Search Results: Cristina Cleveland

In my curly hair journey I’ve learned that the shorter my hair is, the easier it is to style my curls. My curls are more defined, they feel healthier, and they just pop more when they’re shorter. As they grow long I find frizz to be increasingly more challenging, washing and conditioning more tiring, and my wash and go loses its shape after a couple of days. All this to say, when I saw Ayesha while scrolling through StyleNook I was amazed by the definition she manages to achieve with such long hair, and what her secret to healthy, long curls is. 

Are there any tricks or tips that you’ve figured out along the way that have made a big difference in the way your hair looks?

Water quality is important. I’ve been blessed with the tap water out in Anchorage, Alaska. I’ve been washing my hair with pristine glacier water from the Chugach Mountains since I was a kid. When I moved out to Spokane, Washington for college, my hair went into shock. The hard water was so harsh that I had to do “the big chop.” It was a very emotional day for me. My hair went from my hips to my shoulders. I started buying gallons of filtered water jugs and bringing them to the shower with me. That was tough. I couldn’t deal with the hour long washing process, so I invested in a water filtration system in my home. It cost a lot of money, but it made a difference.

What are your Holy Grail products?

I’ve been solely using DevaCurl products since 2014. It has helped tremendously, but I cannot live without coconut oil and castor oil. The reason why my hair looks so shiny is because of the moisture in coconut oil. And the reason why my hair is thick and long is because of castor oil. I apply castor oil on my roots and drench my ends with coconut oil twice a week. These natural products are essentially food. If your curls are dry, it means they are hungry! Go feed them!

What’s your styling routine?

• Pre-Poo – Always pre-poo with coconut & castor oil. I usually sleep with my curls saturated in the oils. Then I wrap my hair in a old t-shirt and place a towel on my pillow.
• Cleanse – Wash with DevaCurl No-Poo (Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser”> and Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo. I also use the DevaCurl Buildup Buster, on my scalp. Got to get that heavy, greasy castor oil out, but I don’t want to take out all the coconut oil on my ends.
• Condition – Condition with DevaCurl One Condition (Original Daily Cream Conditioner”> and Not your mother’s Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter Conditioner. Apply only on the ends. You want volume? Don’t apply conditioner on your roots.
• Leave-in – Because my hair is healthy from all the oil treatments, I only apply a dimesize amount of DevaCurl B’Leave-In or the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Leave In Milk.
• Styler – Coat your curls in DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel and the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Max Hold Gel. Now this is when you use a lot of product. I usually use 4 pumps. Scrunch away until ringlets appear.
• Diffuse – Time to diffuse. Waterfall your curls onto a microfiber towel. Use DevaCurl’s DevaFuser on your scalp until it’s about 80% dry. Do not diffuse your ends. Let them air dry to keep them healthy. If I didn’t need volume at my roots, I wouldn’t let a hair dryer touch them either.
• Refresh – Your curls won’t look soft until the second day. I believe it is because the gel cast breaks. I have been using DevaCurl’s Mist-er Right Refresher Spray to revive my second day curls, but I recently replaced it with DevaCurl’s Beautiful Mess Pomade. I thought pomade was a product guys with straight, short hair would use! Hence, why I stayed away from it all these years. But after using it, I believe it’s better than the spray when it comes to reshaping curls that went frizzy overnight.

Do you have any special advice for caring or styling for long hair?

The longer your hair gets, the less volume you get at the roots. My heavy hair weighs down the little natural volume I have, so my special trick has been to diffuse my hair upside down. Every close friend and family member that has witnessed my drying technique has always given me weird looks. Some are even concerned about future back problems. It’s hard to explain, but what I do is I waterfall my hair onto a microfiber towel. I then take DevaCurl’s hand diffuser and hug my scalp. I’m in this awkward position for 20-30 minutes. It may hurt your back, but no pain, no gain! Beauty always comes with a price.

What made you decide to start your healthy hair journey?

Unapologetically bold black women who embraced their natural hair. I cannot thank them enough. I do not know many Pakistani or South Asian women who embrace their waves/curls. Many girls from my community straighten their hair. So I would go online and see these empowering photos of African American women on Instagram and think wow, I want to embrace my inner goddess too!

What piece of advice would you give to a wavy who’s just starting out in their curly hair journey and feels frustrated?

PATIENCE. My hair did not look like this overnight. It took almost a decade to reach this length and bounce. I’ve had friends who would go out and buy DevaCurl’s entire line, get excited, and then give up after a month of trying. It doesn’t work like that. It’s like fitness – you don’t expect to reach your body goals after one session at the gym. It takes time and dedication.

This article was updated in 2018 to reflect Ayesha’s current Holy Grail products. She told us “my curls have transitioned into more 3a now but those tips and styling methods still apply!”

The NaturallyCurly Texture Typing System can be super helpful when it comes to caring for your curls, but oftentimes I think people get tripped up in thinking that they must fall into just ONE of the types. The truth is, most people have several curl patterns on their one head of hair. It’s natural and completely normal. I personally have a mix of Type 2b, 2c and 3a curls and waves. The great challenge of having several curl patterns is that some sections are much looser than other curlier sections, but luckily I’ve discovered a few techniques to help make wavy hair curl evenly.

Pin curls

When I have loose waves that don’t want to curl, I like to wet those waves with a splash of water from the sink and then take a drop of styler between my fingertips. I wrap the curl around my finger all the way up to my root, and then place a bobby pin to hold it there. I repeat this on all of the loose waves that need help curling. Then I finish brushing my teeth, doing my makeup, getting ready for the day, and by the time I’m about to head out the door my pin curls have dried. When I remove the bobby pin I have nice, bouncy ringlets that will drop into S-shaped curls that match the rest of my hair.

You can watch me doing these pin curls in my 2nd day curly hair routine here.

Diffusing

When I’m on second, third or fourth day hair my waves tend to get looser and stringier in some areas while other sections have kept their curl. On days like this, I encourage the looser waves to curl up by wetting them either in the sink or with a spray bottle, like the Curly Hair Solutions H20 bottle. When I really want my hair to curl up the best way to do this is with a diffuser. I use a diffuser attachment for my hair dryer, but I’ve also used a strainer before which worked surprisingly well.

Curling wand

I don’t do this anymore, but I used to use a skinny (half inch”> curling wand on just a couple face-framing curls. I would only do a curl here and there, and it would create the illusion that all of my hair was uniformly curled. If you’re going to do this, then always do it on completely dry hair, always use a heat protectant, and always use the lowest amount of heat that you can. The problem with this method is that, if you have curls that don’t want to curl then using heat is only going to make that worse. Heat damage will cause your curls to become looser, so I would encourage you to use this very, very sparingly.

Braid out

I personally do not use this method, but I know other wavies and curlies have had success with braidouts. You simply braid your hair into several braids while the hair is wet or damp, and allow the hair to dry completely. Then remove the braids and shake them up so that they’re not too defined. The great thing about this method is that you can control how loose or tight the waves are through how many braids you do.

You can watch my full curly hair routine here for all of the techniques and products I use.

Have you found a technique that works for you? Share yours in the comments!

As a Type 2c wavy myself who’s been on the “should I get bangs” fence for a couple of months, Elaine is exactly the naturally wavy hair inspiration I’ve been looking for. Elaine is a Scottish curly girl who has been wearing her hair curly for over 12 years, and as you’ll soon see her hair has undergone an amazing transformation during that time. Her hair may have started out looking loosely wavy when she first started rocking her natural texture, but now her fine hair is a mix of 2c and 3a waves and curls, and a few tighter 3b ringlets here and there.

Are there any tricks or tips that you’ve figured out along the way that have made a big difference in the way your hair looks?

This answer is easy as they had such a noticeable effect! The trick that has made the biggest difference is protecting my curls overnight with a silk scarf, as my hair has always been too fine for pineappling. Then I hydrate daily by spritzing my hair every morning with a mix of water and leave-in conditioner. Can you believe I actually used to avoid conditioning as I thought it weighed my curls down? But only because I had been using generic cosmetic conditioners that were laden with heavy silicones. Lush curls need hydration!

Another fave is nightly scalp massages. This has massively improved the health of my scalp, my issues with protein sensitive itching, hair growth, achieving 2nd, 3rd and 4th day curls and the benefits go on. I will never not do this now.

