Search Results: Claire Aviles
You’ve been told time and time again that you don’t need to wash your hair everyday. In fact, second day hair is considered a good thing for curly girls—washing your hair too often can lead to scalp dryness, dandruff, and breakage.
If your New Year’s resolution is to get in shape, you might feel conflicted. How can you keep your hair clean and healthy through constant, sweaty workouts? Try these tips and you’ll see improvement!
So Fresh and So Clean
Try a high ponytail or bun
These hairstyles keep the majority of your hair sweat-free, particularly for those with long hair. If your roots are greasy after a workout, you can concentrate any cleansing efforts on your scalp instead of washing your entire head of hair.
Wrap your hair
To keep your hair dry during workout, use a cotton scarf or headband—they will also help to keep your hair out of your face. Motions Global Ambassador Ursula Stephen recommends applying a moisturizing product such as Motions Hydrate My Curls Pudding prior to working out and then wrapping a cotton scarf around the head, leaving the top exposed. The cotton will help to soak up the sweat and the pudding will keep your hair refreshed and moisturized so it doesn’t frizz out. For long hair Stephen suggests pin-curling medium sized sections of your hair and covering it with a silk scarf during a workout. Once finished, comb out and style.
Use a dry shampoo
This water-free cleansing method is great if you’re in a rush or if you don’t want to wash your hair daily. Simply sprinkle or spray the dry shampoo on your roots, wait for about a minute, and then rub out the powder. The dry shampoo will absorb excess oils and leave your hair looking shiny and bouncy! Check out Tresemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo. If you have blonde hair, you can use baby powder as an alternative.
MORE: The Dish on Dry Shampoos
Prepare your hair with a leave-in conditioner
Leave-in conditioners are both a great way to keep your hair moisturized and they will keep your hair smelling fresh after a workout. One of my new favorites is Bumble and Bumble leave in (rinse out”> conditioner.
Don’t get your hair styled before a workout
If you’re planning on going to the salon, schedule your workouts accordingly. Switch it up—do a high-intensity workout right before your trip to the salon, and save the Pilates and yoga for the first few days after your salon visit.
Try a Wig
Wigs can really help to keep hair moisturized and conditioned too! Motions Global Ambassador Ursula Stephen recommends getting one that mimics your own natural hairstyle and wear it on days that you exercise. Wigs are also a great way to spare your hair from the damages of heat styling which is typically amped up during the winter months.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Jennifer Stewart: My name is Jennifer and I’m from the Bronx. I’m a junior at Boston College studying Human Development and English.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
JS: My hair has always been slightly wavy, but it wasn’t truly curly until I got to middle school. I was so confused by the curls — I’m the only one in my family with curly hair — so I stuck my hair in a ponytail everyday. I didn’t know what else to do! It wasn’t until high school that I began to embrace my curls.
NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
JS: Sleeping on my curls makes them flat and less defined , so I always shower in the morning. I brush my hair right when I get out of the shower — it’s the only time that I brush my hair. Then I towel dry my hair, spray it with a thickening spray and let it air dry. If I’m crunched for time, I’ll partially dry my hair with a diffuser so that I don’t go out with dripping wet hair.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
JS: One of my must-have products is Queen for a Day, a thickening spray made by TIGI Bed Head. It helps define my curls and gives them volume. It’s lightweight, and perfect for everyday use.
I also love Herbal Essences Totally Twisted shampoo and conditioner. Both of these keep my curls healthy and shiny.
NC: What about your hair stylists?
JS: I’ve always gone to the same salon, and my hairdresser knows my hair really well. She knows how best to layer it so it doesn’t frizz out, but still looks full. She’s spectacular!
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
JS: I got a very positive reaction when I first started to wear my hair curly. Most of my friends yelled at me for keeping my curls hidden in a ponytail for so many years!
MORE: 5 Hair Tools for Wavy & Curly Hair
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
JS: Many of my friends spend hours in the bathroom curling their hair to perfection. The best part about being curly is that I already have hair that people spend hours to get! My hair always appears done, even if all I’ve done is wash it.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
JS: The most beautiful thing a girl can be is herself! If you have curls, rock them. They’re beautiful, and you will be too!
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
JS: I’ve been working in an adolescent psychology lab all year, and we’re currently studying the affect of stress on preteen and teenage girls. I also volunteer at a nursing home in South Boston, and have heard the greatest stories from the residents there. When I’m not working or volunteering, I can be found drinking tea with my friends, laughing, or going on adventures in Boston.
