Search Results: Cristina Cleveland
We recently got our hands on a Target Beauty Box , and we have a sneaking suspicion a curly girl was in charge of this one. It contains products from Jane Carter Solution, CURLS, Dove’s Quench Absolute curl line, and SheaMoisture, so we gave our editors their pick of the products to try and review.
This is the upcoming Fall box which goes on sale on September 8, and if you want one we recommend setting yourself a little calendar reminder because these babies usually sell out on the first day! At $5-7 each, it’s no wonder they’re in high demand. Of course you can find these products on the Target shelves year-round, so if the thought of waiting until September 8 is too much to bare (we’re talking to you, Product Junkie”> then pick them up at your local Target or online any time.
*Editor’s Note: We checked and it looks like the Fall Beauty Box has now sold out.
Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner
I’ve been using this as a “braid spray” while I have my protective style in. Old school braid sprays are greasy or sticky and often make me feel like I need to wash my hair sooner! This leave-in is lightweight and doesn’t contain glycerin — no stickiness! The extracts like vitamin E, camomile, horsetail, and rosemary soothe my scalp when it gets itchy. I haven’t noticed increased buildup on my roots at all. It only takes 3 or 4 sprays and I’m good!
Colgate Optic White Toothpaste Express White
I’m ALWAYS a little skeptical when it comes to teeth whitening things ( strips, mold, and especially toothpaste.”> I have never really seen results. Once, I tried whitening trays and I experienced some sensitivity. I didn’t like that. With that in mind, I must say the Colgate Whitening toothpaste was good. I’ve only used it 3 times for a total day and a half. It said I would see results in just 3 days. So far, my teeth feel clean. Whiter? Not so much. I like how thick the paste is. That makes me feel like it will stick to my teeth and create that whitening effect.
CURLS Creme Brulee Whipped Curl Cream
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Dove Quench Absolute Anti-Frizz Serum
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Styling Lotion
This styler has a thick consistency and plenty of hold, which I found is great for elongating my curls. Not only is a great for wash and go’s, but I have had much success using it as a heat protectant during the blow-dry process before flat ironing. This product pairs well with the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-in Conditioner for twice the amount of moisture and strength.
This article is sponsored by Target.
Our #curlcommunity had a lot to say about the “biracial hair” myth, and we are constantly discussing the common industry standard of dividing consumers up by their ethnicity rather than their hairtype (for example, that “ethnic” aisle in groceries and drugstores”>. So we decided to explore another great divide in the shelves of the haircare aisle – Latina products!
Nikki picked up the Moco de Gorila, aka Gorilla Snot, which you may have seen in your grocery or beauty supply store before. It looks like Nickelodeon’s neon green slime and really does resemble the consistency of, well, snot. Because we don’t have experience with the Gorilla Snot, we polled our community, here’s what you had to say:
Apparently, sometimes what your hair NEEDS is gorilla snot!
Evelyn chose the Cabellina Conditioner Chile Con Romero, which contains pepper and rosemary natural extracts, and they weren’t kidding about the pepper extracts. Upon closer inspection (with their noses”> Evelyn and Nikki discovered this conditioner smells like fresh jalapeno peppers. From what we’ve read, there is no stinging sensation involved when using this product.
Nikki also grabbed the La Bella Lots of Curls Gel, which was one of the only products in the whole Latina section that said the word “curls” on the packaging. It was under $3 for 22 whole ounces, which excited the Product Junkies in the office. We’ve seen curlies use this gel to much success for their 2nd day hair.
The major difference Evelyn and Nikki found was that the packaging and labels were in Spanish, but aside from a couple of ingredients (like the pepper extracts”> they didn’t find other noticeable differences. They also noticed an absence of products for textured hair, such as cream gels, butters, curl creams, co-washes and moisturizing stylers, instead they saw mostly shampoos, conditioners and gels.
On Facebook, curlies offered their own experiences and insight. The offerings of the Latina section aren’t based on hairtype, but the brand’s country of origin:
Have you ever shopped for Latina hair products? If you live in a Latin American country, what are your favs? We’d love to know!
Your Instagram feeds were likely brimming with #hairspiration this weekend when Curly Girl Collective (CGC”> hosted its second annual CURLFEST, “a mecca of Afros, Twist-Outs, Curls (and Beards!”> set to a soundtrack of chill music and positive energy” in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.
In addition to giving us enough eye candy to last until CURLFEST 2016, this was an opportunity to unite the many supporters of the natural hair community, to promote self love, and combat societal views that lead to self-hate and low self esteem. To spread this message of empowerment, the event featured a team of bloggers and influencers who hosted Picnic Chats on topics like “Raising Children Who Love Natural hair,” and “How to Stay Fit, Curvy, & Naturally Fabulous.” The hosts included Whitney White of Naptural85, Jenell Stewart of KinkyCurlyCoilyMe.com, Christina “Love Brown Sugar” Brown, Curvy Fitness Professional Anowa Edjah, Anu Prestonia of Khamit Kinks Salon, and Celebrity Stylist Kimberly Gedeon of Bravo’s Newlyweds show.
Keep scrolling for a healthy dose of natural hair (and style!”> inspiration.
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,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-captioned=”” data-instgrm-version=”4″>Stopped by #curlfest2015, fell in love with these amazing beauties at the @hausofswag booth! #prospectpark #bksummer #curlfestA photo posted by Demetria Lucas D’Oyley (@abelleinbk”> on
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-captioned=”” data-instgrm-version=”4″>
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-version=”4″>
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-captioned=”” data-instgrm-version=”4″>Thank you @dretothepeople for capturing this adorable shot of #babybrownsugar! She was having too much fun at #CURLFEST – the @official_darkandlovely crew & their bubbles & hula hoops kept her entertained .A photo posted by Christina Brown (@lovebrownsugar”> on
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-captioned=”” data-instgrm-version=”4″>We were Squad deep! #curlfest -BlackQueens-A photo posted by Kadiatou Sylla (@ms.sylla”> on
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,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-captioned=”” data-instgrm-version=”4″>
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-captioned=”” data-instgrm-version=”4″>Adorable! @_callmesparkle at #curlfest! photo: @omartakespictures via @curlygirlcollective. A photo posted by Style Influencers Group (@styleinfluencers”> on
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We talk curly hair challenges year round at NaturallyCurly, but questions and traffic always seem to spike during the summer months, just as the heat and humidity do. And we’re sure it’s no coincidence. Caring for curly hair can become considerably more difficult in the summertime, so we enlisted the help of an expert to answer your biggest summer hair questions – Diane Bailey, the Beauty Ambassador for SheaMoisture.
