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Winter is arguably the best time to wear type 4 hair because there’s no humidity to cause shrinkage or frizz. Although every person with curly hair should anticipate adjusting their hair care routine for the winter months, those with type 4 hair can thrive during the winter time with the right products and tools.
Type 4 hair is the most fragile of all the textures because the strands coil, instead of curl, causing the follicles to become proven to breakage. During the winter months where curls are exposed to dry winter air and hot indoor spaces, moisturizing type 4 hair is paramount to preventing damage.
Every hair care routine is formulated differently, but coily cuties should consider implementing extra moisture by way of moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins, oils and tools such as steamers.
From influencers to stylists, here are 8 wash day products type 4 curlies can lean on this winter season.
Moisturizing Shampoos
Moisturizing shampoos aren’t just for silk presses, they can also be used for extra slip during the cleansing process and minimizing tangles to make for an easier detangling process during the conditioning process.
Donna’s Recipe Sweet Potato Pie Moisturizing Shampoo
Tabitha Brown’s hair care line Donna’s Recipe infuses sweet potato extract as a source of biotin, cinnamon to help remove build up on the scalp and vanilla to aid in hair growth. The Sweet Potato Pie Moisturizing Shampoo also contains aloe vera for shine as well as vitamin E and shea butter for moisture.
The Doux Sucka Free Moisturizing Shampoo
Since hair dye dries out hair, curlies with colored or treated hair need extra moisture. The Doux Sucka Free Moisturizing Shampoo is formulated with shea butter to soften curls, silk amino acids to strengthen curls while they shine and aloe for hydrating moisture.
Moisturizing Conditioners
Naturals aiming for soft, luscious curls this winter should not substitute conditioning for leave-in moisturizers, instead they should use both. Moisturizing conditioners boost hydration while adding a layer of protection.
Being MAX MOISTURE Intense Moisturizing Conditioner
Type 4 coils in need of a hydrating boost will feel lusciously soft after using Being’s Max Moisturizing conditioner. The combination of cocoa butter and oat extract work together to hydrate curls while fighting frizz.
4U By Tia Moisturizing Conditioner
Dry natural hair can quench its thirst with Tia owry’s 4U By Tia Moisturizing Conditioner. This conditioner was created with three main powerhouse ingredients: hibiscus oil to strengthen hair health, watermelon extract for softness and silicone Hemi15 to lock in moisture.
Leave-In Conditioners
Naturals who live by the L.O.C method—or the liquid, oil, cream—method can ensure their hair remains moisturized after a shampoo and condition by incorporating a leave-in conditioner in their styling process.
Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Leave-In Conditioner
Restoring curls with Pattern’s award-winning lightweight leave-in conditioner is easy on soaking wet hair. Curlies who choose to implement this product into their wash day routines can expect hydrating ingredients like honey and aloe as well as jojoba oil to seal the deal.
Camille Rose Honey Hydrate Leave-In Hair Conditioner
The infamous Camille Rose Honey Hydrate Leave-In Hair Conditioner leaves curls of all textures feeling replenished. Camille Rose’s honey hydrate is made with real honey, olive oil, aloe juice, orange, lemon, sugar maple, and black tea. Expect amazing slip, shine and hydrated definition.
Oils
Sealing in moisture is arguably the most important part of wash days, especially during the colder months. Oils lock hydrating into curls and coils for a moisturized, shiny finish.
Naturally Drenched Watermelon Dreams Oil
Watermelon Dreams is a multi-purpose oil that can be used on the hair, face and body. However, this lightweight serum can be using to fight frizz on dry, damaged and colored hair.
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BREAD Oil
Bread Beauty Supply’s kakadu plum based hair oil is an everyday hydrant, moisturizer and UV protectant. In addition to providing everyday shine, curls are coated in fatty acids to accelerate damage repair.
Although dry coils can be a hassle, using the right wash day products for Type 4 hair can make all the difference during the colder months.
What’s your winter wash day routine? Show us what moisturizing products you like to use and tag us @NaturallyCurly.
When natural hair is crying for moisture in between washes, steam therapy is a quick and easy moisturizing alternative to co-washing or using extra products. It’s important to keep curls moisturized throughout the hair style cycle to avoid breakage. During winter months, incorporating a steam treatment helps open hair cuticles absorb deep conditioners and moisturizers better than dry hair.
Steam treatments can also be a transformative part of a hair care regimen depending on whether curls are low-, medium- or high-porosity—which is a category of hair typing that is different from curl pattern. According to Carol’s Daughter hair care tips, “porosity is your hair’s ability to soak up and hold in moisture and products.”
Most hair educators and naturals know it’s important to open cuticles with heat and lock the moisturizer in by using a sealant, such as oil. However, how effective natural hair is at receiving moisture varies based on how wide the shingles on the hair cuticle open and close. Porosity can also change due to certain styling practices.
Low-porosity hair is not easily penetrated by moisture, some may even notice water or products sitting on top of their hair. On the other hand, although high-porosity hair can receive moisture it does not retain it, oftentimes leaving it dry.
Using steamers can solve both problems by helping low-porosity hair open up to moisture and keeping high-porosity hair moisturized. Aside from hydration, steamers also have other benefits such as stimulating hair growth and providing a deeper clean.
