Search Results: Alexandra Wilson
Growing up there were very few women I saw on television that looked like me, except for Tracee Ellis Ross on one of my favorite tv shows, Girlfriends and Tia and Tamera on Sister Sister. Thankfully, as the natural hair movement progressed, slowly the perception of beauty and how women were portrayed in media shifted as well.
In case you missed it, Tracee Ellis Ross broke the internet earlier this week with her major announcement about launching a natural haircare collection, Pattern, specifically for curly, coily, and tightly textured hair. The haircare collection will include a shampoo, three different kinds of conditioner (Medium, Heavy, and Intense”>,Leave in Condtioner ($9-25″> , two hair oil serums ($25″>, a wet brush ($17″>, clip to hold your hair in place ($10″>, and a microfiber towel ($19″> — basically, everything you need on wash day to ensure you have a flawless wash day that can make it through the week. In addition to its affordability, Pattern also offers its shampoo and conditioners in different sizes — that means three, 13, and jumbo 29-ounce conditioners, y’all. Prices start at $9 for 3-ounce bottles of the shampoo, conditioners, and leave-in, and peak at $42 for a 29-ounce bottle.
To kick off New York Fashion Week, she invited me and a group of beauty editors into her beautifully branded Pattern penthouse shower suite for a memorable wash day experience. Y’all, I literally showered with Tracee. Ellis. Ross. This still seems like a dream, but it was most certainly a very real, intimate and of course funny experience. Tracee was everything I ever imagined and so much more. Her vibrant energy, witty personality and humble spirit filled the room as she demonstrated her new line of Pattern products step by step and shared her journey and inspiration for the line.
“The goal is to give people access to their best curls in the bathroom,” she explained. The shower is where she says she gets her best curls, so she made sure in playing with the formulations that the products could give the slip, hydration, and definition highly-textured hair needs before styling. “I don’t believe that people should have to be dependent on a professional to feel their most beautiful and for their hair to be healthy.”
Wash Day Tips from Tracee Ellis Ross
She also shared a few key tips to getting the most out your curls such as using the squish to condish method when applying conditioner and leave-in be sure you get as much moisture into your hair shaft. Grab a wet brush and detangle your hair in the shower to clump your curls for maximum definition. Rinse out conditioner fully with cool low water pressure to lock in moisture and avoid frizz. While in the shower, apply leave-in conditioner using the squish to condish method. Flip head over to seprate curls, squish in leave-in, but do not rake. Then, squeeze out any excess water and dry with a microfiber towel.
Tips to Refresh Curls
She recommended to mix her leave-in conditioner with the jojoba oil to strecth wash day and pineapple at night.
Thank you Tracee for reminding us the power of natural beauty and honoring our history with your brilliance. You have officially changed the natural hair game for the better and I can’t to get my hands on your new line, Pattern.
You can purchase the new collection on Sept.9th on her website Pattern and Sept.22nd at Ulta Beauty.
Will you be trying her new collection? Let us know your first impressions in the comments.
Global Hair Stylist and Educator, Vernon Francois, is taking the curly world by storm with his eye catching natural hair styles and innovative hair care line that is now sold exclusively at Sally Beauty. In case you’re not familiar with his work, the internationally-acclaimed celebrity stylist has slayed a few leading ladies such as Serena Williams, Amandla Stenberg, Elaine Welteroth and Lupita Nyongo to name a few. Not only is he changing the game for women we love and admire on the big screen, but he champions the incredible versatility of textured hair and his prestige brand of hair care and styling products is for ALL hair types. Vernon’s mission is to connect with all generations showing them the strength and versatility of their hair’s true texture – with the right tools and knowledge for every step of their hair journey.
Vernon Francois Relaunch with Sally Beauty
Sally Beauty is the new home for my home hair care line, designed by me for all hair textures; kinky, curly, coily, wavy, braids and locs. This new partnership means that my brand, the VERNON FRANÇOIS® Collection, will be available exclusively Sally Beauty stores in all major towns and cities in the U.S.A. and at SallyBeauty.com. I’m still pinching myself. Our partnership is a particularly major moment for me, on a personal level, because I remember feeling like I was at home in Sally Beauty in London when I was a teenager. If you’d have told me back then that this is where we’d be now, I wouldn’t have believed it.
I’m constantly striving to be as clean, green and innovative as possible, so I made some tweaks ahead of this relaunch. As well as the highest quality ingredients and the spray technology on the rinse-out conditioners that we’re known for, all products are now vegan, silicone-free and the fragrance has been adjusted. The whole collection is still free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, DEA, dye and cruelty, and the price point is lower as we’re now manufacturing in the U.S.A. Each of the signature formulas is designed to enhance not suppress kinks, coils, curls and waves.
Resetting Hair Expectations and Debunking Natural Hair Myths
One of the fundamental parts of my life’s work is to get people to love and embrace the hair that grows out of their head. Yes, you may fancy a blow out or want to play with your look by coloring it or styling it differently, but first and foremost, know that the hair you already have is beautiful and is good enough. I am working to reset hair expectations and debunk hair myths via three things: language, education and visibility.
Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/B0l0vnKFfou/
Firstly, language. Words are powerful and choosing positive or negative ones will set the tone for whatever is being talked about, including how we feel about and approach our hair. For too long kinks, curls, coils and waves have been described as a problem to be solved. From product labels, to captions in magazines, to comments made by hair stylists, words like “tame”, “manage”, “calm”, “unruly”, “demanding” create the vibe of a battle going on with these textures. We’re told to “eliminate” frizz and that humidity is the enemy.
I heard a model comment recently that she deliberately avoids “frizz taming” products because her hair’s fluffy texture adds volume, which is part of her signature style that she loves. And humidity is essentially moisture, which most hair craves. Yes, it may make your hair bigger, but why is that a problem? We need to work with instead of against what’s happening, use positive words and increase visibility to show that beauty comes in many different forms.
Along the way, I’ve come to realize that the idea of banishing frizz is at odds with my whole philosophy of embracing what you have and not trying to change it, so the label had to change. My CURL~ range now says “frizz love” on the packaging.
Another area that I’d like to explore more in the future is gray hair, which a lot of women choose to color and describe using words like “old” or “embarrassing”. Let’s reframe gray to signify “personal growth”, “experience” and nothing to be ashamed of.
Image: Vernon Francois
Most often, people who connect hair with negative words aren’t aware that they are doing this, so there’s a need for education. Education plays a massive part in my work to debunk hair myths, which is why I created the Learn section of my website. People contact me every day feeling that their true texture is not good enough, that it needs managing or changing, and l help them to navigate the best tools, products and practices towards a positive relationship with their hair.
Then, there are parents who have a fear of managing their children’s hair, which may be different from their own texture, who I will educate about detangling using fingertips in a way that’s completely pain-free. The whole process transforms into a precious bonding experience which is amazing to witness.
There is also an educational need among decision-makers who influence what we see and hear in the world around us. Particularly if such people are not representative of the consumers they are speaking to, raising issues of conscious or unconscious bias.
Finally, visibility. I work to debunk hair myths by showing how versatile and stunning all hair textures can be, no matter the culture, age or gender, in every visible space that I have access to. On social media, on my television appearances, in the salon, at beauty conventions, even on the street I have no hesitation in telling someone how fabulous their hair is and getting into a curl conversation about it. I’ll also give credit to artistic, cultural and historical influences within the conversations that we’re having and in describing the looks that I create, which links back to education. The more visible all textures are in the digital and real world, on my own platforms and beyond, the more we can all see, celebrate and get excited by the unlimited potential of hair’s true texture.
