Search Results: Ashley Glenn
Have you ever been told that you are not supposed to use a brush on wet hair? Or curly girls should not use brushes because it will cause frizzy hair? While that is a good general rule of thumb, it is not always the case. Depending on the brush and how you are using it, you can use the styling tool without damaging those beautiful curls.
How to use a shampoo brush
This brush will not be used to detangle your curls, but it can be used to gently cleanse your scalp. While cleansing your scalp, it is important to remember not to scratch your scalp with fingernails because it can cause more irritation. A shampoo brush is a great way to cleanse your scalp and also increase blood circulation in your scalp.
How to use a detangling brush
This brush is not a stranger to the natural hair community. Curlies use a variety of detangling brushes such as the Denman brush and Tangle Teezer. Due to the spacing of the rows in some of these brushes, it is more difficult to use while brushing your hair dry. Some curlies remove a few the rows, also known as modifying, in the brush so the spacing can be wider. It may be best to only use this brush while your hair is wet. Before use, also apply a leave-in conditioner or rinse-out conditioner with enough slip that will aid in your detangling session. Another best practice to use before detangling is to comb your hair with a wide tooth comb before use. Although this brush can be used for detangling, it could also be used for styling. While you are applying your moisturizing and styling products, use this brush to smooth your curls from bottom to the top for best results with your twist outs, braid outs, and even wash and go’s!
How to use a boar bristle brush
A boar bristle brush is a great addition to have in your styling tools. The brush works best for styling on dry hair and is great to use for smoothing your curls. Do you love smooth edges? This is the perfect brush to smooth your edges down before you head out for your day. Simply apply your favorite edge control, brush your edges down, tie a satin scarf down to keep your edges smooth, and take off your scarf before you head out! This brush can also be used to put your hair in sleek and smooth ponytails and buns. If you need a smooth twist-out, use this brush to smooth your hair after detangling your stretched, dry hair. It will also help distribute the product evenly.
How to use a paddle brush
Paddle brushes can also be used for natural hair! However, you have to use the brush carefully since the bulbs at the bristles can snag on your curls. This brush can help remove shed hair while detangling with a comb. In addition, this brush can assist with heat styling. For example, when achieving a blow-out, try using the comb attachment with your blow-dryer at first to keep your hair detangled. Whenever you are finished, carefully take a paddle brush and smooth your hair with the blow-dryer for a more finished look. A paddle brush can also be used to install your hair into a wrap to maintain your straight hairstyle.
Protective styling is not a stranger to the natural hair game. Many curlies use protective styling throughout their hair journeys for many reasons including hair growth, length retention, and versatility. I was not always a big fan of protective styling until my third year of being natural. I never realized that were so many styles to choose from and I did not have to always choose one. In addition, I recognized that there were many benefits to adding it to my hair care regimen and I can allow it to work with my lifestyle and needs. Here are the reasons why I love to protective style:
They help me retain length
Protective styling allows me to retain my length. My regimen is pretty simple and I usually wear my hair in the same hairstyles. About 2-4 days during the week, I will moisturize my curls and install my hair in a protective style. I will make sure the ends of my hair are moisturized with a butter or cream and tuck them away. It allows my hair to stay moisturized and my ends are not exposed to my clothing or debris from the environment. This allows me to keep maximum hair growth because my ends are healthy.
They give me a break
Sometimes I do not want my hair down. Now that we are in the warmer months, I prefer to wear my hair up and out of my face. It can be annoying when I take the time to style my hair in a twist-out and it shrinks when I walk out the door. My protective styles prevent this from happening. I also put my hair in a protective style when I am stretching my wash days or I just do not feel like styling my hair. In the past, I realized if I washed my curls when I am dreading wash day. I am rougher and not as delicate with my curls. I just wanted wash day to be over with, but never understood that this can definitely cause unnecessary breakage.
They are easy and versatile
There are so many different ways where you can wear protective styles that can work for you, your lifestyle, and even your budget. I personally prefer protective styles that require less installation time on a daily basis. During the winter months, I will wear Marley twists 1-2 times throughout the season and leave them in for 3-4 weeks. The rest of the time, I would wear my hair in a low bun. I rather wear a low bun than a top knot because I learned the tension will break my hair off. In addition to a low bun, I would wear my hair in these protective styles that Mahogany Curls shares in her video. These are my daily go to styles because they are fast, stylish, and super easy. It is also budget friendly and I am able to do this myself.
Watch
When you are deciding on a protective style, ask yourself why are you protective styling? What works best for you, your lifestyle, and your budget?
Photo Courtesy of tracy king — Getty Images
One of the top recommendations you’ll hear for healthier, curly hair is to cut down on cleansing. Cleansing too often leads to dry hair, frizz, and a number of other curly issues. But how are you supposed to wash less when your roots get greasy and your hair falls limp on day 2, 3 and 4? Or what if you exercise every day or live in a hot climate?
We have a natural ingredient that can clear that up for you so you can go longer between washes and still love the way your hair looks and feels, and chances are you have it in your kitchen cabinet: cornstarch. It’s affordable, effective, and can improve the overall health of your hair.
Why use cornstarch?
According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, cornstarch is “a starch obtained from corn, Zea mays, that functions as an abrasive, absorbent, skin protectant, and aqueous viscosity increasing agent.” It can be used to absorb moisture from your hair and scalp. For example, cornstarch can be used as a shampoo to cleanse your scalp. The cornstarch will remove the excess oils from your scalp.
It can be used in a dry or wet form of shampoo. This can be a great method if you are exercising regularly and you do not want to shampoo your hair often. Or, if you just want to stretch your wash day but you want to also cleanse your scalp.