MORE: Real Texture Talk: Satin Addison
Holiday Hair for Wavies
1. Fake a Bob
So you love your long waves, but you’re dying for a change this holiday season. Look to Marion Cotillard and Rosario Dawson for inspiration and try a faux bob! The style is stunning and very simple.
Simply pin your length at the nape of your neck for a soft, elegant look. Leave a few layers loose to frame your face, add a thin layer of hairspray and you’re ready to go.
2. Textured & Teased Bun
For an easy variation on the basic bun, tease your hair. Separate a section of hair at the crown of your head. Next, comb downward, toward your scalp, while you hold the section, until you get enough volume. Cover it in a thin layer of hairspray before you lay it down with the rest of your hair.
From here, use your fingers to comb your hair back into a bun. You may need to smooth the teased section down, depending on how wild your hair gets. Play around with this one — you might not get it right the first time, but it’s easy enough to do!
3. Bejeweled Hair Accessories
Jeweled headbands, hairclips, and combs are great for dressing up a basic hairstyle, especially if you have short hair! You don’t have to try and fit your hair into an elaborate braid or chignon, but you can still create a gorgeous new look. Check out the hair accessories at Anthropologie — they have some beautiful pieces!
4. Baloney Curls
If you’re looking to move away from “beachy waves” and more towards big, glamorous curls, try twisting your hair into baloney curls while it’s still damp. Separate your hair into 2-4 sections, depending on how thick it is. Use your fingers to twist each section into a baloney curl and then let them dry. Don’t touch your hair while it’s drying!
Once your hair has dried, unravel the curls and shake them out a bit. Cover them in a thin layer of hairspray so they’ll last the night.
Happy experimenting and happy holidays!
For curly girls, frizzy hair is just a part of life. Our products promise to keep our curls frizz-free and the websites that we use give us dozens of tips to combat frizz. We’re usually more concerned about frizz through the hair shaft and at the ends of our curls, but what about frizz at the roots? It’s especially important to take note of frizzy roots in the winter, since the cold weather can be even more damaging to our hair.
Tame Frizzy Roots
Check for damage
If you’re experiencing more frizz than usual, particularly at the roots, your hair is probably damaged. Buy a shampoo specially formulated for “dry” or “damaged” hair. When you’re using the shampoo, gently massage the scalp — scrubbing at the roots will disrupt the curl pattern and cause more frizz.
Try using a gel
For type 3 girls with thicker hair, a gel can make all the difference. Gels are a little heavier making them perfect for all-day wear.
MORE: How to Apply Hair Gel
Second day hair
Take advantage of the cold weather — you can always disguise your second-day hair with a braided style, a warm hat, or a headband. The natural oils that your scalp creates are great for fighting frizzy roots.
Try a two-strand twist
Check out Wavy Beginner’s Guide: Two-Strand Twist for Volume & Curl for a great style that will help you get volume at the roots without frizz. Begin when your hair is still damp and twist the section of your hair with the most root frizz.
Avoid hairspray
Hairspray is meant to control flyaways and keep your hair in place, but the high alcohol content in most hairsprays can actually enhance frizz. Instead of using a hairspray, try Curly Hair Solutions Tweek, a hairspray in the form of a cream. It’s a great product and it doesn’t contain drying alcohol.
Don’t touch your hair!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: hands off! It’s always tempting to smooth down that one stray hair, but you’re only going to make the problem worse. Touching your hair causes friction and breaks your natural curl pattern.
If you must fix your curls, use a styling solution. Rub it between your palms and then glide your palms over the surface of your hair to smooth down frizz at your roots and elsewhere. Don’t scrunch if your hair is already dry!
MORE: Hand in Hair Syndrome Doesn’t Just Cause Frizz
What about you? How do you tame frizzy roots?
As the weather becomes increasingly “wintery,” it’s important to care for your hair properly. Between the frigid, dry air outside and the heated indoor air, your curls could be taking a real beating and rapidly drying out! One easy way to combat this problem? Second-day hair!
The natural oils from your scalp are great for your curls in the winter — don’t shampoo too often, or you’ll strip your hair of its natural moisture. Instead, rock your second-day hair with the following tips.
Second-Day Hair
1. Break Out the Headbands!
Grab your favorite jeweled headband or headwrap. They are perfect for disguising oily hair, especially if you’re a blonde! Light hair tends to look darker (and therefore dirtier”> at the part where natural oils build up, but headbands hide your part.
2. Try an Elaborate Updo
Second-day hair is usually more cooperative when it comes to styling. Take advantage of that and experiment with the latest hairstyle that you found on Pinterest!