Image: Vernon Francois
Fall hair trends to expect
With the CROWN Act in California and New York state legislation banning hair discrimination, I think that into fall we’ll see more people showing the confidence to embrace their hair’s true texture. This might be more than a trend, it’s probably a watershed moment. We’re now operating from a space where people are trying to embrace the texture that they have and are rethinking what hairstyles complement them. Individuality will shine this season as more people experiment, and I expect to see kinky and coily hair textures getting creative with the likes of twists, cornrows and box braids.
Image: Destinee Arnold
Earlier this year, history was made in the pageant world when three black women were each crowned, for the following titles including Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, and Miss America. While some may not feel it’s a big deal, it shows the progress we’ve made as a country on showing the multifaceted faces of beauty and importance of representation and how we’re redefining beauty standards. Especially for the two winners, Cheslie Kryst and Kaliegh Garris, that flaunted their natural curls for the entire world to see the beauty of naturally curly hair.
Another curly girl who is striving to leave her mark by rocking her beautiful curls is, Destinee Arnold. She is 26 years old from Roaring Creek, Belize. Destinee Graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from California State University Fullerton and currently works in the insurance industry. She is passionate about community service having worked with eating disorder centers, the love foundation and even traveled to Cambodia on a mission. Destinee is a pageant veteran who won the Miss Costa Maya pageant before and represented Belize at the Miss International pageant in Japan. Keep reading to find out more about her journey to embracing her natural hair and represent Belize to leave a legacy of love.
Image: Destinee Arnold
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I remember when I was growing up, my uncle always asked me to promise I will never cut my hair. He was the first person that turned my attention to the importance of nourishing and valuing my crown. It made the days of me sitting between my mother’s legs as multiple combs and hair bands broke, a little more purposeful. The battle of learning how to take care of my hair was ongoing, starting in 3rd grade when my mom made me responsible for my hair care. I remember it being so thick that I didn’t know how to put it in a ponytail. My coined hairstyle was two pigtails until I reached middle school when my friends taught me how to do a slick ponytail. Overall, I didn’t know how to truly care for my hair until I was a young adult. I’ve never had a disdain for my texture, I loved my curls. However, I didn’t know the damage I caused by using harmful products until the natural hair movement began.
“The elegance of who I am as a person exudes despite how I wear my hair.”
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I entered the international pageant stage at the age of 19 years old. In order to appear older, I was instructed to dye my hair blonde. The combination of heat styling and coloring my hair caused immense damage. My curls completely dropped beyond repair. The naturally curly movement began to gain traction and I noticed how multiple people were able to transform their curls. I started to accept that I did not need to alter my hair in order to appear older or elegant. The elegance of who I am as a person exudes despite how I wear my hair.
Image: Destinee Arnold
Have you felt any pressure to straighten your hair?
Overall I have received more encouragement to wear my hair natural than suggestions to straighten it. A part of being confidently beautiful for me is to display my natural hair with pride. With that said, I continue to stand firm and refuse to waiver by altering my texture during the competition.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I currently deep condition my hair weekly with Eden Body Works. My hair is protein sensitive so I only use a protein treatment once a month. Camille Rose’s shampoo, conditioner, and cleansing rinse are my favorites for wash day. In order to maintain the health of my hair, I scalp massage with Righteous Roots hair oil 3 times a week. In addition, I lightly coat my ends throughout the week to maintain moisture. My favorite leave-in conditioners are SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Bounce Curl Moisture Balance, and Curls Blueberry Bliss. I do not utilize a lot of gel, but when I do, Curls Blueberry Bliss is my favorite light hold.
What inspired you to run for Miss Universe Belize? Why is it important to you?
I grew up knowing that carrying my Belizean pride was mandatory. It has always been my honor to share the beauty of Belize with everyone I come across. As a little girl I became a pageant fan when I started to watch my mother’s old pageant tapes. I watched her tape so much that it sadly got ruined in my VCR. When Miss Universe came on the television, I eagerly waited for them to announce Miss Belize. My days in front of the television planted the seed of me wanting to one day have the honor of representing my country on the Miss Universe stage. Moreover, I did not simply want to be announced during the introduction, I wanted to earn the crown for my precious country. I believe that the beauty of Belize deserves international recognition & as a beauty ambassador I can contribute to gaining that attention.
Image: Destinee Arnold
What has been the most empowering moment (s”> of your pageant journey so far?
When entering pageantry, you make yourself susceptible to public opinion. Winning the hearts of your country is your goal because you are ultimately representing them on the international stage. They are the heartbeat of your country. With that said, I was brought to tears when I received an outpouring of love from my supporters after it was announced I was a contestant for Miss Universe Belize. I have received multiple messages that have spoken life into my journey. There are even messages from various people that I haven’t even meant before. The ability to touch the hearts of those near and far empowers me to continue the journey of winning the crown. They have validated that I have won their hearts, and in turn, I want to validate their faith in my by winning the crown.
What legacy do you strive leave?
I strive to leave a legacy of love. Only the light of love can drive out the darkness that rids our world. Therefore I want to exude an everlasting love that everyone can feel, even when I’m physically no longer here.
How do you define beauty?
Beauty is recognizing that you are one of God’s masterpieces. Your outer layer is only a mold that houses the real beauty – your soul. A soul that was formed for a specific purpose for this very moment in time. Once you recognize, foster, and value your soul, beauty will exude through you.
Who else loves soft and defined curls? I certainly do, especially when I want to get the most out of my wash n’ go. I recently tried the new All About Curls collection by Zotos Professional, which is catered to curly girls of all hair types and tones. Keep reading to find out how it worked on my medium porosity, 3c curly hair.
First Impressions
One of the most important things that stuck out to me, was that all of their products do not contain sulfates, silicones or parabens, which is extremely important for maintaing my healthy hair. The products have a refreshingly, light pear scent that makes you smell like you just walked out of a fancy salon, without breaking the bank. The price point ranges from $9.99 – $11.99, plus they have a travel size kit available which is a great way to try out the entire line before fully committing.
Lo Lather Cleanser
I first grabbed the Lo Lather Cleanser to cleanse my hair. I applied it mainly on my scalp and worked it into my hair for a deep cleanse. It’s been at least a week or so since I washed my hair so I was in need of a good cleanse and this got the job done. I really like how it had a mild foam lather that gently cleansed my hair without leaving my hair feeling stripped of its natural oils. If you prefer a No Lather Cleanser, they also have that option too.
Daily Conditioner
After I rinsed out the Lo Lather Cleanser, I applied the Daily Cream Conditioner. It has a creamy consistency that provides a ton of slip where I could easily finger detangle my hair without having to use a lot of conditioner. Another thing I appreciated is that I can use this product as a leave-in and daily conditioner to refresh my hair throughout the week to keep my hair moisturized.
Divine Treatment
I recently have been deep conditioning my hair more often, especially with the harsh Texas heat and I’ve been wearing more protective styles. The Divine Treatment hair mask has a very thick and creamy consistency. I raked it through my hair, put on a plastic cap and topped it off with my thermal hot head for an intense deep conditioning treatment. After 20 minutes, I rinsed out the divine treatment and immediately noticed how soft my hair felt.
Bouncy Cream
Next, I grabbed the Bouncy Cream and raked it through my hair from root to tip. The consistency is similar to a paste, but without the icky sticky feeling. After only a few minutes, I noticed my curls began to form and my hair instantly felt hydrated, soft and defined.
Soft Definition Gel
The last step of my routine, I raked in the Soft Definition Gel. The consistency is clear, thick and provided a medium hold without the crunch. If you prefer a stronger hold, there’s also a High Definition Gel to help combat frizz in humid environments. Even though I live in Texas and the humidity is at an all time high, the soft definition gel gave me enough hold and definition to combat frizz without the hard crunchy after effects.
Image: @queensconquer
Overall thoughts
The All About Curls collection by Zotos worked great on my hair! My hair feels incredibly soft, shiny, defined and moisturized. I would totally recommend this line to my curlfriends, plus it’s affordable and there’s plenty of options to accommodate your hair needs.
