Search Results: Cristina Cleveland

By Cristina Cleveland · Published January 22, 2016

In the curly community we tend to like ingredient lists that sound like a delicious dessert, so this styling cream by TreLuxe caught our attention with its apricot, coconut oil and marshmallow extract. Their Curl Supreme Curl Styling Cream is a water and aloe vera based product, so you know it will give your hair maximum moisture and apply easily throughout your curls.

As you can see from Robyn’s curly waves, it will give you soft touchable hold and can be combined with the Untie the Knot Leave In for excellent slip.

Robyn may have looser curls, but if you have tighter curls or coils then you’ll be interested to see what NaturallyCurly contributor Christina Patrice of the Mane Objective had to say about this cream.

“See, I thought I had all my favorite moisturizers/creams locked down. Then Curl Supreme came along and made me re-evaluate my entire life. I’m being dramatic, but I am hard pressed to find anything about this creamy concoction that I don’t like. Of all the products in the TreLuxe line, this fragrance is my favorite.” Why does she love it so much? Because “after applying it, my hair is soft, defined, and intensely hydrated.” That’s pretty much all we could ask for.

Excited to try it? Here’s your chance.

Giveaway

5 lucky winners will win their own TreLuxe Curl Supreme Styling Cream, all you have to do is comment below telling us why you’d like to win!

Can’t wait to try it? You can get 20% off from Friday, January 22 – Tuesday, January 26 when you shop TreLuxe using the coupon code naturallycurly.

This giveaway ends January 26 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 TreLuxe.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published January 6, 2016

We have been so fortunate to work with some truly talented interns in the NaturallyCurly offices, and though it’s not a requirement, it doesn’t hurt that they often have great heads of curls, coils and waves! Today our intern Laura is sharing her Type 2c wavy hair routine and some insight into what it was like growing up in Brazil with curls.

How long have you worn your hair curly? 

How does having a Brazilian background affect the way you feel about your curls?

In Brazil having curly hair is common, but no one tends to leave it curly for long. In the early 2000’s a treatment called “escova progressiva” became super popular which is a chemical straightening treatment. It almost became a fad and pretty much everyone was getting it done, including people with hair that was barely wavy just to get the pin-straight look. This treatment is originally what had me wanting straight hair like everyone else, and straight hair was definitely the norm back then. It’s still very common to get the treatment done in Brazil though more people are now embracing the natural look.

Do you have a technique or tip that has really changed the way your hair looks

I think the most important technique to keeping my hair less frizzy is scrunching with a t-shirt or micro fiber towel! If I have time before leaving the house I have found that plopping with a t-shirt and letting it dry while I’m getting ready leaves my curls very defined, I think this is both the technique and not being able to touch my hair during the drying process.

Favorite products?

What’s your routine?

By Cristina Cleveland · Published December 22, 2015

Pre-poo

Pre-poo means pre-shampoo. To pre-poo you add generous amount of oil or a daily conditioner to your hair and allow it to sit for at least 15 min. before washing with a shampoo. This technique is done to aid in detangling and reduce the drying effects of shampoo. When done with coconut oil, you can prevent your strands from experiencing hygral fatigue, which can be damaging for your hair’s cuticle and cortex.

Read more: 4 Signs You Need to Pre-poo

Hot oil treatment

Hot oil treatments are used to replace deep conditioning. After you shampoo, heat your oil of choice in a microwavable container for a few seconds, pour it on your hair, cover with a plastic processing cap, and allow it to sit for 15 min. When you rinse your hair should feel silky soft.

Cocktail

If you want to use oils but not in generous amounts then try cocktailing. Mixing an oil with any product is considered cocktailing. Naturals are renown for cocktailing their daily conditioners and deep conditioners with penetrating oils like olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil. This is a great choice for those with looser curls and finer strands if you are worried about weighing your hair down from oversaturation. If you are a college student or budget conscious, adding those penetrating oils will transform your daily conditioner into a deep conditioner in seconds.

Oil rinsing

An oil rinse consists of dousing your hair with oil after using a deep conditioner and then rinsing away the excess oil with water. This technique allows you to seal in moisture without the worry of leaving oil on your hair.

Sealing

Sealing is coating your hair with oil after you have applied your moisturizer or leave-in conditioner. Oftentimes done with a light oil, this method reinforces the moisture you instilled after your masque. If you have porous curls, coils, and waves, consider using this technique to retain moisture. For hair that struggles to maintain moisture and softness, try using a butter to really lock the moisture in. 

Read more: My Moisturizer Has Oil in It: Is Sealing Necessary?