DIY dry shampoo recipe
This recipe by Wellness Mama incorporates cornstarch or arrowroot powder as an alternative. If you find that the light powder shows up on your dark hair, you can substitute with cocoa powder.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder or organic cornstarch or 2 tablespoons arrowroot/cornstarch or 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 5 drops of essential oil of choice (optional – she uses lavender”>
- An old make-up brush to apply
Directions
- Put the drops of essential oil into the arrowroot or cornstarch and mix with a spoon. Store the mix in a small jar or old powder container.
- Apply with an old makeup brush to the roots or oily parts of your hair. Applying with the brush is optional, but it removes the need to comb through as much and is better for styled hair. If you don’t use the brush, comb the powder through your hair and style as usual.
Cornstarch in your products
Even if you are not a DIY mixtress, you can actually find cornstarch used in hair products on store shelves. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review describes an aqueous viscosity agent as “substances that increase the thickness of the aqueous (water”> portion of cosmetic products.” This can aid in the thick consistency of a cosmetic product.
Some of your favorite hair products include cornstarch in the ingredients. Simply check the ingredient list to see if it is listed. Ready to incorporate some of these benefits into your hair regimen? Here are some products that include cornstarch:
Products with cornstarch
- Ag Hair Cosmetics Re:Coil
- Curl Junkie Curl Queen Hair Styling Gel
- Miss Jessie’s Coily Custard
- Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste
- Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner
- Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker Marshmallow And Agave Leaf Extract
Do you use dry shampoo on your hair? Do you prefer store-bought or DIY? Let us know in the comments!
Pequi oil comes from the pequi tree (Caryocar brasiliense“> in Brazil. The fruit has been used in a variety of food dishes, but it can also be used for your hair and skin.
Benefits of pequi oil
According to Organicfacts.net, “the high content of tocopherol and vitamin A in pequi means that the skin and hair is protected due to the antioxidant properties of these compounds.”
They also add that it “can keep your skin from showing blemishes, improve scar healing, add a rich glow to your skin, and prevent signs of premature aging. It has also traditionally been used for treating eczema and skin lesions.” This oil has antioxidants that can assist with skin issues like acne scarring and pimples, but it can also be find in hair products for healthier hair.
How can you experience the benefits of Pequi oil? You can use hair products or hair oil and apply to your curls.
Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment
This treatment is lightweight and loaded with antioxidants. It will help restore shine to your hair. It can be used as a serum before blow-drying and straightening curls for a smooth look. It can also be used to for frizzy curls and moisturize the hair. Since the oil is lightweight, you can use it daily to keep your curls shiny and bouncy.
ORS Olive Oil with Pequi Oil Edge Control Gel
This is an edge tamer that will leave your hair smooth and moisturized. This will work great for updos or if you prefer smooth and sleek edges. A little will go a long way. Just apply the edge tamer and brush softly to smooth down hair. If needed, tie your hair with a hair scarf to allow your edges to smooth.
Au Naturals Organics Pequi Oil
This oil is a great choice for those who prefer a low maintenance DIY approach. You can add this oil to your favorite recipes such as DIY butters or oil mixes, but you can also just add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner for the easiest DIY of all. No mixing bowls or spoons needed!
Avlon MoisturRight Nourishing Conditioner
This conditioner will leave your hair soft and moisturized. This is also a good conditioner to use while detangling. It will make it a breeze and help you manage your curls during washdays. This conditioner is also a great option for dry hair because it will hydrate your curls and leave them moisturized.
Do you use pequi oil? How do you include it in your hair regimen? Please share with the curly community.
If your Saturday morning cocktail of choice is a Bloody Mary, you probably did not realize its main ingredient is also a healthy hair powerhouse. You can actually use tomato juice and tomato extract to clarify, condition and define your curls. Why would you do that? Tomatoes provide many benefits for our bodies, not least of which is their abundant source of antioxidants. Tomatoes also provide many of the nutrients and vitamins that help our hair, skin and nails thrive, like Biotin and Vitamin C. We are certainly not suggesting that you order extra cocktails this weekend (we know what alcohol does to our hair and skin”>, but there are many other healthy ways to add tomatoes to your hair care regimen. Here are a few of our favorites.
DIY Clarifying Tomato Juice Rinse
The Vegetarian Times shares a recipe for a Clarifying Tomato Juice Rinse.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe tomato
- 1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
- 3 drops peppermint essential oil
Directions
- Juice your tomato by tossing it into a juicer or by pushing it through a very fine mesh sieve.
- Combine with remaining ingredients and 2 cups of water, and stir well.
- Pour the mixture over conditioned hair, leave on for 2 min., and rinse with cool water.
If you are not a DIY queen, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that tomato extract is a popular ingredient in many of our favorite curly hair products.
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Moisture Shampoo
This shampoo is moisturizing and will not leave your curls stripped of moisture. Tomato extracts enhance curl definition for your hair, rice amino acids help to eliminate frizz, and shea butter is also added to keep your curls moisturized.
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner
This conditioner is a perfect match for the previous shampoo. You will have moisturized and defined curls throughout your wash day. If you prefer conditioners with a thick and creamy consistency, this would be a good match for you.
AG Hair Cosmetics Curl Trigger Curl Defining Spray
Are you looking for a new styling product for the summer? This is a styling product that has tomato extracts for enhanced curl definition. This product contains anti-humectants, which is great for the approaching summer months.
AG Hair Cosmetics Re:Coil Curl Care Conditioner
This conditioner is both moisturizing and strengthening. Keratin is included in this product, which can help make your curls stronger. Using both protein and moisturizing conditioners can help maintain strong and healthy hair.
Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme
This curl defining crème has a medium hold and will help moisturized curls while preventing frizz. Even though this product has a medium hold, your curls will not feel hard or crunchy. This product is lightweight and will not weigh your curls down.
The old fashioned way
You can also consume tomatoes if you prefer that approach. You can add tomatoes in your diet by making juices, healthy salads, or main courses. There are plenty of recipes that you can find to switch up your daily meals and add nutrients to your body and hair.
Do you use tomato extracts in your curls? How? Please share with the curly community.
If you are new to the world of locs, there are different ways to start locking, such as free forming, interlocking, coils, and two-strand twist. Once you have started, there are plenty of fun ways to style your locks like ponytails, buns, updos, and even curls! You will also need to find the products that agree with your hair as you work with your new style. Or maybe you have been loving your locks for years and are just looking for something new to add to your Holy Grails. Check out these brands for locs!
1. Dr. Locs
Dr. Locs offers a Pre Cleanse cleanser that includes apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil that can be used to remove product buildup before shampooing. The Jinan Leave-In Conditioner can be used daily to help hydrate your scalp and locs. The leave-in conditioner contains coconut oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil.
2. Knatty Dread
Knatty Dread offers a variety of products, including Knatty Dread Dreadlocks Cream. This is a lightweight cream that has lanolin and shea butter to moisturize the hair. In addition, Knatty Dread also shares tips and tricks for creating and maintaining locs that you can find on their website.
3. Lockology
Lockology offers an Aloe and Rose Hydrating Mist that includes aloe gel and rosewater to help refresh, moisturize, and condition the hair. Lockology also offers a Coconut Lemongrass Moisturizer that includes but not limited to coconut oil, lemongrass oil, castor oil, and avocado oil. This blend can help promote hair growth and relieve itchiness from scalp. Plus, can take you on a tropical paradise from the aroma!
4. Jamaican Mango and Lime
Jamaican Mango and Lime offers an array of products for cleansing and loc maintenance. The Tingle Shampoo includes tea tree extracts and will gently cleanse your hair, relieve an itchy scalp, and will also remove product buildup. The Locking Gel Resistant Formula offers extra hold without the flakes or buildup and is a great option for re-twisting.
5. Taliah Waajid
“Lock It Up” is infused with yarrow root, rosemary, Indian hemp, and nettle. This product will aid in preventing frizz and will help your styles last longer without the hard and crunchy hold. Taliah Waajid offers a Loc Maintenance bundle that includes Lock It Up, Stimulating Herbal Cleanser, and Protective Mist Bodifier to help cleanse and moisturize locs older than six months. The Starter Locs Bundle includes Lock It Up, Moisture Clenz, and African Healing Oyl to help keep the hair moisturized for locs less than six months.
6. Live Locs
Live Locs is a brand that provides products to moisturize and cleanse locs. Live Locs brand provides a Honey Loc and Retwist Gel, Shampoo and Conditioner, Protective Shine, and Honey Loc Butter. Live Locs products use local raw organic honey, cultivated by Peace River Bees in Zolfo Springs, Florida. How sweet is that?
What brands or products do you use for your locs? Please share with the loc and dreads community.
How did you discover your passion for hair?
My passion for hair started in 9th grade once I tried doing my own braids after falling in love with Brandy’s braids. At that time, my parents were not able to afford to get my hair done. With me being the creative, sweet daughter, I decided to save them some money, not knowing I would make a living later on in life. I did not realize I had talent until friends asked about getting their hair braided as well.
What made you decide to create your product line?
My line is designed for people with locs. After hearing from my loc’d clients for well over eight years that they wanted a product that would not leave a buildup in their locs, I knew I had to fix this problem. I would send clients to try this product and that product. I would pick a product up by a popular line promising that it would not leave a buildup and it would fail. Buildup was created. It was as if these lines were not educated about the loc’d or deadlock community. Also, I remember that I went through the same issues for eight years, well before the natural hair boom, to find a product for locs.
What made you decide on the name “Dr. Locs” for your product line?
My background is in creative advertising, so I knew it had to be clever. I often get the nickname “Hair Doctor” and I wanted the name to be clear as far as what it is for.
What makes your products unique to locs?
The Dr. Locs line is unique in that customers will never have to worry about product buildup developing in their locs. Although there are other lines out there promising the same, I am an actual loctician and Dr. Locs has been tested on my clients for years before introducing it to the world.
understand that scientifically products do not lock your hair
Do you have any tips that you would like to share with the loc community?
Yes, I have so much to share. One major tip is to relax and understand you must have patience when starting the locking journey. Although I have a product line, understand that scientifically products do not lock your hair. Products can give you nourishment to feed your scalp and keep locs soft. But you have to be patient. Your hair will lock. When you add a wax or cream while grooming locs, you are just psychologically telling yourself this substance will make my hair lock. A year later, clients tend to have to wash that stuff out of their hair once the buildup is noticeable. Also by then, the person’s hair has locked. I am accustom to hearing this story and it was my story when I started my locs years ago.
The Dr. Locs product line includes Yasin Shampoo, Yaya Oil, and also Imani Locking Spray. You can purchase her products, Dr. Locs, here.
Want to keep up with Chimere? You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
We find ourselves looking for the next ingredient that can aid in hair growth, flawless skin, and bouncy curls. We research these ingredients and hope to find them in our favorite products. If our products don’t contain the ingredient, we run out the house to buy a quick beauty standby from our favorite store, or pull out our mixers and bowls to create a DIY recipe. Understanding ingredients and their benefits help us make decisions about what we choose to use in our regimens. This understanding also allows us to become more aware of what we put inside of our bodies.
What is Urea?