Diane C. Bailey is a salon entrepreneur, celebrity stylist, beauty educator, author, innovator and a standard bearer in the natural hair care industry. As a celebrity stylist, Ms. Bailey has worked with Beyoncé, Lauryn Hill, Toni Morrison and Iyanla Vanzant, among others. For over 25 years she acted as president and head stylist of the renowned Tendrils Salon in Brooklyn, NY, one of the first salons in New York to offer chemical-free services for textured hair.
If you have summer hair questions for Diane, post them here. NaturallyCurly community member curlysophie did, and this was Diane’s response.
Question
How should I take care of my hair after swimming- it always looks like a total wreck! XD
Answer
Create a barrier
For in the sun/on beach/in the pool care, put a barrier between your hair and the sun’s damaging rays, which may fade color and leave tresses feeling like straw. Spritz on an oil-based treatment such as SheaMoisture Raw Reconstructive Elixir with argan oil, unrefined “raw” shea butter and sea kelp. Oils seal in moisture and provide high-gloss shine.
Wash your hair the same day
After swimming in a pool or the ocean, be sure to wash your hair that same day with a clarifying shampoo such as SheaMoisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo to remove chlorine or salt, which can cause dryness and damage, leaving it brittle and fading color. This sulfate-free shampoo also gently washes away product buildup for healthier tresses.
Replenish your moisture
After being exposed to the heat and sun, always replenish moisture in your hair by applying a hydrating leave-in treatment, such as SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-in Conditioner, which softens, promotes manageability and shine, while busting frizz. Also, be sure to do a deep conditioning treatment every two weeks to rejuvenate your locks. I use SheaMoisture Anti-Breakage Masque, which intensely moisturizes, aids in reducing breakage and supports healthy hair growth. Distribute the mask evenly throughout wet hair after shampooing, place hair under a plastic cap and apply moderate heat for up to 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Boost your conditioner
For an added super boost of moisture, shine and nourishing fatty acids, I recommend adding a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil to your deep conditioning treatment when you apply it to your hair.
[prodmod]Head over to Curly Q&A and post your questions this week if you’d like Diane to answer yours personally!
Naturally curly women have dealt with more than their fair share of bad haircuts. But the first time you receive a genuinely flattering haircut from a curl specialist, it’s like suddenly your curls are working with you not against you. One of the most popular hair cutting techniques for curlies is the Deva Cut, but as you’ve probably discovered by now one size does not fit all when it comes to curly hair. Perhaps the Deva Cut just isn’t for you, or maybe there isn’t a trained Deva specialist in your area.
We want you to know there are other options out there, so here is one of them: the RI CI Cut. We recently interviewed Ricky Pennisi, renowned edgy salon owner, stylist, and educator, about his RI CI cutting technique.
Do you cut the hair dry or wet? Why?
I prefer to cut curly hair wet. The RI CI cut is based on the hair weight and density, not the curl pattern.
How does weight and density affect the way you cut hair?
Weight and density are the biggest problem for curls. When not treated correctly it can give clients that dreaded curly pyramid look. The key to remember when cutting into curly hair is curls tend to drag down with fine hair and clump together into a mass of curls with no definition in thicker hair.
What hair type does your hair cutting technique work best for? Wavy, curly, coily?
The RI CI cut is great for various types of hair. With wavy hair, this cut will enhance the curl. With curly hair, this cut will help control the curls. With coily hair, this cut will open up the interior in order to make room for the curl to form. Too many times, wavy, curly and coily hair, the curls have no room to move or form and wind up just handing, which causes frizz. The RI CI cut correct this.
We’re excited to share different cutting methods with our community, how does your cut differ from the Deva Cut?
The condition of the hair, weather and environment all play a critical role in your hair’s appearance. Since the RI CI cut focuses on the weight and density of the hair, and not the curl pattern, this allows us to create a cut for our clients that is manageable after they leave the salon. When a cut is focused on curl pattern, clients have a harder time managing their hair weeks after the cut.
How does your technique vary if you’re cutting coily hair vs. wavy hair?
Since the curl pattern changes with weather and moisture, the RI CI cut focuses on the density of the hair.
What styles and cuts does your technique work best for? For example we commonly see a lot of longer, rounded bobs when it comes to Deva Cuts.
What makes RI CI groundbreaking is that the cutting technique and product provide my clients the ability to wear their hair at every length – long, medium and even short. Since the RI CI cut focuses on each section and base individually, it gives me the advantage to shape the hair so that it has a natural movement that enhances the natural curl.
How do you customize your cut for low and high density hair? What do you focus on?
Always determine what the problem area is. Once it is identified, regardless if the hair is thick or fine, I focus on that specific area during the cut. For high density hair, I focus on the removing interior and creating movement. Additionally, I try not to create thick layers since that creates more volume then wanted.
What do you do for fine hair? What about coarse hair?
Regardless of fine or coarse hair, the technique remains the same. Density is more important than texture. With fine hair balance is crucial. Fine hair’s biggest enemy is weight and that’s a huge understatement when fine hair gets heavy it dies, but removing too much weight and thin hair gets stringy. The key is to approach each section individually and cut only what’s necessary. After each cut, shake out each section to ensure the hair falls properly.
Where can people get a RI CI cut?