Of course using all of these methods will leave your hair an oily mess so test out different steps and let us know what worked for you.

What are your favorite oils?

By Cristina Cleveland · Published December 10, 2015

Many curlies use a t-shirt to wrap, plop or scrunch their hair because they know terry cloth towels can cause frizz, breakage, and flyaways. This month a few of our editors traded in their t-shirts to try the Hair RePear towel to see how it measured up.

Our Video Manager Nikki says “I love the way it feels. I used it in a similar way to my t-shirt but it feels like your best, softest t-shirt. Plus it’s EXTRA long so all my hair fits into it. I want to use this every time I wash my hair. I can finally get rid of using my actual t-shirts!”

The difference between the Hair RePear and a t-shirt or microfiber towel is first of all its size, it can fit all of your hair if you have long or dense curls. The fabric also sets it apart as it’s Premium 100% Combed Cotton Interlock fabric, or in the words of our Editors “SO much softer than a t-shirt!”

Giveaway

Want to try a Hair RePear towel for yourself?

5 lucky winners will receive one to try! Simply comment below telling us how you will use it – wrap, plop, scrunch or another way?

If you can’t wait and want to try one now, you can purchase your own oline at Hair Repear using the coupon code tryit2015 for 10% off during the month of December.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published December 8, 2015

Have you been curious about trying Curlformers for a while, watching YouTube tutorials and searching for ways to change up your curl pattern without a curling wand? Today is your chance (along with 4 other lucky readers”> to win your own set! Whether you’re hoping to try a totally different look this holiday party season or have made the commitment to use your curling wand less (or not at all”>, Curlformers are a perfect tool to have in your curly girl arsenal.

We’re giving away 5 prize bundles, valued at $100 each, so that you can try Curlformers, as well as their Softhood (in a cute new design”> and their Styling Brush (which isn’t even available for purchase yet”>.

We use a Curlformers Softhood around the office all the time to speed up the drying process for photo shoots, or just when our twist out didn’t have time to dry fully before coming in to work (one of the perks of working at NaturallyCurly”>.

If you’d like to see your soon-to-be prize in action, check out our own hacks for using Curlformers. They’ll come in handy when you receive your new bundle.

How to enter

Tell us why you’d like to win in the comments below. Perhaps you have a friend or family member who would love to receive this as a gift. Or maybe you want it all for yourself, that’s ok too!

When

December 8-10

Prize

There are 5 prize packages, each includes:

• A set of Curlformers Deluxe Pro Glam-Up Kit
• The new Vintage Design Deluxe Softhood
• An exclusive full size Styling Brush + organza bag

This post is sponsored by Curlformers.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published December 4, 2015

Curly girls will go to great lengths for a great haircut, but this stylist has taken his trade to a whole new level. Scissors are so 2015, Spanish hair stylist Alberto Olmedo prefers to use medieval weapons such as swords, flames, and… claws? 

His reason for employing these tools: to be more exact.

“Hairstylists always cut one side and then the other, and one side is always a bit different from the other… Even if it is only a little bit.” He has a fair point, as curly girls we have had our fair share of botched haircuts that are drastically uneven at times. So far, we like what Olmedo has to say. He goes on to explain that “The only way to do it in an exact mathematical way is to cut both sides simultaneously.” Olmedo proceeds to start slicing randomly into a woman’s hair, creating many different lengths, and setting large sections of hair on fire.

The only way to do it in an exact mathematical way is to cut both sides simultaneously

Now we recently delved into the “candle method,” also known as velaterapia, in which stylists use flames to remove split ends from their clients’ hair. Stylists take a small section of hair and twist it, then use the flame to remove the damaged pieces and flyaways that are sticking out of the twist. Celebrity hairstylist Anh Co Tran says “Of course, playing with fire certainly comes with a risk, and shouldn’t be a DIY move, it takes major control, which can be hard… if you don’t stop it on time, you may take off more [hair] than you wanted.” As terrifying as velaterapia sounds, it is infinitely more precise than Olmedo’s method. Watch the video and be amazed.

While we have our doubts, the proof is in the curly pudding – how do the resulting haircuts look? You can take a look for yourself. As Olmedo says, “Sometimes you have to use a bit of your imagination to get positive results.”

Watch the full awe-inspiring video for yourself.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published December 2, 2015

Curlier than waves, but not quite curly ringlets, Type 2C hair can be tricky to pin down. Many naturally wavy haired women also manipulate their curls using curling wands or flat irons, making it even harder to find hair twins on YouTube. As a Type 2c wavy myself, I’ve done my fair share of searching for undercover wavies. But here’s one YouTuber who wears her wavy curls loud and proud, Irina of the YouTube channel TheLovelyNis. Lucky for us she shared her full wash and go routine and all of her must-have products.

