Search Results: Christina Patrice

By Christina Patrice · Published February 18, 2015

If you’re like me, you’ve wanted to get in to diffusing, but just couldn’t figure out why your end results looked absolutely NOTHING like everyone else’s. From dry, crispy, and shrunken, to frizzy and dull, your attempts at diffusing have been practically a fail. Worry no more, I’m here to help! I’ve managed to identify the 4 key areas of concern when it comes to diffusing, and what to do about them.

In this video, I’m starting on a wash and go that I did earlier in the afternoon. I followed the LOC method prior to styling, using Giovanni Direct Leave-In as my leave-in conditioner, Longview Farms Pure Refined Emu Oil to seal in moisture, and Amika Straight Up Smoothing Balm as my cream. I followed that up with my curl definer of choice, and allowed it to air dry with the front pinned back for gentle elongation (since I have more shrinkage up front”> for about 4 hours or so. The front half of my hair is still pretty wet from being pinned up, and my roots were still wet all over, also.

For me, this is the perfect hair to actually diffuse on–I’d say it was about 60% dry. (Yes, my hair takes forever to dry. I’m also applying more Amika Straight Up Smoothing Balm prior to diffusing for added moisture and heat protection. This step is optional, but recommended”>.

So let’s get on with these major areas of concern around diffusing, and how to hack them.

1. Diffuse mostly dry hair for volume

The first and most major area of concern for many of us is shrinkage and lack of volume when diffusing. I know, there’s nothing more irritating than watching a diffusing tutorial on YouTube and emulating what the vlogger did, but instead of a curly, fluffy mane, you end up with shrunken, thin and puny looking curls. Luckily, there’s a hack for that, and it’s really easy: wait until your hair is at least 50-60% dry before diffusing.

Wait until your hair is at least 50-60% dry before diffusing.

Not only does starting on more than halfway dry hair help cut your diffusing time down considerably (leaving you with hair that isn’t dried out”>, air drying prior to diffusing also gives your curls the opportunity to expand naturally before the diffusing process locks them into place. Trust me, I’ve diffused on completely wet hair before. Not only did it take an eternity, but the end result was shrunken and flat. Once you’re done diffusing, you can remove the attachment and send straight shots of heat to your roots and length while gently tugging your hair downward to further elongate and enhance volume.

2. Apply styler, then don’t touch

The second area of concern when it comes to diffusing is frizz. There’s a common misconception because you use a diffuser, your frizz problems will disappear. That’s not the case at all. Mitigating frizz has less to do with the diffuser, and more to do with what happens to your hair prior to diffusing. Combating frizz in the diffusing process is actually two-fold. Before you begin diffusing, ensure that you’ve applied enough styling product to your hair. I’m not saying you have to use an entire vat of Eco Styler gel, but do set yourself up for success by ensuring that your strands are decently coated in your curl definer of choice. And after you’ve applied the product, whether it be via shingling, rake & shake, praying hands, or another method, try your best to keep your hands out of your hair. 

Once it’s time to diffuse, make sure you’re handling the hair gently as you move about your head with the diffuser. Moving around your head, alternate between sitting the diffuser at your roots, resting it flush against the length of your hair, and scooping it gently into the bowl and scrunching upward. Repeat this as long as it take for your hair to dry. When it’s 90-95% dry, you can begin shaking and fluffing with the diffuser for added volume.

Bonus hack

Try adding a smoothing balm or serum to your hair right before diffusing. The Amika balm I used in the video below provides heat-activated frizz fighting, smoothing, and heat protection all in one. Smoothing products will help cut down on frizz during diffusing and in the days following.

3. Layer products to avoid crunch

The third area of concern is crunchy curls. Nobody wants crispy curls that look like they’re two steps from total disintegration. The first hack in preventing curl crunch is to layer your products properly and ensure that you have some sort of leave-in (at minimum”> between your curls and your curl definer. The next way to knock out crunchy curls is to scrunch them with an oil of choice — like argan, emu, avocado, or Jamaican black castor oil. Take a dime or nickel sized amount, rub it between your palms and scrunch it throughout your hair gently to remove the crunch (aka gel cast”> without causing frizz. 

4. Avoid heat damage

Lastly, let’s address the concern that lies in these two dreaded words: heat damage. Honestly, I’m unaware of anyone having ever suffered heat damage at the hand of the diffuser. If anything, diffusers help prevent heat damage via blow dryer, by diffusing the warm air around the curls, as opposed to directly on them. But even if you’re in the overly cautious camp, there are three simple hacks that you can use to safeguard against heat damage.

1. One, keep your blow dryer temperature on cool, low, or medium heat.
2. Two, keep the diffuser moving. Don’t sit it on any one section of your hair for too long. I like to move from section to section within 10 seconds or less. 
3. And three, use a heat protection balm, serum, or spray to shield your tresses.

I hope you all found these hacks helpful. I know in the video, I don’t have the massive, voluminous curls that some YouTubers do, but that’s because I want this wash and go to last a good 3-4 days. Remember, the less manipulation you do on day 1, the longer the style will hold.

Thank you for watching! Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest and don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe & share this video with a curlfriend!

By Christina Patrice · Published February 12, 2015

PICTURED: CRISTINA AND AMANDA

With Valentine’s Day coming this weekend, sweet treats, flowers, and romantic dates are all the rage. Whether you celebrate Valentine’s or Single’s Awareness Day, a romantic holiday is a wonderful excuse to show your curls a little extra lovin’. Check out these 14 sweet treats that will have your tresses swooning.

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TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask

Loaded with honey, olive oil, jojoba, and aloe, the TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask envelops dehydrated curls with nourishing moisture, and brings them back to life. And come March, you’ll be able to pick TGIN products up in select Target stores nationwide and here on Amazon. How sweet is that? Read my TGIN review here.

S Dot Beauty Creme Fraiche Hair Pudding

Your curls will swoon over this warm vanilla caramel scented hair cream, as coconut oil, avocado butter, and hazelnut oil smooth and moisturize dry, frizzy hair. The amazing slip on wet or dry hair just sweetens the pot.

All Things O’Natural Natty Cupuacu & Rhassoul Deep Conditioner

With a chocolatey fragrance reminiscent of Tootsie Roll candies, this deep conditioner shows dry tresses extra love with cupuacu butter, rhassoul clay, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and irish moss. To sweeten the pot, use a little as a leave-in or base for styling your hair.

Amika Nourishing Mask with Sea Buckthorn Berry

Whenever I smell this mask, the one word that comes to mind is romance. Not only does it give my curls swoon-worthy moisture, the floral perfume fragrance reminds me of love. Whenever my curls are in need of a little extra moisturizing TLC, I reach for this Mask with a potent dose of sea buckthorn.

Be Kekoa Be Clean Cleansing Conditioner

Be Kekoa’s Be Clean may not smell like smoldering romance, or contain super sweet ingredients, but do you believe in love at first try? I fell head over heels for Be Clean after one use, and it continues to not disappoint. What’s there to not love about a cool, clean scalp, soft, clean hair, and slip?

Pura Body Naturals Chocolate Hair Smoothie

Chocolate Hair Smoothie is the perfect guilt-free indulgence in chocolate that won’t send you running to the gym afterward. The super-moisturizing blend of aloe vera, cupuacu butter, and cocoa hydrate the hair and add shine, while you smell delicious and dream of chocolates. Seriously, every time I ran errands while deep conditioning with Chocolate Hair Smoothie, I got stopped and sniffed.

Purgasm Shop Wild Cherry Treatment Hair Truffles

Warning: these heart-shaped truffles look like chocolate candies, they smell a little like chocolate candies, but they are not to be eaten! These decadent melt-down treats are made with cocoa, rhassoul clay, banana, silk aminos, and wild cherry back to nourish, strengthen, hydrate, soften, and add shine to hair that needs some TLC. I started using the truffles in my henna mixes, and haven’t looked back since.

Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker

Darcy’s Botanicals Sweet Cocoa Bean Curl Smoothing Cream

This cocoa butter and sweet almond oil based curl moisturizer and smoother will seriously have you sniffing your hair all day. Although it is thick, it doesn’t weigh the hair down and it provides some serious moisture to dehydrated hair. 

TreLuxe Curl Supreme Styling Cream

This sweet and flowery curl cream is truly one of a kind. There’s nothing attractive about the words “tomato fruit ferment extract”, but what this ingredient does for curls and coils is truly luxurious love in action. Shine, definition, super moisture, and lightweight hold, all in one.

Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste

Love on your edges a little more this Valentine’s Day with Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste. The super sweet fruity pomade is enriched with quinoa, silk aminos, and blueberry extract to nourish and tame edges and curls. For those who are curious, it packs a little more holding punch than the Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste.

Miss Jessie’s Jelly Soft Curls

Romance is definitely in the air whenever Jelly Soft Curls Comes around. Although it smells like fresh laundry, Jelly Soft Curls shows my hair major love on day 1 — giving me crush-worthy curls that are well defined, frizz-free, and bouncy minus the crunch. Read more about my love affair with Jelly Soft Curls here.

Kyra’s Shea Medleys Original Butter Cream

Warm, sweet, creamy vanilla blended with aloe, avocado and shea butters give dry, dull curls tons of love. You can melt the butter cream down for a scalp massage or to add in your favorite conditioner, or leave it as-is for a twist-out and sealing in moisture. Once you open the jar, you won’t want to stop sniffing.

How will you be lovin’ on your curls this Valentine’s Day?

By Christina Patrice · Published February 3, 2015

PICTURED MKLASHAY

Although the transitioning process can be difficult, learning how to properly stretch your hair can make the journey to natural hair a little easier to digest. Proper stretching can help transitioners in a few different ways:

• Easing the detangling process, and decreasing the amount of breakage from tangles.

• Providing flexible styling options — transitioners can enjoy twist-outs, braid-outs, bantu knot-outs, Curlformers, flexi rods, and more on stretched hair.

• Allowing you to show more length. One of the hardest things about transitioning is when that shrinkage kicks in around months 4 and 5 — your hair begins to seem shorter than it was. It can be quite a shock to ladies used to seeing longer, flowing locks as their hair grows. Stretching will help ease that.

How can you safely stretch your hair and prevent breakage at the same time? Here are 3 gentle ways to make it happen.

1. Banding

Banding (pictured above”> is my favorite stretching method. I used it as a transitioner to stretch my braid-outs and other styles that had shrunken too much, and I also used it prior to doing other styles like Curlformers. Banding is really simple — you just grab a section of hair and a few ouchless scrunchies and go to work! The larger the section and space between scrunchies, the less stretch you’ll have. Smaller sections and more scrunchies closer together will result in a more stretched, blown out result. To ensure that your banding is a success, make sure you:

• Use ouchless scrunchies to ensure that you don’t end up with breakage and hair caught metal clasps.

