Search Results: Chelsea Fregis
Cutting off all your hair can be the stuff nightmares are made of for most women. Despite that fact, more and more women are big chopping to join team natural.
As they should be! Going natural can be the most exhilarating, and according to many women, the best decision one can make. A little preparation will help to make the journey to natural as smooth as possible. Read on for a few must-haves you’ll need in your big chopper arsenal.
7 Things Every Big Chopper Needs
A truck load of products
Hair products are NOT one size fits all.
What works for one curly may leave another with terrible tangles. So in order to find what works best for your unique curls to create styles that match your personality you’re going to have to experiment.
The good news is that product experimentation is one of the most fun aspects of being a curly. Most naturals like it so much that they continue to experiment long after they’ve found what works for them. Plus the good news is that companies are constantly creating new products so there will always be a product to pique your curiosity and fuel your raging product junkyism.
Save your cents
Having said that if you’re a curly on a budget there are plenty of low cost solutions that will still enable you to experiment; like using one product for multiple purposes (using your conditioner as a deep conditioner or leave- in”> or creating some at home mixtures like flaxseed gel that won’t break the bank.
Self confidence
It’s hard to go against the grain and choose to wear your hair in a style that, to this day, many consider unprofessional, unkempt and not fashionable.
We of course know that natural hair is fabulous but until the rest of society catches up you’re going to need a thick skin. Your self-confidence should never be determined by other people because at the end of the day the only opinion that matters, when it comes to your appearance, is your own.
A good pair of scissors
This should probably go without saying but your everyday household scissors should never, ever come into contact with your curls because they are too dull. Don’t even think about it!
The dullness of the scissors will cause your hair to be crushed by the blades rather than cut cleanly which can cause split ends. Also since your hair will be so short you might not feel the need to trim for at least a year thus, it’s important that you start your journey with healthy ends.Do yourself a favor and invest in some good hair shears and never use them for anything other than cutting hair. (Also threaten anyone in your household with bodily harm if you catch them using your hair shears“>.
Information
There are 2 types of big choppers: the successful ones and the ones who inevitably end up going back to relaxing their hair.
Usually the difference between the two is that the successful big choppers, who went on to grow out their natural hair, did their homework first. The learning curve for many is steep because a lot of us have not seen our natural hair since we were children, thus have no experience dealing with it.
If you’re reading this article then you’re already on the path to success!
Accessories
Good accessories should be in any naturalista’s arsenal, but they are especially important for a newbie.
When you’re starting out it is inevitable that you will have one or two bad hair days. When those days roll around you may not have the luxury of waiting it out away from scrutinizing eyes.
That’s where your accessories come in. Hats, scarves, clips and bows can all help to either hide your hair or be so fabulous as to act as distractions.
Cute accessories can be particularly helpful in your TWA stage. When the novelty of short hair wears off and you’re stuck with hair too short to really style, accessories can help you fall in love with your hair all over again.
Desire to experiment
No two curly heads are alike and our regimens are personalized for our curls with their unique personalities. There are so many methods and techniques out there from cowashing, to pre-pooing and heat stretching and they all have their pros and cons.
When you’re starting out you owe it to your curls to find out what they like and the only way to do that is to experiment. It may be tough at the beginning constantly experimenting but when you do finally settle on your regimen it will be like the heavens have parted and curly haired angels have begun to sing.
Big chop buddy or natural friends
When you’re making a big life change it’s always nice to have someone in the same boat as you for support who gets it.
Having a natural friend means you’ll always have someone around to swap products with, engage in a long-winded conversation about all things natural hair and help council you on those days when you’re fed up (because they’ve been there”>.
But if you don’t have any natural haired ladies in your life then look no further than the online natural haired community. Natural hair forums bring together curlies from all around the world to talk about a subject we love so much: our hair!
Message boards like CurlTalk are full of curlies who will encourage you, help you with product recommendations and styling, and simply gossip about what’s new and hot in the natural haired world. It’s a great way to meet curlies in your area by attending meetups.
Are there any other things you think should be on a would-be naturalistas to-get list before she does her big chop?
Sometimes you’ve just gotta chop it all off… again. So much focus is placed on the first big chop. Everything from articles to YouTube videos are dedicated to guiding would-be naturals through their first big chop. But there’s a different big chop story that is never told. The story of the second, third or even fourth time big chopper. When it seems like every natural is either trying to grow her hair to unattainable lengths or maintain her beloved tresses there are naturals out there choosing to cut it all without reservation. Ultimately whilst each curly will have a different reason for doing her second BC here are a few popular ones.
1. You never stopped to smell the roses
As a new curly you had a mission. You wanted to grow long, healthy hair and maybe even prove a few haters wrong. In the process you got so wrapped up in meeting hair goals and achieving hair lengths that you forget to savour every stage of their naturalness.
And so many of us are guilty of this. We forget to enjoy the fierceness of a TWA and tap into our creativity to get us over the styling hump of having hair in that awkward length. Like children, we can’t wait to grow up (or at least we want our hair to”> but when we finally do, we realise that we long for the days of childhood. This may be especially true for long term protective stylers.
Being natural isn’t just about the having the biggest hair and the perfect curl it’s about the journey and for those women who may feel that they robbed themselves of the experience they find it necessary to cut it all off and start again- but this time around they plan on taking the scenic route.
2. Damage
Hair, unlike other parts of our body, doesn’t regenerate itself. Once damaged it can only be patched up but never fully repaired. For the adventurous curlies out there who never met a hair treatment, tool or product they didn’t want to try they found themselves suffering from a serious case of hair damage. Now some curlies would rather hold onto every inch of damaged hair rather than rock a short cut.
Curlies who were outgoing enough to dye their hair Barbie blonde, try exotic hair treatments or were too rebellious to follow any of the natural hair rules may face the need to cut it all off, again. For these curlies, gradually growing out their hair, babying their ends and protective styling is way too tame! At least this way for a couple of months they get to try yet another fabulous hairstyle- the TWA.
3. Do it right this time (whatever right means”>
Going natural can be hard and for some the learning curve is very steep. With all the information out there and differing opinions about everything it can be hard to figure it all out. Some naturals hit the ground running, others start off slow and take off but a few never really got the hang of it- and that’s ok. However, a head full of damaged hair when all you’ve ever craved is a gravity defying fro can really be a let-down for those women. In fact some women have chosen instead to return to more familiar territory; their wigs weaves and relaxers. However rather than raising the white flag and exiting the natural haired community stage left some women chose to be brave, chop it all off and start fresh. They chose to give natural hair a second try but this time armed with a little more information and an excellent strategy to win the war that is natural hair and go from TWA to BAA without the need for a third Big Chop.