What she used

• Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Shine Shampoo (WalMart”>
• Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Conditioner (Target”>
• TRESemme Moisture Rich Luxurious Moisture Conditioner (Walmart”>
• It’s a 10 Miracle Hair Mask (Beauty Supply Store/CosmoProf”>
• Johnson’s No More Tangles Detangling Spray (WalMart”>
• Marc Anthony True Professionals Curl Envy Perfect Curl Styling Cream (CVS”>
• Wide Tooth Comb (WalMart”>

And if you’re wondering what her lip color is (we were too”> it is Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Milkshake with MAC’s Lip Pencils in Chicory and Stone in the outer corners.

Directions

Step 1 Cleanse

Irina uses the Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Shine Shampoo because she finds that it is really hydrating for her hair. She generously applies the shampoo to her hair, creating a good lather. Next is a unique step that I haven’t seen other curlies do, Irina piles her hair on top of her head with shampoo still in it and leaves it in for a few minutes while she brushes her teeth before rinsing it out completely.

Step 2 Cocktail conditioners

It is extremely common for curlies to cocktail and mix products together to achieve the results they’re looking for. Irina mixes the Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Conditioner (because she likes the smell”> with the TRESemme Moisture Rich Luxurious Moisture Conditioner, for its moisturizing properties. She applies this throughout her hair and then uses a wide tooth comb to distribute the product and remove all tangles and knots. Then she allows the conditioners to sit in her hair for 3-5 minutes while she finishes her shower routine.

Step 3 Deep condition

Once a month Irina uses the It’s a 10 Miracle Hair Mask to give her hair a deep moisturizing treatment. You can leave this in for 15-30 minutes before rinsing, depending on what your hair needs.

Step 4 Plop

Once out of the shower, Irina puts her hair up in a towel to allow it to partially dry while she starts her morning routine. We like to use a t-shirt or microfiber towel to plop for this step.

Step 5 Detangle and style

Irina uses the Johnson’s No More Tangles Detangling Spray to detangle her hair once more and as a lighthold styler when she is only going to wear her hair curly on the first day. It does not give her product buildup so that she can apply it every day when wearing her hair up. The downside is that it does not provide enough hold for 2nd and 3rd day hair. For curls that last past the first day, Irina uses Marc Anthony True Professionals Curl Styling Cream which has a tackier consistency and provides more hold. She scrunches the product from her ends up towards her roots. This will really help to create more curls if you have naturally wavy hair.

Step 6 Air dry

While air drying, Irina scrunches her hair every now and then to encourage the curls to form and to create plenty of volume.

Watch the video

Check out more of Irina’s video tutorials on her YouTube channel TheLovelyNIS and on her blog!

Do you have Type 2c waves similar to Irina’s? Does this differ from your routine?

Not sure if you have Type 2C hair? Check out our guide to figuring out your curl pattern.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published November 30, 2015

We love our natural curls, no question. But there’s no denying that some days they can be unpredictable. That’s why I love looking for techniques that can take a bit of the guesswork out of what my curls will look like when I wake up in the morning. Many women use variations on twists, braids and knot outs to manipulate their curl pattern or make their curls more uniform. They can work from Type 2 waves to Type 4 coils, you just may need to customize the products you use or the amount of hair in your twists. In this tutorial YouTuber AlexandrasGirlyTalk shares her twist out technique on her natural Type 2C waves and curls.

What you’ll need

• A lightweight oil
• A liquid leave-in conditioner

Directions

1. It is important to begin by detangling your hair for your most successful results. Alexandra brushed her hair before getting in the shower, and this is the only time she recommends brushing curly hair. Personally I use detangle in the shower with a wide tooth comb and conditioner, but do whatever works for you, just make sure your hair is knot-free.

2. Allow your freshly cleansed, wet hair to air dry partially. Starting on partially dry hair will mean that your twists do not take quite as long to dry.

3. Section your hair so that it is easier to work with. Then start by taking a small, 1-2 inch section of hair and spray it with your leave-in conditioner.

4. Take 2 pieces from the top of your section and start twisting them around each other, adding a little bit of hair into the twist each time you twist. The smaller the sections, the smaller and more defined your curls will be in the end. Twist all the way to the end of the hair and tie with a small elastic.

