Search Results: Akshay Joshi

When Twisted Sista asked me to try their Curl Activator Crème, I leapt at the opportunity! Even though I wear the same ol’ hairstyle everyday, I like to try new products on my medium texture 4C curls whenever I can.

In addition to sharing how well my beloved 4Cs responded to this curl crème with you, I wanted to offer curlies with looser patterns a different perspective. That’s why I enlisted the help of fellow Naturally Curly Editor, Cristina Cleveland. I wanted to learn if we would both reap benefits when using the same curl crème!

Keep reading to learn how my 4C TWA and Cristina’s 2C waves responded to the curl crème in this Twisted Sista sponsored post.

Gerilyn’s 4C Teeny Weeny (yet Mighty!”> Afro

On any given day, at any hour, my curls thirst for moisture. It’s not for lack of care; it’s simply their nature. Finding the right combination of daily moisturizing oils for them can be challenging, which is why I think the Twisted Sista Curl Activator Crème was a WINNER for my TWA.

Here’s why:

It’s super easy to apply to a freshly washed and sectioned out TWA!

If you’re not into cocktailing leave-ins with hair oils, that’s okay. The curl crème is full of coconut and avocado and almond oils that are perfect for coils that need all-day hydration. Even though I used only the curl crème during my wash-and-go day, I found that my curls didn’t lose moisture, felt super soft for hours, and didn’t fall victim to the halo effect at the end of my work day. This curl crème will also respond well to a midday TWA water spritzing break when you want to refresh your curls.

Although I tend to overpour and apply moisturizing products to combat dry curls, I really like that Twisted Sista encourages tightly coiled up curlies like me to use its product liberally.

So, yes – I definitely recommend that 4C curlies use the Twisted Sista Curl Activator Crème in conjunction with your current TWA styling and hair care maintenance routine. I think it’s a definite win for those of us looking for a wash-and-go moisturizer that not only douses curls in natural oils, but also knocks frizz out while enhancing those individual coils.

Even though I’m definitely going to keep this crème in my repertoire, I wondered… will Cristina have a similar liking for it?

Keep reading to find out!

Cristina’s Too Cute 2C Bob

Being the rockstar that she is, Cristina took time out of her regular styling and maintenance routine to sample the curl crème in order to give me and our entire community feedback about it.

Let’s see what she has to say about it!

Like many curlies out there, Cristina is adventurous when it comes to adopting a new product that may not necessarily be designed for her specific pattern or texture.

“I realize that my hair doesn’t look like the curly girl’s on the bottle, but many of my Holy Grails are shared by my Type 3 and Type 4 colleagues here at NaturallyCurly so I never let that stop me from discovering a new product,” Cristina said.

“With the Twisted Sista Curl Activator Crème I found that my hair had very bouncy curls and waves with just enough hold,” Cristina told me, “When I touch my hair it doesn’t feel like it has any product in it at all, but the light hold meant that I could refresh my hair on days 2 and 3 with a water spray bottle and a little more product.”

As mentioned, I love using liberal amounts of product in my 4C TWA. That’s not the case in this instance with Cristina’s 2C curls.

“For my style and hair type, I like to use a minimal amount-just four pea sized dollops-for best results. Using small amounts each time means I don’t have to worry about my hair being weighed down throughout the week,” she said, “I really believe that with the right technique and the correct amount of product, you can find a go-to product even in a formula that wasn’t specifically made for your hair type.”

Takeaway Tips from Cristina’s 2C Styling Routine that All Curlies Can Use

Cristina was kind enough to walk me through her styling routine, which is an eye-opener since I style my curls in a similar way although our curl patterns are completely different.

“On freshly cleansed and detangled hair, I applied a light spray leave-in conditioner and blotted my hair dry with my microfiber towel, then allowed it to start to partially dry,” she told me, “I find that when I apply styling product to soaking wet hair my hair winds up looking flat. Once my hair started to dry, I took two pea-sized amounts of the Twisted Sista in the palm of my hand and rubbed my hands together so that they were evenly coated.”

“Then I flipped my head upside down and scrunched the product through the right side of my hair. I did the same with the left side. Applying in sections helps me make sure I haven’t missed any spots,” she said, “Then I flip my head back upright, and at this point I may have a little bit of frizz, but I don’t worry too much about frizz. Once my hair is 100% air dried that normally sorts itself out.”

From 2A to 4C, Your Curls Will Benefit from Twisted Sista Curl Activator Crème

As you can see, this curl crème is as versatile as the curls that love to soak it in! It’s sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalates-free and contains coconut, avocado, and almond oils. It’s got everything you’ve been wanting in one product! No matter your curl pattern or texture, you curls are going to get a boost of nourishment and moisture. Lucky, lucky you!

As ever, stay curly!

After years of waiting, you’ve finally committed to your curls. Congratulations! Now that you’re ready to take these brave steps in the direction of your natural hair dreams, you’ll need the right moisturizing and protective products for daily care and styling. You’ll also need to know how to use the products once their in your hands. That’s exactly what the following infographic, sponsored by Luster Pink, will show you! Formulated with coconut oil and shea butter to give your hair the strength and protection it needs, this is the one line you’ll absolutely want in your hair care and styling repertoire.

Step 1 – Shampoo and Condition Curls

Curl Fact: Healthy hair is sexy! Slay the competition with knockout curls that are gently cleansed, moisturized, and detangled with Pink® Shea Butter Coconut Oil Shampoo. Silky soft curls will benefit more when the paraben-free Pink® Shea Butter Coconut Oil Moisturizing and Silkening Conditioner is used to protect hair from dryness and breakage.

Care Tip: Always use gentle cleansing and conditioning hair care products on natural, relaxed, color-treated and texlaxed hair to bring out hair’s natural brilliance.

Step 2 – Nourish and Moisturize Curls

Curl Fact: Healthy hair is visibly lustrous. Whether in its natural state, wrapped, heat-styled, color treated, or anything in between, hair will absorb the nourishing properties of Pink® Classic Light Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion. Penetrating down to the hair cuticle, this lightweight lotion will strengthen strands with Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil while adding luster.