What piece of advice would you give to a curly who’s just starting out in their journey?

My advice to those starting their journey, or restarting for the umpteenth time, would be to not get too caught up in others’ routines, products and methods. It is so inspiring to follow other curly girls, and there is no doubt that you will gain valuable support and help from the amazing curl community, but everyone’s curls are so unique and what works for others wont necessarily work for you! There are no wonder products to reverse damage, so take the time to nourish and care for your curls until they are healthy, learn what feels good, and what doesn’t, pay attention to what ingredients feature in your fave products to help determine what to look for in others. Oh and take lots of selfies… any time you’re having a bad hair day, or feeling frustrated, remind yourself just how far you have come, and I guarantee that pic from 3 months ago will help you realize that your curls are improving every day. Even on your worst curl day, there will be another girl 6 months behind you who dreams of getting to where you are now!

My advice to those starting their journey, or restarting for the umpteenth time, would be to not get too caught up in others’ routines

What’s your styling routine?

The routine that gives me the best results is my wash’n’go.

• Cleanse – I use a sulphate-free shampoo rather than co-washing because which works better for my low porosity curls,
• Condition – I followed that with a botanical silicone-free conditioner. I usually leave about 50% of my conditioner in my hair rather than rinsing all of it out.
• Style – I then add a gel to soaking wet hair being careful not to rake the product through, this may sound strange but my curls are delicate and fine, so raking disrupts the pattern and I lose definition. I graze the product over the canopy of my hair and flip my head over and do the same underneath… I then scrunch for my life lol.
• Scrunch – I scrunch for at least 5 minutes, then scrunch again using the Boucleme curl towel which is very similar to a t-shirt rather than a microfiber towel.
• Diffuse – Being from Scotland, air drying is not an option so I diffuse my hair dry.
• Scrunch – When it’s 100% dry I love to scrunch out the crunch and fluff my hair for volume.

What are your Holy Grail products?

For me a Holy Grail product is defined by how often I recommend it to others, and how stressed I get if it’s about to run out. By that rationale they would have to be Giovanni Direct Leave-in, it’s clean, affordable, and works for everyone whether you’re Type 2b or 4c. My next one would be SheaMoisture Frizz Defense Gel/cream with Cupuacu, it is an incredible gel that manages to lock in all your moisture, and give full, bouncy, hydrated curls with zero crunch! My favorite complete line would be Boucleme, a British brand that creates incredible quality products full of amazing natural ingredients with no nasties… I always get great results when using their stuff.

Tell us about your curly hair journey. Have you always worn your hair curly, or did you start embracing it recently? If so, what caused you to start embracing it?

When I was young I had long, thick, wavy hair that flowed down my back, but I hated having it brushed daily by my mum, so when I was 14, I took all my pocket money to the local hairdresser and asked for a pixie cut! This resulted in months of tears, from both me and my mum! As it grew in, it became harder and harder to control. It felt frizzy and dry, and this is when I started to realize it was curly. The next 10 years was filled with trial and error, and there was no blogging, Instagram or YouTube to educate me. I didn’t know a single other curly haired person. I figured out that gel worked better than mousse, I found a diffuser, and I knew not to brush, but that was about the extent of my knowledge. I wore my curly hair as I felt it was part of what made me me, but it was dry, frizzy and lank. Everything changed when  I stumbled across the Curly Girl Handbook and my relationship with my hair changed forever. By following the method and cutting out sulfates, silicones and parabens my hair started to come alive. I then discovered Instagram, and began to learn even more. I learnt I had low porosity hair and that I was protein sensitive, and since then my curls have been improving with every week. There is still a lot for me to learn but I love being on this journey, and the best part is the curl friends I’ve made along the way.

Which curly women do you look to for inspiration or advice?

There are so many curly girls who inspire me. @curl_obsessions because she is just beautiful and was my first curlfriend on Instagram. @dr_vasquez_md is my constant supporter, we share our good days and bad and discuss our uncontrollable product buying addiction. @vmuse919 is the one who educates me, I love how she breaks down the more complicated and confusing subjects surrounding natural hair e.g. porosity, when to use protein and when to use moisture, hydral fatigue etc. @reallifecurlyworld for her funny and down to earth YouTube videos that always inspire me to try something new and @curlsandbeautydiary for being so helpful and understanding what its like not to be able to access US products when you live in another country… but the list is never ending.

What has your biggest hair mistake been? What did you learn from it?

My biggest mistake has been falling for advertising and marketing, and believing that just because a product is labelled for curly hair,  doesn’t necessarily mean that it is good for natural curls. I used the same ‘curl’ brand for over 10 years and I shudder at the thought of using it again now.  Oh and crimpers back in the 80’s!!

You can see more from Elaine by following her on Instagram @curlysue291. 

Our community has a pretty good handle on embracing naturally curly hair. We know all too well the denigrating buzzwords that the mainstream media throws around when describing our hair and the ways in which companies are always trying to “tame” us. The natural hair movement has made giant strides, and the industry and media are starting to get on board. But in some ways I feel we haven’t quite caught up when it comes to embracing naturally graying hair. Gray hair is still widely looked down upon as something to avoid, something to cover up, and something to fight off for as long as possible. I think gray hair is beautiful, natural, and does not make you invisible, and NaturallyCurly community member Jeepcurlygurl is proof! Her curls and positivity have been inspiring our CurlTalk forum community for years, and I think she put it best when she said “if people are happy dyeing their hair, that’s great!  But if you want to let your gray hair grow out, do it!” Here’s how she did it.

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2005 and 2006

When did you start going gray, and why did you decide to embrace your grays from the beginning?

I started going gray in my late 40s (much later than most members of my family”>. There were three reasons I decided to accept my gray hair and not dye it:

– I come from a family with some beautiful gray hair. My maternal grandmother had dark hair with a gorgeous white streak in the front, my mother had thick wavy salt and pepper hair, and my dad, in his 80s, still has a good head of white hair. – I wanted my hair to stay healthy. – I didn’t want to waste the time and money dyeing my hair.

What was the transition process to gray like?

It wasn’t easy, there’s no denying it. The change is drastic and more difficult for those of us with dark hair, but I doubt it’s easy for anyone. At first I didn’t like the color, I felt invisible, washed out. But as it came in I learned to love it.

When I started to go gray I cut my hair into a chin length curly bob and kept trimming it up as the gray grew in. Once the gray reached the ends, I let it grow and now have mid-back-length salt and pepper hair with some solid streaks of gray/white. It was so worth the year of having the “skunk stripe.” Hey, skunks are cute!

” alt=”How I Went Completely Gray (And Loved It”>” src=”https://images.ctfassets.net/naq2t3kc7ito/5i4cllEeDYMIoKmKuaEGUe/ae72fc4294db2174dbca83ef637c39f3/DK_Deni-hair-2007-2008.jpg”>

2007 and 2008

Can you tell us about how your hair has changed?

Some of the grays are wiry, some are straighter (3A instead of my usual 3B”>, sometimes it feels a bit dryer, but all in all, it is still pretty much the same.

How has your routine changed since going gray?

My routine is nearly the same. The only thing I’ve added is occasionally using coconut oil on my hair overnight. It is a nice conditioning treatment and also helps with detangling.

” alt=”How I Went Completely Gray (And Loved It”>” src=”https://images.ctfassets.net/naq2t3kc7ito/2kqlJw1T6s8EU6EWGUcewO/c11f8975dc9bb70eb714a7cf978a4ccb/tt_Deni-hair-2009-2010-650×356.jpg”>

2009 and 2010

What have been your biggest challenges in caring for gray hair, and how have you dealt with them?

I spend time in the sun and wind, at the beach, on motorcycles and boats, etc., so my hair does tend to get yellow. I buy red/gold corrector and add some to a bottle of conditioner and use this as a co-wash once a week or so to help negate the yellow.  But even if it’s a bit yellow I don’t fuss about it too much.

What are your favorite products? Do you follow the CG Method?

I have been following the Curly Girl Method for about 12 years. But even before that, back in my teens, my mother told me to quit using shampoo every day as it would dry out and damage my hair. That was 40+ years ago so she was kind of ahead of the times! I still used shampoo (the original Herbal Essence Shampoo was my favorite. Oh, that scent.”> but not every day.