3. Pineapple Your Hair
For second-day hair that is still full and lively, use this method developed by the wonderful NaturallyCurly.com community! Simply use a scrunchie to tie your hair into a high ponytail before you go to sleep.
4. Refresh Your Curls with Conditioner
Instead of completely redoing your hair, try a spray-on conditioner like Aubrey Organics Sea Buckthorn Leave-In Conditioner. You can also simply mix one tablespoon of your favorite conditioner and water in a spray bottle. Spray-on conditioner is great to use in between shampoos.
5. Use a Dry Shampoo
If your hair gets oily and limp quickly, dry shampoo could be a better option. It helps to absorb oil and add volume back to your curls. Dry shampoo will help to absorb oil and add volume back to your curls. Check out Hair Rules Volumizing Dry Shampoo or Pssssst Instant Dry Shampoo for Wavy or Curly Hair.
MORE: Curly Hair Care: Dry Shampoos
Don’t be trapped in a ponytail rut! Try these tips and share your own by commenting below.
Dakota Fanning & Snooki
Brunettes Have More Fun
The blonde-haired, blue-eyed seven-year-old that won my heart with her role in “I Am Sam” has certainly grown up! Dakota Fanning debuted a stunning look at the premiere of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2” in Los Angeles on Monday. The actress stepped out in an emerald Elie Saab gown that complemented her new, chocolate-brown locks perfectly. “The dress choice was totally dependent on my hair color,” she said. She paired the intricate gown with a simple hairstyle, simple eye makeup and a beautiful coral lip.
Fanning, who dip-dyed her signature blonde tresses earlier this year, dyed her hair for a recent movie role. “I decided it was time for a change,” she told Yahoo! Movies. “And for the character I was playing, I couldn’t be a blonde.”
I think Dakota Fanning looked great as a blonde, but I also LOVE this change. Her darker look is just in time for autumn and it looks great with her skin tone. Besides, everyone knows that brunettes have more fun!
Poison Ivy Red
Meanwhile, on the East Coast, “Jersey Shore” star Snooki tweeted pictures of her fiery red hair, courtesy of Bradley Moreland. The new mom has never been one to shy away from strange hair colors — she has experimented with blue highlights and blonde-ish streaks in the past — but this red is the brightest hair color she has ever sported.
I’m a huge fan of bright, vibrant hair colors, but I don’t think Snooki can pull it off. She already has so much going on between her overdone tan, heavy makeup and signature bouffant. The newly red hair definitely takes it over the edge. She looks like she’s trying too hard.
My suggestion? Go back to dark brown, Snooki!
Love it? Hate it? What do you think of these celebrity hair color makeovers?
Braids are a great hairstyle for the fall. It can be hard to keep curls in check once the wind sets in, and braiding is a great way to combat frizz while preserving your curls. There’s a braid for every occasion and every personal style. They’re also perfect for everything from intramural sports and second-day hair to date nights and fall weddings.
The following braids tend to be best for type 2 hair, but other curlies can benefit from them as well! Try starting to braid when your hair is still damp for a little more control.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, look to the likes of Kerry Walsh and Misty Mae, Katniss Everdeen and other leading ladies of the red carpet for ideas!
Braided Curls
The French Braid
Is your curly hair layered? The French braid is great for incorporating and organizing all your different hair lengths. And if you have shorter hair, the French braid might work for you! Because you start the braid near the crown of the head, not as much length is needed to complete it.
Gather a small section of your hair near the crown of the head and begin braiding. As you approach the nape of your neck, gradually add more hair to each of the three sections as they cross into the center of the braid.
This sleek, sophisticated braid will keep your hair out of your face all day. For variations on the classic, start with a side part or French braid a small section and leave the rest of your curls loose.
The Fishtail Braid
It may look elaborate, but the fishtail braid is actually great for beginners! It’s great for long hair, especially on rushed, second-day hair mornings. Simply divide your hair into two sections, parting it down the middle. Pull a thin strand from the outside of one section and add it to the other, pulling it under the rest of the section. Continue to do this, switching between the two sections, until you reach the bottom of the braid.
Using skinnier strands will make the fishtail braid look more intricate. To dress it up, find a few cute hair accessories or weave a thin ribbon into your braid.
The Half-Up Braid
This is another great braid for curlies with short hair. Begin by pulling a small section of hair from above your ear. Then braid the section into an English braid. Do the same thing on the other side of your head, and pin the two braids together. Leave the rest of your hair loose and wavy.
