick and Curly hairbrush as a before-wash detangler, meaning I wet my hair with just water before I washed it, and then I detangled. I also split my hair into about 6 sections just to make the detangling process easier and put me at less risk for damage.
To me, it’s all about the technique and how you’re holding it. I found that when I flipped the tool backward, I had more control over how it detangled my coils.
I loved that it was fairly simple and straight to the point to use. It’s also super compact, perfect for traveling!
NaturallyCurly Editor Cara Logue says:
My hair is all types of wavy—mostly 2B but also some 2A and some 2C. It’s very dense coming out of my scalp, but most of the individual strands are pretty thin to medium width.
I usually detangle my hair when it’s dry; in the video, I detangled it when it was wet. I start by finger-detangling, then use a brush starting with the bottom of my hair downward, working my way up to my scalp, with a lot of putting down the brush and using my fingers to get the more stubborn spots. The Tangle Teezer helps with some of these tricky spots—I think because of the varying lengths in the bristles.
It feels really good on my scalp—kind of like those wire spider head-massager things that you can buy at the airport.
NaturallyCurly Editor Kiana Tipton says:
I have type 3b, bleached, long, high porosity hair. My hair is usually difficult to detangle without conditioning with a regular wide tooth comb, but the Tangle Teezer Thick and Curly hairbrush works more effectively, leaving me with more time to enjoy my morning coffee before heading out for the day!
I used the Tangle Teezer after wetting my hair with a spray bottle, but I have also used it after coming out of the shower. It works well either way. I was able to detangle my hair without any additional products.
However, I usually do condition in the shower beforehand. After detangling my hair, I use my regular leave-in conditioner for extra curl definition. I love how the Tangle Teezer feels on my scalp, when brushing my hair I linger near the top because it feels like a gentle massage. It also detangles my hair without pulling on my tangles or leaving me with breakage.
Tell us: Have you tried the Tangle Teezer?
Do you want to? Visit your nearest ULTA today or buy online at ULTA.com to get this detangling hairbrush that will make your curls fall in love with it!
This post is sponsored by Tangle Teezer.
When it comes to curly hair care, there are certain brands that lead the way. One of the most widely sold curly hair brands on the market today, SheaMoisture has become a go to for women, men, and children with all different textures and types. In fact, they offer over 20 different collections under their name, each one having its own unique set of properties and purposes. So, how do you narrow down such a large selection of choices? This can be a major challenge for beginners, so we recommend first starting with understanding your hair type and its individual needs.
When looking for the best SheaMoisture products for wavy hair, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Here are some basic questions you can ask yourself about your naturally wavy hair.
Do you have damage?
It’s important to understand the overall state of your hair. Damage can be caused by heat styling, color treating, or over-manipulating your hair, and in wavy hair this usually leads to hair that looks straight and frizzy, rather than wavy and defined. If your strands are damaged, dry, brittle, and overtreated to the point that they are unmanageable, you need to take that into consideration in terms of care and the types of products you use. Ultimately you can’t reverse hair damage completely, but you can choose reparative products that strengthen and improve elasticity.
Do you like strong or light hold?
Wavy hair needs help with definition. This hair type has a harder time with layering and keeping definition, so you need products that can help with this issue without further weighing down your hair. If you like your waves to look well defined and frizz-free, you should choose a strong hold styling product like a gel or mousse. If you prefer your waves to be soft and touchable with a less defined look, then go with light hold styling products like cream gels or use a leave-in conditioner for hold.
Is your hair fine, or coarse?
Just because your hair is on the looser end of the curl spectrum, does not mean that it is necessarily fine. Wavy hair can be coarse (meaning the individual strands are thick”> and this is something that you should consider when choosing and applying products. Fine hair can become easily weighed down, flat at the roots, and even prone to breakage when loaded up with the wrong products. Wavies with coarse hair often complain that their hair is “big” or “poofy” and need stronger hold products to make their waves stay defined all day. Take the NaturallyCurly hairtype quiz to find out your exact wave pattern, including how fine or coarse and thick or thin your hair is.
6 best wavy products by SheaMoisture
While this brand offers a ton of great products that can meet the needs of any hair type, these are a few suggestions for the best SheaMoisture products for wavy hair.
SheaMoisture Sacha Inchi Oil Omega-3-6-9 Rescue + Repair Clarifying Shampoo
With wavy hair types, the accumulation of oils can lead to flat hair lacking volume. This cleanser is a tough yet gentle solution to this problem. A deep cleanser without sulfates, it will leave the scalp clean and healthy with the use of sacha inchi oil which is rich in healthy omega fatty acid complexes. The naturally moisturizing elements of shea butter, quinoa, and rose of jericho extract also help to prevent stripping away natural moisture from strands for overall hair health.
SheaMoisture Sacha Inchi Oil Omega 3-6-9 Rescue + Repair Conditioner
While the job of a shampoo is to cleanse, the job of your conditioner is to replenish moisture. This formula is great for wavy hair because it has fortifying vitamins A and E to give your scalp and strands extra moisture. It is also gentle enough to make detangling a breeze while leaving hair softer and more manageable.
