Search Results: Camille Wilson

By Camille Wilson · Published February 18, 2019

If you like to stay up to date on the newest trends and techniques in the natural hair community, chances are you’ve heard about the resurgence of this popular hair growth product: rice water. Although it may sound eccentric to some, rice water is thought to contain several vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E and magnesium that make hair shiny and promote rapid growth.

And similarly to a lot of trends, it’s been done before! It’s actually an ancient hair and skin product that has been used by women in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia for hundreds of years. Interested in the history and specific benefits of rice water? Check out this article.

While there isn’t much in the way of scientific research to prove the benefits of rice water, the natural and curly community have been raving over it, with some people experiencing a noticeable difference in hair growth and overall quality within a very short period of time.

Convinced you need to give this method a try? Here are 5 Youtube tutorials to get you started:

1. Lana Summer

Lana Summer shows you an easy way to prepare rice water 2 ways: plain and fermented. The biggest difference between the results of plain vs. fermented rice water is the potency of the rice water. All of the vitamins and nutrients available in rice water are enhanced through the fermentation process. If you’re concerned about the sour smell (and there will be one”>, she recommends adding a bit of orange peel and lavender essence. Also, find out the difference between boiling and not boiling the rice and why Lana chooses not to use boiled rice water.

2. Maryam Hampton

Overnight rice water spray? Yes, please. Maryam Hampton, who has been using rice water for over two years, shares her tips for using fermented rice water as a leave-in and a detangler, conveniently applied with a spray bottle. A perfect method for stretched styles.

3. IAMTRAEH

For those curlies looking to get straight to the point, IAMTRAEH’s quick video explains the basics of rice water and the essentials of everything you need to know on how to make it, in just two minutes.

4. WillOnAWhim

WillOnAWhim hilariously documents his first time using rice water, and drops some knowledge about the science behind the fermentation process as well as why sealing your rice water in some sort of container or jar is important. Find out what the end results were on his low porosity hair and be thoroughly entertained in the process.

5. Lookintomylife

Looking to use rice water as more of a refresher? Lookintomylife uses her rice water to help moisturize and detangle her type 4 hair as well as restyle her braidout.

Have you tried incorporating rice water into your regimen? If not, are you feeling inspired yet? Let us know in the comments and look here for more rice-related hair hacks.

By Camille Wilson · Published February 11, 2019

As an admittedly lazy natural, ponytails and puffs are one of my favorite everyday styles. Whether I’m trying to rectify a failed hairstyle or I’m putting off detangling for another day, a puff is guaranteed to be cute, quick, and easy. There’s nothing better than a fluffy, voluminous, curly or coily ponytail. And because it’s an “everyday” style, it’s easy to fall into the habit of consistently styling it the same way. One of the advantages to a ponytail is that while it is simple and easy to wear, it is simultaneously a versatile and flexible style. It can be as wild or tame as you want it. A little creativity goes a long way, and the possibilities are endless!

Interested in spicing up your ponytail? Here are 10 different style ideas to try.

1. Ponytail with Middle Twist

The ponytail or puff with the middle twist is a simple and cute hairstyle that has been trending lately. It’s easy, but different enough to be a noticeable switch from the usual ponytail. Twists can also be interchanged with braids, I often do twists because it’s easier to do on my hair when it hasn’t been fully detangled.

2. Ponytail with Middle Twist and Bead Accessories

Adding beads, cuffs, and other accessories is another easy and cute way to switch things up. I didn’t want to go overboard, so I added two gold cuffs to the middle twist to add a little extra flare; but don’t hesitate to go all out with accessories if you want to experiment!

3. Ponytail with Double Twists

Yes, more twists! Twists and braids are a great way to change up a ponytail, and there are countless ways to add them into a hairstyle. I added cuffs in this style, as well.

4. Crown Twist Ponytail

This style is one that I have done since I first went natural. Like the middle twist, it just adds a bit of extra flavor and always looks good.

