Search Results: CARISA D. BREWSTER

Image source @authentically.b

I am endlessly fascinated by the origin stories, if you will, of hair product founders. Usually starts in the kitchen, with someone mixing up a concoction because nothing on the market works for them. EDEN Bodyworks, created by Jasmine Lawrence, was guided down just such a path.

The issues I sometimes struggle with are strength and moisture, trying to figure out how to balance the two. The Hibiscus Honey Collection (HHC”> is one of EDEN’s newest product lines that is geared to help address hydration needs. So, how does it stack up?

Product Breakdown and Ingredients

I tried the shampoo, conditioner, and custard. Along with hibiscus and honey, the ingredients in this line include coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe. The conditioner and custard have keratin, while only the custard has avocado oil.

First Impressions

The bottles and jar have a simple, fresh look to them. When I opened the shampoo, the smell was light and pleasant. Maybe too light for me, but that is personal preference (I also dislike strong, cloying smells, so it hard to please me sometimes”>. It cleans without stripping, which I always look for in a shampoo. I clarify my hair every few months, but for my weekly shampoos, I don’t like shampoos that produce that squeaky clean that feels almost dry.

The conditioner was thicker than I expected. Its consistency was similar to what I would find in a deep conditioner. I was also surprised that the directions say not to rinse it out. Due to that, I was very mindful of the amount I used. It doesn’t have a defining smell, like the shampoo; it was more like a neutral. Because the consistency was so thick, my general impression was that I was putting paste in my hair. All in my head of course, because the results were nice. My hair felt great all day.

The custard was even thicker and the smell was more like the shampoo. When I used this, I did not use the conditioner. My hair felt softer with the custard vs. the conditioner.

Stretched Afro

I big chopped exactly a year ago this month, so my hair is just getting to the point where I can do a stretched afro. I wash, condition (usually something I rinse out”>, use a leave-in, then a gel or holding product of some kind. So with HHC, I washed my hair and then divided it into six sections. I applied a quarter-sized amount of custard on each section, two-strand twisted it, then pinned it with a hair pin. It takes about two days for my hair to fully dry, so I did this on a Saturday and took my hair down on Monday.

My hair was super soft, there was no residue and I noticed my ends felt more smooth than usual. Kinky hair loves their neighboring strands too much, hence the tangle battles. And while I do like a bit of a frizzy, wild look, my ends just act like a fool sometimes. But with this product, they felt soft and I could easily pull my hair apart and manually shape my afro without a problem.

Wash and Go

For this style, I just shampooed and applied the conditioner. I don’t focus on curl definition when I do wash and goes, but I have to say I had quite a bit more definition than usual. My hair, as always, shrunk up to practically nothing (I remain utterly fascinated with shrinkage!”>. But those tiny coils and kinks were super cute and my hair felt hydrated for sure. Usually, my hair takes just an hour or so to fully dry when its loose, but I noticed this time it took a bit longer, about 4 or 5. I wondered if the product slowed the evaporation of water from my hair? Not sure.

Final Thoughts

Though I personally wished the conditioner had more of a smell and the shampoo and custard had a only a light fragrance, I realized this would be perfect for someone who is odor sensitive. And the products performed very well, so definitely worth a try. I usually go for trying products that are ultra moisturizing or strengthening, so if I were to pick another EDEN product to try I’d be interested in the Jojoba Monoi or Almond Marshmallow collections.

Have you tried the Hibiscus Honey line or other EDEN products? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.

In many ways, the embracing of the natural kinks and curls of our hair during the 1970s was a flirtation of sorts, but a portent of things to come. For most of our parents or grandparents, the wave came and quickly receded with the turn of the decade.

But as with most fashion trends, natural hair came full circle, with another wave starting in the mid-90s. But, unlike most fashion trends, it hasn’t gone away, but has grown and evolved over the years. To the point where we’re not only wearing our hair natural, we’re perfecting how to take care of it, some of us discovering new things about our hair and sharing it with the masses. Let’s celebrate some natural hair care innovators that have given us new products, groundbreaking techniques, and inspiration.

Angela Davis

Image: Getty Images

One of the defining visuals for the Civil Rights Movement, especially during the 70s, was the afro. Without saying a word, the thick, picked out, kinky halo spoke both defiance of expectations and a claim to individuality. No one illustrated that more than activist, writer, and history professor Angela Davis.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1944, she began her activist life early when, as a teen, she formed an interracial study group and volunteered with SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee”>. Her education took her to New York City, Germany, France, then back to the United States where she received her MA Degree at University of California, San Diego.

During the late 60s and 70s, she worked with both the Communist Party and the Black Panther party in efforts to tackle inequality. In 1970, while advocating for the Soledad Brothers, Davis was swept up in the aftermath of a courthouse shootout which resulted in her spending 18 months in prison. During this time she wrote her first book, If They Come in the Morning: Voices of Resistance. Davis was later cleared of all charges.

Other influential works by Davis include Are Prisons Obsolete?, Lectures on Liberation, and Women, Race, and Class.

Richelieu Dennis

Image: Arturo Olmos

Richelieu Dennis, an immigrant from Liberia, co-founded Sundial with his mother, Mary Dennis, and best friend, Nyema Tubman, in 1992. One of their most popular brands is SheaMoisture; the recipes are inspired by the shea-based soaps and other products made by Dennis’ grandmother, Sofi Tucker. She sold them to support her family after she was widowed at age 19.

SheaMoisture began with just a handful of product lines, but has expanded to include dozens within the last 10 years. I think all of us have at least one of these products in our hair arsenal and praised the heavens when they became available at easily accessible places like Target. Shea butter, fat from the seed of shea trees found in the tropical parts of Africa, is the base in all of their products. But they incorporate other ingredients, such as Jamaican black castor oil, coconut oil, yucca, and baobab.

Veronica Fletcher

A few of of the stories above talk about that time during the late 80s and early 90s when natural hair was still looked upon unfavorably. Many of us were the only person in our circle of friends that took the plunge to stop straightening our hair and got flack for it. And then came Lauryn Hill. It’s fair to say that she was one of the first mainstream embodiments of one way locs could be amazing (I would say Whoopi Goldberg was very the first”>. And the person responsible for her amazing hair was her stylist of many years, Veronica Fletcher. Her other clients have included D.L. Hughley and Jada Pinkett-Smith.