I like a simple routine, with inexpensive, easy to find products. My long time favorites are Suave Coconut Conditioner, VO5 Kiwi Lime conditioner, LA Looks Sport Gel. I also do vinegar rinses, honey rinses, deep treatments with oils mixed with conditioner.

Gray hair doesn’t make you old. Being old makes you old.

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2011 and 2012

How do you achieve your curl definition?

I co-wash, rinse, add gel to very wet hair, plop in a turban towel for 15-20 minutes, scrunch, air dry for 15-20 minutes or so and then use a pancake diffuser for a few minutes with my hair over my head, scrunch, and done!

How do you feel about the way gray hair is portrayed in the media?

I think the media does a terrible disservice to people by convincing them that youth is everything, that we become invisible and unimportant as we age, that we need to spend hours of our time and tons of money to make ourselves look young. Gray hair, wrinkles, sags and bags, anything age related is looked upon and portrayed in such a negative manner. Aging is a natural process and we should accept it as such. You don’t have to be young to be youthful. I will be 60 in a few months and I don’t consider myself old in the least.

” alt=”How I Went Completely Gray (And Loved It”>” src=”https://images.ctfassets.net/naq2t3kc7ito/3mnYyAltryKsakIQy4O0uu/02f74aee27d69fe7b97a95f87f9c75be/cD_Deni-hair-2013-2014-650×334.jpg”>

2013 and 2014

Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Gray hair doesn’t make you old. Being old makes you old. And there’s no stopping it. If people are happy dyeing their hair, that’s great!  But if you want to let your gray hair grow out, do it! Don’t let family, friends, partners, or the media convince you to do otherwise. Take care of yourself, live your life, and stop worrying about aging. Get a new hair style, cut it short, grow it long, buy a new lipstick, buy some new clothes in bold colors, stay healthy, stay active, work your brain, do things that make you happy.

And one more bonus to having healthy, happy, curly, gray hair – I have never gotten more compliments on my hair in my life! I get compliments from young people, old people, women, men, girls, boys. Not a bad thing at all.

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2015 and 2016

Update!

We recently asked JeepCurlyGurl for an update. She’s still wearing her hair gray, and she’s still loving it!

I have noticed that the hair world is changing in a positive way. Gray hair is in style with the younger set, which brings in into the forefront on the catwalk, in commercials, in magazines. I see more women of all ages embracing their gray. I belong to a very active Facebook group for women with curly gray hair and there are many more groups out there. There will always be someone who says “Gray hair makes you look old,” but I think it is becoming more accepted as people realize that statement is false. I haven’t been to a hair salon in 45 years but people tell me that even hairstylists are becoming more agreeable when a client wants to let their hair go gray (I can’t imagine ever letting anyone tell me I can’t go gray anyway!”>.

As for products for gray hair, there is so much more to choose from now. I still spend time in the sun and wind and in smoky bars so my hair can get yellowish. I’ve tried most everything out there and just within the last year found a conditioner from Overtone that works great for me. I use it just once a week or so and my hair is never yellow.

I still have women stop me in the street asking for advice on how to let go of the dye, how to deal with their curls, etc. And I still get compliments, so many many compliments. I’m still in love with my curly gray hair!

” alt=”How I Went Completely Gray (And Loved It”>” src=”https://images.ctfassets.net/naq2t3kc7ito/349SHqx8B2A86QQaIQmg2u/5d4da8a4cb01b0d9a598de36badafc09/2017__2018.jpg”>

2017 and 2018

Have YOU started (or are you considering”> embracing your grays?

*This post is sponsored by [Maybelline](https://www.maybelline.com/lip-makeup/lipstick/superstay-matte-ink-city-edition-liquid-lipstick-makeup/”>.* I recently moved from Austin to New York City, and that’s meant trading in the climate-controlled comfort of air conditioned everything for the heat and humidity of city sidewalks and subway stations. My morning beauty routine now centers on making sure I don’t lose all my makeup and curl definition by 9:00 a.m. It’s been a process of finding curl products with enough hold to last the day, but enough flexibility to still achieve big volume. Long-lasting foundation that still looks like my skin. Lipstick that can survive through lunch without drying and flaking away. I’m still working on the first two, but I finally found the last one. I’ve been testing Maybelline’s new [SuperStay Matte Ink City Edition](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Maybelline-SuperStay-Matte-Ink-City-Edition-Liquid-Lipstick-Makeup-Founder/614461780?adid=1500000000000040439060″> line, which comes in 10 warm-toned shades inspired by the defining bricks of New York City and are formulated to last 16 hours. Think rusted reds, burnt siennas, and even a deep blue (you know I love a blue lip”>! Was it specifically made for me to celebrate and help me with my move? I think yes.* **This collection was not really formulated just for me. And this article is sponsored but my opinions are as real as the cupcake I’m eating here.* ### My criteria – How quickly can I apply it? – How many meals can I eat without reapplying? – How long can I feel confident that my lipstick is still on my lips? ### My methodology – Applying it in three minutes or less on the subway – Eating high impact foods like tacos and sandwiches – Wearing it in sweaty conditions, like my 8:00 p.m.yoga class ###### Crystal is applying the shade Artist ###### I’m applying Globetrotter #### How quickly can I apply it? Have you ever had a liquid lipstick that’s so liquidy you have to dry it out for a few minutes before you could safely apply it? Or one that’s so dry you have to put it on as if on fast forward? Me too, so I’m happy to report that this goes on smooth and opaque with just a few strokes. The arrow applicator makes it easy to evenly fill in my lips and then create a clean line at the edges. With the navy I like a precise line, but with the more natural colors I like to blur the edges out with the side of the brush. The finish is matte and not glossy or sticky, but not so matte that it looks like all the moisture has been sucked out of you. I actually wasn’t sure that it had dried completely when I first applied it because it didn’t look as dry as the liquid lip products I’m used to, but I rubbed my fingers in it to be sure and it didn’t budge. #### How many meals can I eat without reapplying? Everyone who knows me knows I’m an enthusiastic eater. I don’t let my hair, makeup, or my clothes hold me back when it comes to eating, so let me pull out my hair tie and wear only unrestrictive waistbands while I eat this pizza! Yesterday, I applied the Globetrotter shade to my lips in the morning, then I had a breakfast smoothie, tacos for lunch, an apple with peanut butter for my afternoon snack, spaghetti for dinner, and toast with yogurt for my evening snack. Yes, I have an evening snack. And yes, the lipstick survived. After lunch the color was still vibrant and had not moved, after dinner it was just starting to fade evenly, and after my evening snack (around 9:00 p.m.”> it had started to fade in the center of my bottom lip. If you follow me on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/cristinacleveland/”>, you will have seen this progression and have probably been wondering why I wear lipstick to yoga. #### How long can I feel confident that my lipstick is still on my lips? This is important because I’ve been meeting so many new people for work and going on friend dates with new potential friends (like Crystal here, who I met at a NaturallyCurly event”>. Meeting new people can be awkward and stressful enough as it is — I don’t need the added worry of wondering whether I have lipstick flakes in my teeth. Not only did the SuperStay Matte Ink stay put, it also didn’t dry my lips into a permanent pucker the way other matte lip products have made me do. Overall, I’ve been impressed that a lip product could stand up to my 5 meals a day. Yes, this is sponsored by Maybelline, but even after this publishes I’m going to keep wearing these lipsticks – just not to yoga. The 10 shades of SuperStay Matte Ink City Edition will be available nationwide in January 2019 for less than $10. If you were at or near our Texture On the Runway event during New York Fashion Week, you would have gotten your own SuperStay Matte Ink from our street team who was handing them out for free!

We’re constantly testing products, reviewing shows, and sharing our self care practices with each other in the NaturallyCurly headquarters, and we thought we’d share our findings with you! In exchange, we want to hear your favorites down below.

Kiana, Social Media Manager

Paula’s Choice customized skincare

Last month I started a dedicated skincare regimen of 7 products from Paula’s Choice by using their skincare routine finder. My results determined that I needed a light daily cleanser, a moisturizing toner, a bha exfoliant, their niacinamide booster for small spots, an eye cream, an spf moisturizer, and a night moisturizing creme. I know this sounds like a lot, but my skin has never been more even, smooth, clear, and radiant. I’m obsessed.