4. Ain’t nobody got time for that
We are mothers, wives, students, career women and sometimes all of the above. We don’t always have time to engage in all-out battle with our hair come wash day, or set aside school and housework to set our hair for the perfect twist out. Hair should never be this all-consuming black hole where our free time goes to die. Like applying makeup or picking the perfect outfit we should look forward to styling our hair so that it can help to portray our personality or be the perfect accessory. However, some naturals found that their hair took up way too much time in their schedule and avoided doing it at all costs or simply never had time for it. Once they reached their hair goals and proved to themselves and others that they could do it they wanted to free themselves of all that extra hair. A lot of new moms or naturals who have found themselves going through new or stressful stages in their lives have chosen to do their second BC. Those who have are now loving the 10 minute daily wash and go sessions, the fact that products last forever and that they no longer really need to detangle. In fact they love their new, simpler hair so much many have vowed never to have long hair again.
I’m sure that many of us can relate to how nerve-racking it is to do the big chop so a round of applause needs to go out to the women who have chosen to do it again and prove that the TWA can be a style choice and a fierce one at that.
Have you done the BC more than once? Let us know below.
Ever since one of our favourite curly YouTubers, Naptural85, started singing the praises of flaxseed gel it has quickly become popular in the natural haired community. Many curlies have reported amazing results with this all natural gel and have jumped off the aloe vera ship swam ashore and hopped on the flaxseed bandwagon. But the all-important question still remains- which one is better? Is good old faithful aloe vera gel still number one or has its popularity been stolen by the new kid on the block flaxseed gel? To answer this question we will have to assess this issue from all sides so let the battle of the gels begin.
Hold
A gel that does not provide good hold is hard to incorporate into a hair regimen after all what do you use it for? Whilst aloe vera gel does provide slight hold flaxseed gel definitely wins this round. Pure aloe gel that has not had other ingredients, like thickeners, added to it simply does not have the ability to really set the hair for that amazing twist or braid out. Flaxseed on the other hand provides great hold which is surprising because of its watery consistency. I’ve seen curlies use this gel for everything from twist outs to roller sets with results that left me with serious cases of hair envy.
Also for our wash and go curlies flax seed gel will not disappoint. Many naturalistas have claimed to get defined curls that were still soft and touchable. Aloe on the other hand, although thicker, doesn’t seem to have the same hold and doesn’t do a good job of clumping and defining the curls.
Verdict
If you crave big fluffy hair over curl definition then try aloe vera but if you want hold that will withstand the most vigorous of fluffing and serious case of hand in hair syndrome then flaxseed gel is the better option for you.
Ease of use
I shall not tell a lie- flaxseed is a real pain to use! Its slimy consistency and ability to slide right through your fingers will have you wanting to throw it away and reach for your nearest, thicker, styler. Aloe on the other hand is a lot easier to apply. However, one tip for flaxseed users that really helps is to put the gel into a pump or squeeze bottle. The gel will be easier to dispense than sticking your hand into a jar and trying to get a hold of Flubber.
Verdict
If your favourite phrase is “ain’t nobody got time for that” then I suggest you steer clear of flaxseed and try aloe.
Can it be layered?
It seems that this is usually the deal breaker for a lot of curlies when trying new products because so many of us rely on using multiple products to get out curls, kinks and waves just right. Nothing is more annoying than your hair creating a blizzard around you whenever you touch it and white hair boogers can ruin even the best hairstyle. Aloe vera gel is infamous for being picky and choosy about the products it will mix well with. It seems to think that it’s the crème de la crème of gels and simply will not associate with just any hair product. On the other hand some women have complained that their flaxseed gel has flaked on them but after doing a little research it seems that the issue can usually be boiled down to 3 reasons; using too much gel, not incorporating oil into the mixture, or using the gel on unclean hair- all of which are fixable.
Verdict
If you’re going to use either of these gels as your styler, before applying them on your hair, be sure to mix them in the palm of your hand with your other hair products to ensure that they do not create white balls. When trying both gels for the first time make sure you have nowhere to go so if you do get flakes you can wash and restyle. Also if they do flake on you the first time before writing them off make sure you try the gels with several different products in different ratios.
Other points
- Flaxseed gel is extremely cost efficient. One bag of flaxseeds can be bought for less than $5 and several batches of gel can be made from one bag.
- Unlike aloe vera gel which can be bought you’re going to have to make your own flaxseed gel which can be a pain for curlies who run away from pots and pans like they were diseased (myself included”> or find it hard to even boil water.
- Aloe tends to be slightly acidic which helps to close the cuticle of the hair which makes it shinier. This is why many curlies love to add aloe vera gel or juice into their regimens. Some even use the gel as a leave in.
Final Thoughts
Both these gels are great and have excellent qualities but in the Battle of the Gels there can only be one winner and it is (drumroll please”>…
Flaxseed gel!!! Flaxseed gel just does what a gel is supposed to do. It provides hold without the crunch factor. But that’s not to say that aloe vera gel has no purpose in the regimens of curlies. I have found that incorporating a little aloe vera gel or juice to my leave ins has worked wonders in making my hair shinier and smoother. It even helped to fix my raggedy ends.
For the curlies who have tried both which gel do you prefer?
Chances are you’ve heard the buzz about Brazilian Blowouts, but if you still don’t know quite what to expect, here’s a quick guide!
What It Does
The treatment improves the condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft, which eliminates frizz and smoothes cuticles.
What This Means
The key for curlies here is that you can keep your curls but lose the frizz. Our co-founder Michelle Breyer gets Brazilian Blowouts regularly to decrease her frizz, and she loves that her hair “no longer frizzes up like it used to, which is a miracle in this humidity. It looks much healthier now!”
What to Expect
- Your certified Brazilian Blowout stylist will shampoo your hair with A specially formulated Professional Anti- Residue Shampoo to prepare your hair for optimal smoothing results.
- After towel drying, the stylist will divide your hair into sections and begin applying the solution through each section of the hair from root to top; lightly dusting each section with a brush.
- Solution will surround each hair shaft with protective protein layers to smooth and flatten the cuticle.
- The stylist will then blow dry your hair as straight as possible with a round brush.
- Once the hair is dry, your stylist will divide the hair into four sections and use a flat iron to further de-frizz the hair in 1 – 1 3/4 inch sections.
- Once complete, your stylist will rinse the hair (no shampoo”>, towel-dry and apply the Acai Deep Conditioning Masque to further seal in the formula. After 60 seconds, the stylist will rinse and towel dry your hair.
- The Acai Daily Smoothing Serum is then applied to detangle and smooth hair for the final blow dry.
- Last, the stylist will blow dry the hair straight and style as desired.