5. Repeat this process until all of your hair is twisted.

6. Leave the twists in as long as you can, overnight is best. Alexandra slept with hers in.

7. When you wake up you might find that you have frizz the friction on your pillow. To reduce your frizz you can rub a small amount of a lightweight oil between your hands and smooth your hands lightly over the frizzy sections. Alexandra used Carol’s Daughter Marula Oil.

8. To unravel your twists, just work slowly through each section until all of your twists are unraveled. Do not move too quickly or you may create tangles and knots – be patient!

Have you used this technique on wavy curly hair before? Share your tips below!

By Cristina Cleveland · Published November 30, 2015

The steps to a twist out are pretty simple, but you’re not looking for any old twist out. If you want your most definition ever while maintaining plenty of lift and volume at the roots, there are a few steps that you simply cannot skip. You won’t need many products (in fact, if you choose a multi-use product you only need one”> and the technique is simple to follow. Here is how to achieve your most defined twist out ever with the multi-tasking Combing Creme from Carol’s Daughter.

What you’ll need

• Styling product such as Carol’s Daughter Sacred Tiare 4-In-1 Combing Crème
• Your favorite detangling tool (or just use fingers”>
• A pick for volume

Directions

Step 1 Start fresh

Start with freshly cleansed hair. To speed up the drying time (step 5″>, apply your product and twist your hair when it is damp, rather than soaking wet.

Step 2 Apply styler

Apply a styler such as the Carol’s Daughter Sacred Tiare 4-in-1 Combing Creme throughout the hair in sections, making sure that knots and tangles are removed. Detangling before you twist may be time consuming, but it gives your curls their best chance for super defined results.

Step 3 Twist

Flat twist by twisting a small section and grabbing a very small section of hair to incorporate into the twist with every revolution (watch the video to see this technique in action”>. You can create 6-8 sections depending on how dense your hair is.

Step 4 Coil the end

Skipping this step can result in a disappointing twist out. When you reach the bottom of a twist, add a little bit more Combing Creme to the end and coil it around your finger. If this technique doesn’t work for you, you can add a roller to the end of your twist.

Step 5 Air dry

Allow the twists to air dry completely. Drying them overnight will be your best bet to ensuring that your twists are not damp when you begin to take them down. If definition is your goal, then unraveling wet or damp twists is sure to lead to frizz so do not skip this step.

Step 6 Unravel & separate

The next morning, smooth coconut oil over the twists to help reduce frizz when you take the twists out, then unravel the twists carefully to avoid breakage. You want to separate the twists with your fingers, and then fluff them just at the roots for extra volume. If using a pick to fluff, avoid combing the pick through the length of your hair as this will make your twist out less defined.

Watch the video

This post is sponsored by Carol’s Daughter.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published November 5, 2015

PHOTO BY STYLENOOK USER SHESCURLYY_

Whether you’re growing out a pixie, or you just feel like you’ve hit a hair growth plateau at your shoulders, you may be looking for the secret to reaching long, healthy, mermaid-hair status hair. The truth is that the speed at which your hair grows is mostly predetermined by your genetics so, if you’ve been on the hunt for a pill that will triple your hair growth, you can stop looking. Exercise, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and a nutrient-rich diet are your best bets for optimizing hair growth speed.

The real barrier to reaching your hair length goals may actually have nothing to do with new growth at your roots at all; you are more likely dealing with breakage at the ends of your hair. If you feel like you’re not seeing the length adding up, try incorporating these tips into your hair care routine.

Stop the heat

If curling wands, flat irons, or blow dryers make a regular appearance in your hair styling routine, then you are definitely dealing with heat damage. Heat damage can manifest itself in many ways, from frizz to dullness and dryness, to loose, limp curls that don’t spring back after you wash them. This damage leads to breakage, so if you feel like you are losing an abnormal amount of hair in the shower, this could be a factor. The fastest way to avoid such damage is to minimize your use of heat tools, especially while you’re trying to grow your hair out. Some women use them as little as once or twice a year, but if you are using them daily, then at least try reducing that to once a week or less. Unfortunately, this change in the structure of your hair is irreversible, so there’s only one way to get rid of it…

Say Yes to Trims

Damaged, split ends are likely to end in breakage. Rather than lose that length inadvertently, find a stylist you can trust to trim a very small amount, also called  “dusting,” so that your ends will be in a healthy state without losing too much length. The popular adage is to get a trim every 6-8 weeks, but the truth is you should base your trims on your individual hair health. If you have split ends, you’re experiencing more knots and breakage than is normal for you, and your hair is less manageable than it used to be, then it could be time for a trim. As an added bonus, getting rid of those stringy, unhealthy ends will instantly make your hair look thicker, fuller and healthier.