Primenow.amazon.com

You can call me lazy all you want, but after a long day at work who really wants to drive through traffic to go to the grocery store and then wait in a long line with other disgruntled shoppers and still make dinner when you finally get home? NOT ME. Since I already have amazon prime, I’ve started getting free 2-hour delivery from whole foods for my weekly groceries. You can order it ahead of tie and choose when you want your items to be delivered based on when you will be home. I essentially order the same things each week and spend less money because I don’t have the chance to impulse buy while walking through the aisles. 

Room 25 by Noname

 This is Noname’s second album but the first album of hers I have listened to all the way through. I loved her feature on Chance the Rappers album Coloring Book, and was excited to hear she had dropped a solo album in September. As a poet and rapper, her sound is really unique and reminiscent of spoken word poetry. While her lyrics are definitely my favorite part of the album, they are perfectly matched with a jazzy, neo-soul sound that works to supplement her words and not distract from them. Room 25 is the perfect album to help propel you through the work week!

Alexandra, Content Editor

Sashapure Perfectly Defining Curl Cream

Lately, I’ve been using mousses and gels to give me the ultimate definition to combat frizz during these humid months. I recently started using the Sashapure collection and I’m obsessed with the entire line! The curl cream is a new favorite because not only is it a light-weight cream that smells amazing, but it works as a cream and gel that instantly moisturizes and defines my curls. 

Raeka Beauty Turmeric Orange Peel Off Mask

 I live for a good glow and this peel-off mask is an essential for glowing skin! Not only does this Turmeric Orange mask make my skin soft, hydrated and glowing, it unclogs my pores and dries out any pimples so I don’t pick them. I use this peel off mask twice a week and the results have been incredible and I’m so glad I added this to my skin care routine.

Passing Through Podcast by Nneka J

I have been listening to more podcasts lately and this is a new favorite! It’s a podcast about Nneka J, a photographer and storyteller,  who shares her revelations and wisdom collected through travel, conversation, and self-education. She’s an amazing storyteller where it feels like you’re right there alongside her experiencing every moment with her. It’s the perfect podcast to listen to to unwind and sip on your favorite wine. 

Gretchen, Editor

Better Call Saul

Loving “Better Call Saul.” My husband and I were the last people in America to watch “Breaking Bad,” which we finally finished about six months ago. We gave ourselves a short ABQ break and then dove in to the Saul series. Love it. 

OPI Russian Navy 

Got my toes autumn-ized with OPI Russian Navy. Love the deep purple after summer’s fun blue hue. 

Copper Colored Curls 

Will soon be heading to the salon to add some coppery tones to my curls after a summer of caramel highlights. After being stuck on one color for, like, decades, I’m having fun experimenting with new tones. 

Cara, Graphic Designer

Sunday Riley Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm

I don’t really understand all the steps to a big skincare regimen, but I do know that this balm makes my face feel nice. It can be used to take off makeup—I use it mostly to clean and moisturize my face before bed. The packaging is beautiful and the jar just feels nice. 

Nyakio Quinoa Depuffing & Firming Eye Cream

This eye cream is a perfect little tube so I can travel with it easily. I put it under my eyes in the morning and am good to go. Bonus points because it does not remind me of what my grandmother was using twenty years ago, which a lot eye creams do. 

Kimono: Artists’ Colouring Book from Pepin Press

The idea of adult coloring books is kind of fun, kind of cheesy, but most of the books I’ve seen I don’t like the designs. My local art store had several—art deco, Turkish designs, etc—that were beautiful though. They are detailed and fine-lined. I’m painting one right now with water colors. It’s the fancy artwork version of the coloring book trend.

Cristina, Managing Editor

The Curated Closet

Before recently moving to New York, I had to downsize my closet and ended up donating the majority of my clothes. This process, and my new environment and lifestyle, have caused me to rethink what I have in my closet and assess what clothes are best going to suit my life. The book The Curated Closet has been extremely helpful in giving me exercises to be thoughtful about what I really need. I think investing in this now could definitely help save money on unnecessary clothing purchases later!

Paula’s Choice skincare

I have been struggling with acne for 20 years so it’s safe to say I’ve tried pretty much every product and prescription on the market. Recently I started using a skincare regimen from Paula’s Choice and while there are many steps in my routine (about 5-8 steps every morning and night”> I’m loving the way my skin feels. My skin is typically very dry AND very oily. Rather than drying my skin out until it’s flaking and then trying to add moisture and bring it back to life, like most acne products I’ve tried, I like that this regimen just keeps me balanced. I’m not dry, and I’m not a complete oil slick. I still have pimples now and then – I’m not sure that will ever stop – but overall I just like the texture and the way my skin feels now.

Curly World Sham-Free Hair & Scalp Cleanser

I’ve been using Lorraine Massey’s new line Curly World since it launched and my favorite product so far is the Sham-Free shampoo. It has a wonderful (natural”> botanical scent and it leaves me feeling cleansed but not stripped. This has been especially important for hot or humid weeks where I feel like washing my hair several times in a week.

We want to know, what are you currently loving? Whether it’s a new TV show, hair product or album, let us know in the comments below.

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Have you been eagerly looking for clues as to what Lorraine Massey’s been cooking up in her botanical kitchen? Going to CurlyWorld.com daily to see if the bomb has dropped yet? Clicking refresh 20 times in a row, just in case?

Yea, me too. So it is with great excitement that I report: it’s finally here! Lorraine Massey’s new curly hair product line, CurlyWorld, has released. Massey is the co-founder of Devachan salon and pioneer of the DevaCurl product line and CurlyWorld cutting technique, so it’s safe to say the curly community has been eager to see what she’s been working on. While it’s too soon to give you a full review (we do have products on the way”>, we did want to share what we know so far.

The line

The brand new line is described as “artisanal… crafted with Curlove & is deeply personal to Lorraine.” The motivation for the line is to “inspire a more natural and authentic relationship with the hair that you were born with.” In an interview with NaturallyCurly earlier this year, Massey shared that “This is a Curly Girl line that offers more natural ingredients with a lower pH. I’m going back to simplicity, back to the basic 3 steps. However, I do have quite a few new disruptive curl products and curl-centric implements in the works, all dedicated to making the lifestyle of curlies logically easier.”

The products

There are three products in the line, with a 4th on the way:

• Sham-Free Hair & Scalp Cleanser ($30 for 12 fL oz”> – A sulfate-free “dirt agent” that provides a “tingly fresh hydrodrench for every curl.”
• Terms & Conditions ($34 for 12 fL oz”> – An “all inclusive conditioner for every curl.”
• With or Without Hue ($34 for 12 fL oz”> – A “cool blue illuminating condiTONER” for naturally silver or dyed hair that banishes yellow and bl’orange tones.
• Leave-In Lover – This product is not yet listed on the site, but it I have seen it mentioned on Massey’s Instagram and in the other product descriptions as a “frizz-free conditioning shine gel.” Coming soon!

All of the products are made with pure coconut water, and I have not yet found an ingredients list but by zooming in on the photos it looks like they are all free of:

• Sulfates
• Silicones
• Glutens
• Parabens
• Mineral oil
• Synthetic fragrances

There’s one more ingredient on that list that I can’t make out, but I will update this article as I learn more.

The sulfate-and-silicone-free cleanser and conditioner are no surprise, as Massey is the mother of the Curly Girl Method, a method that discourages the use of those ingredients in curl care. Those of us who follow Massey closely will see the “condiTONER,” With or Without Hue, as the natural extension of the book Massey released this year, Silver Hair: A Handbook. All three products come in soft plastic bags with nozzles containing 12 fluid ounces. I can’t wait to learn more about the Leave-In Lover, and I expect this will be a multi-purpose leave-in and styler.

How to use them

Step 1. Cleanse or pre-cleanse

The Sham-Free Hair & Scalp Cleanser is meant to be used as the first step or pre-cleanse step in your routine. To cleanse, the instructions recommend applying just over the canopy of your wet hair, “allowing it to absorb. Add extra to fingertips and go direct to the scalp and massage well, gently removing dirt residue, sweat, or build up. Rinse.” To pre-cleanse, apply the product to dry hair instead.

