Search Results: Cristina Cleveland

By Cristina Cleveland · Published April 26, 2016

NaturallyCurly is partnering with Curly Essence on their upcoming Pop Up Store in Lisbon, so we wanted to chat with founders Ana and Denise about what the natural hair movement likes like in their part of the world, and what they are doing their part to shift the conversation around natural hair where they live. 

What was it like growing up curly in Portugal? 

Denise: It was a mix, like me ;”>. I from a mixed family, so I had situations when my hair was straight people assume I was Portuguese, and with curly hair everything switched and I was Angolan in a flash (Yes, I was born in Angola hihihi”>. All my friends growing up had straight silky hair and off course I wanted the same, and me being an introvert, standing out from the crowd was not ideal. I only met Ana 4 years ago, and when Curly Essence started, I started my transition, physically and mentally #bestthingever.

How do your friends and family feel about natural hair?

Denise: My mum and my sister, had their wishes came true when I decided to go natural. They love it and always wanted me to wear my curls all the time. My friends the same, I was the only one who thought that straight was better. So I had all the support, but zero confidence.

Ana: Today everyone loves my hair but wasn’t like that all the time. My mother at beginning of my journey was completely against to my decision (she was just jealous and I know that one day she’ll admit”> but nowadays she’s totally fine.

PICTURED: ANA

Have you noticed a shift in the last 5 years in the view towards curly hair?

Denise: Definitely, don’t know if it is because I’m now constantly searching and being more aware of the movement, but I for sure can see the idea that, natural is better, and healthier and is so beautiful to see young girls just rocking their curls in the street.

Ana: Yasss!! 5 year ago everyone though natural hair was just “another” trend when it wasn’t. Natural hair in 2016 is love, pure love without labels.

How easy or hard is it to find products and information about your hair? What about salons?

Denise: We as a brand, want to change that exact concept in Portugal. Even though we see girls being more interested in the matter, it is still a challenge for us to find the right products and most important, information about curly hair and how to take care of it. The big labels are still very strong in the market, but we’re ready to change that :”>

Ana: We live in a Wi-Fi world, so today there’s no excuses for the lack of information I think! Thankfully I live in a city (London”>, where I can find almost every product. Every brand that I want to give a try and a couple of salons with hair stylists specialize for my hair type. In another hand, if I was living in Lisbon I would probably be lost and a Ebay freak.

Did you feel isolated or alone in your curly hair journey? Or do you see other women with curls in your daily life? 

Denise: I was very lucky to have Ana with me through the process. Is definitely easier having someone by your side going through the same challenges. But we did learn a lot, and was the best thing we did in our lives. During the process I was more aware of other girls in the street with gorgeous curls. Is really a fun thing because curly girls always have that secret stare to each other like “yaass sister” ahaha is amazing.

Ana: Not at all! I already had Denise in my life when I started my curly hair journey but since I’ve moved to another country, UK totally changed the way I feel when someone approach me to say something about my hair (“Hi girl, I love your hair! Oh, thanks!!””> and, I really appreciate the love.

PICTURED: DENISE

What trends have you seen in Europe when it comes to natural hair?

Denise: Big and voluminous curly hair. I think curly girls have acknowledge that frizz free is not always the best and you can still rock and feel fabulous with big loose curls.

Ana: No matter the length, they keep rocking their fro like no one else. But, when you walk around the city there’s no way you can’t see a beautiful woman with bantu knots, long braids, colorful turban and a big smile upon her face.

Do you think there’s generally a negative or a positive view towards natural hair right now?

Denise: I think, that in a more professional and corporate environment, the idea of curly hair is still consider as careless. Many companies today don’t allow women wearing their natural hair at work unless it’s in some kind of protective styling. But, I’m definitely optimistic about the change.

Ana: Definitely a positive view. I feel like internet gave us the chance to learn how to love ourselves and appreciate who we are as a human. And, today when we log in on tumblr all we can see is love for natural hair and words of encouragement.

PICTURED: ANA

How is it different from the natural hair movement in other parts of the world?

Denise: Lisbon is very small, comparing to other big cities, we have the feeling we still live in a place where everyone knows each other and have something to say. One thing I still notice is the eye staring, where you can totally read the other person positive or negative reaction toward’s you. People say they don’t care, but they do, and definitely have an opinion about it. Curly hair, Afro hair, Kinky hair, is just hair, and people still need to get that #Iamnotmyhair.

Tell us about Curly Essence and what you’re doing to influence the natural hair movement in Portugal and beyond?

Denise & Ana: We as Curly Essence Founders, we are determined to shift things around for the Afro community in Portugal. We want to bring the right products for our hair and most important, educate how we can treat and love ourselves being natural. We truly aim to inspire other women to join us on our journey. Because of Curly Essence, we meet so many wonderful people. Bigger the family, better the love! :”>

PICTURED: DENISE

If you’d like to join Denise and Ana on their mission to shift the natural hair movement in in Portugal, you can attend their Curly Essence Pop Up Store at Espelho d’água in Lisbon on May 19th, 6pm. The aim of Curly Essence Pop Up store is to expose their favorite brands that unfortunately are not sold in Portugal YET to their favorite people.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published April 25, 2016

We read your comments, we poll the community, we hear from you daily and we know that all curly, coily and wavy women are on the hunt for products that can give them one thing above all else: moisture.

Every year in the NaturallyCurly offices, the Editors spend months diligently testing all of the new releases, the old tried and true Holy Grails, and the new-to-us products that we receive from over a hundred different brands. We layer and cocktail them in search of that perfect product that will give us the moisture and slip we need for our hair to feel its healthiest. As you can imagine, the testing gets pretty intense.

What we look for

Here are a few (but not all”> of the criteria we used to make our decision:

• Does the product give my hair the moisture and slip it needs?
• Would the product replace your Holy Grail product in that category?
• Ingredients
• Does the product do what the packaging claims it will do?
• Does the product have added benefits not listed? What are they?
• Ease of use and product distribution
• Packaging and product functionality
• Innovation
• Scent

If you’re on the search for a conditioner that will work for your curl pattern, check out our 2016 Editors’ Choice award winners – and what we loved about them.