Will you be trying this new All About Curls line from Zotos? If you have tried it, let us know your thoughts in the comments.
No matter how many products I have stashed in my drawers and falling out of my cabinets, I can’t resist trying a new hair product for my curly hair. Whether you’re a new natural and looking to bring your curls back to life or a natural hair veteran and simply want to switch up your regimen to see what the hype is about, these are July’s newest hair-care products that you’ll want to add to your stash.
Trust that you’ll find something for your curls, coils or waves. Keep reading to find out what’s good in July.
Aunt Jackie’s GrapeSeed Collection
Flaunt your curls and shine at the same time! Formulated with Grapeseed Oil, an ingredient known for it’s healthy hair benefits, including long lasting moisture, conditioning, antioxidants that reduce hair loss, and shine. Each product is free of sulfates, petrolatum, mineral oil, parabens, drying alcohols, and silicones. The Grapeseed collection includes the Shine Boss Sheen Mist, Slicked Flexible Styling Glue, Ice Curls Jelly, Frizz Patrol Setting Mousse, Rescued Deep Conditioning Treatment, and the Power Wash Clarifying Shampoo.
Mielle RX Hawaiian Ginger
It’s no secret that dryness is a top concern for most curlies. Bring your curls back to life with the Mielle Organics new RX Hawaiin Ginger 5 step collection that includes a leave-in conditioner, scalp treatment, hair butter, gel and overnight conditioner for the ultimate moisture and shine. This Moisture Rx formula is made to provide deep hydration, protect you from split ends, and leave your hair feeling soft and silky. Bring life back to your dry, thirsty curls, and do it with natural ingredients like avocado oil, shea butter, and coconut oil.
DevaFresh by DevaCurl
If you’re looking to refresh and extend wash day with your natural curls or a protective style, this is a new favorite from DevaCurl. The DevaFresh keeps your scalp and curls looking and feeling fresh for 24 hours! This kombucha and prickly-pear-infused mist boosts next-day curls with definition, moisture and volume while helping to soothe the scalp and fight frizz and odors.
Boucleme Unisex Collection
Boucleme created a unisex collection that can work for you and bae. This trio collection features a hydrating shampoo, conditioner and styling gel that is formulated with clean ingredients such as virgin coconut, mongongo, seabuckthorn, aloe vera, camellia and sea salt.
Curls Green Collection
For the conscious curlista, a vegan collection that focuses on your unique hair texture to nourish it from the inside out. Sea Kelp, Cucumber, Green Tea, Bamboo and Avocado – are just some of the all-natural, organic ingredients you’ll find in the Green Collection. This collection includes a stellar lineup such as the Avocado Mousse, Bamboo Protein Treatment, Green Tea Hair Rinse, Sea Kelp & Cucumber Hair Mask, Sea Kelp Curl Cleanser and the Rice Water and Coconut Fruit Refresher.
My Black is Beautiful
Proctor and Gambles, My Black Is Beautiful, has launched a new natural hair-care line for curls, kinks, and coils. The collection is exclusively sold at Sally Beauty and is formulated with key ingredients such as turmeric, ginger, honey, coconut milk and coconut oil to help all curly kinky girls maintain, manage and grow their curls.The five-piece collection includes a hydrating shampoo, conditioner, two detanglers (one for Type 3 hair and the other for Type 4 hair“>, plus a recovery treatment to strengthen and revive damaged hair.
Will you be trying any of these new collections? Let us know in the comments.
For some, frizz gives us the volume of our dreams and for others frizz is our biggest enemy. Boyce Clark, a scientist with a PhD in biogeochemistry and the single dad of a 12-year-old daughter, was intrigued by his daughter’s frizzy hair so he began researching everything he could to get to the bottom of all the factors that actually causes hair to frizz. He was curious to understand – what caused her hair to frizz? Why did her hair “grow” in humid air and get bigger the more we brushed it? He was on a mission to get to the root of bad hair days to stop frizz at the source, so he came up with a hair care solution called Lubricity Labs, a collection of hair products to combat frizz in even the most humid areas. Keep reading to learn more about this all natural anti-frizz hair collection that has set out to revolutionize the hair industry.
Tell us about Lubricity Labs . . .
“I used my background in science to learn what causes frizz, and applied this understanding to creating an innovative line of anti-frizz products that are highly effective, but use only 100% naturally derived and cruelty-free ingredients. Because I started this journey to help my daughter solve a problem, I wasn’t willing to use any harsh toxins or chemicals that would potentially cause her any harm. And because every product we have is developed by me from the ground up, they are all scientifically proven to help build and maintain healthy hair from root to tip, and every single one of our ingredients has a purpose, so there are absolutely no fillers.”
Key Ingredients and Benefits
“Quinoa is a foundational ingredient in most of our products, because the proteins found in quinoa closely mirror the natural proteins found in our hair structure. This means that quinoa proteins are well suited to rebuilding the hair strand, filling in defects that cause hair to weaken and break, making the hair stronger, more durable, and less prone to damage caused by heat tools, aggressive brushing, or outside pollutants. I also love the nourishing effects of coconut, aloe and silk proteins – they add so much softness and shine to hair, it’s really amazing to see their transformative effects.”
For curly girls that want to embrace their natural hair, what products do you recommend for maximum definition?
“Typically, when curly girls are seeking to embrace their natural body and texture, they struggle with dryness, which can cause breakage, as well as curls that lose their bounce and body. I love what our Q-Shampoo, Q-Condition and Q-Restore masque do for strengthening and hydrating hair – whether you’re using these products at home or taking them to your salon stylist for use during your appointments, these products are amazing at gently cleansing and conditioning without stripping hair of its natural oils, or weighing hair down with a heavy finish. Also, our S-Total Curl styling serum is an absolute MUST HAVE for curly girls – it’s one of my favorite products, because it uses a truly unique ingredient that’s derived from tapioca starch. This ingredient gently embraces the outside of the hair shaft, wrapping around the curl almost like a microscopic ribbon, to protect the curl against frizzing or fuzzing, while maintaining soft, touchable curls that spring back into action without any crunching.”
Frizz has been become less of a concern for curly girls, can you determine the difference between healthy and unhealthy frizz?
“Healthy frizz, or what we Louisiana folks call “fuzzing”, is something that’s caused by exposure to environmental factors, such as intense humidity. Ultimately, hair is healthy at its core – it’s shiny, soft, and strong – , it’s just prone to frizz or fuzz and gets “bigger” the longer someone is outside in a humid environment. Unhealthy frizz is anything that’s caused by what I call mechanical or chemical damage. Mechanical damage is caused with overuse of heat tools without using proper heat protection, as well as by things like aggressive brushing or towel drying; constant use of hair pulls, hats or clips; or even exposure to rough fabrics on pillow cases, which can cause hair to catch and tangle. Chemical damage is caused by repeated use of harsh chemical treatments that contain toxic ingredients. Chemically and mechanically damaged hair is easy to spot – hair is typically very dry, dull, difficult to manage, breaks easily, and is prone to split ends. When I see someone with damaged hair, I often want to approach them to offer help – life is too short to live with unhealthy hair!”
Have you tried Lubricity Labs? For a limited time, you can grab any Lubricity Labs product, and get a FREE Canvas travel bag.
Image:@nnoorxo
True #hairgoals is healthy hair regardless of length or curl pattern. Whether you’re newly transitioning or have been on the road to natural hair for several years, the most important thing is understanding your hair type and creating a solid hair regimen for your specific hair needs. Like any aspect in life, patience and consistency is key, including healthy hair growth. By far the most challenging part of embracing your natural hair is finding what products work best for your hair and being aware of not only what you put on your hair, but what you put in your body.