- You can expect the results to last for 12 weeks.
Win Your Own!
Keep Your Curls, Lose the Frizz
Between now and October 31st, you can enter for a chance to win a FREE smoothing treatment & set of aftercare products!
Just LIKE us on Facebook AND leave a comment answering the question of the week!
The Affliction:
Hand-in-Hair syndrome
The Symptoms:
Touching, teasing, and twirling your hair, constantly.Why it matters:
For a curly trying to retain length this can be detrimental to her growth. So if you have ever wondered if your hands and hair get too much quality time then take our fun, quick and easy quiz to determine if they need to see other people.Do you have it?
1. Ever felt like your hands and hair just had this unbreakable bond so much so that your fingers are always creeping up to twist a coil, pat your fro or just check that it’s all still there?
2. Are you constantly styling your hair, even without a mirror? You can’t explain it, but there is an uneasy feeling you have that something on your head just isn’t quite right so you set off trying to fix it. A sensible natural would wait to get in front of a mirror, but a hand-in-hair curly is happy to do an impromptu style session any and everywhere.
3. Do you find your hands or fingers get pretty greasy throughout the day? Ever left greasy fingerprints on surfaces? Chances are it is because you’re subconsciously touching your hair and transferring that shea butter mix you used to seal with onto everything you touch. The proof is in the greasy fingerprints!
4. Is your hair a a security blanket? Feeling a little uneasy on a date, scared about your finals or even just bored do you suddenly need to coil sections of your hair repeatedly?
5. Do you love the feel of hands in your hair even if they aren’t your own? Whether its your boo, your hairdresser, or the random stranger who asks to touch your hair do you just love the feeling of fingers to fro?
6. Are you a ‘gotta try it all’ curly? If there isn’t a new hair treatment, raved about product, or new styling tool you haven’t tried then maybe you just love to play with your hair. However it is important to note that you may also suffer from Product Junkyism which is a separate curly issue with its own rehab program. The PJ meetings take place here.
Your Results:
If you answered yes to 4 or more of these questions then you probably have hand in hair syndrome. However, this issue is nothing to be ashamed of- after all with hair as fabulous as ours who wouldn’t want to touch it all day long. Lastly, if you’re looking for more ways to kick the habit then this article is a must-read.
Whether you’re in the midst of a hair-mergency or you’re looking to save on your salon bills, you may find yourself in a position where you need to trim your own hair. With so many professional methods and the individual needs of your unique curl pattern, learning the tricks of this trade can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we here at NaturallyCurly have compiled our list of the most popular methods to trim your hair so you can get the job done without giving yourself an accidental TWA.
How to Trim Your Own Hair
Search and destroy
The search and destroy is a great option for curlies who do not need a full trim and just want to do some general maintenance and get rid of pesky single strand knots and split ends. The search and destroy method can be done in two ways. One of the ways to do this method is in front of a cosmetic magnification mirror. Grab small sections of your hair and hold it close to the mirror. The magnified image should make it easier to see any damaged ends. After you’ve identified a damaged section simply trim it off and move onto the next section.
Another method involves running your fingers through your hair to feel for damage like rough ends and single strand knots. Once you’ve felt some damage use your hair shears to trim it off. It is best to do this method whilst you’re doing something like watching one of your favourite shows as it can be time consuming.
Twist or braid method
Another great way to get rid of those pesky ends is to use the twist or braid method. To begin simply separate your hair into small one inch sections and braid or twist those sections. Once done take one twist at a time and trim off the ends- about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch should do. This method is great for curlies with shorter hair who find it difficult to trim the hair in the back and is also good for first time trimmers as this is a fool proof way to ensure that you do not miss any sections of your hair or overtrim it.
Also, remember that the smaller your twists or braids the more accurate your trim will be. Lastly if you’re a curly who normally wears twists or braids then rock them for a day or two before trimming the ends and if they aren’t frizzy after your trim then unravel them for a twist or braid out.
Blowdry or flat iron
This method is very popular amongst curlies with long or thick hair. By straightening the hair it makes it easier to assess the ends and trim your hair evenly as the hair is pulled taut. To do this method simply blow dry your hair using your method of choice then separate a small section of your hair to trim. Place the section of hair between the middle and index finger of your less dominant hand and run them along the length of the section until you reach approximately ½ an inch before the end. Then use your shears to trim the ½ inch of hair below your fingers. Once done separate another section of hair to trim and continue until your whole head is done.
The heat of the blow dryer can be taxing on your curls so make sure you use a good heat protectant prior to blow drying. Also a good blow drying method to use is the tension blow dry method that involves holding the hair taut whilst blow drying rather than running a comb or brush through the hair which can lead to breakage. Also this method can be done when your flat ironed hair is on its last leg right before wash day.
Wet Hair
Another popular method amongst naturals to trim our hair is to do it whilst wet. This method is very easy and all you need to do is saturate your hair with water and apply your favourite conditioner or slippery leave in conditioner. Separate a small section of your hair and thoroughly detangle it then clamp the hair between the middle and forefinger of your less dominant hand and run those fingers down that section of hair leaving ½ an inch of hair at the bottom. Ensure that the section is pulled taut then snip the ½ an inch of hair below your fingers. Continue to do this with other sections of your hair until your entire head has been completed.
Tips
- Always make sure that you use scissors meant for cutting hair called hair shears and that they are sharp.
- Never use your shears for doing anything else but cutting your hair as that could cause them to become dull and dull scissors tear the ends of the hair rather than cutting it smoothly which could lead to even more damage.
- When trimming your loose hair ensure that you twist, braid, pin etc the sections of hair that have already been trimmed to avoid over trimming your hair or missing sections.
Drug store products versus high end products is one of the biggest debates in natural haired history. Ever since companies began creating products geared towards natural hair, women have flocked to them to better care for their tresses. But a resistance arose comprising of women who refused to say goodbye to the tried and true drugstore products that have worked for years. As a curly this can be very confusing because while there are numerous articles (many of which you can find here on NaturallyCurly”> speaking out against the evils of lower end products, there are plenty of women advocating for them. So what is a curly to do? We are going to break it down for you to help make your purchase decision an educated one.
The Price
When this debate arises it is inevitable that the price of many high end products is discussed as they can sometimes be double or triple the price of what you can get in your local beauty supply or drug store. Whether or not these products are worth their price depends on what you are looking for in a product. For the most part, the more expensive products contain ingredients which tend to be naturally derived as opposed to cheaper products which tend to contain a lot of fillers like petrolatum or lanolin. This is especially important for curlies who follow the Curly Girl Method who can only use natural products on their hair.