The Braided Ponytail
There are many different ways to rock a braided ponytail. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Start with a French braid and braid it until the nape of your neck. Secure the braid with a hair elastic and leave your ponytail loose.
- Slick your hair back into a tight ponytail. Then braid the ponytail into a fishtail braid, an English braid, or an Edwardian braid.
- Try a simple side braid and let it weave into your ponytail.
I hope these braids provide you with a little inspiration!
MORE: Braid Hairstyle Gallery
They promise to make your curls silky smooth and smelling great. But are the chemicals in your hair products causing more harm than good? Unfortunately for some people, the answer is yes. Even if you don’t have a specific chemical allergy, the chemicals in shampoos, conditioners, styling serums, etc. can be irritating to the sensitive skin on your scalp. Symptoms can start almost immediately, and since hair products have direct contact with skin, you could end up with a full-blown itchy, flaky scalp.
The good news? You can still get great hair without the irritation!
MORE: Hair Product Ingredients: Who Do You Trust?
1. Fragrance
Fragrance is added to many hair products, and as consumers, we don’t always know what type of chemicals are being used. Even “fragrance-free” or “unscented” products sometimes use extra chemicals to neutralize smell.
2. Preservatives and antibacterials
Preservatives and antibacterials may increase your shampoo’s shelf-life and keep out unwanted bacteria, but they can also be damaging to the skin on your scalp.
3. Formulation excipients
Formulation excipients are inactive ingredients that are often used to dissolve or dilute an active ingredient. They help to thicken, color, or lubricate your hair products.
4. Surfactants
Cocamidopropyl betaine, paraphenylenediamine and glycerol thioglycolate are common in hair products. Cocamidopropyl betaine, for example, is a surfactant, and is used as an antistatic agent in hair conditioners. These chemicals are also found in hair dyes.
MORE: Top 10 Ingredients of Natural Hair Products
You Can Still Have Great Hair!
Here are a few things to look for in a new hair product. And remember, it’s all about experimentation! If the first product you try doesn’t work for you, try, try again.
- Is it really fragrance-free? If you’re looking for a fragrance-free product, remember to read ingredient labels. Watch out for added “masking” chemicals.
- Look for “hypoallergenic” products. Hypoallergenic products claim to cause fewer allergic reactions. If you simply have sensitive skin and not a specific allergy, this might do the trick.
- All-natural products are a curly girl’s best friends. There are so many products out there with all-natural ingredients. You’re bound to find one that works for you!
- Do-it-yourself. If you can’t find anything that gives you beautiful curls and solves your allergy problem, check out our Curl Recipes! Homemade products are a great way to ensure that you know exactly what ingredients are being used.
“I did it just a couple of days ago,” Natalie Portman said of her new blonde hair. “My mom says I’m like a different person.”
Portman debuted her lighter locks this past weekend when she joined her husband, ballet dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied, for the inaugural performance of his L.A. Dance Project at Walt Disney Concert Hall. She reportedly made the change for an upcoming movie role, although she wouldn’t reveal further details.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen Natalie Portman as a blonde — she donned a honey-blonde wig for her 2004 role in “Closer” — and she’s certainly not one to shy away from drastic makeovers. Her most memorable look? A shaved head for her role as Evey in “V for Vendetta.” “I was really excited to get to shave my head — it’s something I’d wanted to do for a while and now I had a good excuse,” Portman told USA Today. “It was nice to shed that level of vanity.”
Thinking of going from brunette to blonde? Here are a few tips to help you make the transition as flawlessly as Natalie Portman:
- If you’ve never colored your hair, try lightening in stages. Start with highlights around your face and get used to having lighter hair. If you decide that going blonde isn’t for you, it won’t be too late to turn back.
- Determine your natural shade. If you decide to go blonde all at once, like Portman, make sure that you start by going 3-4 shades lighter than your natural shade.
- Don’t forget to moisturize! Dying your hair lighter is generally more damaging than dying it darker, so be sure to deep condition regularly.
- Be ready for the upkeep. Don’t go all-over blonde unless you have the time and money to go into the salon about once per month. If you’re not ready for that commitment, go for highlights or a more “broken up” blonde.
Love it? Hate it? Tell us what you think of Natalie Portman’s new blonde ‘do.
Your hair is one of the first things people notice about you, so use it to your advantage! The wrong hair color can make you look washed out, and a bad haircut can make you look dated, even when paired with the most up-to-date makeup and fashion trends.
As a curly girl, you already have a head start. Women with curly, textured hair tend to look younger than straight-haired counterparts as they age. Because of the natural volume that comes with having curly hair, thinning is less noticeable. Consider your frizz and volume to be a blessing in disguise!