Ken Burkeen

Image: Cendino Teme

One of the issues naturals eventually come up against is struggling to keep our hair moisturized. That’s where the Huetiful Steamer steps in. Designed by Ken Burkeen, founder and CEO of Huetiful Hair Salons in Atlanta (where he is based”>, Chicago, and Dallas-Ft. Worth, this method supercharges your deep conditioning treatments by opening the cuticles to allow conditioners and oils to penetrate your hair shaft. Many swear this process transformed their hair.

As with most entrepreneurs, Burkeen says he started his business by asking “why”? Why do we have tons of products under our sinks, why do some of us struggle with keeping our hair moisturized? Your product junkie tendencies may not be totally cured, but those 10 deep conditioners you just love? You may love them even more with this steamer.

Courtney Adeleye

Image:@courtneyadeleye

Courtney Adeleye, founder and CEO of The Mane Choice, began her journey by documenting her hair care regimen on You Tube. Driven by a personal interest in the science of hair care, Adeleye (who is a Registered Nurse”> created her own mix of products that garnered excellent results on her hair. These formulations resulted in The Mane Choice products.

Vernon Francois

Image:@vernonfrancois

He may be the least recognizable name on this list, unless you are fascinated with the fashion and style of Lupita Nyong’o. Everytime she is on the red carpet, her hair and outfits are on point. The style that caught everyone’s attention was an African inspired updo that Nyong’o wore to the 2016 Met Gala. Curious about who did her hair, I found Francois. Raised in Northern England, he’s been doing hair since he was a teenager. Other clients include Serena Williams, Angela Bassett, and Kerry Washington. He also has a collection of hair products, Vernon Francois Collection, catering to each hair type.

Lisa Price

Image:@carolsdaughter

The story of Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter, is another amazing tale of not finding a product that works for you, so you make it yourself. After her mother, Carol, suggested that Price sell some of her homemade concoctions for her hair and skin, the company was born in 1993, albeit in her Brooklyn apartment.

But progress wasn’t slow; she very quickly outgrew her apartment (soon after having a self-described moment of panic about having to store $900 worth of bottles and jars in her apartment”> and opened her first storefront in 1999. Soon celebrities like Jada Pinkett-Smith, Oprah, and Mary J. Blige, began enthusiastically endorsing the products.

In 2014, Price sold Carol’s Daughter to L’Oreal, drawing much criticism from the black community for “selling out”. But Price defended her decision, saying that it had always been her plan from the beginning to build her business and then sell to a larger company. In any case, there is no denying Price’s incredible business accomplishments and contributions to the natural hair care.

Andre Walker

Image:@andrewalkerhair

Recognizing that people had different hair textures was obvious, but Andre Walker created a language for us to better describe the variations that we all still use to this day with his Hair Typing System. Type 1 is straight, type 2 is wavy, type 3 is curly, and type 4 is kinky. And it’s broken down even further with A, B, and C categories within each type. He also has a product line called The Gold System and has been Oprah’s hair stylist for over 25 years.

Taliah Waajid

Image:@imtaliahwaajid

If you know of or have been to the World Natural Hair Healthy Lifestyle Event, you have heard of Taliah Waajid. When her mother refused to let her get a relaxer as a teen, Waajid says she had to carve her own way towards managing and styling her hair. Not surprisingly, family and friends noticed the results and she started doing hair for a living at a young age.

She opened her first salon in the late 80s in Harlem, then moved to Atlanta in 1991. During this time, natural hair was as popular and she had to fight the tide for many years, but she maintained a base of loyal clients. Filling in the product gaps, she created Black Earth Products in 1996, then Kinky, Wavy, Natural for children, and Curls, Waves, and Naturals.

Miko and Titi Branch

Image source: Miss Jessie’s

Miss Jessie’s first launched in 2004 by sister duo Miko and Titi Branch. This was still a time where there was a dearth of products that catered to natural hair, so the Branch’s added their take to the mix. Another story of generational inspiration, the siblings grew up watching their grandmother, Jessie, conjure up a variety of homemade mixtures to use on their hair. Their salon, Miss Jessie’s Curl Bar has two locations in New York City and Fort Lauderdale.

Know of any that we might have missed? Let us know in the comments below!

It was early 2018.

I was on my second set of locs. They were about three years old, and while I began twisting them monthly in their infant stage, as they grew, I ended up semi-freeforming them; washing, separating, oiling, and going about my day.

Part of why I semi-freeformed was laziness. But I was also a busy mom of two elementary school-aged boys and time was at a premium. I like doing my hair, but I don’t like to feel tired and rushed during the process. Also, I’d moved past the idea that my locs had to be neat at all times. The freedom of washing, moisturizing, and quickly moving on was attractive.

I love locs. And I have a special love for free-form locs. And having them worked for me.

So why did I find myself sitting in a stylist chair getting my third big chop?

First Big Chop

As most black women have experienced, there is this ritual around getting our hair done. For me, that started when I was 11 years old. Up until then, my mother did my hair herself and when I was about 7 or 8, she started giving me a “kiddie” relaxer maybe once or twice a year. But now, I would start getting my hair relaxed more often, like her. And I’d be able to get more interesting styles that my mom couldn’t do, like an asymmetrical cut or finger waves (I totally dated myself here”>.

So my mom, aunt, cousin, and myself all went to the salon every two weeks. I would get my hair washed and styled; but every 6-8 weeks, I’d get the relaxer touch-up. I wasn’t the most popular girl in school, but at least my hair wouldn’t be a thing for me to get teased about, right? And our family spent this time to catch up on things, gossip, and talk family history.

But I always heard about how “coarse” my hair was. How thick it got. The unspoken assertion was there was really no other way to manage it except to straighten it out. So when I was in my early 20s, and started playing with the idea of going natural, those voices got louder. How would I take care of my hair? What kind of style would I be getting exactly?

So I took baby steps, as most of us do, and stopped relaxing my hair, replacing that with a press and curl. When I felt like I had enough new growth, I took the plunge and had my very first big chop. I sought out a new stylist who only did natural hair. She sported a beautiful head of locs that coursed down to the middle of her back. I remember she kept asking me was I aware of how short it was going to be. Pfft! Of course I did. Can you get on with it?

I will say that while I got used to the new look very quickly, right after it was done and I got home? I had to lay down. Yeah, it was pretty short. Very short. Yikes. I felt a bit of anxiety going to class the next day. Remember that Peanuts comic where Linus tells Lucy about being aware of his tongue? Well, I was incredibly aware of my head.

But you know how it goes. People compliment you and talk about what a great shaped head you have. And having short, chemical-free hair felt good. Never regretted it or looked back. I thought, I am at peak awareness and acceptance of my black self. I am natural. I have nothing else to learn. Wrong.