However, paying more money does not always guarantee that a product has a superior list of ingredients. As of late, hair care companies have begun to pouring more effort and research into formulating their products which means that we are seeing many drugstore brands with natural ingredients and entire product lines dedicated to curly hair. Now that the drugstore brands have upped their game it is beginning to become difficult to tell the difference between drug store and high end products.
Generic Brands
As a curly girl I know that there is nothing more annoying than getting a product or sample for free, trying it, loving it, then realizing you’ll have to take out a small loan to buy it regularly. But all hope is not lost. For curly women whose hair has expensive taste, you’ll be happy to know that it is possible to get a champagne product on a beer budget. Many of our beloved name brand products have cheaper generic alternatives. These no name products usually contain similar if not the same ingredients as the brand name products and work just as well at a fraction of the cost. Brands like generic Paul Mitchell, Infusium, and Nexxus to name a few all have generic versions which are used and loved by curlies.
It Is Possible
Most important of all you should note that it is possible to get gorgeous healthy natural hair using the cheap stuff. There is no rule that states that the more expensive a product the more effective it is, and there are plenty of curlies whose hair is a testament to that fact. The truth is our hair can’t tell the difference between high end or low end products and will respond to a product regardless of the price tag. So if you’re a curly on a budget and can’t buy every product raved about on CurlTalk or YouTube, then don’t fret because your hair will grow and can be healthy using what you can afford.
Lately even the stars have begun to take note of drugstore brands and have been quoted expressing their love for products that you and I can afford. One such celeb is none other than the gorgeous curly Jordin Sparks who has been photographed purchasing products from the L’Oreal EverCurl line. This has probably come as a shock to many of us who believed her healthy tresses were a result of celebrity stylists and an exclusive hair care line. So for the curlies out there who aspire for celebrity-worthy curls, know that you can now get them without breaking the bank.
Unless you’re a new natural in the honeymoon phase, or just really in love with your hair, then you probably hate spending long periods of time in front of a mirror styling it. It’s tiring on your arms, and if you’re a curly with really long or thick hair then your styling session probably lasts upwards of an hour. Whilst most of us will never get our routine down to a mere five minutes we can implement some changes that can help to shed a few minutes off our styling time.
Cut Down Styling Time
Double Duty Products
Most of us are accustomed to a routine of layering multiple products onto our hair for different purposes like moisturizing, detangling etc. The problem with this is that it can take forever plus one day. Whilst you may think that you need a separate product for every step of your routine it is possible to find some that can perform multiple functions.
For example a good leave in can provide enough moisture to act as your moisturizer, your moisturizer could have enough hold to also be your styler and your conditioner could be left in as your leave in etc. Not only will this help to save you time but also money as you will have to purchase less products.
MORE: 5 Double Duty Oils
Style When Damp
Whilst this may seem like an odd way to lessen styling time it really does work. Styling on soaking wet hair can be tricky. Constantly having to wipe water that’s dripping down your face and back and wringing excess water out of your hair can all take up valuable time.
Also nothing is more infuriating than watching your products foam and slide off your hair because it is too saturated with water. After washing your hair try taking a few minutes to apply your toiletries etc before starting on your hair. Just make sure it is in twists or braids to keep it stretched and prevent tangles.
Twist It
If your hair is like mine then as soon as you exit the shower it has the audacity to start drying and tangling immediatey. It may seem like if you don’t act quickly enough you have to spend additional time detangling your hair before your styling session has even begun.
To avoid this make sure that when you detangle in the shower you twist or braid each section after detangling it then rinse your hair with the twists or braids still in. This will help to keep your hair stretched and make styling easier and therefore faster.
Stretch It
For some women shrinkage and tangling is no laughing matter becasue it can make detangling and styling an all day affair. Even when it is not wash day a simple task like remoisturizing can become arduous. If this seems like your struggle then keeping your hair stretched may just be the way to go.
After cleansing your hair you could either, roller set, tension blowdry, band, or use curformers on it to stretch your hair. Then whenever you need to remoisturize and style it should be alot easier and faster because of the lack of shrinkage and tangles.
Trim It
Those dry rough ends that you’re holding onto are adding several minutes to your styling routine. They require more product to stay moisturised, they tangle easily and those single strand knots make smoothing your hair near to impossible. This begs the question, why hold onto them?
If your ends have started to feel raggedy lately then its time for a trim so book an appointment with your hairdresser or DIY it.
A Mini Chop is cutting two or more inches of hair off, and is so named after the larger, well-known Big Chop. Whether you have already had a Big Chop, or you’re still considering it, here are seven signs that the Mini Chop is for you.
7 Signs You Need a Mini Chop
1. You’re bored
After years of following the same routine, doing the usual suspect hairstyles and playing it safe for maximum length retention you’re probably quite bored. If the usual twist and braid routine is no longer doing it for you consider doing something drastic and cutting off some of your length. A change of pace and a new look could be what you need to rekindle the love affair between you and your hair.
2. Aging Hair
Our ends are the oldest part of our hair strand and have endured everything from our overzealous use of styling tools to chemical treatments. As a result they are more prone to breakage, tangling and just don’t look as nice as the length of our hair.
If you’ve been growing your hair out for a while and have ends that are forever frizzy, and you’re tired of babying them then it is time to book your next hair appointment. Your hair will look and feel so much better after a good cut and you’ll probably shave a significant amount of time from your detangling and styling time.
3. Lack of volume
When we first start our natural hair journeys, most of us create a goal to grow our hair to lengths we never once dreamed possible. However, once we achieve our hair length goal we quickly discover that it comes with a big price- a reduction in volume.
Some curlies appreciate this because they longed for the days when their hair tumbled down their backs. However for the curlies longing for outrageously big hair your enemies length and gravity will both conspire against you. If you crave width instead of length, then when you book your next hair appointment ask your stylist to cut rather than trim your hair to reduce its weight and achieve more volume.
4. Too much volume
There are some curlies out there blessed with beautifully thick manes that have the ability to defy gravity and grow out not down. However, if you’re that curly with a thick head of hair you might not feel so lucky.
If you’re constantly at war with your poof then a good cut might just be what you need. Layering and texturing your hair should help to reduce your bulk and volume.
5. Transitioning
Any curly who has transitioned knows just how hard it is to care for two completely different textures of hair. However, for most, the mere thought of doing the BC and rocking short hair is frightening.
If you’re a curly transitioner but you aren’t ready for a full Big Chop it might just be time for a Mini Chop. Getting rid of a few inches of chemically treated or heat damaged hair could mean less tangles and faster styling and wash sessions. Also the Mini Chop could help to mentally prepare you for the day when you finally gather the courage to do the BC.