Investing in a steamer is almost synonymous with investing in healthy curls, regardless of curl type. Naturals looking for a new addition to their hair tool arsenal can check out the below three steamers worth every penny.
Q-Redew Hair Steamer
Original natural hair influencers who took over the Youtube space in the early aughts were using the Q-Redew Hair Steamer. According to the Q-Redew website, this handheld steamer can help naturals hydrate, reshape, detangle, stretch, deep condition and add volume to their curls or coils. Refreshing natural hair with a Q-Redew can be done in under 10 minutes. After heating the water in the Q-Redew water reservoir for roughly 30 seconds, detangle as needed while passing through sections to warm, soften and steam natural hair for optimal moisture retention.
Pattern Beauty Hair Steamer
Tracee Ellis Ross’ Pattern Hair Steamer is worth every penny. Naturals who use the Pattern Hair Steamer for hair therapy can expect 2 main benefits: expanded cuticles that allow for products to deeply penetrate curls and revitalized natural hair from the scalp down to the ends. Those loyal to the Pattern brand can use this steamer alongside the Pattern Breakage Barrier Hair Mask for an at home steam and repair treatment. The steamer comes with a prong attachment, diffuser attachment and cleaning kit.
Nano Ionic Face Steamer
Amazon’s budget-friendly trendy face steamer also equals as a hair steamer if used right. This steamer creates a warm powerful mist that promotes the absorption of skin care products while synonymously promoting the absorption of hair care products. Although it isn’t handheld, naturals on the go can bring their compact Nano Ionic Face Steamer almost anywhere. This steamer also comes with a 5 piece Blackhead extractor for an all-in-one hair and skin spa treatment.
Whether your curls are low-porosity, high-porosity, tight or loose, any natural whose been thinking of investing in a steamer doesn’t need to think any longer. Adding a steam treatment into a natural hair care regimen is another step forward in a healthy hair journey.
Typical beauty standards were not created with women of color in mind. That said, many of us have had to reimagine our own archetype of what it means to be beautiful.
For Black women, creating a new paradigm of beauty meant learning to embrace or enhance natural features. This included crowns of curly hair or naturally full lips, despite Eurocentric traits being the standard—until they weren’t.
Becoming the blueprint for beauty trends created a new hierarchy of products and people, sometimes resulting in the same unattainable ideas of what society deemed beautiful.
In an era where many desired beauty trends are more superficial than natural, women contend colorism and texturism with scalp-like frontal and closure wigs. However, recent social media debates on whether to install closure wigs over hairlines or behind them, for a more natural look, have many women on opposing sides.
Some women say installing wigs behind the hairline provides a more natural look, while others disagree saying the blending and maintenance that comes with installing a wig in that position is sub-par. Contrarians on the trend believe that any installation method can look natural if it’s installed with high priced, high quality extensions such as HD lace closures and raw bundles.
The irony of all three perspectives is that, while camouflaging a wig may be possible for a certain period of time under the right conditions, wigs are not meant to appear natural because they aren’t natural. Wigs are wigs, not scalp, and should be viewed in the same light as other protective styles.
So many of the more recent beauty trends, such as having a clean girl aesthetic or wearing raw bundles are rooted in wanting to appear natural instead of simply being natural.
Obsessing over making wigs appear natural by way of expensive hair extensions, products and installs creates an elitist hierarchy within the hair care world. Similar to any hierarchy, women who can’t afford to achieve and maintain these standards are judged or made to feel inadequate because their hair doesn’t measure up to the new beauty standards put in place.
Unfortunately, these inadequacies create a divide among women in the same way that colorism and texturism do. Even beauties who are able to achieve these looks for alternative prices find themselves placed in the affordable category.
Those with the ability to achieve this faux authenticity sometimes believe themselves to be more desirable. Investing in appearances always boils down to desire. Unfortunately, the desire to be seen, to feel good or both can be misconstrued when social media becomes a factor.
Seeing Black female public figures flaunt expensive hairstyles during a recession fuels a machine focused on keeping up appearances instead of learning to become comfortable with natural beauty. In addition to unattainably expensive hair installs, most of these culturally public figures have lighter skin complexions and body types that almost always appeal to the male gaze. Regardless of whether this appeal is intentional or not, the combination is enough to make the average woman feel like she needs a change, even if the only attainable change she can make is her current hairstyle.
Though some wigs are better quality than others, a wig is simply a hairstyle meant to protect natural curls or kinks. Despite all the effort placed into making them appear natural—they aren’t.
Most women know a wig when they’re faced with one, even if it’s equipped with hand-tied HD lace or bought in the beauty supply store. The focus on who’s hair is seemingly more natural or more expensive is purposeless. What matters is the confidence gained with every new hairstyle.
Imania Beauty’s Redo Detangling and Defining brush is making the detangling process easier than ever.
All wash day routines are not created equal. However, detangling curly hair is a non-negotiable for any person who is blessed to have it. After all, tangled, matted curls could result in damaged hair. Although there are many methods to detangling, this part of wash day is more than raking through a crown of curls irresponsibly—it requires the right tools and products.