Care Tip: For added nourishment, apply Pink® Apricot Oil or Jojoba & Grapeseed Oil to curls. Both oils are rich in Vitamin E, naturally-derived moisturizers, and formulated for easy absorption and a non-greasy shine. Also, these oils are gentle on your scalp and skin. 

Step 3 – Glosser and Edge Control

Curl Fact: Healthy hair can’t be denied. When curls are defined, shiny and well cared for, the world notices. Pink® Glosser delivers all of this and much more with its botanical blend of ten natural ingredients. From strengthening Kola Nut to growth-promoting Lemongrass and Wheat Germ Oil, and color-protecting Henna Extract to calming Chamomile. This lightweight Glosser will enrich your curls and your style.

Care Tip: Flyaway edges need to be tamed during the last step of your styling routine. Hold them down all day long with Shea Butter Coconut Oil Edge Smoother Gel. Enriched with Shea Butter, Argon, Castor and Coconut Oils, this lightweight smoothing gel lays down natural, relaxed and color treated hair edges without damaging or breaking fine hairs.

It’s gift giving season–Nikki and Evelyn are at it yet again! Here’s a homemade coco-mint butter. Because nothing beats being ash-free from head to toe in your family Christmas photo. “It smells like New York Peppermint Patty goodness,” Evelyn describes. 

What you will need

• 4 ounces of cocoa butter
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
• 5-10 drops of vanilla essential oil
• 5-10 drops of spearmint essential oil 
• 1 glass container to store the butter in
• Ninja Mini Blender 

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1. Add the cocoa butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil into the blender until it is a thin, milky consistency.

2.  Add the vanilla and spearmint essential oils, and continue blending until it is silky smooth. Add more than 10 drops for a stronger scent.

The active ingredients

Spearmint essential oil contains Mint L-carvone and limonene, which are effective in preventing hair loss and strengthening the current hair strands and follicles. According to researchers from John Wiley & Sons, the flavonoids and menthol in spearmint actively promote the prevention of hirsutism (excessive hair growth”>.

Coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer, with fatty acids that provide hair with a silky, luscious feeling and look. It also lessens the visibility of a flaky scalp that tends to occur in the colder months with drier climates. This ingredient will also keep frizz and flyaways at bay by blocking moisture from entering and swelling the hair shaft.

Jojoba oil is similar in composition to natural scalp sebum, making it great for balancing the pH in hair that is unusually dry. It also provides a protective film over skin and hair shafts to lock moisture in for long periods of time. It can be applied directly to the scalp to trigger cells for regular, healthy and thicker hair growth.

Vanilla essential oil is an ideal temporary split end mender; it also works well to repair brittle hair and improving the feeling of damaged or over-processed hair that has been affected by environmental or styling variables. It penetrates deeply into the hair and skin shafts to provide an intense silky to the touch moisturization.

Make it a gift!

Coco-mint butter makes a great gift for those enjoy having moisturized hair and body with a festive flair, so now is the time to get creative! Evelyn and Nikki suggested decorating their glass jars with ribbon, bows, pom poms, glitter, and gift tags. Have the kiddos help you for a fun family bonding time during this holiday season.

It’s officially protective style season. During the colder months of the year, I enjoy tucking away my curls in braids or twists for a number of reasons. They get a break from my constant manipulation, which involves cocktailing multiple products. In turn, all of the many products piled on my scalp usually induces a more frequent need for co-washes, which may result in limper or over-hydrated curls. 

These three easy, at-home recipes help me keep my scalp free of any build-up and dirt

While my ends can take advantage of the many benefits of a protective style, my scalp is left exposed for the most part (unless I wear a headwrap or hat that day”>. These three easy at-home recipes will help me keep my scalp free of any build-up and dirt caused from environmental factors. Even if you don’t have protective style twists in, these DIYs are great for alleviating excessively dry, itchy scalps that usually happen during the winter time, too. 

Baking Soda Clarifier

• What you need: 8 oz. hot water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda

Directions

1. Mix baking soda with hot water and stir or shake until well dissolved.
2. You can use a funnel and put this in a container like a squirt bottle.
3. Wet hair well, rub in some of the baking soda and mix into your scalp well.
4. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water.
5. Optional: Add some warmed up avocado oil to replenish the lost moisture this recipe might have given you.

Why it works

While you will have to normalize your pH after using baking soda as a clarifier, it is an extremely affordable and accessible option for rinsing your scalp.

Apple Cider Vinegar & Aloe Rinse

• What you need: 4 oz. aloe vera juice, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (ACV”>, 8 oz. distilled water

Directions

1. Heat the juice, ACV, and water over medium heat until it forms a gooey, thick consistency.
2. Remove and let it cool for about an hour (store in the fridge in an airtight bottle to speed up the process”>.
3. Apply the rinse from roots to ends.
4. Gently rub the mixture into your scalp till the water is clear and the residue is gone.
5. Rinse each section in cool to tepid water.

Why I like it 

Another affordable and healthier route, aloe is also extremely soothing to an over-manipulated scalp and rids any inflammation that a tight protective style can sometimes cause me. ACV is also rich in the enzymes that prevent bad bacteria and fungus from forming or thriving in between washes.

Chia Seeds & Rosemary Exfoliator Mask

• What you need: 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 2 cups distilled water, 5 drops of rosemary essential oil, clean empty glass bottle with a cork

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients well.
2. Apply to the scalp.
3. Gently massage with the pads of your fingers in circular motions for about 2 minutes straight.
4. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water.
5.  Optional: Add a teaspoon of warmed avocado oil to restore your scalp if it is dry at this time.

Why it works

Two active benefits in chia seeds, zinc and copper, are known to promote hair growth deep within the follicle. I also like the gentler scrubbing feeling it gives my scalp–as opposed to exfoliating with a harsh sugar that might make my scalp feel even more inflamed.

What do you use to clarify your scalp while your hair is in protective style twists or braids?

Pictured: yours truly (Devri“> by Monique Rodriguez

Introduce yourself.

My name is Giaro Giarratana. At the moment I am located in Amsterdam, and I work as a model, art director and online influencer.

How long have you been wearing your hair naturally curly?

Wow, That’s  a long time already! I think around 7 or 8 years now.

Describe your personal style.