Second Big Chop

Now even though I was natural, I was still getting these your-hair-is-really-hard-to-manage messages. I found a second stylist to do my two-strand twists every two weeks and somehow I got the idea that my hair would be a perfect candidate for locs because my hair was so…whatever it was. Coarse, thick, you know the drill. Yeah, tell that to my edges. After I went natural, I saw that I had different textures on my head and the areas near my hairline on the sides were persnickety (and they still vex me”>.

So I started locing my hair. And it was easier in many ways. No more combing, so less manipulation. Locs really are the ultimate protective style. My hair pretty much thrived. Even after I moved to Eastern Washington State, where black people are in low supply, I began doing my own loc maintenance with no problems at all. I had this. I don’t need a salon!

Until I had a baby.

I held on for as long as I could. But by the time my son was a year and a half, I was so done with my hair. I was tired. My son was bouncing off the walls. I was also making a tremendous effort to make Mommy Friends in my new hometown (we’d moved to the Portland, Oregon area when I was 4 months pregnant”>. So that summer my mom was scheduled to visit us and I asked her if she minded cutting my locs off.

“What? Are you sure?”

“Yes. I’m sick of doing them.”

“Shouldn’t you think about it more?”

“Nope.”

“Okay, then.”

I imagined her eyebrows rising, about to take off from her head.

Again, this notion of asking myself do I know what I am getting into. It’ll be short! Yes, that’s right and what is wrong with short hair? Well, nothing. The real question was, what is wrong with short, kinky hair?

When I first cut my hair, the idea was to grow it out. I tolerated the short phase and grinded my teeth during that in-between phase (which, admittedly, is rough”>. Because the goal was the long phase. What happened at this point in my life is that I embraced the short phase. Because my hair is beautiful no matter how long it is. And this is what my hair looks like when it’s short. Deal with it. It’s just hair. It can grow back.

Third Big Chop

Does anyone else talk to their hair? I don’t know what she wants or needs half the time. And then I had two babies and I am one of those women whose hair likes to fall out after giving birth. However, I did find out that she really likes protein. That was definitely a lightbulb moment.

So I decided to grow my second set of locs in 2015. She (my hair”> was crying for something new. It was gonna be locs or another big chop. Both my kids were older, so I felt like I had more time (hah!”> to maybe devote to loc maintenance. But also, what is this about semi-freeforming? Should I do that? I liked doing my hair, but twisting new growth can sometimes create too much tension, and then breakage. Another chain fell. I don’t need my locs to be “perfect”. I’m going to embrace some of the wildness, the uncertainty.

And three years later, I was sitting in a chair getting them chopped off.

Well, I had another epiphany. Remember all the comments about my thick, coarse hair? Yes, it’s thick. But guess what? The strands are thin. Which means they are very delicate. And when I’d decided to loc, I wanted to make them a little bigger than my last set. And they looked pretty sparse when they were babies, but I figured they would thicken up later. However, when you have thin strands, they can only handle so much. So while I had to only combine locs once with my first set, I was forced to combine locs a few times with this second set because the roots were getting thinned out.

Ugh.

Finally, I had a patch that was getting uncomfortably thin. Freaked me out. So literally the next day, I went to have my locs cut off. Sounds super dramatic. But I had been thinking about this for a while (hence, the alacrity with which I was able to book an appointment and get it done”>. My hair was telling me she wanted something else again.

I had no qualms about sporting short hair, but where did all these grays come from?

To color or not to color

I’m not going to lie. The grays shook me. Even though a lot of people start graying in their 20s and 30s, and even as early as their teens, getting gray hair is still a sign of, let’s be real, getting old. When I saw those grays, I fell into that needing-to-lay-down mindset after I got my first big chop.

But like before, I very quickly grew up and began not to care. I like them now. I started thinking about how cool it would be to have a big fro with sprinkles of grey or a orb of white. Or a silver or white twa.

But, color is cool too. Here’s a secret that’s not a secret anymore: I have never, ever colored my hair. So I’m shifting between leaving my hair be or experimenting with color. And it feels anticlimactic to just cover my grays up. If I am going to color, I want it to be something fun, like blue or purple (my kids voted on pinkish ends with violet roots like Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy, but that may a bit too much for me!”>.

The Journey never ends

I’ve learned that there is always more to learn with your hair. Going natural is simply that first step. And hopefully we’ll all get to a point where we choose styles we love and want, not styles to cover up some insecurity.

Do you have locs? Share your journey with us in the comments below!

Image source: Instagram, @flaviaesantiago

While nothing can make your hair grow faster (most people average a half an inch per month”>, there are some products that can make your hair healthier, and in turn, help you retain more of the hair that comes out of your scalp.

One ingredient for hair growth that is getting popular are phytosterols. Also referred to as plant sterols or stanols, phytosterols are naturally occurring compounds found in the cell membranes of plants. Structurally, they are similar to the cholesterol we make in our bodies.

“They are most well-known for their ability to reduce LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol up to 10 percent,” said Dr. Katie Strobe, a naturopathic physician based in San Francisco who specializes in digestive, hormonal, mental/cognitive, and skin health.

Types of phytosterols

The most commonly occurring phytosterols are beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and campestanol. Food sources of phytosterols include vegetable oils, legumes, seeds, whole grains, and nuts. In supplement form, says Strobe, a combination of phytosterols are used, but beta-sitosterol is the main source.

Do phytosterols impact hair growth?

It makes sense to assume it can make your hair grow. Remember Queen Helene’s Cholesterol Conditioning Cream? For some of us naturals, this was a staple during our hair straightening days. And even after leaving chemical straightening behind, many still use cholesterol creams to deep condition (including this writer”>. And why do we use it? Damaged hair loses hair lipids and quite simply cholesterol fills them back in.

But does it help your hair growth? Studies are being done, but there is no definitive evidence that it does.

“There is promising research indicating phytosterols from saw, palmetto, and pumpkin seed oil can impact hair growth in people with male and female patterned baldness,” said Strobe. “Normally, when a hair falls out, another starts to grow from the same follicle. But if the hormone DHT (5α-Dihydrotestosterone”> is increased, then the hair growth is decreased. Saw Palmetto and pumpkin seed oil have been demonstrated to stop the conversion of testosterone to DHT.”

What things actually improve hair growth?

While it’s exciting to consider something new that might help your hair growth, sometimes it’s best to stick to what we know. Biotin, pantothenic acid, fish oil, vitamin D, and zinc all have bodies of clinical research that demonstrate a positive impact on hair regrowth.