6. Get in shape
As your hair grows you may notice one really annoying fact of life – hair doesn’t grow evenly. Due to different curl patterns and uneven shrinkage you can be left with hair that has a rather awkward shape to it. Fortunately you don’t have to live with it.
A well trained stylist who specializes in curly hair will know how to properly cut individual sections of your hair to give you the shape you desire whether it be a perfectly round fro, lift in the back or bangs.
7. Rapunzel Hair
Whilst it is satisfying to know that you can grow your hair down to your waist actually caring for hair that long is another story. If you dread detangling on wash day, resent having to use half a bottle of product in one styling session and find that doing your hair takes entirely too long then you may need to part with some of your length.
Hair care should be fun and exciting and if you have begun to hate doing your hair then you need to ask yourself if your length is worth all the trouble. If not then cut it; after all it’s just hair.
MORE: Do You Need to Do a Mini Chop?
9 Ways to Damage Curls
Wearing Large Earrings
As stunning as they are, large earrings can cost you a strand or two each time you wear them when they get tangled in your hair. However if you are a curly who can’t bear to part with your statement pieces do not be discouraged you can still rock them by following these tips.
The Solution:
Wear your hair up when wearing elaborate earrings that are prone to getting tangled in your hair. Not only will this protect your hair but it will also enable you to really showcase your earrings instead of them being hidden behind your hair
Use clear nail polish to paint inexpensive earrings to prevent them from chipping and getting snagged in the hair. This will also help to prolong the life of your earrings by preventing them from fading.
Scarves
As most of us know a vibrant scarf can add much needed color and pizzazz to an otherwise dull outfit or really help to pull it together. However what you may not know is that the cotton in your scarf can be damaging to your nape hair. The cotton material can pull moisture out of your hair and the strands can catch on the rough cotton fibers and cause split ends or breakage.
The Solution:
To avoid this problem try wearing silk scarves that have a smoother texture so your hairs won’t get trapped and a tighter weave to prevent it from absorbing your moisture. Also try purchasing scarves that are not so wide that they rub against your nape.
Protein Overload
It’s common knowledge among naturals that whilst protein is needed to strengthen our hair too much of it will leave it dry, crispy and ready to snap if looked at the wrong way. Thus most curlies avoid products laden with protein. However there are quite a few sneaky proteins like soy and wheat that hide way down in the ingredients list of our products. For the average curly this should not be a problem but for the protein sensitive curly that daily dose of protein can dry your hair out over time. So if your hair is forever dry no matter how much you moisturize it then try this tip:
The Solution:
For one month, try using products that contain no proteins and see if the health of your hair improves.
Dull Trims
Trimming or dusting regularly is imperative to the healthy look and feel of our hair as split ends can cause it to feel rough, tangle easily and appear frizzy. However picking up any old pair of scissors to do the job can make the situation worse. Dull scissors, like your kitchen shears or house scissors, are too dull and rather than cutting the ends of your hair cleanly they can rip shred and flatten them which can lead to more split ends.
The Solution:
If you intend to trim your own hair invest in a good pair of hair shears and never use them for anything other than trimming. Also make sure you sharpen them regularly.
Less Tools
As women we have tools to achieve just about any style we desire. However all of these various tools for smoothing, slicking, styling, stretching and so on can be wreaking havoc on our poor strands. This is especially true for curlies like me whose strands are so fine they barely exist. If you are noticing more than a few broken hairs on wash day and you’re a curly who lives and dies by her hair tools consider taking a break from them and going old school.
The Solution:
Use your hands for tasks like detangling and styling. Also try going back to basic hair styles that don’t require an assortment of barettes, clips, bobby pins and ponytail holders to keep them in place.
Thirsty Curls
While we all know that we should moisturize, our busy schedules can lead haircare to be placed on the back burner. It’s so easy to skip steps in our routines and throw our hair into a bun and adopt an “ain’t no body got time for that” attitude. When wash day finally rolls around we are often left with a dry tangled mess and tons of broken hairs. So if you’re a curly pressed for time then here are 2 tips to keep your hair healthy without haircare consuming your life.
The Solution:
Overmoisturize on day one. You may hate the feel of product coated hair or hair that is too defined but going crazy with your moisturizer on day one will keep your hair moisturized for longer so it won’t feel like you have your hands in your hair on a daily basis.
If you’re worried about frizz ruining a style when you moisturize but don’t want to wash and start fresh then try this cheat. At night moisturize your hair then separate the hair framing your face and at the crown. Apply a styler to the separated sections and twist or braid them. When you wake up the next morning unravel your hair and fluff. Your hair will be moisturized and the twisted/ braided hair will fall over the frizzy hair and give the illusion of a freshly done set.
Check Your Nails
Ensuring that you have well groomed nails when you style your hair is especially important for curlies who prefer to finger detangle and style. Nails with jagged edges can easily get caught in the hair repeatedly as you style and can get caught on strands as you work with your hair.
The Solution:
Before a hair session assess your nails and if it looks like they’ve been through a war simply grab a nail file and smooth them out.
Over styling
With a plethora of blogs and YouTube videos out there it can be so tempting to want to try every beautiful hair style we see. However constantly over-manipulating your hair for the sake of experimenting can cause it to suffer and prevent you from retaining length.
The Solution:
If you are a creative curly trying to grow out your hair then try to cut back on the elaborate hairstyles to about once or twice a month.
At-Home Protection
It’s obvious to most of us that we have to use scarves and bonnets to protect our hair at night but what about during the day? We constantly rest our heads on surfaces and if you’re like me then you are forever taking cat naps on the sofa.
The Solution:
Now don’t get me wrong I’m not condoning wearing a scarf or bonnet to work but when you’re at home and lounging around protect your hair to keep frizz at bay and retain moisture.
Curly Hair Mistake
Not Giving It Time
Not giving products enough time to work can lead to frustration with our curls, coils or waves, and dissatisfaction with the products we are constantly buying. With all of the natural hair products and information out there it can be easy to adopt a “gotta try ‘em all” attitude. Yet the search to find our Holy Grail product can result in a regimen that is constantly changing.
Avoid the Mistake
When you’re trying out a product for the first time it is important to use it a few times and in many different ways before rendering your final verdict. Your hair can react differently to a product depending on the way in which you use it, and some products may work well initially but with continued use can lead your hair to revolt. Also to truly be sure if a technique is working for your hair you need to try it out for a while and during that time keep a close eye on your curls.
As a Rule:
- Try a product at least three times in different ways
- Try a hair care technique five times before making your decision
And once you’ve got your verdict? Share your opinion with other curlies on our Product Review page to help them in making their product decisions too!