The founder and CEO of Righteous Roots, who is also a trichologist shared with us the bridge between scalp care and healthy hair and exactly how to create a scalp regimen that will grow hair fast, naturally. Plus, the importance of creating a healthy lifestyle that nourishes your body from the inside out. “There are no miracles in a bottle! Like with anything in life, you have to put in the work and it takes time. When people ask me questions regarding hair growth, my answer mainly remains the same:
Hair products are never a one size fits all. It can depend on your hair texture, porosity, how healthy or damaged hair you is and if hair loss is a medical issue or not. I recommend eliminating all heat while transitioning or if hair is thin and breaking. Trimming off all damaged ends and researching others with a similar texture to theirs to see what products and methods they are using,” she advises.
The Importance of Scalp Care
It’s no secret that having a healthy scalp is the secret to healthy hair. She stands by this claim and explains how to improve scalp conditions with JBCO. “Protecting and nourishing the scalp is important if you wish to have healthy hair. Once you get older, the skin on your scalp can have premature aging and cell regeneration can diminish causing hair to become thinner and possibly lose its ability to retain moisture. Having a healthy scalp is key to having healthy hair. Ingredients such as Jamaican Black Castor Oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties which work to improve scalp condition and overall health leading to a better chance for hair growth and thickening,” she assures.
Image:@juulialira
Scalp’s PH Levels
In order to understand the science of your hair it’s important to understand the importance of PH levels and what products to avoid to keep a balanced ph level. “Hair is covered by a very thin layer made up of oil, salt, and water called the acid mantle. Normal handling, like washing and styling, can contaminate or remove it, so it must be restored with the use of properly ph balanced products. Mildly acidic products can be applied to the hair to harden the outer layer, flatten the cuticles, and shrink the diameter of the hair. This serves to make the hair shiny and less prone to tangling and snagging on adjacent hair strands.” She adds, “Extreme alkaline solutions like perms or relaxers can cause the bonds between keratin protein molecules to break down and can eventually dissolve the protein completely. These type of solutions can be extremely damaging especially for fine and fragile hair.”
How to Create a Scalp Care Regimen
“Clarify – Bounce curl has a great one, the Pomegranate & Pumpkin Enzyme Gentle Clarifying Shampoo which thoroughly cleanses all hair types without drying it out while balancing moisture.
Apple cider vinegar rinse. Natural hair blogger, @themestizamuse has a great blog on the benefits of acv and how to mix it properly. Acv is also great for people with oily scalp because it helps to bring it back to its ideal acidity.
Exfoliate – Rawkyn Gold Scalp Scrub, which is an amazing exfoliating scalp scrub with grapeseed oil and acv. I have been using it for a while and it works very well alone or as a hot oil treatment.
Image:@leslie.joanny
Last but not least, scalp massages! Scalp massages help promote circulation to the hair follicles which can promote growth and also aids in the removal of dead skin cells from the scalp. During the winter months, a hot oil treatment is beneficial for retaining moisture, tones down frizz, strengthens the hair, and adds shine. They also increase serotonin which is a chemical that improves your mood. I personally love to do scalp massages in the shower 3-4 days a week the steam helps to open up the follicles.
During the summer months, using a quality multi blend oil such as Righteous Roots Rx helps to protect your scalp from the sun. It has sesame oil which acts as a natural sunscreen, coconut oil which has been proven to help reduce protein loss, avocado oil which has a high proportion of monounsaturated fats and can provide a protective layer over the skin, and jojoba oil which provides natural moisturizers.”
The Difference Between Dandruff and Scalp Infections
Sometimes it can be tough understanding hair concerns and getting to the root of the issue. She explains how to know the difference between dandruff and scalp infections to be sure your scalp is treated properly. “Dandruff causes the scalp to flake and in some cases it may be caused by poor circulation, fungus, or a scalp infection. I recommend people see a doctor if they experience redness, sores, or open wounds and if home treatments like dandruff shampoos aren’t working, because they may have an infection. Some scalp disorders may also contribute to hair thinning, hair loss and hair breakage.”
How to Avoid Scalp Infections or Scalp Fungus
To maintain a healthy scalp and avoid scalp infections she suggets to implement the following in your routine. “Scalp massages to promote circulation, exfoliate or clarify, preserve moisture, and protect the scalp from the sun. Drink water and have a healthy diet.”
What are your top scalp care essentials? Let us know in the comments.
Summer is officially here which calls for strong stylers that will hold up against the humidity, moisturizing cleansers that keep your curls poppin and protected, plus scalp care essentials for all the cool protective styles you have planned. Whether you’re a new natural or og curly girl, you’ll want to see the hottest new curly hair products that are hitting the shelves this month and now available on SHOP Naturally. Check out our selection of new curly hair products from some of your favorite brands or discover a new brand making its debut here.
Lubricity Labs
While some may say frizz is a non-factor, other say it’s their biggest enemy. If you’re looking for a frizz fighting solution to combat humidity the Lubricity Labs wash day smooth set is what you need. The wash day essentials includes the shampoo, conditioner, and masque which harnesses the power of natural quinoa and shea proteins that lock down cuticles and protect hair from heat, humidity and pollutants.
Bouncecurl Avocado & Rose Oil Clump and Define Curl Cream
The Define Cream is a multi-purpose leave-in cream that will lightly hold & soften your hair at the same time. This luxurious styling cream will repair dry or damaged hair, making it feel incredibly silky. It creates curls with clumps that are lightly defined and soft, resulting in hair that has ultimate shine!
Design Essentials Scalp oils
Summer calls for extra protection against UV rays on your skin, scalp and hair. Design Essentials created a collection just for that including the Vitamin Drops, Moisturizing Oil Treatment, the Anti – Itch & Tension Relief and the Detoxifiying Tonic for all your braided styles to alleviate your scalp, keep your curls healthy and your skin glowing.
ApHogee Shea-Pro Leave-in Moisturizer
Need to revive your curls? ApHogee Shea-Pro Leave-in Moisturizer is designed to mend and restore extremely dry hair. It was created for coarse, porous, dry, brittle hair. It incorporates shea butter and the sealing and reparative agents found in safflower oil and vegetable proteins to fortify and restore hair and protect against breakage.
As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care
Say no to itchy flaky scalps! This entire collection is made to fight and prevent dandruff, specifically for type 3 and 4 hair. Formulated with olive and tea tree oil this collection includes a shampoo, conditioner, co-wash, leave-in conditioner, and scalp oil treatment.
Kinder Curls
Care for your lil’ ones curls this Summer with these four innovative kid friendly products including the Magic Mist Detangler, Creamy Curls Moisturizer, Super Curls Styler and the Kinder Brush for pain free styling achieved in no time.
Curl Keeper Dry Oil Elixir
This rich elixir is packed with Omega 3, 6, and 9 from Vegan Squalane, Chia & Sacha Inchi oils – perfectly blended to soothe and help various scalp, skin, and hair conditions. A moisturizer, face cream, scalp spray, and hair finisher in one! Curl Keeper® Dry Oil Elixir is a decadent and therapeutic dry oil with fine molecules allowing for quick absorption without a greasy residue.
Thermoliss Defrizzing Balm
Thermoliss is a long lasting defrizzing balm great for Summer to combat frizzy hair. Its formula, which is infused with Argan Oil, silk amino acids and Provitamin B5, penetrates and seals hair surface while enhancing the smooth effect and protecting it from heat styling tools.
Bosley Rejuvenating Scalp Scrub
It’s no secret that scalp care is the new hair care. The Strength Rejuvenating Scalp Scrub is a gentle, charcoal-infused scalp exfoliating treatment that detoxifies, rejuvenates and invigorates the scalp. Here a few key ingredients include Bamboo charcoal, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, rosemary extract and tea tree oil to keep your scalp queeky clean.