According to Cosmetic Info: “Urea, sometimes referred to as carbamide, is produced in mammalian systems when proteins are broken down. It is excreted in the urine of mammals. The urea found in cosmetics and personal care products is synthetic and not animal derived. In addition to its use in cosmetics and personal care products, Urea has a number of food uses, including its use as a fermentation aid in bakery products and wine.” Its other known uses are for treating dry skin and as a moisturizer.
You can find Urea in a variety of products, including:
- Acne treatments
- Facial cleansers
- Facial moisturizers
- Makeup
- Shampoos
- Conditioners
- Hair styling products
What are Hydroxyethyl, Diazolidiny, and Imidazolidinyl Ureas?
There are three forms of urea, all of which act as formaldehyde releasers: hydroxyethyl, diazolidiny, and imidazolidinyl. All three forms of urea release formaldehyde, which is a carcinogenic impurity, according to EWG’s Skin Deep. These ureas are also found in skin care, hair care, and other beauty products. Not too sure if your products include urea? Take a look at their ingredient lists to find forms of urea that are mentioned above.
If you prefer to not use ureas, there are other ways to include moisture in your hair and skin. You can use carrier and essential oils that help moisturize your hair and skin. In addition, ingredients such as honey and shea butter are great additions to your regimen for hydrated skin. You can find these ingredients in your hair products as well, or add them to your DIY mixtures.
As always, make sure you eat a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated.
Do you use products that contain urea?
Share your experiences using natural hair care or other beauty products that contain urea in the comments box below this blog post.
Growing healthy hair is a common goal for many curlies. We take the time to research products that work best for our hair types. We practice different methods of styling until we can do it with our eyes closed. But sometimes, those practices are not enough. It starts with what we put inside of our bodies. We have to give our bodies healthy nutrients on the inside so it can reflect on the outside. Fatty acids can help promote healthy hair and improve our body’s health.
Read more: You Need These Fatty Acids for Healthy Hair
According to Oregon State University’s Micronutrient Information Center’s Glossary, a fatty acid is “an organic acid molecule consisting of a chain of carbon molecules and a carboxylic acid (-COOH”> group. Fatty acids are found in fats, oils, and as components of a number of essential lipids, such as phospholipids and triglycerides. Fatty acids can be burned by the body for energy.” The three types of fatty acids are saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated. Commonly known fatty acids include Omega-3s, which are polyunsaturated. Consuming fatty acids can help promote hair growth, add shine, and relieve a dry scalp.
1. Know what they’re called
Fatty acids are used as emulsifying agents and emulsion stabilizers that can be found in many hair care products. What is an emulsifier? It is an ingredient that helps blend two or more ingredients that usually do not mix together. You may not always find them labeled as “fatty acids” on your ingredients, so there is a chance you have been benefiting from them without realizing it. Here is a list of common fatty acids as they may appear on your ingredient lists.
- Arichidonic acid
- Capric acid
- Coconut fatty acid
- Lauric acid
- Linoleic acid
- Linolenic acid
- Myristic acid
- Palmitic acid
- Pantothenic acid
- Stearic acid
- Caproic acid
- Capryleth-(4,6,9″> carboxylic acid
- Isostearic acid
2. Know where to find them
Interested in adding fatty acids to your regimen? There are a few ways that you can add fatty acids to your everyday life. Below are products that contain fatty acids:
- Darcy’s Botanicals Organic Coconut & Cupuacu Natural Hair Butter Pomade
- Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Flaxseed Recipes Purify Me Moisturizing Co-Wash Cleanser
- Ouidad Curl Recovery Melt-Down Extreme Repair Mask
- ORS Shealicious Moisture Mist Leave-In Conditioning Spray
- Carol’s Daughter Tui Hair Smoothie
- Alikay Naturals Caribbean Coconut Milk Conditioner
3. Know how to DIY with them
Not interested in products? You can also include fatty acids in your hair regimen by using coconut oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil. You can use these oils to create a pre-poo, a conditioner, a hot oil treatment and more.
4. Know how to eat them
In addition, you can always include fatty acids in your diet. You can use these oils while cooking some of your favorite meals. Fish is another source of fatty acids and can be consumed. If you are a vegetarian or prefer not to consume fatty acids from meats, flaxseeds are another great option. You can add flaxseeds to a smoothie or even oatmeal. Need more alternatives? You can also take a fish oil supplement. Before consuming a supplement, please consult with your doctor. You can also combine the use of products with fatty acids and consuming fatty acids through your diet.
[prodmod]Follow Freddie Harrel (pictured above”> on Instagram.
How do you consume fatty acids in your everyday routine? Please share with the curly community.
SheaMoisture
SheaMoisture recently released the Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil line as part of their SheaMoisture Community Commerce. Ten percent of the sales from the Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil line are donated to support women led businesses, the Sofi Tucker Foundation, and communities that supply ingredients for their brand. SheaMoisture says, “We help fund training and infrastructure to help them manufacture their own high quality goods in their countries, and get fair prices for their goods and labor. This helps them to earn a better living and support their families, making a better life possible within their communities. It’s not a donation. It’s an investment in a fairer world.”
Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s soaps are definitely not a stranger to the market, especially for the natural hair community. The soaps contain certified trade ingredients, which is great for curlies who are conscious about ingredients. According to the Dr. Bonner’s website, “We have created or partnered with various fair trade organic projects all over the world: in Sri Lanka for coconut oil, in Ghana for palm oil, in Palestine and Israel for olive oil, in India for mint oil, in Kenya for avocado, tea tree and coconut oils, in Ecuador for sugar cane alcohol, and in Zambia for beeswax. In fact, an estimated 10,000 people around the world benefit directly from Dr. Bronner’s various fair trade projects, and we are supporting the development of domestic fair trade programs here in North America as well.”