“Biotin supports rebuilding of hair singles from things like sun exposure and over-shampooing and pantothenic acid supports adrenal glands, which can stimulate hair growth,” said Strobe. “Fish oil supplementation reduces hair loss and supports hair growth, and zinc is an essential cofactor for many activities in the hair follicle.”

Bottomline?

It sounds like there isn’t a ton of research supporting phytosterols for hair growth, but some people say it works for them. Just remember before you try anything, especially supplements, do your research and consult with a doctor first. It may be best to increase phytosterol-rich foods in your diet or try hair products that contain phytosterols.

Have you tried any hair products containing phytosterols and experienced results? Let us know in the comments!

I’m constantly on the hunt for good conditioners, leave-ins, and styling products, but I’ve rarely given much thought to shampoos. For me and perhaps many others, a majority of our time is spent protecting our hair and supporting our waves, curls or coils in their natural state. Shampoos just clean your hair, right? Well, yes. But a good shampoo should do more than that.

Your hair needs just as much protection while it’s being washed, as it does while it’s being conditioned and styled. And some shampoos are almost too good at their jobs. This is the reason why many naturals have turned to co-washing, as it proved to be the most gentle process to get our hair clean. But not all shampoos are created equal. I was happy to try Argan Oil Restorative Shampoo from Essential Oil Labs, and I think this might be a keeper.

Ingredients

For starters, the contents are darn near perfect. Those first several ingredients are just water and a bounty of various oils. Behold: distilled water, argan oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, camellia seed oil, botanical keratin, almond oil. It’s a creamy consistency, so if you have locs, you might want to skip to avoid build up (but more on that later”>.

Now, I’ve never seen this before, but the bottle also comes with two dispensing cap options: a pump and press top, plus a regular sealed cap for when it’s not in use. This is really convenient for travel.

Product Breakdown

Not going to beat around the bush: I love this shampoo. It smells heavenly. I usually lather and rinse twice. My hair felt clean, but not squeaky clean to the point of being dry. It truly felt like I had just applied conditioner and rinsed. My hair felt that soft and manageable.

I said above that those with locs might want to stay away since it’s a creamy shampoo, and you want to do what you can to avoid build-up. But I say, use at your discretion. Locs can dry out too and need to be conditioned as well, and most people with locs use oils (myself included when I had locs”> for conditioning. There are no butters in this shampoo, just oils, so it could be a good option.

Final thoughts

For those that have trouble keeping their hair moist during a wash, I think this is a great shampoo to try. Since it is oil-based, loc wearers might want to give it a go.

Have you tried Essential Oil Lab products or this shampoo in particular? How did they work for you? Anyone with locs tried these products? Let us know in the comments!

Image:@jewjewebee

Let’s have a conversation about edges.

For some naturals, they can present a challenge, to put it mildly. Edges must be “laid”, which is just another term for styling. If any celebrity or well-known person shows up with untamed edges, you’ll get everyone’s opinion about it, as Olympic gymnasts Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles, sadly, found out.

Here’s the thing: it should go without saying that women can wear their hair and their edges any way they want to. However, it’s okay to be concerned about how your edges look because certain hairstyles indeed draw more attention to that area. Just keep the concern on your own head.

So, why do edges seem to have a mind of their own? Why are they so sensitive? Why do the textures vary so much from the rest of your head? And while edges are typically fine, hence the sensitivity, sometimes they can be quite coarse. What is up with that? Is your hair regimen completely failing you?

Make Healthy Edges a Priority

First, just like there can be varied textures on different parts of your head, your edges can have different textures as well. It’s totally normal. But whatever texture your edges happen to be, always keep them in good shape before thinking about ways to tame them.

“I think it’s important to understand that there is nothing wrong with having diverse textures,” says Portland, Oregon-area natural hair stylist Amber Starks of Conscious Coils. “No matter what texture you have, be gentle and mindful of how much weight and/or tension is added to your edges, i.e., braids, tight ponytails, extensions, wigs, weaves, etc.”

Watch Halfrican Beaute as she shares how to safely lay type 4 natural hair baby hairs/ edges by using jamaican black castor oil & gorilla snot edge control.

Solutions for Edge Control

Looking for the right edge product will involve some experimentation because one thing doesn’t work for everyone. And if your edges are coarse, it’s an even deeper challenge. But don’t let that tempt you to do something you might regret later. Starks recommends temporary solutions, i.e., something that can be easily reversible, such as leave-ins, gels, or a low-setting blow dry after putting in product (but don’t do it often”>.

“I’m of the school of thought that if something makes you feel beautiful, take agency and feel beautiful,” says Starks. “But I would caution anyone against doing anything permanent like relaxing just the edges. For the most part, hair will grow back if you make a mistake. But relaxing can lead to chemical burns, irreparable damage and may not even achieve your desired outcome.”

Another solution? Just let your edges be. Even if you forego relaxing, sometimes doing too much with styling products can cause damage as well. The fixation on edge control could end up being more trouble than it’s worth.

Whatever you decide, Starks emphasizes doing your own research and being extra wary of anything that looks good on camera. Some of our most popular products for styling edges include Eco Styler gel, Design Essentials Honey and Shea Edge Tamer, The Mane Choice Laid Back Effortlessly Growth Stimulating Edge Control, CURLS Blueberry Bliss Control Paste , and Mielle Organics Flexible Hold Edge Control.

And if you’re feeling creative and prefer to make your own, read more on how to make your own all-natural edge control.

While the weather can leave a lot to be desired, the holidays bring a lot to look forward to. Getting together with the people you love. Some time off work. Good food. Hot drinks. Disparaging and judgmental family members.

Wait, that last one? You could probably do without, right?

Image by iStock

Opinions on your job choices, friends, and love life are bad enough. But when you go natural, sometimes your hair becomes fair game as well. And many of us come from families that have no problem sharing, in great particulars, what they think about what we’re doing (or not doing”> with our hair. We’ll assume they’re coming from a place of love, but their comments can come off as insulting. And when we don’t say anything back, sometimes the resentment can fester.

$$AD$$

The solution? When Grandma or Auntie makes an observation about your hair, have some prepared comebacks in your back pocket. Here are some common remarks, ranging from curious to outright mean, with some responses that might respectfully shut them down (these can also be used on grandpas, uncles, and annoying cousins as well”> and diffuse the tension with a little humor.

“When are you going to do something with your hair?”