Use your fingers

If you lead an active lifestyle that causes knots and tangles, then detangling is a critical step in your hair routine. This is the moment when you can lose large amounts of hair if done incorrectly. Your fingers are going to be the gentlest tool that you can use on your hair, because they can feel the knots and don’t snag the way brushes and fine tooth combs can. If you prefer to use a tool, then a seamless wide tooth comb is best. Carefully work it through your knots when your hair is saturated with a slippery conditioner to lose a minimal amount of hair.

Reduce the friction

If you feel like your hair has stopped growing at your shoulders, this might be due to friction. Throughout the day, our hair rubs on clothing, pillows, and towels. You can reduce the friction by wearing your hair in a protective style like a braid, twists, or bun (which protects your ends”>. The world record holder for the World’s Largest Afro, Aevin Dugas, told us she maintains her length by “keeping it in a protective style 90% of the time and maybe wearing it out on the weekends.” The proof is in her hair. If you love to wear your hair down, you can make easy switches like using a satin pillowcase or amicrofiber towel, both of which are gentler on your strands. Complicated hairstyles which involve a lot of manipulation can also lead to breakage and increased hair loss, so keep it simple!

We can’t control how fast our hair grows, but we can play a part in caring for what we do have. The single most important piece of advice we can offer is to love and have fun with your hair at every length. This simple act will give you the patience to care for it so that it’s in its healthiest state possible.

This photo was submitted by StyleNook user ShesCurlyy_, if you’d like to share your own curly selfie post it here.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published November 5, 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF DOVE

There’s an emoji for everything – a hazelnut, a paper clip, 3 kinds of CD-roms. Yet somehow not one curly girl to be found – until now. Dove recently launched their own line of curly girl emojis so now we can hair twirl and heart eyes to our hearts’ delight.

According to  Sali A. Tagliamonte, a professor of linguistics at the University of Toronto who partnered with Dove Hair on this launch, “If people can use tools of communication that reflect who and what they are, this can have a positive effect on their self-confidence and quality of life.”

The best part? They did not simply release one curl pattern, one hair color, or one hair length. They got the memo that curls come in all shapes and sizes (and colors”> and gave us 131 variations to choose from.

We’re all for curly hair representation on every platform available, and considering 74% of us are using emojis daily this platform’s reach will be pretty all encompassing.

How to get them

Step 1 Download

You can download the Dove “Love Your Curls Emojis Keyboard,” on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. And don’t worry, it’s free.

Step 2 Add “Dove Curls” to your third-party keyboard

Once you’ve downloaded the keyboard, you can use it in your messages on Facebook Messenger, email, WhatsApp, Kik, Viber, and more.

Step 3 Click the globe icon and choose the Dove Curls keyboard

These instructions are for the iPhone, so far we’ve seen that Android users are having issues getting the emojis to work for them.

Have you used these emojis yet? Let us know how you’ve used them below!

By Cristina Cleveland · Published November 4, 2015

I received this co-washing question from fellow Type 2c wavy Nadine.

Question

I also have 2C curly hair although recently I don’t know what’s happening to my hair. I started the CG method a few months back but co-washing my hair made my curls limp, even if I do occasionally shampoo it using a sulfate-free one. I’m thinking to stop co-washing for good and start washing with sulfate-free shampoo but I’m thinking that it probably would make my hair dry. What do you think? Can you please give me some tips how to bring my curls back? I really, really like to know what your curly hair routine is. I would appreciate your help a lot as I am new at this and I miss my curly hair so bad.

Answer

I find that co-washing leaves my hair kind of limp too, so I only use it when I want to condition my hair but it hasn’t been long enough for me to need to shampoo yet. Instead I use sulfate free shampoos most of the time, and I cleanse my hair about twice a week. I try to go as long as I can in between washes and refresh with a spray bottle of water and leave-in conditioner in the mornings.

I personally don’t follow the Curly Girl Method, but I do try to avoid sulfates because my hair is color-treated and damaged. A few of my favorite sulfate-free cleansers are Ouidad’s Cleansing Oil (which really doesn’t have an oil consistency”>, ApHogee Textured Hair Wash, and EDEN BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo. I know that SheaMoisture is a fan favorite among curly girls but for my Type 2C waves some of their popular cleansers leave my hair feeling weighed down, which is true for many products that tighter curlies and coilies like.