Butters–n–Bars
Butters– n–Bars offer a variety of oils and butters that can be used on our hair and skin.The Women’s Cooperative of the Tamale and Wa tribes in Ghana produces their shea butter. The brands shares that purchasing fair trade helps others have a standard of living, which makes them, feel good. Butters – n – Bars also says, “We’re committed to family, just like you real people helping real people.”
Beautiful Curls
Beautiful Curls use fair trade shea butter in their products. Olowo-n’djo Tchala, founder of Alaffia and Beautiful Curls, has a goal of informing consumers are fair trade and how it can effect others in the world. Beautiful Curls shares, “Beautiful Curls shea butter is handcrafted by the Alaffia Shea Butter Cooperative in Sokodé, Togo West Africa. The Alaffia Cooperative is made up of over 300 women from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds. They all have been handcrafting shea butter their entire lives, a skill they learned as young children from their mothers and grandmothers.”
Alaffia Authentic
With empowerment projects being its mission in action, Alaffia was founded in 2004 to advance gender equality and alleviate poverty through fair trade. Their products are influenced by the science of ethnobotany. Alaffia is certified fair for Life: Social & Fair Trade by IMO (Institute for Marketecolgy”>, which has strict and social fair trade standards. Their line Alaffia Authentic is only one of six brands they have with the foundation of fair trade as a means to empower the community and the world surrounding it.
LUSH
Founded in 1996, LUSH is 100% against animal testing, 100% vegetarian, 83% vegan, and 60% unpreserved. They have several products using some fair trade ingredients like their fair trade honey, which is formulated in 50% of the shampoos. The Hair Custard Hair Dressing has fair trade organic cocoa butter and fair trade vanilla pod.
Green People
Originally from the UK and now being sold in the US, Charlotte Vøhtz created this organic skin care brand in 1997 in response to finding products for her daughter, who has allergies. Green people has a huge range of natural and organic personal care products that are vegan, vegetarian, and do not have animal testing. Several of their ingredients are fair trade like the lemongrass oil, clove bud oil, and ginger root oil in the Green People Quinoa & Artichoke Shampoo. Their Quinoa & Artichoke Conditioner has fair trade lemon peel oil, sweet orange peel oil, clove bud oil, and ginger root oil too.
Faith In Nature
Faith in Nature progressively seeks to use fair traded ingredient like as shea butter from Ghanaian women to support projects that protect the biodiversity rich areas. There are fairly traded ingredients in their Faith In Nature Shampoo – Coconut and their Faith In Nature Conditioner – Seaweed and Citrus.
When companies make the conscious decision to use fairly traded ingredients, we as a world benefit along with the developing country that grows economically and socially from these purchases.
What are your favorite brands that use fair trade ingredients? Did they make the list? Please share!
This article was originally published February 2015 and has been updated to include additional brands.
Spring is finally here! This means we can pack away our sweaters, bring out our spring clothes, and finish some spring-cleaning, which includes our hair products. We can pack away some of our heavier creams and winter butters for our lighter spring/summertime products. We should also look at the ingredients in our products to see if they contain humectants.
What is a humectant?
Humectants attract water to the hair to keep the moisture content high. Humectants can be included in the ingredients of some hair products that we use. While using humectants, weather conditions definitely play a role on how it affects our curls.
If the humidity is low…
If you experience low humidity in your residence, this means that the air is colder and drier. Since the air is dry, there isn’t much water for the humectants in your hair products to absorb. Due to the lack of water, you will experience a minimum amount of frizz. However, can also remove water from your hair shaft. This can result in dryness and breakage. Tamara of Natural Hair Rules recommends using a sealant like shea butter when using humectants such as vegetable glycerin to help lock in your moisture and prevent dryness.
Products with humectants
- Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade
- Mop Top Leave-It-In Conditioner
- Original Moxie Oasis Moisture Gel
- Curlisto Structura Lotion
If the humidity is high…
If you reside in an environment with high humidity, humectants can absorb too much moisture, which can cause frizz and lack of definition. According to Tonya McKay, a polymer scientist and cosmetic chemist, “when the dew point for your area is at 60°F or above, it might be a good idea to apply some product with anti-humectant properties.”
Products with anti-humectants
- Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave-In Conditioner
- Oyin Handmade Hair Dew
- As I Am Curling Jelly Coil And Curl Definer
- MopTop Light Hold Anti-Frizz Gel
The best solution to this issue is to understand the way dew point affects the way products work on your curls.
What is a dew point?
McKay shares “One way of thinking about dew point is that it is the temperature at which the number of gaseous water molecules being formed is equal to the number of liquid water molecules being formed (Evaporation rate = condensation rate”>. When the temperature reaches the dew point, the relative humidity is 100 percent. If the temperature decreases below the dew point, water must condense out of the air, and fog, dew, or clouds are formed.”
If you want to find out the humidity and dew points in your area day to day, NaturallyCurly has a tool called the Frizz Forecast, which can give you instant weather reports to help prevent frizz.
Are humectants in my products?