Step 2. Condition

Terms & Conditions can be used as either a conditioner or a co-wash, or a leave-in, or a detangler. This line is all about the multi-use products! The instructions recommend that you apply a generous palmful (none of that quarter-sized amount stuff here”> to the canopy of your freshly cleansed hair. If you’re wondering, the canopy is the top layer of the hair. Next, you’ll “allow hair to absorb for a few minutes, then gently comb and glide fingers through to detangle and release knots. Rinse or use as a co-wash or a leave-in.”

Step 3. Tone

This product was formulated with botanically infused ingredients to address the hair concerns of highlighted, color-treated, candy-colored, and naturally silver hair. If you’ve ever lightened your hair, then you’ve probably experienced dryness, dullness, and orange or brassy tones. This condiTONER was made to moisturize and protect these unique needs. Before using it, do a strand test to check the tone for any damaged or over-processed hair. To use, after cleansing and conditioning apply a shallow palmful “over entire hair canopy or directly target brassy, yellow or bl’orange areas. Comb through with fingers then squeeze scrunch into the hair and allow to absorb for 2-5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.”

Where you can get it

Right now, the products can be purchased from the CurlyWorld website. Purchasing all three will set you back nearly $100, so I personally would love to see sample sizes to try before you buy.

We will be publishing a comprehensive review by our contributor Lindsay Wilson, so you know it’s going to be thorough! Until then, we’d love to hear your first impressions in the comments below.

The rules, the expensive products, deciphering the technical names of silicones and sulfates –  is following the Curly Girl Method all worth it?

As with all things curly, it depends! For some curly girls, their hair isn’t phased by a few silicones, while others see a world of difference when they quit the cones. Some curlies enjoy the hunt for the Holy Grail and love discovering the ingredients their hair performs best with, right down to the individual polyquats.

The only way you’ll ever know what works best for you and your hair is to experiment, and that’s exactly what our reader Raquel, aka RockynCurls, did. Here is a day by day break down of her experience with the CGM, complete with before and after photos.

Before

Before the CGM: Dry from sulfates, heat damaged, weighed down by silicone

What was your hair routine like before you went CG?

Regular shampoo and conditioner occasionally because my hair was so oily.

What was your hair like before CGM?

Very frizzy, poofy, oily, dry on the ends and had a lot of split ends. It was wavy and not very curly I had a lot of heat damage from round brushing and flat ironing. It was very unmanageable and took an hour and a half to straighten, so I only did it for special occasions and mostly left it in a frizzy bun because I didn’t like how curly stylers felt greasy or sticky on my hair.

What lead you to your decision to try it?

I saw a picture of my hair that had turned into a giant frizz ball in the humidly. It was very disheartening because it looked good before I went outside in the heat. I thought I have read a book on how to do all kinds of things, I wonder if there’s one about how to take care of my curly hair? I found Curly Girl: The Handbook on Amazon and downloaded it onto my Kindle app on my iPhone right away.

Day 2

You already started to see some positive results in just a few days, what did you notice?

It was curlier, shiner and less frizzy.

I was washing my hair with sulfate free shampoo once or even twice a day because my scalp was so oily. From reading the book, my hair appeared to be wavy, so I was using conditioner only from the ears down, only on the ends where my hair wasn’t oily.

Week 1

You deep conditioned on day 5, what did that do?

I used the SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque. It made it super curly, softer, less frizzy and shinier.

Had you been co-washing?

No, my hair was a greasy mess at the roots. It was over-producing oil in a cry for help since I had been stripping it with harsh sulfates for so long.

What gel and sulfate free shampoo did you use?

I used EDEN BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo, homemade flax seed gel, and LA Looks Sports Gel.

How was your scalp dealing with the co-washing?

Well, I didn’t even attempt cowashing for a couple weeks, then I start rotating with cowashing and sulfate free shampoo every other day, then went to cowashing once or twice a day since it was so oily. I was using dry shampoo constantly.

Week 2

During week 2 I started using SheaMoisture products.  I tried all of the Raw Shea Butter line and all the Coconut and Hibiscus line. I loved them all.

Month 1

I made my own flax seed gel.  I was part of the wavy community on Facebook, and they have beautiful results using flax seed gel as a curl enhancer, so I wanted to try it.

I have the recipe on my blog RockynCurls.

How was your scalp reacting to co-washing now?

Finally, by week four my scalp started to calm so I could cowash once a day. By week 6, it started to calm more where I wasn’t using dry shampoo constantly throughout the day, just a couple times a day.

What was your co-washing routine?

Massage the scalp with lightweight silicone free conditioner (Suave Naturals or Essentials”> for 3-5 minutes, adding a little water halfway through to distribute the cowash better.

During week 6, you accidentally used silicones, how did you hair react?

It went back to being less curly and more frizzy. I had this coated feeling on my hair. It was the silicone building up since I wasn’t using shampoo. I was using a silicone on accident. I clarified it out with a sulfate and deep conditioned to get back on track quickly.

After

What’s your opinion of the CG Method now?

Still love it. I don’t think I will ever go back. I think it’s the only way for a curly girl to go. I can go without washing my hair up to 5 days. They aren’t always perfect hair days, but it’s a great time saver when you’re tired or busy.

Did you find any part of it difficult?

Drying the hair can be time consuming since I use much more products than I used to, it takes much longer. Sometimes I hate air drying because I don’t like wet products touching my back and neck for hours, but it’s ok.

How has it affected your hair?

My hair looks healthier and better than it ever has and it is easier than ever to style. I love how healthy and soft my hair feels. It doesn’t feel like straw anymore!!

Do you ever modify the CG Method by using silicones, sulfates or heat?

Yes, I diffuse with high heat sometimes when I am in a hurry and my hair is very wet. I don’t flat iron, but I don’t judge if you want to switch it up sometimes. I personally don’t enjoy how long it takes. I have to use an occasional sulfate to remove build up from hard water and Shea butter build up or I get an itchy scalp. I use water soluble cones sometimes; but not water insoluble because they are too hard to get out of my hair, dry my hair out and they weigh my hair down. Even water soluble cones usually don’t feel as good on my hair, so I usually avoid them.

What would you say to someone who’s considering the CG Method?

Please try it! You won’t regret it once you find your perfect products!! You can learn to love your hair too!!

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A post shared by Raquel Bolin (@rockyncurls”> on Jul 5, 2018 at 8:50pm PDT

Two years later

My curls have transitioned into more 3a now but those tips and styling methods still apply! My favorite products include:

• Devacurl Build Up Buster
• Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo
• Not Your Mother’s Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter Conditioner
• Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Leave In Milk
• Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Max Hold Gel
  Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment

You can follow Raquel on Instagram @rockyncurls

Do you use the CG Method? How long have you been using it?

As a Type 2c wavy, it can be surprisingly difficult to find other wavies with my hair type who rock their natural waves without a curling wand. I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit searching for photos, closely studying curl patterns, trying to identify fellow 2c wavies (though I suspect many in our curly community have done the same”>. As you can imagine, I was very excited when NaturallyCurly reader Mandapandaxo shared her photo on StyleNook. I immediately contacted her to see what she uses and ask her how she styles her hair.

What are your Holy Grail products?

• Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Shampoo & Conditioner
• Devacurl Wavemaker
• Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Styling Milk
• Eco Styler Argan Oil Gel
• Pantene Alcohol Free Hairspray

Are there any tricks or tips that you’ve figured out along the way that have made a big difference in the way your hair looks?

The tips I’ve learned that have helped me greatly to style my hair are

1. Applying my products to soaking wet hair

2. Brushing my products through or using the praying hands method to help my curls clump together to achieve more definition. Using a Denman brush or one similar to it, (in my case I just use my Shine brush by the brand Wet brush”>, can help greatly. If you still want to skip out on the brush then the praying hands method is such a great way to not disturb your curls but get them to clump together well.

What piece of advice would you give to a wavy who’s just starting out in their curly hair journey and feels frustrated?