According to Nia Imani, founder of Imania Beauty, the amount of effort it takes to detangle hair has nothing to do with texture. “It really is about keeping your hair in a healthy and hydrated state,” Imani says. “The more dehydrated your hair is, the more difficult it can be, period.”
Imani’s desire to make the detangling process easier for clients influenced the release of her brand’s first tool: the Redo Detangling and Defining Brush.
True to its name, the brush is for detangling and defining curls of any texture. It is important to understand the emphasis put on the brushes versatility is to draw attention to hair education. Other popular industry brushes—such as the denman brush, which should be used for styling instead of detangling—are typically used incorrectly, causing the detangling process to be unnecessarily complicated.
Imania Beauty’s Redo Detangling and Defining process is here to simplify the part of wash day, most people with curly hair want to avoid either due to pain, time consumption or both. “I want people to be as comfortable as possible in the salon,” Imani says. “I also wanted to create a tool that people can use themselves at home with that same amount of ease.”
Instagram videos of the lime-green brush show Imani demonstrating how her debut tool leaves no curl tangled, creating a smooth and seamless process for detangling wet hair. The stylish Redo Detangling and Defining Brush is compactly made and fitted with firm bristles that won’t snag any strands but gentle enough to provide a satisfying scalp scratch.
“Give it a try, it will definitely help out in your routine,” Imani says. “ If you’re tender-headed, this is definitely the brush for you, if you’re in the market for a new brush and want a brush with versatility, this is definitely going to be for you.”
Nia Imani’s Best Practices for Detangling:
- Work in sections small enough to encourage gentleness throughout the detangling process
- Do not detangle on dry hair. The hair needs to be saturated with water or hydrating liquid. If this detangling process is coming after a protective style take down, use oils as well
- Add some conditioner with a lot of slip. Start from the bottom of the hair shaft. Imani recommends holding the section of hair in the middle of the shaft, working those tangles out and then working your way up the shaft of the hair.
Stylists who specialize in silk presses are unthawing just in time for the fall and winter season. Houston-based stylist, Destiny Prentice of The Kai Noir Experience, is adamant about educating her clients on how to preserve their silk presses in the Texas heat.
The attractiveness of a sleek silk press is undeniable. Black women such as culture icon Queen Latifah, Former First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris have gone viral multiple times for their silky straight curls.
Unlike typical straightening routines, a silk press is determined by the silkening products, techniques and tools used to give the illusion of a relaxer.
The idea that a silk press is only for looser textures is a myth. According to Prentice, the success or failure of a silk press is determined by hydration, not texture.
“[If] you generally don’t take very good care of your hair, it doesn’t matter what texture your hair is,” Prentice said. “Your silk press probably isn’t going to last or come out as good as the girls on a hair care regimen.”
While heat training curls is traditionally the first step for many straight naturals, being on track with hydration is arguably more important.
“Silk presses require the hair to be hydrated in order to last,” Prentice said.
Preventing heat damage is all about the products and preparation done to curls beforehand. According to Prentice, the easiest way to avoid heat damage is to refrain from using extra or excessive amounts of heat after leaving the salon.
Those weary of an expensive salon visit could do it themselves, but most professionals like to advise against this to avoid unnecessary heat damage and other mishaps.
Finding a salon or stylist who can work with your budget is the most effective way to maintain healthy curls and meet hair goals.
A Typical Appointment at The Kai Noir Experience
All appointments at The Kair Noir Experience begin with a consultation between the client and Prentice to assess the hair and how to meet specific hair goals. In the case of a silk press, during the consultation Prentice says it’s important to ensure the client’s hair is healthy enough to straighten to avoid providing counter-productive styles.
From that point, a scalp detox is done to remove excess build-up prior to the shampoo.
After the detox, Prentice washes her clients with a clarifying shampoo and other treatments for scalp health, followed by a moisturizing condition.
Once the client’s curls are thoroughly moisturized and detangled, they receive a steam treatment for more moisture. Then the conditioner is washed out with cold water to close the hair cuticle and maintain hydration.
In the styling chair, Prentice applies multiple heat protectants along with the silkening and softening serums before she straightens the hair with her BaByliss tools.
“I have a regimen that I give my clients at the end of every appointment and this regimen goes over what they should do after they leave the salon,” Prentice said.
Silk Press Maintenance
Prentice prefers for her clients to avoid heat post-salon visit at all cost, because salon care comes with a professional level of care that minimizes heat damage.
It’s important to steer clear of putting any additional products in a silk press unless it’s time for a new style. However, if the hair becomes oily it is okay to use dry shampoo by following the directions on the bottle.
People rocking silk presses should expect to wrap them in a satin scarf and bonnet every night. Prentice suggests that beauties aiming for a more voluminous silk press can wrap their hair up in pin curls or by using flexi rods and velcro rollers.
Although wearing natural styles in the gym may be a lost cause for people who sweat profusely in their scalp, wearing a silk press during a workout is not as impossible as one might believe. Instead of wrapping the silk press before a gym session, leave it out and let it breathe by wearing a hair net. According to Prentice, when the hair is wrapped it traps the heat in your scalp, causing the hair to revert.