Best way to deal with this question is to act dumb and ask them questions back, like, “What do you mean?” Make them describe whatever it is that’s supposedly wrong with your hair. Inevitably, they’ll stumble over their words and lose interest.

“Do you comb your hair?”

Inform them that, yes, you do comb your hair, and proceed to educate them about the structure and composition of textured hair. Go into great detail about every layer of the hair strand, follicle shapes, and how curlier or coily hair must be treated like the most precious of gems. Best case scenario is they will become intrigued and want to know more; worst case, they’ll walk away in a huff, mumbling, “I didn’t ask for a dissertation.”

$$AD$$

“Your hair is too short; you look like a man.”

This hardly deserves a comeback and is ignorant on too many levels to go into here. For one thing, “looking like a man” isn’t necessarily bad. But the intended shade is always obvious. Sadly, this is a frequent comment said to naturals who have decided to start from scratch with a short hairdo. And it can shake your self-confidence. For many of our older family members, long hair is still associated with femininity and/or beauty. So what to say? Frankly, not much. Keep it brief and reply, “I’m very happy with the way I look; thank you. Pass the wine please?”

Image by iStock

“You looked better with straight hair.”

Kind of infuriating, but hey, they can have their opinion (although, they could have kept it to themselves”>. Say something like, “I don’t think I looked better. I had limp, dead hair on my head. And it was constantly breaking off. My hair has never been healthier.” You could also show them one of these articles on heat damage, as well.

“It doesn’t look professional.”

Yes, there have been reports in the news over the years about workplaces banning certain styles that people with natural hair just so happen to wear. But this is another comment that can poke at your confidence level. Most of us naturals are gainfully employed at something so, say, “My boss thinks otherwise.”

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“You look like Medusa/Buckwheat/etc.”

Another awful one, usually hurled at naturals who are trying to grow locs or who are freeforming. As many of us who have had locs know, there is a certain stage in the growth process that can be a little rough. Very appropriately called the “teenage” stage. Locs can be wild and unruly, and sticking up at odd angles, depending on the thickness and texture. This comment can totally get an eye roll. But maybe your family member is entirely unschooled about locs. So feel free to explain each stage of loc’ing and how what they perceive as unkempt is completely normal.

“Wow, you look great! I could never have hair that short — I don’t have the face for it.”

This is the best comment, because it’s not a slam on you. It’s an expressed insecurity about going natural and proof that they have been thinking about it for themselves. Take this person aside and tell them how beautiful they are and how you’ve never seen a short-haired natural who didn’t look amazing.

Most importantly, keep in mind that the holidays are a time of love, togetherness, and sharing. And if your beloved family members do a little too much sharing, try to let it roll off your back, keeping in mind that family love is more important than hair hate. After all, you won’t have to see them for another year!

Know of any comments that we missed, or additional words of encouragement for fellow curlies hearing these things? Share them with us below!

When it comes to face care, cleansing and moisturizing go without question. But is toning really that important? Most skin care professionals say yes.

Pennsylvania-based small business owner Rachel Smith, who operates Raediance, a beauty consulting company, and Press Life Nails, a customized nail design company, says no one can go wrong with using toner.

“Toner is good for skin clarifying and balance,” says Smith. “Balance can be mattifying or balancing out oils. It varies, even for the same person. For me, it depends on the seasons. During summer, my skin is more oily. During the winter, drier. So before I apply makeup on my clients, after they’ve cleansed their face, I always use a toner.”

So what kind of toner should you use? Just like cleansers and moisturizers are made for different skin types, so are toners. And while using a single skin care system is great, don’t be afraid to mix things up. Listen to how your skin feels. Here are 12 toners to try if your skin needs a change. 

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L’Oréal Paris HydraFresh Toner

Gentle, non-drying, 99% alcohol-free. With Pro-Vitamin B5, it protects your skin from moisture loss. Good option for combination skin. Available online or at local drug or grocery stores. 

Olay Oil Minimizing Clean Toner

Containing witch hazel, this toner removes excess oil and makeup from your skin. Widely available online and at a local drug or grocery stores.

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Problem Skin Toner

Fans of SheaMoisture hair products who struggle with acne should try this toner. Recommended by Smith, it removes impurities and controls oil accumulation and shine without clogging pores. 

Sea Breeze

For many of us, Sea Breeze was quite possibly our first experience with using a toner. It’s been around for decades. Some have sworn by it, others say it’s too harsh on their skin. However, there are two types to choose from including Classic Clean (the original formula, that sandy-colored liquid we know so well”> and Sensitive Clean.  

Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner

Simple is geared toward sensitive skin, with no harsh chemicals or artificial scents or colors. Contains Pro-Vitamin B5, chamomile, witch hazel, and allantoin.

Proactiv Revitalizing Toner

For some with severe acne, Proactiv products have been a lifesaver for them. Alcohol-free, this toner removes dead skin cells and excess oil. This is one product line, especially if you have been struggling with problem skin, that you might want to use as a system for optimum results. 

Clean and Clear Toners

Another line geared towards acne-prone skin. They have two toners: Essentials Deep Cleaning and Essentials Deep Cleaning for Sensitive Skin.

Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner 

A very mild formula, this toner is hypoallergenic and cleans without stinging or drying out your skin.

Murad Toners

One of the pricier ones on our list, but Murad has a great reputation. They have three formulas to choose from including Hydrating, Essential-C, and Clarifying.

Burt’s Bees Toners

Just the names alone create more than enough excitement to want to give them a try. Garden Tomato literally has tomatoes in it. To be specific, tomato extracts, in addition to cucumber and parsley extracts, to help balance the pH of your skin. Rosewater is a mild toner with aloe vera and glycerin to gently remove dirt and oil. For acne-prone folks, there is Natural Acne Solutions Clarifying Toner, with witch hazel and lemongrass. 

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Alba Botanica Toners

Alba is an excellent brand for those concerned about the quality of ingredients and where they come from. All three of their toners, Acnedote Deep Clean, Even Advanced Sea Kelp, and Hawaiian Complexion Balancing, are made from 100% vegetarian ingredients, aren’t tested on animals, have no artificial colors or scents, or harsh sulfates or parabens.

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100% Witch Hazel

Notice how some of these toners have a single ingredient in common? Yup, witch hazel. There are a few out there to choose from, but T.N. Dickensen’s is the most popular and one of the least expensive, depending on where you get it. The only downside is that it does contain 14% alcohol, so if you want or need to avoid/minimize alcohol in your skin products, skip this one.