Best Daily Conditioner

Wavy – Honey Baby Naturals Honey Sweet Softening Conditioner

This may be a children’s line, but out of all of the conditioners I tested, this one left my hair the softest. I like that it comes in a honey bottle and has a faint honey smell, but what I love the most is how consistently it gives me soft, moisturized results. – Lori, Type 2c

Curly – Bumble and bumble. Bb.Curl Custom Conditioner 

This has become a staple for me. I use it as a leave-in and a daily conditioner. It’s rich and super moisturizing, providing great slip. It smells incredible. – Michelle, Type 3b

Curly Coily – G’Natural Herbal Products Mint Fortress Hair Conditioner

This G’Natural conditioner gives your scalp a really nice tingle and I just love anything with a minty scent or ingredient and that tingly feeling. It makes me feel like it’s treating my scalp and encouraging growth. It has amazing slip and my hair feels really moisturized afterwards. – Ellery, Type 3c

Coily – Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment

I love the natural ingredients in this product. I also really like that it’s nice and thick, it just melted into my hair. – Kami, Type 4b

Best Leave-In Conditioner

Wavy – Brown Butter Beauty Sweet Milk Detangling Leave in Conditioner

This reminded me of my Holy Grail leave-in, Kinky Curly Knot Today – and that is hard to beat! It makes my hair feel healthy and moisturized, and when the weather conditions are just right it gives me a touch of hold and I don’t even have to bother with a styling product.  – Cristina, Type 2c

Curly – CURLS Blueberry Bliss Leave-In

I loved how it was a reparative leave-in the most. With my color-treated hair constantly needing a little more love, this product helps give my hair that extra that it needs while also still being light-weight enough to not weigh down my curls. – Fran, Type 3b

Curly Coily – Brown Butter Beauty Sweet Milk Detangling Leave in Conditioner

This leave-in reminds me of Knot Today or the Design Essentials Avocado Leave-in that I love. A little goes a long way–and it’s also moisturizing. It tames my frizz halo throughout the week with only one use, keeping my dense curls super defined. – Devri, Type 3c

Coily – Camille Rose Naturals Cocout Water Leave-in Treatment

This leave-in conditioner is the perfect foundation for any styler and pairs well with any product. My coils are left nourished and easy to style with no white residue. A little last goes a long way. – Amanda, Type 4a

Best Deep Conditioner

Wavy – true by made beautiful Intense Treatment Masque

This deep treatment smells so good I almost want to eat it. But fragrance aside, it’s a great mask that is super easy to distribute through my hair and it leaves my hair feeling supple and soft. A plus? Easy to rinse out too. – Susonnah, Type 2a

Curly – Curl Girl Unstress

I love everything about this deep conditioner. It’s super rich and my hair feels noticeably softer after using it. – Jamie, Type 3b

Curly Coily – SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal System Hair Masque

SheaMoisture knows slip. This masque is great for slip, but that is the least of its great benefits. There are 10 in total and my hair feels and looks beautiful afterwards. – Nikki, Type 3c

Coily – Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner

It smells AMAZING! My hair has been super dry lately and this really helped lock some moisture in. – Kami, Type 4b

Best Treatment

Wavy – omniPOTENT Duosity

Loved how it combines two conditioners together. With all the moisture it provides, it definitely, repairs and restores my damaged hair. – Julissa, Type 2b

Curly – Pai-Shau Enhance Ritual Biphasic Infusion

I was a little skeptical about this when it arrived, but it really improved the feel of my hair. It’s a light treatment that seemed to penetrate my hair well, giving my curls more shine and making them feel softer. – Michelle, Type 3b

Curly Coily – omniPOTENT Duosity

This restores my curls after they’ve been out in the sun all day, or even a few days after a color touchup. The multi-layered treatment is ideal for putting the strength back into color-treated hair. The best part is that I don’t have to leave it in for 30 minutes– two to five minutes will do. – Devri, Type 3c

Coily – Elucence Extended Moisture Repair Treatment

Best Moisturizer

Wavy – Camille Rose Aloe Whipped Butter Gel

I normally stay away from things that read “butter” but this styler is light enough even for my waves. Since it has moisturizing ingredients like aloe, I don’t need to layer a leave-in. It’s all I need for crisp free, soft waves. – Susonnah, Type 2a

Curly – CURLS Lavish Curls Moisturizer 

This gel-like moisturizer really hydrates my curls without feeling heavy. I can apply it to wet or dry hair. – Michelle, Type 3b

Curly Coily – Oyin Handmade Hair Dew 

This will always be a favorite of mine. It’s runny but thick, making it a lasting moisturizer-refresher in between wash days (no water needed”>. It’s also a great leave-in at night after shampooing and conditioning my thick, coarse curls. – Devri, Type 3c

Coily – Obia Naturals Curl Moisture Cream

Obia Naturals Curl Moisture Cream is great for adding moisture into your strands. There is no need to use a detangler, as it melts your tangles away. It is also a great primer for styling. – Amanda, Type 4a

We voted on products in every category from cleansing conditioners to edge tamers, to see the rest of the Editors’ Choice winners click here for a full list.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published April 20, 2016

Plopping, pineappling, clipping the canopy – these are just a few of the terms and techniques that curlies have come up with for mastering their hair. We’re a creative bunch and when a method or product doesn’t work for our curls, we invent a new one.

That’s what curl stylist and salon owner Brianne Prince, of Brianne Prince Salon, did when she invented her “curl kebabs” technique. Brianne recently had surgery that has limited her range of motion, so she is no longer able to style her hair the way she was used to. But being a curly hair stylist (and a curly girl herself”> she is no stranger to the innovation required to maintain curls. Besides, we are talking about the woman who taught us how to plop with a veil net and O clip our roots.

If you have yet to find success using the clipping or plopping methods, and still need a way to prevent flatness at the roots of your curls, then check out Brianne’s new technique.

What you’ll need

For this technique Brianne chose to use kebab skewers. You could also use pencils, chopsticks, or rattail combs. The idea is to use something long and thin that is not blunt at the ends, so as not to disturb the curl pattern when you slide them into your hair.

The technique

Take two skewers and slide them towards each other at the crown of the head, slightly lifting the roots and crossing the skewers. Continue to do this, moving backwards away from the face. Brianne did four pairs of skewers, but do what works for you.

Watch the video

Have you tried this technique? Or have you invented your own way of lifting the roots?