Multiple Curlsonality
Multiple Curl Patterns
When we first arrived on the natural scene, many of us wanted to know what our curl patterns were to help with styling and choosing products. We all figured that we should fit neatly into one of the categories, so we scanned our hair for markers like curl size and pattern and still drew blanks.
The reason we were so confused is because many of us have many different curl patterns on our heads. For some the difference can be as slight as 4a-4c curls or as huge as 2b-3c. If you have noticed that your hair has varying curl patterns, you might be suffering from Multiple Curl Personality Disorder.
MORE: Find Your Texture Type
Diagnosis
Diagnosing your hair is as simple as taking a good look at it. Hair that suffers from this disorder will have multiple curl patterns or different textures and may shrink unevenly.
One of the best ways to diagnose your hair is after a wash and go when you can clearly see your curls. The good news about this disorder is that almost every curly has it. In fact, it’s rarer to find a curly with a uniform head of curls.
Treatment
When styling your hair, it’s important to take into consideration all of the different textures of hair on your head as they may have different needs.
Many women will find that hair on their head which is more tightly coiled will require more moisturizing or more styling product to hold a curl, whereas the looser sections may become weighed down easily. You may also need to implement some creative techniques to blend your curl patterns and make your hair more uniformed.
For example, when attempting wash and gos, you might want to do braid or twist outs on certain sections to mimic the curl pattern of the majority of your head. You could also set sections of your hair on Flexi Rods if the curls hang far more loosely than the rest of your head.
For styles like the twist and curl, it’s important to take into account how the areas of your hair shrink differently and set the curlers at varying heights so that the length is not uneven when your hair dries.
Living With Multiple Curl Personality Disorder
After accepting that your hair has multiple curl patterns, you need to be more open to learning about them all. Each section of your hair is unique and distinct from the others, but still uniquely beautiful, so rather than simply choosing one of the curl patterns, embrace them all.
It’s also important that you love all your curl patterns since they combine to help to create your unique curl identity. Try not to fall into the trap of loving one section of your hair and trying to make the rest of it look like the curls you so dearly love because it simply won’t happen naturally.
Being natural comes with its many quirks, but if you are willing to learn how to handle and accept them then the journey is made that much easier. Having a myriad of curl patterns on your head only adds to the interest of your hair and makes it that much more amazing.
Nape Breakage Rescue
Brushing & Combing
Too much detangling can create unnecessary stress on nape hair that is usually finer and weaker than the rest of our hair. Use your fingers instead.
Certain Clothing Fabrics
The fibers can easily trap your nape hair, and every time you move your head, your strands can be pulled and tugged, which will eventually break them.
Avoid cowl neck tops, turtlenecks and shirts that rub against your nape or if they’re made of wool.
Excessive Heat
Turn down the heat when flat ironing or blow-drying your nape. Remember that hair burns at anything over 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Whenever you decide to flat iron or blow dry your hair for stretching purposes, use a heat-protectant serum like Pantene’s Natural Shine Serum or Eco Styler Olive Oil Serum.
Processing Hair
When applying chemicals to the hair like a texturizer or bleach, be mindful of the fact that some areas are weaker than others and more susceptible to breakage.
Tight ponytails
Avoid securing your ponytails too tightly, as it puts tension on the nape of the hair which leads to breakage.
NOT Giving Protective Styles a Chance
Allowing your nape hair to avoid the rigors of styling will allow it to strengthen and grow. Just make sure to still pay attention to the roots of your natural hair and continue to clarify as often as you would if your complete hair was exposed.
Sleeping on cotton
Always cover your hair at night with a silk or satin bonnet when you sleep to prevent damage from friction and dryness. This will keep the friction between your cotton pillow and your nape at a minimum.
Not Moisturizing Enough
Moisturize your nape hair more than the rest of your hair. If needed, moisturize it daily or twice daily to prevent breakage due to dryness. Use something like SheaMoisture Extra Moisture Transitioning Milk or Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Softening Butter.
Skipping the Pre Poo Step
Massage your scalp with castor oil as many curlies have claimed that it has helped to stimulating growth in damaged areas. It is also helpful for loosening up tangles and prevention that replenishing hair of its natural oils that might be stripped during the washing process.
New Year is the time for us to make our resolutions. Besides the usual be a better person and exercise challenges why not set some hair challenges for ourselves so that this year our hair can be the healthiest, longest and or thickest it has ever been. The good news is that you do not have to go at it alone. There are plenty of curlies who are willing to help keep you on track and even embark on your journey with you. So read on, pick a challenge and head on over to curltalk to create your challenge thread.
New Year Hair Challenges
No buy Challenge
Being in the middle of a recession there is no time like the present to start pinching some pennies and putting money away in the emergency fund. If you struggle with spending too much on hair care products because you buy impulsively then this year your resolution should be a no buy one. Stick to the challenge then when it is done amaze yourself by seeing how much money you have saved. For you to notice a difference in your spending you need to stick with this challenge for at least six months.
The Challenge:
- Create a list of holy grail products to use for the six months
- Choose one HG product per category
- Repurchase only your HG products as needed, do not purchase any other products that are not on your HG list
The stick to it challenge
At some point in time most of us have been guilty of hopping on and off natural haired bandwagons. With each new product, accessory or method we did a complete overhaul of our routines to fit them in. The problem with this is that due to our ever changing routine we have no fixed regimen, we do not know what our hair likes or dislikes and we can not even determine the products that our hair responds to. If you are that curly who can’t seem to figure it all out then this challenge from CurlTalk user ss40 is perfect for you. It involves creating a regimen then sticking to it for at least two months. After the two months you are allowed to replace one product or change one part of your routine each month then reassess your hair to determine whether or not the product or routine change is right for your hair. At the end of the year you should have created or at least come close to creating the perfect routine for you.
The Challenge
- Create a regimen
- Stick with it for at least two months
- After two months you can replace one product or change one part of your routine each month
- Reassess your hair to determine whether or not the change is right for your hair
Photo via MakeupAnBeautyJunkie
Protective Style Challenge
If you vowed to retain more length this year and improve the health of your hair then maybe its time to consider tucking it away for a while and keeping your ends off of your clothes and protected from the harsh winter. For this challenge it is imperative that you do your research on protective hairstyles that you like from CurlTalk and YouTube. This will enable you to switch it up when you get bored and stick with your challenge. Also know your hair and which protective style will work best for it. For example some curlies can not bun for too long because it thins their edges whilst others can’t wear twists and braids for an extended period because of itchy scalps. Remember to continue to take care of your hair whilst it is in a protective style. For some, out of sight means out of mind but in order to retain length and ensure the health of your hair you need to continue to take care of it. So remember to let your hair down every so often to remoisturize and cleanse.