Give it time! As much as you want to put your hair back in that tight ponytail or bun don’t do it and as much as you want to straighten your hair don’t do it! Stay positive, keep a hair journey album so to speak so you can keep track of your progress and look back at them when you’re feeling down or frustrated with your hair. Another thing that helped me a ton  was joining the Our healthy hair Journey FB group created by Felicia Jones (@Hif3licia on instagram”>. Every time I have a question about a method, my routine, or a product, there’s always another curly girl there to help me!

How do you get your waves and curls to look defined?

I simply apply products to soaking wet hair (I always use a leave in, cream, and then a gel”>, brush it all through or use the praying hands method, scrunch, and then diffuse. I take my time diffusing, it’s important not to rush that part especially with wet hair. Also, if I see a section or curl becoming frizzy I make sure to stop and wet that area a bit, smooth it out, scrunch and then I proceed with diffusing.

What made you decide to start your healthy hair journey? What has the change in your hair and routine been like?

The only reason I began straightening my hair constantly was because a stylist unfortunately ruined my hair with a relaxer WITHOUT my consent. A lot of people don’t believe that to be possible but if you check on google you can clearly see I’m not the only one! My curls were gone, they were lifeless and at the time I had no clue how to get them back so I turned to the blow dryer/flat iron. I was only 14/15 at the time so of course I didn’t know about using heat protectant or deep conditioning and so on so I added heat damage on top of the salon nightmare. Curly girls on youtube/Instagram like Sunkissalba, Muchmorethanbeauty, and Hif3licia taught me so much about how to Properly take care of my hair since they went through the journey themselves! Last year I decided that enough was enough and I was going to put all my hot tools away and get my curls back! It has been 6 months now and I still have a long way to go but looking back at how my hair used to be, there’s definitely no way I could even think about going back to constantly straightening my hair.

2015 vs. 2017 I only began my Journey 6 months so i still have long way to go but if I can do it SO CAN YOU!

The change in my hair and routine has definitely been a little hard at times, finding the proper techniques and products is and will always be trial and error i feel like but I’m loving my journey and the curly community so much! I’m so happy I decided to finally completely love and take care of my natural wavy/curly hair!

You can see more of Amanda’s routine on YouTube and follow her on Instagram as @mandapanda_xo.

There’s a certain amount of good-natured curl envy that comes with attending a curly hair event, but we reached new heights at the Curls and Cocktails event hosted by PHYTO SPECIFIC and NaturallyCurly this month in New York City.

Curls, coils, and waves of all lengths, shapes, and styles mingled happily at Mark Garrison Salon in NYC where PHYTO SPECIFIC celebrated their Curl Legend line. The curl-focused line is full of botanical ingredients, 95 percent natural, and free of the silicones, mineral oils, parabens, and alcohols that many curlies avoid.

Natural hair influencer Coral, better known as @curlswithcoral, and I shared our thoughts on the Curl Legend line with attendees, who each went home with a bag of full-size products from the line. I just love when the goodie bag products are full size.

Attendees received the Cleansing Care Cream, Curl Energizing Spray, Curl Sculpting Cream Gel, and the Baobab Oil. I’ve used all of the products in the line, and especially appreciate how moisturized the Cleansing Care Cream leaves my curls and waves. It can be used as both a cleanser and a conditioner, and the pointed nozzle means that you can direct the product right at the root when cleansing. I wish more cleansers did that!

The Curl Legend Curl Energizing Spray is the refresher you’ve been looking for. It’s a light leave-in that revives curls and gives soft, touchable hold that won’t build up on day 3, 4, and beyond.

Cream gels are my personal styler of choice because they give you the curl definition of a gel with the moisture of a leave-in. PHYTO’s Curl Legend Curl Sculpting Cream Gel has the added benefit of nourishing proteins that deliver bouncy, defined curls. There’s no residue or sticky, crunchy cast most of us try to avoid in our stylers. 

Try using the Baobab Oil for your next pre-poo treatment. This 2018 Editors’ Choice Award-winning formula is super moisturizing for your hair, scalp, and body, and the perfect addition to your summer routine. It works to protect your hair from sun damage, and PHYTO Educator Theadora Guzman even uses it on her arms and legs for that perfect summer glow.

###### Attendees reacting to the scalp analysis screen

Guzman also hosted one of the most popular parts of the event: the scalp analysis station. At NaturallyCurly, we talk all the time about the importance of scalp health as a foundation for healthy hair, but there’s nothing quite like seeing your scalp blown up on a computer screen to really drive this home. Using a tool that she placed on the scalp, Guzman could show attendees an extreme close-up view of their scalp on a computer screen and identify the level of buildup, dryness, or irritation that they may be dealing with. She also recommended ways they could improve their scalp health! Attendees also enjoyed having their hair dry styled in some of our favorite looks for summer.

In addition to free products, styling, and expert advice, one of the best parts of attending an event like this is the connections you make with fellow curlies. No matter where you are in your path to healthy curls, we can all use a boost of inspiration and a reminder that we’re not alone on this journey. Follow along and learn more about PHYTO SPECIFIC on Instagram at @PHYTOUSA.

This post is sponsored by PHYTO SPECIFIC.

I have extremely oily skin. I’ve tried mattifiers, powders, blotting papers, setting sprays, milk of magnesia (thanks Wayne Goss“> and practically every anti-oil product on the market. One anti-oil product that I’ve just started dabbling in is the most counterintuitive of all: oil. I’ve been hearing for a while now that oil is actually a good way to treat oily skin, but seeing as it goes against all of my natural instincts, I wanted to be sure I was doing it right. As it turns out, many of us aren’t. I spoke with skincare expert and founder of Nyakio, Nyakio Kamoche Grieco, to learn about the mistakes she sees when it comes to using oils on our skin.. Here are the mistakes Nyakio said she sees the most – and how to avoid them.

1. Not using oil when because you have oily skin

“When I’m in the store consulting people they’ll often say ‘I’m afraid to put oil on my face, my skin is already so oily and I’m prone to breakouts,” or maybe it’s rosacea, eczema, or any sort of skin issues – each and every one of us has something. What I say to them is that when people have oily skin that’s prone to blemishes (and I’m not talking about cystic acne”> it means your skin is working way too hard to produce oil. Your skin is working in overdrive and when you’re producing too much oil that causes breakouts or blemishes. So just by feeding a couple of drops of oil into our skin it signals to our skin ‘it’s time to relax, you got this.’”

2. Choosing the wrong oil

“I say that no two oils are the same, and not all oils are great. Within the Nyakio line we used certified fair trade organic cold-pressed oils. We cold press them in the same way that you don’t want to heat broccoli in the microwave, doing this removes all of the nutrients when you overheat them. You don’t want to overheat the oils when you extract them. By cold-pressing the oils you’re extracting all of the best nutrients and preserving what those specific oils are meant to target, so you’re getting the best results.”

3. Applying skincare in the wrong order

Nyakio recommends applying skincare products in the following order.

• Cleanse
• Exfoliate – “Everyone should be exfoliating at least 2-3 times a week. You never want to over-exfoliate, if you have sensitive skin use a gentle exfoliator. Both of the exfoliators in our line are formulated for daily exfoliating.”
• Apply oil
• Moisturize
• Wear sunscreen – “Always wear sunscreen! I recommend sunscreen 365 days of the year.”

“Our skin is made up of oil and often we’re using cleansers that are dehydrating our skin and exfoliating can also be drying, so we want to replenish that moisture immediately after we cleanse and exfoliate. It balances out the skin.”

4. Using too much oil

“One thing I see is that when people want to try oil at our counter they fill up the whole dropper and you really don’t need that much oil. I always say 2-3 drops for your whole face. In the same way you don’t want to over-exfoliate, you also don’t want to over-oil. You want your skin to naturally know what to do with it by only feeding it what it needs.”

5. Using oil just for your face

“People often forget that anti-aging is head to toe. Never ignore the décolletage. And I’m a side sleeper so I always include my neck so I don’t get circles on my neck.”

“Oils can be used for many reasons. My grandfather was a medicine man, so he had the ability to go out into nature and extract oils to treat the skin. It worked for different ailments, skin, hair. I use my maracuja oil as a scalp relief. I use it on my split ends. I use it as a pre-shave before I shave my legs. I have eczema so when I go to sleep, it starts behind my ear and goes down my neck, I pat it into those areas to soothe. Because our skin is made up of oils you can use oil everywhere. Don’t be afraid to use it in other places that need to be hydrated or balanced.”