5. Double Crown Twist Ponytail

Just like one crown twist, but double the fun. This style is just simply one twisted crown behind the other. My hair is pretty frizzy in the photograph and was getting dry from manipulation, but there are two there.

6. Flat-Twist Ponytail

This flat-twist style is perfect for naturals who want to style a flat twist-out quickly. You can simply leave the front flat twists in and pull the back into a ponytail.

7. Flat-Twist Low Ponytail

The same goes for the low ponytail. You can even do a lower side ponytail and add hair or accessories.

8. Ponytail with Bantu Knots

The bantu-knot crown ponytail is a crowd favorite that is fun and easy. I only did three, but you can do more small bantu knots, or only two!

9. Double Ponytails with Twists

Although you can’t see the twists, I have four flat twists and two ponytails. I love the double ponytails because they’re nostalgic for me and are fun but still cute for adults!

10. Gold String Ponytail

The gold string trend is something that has really caught on with naturals and/or people who wear braids. It’s makes the perfect accessory when it’s woven into braids/twists or wrapped around a ponytail.

Note: I didn’t have any hair extensions available to me at the time, but don’t underestimate the versatility of a good ponytail extension!

What are you favorite ways to style a ponytail? Let us know in the comments. Ponytails stressing out your hair? Check out how to refresh your hair afterwards.

By Camille Wilson · Published January 28, 2019

As someone who’s trying to grow out their natural hair while experiencing the least amount of setbacks, coloring my hair has been something I’ve repeatedly put on the backburner, in spite of how amazing it looks. Of course, there will be some minor hiccups here and there, but I want healthy hair above all else. And because my hair is naturally dry, I don’t want to encourage any damage or breakage due to dyes or bleaching.

So when I discovered the viral Hair Paint Wax, I knew I had to try it; all of the fun of colored hair with no commitment or damage? Win-win.

Ingredients?

Hair Paint Wax comes in twelve colors, all of which have a relatively short ingredient list for a hair coloring product. I ordered the color Silver and the first ingredients listed on the container were water, carnauba wax, and beeswax. I was pleased to see that it was a water-based product and I didn’t have any complications or reactions to any of the ingredients. No harmful chemicals or bleach of any kind!

Full list of ingredients: water, carnauba wax, beeswax, celearyl alcohol, licorice, glycyrrhiza, uralensis extract, tea extract, stearic acid, PVP/VA propionale copolymer, castor oil, ethoxylaated, titanium oxide.

Application process?

Applying the product is very simple, it’s applied directly to damp hair in “small to moderate” amounts, which may be more subjective depending on your hair length and thickness.
I started off on freshly washed hair and I moisturized it well with my favorite products before applying the wax. I read that it was a bit drying and wanted to prevent my hair from becoming dry and stiff in the end. I used Shea Moisture’s Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner, Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Shine Pomade, and followed up with Jamaican black castor oil. I then separated my hair into more manageable sections to try to get an even application.

One thing that impressed me was how well the wax can be incorporated with your daily styling routine, my normal products did not interfere with the color at all. When I initially applied the wax to my hair, it did feel a little drying at first which discouraged me from adding more (I was going for a vibrant color and it ended up being more of a tint”>.

Because the color is buildable and my hair is dark as well as dense, I probably should have added more wax. By the time my hair was completely dry, my hair felt much better, with no excessive dryness. Unexpectedly, the wax even seemed to have a hold which made my curl pattern look a bit more defined.

The only thing I did not enjoy while applying the product was the smell. To me, it smelled faintly of men’s deodorant? It wasn’t overpowering, but I definitely noticed it.

How long does it last?

I wore the wax in my hair for four days, and while it faded slightly, it really didn’t change much from the initial application considering it’s not a permanent dye.