There are certified salons all over the United States that are trained in the RI CI cut and sell the entire line of products. To find a salon nearest you, visit www.ricicurls.com.
One of our YouTube idols Whitney, also known as Naptural85, recently tried the new L’Oreal Liquid Chalk on her hair and we were curious to see how they would compare to temporary hair colors we’ve tried in the past like oil pastels and cream eyeshadow. She picked up the chalk in purple, pink, bronze, red AND blue (we would have too”> and tested each one on a different section of her hair, here were her results.
Step 1 Shake the bottle well and apply to a cotton pad
Step 2 Use the cotton pad to distribute the color evenly over a small section of hair
Step 3 Blast the section of hair with a blowdryer, Whitney used her blowdryer with the cool setting to avoid heat damage
Step 4 When she was done Whitney twisted the hair so that the curl pattern would match the rest of her hair
Her review
After applying two layers of each of the five colors to her hair Whitney said “it’s not super bright, it doesn’t really pop like normal hair chalk does, but it doesn’t transfer like normal hair chalk does. And that’s kind of a big deal, I wouldn’t have to wear a black shirt I could wear anything that I wanted.” We have used hair chalk and pastels in the past and she is right, it is a big deal. Going to sleep, taking a shower, and getting dressed without making a mess are all impossible tasks when you have pastels in your hair that can transfer to your clothing, towel, pillow case and sheets.
The color may not be vibrant after just two coats, but like an eyeshadow or a blush, the product is buildable, “if I really wanted to make this more vibrant I could just put more hair chalk on it.” If you’re going for an extremely vibrant color, then this might not be for you. Whitney says “I actually like that it’s not really bright, it’s actual more natural. As natural as a jewel-toned hair chalk can get… it’s really pretty.”
She compared the bronze to the Kevin Murphy Color Bug which she reviewed and liked previously, and she actually preferred this L’Oreal chalk because “it looks so much more natural. It doesn’t look as ashy, the color itself is more of a burnt bronze-y color, whereas the other one was kind of like an ashy yellow.”
If you have used pastels on your hair, then you probably found that it left your hair feeling dry and straw-like. With this product “it definitely feels a little bit harder than your natural hair, but it’s still pliable. It’s not here to moisturize your hair, it’s here to deposit color… It does what it’s supposed to do.”
Removal
The color completely washed out after she co-washed, even though the bottle says the color should last an average of two shampoos. Her hair returned to its natural, black color with no staining or remnants of any color after just one wash.
Overall, Whitney says these hair chalks are amazing, she doesn’t mind that they washed out with just one wash because she was worried about staining, which did not happen. Most of all she loved that the color did such a good job of staying on her hair and not transferring.
Watch the video for her full demonstration and review:
Have you tried hair chalk? What was your experience?
As a NaturallyCurly Editor my curl regimen changes every week. When I started working here my consistent regimen of Aussie Moist and Infusium 23 opened up to a whole Product Junkie world. These days product is far-reaching in my home, from my bathroom to my closet and all the way to my kitchen cabinets, so when I find myself returning to a product time and time again, I know I’m onto something. Ever since I first tested the Amika Obliphica Curl Defining Cream it within arm’s reach in my bathroom, so I wanted to share my review with fellow wavies and curlies who love their curl creams.
My hair issues
Inconsistent – My curl pattern is Type 2c, but some days my waves lose their shape and appear more like frizzy straight hair, and some days they curl up into 3a ringlets. There’s no telling what my hair is going to do on a given day, so I need my products to help encourage my curls on their lazy days, and to give them definition on their curly days.
Color Treated – My hair has high porosity ever since I bleached and colored it last year. I have to take extra care choosing moisturizing products for my color treated hair than I did when it was virgin and healthy. If I’m not vigilant about moisturizing it regularly, it starts to look and feel like straw.
Coarse – It is a common misconception that looser curl patterns have finer hair, but that is not always true. The width of the hair can vary widely and in my case, I have coarse, wavy hair. This affects my choice of products because coarse hair is more prone to dryness and creams work better for me than lighter products. To know more about why width matters, read here.
Amika Obliphica Curl Defining Cream
Ingredient List
Aqua (Water”>, Mineral oil, Petrolatum, Cetearyl alcohol, Stearic acid, Cetyl alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Hippophae rhamnoides (Obliphica”> oil, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Polyquaterniu-7, Cetrimonium chloride, Triethanolamine, Fragrance, Panthenol, Sunset yellow.
Consistency
The Amika Curl Cream has the consistency of a lotion, and I use a quarter-sized amount on my whole head. It does not leave my hair feeling greasy the way other lotion-like curl creams do, and it does not take a lot of product to coat all of my hair and is easy to apply evenly.
Fragrance
Fragrance is very subjective (just ask the NaturallyCurly Editors!”> but in my opinion the Amika line has one of the best smelling fragrances on the market. It smells like a perfume that I would happily wear on its own, not too sweet and not too overpowering.
Second and third day curls
One of the primary reasons I like the Amika Curl Cream is that my curls look good on the second, third and fourth days. With many curly styling products I find that my hair may look great on the first day, but after sleeping on it they either get bent out of shape, start to go straight, or start to look greasy. This product does none of the above.
Reliable
I know that I put my hair through a lot, constantly testing new cleansers, conditioners, oils and stylers on a weekly basis. So it gives me peace of mind knowing that on days when I don’t have time to experiment, I can always rely on this curl cream to perform consistently without any extra cocktailing needed. If I know I need to take pictures for an article, this is the product I reach for in the morning.
How I use it
I apply this cream to my hair when it is freshly washed and after I have applied my leave-in conditioner. When I get out of the shower I typically spray a liquidy leave-in like Oyin Juices and Berries, ApHogee Moisture Rich Leave-In, or Obia’s Curl Hydration Spray all over my hair.
Then I take a quarter-sized amount of curl cream and rub it between my hands, then scrunch that through my hair pushing the ends of my hair up close to my roots. This helps my ends to curl instead of drying straight.
