Search Results: Cristina Cleveland

I remember when I was growing up teasing my brother, as siblings do, for always wearing a beanie while his hair was drying – even in the summer. I know now that this was his attempt to straighten his hair, and that it was mean and insensitive to poke at his insecurities (I’m sorry Joey!”>. Growing up as a girl with hair that’s anything but straight and silky can be challenging to your self esteem, this has been well documented now with the rise of the natural hair movement. While women are expected to spend many hours and dollars tending to our looks, men who do the same have their masculinity questioned. There are far fewer resources for men wanting to care for their hair than there are for women, and even less for curly haired guys. Today I’m excited to share NaturallyCurly reader Elijah’s journey, along with the products and tips that he’s learned along the way.

What are your Holy Grail products?

So I have four Holy Grail products.

• Shampoo – The Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo has worked wonders on my hair that no other shampoo has. It cleanses very well but because of the castor oil in it, it moisturizes at the same time so my hair never has that stripped feeling.
• Conditioner – Now choosing a Holy Grail conditioner is difficult haha but I would have to say the Aussie Mega Moist. Not only is it extremely affordable and comes in a HUGE bottle, it helps me effortlessly detangle my hair! Also gives amazing slip and moisture.
• Deep Conditioner – My favorite deep conditioner is by far the Eden BodyWorks Jojoba and Monoi. My curls look flawless right after I use it.
• Styler – And finally, my Holy Grail styler is the Tgin Green Tea Super Moist leave in conditioner. For weeks I’ve been using JUST that leave in with no other styler and the moisture it provides is unmatched, and trust me, I’ve tried plenty of leave-ins and have a huge collection of other stylers.

What’s your styling routine?

My styling routine is a super simple process but a bit time consuming depending on how dense your hair is. So I split my hair into four sections and I style in smaller subsections of whatever area I’m working on. I also make sure my hair is wet to help prevent frizz. But I apply the leave in conditioner of my choice to each subsection and do what is called the Shingling Method: Process of separating each individual curl where it wants to naturally separate. It’s super easy but does take me over an hour just because my hair is extremely dense so time varies depending on the individual. I also only have to wash my hair once a week so I don’t mind. And this method is the best for anyone who loves definition, your volume is also not sacrificed at all. I actually get more volume this way. After that I scrunch a light oil such as grape seed oil on my ends and that’s it! Sometimes I diffuse on low heat/low blow but I prefer air drying. Then when it’s 100% dry I fluff at my roots till I have my desired look.

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?

One tip I have, now that my hair is free of bleach damage, is that less product is more. Healthy hair honestly doesn’t need any more than three stylers. Ever since I’ve only been using a leave in and oil I get much more volume and still have the definition that I love. Also, while styling be sure to do it on wet hair. I find it helps prevent frizz and your curls will pop, styling on damp/dry hair is just an open invite to frizz. And the best tip I have is to be patient. Whatever you’re going through wether it be recovery from heat/chemical damage or just waiting for your hair to grow longer it will happen! Focus solely on the health of your hair and before you know it you’ll reach your goal.

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

We all get frustrated during this whole journey but don’t let it be a daily or weekly habit because it’s unnecessary. From my experiences if you’re ever struggling, so many of the curly hair women are more than willing to help! I’ve gotten the best advice from them. Most love the idea of us men letting our curls grow so don’t be afraid to go to them for any questions or pieces of advice, we’re in this together!

Gender has nothing to do with hair.

How did you figure out what haircut works best for you?

I actually haven’t had my hair cut since 2015 when I did a big chop so right now I’m not sure what cut works best for me. My hair is in a way layered though because I used to keep my hair faded on the sides and back and long on the top. Now that it’s grown out I actually like the shape it gives.

What has your curly hair journey been like?

My journey has been far from easy. I honestly never even knew my curls had this potential. But the first time I ever let my hair grow was from 7th to 9th grade. I didn’t even know I had curls because my hair was always dry and frizzy plus I kept it in as an afro anyways. The reason I cut it though was because I started to get bullied for it. People would throw food in it, plastic forks at lunch, paper, and pull it so I cut it all off and didn’t want to grow it out again.

The reason I cut it though was because I started to get bullied for it. People would throw food in it, plastic forks at lunch, paper, and pull it so I cut it all off and didn’t want to grow it out again.

Then my junior year of high school I remember looking at baby pictures of me and seeing curls. That’s when I realized I probably still had them so I slowly started to educate myself and let my hair grow out one more time to see.

Once I started growing it out I had an obsession with dyeing it. I kid you not I dyed my hair a new color every 2 weeks. In April of 2015 my bleach damage was so bad that I HAD to do a big chop. My hair was bone straight and for a while I didn’t think I wanted to ever grow my hair out again.

But a few months passed and I let it continue to grow but dyed it a lot, again. That time I at least used a lower volume of bleach but of course my hair still suffered considering I was no professional and was buying store bought chemicals. May of 2016 was the last time I dyed my hair and I haven’t done it since. 

It was crazy seeing how much curlier my hair was getting! I promised myself to not dye it anymore and now here I am 11 months later with curls people obsess over. Definitely shows that anything is possible.

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

YouTube has always been the place I go to in search of curly hair related people for advice and inspiration, I always struggled though finding a guy who was as amazing as YouTubers such as Sunkissalba or Frogirlginny. But a couple weeks ago I came across this super awesome and extremely knowledgeable guy named Terell McDonald on YouTube. His videos are now my go to and I feel like he’s one of the best curly men we have representing us. He’s been making videos for quite a while so it’s cool being able to see his curls “evolution.” Seeing things like that can help encourage other men to continue pushing through this journey. So I definitely recommend him to any new curly guys.

Editor’s note: Terell McDonald recently joined the NaturallyCurly team of contributors, so stay tuned for more curly guy advice from him!

Do you have any special advice for caring or styling for men’s curly hair?

The first piece of advice I would tell a curly guy is if you want to grow your curls out and genuinely care for them then do it. Society has an assumption that any male who grows his hair out and takes good care of it is feminine but that is not the case. Gender has nothing to do with hair. Your curls are your living crown, let your crown grow as you please. Don’t be ashamed of using products to keep your curls in great health. Also, like I said earlier don’t fear turning to the curly women for help, guys. And YouTube of course, you can find so many styling/caring for curly hair videos including from my new channel curlsofeli. Just educate yourself, try different techniques, products to find what works for you, and before you know it your hair will be thriving!

Thank you Eli for sharing your story!

Curly guys, what’s your biggest hair challenge? Let us know in the comments so we can help answer your questions.

If you’d like to see more from Eli, you can see more of his routine on StyleNook, follow him on Instagram @curlsofeli and watch him on YouTube curlsofeli. 

If you’d like to post your own curly hair selfie and share your routine on StyleNook, you can do that here. 

As someone who works for NaturallyCurly, I’m familiar with a refrain I hear often on the topic of hair: “It’s just hair.” But we know it runs deeper than that.

For many women, our hair is intertwined with our ideas of body image and self worth, and as a result it’s a critical point of anxiety and depression among cancer patients. Body image isn’t limited to the way your body looks, but the way it feels and functions as well – all of which can be severely affected by cancer and its treatment.

Dana Dinerman, a three-time breast cancer survivor and the CEO of Hulabelle, a swimwear line for mastectomy patients, told NaturallyCurly “for me losing my hair was an emotional experience, as a woman I felt like it diminished my look. A scar from a missing breast can be hidden, yet the stares from those in public when they see you without hair can be quite troubling.” 

Questions on hair loss and regrowth are among the most frequently asked for oncology treatment teams. The vast majority of people will find that their hair does grow back after chemotherapy, but there is a lot of variation in how and when the hair grows, and whether or not they lose it in the first place. We spoke with experts and chemotherapy patients to paint a well-rounded picture of what you can expect.

How does chemotherapy affect hair?

First of all, not all chemotherapies lead to hair loss. The way your hair and body react to treatment can vary from person to person, and can depend on the type of chemotherapy drugs, the dosage, and the form you receive it in. You may experience some hair loss, complete hair loss, or a change in the texture of your hair all over your body. If you don’t lose your hair, your hair may become thinner, dryer or duller.

NaturallyCurly Editor Devri Velazquez didn’t lose her hair when she underwent chemotherapy for her autoimmune disease, Takayasu’s Vasculitis, although she did experience noticeable changes in her hair texture. “It didn’t take long for me to notice a difference in my hair density and texture; I had relaxed and color-treated hair at the time but I had to stop the chemicals. Then, I turned to temporary hair dye and that still fried my edges. I noticed thinning in my bangs area before any other. My hair felt crispy and brittle to the touch.”

As Devri’s dosage has changed, so has her hair texture, “I still continue a once a month infusion treatment that is classified to medical professionals as chemo, although it isn’t as harsh as the one I started six years ago. Now my hair is stronger, more defined, and resilient than ever, although it is still frizz-prone (which tells me it gets thirsty easily although I moisturize it daily and thoroughly”>.”

There are many ways you can choose to maintain your hair during this journey. For Devri, coloring her hair is an important way for her to express her personal aesthetic so she chose to switch to temporary hair dyes so she could maintain that part of her lifestyle. Holly Bertone, a breast cancer survivor, author, blogger, and the President and CEO of Pink Fortitude, LLC, told us she chose instead to cut her hair before she started chemo, “Before chemo kicked in, I donated my long, naturally curly red hair. It was tough to say goodbye, but I did it on my own terms and for a good cause.”

Holly said “When I asked my doctors what it would look like when it grew back, and how long it would take, they were not able to give me a definite answer. It might be red or gray. It might be curly or straight.” Unfortunately there is a lot of variation in the way patients react to the drug. Two people using the same dose of the same treatment may experience different results.

When will it grow back after chemotherapy?

Dr Robert Nettles MD, hair loss and regrowth expert, told NaturallyCurly “A typical timetable for hair regrowth after chemotherapy is that about 2-3 weeks after chemotherapy ends you should begin to see the first soft fuzz of hair regrowth.  Within a couple of weeks after that, this fuzz starts to turn into real baby hairs and your hair will begin to grow back at normal rate.  Normal rate of hair growth is approximately half an inch per month.” Again, there is some variation in how quickly everyone’s hair grows, “Some people will grow a little faster and others slower. Note that proper nutrition will also impact hair growth speed and thickness.”

A typical timetable for hair regrowth after chemotherapy is that about 2-3 weeks after chemotherapy ends you should begin to see the first soft fuzz of hair regrowth.