The Challenge
Ayurveda challenge
If you spent last year taking care of everyone else in your life then make this year your year and spend some much needed time focusing on bettering yourself- more specifically your hair. Take time out for yourself each week to pamper your hair with an ayurvedic treatment. Finding the right treatments for yourself is easy and is based on the needs of your hair. Henna and cassia both provide shine and strength whilst amla is used to promote curl definition. Also there are many herbs that can be used to create spritzes for the hair. So do your research and make a concerted effort this year to make your hair the best it has ever been.
The Challenge
- Research and find the best ayurvedic treatment for you
- Once a week make time for an ayurvedic treatment
- Experiment to find what works best for you: henna, cassia, amla or a variety of different herbs
No cut challenge
If you are looking for length this year then it may be time to back away from the scissors and get a family member or friend to hide them from you. Some of us, including myself, are obsessed with having perfect ends and constantly trim them which means that we do not retain as much length as we should. This may be fine for some but if your vow is to reach a hair length goal this year then try for as long as you possibly can to go without a trim. Once your challenge is over you will be amazed at just how much length you have retained.
The Challenge
- Go as long as you can without a trim
MORE: How to seal coily split ends
This year do not cheat yourself of an opportunity to better your hair so whatever challenge you choose stick to it. As always remember to have love, peace and curly haired bliss.
It’s that time of the year ladies — the very beginning! I’m sure many of you have already made your new year’s resolutions and I’ll bet exercising is at the top of that list. If you are serious about your decision and intend to keep it up well beyond February then you are going to need a gym hair care kit that will help you to fight off some of the perils of exercising, like sweat and frizz. If you have no idea what to pack in your kit then read on for some of my must haves.
Gym Bag Must Haves
Headbands
This is a necessity for any serious exerciser. When you’re shaking your hips in Zumba and bending your body into a pretzel for yoga, the last thing you want to worry about are stray hairs getting into your eyes.
Remember to always pull back your hair with a headband before beginning to exercise. The type of headband is important. Wider headbands will hold back more stray hair and help to prevent sweat from dripping down your face.
Deep conditioner
Your exercise time can be the perfect opportunity to sneak in a much needed deep condition session. To accomplish this, slather on your DC prior to working out and don a shower cap and beanie. While you exercise, your body will create heat that will help your cuticles to open up so that your DC can work better.
This will only work if you’re not engaging in strenuous activities, however, since you don’t want your hat and shower cap flying off mid work out. If you’re more of a heavy workout curly, you can still deep condition — just do it after you workout.
Apply your DC then hit the gym’s steam room and allow the moist heat to give your hair the spa treatment.
Diffuser and dryer
If you’re a hardcore exerciser, you probably sweat buckets during your workout, and a good portion of that sweat gets trapped in between your curls and coils. Back to back exercise sessions and sweaty hair that never has time to dry can make your hair smell.
To avoid stinky curls, lightly diffuse your hair after your workouts. The diffuser will help to gently dry the roots of your hair to prevent the sweat from accumulating there until your next wash session. After diffusing your roots try to leave your hair down and out to help it to dry completely.
If you’re a heavy sweater, you might want to consider washing your hair more often as well. Always remember to use a spray heat protectant before using heat.
Dry shampoo
While dry shampoos may be a little controversial because their alcohol content, l still think they should make the list because of their usefulness. Dry shampoo is a product applied to the roots of the hair and is used to soak up excess oil and sweat from the scalp. This is especially helpful for women whose hair gets oily and limp quickly but do not want to wash their hair daily.
Before purchasing your dry shampoo, always spray test it on your hand at the store. If the residue is very white and chalky and does not rub away easily, then do not purchase it. This is especially important if you have dark hair as when applied it will give you the appearance of graying roots or dandruff.
Do not use spray shampoos if you have somewhere to go immediately after as you want to give the product enough time to disappear completely. Lastly, if you are looking for a product recommendation then Suave dry shampoo is well raved for both its effectiveness and economical price.
MORE: The Dish on Dry Shampoos
Curl refresher spray or gel
Depending on when you like to get your fitness on, you might need to carry around a curl spray or gel to liven up your hair if you have work to go to, errands to run or a function to attend. Whatever the occasion, frizz, lack of definition and general curly haired problems can be fixed with your favorite product so that when you arrive you do not have the disheveled “I just came from the gym” look.
Whatever your reason for hitting the gym, I hope you stick to your plan to make 2013 a healthier year. As always, remember to have love, peace and curly haired bliss.
In our lives there will always be those special people who we want to go above and beyond for. They are usually people who make our lives better just by being in it. This Christmas, you may want to a do a little bit more for your special someone, and if your special someone just so happens to be a curly, then look no further for gift ideas that really say I love and appreciate you.
Gifts for curlies
Huetiful hair steamer
This Huetiful Hair Steamer has gotten rave reviews for being the ultimate tool to be used when deep conditioning. The moisture it provides is like none other and is especially loved by those who practice the greenhouse method.
I’m sure that there are curlies everywhere who would love to have this, but the $110 price tag may be prohibitive for most. If your curly has been eyeing this since it came out on the scene, or she suffers from thirsty curls, this is a great gift that ought to put a big cheesy grin on her face.
Amazon; $114
Good blowdryer
Now that winter is here, it’s brought cold, dry weather with it. You may have a wash and go curly in your life or one with dense hair who often struggles with the choice of leaving the house with wet hair and risking damage as the water freezes and the hair strands expand or using a damaging blowdryer. Thanks to modern technology they may no longer need to make that hard choice.
This Christmas show your love to your curly friend by getting them a professional blowdryer like the DevaCurl DevaSun Dryer. Look for blowdryers that utilize ceramic and tourmaline technology and uses infrared heat to dry the hair from the inside out rather than burning the hair by boiling the water off of it. Also ionic technology will emit negative ions to keep the cuticle flat to prevent frizz and trap moisture and don’t forget the diffuser attachment that will help the hair to dry gently.
All of this comes with a hefty price that the curly in your life may not be willing to spend on herself. Do her a favor this Christmas and get her this gift as she is bound to get a lot of use out of and really appreciate it.
Amazon; $149
Christmas wish-list
When we embark on our natural hair journeys it can take us years to figure out what our staples are. In the meantime, we can spend a bunch on products that inevitably end up collecting dust in a cupboard or closet somewhere.
If you have a curly in your life who is still searching for her holy grail products, help her by purchasing a few of the products she has always wanted to try. You could also purchase a product or two on the higher end that your curly just can’t justify spending money on. Ask her to make a Christmas list, let the CurlMart staff be your elves and play Santa this Christmas.