Although wearing natural styles in the gym may be a lost cause for people who sweat profusely in their scalp, wearing a silk press during a workout is not as impossible as one might believe. Instead of wrapping the silk press before a gym session, leave it out and let it breathe by wearing a hair net. According to Prentice, when the hair is wrapped it traps the heat in your scalp, causing the hair to revert.
Silk presses are a fun fall style that anyone interested should try, irregardless of hair texture. Although using heat or being a straight natural can seem taboo in the natural hair community, wearing curls in silk presses has benefits that supersede being trendy.
“People think curly naturals have healthier hair, which is typically not true,” Prentice said.
Many straight naturals frequent the salon, allowing their curls to get the tender love and care needed. In comparison, curly naturals who tend to do their own hair are not always able to identify issues in their crown such as damaged ends or hydration issues.
A silk press can help women with natural hair experience the best of both worlds.
“Don’t be afraid of heat,” Prentice said. “I know that there’s a lot of horror stories out there .. but do your research [and] find a stylist that you trust.”
Trendy hairstyles will never stop cycling through the Black beauty industry, sew-ins are no exceptions.
During the early 2010s, sew-ins became popular and were widely shown on Black reality television shows such as VH1’s Flavor of Love as well as its Love and Hip Hop franchise. Unfortunately, although sew-ins often aid in growth, many women were damaging their leave-out while trying to force their curls to blend with straighter, wavier textures. This issue created a need for a new trend.
The coming decade would reinvent the lace front and influence a rising interest in wigs or bundles accompanied by a lace frontal or closure to provide a more natural look.
Now, as sew-ins are making their way back into the trendy topics amongst Black beauties in the hair care community, many stylists and companies are looking to take the ‘natural look’ a step further.
Reviews of curly flip over sew-ins began flooding the algorithms of beauty aficionados everywhere, seemingly out of nowhere. Many content creators who were enamored by the style emphasized their love for the ability to blend their natural curls in without heat.
Beauties interested in getting a curly flip over sew-in installation can expect their stylist to braid down their crown in a traditional beehive pattern while leaving out the perimeter and blend their natural curls into bundles resembling real 4c kinky coily hair amongst other textures.
Here are eight hair extension companies that sell quality curly bundles for your next curly sew-in appointment.
HerGivenHair
HerGivenHair is a company that was ahead of its time when it was created in 2015. The company’s mission to help natural women “change their looks without feeling like they’re changing themselves” is everything a curly sew-in stands for. HerGivenHair sells bundles that match Type 3 and Type 4 curls as well as kinky blow-out bundles for those who prefer a straighter, sleeker look. The company also offers texture guides and samples for anyone hesitant about investing.
Heat Free Hair
Ngozi Opara, the founder of HeatFree Hair, believes “being natural is more than a movement, it’s a lifestyle.” HeatFree Hair was created from the desire to embrace the beautiful kinks and curls people with natural textures were born with. Heat Free Hair has four main collections that cater to different textures: Kinks (Type 4B-4C), Kurls (Type 3C-4A), Koils (Type 3B-3C) and Blowouts for those looking for silky-straight yaki bundles.
ISee Hair
Most Tik Tok creators and users in the beauty space have heard of the ali-expess-esque hair company, ISee Hair. ISee Hair has gone viral for its innovative buildable block wigs, with a video created by Maxie, known as @therealmaxieeeee on Tik Tok, averaging over 1 million views since it was posted in August. However, the company’s kinky curly, afro curly and kinky straight textured wigs and bundles are becoming the company’s next hot commodity.
Hair De La Crème
Hair De Le Crème is the brainchild of a beauty youtuber named Tommie, who decided to manifest her years of knowledge gained through hair reviews and tutorials into a luxury virgin human hair extensions line. However, luxury isn’t the brand’s only selling point. According to the brand’s website, they “don’t use fancy origins to lure [customers] into buying exotic hair, [instead they] focus on the texture and long lasting quality in each bundle.” Hair De La Crème’s Nubian Goddess Curl Collection comes with three different natural textured bundles: tropical curl, kinky curl and loose curl. Bundles from Hair De Le Crème can last between 6 to 12 months with proper care.
Curls Queen
New-York based CurlsQueen is committed to helping women attain self-love through enhancing natural beauty by way of hair extensions. CurlsQueen is also among the few hair care brands that highlights the importance of reducing the environmental footprint left behind by the Black beauty industry and ensures customers their hair is eco-conscious, vegan and cruelty free. Beauties interested in CurlsQueen’s natural textured extensions can expect to find different textures that range “from yaki to coarse and curl patterns from Type 3A to Type 4C.”
Indique Hair
Longevity is the first word that comes to mind when Indique Hair enters the hair extension conversation. After being founded in 2007, Indique Hair has reliably developed and distributed high-quality hair throughout the world. Indique’s bounce collection offers bundles that kink and curl to blend into the most natural look. Textures include coil curls, relaxed straight, blow-out, natural roots, beach wave, deep wave and organic curl.
Valdeen Hair
Valdeen Hair is a small but mighty Black-owned hair care brand that caters to women of all ages and every texture. Valdeen offers two types of bundles: luxe and Black. However, the luxury quality can be felt in every strand. Although the company specializes in its popular Burmese Curly, beauties looking to invest in other textures can shop the brand’s burmese loose curly and kinky straight bundles or clip-ins.