I like to switch from style every now and then but I think you can describe it as quite sophisticated. It has a bit of a rock or bohemian feeling to it; it is kinda hard to describe haha.

What inspires you?

I get inspired by everything I see around me. But I love to get inspired by art. Oh, and the people I love…of course!

What is your curly hair routine?

Depends on the day. The hard thing with curls as the most of you will know is that you can never rely on them haha. Everyday they are different. I like to shower before I go to sleep, add some leave-in conditioner, and put some moisturizing cream in it. When I wake up, I add what needs to be added–depending on how frizzy it is.

How do other men react to your hair?

Both negative and positive. But most of the time positive!

You travel a lot. Any tips for packing light?

I’m not the best at packing light, to be honest. But I recently read an article in which someone said that you should always pack on what you hope will happen on that trip. I think that’s a good one!

How can we keep up with you?

You can follow me on my instagram @GiaroGiarratana. And also, don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube channel–there are some crazy videos coming soon! 

It’s #NoShaveNovember, also called “Movember”–men everywhere are letting their facial hair take control of their faces for the month. If we can help it, bae is going to need these essentials in this easy to make beard oil. Our motto: more sexy, less scruffy.

What is a beard oil?

This blend of essential and vegetable based oils is intended to moisturize the skin underneath where he grows his beard. Vanilla and Cedarwood are the perfect seasonal combination of musk and aroma. If he’s sensitive to either one of those, here’s a list of 6 other essential oils that are perfect for the fall and winter seasons. As always, a carrier oil should be mixed in so that it is safe for topical application. Add some vegetable glycerine to lighten the effects of the oil on sensitive skin. The following recipe is also great as a post-shave oil for underarms and legs!

Moisturizing beard & shave oil

• 1/4 oz Organic Vegetable Glycerine
• 8 drops Vanilla Essential Oil
• 1/2 oz Sweet Almond Oil
• 20 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
• 4 drops of Organic Vitamin E Oil

Directions

Mix all of the above ingredients together and store away in an airtight container.

How to use it

Using a small amount in your palm, rub your hands together to distribute evenly. Use the pads of your fingers to gently massage onto the skin and avoid scratching or irritating freshly shaved skin. Use it immediately after washing, conditioning, shaving, and towel drying his beard or your legs. Apply the oil blend throughout the day if skin starts to feel dry through the elements.

Why it works

Vegetable glycerine is a natural humectant, drawing in moisture from the atmosphere and sealing it in as a protective layer over the essential oils capabilities, while they work deep in the skin. Vanilla and Cedarwood essential oils are natural antiseptics, meaning they reduce the risk of infections and disease-causing microorganisms. Vanilla essential also contains Eugenol and Vanillin Hydroxybenzaldehyde, proven to be effective cancer-fighting components. The Vitamin E and Sweet Almond oils provide skin with the necessary moisturization to maintain elasticity and smoothness while removing impurities. Almond oil gets rid of the daily dirt and residue caused by the environment throughout the day, like dirt, sweat, and pollution.

Try this recipe and let us know how it works for you!

In our Curly Q&A section we receive questions every day asking for advice, but this one caught our eye:

Question

“Frustrated, about to cut off all my curly hair, help. Tired of this and dealing with everything that has to do with curly hair. What should I do?”

Answer

Before I could properly address this question, I needed to ask her a few things:

What is the biggest problem you’re dealing with? What does your everyday routine consist of? (Don’t give up!”>

Her response

1. I wash day every other day
2. I co-wash 3 times a month with a clarifying shampoo
3. I rock mostly wash and gos, and use the LOC method.

My hair seems to have stopped growing–its at shoulder length now. I have ombre red ends and I am tired of the color, but don’t want to recolor. My last color was in May. Right now I have my hair in a bun (this is day 5 hair”> and it is a rat’s nest. I am not looking forward to washing again.

My suggestions

Experiment with products

And it doesn’t have to be a more expensive alternative–stick to your usual budget for hair care but next time, get a different conditioner or clarifying shampoo.

Try a DIY recipe

There are lots of homemades concoctions that are tailored to other things you might not be considering, like porosity (since your ends are colored”>. This can be a cheaper route, too. And depending on the level of recipe, it can be a fun, relaxing personal treat to yourself. Have you tried coconut milk as a cleanser? One word: Heaven. And this is a more moisturizing option to clarifying with a shampoo 3 times a month–that could be a reason why your curls feel like a “rat’s nest”.

Modify your regimen

If the LOC method isn’t working as well as you’d like it to, do the LCO instead. Save your oil for last, and use a different oil. Many 3bs like yourself like argan oil or sweet almond–they are light, won’t weigh your hair down, but add plenty of moisture and sealing properties that will make your wash and go’s last longer. Most importantly, keep your regimen simple. It’s OK to be a lazy natural. Add a curl refresher to your routine, too. It can help you prolong your wash days so that you don’t have to keep washing every other day. That can be extremely drying to your curls, cause them be limp, or be over hydrated (known as hygral fatigue“>.

Rock a different hairstyle

As we enter colder months of the year, now is a great time to try a protective style–Marley twists, crochet braids, or Ghana braids. Wearing a wash and go constantly can get pretty boring and tempt you to want to straighten. The great thing about these styles is that they are low maintenance; sure they take a few hours to install, but if you do it right, they will last a good month or two, which will give you a major break from styling everyday.

Do you have a question for any of the NaturallyCurly editors? Post it here in our Q&A section.

Simple regimens are always the best regimens. They are effortless, less time consuming, and more affordable. 1-2 times a week I detangle, shampoo, deep condition, and wear a wash and go. The entire process takes approximately 1-1.5 hrs. I am satisfied with my regimen, but I will occasionally alternate my products when something grasps my attention. Although I have been able to maintain a proper moisture and protein balance with only damage from rough detangling (I’m impatient”>, I wanted to do something different: use oils. I have fine, low porosity, medium density, 4a strands and so the concept of cocktailing oils or sealing my hair never appealed to me. 

Read more: My Moisturizer Has Oil in It: Is Sealing Necessary?