• Moisturize sections properly prior to banding to prevent breakage.

• Don’t wrap the scrunchies too tightly at the roots. Your edges will thank you.

• Make sure hair is dry prior to releasing the scrunchies. Otherwise, your hair will shrink right back up.

• Remove scrunchies with extreme care. Otherwise, you run the risk of snagging and breakage.

PICTURED BEAUTIFROHAIR

2. Tension Blow Drying

Using the blow dryer is another popular way to stretch transitioning hair. But because it involves heat, transitioners should proceed with extreme caution. Instead of running a paddle brush and concentrator nozzle through the hair or using the comb attachment itself, the tension method will help ensure stretched hair without incurring extra damage to the hair. To use the tension method, simply part your hair into sections. One section at a time, pull the hair taut (not yanking it”> and move the blow dryer (without an attachment or with the concentrator nozzle”>, up and down the length of the hair (without the dryer coming into contact with the hair”>. You can use the tension method on wet or dry hair. Once the section is stretched, twist it loosely or clip it away. To keep breakage and damage at bay:

• Use a leave-in, heat protectant, or blow-drying cream to delay water loss from within the cortex of the hair, helping to maintain elasticity and internal moisture balance.

• Keep the blow dryer moving, and do not stay in one section for too long (to prevent hair from drying out”>.

• Make sure you’re deep conditioning regularly to maintain moisture, elasticity, cuticle health, and prevent heat damage, breakage, and split ends.

More about deep conditioning

3. Roller Sets

There’s no quicker style killer than a halfway dry roller

Another great 2-for-1 stretching method is roller sets. While I failed wildly in executing my roller set, I do know that plenty of transitioners have used this method to show off their length while also getting a great stretch and style from their hair. To pull off a great roller set (the total opposite of mine“>, check out this post on CurlyNikki! Although I can’t tell you how to do one successfully, I can tell you what not to do:

• Don’t use too much product. Stick, tack, and shellac city.

• Make sure the hair lies flush along the roller, for the sleekest results.

• Hair should be pulled taut at the roots, to ensure elongation and smoothness.

• Make sure your rollers are secure! There’s no quicker style killer than a halfway dry roller that falls off and leaves you with frizzy hair (and that’s not the look you’re going for”>.

Which method will you be trying to stretch your transitioning tresses? These methods work for completely transitioned natural hair, too!

By Christina Patrice · Published January 14, 2015

I know what you’re thinking, it can’t be true. All-natural heat protection? As in like, no silicones and other funny business?

I was shocked too.

Nicole Metcalf, owner of Organic Heat Pro reached out to me because she wanted me to try her spray. She promised that it provided heat protection, super shine, and was completely natural. She told me it passed all rounds of testing with flying colors. But did it really work? I took it to task on my flat-ironed natural hair that I got done at the Lawrence Ray Concepts Salon.

Key Ingredients

• Exotic fruit oils, pure alkaline water, rosemary oil. To be upfront and honest with you all, they were not able to reveal their full ingredient list to me.

Normally, I’d be concerned, but as a blogger on the business end of things, I’ve come to understand that without the proper legal protection around product formulations, companies leave themselves vulnerable to other brands looking to prey on their ideas and profit. I’d definitely say keep your eyes peeled in the near future for full ingredient disclosure.

• Product Claim/Description: “After years of research on exotic fruit oils, we found the right formula to protect your hair from everyday stress. Organic Heat Pro is all natural and provides unparalleled heat protection for all types of hair.”

Performance/Delivery

Umm….do you see my hair?!

As far as the ingredients are concerned, I did have some initial reservations. However, Nicole Metcalf (the owner”> assured me that the product is all-natural and full of good for your hair fruit oils. The star of the show is rosemary oil, which provides follicle stimulation, and strengthens the roots of the hair, which promotes growth. The spray is water-based, which I actually like. One of my biggest problems when I wear my hair straight is that I am unable to maintain internal hydration, because typically, water + straight hair = reversion. But the Organic Heat Pro blend, when used properly, does not cause reversion or poofiness in the slightest. The oil blend in the heat protectant is lightweight, provides super shine, and does not weigh the hair down. It definitely smells like rosemary, but the fragrance doesn’t linger for long. The spray itself is milky white-ish, but does not build up or flake in the hair whatsoever.

What I like most about the Organic Heat Pro spray is how SHINY my hair is, while still being lightweight and movable. My hair does not feel greasy or oily AT ALL! I’m totally impressed, because this spray is as powerful as some high powered silicone serum — but it’s all natural and totally right up your alley if you’re looking to go cone-free even in straightening.

While I don’t have all the science together of why the spray provides heat protection without silicones, I do know that it works. In the video below,  I make 2 and 3 passes over selections trying to curl them (again because I don’t know what I’m doing”>, and I experienced absolutely no heat damage or loss of my curl pattern whatsoever. I’m sold on Organic Heat Pro!

• Drawbacks: I’m an ingredient junkie, so I really want to know what’s in the product. Argan? Pracaxi? Moringa? I’ll be keeping up with Organic Heat Pro for sure, because I gotta know!
• Bonuses: Another thing I really like about the spray is that it”s not just limited to use on straight hair. I use it to seal in moisture for wash and go’s add shine to my natural curls. I sprayed it on my scalp to moisturize and stimulate growth there, too. It’s also perfect if you frequently do blowouts, Curlformers, flexi rods, perm rods, roller sets, or any other stretched style that requires direct or indirect heat.

Bottom Line

Overall, Organic Heat Pro Heat Protection Spray is a one of a kind, all natural, highly effective spray that has quite honestly, blown me away. It does exactly what it says it will do, without all of the ingredients most naturalistas find to be problematic. I mean, look at these curls that reverted back #noheatdamage:

Availability

The Organic Heat Pro Heat Protection Spray is only available online at www.organicheatpro.com

Affordability

At $25 for 8 oz., it is on the pricier side of natural hair care, but in my eyes well worth it. When used properly, a little bit goes a long way. Besides, you get what you pay for–right? I’d never pay $25 for a silicone serum, because cones are cheap. But an all natural, oil-based spray? Very much worth it.

Watch my tutorial & review

And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @ManeObjective. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more curly/natural hair tutorials.

By Christina Patrice · Published January 9, 2015

In the name of #curlsonfleek, our hair can become dry and brittle to the touch due to holding ingredients like polymers and certain polyquats present in our styling products. But thanks to the increasing demand for more natural products, brands are taking note and delivering gels and curl definers that are botanically-based.

If you follow the Max Hydration Method, swear by the Curly Girl Method, or just are an avid fan of more natural than synthetic hair products, then this list is for you!

Top 8 Botanical Gels For Curly Girls

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Why go botanical?

If you’re tired of gels that dry out the hair and instead want a one-two combination of moisture and definition, look no further than these bottles and jars of botanical bliss. 

They have:

• minimal to no crunch,
• don’t contain harsh preservatives, and
• are often pH balanced to help step your cuticle closing game up (leading to increased shine and moisture retention”>
• botanical extracts like marshmallow root mean you can count on tons of slip and easy product application

Botanical gels are made overwhelmingly with ingredients you recognize and can pronounce. They are often full of oils, herbal extracts, and humectants (like aloe and agave”> that not only help keep the hair from drying out, but that have conditioning benefits as well.

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TreLuxe Hi! Definition

One of my absolute favorite curl definers of 2014, TreLuxe’s Hi! Definition Curl Enhancer Styling Gel is formulated aloe, seaweed, avocado, and honey, among other natural oils and extracts. It is a powerful styler, and a little bit goes a very long way. One of the standout components of Hi! Definition is their one-of-a-kind Active Botanicals 360 Curl Complex with tomato fruit extract. Want to know what that means, and more about how Hi! Definition performs? Click here to read my review.

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Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker (New Formula”>

Camille Rose Naturals hit it big this year when they released a new formulation of their popular Curl Maker gel. Naturalistas everywhere (myself included”> were over the moon with the new formula, and how much it delivered on its promises of no more flaking and more definition and shine. The new Curl Maker is absolutely amazing, and provides frizz-free definition while moisturizing the hair with coconut oil, aloe vera, castor oil, marshmallow, and agave. Want to know how the new formula is different from the old one? Watch my video.  

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Earth’s Nectar Honey Curls

Earth’s Nectar Honey Curls is an elegant blend of aloe, jojoba, sweet almond, and glycerin designed to smooth frizz, enhance shine, and create soft, touchable curls. It is versatile enough for all lengths and types of hair, and can be used to set wash and go’s twist-outs, braid-outs, and rod sets. Believe it or not, it can be used on locs too!

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Obia Curl Enhancing Custard

Another favorite of mine (and naturalistas everywhere”> is the pH balanced Obia Natural Hair Curl Enhancing Custard. Formulated with olive oil, grapeseed oil, argan oil, and wheat protein, this botanical gel creates soft, defined, and touchable curls that last for days. The oils impart softness and shine, while the protein adds strength to the hair. And did I mention that it was pH balanced? Keeping curly cuticles compacted and flat is one of the best ways to improve shine and moisture retention, and the Curl Enhancing Custard definitely delivers on that!

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Bee Mine Bee Hold Curly Butter

This multi-use gel has quickly become a favorite of mine. It calls itself a butter, but what it really is, is an aloe-based gel enriched with shea butter, essential oils, and silk powder. It coats the hair like a gel, nourishing and moisturizing while aloe seals the cuticle and enhances shine. Although it is thick, it dries incredibly lightweight and does not weigh the hair down whatsoever. The end result is light, fluffy, shiny curls that smell amazing! Grab it in the Island Mango scent, and thank me later!

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Koils By Nature Peppermint Soothing Herbal Defining Gel

If you love peppermint and cool tingles, then Koils By Nature Peppermint Soothing Herbal Defining Gel is right up your alley. Not only is it infused with botanicals like calendula, burdock root, horsetail, and nettle to stimulate the follicles and strengthen the roots of your hair, but it contains aloe, shea, macadamia nut, and Jamaican black castor oils. These oils combined help to improve elasticity and shine, while easing flaking and dry scalp conditions. This gel has a light hold, so it is best for naturals and curlies desiring mega volume with some definition. 

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DIY Flaxseed Gel

For the curly girls on a budget, DIY Flaxseed Gel is one of the most cost-effective botanical gels you can buy and make. Flax seeds themselves cost about $1.29/lb in bulk, and trust me — a pound of flax seeds is enough to practically make a lifetime supply of gel. You can customize the gel and blend in extracts, essential oils, and carrier oils of whatever type you prefer. In my flax gel mix, I blend in jojoba oil and sweet almond. Just don’t use coconut oil –when you refrigerate the gel, you’ll end up with white balls. After you make your gel, remember –those flax seeds are reusable for at least another two batches!