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico where there is such a vast amount of people with different hair types. We are a blend of Native Indians called Tainos, Africans, and Spaniards. So different types of hair is completely normal there.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
My hair is such a big part of my identity. I never colored it or straightened it like I would see other girls.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I always felt empowered, different, and bold with my natural hair, but a moment I felt proud was when I saw my younger sister start to embrace her own curls after so many years of straightening it. She told me she loved how I always embraced it and it made her love her hair as well. It’s such a unique connection that we have because we know all that comes with having natural curly hair.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I actually don’t do anything to protect them. I just let them be wild and free!
Who is your curl crush?
I never had one until my sister did the big chop and transitioned. Her curls are so beautiful!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I live in New York City where gets below 0 sometimes during winter so I love to wrap my hair in a headscarf when I want to protect my hair from the snow or a very cold day. Sometimes I do it to embrace my culture. I am very proud of where I am from and express it with my hair and clothing.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I do what I call “intuitive” hair styling. I don’t have a set regimen. I just wake up and see what I think my hair needs. I usually wash my hair once a week with Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo, Conditioner. Other days I do a co-wash and just skip the shampoo. Once a week I use that same line’s Intensive Masque. I usually don’t put anything in my hair, but my sister goes through a lot of trial and error with the products she buys and she ends up giving it to me. One product I love and use when I want extra definition is Miss Jessie’s Jelly Soft Curls. When I want extra moisture I use Shea Moisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Leaven In Conditioner. I only use a little bit since my hair is very fine and too much product weighs it down.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Getting it to grow! When I was younger, my hair was to my waist but now it doesn’t go past my shoulders. I also get very scissor happy about once a month when it is time to trim my bangs.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
I love using a diffuser when I have an event that I am going to. It definitely defines my curls and they are more bouncy and shiny. Also coconut oil! I love putting some in my ends when they are a bit dry.I love Molivera Organics Fractionated Coconut Oil from Amazon because it comes in a liquid form with an easy pump.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Embrace the curls! EMBRACE THE FRIZZ! That’s something that I see a lot of curlies complain about. You have to think about your curls like they are your friends. Some of them are curvy, others tall and lanky, others like to be the center of attention and stick out! They are all unique and have their own personality and you love them just as they are. They are sexy and fun so show them how much you love them and just wear them proudly. Your curly hair loves you so love it right back!
Last year Heather Burris made a decision to cut off her hair to show her daughter, Autumn, that true beauty and confidence emanates from within. Heather was inspired to share her personal story by writing her first book, Hair Like Me, to encourage young girls to love their natural hair and encourage more parents to lead by example by instilling confidence in their children at a young age.
Though, we’ve made major progress in the last few years with becoming more “diverse” and “inclusive”, it’s stories like these that matter most to remind children, especially black children who are often times underrepresented or misrepresented in media, the true meaning of beauty and representation. The more we share our real experiences and celebrate the unique beauty in each other the more we will truly empower another to love ourselves unapologetically.
Get to know Heather and learn more about her pivotal moment in her natural hair journey that empowered her to be a mirror for her daughter in her first publication, Hair Like Me.
When did you decide to embrace your natural hair?
I remember arriving to Howard University and meeting so many black girls who had beautiful hair, but didn’t have a perm. That was so foreign to me. My friends convinced me that my hair could go natural too, so after I graduated I stopped getting a perm. That was 2003. Around that time, obviously there wasn’t a YouTube yet right? No real social media besides MySpace and I think Facebook was about to start. I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and it felt like nobody was natural. Thankfully, I had a hair stylist who taught me how to do twist styles to grow out my perm. I never did a big chop. I just grew out my perm with twist styles and straightening. That was my life for 15 years. Until this moment with my daughter last year.
In 2018, Autumn, my then 4 y/o daughter, watched me straightening my hair and told me she wanted ‘princess hair’ like me. I tried to tell her, her hair was beautiful, but she just didn’t want her curly ‘fro. So I decided right then to stop straightening my hair, and a month or so later, I went for it and cut it all off.
What has been the most empowering and challenging moment(s”> of your natural hair journey?
Definitely chopping it off was the most empowering moment of my natural hair journey. It was a feeling of momentary anxiety and then a rush of confidence that I didn’t anticipate. I then realized how much confidence we, as women, put in our hair. It almost felt as liberating as delivering a baby. Like a weight was lifted and my smile was brighter, and my countenance was filled with joy. I felt more confident in myself and it felt like I wasn’t hiding behind hair.
Since cutting it, there have been plenty of challenges lol. My hair was always long enough to wear ponytails or buns, or just wrap/pin curl it up, and shake it out and go. So needless to say, I was very lazy with styling. My hair now is short, but def long enough that it needs styling. I assumed I could rock wash n go’s; only to learn that a natural, curly, wash n go doesn’t exist for most women and hair textures. Most of us have to use a lot of product and spend time raking, fingering, twisting, separating. I don’t think I have mastered my style yet. I have a way to go, but I have a lot of friends to share products and stories with so that’s been helpful.
Why was it important to write this book, Hair Like Me?
It was important to me to write this book for a few reasons. First, I wanted to remind Autumn that her hair is beautiful, and that princess hair is all about the princess- not the hair. It can look different on anyone, but the beauty comes from within. She’s at an age where this is a major thing in school- princess hair talk. And she needs to have the words of affirmation to throw back in these school girl conversations.
Second, I wrote it for the sake of media. I know that representation matters, and we need more imagery out there so girls can see themselves everywhere and feel like they belong, and they are accepted, and they get to define beauty standards. We can never have enough children’s books with chocolate faces on the cover! Plus, so many women and girls can relate to this topic.
Lastly, I think it sends an important message to parents/grown-ups about modeling behavior because kids are always watching. To reinforce, and get them to replicate behaviors or concepts that we’re saying to them, we have to try and practice what we preach. Some lessons are worth the sacrifice.
What are your thoughts on the natural hair movement and how it’s redefining beauty standards?
I support it 100%. Even when I was straightening, I was happy to not be using chemicals to achieve that look. It’s healthier. It’s beautiful. And now we have so many examples, tutorials, bloggers and vloggers, to show us how to achieve the styles we desire. Our hair has always given us the texture to be creative with our styles; now the world is recognizing it. Recently, when Miss USA became the 3rd black queen, and second to win this year with her naturally curly hair, I was thrilled for them, and for all of us. It was such a powerful statement of beauty redefined (for “them”, not us”>.
What does your natural hair represent?
I think my natural hair represents freedom. Freedom to workout without worry, which is important for my health. Freedom to swim without worry! Freedom to sleep a lil’ longer most days of the week because I don’t have to restyle my hair daily.
What advice do you have for women struggling to embrace their natural hair?
I think women who struggle to embrace their natural hair are hesitating for two reasons: either they have some vision of what their hair is supposed to look like, and they’re not happy with their actual natural hair outcome, or they struggle with a lack of knowledge on the right products for their hair care. The latter issue just requires tutorials, time, patience and repetitive styling. The former issue may require some reimagination of why their desired result is really their desired result. I would ask this woman to reconsider the ‘why’ and who is she appealing to. I would encourage her to take it slow. If she’s willing, learn to like her new hair in steps until she can fully embrace the style.
Grab your copy here to support Heather and show the world the power of natural beauty and diversity.
Like many of us, we began perming our hair at an early age and never knew our true texture until we finally put down the straightener or relaxer and embraced our natural hair. Whether we felt like our hair was ugly, we wanted to fit in or our moms had no clue on how to care for our curls, we most likely didn’t learn how to take care of our hair until we were young adults. Thankfully, times have changed and we now have plenty of youtube tutorials and countless products and knowledge to embrace our beautiful curls and empower other women to do the same.
