Search Results: Becky Woodford
When you start diving into the world of naturally curly hair, you begin to realize the complexity about all the ingredients that you put into your hair.
One popular ingredient that always comes up in the natural hair conversation is glycerin–what’s its deal? There are so many differing opinions and a lot of conflicting research can leave your head spinning. The simple truth about glycerin is that it does not do the same thing for everyone’s hair. Let’s go through the pros and cons of using glycerin products on your curls.
What is glycerin?
Glycerin is a thick, clear liquid that is either naturally derived from plants like coconut or palm oils. It can be synthetically made from petrochemicals–the use of synthetic glycerin is currently under scrutiny on its safety. Glycerin is a water-soluble conditioning alcohol that is extremely hydrophilic, meaning that it attracts water to itself.
The good
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Since it is water soluble, glycerin is safe to use when following the Curly Girl Method.
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Because glycerin is hydrophilic, it attracts moisture into your hair–and retain it.
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Glycerin mixes easily with other ingredients, so it is safe and easy to add into your routine.
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Glycerin helps prevent breakage for those who still brush their textured hair.
The bad
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Vegan naturals should double check that the product only contains vegetable oil-derived glycerin to ensure its purity.
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Glycerin is extremely dependent on humidity–too much might cause over-moisturized hair and low humidity levels can cause frizz.
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Using it alone in its pure form can cause the strands to dry out, so diluting the ingredient down with other ingredients is recommended.
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Because it seep into the cuticle, glycerin may cause issues repelling semi-permanent hair dye.
The takeaway
Glycerin is an ingredient that is useful for most naturally curlies across the spectrum. However, knowing when to use it is important. Humidity should be between 20 to 60%. For those using a semi-permanent hair color, it may be best to stay away from glycerin, as this well prevent over-processing as well. If you have permanent hair color, keep glycerin away the day after your appointment.
If you choose that glycerin is a product, add it into your hair roundup and see what it does for your curls. Make your own spray or leave-in, or find a store-bought product that contain glycerin as a top ingredient.
Have you used glycerin on your curls?
What was your experience? Let us know on Facebook – NaturallyCurly
Some curlies don’t like glycerin–here are product suggestions for them.
If you’ve recently gone natural, figuring out a hair care regimen can be a frustrating experience. Sometimes, we try new products with no luck. But sometimes, that’s also how some of the best product ideas are born.
Inspired by her frustration with struggling to care for her swimmer’s Type 4c hair, a mother wanted to use a single product that could moisturize, condition and detangle and was simple enough for a child to apply. Then, Especially Hair Moisture Foundation was born.
When I was told this product is meant to be “the curly hair wash-and-go solution,” I had to give it a try. Here are the featured ingredients:
- Panthenol is used to draw moisture into the hair shaft for added fullness.
- Avocado Oil is lightweight and contains high amounts of vitamin E to moisturize thirsty strands.
- Jojoba Oil will hydrate your hair deep inside the shaft of the hair.
For coily-curly type 3c to 4c natural hair, the founders recommend using this as a leave-in type product after shampooing or co-washing. Apply the foundation to the hairline and spread it back to ends of your hair. Allow your hair to air dry or style as usual.
For wavy type hair, use this as a deep conditioner treatment; apply to the hairline and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Lightly rinse, then style as usual.
First impression
When I opened this product for the first time, I was taken aback by the strange viscosity of the product because it’s almost like a custard and has more hold than a traditional conditioner or deep conditioner. It didn’t take me long to figure out that smoothing just a small amount of product throughout my hair adds the right amount of slip when conditioning.
Once I applied this product, I let it sit for the rest of my shower–probably around 10 minutes total–and then lightly rinsed it out. By lightly rinsing out I mean I don’t aggressively attempt to remove the product, and don’t mind having some leftover.
My waves felt much softer after the product rinsed out. I was able to run my fingers through my hair without feeling the heaviness. I followed up my deep condition with a diffuser breaking breaking up my hard hold gel for natural definition.
My results were incredibly positive, I was definitely unsure about leaving any of a deep conditioner in my hair but was happily surprised at the lightness that it provided! After getting use to the product a little bit I found that squishing in a little after I was done with my shower was all I needed as a leave in, and a cream for styling my hair as well, making a super simple routine of only having to put gel for hold on top.
For those with finer hair you may want to skip leaving any additional product on the hair as it can weigh it down if not careful. For my daughter’s super fine 2a/2b hair I found that using this as a deep conditioner alone and then rinsing out completely was enough moisture for her curls and all I needed on top was a super light gel to keep the curls in place.
Final thoughts
This deep conditioner truly has multiple uses. If used correctly and in the right amount, it can really simplify a wash day for a wavy, curly or coily. It detangles like a dream and leaves hair noticeably moisturized. After being unsure of how exactly a product marketed as a deep conditioner could do so much, I happily realized to never judge a product simply by its name again.
Watch my YouTube videos for more hair product reviews @The Polished Curl
Have you found a nighttime routine that works for your waves? This is how to pineapple short, wavy & curly hair.
Not sure what Type 4c and Type 2a means? Find out here.
As the season changes, so do many of the needs of our wavy and curly textured hair.
With fall just beginning, many of us have started to notice that our summer routine might not be working as well as it once had. The thought of having to go out and buy all new products for every season change can make our wallet silently scream–thankfully, there are some easy ways to bring an end to your summer regimen and swing into fall with minimal effort.
1. End the summer with clarity.
After many trips to the beach or pool–or just the tons of sunscreen–your hair is probably in need of a clarification to get back on track. By removing all the build-up, your head of curls will be ready for the fall season with a clean slate and nothing holding them down.
2. Don’t rinse out all of your rinse-out conditioner.
The ending of summer humidity means your hair can now handle an extra bit of moisture without weighing down your texture. Use your normal conditioner with a protein-packed styler for additional frizz defense and definition.
3. Multiply your normal deep conditioning sessions.
Even though most of us always have a deep conditioner on hand during every season, fall might require a few extra sessions in the month. Just apply heat and oil to your deep conditioning masque, covering your head with a shower cap to help absorption.
4. Use more moisturizing styler and less gel.
Once the air starts becoming drier, your frizz happens from a whole ‘nother source–a lack of moisture. To increase the level of your moisturizing styler with products you already have in your stash, decrease the amount of gel you use on your crown when plopping.
5. Start using a leave-in conditioner as a styler.
If you are finding that you are still having straw feeling hair with the fall weather you can add in a heavier leave in conditioner. A leave-in conditioner can sometimes be too heavy in the more humid summer months so during the fall it can be a necessary part of your routine.
Fall is here and you can rest easy knowing that you don’t have to pay another arm and a leg for completely new hair products. By trying your current product arsenal in new or different ways, you can maintain textured hair that looks and feels healthy as ever.
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In the age of the internet, keeping up to date with what’s happening should seem to be so simple, but with so much information coming out every day you can easily look over some big stories happening now. As you might have guessed, a fair amount of my time is spent reading, absorbing and obsessing over articles I find and I don’t want you to miss a thing, so here are 7 stories I loved that are trending now!
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South African students protest their school’s rules on natural hair
We’re no strangers to the words used to describe natural hair. Unkempt. Untidy. Unpresentable. Distracting. Just this month a Louisiana high school was lambasted for their arguably racist school policy stating that “hair styles that are extreme, distracting, or attention getting will not be permitted. No dreadlocks, cornrows, twists, mohawks and no jewelry will be worn in hair.” Now, students at Pretoria Girls High in South Africa are protesting their school’s stance on natural hair.
Zulaikha Patel is a 13 year old student at Pretoria Girls High in South Africa, who told CNN “the issue of my hair has been a thing that’s followed me my entire life, even in Primary I was told my hair is not natural, it’s exotic, my Afro was not wanted or anything like that and then the issue followed me to High School.” We’ve been following the protest, and not surprisingly our NaturallyCurly Facebook community has shared an outpouring of support.
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Natural hair in Elle Canada
ELLE Canada is paying tribute to black hair in their September issue, featuring a collection of hairstyles including afro puffs, baby hair and braids. Their Beauty Director, Vanessa Craft, shared on Instagram that she has “wanted to do a shoot like this for a long, long time – a visual love letter to the girls I grew up with and the women we all have all become. Hair is such a hugely important part of our world and I wanted to celebrate it authentically. (P.S. I have worn every hairstyle in this shoot at some point in my life. Bantu knots is a personal fave”>.”
That TODAY show segment
Even if you didn’t catch Deepica’s natural hair segment on the TODAY show, you probably saw the backlash on social media. This is what actually happened.Twitter clapped back
Once again Gabby Douglas was receiving hateful comments online over hair, and Twitter users snapped back at the trolls. These are the best Twitter clapbacks to Gabby Douglas’s hair.Real curls on the runway
Embracing natural hair texture and color is making big waves on autumn and winter catwalks.Taylor Swift’s making a comeback
Taylor Swift was seen sporting her classic waves once again! C’mon Taylor, bring back the curls.
Alicia Keys is keeping it natural
Alicia Keys puts her best face forward at the 2016 MTV VMA’s showing off her natural beauty with no makeup.Stan Lee speaks out
Stan Lee is defending the decision by the directors to cast Zendaya Coleman as Mary Jane.
One of the most rewarding parts of embarking on a natural hair journey is getting see your unique curl pattern take shape. This also comes with some annoyances.
We are here to show you that does not have to be so. These three annoyances might be the most common that come with embracing your naturally wavy and curly hair.
A cowlick
I was incredibly unlucky to have a cowlick directly in the middle of my forehead as a child, still attempting to wear bangs. They didn’t agree.
A cowlick is often found at the crown of the head but can also be found in the front or back of your head but can appear really wherever. When you have a cowlick and curly hair, the best way to deal with it is by styling your hair while it is wet. Finger curl your hair where your cowlick forms as this can help produce a curl that will look the same as the rest of your curls.
If yours forms right in the front of your head, more control at the roots may be what you need, too. I have found that duckbill clips can help alleviate a cowlick. Letting your hair air dry or using a blow drier should give you the same results with the exception that you may get a little more volume when blow drying. So, let your bangs down and fight the cowlick.
Two hair textures
Many curlies complain of having one curl type on their canopy and a totally different one on the lower layer.
This happens because either some of your hair is damaged and also, simply one size fits all doesn’t work when categorizing your hair type (although it can be a helpful point of reference for styling”>. Blend them together to create the illusion of one texture with CurlFormers.
Another option is to create large loose braids at night and take down the next morning for even definition throughout your entire head. If your hair is on the wavier side, finger curling with a medium or hard hold gel can give you defined ringlets for days–no heat required.
If you rock a wash and go often, metal prong clips will elongate the uneven textures. Apply them to hair that is drying to remove some of your shrinkage.
Wispy baby hairs
The little hairs that frame your face can be frustrating to deal with on a day that you want to pull your hair back into a sleek ponytail.
If you plan on wearing your hair down, grab an unused toothbrush and spritz some hairspray on it. If you prefer a softer look, go apply a light curl cream and dab each strand with your finger to go into place. If your frizz needs a harder hold, dab a bit of gel or edge control to keep the baby hairs exactly where you want them throughout the day.
Interested in starting a Curly Girl Method journey? Check out our guide on How To Follow The Curly Girl Method.
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In a hair rut? Follow us on Instagram for inspiration.
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If your hair is an obsession like mine is, you have likely accumulated quite the product stash throughout your journey.
Do you hold on to all of your products even if you’ve moved on from them? It might be time to get rid of some of them.
A good rule of thumb for your hair products is that the unopened ones are usually good for three years. Once opened, don’t keep a product longer than 18 months.
Decluttering your stash can feel overwhelming. However, there are a few steps you can take to make the process as easy and quick as possible.
1. Label your new products
While you cannot go back in time and label all the products you have now, you can certainly start a new healthy habit.
Write the open date on the bottom in a permanent marker. This makes future decluttering much easier. If you want to go so far as to figure out 18 months from that date, write that date on it as well.
2. Take all your products out
By taking all of your products out and categorizing them on the floor in an open space, you will see exactly how many conditioners you may have in rotation.
This might make you feel better about throwing some of them out. This also makes putting your products back easier and can keep you organized so you know exactly where to go when you need it.
3. Check for expiration dates
Along with the 18 month rule, there are some products that will already have an expiration date on the bottom based on their brand’s protocol.
This happens a lot more with natural hair products since they may not use as many preservatives in them. Does the product’s scent seem off? This can be a good indicator that it is ready to be thrown out.
4. Declutter on a frequent schedule
This may sound even more daunting, but try to declutter your product stash every 6 months.
Donate your unused ones or offer them to friends or family. By not having to throw the items away when they go bad, you will not feel as if you have wasted money on products. Next time, your decluttering process will be easier as well.
5. Shop your stash
Instead of buying a new hair product the moment you hear about it, go back to your own stash and check to see if you have any products that compare.
Since you have been decluttering your stash, all your products will still be usable. If you see one you want to give another chance, you can do so without worrying. Shopping your stash will not only help your wallet but also make your next six month decluttering session even quicker than the last.
Which product do you you have too much of?
I’d love to know. Stop by my YouTube channel, The Polished Curl.
Follow NaturallyCurly on Instagram, @NaturallyCurly for more curly hair tips!
As wavies and curlies, we tend to play the game of keeping hair clumps out of the drain on wash day.
Why does curly hair shed “more”?
Since we don’t brush our hair daily, many hair strands that fall out naturally throughout the day get caught up in other curls and therefore, it does not come out until it is time to wash and detangle. This is because the average person loses between 50-100 strands a day so if you don’t wash or brush until 3rd day hair you may be getting rid of around 300 strands! According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this is what is known as hair shedding.
While some hair shedding should not be cause for concern, there can be a time when looking down at your drain becomes worrisome. There are different factors in life that can cause what is known as excessive shedding. First, know the difference between this and hair loss.
What’s the difference between hair shedding and hair loss?
Hair shedding
Hair shedding is a normal body function where some of the hair strands fall out to make room for new hair growth, you can lose between 50 to 100 strands a day–and sometimes even up to 150–and this is still considered normal, according to WebMD. You will grow back new hair to take the place of the hair that you are shedding. Hair shedding can also be seasonal, meaning you lose less hair in the summer months and start losing more hair in the fall and winter months. One common cause of excessive shedding is childbirth. Many mothers lose hair after giving birth, but not to fear as this pattern usually only lasts for a few months and then reverts to its normal rate. Other causes of excessive shedding are quick weight loss, stress, sickness or surgery, in which case it is best to see your doctor.
Hair loss
Hair loss is when the fallen hair fails to grow back. If you have hair loss you will start to notice either a bald spot or the look of your hair actually thinning as no new hair is growing in to replace the hair that you are losing. Hair loss can vary, some may lose hair gradually and slowly start to notice thinning at the top, while others may actually experience clumps of hair falling out. Hair loss can be caused by factors such as a poor diet, tight hair styles, stress, genetics, or a combination of these things. The good news: most hair loss issues can be treated. Consult with your medical doctor for professional advice. While there is no way to prevent normal hair shedding, there are ways to improve our hair’s health and further prevent true hair loss by caring for ourselves from the inside out–this includes making sure our diet contains enough protein and iron, in addition to making sure we thoroughly cleanse the scalp on wash day. Also, don’t forget to be gentle when creating a braided hairstyle or updo. Now you can wash your hair in peace knowing that although your hair shedding may clog your drain, it’s probably nothing more than your body making room for even more hair. If your hair loss exceeds the normal patterns that we have described here, be sure to seek the advice of a doctor to determine the cause and best course of treatment.Follow us on Instagram @NaturallyCurly & my personal page, @ThePolishedCurl for more wavy + curly hair advice!
I’m sure you have gone through many ups and downs with your curly hair products–when you find one that works you hold on to it and don’t want to let go!
I’m sure you have gone through many ups and downs with your curly hair products–when you find one that works you hold on to it and don’t want to let go! But what happens when you start to see inconsistencies in the results of what once worked?
Don’t fret. Here are three super simple steps to take to find what may be happening with your Holy Grail.
Step 1.
Make sure your hair is as healthy as it can be.
Ask yourself: Have I done a deep condition lately?
Maybe your hair is craving a protein treatment. It will not play as well with products as it can when it’s not properly balanced. If your hair is feeling brittle or straw like when wet, it’s letting you know that it needs moisture. Does your hair feel mushy or stretchy when wet? Then the problem is a lack of protein.
Another big reason products stop working is build-up, either on your scalp or on your strands, which may be an indicator that it is time to clarify. Before you point your finger at your favorite product, make sure these things are in check before shopping for new product.
Step 2.
Weed out the problem product.
So you’ve made sure your hair has a balance of moisture and protein and have tried a clarifying shampoo, but you’re still having issues with your routine. Now is the time to start scrutinizing your products. Start by paying attention to your cleanser and conditioner in the shower, as well as how your hair feels after you have applied this combination.
Does your hair feel frizzy or stripped after using your cleanser? It might be too harsh. If your hair feels heavy or limp after your conditioner, the ingredients may be too heavy for your density. When your regimen consists of multiple products, you want to remove one product at a time to determine which product is causing the problem. Examine your next few wash days closely to determine which product is giving your hair problems.
Step 3.
Find your replacement.
Once you have eliminated the product or products that are giving you negative effects, it’s time for step 3. Finding a new Holy Grail product is never an easy process, and can be one of the most daunting of the three steps. Though there are no exact methods to replacing an old product, one surefire way to make sure you will not make the same mistake again is to record a list of current products and main ingredients. By doing this you can start to determine what agrees with your hair and what doesn’t, then avoid that in your next product.
Oftentimes, an ingredient stops working is because of changes in your environment, such as heat and humidity and its effects on ingredients like glycerin or honey.
Hopefully these quick steps will help make your next product failure a little less stressful.
Have you ever had a product stop working for you? Let us know in the comments.
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Subscribe to my YouTube channel, The Polished Curl for more wavy girl advice.
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Whether you have been embracing your natural hair texture your whole life or just started, I understand it can be difficult to know which habits are helping or hurting your cause. If you are looking to get the best curl your hair is capable of, experiment with removing these practices from your routine.
1. Quit silicones and sulfates
“Stop using products with silicone,” says Melanie Nickels founder of Raw Hair Organics Products & Salon. Silicones are ingredients that are found in many different hair and beauty products–they work by covering the hair with a thin waterproof coating. For this reason, many of us in the curly hair community feel that the coating causes build-up. In order to remove the silicones from your hair, you must use a sulfate shampoo, which can strip your hair of natural oils and cause dryness and frizz. Are you currently using this harmful silicone?
2. Quit brushing your hair
While many couldn’t imagine life without their brush at their side, it could be the thing that is ruining your curl formation. By brushing your hair once it is dry you will separate the curl clumps that you may have formed, which can result in very poofy or frizzy hair. If you brush your hair outside of the shower it could cause your hair to pull straight and make your curls less defined. Finger detangling is the safest way to remove knots, but if that is out the question for you, your next best choice is a wide tooth comb while you are conditioning your hair in the shower.
3. Quit using towels
Ask yourself: “How do I treat my hair when it’s wet?” You may not have thought about it before, but the way you dry your hair once you get out of the shower makes a difference in the health of your curls. Using a classic towel to dry your hair can cause split ends and frizz. Its texture can roughen up the cuticle layer. A microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt is gentler on your hair and can result in more uniform curl formation. You can also use these nifty hair drying gloves.
4. Quit skipping haircuts
When picking out your salon you may just assume that every stylist will know how to deal with your curls, but this is unfortunately not true. Melanie Nickels also states that “getting the wrong haircut” can set you back in your curl journey. If your haircut is intended for straight hair, it will not look as it should if it were cut specifically for curly styling. Invest your time and money in finding a properly-trained curly specialist near you.
5. Quit blow-drying
Blow dryers can cause curly hair to dry out and frizz up, not to mention the heat damage they can cause over time. If air drying is not an option for you because of time, a quality diffuser might be worth the investment. While any type of heat can cause some damage to the strand, a diffuser on the cool setting adds a barrier so there is no direct heat being applied to your curls. A diffuser pumps up the volume of your hair and enhances its natural curl pattern. These 5 diffusers won’t let wavy and curly girls down.
6. Quit neglecting your hair at night
With curly hair, going straight to bed without a nighttime routine in place could ruin your curl definition. You don’t want to redo your wash day every day, do you? Instead, protect your hair to make sure it retains moisture and doesn’t become frizzy by morning. There are many different methods to protect your hair at night, but one of the most popular is to pineapple your hair before bed and sleep on a satin pillowcase. Ensuring your hair is protected at night can make for a much simpler morning routine.
Learning to care for your curls can be overwhelming for many, but if you slow down and eliminate the small things that are included on this list you will start to see your hair thanking you for it.
Pictured: NaturallyCurly reader Caitlin, if you’d like to see the products and steps she took to achieve this look, she shared it here.
Summer is here–with that, there’s a whole new hair game to master.
For my waves, it seems that every season I have to drop what I was previously doing that worked so well and move on to a new routine in order to combat whatever comes with it. Summer = humidity. The solution to this problem is a diffuser.
Summer = humidity. The solution to this problem is a diffuser.
While many in the curly community try to avoid using heat on their hair, during the summer months it can become unavoidable. We also know it can be annoying (and even dangerous“> to wet hair constantly. So what to do to beat this summertime foe? Grab your favorite blow dryer and take a look at some of the best options to use to diffuse your hair.
Xtava Black Orchid Diffuser
This is a classic bowl type diffuser. My hair sits inside the diffuser while air is gently directed around it. This minimizes frizz and drying time. The large bowl on this diffuser is great for those with longer hair who are looking to add volume to their wash and go.
Collapsible Diffuser by The Curly Co.
For those lacking the bathroom space to store a huge diffuser, here’s an option. Don’t let the size of this diffuser fool you, either–it fights frizz and boosts the body of my hair just as well as the rest of them. With a flat top, this diffuser is best suited for wavies with shorter cuts.
Hot Sock Diffuser
A traditional bowl diffuser, this hot sock diffuser can give results more like a blow dryer, while still helping to reduce frizz and flyaways.
DevaCurl DevaFuser
This is a completely different take on the finger diffuser. It has fingers that reach out to get 360-degree air flow all through my waves, and can get up by your roots to add volume and can also lift the ends to “scrunch” your hair for maximum curl definition.
Softhood Hair Dryer Attachment
If you prefer to use curlformers or rollers with your curls, this softhood can make the drying process faster and more convenient. Use it for deep conditioning treatments with a cap, too.
Why diffuse in the summertime?
With these five options, you are able to dry your curls quickly and without so much frizz. It is important to remember when using heat on your hair to use deep conditioning treatments weekly to minimize the amount of damage you are inflicting on your hair. Also when blow drying your hair, remember to keep the heat setting at cool/warm, this is more than enough to dry your hair without as much damage.
Although adding a heat tool to a curly hair routine can be a little nerve racking, during the humid months this addition can make all the difference in getting the style that you want. Explore all your options for your diffuser and make sure to treat your hair to some extra treatments and you can make it through this summer with your curls intact!
Follow Becky on Instagram @ThePolishedCurl
You may think you know every possible way to curl your locks, but leave it to creative YouTubers to prove us wrong.
These two curly hair hacks are easy to do at home. The first uses a simple a No. 2 pencil and the second, a semi inflated balloon. Yes, you read that correctly. This is how each style can be accomplished at home.
Pencil Curls
Note: Do not use a plastic pencil, as you will be applying heat. You will also need a straightener. This hack for a tighter corkscrew spiral, 3c curly hairstyle.
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Separate your dry hair into 3 to 6 sections depending on how thick your hair is.
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Place the pencil close to your scalp and begin wrapping a 1-inch clump of hair around the pencil. Thicker sections won’t take as well.
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Hover your straightener over your hair on the pencil–no need to clamp it on as the heat coming off of it will be enough for it to hold the curl.
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Continue moving it up and down the pencil until your hair feels warm to the touch.
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Allow your hair to cool for a minute then slowly release it from the pencil. Continue this process around your entire head or on any parts that just need to be touched up.
Balloon Curls
If you prefer no heat curls then grab out your unused water balloons for this next hack. This process is done overnight and will result in large voluminous curls.
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Blow up about 10 balloons to the size of a peach. They need to be soft enough to allow your hair to wrap around without pulling or breaking.
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Put your hair into a pineapple.
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Take a section of hair and slightly wet it with a water bottle so that it is damp to the touch but not wet.
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Wrap your hair around the balloon and secure it with a bobby pin.
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Use a bobby pin and fasten the balloon to the top of your head and the hair on the bottom of the balloon.
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Repeat these steps until all hair is in balloons.
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Leave in overnight or until hair has dried.
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Gently remove hair from balloons and enjoy your heat free curls!
There you have it, two simple hacks to add some fun into your curl routine. Would you try this?
There are multiple different ways to go about protecting your hair from the heat of the sun that are simple to implement before heading outside. Once the beautiful weather starts calling us outside, it has become ingrained in us to slather on sunscreen to keep our skin protected and many times we forget that our hair is not exempt from the potentially damaging sun rays.
Coconut Oil
On days when you are spending all day in the sun, you can turn this time into a deep conditioning opportunity, as well.
If you are going to the beach or the pool, soak your curls with water and then slather on some coconut oil prior to heading out the door. By soaking your hair with your tap water at home, you are locking in much needed moisture and should help to keep out some of the chlorine or salt water that is prone to drying out hair.
Coconut oil has a natural SPF of 10, so along with the deep conditioning treatment, you are also keeping your hair safe from the sun’s rays.
If you are going to be out in the sun, smoothe coconut oil over your strands, especially the canopy (top layer”> which is has the highest exposure to the sun’s rays and is most likely to be damaged by the elements. If you experience frizz or hair that won’t curl as much at the canopy and framing your face, this could be why.
3 more ways to protect your hair from sun damage
Coconut oil can help block UV rays, but for an even more effective protection it is best to create an actual barrier between your hair and the sun. There are also products formulated specifically to block the sun’s rays and repair the damage they can can cause – check out these sun-blocking tips.
Barriers
The first option you can go with is to add a barrier between your hair and the sun. Options include a brimmed summer hat, or a scarf to wrap your hair with. This works best if you are going to spend a day out shopping or at a park. This option is great because it not only protects your hair but also will protect your scalp from the potential of being sunburnt.
DIY Sunscreen
If wearing a hat isn’t really your style, there are other ways to protect your hair. Sunscreen is an effective option to keep the sun’s rays from damaging your hair. The simplest way to include spf into your hair routine is just to use the same sunscreen you use for your face in your hair. If rubbing skin sunscreen onto your hair doesn’t sound appealing either, make yourself a protective hair mist with these three ingredients:
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1 cup water
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2 teaspoons sunscreen
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3 to 4 drops rosemary oil
Mix these ingredients together in a spray bottle and toss in your beach bag. Next time you are heading out, coat the mix over your hair for added UV protection. It is not heavy so fine hair won’t be weighed down by it. Don’t forget to reapply if you are going in and out of water as it will wash out.
Post-sun reparative mask
If your hair is still feeling a little fried after spending time out in the sun, there are plenty of options for you to treat your hair to an after-sun reparative treatment. When you get home from the beach or pool, cleanse your hair from any chlorine or salt that may be left over and give one of these a try:
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Redken Color Extend Sun After-Sun Mask instantly detangles and revitalizes sun damaged and fried hair and with mango seed oil it will help deeply moisturize your hair.
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Davines Su Pak Nourishing Replenishing Mask contains a mix of essential oils and extracts that is able to restore residual damage from sun, sea or pool.
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Rene Furterer Sun Care Repairing After Sun Mask for Dry Hair uses palm butter to soften your hair and make detangling a breeze for dry, sun damaged hair.
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Christophe Beverly Hills Restorative Hair Mask not only helps restore damaged hair but also contains sunscreen to protect against UV and freed radical damage.
This summer, don’t be afraid to embrace the sun with confidence knowing that you can truly be protected from head to toe.
It is not just women with stick straight hair that are making their way to the salon for this chemical process. Many naturally curlies and wavies are seeking perms as a solution to enhance their natural texture.
Even if you were too young to remember or not even born yet, when you hear the word perm it takes you back to one decade, the 80s.
Tight, uniform and frizzy curls made for big hair on women and men alike. But while these are not the kind of perms making a comeback today, with advancements in the way perms are done many different styles and shapes of curls can be accomplished and they are causing many people to flock to salons to have some texture added into their hair.What is a perm, anyway?
A perm is a procedure that involves setting hair in waves or curls with rods and then using a chemical bonding process to hold the curl pattern for months at a time. Since this altered texture is considered permanent and requires chemicals, there is some damage involved. However, there can be a minimized amount sustained by frequent deep conditioning treatments, switching to sulfate free shampoos, and other healthy hair regimen practices.
Upkeep of a perm is much like that of coloring your hair, you will need to have your roots touched up every so often to keep up with your growing hair and may want to have your entire head redone every 6 months to refresh the curl. The regular trips to the salon come with a price tag (which varies depending on where you go”> so be sure you want to commit to this recurring bill before you take the plunge. It is not just women with stick straight hair that are making their way to the salon for the procedure. Many with naturally curly or wavy hair are also seeking it out to enhance their natural texture and make their waves appear evenly.
Is a perm for me?
If the idea that adding chemicals to alter your hair’s texture for perfect, effortless waves or curls seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you are hoping to get a perm in order to avoid all of the common curly hair concerns you have now, like styling, moisturizing and detangling, then I urge you to think twice. Styling a perm is similar to styling naturally curly and wavy hair, in that it requires striking a balance of moisture and strength, and finding the right amount of hold to get the most curl definition out of the curls.
There will always be damage associated with permanently altering the structure of your hair using chemicals, and damage is likely to make your hair care even more difficult, rather than easier. Curly, coily and coarse hair can struggle to retain moisture even in its virgin state, so take care when considering a potentially damaging permanent treatment. If you color treat your hair or if your hair is already in a fragile or dry state, then your stylist will most likely advise against a perm.
That being said, there are women who feel that their hair and lifestyle benefits from getting perms. To find out if you are one of them, it is absolutely essential that you have a consultation with a professional stylist first. Erika Brown, salon owner and cosmetologist behind the blog, Confessions of a Cosmetologist, says “make sure to be COMPLETELY honest during your perm consultation! This means speaking up about home dye jobs, current medications, and even if you’re on your cycle! All of these are indicators of how much your hair will suffer or if the perm will even take.”
In the end, a perm is an option that can be considered, but not without reviewing the risks that can be brought on by the treatment. It is important to remember that even with this treatment, you will need to maintain proper care for your curls.
So you’ve finally done it, you took the plunge and dyed you hair your favorite shade of blue–now what?
How can you care for your color to make sure it’s not looking dull and lifeless after your first few washes? Luckily for us, that and curl care go hand in hand.
Use a sulfate-free co-wash.
Vivid fantasy colors are finicky and can easily be stripped by using harsh shampoos so your best choice would to be to use a cleansing co-wash.Seal with cold water.
Rinsing with scorching hot water while washing your hair will open your hair cuticles; this will cause your new color to fade much more quickly.Don’t wash hair every day.
As is routine for most curlies already, don’t wash your hair every day. If you are someone who likes to wash your hair daily try out a dry shampoo, this won’t strip your color and can help clean your hair.
Moisturize!
Use a deep conditioner to keep your hair happy, coloring your hair can be hard on it so a deep conditioner is great to keep the colors bright and your hair healthy. A great time to do this is when in the shower, use your favorite deep conditioner, such as SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque and put your hair up in a shower cap, then you can use your hot water on yourself and keep your hair protected.Use a conditioner glaze to boost.
You need is your favorite silicone-free conditioner and a dye that doesn’t need to develop (brands that you don’t have to mix two products together before using”> like Bigen Vivid Shades Semi-Permanent Hair Color. Mix these two products together and use that in place of your conditioner, you can let it sit for as long or as little as you like, keeping in mind the longer you leave it the more color you are allowing to deposit. If DIY isn’t your cup of tea, look for a color depositing conditioner options like oVertone.Now you have the knowhow to rock your bold, vivid color as long as you want…
without spending an arm and a leg having to have your color touched up once a month or more.
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Hair goes through many stages throughout our lives.
As children, most of us are born with thin and soft strands that begin to transform as the follicle changes; they thicken into early adulthood. It is easy to forget that hair can change and it is important to reevaluate your regimen during each new stage of your life to make sure you are caring for it properly.
One of the big changes that can happen with your hair is in your fifties, when hormones are changing and the growth rate starts slowing down. With slower growing hair and many of us turning to chemical coloring, it’s no wonder why hair starts losing its luster at this age. Still, that certainly doesn’t mean it is time to hide your hair away forever. With proper care, it can be brought back to its full potential with an easy-to-manage regimen. Here are 8 things you should stop doing to your hair after 50.
1. Stop brushing your hair
Once your hair begins to thin it becomes very susceptible to breakage especially if you try to pull a brush through it every day. If you must use a brush, search for one with soft bristles, like boars hair, to help smooth and tame fly-aways without worrying about breakage.2. Stop using sulfates
With thinning hair sulfates can be far too harsh on the hair strands, however using a cowash might not be able to remove build up enough leaving your hair weighed down. A sulfate free shampoo is the perfect compromise to remove the build up without worrying about extra damage.3. Stop neglecting protein
Aging hair can become more easily over moisturized so finding the perfect balance between the two is a must. Including a protein treatment in replace of your normal deep condition can do wonders for the strength of your locks.4. Stop depending on your diet for nutrients
Depending on our diet to get everything hair needs may mean that you miss out on some vital nutrients. Adding a biotin supplement may help improve strength of your hair and nails, but do consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your regimen.5. Lose the layers
When your hair begins to thin, cutting your hair in layers can cause your hair to look thinner than it actually is. Styling your hair with just one length can bring back the look of fullness to your hair. If you’ve been wearing your hair in the same style for years, now is a great time to talk to your stylist and make sure your cut is really enhancing your curls. Don’t underestimate the value of a good cut.6. Don’t skip the trims
Hair can start to look wispy at the ends if left unchecked. This can be especially evident if your hair is thinning and suffering from breakages, so be sure to stay up on your regular trim schedule to keep your hair looking healthy.7. Don’t sleep with your hair unprotected
Sleeping can be especially rough on your hair. Remembering to put it up in a satin cap overnight or sleep on a satin pillowcase can keep it protected from damage and prevent breakage.8. Avoid tight styles
When dealing with thinning hair it can be tempting to want to pull it back and out of sight, but doing this could be making your situation worse. Tight styles can hurt the circulation to your scalp and also cause breakage on thin or fragile hair, so if you need to pull it back stick to loose ponies and buns.
We started seeing a new take on this hair color trend last fall but many didn’t think it would last.
But glitter roots have been paired with many different on-trend hairstyles as a fan favorite, paired with low buns and deep side parts.
Glitter roots are taking over Instagram by storm, also being showcased by our favorite celebrities. Miley Cyrus was one of the first we saw debuting the trend at the ONE Campaign with beautiful pink glitter above her ear to match her dress.–although she certainly has not been the last.
It’s not just the edgy celebrities that are getting in on this new hair trend, Lucy Hale has sported a toned down glitter roots look but has also shown her love for the more extreme looks on Instagram. Leona Lewis and Rita Ora have also jumped on trend with lightly dusted silver and gold glitter onto their roots.
For a more sculpted look some people opt for not just dusting the glitter on their roots but instead showcase a very purposefully put section to frame their face, best seen on Rita Ora who shows that it certainly doesn’t have to look tacky.
To show that this trend is not going anywhere yet glitter roots were a staple at 2016’s Coachella. Rocked by the likes of Kendall Jenner who wore two tight buns with some gold glitter sprinkled down the middle part.
Getting the look is easier than you may think
All you need is a good gel or pomade and the glitter color of your choice. Using an eyeshadow brush or a toothbrush, apply the pomade directly onto the roots for easy application. While it is still wet and pliable in the hair, sprinkle the glitter directly on top. Use a medium hold hairspray to seal the glitter in.
Want to try this look?
Here are two curly girls, Offbeatlook and LoveSieee who took the trend for a spin on their own curls. We have to say, it looks extra magical on curls.
Warning: you may have glitter in your hair for a few days before it washes completely out. For a sparkling night out, it might all be worth it! What do you think of the new glitter roots trend? Post your glitter selfie on StyleNook and tell us how you did it.
When you have pieces of hair that don’t want to follow the rest of your curl pattern, it is important to find ways to quickly and easily enhance definition for your desired style. I’ve found one easy way to fix a stray straight piece of hair or two with finger curling.
1. Wash and condition your hair as normal and apply products.
2. Find any curls that need additional definition.
3. Begin twisting the curl clump around itself.
For more of my wavy-curly hair tutorials, follow me @ThePolishedCurl
In the world of naturally curl hair, we are all unique. What works for one curl won’t always work for the next.
Individuality is part of the reason to love being curly, we love to embrace hair’s ability to do whatever it wants to do.
Within this huge community, there are many types of unique curl patterns to love, from Type 2a waves to Type 4c coils. It is understood that what works for one curl won’t always work for the next. Even within your own curl type there are a number of different hair possibilities, thick or thin, high or low porosity there are so many combinations!
One of the best resources that any curly can discover is the community of curly hair enthusiasts. With loads of vital information and fellow curlies that you can share struggles and find successes with, the curly hair community can be a turning point in many curl journeys.
But what happens when your safe place starts to turn on you?
For some curlies this is exactly how they feel. It is commonly agreed that the Curly Girl Method is a popular regimen for waves to curlies alike. However, what works for one can’t work for all. The talk of using sulfates and silicones in some curl communities can bring judgement and exile and may drive some away from such a wonderful resource. At NaturallyCurly, you will find product recommendations ranging from sulfate shampoos to co washes and all natural styling products to ones filled with the latest and greatest in hair control chemicals. We do not advocate for one product or regimen that will work for everyone, we know that so much of what makes something “work for you” is personal preference.
Know there is no wrong way to love your curls.
When starting your own curl journey, I suggest looking into the Curly Girl Method. However, it is not everyone’s place to end up. For example, I have found for myself that I need to use a sulfate shampoo at least once a month to deal with buildup that I experience, I also am a product junkie so when a new styling option comes out, I don’t discredit it simply because it has silicones.
To shame anyone trying to learn what will make them love their curls is hurting the community we continue to try so hard to build up
The natural hair community has grown so much within the last few years; more than ever we are going after finding the right product combinations for the right style. To shame anyone trying to learn what will make them love their curls is hurting the community we continue to try so hard to build up, even if it might not be the way that works best for your own hair.
Embracing your hair is meant to be fun!
There are plenty of colors, lengths, and styles to choose from and experiment with. Regardless of regimen or product choice, we should be celebrating everyone’s unique decisions that lead them to love their natural hair. With enough pressure from all sorts of sources to change the way we style our curls, this community should be a safe place for all texture types to come together and share their love the way they choose to express themselves.