Every product in my regimen is formulated with oils, so I never thought additional oils were necessary. I feared that adding oils would not make a difference and my fine strands would be left oily. After witnessing how well Naptural85’s and Curly Farrah’s strands flourished with incorporating oil, I decided to try it. Since my shampoos are gentle, a pre-poo was not necessary, so I considered deep conditioning and the LOC method. Here are my results.

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hair Serum

First, let’s address packaging. Packaging is important to me for multiple reasons: contamination, control, and spillage. Oils can go rancid, so it is important that I dispense the product without transferring water or other products into the bottle while in the shower. Since my skin is oily and acne prone, it is important that I can control the product flow when I am using it. Too much oil forces me to discard or use the product, and the latter is likely to drip down my face and back. This nozzle top dispenser is perfect. If I accidently drop the product in the shower, which happens often, I do not have to worry about the product spilling everywhere. The nozzle’s narrow passage requires pressure to dispense, so that adds even more control and less worry about spillage.

Not only is the five-star packaging consumer friendly, but the product is also exceptional. Fine strands usually fall limp to castor oil, but this blend is perfect. Check out the ingredients:

Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower”> Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor”> Seed Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea”> Butter*, Olea Europaea (Olive”> Fruit Oil*, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend”>, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot”> Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint”>, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil *Certified Organic Ingredient 

I apply a quarter-sized amount of oil after I rinsing my shampoo and before saturating my hair with my deep conditioner. This oil provides increased slip and helps products better adsorb to my coils. After I rinsing my hair, my curls feel luscious. Then, I apply the Oyin Handmade Hair Dew, SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hair Serum, and then the As I Am Coil Defining Jelly, which renders the softest wash and go I have ever styled. I think it is too early to notice enhanced shine but the softness is enough to make me a oil convert. This oil is officially in my Holy Grail and will be repurchased.

Follow Nelly (pictured above”> here:

Muse Uniform and Instagram

Is there a product or step in your regimen that you finally tried and love?

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Not every curly haired natural deals with excessive dryness. For some of us, having a greasy scalp is our biggest issue. This hair superfood DIY leave-in/mask will combat an oily scalp.

DIY leave-in conditioner

• 1 lemon 
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 teaspoon fresh aloe vera

How to make the leave-in

1. Mash the banana till it becomes a smooth pasty pulp. Use a strainer to get chunks out of your paste.
2. Squeeze all of the juice out of your lemon and mix your aloe vera into the pulp.
3. Stir around until the ingredients forms a consistent, chunk-free paste.

DIY cleanser

• 8 ounces of distilled water
• a water-based daily conditioner
• your favorite shampoo/cleanser
• rosemary essential oil
• honey

Why it works

Distilled water only contains only oxygen and hydrogen molecules, with a pH level of 7. The absence of minerals, contaminants, and gases makes this purified water ideal for a true scalp cleansing.

Lemon is extremely acidic and has incredible sebum-balancing abilities. Those with an oily scalp can use this as a clarifying astringent to wipe out all build-up.

Aloe vera will balance your scalp’s natural pH, prevents dandruff, and has 20 amino acids for high porosity curlies. It also moisturizes and seals ends with shine.

Bananas and lemon juice work together to add sheen and radiance to dull hair that has experienced chemically processed, color treatment, and heat damage. The high potassium and beta carotene content in bananas make it a great natural conditioner and hair loss fighter.

Rosemary essential oil is an anti-inflammatory and stimulant, meaning that it is great for keeping your oily scalp evenly moisturized but not super dry. And it also increased blood circulation to promote faster hair growth.

Honey is a natural hygroscopic, which means it attracts and retains moisture from the atmosphere. Honey also coats and moisturizes hair, and is known to sooth scalp infections and prevent worse ones from happening. 

How to use it

1. Mix the distilled water with your favorite cleanser.
2. Add 7 to 8 drops of rosemary essential oil to the mixture and stir it up.
3. Wash your hair and follow with a steam treatment to open up the pores in your scalp and encourage better penetration of the ingredients in your leave-in.
4. Rinse hair thoroughly and dry about 80%.
5. Apply the banana paste to your hair and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. 

What do you use for an oily scalp?

Moisturizing conditioners typically increase the moisture content of the hair, improve elasticity and manageability. They work to add and retain moisture in the hair. Now when we talk about your hair needing extra moisture that doesn’t mean oil. Hydration is a main characteristic of water so increasing water really means replenishing water to the hair, and preventing or minimizing its escape into the surrounding environment. So anything that is going to help improve water retention in the hair is ideal for dry textured hair. There are many ingredients that will help and emollients and oils are among them. Additionally, using oils in conditioners can help nourish the scalp.

Anything that is going to help improve water retention in the hair is ideal for dry textured hair

There are several opinions about which oils are best for hair and it’s really up to you which oils will work best for your hair. However, there are some oils that seem to work better than others. Oils with low molecular weights or shorter fatty acid chains can penetrate the hair cuticle. These oils include: 

• coconut oil
• murumuru butter
• babassu oil

Other oils may be too long to penetrate into the cuticle, and sit on top of the hair coating it increasing slip, improving softness and manageability, and adding shine to the hair. All of these benefits can remain even when the conditioner is rinsed from the hair. These oils are good for sealing versus moisturizing. They include:

• Jamaican black castor oil
• grapeseed oil
• jojoba

For dry hair, oils are important for another reason. Porosity is a key factor in the ability of your hair to maintain moisture. The more porous your hair is the more water it can absorb. Seems like a great thing but there is a flip side to this – it will lose a lot of moisture over time as well. Overly porous hair can be corrected with specific steps. Additionally, conditioners that contain oils can help seal moisture into the hair strand better than those without and this is important for helping to keep moisture in the hair.

Coconut oil versus shea butter

The two oils that are commonly used are coconut oil and Shea butter. Coconut oil is fantastic and there is a lot of science behind its benefits to the hair. Some people have expressed that their often feels drier and tangled from coconut oil and The Natural Haven has this comment to make about this experience:

“The straw like feel some people find with coconut oil is usually related to using too much product because coconut oil is not as viscous as other oils . Hardening of the hair is related usually to temperature because coconut oil solidifies at a fairly low temperature so a cold winter breeze can stiffen hair very fast.”