By Cristina Cleveland · Published April 12, 2016

When you’re a Graphic Designer at NaturallyCurly your responsibilities involve designing color popping emails, creating helpful tutorials and… letting us follow you around with a camera when you do anything to your hair. Luckily our designer Fran is a good sport and allowed us to film her latest trip to the salon and entertained our inquiries – like who was her inspiration and how does she maintain her high porosity hair?

What made you want to cut & color your hair?

I was a year overdue on my trim, so for the sake of healthy hair I had to go get a trim. But I wanted to keep my length, I wasn’t looking for a drastic difference. I was a year overdue on my color too, my roots had completely grown out – my entire crown of my head was black. It’s been about a year since I started working at NaturallyCurly and that was the last time I cut and colored my hair. I know I’m supposed to go twice a year but it’s expensive so I only go once year. 

How’d you choose your color?

Chilli from TLC was my inspiration – she has the same skin complexion as me and similar hair to me so I figured if it worked on her then it would work on me. And a lot of Instagram stalking of girls that look like me with similar hair – I had to be sure!

What color was used on your hair?

I know the brand she used was Redken, but we didn’t deposit any color onto my hair. We just lifted the color so that it matched the ends of my hair without adding any dye to it afterwards.

How does your hair feel now?

It feels the same, it doesn’t feel any different than before. My clean ends make it feel healthier in general, I suffer from split ends so I was just happy to have the dead ends removed. I could tell the difference most when I straightened it.

Your hair is porous since you’ve lightened it – do you have to do anything special to maintain it?

Protein treatments. Thankfully when I initially colored my hair I also happened to start working at NaturallyCurly, so I had access to all of these products and I could afford to maintain the color. That was the one thing I was nervous about before coloring my hair – the amount of money I would have to spend to maintain my color-treated hair. I do a lot of masks and protein treatments whenever I can. I like the Curl Junkie Repair Me Reconstructive Hair Treatment. I basically use any mask, I do like SheaMoisture’s high porosity line and I always use the Hot Head in conjunction with my treatments.

Do you have any curly hair crushes – anyone that you look to for style inspiration?

Bwatuwant, obviously, that’s everyone’s goals. Charmsie, frogirlginny, bellejesuis – all on Instagram!

How did you find your stylist?

I found my stylist, Rahel Girma, through one of my friends who has natural hair. I noticed on Facebook that she tagged her stylist on Facebook and I saw that she’s in Austin and she has curly hair, so I thought she must know what she’s doing. She also did color on my friend’s hair so I decided to go to her.

What will you do to your hair next?

Oh my gosh! I don’t know, this is the most I’ve done. I’ve had black hair for a really long time, people don’t believe that my hair is naturally black. I think one day maybe when I’m older I’ll try short but for now it’s gonna be long and light. I’m too scared to do anything new with my hair!

For more videos like this and to see what we’re up to, subscribe to us on YouTube by following The Twist.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published March 31, 2016

PHOTO BY CREATEHER

Too many of us have known young girls who were once fearless, inquisitive, active and loud as children, but by adolescence had grown unsure of themselves, and their bodies. I was that girl. According to research by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, girls are less likely than boys to act, and feel, like a leader.  And we know first hand the damaging impact of young girls looking in the mirror and being unhappy with what they see.

Months later Bried has partnered with an impressive roster of female influencers to create a new kind of magazine for girls, and she has launched a Kickstarter page to get the magazine printed and into the hands of the young girls who need it.

CC: Many of our readers are mothers who have gone natural to show their daughters how to love their hair. How have you found ways to lead by example for your own daughter, especially when it comes to self confidence?

EB: I try to be a good role model for my daughters when it comes to body image, and I lead by example in several ways. First, Inever say anything disparaging about my own looks or anyone else’s in their presence (or, for that matter, out of their presence, either”>. We live in a world where girls and women are constantly being judged on how they look and I want her to know there are more important qualities, like kindness, honesty and humor. Second, I make time to swim laps a few days a week, because I think it’s important to show them that I value my body and my health and take the time to take care of myself. Finally, I make it a point to praise my daughters for things other than just their looks. “You’re such a fast runner” inspires more pride in them than “you’re really pretty.” (Although, I do tell them both.”>

I don’t plan on running very many, if any, pictures of girls at all, because I don’t want to ever put the reader in a position, where she compares herself to another girl.

CC: Judging by the content in ad campaigns and our social media feeds it’s easy to feel like feminism is “trending,” and yet you point out that “girls and women are completely underrepresented in our culture. Look at Congress (80% men”>; the modern art section of the MET (95% men”>; the engineering profession (89% men”>; Oscar-nominated cinematographers (100% men”>; even children’s books, where boy characters are 3 times more likely than girl characters to appear.” What do you feel it will take to move the dial on some of these stats?

CC: You have some amazing contributors lined up for the first issue. How did you convince them to sign on, and what advice do you have for other women who may be looking to collaborate and connect with like-minded women on a project?

CC: What is your goal for Kazoo? What would constitute success for you?

EB: In the short run, my goal is to raise $150,000 by April 25th. That’ll cover the cost of creating, printing and shipping 5000 issues four times in the first year. During the first year, I want to build the audience. I want to be sure I have a large enough subscriber base to really make this work. In the broader sense, my dream is to get KAZOO into every little girl’s hands, so she can not only read, laugh and learn, but also see the world from a new perspective, one where she is celebrated for being smart, strong, fierce, and, above all, true to herself.

CC: You have over 16 years of experience creating content for women through your work at SELF magazine, GLAMOUR and WOMEN’S SPORTS & FITNESS. How has your time spent catering messages to adult women influenced your vision for Kazoo?

CC: What advice do you have for women with a great idea who want to start their own business venture?

If you’d like to be a part of bringing this magazine to life, head to the Kazoo Kickstarter.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published March 28, 2016

The moment I found out I was pregnant, my motherly instincts immediately set in. I have known organic, natural, eco-friendly, and non toxic products are important, but the significance of those health standards have taken on a whole new meaning these last 8 months.  I have spent hours investigating product labels to make sure that what I am ingesting, and slathering on my hair and body are safe for baby. Through my research, I have come to realize what many of our community members (pregnant or not”> already knew – there are tons of natural and safe products out on the market. Many of which cost just about the same as products engorged with fillers, nasty toxins and cheap ingredients. Baby or not, I think we all deserve the very best for ourselves (without breaking the bank”>.