WeQueen
Affordability is the driving factor behind WeQueen Hair’s viral success on TikTok. After 10 years in the beauty industry, the company has stood strong on its dedication to making extensions accessible for Black women’s beauty enthusiasts everywhere. Though the company’s selection of kinky coily bundles are limited, it is arguably some of the most affordable on the market.
Would you wear your hair in a curly flip over sew-in? Tag us in your photos @naturallycurly.
When the temperature drops and women bring their curls out to play, it’s important to remember how to care for natural hair during colder seasons.
It’s no secret that weather can have adverse effects on natural hair. Summer heat and humidity can cause shrinkage while cool winter air increases the possibility for dryness and breakage.
Sess Lee Cannon, educator and owner of Flourish Curls Salon, specializes in natural textures and spoke with NaturallyCurly about debunking myths around hair care for curly textures during colder seasons.
“Other hair textures may also experience dryness in colder weather, but it is usually less severe because straighter hair allows for more even oil distribution from the scalp to the ends,” Cannon says.
Debunking the Myth: How does cold weather affect natural hair?
During colder months, the lack of moisture in the air caused by low humidity as well as indoor heating can cause natural hair to become drier than usual. According to Cannon this issue impacts people “with tighter curls and coils because the natural oils from the scalp have a harder time traveling down the twists and turns of texture hair: leaving the ends more vulnerable to damage.”
The question remains: how does a person with natural hair protect their curls or coils from inevitable seasonal changes?
The resounding answer from stylist and educators everywhere: prioritize adjusting wash days to focus on retaining moisture.
Winter Wash Days
For most women, hair-care begins on wash day. A proper wash day will set the tone for any style and provide an indicator on how healthy the natural hair is underneath.
Though the thought of incorporating deep conditioning after every shampoo routine may seem tedious, deep conditioning hair masks fight the drying effects of cold temperatures in addition to hydrating curls for a longer period of time. Co-washing in between washdays is also another way to protect natural hair from dry conditions. At Flourish Curls Salon, Cannon and her stylist recommend shampooing every 7 to 10 days and cow-washing around day 4 of the style cycle if needed.
“Just be cautious if you live in a cold environment to make sure you dry your hair before heading outside,” Cannon says. “We don’t need moisturized hair with a side of pneumonia!”
People who experience dry scalp and symptoms of dandruff can use hydrating anti-inflammatory oils like tea tree, peppermint, or jojoba oil during wash day to help with dryness and flakiness.
“If you are dealing with a scalp that is dry, tight and cracked, then you need to up your water intake and increase the frequency of water, shampoo and conditioner on your scalp,” Cannon says. “ Your scalp should also be moisturized and flexible.”
Maintaining Moisture and Detangling
In between washes, maintaining moisture and keeping curls tangle free to minimize breakage should be top priority.
Cannon has three main rules for detangling, but these are especially necessary during the colder months. Before the detangling process begins, divide the hair in smaller sections so the process is manageable. Detangle on wet hair usually products with slip; slip will help separate strands of hair while reducing friction and breakage. Lastly, finger detangle and follow up with the use of flexible brushes and combs fora thorough detangling job.
Moisture maintenance after winter wash days is key. It is simple to determine whether hair is properly moisturized. Moisturized curls will maintain it’s natural pattern without being extremely frizzy. Curls dry to touch may need more moisture, however, limp curls that won’t hold definition could be over moisturized or in need of a protein treatment.
According to Cannon, over moisturizing curls can lead to “hygral fatigue, where the hair becomes overly soft, mushy and prone to breakage water lifts the cuticle” causing the cuticle to become weak and damaged if it’s not allowed to dry.
“The best bet is to choose styles that dry within 3 hours or less and do not saturate the hair in water every single day,” Cannon says.
Sess’ Styling Tools and Winter Product Recommendations
Steamer: A hair steamer can be a lifesaver during the colder months, as it helps open up the hair cuticles to allow for better absorption of deep conditioners and moisturizers.
Silk or Satin Accessories: Whether it’s scarves, pillowcases, or hair ties, silk and satin are crucial for minimizing friction and keeping moisture locked into your curls.
For tighter textures: Cannon recommends people with tighter coils to layer their products through the L.O.C method by using a leave in spray/cream/lotion followed by a moisturizing cream and a light oil. Opt for styles where your ends are tucked to help hold in the moisture!
For looser textures: People with looser curls should use lightweight moisturizers like lotions or leave in creams followed by a light oil like jojoba oil or Flourish cream.
Across all textures: A good leave-in conditioner and a hydrating curl cream can make a world of difference,” Cannon says. “ Some of my go-to brands are Design Essentials, Congo, Pattern and Flourish.”
Caring for Protective Styles
Alternatively, those who prefer protective styles during the winter months can expect minimal exposure and possible breakage from natural elements but there are still necessary steps to follow when maintaining protective styles such as braids or wigs.
“Let’s keep in mind that protective styles need to actually protect the hair, not just cover it,” Cannon says.
Braids
For women who prefer braids in the winter, scalp care and properly prepping the hair for installation is paramount for healthy hair. The type of braiding hair can also affect the protectiveness of the style. Using human hair for braiding is healthier, but not always as accessible. If human hair isn’t available, soaking the hair in a diluted water mixture will remove any drying film on the braiding hair.