When I do co-wash I simply use my daily conditioner and my favorite scalp brush to work the product in and lift the dirt from my scalp. If you don’t have a scalp brush you can easily massage your scalp with the pads of your fingers, just make sure not to scratch. The scalp brush helps me feel really clean even when I am using a conditioner to cleanse. A few of my favorite daily conditioners are DevaCurl One Condition, UR Curly Quinoa Conditioner, and Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner.

My last suggestion is to be sure and clarify your curls at least once a month. This will remove any product buildup you have that could be causing the limp curls. My favorite clarifying shampoo is Kinky Curly’s Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo, which is still sulfate free.

I hope this helps, Nadine!

If you have experience with co-washing or the CG Method, share your tips below!

Have questions about your hair? Post them on our Curly Q&A so that other curlies and our Editors can respond.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published October 26, 2015

Do you know what damaged hair looks like, feels like, and even acts like? Often, we get used to the way our hair behaves (or doesn’t”> and ignore the signs of true damage. Bald patches, clumps of hair falling out, or thinning edges — these are easy to spot. But what about the other, less-obvious signs that your hair is in serious trouble?

If you comb, brush, shampoo, chemically straighten, or use heat-styling tools or permanent color, the fact is, you are in some way or another harming your hair. Even pulling your hair into a ponytail too often can be destructive. Before you throw your hands up in the air and surrender, know that it is possible to prevent this damage. You just have to know what to look for.

Split Ends

Easily mistaken for frizz, split ends are the damaged tips of the hair shaft that have split into two or three fragments. The ends are the oldest part of your hair and tend to grow increasingly porous over time, which is why many naturally curly girls emphasize oiling their ends. If your hair looks full and voluminous at the roots and much thinner at the ends, your ends are probably damaged. Getting a trim and focusing on moisturizing hair care are crucial to staving off further issues.

Read more: 12 Things You Can Do Today To See Fewer Split Ends

Lack of Elasticity

Hair is elastic, especially when wet, but one of the biggest problems with elasticity loss is that it can sometimes be hard to diagnose. Healthy hair has a high level of elasticity, and this is what gives hair its body, bounce, and texture formation. Elasticity is what makes hair styling possible and is a telltale sign of hair health.

To test if your hair has lost its elasticity, stretch a strand while it’s wet. If a strand breaks with little to no stretching, it may need more moisture. If it stretches a bit and then returns to its natural state, you have normal elasticity. If it stretches more than usual and then breaks, or feels limp and mushy between your fingers, then it needs protein. It’s important to have a balance of moisture and protein in our hair, and the best way to do this is with protein treatments. (Ideally, have yours administered by a professional, as too much protein can also cause damage.”>

High Porosity

Porosity is how easily hair (like a sponge”> can absorb moisture and chemicals, and damaged hair is more porous than healthy hair. Chemical treatments like coloring, chemical straighteners, and heat applications can cause hair to become overly porous. If you dye your hair, then you may have noticed the dye absorbing or processing more quickly on hair that is damaged than on the healthy parts of your hair. The flip side of that problem is that the color may fade more quickly in the highly porous sections every time you cleanse.

The best way to prevent this damage is to decrease the chemicals and heat-styling products in your life. Since damaged hair is more vulnerable when wet, try styling or manipulating it when it’s dry and consider damp detangling to cause less damage. Incorporate protein treatments to add strength to the hair and temporarily close holes in the hair’s cuticle. Deep-condition and consider using apple cider vinegar and aloe vera to restore the hair’s pH balance. Then,seal with an oil to help retain as much moisture as possible.

Read more: 4 Ways to Moisturize Your High-Porosity Hair

Dry, Brittle, Lack of Moisture

Healthy hair is soft and supple and should never be dry and brittle. Not sure why your hair is dry no matter what you do? Consider these questions:

1. Are you deep-conditioning after cleansing? You should.
2. Are you protecting your curls at night by using a satin scarf or satin bonnet or sleeping on a satin pillowcase? You should.
3. Are you drying your hair with a blowdryer on high heat? You shouldn’t.
4. Do you incorporate oils into your regimen with pre-poos, hot oil treatments, or sealers? Maybe this is the time.

Pick up a couple strands of your hair and run your fingers through it from root to tip. If it feels rough, that is a sign of dryness and possible damage. Do this test the day after washing your hair, as dryness can also be an indication of product buildup. Sometimes, dryness can be caused by the weather, hormone changes, or even medications, but often it’s simply too much heat, chemical treatments, or not properly moisturizing and conditioning your hair.