6. Drying your skin out when you cleanse

“I’m a big believer that, especially as we age, we have no business depleting our skin of moisture because it’s just inviting those signs of aging to come in. I love cleansing with balms and I use our Sweet Almond Cleansing Oil Balm to melt my makeup off. I know I grew up in a generation when we felt our skin was clean once we’d completely depleted it of moisture. And as we age, from our 20s to our 30s to our 40s, that kind of behavior and dehydration of your skin causes you to break out more. I’m not asking you to give up your favorite cleanser, but I recommend using a cleansing balm first. I say a cleansing balm is the laziest and easiest way to cleanse your face, I do it sitting on the couch watching TV with my kids. You just apply it to your skin, massage it in, and it will literally lift your makeup and impurities off your face. Then you just wipe it off. Then if you’re still in love with your cleanser and psychologically you still feel like you need to use it, then use it after the cleansing balm, because the cleansing balm gives you the moisture you need. Use the balm as a pre-cleanse. I think we can all take a cue from Korean beauty with their double cleansing method.”

Using a pre-cleanse treatment to moisturize before you strip your skin of moisture sounds very similar to pre-pooing, so the Korean skincare and curly hair care communities must be onto something!

Thank you very much to Nyakio for sharing your oil expertise!

Tell me, do you use oils on your oily skin? Share how it’s worked for you in the comments below.

As someone who had a bad experience with not being able to rinse olive oil out of my hair for a week in high school, pre-pooing has always scared me. I know that pre-pooing can help your curls hold on to moisture and I’m familiar with all the benefits, but I was skeptical that my Type 2c waves would thrive under all that oil. 

That was until I saw Deidra’s healthy, happy waves. Deidra told me in a recent interview that one of the secrets to her healthy waves was Ayesha Malik’s pre-poo recipe. As a fan of both of their curls, I had to find out more!

Just look at Ayesha’s waves & curls!

First, what is a pre-poo?

A pre-poo is an oil treatment that is applied to the hair before shampooing to prevent the cleanser from stripping your hair of its moisture. You can apply them right before you cleanse, but many curlies, including Ayesha, pre-poo overnight the night before they wash.

Here is what Ayesha had to say about her pre-poo recipe.

Why do you pre-poo?

“Because my ancestors pre-poo’d! We South Asians are known for our thick, long, healthy hair. My mother and her mother before her, were taught to do this. The oils change every generation, but the process remains the same. Yes, I have had countless professionals in the hair industry tell me that oil is not good for curly hair…. and the facts they present me are solid. Scientifically, it does make sense and it leaves me looking like a fool in front of them. But these results, my family history, and my intuition tell me otherwise.”

What ingredients are in your pre-poo?

“I use Tropic Isle Living’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil & their Red Pimento Oil on my scalp. I use any brand of organic coconut oil just as long as it’s unrefined.”

How to apply the pre-poo

1. I apply a thin coat of JBCO on my scalp first.
2. Then I liberally apply the red pimento oil on top of the JBCO until my scalp fully covered in oil.
3. Massaging it in is important because it stimulates hair growth.
4. After I’m done taking care of my scalp, I take warm coconut oil and apply it everywhere else. The easiest way is to dip my hair into a bowl full of oil. I’m done applying the oil until my hair is drenched.
5. I wrap my hair up in a towel and go to sleep.
6. In the morning, I wash it out.

Are there any modifications you make, depending on how your hair feels?

“No, I apply the same amount every single time.”

How often do you use this pre-poo? 

“Once a week.”

What cleanser do you typically use afterward?

“I use DevaCurl’s No Poo Original Zero Lather Cleanser. I don’t use regular shampoo and I haven’t for years. I can’t help but think the reason why my curls look shiny is because there’s always a little bit of oil on them – at all times!” 

What if you have a hard time rinsing out oil from your hair? 

“Some of my followers have a difficult time washing the oil out. I suggest they modify my pre-poo routine to find the perfect amount for their own hair. Also, they should swap out the No Poo Cleanser with something else like, Tropic Isle Living’s Strong Roots Shampoo. There’s JBCO & red pimento oil in the shampoo, but surprisingly it leaves your hair squeaky clean.”

You can find out more about Ayesha on her Instagram @spisha.

Photo by Karston Tannis for The Curl Revolution

One of the top questions I get in my DM’s is “how can I be a NaturallyCurly model?” and I’m happy to say we are always looking for models to feature in our articles. You’d be surprised (or maybe you wouldn’t”> how difficult it is to find photos of natural curls, coils and waves – coming from someone who’s spent hours, days, and probably weeks of my life searching for photos of curly hair. So we have a need, and if you’re interested in filling it, here’s what you need to know. 

What are we looking for?

We are looking for models who have previous photoshoot experience and are comfortable working in front of a camera. We are looking for models of all ages, ethnicities, genders, sizes, skin colors, and curl patterns. We want our photography to be as representative as our community is diverse.  It is particularly challenging for us to source photos of women in their 40s and above, so if this is you we want to hear from you! 

Our primary requirement is that you must be located in the Austin, Texas area, as that is where we are based and where our photo shoots take place. 

How to reach out to us

Fill out our application form [here](https://goo.gl/forms/cBmjVs29ahdb5wyI2″>. It includes all of the necessary information we need for our selection process, such as:

• your contact information
• your hair type
• headshots of your hair in its natural state

We have photoshoots quarterly, so we will reach out to you if you are a fit for an upcoming photoshoot we’re planning. For example, if our next photoshoot is for mothers and kids, we will review our submissions and reach out to those models.

We look forward to hearing from you!

It’s not often we see a celebrity with natural curls break out in the entertainment industry, and then continue to rock those curls throughout their career. We were all thrilled when Taylor Swift emerged onto the scene, and subsequently grew disappointed when her curls disappeared in favor of what the media called “chic” and “grown up” straight styles. Ariana Grande and Jennifer Lopez have both given us sneak peeks of their curls, but these glimpses are few and far between. At NaturallyCurly, we acknowledge that all women have the right to play with their look and wear their hair the way they like, and that includes straightening, but there is one curly songstress who I have never seen straighten her natural curls, and that is Kimberly Schlapman of the country band Little Big Town. Kimberly embraces her voluminous, blonde curls on stage, on the red carpet, in interviews, and on the cover of her cookbook Oh Gussie! Fans of the band – and fans of beautiful, natural curls – are clamoring for more information on Schlapman’s signature curls, and here is what we found.

Kimberly Schlapman’s Hair Holy Grails

We recently came across a video in which Schlapman shares her high-end Holy Grails and their drugstore dupes. Celebrities, they’re just like us! Every day she is approached by fans who say “I hate my curls but I love yours – what do you use?” and Schlapman revealed that she has used many products over the years, but one of her favorite products is Indian Gooseberry Oil by Neil George. If you are not familiar with Indian gooseberry oil, perhaps you have heard of its other name Amla oil. Amla is also sold in powder form and is popular in the curly community, you can find out more about it here.

The Neil George oil that Kimberly uses is a salon product which may be difficult to find for some (though we did find it on Amazon“>, but she also likes MoroccanOil, which is pricey but available in many stores and salons, and FrizzEase which is a comparable drugstore dupe you can find anywhere. Kimberly applies the serum to her wet hair and then detangles and brushes her hair. She says “the only time I ever brush my hair is when it’s wet, I never brush it dry.”

Kimberly then follows up with a curl cream. Her favorite is MoroccanOil Intense Curl Cream. Her drugstore dupe for the MoroccanOil cream is Rusk’s Wired Flexible Styling Creme. To dry she sometimes allows her hair to air dry, but admits she does not do this often as “it takes forever to dry.” Most of the time she speeds the process up by alternating with a diffuser.

Kimberly Schlapman’s Best Kept Style Secret

Kimberly’s unique drying technique is to alternate between diffusing and air drying, so she will diffuse it for bit then stop and let it air dry, then later diffuse some more and then air dry again. If it begins to frizz during this process she’ll touch her hair up with a small amount of the curl cream. It really is that simple.