SheaMoisture Sacha Inchi Oil Omega-3-6-9 Rescue & Repair Hair Masque
With natural waves, there will be times when your hair is feeling damaged and drier than usual. With this product, you get the same great formulas as the shampoo and conditioner of the same collection, but with the added benefit of protecting hair against breakage. This deep treatment solution also helps support hair elasticity to prevent breakage while deep conditioning to reverse dryness.
SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Texture Spray
Since wavy hair tends to fall a little flat and needs help with definition, this texture spray is perfect. It is lightweight so it won’t flatten out your volume while helping to create definition and shape in your natural texture. The coconut water formula works to hydrate and nourish hair for an added bonus.
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Hydration Intensive Conditioner
Though finer hair can get weighed down if you leave this in too long, it is all about experimenting to see what works best for you. For some wavies with coarse hair (like blogger Diane Mary“>, this one is considered extremely moisturizing and contains protein to repair damage as well.
SheaMoisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Shampoo
For wavies who finger detangle in the shower after co-washing and need a good cleanser with slip, this one helps as it is runny in consistency. For best results, use it once a week and then on scalp only with a co-wash the other time a week. It leaves looser textures moisturized and cleansed.
Which SheaMoisture product works on your waves?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
Shop these products and more wavy picks at SHOPNaturallyCurly.com
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No matter which way you cut it, your hair will lose moisture. Period.
Although this is a natural occurrence, one reason your hair is losing moisture is that you are using the wrong product for your texture type! However, there are a few things you can do to prevent drastic moisture loss.
The first step is to determine your curl pattern’s texture type (yes, these are two different things”>. For the sake of getting you off on the right moisturizing foot, we’re going to focus exclusively on porosity.
Porosity is a point of contention for almost every curly woman.
No matter where you live, your diet, or other factors, you will almost always here a curly, a wavy, and a coily talk shop about porosity. And since many of us focus on the right products to help us maintain moisture throughout the year, especially when it’s dry and cool, it’s important to know what you need to put in your hair care maintenance kit this fall and winter.
Curl Pattern Does Not Translate to Porosity
Despite assumptions, your curl pattern has nothing to do with your porosity. That’s right! Some of us with tight coils have super fine hair strands that have medium porosity. Others of us have dense wavy, coarse strands that soak in products upon immediate contact because of high porosity. Every curl is remarkably unique!
So, what can you do about picking the right product? We asking NaturallyCurly community favorite Design Essentials Natural what we can do. First, we all can start by determining our porosity here >> Texture Type Quiz! Then, we can choose the right products for our specific curl concerns. Learn more about this, by porosity type, below!
Grace Hathaway, NaturallyCurly Editor, Video Producer / Brio Photography
High porosity
If your hair strands tend to get weighed down by styling cream, the teensiest drop of oil, or humidity, you’re going to need to steer clear of super heavy products. Try Design Essentials Natural Coconut & Monoi Coconut Water Curl Refresher, a revitalizing spray that works wonders on high porosity hair, waves, and second-day styles.
Nikki Johnson, NaturallyCurly Editor, Video Producer / Brio Photography
Medium Porosity
For hair that needs a gentle moisture treatment, reach for Coconut & Monoi Deep Moisture Milk Soufflé. For setting your curls, you’ll need a reliable hold without all the weighed down, crunchiness that gels tend to give medium porosity hair. So, you’ll need the Almond & Avocado Honey Curl Forming Custard for styling.
Gerilyn M. Hayes, NaturallyCurly Editor, Copywriter / Brio Photographer
Low Porosity
There’s nothing more thrilling for low porosity curlies than moisturizers that truly penetrate the hair strand for luxurious softness. That’s why the Coconut & Monoi Deep Moisture Masque is perfect for hair that tends to repel products. In addition to a deep treatment, reach for Almond & Avocado Twist & Set Setting Lotion to set and style hair! To keep curls moisturized every day, you’ll need to apply Almond & Avocado Daily Moisturizing Lotion.
Now that you have a few curly hair products to choose from based on your porosity, how will you rock those well-loved, moisturized curls?
Tell us all about it in the comments section below.
As ever, stay moisturized!
This post is sponsored by Design Essentials Natural.
GAP, Inc. and I have been in a long-term relationship for roughly twenty-five years. That’s right. We’ve been going together because I needed understanding during my grungy jeans-to-solid colors only development phases. GAP understood me on such a deep level that, yes, I fell into it. My young heart belonged to the parade of high cheekbones, sinewy arms, white tank tops, terry cloth crew necks, dewy skin, sans-jewelry throats and fingers, and devil-may-care mussed hair.
And, because I was an adolescent without a dime to my name, I couldn’t afford anything on offer to me, but my oh my how I wanted their clothes and accessories in my life.
We were perfect for each other! We liked the same things: well-worn denim, black and white photography and videography, minimal aesthetics, and LL Cool J.
Oh, GAP! I felt an unflinching desperation for something I could not have; for the first time, I felt desire! I wanted to strut up and down middle and high school hallways in simple, black flat tennis shoes, traditional cut denim jeans, and a navy-blue hoodie that boasted “GAP” in varsity lettering, baby.