I personally have no issues with using coconut oil in my hair, especially when it’s used with other conditioning ingredients in a formula. My hair is extremely soft, flexible and moisturized. If you’ve played around with coconut oil and have found no benefit to your hair then leave it out or try fractionated coconut oil instead. It’s coconut oil that’s had a number of fatty chains removed resulting in a very light weight oil that still offers great moisture to the hair.

Shea butter helps to moisturize your scalp. It may be able to penetrate the hair shaft to offer moisturizing and can create a light occlusive layer to prevent further damage. It also contains allantoin that will help with reducing inflammation and increasing cell regeneration on your scalp.

The key to using conditioners with oils is really knowing why they are in the product and how they will benefit your hair. They are there to improve the condition of your hair, not make it worse.

This article was written by Susan Walker of Earthtones Naturals and published on CurlyNikki.

Follow Cyn (pictured above”> here:

Addicted2Etsy and Instagram

How do using conditioners with oils affect your hair? Do you love them or loathe them? 

Ebony is a radio host and curly hair vlogger, and we wanted to know – how does she detangle all of her hair? We were thrilled that she exclusively shared her tips with us on detangling long, curly hair. Subscribe to her channel, Ebony’s Curly TV and follow her on Instagram @EbSweetz for more of her long hair inspiration and tips.

 

Hey, y’all! I’m back with another video.

This time, I am showing you how I detangle my long, curly hair. I just took out my Senegalese twists, so my curls are still separated right now.

This is what I use:

• spray bottle filled with water
• wide tooth comb
• 100% pure, unrefined coconut oil
• optional: Denman brush

Rule of thumb for those with long hair like me: Don’t try to work on your whole head at once. I like to part my hair into sections so it is not as overwhelming. I start with the back, working my way to the front sections.

Before detangling, I wet a section thoroughly with my spray bottle. Detangling dry hair leads to weak hair which causes breakage and split ends. I work from the bottom up, NOT the roots down.

Once I finish detangling each section, I create a large flat twist. That way, when I get in the shower and wash my hair, it won’t re-tangle.

• How to flat twist: Take a smaller section from the section you are twisting, split it in half, and twist it down normally. Every time you take one strand and wrap it around the other, take a little bit of loose hair to bring it into the second strand.

If I find my hair is really tangled, I use a little bit of conditioner or coconut oil to make it slippery and easier. Start from the bottom and work your way up, do not start at the root. I continue the same routine for my remaining sections using a wide-tooth comb on dampened hair. If you prefer to use something to detangle further, use a Denman Brush at this point in the process.

At the end, I have 10 to 12 long flat twists/braids that are thoroughly detangled and ready to be washed!

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. Thanks for watching!

Do you want to create an all-natural hair gel that is free of any damaging alcohols, silicone, and reminds you of pure paradise? NaturallyCurly’s Social Media Manager, Evelyn, shows us this easy-to-follow recipe that doesn’t require much room, steps, and most importantly–money.

Ingredients

• Flax seeds (golden variety”>: A natural wonder for strengthening the hair because of its concentrated sources of the good fat, omega-3, according to USDA Nutrient Database and Medical News Today. It also gives ample hold, perfect for a gel.
• Aloe vera gel: The Natural Standard Research Collaboration for Mayo Clinic says aloe vera is effective in curing scalp conditions like seborrhea and dandruff. It also has natural slip and moisture. It enhances naturally curly hair texture, too.
• measuring cup
• stocking
• resealable container or bottle

These are optional…

• Almond oil: This oil is ideal for adding natural shine, softness to hair while providing it with natural UV protection, according to Natural Living Ideas 
• Sweet orange essential oil: It is affordable, with a strong, fragrance that lasts and is super concentrated, according to Aroma Web.

Directions

1. Boil 1/4 cup Flax Seeds in 2 cups of water. In 15 minutes, it should look gooey and become a thicker viscosity.

2. Place the stocking inside the container and wrap it around the rim. This will help you strain the seeds.

3. Pour the mix into the stocking to separate and strain the seeds from the gel. 

How to add the optional ingredients

1. Add 4 tablespoons of Aloe Vera for pH balance and moisture, a few drops of sweet almond oil for more slip and shine, a few drops of sweet orange oil for fragrance and softness. Only put it in the mix once it is cool, NOT hot.

1. Pour into your reusable container. Don’t contaminate it with your hands–only use what you need. This batch is good for 2 to 3 weeks, so use it every day.

Watch the video

A bad haircut is like a bad relationship — we’ve all experienced at least one and we know we don’t want to go there again. No doubt, you’ve learned not to jump into a relationship with someone you don’t know. So why would you hop in the chair of a stylist without a clue — and then expect a great haircut — especially if you have curls or kinks?

Finding the right stylist (just like finding that significant other!”> is a slow, steady process that requires work, patience and a whole lot of communication. Here, we turn to the experts for the best clues to finding the right match for your curly mane. Expert stylists, such as Christo, spend lots of time with each client. Clients should never feel bullied into radical changes, says Jonathan Torch of Toronto’s Curly Hair Institute.

Find a matchmaker

Lorraine Massey of New York’s Devachan Salon says “If you see a curly girl and you love her hair, don’t hesitate to run up to her and ask her where she gets her hair cut. She’ll be more than happy to tell you because she likes to spread the curl love. Curlies also spread the word on the CurlSalons, where you can read (and post”> reviews of salons and stylists across the world.” 

Ask for a curl specialist

Ethan Shaw of Anne Kelso Salon in Austin tells us “If you call a salon and ask who specializes in curly hair, and their response is that everybody at the salon is a curl specialist, that is likely a red flag.” Lorraine Massey agrees, saying that “In reality, there may be one or two people at a salon who have really studied curly hair. What I hear is that when the client gets there, there’s a girl there that says she has curly hair but prefers to blow it straight,” Massey says. “That’s a red flag. Do not let anyone into your garden unless they love it as much as you do.”

Schedule a consultation

Beth Abroms, Owner of Fiddelheads Salon in Washington shares that “it shouldn’t cost anything to just speak with a stylist for 10 to 15 min. or maybe all of $10 to $20 for somebody who charges because they do a lot of consultations.” And don’t feel obligated to get a haircut just because you had a consultation, “When you sit in that chair for a consultation, you have no obligation to get a haircut the same day” says Christo,  Global Artistic Director of New York’s Christo Fifth Avenue Salon.