Do you love botanical gels? What are some of your favorites?

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By Christina Patrice · Published December 29, 2014

Depending upon where you live, the winter air can be dry and unforgiving. Combine that with frequent temperature fluctuations as you travel between car and office heaters, and into the cold, and by the end of the day you’re seriously questioning whether or not you even moisturized your hair.

I’m sure you did. But between the weather and heating units, getting hair to stay and feel moisturized can be tough. Your summer/spring oils might not be up to the task, so what do you do? Check out these 4 oils that will help you retain moisture, softness, and shine this winter. And because coconut oil is so 2014, here are some different options.

You can use them individually, blend them for an epic pre-poo, apply them directly to your scalp for a stimulating massage, or mix them into your favorite conditioner for an extra moisturizing boost!

1. Argan Oil

It took me a while to warm up to argan oil, because it can be pretty expensive. Until very recently, I had difficulty coming across a 2 oz bottle that was under $20. But Vitamin Shoppe changed all that! Nowadays, Argan is one of my staple winter oils because it’s lightweight, nourishing, protective, rejuvenative, and $8. Argan oil contains high concentrations of vitamins A and E, Omega 6 fatty acids, carotenes, squalene, phenols, and other phytonutrients. Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant, and along with Vitamin E, helps to fight free radicals to prevent and reverse damage and aging in hair.

Additionally, Vitamin A assists in sebum production to effectively coat and moisturize the hair — helping to ward off breakage. Omega 6 fatty acids control water loss by helping to ciment cuticle layers, stimulate hair growth, and can even provide some relief for dry, itchy, and flaky scalps, while phytonutrients nourish the scalp at a cellular level. Since Argan oil is so nutrient-dense, a little bit goes a long way. One or two pumps per section of hair is plenty enough to impart softness, shine, and moisture.

2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Jamaican Black Castor Oil, for all its thick, smelly-ness, is one of my favorite winter oils. A staple of many naturalistas, Jamaican Black Castor Oil (or JBCO for short”> is a thick, highly viscous oil with antibacterial, antifungal, and humectant properties. The major difference between JBCO and regular yellow castor oil is the roasting of the castor beans prior to the extraction process. That is precisely where the burnt, smoky smell of JBCO comes from–and what is believed to give JBCO the ability to improve hair growth, and re-grow previously bare spots in the scalp. I don’t have any hard scientific evidence of the growth properties of JBCO, but it remains a staple of mine because it is one of the best sealants I’ve ever used.

I wear wash and go’s year round, and with my red ombré ends, I need something that is going to protect my ends as they rest on jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts. JBCO has drastically cut down on my split ends, and it just might be helping out with decreasing fairy knots while leaving my ends smooth and shiny. JBCO is also a wonderful scalp massage oil (just make sure you put it in a narrow tip applicator bottle to avoid overuse”>, and is great for oil cleansing as well.

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3. Avocado Oil

Another winter favorite of mine is the wonderfully multi-purpose avocado oil. I’m not a huge fan of putting food on my hair, so I don’t foresee myself using an avocado mask anytime soon.

However, avocado oil makes a wonderful substitute, because it is rich in Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids. Omegas 6 and 9 are responsible for controlling water loss in the hair, by cimenting the cuticle layer. Avocado oil is full of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are the same fatty acids that make coconut oil so wonderful. In fact, those monounsaturated fatty acids are believed to be responsible for giving oils their hair penetrating properties, which means avocado oil readily absorbs into the skin and may soak into the cortex of the hair, moisturizing internally.

To make a long story short, avocado oil is an wonderful moisturizer, imparts shine, improves elasticity, helps prevent breakage and split ends, and eases itchy, flaking scalp. Although it shares similar properties to coconut oil, it does not solidify in colder temperatures like its tropical counterpart. What’s there not to love?

4. (Sustainable”> Red Palm Oil

For some reason, the smelly oils always find their way to my heart. Although red palm is not nearly as egregious in odor as JBCO, it is not innocuously scented like argan or avocado oil. Red palm oil is harvested from the fruit of the red palm tree itself, instead of the kernel only — which allows it to retain its deep, reddish-orange hue. Red palm oil is rich in carotenes, Vitamins A and E, and monounsaturated fatty acids. In fact, red palm oil contains more beta carotene per ounce than any other oil. The carotenes, combined with Vitamins A and E are vital and valueable antioxidants that help stop and reverse signs of aging, damaging, and weathering on the hair.

Vitamins A and E are also wonderful for nourishing and stimulating the follicles, encouraging healthy hair growth. And we just learned all about what monounsaturated fatty acids are thought to be able to do, so here’s another perfectly viable alternative to coconut oil if you’re looking for shine, softness, and penetration into the cortex of the hair.  Because red palm oil does contain some saturated fat, it thickens at colder temperatures. In my experience, it looks partially solid, but has some movement. Sitting the jar or bottle in a warm water bath for 10-15 seconds gets everything nice and liquidy. In case you’re concerned about sustainability, habitat destruction, and other eco-issues, you can rest assured that Nutiva has you covered.

I purchase their red palm oil from Sprouts regularly, and you can read their FAQ and have your concerns assuaged here: http://nutiva.com/company/faq/red-palm-faq/

These are my personal picks. What oils are helping you out this winter?

By Christina Patrice · Published December 20, 2014

Editor’s Note, August 2015: The brand Hello Curly no longer exists, Curly Magic is currently being sold by Uncle Funky’s Daughter here. 

There’s been a lot of buzz in recent months about the emerging brand, Hello Curly. Most people recall Uncle Funky’s Daughter and their holy grail fave, Curly Magic. Many also recall Tonya Goff, co-founder of Uncle Funky’s Daughter. When the Curly Magic formula changed and Hello Curly sprouted up under Goff’s name as sole owner, many naturalistas were confused. Why did Uncle Funky’s Daughter change their already perfect formula? What is Hello Curly Curl Stimulator, and is it the same as Curly Magic, like Goff says?

According to Goff and other sources, Tonya and her husband went through a grueling divorce and she was forced to sell Uncle Funky’s Daughter against her wishes as a part of the process of dividing assets. She then took her Curly Magic cult favorite formula and rebranded it as Curl Stimulator, under the new label Hello Curly.

Although I never tried the original formula of Uncle Funky’s Daughter, there are several comparison reviews online and the conclusions are all the same: Hello Curly’s Curl Stimulator IS the old Curly Magic.

The Holy Grail lives on under a new name. All of the raves online about Curly Magic and now Curl Stimulator got me curious. How would Hello Curly stack up against favorites of mine like Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker? Let’s find out.

Ingredient List

Organic Aloe Vera Juice, Aqueous-Infused Extracts of Marshmallow, Chamomile, Nettle, Horsetail, Vitamin E, Agave Nectar Extract, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate and Natural Fragrance

Top Ingredients 411

• Organic Aloe Vera Juiceacts as a natural conditioning agent that restores the hair’s sheen, luster, and shine. It not only makes the hair soft, but it also enhances strength and suppleness. Acts as a natural conditioning agent that restores the hair’s sheen, luster, and shine. It not only makes the hair soft, but it also enhances strength and suppleness.

• Aqueous Infusion of Herbs and Extracts: These herbs and extracts provide slip, conditioning, shine, moisture, and nourishment to the strands while strengthening the follicle and healing damage.

• Citric Acid is a natural extract derived from citrus fruits, it is a widely accepted organic acid used in the cosmetics and food industries as a preservative and a pH control agent. It has antioxidant properties and is used as a stabilizer.

• Potassium Sorbate is a potassium salt of sorbic acid, a naturally occurring antimicrobial compound; used as a preservative.

Product Claim/Description

“Everybody loves curly hair. It’s unique in its own right, and just like people, no two curls are the same. At Hello Curly, we think of ourselves as Curly Crusaders, on a mission to banish frizz, define curls, and connect souls across the planet. We must warn you, when you use our products all kinds of lovelies will send compliments your way. Take it very personally. It is the Universe’s way of affirming to you that you are beautiful, you are magnificent, and your curls are uniquely amazing!”

“Moisturizes and defines medium to loose curly strands without leaving it crunchy or flaky. Works well to maintain definition on tight curls that have a visible curl pattern when wet, but dries with a kinky afro texture. Tames frizz and defines curls. Firm hold, lots of shine, no crunch. Lasting 2nd and 3rd day curls. Moisturizes and defines medium to loose curly strands without leaving it crunchy or flaky. Works well to maintain definition on tight curls that have a visible curl pattern when wet, but dries with a kinky afro texture.”

Performance/Delivery

Out the gate, the first thing I noticed about Curl Stimulator was the SLIP. Major, major, maaaaajor slip. Any tangles that remained in my head after washing didn’t stand a chance. I definitely think Hello Curly needs to expand their line to include a detangler, because they’ve got that formulation on lock!

The SLIP. Major, major, maaaaajor slip.

Needless to say, the product distributed easily throughout the hair. The moment I applied the Curl Stimulator to my hair, my frizz disappeared. My curls were very well defined — it did an excellent job at capturing that “wet look” curl I like to rock from time to time.

Curl Stimulator definitely has a learning curve. This is not one gel that you can just haphazardly slap in your hair and hope for the best. It is really potent, something I didn’t expect from an all-natural, botanical gel. I played with the gel on several occasions to see what application techniques would give me the best result. I was able to follow pretty much every step I do normally to define my curls, except be heavy-handed with styling product. Overuse can lead to super defined, stringy curls, and may lend itself to stickiness.

Using 1-2 pumps per large section of hair seemed to do the trick. This gel works great alone, or in conjunction with other leave-ins and moisturizers. I had absolutely no trouble mixing it with my faves, and it easily got me to day 3 and 4 hair without feeling dried out or crunchy. I was able to progressively achieve that “right” amount of frizz and definition in the days following, which I absolutely loved!

Oh and the shine? Epic.

Availability

 Hello Curly Curl Stimulator is available online at www.hellocurly.com and through online retailers like www.hattache.com and www.hairizon.com.

Affordability

At $25 for 18 oz., Curl Stimulator is definitely on the more affordable end of things, considering the quality. Most botanical curl definers are $12 and up for 8 oz. (or less”>,  and the 18 oz. jar of Hello Curly Curl Stimulator is HUGE! Especially considering how little you have to use to get great results. My bottle is going to last me a looooong time.

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Bonuses, Drawbacks, and Bottom Line

• Hands down, the slip. Any product that glides through my hair, kicking tangles and taking names is a winner in my book. Getting product through my hair shouldn’t be a struggle, and Hello Curly understands that.
• To be quite honest, I’m not a huge fan of the fragrance. It isn’t strong and artificial, on the contrary it’s very green, earthy, and gentle. It doesn’t bother me enough to have me discontinue using Curl Stimulator, because it’s not overbearing and fades quickly.
• If you’re looking to clean up your curl definers and use more products that are good for your hair, Hello Curly Curl Stimulator is the one. It does exactly what it says it will do, without drying or dulling your natural curls. A lot of naturalistas have put Hello Curly Curl Stimulator on their holy grail list — and I see why! I’m just about ready to add it to mine!