Recently, a young woman named Emerson transitioned after perming and straightening her hair consecutively since she was 8 years-old. She had damaged her hair severely to the point where she was told she would have to shave it off in order to save her hair. Her story is a reminder that your natural hair will be a journey, not a destination and it’s never too late to start. “Growing up with curly hair was pretty hard for me. I live in a small town with very few bi-racial kids. I used to always worry about fitting in. It seemed like no one had my kind of hair so I thought it was ugly and I wanted to just look like everyone else. It was also hard for my mom to figure out the right products or learn how to care for my hair, so I started getting relaxers and straightening treatments. Honestly, since I was about 7 or 8 years old I haven’t even known my curl pattern because of relaxers.”
I reached out to the stylist and founder of Southern Curl ATL, Robin Sjoblom, who helped Emerson make this transition as smooth as possible to empower and educate her on how to rock her natural crown of curls with confidence.
What was the process like helping Emerson transition?
Every approach I make to a new client is authentic and heart felt. When I saw Emerson and the state her hair was in, I literally cried. I held her hands and told her she was about to lose all of her hair if she continued to straighten her curls. The breakage around her hairline and front area was so severe… it was literally fried and broken off to about an inch in areas. She was 16 at the time- a very sensitive age and social time of her life. I knew she wouldn’t do a big chop, but I told her that she was not going to be able to use heat on her hair for at least a year from that initial visit. I explained to her that it would be baby steps if she didn’t want to go all the way, but that would celebrate the small successes and she would see a huge difference each time she came in. I recommended her to deep condition monthly with Olaplex treatments. She agreed. We did a cut every 3-4 months. She cried every time. One day she didn’t want to even get out of the car because she felt so ugly. We cried together and pushed forward. Every visit was progress. She started to see a change and started trusting and believing in the process. She started to smile and was happy to wear her hair in a puff for once. She became curious of what her curl pattern was … she began to embrace what was her God given hair.
What products and techniques did you use to repair her damaged hair?
We initially did a deep conditioning treatment with steam using Terrene Fusion moisturizing deep conditioner which contained a good bit of protein followed by an Olaplex treatment. We trimmed a lot of the straight pieces and showed her mom how to do a twist out (a protective style to hide the straight ends”>. Her go to products during the journey have been Innersense Organic Beauty. We chose them because of their clean ingredients and moisture content. They are unsurpassable when it comes to moisture. After her 3rd visit we taught her how to do a proper wash and go. She has less straight ends and was happy to wear it in a puff. She saw progress. Weekly deep conditioning was helping her new growth.
What are your do’s and don’ts for those transitioning?
Decide if you want to do the journey and take time/ do protective styles or are you a girl who wants it over and done with and would rather just start over? Find a curl specialist that you have seen their work. Realize that it may take awhile to get to the goal but every appt is a step in the right direction.
Can you share any other recommended products and techniques for those transitioning?
Moisture is key. Steam treatments and regular trims will get you there the fastest. Twist outs are a quick way to hide those straight ends while protecting the curls and adding a polished look.
What advice can you share with curlies who are on the fence about transitioning?
Know that it’s worth it. That you are worth it. It’s only a few months that the cut will make you feel “naked.” Once you embrace your desire to rock your curls, you will never look back. To be in a room full of other curlier is super empowering and a beautiful thing. Moms have Been transitioning so that their little daughters don’t want to straighten their curls… it’s multi-generational and freeing to realize that the curls you were born with are actually still there- and that they just need some TLC.
Emerson: Go for it!! Figure out a style that you can live with during the transitional part and a salon that can teach you how to manage and love your curls. Robin and the staff of Southern Curl in Atlanta have been just that for me.
Are you transitioning? Let us know how we can help, drop your top concerns and curly girl struggles below.
Only a few years ago it was a struggle to find products for naturally curly hair. Thankfully, 2019 has encouraged more and more brands to create hair care lines specifically for textured hair. From luxury brands to drug store brands, there are now countless options to keep your curls flourishing. Scroll down to find out the best new hair care launches of 2019 that every curly girl should know about.
Oribe Textured Hair Collection
The luxury haircare line has extended their Moisture and Control collection with four additional products including a priming lotion, styling butter, curl gelee and deep conditioner formulated specifically for curly and coily hair. Made up with ultra-moisturizing ingredients such as Murumuru, Mango & Cocoa seeds this collection is definitely worth the splurge. Read my review here.
Curls Poppin’ Pineapple Collection
Keep your curls poppin’ this summer with this new pineapple collection from Curls infused with Vitamin C, A, B1, and B6 to stimulate healthy hair growth. The collection includes a total of 6 products from a scalp treatment to a curly jelly that will leave your curls smelling like fresh pineapple to make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation.
Suave Shea Butter & Coconut Collection
One of the classic drug store brands, Suave, has extended their product offerings and created a naturals line. Infused with pure coconut oil and natural shea butter Suave created this collection to help curlies, coilies and wavies care for their hair without breaking the bank.
Overtone Neutral Hair Colors
It’s that time of year where you’re yearning for a quick, effortless and subtle switch up. Overtone who is known for their semi-permanent coloring conditioner, has added a few essentials to their colorful hue. They now have a neutral collection which includes honey brown, espresso brown and rich black.
Color Wow! Cocktails
For those of you that live for a fun and ever changing hair color, it’s important to have the right products in your regimen that help protect and nourish your hair to prevent breakage. Color Wow! Cocktails strengthens and restores hair to protect hair from damage. Check out our NC review here.
The Mane Choice Peach Black Tea Collection
If you have medium to fine hair and are experiencing excessive shedding, the Mane Choice has something just for you in mind. The Peach Black Tea Anti-Shedding and Intense Volume collection is jam packed with vitamins and nutrients to bring your curls back to life. You can grab this collection exclusively at Sally Beauty.
IGK Thirsty Girl Collection
Borrowing from skincare technology, Thirsty Girl features a patented Hyaluronic Acid Technology that forms a rich moisture barrier for deep hydration and protection against hair-damaging pollutants. The Thirsty Girl line includes the Coconut Milk Anti-Frizz Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave-in condition that eliminates frizz & protects against humidity + pollution.
Embrace Box
You can now create your own curly girl cleanser! This nourishing shampoo is just the right balance of moisturizing and cleansing. Experience refreshed curls without the stripping qualities of conventional shampoos. EmbraceBox delivers a fun crafting experience to young girls, allowing them to create their own natural hair product while teaching what each ingredient does.
Garnier Fructis Style Curl Treat collection
Another drug store brand that has expanded their products for textured hair is Garnier. Their new Curl Treat collection is made up of avocado oil, coconut oil, and shea butter to provide moisture, protection and hold to fight frizz.
MauiMoisture Hibiscus Water Collection
Looking for lightweight hydration? Let us lead you to our Lightweight Hydration + Hibiscus Water Conditioner. With exotic hibiscus water, lush passion fruit, and juicy watermelon, this blend is perfect for easily weighed down, low porosity hair as well as an instant transportation to endless summers. Uncover soft, smooth and weightless strands with Maui Moisture Lightweight Hydration + Hibiscus Water collection.
NaturAll Club Flaxseed Collection
Founded by Muhga Eltigani, to create a safe, innovative and all natural product line for women (and men”> with curly and coily hair. She has expanded their product selection with the handmade Flaxseed collection that combines the nutrients, strength and hold of pure flaxseed to give your curls the ultimate shine and definition.
Mix it by Beleza Natural
Co-founded by two women from Brazil who recently opened up their first salon in NY have created a natural hair line to cater to women with kinky or coily hair. The Mix it Up collection features a range that considers people who follow No and Low Poo, paraben-free, vegetable-based, hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and cruelty-free regimens. The fun part of the collection is that it is customizable based on ingredients, which is important since we all have hair that is specific to us as individuals. Check out more here.