How will it grow back?

Dana Dinerman told me “To answer the question quite frankly, the hair comes back different than when originally lost. It does come back more wavy and curly.” To deal with the changes in hair texture, she recommends shaving the first growth “because that hair in particular is damaged from the chemo. Then when it grows it feels thicker on the head and pretty normal except for the wave or curl. It can take time and stages to grow it back, there is an awkward stage about a year after where it is in between stages of being short and a long pixie cut.” Dana is currently recouping from her third battle with breast cancer, “my hair looks like a pixie cut and feels soft and strong. No complaints except it would be nice to not have to lose it again…it is not fun especially during the winter months because it is so cold.” Holly Bertone told us that when her hair eventually grew back, “it grew back patchy, red, and curly. The red was the dark auburn from my youth, almost brown. It took around four months for it to grow an inch.”

Devri Velazquez used this time in her life to experiment with her hair in ways she never had before. “I got treatment every 4 weeks for a year, and maybe a few months into it while transitioning with a sew-in weave, I got my first big chop. My new TWA showed thicker hair than I ever had before, even as a child before my relaxed days. Now that I was natural, and felt like I could play around with wigs, headwraps, hats, and other protective styles that didn’t require time or energy-consuming maintenance.”

Laura Price wrote for the Huffington Post that “Even now that my hair is almost back to the pixie-length it was cut to just before chemo, I still keep thinking it’s going to fall out and I’m constantly touching it to check it’s still there.” To track her hair growth, Laura used an app to take a photo of herself almost every day for 18 months, starting three months after her chemo ended. “I’ve spent a small fortune on products to make my hair and eyebrows grow” Laura wrote, “but I can honestly say the only thing that’s had any effect – as with most things in life – is time. The slight bald patch on the top of my head might never go away, but I’m content with what I’ve got.”

Have you undergone chemotherapy? How did it affect your hair?

If you’re willing to share your story below in the comments, we know they’ll be helpful to other community members.

We’re big fans of Shonda Rhimes in the NaturallyCurly office. We read her book, Year of Yes, as part of our NaturallyCurly book club in January and many of us have been yes-ing our way through 2017. We’re also lifelong proponents of women defining their own beauty standards, so this new partnership between Rhimes and Dove is an exciting one. Together, they are launching Real Beauty Productions, “a new collaborative studio that will create stories based on real women’s lives and experiences.” Rhimes is serving as the Creative Director of the production house.

It’s been over 10 years since the first Dove Real Beauty video “Evolution” went viral with an eye opening reveal of the extreme retouching and reshaping that happens to models’ faces and bodies in the media. Since then the brand has continued to ignite conversation with campaigns like Sketches, Selfie and Love Your Curls. Your story could be next.

Starting March 30, if you submit your story by sharing your story with Dove you could be in a mini movie series produced by Shonda herself. The submission page says “Share a story about you or someone you love that expands the definition of beauty. We want to hear from women everywhere, from every background. Throughout the year, Shonda and Dove will work with you to tell your stories and inspire us all to celebrate #RealBeauty.”

Personally, I would love, love, love to see a NaturallyCurly community member win this. I know for a fact that you all are a fount of deeply moving, empowering, inspiring stories about the way beauty standards have affected you. I feel confident that many of you could star in a Shonda Rhimes-produced series about your hair stories. I also feel confident that Shonda (yes, I’ve switched to addressing her in first person”> will be intentional about representation with this initiative, because she has been working to bring diversity and strong female roles to traditionally male-dominated fields throughout her career.

To submit your story, you have to share a story about yourself or someone you love. Explain how your story expands the definition of beauty.

If you win, please tell Shonda I said hi!

Will you be entering?

One of the greatest challenges of a curly girl is the search for the Holy Grail. It takes time, money, and patience; and while some enjoy the hunt (ahem, Product Junkies”> our lazy naturals would prefer to get right to it. Our own TextureTrends market research found that textured-hair consumers spend over twice as much on products as consumers with straight hair. We spend $82 on products in a 3-month period, while straight-haired consumers spend $40. That’s a lot of money, and we hate the thought of spending it on products that don’t end up working for us.

To take some of the guesswork out of your product purchases, we’ve pulled together a list of the top rated, best selling products under $20 in SHOP NaturallyCurly. When I shop for groceries I always look at the price per ounce because I feel it’s the best way to get a clear idea of the cost, so I’ve broken down the cost that way for all of these products. A $10 conditioner may sound impressive, but not when you’re only getting 2 ounces, likewise a $38 conditioner may sound steep, but when you’re getting 32 ounces that’s actually a fair price.

Reading reviews is a crucial part of my own shopping process. Together these products have over 2,000 reviews by curly community members. I’ve shared reviews for each product, and you can click through to see hundreds more by curlies of all hair types who’ve tried these products in many different ways. 

Kinky-Curly Knot Today

“I have tried so many leave-in conditioners and I always come back to this one. Great slip and, because it’s so light, you can use it daily without too much product build-up. Perfect for those of us who finger-comb – it makes the job so much easier!” – laurencmason

• Price: $12
• Size: 8 Oz.
• Cost per ounce: $1.50

Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Flaxseed Recipes Fix My Hair Intensive Repair Conditioning Masque

“This deep conditioner is amazing! It is very smooth in texture and felt so good on my fingers. It smells light and fresh. It looks just like a lemon pudding. It literally disappeared on my hair and it felt so smooth and it was super easy to detangle my hair with. The shed hairs literally melted in my fingers. When I washed it out, my hair still felt mositurized and smooth. It gave my curls definition as well.” – Leparisianfreak

• Price: $9.99
• Size: 15 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $0.66

EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing CoWash

“I love this cowash. It is not watered down and you only need a little bit. It cleans my hair like I just washed it with shampoo and conditioner. I can go two weeks maximum without washing my hair and using the cowash three times a week. I just use some on my scalp and my hair. It’s about two quarter sized portions. It has a slight coconut smell, but it is not strong at all. It works wonders for my curly, 3B hair and the rest of my family with wavy hair. I would recommend this product and am in love with it.” – amaharaj

• Price: $8.99
• Size: 16 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $0.56

EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme

“I’ts my favorite product. I use it in my wash-n-go and twist outs. It keeps my hair super soft and my curls are very defined. I also use this when my hair is dry and it works just as well. But I prefer applying it when my hair is soaking wet.” – shadaiyork

• Price: $8.99
• Size: 16 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $0.56

Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave-In Conditioner

“This leave-in is the perfect water-based moisturizer. It is not too thick, not too thin, smells nice and fruity, and helps to detangle. Great base before applying oils or gels and doesn’t flake with my ecostyler gel. It was also very helpful on my transitioning hair. I have fine 4a curls and it works great for me!” – Ashleigh.Dar

• Price: $12
• Size: 8.5 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $1.41

Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter 

“This is my all time favourite butter ever! I’m on my fourth jar and I’ve used this butter for everything! From wash and go’s to twist outs, braid outs, perm rod sets, flexi rod sets and the list goes on and on. If you’re looking for a moisturizing butter that’s great for pretty much all hair types then you have to try this butter! It never disappoints and I always rave about it to all my friends and family. Now my sister uses it religiously too! The ingredients are just stellar and the scent is light and delicious like Almond cookies! I love the curl definition it gives me and how shiny, soft and moisturized it makes my hair feel. This is literally the best hair butter out there!” – nknaturals

• Price: $16.99
• Size: 8 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $2.12

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-In Conditioner 

“THIS has become my most coveted HG product! My 3c hair is extremely curly, very fine, and extremely prone to frizz. It’s been a long journey finding just the right daily moisturizer. Shea’s JBCO Leave-In is very light with a pleasant fragrance and is fabulous when it comes to refreshing my curls. I also use it as a leave-in after co-washing and conditioning, paired with Deva’s B’Leave In and a lotion or gel, depending on the weather, but its value to me for the days following my co-wash, are nothing short of extraordinary.” – Anonymous

• Price: $10.99
• Size: 16 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $0.69

Curl Junkie BeautiCurls Leave-In Hair Conditioner

“I’ve been really impressed with this. I wanted a basic leave-in without protein or glycerin for the summer, and I’m really glad I decided to try this one. All the products that normally give me mediocre results in terms of frizz control, or that are a bit too drying, somehow work perfectly over this leave-in. My curls are soft and well-defined, and close to frizz-free despite the humidity. I’m hoping this works equally well in the dry winter weather, but for summer, this is definitely HG for me.” – Themedievalist

• Price: $19
• Size: 8 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $2.38

Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo

“This is the best shampoo I have ever used. I hope the formulation does not change any time soon, as sit is fantastic. I hope you read the reviews and give this moisturizing shampoo a fair shot. It is worth it!” – Anonymous

• Price: $9
• Size: 10 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $0.90

OBIA Naturals Curl Moisture Cream

“Simply amazing moisture cream for me. I use it as my main leave-in on freshly washed hair. It gives my very dry and frizzy hair such great hydration and best of all, it still works really well even if my hair isn’t sopping wet unlike some products. It is light enough that I can reapply it whenever I feel like during the week, and a little goes a long way so don’t be too heavy handed with it. My hair is mainly 4a with some coarse 3c curls right at the centre of my head and this leaves all my coils and curls very happy. Thank you Obia for an affordable and effective product.” – Anonymous

• Price: $18
• Size: 8 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $2.25

ApHogee Curlific! Texture Treatment 

“I absolutely love this mask!!! It’s by far the best one I’ve found for my fine, high porosity, color-damaged 3a curls. Doesn’t weigh your hair down, lots of shine, frizz control, strength, moisture, EVERYTHING. It’s amazing for damaged curls! They bounce right back.” – curlygirlieliv

• Price: $9
• Size: 8 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $1.13

Oyin Handmade Hair Dew

“First, the fragrance is so good I want to eat it. To me it smells like (well”> burnt sugar, anyway; I usually don’t like light products like this because my hair is extremely thick, however; this stuff is wonderful. I can use it daily without leaving any residue, and it makes my hair feel really moisturized.” – Anonymous

• Price: $13.99
• Size: 8.4 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $1.67