Day at the hairdresser
Many curlies can attest to the fact that they have yet to step foot in a salon since going natural. Many are afraid of the hairdresser not being able to adequately style their curls or the hefty price tag.
This Christmas, do the research to find a salon in your curly’s area that specializes in natural hair then foot the bill. Treat your curly friend to a day at the hairdresser where she can get her hair pampered and get that much needed haircut.
Spa Day
Life is stressful and most of the women in our lives are walking around with an ‘S’ on their chest for being pros at juggling jobs, children, spouses and friends. Let the curly in your life know that you acknowledge all of her efforts and want to give her the opportunity to relax. Get her a gift certificate for a spa so she can spend the day being pampered and beautified if only for a few hours before returning to her hectic life.
Christmas gift shopping can be a hassle trying to figure out what to get everyone so I hope I helped to take the guesswork out of shopping this year. As always, remember to have love, peace and curly haired bliss.
There’s nothing like chilly winds, snowstorms and freezing weather to inspire a warm weather getaway. Now that you have decided where to go, you’re probably wondering what to pack, and more specifically, what to pack for your hair. There’s nothing worse than being thousands of miles away from home and not having what you need. Here is our list of must have hair products for a warm-weather getaway.
MORE: Frizzy Hair Tips for High Humidity
What to Pack
Hair sunscreen
We all know how harmful the sun can be on our skin, and I sincerely hope that you have already packed your sunscreen because, yes, black can crack. But what you might not know is that you can protect your hair from the sun’s damage too. Here are some natural sunscreens and an easy-to-make recipe.
Aloe vera gel
The gel of the aloe vera plant has been proven to contain some UV blocking properties, so to reap those benefits by using the gel as a styler.
Vitamin E and rosewater spritz
Among the many benefits of vitamin E is that it acts as an effective sunscreen for the hair. To make this spritz at home, add 1/2 teaspoon of vitamin E oil to one cup of rosewater in a spray bottle. Before exposing your locks to the sun, shake the mixture well and spritz the length of your hair focusing on your ends.
Henna
As many of us know henna, is a semi-permanent protein that binds to the hair which makes it is an excellent sunscreen. The layer that henna forms around the strands of the hair protects it from sun damage.
Wide brimmed hats
No matter how strong the sunscreen, covering up is always the most effective option. To protect your hair from the harsh rays of the sun, consider donning a chic sun hat. You’ll have the added advantage of protecting both your hair and your face.
Deep conditioners
If you’re heading somewhere warm for your vacation, you’ll likely be spending time in the water and exposing your hair to chlorine and salt water damage. Chlorine can be detrimental to the health of your hair. Unfortunately, it’s used in almost all swimming pools.
Protect your hair before swimming by wetting it and coating it with a simple, daily conditioner. Saturating your hair before entering the pool prevents your strands from absorbing the pool water. The layer of conditioner will also help to create a barrier between your hair and the chlorine in the water.
To avoid breakage, keep up with your deep conditioning regimen even when you’re on holiday. Avoid having to pack too many products by choosing a deep conditioner that is both moisturizing and strengthening.
Swimmer’s shampoo
After swimming in a chlorinated pool, it’s important to rinse the chlorine and other minerals out of your hair to prevent them from accumulating and causing dryness and breakage. Swimmer’s shampoos are formulated to lift those layers of chlorine and minerals from the hair.
After each swim session in a chlorinated pool, use a swimmer’s shampoo and deep condition. Also ensure that your shampoo has moisturizing properties as well to prevent further dryness.
Now that you have your checklist of hair must-haves, all that’s left to do is to hop on the plane or boat and have enough fun for the both of us!
MORE: Swimming With Curly Hair
So many products and so little money seems to be the curly-haired mantra. With many companies creating more and more products aimed at curly hair and product junkie-ism at an all time high, it can seem like the want list for many naturals is an ever growing one. If you are a curly whose pockets aren’t as deep as the ocean, then you need to narrow down your list to the essentials. Having trouble doing this? Then read on to find the top five hair tools that are an investment for your curls.
1. Satin Lined Beanie or Hat
It’s getting cold out there, and with the cold weather comes dry hair. Don’t let the winter weather strip the moisture out of your strands the moment you step outside. Protect your hair with a satin lined beanie or hat.
A cheaper alternative is to wear your bonnet then don your hat, but the problems I incurred with this solution are that sometimes the bonnet pokes out from under the beanie or makes it lumpy looking. The silkiness of the bonnet can also cause your beanie to slide off your head and get lost. So avoid the drama and invest in a cute hat that has a satin lining built in.
MORE: Quick and Easy Hat Hair Remedies
2. Real Satin Bonnet
Investing in a real satin bonnet rather the cheaper nylon available at your beauty supply store will help keep as much moisture in your hair and ward off the winter dryness, even while you sleep.
A real satin bonnet will cost you anywhere between $3 on Amazon to $45 a double lined bonnet. The investment is well worth it, though, since you will wake up with hair that is as soft as butter.
3. Steamer or Heat Cap
Between the cold outside and dry conditions created inside your home from the heat your strands will be taking a beating this winter. Staying on top of your deep conditioning sessions is one way to help prevent winter dryness.
Take your deep conditioning one step further by investing in a steamer or heat cap. Steamers release water vapour to moisturize your strands whilst the heat cap uses heat to open your cuticle to allow your deep conditioner to work even better. For curlies on a budget, the Hair Therapy Wrap easily heats up in your microwave and is cordless so you don’t need to be tied to an outlet.
4. Proper Hair Shears
Most curlies know of the importance of trimming our ends regularly to get rid of those pesky split ends and single strand knots. But what many of us don’t know is that using regular scissors to trim our hair can make the problem worse. Before trimming, ensure that you get scissors that are labeled as hair shears, such as the Tweezerman Stainless Styling Shears. They will be more expensive, but they will be very sharp, which is exactly what your hair needs.
MORE: Tips for Trimming Curly Hair
courtesy Amazon.com; $19.59
5. A Good Blowdryer
Although leaving your house with wet hair won’t make you catch a cold, it can lead to damage as the water in your strands freeze and expand. Avoid this damage by making sure your hair is completely dry before you leave the house.
But don’t go and grab just any old blowdryer, be sure to get the best bang for your buck. Look for a blowdryer that uses ceramic and tourmaline technology such as the Revlon Tourmaline Ionic Ceramic Dryer to avoid frizz and prevent damage.
Most importantly, your blowdryer needs to have a diffuser attachment to gently dry your curls.
Now that you have this list I hope your to-buy list has gotten shorter, or did you just add five more things to it? Either way, you can’t go wrong with these top five hair tools.
Do you have a different top 5 list? Feel free to share it by commenting below.
This article was originally published in November 2012 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