There is some noticeable transfer. As someone who is always fluffing their hair, I saw it more on my hands than anywhere else. I also tend to put water and oil in my hair everyday to refresh it until I moisturize it again, and everytime I pulled back silver-tinted hands. Fortunately, it does not stain, so any product that is transferred to your hands or clothing will wash off easily.

Bottom line, do I recommend it?

Yes, yes, and yes. Although I wasn’t 100% satisfied with my final results in reference to the color payoff, the overall product is well-made and very easy to work with. It’s worth a try for any natural who’s looking to try some fun colors without commitment and without permanent damage to their hair. I’ll definitely be revisiting the silver color and I plan on trying purple and blue in the near future.

Hair Paint Wax ranges from $6.99 to $9.99, depending on the color.

Have you tried Hair Paint Wax? Let us know in the comments! And take a look at some more gentle hair coloring options.

By Camille Wilson · Published January 7, 2019

With the beginning of the winter season upon us and cold weather well underway, most naturals will be searching for new ways to stay cute this season while also keeping their coils and curls protected from the elements. If you’re searching for a winter hat that will be gentle on your hair, Kink and Coil, a Canadian-based business, has you covered — literally and figuratively, of course.

Kink and Coil began in 2014 as a personal blog when the creator Leaticia Kaggwa decided to dive into the expansive wealth of natural hair knowledge available on the internet in order to learn more about how to properly take care of her own hair.

Throughout her journey, she kept track of her techniques and tips on the blog — tips she picked up both online and through hair shows and natural hair meetups. The products sold by Kink and Coil now are Leaticia’s way of contributing to what’s missing in the natural hair community based on her research. Kink and Coil’s goal in selling these products is to provide unique and affordable options that always have tightly coiled and kinky hair in mind.

Image:@kinkandcoil

How does it look?

Kink and Coil’s Satin-Lined Beanie has an acrylic outer layer, a fur pom-pom, and of course the most important aspect, the satin lining. The lining is the same color as each beanie and fits well inside without looking bulky. The materials are well-made and the classic knit-hat-with-fur-pom-pom design makes it a great accessory to have in your winter wardrobe.

Is it functional?

Girl, yes! If you live in an area that experiences extremely cold months during winter, this will be a good option for you; it keeps your head and ears warm, while keeping your hair happy.

I usually avoid hats in general because of the struggle of fitting my type 4 hair into a hat, and because the fibers rub against and pull at my hair; and this beanie addresses both of those concerns. Keeping your hair moisturized and avoiding breakage is easy, and it’s even a great cover for those naturals who are still waiting for those twists to dry!

The pom-pom also snaps on and off for washing to preserve the look of the beanie. I think this is a simple, but really cool feature, you can even rock the beanie without the pom-pom for a bit of a different look.

Kink and Coil’s Satin-Lined Beanie comes in eleven colors and is priced at $33.99. Some of the mustard-colored beanies are available with a matte satin lining, as well.

Overall thoughts

This satin-lined beanie lives up to all of its promises and is one of the cutest beanies of its type. It makes a great gift for naturals, and is a great opportunity to support a small business.

Have you purchased a satin-lined beanie from Kink and Coil? Let us know what you think! And check out these other curly-approved hats and scarves to stay stylish in the colder months.

By Camille Wilson · Published December 5, 2018

Image by Eye for Ebony/Unsplash

As the hairstyle that most coilies and curlies can depend on, the twist-out has become somewhat of a holy grail hairstyle. The “perfect” twist-out can be elusive when we want the ideal combination of body, shine, and definition, and many twist-out attempts seem like failures.

But it’s important to keep in mind that every hairstyle does not have to be perfectly executed to get good results, and there’s nothing wrong with some frizziness and non-uniformity. Nevertheless, there are some ways to ensure your twist-out pops almost every time.

Start on clean hair and scalp

It’s a simple tip, but one that sets the tone for how your hair will take to the twist-out. You’ll want to remove any product buildup that may prevent your hair from getting the proper moisture that it needs to create that lustrous, coily look. Cleanse your hair and scalp with a gentle cleanser or co-wash and detangle afterward.