At this point my hair is likely dripping water and product, so I take a microfiber towel like the Curly Tee Towel and scrunch out any extra moisture and product, then wrap my hair in a plop for 5-15 minutes while I put on makeup or get ready.
If I have time, I diffuse my hair. This gives me the most volume and the most defined, bouncy curls. If I really need my hair to look good then I need to diffuse it, but on a regular day I just go to work with my hair damp and let it dry throughout the day, scrunching every now and then.
I don’t use this product on dry hair as a curl refresher because I prefer a liquid, spray formula for my refresher products.
Have you tried Amika Curl Defining Cream? What did you think?
[prodmod]
Henna is a powerful dye with amazing conditioning properties. In addition to being used to dye hair, henna is used as a hair growth remedy. When henna is applied it puts a protective coating on the hair, and many women find that their strands feel thicker and stronger. In India, henna has long been used as a natural panacea for many haircare issues.
Make sure it’s pure
In order to reap the benefits, make sure you are using pure henna. Many products that are labeled “henna hair color” are actually full of chemicals that can damage the hair. Stick with a trusted brand like Reshma or buy it from a trusted natural herb supplier.
Henna’s many uses
- Dandruff fighter – It can help to reduce or eliminate dandruff
- Scalp cleanser – It helps maintain the natural acid-alkaline balance on your scalp and cleanses it of dirt without altering the natural balance unlike chemical-based products.
- Shine booster – It smooths the hair cuticle, giving it a shiny, healthy appearance.
- Sealant – It forms a coating on the cuticle which makes the hair appear thicker as well as shielding it from further damage.
- Natural hair dye – You can use henna as a healthy way to dye your hair a reddish tinge, as it does not contain damaging chemicals.
- Hair growth – Its antibacterial and antifungal properties nourish the scalp for optimal hair growth and less hair fall.
- Skin healer – If you have a burn injury, mix some henna powder with water and apply it on the affected areas for instant relief. It not only heals the wound, it also prevents infection and bacterial growth. It can help cure acne, boils and warts as well.
Some people report that henna loosens their curl pattern, I would not consider this a benefit but some people henna for this reason.
How to apply
If you’re interested in trying henna for the first time, Reshma’s henna has an easy 30-minute process that is not messy or difficult to apply. Watch how our editor Devri mixes and applies it to her hair.
[prodmod]This article is sponsored by Reshma.
Many hair products promise longer, thicker strands, but the fact is, anything applied topically can only create the appearance of a thicker mane. If you want to actually get more volume, you have to make changes from the inside out.
We often overlook diet and health when it comes to our beauty regimens, but they play a huge role in the look and feel of our hair and skin. One symptom of having a (very rare”>biotin deficiency might be thinning hair (or hair loss”>, so taking biotin in that case might correct that. But, for the average person who isn’t deficient, taking extra biotin probably won’t do very much.
Although, so far, there has only been weak scientific evidence to connect vitamin H, commonly known as biotin, with improvements in hair, skin, and nails, many women are declaring it as a wonder drug, claiming supplement consumption has led to faster hair growth, thicker strands, and stronger nails. In fact, there’s evidence that it helps with nail growth, but it’s inconclusive as far as hair.
Supplements and their claims aren’t regulated by the FDA, but anecdotally biotin has been making the rounds with varying results in our curly community for years. In the NaturallyCurly offices, we’ll try just about anything once (some advice: Banana is very difficult to get out of hair”>, so our team put biotin to the test, and this is what happened. We also reached out to our Instagram community about their biotin results, and here’s what they had to say.
Priscilla Sodeke
Which biotin product did you take, and for how long?
“I’ve tried biotin on and off for years. Most recently, I bought it from Walmart and it was just plain, generic-brand biotin. I have also taken Hairfinity (2,500 mcg of biotin”> and Hair Essentials (350 mcg of biotin”> for less than a month each time.”
Why did you decide to start taking biotin?
“My goal with biotin was longer and faster hair growth, length retention, and healthier skin and nails. However, I don’t think I used any of them long enough to notice any results in terms of hair growth or skin and nail health, because each time I tried it, I began to break out, which made me stop taking it.
“To be fair, Hairfinity and Hair Essentials also have MSM in them, and I’m almost certain that MSM makes me break out. But, I still had similar results with the plain-biotin supplement. If this sounds like your skin and you’re worried about breakouts, I would recommend you drink lots of water throughout the day while you are taking biotin. In my experience, I would need at least nine cups of water; more when I was active or exercising.”
What were your results?
“I don’t think I stuck with it long enough to see results.”
Clare Szabo
Which biotin product did you take, and for how long?
“I took three tablets of Nature’s Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin, & Nails per day, about 5,000 mcg of biotin. I’ve done this off and on for about four years now. Each time I do this, I take it consistently for a few months at a time.”
Why did you decide to start taking biotin?
“I started taking biotin after noticing I was losing a lot of hair during washing and styling. I talked with my hairdresser about my concerns that I was thinning and the possible reasons for it. This was during college, and we deduced that it was primarily stress-related. She recommended that I take biotin. My goal was just to strengthen my hair, as well as promote growth.”
What were your results?
“After about a month of taking biotin, I noticed a decent amount of new growth — at the crown of my head, specifically. There were a lot of baby hairs popping up. I also noticed that I was losing fewer strands after washing and styling, which was really exciting. It was overall a positive experience with my hair, but not so positive with my skin. I didn’t have any major problems with my skin, but going from having fairly clear skin to having a few pimples pop up here and there was unwanted.
“Although I may have broken out a little more than usual, it wasn’t enough to deter me from continuing to take it. My hair was becoming stronger and fuller, which was the goal. I didn’t notice a real difference with my nails.”
How long did it take for you to see results?
“It took me about two to three months to really notice a difference, especially with the thickness of my ponytail. My hair just felt stronger and fuller. I was clearly losing less hair, as well as growing new hair.”
Naturally Curly Instagram Followers
Nikki Johnson
Which biotin product did you take, and for how long?