By Christina Patrice · Published December 19, 2014

Are you tired of relaxing, chasing your kinks away with a flat iron, or just ready for a change? Congratulations, you’re on your way to joining #TeamNatural!

The Big Decision

But before you take the plunge, you need to decide–are you going to big chop or transition? If you’re eager for change ASAP, or your hair is severely damaged, you’re likely to opt for the big chop. But if you’re like I was, and are not ready to part with your length, transitioning is most certainly an option.

Before I go any further, let’s clarify the two terms:

Big Chop

Cutting off all straightened, damaged, or relaxed hair into a short fade or TWA (teeny weeny afro”>. The big chop allows ladies to begin their natural hair journey from the ground floor, caring for and styling only the natural hair that grows from the scalp.

Transition(ing”>

Gradually growing out straightened, damaged, or relaxed hair. Transitioners make the conscious decision to stop the practices that got their hair into the position that it’s currently in. Transitioners coddle along both natural and damaged tresses, growing out the hair until they are ready to cut the ends off.

One method is not superior to another, it ultimately is a matter of circumstance and preference. I transitioned because I was uncomfortable with the idea of growing out big chopped hair. There are plenty of resources available to support big choppers (here is a great place to start“>, but today I’d like to chat with all the ladies considering a transition.

Once you’ve made up your mind that you’re going to transition, there are 4 things that you’re going to need to do in order to make it a successful one. This is not to say that you won’t make mistakes or get frustrated, but rather that those hiccups won’t derail your journey to healthy hair.

1. Backwards Plan

I’m sure you’re no stranger to the saying, “Begin with the end in mind.” That is the first thing you will absolutely need to do as a transitioner. How long will you transition? What goal length would you like to achieve before you chop your ends? When I first embarked on my natural hair journey, I gave myself 3 months to test the waters. I wanted to see how much my hair would change without heat in this amount of time. The results were so moving, that I tacked on another 3 months, and then another 3. By the 9th month, I had planted a firm decision in my mind that I would transition for 2 years. Yes, 24 months.

But I didn’t make it, and that was okay.

By month 21, I was at my wits end with my transitioning tresses. I had more natural hair than heat damaged, and I just wanted to be done with them already. I booked a consultation and appointment at Devachan Culver City, and haven’t looked back since. Beginning with the end in mind helped me get as close to my goal as I could. My goal was to have thicker hair that was long enough for me to feel comfortable rocking naturally (with shrinkage factored in”>, and by 21 months I was practically there. Knowing what I wanted helped me be more diligent about caring for my transitioning hair, and greatly improved my patience in dealing with more frustrating times.

2. Adjust Your Expectations

You won’t wake up 6 months from now with hair like your hair crush or favorite Instagrammer. I used to have a practically covetous relationship with Hey Fran Hey’s hair, and I realized that it was doing me more harm than good. The more I loved and longed for her hair, the more I ended up hating my own. It wasn’t until I began to adjust my expectations for my own hair that it began to flourish.

No, my hair isn’t going to grow 3 inches in a month.

And it most certainly will not be a fuzzy, curly, shiny, halo of ringlets after a year of transitioning. Or at all. Your hair is uniquely your own, and the best thing you can do is spend time getting to intimately know each kink, coil, curl, and wave throughout the transitioning process. Knowing your hair will help you develop more realistic expectations for your tresses.

3. Flex Your Info Filter

Another popular phrase, “all money ain’t good money” most certainly applies here as well. All information isn’t good information — not for you at least.

This is not to discredit the wealth of information that exists online, but rather to encourage you to activate your own filter. Everything you read, and every YouTube video you watch won’t directly translate into something beneficial for you.

A certain blogger may swear by a particular holy grail deep conditioner, but that doesn’t mean it will automatically become a HG product for you too. Don’t feel compelled to run out and slather Monistat on your scalp, or soak your hair in a paste made of garlic and onions just because you read about it online. Approach your transitioning journey with the same level of discernment you do in everyday life.

4. Get Some Sticktoitiveness (and lots of pictures”>

You will get irritated.

Styling will become hard.

You will feel defeated.

You will cut off some hair (probably more than you wanted”> out of sheer frustration.

All of this is normal. 

For all of its frustration, many wonder why transitioners even bother coddling along damaged ends. The truth is, the level of commitment varies by individual, but for those who choose to stick it out, the payoff is great. I blow myself away sometimes with comparison pictures:

My hair would not be what it is today without the discipline and sticktoitiveness that kept me on my journey. My primary source of motivation was pictures — of my own hair. Seeing my hair’s progress with my own eyes got me back on track whenever I had fallen off. Seeing my improved hair thickness, and noticing curls and waves were there were bone straight pieces gave me hope, and inspired me to keep going. You’ll need something to hold on to and inspire you when your hair journey runs you low. Why not keep a photo journal (Instagram is a great way to go”>, so you can see your hair at each stage?

By Christina Patrice · Published December 11, 2014

Are you stuck in a hair rut?

You know, those times when it seems like your hair has launched a personal attack against you — and despite your best efforts to diplomatic with the best deep conditioners and holiest of holy grail curl definers — it refuses to back down? Maybe you made a mistake (or three, or ten”> and you’re just ready to throw in the towel. Or perhaps, this whole “natural thing” seems too complicated, and you’re ready to go back to what feels simple and familiar — that relaxer or that flat iron.

Trust me, I’ve been there–more times than I want to admit. But before you run to Sally’s and grab those deeply discounted relaxer kits (I can’t be the only one that notices them on clearance everywhere!”> or go digging for your precious flat iron, stop and read this.

Trust me, I’ve been there–more times than I want to admit. But before you run to Sally’s and grab those deeply discounted relaxer kits…

You can get over this hump

I know you can, because I did. In my moments of weakness and peaks of frustration, I had to hunker down and be honest with myself. I’ve never had a relaxer, but I know what it feels like to hide behind a flat iron every two weeks. I know what it feels like to straighten your hair within an inch of its life, and then turn around and use a curling iron to fake “volume” because your hair has thinned terribly.

I also know what it feels like to look in the mirror and hate your hair.

I transitioned for 21 months, a period which tried every bit of my patience, resolve, and self-confidence. There were days that my banana clip and bobby pins would tuck away a multitude of hair sin, and there were days where I looked in the mirror and just said, “I can’t.”

But those days, those feelings, those frustrations–they will all fall away in due time as you learn. It doesn’t mean they won’t be back, but you’ll be better equipped to deal with them as you delve further into your natural hair journey. These 4 tips will help you cope with the temptation of going back to what seems comfortable or easier.

Adjust your expectations

When you first embarked on your natural hair journey, did you think that you were just going to wake up with a head full of thick, juicy, shiny ringlets, or a kinky fro that defies gravity? I’m sure you did, because I did too. I had somehow gotten into my mind that in just a moment’s time, my tresses would magically transform into that of my hair crushes. For the record, it didn’t.

To this day, I have yet to find someone with hair that behaves like mine.

Even while completely natural, I have to stop myself from looking at my hair with a deficit perspective–fixating on what it cannot do and what my limitations are. The truth is, I get the most frustrated with my hair when I try to force it to do the things it is not meant to.

My hair is somewhat thick, but I can’t get a curly halo around my head like some of my favorite YouTubers and Instagrammers. The longer my hair gets, it just hangs. And the more I try to manipulate it to make it big, it fights back with tangles, knots, and breakage. So I stopped, and adjusted my expectations. My curls will never be all one uniform pattern, and I will always have disrespectful shrinkage in the front half of my hair. The moment I embraced those two facts, my frustration dissipated and I came back from the brink.

Give in a little

If your hair is forcing you to test the upper limits of your patience, caving in a little may be just what you need. Sometimes when I got tired of dealing with my hair, I took it as a sign that I should probably flat iron it just to whet my straight hair appetite. This worked for me on two levels: one, it was fun to switch it up. Ask any curly girl — rocking a straight style makes you look like a completely different person. Two, I found that every single time I straightened my hair, I came running back to my curls within a week (or less”>. That alone showed me that in spite of my misgivings and frustrations, I loved my natural hair. Taking a mini vacation from your kinks, curls, and coils may just be the thing that helps keep you from doing something drastic and irreversible.

Note: If and when you decide to flat iron, check out my heat straightening routine and these great heat protectants. After all, when you want your curls to come back, you want them to do so sans heat damage.

Put it away

If you used to relax and flat ironing won’t give you the same satisfaction, or you don’t want to run the risk of heat damage, it is perfectly okay to opt for tucking your hair away. Experiment with protective updos, faux locs, crochet braids, and even those fancy schmancy kinky coily wigs and clip-ins.

Putting your hair away will provide you with some much-needed breathing room, while allowing you to experiment with versatility. This is also an excellent option for ladies who are experiencing major breakage or damage in the process of transitioning to or beginning a natural hair journey. Putting a relaxer or heat on already fragile hair isn’t the best idea, but rocking a protective style is. Just don’t forget to take care of the hair underneath!

Spoil your hair

Every once in a while, I feel like having a spa day. Mineral baths, mud masques, and massages. You know what I’m talking about! After a day at the spa, I feel like I can conquer the world. Or take a really good nap. Whatever the case may be, treating your hair to a spa day may be just the thing you need to bring yourself back from the brink of the relaxer box.

Think about it — when was the last time you pampered your hair? Not followed your regimen just enough to get by, but actually pampered? It’s probably been a while. So treat your hair with that luxurious DIY avocado mask you’ve been putting off. Splurge on that fancy, overpriced deep conditioner that works like a charm. Give yourself a hot oil scalp massage. Detox your hair with a clay mask. Spend 4 hours detangling in tiny sections with your favorite coconut-jojoba-peppermint oil blend while watching Scandal on Netflix. While life is too busy to do this every weekend, there’s nothing wrong with taking some time out every few months to give your hair a treat. Every once in a while, we have to stop cutting corners!

Have you been tempted recently to go back to the relaxer or too-hot flat iron? What helped bring you back from the brink?

By Christina Patrice · Published November 13, 2014

On any given day, I look the same.

Wash and go, no makeup, no earrings, and no jewelry — save for my nose ring and anniversary necklace.

I own only a handful of makeup products, and know even less about applying them properly. The extent of my expertise is mascara and a little bronzer (eyeliner too, if I feel adventurous…or like poking myself in the eye”>.

I wasn’t always this way–back in my “straight hair” days, I wore makeup all the time. I felt like I needed makeup to “complete my look” — rather than a means of enhancing my appearance, makeup became my crutch. I didn’t feel attractive, pretty, or ready for the day without it.