Looking for a good cleanser? Take a look at these 25 Best Gentle Shampoos for Curly Hair, all of which have won an Editor’s Choice Award.

Moisturize thoroughly

Although we like frizz, in order to maintain the shape of the twists it’s important to thoroughly moisturize and hydrate your hair before twisting. Twist-outs on dry hair can work, as well, but it won’t give your hair a lot of definition or shine. Working with wet and moisturized hair also helps to really set the style so it is less likely to be disrupted by humidity.

Separate your hair into sections and apply the product of your choice onto wet or damp hair, thoroughly and evenly; and be sure to add an oil afterward to seal in all the added moisture. If you’re unsure of which product to use, one of these top 10 products for a defined twist-out may work for you.

Image by William Stitt/Unsplash

Style and twist

On thoroughly detangled, moisturized, and sectioned hair, twist your hair from root to tip, smoothing out the ends by twirling them around the end of your finger. If you want even more definition on the ends, try wrapping perm rods around them, or my personal favorite, making a small Bantu knot at the end of each twist. It’s quick and you don’t need to reach for any extra tools.

For more elongation and definition at the roots, try a flat twist-out. The process is almost identical but it does take a bit of practice to master the flat-twisting technique.

The takedown

Carefully pull apart each twist and fluff out the hair, according to the desired amount of volume. You may even want to add some oil to your hands prior to the takedown to maintain definition and seal the hair again.

Hair still wet when you’re ready to take it down? Find out how to make twists dry faster.

What’s your idea of a perfect twist-out and how do you incorporate it into your regimen?

Let us know in the comments.

By Camille Wilson · Published November 21, 2018

Clay, a natural detoxifying agent of the earth, has been used around the world by various cultures for both cosmetic and practical purposes for thousands of years. In addition to removing impurities from your hair and skin, clay can even be consumed (food grade clay, that is”>; and it is said to remove toxins from from the body and digestive system. While these were common practices of the past, and are still a staple for some ethnic groups today (think the Himba people of Namibia”>, in the last few years clay has made its way to the forefront of the Western beauty market, and for a good reason. Here are ten clay masks that will transform your curls and coils:

Image by iStock

1.”> Bentonite Clay Mask

Arguably the most popular and the queen of clay hair masks, bentonite is great for damaged hair, itchy scalp/dandruff, and breakage among other benefits. It has a negative charge that allows it to remove old conditioners and build-up, which have a positive charge. For less-defined curls, it also often “clumps” the curls together and adds a shine. For the mask, you’ll need bentonite clay, coconut oil, castor oil, sweet almond oil, apple cider vinegar, and water. Read this article for all the details on the perfect DIY bentonite clay mask!

2.”> Rhassoul Clay Mask

Rhassoul clay originates from the mountains of Morocco. It’s moisturizing and softens the hair, while still removing toxins. This is in contrast to bentonite clay, which may strip moisture from the hair. This property makes it great for the detangling process, and a potentially better candidate for those with tightly coiled and dry hair. This suggested recipe from WellnessMama contains only rhassoul clay and water. Carol’s Daughter also has an entire line of products that contain rhassoul clay for those curlies who aren’t interested in making their own products.

3.”> Kaolin Clay Mask

Kaolin clay is a Chinese clay that is gentle in the cleansing department and, like rhassoul, works well with dry and fragile curls. Generally, it does not work well as a super cleanser, so curlies with oily scalp and hair/heavy build-up may want to steer clear of this one in favor of a stronger cleanser. This mask recipe from BGLH requires Kaolin clay, hot water, honey/glycerin, and essential oils of your choice.