“I took Central Market biotin tablets, one a day at 10,000 mcg. I only took it for about three weeks and it was a mess!”
Why did you decide to start taking biotin?
“I started taking them after hearing reports of better looking skin, and longer, thicker hair. I didn’t really need longer hair; my hair was already long enough for me, but I was hoping for fuller hair.”
What were your results?
“I didn’t notice a positive difference in any category: hair, skin, or nails. My hair didn’t grow or become thicker. My skin didn’t become clearer or suppler. Actually, my skin broke out in cystic acne, which I’ve never had before. This terrible side effect is the number-one reason I stopped using it. I hear my results are not atypical. I have a few friends that experienced the same thing. On the other hand, my mother has been taking the same biotin tablets in the same dosage with completely different results (the results I was expecting to see”>.”
How long did it take for you to see results?
“I was about one-and-a-half weeks into taking them when my skin started to flip out. I took it for a total of three weeks before giving it up.”
Amanda Starghill
Which biotin product did you take, and for how long?
“I took Nature Made Biotin, 2,500 mcg twice a day, for three weeks.”
Why did you decide to start taking biotin?
“I wanted to stimulate [hair] growth and thicken my strands. My cousin is in her 60s, and when she used biotin she went from low-density to extremely high-density strands, so I’ve seen it work for others — just not for me.”
What were your results?
“I had pimples all over my cheeks, and I noticed my body hair was thicker…only my body hair. There was a clear line of demarcation where the new thickness began, so it worked for every part of my body but my scalp. My hair continued to grow at the same rate, with no signs of thickness on my scalp. Just imagine how mad I was.”
How long did it take for you to see results?
“I broke out within the first week. I continued to take it for a couple more weeks, but the side effects just weren’t worth it to me.”
Devri Velazquez
Which biotin product did you take, and for how long?
“I took one capsule of Nature’s Bounty 10,000 mcg daily. I used it consistently for three consecutive months.”
Why did you decide to start taking biotin?
“I was on a chemotherapy-like treatment that was causing my edges to thin, so I read up on all of the hair-growth benefits of biotin and checked with my primary-care physician before giving it a try.”
What were your results?
“I felt nauseous every day for about a week, but I knew that this reaction is expected when taking a new medication or supplement. However, the feeling didn’t get any better with time. Then, I started breaking out in cold sweats, and hives would appear on my chest for minutes at a time. This happened throughout the day with no warning.”
How long did it take for you to see results?
“Unfortunately, I did not notice any results as far as hair growth is concerned. However, my nails did become stronger. The negative side effects began within the first week. While biotin deficiency has been linked to hair loss, biotin is found in the food we eat, and the body naturally produces biotin, so it is actually very rare to have this deficiency.
“You only need a small amount of biotin, and if you have a balanced diet, chances are you’re already reaching your daily intake of about 30 to 100 mcg. If you’re considering taking biotin supplements, we recommend checking with your doctor first to make sure it won’t interact with any other medications you may be taking, especially since many people have experienced such challenging and uncomfortable side effects.”
That is how we reacted to biotin, but we want to know: have you tried it? What were your results?
Zendaya’s hair and its many styles have been making headlines lately, but our favorite Zendaya look? Naturally curly of course! Zendaya visited Curl Dr Shai Amiel at Capella Salon in LA this week and walked out of the salon a happy camper (as all of his clients do”>. Shai is a serious #CURLboss whose curly transformations we can never get enough of, and Zendaya’s is no exception. We hope to see more naturally curly looks from her soon, and if her Twitter is any indication she’ll be taking a break from the heat tools.
Unfortunately, we all come to this realization at some point in our curly hair journeys, some sooner than others, when the (heat”> damage has already been done. And a fresh cut from a curl expert is oftentimes the best and only way to truly repair it.
What do you think of Zendaya’s new look?
Raising a strong, body confident young woman can feel like an endless battle when our girls are faced with messaging and pressure from the media to conform to one standard of beauty, and this is a mission we at NaturallyCurly have been championing since our birth in 1998. Here are a few helpful tips to help your daughter love her body and appreciate what it can do!
Love yourself first
It is important to model body comfort, because your issues can unknowingly rub off on your daughter’s self esteem. According to childmind “Girls get much of how they feel about these things from their mothers: If Mom is complaining every time she puts on a piece of clothing that she looks fat, or wondering out loud about which outfit looks sexier, that’s what the daughter is going to absorb.” The same goes for her hair! If you are constantly complaining about your hair, or don’t have confidence to wear it out in its natural state, then she will likely absorb that discomfort.
Listen to her
Does she want to straighten her hair? Does she hate her curls? Ask her why. Listen to her concerns and don’t immediately rule them out. Your words may feel condescending if she feels you have not first listened to and acknowledged her feelings as valid. Make a point to listen first, and then sympathize with her so she feels understood. Though she may be young now, eventually embracing her natural hair will be her choice, so let her input be heard so that she feels she has a say in the matter.
Give positive feedback
We want our daughters to love their natural beauty, while understanding that is not where their true value lies. Curls are unique and they are naturally beautiful, but they are also just one part of your daughter. Of course you can tell your daughter that her hair is beautiful, but give equal positive feedback for her talent and intelligence as well. Encourage your friends and family to do the same.
Involve her in her hair care at a young age
When we talk to mothers in our curly hair community, they stress the importance of involving young girls in their hair care routine from an early age. NaturallyCurly community member Krista tells her daughter Giselle to be soft and gentle when shampooing her curls, and lets her pick the clips and bows to wear to school, and Nicole lets her daughter Zoie care for her doll’s hair while she cares for Zoie’s hair. Find an act that your daughter can take ownership over so that she feels empowered in the process. Find products that make the hair care process fun instead of frustrating and painful, like Just for Me which has a ton of products that gets kids excited about doing their hair, and easily detangles.