In addition to products and drying technique, Kimberly stressed the importance of getting your curls cut by an experienced curl specialist, stresses that you should avoid razor cuts, and laments the phenomenon of shrinkage. This woman knows her curls, and it shows!

Here are a few of our favorite curly looks from her Instagram, and you can watch the video below!

Watch the Video

While NaturallyCurly’s Co-Founder Michelle and Senior Graphic Designer Fran both have Type 3b curls, you can easily see that their hair is completely different. That’s because curl pattern only makes up one aspect of your hair type. In addition to being Type 3b, Fran’s curls are also high porosity and super fine, meaning her individual strands are thin. All of the different elements of Fran’s hair type determine which products work on her hair and which haircuts and styles she likes best. Keep reading to see which of the Editors’ Choice 2018 Award Winners worked for her hair type.

Not sure what your hair type is? Take our quiz!

Cleansing

I wash my hair once or twice a week and if I have time I make sure to give it the full treatment especially in the summer. The Amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Shampoo literally is a “dream.” It leaves my hair manageable and ready for conditioners without feeling stripped.

Conditioning

If I have time, I’ll go straight to DevaCurl Melt into Moisture Matcha Butter Conditioning Mask. One of the things I loved the most about it was the Matcha, since I’m Matcha-obsessed! I usually pair the mask with a Hot Head Thermal Hair Care Cap and let it soak in for about 30 minutes before rinsing out.

Styling

As far as styling goes, it all depends on how I’m feeling that day. A must always is a leave-in conditioner, and my current favorite is Mielle Pomegranate & Honey. It smells SO GOOD!

Since cutting my hair, I’ve been trying to achieve more volume. More volume for me means way more product than I’m used to. So these days I’ve been playing around with adding Treluxe Hi! Definition Curl Enhancer Styling Gel to my roots, and sometimes cocktailing it all with either the Virtue One for All 6-in-1 Styler or the Curl Junkie Spiral Lotion Styling Cream and to my surprise I’ve been getting great results with both!
I’ve found that using the gel has allowed my hair and definition to last a few more days between washes.

Nubian Heritage Abyssian & Chia Seed Hand & Body Scrub is hands down the smoothest and most gentle… but extremely exfoliating scrub I’ve ever used. When I’m feeling like my skin needs a renewal it’s definitely my go-to. I feel like a brand-new woman after each use.

The SM 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Micellar Water is my go-to’s for when I’m about to go to the gym and I want to remove my sunscreen or makeup from that day. It just does a really good job of getting everything off while still keeping my skin moisturized.

I use The Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar roughly 2-3 times per week depending on how my skin feels. When it’s feeling a little rough and needs a bit more exfoliation, this product with the little cleansing sponges do a great job getting everything feeling smooth to the touch.

I always follow up and finish up my skincare routine religiously with my toner: Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion, Essense: Missha Time Revolution Essense, Serum: Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Day Serum, Night Serum: Yangu Beauty Even-Tone Serum with YMB Complex (I just like to use mine at night”>, Moisturizer: SheaMoisture African Black Soap Gelee Moisturizer, and lastly Sunscreen: Biore UV Aqua Rich SPF 50+

If your hair feels like it’s stopped responding to all of the moisturizers, stylers, and products that used to work so well, it might be time to use a clarifying shampoo. In order for your curly hair products to work, your hair needs to be able to absorb them, and if your hair has a layer of built up product residue or silicones sitting on the surface then your curls simply won’t look or act their best. The first step in many curly girls’ journeys to healthier hair is to distance themselves from their shampoo bottle, but occasionally using a clarifying shampoo that’s gentle enough for curly hair can do your hair and scalp a lot of good.

Clarifying shampoos & sulfates

Clarifying shampoos can contain sulfates like sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate in order to remove the buildup of ingredients like silicones from the hair, but they don’t have to. There are sulfate-free shampoos that use gentler, non-sulfate surfactant ingredients such as Cocamidopropyl betaine which, according to cosmetic chemist Tonya McKay, “can effectively remove most dirt, oils, and silicones from the surface of the hair.”

What about natural sulfates?

While sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate are known to be the harshest, most drying sulfates, sulfates that are derived from oils or natural sources aren’t necessarily going to be good for your hair. According to cosmetic chemist Erica Douglas, better known as Sister Scientist, “it ultimately does not matter whether the source of the alcohol is from a natural source or not, it is the sulfation process that makes the surfactant potentially harmful.”

Using a clarifying treatment too often can be drying, so be sure to use yours sparingly. How often you need to clarify will depend largely on how dry your hair is and lifestyle factors such as how often you exercise or swim, how hot the climate is where you live, and whether you have hard water in your area.

Whether you choose to use sulfates when you clarify is up to you, we have both options listed below!

20 Gentle Clarifying Shampoos

NaturallyCurly World, I think this is my favorite piece I have ever had the privilege to work on. How often do you get to bring your coworkers’ mothers in and see for yourself why they turned out the way they have. Meeting someone’s mother can be so revealing, as they often play a major role in shaping the way you think – and of course the way you look.

Our Editor Alexandra and our Social Media Manager Leslie agreed to invite their moms to Austin to have honest, face-to-face conversations about beauty. About 3 minutes in, all of the cast and crew were in tears – and if you hit play, you just might be too.

Why is this subject so touching? And what is it about looking directly into the eyes of someone you love and telling them how they make you feel? “I know why I love my mom, why I find her beautiful, and what I admire about her, but it’s rare that I ever vocally articulate it” Leslie said after the shoot. It’s true, I talk to my mom every day. We talk about what we’re making for dinner, what happened in our day, we vent, but do I tell her how much I appreciate everything she has done for me? Not enough. 

Alex’s mom is her “best friend, #1 fan, ride or die, and motivation for it all.” After the shoot, she said “funny thing is my mom was more comfortable on camera than I was!” Her favorite part was that they “were able to be ourselves on camera, express our love for each other, share our truths and be transparent about my childhood and growing up as bi-racial young woman.  Losing my father at six-years old has impacted my life in many ways and it most definitely reminded me the value of family.”

I think what struck me was how vulnerable these women were, despite the cameras, microphones, and other people in the room. Leslie said “Sitting down and being 100% vulnerable with one another created a conversation I will always cherish with my mom. I hope through seeing these videos, more people will have a desire to be open and honest with the people they love.”

It’s my hope that you’ll take a moment this weekend to tell your mother, a mother figure, or just someone you love and value what it is you love about them.

This post was originally published in 2017 and we are sharing it for Mother’s Day.

Storytelling and information sharing are what the NaturallyCurly community was built on, way back in 1998. Frustrated by the lack of information on curly hair and the limited products available in the marketplace, two journalists from the Austin American-Statesman, Michelle Breyer and Gretchen Heber, started NaturallyCurly to empower other women who shared the same frustrations by sharing the information that mainstream media was missing. They’ve done that with input from beauty writers, cosmetic chemists, stylists, social influencers and community members.

We are currently sourcing for expert freelance writers. If you have beauty writing experience and useful tips to share with our community then we want to hear from you! Your stories have made NaturallyCurly what it is today. Here’s how to share your pitch with us.

Dos & Don’ts of Becoming a NaturallyCurly Writer

DO use our [application form](https://www.texturemedia.com/contributor-article-submissions”>.

It contains all of the information that you would need to be chosen, so be sure to fill out all of the fields if possible for your best chance of being published.

DON’T email our editors.

Please use the form to submit your interest, that way we can keep all of the applications organized and accessible when we review submissions for the week. If you email us there is a greater chance that your submission will be missed.

DO provide writing samples.

If you’ve been published by other major publications or blogs, share your work with us! We’d love to get to know your voice and your breadth of knowledge better.

DON’T commit to more than you can submit.

We want to know how many articles you can submit to per week. Please be honest and realistic! If chosen, you will be expected to submit assignments that satisfy our editorial standards and meet deadlines. This is critical to being a NaturallyCurly writer.

DO tell us why you want to write for us.

We’d love to hear what drives you and why you’ve chosen NaturallyCurly as a platform for your work.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

Fill out our application form [here](https://www.texturemedia.com/contributor-article-submissions”>.