DevaCurl One Condition Original Creamy Daily Conditioner

“I had been searching for a product that didn’t weigh my hair down, dry it out, cause more breakage, or cost too much. I found that One Condition solves all of those problems for me. I use it for almost all of my conditioning needs. As a pre-poo, as a leave in, mix it with water for a quick curl refreshing spray or with mixed with avocado and olive oil for a deep condition. I highly recommend this product for anyone looking for some control over their curls. For me it is cost effective, though I do use at least one bottle every month. $20 a month is worth it for my now healthy, bouncy, happy curls!” – theexotictree

• Price: $17.95
• Size: 12 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $1.50

As I Am Curling Jelly Coil And Curl Definer 

“I have 3b/3c hair type and ive been looking for a product thats able to hold my hair lightly. I really liked this because it´s a light gel although the first time I applied too much it made them a little crunchy, so make sure you don’t over do it. Don´t be fooled this will hold your curls with just a little product which I love! I recommend this for wash and go as well as other style like bantu knots or even Curlformers. Great edge tamer too.” – Anonymous

• Price: $13
• Size: 8 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $1.63

Denman D3 Brush

“This product is a Godsend for my curls. On wash day, I use this brush to detangle my curls with, and it works like a dream. I have tried only finger detangling and detangling my hair with a comb, as well as having tried different brushes as well. But I have found nothing else that compares to this brush. I actually buy backups of this brush so that i am never without it. This is the best detangling tool ever invented!” – reservechic

• Price: $12.10

DevaCurl Arc Angel Gel

“Even though ArcAngel is much stronger than Light Definitng Gel, ArcAngel is still a very light, smooth, gentle gel. It’s superb for adding definition and popping strands into bouncy curls. Somehow ArcAngel shapes my hair in a way that really works for me so using it has become a necessary element of my curly bob.” – gardencurls

• Price: $19.95
• Size: 12 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $1.66

AG Hair Re:Coil Curl Activator

“I have 3a fine hair that has not been colored in the last 3 years. Recoil, in a very small amount, gives me curl definition, shine, volume and long-lasting style. I have tried many styling products and this one is kind to my scalp, keeps my curl, volume and shine throughout the day and is fairly economical, since I use less than a pea-size each morning. After a night’s sleep, my curls are still vibrant and I have volume. I love this stuff!” – SallyC

• Price: $19.80
• Size: 6 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $3.30

Camille Rose Naturals Aloe Whipped Butter Gel 

“I used this in conjunction with the Curl Maker. Let me tell you, I HAVE NEVER…EVER…HAD CURLS SO BEAUTIFUL!! I have 3C/4A hair and I live in North Carolina. The humidity here wreak havoc on my hair! I always end up with a half frizzy, half curly fro. I tried this after watching several YouTube videos. The price was a deterrent for me. I was afraid to try it just to see it fail. Best money I’ve ever spent. This is my go to from now on!” – Anonymous

• Price: $16
• Size: 8 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $2

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Sulfate-Free Shampoo

“LOVED this one! At first, I thought it would be a clarifying shampoo because of its transparency, but NO! It was more moisturizing than other shampoos I´ve tried so far. My hair got soft and easy to detangle. Also has great and gentle smell, not that sweet (hate sweet scents”>. Can´t wait to have another bottle!” – Anonymous

• Price: $10
• Size: 12 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $0.83

Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo – No Fragrance

“Excellent gentle shampoo. Everything Jessicurl makes is wonderful. Love that I can get in two fragrances or unscented. Just enough lather to let my brain know my hair is indeed getting clean. Has great moisture-so much so that I can get away with using very little conditioner after.” – Anonymous

• Price: $16.95
• Size: 8 Oz.
• Price per ounce: $2.12

You can shop all of the top products under $20 in our SHOP here.

Our book of the month for January lead to a few new resolutions here in the NaturallyCurly office, and some great conversation on our Facebook page. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes has us saying yes to trying yoga for the first time, traveling more, and making time for play. I think we can call the first month of the NaturallyCurly Book Club a smashing success, and I’m excited to announce February’s pick: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead.

–>

Watching all of the NaturallyCurly Editors practice their self-care this month has been a fun way to see everyone’s personality, and also an inspiring look at all of the different ways to care for yourself.

Our Social Media Manager, Leslie Lozano, cares for herself by caring for her skin. This can mean taking the extra time in her morning or night to moisturize and exfoliate, but recently it has come to include scheduling time with an aesthetician to get a facial done by a professional.

After exfoliating or caring for her skin, Leslie likes to imagine the negative thoughts and stresses of life flowing into the sink and down the drain as she washes her face. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge that negativity and let it go. “Afterwards my skin feels soft, it feels magical, I feel fabulous!” says Leslie.

Don’t you feel soothed watching that video, and a strong urge to go get a facial now? We’ve loved exploring Self-Care Beyond Hair on NaturallyCurly this month, and we’ll continue to discuss how caring for your natural hair is a form of caring for yourself. If you’d like to see more of our self-care practices, watch below!

See why thrifting is therapeutic for Devri.

Watch how Gerilyn cares for herself by caring for others.

And watch how I practice self-care in my nighttime routine. 

How do you practice self-care?

I didn’t know I had curly hair until I was 16.

I know that sounds strange so I will explain. I was born August 10,1986 to 2 Dominican parents. My father is a tan coarse haired man and my mother, a fair and fine wavy haired woman. So, it is safe to say my hair landed somewhere smack in the middle. I busted out of my mothers’ womb with a thick puffy head of jet-black frizzy hair.

My mother was raised in a poverty stricken family in Santiago, RD. She traveled to the US at the age of 18 under the pressure of her family, in order to work and provide for her brothers and sisters. My mother was a strong and independent woman determined to overcome her past, and therefore, other concerns fell by the wayside. Being a more intellectual woman, she somewhat neglected her appearance in order to fully dedicate herself to her profession. So when I came around with this tangled hairball, understandably, she had no clue what to do. So, she did what most women do; she took me to a salon.

My first trip to a salon

Here begins my hair story. At the age of approximately 8, my hair was relaxed under the recommendation of a Dominican hair stylist. I cannot recall the moment, but I am certain they expressed great disdain for my puffy head of hair. I’m sure they overcharged my mother because I have a lot of hair, I’m sure I cried, and I’m sure they explained that this will make my hair more “manageable.” I’ve heard it all before. So from this moment on I had monthly relaxers and biweekly salon visits. Oh how I dreaded the salon visits. The smell of burnt hair and singed scalp became the norm. The 4 hours wasted in that salon and the money down the drain infuriates me to this day.

I’m sure they overcharged my mother because I have a lot of hair, I’m sure I cried, and I’m sure they explained that this will make my hair more “manageable.

I remember thinking at the age of 8 that I wished I could be white. They could swim and sweat and sleep and didn’t have to preserve their hair. I was so jealous that I couldn’t have long flowing hair that wasn’t determined by climate changes. I was so sad I could never fit in. I was constantly teased about my big hair and I would have done anything just to be like everyone else.

High school

But at the age of 16, I had reached my limit. I had decided to cease relaxing my hair. I announced it to my family and came to terms with the fact that I would now have “ugly hair.” How sad. I didn’t know what I would look like but I had an idea. I remember that moment when I looked in the mirror and told myself that there would be SOMEBODY in the world that would accept my crazy hair and I. Perhaps it would take a very long time, but eventually I would meet him. Hopefully.

To my surprise, I was wrong. After a few weeks, I began to notice waves at the roots of my hair. I thought, “huh ….not as bad as I imagined. I can work with this.” After months, I was growing in full-blown curls! I immediately ran to my mother and screamed, “Why didn’t you tell me I had curly hair?” and she answered, “I thought you knew! It is your hair after all.” What a revelation! My natural hair was thick and beautiful and soft and curly. Yet, no one knew how to handle it or nurture it. Not even me.

I immediately ran to my mother and screamed, “Why didn’t you tell me I had curly hair?” and she answered, “I thought you knew! It is your hair after all.

College

The next chapter of my hair story is all about learning what to do with it. College was a time of experimenting… with hair of course.  I chopped off all of the relaxed hair and began practicing. Some days it would work and other days it was a disaster. It was very difficult during that time to find products for curls because it seemed every product was for straightening or eliminating frizz. The only aisle that applied to me was the ethnic aisle but even there nothing seemed to fit. My own family and friends who had grown used to my slick straight hair would constantly ask when I was going to straighten it, and under pressure may times I did. I still was not 100% willing to leave it natural. For years, I flip flopped back and forth between relaxers, texturizers and a wide array of products.

2010 was the year of Medical School. I went to my parents’ homeland (Dominican Republic”> to study for the first 2 years. Being in this hot and humid climate, I had no other choice but to leave my hair natural. Salon straightened hair would cost a fortune and last as much as 20 minutes in the humidity of Santo Domingo. I was able to formulate my hair routine and it worked. The air-drying greatly benefited my hair and eliminated the need for hair dryers. My hair was as healthy and beautiful as ever. One day, a professor pulled me aside and told me that my hair was unprofessional and that If I was going to visit hospitals for my rotations that I had to straighten my hair. You would think that my professionalism would be determined by my intellect and not superficialities, but this was the culture and if I was going to progress I had to follow the rules. I went home that night devastated. I had fought my hair my entire life and just when I was learning how to nurture it, I am launched back into the past. Feeling ostracized and hideous, I applied keratin to my hair. Well, after about 1 month, my beautiful long hair began to fall out. Don’t worry; I transferred out of that school.

One day, a professor pulled me aside and told me that my hair was unprofessional and that If I was going to visit hospitals for my rotations that I had to straighten my hair.

Liberation

Afterwards, I made the very drastic decision to shave my head. As daunting as this task was, it was also one of the most liberating and empowering moves I have ever made. It was a clean slate. It was a second chance. I vowed to nurture and love my hair and myself from that moment on. I promised to never let anyone influence my decisions. I promised to be my own beautiful.

Today, I wake up every day with a thick beautiful head of curly brown hair. Thanks to many curly dedicated products, I have learned what works for me. Almost daily women and men stop me on the street proclaiming how beautiful my hair is. Women constantly ask if my hair is real. People have described my hair as a blossoming flower, a bushel of grapes and even a curly crown sitting atop my head. To think, years ago I had resigned myself to what would be my “ugly hair” and here I am, giving advice on how to style my glorious mane.

We don’t need to conform to what society deems beautiful. We need to love ourselves for what we are: natural, beautiful and sometimes … curly. I am ashamed that I ever wanted to be a different color, different person or have different hair. Why would I want to be you, when I have the privilege of being me?

At what age did you discover you had curly hair?