According to Cannon, women with braids also need to keep the scalp moisturized with a lightweight leave-in conditioner or oil and regularly spritz the braids with a moisturizing mist to prevent dryness.
Wigs
Similarly, women wearing wigs in the winter time need to ensure their hair is moisturized underneath. Before wig installations, always ensure the curls are clean, conditioned, treated for any pre-existing issues and trimmed. If possible, wear a silk or satin cap underneath the wig to prevent friction.
When considering how to care for curly hair in the fall and winter seasons, the key step to consider is moisturizing. Regardless of the hairstyle, a lack of moisture will cause dryness and breakage. Aside from moisturizing regularly, people with curls can focus on trimming regularly, sealing the ends of their hair and using humidifiers at home to reduce the dryness that happens as a result from indoor heating at home.
When Merian Odesha decided to bring innovation to the beauty industry, she never expected the viral success of the Bounce Curl Define EdgeLift Brush. However, that surprise was met with shocking frustration as other brands attempted to imitate her creation shortly thereafter.
After founding BounceCurl in 2015, Odesha spent nearly four years perfecting the design for the Bounce Curl Define EdgeLift Brush. During this process, Odesha convinced her husband to grow out his hair to aid in her content creation process.
“I wanted to make his routine easier, so I began experimenting with bush designs that could smooth and separate the hair with ease,” Odesha said. “That’s how our patented EdgeLift brush came to life — I wanted something that would make the styling process effortless for everyone.”
The Define EdgeLift Brush was created to protect curls while protecting the environment. Customers have two colorways to choose from: tan and teal. In an effort to reduce plastic, the base and handle of the brush is made from Bio Based PLA material and adorned with custom made vegan boar bristles.
The success of the brush is undeniable — it sold out within a week of its launch, then sold out 13 more times and Bounce Curl still struggles to keep the brushes in stock.
However, four months after its release, Odesha was devastated by the release of a cheap styling brush dupe.
“Unfortunately, we’ve had to deal with knock off versions of our brush. It’s illegal, and those responsible are facing serious consequences,” Odesha said. “Inspiration is one thing, but when someone directly copies your product and sells it as their own, that crosses a line. It’s important to protect your intellectual property.”
In an Instagram video, Odesha was transparent about the necessity of patenting the brush due to imitation copies created with low-quality materials being released as well the damage copycat brushes can cause to curly hair.
“I even bought some [of the] fake brushes and they were awful—smelling of toxic paint, with sharp bristles that could damage hair,” Odesha said. “ Many customers thought they were buying our product, which harmed our reputation.”
Similar to Odesha, many small business owners often experience other brands trailing the thin line between being inspired by their innovation and creating carbon copies with new labels attached. To combat this, Odesha took protecting her design a step further by getting a patent so she could take legal action against brands who try to steal her brush design.
Although obtaining a patent is an expensive process, investing in protecting a brand’s intellectual property is an act no business owner could regret. However, Odesha acknowledges that patenting hair care products can be tricky due to formulation, and recommends other brand owners looking to patent tools or accessories find a legal consultant to help them through the process.
Beauties who swear by BounceCurl can expect several new patented tools and other special surprises that Odesha and her team have in the works. Other small business owners loyal to the brand should also anticipate Bounce Curl’s patent party tentatively scheduled for November in Los Angeles.
“Bounce Curl is about to experience its biggest transformation yet. I’m beyond excited for what’s coming in 2025—expect a lot of exciting new things!” Odesha said.
If you ask some women about the health of their hair—or the lack thereof— they might blame the perm their mother put in their curls at a young age. Others might chalk it up to a lack of knowledge or a lack of time and resources. However, there are a select few naturalistas who dare to push the envelope by altering their texture, but then end up realizing why they were natural in the first place.
I was one of those naturalistas.
Growing up in a family of both kitchen and professional stylists meant that I was never short of resources to maintain my kinks and coils.
My mother had her own head full of thick type 4 coils that she deemed unmanageable on her own, so she fell victim to the creamy crack epidemic. I grew up watching her let my aunties fry, dye and lay her hair to the side via blunt bob cuts and curly up-do’s.
Alternatively, my mother sent me to my aunt’s house to get a new braided style promptly every two weeks. She instilled the importance of keeping up my appearance for my own confidence, my mother was the epitome of “when you look good, you feel good.”
Years later, the night before I started the 8th grade, I decided I wanted my aunt to give me a silk press and cut bangs on my hair, despite my coils not being heat-trained. However, as soon as I left my appointment, the humidity got the best of my silky straight hair and it reverted immediately.
In a panic, I went back to my aunt and allowed her to give me a relaxer.
Getting that relaxer was arguably one of my biggest mistakes but it was such a huge teaching moment for me. My aunt assured me that as long as I maintained the health of my hair through regular appointments and nightly routines, my hair growth journey would go off without a hitch.
Although it wasn’t in its natural state, learning how to care for my natural hair helped me develop a relationship with myself that I didn’t realize I needed. I was beginning to pour into myself before I knew what self-care was.