DevaCurl High Shine Oil
Spring is in the air and humidity is at high, amiright? For those of us who prefer to scrunch out the crunch and add a finishing oil on our curls for added shine and moisture, you’ll want to keep this multi-benefit oil in your bag. Key ingredients include babassu oil, coconut oil, pequi oil, flaxseed oil and passion fruit to enhance curl definition and prevent frizz.
As I Am Pure Oils
Moisture is key for curly and coily hair. As I Am released a pure oils collection ethically sourced from local co-ops that empower women of color and are cruelty free. The collection includes JBCO oil, black seed oil, coconut oil, argan oil, vitamin E and olive oil to make your concoaction to seal in the moisture and stimulate healthy hair growth.
Camille Rose Cleansing Milk
The new Rose Cleansing Milk made with vegan milk infusions such as white orchid, cashew and flaxseed milk is one their latest releases to cleanse and nourish curly hair without stripping it of its natural oils. Also available in citrus bloom which is unique cold foam cleansing puree of nut butters and natural fruit nectars crafted to promote smooth,nourished strands.
SheaMoisture Coconut Custard Wash n’Go Collection
Many curlies prefer a quick and easy wash n’ go routine, but let’s be honest a wash n’ gos are pretty unpredictable. SheaMoisture has created an entire coconut custard line to refresh and revive your wash n’ go to stretch wash day for at least a few more days.
Have you tried any of these yet? Let us know in the comments what you think and which ones you’re most excited about.
It’s no secret that the momentum of the natural hair movement has proved that women with curly and coily hair are making brands listen to their needs and expand their product offerings to embrace their natural hair. From drugstore to luxury brands, there are hundreds of new collections being made specifically for textured hair women.
More than 80 percent of women with curly and coily hair say they purchase products specifically for textured hair rather than general market products, according to the 2018 TextureTrends Report from NaturallyCurly. An estimated 65 percent of the U.S. population has curly, coily or wavy hair, with a growing percentage of textured-hair women embracing their natural hair.
Oribe is one of the top luxury hair-care brands in the industry that teamed up with celebrity hairstylist and beauty expert, Stacey Ciceron, to create an extension to the moisture and control collection to raise the bar for curly and coily women to have an elevated experience. The four step collection includes a Deep Treatment Masque, Priming Lotion Leave-in, Curl Gelee and Styling Butter packaged in the most beautiful teal bottles that make you want to display them.
Courtesy of brand
Not only are the aesthetics on point, Stacey Ciceron assured that the formula was created to work for even the tightest curls. “I weighed in on the ingredient list and consulted on the texture of product—how it feels on our hair and how effective it is,” she says, later adding that ingredients such as essential and natural oils were nonnegotiables. “Highly textured hair requires more moisture and care, so I wanted to be sure we address those needs.”
The luxury collection ranges from $38 – $63, which is quite the splurge so you know I had to put it to the test to see if it’s worth the hype. I used the entire collection for 7 days, here’s how it worked for my 3c/4a curly hair.
Deep Conditioner
No lie this is the thickest and creamiest deep conditioner I’ve ever tried and I’ve tried a lot of products as you can imagine. It’s packed with heavy and hydrating butters like murumuru, mango seed, shea butter, plus almond and coconut oil. When I opened it I immediately fell in love with the fresh floral scent that Oribe is known for. I took a big scoop of it and raked it through my freshly washed damp hair focusing mainly on my ends. It’s been a while since I deep conditioned my hair so I decided to take full advantage and go full throttle. I put on my thermal hot head and let it sit for 30 minutes and I watched an episode from my latest Netflix obsession, The All American. Once I rinsed it out, I instantly noticed my hair my softer and bouncier.
Leave-in Conditioner
Next, I grabbed the leave-in conditioner and finger detangled my hair section by section with ease. It’s creamy consistency wasn’t your normal light-weight primer, but it definitely gave my curls the moisture and slip I was looking for. This leave-in shares the same formula as the masque with additions of olive oil, avocado oil and jojoba seed oil to help seal in moisture and added slip.
Styling Butter
Now, usually I’m not a huge fan of butters because they weigh my hair down, but this wasn’t as thick as I was expecting. Plus, it was in a tube which was easy to control how much I used. It has a very rich and creamy consistency so I only needed a couple dime size squirts and applied it on my ends and dry area near my hairline. The leave-in and styling butter were the perfect combo for refreshing my curls during the week because surprisingly my curls definitely lasted an entire week! Each morning I would refresh with my hair with my water bottle and add a little leave-conditioner and styling butter on my ends and that did the trick.
Curl Gelee
Gels are a staple in my routine so I was eager to see how this product would work on my hair. The consistency is more like a custard. It’s made with the same base formula, plus macadamia seed, avocado butter, glycerin and apricot oils for added shine and hold. I scooped a bit out, raked it through my hair and then noticed my curls began to form. If you’re a wash n go’ kinda girl like myself this would be a perfect product for you. It left my curls with a natural sheen and definition without the sticky gel feeling.
Scrunch out the Crunch with DevaCurl Hi-Shine Oil Mist
The gel did leave a cast, which I appreciate so I know it has a good hold. Once my hair was dry I sprayed my hair with the DevaCurl High Shine Oil mist for softness and extra shine. Grabbed my pick and fluffed my roots for my final look.
Image: @queensconquer
Overall, I was very impressed with the hydration and longevity of this collection. I encourage naturalistas to give it a try even though it’s more expensive than our average hair care products. The formula is consistent and packed with nourishing ingredients that will help our fro’ flourish. It’s definitely worth the splurge. Not only did I go the entire week using this collection, it left my hair feeling moisturized, defined and bouncy , without flakes or build-up. Oribe did that, they created a highly textured collection for even the tighest coils and did it with integrity and intention.
Would you splurge on the Oribe Moisture & Control collection? Let us hear from you in the comments below.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ITAYSHA JORDAN FOR ESSENCE
Issa Rae slayed the April 2019 cover for Essence Magazine and still has the internet in a frenzy with her jaw dropping beauty and bold fashion. She is the epitome of black girl magic who has captured our hearts with her witty and entertaining personality that made us fall deeper in love with her in her HBO hit show, Insecure. She is on fire and far from insecure. In the Essence cover story, she shared her journey of becoming the fearless and confident woman she is today, even when she didn’t feel seen or celebrated.
“My mom was extremely pro-Black, and I believed her. My dad is Senegalese, and I grew up around my dark-skinned cousins and just thought that they were the most beautiful women in the world. I was surrounded by beautiful dark people. And then middle school hit, and I was like, Oh, they think I’m ugly. They think I’m big. They think I’m unattractive. I went back to my mom like, ‘What the f—k?! Y’all lied to me my whole life. What is this?!’ I started realizing, Mom, you’re light-skinned. So I don’t know what you were talking about. It’s not like you can relate to being dark. And your hair is not the same texture as mine. So what do you know about telling me I’m beautiful? Why would you lie to me? That definitely had an impact on how I saw myself.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ITAYSHA JORDAN FOR ESSENCE
Issa Rae opened up about rejection and how she’s turned her awkwardness into a unique attribute that helps her shine unapologetically.
“At the core of it, Issa is still who she always was,” says Prentice Penny, Insecure’s showrunner. “And in terms of the imagery of a chocolate sister with natural hair being unapologetic about her look, unapologetic about the clothes she wears, unapologetic about her sexuality, I think that is still not the norm.”
It’s official, Issa gave us the ultimate glow in this cover story to remind us of our divine beauty and power. So you know we had to get the tea on the inspiration behind her style for this feature. We tapped the Natural Hair Queen, Felicia Leatherwood, who is Issa’s lead hairstylist and styled her hair for this shoot.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ITAYSHA JORDAN FOR ESSENCE
What was the inspiration for Issa Rae’s hair and head pieces?