When I talk to curlies and naturalistas, they typically share a common thread – they once hated their natural hair, and through self work they have mended that relationship with their hair and body. We know how far the movement has come – it’s getting so much better – but one thing that strikes me is that many women still feel isolated in their natural hair journey. Especially if their immediate family, friends or classmates don’t feel the same way they do.

Of course that’s why NaturallyCurly was started 18 years ago, to connect women who feel this way so we can support each other in our journey, and it’s the mission we continue to pursue every day. It’s my hope that this NaturallyCurly Book Club will serve as a way to connect with like-minded women and help you reach your goals this year. Do you want to spend less time on your phone and more time on yourself? Do you want to expand your mind this year? Us too.

Let’s do it together

We’re kicking off with Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person, by Shonda Rhimes. It’s a New York Times bestseller as well as a hilariously candid memoir of a personal experiment in which Shonda (I call her by her first name, because we’re friends”> said yes to everything that scared her for a year. If you’re addicted to Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder, or you just want to dance, stand in the sun, and be your own person this year, then join us!

Get your copy

Order Year of Yes on Amazon or in your local bookstore. You can also sign up for Audible and get two free audiobooks.

I picked up my copy at Halfprice Books, and you can also use the Overdrive app to download audiobooks from your local library for free with your library card.

Sign up for the NaturallyCurly newsletter

Sign up for our NaturallyCurly Book Club newsletter here to be in the loop on the book of the month, and remind you when our virtual book club meeting will be.

Chat with us

Our virtual book club meeting will take place live on Facebook, so that everybody can attend no matter where you live! Tune in to the NaturallyCurly Facebook page on January 25 at 12pm CST to discuss the book with us and other book club members! You can also follow #NaturallyCurlyBookClub on Instagram and Twitter to chat with us through the month as you read.

Win a book

We’re giving away a copy of Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person so that you can get in on the fun!

To enter, comment below and tell us what you’re saying yes to this year!

This giveaway ends January 16 and is open to U.S. residents only, as per our Terms and Conditions.

*Be sure to like NaturallyCurly on Facebook, so we can contact you if you’ve won!

This month on NaturallyCurly we’re going to be talking about self-care beyond hair, so we’ll be sharing our own personal self-care practices with all of you over the next few weeks. In our first episode, our Senior Copywriter, Gerilyn, shares her passion for volunteerism. You may think of self-care as time that you have to spend by yourself, but Gerilyn has found that offering her time in the service of others is what helps her keep negative thoughts at bay.

Yunno what, it might be time for puppies

In addition to working on our brand partnerships, Gerilyn also spearheads our Meals On Wheels company initiative. Thanks to Gerilyn, NaturallyCurly team members deliver meals to those in need every week. Yes, she’s awesome. So I wanted to find out how she found this self-care practice and what keeps her going.

Do you ever have moments where you just don’t feel like going, or you feel too busy for self-care? How do you deal with those moments?

Absolutely. Then I remember, this person doesn’t have the ability to walk this dog or take their beloved cat to the vet. I have that ability. I need to help them take care of the pets that are keeping them going!

Now, there are times when I cannot commit to a dog walking session or pet care drop off because of work or life. When that happens, I remember that it’s okay: I’m not Superwoman, but I can use that time another way. In such case, I drive a delivery route with my coworkers for Meals on Wheels of Central Texas. We drop off meals to disabled and senior citizens in our neighborhood.

So, I simply reroute my focus and think about where I can steer the wheel of goodness! Because in the end, we can only do so much as individuals, and that’s an important part of self-care: understanding your limits and establishing boundaries. 

How did you find an organization that you felt passionate about?

My passion for Meals on Wheels was borne out of a long-held respect for their organization. Growing up I saw volunteers from the organization knocking on doors, boxed lunches in hand and smiles on their faces. It was quite the impression, but I didn’t have a full grasp of why their presence in my neighborhood was important until I got older and realized that not everyone has the fortune of eating food. Isn’t that something?

So, Meals on Wheels has always been a backing track in my life’s soundscape. For them to offer volunteer opportunities outside of meal delivery was a great way for me to hone in on my passion for helping others while satisfying my obsession with cute animals.

How can people who are interested in this organization get involved?

The Meals on Wheels Association of America organization is nationwide. Interested persons are welcome to visit their website to find local chapters in their county.

Are there any other self-care practices that you have outside of volunteering?

Outside of volunteering, my self-care practice includes going to live music venues to listen to local bands and creating music with my friends. It’s hands down one of my absolute favorite things to do. Well, that and playing with my cat Sunshine Marie Jenkins. Yes. That’s her full, real name.

Do you have a goal that you want to tackle in your self-care practice for 2017?

I’m a firm believer in if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That said, there’s nothing new that I’d like to tackle per se. However, I would like to improve upon what I’ve already started.  I think it’s possible to get more people involved in volunteer efforts. In order to do so, I will bring more awareness to volunteerism through face-to-face and online conversations.

Stay tuned for more episodes in our self-care series,  and we want to hear from you next!

What’s your self-care practice? Share in the comments below!

These are the articles you clicked on and loved the most in 2016.

The Truth About Propylene Glycol, According to a Chemist

Our community is not scared away by big, scientific words. In fact, they’re hungry for this information! So we love working with experts to bring it to you. Propylene glycol was your most clicked-on ingredient this year.

18 Best Haircuts for Curly Hair

This article was so much fun to put together because we got to hear from talented stylists all over the country. If you’re still deciding on whether or not to try curly bangs – this is the year.

5 Conditioners that Instantly Melt My Tangles Away

Our Editor Amanda shared her personal favorite conditioners, and it was so much fun to read all of your input on your Holy Grails in the comments. If you’re still on a hunt for a conditioner than can melt your tangles, this is the perfect place to start.

The Unexpected Way My Hair Changed After Going Vegetarian

While we’re a hair publication and not a food or nutrition one, it is undeniable that what you put into your body plays a huge role in how your hair and skin looks and feels. If you’re considering going vegetarian this year, read Whitney’s story on the way it impacted her and the adjustments she made.

6 Things You NEED to Quit Doing for Better Curl Formation

No one wants to add 20 more minutes to their morning routine, so if getting better curl definition is as easy as cutting out a few things you’re already doing, that is ideal. Plus, we think this stunning photo of our reader Caitlin helped too.

Exclusive: The Natural Haired Bride Whose Wedding Went Viral

The idea that you have to straighten or alter your natural texture for special events is so 2015. In 2016 the internet went wild for this natural hair bride and all of our natural haired bridesmaids.

I Had Shedding & Breakage Until I Made These 3 Changes

Shower time can be slightly terrifying when you’re losing large amounts of hair due to shedding or breakage. NaturallyCurly Contributor Ashley Glenn was able to combat hers with these changes to her regimen.

These Things Don’t Moisturize Your Hair

There’s nothing worse than the thought that the time and money you’re spending on your hair is actually doing nothing.

7 Techniques Every Curly Must Know

15 Curly Girl Method Approved Products

This year we focused on the Curly Girl Method for a whole week, and while it’s not a new concept, there was still plenty of interest in it. Not only did you love this list of CG-friendly products, but you also couldn’t get enough of the 10 Curly Girl Approved Products You Can Find at the Drugstore.

And now for a few of our Editors’ favorites

Why You Need to Give Yourself the Gift of Love This Busy Holiday Season – Devri’s Choice

“I had a lot of favorite articles this year, but one of the recent ones was Why You Need to Give Yourself the Gift of Love This Busy Holiday Season because one thing I think many of us needed after such a tumultuous, devastating year was a mere ounce of hope and encouragement. I enjoy reading the NC articles about positivity, sisterhood, and of course, nurturing self-love.”

Every O.G. Curly Girl Forgot About This Defining Technique – Cristina’s Choice

“Our community is so knowledgable, and I love reading what tricks are working for you and the methods you’ve invented. This curl defining technique by CurlTalk user Smasters467 is key to achieving volume and definition with my wavy curls. With wavy hair, if you manipulate it too much you’ll lose your curl, but if you don’t manipulate it enough it might dry flat. This technique is a lifesaver!”

Tell us in the comments below, what was YOUR favorite article of the year?

If you’ve devoured every second of a Seat At the Table and feel like it’s still not enough Solange for you, here’s some relief. We’ll be playing this medley from Solange’s Jimmy Fallon performance last night right into the weekend.

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These are jumpsuits that I designed and Tim White made for Solanges performance on Jimmy Fallon, they make our work look good ! I am soo proud of my baby can’t wait to see the performance. Jimmy Fallon Solange ‘s idea to connect them she’s always thinking out the box

A photo posted by Tina Knowles (@mstinalawson”> on Dec 15, 2016 at 5:33pm PST

1. The dresses

Mama Tina designed the striking red jumpsuits for Solange and her singers. If they look familiar that’s because they’re reminiscent of the dresses in Cranes in the Sky, which Solange told Vogue were inspired by a 90’s runway show by Issey Miyake. The jumpsuits are connected by draping fabric to symbolize the solidarity between women. Squad goals embodied.

2. The choreography

You may be struck with the urge to put on all of your red clothes and dance this choreo in front of your mirror this weekend. I know I will. Even her guitarist is in on it!

3. The shoes

I know the point of the holiday season is to shower our loved ones with gifts, but all of this shopping has thrown my personal wishlist into overdrive. These understated mules are going to the top of my list. Now I just have to decide – closed toed or open toed? Decisions, decisions.

4. The Grammy nomination

Earlier this month Solange became a Grammy nominee for Best R&B Performance for Cranes in the Sky. Is anyone really surprised? She released A Seat at the Table on the last day for Grammy eligibility, and it has been critically acclaimed and playing on repeat ever since. She joins her sister, who has nine nominations for Lemonade. I’ll be crossing all of my fingers and my toes for these ladies.

5. The living art

I could attempt to bring this living art to life for you through my words, but it’s probably best if you just hit play up above and experience it for yourself already.

By the way, if you’re still looking for a last-minute Christmas gift, A Seat at the Table is available on vinyl. And yes, that’s on my wishlist too.

What was your favorite part of the Solange “Rise-Weary” medley?

Read more

This Newspaper Ad Copied Solange’s Album Cover, And It’s Not OK

What I Realized After Reading Solange’s Essay

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What styler are you loving right now? What are you using on your brows lately? Tried any good co-washes lately? If you are a woman, chances are you have a bestie, sister, social media-friend, or colleague who you can go to with your hair and beauty questions. If not, you have enough media outlets, blogs, and YouTube channels to fill a million Google search results. If you’re a man in America, not so much.