There are long lists of beauty accoutrements and alterations that can completely change your look, such as a haircut or color, or certain styles of makeup. But the one change that can make a day and night difference is a complimentary eyebrow shaping.

While some might prefer thinner or nowhere-to-be-seen brows, most of us want to go thick. And for those of us who weren’t blessed with a lot to work with, we need some ways to create the illusion of plenty.

“The trend right now is thick eyebrows—the thicker, the better,” says Sam, co-owner, along with Azi and Nilo, of Brow and Blowdry in Beaverton, Oregon.

Here are a few tips to get you on your way to fuller brows.

1. Find the best eyebrow shape that fits your face

If you do just one thing new and nothing else, choose the correct eyebrow shape that flatters your face.

“The best shape that will work for you is the one that is closest to your eyebrow shape,” says Sam. “Straying too far from your natural brow shape is what can cause over-plucking, and an eyebrow that is less than desirable, i.e, the ‘tadpole’ brow. Our number one recommendation before coming in is to come with full outgrowth so we can have maximum hair to work with.”

Martha Bianco, owner of La Bellissima Expert Lash, Brow, and Beauty, says she will assess her client’s face shape (oval, round, square, triangle, heart, long”>, important facial markers (such as distance between eyes”>, eye shape, and nose length and shape.

“As a certified PhiBrows artist, I use a measuring tool to ensure that the golden ratio exists between head of brow and arch and between arch and tail, ensuring that the tail does not drop below the head,” says Bianco.

2. Avoid over-tweezing

This advice is pretty consistent across the board, but seems counterintuitive. You tweeze to make things perfect, right? Wrong.

“Sometimes it’s our best friend for those stray hairs, but it’s an eyebrow nemesis when it’s overdone,” says Sam. “Tweezing can create ingrown hairs or cause hairs to grow the opposite way so that it becomes a hook shape. Very uncomfortable and unsightly.”

“Over-plucking and even waxing can eventually damage the papilla at the root of the hair follicle,” says Bianco. “And never pluck gray hairs. If they’re graying, chances are they are thinning as well. Tint or put makeup on them.”

3. Fill them in

Part of creating amazing eyebrows is filling them in with a product, such as pencils, eyebrow gels, highlighters, etc. Brown and Blowdry prefers using powders to fill in brow and offers a complimentary fill after every brow service.

“We’ve found that powder works best for us as it leaves a softer and more natural finish, and is light enough that it doesn’t clog pores,” says Sam. “Our go-to powder is Young Blood Artiste Palette in brunette. It’s mineral-based, which means it’s suitable for even the most sensitive skin, and comes with an angled brush, a must have for everyone’s makeup bag.”

4. Dye or tint them

One avant-garde way to make your brows look fuller is to dye or tint your brows. One caveat; it’s something that you should take as seriously as dyeing your hair.

“Always go to a professional and ensure that your brow artist is a licensed esthetician in the state that you live,” said Bianco. “Sometimes hair stylists will offer to dye eyebrows using hair dye. This is inappropriate. Brow tints use a different strength of developer than hair dyes.”

“An professional eyebrow tint will give you a filled in look and works wonders on brows that are lighter as it picks up on all the light hairs to give the appearance of fuller brows,” says Sam.

Bianco advises that if you can’t a brow artist to tint your brows, use pencil and powder or colored brow gel to get the color you want.

5. Don’t make them look exactly alike

Try not to pluck and shape them them into uniformity. Unless you were created in a factory, nothing on your body looks alike to that extent. However, they can still look uneven to someone else.

“Our mirror image is a reflection, and our eyes flip that image, hence why sometimes if we have eyebrows that are slightly uneven, we can’t detect it ourselves,” said Sam. “When we look at your brows, we can see the whole image. But remember: ‘eyebrows are sisters, not twins’”.

6. Eyebrow tattoos

Don’t think that someone is tattooing eyebrows on your face. It’s much more detailed and intricate than that. The results are strikingly realistic. There are three types: microblading, ombré/power with a machine, and a combination of both procedures, what Bianco calls “Blade and Shade.”

“Microblading consists of hairstrokes created by a manual tool, with a blade on one end that is really 18 or so tiny pins,” said Bianco. “I pre-numb the skin and begin making hairstrokes by cutting into the skin and depositing pigment.”

The cuts aren’t deep, so the procedure is considered semi-permanent. Sun exposure, natural exfoliation, and very oily skin will cause the tattoo to fade over time.

“For clients with more oily skin, which can be the case for darker complexions, or anyone with a more fuller look, I recommend the Blade and Shade,” said Bianco. “The hairstrokes may fade, but they’ll also have the ombre/powder shading.”

After the procedure, Bianco says it’s very important to keep the area clean and put sunscreen on just as you would with the rest of your face. For those with curly eyebrow hair, she recommends using Stridex pads, which have an exfoliating agent that will help avoid ingrown hairs and bumps.

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon/Unsplash

As a curly, coily, or wavy, odds are you’ve spent a decent amount of your early years trying to make your hair straight. But beauty standards impact all women and those with naturally straight hair, believe it or not, spend just as much time attempting to bring some volume and texture to their linear tresses.

Can you make hair curly?

One of the most common ways to add curl is with heat, or thermal, styling (curling irons”>. For a time, perms were very popular and seem to be making a comeback; much like chemical relaxers, perms irreversibly alter the chemical structure of your hair, but instead of straightening your hair, they add waves or curls.

Products that can help make hair curlier

Unlike a chemical treatment, thermal styling is temporary. So a lot of work is required on a daily basis to maintain the style. Anthony Dickey, owner of Hair Rules, a New York City salon that caters to multiple textures, and author of Hair Rules! The Ultimate Hair Care Guide for Women with Kinky, Curly, or Wavy Hair, says that his favorite product to help add curl or volume is mousse. “Generally, people with straight hair have flat hair and the foundation for curly hair is volume,” said Dickey. “There are a lot of ways to add volume on straight hair, but mousse is the best way to go. It helps to reinforce and give more fluff to the hair.” Pin curlers, hot irons, and hot/steam rollers are all good options. Dickey says he prefers hot rollers, with sponges or foam, because the result is a more feathery curl. To keep the curl, you’ll have to put in some work, like putting your hair back in pin curls at night. One thing Dickey encourages is embracing the frizz. “After three or four days, your hair will get frizzier and bigger, so that adds a little authenticity,” says Dickey.