“Because the photo shoot took place in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, the vibe was celebratory and ancestral. I created the antique blue and green flower headpiece with faux flowers and leaves by hand and it just happened to have went perfectly with the amazing sea foam green dress that Jason Rembert put her in.”
As you know, it’s important to keep hair moisturized before wearing a protective style. What are your top moisturizers?
“My top moisturizers are Curls – Blueberry Bliss Restorative Leave-in, EDEN BodyWorks Vitamin Hair Tonic and Shu Umera Wonder Worker.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ITAYSHA JORDAN FOR ESSENCE
Can we talk about the braided updo? Tell us your top tips on how to recreate them.
“I braided Issa’s hair for a movie that we had been filming in New Orleans called “The Love Birds.” So we made the most out of the style that was already created for the movie because we were in the middle of filming and couldn’t change it, but it worked out perfectly. I used gold rope and incorporated the rope into the braided pompadour and added gold jewelry clips on a few individual braids. Issa looked beautiful. The hair I used was a multi-color mix from Rastafri hair company.”
Did you catch the Essence cover featuring Issa Rae? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Hey, NaturallyCurly world!
I’m Alexandra, I’m the Managing Editor. I have a mix of Type 3b, 3c and 4a curls, with medium porosity. I big chopped four-years ago and it has been an eye-opening journey learning how to care for my hair in its natural state. One change that has helped my hair become healthier and longer is creating a scalp care routine, it’s truly the foundation for healthy hair. I wash my hair about twice a week and use scalp care products every other week, depending on how much build-up I’m experiencing. Here’s the products I use to wash and style my curls for defined, bouncy and moisturized curls featuring this year’s Best of the Best.
Wash Routine
Shampoo with Sashapure Healing Shampoo, it’s a great gentle and moisturizing shampoo that cleanses my hair without leaving my hair stripped. Not to mention it smells amazing!
Condition with SashaPure Healing Conditioner. Like most curlies, a creamy conditioner is key and this is one of my favorites! I love how soft and defined this conditioner leaves my curls. I detangle my hair in the shower with the Curly Hair Solutions Flexy Brush , plus it’s great to use to clump my curls for extra definition.
Styling Routine
After I get out the shower I dry my hair with a microfiber towel which cuts down on the drying process, absorbs a ton of excess and helps to combat frizz.
Then, I apply a few drops of Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment.This scalp treatment is great to use after I wash my hair. I apply a few drops to my scalp to restore the balance and hydration in my scalp. It has a cooling sensation and it good to keep on hand to soothe my scalp when it’s itchy or irritated in between washes.
Next, I apply Kinky-Curly Knot Today to add slip to detangle my hair with ease. This leave-in has been a staple in my regimen for the last couple years and it never fails me. After that I rake through the Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse. Like you, I grew up hearing that mousses and gels leave hair crunchy and flaky, so I didn’t use either until recently and it has done wonders for adding shine, hold and definition. This mousse is my absolute favorite because it controls frizz, especially in the humid months, adds shine and leaves my curls so bouncy and moisturized without the crunch.
Depending on the weather and how defined I want my curls, I’ll either grab the SashaPure Curl Cream or CamilleRose Curl Maker. Less is more with both of these stylers, so I only use maybe two small squirts and rake it through. A trick I learned that has helped me avoid product buildup is to refresh with water throughout the week instead of adding products everyday. Not only do you save products, but you can stretch wash day.
Finish off with the Ouidad Mongongo Oil. This is my secret weapon, yall! This multi-purpose oil is what I use after I style my wash n go’s or finger coils. It’s the perfect lightweight, finishing oil that adds shine and controls frizz.
Last but certainly not least, to get voluminous curls, I fluff my hair with my pick or the Spriggle. I don’t leave home without my pick. Whenever I’m in need of some extra volume or want to refresh my curls throughout the day, the spriggle always comes through.
What are your holy grails? Let me know your faves in the comments below. To see the full list of winners, check out the 2019 Best of the Best winners here.
Every year we poll the NaturallyCurly community on the curly hair products and tools that have achieved Holy Grail status for them. We don’t prompt you with certain brands or products – this is purely the unfiltered opinions of thousands of curlies. Over 3,000 NaturallyCurly community members and team members have taken the time to share their favorite products, tools and necessities for curly, coily and wavy hair. That’s right, for the first time, we created the Best of the Best Leaders in Curl awards to recognize those products deemed the best textured-hair solutions, selected by both our community and our editors.
Each winner is organized by categories for each curl type and Editor’s Choice picks including:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Hair Treatments
- Styling
- Finishers and Refreshers
- Editor’s Picks
The Results
We have compiled the votes and are excited to announce 2019’s list of holy grail, must have items that every curly girl should try out. See the full list of winners here!
Did your holy grail(s”> make the list? Let us know in the comments any products we should try.
Getty Images
We are still swooning over Amandla Stenberg’s Oscars hairstyle that gave us so much life when she strutted down the red carpet. So it was only right we tapped the visionary behind this intricate braided updo, Vernon Francois.
Vernon is known for styling a few of the top naturalistas in the game such as Lupita Nyong’o, Willow Smith, Janelle Monae, Ava DuVernay and many more. He continues to remind us the versatility of natural hair and that it is truly a form of art, but he has definitely set the bar with this vintage inspired finger waves braids.
According to the celebrity hairstylist he said, “1920’s was our focus. We wanted glamour, sophistication with an equal blend of tradition, paying homage to Amandla’s curly coily hair texture. The metallic crystal chain-tiered gown by Miu Miu also helped bring the vision to life.”
Here’s What Products He Used to Create This Braided Updo:
Vernon Francois Mist Hydration Water and added a few pumps of the Cream of Nature Argan Oil Style & Shine Foam Mousse to help set the hair. Finished it off with Vernon Francois Braids and Loc Spray ~ Scalp Nourishment and Got2be hairspray then gel for the edges.
Image:@VernonFrancois
When rocking a protective style it’s important to take care of your natural hair and scalp and he dropped a few gems on the best tips to maintain your protective style. “Wrapping your hair with a silk scarf or satin head wrap before you go to bed at night is key. Using a little bit of serum on your ends will also help with breakage and will encourage manageability, preserve edges, stop breakage, lock in moisture and promote growth.”
He also explained that build-up can be beneficial in preserving a protective style and shared the best oils to use for your scalp to maintain a healthy hair regimen. He said, “Sweating on the scalp or scalp build-up for most hair types can be quite beneficial a bit of build up really helps to maintain the protective style. Using a sulfate free shampoo will definitely help minimize build-up overtime. Look out for key ingredients in products such as Jojoba and Sunflower oils, they are good for locking in hydration. Tea tree oil is another great oil that moisturizes and soothes the scalp.”
Would you rock this braided updo? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Image Source: @naivashaintl
From Yara Shahidi to Logan Browning, it’s no secret as to why hairstylist, Nai’vasha Johnson has been named the “Curl Queen.” Nai’vasha continues to keep texture at the forefront of the beauty industry by creating voluminous afro buns, sleek braided styles and flawless wigs that take our breath away. She has true passion for sharing stories through her artistry and says, “The stories that I strive to tell through hair is a narrative of individualism. Beauty and amazing moments are built on individual confidence. I enjoy watching and telling that story.”
As she prepares to slay the Oscars, she gave us some key tips and trends to keep an eye out for.
Image Source: @naivashaintl
Hottest trend(s”> for Spring
“Look forward to seeing more blunt bobs, more voluminous hair, and more accessories this spring!”
Image: @naivashaintl
Top Tips for Curly Girls
“My main tip for my Curl Queens would be to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Moisture is the key component to incredible curls.”
Image: @naivashaintl
Like most, natural hair is more than just hair. It’s a part of culture and individuality. She says, “Natural hair represents confidence and power to me. It takes strength to share your authentic self to the world.”
Image: @naivashaintl
What does natural hair represent to you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