Walk down the aisle of any drug store or supermarket and you’ll find more BB creams, wrinkle serums and mascaras than any woman could use in a lifetime, and a minuscule selection of men’s products. Sound familiar? This is what the hair care market used to be like for curlies back when NaturallyCurly was founded by two frustrated women with nowhere to go to for products or advice. It’s a similar lack of representation and education that lead David Yi to leave his post at Mashable to launch Very Good Light, a website that’s redefining masculinity and men’s beauty standards.

Growing up in a Korean household, Yi was exposed to the care and attention that his mother gave to her beauty regimen (and even his”>, and as a teenager struggled with meeting Western ideals of masculinity. I got to ask Mr. Yi about the differences he sees between men’s beauty routines in Korea and America.

I read that growing up your mother would give you facials. How do you feel your perspective on beauty was shaped growing up in a Korean household?

Beauty was always a part of our household, whether it was my mother instructing me to put the mandatory SPF before school, or learning to cleanse your skin before bed. Beauty, she knew, was more than just products you lather on yourself. It’s the first step in embracing your identity, loving who you are, and becoming more secure in your own skin. 

What major differences do you see between Korean and American men’s skincare routines?

There’s a huge difference between how men in Korea and in the States view skincare and grooming. Where Korea is all about prevention, the U.S. is all about reaction. American men start using skincare products when they see their first wrinkle, a blemish, or dark circles. Skincare isn’t about having a good complexion, rather, about solving a problem. In South Korea, it’s all about pampering and looking your best every single day. So instead of being horrified at getting older, it’s about ensuring you have the best chance at maintaining how you look for as long as possible. Korean men are also more experimental when it comes to their own regimen. It’s no secret that BB creams and eyeliner or makeup is now targeted towards a male audience since they’re now the biggest consumers.

How are the product offerings different in Korea and the US?

Korea is light years ahead of the States when it comes to skincare and beauty products. BB cream has been readily used since the early 2000’s. In the States, men are just realizing that BB cream is something that now exists. There’s a vast array of concealers, makeup, to skin products for men’s skin. Here in the states, it’s been largely about how to do a careful song and dance so as not to disrupt a man’s own masculinity. Thus, beard oils and shaving creams, these “ultra-manly” constructs have been the way marketers are getting to guys. But this is quickly coming to an end as beards aren’t as popular and American men are waking up and seeing that skincare doesn’t make them effeminate at all. It isn’t about masking what you don’t like, rather, enhancing what God gave you.

What differences do you see in hair care routines?

We’re seeing that Korean hair is extremely diverse, though, it comes mostly in the form of being coarse, super straight, and thick. Korean men express themselves through hair color, perms and outre cuts. It isn’t a surprise. Korea is mostly a homogenous country, and to really stick out, Korean men know that their hair is an easy way to differentiate themselves from one person to another. In the States, hair is mostly about form and function. Keep it short, tight, and you’re good to go. If you’re younger and want to express your bohemian self, you’ll go for a man bun. But like beards, they are going out of style (well, in my opinion, they died in 2014!”>, and extinct.

You launched Very Good Light because you weren’t finding enough education out there for men. NaturallyCurly came from very similar origins. How are men learning and talking about beauty in America today, and how would you like to see that change?

Men are finally realizing that beauty isn’t something to fear. Just as you’d brush your teeth in the morning, you’d want to douse your skin with SPF or serums. Masculinity, as we’ve seen, is so fragile. I think that the new generation of teens and young Millennials are finally challenging what it means to be a modern-day man and deconstructing these very harmful notions that men have to be hypermasculine. It’s refreshing to know that the world is evolving for the better and young people are leading that charge.

How do you see men’s opinions on beauty and hair care changing right now? Is the Korean outlook of placing value on beauty and presentation becoming more prevalent now?

Men are super into their hair. They may not care about their skin (just yet!”> or about body grooming, but hair? They LOVE their hair! They want to know how to get the best hair cut, what the best products are, and how to deal with hair loss. It’s just like Samson in the Bible – they find their strength by how their hair looks. Now more than ever, they want more information and it’s readily available at their fingertips. With a scroll of their finger they can be exposed to a world of information from their iPhones. The Korean outlook is definitely becoming more of the norm. Beauty isn’t going away. One only need look at this $26 billion global grooming industry to see just how big it’s gotten and how much more massive it’ll become.

Attention Product Junkies: You know you’re going to need a new bottle of conditioner at some point, so why not stock up while they’re 25% off with free shipping? Here are a few of our favorite products that you can buy at a discounted price for Cyber Monday.

Every product on this list has won either a Best of the Best award as voted by the NaturallyCurly community, or an Editors’ Choice award voted by the NaturallyCurly team. Some of these products have won both, and some win year after year.

1. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo 

Whether or not you’re running low on this Holy Grail, you might as well re-stock because you know you’re going to need more. Am I right? You probably don’t need us to tell you that Type 2 wavies, Type 3 curlies, and Type 4 coilies all love the way this makes their hair feel – and that’s saying something for a shampoo. This label is like a best hits of  curly hair ingredients playlist: coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera juice, argan oil, Vitamin E and more. No wonder our community gave it the Best of the Best award for best shampoo two years in a row.

Full price: $10.99 for 13oz.

Today only: $8.24

3. Soultanicals Fluff-A-Licious Curl Nutricious

Looking for a new ‘C’ in your LOC (Leave-in, Oil, Cream”> method? This moisture-boosting hair fluff will give you the soft, touchable wash and go of your dreams. NaturallyCurly community member jacorre says “I was a twistout kind of girl but this product changed that when I decided to do wash-n-gos. I have been using this product now for 7 months and it gives me the best moisturized coily curls ever; using fluff-a-licious under a gel on sopping wet hair is great!”

Full price $16 for 8 oz.

Today only: $12

2. OBIA Naturals Curl Moisture Cream

Our Editor Amanda says this is “one of the best moisturizers I have ever used! I’ve used it on wet and dry hair and my hair was left remarkably soft each and every time. Love love love!” This is coming from someone who is admittedly very picky when it comes to hair products. If you have Type 4 coils in need of moisture, this just might be your new HG.

Full price: $18 for 8 oz.

Today only: $13.50

4. Alikay Naturals Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo

Ever wish you could apply your shampoo directly to your scalp and remove buildup without drying out your hair? The nozzle on this shampoo bottle makes us wish all cleansers came this way, as NaturallyCurly Video Producer Nikki put it, “I feel like this is a superior way to clean.” But it’s not just about the bottle, the product itself is moisturizing – you heard right, this shampoo is moisturizing. You’ll be able to slide your fingers through your hair as you cleanse for easy detangling.

Full price: $12 for 8 oz.

Today only: $9

5. Oyin Handmade Hair Dew 

Try this ‘L’ for your LOC method. I’ve used this on my extra dry Type 2 waves, and our Video Producer Evelyn loves it for her Type 4 coils. Our community can’t get enough of the scent and slip, and the fact that it makes your hair feel soft and moisturized. Is there anything else you could ask for from a product? You can buy it in a smaller 8.4 ounce bottle, but you might as well save some time and money and opt for the 16.9 ounce. 

Full price: $20.99 for 16.9 oz.

Today only: $15.74

6. SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-In Conditioner

This NaturallyCurly office favorite is perfect for anyone whose curls are always thirsty – so basically everyone. Keep your curls defined, moisturized, and easy to detangle. The consistency is pretty liquidy, which makes it easy to distribute and a little goes a long way, so you definitely get your money’s worth. The scent reminds curlies of Play-Doh and vanilla bean (just smell it, and tell us what you think”>.

Full price: $10.99 for 16 oz.

Today only: $8.24

7. Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter

Get a shiny, defined, fluffy twist out that lasts all week with this Twisting Butter. Our community also loves using it for wash and gos, braid outs, flexi rod sets and rollers. It emulsifies easily in your fingers making it easy to apply, and is not sticky or heavy. If you love products that smell like dessert, then this will definitely make you want to eat a cupcake or two.

Full price: $16.99 for 8 oz.

Today only: $12.74

8. Darshana Natural Indian Hair Oil

The fact that this oil won our community-voted Best of the Best award with a price tag of $38 speaks to how well it works. Scroll through the reviews and you’ll repeatedly see “worth the price” and “worth every penny.” As one NC member put it “price, in my opinion, is more than justified because a little goes a long way and also because of the purity of ingredients with no petroleum products, parabens or mineral oils added.” Curlies of all curl patterns love using the lightweight formula to pre-poo, fight frizz, and seal their curls.

Full price: $38 for 6 oz.

Today only: $28.50

9. Curly Hair Solutions H20 Water Bottle

You may be thinking, “a water bottle? Really?” But that’s because you’ve never experienced the super fine, constant mist of the Curly Hair Solutions H20 Water Bottle. You’ve probably only felt the direct, dissatisfying stream of a standard water bottle. One spray of this bottle will instantly wash away any skepticism you may feel over spending money on a spray bottle. Still not convinced? Just watch this.

Full price: $15

Today only: $11.25

10. OBIA Naturals Coconut Shea Shampoo Bar

If you’ve been considering trying a shampoo bar for the first time but have been hesitant to commit, Cyber Monday is a perfect time to give them a try at a discounted price. And what better place to start than with the NaturallyCurly community’s Favorite Shampoo Bar of 2016? To use a shampoo bar you lather it between wet hands and rub the shampoo to soaking wet roots in sections to apply.  Some curlies find this method easier to manage than the traditional liquid cleanser. 

Full price: $10

Today only: $7.50

11. Jessicurl Hair Cleansing Cream

Not all cleansers dry your hair or strip your curls of their oils. If you work out a lot or just like to wash your hair often you can do so without fear of drying out your hair or making it feel too squeaky clean. Jessicurl fanatics buy this condish in large quantities so that they never risk being without their HG. And if you’re forever wishing your conditioner came with a pump, this is for you. We especially like that it comes in several different fragrances (which is unique for curl products”>, Citrus Lavender, Island Fantasy, and No Fragrance. 

Full price: $16.95 for 8 oz.

Today only: $12.71

 

12. Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade

This pomade melts in your fingers so it’s easy to work with as you take down your twists, seal your ends, or smooth frizz or flyaways. The smell alone is enough to make you buy a jar, and the fact that it leaves your hair defined and shiny is a nice bonus. Even if you’re not a regular pomade user, you may find this product has plenty of uses in your regimen. 