But why? Why did I feel this pull? Why did I want to wear nothing but the GAP brand every day of my teenage life? Because I never felt shut out or misunderstood by GAP, this constant force that I was always invited to fall into. And from those years of singing and rapping and dazzling me with ad campaigns that lit up the ‘gimme more’ lobe of my brain, I have been under the spell of GAP’s siren song ever since.
Even though our relationship bordered on unhealthy obsession, I still love GAP. And even though my boo has been in hot water for past ad campaigns, responsibility has been taken by its #squad.
There’s nothing I can do about my affection for GAP. We’re in a committed relationship and I’m happy.
Wow, G. You really love The GAP, huh?
Yep, and you must think I’m crazy, but why?
Think about it: What brand or car or Netflix series can you live without? Even if you don’t want to admit it, you do have a favorite and you’ll do anything to get and keep it in your life.
And, I am here to tell you that it’s perfectly fine.
We’re consumers. It’s how we respond to the things which we consume.
Advertisers know this so, why are they getting the messaging so wrong?
Yikes!, image capture from @NayTheMua
Well, I have a theory about this…
Advertisers and brands have forgotten how to “woo” us. They don’t know what we want, anymore. Which is odd to me, but I theorize that it’s because they are following our social media focus, and not trying to win our hearts. There are some that are getting it right like Hamburger Helper and Cheerios, but there are some that are disinterested in tapping into our desires and values, forsaking us for a viral hit.
While trying to enter into conversations about race and gender and body image and all the things that have the potential to go viral, ad campaigns are going haywire by trying to cater to every single nuance of the human experience.
Newsflash, advertisers: You cannot be the representative of every narrative. What you can do is be real. And, yes, advertiser – this next part is for you :”>
NC Editor Cristina Cleveland told me, “I appreciate when brands align themselves with the kinds of women I aspire to be. For me personally, that means women who are following their own path when it comes to career, doing interesting, meaningful work, and women who have unique and creative ways of expressing their personal style. It goes beyond just picking a model that has my skin tone or looks like me.”
Yassss, Covergirl! image capture from PopSugar (click the image to read the story and view the slideshow“>
“I think Covergirl’s been doing a good job of this in their recent rebranding. Their new tagline “I am what I make up” speaks to this idea of using makeup as a creative tool in a way that’s personal to you. I haven’t started using Covergirl products, but I still appreciate it!”
Nowadays, Honesty is King.
Consumers like honesty because we want to trust brands that improve and enhance our quality of life. When consumers chose a product or service that fits their needs, they are entering into a relationship with the brand, potentially committing themselves for life. Hence my devotion to GAP.
When brands decide to cast a “1M fish in the sea” net to catch us all, just to see who will stick around, it is disingenuous, and, baby, we know it.
We know that you’ve reached the “selective hearing” stage of the relationship. We can tell that you have a wandering eye. We’ve been there. We’ve done that. We’ve broken up with so many brands, you’d probably think this post is about you.
So, where do we go from here?
Consumers Like Building Relationships with Brands.
As with any relationship, no one wants to be told who or what to be. This, I believe, is the most obvious failing of so many ad campaigns: dictating to the consumer who and what she needs to be in order for this product/service/relationship to work.
Representation matters, but assuming you understand me because a pixelated spec in a demographic slice on a digital pie chart is the supposed encapsulation of my human experience will cause an unanticipated backlash. You don’t own me.
So, why don’t you just talk to me? Get to know me, maybe? Ask me some questions because I have soooo many for you:
Do you know what my experience is? Let me answer that for you: You do not… so, why don’t you tell me a little something about yourself so I can see if I want to hang around a little longer? What makes you tick? Oh, you like that, too?! You’ve been doing this for how long? Where can I get what you’re selling because I’m totes into it?
Loving this conversation between Cher and Future! video retrieved from YouTube.
Consumers are actual humans; your advertising should be “human”, too.
“I love a great story,” entrepreneur and NC Editor Alexandra Wilson told me, “We are bombarded with so much information on a daily so for something to grab my attention and resonate it has to be relatable, heartfelt and entertaining. Most importantly, it should accurately represent the people portrayed in the commercial.”
Video retrieved from YouTube.
We are not black vs. red lines. We are remarkable human beings; so, acknowledge it by showing us how you see us. We want to hear our voices and see ourselves through your eyes. If you continue to do this, showing us that you understand and you know us, don’t you know we won’t leave? That’s how this relationship works.
We’re giving you loyalty and feedback (even when you don’t want hear it”>. Great products and confidence in our choice to stick with you is all we want in return.
So why do we get upset when you overlook or outright ignore the aforementioned simple demands?
Because No One Wants to Experience Buyer’s Remorse.
That’s right. We don’t want to break up with you because down line, we’re just not a good fit.
So, please remember, that when a consumer purchases your goods and services, you are entering into a relationship with that her so you’d better treat her right.
—
GAP, you know I love you, boo – thank you for keeping me entertained, intrigued, and wrapped in the softest cotton hard earned dollars can buy for a reasonable price.
As ever, consume (and advertise”> responsibly!
Video blogger Jess does a product review of Curly Hair Solutions’ Curl Keeper.