Here are some of my favorite brands and product picks for hair, body and even everyday living that are safe for mamma and baby.

All Good by Elemental Herbs

This brand has a plethora of natural products from sunscreen to lip balm, but my favorite includes their Lavender Coconut Oil Skin Food. You can slather on this safe oil to help hydrate your curls, moisturize dry skin, and even aid in stretch marks. It’s like your one stop shop product. I personally like to use it at night so that I can slather it on without having to worry about a greasy looking skin effect in public.

Briogeo Curl Charisma 

I have been a long time fan of Briogeo’s Curl Charisma line well before my pregnancy, so it was easy to keep this product line in my pregnancy routine. The products smell fantastic and work wonders on my 3B curls. The rice amino + shea moisture shampoo and curl defining conditioner are great, but my go-to product in the line is the rice amino + avocado leave-in defining creme. This product serves two purposes (leave-in and curl definer”>, which means I save a few minutes time by using one product instead of two. Plus my curls always dry defined yet crunch free.

 Silcone free, Paraben free, Phthalates free, No Mineral Oil, No Synthetic Fragrance, No Artificial Colors

Ever Bamboo Inc. 

Even the most adorable baby comes with all kinds of mess and smells. This brand is super cool in that it uses unscented bamboo charcoal to help eliminate odours. I found the cost to literally be a fraction of the price than purchasing a fancy diaper pail that will do the same thing. You can simply place the Deodorizer + Dehumidifier  pouch anywhere in your house (I chose a pail I am using in baby’s room”>, and its effects will last up to a year.

California Baby

From creams, to body washes and and even hair gel this is brand has quite an impressive arrangement of SKU’s. Even though the products are made for baby, they are great for adults with a sensitive scalp too. I was excited to try the Shampoo and Body Wash, especially since my scalp has become sensitive and sore with pregnancy. This is low foaming and has a similar feeling to a co-wash since it cleanses, but also feels moisturizing. It is also sulfate and scent free (a plus for a pregnant momma with an insane sense of smell”>. Best of all, I feel 100% safe using this product on my baby.

Bebe au Lait

Not all 100% muslin cottons are the same, and you can definitely feel the difference in the Bebe au Lait products. In my opinion, the quality, texture and stylish designs have yet to compare to anything else I have seen on the market. I have been obsessed with this adorable grey nursing scarf that is not only incredibly soft, but is lightweight enough to use in the summer when I have my baby. Plus, it is an accessory I will actually feel cool pulling out of my baby bag. The same quality muslin also makes an appearance in many of this brand’s other items such as their swaddle blankets, sheets and more.

Earth Mama Angel Baby

From natural stretch oil to morning sickness spray, this brand’s adorable pampering kit called “A Little Something for Mama-to-Be”, has been my pregnancy go-to. This kit includes a sampling of some of some their larger products, which makes it perfect for testing what you like or as a unique gift. What I love most is that their products literally have zero toxins, so I have felt comfortable trying each and everyone. My favorite in the kit is the Luxurious Earth Mama Body Butter, which I have slathered all over my body to help with dryness and stretching. They also have a kit specially for baby that includes shampoo, cream, rash soothers and more called “A Little Something for Baby”, and even a kit to help momma with breastfeeding called “Breastfeeding Essentials Bundle”.

aden + anais 

I have learned to take baby advice with a grain of salt since everyone thinks their way is best. Yet, one tip I have heard over and over again is that a nursing pillow is absolutely necessary. Aden + anais recently came out with their 100% cotton muslin pillow  and I’m so in love. It has the perfect amount of plumpness for my arm to not get tired and is super comfy for baby. They don’t have a ton of choice when it comes to the pillow covers, but what they do offer is really cute. I like the Twinkle pattern because it is gender neutral.

Belly Armor

This blanket is organic, protects from environmental toxins such as radiation, and gives $10 of every purchase to Healthy Child Healthy World! That’s one heck of a blanket! This blanket is obviously great for baby because of its radiation shielding protection, but I have found it incredibly useful while pregnant because I can work with my laptop close to my belly without worrying about radiation effects. Not to mention it is incredibly soft and totally neutral color friendly.

Baby K’tan, LLC

From baby carrier’s to diaper bags, this brand has won a plethora of awards. That definitely didn’t sway my decision to add these products to my  product pick list, but it is reassuring to know that awesome rated products are also affordable! Their original baby carrier in particular is a must have. You can actually order the size that fits your body type and it slips on like a t-shirt. The fabric reminds me of the super soft t-shirt hair wraps I often use. You can wear baby with this carrier in multiple positions and it comes in different colors.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published March 27, 2016

Early in 2015 a one of our editors sent me a link to Blavity.com in G-chat and told me to watch their astounding growth – and watch we did as over the past year this media outlet has worked swiftly to fill a void by creating content for black millennials.

This month Blavity Founder Morgan DeBaun was awarded a Top 10 Innovators of 2015 Award by mvmt50 at SXSW here in Austin and I had the opportunity to ask her a few of my burning questions, like why has Blavity grown so quickly, what’s coming up next for the company, and of course, what’s her hair routine? Here’s what she had to say.

As a content creator, I also had to ask – what’s the secret behind the Blavity pieces that have gone viral, is there a way to tell what’s going to resonate before publishing them? DeBaun said “The Blavity community is incredibly diverse and I’m frequently surprised by what ‘hits’ and what doesn’t.  Typically the stories that reach the most readers are personal narratives about an experience that many people identify with.”

We look forward to seeing Blavity continue to grow and innovate in a content and tech atmosphere that is rapidly evolving, “in the next few years we will continue to see the consolidation of consumer tech, brands and entertainment. As builders we’ll need to continue to keep the user experience as the first priority.” 

To see the rest of the mvmt50 Innovator Award winners click here, and be sure to check out Blavity if you haven’t already.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published March 11, 2016

The South By Southwest (SXSW”> Interactive conference has descended on Austin, the home of NaturallyCurly headquarters, once again and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be partnering with MVMT50 to bring more awareness to their movement during the festival. MVMT50 is a coalition of Black thought leaders committed to sustained and systematic improvement in employment diversity, cultural representation and leadership development in the innovation, technology and digital sectors.