Are you looking for a new young, fresh look for fall? Before heading to the salon, read the following tips. And as always, remember to talk to your stylist before making any changes!
- Leave the angular, asymmetrical bob to Rihanna. This look is hard to pull off in the first place, and the extreme angles will only highlight any fine lines on your face. If you want to go short and emphasize your great bone structure, lean towards a style with face-framing layers and softer edges.
- Skip the blunt bangs. They often look too severe. Instead, try a side-swept, piecey bang that hits right below your brow. The result? A softer look that will draw attention to your eyes.
- Keep it loose. Tight updos, while polished, tend to look rigid and make you look older. Substitute the ballerina bun for a low chignon and tease your roots or leave a few strands around your face. Keep it strategically messy.
- Try a few strategically placed highlights. If you’re tired of your monotone color, add some depth with highlights around your face. You can maintain a sun-kissed, youthful glow all year long!
- Experiment with a new part. Sometimes, it’s just that simple.
If you’re stuck in a rut, step out of your comfort zone and try a new look! There are tons of new trends out there — just remember to stick to one that suits your lifestyle and age.
What do you do to maintain a young-at-heart fresh look?
Ready for the latest celebrity big chop? This past Tuesday, September 4, brought yet another dramatic celebrity makeover. Country singer and American Idol alum, Kellie Pickler, shaved her blonde locks, tweeting, “It’s been a great life-changing day.”
Pickler’s new look isn’t a cry for help, per Britney Spears’ 2007 buzz. She isn’t preparing for a movie role, nor is she looking for a drastic, Miley-esque change. The singer chose to sport a peach fuzz hairdo in solidarity with her childhood friend, Summer Miller, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in June. Miller, age thirty-five, has already undergone a double mastectomy and will begin chemotherapy today.
The video she released to “Good Morning America” shows the two friends sitting side-by-side, having their hair buzzed off together. Miller had decided to shave her head before chemo, explaining, “I was told that it was mentally much easier to do it this way than to wake up with my hair on my pillow… I’m really not that apprehensive about shaving my head. It is hair and it will grow back.”
Makeover for a Cause
Kellie Pickler and her friend are trying to raise awareness for the importance of early detection, which is often the difference between an early-stage tumor and a fatal tumor. Because Miller’s family had a history of breast cancer, she was cautious about self-examinations and asked her doctor about a mammogram. Luckily, her tumor was discovered at an early stage. She will undergo chemotherapy to ensure that the tumor doesn’t return.
“Cancer does not discriminate,” said Pickler. “If this compels even one person to change their mentality toward waiting until the age of forty for their mammogram, then it will be worth it,” Summer Miller finished, encouraging viewers to take charge of their health.
Kellie Pickler’s courage and loyalty is an inspiration to all of us here in the NaturallyCurly community and we think she looks just as fabulous with her new ‘do. Much love to her and her best friend Summer Miller, as she goes through another round of treatment.
Thinking of buying new makeup brushes? Think again! Quality makeup brushes can be pricy, but they will last you years if you care for them properly. Cleaning your brushes regularly will make them last longer, and you will notice fewer breakouts and better results from your makeup.
Oils and pigment, from both your makeup and your skin, build up in the bristles of your brushes over time. When you reuse your brushes over and over without cleaning them, the oils get transferred back onto your skin and can make you more prone to breakouts.
It is also important to remember that you should refrain from sharing your makeup and your makeup brushes with others. If you do share brushes, you should clean them thoroughly before using them on your own skin. Makeup is trickier, as you can’t clean a blush or eyeshadow palette, and there is no way to remove the oils that were transferred from the borrower’s brushes.
Here are the dos and don’ts of how to clean your makeup brushes!
- DO invest in a brush shampoo. Sephora makes a great antibacterial, gentle and conditioning Purifying Brush Shampoo. Simply rinse the hair of the makeup brush with lukewarm water, swirl the brush in the shampoo and then rinse once more with lukewarm water. If there’s a lot of pigment, you may need to repeat the shampoo and rinse cycle. Reshape the brush hairs and lay the brush flat to dry. Some great alternatives to a brush shampoo include baby shampoo (try Johnson’s Baby Shampoo”> or gentle facial cleansers (Cetaphil works great”>. If you use one of these methods, be sure to dilute the shampoo or facial cleanser with warm water before cleaning your brushes.
- DON’T use hand soap to clean your makeup brushes. Even more generally, don’t use ANY product that you wouldn’t use on your hair or face. Hand soap, as an example, is too harsh for the brushes and can cause them to dry and shed bristles.