Unfortunately, all the self-care in the world could not stop the relaxer from damaging my finely textured hair. Nine months later, I had no choice but to do a big chop and took the biggest blow to my confidence I’d ever experienced at that age.
Gone were the days of my fascination with straight hair. I realized my concept of beauty had become warped due to my increased consumption of reality TV and other media that didn’t show women and teens that looked like me.
My journey to learning how to care for my hair became synonymous with understanding that Black beauty isn’t monolithic and why typical societal standards of beauty could never apply to me, so forcefully projecting those standards onto myself was pointless.
After watching a few natural hair type 4 influencers on Youtube—such as Chizi Duru or Kandidly Kinks— I decided to get excited about my new found journey instead of considering my big chop a loss. The idea that there were other women creating content about their own journeys of learning and loving their hair inspired me to attempt styling my afro myself.
I will never forget my first twist out.
After watching countless videos and getting acquainted with the basics of the style, my aunt suggested I twist my hair while it was wet using Soft Sheen Carson Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Anti Shrinkage Curl Defining Creme Glaze. After wash day, I did as I was instructed and let my hair dry overnight.
To my surprise, when I took out my twist the following morning, my hair looked an absolute mess. My kinks were not defined, my hair was sticking up in all directions, my roots were dry on top of the shrinkage I experienced. In the end, I washed the product out of my hair defeatedly, but I would soon understand that my hair wouldn’t always look like what I saw on social media.
Learning how to care for natural hair isn’t a two step process nor is it one-product-fits-all. Perfecting a wash day routine takes timing and practice, figuring out the perfect product mixture to use in your hair takes experience and the gratification you earn as a woman who can do her own hair isn’t instant but it is everlasting.
The realization that restarting my natural hair journey would take more trial and error than I originally thought frustrated me initially. It’s no secret that being natural—irregardless of texture—is a high maintenance addition to one’s routine. That level of time investment and style interest is not for every woman— and that’s okay.
However, time spent watching videos to learn about my hair, long summer days standing in the mirror and the confidence boost I felt after every successful style helped me realize that all this time and energy I’ve been investing in my hair, was really me investing in myself.
In the beginning of 2024, I booked my first natural hair stylist. This was after a decade-long natural hair journey—one that helped me acknowledge that my hair became a large part of my identity. The way my hair looked became indicative of how I felt.
When I looked good, I felt good. However, when I looked bad, I felt worse.
Shortly thereafter that appointment, I began experiencing hair loss due to stress near the front of my hairline. The feelings of embarrassment and low self-esteem overwhelmed me for months because I couldn’t control the hair growth, the same way I couldn’t control the hair loss.
For a brief period of time, I only wore head wraps because losing my hair changed the way that I viewed myself. I felt unattractive and there was nothing anyone could do to help ease me out of the funk I was in.
One day in the midst of my emotions, my mother told me she missed seeing me wearing my hair out. She encouraged me to get back into my hair care routine and to just “let it grow.”
That little push helped dive back into hair care and months later my hair is flourishing.
As I continue on my natural hair journey, I’ve learned that practicing gratitude and patience with your hair will help you learn to love your curls—they way you would any other part of yourself.
Amy Elaine Ho is a veteran of the hair industry. With nearly 20 years in the business, Ho knows the ins and outs of becoming a sharp stylist who can provide transformational haircuts to her clientele.
After moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, from Hawaii in 2003, Ho enrolled in hair school and discovered her passion for haircutting.
“Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures and is very diverse so being from there has helped me be able to connect with all different clients and have a deep appreciation for all hair types,” Ho said. “I also have the “Aloha spirit” instilled in me, which translates into my practice by creating a welcoming and relaxed environment for my clients, making them feel comfortable and valued.”
Regular cuts are pivotal to maintaining healthy hair because split ends have the potential to split up the hair shaft, causing breakage and thinning. People often avoid haircuts to preserve length, even when the hair is visibly damaged. However, Ho believes haircuts aren’t supposed to be scary if a proper consultation is done with the right stylist—they’re supposed to be a liberating experience to look forward to.
Students headed back to school and searching for inspiration for their back-to-school hairstyle should consider transforming their haircuts to let go of old energy and enter the school year with a new look.
Amy Elaine Ho spoke with NaturallyCurly about haircut transformations, back-to-school hair routines, and haircut mishaps. Here’s what she had to say:
How did you choose haircutting as your specialty?
I really connected with haircutting when I saw how transformational a haircut can make someone look and feel. I also loved the artistic approach to it. I became obsessed and started assisting at hair shows with a hair-cutting company called RUSK. At that time, their education was superior and mind-blowing.
I worked very hard to prove myself, and it was game over once I was finally invited to training. I started educating as a platform artist and traveling around the country. I was even fortunate enough to teach in London and New Zealand. Haircutting has been my passion ever since. I educated them for over ten years.
What is the connection between our hair and our energy?
In some cultures, hair is thought to hold energy or be a conduit for spiritual connection. I am Asian, so we always get a good haircut prior to the new year to bring in fresh energy and cut off dead energy. Even if some don’t connect with this, I think in the beauty industry, “energy” might refer to the vibe or aura that a person’s hairstyle projects.
Now that school is back in session, how should parents handle situations where their tween or teen is ready to cut their hair?