Look at the stylist’s hair

“That’s a big consideration — looking at the hairdresser’s hair who’s cutting your hair. It’s mandatory that every day their hair looks good. How else do you teach people to look after their hair, if you’re not going to be looking after your own hair? You can always ask what type of scissor the hairdresser uses. Is it Japanese or German? They’re always the best quality. A razor in naturally curly hair is the equivalent of taking a match to the ends of your hair. Ask about the curly products they have” says Lorraine Massey. 

Watch out for the heat tools

If you have been to a hair salon, then it is highly likely you’ve been faced with a flat iron. If you want to straighten your hair that’s fine, but if not, feel empowered to speak up. “You’re going to see [the flat iron] because it’s rampant in our industry. They’re almost surgically attached to their hands. But what the curly girl has to understand is that the hairdresser is seeing her, not the lady next to her, not the lady in the magazine. You just tell them ‘This is what my hair does, and I don’t want to be anything other than myself.’ You can make that clear and see how the hair dresser reacts. It is your hair, after all! The salon can be odd, but the stylist can be amazing. Some work individually and they can just have their own little bubble” says Massey. And “if they bring the blow-fryer out, don’t be a shrinking violet.” Massey recommends saying “‘Excuse me, I’m naturally curly and would you mind me leaving with my hair natural today? This is how I wear it.’”

Ask the right questions

Christo recommends asking “How can I manage my curls? How can I get my hair to feel or look healthier? How can I cut my hair without looking like it has too much volume? I would like to take some bulkiness from the bottom layer of my hair without thinning the hair out. How can I do that? Well, that can be done with the correct frame around the face.” And if you don’t know what to ask, just bring pictures. “No matter how great the style, if you are not ready for the change it will not be successful. Our experience has shown that some clients don’t know exactly what they want, but they do know what they don’t want in a style. Pictures can help bridge the gap in communication during the consultation” says Jonathan Torch of Toronto’s Curly Hair Institute.

Listen for buzzwords

“If you hear the word ‘layers’ in the first sentence, then I suggest you walk out of the salon politely. Or if the stylist says, ‘I think we should thin your hair out because you have a lot of hair,’ those words will probably cause a terrible haircut at the end of the day. If you don’t understand, ask them. They may say, ‘Let’s de-volumize’ the hair.’ Then, you say, ‘It sounds very attractive. But can you explain to me how you’re going to do that?’ It’s very important for you to know what you’re getting done” says Christo.

Ask if they cut wet or dry

“It’s really important that you look at the hair at its resting point when the hairdresser sees you. When it’s wet, you would never see the different formations of each curl and they’re all completely unique — some are tiny, some are looser. If you pull them down together when they’re wet, they may look the same length. But when they dry, curls recede at different lengths. You can say, ‘Let me just point some things out. Please listen. I’m going to pull this curl right now, and see how much it springs? And these curls are looser on this side also Show them the different personalities of your hair. Cut the length dry. Cut the area around the face dry. Cut the top layer dry. You can see exactly where you’re pinpointing the length. Then, if you must, cleanse the hair and use those points of references as your landmarks. You don’t go past those points” says Lorraine Massey.

Be demanding

Massey says “It breaks my heart. A lot of people are truly ignoring the needs of the curly girl. We’re a totally misunderstood, misinterpreted hair type — still! Even if you just say, ‘Okay, maybe I won’t get a cut from you today. But if you ever do get someone who is educated in curly hair, please call me because I would love to come to her. Then the salon will think, ‘Oh, we better start getting savvy here with these curly girls because they’re becoming very demanding.’ We should be demanding. It’s time, and we can only do it as a curl-lective!” 

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This post was originally published in 2006 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.

Limp, dull texture that falls flat is not a hair issue reserved to only straight and wavy-haired people. Type 4 coily natural hair also deals with a lack of luster due to a number of factors–typically from using products packed with silicone, bad alcohol, sulfates, and other harsh ingredients that strip the scalp and roughen the cuticle. If this sounds like you, it may be time to try what naturals call the “Ethiopian Hair Secret.” The great thing about treatment is that it is fairly easy to follow and inexpensive–you can do it right in your dorm room.

According to Sarah Bridge of The Daily Mail, slathering butter on hair and scalp started as a wedding tradition for a number of Ethiopian tribes like the Afar, Borana, and Hamar. The men adorn their nature-given crowns with ‘asdago’ afro styles. It serves as a way to “protect their scalp from the sun, keep their afros and dreadlocks in place,” and is seen as a blessing. Sometimes, other men will spit atop the head to add their blessing to the newlywed couple.

Many Ethiopian tribes slather butter onto their hair and scalp, protecting it from the sun–and to bless themselves during their wedding.

The Desi Dossier says she first heard about this on-the-hush hair treatment from a friend who would travel to Ethiopia and get them there, “where home made clarified butter (ghee”> is applied to hair and leaves hair really healthy.”

What You Need

• A lump of unsalted butter (use organic if you can, I didn’t have any”>
• A saucepan
• A closeable container 

1. Cut the butter into cubes and put in the saucepan on a low heat until it melts.

2. The butter will start melting, boiling, and separating into a foamy layer and a golden one.

3. Begin skimming the foamy one with a spoon.

4. Once you remove the foamy, white layer completely, strain the golden liquid through a metal sieve.

5. Let the butter cool for a few hours before using it for the first time.

Use a spoon to scoop the butter out in the future (so you do not contaminate the jar”>. Before using, warm your amount up and then apply to your hair for super penetration. Store away in the fridge and use as needed. Keep this batch for 3 to 4 weeks before making another one. 

You rely on it every day to sterilize your household items in the kitchen and bathroom. You use it in your tea for a sore throat, and on a wound to speed up the healing process while providing a clean protective layer. But have you started using lemon essential oil in your hair? You should.

Lemon juice contains 5 to 6 percent citric acid and has a low pH balance, meaning it is considered the perfect all-natural antibacterial agent.