Unruly Tangles

Textured hair is more prone to tangling than straight hair is. If you are doing all the right things in your detangling session and are still wrestling with unruly tangles, then your hair may be damaged. This is a sign that you’re likely dealing with a few of the issues above; dry hair with roughened cuticles and frayed split ends is likely to snag and form knots. And, if your hair lacks elasticity, it will likely snap as you attempt to remove those knots. This calls for more frequent deep-conditioning and is potentially a sign that it’s time for a trim. Even if you want long hair, you can’t reach mermaid status by holding onto damaged strands that need to go.

You know your own hair. If it was soft and full before and now it’s dull, thinning, tangled, and will not hold a style, then you know something isn’t right. If it feels different, looks different, or your old products just aren’t doing the trick, investigate to see if you have any damaging habits — and then stop doing them! Your hair will thank you.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published October 16, 2015

Many of us spend our lives searching for that one unicorn product. The one that provides everlasting moisture, shine, frizz-less texture that lasts 5 days straight and feels soft to the touch. The product whose ingredient label lists all natural, organic ingredient names we can pronounce, contains no chemicals or preservatives, has a neverending shelf life, costs $5 and can be found nation wide in our local drugstores.

If you have found your Holy Grail hair product, congratulations. But for those who are still looking, there is a way to get exactly what you want, when you want it – we call it cocktailing.

What is cocktailing?

Cocktailing is combining store bought products with raw ingredients to create your own personalized product. You know cooking at home is way better for you than eating out because in your kitchen you have control over what’s going into your food – the same can be said for cocktailing your own hair products.

For example, if you love the hold of your gel but it leaves your hair feeling dry, you have options! You can mix in your favorite leave-in conditioner, customize a curl cream, or even use aloe vera gel instead. With a few minor alterations, you can breathe new life into that graveyard of un-loved products under your bathroom sink.

Here are a few easy cocktails to start you on your way to becoming a brilliant mixologist.

2nd Day Hair Refresher

Everyone’s telling you to “shampoo less.” But if your hair is prone to dryness or product buildup is weighing your hair down by day 3, then you need a light, moisturizing refresher. This will reactivate any product you applied in previous days and help reshape any creases that happened while you were sleeping.

• Step 1 – Fill an empty spray bottle (you can either buy one or use an empty product bottle”> halfway with distilled water. Distilled water contains no impurities, minerals, contaminants, or gases, and has a desirable pH level of 7.
• Step 2 – Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite leave-in conditioner (we like Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave-in Conditioner or Kinky Curly Knot Today“>. Shake until the mixture is fully incorporated.
• Step 3 – In the morning spritz your dry, flattened 2^nd (or 4^th or 5^th“> day hair lightly. Flip your head forward and spritz  upside down, gently scrunching your hair with your fingers. If you have curls, coils or waves do not to brush or rake your fingers through your hair. Then spot treat any out of shape or frizzy spots using your fingers or, if you prefer, a heat styling tool.

Easiest Cocktail. Ever.

If your hair is in need of a transformational treatment – but you don’t have the budget for a fancy deep conditioner – then simply upgrade your daily conditioner.

• Step 1 – Add 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil to your daily conditioner. Shake until fully mixed.
• Step 2 – Condition as you normally would. Or for a deeper treatment saturate your hair with the conditioner and put on a shower cap for 15-30 minutes, then rinse.

Super simple right? As with all hair tips, everyone’s hair is different so you may find that 1 tablespoon of oil is plenty for you, or you may need more moisture – I have seen some women use a ratio of ¾ conditioner ¼ oil, and even up to 50/50 conditioner and oil. And you may find that instead of olive oil, your hair reacts better to grapeseed oil or honey (yes, honey!“>. When you are just starting out, mix a small cocktail in a bowl rather than dumping the oil straight into your conditioner bottle so that you can play with the quantities and oils until you find what works.

Moisturizing Curl Definer

Styling products are notorious for containing drying ingredients like alcohols, mineral oil or petrolatum, which can be especially problematic for curly, coily and wavy hair. In our pursuit of fighting frizz, we are drying out our hair, which can lead to even more frizz.

Instead, cocktail your own styler with the ultimate do-it-all ingredient: aloe vera.

Aloe vera is a do-it-all ingredient for hair. In the curly community we use it for moisturizing, detangling, scalp healing, hair growth, dandruff fighting, pH balancing and so much more. It can even give your curls a soft, touchable hold when used as a gel.