Not sure if humectants are in your hair products? Tonya McKay shares a list of humectants; check to see if any of these are listed in the ingredients:
Diols and triols
- Propylene glycol
- 1,2,6 hexanetriol
- Butylene glycol
- Dipropylene glycol
- Hexylene glycol
- Glycerin
- Triethylene glycol
- Erythritol
- Capryl glycol
- Phytantriol
- Hexanediol or -triol beeswax
Humectants of biological origin
- Panthenol
- Sodium PCA
- Hyaluronic acid
- Inositol
- Glycogen
Sugars and modified sugars
- Sorbitol
- Polyglyceryl sorbitol
- Glucose
- Fructose
- Xylitol
Hydrolyzed proteins
- Elastin
- Collagen
- Silk Keratin
Ethers
- Isoceteth-x
- Isolaureth-x
- Laneth-x
- Laureth-x
- teareth-x
- PEG-x (polyethylene glycol”>
- Silicone copolyols
At times, we can get so excited about hair care products that we do not notice how it affects the rest of our bodies. Whether it is a product or a particular way that we style our hair, it can play a role in our everyday routines. When that happens, we need to take a step back, listen to our bodies, and see how we can fix it. SophiaRuth from Curly Q&A asks the following:
Question
“I started using Deva Curl products in December and since then I have gotten bad acne on my jawline and forehead, which I never struggled, with before. Could that be the cause? And if I stop using the products how long before I can tell that that was the problem?”
Answer
The products could be the cause of the acne you are experiencing. Sometimes we do not realize how the products and ingredients that we use in our hair can also affect our skin. The best thing to do right now is to completely stop using the product or use minimal amount of the product and document the progress of your skin. If you decide to keep using the product, I would not use it any longer than a week and see what happens. While you are making observations, it will be best if you change the following.
Change your pillowcases
It is best if you change or wash your pillowcases regularly. Our hair contains products and oils that can transfer on to our pillowcases and sheets while we sleep at night. Since we lay our heads on our pillowcases, this is how those products get on our skin. Change your pillowcase 2-4 times during the week and try to wear a satin cap/scarf to minimize the amount of product that will transfer on there.
Wash your face and body after washing/conditioning
If you like to wash and style your hair in the shower, it will be best to wash your face and body after your rinse your curls. Additional product can drip onto your skin and cause acne on your face and body. Put your curls in a plastic cap or t-shirt and wash your body to thoroughly remove all product residue.
Wash your face after styling
I know, I know! After you spent hours of washing and styling your hair, all you want to do is get off of your feet and rest. Think about the amount of oil, leave-in conditioner, and other products that are on your skin from your styling sessions. Try to make a habit of cleansing your skin to remove excess product.
Keep your hair away from your face
Do you wear your hair in front of your face a lot? Are side parts your favorite? Since you are experiencing some acne on your forehead, try keeping your hair away from your face for a while. That does not mean you have to resort to ponytails. If you have bangs, twist them up. Bobby pins and hair clips can be used to make your outfit stylish and to keep your hair away from your face.
If you are still experiencing acne or have not seen improvements after changing these practices, it may be best to simply remove the products from your regimen. It is best to listen to your body and how it reacts, but no worries! I am sure you can find something that can work for you and the curly community is here to help!
Whenever I experience some changes in my hair, I always monitor how I am currently taking care of my hair. I write down if I have changed any products, styling practices, or even hair tools. I keep a hair journal so I can go back to see if these patterns have been repeated and if so, what I need to do for them to stop. After some evaluation, I came to the conclusion of the following.
My hair needed protein
Sometimes you can experience too much of a good thing. I took so much pride and time to make sure that my hair was moisturized that I forgot my hair needed protein too. Even though my hair was moisturized, it still seemed limped and weak. Protein is needed to help keep your hair strong and healthy. With a healthy balance of both moisture and protein, you can maintain and grow healthy hair. I used a protein conditioner bi-weekly to help make my curls stronger.
Read more: The Must-See Guide to the Best Protein Treatment for Your Hair
Changed my hairstyles
At the time, I was wearing a lot of buns. The top knot was my go-to hairstyle, especially since I finally perfected it. Constantly wearing the hair buns was causing breakage in the back of my hair because it was constantly pulled. Sometimes I even slept with my top knots, which did not allow my hair to rest from the tension. I told myself that I would limit wearing buns by rocking my hair in loose styles (e.g. twist outs and braid outs”> more often, and if I had to wear a bun, I chose to wear a low bun.
Updated my hair regimen
I added two new items in my hair regimen: tea and aloe vera juice. I would perform a tea rinse on my hair in the alternate week from my protein treatment. After I rinsed my moisturizing deep treatment out, I would pour cooled black tea on my curls as a final rinse, dry my hair with an old-t shirt, spray cold aloe vera juice throughout my curls, and apply my leave-in conditioner, oil, and butter.
Conclusion
After I made these changes, I noticed a difference within two weeks, and within two months I noticed the overall health of my hair improved. This experience taught me that healthy hair is not about the latest products that promise rapid growth or healthy hair. It all comes down to the basics of healthy hair care practices. If you are not taking care of your curls, they will tell you. You just have to be open enough to listen.
Shedding and breakage are common. It can happen if you are not styling or protecting your hair properly, a change in diet, or stress. It is a common response that tells us that something is just not right. Our curl friend, Doyan, asks us the following in Curly Q&A:
Question
How do you reduce breakage/shedding other than trimming?
Answer
Let’s start by discussing the difference between shedding and breakage. How can you tell if you are experiencing shedding or breakage? NaturallyCurly contributor Shannon aka UK Curly Girl recommends looking closely “at the length of the hair, feeling the root of it. If you feel the bulb at the end, then it is a shed hair. If the hair has no bulb, feels a little rough and is a short piece of hair that is breakage.”
If you are experiencing shedding, it is best to monitor the amount of hair that comes out. Keep in mind since curly girls do not wash their hair as often as girls with straight hair, shedding may seem excessive when really it has been shedding at a normal rate and accumulating until wash day.
Deep condition
You mentioned that you wanted other ways to reduce shedding before resorting to trimming. Try deep conditioning your hair each wash day. This will help maintain your hair’s strength to keep it healthy. Sitting under a hooded dryer or steamer for better results.