When I began dating my current boyfriend Samuel in 2010, I was still pretty into makeup (although I had ditched the bright eye shadows”>. He insisted that I didn’t need the makeup, and that I was beautiful as-is. I only halfway believed him (haha”> at the time, but the real change came when I decided to go natural.

During my transition, I embraced more natural products, and got invested in my health and wellness. In truth, my decision to back away from the makeup had less to do with being “more natural” and more to do with the fact that I was working out regularly and leading a more active lifestyle. Fast forward about two years from my transition, and I’m just as described above.

And this is on one of those more adventurous date nights.

My decision to ditch makeup (and only dabble in a little bit on date night”> almost entirely is a reflection of who I am at this stage in my life. Anybody that knows me knows that I’m all about comfortable. I wear wash and go’s because they’re easy, and I don’t have to worry about my hair should the weather change (but seriously, I’m in LA”> or if I decide to embark on a random adventure.

I own more workout clothes than regular clothes, because I’m active and the clothes are so comfy. I avoid heels like the plague. I don’t wear any makeup because I’ve grown to feel comfortable in my own skin. Besides, if I go missing–I want to help make it a little easier to find me (please laugh, that was a joke”>.

In more recent months, I’ve noticed a trend in the natural hair community.

A lot of ladies love makeup. Bold makeup. I’m talking beat faces like they live at MAC (and some of them do work there!”> or have a personal MUA at their vanity every morning. Now, I’m not here to knock or judge. By all means, do you! But I do have some questions.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ITSMYRAYERAYE

Forgive me now if any of this offends you.

I don’t mean to offend, disrespect, or shade anyone. These are just my honest thoughts and feelings, and are in no way the gospel according to NaturallyCurly.

I’ve seen videos from natural hair YouTubers that discuss at length makeup routines — involving concealers, primers, contouring, highlighting, blending, and more — to the point where the person at the end of the video looks absolutely nothing like the person that started it. Many natural hair routine and tutorial videos start out the same way — the vlogger goes from fresh face to camera ready in 10 minutes or less.

Have we ever stopped to wonder why? Are beat faces and bold lips necessary natural hair accessories? I understand loving makeup for fun, or using it as a means to enhance natural beauty and express creativity.

There are ladies like BeatFaceHoney who have taken makeup artistry to new levels, and I applaud them for pursuing their passions. Showing women how to play up their gorgeous features and build confidence is a beautiful thing. But in my opinion, there is a fine line between enhancing your natural beauty and creating a completely unrealistic aesthetic.

We all have blemishes. We all have flaws, and dark spots, and acne scars, and enlarged pores, and dry skin patches, and bags under our eyes from not getting enough rest. However, many of us choose to conceal our imperfections because somehow we’ve gotten the message that those things make us less than beautiful. In truth, I find beauty in not being completely flawless — because it means we’re human.

I’ll admit, there’s a lot of pressure in general for women to roll out of bed looking like Beyonce.

But for women with natural hair that pressure is nearly tenfold. Even with all the online and social media support the natural hair community provides, ladies with natural hair are still in many ways under the gun to use makeup to enhance, complete, and beautify –as if natural hair somehow lessens the aesthetics of attractiveness. I appreciate bloggers and vloggers like Shelli (Hairscapades”>, Ebony Clark (Eclark6″>, and Francheska (Hey Fran Hey”> who share the majority of their content with a bare face or minimal makeup. They make me feel a little less weird for uploading plain-faced selfies, and doing non-camera ready YouTube videos.  

This weekend, I wore serious makeup for the first time in over 4 years for a special event.

I’m talking so many shades, tools, and whatchamacallits that I couldn’t even begin to tell you what was on my face. My MUA friend did a wonderful job, and I got so many compliments on my makeup and appearance that day. Some folks even told me that I should do the makeup thing more often.

I respectfully declined.

Don’t get me wrong, my friend did an amazing job on my face. I felt glamorous and beautiful, like a more fabulous version of myself. But something wasn’t quite right. As the day wore on, I started to feel more uncomfortable More unlike myself. More like this version of myself wasn’t true to who I am. After I returned to church from my event, I received more compliments on my beat face. But one compliment stood out in particular. One sweet member said about me,  “She’s a beautiful girl anyway, with or without the makeup. But not because of the outside. It’s because of what’s inside…”

Of all the yassssss-es and slays I had heard that day, that compliment meant the most. My value in her eyes, wasn’t determined by the length of my false lashes (which I had ripped off by that point”>, or the magical contouring of my cheekbones. It was my character and spirit that spoke to her. But how many of us truly believe our beauty radiates from within? When was the last time someone told you that your inner-self was gorgeous?

At the end of the day, we have to start asking ourselves some questions that may be difficult to digest. Why do you wear makeup? Do you feel uncomfortable being bare-faced? Why? What imperfections are you masking?

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEAUTY BY LEE

Who told you that you needed to put on that face? Are you using makeup as a crutch? If so, what are you overcompensating for? And the biggest question: are you willing to give it up?

Rocking a bare face with natural hair can be uncomfortable, trust me. It was a process, and still is one. There will be days where you feel unattractive, but let’s be honest — we all have those days anyway. But if you can challenge yourself to go one week without makeup, I wholeheartedly believe you’ll see some major changes in how you see yourself. We gave up relaxers and flat irons in order to embrace what God gave us, and out of refusal to continue to conform to society’s standard of beauty in hair. Imagine what would happen if such a shift occourred in the world of makeup?

How powerful would it be if we could truly embrace our completely natural selves, bare-faced and all?

By Christina Patrice · Published October 9, 2014

If you follow me on Instagram or keep up with me on ManeObjective.com, then you know I live in the wash and go. I switch up my products to keep it interesting, but I’ve got the technique down to a science.

The wash and go gets a bad rep, because the hair is left to curl, coil, kink, and clump freely while being exposed to the elements, and depending upon the length of your hair, being exposed to rubbing against your clothing as well. 

By contrast, protective styling involves tucking the hair away into twists, braids and updos that keep the hair from tangling, snagging, and breaking. In protective styling, the ends of the hair are often tucked away, to encourage length retention.

So how is it possible that such an “out” style can be considered protective? Consider the following:

1. Low Manipulation

The wash and go is considered a low manipulation style for two reasons. One, unlike twist-outs, braid-outs, and other styles, the wash and go doesn’t require any tugging pulling, or stretching (unless you’re into that sort of thing”>. You simply wash, deep condition, add product, and keep it moving. Of course, you can plop, diffuse, and add other steps, but at it’s core the wash and go is a relatively simple style to pull off that doesn’t require you to excessively manipulate your hair. The second reason is that when done correctly, wash and go’s can last anywhere from 3 to 10 days. Maintenance (at most”> involves spritzing and applying water-based products and oil to seal the ends of the hair, and protecting it at night. No combing, no re-twisting or braiding at night means that for several days at a time, the hair is left unmanipulated–rendering it protected.

2. Protective Gel Casts

When we think of sealing our hair, typically an oil or butter comes to mind. It rarely occurs to us that gel is a sealant, too. In fact, the gel cast that forms after you apply your product envelopes and clumps your curls locks in moisture and keeps your hair protected. Additionally, the gel cast helps reduce tangling by holding curls together. I know we typically look down upon crunchy curls, but if you’re looking for maximum protection, firmer hold gels will yield the best results. Besides, the gel cast wears off — and you can even scrunch it out with a little oil or butter. Work gel through the hair in sections to ensure full coverage and protection.

3. Clumping Improves Hair Strength

When it comes to withstanding the elements and resisting breakage, clumped curls via wash and go’s are especially beneficial. Clumped curls are stronger than separated strands, and are less prone to breakage and damage. Curls that clump together last longer, so make sure you use the “praying hands” to smooth product through and encourage clumping.

Are you convinced yet? Don’t hide your hair away for fall just yet. Give a wash and go a try, with some of my favorite curl definers:

• Aunt Jackie’s Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Gel [review here]
• Camille Rose Naturals *new* Curl Maker [review here]
• Obia Natural Hair Curl Enhancing Custard [review here]
• Wonder Curl Curl Control Styling Lotion [review here]
• Kurlee Belle Jelle Coconut Styling Gel
• CURLS Goddess Curls [review here]
• TreLuxe Hi! Definition [review here]

Watch my video for the 7 Secrets to a Fabulous Wash & Go

And if you need one final piece of information to convince you, check out my growth and length retention progress from my chop in December of 2013 to September 2014:

By Christina Patrice · Published October 7, 2014

PHOTO COURTESY OF MRSTRIP98

As a transitioning and natural hair blogger, I love to observe (and sometimes participate in”> the waves and trends that roll through the natural hair community. First, it was all about growth, length retention, and proving that textured hair could be just as fab (if not moreso….but hey, I’m biased”> as straight hair. Now, some of our favorite bloggers and YouTubers are doing second and third chops, and tapered cuts are taking the reins. Coloring natural hair used to be met with the side eye, but now bright and bold colors are everywhere — with only a marginal few claiming that hair dye strips you of the title of naturalista. What used to be a race for the most complicated regimen is now met with “ain’t nobody got time for that” and a supreme side eye. The current trend in minimalist/lazy natural hair care has ladies looking to eliminate the fluff from regimens, focusing only on what’s necessary.

Which brings me to this point: is pre-pooing a necessary step in your wash day regimen? Could that 30 minutes to an hour be better spent, or eliminated to truncate wash day?

The answer isn’t as cut and dry as one would think. The real answer depends on what you’re using to prepoo your hair, whose advice you trust, and what has yielded the best results for your own head of hair. Let’s explore the two most common pre-poo methods, and what folks have to say about them:

Pre-Pooing with Oils

The first popular pre-poo method is done with oil — either a single oil, customized blend, or pre-poo oil like Vatika, Darshana or Ion. Most ladies like to pre-poo with an oil because strands coated in oil glide past each other easier, which results in a less complicated detangling job. Oils are even be used to help prevent shampoos from drying the hair out. But one thing is to be noted — all oils were not created equal. It is widely understood that coconut oil possesses the unique ability penetrate the hair — moisturizing, strengthening, and preventing the hair shaft from swelling during the uptake of water, which helps minimize cuticle damage. According to Jc of The Natural Haven ( a scientist with a passion for natural hair”>, coconut oil should be added to the hair prior to shampooing to reap the most benefits.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are those like multicultural stylist Jennifer Rose at Belissimo Hair Spa in NYC who believe a pre-poo is an unnecessary step and a waste of time. Via Instagram, Rose says (on a post encouraging ladies to simmer down on the wash day madness”>:

Why are you dousing your hair in oil which only prevents your shampoo from binding to the dirt, sweat, and product thereby preventing cleansing? You’re the reason you have a wash day instead of a wash hour. Pare down, please.