Dr. Tausha Robertson is the founder of the app primpii, a platform that works to make word of mouth beauty referrals easy! It’s used for crowd-sourced, intimate reviews of salons and hair stylists all over the country. Primpii also offers benefits for beauty professionals, as they can benefit from client referrals; post VIP deals for customers, and have a web/social media presence without spending a lot of capital and time.

We interviewed Dr. Robertson about her innovative app and her experience as both a natural looking for a stylist and a woman entering the tech world.

Was there a moment or an experience that inspired you to develop Primpii?

I got the tech bug when I moved to Austin 3 years ago. Since I was new to tech, I thought about ways to solve problems I experience with tech. I tossed around several with friends/family and finding beauty professionals resonated with everyone so I refined that idea into the functionality of primpii.

What do you see as the major challenges or barriers for women and stylists, and how does Primpii help provide a solution?

Primpii was designed to create a respository of all the great beauty pros your friends use and keep them accessible and searchable any time, anywhere.  Many of my friends across the country have downloaded the app and put in their best beauty professional referrals.  When I open the app, I can click friends in the menu to look at all of my friends and their referrals or I can go to the search function and type in a state, like FL. All of the beauty pros entered by users for FL will appear but most importantly, I know if someone in my Facebook network has recommended any of these beauty pros because their picture will be associated with the listing and I can click  on that beauty pro to read the referrals! There is a huge reason to tell your network to use the app. You want access to pros they have vetted when you need them.  That could work on a local level as well. What if your current pro goes on vacation?  How do you find another quickly? Call, text, post to ask friends and maybe you’ll get an answer but probably not in a timely manner.  With primpii, you could have those in the palm your hand.  

Why is the search for a hairstylist such a difficult one, especially for women with textured hair?

It really is and the only way you find a good one is from your friends who have tried them.  Again, this is what separates primpii from Yelp or other referrals…it’s coming from someone you know. When I made my referrals I noted whether the pro was good with managing my natural curls or if they happened to be someone who does a great blow out on natural hair. The heart in our logo is about sharing the love! Don’t keep that great pro a secret from your friends who need them.

How can women with textured hair use Primpii to find stylists that are trained and experienced in caring for their texture?

Right now that information is in the referral text that friends or others input and also in the info section that the pro can customize.   In the very near future we will be launching some affiliate relationships that will further assist you in finding great pros that specialize in textured hair.

Why is the power of word of mouth referral so important in this industry?

Studies have shown that it is the primary source of new business for stylists and other beauty pros. That’s why we built in functionality to allow beauty pros listed on primpii to customize their pages with pictures and more details about their services. Primpii also allows them to send special offers and open seats directly to users.  No other app does this.  We designed the app to be a win-win…a discovery tool for trusted referrals for users and a direct marketing tool for beauty pros to users who are actively seeking beauty services!

How is the search for beauty services changing, and where do you see it going in the next few years?

Primpii innovated in two ways: 1^st by allowing users to find easily beauty pros vetted by friends they trust and second, most beauty pros are small businesses without a lot of marketing resources or access to technology. Our app is first to the market to allow a direct line of communication for special offers and open seats to the most fertile pool of potential customers, users of our app. Our app users are only there to find great beauty pros!  I think the mobile platform will continue to make this marketing channel more accessible to small businesses.

Many of our community members view stylists in a negative light, what would you say to the woman who has been burned one too many times by negative salon experiences?  It is unfortunate but we’ve all had some tough experiences.  That’s why primpii was developed on the premise that referrals from friends are much better than trial and error.  If like-minded users make it a point to collaborate  to input their referrals, they all benefit by having a handy repository of those vetted pros. I know that lots of people do things themselves but there is also large proportion of the market that still needs professional services to maintain the health of their hair. We think that primpii will be a platform for those pros with specialized skills to shine.

Congratulations on your MVMT50 Innovator award! How do you think initiatives like this can bring about change?

I was thrilled to be nominated by MVMT50 for an innovator award this year!  They were really intrigued by this use of tech in the fairly untapped beauty space.  I hope that by participating with the other thought leaders and innovators in MVMT50 we can support and push each other forward and provide opportunities for other people of color to engage in the tech space.  I want to share my journey with others so that they can bring their products to the market. MVMT50 can be a great catalyst for improving access and opportunities.

Dr. Tausha Robertson and 9 other awardees will be recognized tonight, March 11, at the MVMT50 annual SXSW Welcome Reception.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published March 7, 2016

Oils are a key ingredient in many naturalistas’ regimens. We use them to moisturize, seal and heal our strands and our scalps, and there are many in our community who even use them to create their own cleansers, moisturizers and deep treatments. They have mastered the science of the carrier oil and the essential oil, and found the exact proportions of ingredients like grape seed oil, aloe vera, olive oil, castor oil or jojoba oil that works best for their hair.

If you prefer the more convenient route of buying products rather than making them yourself, but do not want to compromise on ingredients or go too far to find them, you can still give your hair the benefits of all of our favorite oils. Here are 3 products by Pure Oils by Silk Elements that you need to know about. 

Pure Oils by Silk Elements Moisturizing Detangling Shampoo

This is a gentle cleansing, sulfate-free shampoo that nourishes hair with grape seed oil for moisture and nutrients that help to restore dry, brittle hair. Olive oil and aloe vera help to smooth the cuticle and improve manageability for hair that is left feeling softer, moisturized and stronger.

What is it best for?

Gently cleansing while helping to begin the detangling process.

Pure Oils by Silk Elements Leave-In Moisturizer

Passion fruit oil and honey give this lightweight leave-in plenty of slip for easy combing, styling and manageability while coconut oil and shea butter reduce frizz, moisturize and leave hair soft and defined.

What is it best for?

A lightweight daily detangler or moisturizer that can give soft hold to twists and braids.

Pure Oils by Silk Elements Intense Conditioning and Hydration Masque 

What is it best for?

Helping damaged or dry hair retain moisture and softness.

Want to boost your moisture?

When you are feeling like creating a custom cocktail, the simplest DIY is adding a few drops of oil your products. Pure Oils by Silk Elements makes 100% pure oils like their Pure Jojoba Oil or their Pure Argan Oil, and you know they’re pure because when you look at the ingredients label you will only find one ingredient listed.