Try a rinse
If you want to try a natural approach, hair rinses are great options to stop shedding. These Five Natural Hair Rinses to Stop That Shedding (and More”> can help reduce hair shedding.
Examine your habits
You can experience breakage from a variety of practices like not protecting your hair at night with a satin cap or pillowcase or not handling your hair with care while detangling. When you are experiencing breakage, you have to look at the way you are manipulating your hair. If you are still not sure why your hair is experiencing breakage, check out these 10 habits that can cause it.
Keep your hair moisturized
There are so many products on the market now that you have your pick of the litter when it comes to moisturizers. Whether you prefer co-washing, moisturizers, refreshers, DIYs or deep treatments, there is a moisturizer for every regimen and lifestyle. You just have to choose the one that works for you. Here is a great place to start: 12 Best Curly Moisturizers.
Wear low manipulation styles
If you are pulling your hair into a tight hairstyle every day, then there is a good chance you will experience breakage as a result. Opt for low manipulation styles instead. Here are 4 low manipulation styles that we like and use regularly.
Deep treatments and healthy practices are the way to go, but if you continue to experience breakage it will be best to schedule an appointment at least for a consultation to see if a trim is absolutely necessary. Once you remove the damaged hair, you can have a fresh start and treat your healthy hair with much care and prevent future damage.
What are ways that you prevent and treat shedding and breakage? Share with the curly community.
With so many different options for protective styling, it makes it so hard for us to just try one style. One month you may see us in twists, the next month we may wear our hair in braids. That is what makes natural hair so versatile and fun! However, while wearing these styles, we have to make sure we take care of our natural hair while it is installed. We have to make sure our scalps are clean and moisturized, our hair is hydrated, and our ends are sealed with moisture. Looking for brands that have products that are ideal for protective styling? Check these products out.
Carol’s Daughter
Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey collection is great for protective styles such has braids, weaves, and etc. This collection keeps the hair nourished and provides shine. Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Clarifying Scalp Treatment allows you to refresh your scalp with its treatment with the ease of the applicator tip. Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Calming Tension Mist helps relieve any tension from your favorite protective styles while it is installed.
Alikay Naturals
Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil is a great choice to have while oiling your scalp in its protective style. The blend of oils can help keep your scalp healthy and the easy applicator top will allow easy access to your scalp. Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner is a great selection, especially if you are wearing box braid of twists. You can moisturize your hair with a spray leave-in conditioner instead of rubbing a liquid one on your hair, which can cause frizz.
Camille Rose Naturals
Camille Rose Naturals Cocoa Nibs & Honey Ultimate Growth Serum has herbs and vitamins that can help reduce breakage, thinning, and hair loss. While installing your protective styles, Camille Rose Naturals Curlaide Moisture Butter would be a good moisturizing butter to use for sealing the ends of your curls. Sealing the ends is great to help reduce damage and retain hair length.
Darcy’s Botanicals
Darcy’s Botanicals Peppermint Scalp Elixir is a spray that includes a blend of oils that will keep your scalp moisturized. The peppermint oil can help with itchiness, which can occur while you are wearing your protective style. Darcy’s Botanicals Herbal Leave-In Conditioning Spritz is a leave-in conditioner that will refresh your hair and keep it moisturized. Moisture is key while keeping your protective style.
Uncle Funky’s Daughter
Uncle Funky’s Daughter Glossy Finishing Hair Polish can be used if your hair is looking dull and needs a boost of shine. It includes safflower oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil for nourishment, strength, and to protect the hair. Are you working out and wearing twists or braids? The Uncle Funky’s Defunk Hair Refresher Tonic is a scalp cleanser that neutralizes odor while soothing your scalp. This is a product to throw in your gym bag!
Organic Root Stimulator (ORS”>
ORS HAIRepair Vital Oils For Hair & Scalp is a lightweight blend of oils, including grapeseed oil and sweet almond oil that will soothe your scalp and add shine to your hair. ORS Shealicious Moisture Mist Leave-In Conditioning Spray is a refreshing spray that includes shea butter and honey that will leave your hair moisturized. Since it is a spray it allows easy access for the places that are “hard to see” in the mirrors. Curlies, I know you feel me!
SheaMoisture
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Hair Serum has a point tip applicator to help with easy application. This oil is great for strengthening your hair, especially while you have the style installed. If you have a dry scalp, the SheaMoisture African Black Soap Dandruff & Dry Scalp Elixir is a good choice for you. Willow bark is included to help exfoliate the scalp.
Read more: Ask Dr. Kari: Effective Protective Styles
What products do you use when your hair is in a protective style?
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Since the weather is cooler, we usually change our regimens to add moisture to our hair. The weather causes our hair to become dry, even though curly hair is naturally drier than other hair types. We tend to use heavier leave-in conditioners, butters, and creams to keep our curls hydrated and popping. However, our curls can also lack volume and look flatter due to moisturizing our hair too much. Our curl friend, Jupeadeedupes from Curly Q&A, asks the following:
Question
Recently my hair has just been looking flatter and feels oily. I don’t know how to help it. I’ve been co washing for a few months now.
Answer
The best practice to start with is to monitor your regimen. Are you adding a lot of moisturizing products? What ingredients are in the products that you are using often? How frequent are you using these products? There is a possibility that you are experiencing some product buildup that is causing your hair to feel oily and weighed down, especially if you are co-washing frequently. Keep a journal and write down the products you use and your hair’s reaction to the products. This will help to identify what is causing your hair to lack volume and causes it to feel oily. If it is product buildup, use a clarifying shampoo during wash day to remove the buildup.