 In a general sense, I can see where Rose is coming from–many oils sit atop the hair and do not readily penetrate the hair. In that case, they do prevent the shampoo from stripping the hair completely clean. However, most natural ladies don’t desire that “squeaky clean” feeling, so the presence of oil on the hair after cleansing isn’t entirely problematic. My advice? Try a wash day with and without oil pre-pooing. Don’t change anything else, the presence or absence of the pre-poo should be the only variable. Does your hair look, feel, or behave any differently? Therein lies your answer.

Pre-Pooing with Conditioner

Many naturals for a variety of reasons have also taken to pre-pooing their hair with a rinse out or deep conditioner prior to cleansing. The idea here is that conditioning the hair prior to manipulating it results in softer, more pliable hair that is easier to detangle and is less likely to encounter breakage. Additionally, many of the conditioners utilized have enough slip to ensure that strands glide past each other without tangling or knotting.

But is pre-pooing with a conditioner more or less effective, or even necessary? Once again, I consulted the work of the fabulous Jc of The Natural Haven. According to her findings here, conditioner adsorbs (sticks to the hair”> and works better after the hair has been shampooed. This is because hair carries a slightly negative charge that is enhanced by shampoo (thanks to anionic surfactants”>. Conditioner carries a positive (cationic”> charge and therefore is more attracted to the hair post-poo. Does this mean that your conditioner-based pre-poo doesn’t work? Not necessarily. I’ve always been a fan of pre-shampoo treatments (Kurlee Belle Banana Nut Avocado Deep Treatment is my favorite”> to detangle, soften, and prep my hair for cleansing. But for most heads of hair, deep conditioning or pre-pooing with a deep conditioner before washing does not remove the need to deep condition afterward. You will still have to deep condition after cleansing to replenish the strands and lie the cuticles flat.

Just like pre-pooing with oil, try pre-pooing with a rinse out or deep conditioner during your wash day, and then again skipping that step. Which yields you the best results? That’s the one you stick with. 

When all is said and done, pre-pooing is not an essential step for any hair care regimen. It’s optional. If your hair benefits from it, then continue to do it. But if you’re feeling like it yields you no tangible benefits, throw it out

At the end of the day, it’s about doing what works best for you and your hair, not incorporating random steps because someone told you so.

By Christina Patrice · Published September 18, 2014

I’m a product junkie.

More specifically, I’m a small business product junkie.

Ladies, there are some AMAZING products out there that I’ve covered consistently on the blog and even shared here on NaturallyCurly. I will always and forever continue to support natural hair small businesses because I believe in them. Not only are the products incredibly unique, well thought out, and crafted with love, but they are made by women (and some men too”> who know our hair best — because they are naturally curly too. They know and understand what ingredients we don’t like, and what we want our products to be able to do. And many of them are involved in initiatives beyond natural hair, aimed at making our communities (and world”> a better place, like TreLuxe.

TreLuxe is a socially conscious natural hair and beauty care brand founded by husband and wife duo Cortney and Kiprono Sigiali.

They have focused their brand not only on natural haircare, but on community-based initiatives to educate, support, encourage, and meet the needs of girls and women beyond hair.

TreLuxe hair products are designed to give ladies with natural hair a premium upscale product experience, combining wholesome ingredients and Active Botanicals to alleviate our hair woes — from dryness to curl definition. Currently, the TreLuxe line consists of four products — Untie the Knot Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner, Curl Supreme Styling Cream, ReFlex Curl Styling Serum, and Hi! Definition Curl Enhancer Styling Gel. I was too excited to try out the TreLuxe line. So let’s get on with the review!

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Untie the Knot Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner $18.50

Detangles, nourishes, and replenishes moisture for lively curls. Let’s face it, Mother Nature can do some serious damage to our precious curls. A constant beating from the elements without the proper protection can leave curls dry, brittle, and vulnerable to complex knots; but, there is hope. Untie the Knot Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner was designed with you in mind! The naturally based conditioner formulated with coconut milk, slippery elm, and olive extract allows for ease of detangling while moisturizing and softening every strand of your textured tresses. The formula is reinforced with a combination of avocado and broccoli seed oils to smooth hair and seal the cuticle, helping to maintain healthy curls and coils. Avoid the damage that Mother Nature never intended!

Ingredient List

Water (Aqua”>, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut”> Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado”> Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera”> Leaf Juice, Propylene Glycol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Steareth-2, Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice”> Extract, Keratin Amino Acids , Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut”> Milk, Squalane (Olive derived”>, Ulmus Fulva (Slippery Elm”> Bark Extract, Panthenol (Provitamin B5″>, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli”> Seed Oil, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol

Top Ingredients 411

• Water

• Coconut Oil: oil high in saturated fats (which is why when cold, it is solid”>. One of the few known oils to penetrate the hair shaft and truly moisturize hair. Coconut oil helps to moisturize, seal, and prevent breakage.

• Avocado Oil: Omega 3-rich nourishing oil extract that can enhances shine, moisture retention, softness, and elasticity in hair.

• Aloe Vera Leaf Juice: acts as a natural conditioning agent that restores the hair’s sheen, luster, and shine. It not only makes the hair soft, but it also enhances strength and suppleness.

• Propylene Glycol: humectant and conditioning agent, often mistakenly attributed to being carcinogenic. It has no links to cancer or any other illnesses.

• Behentrimonium Methosulfate: gentle surfactant made from non-GMO rapeseed (canola oil”>, and is one of the mildest detangling ingredients out there. It doesn’t cause buildup or irritation to the scalp.

Performance

One of the first things I noticed about Untie the Knot is the fragrance, and how totally appropriate it is for the coming fall and winter months. The fragrance is reminiscent of those sweet, warming apple, sugar, and pumpkin spiced candles that roll out at places like Bath and Body Works and Yankee Candle around this time of year. Just smelling it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Even if the fragrance isn’t your cup of tea, it doesn’t linger or conflict with other product scents. The leave-in is rich and lotion-y in consistency, without being greasy or weighing the hair down. For those of you that have tried it, the consistency is similar to Camille Rose Naturals Fresh Curl. What I love about TreLuxe the most (and this leave-in is no exception”> is that they work INSTANTLY. When applying the leave-in, my hair felt instantly hydrated, moisurized, and smooth. It helped encourage clumping and curl definition, while harnessing enough slip to glide through tangles and rough patches. I especially appreciate Untie the Knot because it s based in three ingredients my hair LOVES — coconut oil, avocado oil, and aloe vera. With temperatures dropping (as much as they will in LA anyway”>, I welcome Untie the Knot with open arms into my fall/winter product rotation.

Curl Supreme Styling Cream $22

Creates lustrous, defined, and moisturized curls with soft hold. Fear not ladies; moisturized and defined curls are well within reach. Curl Supreme Styling Cream was designed to make your natural curl pattern take center stage, moisturizing your curly tresses along the way. This premium styler is packed with natural oils and extracts to nourish and add lustrous shine, as our 360 Curls Complex regulates moisture and supplies the right amount of curl definition for the job. With just enough hold to maintain your style, this souffle-like creme is great for the coilest textures, as well as for those with moderatey curly hair who want to style with less hold and more moisture.

Ingredient List

Water, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera”> Leaf Juice , Cocos Nucifera (Coconut”> Oil, Cetyl Alcohol (Coconut derived”>, Propylene Glycol, Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice”> Extract, Keratin Amino Acids , Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase, Glyceryl Stearate, Capric/Caprylic Triglycerides (Coconut derived”>, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot”> Kernel Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado”> Oil, Althea Officinalis Root (Marshmallow”> Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea”> Butter, Carbomer, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut”> Milk, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E”>, Triethanolamine, Squalane (Olive derived”>, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Emulsifying Wax, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol

Top Ingredients 411

• Water

• Aloe Vera Leaf Juice: acts as a natural conditioning agent that restores the hair’s sheen, luster, and shine. It not only makes the hair soft, but it also enhances strength and suppleness.

• Coconut Oil: oil high in saturated fats (which is why when cold, it is solid”>. One of the few known oils to penetrate the hair shaft and truly moisturize hair. Coconut oil helps to moisturize, seal, and prevent breakage.

• Cetyl Alcohol: considered “fatty alcohol” — NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient. Gives conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Also used to keep product ingredients from separating.

• Propylene Glycol: humectant and conditioning agent, often mistakenly attributed to being carcinogenic. It has no links to cancer or any other illnesses.

• Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract: bio-fermented enzyme complex that creates long-term conditioning without buildup. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and a variety of potent phytochemicals. By directly nourishing the hair with essential amino acids, this extract efficiently provides hair the building blocks it needs to form keratin and maintain the hair’s integrity. It can readily penetrate deep into the hair fibre and works in synergy to protect and maintain the hair’s natural integrity and health.

Performance

When I get excited about a product, I start singing. Today will be no exception.

Now that I’ve got you in my stash,

I won’t let go of you,

Got you shackled in my product space

I’m latching on to you….

That pretty much sums up how I feel about Curl Supreme. See, I thought I had all my favorite moisturizers/creams locked down. Then Curl Supreme came along and made me re-evaluate my entire life. I’m being dramatic, but I am hard pressed to find anything about this creamy concoction that I don’t like. Of all the products in the TreLuxe line, this fragrance is my favorite. It’s sweet, floral, and not overbearing. It’s thick, rich, and super creamy, and has slip for the ages! Yes, a moisturizing creme wth slip! After applying it, my hair is soft, defined, and intensely hydrated. It works great by itself for a super soft hold, or makes a dreamy moisturizing layer underneath Hi! Definition or ReFlex. I’m ingredient obsessed, so the inclusion of Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract in Curl Supreme and all of the TreLuxe products excites me. It is a relatively undiscussed underutilized ingredient in the natural hair community. I’ve only seen it pop up in a handful of products from the likes of AG and Briogeo. Call me crazy, but I believe that extract really sets Curl Supreme apart from other moisturizers and curl cremes I’ve tried. Plenty of products have coconut oil and aloe vera in them. But none have come close to working like this!

ReFlex Curl Styling System $18.50

Creates bouncy, silky, natural curls with flexible hold. ReFlex Curl Styling Serum was created to bring flexible hold to your curly and wavy styles without sacrificing the “bounce” of your curls. Our lightweight liquid styler provides just enough slip to glide through every twist and turn of your tresses, wile adding definition and increasing curl elasticity for those bounce back curls you’ve been waiting to unleash. Botanical extracts help provide shine and smooth texture to showcase your curls while a coconut water/aloe juice infusion delivers moisture to thirsty curls, keeping them rejuvenated throughout the day.