First discovered in the Mediterranean regions of Spain and Portugal, lemon oil has a long valued history in its herbal and medicinal contributions throughout the world and even still today. Sustainable Baby Steps says “it requires about 3,000 lemons to make one kilo of lemon essential oil (Citrus limon“>.” So, while this essential oil is widely popular and attainable at most health, beauty, and natural food store, it is still precious and deemed highly valuable in its benefits.

What does it do?

Balance sebum production

For oily skin and scalp, lemon oil works to balance out their extra sebum production. Add four drops to wet hands and massage it through your hair on wet, not soaking hair after every co-wash. It will, over time, reduce your need to use a shampoo as frequently.

Antiseptic

Lemon is also a well-known antiseptic that effectively disinfects minor cuts and wounds in the scalp you may not even knew you had. According to Uncle Harry’s, “the oil has many different properties, one of the most important being its ability to activate the white corpuscles that defend the body against any infection.” Did you just take down a protective style that may have agitated your follicles? Use some lemon essential oil to rejuvenate your scalp back to normal.

Aromatherapeutic effects

If you tend to do your wash routine in the mornings, lemon essential oil is a great addition. It will wake up your body and mind with its potent, fresh scent.

Products with lemon oil

Lemon oil works on literally every hair type–from straight to coily, and from dry to oily. Here are some products that will help you get your lemon fix.

Aubrey Organics Biotin Repair Scalp Tonic

This treatment is packed with a long list of beneficial ingredients that provide the vital nutrients a scalp needs for healthier hair growth. It contains growth encouraging biotin, nourishing nettle extract, and smoothing burdock root.

Kiehl`s Olive Fruit Oil Nourishing Conditioner

If you are looking for a conditioner that will make hair feel thicker, shinier, and more luscious, this is it. Made with olive fruit and avocado oils, it provides necessary protein that helps fine hair feel fuller and look more vibrant.

Jane Carter Solution Hair Nourishing Serum

Why not get multiple citrus essential oil benefits in one bottle? This lightweight stimulating scalp serum fills the cortex of each follicles with important vitamins that will restore damaged, dry hair.

Desert Essence Organics Hair Care Shampoo

This gentle cleansing shampoo also contains Leptospermum Petersonii Oil, which falls into the tea tree oil category. Together, this and lemon oil provide nourishment to an inflamed, itchy scalp and soothe hair.

Have you used lemon essential oil on your hair yet?

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Curly hair specialist Melanie Nickels is founder and president of Naples, Florida based salon and product lines Raw Hair Organics, Inc. She is also founder and president of Melanie A. Nickels Nutz & Boltz Foundation and has been working as a stylist for over 18 years, and working in the organic salon business since 2007.  

When did becoming a curly hair specialist become a passion of yours? 

I have always had an interest in curly hair since I am a curly girl, but I really started taking it seriously in 2009 when I started training in curly hair. I was hearing about specialty cutting techniques for curly hair and that just made sense to me.

You have a product line called Raw Curls. What makes this line necessary for people with curly hair?

The 2 most important things for curly hair are the right cut and the right products. Raw Curls products are perfect for curly textures because they are gentle, moisturizing, and pure. My products deliver outstanding results using organic ingredients that leave the hair healthy, shiny, and frizz-free. I tell my clients that using  Raw Curls products is like taking supplements for the hair and scalp.

You also have a pet care line. 

We actually put the pet line on hold to launch the Raw Curls, which I feel was a good decision. We are hoping to bring the pet line out in the near future.

What is the biggest mistake you often find yourself correcting on your clients’ hair? 

When new curly clients come to me the thing I see a lot of is what I have termed the “jellyfish.”  This is when there is a big shelf in the hair like a bushy triangle or mushroom, and then stringy dangles that hang down (pictured above”>. Also, I see a lot of stripy over-highlighted hair.

What’s the biggest piece of advice you wish you could tell every curly out there? 

Spend money on your hair–you wear it everyday! It is so worth paying for a truly specialized curly cut and great professional products that are healthy for you and your hair.

How can we keep up with you online and book an appointment?

In my opinion, your shampoo may be the most important product in your arsenal. I say that because a good shampoo keeps your scalp healthy (which means better hair growth”> and makes your hair easier to comb. A bad shampoo will lead to drier hair, scalp irritation, and unstoppable frizz. Your shampoo is truly the first step to smooth, manageable hair. You need a good shampoo in your life!

The best shampoos contain:

• Sulfate-free cleansers to prevent excessive dryness and scalp irritation
• Cationic ingredients to condition your hair while you cleanse
• pH adjusters to balance the pH of the shampoo and prevent unnecessary cuticle damage to your hair

Sulfate-free Cleansers

Have you noticed all the “sulfate-free” shampoos popping up? It sounds like classic marketing hype, but there are a few good reasons to avoid sulfate-based cleansers. Every cleansing product, whether it’s shampoo, dish soap or laundry detergent, contains surfactants. Surfactants are the ingredients that allow oil to be dissolved from a dirty surface. If you put dish soap on a pot and leave it to soak, you’re waiting for the surfactants in your dish soap to break up the grease left from your food. Sulfate-based surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate have been used in shampoo for many years, but current scientific research has found them to be significantly irritating for the scalp and drying to the hair.

Does that mean your hair will drastically change if you use a “sulfate-free shampoo”? Probably not. Most women are using sulfate-based shampoos because that’s the majority of what’s on the market. Even if a shampoo contains sulfates it can still be formulated to work well for your hair. However, I want you to have the most up to date information and the reality is there are better options for cleansing our naturally dry strands. To find the gentlest shampoos, look for products that contain at least one of the surfactants listed below in the top 5.

Gentle surfactants to look for

• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
• Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
• Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate

Harsh/Drying surfactants to skip

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
• Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
• Sodium Myreth Sulfate
• Saponified Oils 
• Soap

Conditioners and Cationics

You should condition your hair at every step of your routine…during cleansing, after cleansing, and before styling. It probably seems like shampoo can’t cleanse and condition at the same time, but cosmetic chemistry makes it possible. You know how clothes get stuck together in the dryer and they make a popping sound when you pull them apart? That happens because of something called static charge. Curls and coils naturally have a negative charge that causes constant frizz and fly aways. You can make your hair smoother and easier to comb by choosing a shampoo that contains positively charged conditioning ingredients called “cationics”. The ingredients listed below spread over your hair while you lather the shampoo and they stay locked to your strands while dirt and product residue rinse away. The cationic ingredients in your shampoo will increase the effects of your conditioner.