You can find all of the Pure Oils by Silk Elements products at your local Sally Beauty.

Tell us, how do you use oils in your regimen?

This post is sponsored by Sally Beauty.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published February 29, 2016

Even if you wear your hair naturally wavy most of the time, you may be tempted to reach for a flat iron to change things up when you have a date or formal event. We get that you want to set your look apart from your daily hair and makeup! But you don’t have to straighten to feel glamorous.

This date night look accentuates your natural waves by practicing safe heat styling, for a look that still feels like you!

Ashley has loose, Type 2b waves, but this technique will work for many natural waves and curls.

Step 1 – Protect

On freshly cleansed wet hair, apply a leave-in conditioner to prevent dryness and frizz. Ashley used the Zotos Professional 180PRO Miracle Repair Damage Eliminator Treatment because it also acts as a heat protectant. Start with a small amount of product but make sure that the product is evenly distributed on any hair that will be heat styled to prevent heat damage.

Step 2 – Diffuse

To speed up the drying process and add volume to your waves, use a diffuser. The GVP Pro Blow Dryer has adjustable settings so that you can choose the heat and intensity of the air. It also has a unique advantage of being motion activated, so when you put your hand on the nozzle it turns on and when you take it off the dryer switches off.

Attach a diffuser and gently place your waves in the bowl of the diffuser, pushing it up towards the roots to encourage more curl. You can also diffuse the roots to create more lift and volume there.

Step 3 – Spot treat

Once your hair is completely dry, you can use a curling wand to spot treat any waves that are undefined or loose. Ashley used the Hot Shot Tools 1″ Nano Ceramic Taper Iron, which matched her curl pattern and allowed her to adjust the heat being applied to her hair. Make sure to always wait until your hair is 100% before using a heat tool.

You can curl just a couple of face-framing ringlets or do more pieces throughout your hair, you can decide what works best for you. This way you limit your hair’s contact with direct heat by doing just a few sections for a second or less each, rather than passing a flat iron over all of your hair several times for a straight look.

Step 4 – Pin back

Create a deep side part and pin back a few waves from one side using bobby pins to create a sideswept look.

Watch the tutorial

This post is sponsored by Sally Beauty.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published February 23, 2016

How would you use them?

Tell us and enter to win!

To enter, comment below telling us how you would use one of these products in your regimen!

5 lucky winners will win a prize bundle containing:

• Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Shampoo
• Almond & Avocado Detangling Leave-In Conditioner
• Coconut & Monoi Coconut Water Curl Refresher
• Coconut & Monoi Deep Moisture Masque
• Honey CurlForming Custard

By Cristina Cleveland · Published February 23, 2016

If you have naturally curly hair then you have probably flipped through your fair share of magazines looking for “easy hairstyles” and been met with a plethora of styles that would never work on your curls (without the use of some serious heat or manipulation”>.

That is why we created this quick cheat sheet of hairstyles that every curly girl should know and try. You may have to tweak these steps for your unique curl pattern, but you may also find a go-to style that will save you time on your rushed mornings.

The High Puff

This style may look different on you depending on how tight or loose your curls or coils are, how dense your hair is, and how long it is, but the general steps will remain the same. It may look simple, but once you have mastered it it will be a lifesaver for your active lifestyle. 

1. Start with moisturized & defined hair to make your style last longer. Use a nourishing conditioner like the Aunt Jackie’s Moisturizing Co-Wash Cleanser on wash day and follow up with the Elongating Flaxseed Gel for definition. 
2. Pull all of your hair towards the crown of your head.
3. Secure it with a large elastic.
4. Smooth the edges with Tame My Edges Gel. Couldn’t be simpler!

Tucked French Braid

One of the perks of having curly hair is that it holds a braid really well, and curls naturally have so much movement that braids never look boring! This one is much easier to do than it looks.

1. Start with detangled and moisturized curls to make the hair easier to work with. Use a detangler like Knot On My Watch Detangler follow up with a leave-in conditioner like the Half & Half Silkening Hair Milk.
2. Create 3 small sections at crown and begin a French braid. 
3. Braid all the way to the end and secure your braid with an elastic (this will not be visible once you’re done”>.
4. Tuck the bottom of the French braid under and secure with bobby pins. 

Two-Strand Twists

This must-know technique can work on all curl patterns from loose waves to tight coils. The key is the smaller the sections of hair, the tighter the resulting curls will be. If you are using this technique to stretch your curls use larger sections, and if you are trying to create a tighter curl pattern than you naturally have use smaller sections.

1. Start with moisturized hair to prevent frizz from ruining your style. Try a moisturizer like the Hydrating Silkening Hair Milk.
2. Take a 1-2 inch section and divide into two. 
3. Apply a small amount of a styler like Defining Curl Whip and begin twisting the 2 sections around each other. If you have loose curls or waves take extra care not to use too much product here. 
4. Repeat this until all of the hair is twisted, and either air dry or use a hooded dryer.
5. Once the hair is 100% dry, separate the twists with your fingers. It is extremely important that you wait until your hair is dry, otherwise you will end up with a frizzy twist out and your curls will not be defined. 
6. Unravel the twists. For a more defined look do not separate the twists once you have unraveled them. For a larger, voluminous look keep separating and fluffing with your fingers until you have the look you are going for!

This post is sponsored by Aunt Jackie’s.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published February 15, 2016

In the 18 years that NaturallyCurly has been around, we’ve seen women make vast strides in accepting their natural beauty. More women are rocking their natural texture than ever before, and sharing their journeys publicly for all to learn from. When NaturallyCurly started, “curly” was not a product category you could find on your store shelves, and now we have more options than a Product Junkie knows what to do with.

And yet, mainstream media has been slow to catch up with us. It is still a rare sighting that makes headlines when actresses and models dare to wear their natural curls out in public or, even rarer still, on the catwalk. Have you ever seen a runway look from New York Fashion Week and thought “she looks like me, I’d wear that, we could be curl twins.” We think we know the answer to that question.

One out of 47 models is simply not good enough when sixty percent of the population has textured hair!

In 2015, Maria Borges made history as the first model ever to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway with her own natural hair. As thrilled as we were, we need more representation still. One out of 47 models is simply not good enough when sixty percent of the population has textured hair!