Heat damage

Our straight-haired sisters must also worry about heat damage. According to Dr. Alin N. Syed, a research chemist and founder of the hair care product company Avlon Industries, the scorching point of hair is estimated at between 380 to 400 ℉. The recommended setting for heat appliances is between 200 and 300 ℉. Dickey says a sure sign of heat damage for those with textured hair is straight limp locks that don’t curl back up with a wash. With straight hair, it might look okay, but your hair will begin to break off because the hair shaft is weak.

Going natural

But despite using the correct temperature, using heat protectant and conditioning regularly, heat damage can still occur. It might seem odd to use the term “natural” for someone with straight hair, but it is very much appropriate. Accepting and learning how to take care of your hair, without trying to make it be something it’s not, can be a liberating experience. The first step is consulting with a stylist to choose a flattering cut. “Use layers to create volume for face framing, on the crown area, and for movement at the bottom,” says Dickie. “And this goes for long, medium, or short hair (except for pixie cuts, then it’s all about layers”>. The goal is to add movement, without being over-layered, so the hair isn’t just laying there.” So one answer to the question, “How do I make my hair curly?” is to maybe consider not making it curly at all and finding ways to make it look awesome in all of its natural glory.

During the transition from summer to autumn, the color of the leaves aren’t the only things changing. For most people, it’s back to a more regular schedule for work, kids are in school, and time is precious and at a premium.

But you still need to look good, right? So another area of change can be your hair.

Trends come and go, but sometimes it’s comforting to go back to something tried and true. Or try something that is new for you. Plus, it just feels amazing to do a different style for a while. Here are few options for curly hair to try for the fall, all of which can be done on every hair type.

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Headwraps

Image by: @cee_nee

People wear headwraps or headscarves for a variety of reasons: hair loss, protecting a style, one of those I-don’t-feel-like-styling-my-hair days, cultural traditions, or just because they want to. Whatever category you’re in, headwraps are endlessly versatile and can be dressed up or down. Read this NC article to learn about some places to buy headwraps. 

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Short and Sweet

Image by: @avielleamor

There is no feeling like making the decision to cut your hair—short—and just reveling in the amazing image looking back at you in the mirror. Yes, it’ll be getting cold soon, but going short will erase a ton of time in your morning ritual, plus you’ll have an excuse to buy a bunch of new earrings and experiment with makeup (if that’s your thing”>. There are lots of types of cuts you can discuss with a stylist, and you can even add color if you want to make it pop more. 

Braids

Image by: @freshlengths

Braids are one of those highly adaptable styles with endless options, not just two big braids which are sometimes referred to as Dutch braids. The braiding pattern can be thick, thin, swirl, gathered up into a bun on top of your head or at the nap of your neck. There are an infinite number of designs to choose from.

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Box braids

Image by: @heygorjess

The cool thing about box braids is that you can choose how you want to wear them day to day without a stylist. Choose the thickness and length that you want, and then the sky’s the limit: buns, ponytails, bob style. You can even add some color (or many colors”>. 

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Big Bun

Image by: @julzjones

When you have big hair, a quick and classy style is a bun. Especially on days where your hair doesn’t want to cooperate with you (and we’ve all had those days”>. Bunning can be planned, where you know where every tuck and pin will be. Or it can be more organic, where you don’t know quite know exactly how it’ll turn out, but in the end, you have a bun and it looks great.  

What have been your favorite styles to wear at the start of fall? Tell us in the comments below!

While people of color have various levels of melanin in their skin that can protect them from the sun, that doesn’t mean they are sunproof. Indeed, even darker skinned individuals can get sunburned and leave themselves vulnerable to skin cancer.

But not all sunscreens are created equally. Some products can leave a chalky, pasty residue, no matter how much you rub it in. You’re well protected from the sun’s harsh rays, but appearing to have fallen into a vat of baby powder isn’t a cute look.

We at NaturallyCurly did some legwork for you. Here are a few sunscreen brands, ranging from comfortably affordable to top-tier, that we’ve put under the microscope.

1. Banana Boat Sun Comfort, SPF 30

This is accessible and the most affordable, at $6 online and available at most grocery stores. It rubs in well, and is supposed to be lightweight, but you can still feel that it’s on your face.

2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch, SPF 30

Neutrogena is just as accessible as Banana Boat at your local grocery store, but the price runs averages about $10 online. It’s thicker than Banana Boat and at first seems like it may not absorb into the skin very well, but it quickly disappears.

3. Coola, Cucumber scent, SPF 30

Now, we’re jumping up in price, at $32 a tube, available at Ulta, Sephora and Amazon. A mineral sunscreen, this contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and provides a physical barrier between you and the sun. But it’s extremely dense, almost like a primer, reminiscent of a mask.

4. Coola, classic, unscented moisturizer, SPF 30

Also $32, the ingredients in this Coola sunscreen are more comparable to those in Banana Boat and Neutrogena, but made with certified organic ingredients. Blends well, though a bit greasy.

5. Unsun, SPF 30

Available online only, at $29. A mineral tinted broad spectrum sunscreen for all skin types. It’s incredibly thick and beige, almost like a clay mask.

6. Glossier Invisible Shield, SPF 35

Also online only, at $34. Goes on nicely, with a pleasant rose-like scent. But less like a cream, and more like a thinnish serum.

7. Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield, SPF 30

Our most expensive find at $65, available online and at Ulta or Sephora. Like Glossier, it’s clear, but with the primer-like substance of the Coola mineral sunscreen. The result is zero greasy feeling on your face.

The verdict

The favorite on the affordable side is Neutrogena. Inexpensive and you can purchase it anywhere (like when you’re at the beach and you realize you’ve forgotten to pack sunscreen”>. Murad gets the prize for the high-end favorite. If you decide to try it, it’s worth every penny.

Comment below and share what your favorite sunscreens are. Also, read here for a list hair products that provide UV protection for your hair.

It’s hard to believe, but it’s that time of year. Back to School. Most parents have their lists: school supplies, clothes, shoes, jackets. But parents of children with coils, waves, and curls have to figure out “The Hair Plan.” When August and September roll around, it gets hard to fit styling time into the family schedule.

Natural hair stylist Amber Starks, owner of Conscious Coils hair salon in Portland, Oregon, recommends a few tried and true braided styles that will save time and protect the hair. Starks began her business as a volunteer effort to help families who foster children of African decent. She also began the push to change Oregon laws governing natural hair salons: the Natural Hair Care Act was passed in 2013 and allows stylists to braid, twist, or dreadlock hair without having to obtain a traditional cosmetology license.

Here are the stylist’s favorite braided styles for kids this back to school season.