Show her natural hair role models
.pdf” target=”_blank”>Research shows that, “according to communications theories, repeated exposure to media content leads viewers to begin to accept media portrayals as representations of reality.” It’s not often enough that we get to watch a natural hair heroines take charge in movies or television. Our curly kiddos are used to longing for long, straight hair and prince charmings, but this is not the case with the latest movie from DreamWorks Animation, Home. The main character Tip is resourceful, spunky, and wears her curly hair with confidence. In the movie, she sets off on an adventure when she meets an alien named Oh. Seeing natural hair represented in the media in a positive way can improve a child’s sense of belonging and healthy body image.
NaturallyCurly moms, weigh in! How do you help your daughter feel confident?
This article is sponsored by Just For Me.
To learn more about the DreamWorks Animation, Home and Just For Me, click here.
Every award season we hear reports of red hair “trending” and not too long ago the media was spreading the (false”> rumor that redheads were going extinct. But the fact is, red hair is not a trend, it’s a lifestyle – and it’s one that’s here to stay. Just like curly hair, red hair comes with a unique set of advantages and challenges, and Holy Grail products to address both. So we got the ultimate hacks from redhead beauty experts Adrienne Vendetti Hodges and Stephanie Vendetti (pictured”>, the
Co-Founders of the ultimate redhead resource, How to be a Redhead.
1. Use a color depositing shampoo to keep your color from fading
Stephanie: The biggest question we get asked is, “How do I keep my red hair from fading?” We actually had to set up an entire section of our website, called ‘Get Vibrant’, to assist women with this question. Adrienne and I were both born with the same color hair, but as I got older, my hair turned strawberry blonde. I’m always using certain products to keep my hair vibrant. First and foremost, we love Davines Alchemic Red Shampoo/Conditioner. It naturally deposits color in and the product has never irritated my scalp — a common problem amongst redheads due to our sensitive skin. We also love Pureology’s Reviving Red Hair Care Line.
Stephanie: When the summer comes around and my hair is fading, I will go to our hairstylist and get a clear glaze. It gently lifts my hair up to its natural color and makes it more vibrant.
Adrienne: Make sure to always use sulfate-free shampoo if you aren’t using a color depositing shampoo. The chemicals in non-sulfate free products can strip hair (natural or ‘by choice’”> and no redhead wants that!
2. Use natural products to avoid skin irritation
Adrienne: We always suggest using natural products to refrain from irritations and breakouts because redheads do have more sensitive skin. We love skin lines like Deep Steep, Alba and Fresh. I can break out in an instant if a product isn’t ‘redhead friendly’ and I know most redheads feel my pain. We always suggest reading the ingredients of a product, just like you do at a grocery store. If you can’t pronounce it, you probably don’t want to apply it to your skin. On HowtobeaRedhead.com, all products recommended are ‘redhead friendly,’ meaning they’ve been tested on a redhead for a minimum of 10 days.
Stephanie: As a rule of thumb, if you can apply lotion to your body and it’s 100% natural, you probably can use it on your face too. Before we try a new face lotion, we always apply it to our arms to see how our skin reacts. We’ll test it for a few days before we add it to our daily regimen.
3. Cut sulfates out of your life
Adrienne: Avoid sulfates and chemical-heavy products. It’s not worth the breakout. Nowadays you can find natural products in drugstores/convenience stores; spend the extra money and invest in your skin and hair.
Many people don’t know, but Stephanie and I have very curly hair. It comes from our Italian side and so we can both attest that you can have a vibrant red and defined curls. The secret is using natural product lines and keeping your hair healthy. We are always applying Avocado and/or Olive Oil masks to our hair, we use sulfate-free shampoo/conditioners and on the days we rock curls, we love Kenra Professional’s Curl Defining Creme.
4. Change your life, find an eyebrow filler
Stephanie: Eyebrow products is the second most popular topic amongst our followers. Most redheads have very fair/blonde eyebrows (just like Adrienne and I”>, so they’re always asking what eyebrow products are best when filling in the brows. Our current favorites are:
- Clinique’s Fine Liner for Brows in ‘Soft Auburn’
- Too Faced Brow Envy Shaping & Defining Kit
- We love to hold our look together with Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara for Lash and Brow
Adrienne: It’s amazing how a little eyebrow filler can make the face defined and make red hair pop.
5. Mascara will keep your eyelashes from disappearing
Adrienne: Mascara is such a passion of ours! We will never forget the day our grandmother (also a redhead”> gave us our 1st mascara bottle. It was the Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes. We have very light eyelashes, and it’s amazing how a few swipes of mascara can change your appearance in a beautiful way. Our current favorites are:
- Urban Decay Super Curl
- We love applying brown to the bottom lashes & use Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
6. Use a lipstick with a blue undertone
Stephanie: We use to be apprehensive about rocking a bold lip. In fact, back in our high school days we tried to make our lips as pale as possible because we didn’t think redheads could wear lipstick! Boy, we were wrong. By the time we got to college, we started experimenting with bright lips and we’ve never turned back. Nothing makes us feel more beautiful and we’re so happy to see celebrities like Julianne Moore & Juessica Chastain wearing bold lips.
Adrienne: We always suggest lipsticks with a blue undertone, it is classic and complements any shade of red hair. Redheads can really wear any color, but have to make sure to adjust other makeup to complement the look. For instance, if you’re rockin’ a heavy lip, go lighter on the eyes for an natural look.
Stephanie: We usually choose our lipsticks based on the season. Our current favorites are:
Bianca Alexa is the queen of the pineapple updo, has an enviable accent, and is one of the best natural hair YouTubers (but we may be biased, since she’s one of our writers”>. So we were thrilled when she shared her pineapple updo with us. You see, we tend to wear our pineapples… to sleep. But Bianca’s version is certainly cute enough to wear outside of the confines of our bedroom, especially on those days when your 5-day wash and go is looking worse for wear. Bianca’s tutorial is super quick and easy, making this style perfect for your rushed weekday mornings.