- DO be gentle when cleaning your brushes. Treat the hair on your brush the same way that you treat the hair on your head — you don’t want any of those bristles falling out!
- DON’T soak your brushes in the sink. When cleaning your makeup brushes, it is important to think RINSE, not SOAK, and focus on the hair of the brush. If you immerse the entire brush in lukewarm water, the adhesive will dissolve over time, and your brush won’t last.
For the best results, clean your brushes weekly or, at the very least, bi-weekly. Your makeup brushes are an investment and cleaning them is so inexpensive, so there’s no reason to put it off! Don’t let bacteria ruin your brushes and your skin.
We know it’s tempting, but don’t touch your waves! Touching your hair before the curls are formed and dry is just as damaging as brushing your hair and can cause friction and separate your natural curl pattern. If you spend too much time manipulating your style and touching your hair, you will end up with frizz, perhaps the most dreaded curly hair problem.
The key is to style and touch your waves in the right way and at the right time.
- Use a shower comb. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, the shower comb is my favorite tool! If you use a shower comb when you’re applying conditioner, you won’t need to comb once you’re out of the shower. The less you use the comb, the less you will disperse your waves.
- Be gentle when towel drying your hair. Don’t rub your hair dry or twist it up in a turban — this creates breakage and frizz. Instead, pat your hair dry. For even better results, try using a microfiber towel. It will reduce frizz and speed up drying time, which is great if you usually air-dry.
- Apply styling products to soaking wet hair. Don’t make the mistake of combing your styling product through your hair, even if you’re just using your fingers! Instead, “scrunch” from the ends of your hair and work up to your roots, to give your waves better definition and extra lift.
- Use a diffuser or air-dry your hair. This is the hardest part — don’t touch your waves while they’re drying. If you don’t have the time to air-dry, be sure that you use a diffuser to preserve definition.
- Need a touch up? Lately I’ve been using Curly Hair Solutions Tweek to refresh my style. I work it through my dry hair, from roots to ends. If you have longer waves and you find your hair losing volume throughout the day, bend over and work the product through your roots that way. When you stand up straight again, your hair should have some extra lift.
So stop twirling your locks, ladies! You will notice less breakage and less frizz if you just keep your hands off your hair.
Satin pillowcases are a godsend for both straight and curly hair. They reduce friction and maintain the moisture in your hair, helping to both preserve your style and keep it frizz-free. Satin pillowcases can also reduce the stress to your skin so you won’t wake up with “morning creases” anymore! You will also find that your skin, like your hair, retains more moisture with a satin pillowcase.
But could satin pillowcases they also be linked to acne? Recently on the CurlTalk forum, one member said that she had noticed fresh breakouts after sleeping on her satin pillowcase.
The good news is that it’s probably not the satin, although your pillowcase is acting as the “middleman.” Many curly hair products include heavy creams, which can make you more prone to breakouts. Satin is great for your hair and skin because it doesn’t absorb moisture, but if you have any thick product in your hair when you sleep, the oils from your hair that sit on the surface of your pillowcase will transfer to your face. However, this can also happen with cotton or silk pillowcases — especially if you don’t change your pillowcase often.
Before you ditch the satin pillowcase altogether, try these tips and see if your acne clears up!
- Wash your face last. Whether you shower in the morning or at night, you should wash your face after shampooing and conditioning your hair. Washing your face last will help ensure that you remove any oils or moisturizers that may dripped or otherwise gotten onto your face while you were doing your hair.
- Switch out your pillowcase. Regardless of the material, you should try to change your pillowcase every 2-3 days. This will help you to avoid laying your face on a pillowcase with several days worth of oil soaked into it or pooled on the surface.
- Pineapple your hair. Pineappling, developed by you, our fantastic community, is the magic way to get second-day hair. It is also great for keeping your hair away from your face when you sleep. For even better results, sleep on your back if you can. This way, any oils that are absorbed into the pillowcase won’t be transferred to your skin.
- Cover your hair. Need another way to keep those oils off of your face? Loosely cover your hair with a scarf . Don’t wrap your curls too tightly, or you may become prone to sweating and breakouts.
- Hands off! When we said don’t touch your coils, curls or waves, we meant it! Touching your hair adds to the frizz-factor, and even worse, it will transfer oils from the hair products in your hair onto your skin when you touch your face.
Take these tips to heart so you can keep your curls and your clear skin!
What do you do to prevent breakouts caused by your favorite curly hair products?