Ingredient List

Water, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera”> Leaf Juice, Propylene Glycol, Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice”> Extract, Keratin Amino Acids, Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase, Cetrimonium Chloride, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut”> Water, Vitis Vinifera (Grape”> Seed Extract, Polyquaternium-10, Juniperus Communis (Juniper Berry”> Fruit Extract, Polysorbate-20, Salvia Officinalis (Sage”> Leaf Extract, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol

Top Ingredients 411

• Water

• Aloe Vera Leaf Juice: acts as a natural conditioning agent that restores the hair’s sheen, luster, and shine. It not only makes the hair soft, but it also enhances strength and suppleness.

• Propylene Glycol: humectant and conditioning agent, often mistakenly attributed to being carcinogenic. It has no links to cancer or any other illnesses.

• Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract

• Rice Extract: provides natural UV protection for the hair, while also improving the structural integrity (strength/health”> of strands.

• Keratin Amino Acids: extracted amino acids from keratin that are purified and made more potent, with the ability to penetrate the hair shaft and repair damage, correct porosity issues, and increase sheen and volume.

Performance

I liked ReFlex, but I wasn’t crazy about it. This curl defining serum is definitely for the ladies that prefer a lighter hold, and desire that big hair on day 1 look. It does fight frizz, and creates voluminous hair as soon as it’s dry — no fluffing required! It was not drying and left no crunch or flakes whatsoever. ReFlex definitely delivers on the promise to deliver flexible hold curls with bounce. I see this product also working exceptionally well for looser, type 2 and 3 curls. Again, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with how ReFlex performed. I just like my curl definers to deliver a little more hold — which brings me to my other FAVORITE product from the TreLuxe line…

Hi!Definition Curl Enhancer Styling Gel

For long lasting curl definition, luminous shine, and moisture balance. Say Hi! to amazing curl definition and bye to pesky friss as Hi! Definition Curl Enhancer Custard transforms tresses from lifeless to luxe in a snap. Our moisture and nutrient rich puree is infused with avocado, soybean, and honey extracts, and is specifically formulated to provide enhanced curl definition and luminous shine with medium hold. Hi! Definition Curl Enhancer helps maintain styles for days instead of hours, giving you confidence in every curl. 

Ingredient List

Water, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera”> Leaf Juice, Propylene Glycol, Carrageenan Gum (Seaweed Extract”>, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate-60, Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice”> Extract, Keratin Amino Acids, Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase, Persea Gratissima (Avocado”> Fruit Extract, Honey Extract, Panthenol (Provitamin B5″>, Glycine Soja (Soybean”> Seed Extract, Elaesis Guineensis (Palm”> Fruit Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice”> Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage”> Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E”>, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol 

Top Ingredients 411

• Water

• Aloe Vera Leaf Juice: acts as a natural conditioning agent that restores the hair’s sheen, luster, and shine. It not only makes the hair soft, but it also enhances strength and suppleness.

• Propylene Glycol: humectant and conditioning agent, often mistakenly attributed to being carcinogenic. It has no links to cancer or any other illnesses.

• Carageenan Gum (Seaweed Extract”>: seaweed common to the Atlantic is boiled to release this compound, which thickens and stabilizes mixtures, keeping them from separating.

• Xanthan Gum: plant-derived thickener and mixture stabilizer that is water soluble

• Polysorbate-60: emulsifying agent that helps to keep water, oils, and extracts from separating.

Performance

Oh, won’t you stay with me? ‘Cause you’re all I need…

This is love, and yes, those are more Sam Smith lyrics. Yes, yes, a million times yes. Hi! Definition is absolutely amazing. The fragrance can only be described as luxe. I can’t call it exactly, but I know I feel fancy every time I smell it. It is custard-esque without being too runny or impossibly thick. Because it isn’t super gel-ly or stiff, it mixes well with a wide range of other products — Curl Supreme included. As a matter of fact, the two make one heck of a wash and go duo. Layering Untie the Knot, Curl Supreme, and Hi! Definition gave me one of the best wash and go’s I’ve ever had to date. See for yourself! This wash and go lasted for days while retaining excellent definition and minimal frizz with no flaking or dryness. A word of caution to those that love to overzealously apply product — Hi! Definition doesn’t require gobs and mounds of product in order to be effective. Apply it liberally, but don’t go over the top. One or two quarter-sized amounts per section (depending upon the thickness and length of your hair”> applied to wet hair is plenty.

To sum it up…

As you can see, I thoroughly enjoyed the TreLuxe line of products. My only wish? That they had a shampoo and deep conditioner to go with these wonderful styling products! Hopefully those are in the works.

If you are interested in trying products from TreLuxe, be sure to support their newest initiative — A Natural Fit. TreLuxe has teamed up with Girls with Sole, Girls on the Run, and Girls in the Game to help promote healthy habits and active living among girls in communities that are at-risk for developing health-related illnesses directly correlated to a lack of physical activity. Through these partnerships, the A Natural Fit initiative is designed to support charities that enhance opportunities, build self-esteem, and promote healthy habits among at-risk girls and teenagers. During the month of September, 10% of all sales will go toward the charitable organizations supported by A Natural Fit. You can also donate your rewards points from shopping at discovertreluxe.com to the charities ($5 for every 375 points earned”>, and work with TreLuxe to host events where the charities directly benefit. For more information on A Natural Fit, click here. To get more information on donating rewards points, click here.

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By Christina Patrice · Published September 5, 2014

Don’t be fooled! You don’t have to sacrifice soft, hydrated kinks and coils, for cleanliness.

Many naturals and curly girls hate clarifying because it causes so much drama.

You wreck your hair and strip it of natural oils, softness, and hydration for the sake of a clean slate. Even after intense deep conditioning, your hair doesn’t start “acting right” for another two weeks, and by that time, you’re able to get another good week and a half out of your hair before it’s time to clarify all over again.

Break the cycle

These shampoos offer you the chance to deeply clean with out stripping, and to clarify without causing drama. Get clean, healthy, shiny, soft, and moisturized hair with these cleaning powerhouses that don’t contain harsh sulfates like SLS:

By Christina Patrice · Published September 2, 2014

In the naturally curly world, we have a lot of our own lingo–so much so, that that a newbie natural may find herself looking for the Rosetta Stone of the natural hair world. Hopefully, we can help shed some light on a few terms that meant something else before you went natural. Here are 8 common terms, translated naturally curly style:

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8 Names That Mean Different Things For Naturals

By Christina Patrice · Published August 29, 2014

Before dropping a product into your basket at Target, Ulta, or in your cart on CurlMart, how much time do you spend reading the ingredients? At this point in the game, probably more than you have in your entire life.

Whether you’re an ingredient snob and only purchase products made with the best of the best, a clean living curly who believes in eating and using only whole and natural products, or a natural newbie just taking it all in, there’s one thing we can all agree on–ingredients can sound confusing, scary, and like you need an advanced degree in material science to understand how to pronounce them.

Luckily, not everything that looks and sounds terrible is. Relax, naturally curly world– take in these 8 ingredients that sound all sorts of naughty, but are really pretty nice!

Behentrimonium Methosulfate

Because of how harsh traditional shampoo and cleansers can be, many of us turn away from anything that has the word “sulfate” in it. But the truth is, behentrimonium methosulfate is a far cry from the sodium lauryl sulfate that dries out and damages our kinks, coils, and curls. In truth,  behentrimonium methosulfate is neither drying nor a sulfate. It is actually a super gentle surfactant made from non-GMO (imagine that!”> rapeseed (canola oil”>, and is one of the mildest detangling ingredients out there. It doesn’t cause buildup, or irritation to the scalp. You can find this gem in products like Kinky Curly Knot Today, Camille Rose Naturals Fresh Curl, and Lawrence Ray Concepts Shake & Go.

Cetrimonium Chloride

Nerd moment: I really, really, like, REALLY love cetrimonium chloride. I’m *almost* obsessed with it. I make it a point to ensure that practically ALL of my deep conditioners have this ingredient. Why? It rocks. Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt with penetrating, conditioning, anti-static, and emulsifying properties. It also helps to gently cleanse and prevent odor by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, and helping oil mix with water to be able to wash them away. And lastly, what REALLY rocks my socks about cetrimonium chloride is what it does when combined with heat. When cetrimonium chloride is activated by heat (like sitting under a dryer, blow drying, and even the occasional flat ironing”>, it increases the tensile strength of hair. This ingredient is a MUST HAVE in any deep conditioner, leave-in, or heat protectant if you’re planning to blow out, flat iron, or just maximize your deep conditioning. Catch it in Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask, ApHogee Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizer Spray, ApHogee Curlific Texture Treatment, and TGIN Triple Moisture Replenishing Conditioner.

Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine

Another common ingredient found in many regular and deep conditioners. Stearamidopropyl dimethylamine sounds scary, but it’s really just a derivative of stearic fatty acid that is used to keep ingredients from separating (an emulsifier”>, as well as provide slip for easy detangling. But where does stearic acid come from? Here’s where things get a little sticky. Typically, stearic acid is derived from animal fat. However, you can ensure your hair goodies are free of animal byproducts by purchasing products that are vegan, and that explicitly state they contain no animal products. A good place to start is Obia Natural Hair’s Babassu Deep Conditioner.

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-propyl Silanetriol

Whoa, that’s a mouthful. We’ll just call this one Keravis protein, since that’s what it’s marketed as. Keravis protein is a vegetable-derived protein and silicone blend that was designed specifically to strengthen, fortify, and revitalize dry and damaged hair. Although its composition makes it not Curly Girl-friendly, Keravis protein is able to penetrate the cortex of the hair, helping to build strength from within while coating and conditioning the hair to protect the surface. The end result is hair with significantly improved tensile strength, which helps reduce the damage our hair sustains from dye jobs, environmental factors, and mechanical stress from styling. If you’re ok with cones, get your Keravis protein fix in Eva NCY Therapy Session Hair Mask and ApHogee Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizer Spray.

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

Typically, when you see a sulfate free shampoo, this ingredient almost always makes the list. And no, manufacturers aren’t pulling the wool over your eyes — sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate really isn’t a sulfate. It is a surfactant and gentle alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate often used in conjunction with other mild cleansing agents to deliver a clean scalp and hair without completely stripping or drying out. Typically, the most gentle cleansers have sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate as opposed to C12-14. The numbers represent the number of carbon atoms, and the larger they are, the more gentle the surfactant is. Get your gentle cleansing fix with TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo and Ouidad Superfruit Renewal Clarifying Cream Shampoo. (Tgin and Ouidad superfruit.”>

Maltooligosyl Glucoside

Would you be surprised if I told you this ingredient was a combination of something you probably have in your pantry? Simply put, maltooligosyl glucoside is a complex derived from carbohydrate syrup (sugar”> and corn starch that conditions and moisturizes the hair. It helps improve moisture balance and moisture retention in the hair, and also helps soothe and improve dry scalp. It also goes by the name of hydrogenated starch hydrolysate. Not scary or bad at all, right? You can find this sweet little ingredient in Ouidad’s Superfruit Renewal Clarifying Cream Shampoo.