4.”> Australian Pink Clay Mask

Pink clay is considered to be one of the most gentle of all the clays. It’s light and does not remove natural oils due to being rich in the mineral Silica, according to NourishedLife. It makes the perfect mask for your skin by replenishing it with the proper minerals, but some people use it for their hair as well! A blogger named ClassyCurlies came up with her own recipe featuring Australian Pink clay.

5.”> French Green Clay Mask

This clay is a popular ingredient in spa treatments, used on the body and face to remove dead skin cells. It contains minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium that allow it to have the desired effect. It works well as a cleanser for oily hair types. Take a look at the recipe for this “clay lotion” for curly hair. It calls for French green clay, milk, and whichever essential oil you like the best.

6.”> Activated Charcoal Mask

I know, not technically clay, right? But it works in a very similar way to clay masks! Like many clays, charcoal can rid your hair of build-up and impurities, even better than the cleansing power of a conventional shampoo. It works particularly well for alleviating the threat of clogged hair follicles, which can lead to scalp issues and irritation. Like bentonite clay, activated charcoal has a negative charge to fight the build-up, but may pull beneficial oils with it, so make sure to follow-up with an oil. This simple recipe from DIYNatural calls for charcoal and aloe vera gel.

7.”> Carol’s Daughter Rhassoul Clay Hair Mask, Softening, for Overworked & Over-Washed Hair

The main ingredients are Moroccan rhassoul clay, aloe juice, and cactus flower. It’s made to breathe life into dull, tired hair.

8.”> African Pride Moisture Miracle Moroccan Clay & Shea Butter Heat-Activated Masque

9.”> Poppy Austin’s Rhassoul Clay Hair & Facial Mask

This vegan and cruelty-free clay only requires a bit of water to create a creamy paste that can be applied on the face and hair. Contains 100% pure Rhassoul clay.

10.”> Botanic Hearth Charcoal Hair Mask

Contains activated charcoal, shea butter, argan oil, vitamin E, and vitamin B5 to clarify and infuse your hair and scalp with necessary minerals and nutrients.

By Camille Wilson · Published October 29, 2018

As one of the most popular, affordable, and versatile vegetable oils, canola oil has become a staple in many kitchens over the years. The oil is created from canola plants, which yield bright yellow flowers when in bloom. Yes, the same oil you use to sauté and stir fry your dinner may also be beneficial to your hair. 

According to The Huffington Post, the canola plant itself does not appear naturally. It’s a product of careful breeding for the specific purpose of harvesting the plant’s seeds and pressing them into oil. Once the flowers mature and die after being pollinated, seedpods begin to form. Back in the 1960s, Canadian scientists modified the rapeseed plant by reducing the erucic acid and glucosinolates, two chemicals that were deemed toxic by the FDA.  

The growers decided to name the oil and plant “canola” as an acronym for “Canadian oil, low acid.” The new plant looked physically identical to the rapeseed plant but had different nutritional properties, and canola oil is still occasionally called rapeseed oil. In order for a product label to use the name canola, the product must maintain a certain level of glucosinolates and erucic acid. 

What is the Nutritional Makeup? 

Does it contain beneficial ingredients? Canola oil is comprised of: 

• monounsaturated oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acid”>
• polyunsaturated linoleic acid (omega-6 essential fatty acid”>
• alpha-Linolenic acid (omega-3 essential fatty acid”>
• saturated fatty acids
• palmitic acids
• stearic acids

Among these ingredients are both groups of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6″>, and a large percentage of monounsaturated fat, which is associated with decreased inflammation in the body and prevents excessive water loss in hair strands. It also contains a significant amount of vitamin E, which can stimulate hair growth.

Essential fatty acids are healthy fats that our body requires in order to function and are obtained from outside sources since our bodies do not produce them. They are known to facilitate cell production and contain anti-inflammatory effects that, when applied topically, may soothe an irritated scalp. They also coat the hair shaft and lock in moisture on dry hair. 