Full price: $13.99 for 4 oz.

Today only: $10.49

13. Design Essentials Natural Honey & Shea Edge Tame

This edge tamer doesn’t have the common pitfalls of other edge tamers, like buildup, greasiness, or a white cast. Plus, once you lay your edges down, they will stay down no matter how humid your climate is. At over five dollars an ounce (when paying full price”> you may question whether this is worth the investment, but NaturallyCurly editors and community members agree its silicone-free formula performs better than other edge tamers they’ve tried.

Full price: $11.99 for 2.3 oz.

Today only: $8.99

14. Soultanicals Mango Dip Detangling Slip

When slip is in the actual name of the product, you know that brand understands what curlies want. Plus you know how we feel about multi-tasking products, and this one can be a detangler, a rinse-out conditioner, deep treatment, and a leave-in conditioner. When one product can do so much, you can get away with investing in a few high quality products rather than constantly purchasing products that disappoint you in the long run.

Full price: $16 for 8 oz.

Today only: $12

15. Alikay Naturals Honey And Sage Deep Conditioner 

NaturallyCurly Video Producer Evelyn says this DC “soaks into my hair and after 15-20 minutes with a heat cap my hair feels like butter. Most importantly, it STAYS feeling that way even when I rinse it out.” Community member Jlisa44 says “I will no longer need to buy any other conditioner this is it. It gives me all I want and need in a conditioner.” For all of us Product Junkies, we know that is one serious statement.

Full price: $16 for 8 oz.

Today only: $16

What Holy Grail products did you stock up on for Cyber Monday?

To get these discounts you don’t need a coupon code, simply go to shop.naturallycurly.com. Free Ground Shipping valid for US customers only. Sale ends 11/28, 11:59 pm (CT”>. Some exclusions apply.

NaturallyCurly cannot offer discounts on CURLS, Curly Q’s, It’s A Curl, DevaCurl, Kinky-Curly, Miss Jessie’s, Mixed Chicks, or Uncle Funky’s Daughter products, as well as already discounted items.

Click here to see all of the products that are discounted storewide!

Girlhood is challenging, so as women we want to protect our daughters from the self doubt and insecurity that we felt growing up. It’s a tall order when the mainstream media and the internet are reaching children at a younger and younger age. I reached out to eight women I look up to in our community who are raising their daughters to be confident and love their textured hair, here’s what they had to say.

Give them independence

“My daughter recently turned three and at a young age she is a very confident girl and I think this is because I am constantly empowering her and uplifting her on a daily. I always tell her how beautiful she is and I also allow her to be independent as far as making decisions and doing simple tasks on her own. This allows her to build that confidence in herself not only with how beautiful she is on the outside but what she has within herself.” – Dayna Bolden aka It’s Dayna Dane 

Celebrate their differences

“My daughter, Becca, came into my life when she was 4 months old; she is now 10. I didn’t give birth to her, so when she started asking questions, I answered truthfully, ‘Mommy gave birth to you in her heart.’ At age 4, she started asking why her hair was different from mine and her brothers. She wanted it to ‘move like Mommy’s,’ so I gave her tiny locs. She loves her hair, but still has these ‘being different’moments, which is a normal for children of adoption. Every day, I reinforce not only what is beautiful about her, but I celebrate what makes her special—and to love herself no matter what.” – Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter 

What you don’t say matters as much as what you do

“I think it’s as important what you don’t say as what you say. So many times, it’s easy to say things like ‘her hair’s a mess’ or ‘What are we going to do with it’ or ‘It looks frizzy’ not realizing how that affects self image. It becomes ingrained inside them that they have difficult hair.” – Michelle Breyer, co-founder of NaturallyCurly

Talk about their desire to fit in

“I believe my girls are much more confident than I was at their ages. With 2 teenagers and one not far behind these are rough waters. I have always greeted them with ‘Good Morning Beautiful!’  or ‘Hello Gorgeous!’ but just saying those words does not instill confidence. We talk about the highs, and lows of wanting to fit in and wanting to be an individual… it all comes down to loving how you are created. I ask questions like ‘On a scale of 1 to 10 how much do you feel the NEED to fit in?’ And ‘on a scale of 1-10 how much do you feel the need to be different [individual]?’ The place on the scale changes from time to time… the final question I ask is to get to the meat of where they are, ‘How’s your heart?’ With this question we discuss the pressures to look a certain way, or dress or speak or act a certain way. At the end of the day I desire that my girls embrace how they are created and leave a legacy of love… and if you feel like wearing purple shoes… go for it!” – Kelly Foreman, founder of MopTop

Read her books about natural hair

“My 2 year old daughter Elle loves our reading time. I mean she really loves it, we legit can not skip it on any given day. In her library we have several books that speak directly about natural hair such as “Princess Hair” by Sheree Miller “Penny and the Magic Puffballs” and “Emi’s Curly Cotton Candy Hair” by Tina Olajide. When we read these books, I point out the similarities of the characters to her and explain how her hair is similar or different from the characters in the he book.” – Jenell B. Stewart of KinkyCurlyCoilyMe

Practice positive affirmations

“I have two daughters in very different age groups.  My oldest is going through the acne, braces, glasses in middle school stage right now so it’s very important that I boost her self esteem at home because we all know how hard Middle School children can be.  Positive affirmations may seem so basic + simple but they’re really important at this age.  When she complains that her stomach isn’t flat enough, I tell her that she has the flattest stomach of anyone I know. Which is actually true!  I could take the poetic route and tell her that appearances aren’t ​everything and we are all made differently but sometimes a 13 year old girl just wants to hear that she’s popping!​” – Candice Horn of MyCandiShoppe

 

Make hair care a fun activity

“When it’s time to do their hair I make sure that I don’t make it seem like it’s a chore. I want them to think ‘I’m about to get my hair done, and I’m gonna be cute,’ so that it’s a fun thing to do. What makes it special is that I’m using the products that I developed, so they’re always asking ‘so what product are we using today?’ That makes it really fun and something they look forward to. It’s something I want to instill in my daughters, because I feel like my mom didn’t instill it in me. I came from a generation where we thought that straight hair was the way to go and that you should straighten your natural texture whether it’s perm, relaxer, or heat, and as I got older I saw that it was damaging my hair so I make it my mission to tell them to embrace their curls, and to take care of their curls.”  – Monique Rodriguez, founder of Mielle Organics

Start young

“I have two young daughters, a five year old and a two year old, and they actually attend very diverse schools. So I’m at that point now where they’re looking at mommy’s hair when I wear my hair out and they say ‘mommy, I want my hair to be long and pretty like yours’ so I tell them ‘your hair is very pretty.’ I think it’s important to instill that into them at an early age, that they’re unique and things that are unique are even more special. So from a young age I embraced their texture, and to embrace their kinky hair. I’m the youngest out of four girls and I have darker skin vs. my sisters, but I never even knew the difference until I got older. I never knew that my sisters had lighter skin than I did, it was never a difference in my household. So from day one she said we were beautiful, our hair texture is beautiful.” – Courtney Adeleye, founder of Mane Choice

Take them to a curly hair stylist

“Find a hairstylist that knows and loves to work with texture. Stylists are so important in terms of helping a child embrace her texture. It might be more expensive, but they will approach your child’s hair in a positive way. And your child will see that. A good curl stylists will also provide them with tips about how to do their own hair, whether it’s tips on detangling on fun styles for their coils.

Another important thing is to give them choices. You may not want it long but it’s important that they feel like they have some control over their hair.  When my mother cut my hair into a pixie as a child, it sent a message that it was too difficult to deal with, even if she think she was saying that. When my daughter wanted a straighter look, I let her have blowouts so she could see she had options.

On the flip side, when my daughter wanted her hair short, I agreed to it even though in my mind I knew she was going to have a more difficult time with it. She later asked why I let her cut it short and I told her she had to make her own decision.

At 16, she totally embraces her curls. I’m not sure I can take full credit for it. But she did grow up in a house where curly hair was celebrated.” – Michelle Breyer, co-founder of NaturallyCurly

What do you do to instill confidence in your daughters? Share your stories in the comments below!

Olive oil is one of the top emollients that can penetrate the hair, and its lightweight nature makes it great for moisturizing. Olive oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties that promote scalp health and prevent dandruff. Extra virgin oil also contains high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, an antioxidant important for hair growth. Olive oil is not likely to cause an allergic reaction, making it ideal for sensitive skin and hair. Olive oil deeply penetrates the hair cuticle so that moisture and nutrients are absorbed, leaving coarse, natural, or curly hair not only smoother, but shinier and healthier as well.

DIY Olive Oil Hair Treatment

Another great thing about olive oil is that it’s a cheap and easy way to add moisture to your hair. Here’s a simple deep-conditioning treatment you can try for achieving beautifully smooth, moisturized hair at home. All you need is:

• 1/2 cup of your favorite conditioner
• 1/4 cup of EVOO (available at your local grocery store”>

Directions

1. 1. Mix both ingredients in a bowl into a yogurt-like consistency.
2. 2. Apply it to dry hair in sections, focusing on the length and ends of your curls.
3. 3. Clip each section up as you apply the mix, and leave it in for about 15 minutes.
4. 4. If you like dry detangling, now is a good time to do so with your fingers or a wide tooth shower comb.
5. 5. Rinse your hair thoroughly, air drying to maintain moisture and natural curl definition. 

Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/embed/NunZ-9bUl7w

Dry or Wet Hair?

Some women prefer applying olive oil treatments to wet and recently conditioned hair while others want their hair to be dry. If your hair is wet and conditioned, it will lock in the moisture and additional nutrients when the olive oil is applied. The downside is that olive oil is already slightly more difficult to apply, due to the hair’s more slippery nature. If you apply olive oil to dry hair, it has a similar effect, but many argue it doesn’t lock in as many nutrients as the wet treatment. Even so, it’s less of a mess than the wet method. Many users also recommend hopping in the shower and letting the steam do its thing, to enhance the effects of the olive oil on the hair. Once you’ve washed it out, watch your step since the shower floor will be slick with oil. Do you deep condition your hair with olive oil? Share your routine with us in the comments below! This article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated.

You know that woman you’ve heard about that did really well at her job, but wasn’t too passionate about it? Then all of a sudden something clicked, she had the courage to change her path, and fell deeply into her groove. From there, everything changed and her life seemed to explode with positivity and passion.