On August 2, Gabby Douglas became the first American gymnast to win gold in both the individual all-around and team competitions at the same Olympics. She also became the first African-American in Olympic history to become the individual all-around champion. So why are we still focusing on her hair?
“I don’t know where this is coming from. What’s wrong with my hair?” Douglas said. “I’m like, ‘I just made history and people are focused on my hair?'”
After winning her second medal, the sixteen-year-old “Flying Squirrel” got online and was surprised to find so many people criticizing her hairstyle. “Nothing is going to change,” she says. “I’m going to wear my hair like this during beam and bar finals. You might as well just stop talking about it.”
I think Gabby’s hairstyle is just perfect for it’s purpose — it stays up and out of her face when she’s competing. Besides, this is the Olympics, not a beauty pageant or the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA”>! As one of our readers so eloquently put it, “I wouldn’t care if she was bald or had lime green hair. She is a tremendous athlete and role model for young women in this country. I am proud of her.”
Gabby’s response shows incredible maturity and strength. Despite the harsh criticism, she has stayed focused on what is important. At NaturallyCurly, we are all about hair, but we recognize that, as India Arie put it in “I Am Not My Hair,” “It’s not what’s on your head, it’s about what’s underneath.” We strive to empower and encourage our readers with connections and knowledge, allowing them to embrace their natural curls as a part of something bigger.
Keep rockin’ it, Gabby! And from all of us at NaturallyCurly, good luck on the beam final!
Want More?
At NaturallyCurly, we know that conditioning is one of the most important steps in your hair care process. Conditioning adds moisture to hair, which is important to your hair’s health and helps to fight frizz. Here are the dos and don’ts of conditioning your wavy hair this summer.
- DON’T weigh down your waves. If you aren’t getting the results you want, reevaluate your conditioner. Most wavies only need a light conditioner; I personally love Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner. If I need something a little heavier to refresh my hair, I use Paul Mitchell The Cream as a leave-in conditioner.
- DO try a sulfate-free product, or at least a product with milder sulfates. Sulfates can be harsh on wavy and curly hair, which tend to be more fragile than other hair types. After experimenting with a few sulfate-free conditioners, including Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner, I have noticed that my hair retains more moisture and is less frizzy.
- DON’T condition your roots. A lot of people make the mistake of applying conditioner in the same way that they apply shampoo. This isn’t necessary, as your roots produce their own oils. You only need to use conditioner on the length of your hair.
- DO use a wide-tooth shower comb. Using a shower comb ensures that the conditioner gets all the way through the ends of your hair, where it is really needed to prevent dry, split ends. It also helps with detangling!
- DON’T rinse with warm water. Warm water is good for rinsing out shampoo because it opens up your hair cuticles, preparing them to absorb conditioner. But after you apply conditioner, you should rinse with cold water. This closes the cuticle, sealing in moisture and leaving your hair smooth and shiny.
- DO be patient. When you’re conditioning, leave the product in your hair for 2-3 minutes. This allows the hair cuticles to fully absorb the benefits of your conditioner.
For healthy hydrated wavy hair incorporate these tips into your regular hair routine and look out for more tips on how to maintain healthy, happy hair this month!
Let me start by saying that I love change. For a lot of people, cutting off anything more than two inches of hair is a huge decision, but for me, two inches is nothing. I love my hair, but I have never been too attached to it.
In fact, the first time I met stylist John Hebert, I had decided to cut off eleven inches of my hair for Locks of Love. I was John’s first Locks of Love client, so he had no idea what to expect. I think he was a little surprised when I didn’t burst into tears as he cut off the first of three 11-inch ponytails!
After over a year with my long, curly hair — probably the longest period of time that I had gone without a big cut — I decided it was time for a change. I called John and scheduled an appointment, eager to try something completely different.
Before the Haircut
Typically, when I get a haircut, I leave my hair long with lots of layers to enhance my curls. Most of the time, I love it — it’s super easy to maintain and style. I would simply wash and condition my hair, add a styling gel or crème and let my curls air-dry. It’s the perfect, no-hassle routine.
But after almost three months of Texas heat and pool chlorine, my curls needed some major TLC. My hair was dry and very fragile. I wasn’t even wearing it loose anymore — it was so hot that I had resorted to a messy chignon to keep it off my neck.
I decided that a simple, two-inch trim wasn’t going to be enough. I was ready for a drastic change, both for myself and for the health of my hair.
The Haircut
John Hebert grew up on the gulf coast of Texas. He raised cattle for a living and served in the army before moving to Austin and becoming a stylist. He has now been a stylist for twenty years and about 30 percent of his clients have curly hair. He can be found at Vitali Salon on West 6th Street. John is down-to-earth, friendly and pays great attention to detail, especially when it comes to his clients.