On February 13th 2016, TextureMedia gave curly, coily and wavy hair a platform for representation at New York Fashion Week. Texture Media presented Texture On the Runway, an exclusive runway hair event showcasing curls, coils and waves. We produced Texture On the Runway in 2012, we brought it back in 2016, and we will continue to work until women wearing their natural hair no longer makes the news. We also had some incredibly influential partners who are working with us to reach that goal.

Patrice Grell Yursik, the founder of Afrobella was our esteemed emcee along with NaturallyCurly’s Co-Founder, Michelle Breyer. “I attended Texture on the Runway in 2012 and it was an event I’ll never forget” Patrice says on her blog. “So many beautiful styles, so many beautiful people! All shades and textures of beautiful were in the building that night. It was like a glamorous family reunion, filled with love and hope for the future of natural, kinky, coily, blessed and highly textured hair. Now it’s 2016 and our industry has evolved in so many ways.” 

One of those great evolutions is the wide availability of curly products on the shelves at Target, who we are excited to announce was our exclusive retailer partner. Gold Sponsors Au Naturale Dark and Lovely, Cantu, Creme of Nature, Design Essentials and Garnier Fructis put together 5 collections showcasing unique interpretations of curls, coils and waves. Keep an eye on StyleNook for all of the runway looks and products used. Silver Sponsors Curl Keeper, Curls, Jane Carter Solution and ORS Black Olive Oil were also present along with products from our Bronze Sponsors As I Am, ApHogee, Carol’s Daughter, Ecoco, Fantasia and Luster’s Pink. Milani was our makeup sponsor and did all of the makeup for the show. These goody bags were epic, to say the least.

Check out #textureontherunway on all of your social media feeds for more coverage from your favorite bloggers, vloggers, Instagrammers and our Social Media Hostess for the event, Christina of the blog LoveBrownSugar. The grand winners of our VIP Experience Giveaway were also there, along with the top influencers in the industry. Even if you were not in attendance, you can enter to win prize bundles from these brands on NaturallyCurly during the whole month of February. You will also have the chance to save 10% on participating Texture on the Runway brands at Target.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published February 9, 2016

Many curlies fight their texture for years (even decades”> before deciding to embrace their natural hair. For many, that’s the hardest step! But once you have made the decision, you may find yourself asking Google “how do I take care of my naturally curly hair?” or “what’s the most popular product for curly hair?” and you will quickly discover an overwhelming amount of information, oftentimes conflicting.

So we put together this easy beginner’s guide! Just click each box to see our most popular articles for new naturals.

And if you need products to start your curly journey, we’re giving some away- see how you can enter below.

Giveaway

We’re giving away prize 3 mystery bundles of curly hair products!

How to enter

Have a friend who’s transitioning? Spread the word! Tag a friend in the comments below who could use this guide and you’ll be entered to win.

Giveaway ends on February 12.

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, as per our Terms and Conditions.

*Please make sure you have liked us on Facebook, so that when we can notify you if you’ve won.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published February 4, 2016

If there is one thing we have learned about curly hair over the last 18 years of NaturallyCurly, it is that there is no one way to style curly hair.

There is so much variation between curl pattern, length, width, density and porosity – it is impossible to recommend one method for everyone. So here are two methods that our editors use to refresh their Type 2 and Type 3 hair.

We will continue to share refreshing techniques for other curl patterns as well, so do not worry if these do not work for you.

For naturally wavy hair

The major challenges of refreshing wavy hair on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th days are:

• dents in the hair
• waves have fallen straight
• waves and curls are bent out of shape

Step 1 – Spray with water

Step 2 – Scrunch

Step 3 – Product (optional”>

Step 4 – Spot treat 

It is very likely that even if you do everything perfectly, you will still have a few out of shape curls. Wavy hair is unpredictable! For these I have a very quick fix, simply wrap the curl or wave around your finger, and continue twisting it up all the way to the root. Pin with a bobby pin and repeat on any other curls that need to be spot treated. Usually I do 2-3 of these pin curls on the hair that frames my face, I have found that a couple of perfect curls creates the illusion that the rest of your hair is having a good hair day. I finish putting on my makeup and getting dressed, then take the bobby pins out and I have loose curls. Then I spot treat anything that’s out of place by twirling them around my fingers and make sure nothing is sticking up in a strange direction.

For naturally curly hair

The major challenges of refreshing curly hair on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th days are:

• knots
• dryness
• frizz

Step 1 – Section

Step 2 – Wet hair

Step 3 – Apply products

Step 4 – Detangle

By Cristina Cleveland · Published February 4, 2016

Have you been curious about trying clip in extensions on your natural hair? Or maybe you’ve tried to make clip ins work with your hair but the shiny, Type 3 curls wouldn’t blend with your Type 4 coils.

Clip ins are a great way to make your hair look longer or fuller, and now these options are not limited to looser textures! Xotica Hair’s high quality 4B/4C Afro Clip In Hair Extensions are made from 100% real human hair that blends well with coily textures. The bundles are extra thick at 113 gram/4 oz per pack. Our Editor Amanda tried the Type 4A clip ins and said “I love that more women with Type 4 hair like me are getting more options.” If you’d like to read Amanda’s full, in depth review on the extensions and see how they blend and style with natural hair, check out Amanda’s review.

You can purchase them on the Xotica Hair website, or you could just win them! We’re giving away two bundle sets to one very lucky winner.

Giveaway

1 lucky winner will win 2 clip in bundle sets in any hair type up to 16 inches in length, all you have to do is comment below telling us why you’d like to win!

This giveaway ends February 8 and is open to U.S. residents only, as per our Terms and Conditions.

*Please make sure you have liked us on Facebook, so that we can notify you if you’ve won.

This post is sponsored by Xotica Hair.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published January 29, 2016

My hair

I have coarse, medium to high density, Type 2c waves that were suffering from a great deal of damage from bleach, henna, and hair dye. As a result my hair was high porosity and my curl pattern had loosened significantly. You can probably see in the video below that there is a clear line of demarcation between my virgin curly hair and the damaged hair that had an irregular curl pattern. If the ends of your hair have stopped curling, there’s a pretty good chance you could benefit from getting a haircut. Even if you haven’t colored or bleached your hair, damage can be caused by heat styling if you occasionally use a flat iron or a curling wand. Nothing can completely repair damage, you can do protein treatments or deep conditioning treatments to bring a little life back into your curl, but the only way to truly remove it is to cut it.