We’d like you to meet Amber Curry, the woman who did just that.

After doing a variety of jobs that any theatre and fine arts major like herself would have killed for, Curry needed more. After a suggestion from a friend, Curry turned her hobby and passion into a career, becoming a craft natural hairdresser and colorist. She has taken the natural hair industry by storm and is the mastermind behind Afroista’s look (you know, the one you’ve seen on Instagram reposts by @cosmoprofbeauty and @allure“>. If you haven’t seen, we have provided it for your dreamy-eyed gazing.

We had the honor of speaking with Curry about some fabulous color tips and secrets to share with you, as well as an exclusive look into her 6 hours (!”> creating Afroista’s famous color.

What did Afroista ask for when she came in for color?

AC: Tessa (Afroista”> and I had been talking about hair color for a while. She previously had a bad experience with professionals using box color. I cringed when she told me the story. I really wanted the opportunity to renew her faith concerning her natural hair and color. I wanted her to know that it is possible to get the results she wanted to achieve and still have the head of fluffy, healthy curls that she loves.

She knew she wanted to go lighter, but she really trusted me to formulate and create a Bespoke Color for her. First, we worked with a few inspiration images. With any of my color clients I look into their lifestyle, personality, skin tone, face shape, hair texture, and what the hair needs, then I build a customized color from there. With Tessa, I wanted to play with bronzes, caramels, deep coppers and chocolates and wanted to finesse her look.

What was the color session with Afroista like?

AC: First, I color cleansed, which is a step that should be left to a professional. You cannot lift color with color, so in order to get the results she desired, we had to start with a clean slate.

Her color formulations used a combination of permanent, hi-lift, lightener and Olaplex at every step. I used my own personal marbling technique at the root, which will help her grow out be less harsh. I played around with quite a few color lines because with curly/natural hair, there is no one-size-fits-all. For Tessa, I went with Kenra. I really love their new Bronze Metallics, and their Hi-Lift in Pearl Ash always leaves a very rich and shiny tone. I prefer to use oil-based lighteners and developers to give that extra level of protection while lifting and coloring and I used it on her end lengths.

It took me about 6 hours total to color Tessa’s hair and we did it all in one session.

We’ve all heard horror stories about hair getting damaged in the process of coloring. What do you do to ensure that doesn’t happen?

AC: Olaplex is a bond builder and is the one piece that is consistent across all of the hair colors I do for curly/natural hair. It goes both in the color and on the hair after the color has been rinsed. It helps to make sure that I am protecting the curl pattern at every step and is a tool that has allowed me to make hair virtually damage-free. Olaplex has given women of color and those with curly hair access to hair colors that have, until now, been off limits. Olaplex is not a miracle worker, but a great tool for restoring bonds to curls that have been damaged by heat or other chemical processes.

What do you recommend naturalistas ask for if they want Afroista’s color?

AC: First, research and find a stylist who truly understands and knows color on real hair. There is a huge difference between real hair and fake hair or extensions. Also, remember that this process doesn’t just involve showing your stylist a picture before they disappear in a back room and come back out to immediately go at it. Your consultation should be thorough. Your stylist should be able to explain every step and chemical process of coloring hair to you. Also as the client, it is important be honest in the consultation. There are a lot of outside factors that can affect hair color from medications and treatments, to hormones, box color, henna and other chemical processes. Achieving that perfect end result means being honest in consultation, but also sometimes means as a stylist saying no to coloring hair that is compromised or that needs to be restored to a healthy level first.

Hair color is an art so every colorist will have a different approach on how to receive the results you want. My advice would be to first do your homework. Find inspiration images, but beware that a lot of hair images are altered. Your stylist can’t make you into Afroista, so when you are thinking about coloring your hair, make sure it’s the hair color you actually want and not just an admiration of the person wearing the color. Play around with descriptive words when it comes to the color you want. Do you want to see warm colors or ashy, muted tones? With a consultation, less words is not more!

What’s your advice for caring for hair once it’s been lightened?

AC: Moisture, Moisture, Moisture! Layering water-soluble products and glycerin-based products is my number one recommendation for retaining moisture. A few that I love are IC Polisher Pure Tea Silky Gel Moisturizer, Label M Leave-in Conditioner, Curls Unleashed Shine and Define Mousse, and Bumble & Bumble Anti Humidity Gel Oil.

Invest in yourself and your hair by getting quality hair products (this doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive thing, though”>. Also, beware of using shampoos and conditioners with too much protein, but switch to lines that have light natural-based proteins. I like Amika’s Triple Rx Shampoo and Nourishing Mask and Label M’s Honey Oat Shampo and Conditioner. If you are using a protein-based shampoo, add in a moisturizing conditioner or alternate with a moisturizing shampoo weekly.

Hair also needs to be clarified every 4-6 weeks using something like Amika’s Balancing Shampoo. Follow with 2 moisturizing shampoos and conditioner.

Get a trim every 6-8 weeks because color will not stick if you don’t receive regular trims.

What hints and tricks would you like to tell our readers?

AC: There are a lot of myths out there about hair color and natural hair (needing to apply crazy amounts of oils or not using shampoo and only co-washing”>. Take it from someone who has been natural since birth — I have done any and everything to my hair and never once did I stop using shampoo and conditioner. If I did, that was when my hair began to stop responding.

Have a consistent shampoo and condition schedule and make sure that you know what a good shampoo and condition looks and sounds like. Most of my time in a consultation is spent explaining the importance of cleansing the hair. If your foundation is built poorly, everything you build from that point is going to crumble eventually.

Starting with a clean slate is key! You hair will tell you everything that it needs, you just need to know the signs. A knowledgeable hairstylist will help you with this.

I will leave you here with what I call my Hi5. It is more about knowing the steps, and understanding what your hair is telling you, while being consistent and patient. It’s an easy way to remember the steps to follow when seeking well-moisturized and soft hair whether colored or not. Adjust as needed for you and your journey. Be rad!

1. Clarify (Squeak Squeak once every 4-6 weeks”>

2. Cleanse (Load up on Moisture 2x please”>

3. Condition (Detangle. Section + Clip if needed – Steam treatments are rad too”>

4. Product (Layer it up, section by section, be generous. Wet to damp hair depending on desired result. Always use water-soluble and glycerin based products”>

5. Shake or Style (If it’s a wash n go or out the door style, whip and leave it. Hands off, let it dry or proceed with style”>

Love what you see? Follow Curry on Instagram, like her on Facebook, and check out her website!

Shalleen-Kaye and Seanna-Kaye, the dynamic duo collectively known as Natural Hair Does Care, LLC, are two sisters on a mission. They provide Hairspiration, Hair Conversations, and Hair Education, all while curating Naturalista Chic! Known for their thematic postings on natural hair care, styling ideas, nutrition and emotional wellness, served with a healthy dash of wit and wisdom, the sisters make living a holistic lifestyle accessible and fabulous.

One of my favorite series of theirs is when they highlight the preQUEENS and call on all of us to be a positive influence on the preQUEENS in our lives.

What’s a preQUEEN, and how did you come up with that phrase?

Shalleen-Kaye: We saw the major impact of curating positive images in the natural hair community since first creating our social media platforms and our website, naturalhairdoescare.com almost five years ago. We receive the most engagement from our images of young ladies ages 1 month-12 years old. Our audience loves to see their amazing crowns of hair and their fashionista style! One day I saw the word pre-teen and thought to myself, what about preQUEEN*! We are all royalty with our various crowns of textured hair, so raising our young ladies with a “Queen-to-be” mindset will ensure they are confident, self-assured and positive. 

What are some ways can mothers be a positive influence on their daughters?

Shalleen-Kaye: It is a great honor to raise a daughter. We are the first teacher, first doctor, first comforter, first leader, first source of knowledge before our daughters interact with anyone else. So in all ways we should keep this in mind. We can show our daughters how we organize our day, how we work for ourselves, how to be community leaders, how we gather in our social circles, how we manage our finances, how to groom ourselves and maintain our personal hygiene, how to travel and so much more.

It is a great honor to raise a daughter. We are the first teacher, first doctor, first comforter, first leader, first source of knowledge before our daughters interact with anyone else.

What if you don’t have a daughter? What are some ways women can be a positive influence on young girls?

Shalleen-Kaye: Some of us are influential over the young ladies in our social groups, our faith-based community, in our careers, or in our community. We should all be what we wish we had when we were young ladies. So look for ways to connect with young girls that we can pour in to and encourage. For example: if we see a young lady struggling with her self-image, or self-confidence due to learning how to style her textured hair, show her the products you use, teach her about creating a regimen, using a professional stylist quarterly and definitely send her over to naturalhairdoescare.com!

Do you think there are things we can individually practice on our social media to make us better influences?

Shalleen-Kaye: Absolutely! Being strategic and planning the content of your social media platforms consistently around positivity is so important . We are extremely mindful of the images we portray and we love to show images of excellence and encouragement. Every day, we start out with #nhdcmoring, an uplifting message that focuses on daily devotion, motivation, encouragement and enlightenment to get us through our day. When we see something that we know will inspire and motivate our community of over 265,000 supporters we use #todaysfaves. And when we share our humor and want to bring a smile and happiness to our community we use #nhdchumor. 

Having a positive inner voice is like singing a song in the right key. You don’t want to be tone-deaf to what you’re saying to yourself and about yourself, because that makes you really vulnerable to unexpected hurt.

Why is it so important to be a role model, and why is it something you often say on your social media?

Seanna-Kaye We are influencing young girls whether we intend to or not, it’s only natural for them to watch and emulate the women they see. So since we have an opportunity to make lasting impressions through social media, we encourage our followers to join us in making it an empowering space, not a negative one.

Many of the harshest criticisms we face come from our own self doubt, how do you make sure you’re keeping your own inner voice positive?

Seanna-Kaye: Having a positive inner voice is like singing a song in the right key. You don’t want to be tone-deaf to what you’re saying to yourself and about yourself, because that makes you really vulnerable to unexpected hurt. Instead you have to truly listen to your inner voice, and practice “singing in the right key,” it takes practice to be positive! And definitely don’t compare yourself to others in a way that makes you feel “less than.” Especially on social media you have to be careful not to devalue your own progress based on someone’s posts.

 Is there anything else you’d like to share with our community?

Seanna-Kaye:  Thank you for this opportunity to talk about our mission to positively influence preQUEENs and others to see that they are naturally and wonderfully made.