Are your products oil-based?
Look at your ingredients in the products you use. Are your products oil based? If they are, try to switch out with water-based products. These leave-in conditioners are water based and can be great additions to your Holy Grail. They are lightweight, which can prevent your curls from weighing down.
- Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave-In Conditioner
- Curl Junkie Curls In A Bottle
- Camille Rose Naturals Fresh Curl
- Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner
- Oyin Handmade Hair Dew
Try limiting your use of oil. With the colder months, it is natural to use oil more frequent than other times in the year. But it may cause your hair to weigh down more.
Use this between co-washes
You mentioned that you have been co-washing for a few months now, is this a new practice in your regimen? If it is, try to not co-wash as much because it is a possibility that you are co-washing too frequently. Are you co-washing to cleanse your scalp but do not want to dry out your hair at the same time? Dry shampoo can be a solution for you. You can use this in between washing and co-washing. Check out these dry shampoos:
- Devacurl No-Poo Quick Cleanser
- Batiste Original Dry Shampoo
- Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo
- Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD”> Dry Shampoo
- Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
As always, a healthy diet plays a role in the health of your hair. Make sure you drink plenty of water and eat fruits and vegetables. If you are still experiencing issues with oily hair, you may want to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. If your scalp is producing flakes that are oily or greasy, it can possibly be seborrheic dermatitis and it will be best to seek further treatment.
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Protective styling is a term we constantly hear in the natural hair community. It is used to protect the ends of our hair, which can help with length retention. Protective styling can be really affordable and easy to install. With the many different options that are available and step-by-step tutorials, you can find the protective style that is right for you. If you love to wear your hair in twists, this is the ultimate guide to find the best protective twist extension style for your curls.
Havana and Marley Twists
Havana and Marley twists are great protective styles to consider. They are trendy, easy to install, and is a great heat-free option of styling. Now, these two styles are popular and they can look similar. What is the difference between Havana and Marley twists? The hair is what makes them different. Havana twists require Havana hair, which can be purchased at Fingercomber.com. Marley twists require Marley hair, which can be less expensive than Havana Hair. It also gives it more of a textured look. If you are struggling between these two hairstyles and want to know more differences between the two, check our this article.
Senegalese Twists
Senegalese twists, also known as rope twists, are very similar to Havana and Marley twists. However, they are usually smaller and use Kanekalon hair. This hair gives the twists a more shiny and smooth look. Of course, you can use whatever hair you would like, this is just the main difference. You can also use the similar technique (invisible root method”> to install the Havana and Marley twists. Senegalese twists are a good option if you want a smooth look and prefer not to have as much texture. If you also prefer to have smaller twists, this is also a good option for you. My Natural Sistas share a tutorial on installing Senegalese twists where the hair is braided at the root.
Jumbo Twists
Jumbo twists are larger versions of Havana and Marley twists. Havana or Marley hair would probably be the best hair to use. However, you may need 4-6 pieces of hair for the twist, depending on how big you want them. This can be a bit more expensive since you are using more hair. It also may not last as long (usually these styles can last 4-8 weeks depending on how you maintain it”> since the twists are bigger. Ambrosia Malbrough shares how she installs her jumbo Havana twists.
Flat Twists
Guess what? Your favorite flat twists can also be considered a protective style with extensions. Simply add your preferred hair using the invisible root method. This gives you an option to style your hair exactly the way you want. If you do not want to have your hair out, try doing a flat twist updo style. If you need to style your hair with something simple, easy, and stylish, Juicesandberries shares how to achieve a flat twist crown style with Marley hair.
Crochet Twists
Crochet braids have been super trendy and are a great protective style for your hair. You can also install crochet twists. This is a great option for those who enjoy crochet braids and do not want to actually twist the hair. You have to purchase hair that is already twisted. This can possibly save a few hours of installation compared to the traditional installment of twists. iMadameJay shares her tutorial on how to install Crochet Havana Mambo Twists.
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What is your favorite protective twist style? Are protective styles an essential to your regimen? Please share with the curly community.
Whipped shea butter
Naptural85 shares a fluffy shea butter recipe that is super moisturizing and easy to make:
- Unrefined shea butter at room temperature
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. castor oil
- 1 Tbsp. jojoba oil
- 1/2 tsp. vitamin E
Deep conditioning treatment
Hey Fran Hey shares a raw hair smoothie recipe that you can use to deep condition your hair. These ingredients can be found in your kitchen and mixed these with your food processor or blender. She explains in her video to play around with the recipe so it can suit your hair’s needs. This recipe is easy, healthy, and has a loose consistency to easily distribute throughout your hair.
- ½ cup of EVOO
- 2 Tbsp. of organic raw honey
- ½ cup of organic coconut milk
- ½ avocado
- ½ banana
My favorite oil blend
Essential and carrier oils play a huge role in my hair care and skin care regimens. Due to my dry scalp, I enjoy using an oil blend to help control flakes and give myself a scalp massage. Scalp massages help with circulating the blood flow in your scalp, which can help promote hair growth. I use oils that work best with my hair to keep it moisturized. I also include tea tree oil to help my dry and itchy scalp. Lastly, I added lavender oil for fragrance. Below are the oil selections and the amount that I use:
- 2 oz. olive oil
- 2 oz. sweet almond oil
- 1 oz. jojoba oil
- 1 oz. avocado oil
- 8 drops of tea tree oil
- 5 drops lavender oil
I add these oils in a color application bottle and mix them together. When the oils are in the bottle, I lightly shake the bottle to mix them up and use the applicator tip to section and apply the oil on my scalp.
What are your favorite DIY recipes? What ingredients are must haves on your list?