###### Photos courtesy of @ConsciousCoils ### 1. Box Braids

“Box braids tend to be the most popular style I do around the time school starts,” Starks says. “I suggest bigger braids, so your child is only sitting for 2-3 hours at the maximum.”

Box braids can last about 6-8 weeks, but make sure to avoid getting them wet. The reality of being natural is that the moment it touches water, the strands will start to curl. When showering or bathing, Starks says wearing a scarf with a shower cap on top will prevent moisture from seeping in.

But with this low-maintenance style, how do parents keep their child’s scalp clean?

“I don’t recommend dry shampoos, because a lot of them have alcohol in them, which can be drying,” Starks says. “Use an astringent, like witch hazel. Lay a washcloth over an open bottle, tilt it, then very gently rub the cloth in between the braids, going in the same direction, not back and forth. Repeat that using water and then lightly oil with your favorite oil.”

If you don’t have any witch hazel on hand, you can use shampoo. Get a bowl of water and put just a drop of shampoo in it, then take a washcloth and do the same routine just described, following up with plain water, then lightly oiling.

### 2. Double-stranded twists

If you’d rather style your child’s hair without extensions, double-stranded twists are a good option. Twists don’t offer as much as box braids in longevity, but they make up for that with more flexibility.

“After a week, you can take the twists and redo them yourself,” Starks says. “If your child is younger, you can put beads on the ends, too.”

### 3. Basic cornrows

“There are lots of different, fun styles you can do with cornrows,” Starks says. “You can tie the back up into a bun or add dreadlock cuffs onto the cornrows at the top. I’ve also done a ton of decorative braiding with cornrow strings, which is a really fun style for kids.”

Frizz can appear more visible with cornrows. Starks tells parents to make sure their child wears a scarf every night, including during showers or baths.

“If it does get a little frizzy, you can take a bit of conditioner, rub it in your hands and smooth it on the hair from the top of the head to the base of the head,” Starks says. “Put a scarf on it and blow dry for 2-5 minutes. This will help prolong the style for a few days to a week. Just don’t do it daily because it could cause build-up.”

### 4. Braid out

Some kids might like to wear their hair loose more often. While it takes a little bit more prep time in the evenings, knowing exactly what to do helps.

“Do a couple of large double-stranded twists, braids, or a French plait and then in the morning take it out and wear it big,” Starks says. “You can also do cornrows in the front, and double-stranded twists in the back. In the morning take out the twists and wear the back loose and curly, while the front is maintained with cornrows.”

### Transitioning to the colder months

“For any time of year, moisture should be a big focus. You should moisturize hair every 1-2 days,” Stark says. “If your hair is less textured or less dense, you don’t need to do it as often, maybe every 3-4 days.”

Everyone has their favorite moisturizing regimen in between washes; the best techniques will vary from person to person. But Starks recommends using water, plus a combination of a favorite oil and conditioner.

“Start with a quarter-sized amount each of oil and conditioner, rub them in between your hands, then apply it to the section of hair you’re moisturizing, from root to tip, and spritz with water,” Starks says. “If you find you’re using too much oil, use less. Play with the ratios and assess how your hair looks and feels.” Experiment with different routines during the summer so that while the family gets back into the swing of things, you can cross your hair plan off the checklist.

What kinds of styles work best for your children?

Read next: 10 Product Lines Gentle Enough for Your Curly Kiddos

We’ve all been there.

You’ve found the product line of your dreams and your hair seems to love it. But after a time, your hair stops responding. It’s limp. Maybe it’s dry. Or so fragile that simply styles causes breakage. Now you’re back to square one, scrolling through search results online, thinking, “I wish I could find something made just for me.”

Well, now you can. A number of companies are offering “customized” or “personalized” haircare products as a new service . Some have even used this concept as the foundation for their new brands. Function of Beauty, Prose, and FORM Beauty are just a few emerging options of personalized haircare devised from user-provided information and online quizzes.

One company is taking this a step further. Regenix, a company that already offers personalized hair loss treatments, has added a new product to their line-up: Regenix Kit for Damaged Hair.

“There’s been a huge influx of women coming to us with problems, particularly related to chemically damaged hair,” says Regenix CEO Bill Edwards. “That’s what led us to develop this new product.”

Like the other companies, Regenix asks you a few questions so they can personalize the products they send in the starter kit. This includes Moisture Balance shampoo, Replenish conditioner, Keratin Damage Control Gel, and four personalized hair treatments.

What’s unique about this offering is the addition of a microanalysis, a service conducted on-site at the Regenix Hair Research Clinic in Los Angeles. Following the instructions in the kit, you mail hair samples back to them so they can customize more specific treatments.

How It Works

Using an electron microscope, Regenix inspect your hair. Your strands are not completely smooth and solid surfaces; rather, they look much like fish, with very tight, overlapping scales. The healthiest strands have flatter cuticles, or in curly hair, slightly raised, but uniformly so. An obvious sign of damage are scales that are broken, spread out or raised haphazardly, which can catch onto other damaged cuticles, eventually getting torn off.

After examining the cuticle, they’ll look at the very top of the strand, which was once just beneath your scalp . Here, they can examine residue from hair products and sebum build-up.

What they see under the microscope determines the specific formulas they’ll send you.

Function of Beauty asks customers to take a detailed quiz in order to determine the best product. The quiz seeks information about hair type and texture, as well as hair care goals the customer has. In a fun twist, customers can name their product and select its color and fragrance, too.

Form Beauty also has a detailed quiz to help identify which products will work best for a particular customer. Along the way, the fun quiz offers tips related to zip code-determined weather issues, too. At the end, you’ll see a recommended bundle of products that includes a one-on-one consultation with a Form Beauty expert.

Who Should Try It

“This is for anyone, no matter their hair texture, who has processed or processes their hair,” Edwards says. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a harsh chemical or a more natural one, they all will leave some kind of residue or damage to the hair shaft. It’s just a matter of degree.”

It may work for every texture, but not for every budget. The Regenix Kit for Damage Hair is $165 and includes three month’s worth of the shampoo, conditioner, and keratin gel, and one month’s worth of the four personalized treatments. After that, it’s $99 a month for the further customized treatments created from the results of your microanalysis.

“Our company and products are in constant evolution. We’re always in research and development mode,” Edwards says.

Form Beauty, too, is cooking up new experiences for its customers, with a beta Microscope Analysis Process underway.

Have you tried any personalized haircare products? What brands do you recommend?

Curlies have been customizing their products in their kitchens for years. If you’d like to to try making one of your own, try out this DIY styler.