Propanediol

If you’re wary of propylene glycol, then this propanediol should make you sing! Propylene glycol has raised concerns in the naturally curly community, and propanediol definitely eases them. Propanediol is actually a plant-based, ECOCERT-approved emollient, solubilizer, and viscosity improving agent. As a natural alternative/replacement for propylene glycol, it improves moisture binding activity which results in silky smooth hair. Catch this safer and less irritating alternative in Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Cleansing CoWash.

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

A water-soluble derivative of guar gum, which comes from the cluster bean. It conditions the hair and contains anti-static properties that help fight frizz. For these reasons, it is a great additive to conditioners, deep conditioners, shampoos, and leave-ins that claim to soften and tame frizzies. Innocuous enough, right? Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is the perfect example to showcase that ingredients that are difficult to pronounce aren’t inherently bad. Catch these magic beans in Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Hair Masque, Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls, and ApHogee Curlific Textured Hair Wash.

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By Christina Patrice · Published August 29, 2014

If you have a pulse in the natural and curly world, you know about CurlBox. If you’re a little more well-versed, you probably know about CurlKit too. But have you heard of these 3 subscription boxes for natural and curly girls?

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Sneak Peek Box

Ever wish you could sample a plethora of high quality, small business and major brand products without committing to an entire jar or bottle of something you may not like? Enter: Sneak Peek Box. Sneak Peek Box is a monthly subscription box designed to meet the needs of the natural who is curious about high quality, natural and organic hair and skincare,  but would like to get a feel for the products before actually committing. The Sneak Peek Box comes with 5-7 sample sized-products from an array of handpicked brands, and the Sneak Peek Notes booklet, which is by FAR the most helpful box insert I’ve ever come across. In the Sneak Peek Notes booklet, there is a page dedicated to each product that shares information, instructions on how to use, full ingredient lists, where to find the products online, brand social media information, and coupon codes for discounts. Essentially, everything you’d want to know about a product before taking that leap to purchase. Perfect for the product junkie trying to reel herself in, or that has no more room in in the stash for full-sized products.

Below is the August Sneek Peak Box. It includes samples from:

• TreLuxe Untie The Knot Leave-In Conditioner

• Pretty Kinky Naturals Aggressive Growth Elixir

• Positively Natural Avocado Butter Blend

• The Naked Bar Soap Co. Pit Cream Natural Deodorant

• iii Sisters of Nature Natural Curling Gelo

Subcription boxes are $20 per month, but you can also purchase for 3 months at a time for a discounted rate of $50. For more information, visit www.sneakpeekbox.com.

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Curl Collection

Maybe you’re the exact opposite, and you can’t stand sample sizes. You’ve cancelled other subscription boxes for that exact reason. Or maybe, you can’t deal with new products every month and would prefer something less frequently. Curl Collection is right up your alley. Every other month, subscribers receive a box of 4-5 full-sized products, from high quality brands like CURLS, WonderCurl, Koils By Nature, Coco Curls, and more. The genius of Curl Collection is that it affords you the ability to try an entire line of products in sync with each other, and gives you plenty of time between boxes to use them up. You can even participate in the Curl Collection Forum to swap products with other subscribers, or use exclusive discounts to purchase more of newly discovered faves from box brands.

The August Curl Collection Box features Koils By Nature (review of KBN products here“> and includes:

• Ultra Moisturizing CocoAloe Deep Conditioner

• Moisturizing Shealoe Leave-In Conditioner

• Herbal Soothing Curl Defining Gel

• Nourishing Hair & Body Butter

• 1 Pair of Koils By Nature Button Earrings

Subcription boxes are $35 every other month, but you can also purchase a one-time box for $40. For more information, visit www.curlcollection.com.

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Hot Coco Box by Cream and Coco

Unlike the first two, the Hot Coco Box is not a subscription box, you have to purchase it every month outright. The upside here is that you never, ever get stuck with a box you don’t want. The Hot Coco Box is exclusive to natural hair, bath, and body brand Cream and Coco, which features handmade, delectable goodies that are often multi-use for both hair and skin. Boxes always include unique and exclusive products available only to Hot Coco Box customers, made with all-natural and organic ingredients. The August Hot Coco Box featured 10 hair and body products, and customers were over the moon with the summer selection. Just search the hashtag #hotcocobox on Instagram to see what I’m talking about. Currently, Cream and Coco is gearing up for the September Hot Coco Box, which will be themed around the Fall Equinox, with a twist. Not only will the products be centered around herbs that are affected by the moon, the September box will be full of items to take you from daytime savvy to nighttime sassy. The exact contents of the September Hot Coco Box have not been released yet, but I’ve heard that the products included will be a celebration of the seasons changing with:

• 5-7 items for hair and skin

• Innovative blends of seasonal fruits and fragrances

• Full-sized bar of soap with a new fall fragrance

Hot Coco Boxes range in price from $15 – $45, depending upon the products that will be included. The September Box is $22 and available for pre-order now at www.creamandcoco.com.

Will you be purchasing a subscription box anytime soon?

Let’s talk about subscription boxes…

Be sure to join us on September 4th from 12:30 – 1:30 EDT for the live panel on beauty boxes featuring CurlBox owner Myliek Teele, Briogeo owner Nancy Twine, and more! These ladies will be discussing the value of beauty boxes for both brands and subscribers. Click here for more info!

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By Christina Patrice · Published August 25, 2014

It’s no secret, I’m a Product Junkie. I love the thrill of the chase–discovering new products and brands, re-imagining old favorites, and everything in between.

When the opportunity to try out Mielle Organics came knocking, I couldn’t say no! Founded by waist length textured hair beauty Monique Rodriguez, and vouched for by curlies with gorgeous manes (like @TarenGuy and @MuchMoreThanBeauty”>, Mielle Organics is a budding small business brand aimed at helping ladies of all textures and hair types grow long, healthy hair. With a focus on simple ingredients and getting back to the basics of haircare, Mielle Organics aims to nourish, strengthen, and protect hair at each stage of growth.

The Mielle Organics line consists of the Honey Dew Berry Detangling Co-Wash, Almond Mint Oil, and Healthy Hair Formula vitamins. I had the opportunity to try both the Co-Wash and Almond Mint Oil. How did these products stack up against some of my favorite cowashes and oils? Find out below!

Honey Dew Berry Detangling Co-Wash

Description

All natural. For all hair types. Strengthen, lengthen, moisturize. Co-wash gently removes buildup without drying the hair, retaining moisture. Used best with Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil.

Ingredient List (* = certified organic”>

distilled water (aqua”>, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearalkonium chloride, *extra virgin coconut oil, pure shea butter, *jojoba oil, natural vitamin E (mixed tocopherals”>oil, polyaminopropyl biguanide, silk amino acids, Abyssinian oil, marula seed oil, potassium sorbate, natural(phthalate-free”> fragrance, citric acid.

Top Ingredients 411

• cetyl & cetearyl alcohol: considered “fatty alcohols” — NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Both cetearyl and cetyl alcohol are lubricants, thickeners, and emollients. They give conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Also used to keep product ingredients from separating.
• stearalkonium chloride: positively-charged salt derived from plant fatty acids that attracts and binds proteins in the hair. It improves luster, condition, and provides anti-static and detangling properties.
• coconut oil: oil high in saturated fats (which is why when cold, it is solid”>. One of the few known oils to penetrate the hair shaft and truly moisturize hair. Coconut oil helps to moisturize, seal, and prevent breakage.
• shea butter: emollient fat from the nut of the East or West African shea nut tree used to moisturize and soften hair.

Performance

The first thing I did was smell the co-wash. How could you not want to stick your sniffer into anything labeled honey dew berry?! The fragrance is everything I imagined it would be. Sweet and fruity, with a hint of creamy berry. The fragrance is light and formulated just right — no overbearing chemical smells for ladies with sensitive sniffers or allergies. The consistency is fairly thin and more lotion-like, which I wasn’t expecting. Typically co-washes are slightly thicker. But it spread easily in my hands and in my hair! It was incredibly hydrating, and soaked right into my hair. Because of the consistency, I wasn’t sure that it would effectively cleanse my hair but it did! After rinsing, my hair was incredibly shiny, soft, de-frizzed, and buildup-free! The co-wash did an amazing job at getting up my gunk without stripping my hair. It had pretty good slip — not enough to fully get my detangle on, but most certainly enough to keep previously detangled hair nice and knot-free. Sweet!

Mint Almond Oil

Description

The nourishing properties of this all natural scalp & hair oil treatment help prevent breakage by sealing in moisture. Soybean oil conditions and protects. Sweet almond oil conditions and aids in adding elasticity to the hair. Peppermint oil invigorates scalp and helps circulation. Moisturizing elements eliminate dryness and will give your hair a soft, healthy shine. Our Mint Almond oil is a favorite and it is our second step in promoting healthy hair and growth by working on the last two phases of the growth cycle by soothing and re-balancing the scalp by promoting circulation. Paraben free.

Ingredient List: glycine soja (soybean”> oil, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond”> oil, mentha piperita (peppermint”> oil

Top Ingredients 411

• soybean oil: carrier oil used to lubricate and nourish the hair, providing softness and shine.
• sweet almond oil: smoothes hair cuticles, promotes hair growth and thickness, boosts shine.

• peppermint oil: essential oil that invigorates the scalp and stimulates the folicles. Believed to promote hair growth.

Performance

Confession time: peppermint is my favorite essential oils. Not only does it smell amazing, and provide a cooling sensation to the scalp, it is also one of the more affordable essential oils out there. So when I opened the box that the Mint Almond Oil came in, and I smelled the inviting aroma of peppermint, I knew I was in for something awesome. The consistency of the oil itself is a little thinner than pure sweet almond oil, thanks to the blend with soybean oil. The peppermint fragrance is definitely prominent, but not overbearing by any means. The oil features pure, thereapeutic-grade oils and is completely silicone free. The Mint Almond Oil made a great pre-poo oil for my hair and scalp, and even helped me get some dry detangling done. It worked incredibly well as an oil to seal in my wash and go, for scalp massages, and helped me keep my freshly trimmed ends from drying out and splitting. Even better, the oil worked great to help impart shine on my flat ironed curls! Talk about an all-around, multi-use product.

Overall, I really enjoyed using the Mielle Organics products. They smelled amazing, worked great, and are full of great ingredients. Both the co-wash and oil are curly girl-friendly, for ladies looking to avoid silicones, sulfates, and other no-no ingredients.

Both the Honey Dew Berry Co-Wash and Mint Almond Oil are $13.99 at www.mielleorganics.com!