Cationics to look for in your shampoo (the more the better”>:

• Amodimethicone

• Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

• Polyquaternium-7

• Polyquaternium-10

• Polyquaternium-11

• Polyquaternium-44

• Polyquaternium-47

pH Adjusters

Is your shampoo pH-balanced? Chances are it is, but does that really matter? The answer is actually yes! The pH value of a liquid tells you whether it’s an acid (like orange juice”> or a base (like baking soda mixed with water”>. pH values below 7 are acids, values above 7 are bases. Skin and hair are made of keratin proteins and all types of protein are sensitive to pH. Our skin and hair can better maintain their natural strength when they are kept at acidic pH values between 4.5 and 6.5. Manufacturers don’t make shampoos with pH values below 4.5, but there are a few shampoos out there that are above 7. When the shampoo is basic instead of acidic, the outer cuticle of your hair will swell excessively when you lather up. When your hair dries later, you’ll be left with the kind of volume you don’t like…stubborn frizz and tangles. Shampoos that are pH balanced help the cuticle resist unnecessary swelling. 

Most shampoos sold at drugstores and beauty supplies will be pH balanced. It’s standard practice for manufacturers to add pH adjusters to shampoo. If you’d like to test the pH of your product at home, I recommend Micro Essentials pHydrion plastic pH indicator strips.

Recommended Shampoos

All of these shampoos are sulfate-free and safe for color-treated hair.

L’Oreal EverCreme Intense Nourishing Shampoo

$7 for 8.5 oz, available at drugstores

You can’t beat the price of this shampoo for the quality. A very small amount of product produces a rich, easy to spread lather. Make sure to look for the word “Intense” on the label.

Giovanni Colorflage Daily Color Defense Shampoo

$9 for 8.5 oz, available at Vitamin Shoppe and Amazon.com

This shampoo contains “copolymers” which help hair dye last longer.

Free Your Mane Sulfate Free Hydrating Shampoo

$16 for 10.14 oz, available at FreeYourMane.com

Free Your Mane products were designed with Type 4 natural hair in mind. This shampoo lathers quickly and contains a high level of conditioners. 

Carol’s Daughter Chocolat Smoothing Shampoo

$18 for 8.5 oz.Available at Sephora and CarolsDaughter.com

The Chocolat Smoothing Shampoo is the newest and best shampoo in the Carol’s Daughter line. It’s similar to the L’Oreal EverCreme shampoo, but it contains more conditioning ingredients.

CURLS Curliscious Curls Cleansing Cream

$15 for 8 oz.Available at Target, Sally Beauty, and Curls.biz

This cleansing cream is the best choice for those who prefer to wash daily because it contains very mild cleansers. It’s definitely worth trying if co-washing doesn’t agree with your scalp.

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This article was originally written by chemist Nicole Harmon and published on CurlyNikki.

Whether you are a seasoned natural veteran or a newbie who just had her big chop, chances are you have come across an abundance of information regarding all of the important factors that make for a healthy natural hair journey.

Has ‘amino acids’ come across on your screen once or twice? You know you should pay attention to these nutrients, but not quite sure why. Well, here’s the breakdown on why they are important to your overall health and hair regimen.

Amino acids are completely natural micronutrients, which have significant benefits such as supporting hair growth. They are your body’s protein building blocks.

According to the doctors at AminoAcidStudies.org, “Amino acids are completely natural micronutrients, which have very significant benefits such as supporting hair growth, maintaining cartilage in joints (treating arthritis”>, improving circulation, immunity, and others…”

Your skin needs them

Studies have shown that amino acids through supplements and topical beauty products can lead to an even complexion, improve the appearance–wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots, stretch marks, and more.

There are 4 major amino acids for skin care:

1. Proline
2. Glycine
3. Leucine
4. Lysine

Together, they work together to provide antioxidant powers to strengthen the skin and also act as an exfoliant to boost moisture retention on the newer layer of skin underneath your Epidermis (the outer layer”>. Your other layers Subcutaneous, and Dermis equally benefit from amino acids for protecting them from potentially harmful environmental factors. Because of this, amino acids are used in various anti-aging products. Love to Know says they might trump the popular ‘alpha hydroxy system’ in effectiveness when it comes to smoothing skin and improving an even tone. Right now, there are 2 trending amino acid treatments: AFA (Acid Filaggrin Antioxidants”> and Amino Genesis. 

The skin conditions that see improvement from products with high amino acid content:

• Rosacea
• Psoriasis
• Chronic Dermatitis

Your body needs them

Amino acids can be incorporated into your diet to reap the benefits of them, as well. Leafy greens, fish, nuts, beans, and soy are all rich in the above amino acids, which have been proven to improve your immune system, ease the pain of those with Fibromyalgia, and even your body’s natural sleep pattern. According to a study by University of Arizona’s biochemistry department, your body produces 10 out of 20 amino acids. The other 10 must be supplied by food.

We produce these 10 amino acids:

1. Alanine
2. Asparagine
3. Aspartic acid
4. Cysteine
5. Glutamic acid
6. Glutamine
7. Glycine
8. Proline
9. Serine
10. Tyrosine

We need food for these amino acids:

1. Arginine
2. Histidine
3. Isoleucine
4. Leucine
5. Lysine
6. Methionine
7. Phenylalanine
8. Threonine
9. Tryptophan
10. Valine

Your hair needs them

Amino acids are your building blocks of protein. The 3 layers of your skin, cuticle, cortex, and medulla, need amino acids for a number of things. L-lysine positively affects the synthesis of collagen in hair, which improves elasticity–this means bouncier curls for you. It also reduces daily hair loss and thinning–specifically, androgenic alopecia.

The following dietary and supplemental amino acid treatment serums can be found in your local natural grocery store:

• NOW Foods Amino Complete Caps
• Bragg Liquid Aminos
• BSN Amino X- Watermelon
• Vitacost L-Lysine Capsules

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You can also get your amino acid fix with these hair products: