Search Results: Camille Wilson
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, a new animated series from Marvel now streaming on Disney+, follows the adventures of a 13-year-old genius superhero and her accidental dinosaur sidekick in Lower East Side, New York. Here’s what the natural hair discussion on Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur gets so right.
What people love about Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
As a younger millennial I’m always curious to see how new-age cartoons approach inclusivity as the world of media becomes more mindful of all human experiences, and from my perspective–not many shows do it as well as this one. It manages to portray genuine Black experiences without feeling gimmicky, which I appreciate as a Black woman myself. And according to most reviews, everyone else is loving it, too. More specifically, the internet has been buzzing about episode 5 of the series where the main character Lunella is made to feel insecure about her natural hair.
Natural hair on Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
In this episode, titled “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow,” we see Lunella’s mother Adria scold her for neglecting her hair. Later when Lunella is venting about her mom’s comments in school, a White classmate mentions that it makes no sense for her mom to be upset because her hair “always looks messy like that,” is “frizzy” and “stands on end.” And then, as if that wasn’t enough of a passive aggressive display, the classmate follows up with a smug, “but that’s the look you’re going for, right?” (I swear it feels like I could have had this exact conversation several times over in real life.) Take a look at this scene from the episode below.
Even after her friend Casey tries to reassure her that her natural hair is perfect as-is, Lunella decides to create her own superpowered hair-straightening concoction that ultimately takes her hair out. That fallen hair becomes a sentient being named Mane that goes haywire and threatens to create a sentient hair army with the hair-straightening concoction. Of course with Lunella being the superhero that she is, she stops Mane from world domination, but also finally acknowledges that she took her hair for granted. She realizes that she actually misses her natural hair and only straightened it because she felt ashamed. In response, Mane returns to her head just in time for picture day at school.
The Black childhood experience in cartoons
The show (and this episode in-particular) is so refreshingly direct with this subject matter. Where other cartoons tend to make certain experiences more subdued, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur very confidently delves into the Black childhood experience of wanting to make textured hair “pretty” and “acceptable” by chemically straightening it, a topic that is usually relegated to non-mainstream media.
Kibby @SashaWHater2 on Twitter said: “The way this is such a common experience for black girls to go through.. I’m so glad it’s confidently addressed on the show. Ik many of us have had a classmate/teacher make us feel insecure [about] our natural hair then proceed to compliment us the minute we get it straightened.”
A commenter under the post replied: “Just watched the ep not too long ago, and still can’t get over how relatable this whole episode is. Because I remember growing up thinking there was something wrong with my natural hair so I’m glad to see this sort of issue actually being represented.”
Another reason why this show is amazing: this episode on hair is only a fraction of Lunella’s adventures. She is an intentionally Black character, but most of the show is focused on using her intelligence to save the world from some eccentric villain, or her and her best friend’s journeys through adolescence. It’s a shining example of how Black characters can exist in a multidimensional space, especially in cartoons.
Our final consensus is that everyone should run, not walk to watch this show regardless of age, gender, or hair texture. Based on reviews, it’ll be a quick family favorite.
Are you watching Disney’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur?
Read next: How To Build Self Esteem In Young Girls Of Color, According To An 8-Year Old
Photo: Jena Ardell | Getty Images
While styling your hair as usual, you realize there are some sparse areas and short hairs around your edges that definitely weren’t there before–a telltale sign of breakage. Not only are the little bits of hair annoying to look at, but styling becomes more of a challenge when you have to blend damaged edges into the rest of your hair–which usually causes even more damage. Whether you slick them back for a simple and clean look, create edge art FKA Twigs-style, or just wear them au naturale, edges are important in most curlies’ hair journeys. And although breakage around the edges of the hair is a common issue among naturals, the whole situation can be downright stressful. The good news is even if your edges have abandoned you, if you take the right steps to provide a healthy environment for them to grow, they’ll most likely come back looking better than ever. Keep scrolling for some tips on how to return your edges to their formerly-laid glory.1. Be gentle with styling (we want baby hairs–not breakage).
This is probably the most straightforward and pertinent advice for nursing your edges back to life–just be gentle. The hair around the hairline is typically some of the most fragile hair, and if you have dry or fine hair, that risk of breakage is even more present. Laying your edges can really add the finishing touches on a sleek hairstyle, but taking a toothbrush and edge control to your edges on a daily basis can do more harm than good on already-fragile hairs. And if you’re currently experiencing breakage at extreme levels, try stepping away from the edge control altogether.2. Change up your everyday styles occasionally to avoid constant tension on your edges.
We all have those go-to styles that we depend on to get us through the hustle and bustle of everyday. They’re usually cute, easy, and functional. Whether your favorite is the beloved “pineapple” or a more protective style, it pays to switch up your hairstyle occasionally to prevent constant stress in the same areas. In this case, if you’re a fan of sky-high ponytails or tight braids, it may be beneficial to alternate between tight and relaxed styles.3. Don’t skimp on moisturizing/caring for your edges–in fact, give them even more love.
Your edges need just as much (if not more”> care than the rest of your hair, and hair breakage is usually a sign of dryness. When it’s time for your moisturizing routine, don’t be afraid to show your edges some extra love! If you typically do the LCO or LOC method make sure to seal with the oil of your choice to lock in the moisture properly. Jamaican black castor oil is a popular choice for extremely dry and fragile edges.4. Deep condition regularly.
Regular conditioning after washing is a must, but deep conditioning takes it a step further. A deep conditioner, especially if accompanied by heat or steam, will penetrate the hair shaft for more thorough hydration. Deep conditioning regularly keeps your hair soft, pliable, and less likely to break when manipulating it. How often you deep condition is dependent on your individual hair needs, but if you find that your hair is becoming limp and weak, you may be getting too much moisture. If your hair is still feeling dry, try doing it more often.5. Try a protein treatment, if needed.
Protein treatments can act as a temporary filler in cracks along the hair shaft. In other words, they fill in the fractures along the hair caused by chemicals, manipulation, and heat that can result in breakage. If you color or bleach your hair, you should consider integrating a protein treatment into your routine.6. If you’re doing any kind of heat styling, have your heat protectant ready.
Heat styling adds a new dimension to hair styling and a lot of curly girls like to mix it up every now and then and wear straight hair. Of course it’s not the best styling method for the health of your hair, but if you enjoy the fun that comes with sporting your hair sleek and straight, keep a heat protectant ready at all times. It’ll provide a much-needed barrier between the heat and your hair. Here are some suggestions for the best heat protectants you can buy.7. Be sure that you’re only dealing with breakage and not a more serious condition.
Breakage occurs when the hair shaft itself breaks–pretty self-explanatory. This is different from shedding, in which the hair loosens from the bulb which you can usually see on the end of the hair. If you’re losing a lot of short hairs with no bulb, rather than full-length hairs, chances are you’re experiencing some kind of breakage. While breakage itself can be caused by health-related issues like iron deficiency, excessive shedding is a different problem entirely and may be related to other health-related issues.8. Try a good old-fashioned massage.
It may seem like a bit of a myth, but many naturals say that routinely massaging your scalp has some real benefits. These include: increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, moving the sebum from the scalp into the hair, and strengthening the roots. And if all of that isn’t a good enough reason to start massaging, it’s guaranteed to be a relaxing experience.9. As tempting as it may be, don’t skip wash day.
To ensure healthy edges, you have to have a healthy scalp. Although you may want to postpone wash day until the end of time when dealing with dry hair, it’s important to get rid of debris from the scalp and buildup from the hair to guarantee that newly applied products will be able to penetrate the hair shaft properly. For curlies that use edge control products frequently, you’re gonna want to wash that regularly out to avoid extreme buildup. Take a look at these 5 ways you might be making your hair dry on wash day.10. Keep in mind: there’s no magical technique to instantly regrow your edges.
If we could all apply a magic product or do a single technique to regrow edges, no one would have to deal with edge breakage much. The main key to growing edges back on top of a solid regimen is a lot of patience. As many products and serums as there are on the market for growing edges, nothing beats taking great care of your edges and your hair. And if all else fails, be sure to consult your doctor or a trichologist for the best solution for you. Have you ever suffered (or are you currently suffering) from breakage around the hairline? We’d love to hear what’s worked for you in the comments.
If you’re not a huge Christmas party person, you’re probably the type to pop out in your finest getup and a glam new hairstyle for the huge New Year’s Eve celebrations. And hey, even if you’re more likely to spend the majority of the holiday season getting cozy in the comfort of your own living room, you might still want to jump on the opportunity to look a little more glamorous than usual.
Photo: @vanessamatsena
If we’re being honest, the “new year, new me” motto may be a little played out at this point, but it’s never a bad time to reinvent your look with a new hairstyle (even if you’re feeling like the same you”>. Coming up, we’ve compiled a handy list of head-turning protective styles, blowouts, creatively-placed Bobby pin designs and more to help you ring in the new year in peak confidence.
Strategically Placed Bobby Pins
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Bobby pins are great because they do two things at once—they are both functional and stylish. You may usually use them to keep flyaways or grown-out bangs from ruining your intended look, but Bobby pins can also be used to create a style all on their own. Try something like this face-framing Bobby pin placement if you need to look cute and put-together but you’re running late to the party.
Asymmetrical Ponytails
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If tradition bores you, you can always try something a little more playful and experimental, even on New Year’s. There’s no need to feel obligated to wear a classic style. This style is gorgeous as-is, but you may want to play around with the placement and number of ponytails to best suit you—make it your own.
Twisted Top Knot
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For the special occasion, you can add some more spice to the typical top knot. Pin and fluff out twists at the crown of your head to capture a regal aesthetic with little effort.
Claw Clip, But Make It Elegant
Photo: @ _falamana
2022 has seen its fair share of claw clips, and we don’t think we’ll see this trend slowing down in 2023. If you’re a claw clip girlie or guy, you can make this work for a formal setting if you want to. You can even smooth on a wax stick like this one to exaggerate the sleekness, and minimize frizz and flyaways.
Accessorize With a Headband
Photo: @tatchee
Something about headbands and the holidays just makes sense together. Whether you choose one that’s dainty and understated, or a prominent statement headband, they have the ability to add variation to any style.
Get Creative With the Braided Ponytail
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We’ve seen all kinds of braided ponytails on social media. They’re fairly simple, they’re protective, and the braided ponytail swing is incredibly satisfying. This one features three braids, a small accent cornrow, and “piercing” accessories.
Perm Rod Set
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If you take your time with putting in perm rods, but still can’t seem to get your perm rod set to come out looking defined and flawless, it’s possible you might be rushing the take down. Tierra shows her followers how to carefully take down perm rods and separate the hair without creating unnecessary frizziness. For the best results, you may want to look at Part 1 of the tutorial here to install the perm rods correctly, too.
Bedazzled Part
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Until seeing this fabulous style, you may not have realized how naked parts can look. Here, Jasmine kept the overall style and part simple, but the small jewels take everything to the next level.
Braided Bun
Photo: @vanessamatsena
Style your braids by securing them on the crown of your head as shown here. And don’t forget the edge control if you’re going for a “no hair out of place” vibe.
Read next: The Most Popular Hairstyles In 2022 For Black Women
We hope you’ve been pacing yourself while shopping for sales this weekend, because there will be even more online deals for curly products coming at you this Monday. You’ll be able to find some of those bargains right here at SHOPNaturallyCurly, where you’ll get 20% off the entire site and free US ground shipping when you use the code CYBER2022 at checkout. That’s 20% off of all wash-day products, styling products, hair oils, tools—you name it.
There’s no better time than now to stock up on old favorites or to finally try that pricey product you’ve had your eye on, for a fraction of the cost. We’ve rounded up a list of potential candidates to end this weekend with the most bang for your buck.
1. Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker Marshmallow and Agave Leaf Extract
List Price: $21.99 With Discount: $17.59 enter code CYBER2022 at SHOPNaturallyCurly
This gel really masters the idea of a soft, non-crunchy hold, especially for ringlets and coils. It also manages to seal in the moisture of your favorite leave-in nicely which makes it perfect for wash-and-go’s. And this is made possible with familiar, all-natural ingredients like agave leaf and beet extracts.
2. Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother
List Price: $27.99 With Discount: $22.39 enter code CYBER2022 at SHOPNaturallyCurly
Olaplex’s full product line has garnered the adoration of curlies everywhere, best known as a brand that repairs, strengthens, and protects damaged hair.
No. 6 is a leave-in styling cream that hydrates, moisturizes, smoothes cuticles, and eliminates frizz. This highly concentrated formula is also ideal for colored or chemical treated hair. This one is usually a bit on the expensive side, so make sure to take advantage of the sale while you can!
3. Rizos Curls Refresh & Detangle Spray
List Price: $19.99 With Discount: $15.99 enter code CYBER2022 at SHOPNaturallyCurly
As referenced in the product name, this cream spray has two jobs: to detangle freshly washed hair, and to re-hydrate between washes.
With ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, and aloe vera, you can use this product to loosen snags and keep your hair looking hydrated and shiny no matter when your last wash day was.
4. The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam
List Price: $14.99 With Discount: $11.99 enter code CYBER2022 at SHOPNaturallyCurly
Calling all 4C naturals with tight coils—this defining mousse is for you. Not only does it define tight curls, but it gives a substantial all-day (and flake-less”> hold after drying. There’s no residue or crunch, every curl will be soft and touchable. Bonus: it’s also got great hold and humidity resistance for blow-outs.
5. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Edge Gel
List Price: $6.99 With Discount: $5.59 enter code CYBER2022 at SHOPNaturallyCurly
You want your edge control to hold all day long, but not at the expense of damaging the most delicate part of your hair. Mielle’s biotin-infused edge gel aims to nourish your hair and provide the hold you need, with a refreshing minty scent.
6. tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask
List Price: $17.99 With Discount: $14.39 enter code CYBER2022 at SHOPNaturallyCurly
Sometimes your hair is just in need of a reset. For damaged, color treated, or even just naturally dry hair, this deep conditioner infuses curls with jojoba and olive oils, and uses honey to provide that satisfying shine after use.
After shampooing, place a cap over your head with this product on and sit under the dryer for a few minutes, or take a break for up to an hour while this mask works its magic.
7. OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Penetrating Oil
List Price: $7.99 With Discount: $6.39 enter code CYBER2022 at SHOPNaturallyCurly
This oil blend is protective against heat styling and UV damage in addition to smoothing hair. Thanks to its richness in vitamin E and antioxidants, penetrating and moisturizing dry or over processed hair is a breeze.
8. SwirlyCurly Brown Afro Puff Scrunchies
List Price: $19.99 With Discount: $15.99 enter code CYBER2022 at SHOPNaturallyCurly
Gone are the days of snapping standard scrunchies or creating makeshift ones out of stockings (y’all remember that?”>. We’re thankful for curly ingenuity. If you’ve got long, thick curls that tend to overwhelm standard scrunchies, these snap scrunchies are what you’ve been waiting for. They’re adjustable to the size you need for your hair and have baby-soft fabric for minimal breakage.
9. Verb Ghost Oil
List Price: $20 With Discount: $14 at verbproducts.com
If you’ve ever questioned the effectiveness of hair oils, this one just might be able to convince you. Like the name would suggest, Verb’s Ghost Oil is incredibly lightweight, but clinically proven to improve shine in hair. Folks with any hair texture can cocktail this oil with their usual styling products to add a finishing look that’s never greasy and destroys frizz.
Verb products are 30% off sitewide until 11/28.
10. Pattern Beauty Leave-in Conditioner
List Price: $25 With Discount: $18.75 at patternbeauty.com
The curly market is overflowing with leave-in options, but this bestseller has been getting a crazy amount of attention—and for good reason. This lightweight leave-in promises to seal in moisture, detangle, and define curls. An overwhelming majority of reviews are singing the praises of this product, noting bouncy and extremely soft curls.
All products are 25% off until 11/29.
11. Adwoa Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Cream
List Price: $39 With Discount: $29.25 at adwoabeauty.com
Defeat single strand knots and stimulate your scalp all in the same step. The organic ingredients (including baobab and mint oils”> in this thick and creamy formula were selected to provide maximum moisture and to boost antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Adwoa’s Cyber Monday sale is 25% off sitewide.
12. Evolvh UltraShine Moisture Shampoo
List Price: $26 With Discount: $20.80 at dermstore.com
This award-winning shampoo is popular among fine-haired curlies, those who want to soften gray hairs, and anyone who needs high-powered cleansing. With all natural and mostly organic ingredients, this shampoo strengthens, moisturizes, and encourages elasticity in addition to cleansing.
Get 20% off of participating products at Dermstore until 11/28.
13. RevAir Hair Dryer
List Price: $478 With Discount: $359 at RevAir
You may have come across this dryer on TikTok in the last year or so. Not only does this product dry hair in half the time of a traditional blow dryer, but it uses lower heat settings to minimize the chance of damage. And, because it dries hair downward, frizz is less likely to be a big deal.
14. Briogeo Charcoal + Tea Tree Cooling Hydration Scalp Mask
List Price: $34 With Discount: $23.80 at briogeohair.com
For those with scalp woes, this scalp-focused product might provide some relief. It’s formulated with Binchotan charcoal along with tea tree, peppermint, and spearmint oils to soothe, and cool itchy/flaky scalp. Out of all its ingredients, 98% are naturally-derived, and it leaves out the questionable ones. No silicones, parabens, artificial dyes, phthalates, DEA, or harsh sulfates were included in the making of this product.
Briogeo products are 30% off sitewide until 11/30.
It’s that time again—this weekend will be jam-packed with holiday purchases for ourselves and others, but we want to ensure all brands get some well-deserved attention. If the term “Small Business Saturday” is new to you, think Black Friday, but with an emphasis on raising awareness around small businesses doing incredible work. Every Saturday after the frenzy of Black Friday sales, people across the United States take the opportunity to make a conscious effort to find and support local entrepreneurs and less-familiar brands, both online and in-person.
In the spirit of highlighting splurge-worthy brands you may not be familiar with, ahead we have a list of 10 small curly brands that you’ll want to bookmark for this Saturday and beyond.
1.Young King Hair Care
Cora and Stefan Miller’s products are celebrating the presence of young Black and Brown men in the male-grooming and curly hair care space. They’ve created their own unique product options out of the need for proper representation for their curly son and other young boys like him. All of the products are full of plant-based ingredients, and the hair care line includes all the must-haves: a leave-in conditioner, curling cream, shampoo. The brand even has a full skin care line.
2. Shaz and Kiks
Treat your hair and scalp to some nourishing products that have a history as rich as their ingredient list. Inspired by their grandmother’s homemade beauty products in their childhood, brand founders Shaz and Kika have created scalp and hair product options based on tried and true Indian Ayurvedic practices. The core products are a cleanser, conditioner, refresh spray, and pre-wash—one of their bestsellers with 20+ Ayurvedic herbs, flowers, and oils like morninga, sweet almond, and Bhringraj oil.
3. Pink Root
Because this brand was created to improve the transition from chemically treated and heat damaged hair to natural hair, its products’ ingredients have something for all textures, from wavy to curly to kinks and coils. Mariel Mejia first had the idea to make transition-friendly products when dealing with heat and relaxer damage as a college student in 2015. The formulations focus on fortifying damaged ends while encouraging new growth with nutrient-rich and organic ingredients. The lineup includes a curl enhancing lotion, leave-in, and styling paste—all of which will be 25% off all weekend.
4. Ooli
Ooli is your one stop shop for loc-related needs. In 2018, Jessica Pritchett created products for her locs that catered to the unique hair care process that comes with having them. Fortunately for the rest of the natural community, she decided to share her creations! Ooli products are made with ingredients you can trust. The ingredient lists avoid parabens, petrolatum, and sulfates, and are full of nourishers like aloe vera, baobab seed oil, and amino acids.
Ooli’s current product list includes a cleanser, two hair and scalp oils, and a hair fragrance spray. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the upcoming non-flaking, no build up loc gel.
5. Canviiy
Interested in getting serious about scalp care? After being disappointed with market-standard products, Sherrel Sampson’s solution to soothe her itchy scalp became the basis for Canviiy. Sherrel and her team of experts came up with the Scalp Bliss Collection with an itch-calming serum (now a bestseller”> infused with aloe vera, lavender, witch hazel, manuka honey, jojoba and peppermint oil. In addition to the itch-calming serum, the collection itself features a growth serum, scalp purifying foam treatment, organic-based shampoo and conditioner, scalp balm, and a cleansing bar.
6. NaturAll Club
Sticklers for clean ingredients will feel right at home with this brand.
Naturall Club is committed to elevating clean haircare and beauty standards by offering freshly-made products that don’t compromise you or your hair. Some of them (like the frozen deep conditioners”> are made with such natural ingredients that you’ll have to refrigerate/freeze them to keep them fresh.
After dissatisfaction with her dry, damaged, and dull hair, brand founder Muhga Eltigani did a big chop and started over using only natural ingredients on her hair. For six months, she experimented with foods from her fridge and the grocery store like avocados, olive oil, coconut, baking soda, and even eggs. Having experienced how healthy and moisturized her hair was and seeing a need for fresh products, Mugha decided to share her findings.
NaturAll Club has a whopping 40+ products, including bestsellers like a hydrating leave-in and conditioner, a frozen avocado and kiwi treatment, strengthening growth serum, and much more.
Here are 15 More Curly Brands to Support on Small Business Saturday.
7. Alaffia
In addition to helping you care for your curls, Alaffia’s mission is to alleviate poverty and to advance gender equality in West Africa through fair trade of the ingredients used in their products. Founders Olowoa-N’djo Tchala and Prairie Rose Hyde have created silicone-free, plant-based formulas for all curl patterns.
Each curl pattern has a dedicated set of products. For wavy hair, there’s the curl enhance collection, for curly hair, there’s the curl define collection, and for coily hair, the coil sculpt collection.
8. 4C ONLY
As you can probably infer from the name, this brand is proud to promote and cater specifically to 4C hair, a texture which is often underrepresented in hair care.
The central products in the line are a shampoo, leave-in, styling cream, and deep conditioner that are intended to make caring for coily or kinky hair simple and fuss-free.
9. Boucléme
No matter the curl pattern Boucléme has a comprehensive group of 11-13 product options for each texture, ranging from cleansers to conditioners to gels, and more. Founder Michele Scott-Lynch wants people with textured hair to fall in love with it. As someone who didn’t fully accept the beauty of their natural hair until her thirties when she had children, she started Boucléme to provide the product range she was struggling to find.
The brand prides itself on being powered by plant extracts and essential oils, with amazing scents, and a heart for others. Boucléme plants a tree for each standard size product you purchase, and gives a portion of earnings from each hair oil towards improving the lives of children in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
10. Verb
Verb is all about genuine, unfiltered healthy hair. Prepared to handle almost any hair concern for all textures, at a price of $20 per product. Yes, you read that correctly, you’ll never pay more than $20 for any single product. Every product is the same price.
You can shop by product or hair concern, and even make your own custom kit to get 20% off, if the other kits aren’t a fit for your hair needs. Among the bestsellers are a curl cream, a curl shampoo, an exfoliating scalp nectar, a purple mask for blonde or grey hair tones, and tons more.
Read next: 10 Favorite Curly Products by Small Businesses
Give your favorite small business a shout out in the comments!
Getty Images
While we wish protective styles could be a “set it and forget it” situation, there is still some care involved to make your cute new hairstyle actually protective. It’s imperative to keep your scalp clean and balanced, and your hair as moisturized as possible no matter what style you have going on.
Scroll down for 10 product recommendations for styling your edges, moisturizing your hair, and cleansing your scalp when you’re rocking a protective style. These products will help you take care of your hair and your scalp to keep it looking as good as it did on day one.
1. Taliah Waajid Protective Styles Refresh And So Clean Bamboo, Avocado And Peppermint Dry Gel Shampoo, $7.99
A gel shampoo made specifically for protective styles from Taliah Waajid’s protective styles product line. It’s a gentle astringent that can be used daily without being rinsed out, refreshing the scalp and reducing follicle irritation.
2. Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products Protective Mist Bodifier Therapeutic Formula, $7.99
If you experience extreme itchiness or scalp tightness with your protective style, this is the product you’ve been waiting for. It soothes with ingredients like aloe vera, eucalyptus, and olive oil to keep your scalp cool, calm, and collected.
3. Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Style Setter, $15.99
Use this as a moisturizing styler to help keep your protective style in place for as long as possible. It contains a coconut water base, along with tropical butters and oils to provide maximum hydration.
Don’t miss: 7 Things You SHOULD NOT Do While Wearing a Protective Style
4. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment, $32
For a deep scalp cleanse, this pH balancing non-since formula may be just what you need. It soothes itchiness, flakiness, and irritation, and absorbs impurities in the scalp in hair to detoxify.
5. Naked by Essations Laid Edge Control, $11
When you’re styling your edges to perfection, leave them feeling soft, pliable, and grease-free with this edge control.
6. Uncle Funky’s Daughter Shining Star Hair & Scalp Elixir, $16
Sometimes you need to massage your scalp, just to get the blood flowing. Use this oil elixir to moisturize your scalp and promote hair growth.
7. Taliah Waajid Shea-Coco Condition Daily Leave-in Conditioner Spray, $9.99
Chances are you’ll find it difficult to apply your normal leave-in while you’re wearing a protective style. This shea butter and coconut oil infused spray will keep your hair hydrated until takedown.
8. CURLS Blueberry Bliss Twist-N-Shout Cream, $11.99
When installing your protective style, you’ll want a hydrating cream to start your style off on the right foot. The Twist-N-Shout Cream has you covered with moisturizing oils like olive, coconut, jojoba, and sweet almond.
9. SheaMoisture Sacha Inchi Oil Omega 3-6-9 Rescue + Repair Hair & Scalp Tonic, $10.99
Protect your hair from extra tension by massaging the oil tonic into the scalp, as it delivers omega nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles.
10. Aunt Jackie’s Grapeseed Style & Shine Recipes SLICKED! Flexible Styling Glue, $9.99
For your super slick protective styling needs, you’ll need to pull out the big guns. Aunt Jackie’s Styling Glue can be used as an edge control or wherever needed to tame flyaways for a flawless finish.
Read next: 20 Protective Styles That are Great for Any Occasion
What must-ave products are in your protective style care kit? Share your Holy Grail in the comments below!
For all the praise Bantu knots receive, they might still be underrated as far as curly protective styles go. The historic style (originally conceptualized and worn by the Zulu people of South Africa”> manages to be elegant, artistic, edgy—easily fitting into almost any context or occasion, while also being a two in one style. If styled a certain way, taking down Bantu knots after a day or two will usually reveal springy, heat-free curls. And because Bantu knots involve twisting and wrapping the hair onto itself and keeping the ends tucked away, it can truly be considered among the elite of protective styles.
In short, this style deserves its flowers, and then some! If you’ve been thinking about switching to Bantu knots this season—or if we’ve just convinced you—keep reading for 15 style ideas to get your creativity flowing.
1. Curly Bantu Knots
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The main idea for this Bantu knot style is to keep them looking free and curly. Follow along with @themiaamoore to achieve cute, care-free looking knots with the ends left out. Use a product with hold on the ends where necessary to get more defined curls.
2. Jumbo Braided Bantu Knots
Pictured: @milkayemima
Looking for a bit more boldness? Grab some braiding hair and braid the Bantu knots before wrapping and securing them. The more hair added, the bigger the knots.
3. Bantu Knots and Braided Pony
Pictured: @kaykayx__
Add a bit of extra spice to the classic braided ponytail. Style half your hair in Bantu knots and slick the back half into a long braided pony.
4. Bantu Knots and Headband Wig
Pictured: @pie.face8
The wig game has evolved tremendously over the last few years. If you haven’t had the opportunity to try a headband wig, here’s the perfect chance. The 22” Kollistic Headband from @kinkistry is pictured here.
5. Heart-Parted Bantu Knots
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Like @ashley_masse, you should start this one by mapping out your parts—it’ll definitely simplify the process. The heart shape may eat up more time, but it’s totally worth it in the end.
Read next: 15 Cornrow Styles to Show Your Braider For Your Next Look
6. 2 For 1 Bantu Knots and Bantu Knot Out
Pictured: @thenotoriouskia
Show off bouncy ringlets and curls like @thenotoriouskia after taking down the style. The volume of a properly executed Bantu knot-out is unmatched.
7. Bantu Knots and Braids
Pictured: @rahelbrhane_
Two braids at the nape of the neck really add another layer of elegance to this look. Feel free to get creative with baby hair formation.
8. “Messy” Bantu Knots
Pictured: @aixajahara
This is the Bantu knot equivalent of the “messy bun.” No need to perfect each knot. In fact, you can leave out tendrils of hair to add to the whole “I woke up like this” aesthetic.
9. Micro Loc Bantu Knots
Pictured: @keke.j_
There’s no style that you can’t pull off with micro locs. @keke.j_’s Bantu knots look full without any added hair.
10. Artsy Bantu Knots
Pictured: @melissa_nerovique
A futuristic/modern take on the look. Extensions reign supreme with this style, and the two braided knots are accented by strategically placed pieces of hair.
11. Bantu Knots with Accessories
Pictured: @curly.strands
Even the most subtle accessories can elevate a hairstyle. @curly.strands chose some minimal hair pins and clips to match a glam look.
12. Bantu Knots with Extensions
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Stylist @sosheargenius used some individual faux locs to add more texture and volume to each knot. You can get the same ones she uses from @superstarhairandwigs.
13. Bantu Knots with Braided Sides
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Two cornrows running towards the face at the side of the head is a popular accent for protective styles, and are reminiscent of Fulani-style cornrows. Pop some beads on the ends of the braids for added movement and flair.
14. Bantu Knots and Twist-Out
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Beat the boredom of the everyday twist-out by adding a few super chunky Bantu knots at the crown of your head. @_harrisjanae_ has a short tutorial on the look.
15. Bantu Knots on Long Curls
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For those who want to showcase their natural length, keep it simple. Add a few Bantu knots in a crown formation at the top of the head, and fluff them out to the desired thickness. The looser the knot, the bigger it will appear, and vice versa.
Where do Bantu knots rank among your favorite protective styles? Drop a comment about your upcoming protective style plans for the fall and winter months below.
Looking for more inspo? Here are 21 Braided Hairstyles You Need to Try
Young King Hair Care was born from the Miller’s determination to provide unique product options as well as proper visual representation for their son and young boys like him. Created with the best plant-based ingredients, Cora and Stefan’s products are bridging the industry gap by celebrating and promoting young Black and Brown men in the male-grooming and hair care space. The line includes all the curly staples such as a leave-in conditioner, curling cream, shampoo, and even a full skin care line.
We were elated to sit and chat with Cora and Stefan about the creation of Young King Hair Care, including their standard for ingredients and some entrepreneurial tips.
Your son Kade was a huge motivating factor for launching the Young King Hair Care brand. What was your experience with caring for your son’s curly hair prior to Young King Hair Care?
As a first-time mom, I simply wanted to find and provide my son with the best products his amazing curls deserved, while also ensuring that the products we used felt representative of him. I firmly believe you should see yourself in the products that you use, which why I was so surprised to discover that there were no products specifically designed for curly-headed young men. I spent a good amount of time looking for natural hair products that weren’t female scented and designed, and those simply didn’t exist. So that’s why I began working to create products that felt made for any young men with textured hair. Each of our products were created with our young kings in mind – from the ingredients, to the scent and overall packaging design – with the goal of redefining male grooming and self-care for the next generation. We want to inspire parents and encourage Black and Brown young men to celebrate and love their crowns.
Walk us through the process of creating Young King Hair Care—what was that like?
Prior to launching, we spent over a year conducting market research, facilitating consumer focus groups, going through multiple iterations of brand design, identifying the right manufacturing company and testing products with parents of boys to ensure that our product formulation aligned with our vision. We wanted our brand and our products to be as unique and dynamic as our target audience. From the ingredients, to the scent to the packaging design, we wanted to be thoughtful on formulating, sourcing and finalizing our initial product offerings in order to uniquely meet the needs of young men with textured hair. The biggest surprises and learnings we’ve experienced throughout this entrepreneurial journey is the realization that you’ll have many more setbacks than successes during the startup phase. It’s a long journey to get from an idea to executing it – which takes many, many, MANY months, to develop and validate your concept with others, find the right people to partner with and trust that they will help execute your vision, and diligently save to invest money into the business without getting into debt. Through it all however, we remained prayerful and focused on our reason and goal, which was uniquely crafting a solution that not only solves a need for our son Kade, but for black and brown young men across the globe. We truly believe our business can be used as a platform to showcase more of what the world needs – shining a positive light on our boys.Young King Hair Care was just launched in 2019 and is already a widely available and successful brand. What do you think makes it so attractive to your customers?
We are uplifting and shining a light on an underrepresented community within the market. We firmly believe that representation is critically important for young men of color, especially given today’s current climate. We all know the problems facing the black community and particularly black boys and men –sadly, more often than not, black males are seen as a threat and are prejudged before they even open their mouths. As the founder of Young King and more importantly, as a mom to a growing black boy, I want to change narrative of how the world sees black boys. We know our young kings are royally crafted, they are our future change makers and they will help make this world a better place. Young King wouldn’t be here today without the thousands of parents who share in this belief and in our vision of ensuring boys feel represented in all facets of their lives, including the products they utilize for themselves. We aspire to play an active role in the industry to ensure black and brown boys are seen and have a “place” on shelves.
Were there any big challenges when launching the brand?
Any time you are startup and developing a new product or brand, you know you will face a few hurdles along the way and Young King was no different. As I look back on our first year, three things stand out to me the most: product development and manufacturing, limited access to external funding, and COVID. Each of these areas presented a unique challenge that forced us to creatively come up with a solution to best meet the needs of our business and those we are serving. From a product development formulation and manufacturing perspective, we struggled to find a partner who could truly deliver on our concepts of creating clean, natural, and plant-based products. We interviewed 5-7 manufacturers, with many unable to deliver or represent our desires for our products. Despite those hurdles, we eventually found a team that believed, embraced and executed on our vision of bringing Young King to life. As with most entrepreneurs, after the idea comes to your mind, the next thing that follows is how can we fund the venture. We read so much about black founders and their lack of access to capital to support their ventures. Despite our 20+ years of corporate experience, we found this to be true when we launched this business. Cora and I were so passionate about the mission and vision of Young King that we invested the majority of our personal savings into the business, but there were times we doubted if this would become a reality. We stayed unwavering in our resolve that we had an active role to play in changing the narrative for black boys and used that long-term vision to keep us grounded in the most difficult of times. As an entrepreneur seeking access to capital, you will hear a lot of “no’s” or “you’re crazy” or “is this even needed?” …but we used each of those “no’s” to strength our resolve and prove people wrong. Also, we all know the impact COVID-19 has had on world and the market – specifically for us, all of our in-person and pop-up sale events were cancelled and we had a ton of manufacturing and production challenges due to component delays. But our sense of hustle and being laser-focused on our goals for Young King have allowed us to navigate through these challenges and pivot accordingly. For instance, instead of doing events, we focused on how we could use digital channels like Facebook and Instagram to spread the word about our brand; we worked with our manufacturing partner to source alternate bottles when there were significant delays in producing our original packaging; and we still pushed through to finalize the formulation of our new shampoo and conditioner to ensure it would launch this fall. Essentially, through it all – product development and manufacturing, limited access to external funding, and COVID – we never lost sight of our vision and our “why.”Young King Hair Care has a full line of products complete with a shampoo, conditioner, moisturizers and stylers—everything a curly boy would need! Are there any products in the line that are your personal favorite?
Oh goodness, I seriously can’t choose! But if I must, I have to take it back to our original (or OG”> products we launched with our Royal Treatment set, which includes our Leave-In Conditioner, Essential Oils and Curling Cream. All three products were crafted with naturally derived ingredients and are plant-based, and not formulate with sulfates, parabens, mineral oil or other harmful ingredients. We source our plant-based ingredients from across the globe, including shea butter, coconut oil and almond oil. One of our star ingredients that we utilize in both our curling cream and leave-in conditioner is grapeseed oil, which is a natural oil to help nourish the scalp and helps promotes hair growth. Plus, it’s super lightweight, so it moisturizes and conditions without weighing the hair down. Grapeseed oil is not commonly utilized in kids hair products, so I was excited that our formulations included this incredible ingredient!What are you looking forward to in the future of the Young King Hair Care brand?
Our mission has always been bigger than the hair care products we sell. We will continue to walk in our purpose of to redefining male grooming and changing the narrative of what self-care means and look like for young men of color. Through our brand and our community work, we seek to celebrate, elevate, and encourage young men to show up with full confidence, present their best selves each and every day, and more importantly, let the world know that they are not a threat. We’re excited to become a leader in this space as we continue to scale and expand the brand across multiple categories.Do you have any tips or advice for other budding entrepreneurs who also want to create a business in an untapped market?
First, remember your “Why.” I know for me, it was critically important from the onset, to build a company and a brand that kept my community at the forefront and top of mind. So, I believe one of the most important realizations you can make when you are conceptualizing your business or mapping out what it could be, is recognizing that your business can be used as vehicle to give back, cultivate community and contribute to the economic well-being of your community. Being intentional to align your purpose to your “why” with each business decision you make and relationship you build. Also, having a strong business plan and validating your concept with others is critically important. You don’t want to invest time and energy into something that potential consumers would not be interested in supporting. Finally, leverage your networks! You’d be surprised how many people in your circle know someone, that knows someone, that knows someone. The power of networking and relationships is key in trying to build and grow your business. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and seek advice and guidance from those that have expertise or experience in the industry you are seeking to enter. Read next: How Entrepreneur Gabby Goodwin is Growing Her Beauty Empire at Age 15
It’s an amazing time to be a protective style junkie, and doubly so if cornrows happen to be your style of choice. Merged with memories of Blue Magic and Luster’s Pink Hair Lotion, many Black people can recall a time in their lives when cornrows were not only a staple, but a way of life. The weekly ritual of gathering all the hair greases and rattail combs, sitting on the floor in front of our mothers and the TV, and trying not to move too much as they cornrowed our curly and kinky hair is forever etched into our collective consciousness.
It’s heartwarming to know that those nostalgic styles are still popular and just as culturally relevant now as they were in our childhood–and in the many generations before us. We’re seeing countless fresh takes on the historic braided style via social media and red carpets that build on the elegance and functionality of the look, but with a modern touch. Continue on for a round up of 15 cornrow styles to take to your next braiding appointment, or (if you’re ambitious”> attempt yourself.
1. Half-Up Half Down
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In that moment when you’re indecisive about going for an up-do or styling your cornrows down, remember you can do both. Get your hair cornrowed in the front for a sleeker look, and then individual box braids in the back. Ask your stylist to leave tendrils of hair undone for that “effortless” effect.
2. Chunky Middle Part
Photo: @pearlthestylist_
Popularized by the late rapper Pop Smoke, this style is symmetrical and straightforward, but still so fly. Stylist and braid coach @pearlthestylist perfected this by making the braids chunky, long and ridiculously neat.
Want more? Here are 13 Styles That Will Convince You to Try Chunkier Braids
3. Double Braids
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Watch as actress Tia Mowry gets four big stitch braids that cascade into two chunky double braids.
4. Intricate Zig-Zags
Photo: @melissa_veronique
This is the remedy for straight-back cornrow fatigue. Snake-like zig-zag patterns shake things up and help keep protective styling interesting. And, as always, accessorize the look with beads.
5. Low Bun
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Low buns are sultry and graceful. This cornrowed bun features braids of different sizes which is even more eye-catching. And if you usually blow dry your hair before protective styling, look into the Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream as a base–as used here by @curlycrys.
6. Pigtails
Photo: @nikethegawdess
The pigtails of your childhood, but very much elevated. Recreate this innovative look by joining smaller cornrows by braiding back and adding hair as you go to create two thick, full braided ponytails. You may want to hit up a professional for this one.
7. Understated Parts
Photo: @ayxvna
As opposed to other braided styles where parting can make or break the look, these braids have very understated parts. The braids are done very close together and have more of a natural, less “done up” feel.
8. Half-Cornrowed
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The DIY crowd will love this one. If you’re running low on time or simply don’t have it in you to cornrow your whole head, just braid up the front and define the back with your typical favorite products.
Have flakes? Check out How to Manage Those Irritating Scalp Flakes When You’ve Got Braids
9. Long Straight Backs
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Straight backs will always be the “little black dress” classic of braided styles. And you can spice things up a little by opting for the stitch pattern, making them longer, or curling the ends.
10. Ponytail with Bangs
Photo: @infinity_beautylounge
There’s something about bangs, no matter what the hairstyle is. Ask your stylist to create some face-framing action with your braids, and add beads for more movement.
11. Cross Hatch Pattern
Photo: @vanessamatsena
Now, this is what we’d call stunning. The criss crossing pattern is unique and there’s a plethora of ways to style this because of how the braids are loose in the back.
12. Blonde Highlights
Photo: @ashley_masse
Color will add new depth to most hairstyles, including braids. Ask your stylist about integrating a pop of blonde into your next style for added warmth and dimension.
13. No Extensions
Photo: @curlie.lexi
If you’re satisfied with the length and density of your natural hair, don’t feel pressured to get extensions. Remember Alicia Keys’s cornrows from her Songs in A Minor days? That look inspired this impressive style by @curlie.lexi.
Read next: How Wearing Cornrows Helped Learn About My Roots
14. Subtle Cornrows
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This is super beginner friendly for the DIY girlies. Follow along with @naturally.nish as she braids six cornrows in total (three on each side”>, secures her hair in a bun in the center, and defines a ponytail in the back.
15. High Ponytail
Photo: @naturalhairme
Nothing exudes confidence like a high ponytail. When the braided bun just isn’t cutting it, a braided ponytail adds just the right amount of drama. Adjust the thickness and size of the braids as well as the length based on your own personal style.
Add to cart: 10 Products to Clean Your Scalp While in a Protective Style
How do you style your cornrows? Let us know if we missed your go-to style below!
You’ve probably seen several variations of styles featuring particularly thick braids all over your timeline, from celebrities to online influencers and people in your social circle. The look is usually created by incorporating synthetic braiding hair (or none, if you’ve got the gift of high density”> for a simple but slightly edgy effect.
Depending on how involved the style is and just how big you want the braids to be, the install time for these braids can be a lot less than traditional box braids or cornrows, and yet still perfectly fit the bill for a protective style.
If you’re thinking bigger braids could be in your future, look no further than here. We’ve compiled a list of 13 styles featuring adaptations of the chunky braid trend for you to peruse through before you book your next hair appointment.
Read more: THIS Is How Often You Should Be Getting Your Braids Installed
Coi Leray Braids
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You can’t have a compilation of chunky braid styles without mentioning this one. Rapper Coi Leray popularized shoulder-length, aesthetically pleasing box braids parted down the middle with curled ends, and there’s no sign of its popularity waning anytime soon.
Jewel-Studded Braided Ponytail
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The single braided ponytail will always reign supreme, but if there was any way to elevate the look even further, it would be to add jewels into the mix. Add a few onto the braid and dispersed throughout sculpted edges to accentuate places you want the eye to be drawn to for the ultimate nightlife look.
Read next: 8 Protective Styles That Are Gentler Than Box Braids and Passion Twists
Thigh-Length
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Chunkier braids doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the length. Opt for the same length that you would expect with typical box braids and enjoy the added bit of drama.
Basic Ponytail
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Simply securing your chunky braids into a ponytail is handy and practical, but also super cute. The ease of styling definitely contributes to the “clean girl” aesthetic. And who doesn’t love that ponytail swing?
Symmetrical Cornrows
Pictured: @namedafterahat
This style doesn’t call for intricate parting, just straight down the middle and the sides. It was first seen on the likes of rappers like the late Pop Smoke, stylists have since recreated the look in a more feminine way, adding braiding hair for length and defined edges.
Looking for a stylist? These are the Best Braiding Salons in the Country.
Beads
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Never underestimate the power of accessorizing your hair. These natural colored beads work perfectly with @truleytalentedbeauty’s light blue ensemble, but you can switch out the colors to fit your mood or whatever the OOTD is.
Maximum Density
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There’s no limit to the amount of added hair you can add for the thickest braids possible. Watch as @milkayemima finishes up her super chunky protective style on her beautifully dense 4C hair.
Half-Up, Half-Down
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The half-Up, half-down style is a solidified staple in popular hair culture. Perfect to keep hair out of your face, but still showing off length.Throw a statement scrunchy in the mix as a nod to the box braids of the ‘90’s.
Braided Pigtails
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Who knew pigtails could look so good on adults? When you’re running short on time for styling, try using braiding hair to create a more mature take on a classic childhood style. Play with the height and placement of the ponytails to suit your face.
Ponytail With Bang
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Follow along with @andreawiththecurls as she secures her jumbo braids and frames her face by bringing two braids into a swoop in front of her face. Don’t forget to cover the elastic with hair in order to achieve a seamless, clean finish.
Two Feed-In Braids
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If you’re ready for a real DIY challenge, see if you can pull off these two feed-in braids without your hands cramping. The feed-in process gives the style a natural look, gradually using braiding hair to increase the braid’s thickness.
Double Ponytails
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With thick, dense hair, the addition of braiding hair isn’t always necessary to achieve a chunky braided style. These super sleek braided pigtails save time without adding hair and are channeling a young, trendy vibe.
Galaxy Colors
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Bold colors are still making the rounds in popular hair trends, but instead of going for a singular color–why not try a color theme? The medium knotless braids depicted here are various shades of blue, purple, and even pink to represent the color palette of a galaxy.
Have you opted for bigger braids recently? Let us know how you’ve been styling chunky braids below.
Read more: 21 Braided Hairstyles You Need to Try Next
If you weren’t able to make it to Brooklyn for this year’s Curlfest 2022, we won’t lie–you missed the kind of street style and festival fun that you won’t get anywhere else. But, of course, we would never leave you hanging. NaturallyCurly was on the scene capturing the inspo-worthy hairstyles to report back to you on must-see natural hair moments and bold looks.
What is Curlfest?
Considering the immense following of this event, it’s hard to believe it was formed less than a decade ago. Curly Girl Collective’s ninth annual celebration of Black women and natural beauty took place this past Saturday at the LeFrak Center in Prospect Park, taking the form of a throwback dance/skate party called Curlfest RollerSet. The nostalgic extravaganza also featured a marketplace selling and giving away beauty-focused goodies, food vendors, and DJ’s. At its core, Curlfest was created to challenge the historical narratives the beauty industry has pushed onto Black and Brown women concerning their natural appearance and culture. Read more on the Curlfest origin story here.
We might not be able to recreate the sense of community felt among festival goers, the amazing DJ’s, or the product giveaways, but we’re more than happy to cure a bit of FOMO with the following photos. Feast your eyes on these joyful festival moments for the first time, or for those who were there in the flesh, scroll on to experience the magic all over again.
Braids
Braids have had us mesmerized all summer long, and Saturday was full of box braids, cornrows, and everything in between.
Free-Flowing Curls
It’s a well-known fact that sometimes, less is more. And at an event celebrating natural beauty, free-flying curls and afros standing tall were incredibly popular style choices.
Locs
There was no shortage of loc love on display. Take a look at some au naturale locs and even a jumbo faux loc moment with pearl accessories.
Curly Cuts
Getting the perfect haircut is one of the most satisfying parts of having textured hair. Festival attendees stepped out sporting their finest short cuts.
And All the Curl Love
Photos taken by Karston Tannis for NaturallyCurly.
The annual ESSENCE Fashion House recently returned during New York Fashion Week to the Walker Hotel in Tribeca, NY, as a location to educate their audience on the industry and to celebrate Black creatives from all backgrounds. Franchelli Rodriguez, aka @chelliscurls, shared her GRWM (Get Ready With Me”> on TikTok featuring a nostalgic curly style before heading out to the Fashion House dinner with NaturallyCurly.
“NaturallyCurly just brings back so many memories to my transitioning days,” Rodriguez says in the clip. “That was like my Google. If it was on NaturallyCurly, then I knew that I was good. Ingredients were good to go. I am so happy to have had resources and inspo to follow.”
The style she created here was everywhere in the ‘90’s and 2000’s. How could we forget—it was the ultimate cool girl look.To reproduce this classic curly hairstyle, Francelli is using Creme of Nature’s Shine and Hold Control Glue and the Dippity-Do Girls With Curls Gel. Follow along as she creates flat twists the front of her hair and diffuses the rest.
@chelliscurls GRWM and come with me to the @essence Fashion house dinner!! It took me years to finally embrace my naturally curly hair and throughout that journey, I am so happy to have had resources and inspo to follow like @naturallycurly. Thanks for inviting me out & all your help throughout my hair journey? I did this super easy and fun hairstyle for tonight’s event, I’m ready to have fun ?? #naturallycurly #essencefashionhouse #curlyhair #curls #grwm #ootd #curvytiktok #nyfashionweek #curlyhairtutorial #curlyhairstyle #fyp #foryou #tutorial ♬ original sound – chelliscurls
Has NaturallyCurly been like your “Google” for all things curly? Fill us in on the details below.
Latinx brands have long made their presence known in beauty, from skin care and makeup, to hair care—and more specifically curly hair care. Some of our favorite brands like Rizos Curls and Honey Baby Naturals bring us curly hair care lines dedicated to curls, coils, and waves, while staying true to their Latin roots.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage month this year, let us put you on to some must-try products you can try to show support to Latinx-owned businesses. Ahead are 12 moisturizing, Latinx-owned curly products— and just in time for your new fall routine.
1. Honey Baby Naturals Honey Glaze Hair Balm, $10.99
Combating shedding and breakage recently? Honey Baby Naturals’ Hair Balm is packed with avocado and moringa oil to protect and moisturize your hair. After styling, follow up with this melt-in-your-hand balm for a shiny finish.
2. Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream, $21.99
Definition and hold are here to stay with this styler. Enjoy every bit of moisture and volume with none of the crunch or frizz.
3. Mielle Organics Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk, $15.99
A perfect reprieve for dryness and coily textures, this moisturizer is filled with organic moisturizing oils like avocado, jojoba, and aloe vera. Use the hair milk to hydrate your hair daily, or as a refresher—you won’t regret it. It was rated Best of the Best in 2019 by NaturallyCurly and is one of my all time favs.
4. Beleza Natural’s Curl Sculpting Styling Cream, $22.90
Maintain curls that look and feel healthy with this well-rounded styling cream. The cream’s formula contains glycerin, which moisturizes and makes combing easier while clumping curls with a gel-like effect. Made with all textures in mind.
5. Emergencia Split Ends and Moisturizing Coconut Leave In Conditioner, $5.99
Your new best friend for on-the-go leave-in action. Detangle, prevent split ends, and keep frizz at bay with this tropical-smelling spray.
6. Silicon Mix Intensive Hair Deep Treatment, $8.99
This Silicon Mix Intensive Hair Treatment Hair was made to restore dry, damaged and weak hair. Curlies love that it leaves hair feeling softer with less frizz. If you do use this product you will want to clarify periodically as it does contain mineral oil and cones.
7. Dominican Magic Nourishing Conditioner, $17.99
Dominican Magic’s line is geared towards processed and colored hair and all hair types. For those transitioning from thirsty, processed or color-treated hair and are in need of hair a strengthening conditioner, this may be the perfect pick-up.
8. Crece Pelo Natural Fitoterapeutico Rinse, $4.99
If hair growth is your goal, check out the brand Crece Pelo and their Fitioterapeutico Natural products. Their innovative formulas contain plant extracts and actives to promote hair growth.
9. Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner, $14.99
You can never really give your hair too much TLC. Mielle Organics’ deep conditioner is packed with natural oils, including Babassu, which comes from an Amazonian fruit. Restore your hair both your hair’s moisture and protein with this color-safe formula.
10. Rizos Curls Deep Conditioner, $19.99
Three key ingredients in the Rizos’ Curls Deep Conditioner—olive, sunflower, and coconut oil—are merged together to nourish the scalp, reduce buildup, and of course prevent damage and split ends.
11. Botanika Beauty’s Revitalizer, $11.99
True to its name, The Revitalizer is that heavy-duty product you go to for emergency curl repair. It’s a deep conditioning mask meant to restore and strengthen damaged hair with the benefits of garlic, avocado, and mango butter, regardless of hair texture.
12. Honey Baby Naturals Honey Shea Butter Hair Smoothie, $13.99
Count on shea butter to replenish your hair even when it’s at its worst. The added biotin works to promote thicker, stronger hair. Plus, the name alone makes it sound like a must-have item for your stash. Feel free to use this smoothie on wet or dry hair.
Do you happen to use some Latinx-owned products? Take a minute and list some of your favs in the comments below.
If you live in the New York area, make sure to keep your Saturday weekend plans free. Curly Girl Collective is returning to host this year’s Curlfest RollerSet, a celebration of Black culture and hair featuring a dance/skate party, a Black-owned marketplace, product giveaways, and a lot more.
When is Curlfest 2022?
Curlfest RollerSet is this Saturday, September 17, at Prospect Park’s LeFrak Center in Brooklyn, NYC from 12-8 PM.
What is Curlfest?
As the largest natural beauty festival in the United States since 2014, you can expect to see thousands of attendees skating around showing off their natural textures, and vendors selling assorted beauty-related goodies (including some free samples!”>. And of course, there will be standard festival fare: NYC’s best DJs, food, dancing, and skating. Above all, Curly Girl Collective and Curlfest support and draw attention to the movement of women who are embracing their beauty and who they are, natural texture and all. Take a look at this recap from 2019’s Curlfest to get an idea of what’s to come.
If you haven’t gotten them yet, there’s still time to grab your tickets starting at $40 for general admission, which include access to: the roller rink (skates included while supplies last”>, the main stage and throwback dance party, as well as food and drinks to purchase separately.
We’ll be there snapping photos of the curls and street style to bring the best inspiration to you – whether or not you can be there in person. So throw on your finest summer garb and link up with your best girls, guys, cousins and aunties at the rink for the curl celebration of this year—we’ll meet you there.
Back to school means back to busy mornings filled with quick breakfasts, homework checking, packing lunches and—if you have a curly kid—quick hair styling that will hopefully withstand the school day.
Styling a boy’s hair is usually considered a relatively low maintenance task, but girls shouldn’t have all the fun when it comes to curly hair inspo. While some kids might be perfectly happy with any style, it’s always a treat to send your young one off with a style that’s as unique and effortlessly cool as they are. Read on for a few hairstyle ideas (including some protective styles”> for curly boys that will have them excited to show off their look whether it’s for class, extracurricular activities, or play-time.
1. Braided Ponytails
Image Credit: @bbhulkrj
Low-manipulation styles like these braided pigtails keep things simple for rushed parents, but also keep the ends of long, delicate curly hair protected so there’s less chance for breakage. And as uncomplicated as this style is, there’s no doubt this is one of the coolest looks around.
2. Faded Mohawk
Image Credit: @jessica.salonoriana
Looking for some back-to-school haircut ideas? We’re loving stylist Jessica Oriana’s mohawk transformation on this adorable Spider-Man fan.
3. Braided Bun
Image Credit: @latelier.regent
For kids that might go for something a little more intricate, patterned cornrows are a great option. Styles like this one are protective, long-lasting, and stand out in the crowd.
4. Twisted Ponytails
Image Credit: @tonys_tv
Calling all parents/guardians that don’t quite have braiding down to a science (fear not, you’ll get there, we promise!”>—twists are the next best thing. This style works on various hair lengths and can be altered to fit you and your little one’s needs. For an even more personalized look, switch out the regular black rubber bands for colorful ones.
5. Twisted Locs
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Little boys with locs might be interested in this flat-twisted faded style. This one looks complicated, but you can create something similar to this look by splitting the hair down the middle and flat-twisted each side.
6. Textured High-Top Fade
Image Credit: @billionairesbarberclub
A nod to the high-top fades of the ‘80’s and ‘90’s, the modern high-top includes a lot more texture. This cut shows off beautiful texture and also length with a clean shape up.
7. Natural Curls
Image Credit: @katchingupwithkenzo
With a good detangler, moisturizer and styler, a simple wash-and-go can be your go-to morning style. Make sure to have the right styling products for your kiddo’s texture for the best results.
8. Half-Braided, Half-Twisted
Image Credit: @tahchonmusic
When styling longer curly hair it helps to create as little work as possible. And with this half-braided, half-twisted look you have two styles in one. Remove protective styles like this one, and you’ll have a defined braid/twist-out.
9. Defined Ponytail
Image Credit: @k.liam18
Define your curly kid’s ringlets to the max to achieve a look similar to this. For the best hold, look into getting a really good gel, like these stylist-recommended ones.
10. Bald Mohawk
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If you have a particularly adventurous kid, this bald mohawk may be more his speed. It takes a super confident kid to wear bald sides, but the result is worth it!
11. Rounded High-Top Cut
Image Credit: @beckettandfallon
One thing about curly hair, it can make shapes like no other texture. This cut is higher on the top with a bit of a rounded shape.
12. Two-Strand Twists
Image Credit: @iamshilohamor
If refreshed and taken care of, two-strand twists can last for days and can be styled differently each day. If you’re not in the mood for more styling, you can always accessorize with a hat like Eli, pictured above.
Do you have plans to change up your curly kid’s hair soon? Let us know what ideas you have in mind below.
The craving for cornrowed and braided styles in the summer tends to be strong for curlies, and this year was no different. Apart from the functionality of giving your hair a break from daily styling, braids of any kind are some of the hottest hairstyles in existence, hands-down.
And there are a multitude of different kinds to fit your individual tastes: box braids, stitch braids, boho braids, crochet braids, “Lemonade” braids à la Beyoncé, you name it. The combination of classic braid styles with splashes of new trends and creativity makes for the perfect environment to keep braided styles fresh and innovative for years to come.
Ahead we have 15 of those fresh and on trend braided styles, some of the best we’ve seen this year.
1. Gypsy Braids
Photo: @rahelbrhane_
Leaving tendrils of hair out of braids for a slightly “undone” look has been a popular look these past few years. These medium gypsy braids by LA braider @youxvanese look effortless, beachy, and au naturale.
2. Heart Cornrows
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Hearts have braids in a chokehold this summer, and we absolutely love it. Watch as stylist and braid coach @pearlthestylist maps them out in this cornrowed bun style.
3. Bright Colors
Photo: @zoleeg
Natural colors are cool and all, but sometimes a cool hairstyle calls for an equally cool color like these bubble gum pink box braids. Bonus points if the color is particularly brilliant and bold.
4. Stitch Braids
Photo: @bbyricann
These braids are a type of feed-in braids with no knots, and can be kept simple or have intricate designs. Stitch braids tend to have the horizontal line pattern that makes them look like a “stitch.” Anyone who’s into super clean and neat braids will be a fast fan of this technique.
5. Micros
Photo: @sharon.alexie
Anyone who grew up watching shows from the ‘90’s can relate—you probably wanted this style at some point in your childhood. The good news is, it’s not too late to get ultra-small braids. Modern micro braids are in and looking sexy as ever.
6. Beads
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Your mom used to put them on the ends of your braids as a kid, and she was onto something. The beads add another layer of customization to braided styles, and you can’t deny the sound of swinging beads on braids is incredibly satisfying.
7. Braided Space Buns
Photo: @slimreshae
One of the easiest and most enjoyable braided styles: space buns. Box braids can achieve all kinds of fun styles and this one is particularly quick, sometimes not even needing anything to secure it. Just wrap the braids around each other tightly and go.
8. Ultra Long Braids
Photo: @beingstefs
Nothing says “summer” like some thigh-length box braids. If shoulder and back-length braids are becoming stale, opt for these or even longer braids.
9. Bantu Knots
Photo: @marsaimartin
A style with a long history, Bantu knots are a staple in Black hair culture. Yet this modern iteration on Marsai Martin’s long braids by @alexander_armand and @magnoliahands feels new and refined.
10. Gravity-Defying Up-Dos
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The thing about crowns is they don’t have to hang. They can create shapes and designs like no other, and braids are the perfect medium for it.
11. Half and Half
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Don’t wanna commit to a full head of braids? Try leaving the back loose with a half-wig or extensions.
12. Braided Knots
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This super creative style by Monae Everett is fun and elegant. The inspiration for these braided knots comes from a love of “organic styles and odd numbers,” which explains the three sections and three-strand braids as well as their placement.
13. Jumbo Braids
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If small braids seem like a time eater, consider extra extra large ones. There’s less parting and it makes a huge statement. And don’t forget a good gel/edge control, if that’s your jam.
14. Fulani-Inspired
Photo: @torinashtun
Influenced by the West African Fula tribe, Fulani braids are usually identified by their formation. Most often there’s a braid in the center of the head and two braids by the ears going in an opposite direction to the rest of the braids, as depicted here.
15. Braided Ponytail
Photo: @goldynaps
The only thing more powerful than a high pony is a braided high pony. Fairly easy to execute with a huge payoff.
Share your favorites from this list or your own personal favorite braided styles below.
What is charcoal?
Mostly pure carbon, charcoal is a certain kind of half-burnt wood, and the best charcoal comes from hard wood like beech or oak. The charcoal is made by cooking the wood in a low-oxygen environment. Archaeological evidence of charcoal production goes back around 30,000 years.
What is the difference between charcoal and activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is similar to regular charcoal but is made specifically for used in medicines to treat poisonings, reduce gas and cholesterol levels, and even to prevent hangovers. The regular charcoal is heated in the presence of a gas that causes the charcoal to create internal spaces or “pores” and that allows the charcoal to trap the chemicals, increasing its absorbing power.
Does charcoal really remove toxins?
I enlisted the help of scientific consultant Yolanda Anderson, M.Ed., RPhT to find out if charcoal does indeed remove toxins.
First of all, what are toxins?
“Toxins can be anything from pollution in the environment to medications that you take; even the foods you eat. Toxins lodge in your cells, soft tissues, and muscles, and overwhelm your entire immune system. It is a poisonous, non-biological substance (but sometimes proteins can be toxins”> that causes disease when introduced in the body,” says Anderson.
Does charcoal remove them?
“Activated charcoal, or activated carbon, has oxygen added to it to increase its porosity, thereby, adding to its surface area. More surface area allows for more contact between molecules, increasing the rate of reaction,” Anderson adds. “(Activated charcoal”> is used to remove toxins in chemical reactions. Best example is using activated charcoal to filter fish tanks. You can also ingest activated charcoal as a supplement.”
So, activated charcoal does remove toxins, and toxins can be more than just environmental pollutants, or substances inside our bodies. Toxins can be in our hair, or on our scalp, so shampoos with activated charcoal serve a useful purpose. Here are ten shampoos + one DIY recipe with the toxin-destroying benefits of charcoal.
1. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal +Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
(sulfate-free, silicone-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free”>
Using Binchotan charcoal, a charcoal traditionally used in Japanese cooking, this water-based shampoo will draw impurities from your hair and scalp. Peppermint and spearmint oils cool the scalp and reduce itchiness, which makes this the perfect choice for curlies with irritated and flaky scalp. It also includes biotin to strengthen your curls and coils. Briogeo has an Anti-Dandruff Charcoal Shampoo as well.
2. Luster’s SCurl Free Flow Charcoal Mint Shampoo
(sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free”>
This sulfate-free formula was made to revive and calm the scalp, while the healing and nourishing properties of castor and olive oils help maintain your moisture balance.
3. HASK Charcoal with Citrus Oil Purifying Shampoo
(sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free”>
A potent clarifying shampoo using the power of charcoal, lemon, and grapefruit oils to eliminate impurities on the hair and scalp. Water, cleansing agents, and glycerin form this powerful and effective shampoo, and it’s still gentle enough for everyday use. For those who need cleanliness on the go, HASK also makes a charcoal purifying dry shampoo.
4. Love Beauty and Planet Delightful Detox Charcoal Shampoo
(sulfate-free, paraben-free, silicone-free”>
This vegan shampoo is infused with bamboo charcoal to remove buildup from your hair and scalp. Love Beauty and Planet aims for a small carbon footprint and every shampoo bottle is made from 100 percent recycled materials and is recyclable.
5. Herbal Essences Bio: Renew Detox Black Charcoal Shampoo
(paraben-free, silicone-free”>
Quite a few curly girls either use or have used Herbal Essences as a part of their regimen at some point, and now they’re back with a new line featuring black charcoal. Harnessing the rejuvenating powers of black charcoal, aloe and active antioxidants, this shampoo detoxes hair and gently removes dirt and build-up. It is color-safe and rinses out easily, so you won’t have to worry about any leftover black residue.
6. SheaMoisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo
(paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, silicone-free, sulfate-free”>
SheaMoisture brings a soothing shampoo with this sulfate-free, deep cleansing shampoo. Charcoal powder, plantain enzymes, and tea tree oil work hard at relieving itching and irritation, and may be suited for curlies who suffer from eczema and psoriasis.
7. OGX Purifying + Charcoal Detox Shampoo
(sulfate-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free”>
This clarifying shampoo is infused with activated coconut charcoal and popular curly treatment kaolin clay to remove your buildup, without stripping the hair of moisture.
8. Sort of Coal – Kuro Activated Charcoal Shampoo
(paraben-free, sulfate-free”>
Better suited for oily and normal to thick hair types, this black shampoo cleanses your hair to get it clean, healthy, and lustrous, with the power of activated white charcoal powder. Handmade in Japan.
9. Yes To Charcoal Detoxifying & Deep Cleaning Charcoal Shampoo
(paraben-free, silicone-free”>
This product can be used for all hair types, and works to cleanse your hair of any dirt, residual hair products, or other undesirables, to leave it shiny and smooth. It can be used on natural hair, and is safe for colored hair as well.
10. Kaia Naturals Takesumi Detox Overnight Dry Shampoo in Brunette
(paraben-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free”>
This product uses detoxifying activated charcoal to absorb oil and sweat while you rest, letting you wake with clean, fresh curls. It is intended for overnight use, to be sprayed on your hair before you go to bed, and left in overnight. The overnight dry shampoo is available in brunette and blonde, and is also cruelty-free and vegan.
Please be aware of possible allergies. Consult your doctor if you think your body may have an allergic response to charcoal and charcoal products.
Are you on board with the charcoal trend, or do you use charcoal-infused hair products? If so, have you observed the benefits? Tell us your charcoal tales in the comments section below. And for even more activated charcoal beauty-talk, check out these trendy products.
This has been updated to include new products.
Getty Images / Atlas Studio
To much of the natural hair community, the term “natural hair” has traditionally meant hair that is relaxer-free, heat-free, and for people who follow the Curly Girl Method, it can even mean color-free. It has often been policed by the natural community, but now we are seeing a shift towards flexibility with the term as people with natural hair seem to be more comfortable with the idea of style experimentation, from daily straightening and regular bleaching, to chemical treatments like relaxers.
Although the movement remains relevant in the current culture of beauty, some naturals have become increasingly vocal about being tired of the time-consuming upkeep and strict regimens that can come with caring for natural hair. People are starting to prioritize having the independence to do whatever they’d like with their hair, rather than feel restricted by it.
Natural Hair Fatigue
Curl expert and hair educator April Kayganich believes the overwhelming amount of information that we consume on the internet and social media is playing a huge factor in the collective feeling of natural hair fatigue. “I think sometimes what gets targeted towards us on social platforms can be overwhelming,” Kayganich explains. “‘Try this product, it will do this, no try this product, it’s better I swear.’ Or you’re being told your wash day will take all day and it will take 9,754,897,982 steps…it doesn’t have to take all day or require multiple steps. This is why it is so important to seek out a texture specialist in your area because guidance can help us have realistic expectations on what maintenance will look like and, in time, will cut down the amount of time it will take to care for your hair when you have the right tools, products and routines.”
In her opinion, being “natural” means self-acceptance, with no chemical treatments involved. And she also believes wearing natural hair is not for everyone. “When you embrace and accept your natural hair, it means fully accepting who you are because you are wearing your hair the way it grows out of your head,” she says. “For as long as we can remember, there have always been people trying to get people with natural hair to do the opposite–to opt for hair that is chemically treated and told that we will have ‘more manageable’ hair and ‘tame’ our ‘fros. I think you can still be natural and smooth or straighten your hair out whenever you want, but if you are natural, there won’t be any chemicals involved such as relaxer, keratin treatments or brazilian blowouts. I also just think that the natural hair lifestyle isn’t for everyone and that is okay. Some people prefer to wear their hair in a straight style and find it easier for them to maintain a routine this way. So in the end, all I wish for my clients is that they are happy with themselves and their hair.”
“I also just think that the natural hair lifestyle isn’t for everyone and that is okay. Some people prefer to wear their hair in a straight style and find it easier for them to maintain a routine this way. So in the end, all I wish for my clients is that they are happy with themselves and their hair.” – Curl expert April Kayganich
Redefining What “Natural” Can Mean
Salon owner and protective style educator Niani B. shares similar feelings with Kayganich on convoluted natural hair messaging and the effect it has had on the community. Additionally, she believes reevaluating what natural means isn’t negative, and can be a catalyst for more natural hair education, showing that natural hair can be easier than it’s been portrayed to be.
“Being natural for me means still having your natural curl pattern that has not been altered by chemicals. Even though technically a relaxer is a chemical, I don’t necessarily rule out colored hair as not natural, since as long as the color was done properly, it doesn’t affect your curl pattern which allows us to continue to achieve the same natural styles,” she states. “I do believe that the term natural is being redefined and the community [is being redefined], as it is becoming open to all the things ‘natural’ might mean. I might have natural hair but may use products that previously weren’t deemed ‘for natural hair’ or I might use products off the shelves and no longer experimenting with D.I.Y. hair care products. I also see online content implying black women are moving back to using relaxers, however I also see more natural hair stylists moving into educational content creation, and I hope this helps the community understand that natural hair care can be simple and convenient.”
Despite Shifts, Texturism Remains
The reinforcement of texturism could also make being natural a less attractive prospect. The promotion of achieving a looser curl pattern and the lack of inclusive advertising for hair textures in the Type 4 range remain at the top of a long list of grievances within the universe of natural hair.
“I am disappointed to see texturism happening in the community,” Niani B. continues. “I think the movement has also created a stressful environment for a lot of black women. However even though the movement is not perfect I am happy to see us being more comfortable with wearing our curls and coils.”
“I think the movement has also created a stressful environment for a lot of black women. However even though the movement is not perfect I am happy to see us being more comfortable with wearing our curls and coils.” – style educator Niani B.
Kayganich says she’s looking forward to more inclusive product marketing for all textured hair types. “What I would love to see is more hair product companies having less segregation with products that they make as well as where you find them in certain stores. The directions on the bottles need to be more inclusive and cater to ALL hair types. Advertising and marketing isn’t picking one type of hair type to represent them, but multiple – straight, wavy, coily and curly. This is what I would like to see, just more representations of a diverse array of curls. I think we can get there and that we are headed in that direction.”
A Hair Autonomy Movement
Despite all its flaws and miseducation, it’s hard to deny that the natural hair movement has been beneficial for people with textured hair, and especially Black women. It has slowly created space for Black hair in Eurocentric societies that typically mocked, scrutinized, and sometimes even punished people for wearing kinks and coils without modification. If nothing else, the previous natural hair movement is the blueprint and precursor to the next big evolution of what we see as a hair autonomy movement. “I still feel that the current state of the natural hair movement is progressing and gaining even more steam…especially with several states and cities passing the CROWN Act – which don’t even get me started on the fact that we have to have legislation to protect [Black people’s] hair in the workplace,” Kayganich mentions. “I think the movement HAS been beneficial to naturals, and specifically Black women/people because it is showing that we love ALL of [ourselves], that we are going to be proud and wear our hair how we want, regardless of what someone says or thinks. Because of more people embracing their hair, more hair professionals are making sure to educate themselves on caring for ALL types of hair, which should have been happening regardless, but this makes it a little easier to find a salon/and or stylist you can trust.”
“I think the movement is being redefined and it’s still growing and heading towards its full potential,” Kayganich says.
How do you define the term “natural hair” now, and has that changed?