In spite of these benefits, there are polarizing views on whether or not canola oil is healthy; most of this skepticism stems from how the plant is bred, how the oil is processed, and the number of trans fats. According to Dr. Guy Cosby of Harvard’s Department of Nutrition, canola oil is really no different than other vegetable oils.

How Can I Use It for My Hair?

Use canola oil as a sealant or in a DIY hair treatment or mask. Take a look at this Mayo Hair Mask that uses canola oil, mayonnaise, and a favorite essential oil of choice for maximum hydration. (Wondering if mayo treatments actually work, though? Learn more here.”>

While it’s not the most popular oil of choice in the natural hair community, based off of the ingredients, canola oil and rapeseed oil are as safe to use as any other oil. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not give it a try? If not, here’s ten of the most popular oils for curly hair.

By Camille Wilson · Published September 14, 2018

Image:@shrinkageisreal

Many curlies who are transitioning have concerns about how much their hair is growing or not growing. This growth is extremely important, as is evidenced by those who keep natural hair journals and do weekly length checks; but don’t stress about length. If you take care of your curls, they will grow! Curlies who have done a big chop may be even more impatient as they attempt to get used to wearing a short style (if this is you, take a look at these styles“>. As a result, Virgin Hair Fertilizer has gained popularity among naturals who are in the midst of a transition or dealing with hair loss.

Keep in mind that the rate at which a person’s hair grows and its thickness are generally a result of genetics, assuming that the hair is healthy; so there are no guaranteed methods to stimulating hair growth. But that doesn’t mean that hair fertilizer may not have benefits for some curlies. Is it worth the money and does it actually work? If so, what should you know before trying this product?

What is it?

Hair fertilizer is typically used as a scalp moisturizer, meant to be applied directly to the scalp to encourage hair growth. When you open a box of Virgin Hair Fertilizer, you’ll find a tube of somewhat thick hair cream. Some say it reminds them of petroleum jelly (probably because that’s one of its main ingredients”>, only it’s a little “lighter” than Vaseline.

It has a strong odor of menthol, peppermint oil, and other herbs, but if you leave it in overnight, the smell is better by morning. The peppermint oil is the most likely culprit in the reported “tingly” feeling on the scalp some curlies say they feel when using it. The use of peppermint essential oil can have some major benefits for the hair and scalp.

The other active ingredients include lanolin, a popular cosmetic moisturizing ingredient found on the skin of sheep, and “fragrance.” According to Dr. Kari Williams, petroleum jelly can “provide a temporary shine or give the appearance that flakes have disappeared, but in reality the grease can clog hair follicles, accumulate on the scalp, and plaster flakes to the scalp, only making the existing scalp condition worse.”

Will it work?

There have been some very mixed reviews as to whether or not this product does what it claims to do. Some of our CurlTalk curlies swear by it while other curlies say they can’t really tell a difference for one reason or another; either their hair grows nicely in the first place or they’re wearing a sew-in while transitioning and will have to wait a couple of months. It is worth noting that some reviewers on Amazon indicated troubling side effects and possible allergic reactions, resulting in hair loss.

Like many products, it appears that this is another try-it-for-yourself-and-see product because the curly community’s results are wide and varied. If your scalp has been sensitive in the past, this may not be a product worth trying for you. Those who do use the product recommend that you should purchase the product with the red cap only, as the yellow cap is considered to be a “knock-off.”

How do I use it?

Since Virgin Hair Fertilizer is meant to stimulate hair growth and condition the scalp, you’ll want to massage it into your hair, roots, and scalp daily. You can even apply it if you’re protecting your hair with a sew-in during transitioning.

Where can I find it?

The company that makes Virgin Hair Fertilizer is based in Nigeria, but the product is available at Walmart and online at retailers such as Amazon.

Have you tried Virgin Hair Fertilizer with positive results? If you haven’t tried it, are you willing to try it for yourself and see if it works for you? If you’re interested in other growth products, consider these options.