• Step 1 – For women with wavy hair or if you prefer a fluffy wash and go, pure aloe vera gel may be all you need to give you light hold and definition – you can stop here. For tighter curls, you can move on to the next step.
• Step 2 – Melt a tablespoon of shea butter in a bowl over a cup of hot water (like a mini double boiler”>. Add a tablespoon each of aloe vera gel and coconut into your softened shea butter.
• Step 3 – Mix until fully incorporated (you can use a spoon or a hand mixer”>. Apply this mix to your hair for moisture and soft, touchable hold.

Where to get aloe vera gel?

You can use aloe vera gel straight from the leaves of the aloe vera plant, or you can buy aloe vera gel for $5. Our community loves Fruit of the Earth,Lily of the Desert and Trader Joe’s. Most aloe vera gels (even the ones that say “100% pure””> still contain additives and preservatives, and the Trader Joe’s contains parabens, but our community still loves the way they work.

With so many different hairtypes out there, no hair product can be one size fits all, so save yourself the time and money and create your own dream product.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published October 15, 2015

Looking for a last minute curly girl Halloween costume? Here’s a quick and easy tutorial on how to be Bellatrix Lestrange for Halloween!

What you’ll need

• New Deluxe Curlformers Kit, we mixed Spirals and Corkscrews for a more natural look
• Light foundation or white costume makeup
• Black & brown eyeshadow
• Dry shampoo or white eyeshadow
• Choker
• Wand
• Black long sleeved dress
• *Optional: hair extensions if you have short hair

Directions

Step 1

Apply a strong hold styling product like mousse throughout detangled, wet hair

Step 2

Install Curlformers throughout wet hair, we used a mix of Spirals and Corkscrews

Step 3

While hair is drying, apply light foundation or white costume makeup all over face, ears, and down the neck

Step 4

Use brown and black eyeshadow to contour sunken in cheeks, eye sockets, a pronounced bridge of the nose, and dark eyebags. Use brown and black eyeshadow to fill in eyebrows and line eyes.

Step 6

Once hair has dried completely, remove the Curlformers and spray with hairspray

Step 7

Use fingers or a brush to separate the curls, creating as much volume as possible

Step 8

Add in extensions now if you have short hair

Step 9

Pull hair up into a half up ponytail on the top right side of your head and secure very loosely with a hair tie and bobby pins

Step 10

Add dry shampoo or white eyeshadow to create gray streaks of color in the hair

Once your hair and makeup are all done, wear a black dress or black shirt and skirt and a black choker (ribbon works too”> and you’re ready to go!

What are you going to be for Halloween this year?

This article is sponsored by Curlformers.

By Cristina Cleveland · Published October 2, 2015

1. Hair Growth Speed Is Pre-determined

2.Healthy Hair is ONLY a result of a Healthy Body

3. Worrying takes all the fun out

Watch our video

By Cristina Cleveland · Published October 1, 2015

We love sharing photos on Facebook from our community member photos section, StyleNook. Our followers love seeing how other community members are wearing their hair and what products they use, and they always get especially excited when we share a photo from Nk Naturalz. You all loved her finger coils photo so much (over 7,400 Facebook likes”> that we published the article “How to Get the Most Popular Coils on Facebook.”

But if you’re looking for a faster style that does not require quite so many products, you’ll want to check out Nk Naturalz’s tutorial for three quick and easy styles that can be done in under 5 minutes. They may be simple, but sometimes simple is exactly what our rushed mornings call for.

These styles work well for an old wash and go, twist out or braid out.

1. The Puff

1. Spray your hair with water from a spray bottle, and apply your 
2. Smooth your edges back with a brush 
3. Use a headband to pull all of the hair away from your face, wrap the headband around your hair a second time to create a puff 
4. You can either leave your edges as is, or use a gel to comb them down with a toothbrush 

2. Twist & Pin Updo

1. Pull back the top half of your hair, twisting it at the back of your head 
2. Use bobby pins until the twist feels secure 
3. Add a headband if you want to dress this up

3. Twisted Bun with Flat Twist

1. Use a rat tail comb to make a small section (about 1 inch by 2 inches”> at the very front of your hair. Tie the rest of your hair back to keep it out of the way.
2. Smooth leave-in conditioner through the front section and do a simple 2-strand twist from the roots to the ends
3. Use a headband to pull the remaining hair back into a poof, just like style #1. Double wrap the headband to tighten.
4. Pull your 2-strand twist back and tuck it into the headband at the back.
5. Spray water and apply leave-in conditioner to the hair in the poof in sections, then twist and tuck the ends of each section under and secure it with a bobby pin. You will have about 4-5 sections. 
6. Fix any hairs that are sticking up with a bobby pin

Watch the tutorial

You can see more Nk Naturalz on her YouTube channel.