Finding a stylist

This is probably the biggest barrier to a great haircut for most wavies, curlies and coilies. We’ve all been scarred one too many times by stylists who claim to know how to work with your texture.

I found my stylist the old-fashioned way, I asked someone with curly hair if they knew a stylist they liked. I’m very lucky that that someone was Michelle Breyer, the Co-Founder of NaturallyCurly, who recommended Shannon Hollis, the owner of Method Hair in Austin, TX.

If you don’t know anyone who likes their stylist, you can find a stylist the new-fashioned way: online. I would recommend reading reviews by other curlies on our Salon Finder to find one in your area. I also know a lot of curlies travel great distances to get haircuts from curly hair experts, for some it’s definitely worth it!

Finding the right cut

Finding a wavy haircut proved to be a challenge because most haircut inspiration on Pinterest features women with curling wand waves and curls. I did my best to find photos of the length and shape on straight hair or “fake” wavy hair, but my stylist Shannon promptly informed me that those cuts were not going to work on my hair. A good stylist will tell you when a cut isn’t going to work! If you have wavy hair like mine, you have probably realized by now that our hair may look straight and close to our heads when it’s wet, but as it dries it flips out and up. Rather than fighting this, it’s best to find a cut that works with your natural wave.

Luckily Shannon had a whole portfolio of curly cuts for me to choose from, and together we chose a cut that I liked, that would work for my curl pattern. If you’re interested in seeing the photos I brought, you can find them on my Pinterest board but as I said, most of them had straight hair. The best source of Type 2c inspiration I found on my search was Karla Deras from Karla’s Closet.

The cutting method

You may be familiar with the concept of dry cutting or Deva Cuts, but this was not a dry cut. Shannon chose to cut my hair wet so that she could see that the shape was even. I don’t have a significant amount of shrinkage so this method worked for me. Once she was happy with the initial silhouette, and when my waves had begun to dry in their natural curl pattern, she went back in with her scissors and shaped the individual curls. She focused on removing weight from the bottom of the cut, an important step for preventing triangle head. Most people don’t have a uniform curl pattern throughout so it is likely that some curls will be tighter (and therefore shorter”> while other curls will be looser and longer. I personally have looser curls framing my face which usually leaves me with awkward long strands in the front, but Shannon took care of that.

She also explained that if I had Type 3 curls or Type 4 coils, her method for cutting would have been completely different. Just as one technique or product won’t work for every curl pattern, neither will a cutting method.

Styling short wavy hair

As a curly girl, we typically feel that we know how to do our hair better than anyone else – stylists included. So admittedly I was surprised when Shannon showed me a new diffusing method and introduced me to new products that I ended up loving. Shannon used her fingers to lightly lift my hair at the roots and point the diffuser at it, this also created a smoother, looser wave at the roots. Diffusing typically causes a bit of frizz, so Shannon followed up with a product I had never tried before – Kevin Murphy Easy Rider Creme. I’ve been using it along with their Killer Curls and I’ve been loving that they give my hair flexible hold that allows me to wear my hair down for 3-4 days by lightly refreshing it with water in a spray bottle in the mornings.

If you’re thinking about cutting your hair I say you should definitely do it! I was really nervous before getting this cut but I haven’t regretted it for a second and my hair just feels so much healthier.

I know how hard it is to find naturally wavy short haircuts, so I hope this helped you out! 

By Cristina Cleveland · Published January 26, 2016

Caring for curly hair involves a lot of trial and error, and our editors have had their fair share of both. From how to dry your coils, to why fighting humidity isn’t worth it, here are a few of the tried-and-true lessons they’ve learned along the way. Read up and get ready to make 2016 your best hair year, ever.

Stop comparing your hair to hers

Even though this isn’t a technique or a product recommendation, it is one of the most important steps to embracing your curly hair. My coworker Nikki (below”> and I both have Type 3c hair, so we spend a lot of time comparing products and techniques in the office. But, the truth of the matter is that even though our curl pattern is the same, our hair is completely different! Hers is fine, while mine is coarse (my strands are wider than hers”>, she has low density hair, while I have high density hair (meaning I have more strands”>. I’ve wasted too much time comparing my hair to hers and other curlies — my curls are totally unique and individual to me, and that’s why I love them! — Devri, Type 3c

Embrace slip

You know that feeling when your hair is soaked with conditioner and it is 100 times easier to run your fingers through it? That is what curlies like to call “slip.” We like slip in our daily conditioners, deep conditioners, or leave-in conditioners because these are the products we use when washing and detangling. The slipperier the product, the better. I hate detangling, so I like to use products that are extra slippery. I use moisturizing conditioners and leave ins like Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner, Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion, SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow Restore Leave-In Conditioner and Kinky-Curly Knot Today. These products make it easier to detangle even my day 5 hair. – Nikki, Type 3c

Toss your terry cloth towel

Terry cloth towels can create friction and frizz when you use them on your hair, but don’t worry — there are so many alternatives out there that you can use instead. You can try an old t-shirt, a microfiber towel, or there are even microfiber gloves. I personally love Curly Tee Towel and the Hair Repear Towels. I’ve used them for so many different things — sitting with leave-in conditioner, drying my hair after a wash, even wearing to bed sometimes as my scarf. They’re also great for when my hair is wet and I’m applying makeup. Once you make the switch from terry cloth, you’ll never want to go back.— Kami, Type 4a

Get a diffuser

Everyone knows air drying is the healthier option when it comes to drying curly hair. The heat of a blow dryer can damage your curls, but when you have high porosity hair sometimes it’s just not an option to let it air dry for hours. I use the cool setting on my dryer to avoid heat damage, and wait until my hair is partially air dried before I start diffusing. I also find that if I don’t diffuse, my curls can look limp and flat, but if I diffuse upside down then I get bouncy ringlets with lift and volume at the root.  The best way to diffuse is to apply your leave-in conditioner and styler to wet hair and plop, then when your hair is partially dry use a diffuser with your head flipped forward. — Jamie, Type 3b