What you need
- Curl refresher – a spray bottle full of water or your favorite leave-in conditioner. Bianca used the Body Shop Grapeseed Serum
- Scrunchie – Bianca uses satin scrunchie from Ebonicurls because they don’t snag on her curls or dry out her hair
Directions
- Remoisturize your curls with your curl refresher of choice.
- Pull your hair up, like you’re doing a very high ponytail. Bianca leaves out her bangs.
- Loosely secure the ponytail with the scrunchie. Bianca only pulls the hair through the scrunchie and does not wrap it a second time.
- Bring all of the hair forward to the front of your head. It doesn’t have to look perfect, just use your fingers to play with it until you’re happy with the shape.
Want to see more of Bianca Alexa? You can follow her on Instagram and YouTube.
Would you wear a pineapple out of the house? Or is it strictly a sleeping style for you?
We all love a good soirée but spreading all of this holiday cheer night after night can really do a number on your curls, especially if you’ve been heat styling. Whether you’re a heat junkie in need of curl rehab, or a staunch no-heat kind of girl, this textured pompadour will give you edgy, old school charm while providing your curls with some welcome relief this party season.
In addition to being heat-free, this protective style has the added benefit of keeping the ends of your hair tucked up and away, preventing unwanted wear and tear on the oldest and most fragile part of your strands: the ends. Protective styles are important in the winter because they prevent split ends, breakage and exposure to the elements like cold, dry wind. Click through for a step-by-step guide to getting the hairstyle.
What You’ll Need:
- A spray bottle full of water
- Bobby pins
- Your favorite moisturizer or refresher
- Your favorite pomade
Directions:
This hairstyle works on either a wash and go or stretched hair. We started on a second day twist out, but third or fourth day hair would work just as well.
1. Create a ‘bang’ section at the top front of your head and section that off with a hairband to get it out of your way.
2. Spray the remaining loose hair with your moisturizer product, we like Obia’s Curl Hydration Spray.
3. Starting at the right ear, create one loose flat twist along the nape of your neck, continuing to twist from right to left until you reach the left ear
4. Secure the twist with bobby pins.
5. Now take the bang section and twist it from right to left until it meets the first flat twist, creating a loose, textured pompadour.
6. Secure the ends with bobby pins.
7. Spray a small amount of water into your pomade to make it more malleable and easier to apply; we used Kinky-Curly Gloss Pomade.
8. Smooth your edges using a small amount of pomade.
9. Use bobby pins to secure any flyaways or errant pieces of hair.
It may seem like there are a lot of steps, but fortunately, none of them are too involved. Once you get the hang of styling your hair without reaching for the heating tools, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
Watch the Video
[prodmod]
Question: Straight ends after cutting off damaged hair?
So about a month ago I decided to cut off my damaged, straight ends of my hair. What’s bothering me is that I still have straight ends in the front layers. My stylist said she couldn’t cut anymore. I can just pin most of it back and wear it curly, but is there a solution for this? What should I do about this? Also can someone help me figure out my hair type? It’s has tight waves in the back, loose waves in the front, and a ringlety underlayer. That would probably be somewhere around 2c, right? Thank you for the help!
Answer:
Dr. Kari Williams, Licensed Trichologist and Natural Hair Expert
If you still have straight hair in the front, it is more than likely the remaining damaged hair. Your stylist probably cut as much hair as she could to help you retain length for styling. Otherwise, you would have had to cut off all of your hair very short to get rid of it at once. The solution is to continue to trim the front of your hair little by little until the straight hair is completely gone.
Hair typing is tricky, and it sounds like you are dealing with a case of genetics. What I mean is, your hair is not consistently one texture or curl pattern. It is difficult to give you an accurate answer regarding your hair type without seeing or touching your hair. Based on the description you provided about your hair, you have 3 different curl patterns. You probably have a combination of 2c, 3a and 3b hair. The hair in the front is tricky because you stated it is still straight. Once you completely cut that hair off you will have a clearer idea of the hair pattern and texture in that section of your hair. I encourage you to visit a professional stylist in your area who can provide you with a more accurate analysis of your hair type.
This week Dr. Kari is answering your questions on Curly Q&A. If you need advice on anything from hair damage to bad haircuts, you can ask her here.
Dr. Kari is one of the leading voices in the natural hair care movement. She is the newly appointed Vice President of the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Dr. Kari is also a Board Certified Trichologist, Licensed Natural Hair Care Specialist, Barber, Master Loctician and owner of Mahogany Hair Revolution Salon and Trichology Clinic in Beverly Hills, California.
Ask any girl with curls what her favorite thing about her hair is, and nine times out of 10 she will tell you that it’s the versatility. Given the right styling tools and products, she can wear her hair curly, straight, braided-out, twisted, and everything in between. And yet, there is one area that many curlies rarely dare to venture into: bang territory.
It’s true, a vast majority of the bangs we see in the media are straight, swooping side-bangs or blunt fringes — looks that can’t be easily achieved on curly hair without the near-daily use of a flat iron or a round brush. But, that does not mean this haircut is impossible. There are just a few things you need to know before you take the plunge.
Accept That Shrinkage Is Real
Shrinkage is that all-too-familiar phenomenon of curly hair appearing much shorter than it really is. When curly hair is wet or straightened, it may reach halfway down your back; but, when in its natural state, it might barely touch the shoulders.
As a result, at some point you have probably walked out of a salon with hair much shorter than you bargained for. It happens to the best of us, and it’s important to know that bangs are even more susceptible to this shortening effect. To help ensure you get a cut you’re happy with, bangs and all, go to a stylist who either has curly hair or who is very experienced working with it — that way you won’t end up with accidental Beyoncé baby bangs.
Work With A Stylist
We know that it can be very daunting to entrust your curls to someone, but in this instance, it’s probably a wise move. Curly hair expert and Devachan founder Lorraine Massey says, “In my experience with curly hair, any sort of a fringe (bang”> can potentially lead to frizz and extreme shrinkage. It’s best that you get another set of eyes on your curls to help determine how they might react.” This is not the time for you to try out your scissor skills for the first time. Once a stylist has given you the initial cut and shape, you can learn to trim your bangs at home. But, leave the first cut to the professionals, please.
Think About Style Time
As I said before, curly hair can be stretched, straightened, twisted, or worn natural, so you have plenty of options when it comes to styling. Before you get bangs, be realistic about your habits. It’s easy to say, “I can blowdry them every morning.” But, if you have a five-minute morning routine right now, then it’s unrealistic to think that you’ll suddenly be willing to add on a lot more time to style your new ‘do. Fortunately, curly bangs look gorgeous framing the face, which requires little hands-on styling time. And, curly hair is often thicker than straight hair and can hold a style easily, so when you’re short on styling time, a twist and a few bobby pins will keep those bangs up and out of your face all day long.
Find Your Hair Twin
Before you take the plunge, find someone with a curl pattern similar to yours who has bangs. With social media, this is now easier than ever. If you have Type 2 wavy hair, take a look at Elizabeth of Delightfully Tacky, who rocks a sideswept bang with lots of volume. Elizabeth says she’s not a morning person and needs a low-maintenance style: “Most days, it’s just wake up, make sure it’s not doing anything too wacky, maybe fix some wonkiness, and go.”
NaturallyCurly’s Nikki Johnson has Type 3 curls and recently cut bangs herself (yes, against our advice”>. But, she has found plenty of ways to style them. If you have Type 4 coily hair, watch Ambrosia Malbrough on YouTube for inspiration.
So, in case it’s not clear: Yes, curly haired women can absolutely pull off bangs. And, remember, no matter what happens, hair grows back, so if you’re not completely satisfied with your cut the first week, you might just love it once it’s had some time to settle in.
One of the great things about curly hair is that it can hold a curl! It may sound obvious, but when you twist, braid or bun straight hair often times you are just left with a crease. So that is why we relish in the opportunity to manipulate our curl pattern heatlessly and then watch in admiration as the curls stay curly all day long.
In this tutorial UrbanOG demonstrates how to achieve big beautiful curls with no heat and minimal product. Because this style will rely on bantu knots, these sexy tresses are best achieved when set overnight. A major plus factor of this style has to do with the fact that there are no rollers needed when setting this style.
For this style you’ll need to make sure your hair has been freshly washed and has a little leave in conditioner, like Design Essential’s Natural Almond & Avocado Leave-In Conditioner. This will help work as a deep conditioner as your hair sits over night as well as helping to minimize frizz and dryness. Continue by patting the hair dry until it’s mostly damp. You don’t want soaking hair because drying time will take a lot longer. Following that, be sure to use a wide tooth comb to separate any tangles you may have. Once you’ve removed any knots or kinks with your wide tooth comb, begin sectioning off the hair for your bantu knots. Once the hair is sectioned you can begin twisting the hair in each section. You’ll want to make sure that you roll the hair all the way up to the scalp. Oh, and don’t forget to use hair pins to secure! Let hair sit until the following morning, gently take down and your fabulous bantu knots should look like stunningly transformed waves!
Watch the Video
[prodmod]This post was originally published on Design Essentials.
Question
My type 3A hair becomes greasy, oily, and stinky very easily. I have it cut quite short, around chin-length, and wash several times a week with drugstore shampoo and conditioner. Along with the smell and oil, my scalp itches and produces greasy dandruff. Does anyone know what could be causing this or how to fix it.Answer
Like most hair and scalp concerns, two of the best places start is diet and cleansing. I firmly believe in a holistic approach to health, which includes hygiene. You want to make sure you are drinking enough water and eating a well balanced diet. As for hair care maintenance, regardless of your hair texture, everyone’s scalp needs to be clean in order to maintain healthy hair and decrease the potential of scalp issues.
Cleansing
You describe your flakes as greasy, which sounds very similar to the scalp condition that I have (i.e. sebborheic dermatitis“>. Because I am not a dermatologist or trichologist, I do encourage you to schedule an appointment with either and express your concerns. Until then, here are some tips I can assist you with. As someone with sebbroheic dermatitis, I try to cleanse my scalp twice a week with a gentle shampoo and I always follow up with a deep conditioner.
When your scalp overproduces sebum you want to create a regimen that addresses your scalp needs without neglecting your hair’s needs. Due the nature of textured hair, the tighter the curl, the harder it is for the sebum to travel down the hair shaft, thus leaving tighter curl patterns more prone to dryness. Since you have short, 3a hair (looser curl pattern”> it is more prone to accumulate sebum, debris, and product buildup at the scalp, which can create a breeding grown for odor and bacteria if not cleansed regularly and properly.
Like any other part of our bodies, it is important to be mindful of what you apply to it and how it responds. Some people overproduce sebum because there is a dysfunction of the sebaceous glands while others overproduce sebum as a reaction to certain products. Sometimes your sebaceous glands do not respond well to certain products and can overcompensate in sebum. You mentioned that you use a drugstore shampoo and conditioner, so I hope that they are formulated for your hair and scalp needs. Cleansers formulated for curly hair tend to be gentler on textured hair than the standard shampoos that contain sulfates.
First, try switching cleansers to see if your previous products were agitating your scalp. If your scalp continues to produce too much oil, then consider using a dandruff shampoo or explore gentler shampoos. If you do prep-poo treatments I would encourage you to stop and see what happens. Sometimes the key to eliminating buildup is to decrease the amount of products we apply.
Moisturizers
When trying to infuse the hair with moisture via deep conditioning, the next biggest step is maintaining that moisture with a leave-in conditioner, moisturizer, and/or oil. Since you have 3a hair, I strongly encourage you to peruse Jamie’s favorite products under our editor’s picks. The key for looser textures and low porosity textures to main moisture is to use lightweight products and oils. You can also try a dry oil. Dry oils are formulated to evaporate quickly so your hair (and body”> will not feel greasy long after application. Try all of these tips and let us know how it worked out!
NaturallyCurly, how do you manage your oily scalp?