My favorite thing about John is that while he is great at listening to what his clients want, he also isn’t afraid to give feedback. I knew he would be honest with me about what would or wouldn’t work for my hair.
During our consultation, it was immediately clear that John had done his research — after reading a few of my NaturallyCurly articles, he was already familiar with my basic hair care regimen. As he looked at my hair, I talked to him about the products I was using, showed him pictures of styles that I liked and talked to him about my expectations for the cut. I left the salon feeling confident that I was in good hands.
But when it came time for the cut two days later, I was a more nervous than I expected to be. I even sent John a last-minute email, telling him that I wanted my hair to be long enough for a ponytail. “You threw me off with that email,” John said when I arrived at the salon. “Just trust me — it’s going to be great. And it will be short enough that you won’t even need to put it in a ponytail!”
John started with a dry cut. He decided to experiment with a new method — to give my hair some shape and to leave my shorter, face-framing layers in tact, he held my hair back at an angle and cut off the first five or six inches.
After the initial chop, he washed and conditioned my hair using Bumble and bumble products. Then it was back to the chair, where John essentially started sculpting my hair. He gave me lots of short layers and left my hair a bit longer in the front.
I had my hair rinsed and conditioned again before John applied Bumble and bumble Styling Creme, my favorite product of the afternoon, then left me to sit under the hooded dryer. Then he finished with another dry cut, trimming a few more pieces and perfecting the look.
After the Cut
I absolutely love my hair; it looks even better than I hoped it would! It’s young, light and so easy. I have definitely made a few changes to my routine, but John kept his promise and gave me a style that’s still simple to maintain.
My wash process is the same, aside from the fact that I use less of each product! I still love Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo and Moisture Balancing Conditioner, but lately I have been using Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo and Aloeba Daily Conditioner. The Jessicurl products are great for my fine curls.
If I wash my hair at night, I will quickly rinse it with cold water when I wake up. Then I apply my styling product. I’m careful to not comb through my curls too much as this disturbs my natural curl pattern. When I’m not using Jessicurl Confident Coils Styling Solution, I like DevaCurl Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam. It gives my curls great definition and retention. Then I just scrunch and go on with my morning routine. By the time I get to work, my hair has finished air-drying and my curls look great!
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking of making a drastic change to your hair, I encourage you to take the leap! Find a stylist that you feel comfortable with and remember to listen to their ideas — they are the professionals, and they can really help to enhance your look. If you’re lucky enough to live in Austin, check out John Hebert. You’ll have a great experience and a fabulous new ‘do! One of the most important things about getting a new cut is to “own” your new look. People around you will automatically love your new haircut if they see your confidence.
Are harsh chemicals wreaking havoc on your skin? Usually my skin is fine with over-the-counter skincare products, but lately it’s been looking a little dull. So I decided to try out a few natural, exfoliating recipes to restore my skin’s shine.
Brown sugar is a great exfoliator because of its grainy texture. It’s gentler than white sugar, so it can even be used on sensitive skin. It’s also a great moisturizer, especially when combined with ingredients like honey and olive oil.
Treat yourself to some TLC with these simple brown sugar scrubs. Your skin will thank you!
Brown Sugar Face Scrub
The original recipe found on Makeup and Beauty Blog calls for:
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- Fresh-squeezed lemon (from about 1/4 of a lemon”>
After you carefully scrub your entire face, leave the scrub on for a few minutes. This allows your skin to absorb all the benefits of the scrub.
When I made this scrub, I found that this was a little too liquidy. In the future, I will use less honey. As is, the recipe makes enough for 4-5 uses.
Brown Sugar Body Scrub
This recipe, which I found on CollegeFashion, left my skin feeling incredible. It was super soft and three days later, I can still see a difference. It uses all the ingredients from the face scrub above with the addition of olive oil, which is a great moisturizer.
You will need:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil; I used extra-virgin olive oil, as it is the purest form of olive oil and low in acidity
- Fresh-squeezed lemon (again, from about 1/4 of a lemon”>
This scrub can be used on your whole body. Be sure to use it in the shower to avoid a big mess, and don’t forget to moisturize after using it!
Want More?
Final Thoughts
While exfoliating is great for your skin, it’s important that you don’t overdo it. These recipes are made with natural ingredients, so they are less harsh than many over-the-counter products, but exfoliating too frequently can still irritate your skin and do more harm than good. Only exfoliate about every four days.