Shalleen-Kaye: We encourage you to follow us on our social media platforms and to join our readership on naturalhairdoescare.com, where we curate positive images, daily.

What steps do YOU take to be a positive influence on the preQUEENS around you NaturallyCurly World?

*The term preQUEEN is currently under trademark review.

Corporate lawyer, Harvard graduate, black female CEO and entrepreneur with products in Target and Whole Foods,  possessing any one of these titles is a testament to strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. Chris-Tia Donaldson holds all of these titles, plus one more – breast cancer survivor.

While her hair care brand Thank God It’s Natural, also known as tgin, was making its way onto the shelves of stores like Walgreens, Target, Rite Aid, and Sally Beauty, Chris-Tia was undergoing chemo and radiation for breast cancer. Chris-Tia has been sharing her journey on her Instagram, @tginceo, and she agreed to share her story with the NaturallyCurly community from the experience of the mammogram to the decision to freeze her eggs, and how she managed to do this while growing her company.

Your company is named Thank God It’s Natural, can you tell us how you came up with that name?

So, back in 2009, I wrote a book called Thank God I’m Natural to help dispel some of the most common myths and misconceptions about kinky hair. Like so many black women living in America, I spent almost a quarter century wishing for hair that looked nothing like my own, and thought I couldn’t wear my hair in its natural state, because my tresses looked nothing like Alicia Keys’ or Mariah Carey’s. Having a relaxer was so restrictive. It meant spending your entire Saturday in a beauty shop, or running from the rain, or not being able to go swimming when on vacation. When I decided to let go of chemical straighteners and go natural, I felt I had finally reached a point in my life, where I could say Thank God I’m Natural.

As a follow up to the book, we released a line of products by a similar name, called “Thank God It’s Natural” or “tgin”.

Can you tell us about how you first discovered your lump?

I was actually taking a shower and noticed it then. Initially, I thought it was hormonal related, because I had a cyst removed from my breast in my 20s. Given my age and the fact that I felt perfectly healthy, breast cancer was the furthest thing from my mind. After two to three months passed, I made an appointment to see my doctor. Although she did not think it was cancer given the lump’s size, shape and the fact that it was soft and movable, she still recommended a mammogram just to be safe.

What is it like to get a mammogram? Is it scary?

Actually, it isn’t that painful. You would be totally surprised by the number of women who are scared of the idea of getting a mammogram. I would describe it as uncomfortable, but it’s fairly quick. It’s kind of in the same camp with getting a pap smear. It’s by no means fun, but you have to do it.

You run your own hair care company. How did you manage to keep tgin going while fighting breast cancer?

I talk a lot about this on Instagram. When I first was diagnosed, my doctor asked me when could I start chemotherapy. I told them I had a meeting with Target on 3/22 that I had to look good for. Based on that, we scheduled my treatments in such a way, that I would be off and looking and feeling good for that meeting. But, I soon learned that, you can’t plan for everything, because we ended up getting calls to do meetings with Walgreen’s and Rite Aid and I just had to wing it even though I was at my weakest.

During the nine months when I was in treatment, I was resting and checking and responding to email when/if I could, which was like every couple of days. During this time, we turned down pretty much all marketing opportunities and focused solely on shipping orders and staying on top of social media.

By the summer, which was 6 months after I was diagnosed, I was done with chemotherapy and starting radiation, so I felt a lot better physically and was able to pick up and do more. Now, I’m back at 90%, and it’s business as usual.

With hair and beauty being such a large part of what you do, were you concerned about losing your hair?

Of course, I was really nervous about losing my hair, especially since I run a hair care company. I’m supposed to be out there being the face of this hair care company, wheeling and dealing, and spreading knowledge of all things natural, so I felt a little nervous at times donning a wig. But it’s all good. I’ve never had any major issues or anyone say anything to me too crazy. The natural community has also shown me nothing but love since learning of my diagnosis.

Now product development is a different story. I’m the primary tester of our products before they are released for testing by a group and so I was in a real crunch to expedite our product development cycle in order to develop our Edge Control and Curl Bomb Moisturizing Styling Gel before I had to shave my head for treatment.

Now that my hair is growing back, it’s back to the same old testing. But my hair is a little different now and I’m waiting to see if it will go back to its old texture.

Your diagnosis came at an inopportune time, how did you cope or deal with the diagnosis?

I went to therapy every other week. Although I had a team of really good doctors that are experts when it comes to cancer, dealing with a patient’s emotions didn’t prove to be their strong points. During a time like this, doctors are quick to prescribe prescriptions for Xanax and other anxiety drugs to help you cope with the many emotions you may experience. I opted for the natural route and chose to work with a therapist to help me process what was happening to me.

Although I had a team of really good doctors that are experts when it comes to cancer, dealing with a patient’s emotions didn’t prove to be their strong points.

Many women feel alone or don’t feel empowered to speak out when they’re going through this, why did you decide to share your journey on social media?

I decided to share my story, because when I was first diagnosed and going through treatment, I would often “lurk” (okay maybe “stalk””> on the pages of people going through breast cancer treatment. Most people were extremely positive, and I would kind of live vicariously through their pictures, which allowed me to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I never wanted to be “cancer girl.” I just wanted to be a resource for people who were going through the same thing. Plus, I wanted to bring awareness to the fact, that young women like myself, under 40 and of African-American descent, also get breast cancer.

It turns out a lot of women who are facing their own personal challenges connected with my story.

What has it been like publicly sharing your journey?

To be honest, it has been very therapeutic. A lot of times tragic things happen to us and we are so quick to move on. Sharing my story has allowed me to process what has happened to me, accept it and sit with my feelings, which is something I almost never do.

I have also learned along the way that a lot of women are going through their own personal challenges, not all cancer, and just want someone honest and authentic who they can connect with about issues related to anger, sadness, etc.

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I don’t look anything like what I’ve been through this year. From March to June, I had 8 rounds of chemo every other Tuesday, a lumpectomy, 5 biopsies and 33 rounds of radiation. .. . . I was so scared the day I went for my first chemo, but God kept me in his arms. The first half of my treatment I was taking a drug nicknamed the “red devil”, which earns its reputation for its color and its side effects. Chemo was by no means a breeze, but it was bearable and you get through. I’ve never been pregnant before, but after talking to some of my girlfriends with difficult pregnancies the side effects seem pretty much the same.. . During this time, I was at my weakest ever. I would lay on the couch for days. I wasn’t even strong enough to stand up and take a shower, so I had a little chair in my bathtub. Some days I couldn’t even walk or lift my arms to take off my tank top. I’m not sharing this with you so you can feel sorry for me, but because it’s a testament to the power of God and how he still can do exceedingly abundantly great things in our lives even when everything looks the farthest thing from perfect. @tginatural literally took off without me during this time. Ain’t that God!.. . Today, when you see me out in these streets wheeling and dealing, it is a testimony to what God can do, not what I can do. When you see us in more Targets or Whole Foods, Rite Aids and Walgreens didn’t nobody do it but God, because literally I was useless. This year, we tripled our door count for FY17 and I was on the couch, barely checking email and didn’t do a single natural hair expo, but God. Won’t he do it.. . Up next, Target, Walgreens and love. #breastcancer#breastcancermonth#breastcancersurvivor#blackwomengetbreastcancer#youngwomengetbreastcancer#morethanpink #susangkomen#fightlikeagirl #tgin#tginatural #tginceo#ctbreastcancerunder40#breastcancerunder40 #thisisonlyatest

A photo posted by Chris-Tia Donaldson (@tginceo”> on Oct 17, 2016 at 6:21am PDT

Is there a question or comment you get the most from your followers?

One of the posts that got the most reactions was one where I was talking about forgiveness and repairing friendships. I basically shared how a lot of my friendships were in pretty bad shape due to the sacrifices I had to make with growing the company. Often times, when people hurt us or we hurt others, we have a tendency to avoid difficult conversations or don’t prioritize having them. I realized that holding onto grudges and past hurts may have contributed to my diagnosis. I now make it a point to deal with things head on instead of letting them fester.

Oftentimes people struggle with the right ways to help their loved one after they’ve been diagnosed with cancer. What is the most comforting and encouraging thing someone did for you?

When I was undergoing treatment, I loved when my father and uncle would tell me I sounded great or looked like I was doing better, even when I didn’t believe it myself. I swear they had to be lying to me, but it made a difference and forced me to look at my situation differently.

Do you have a family history of cancer?

I am the first person in my family to get breast cancer. My mother died of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when I was 17.

Is there anything someone shouldn’t do or say when a loved one has been diagnosed?

I know what you’re going through, my [fill in the blank] died of cancer. I hate hearing about people who have lost their battle to cancer even though it’s just a fact of life.

Can you tell us about your treatment, and the ways you’ve dealt with its side effects?

I had a lumpectomy, followed by 8 rounds of chemotherapy and 33 rounds of radiation. My doctors were extremely aggressive with their choice of treatment given my age. In older women, they tend to only do a lumpectomy and radiation, if the size of the mass is small, because of their shorter life expectancy.

In terms of the side effects, the biggest thing is extreme fatigue and mild nausea. Although I’ve never been pregnant before, I would say it is akin to a really awful pregnancy. I basically dealt with the side effects by taking it easy and resting a lot.

You talked about freezing your eggs? What was that like?

I had actually made the decision to freeze my eggs when I was 35, because I was still single. My doctor actually advised against it, because she felt I was young and healthy, and that egg freezing was something she “would only recommend to a cancer patient.” Well, I did it anyway, and I’m glad that I did. It’s not clear whether chemotherapy will have an impact on my ability to have kids naturally, but at least I have some eggs in the bank just in case.

What would you like to say to young women who may be hesitant or scared to get a screening?

Advancements in cancer treatment have come a really long way. If caught early, breast cancer is a treatable disease and is not a death sentence. The important thing is to know your breasts, stay in tune with your body, and talk to your doctor if you experience any major changes.

Also, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, listen to your gut. If you don’t feel like your doctor is giving you the best advice, seek a second opinion.

What’s next for you and for tgin?

The plan is to continue to focus on building and growing the business. Next year, we’ll be in more Target and Sally Beauty stores, plus we’re making a foray into the drug store market by launching in Walgreen’s, CVS and Rite Aid.

Given the overwhelming feedback to my story on Instagram, I’m writing a book called This is Only a Test: What Breast Cancer Taught Me About Love, Hair, Faith and Business.