Image Source: @hairbyamyelaine
As a parent of a tween boy, I always try to convince him to cut his hair. He would love to wear it way longer than it should be. But for parents who have their tweens or teens asking for a haircut, I would say to find the right stylist and have their kid go through pictures to be clear on what they want. Hair grows, so if they want to cut their hair, let them express themselves!
What are some quick back-to-school hairstyle suggestions for tweens and teens?
Bobs are really in, and I love the ’90s looks that are back in—especially since that was my era! For teens with shorter hair, little braids are cute, or even soft crimped looks are in.
Can you advise people who have a haircut mishap right before school starts?
If there is ever a bad experience with getting a haircut mishap, especially before school starts, I’d recommend going back to the stylist to fix it. If that’s not possible, I would say to find a way to style your hair until it can grow out. I know it seems easy to say, but when you’re a teen and something like a bad haircut happens, it can feel devastating. But again, it’s all about finding the right person for you to connect with and communicate clearly.
How can we expand hair-cutting education to be more inclusive to people with curly and kinky hair?
Finding the right hair-cutting education is like finding the right stylist. I am a firm believer in focusing on your forte. If someone inquires about cutting their hair and mentions that they have extremely curly hair that they wear naturally, I may not be the right stylist for them only because I want them to have an amazing experience with someone who cuts curly hair on a regular basis.
When seeking education, I think going to a class by my friend Leysa Carrillo, whose main focus is education for curly hair, would be ideal. Seeking education curated to what you want to learn is vital, and with so much out there and social media, it’s easier to find.
How often should people get haircuts?
I normally have my shorter-haired clients come in every 4-6 weeks to maintain their shape. For my longer-haired clients, I recommend 6-8 weeks, depending on the hair’s health if their hair is pretty healthy and they like it long, sometimes even 12 weeks, but no longer than that.
How does a hair care routine change with shorter hair? Is shorter hair lower or higher maintenance?
Image Source: @hairbyamyelaine
Hair care routines are different for shorter and longer hair. Product usage, of course, is more with longer hair, but upkeep and maintenance with a short haircut are a bit more. For instance, I recently chopped 10 inches off my hair and went for a super cute bob shape, which I love! But having a bob and wanting to keep it in shape and cute means getting haircuts more often. Whereas when my hair was long, I could go quite a while without needing it.
How will your hairstylist journey and hair-cutting education change within the next few years?
I am currently working with my partner, Amrita Soli, on our haircutting education classes. It’s called A2 Haircutting Education – a simplified approach to hair cutting. We are doing classes at Square Salon (our home salon) and inviting other stylists to purchase tickets for a full education day. There are two demonstrations and a hands-on portion, which is so much fun. Haircutting shouldn’t be stressful.
We teach three techniques that can be used alone or together to create ANY shape/haircut. It takes the guesswork out of haircutting. So, the next year looks hopeful that we will be able to share what we know and help those who want to really hone in on their haircutting craft. Color has taken the forefront, especially in education. So many people are not comfortable cutting hair, and I see it all the time. So, having stylists who have attended our classes have those AHA moments, go back to the salon, and cut hair confidently is the best feeling ever.
What haircuts will you be exploring for your little one’s this season? Let us know in the comments!
Every year AFROPUNK Fest shows how otherworldly and magical Black beauty is.
Since it’s inception, AFROPUNK created a transformative space for alternative Black style, culture and music to thrive. The festival’s latest call to action is BLKTOPIA, a movement created within AFROPUNK that highlights the importance of creating an experience where oppression, inequality and exploitation are not allowed.
BLKTOPIA is about pushing back against the status quo. The movement is calling upon attendees to reimagine society without historical restrictions and use that vision to establish a newer, more vibrant standard of living.
The movement’s five main pillars of innovation, discovery, empowerment, artistry and social change can be scene throughout the two-day festival which included two headlining sets from the astounding Erykah Badu, a moving set from Soulection DJ as well as an electric performance from the legendary House of Juicy Couture during the BLKTOPIA’s Fight Club NYC Ballroom Battle.
This year AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA was hosted in collaboration with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, an organization focused on empowering the creativity within one of New York’s finest boroughs.
Celebrating Brooklyn through AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA is synonymous with celebrating how the universal imprint of Black style can be seen through safe spaces like CurlFest and across the world at events such as the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Here are some of NaturallyCurly’s favorite BLKTOPIA looks:
Curls and kinks will always have a space to flourish at Brooklyn’s CurlFest as long as the Curly Girl Collective is around.
CurlFest is an empowering event curated for Black women, by Black women that started with a group of friends aiming to celebrate natural hair out loud. Every year, attendees can anticipate a jam packed function with brand activations, vendors, Black-owned businesses, food and drinks as well as the empowerment stage and other performances.
Sponsors Shea Moisture, Mielle, and KISS Colors and Care gifted V.I.P attendees bags filled with hair-care goodies such as soft satin scarfs, full-sized leave-in conditioners, and growth oils.
Women from all over travel to attend CurlFest, the world’s largest natural hair festival, and stunt in their jaw-dropping styles and stylish outfits.
Here are some of our favorite looks:
Do you plan to attend CurlFest next year? Let us know in the comments!
Book lovers everywhere are familiar with the intense feeling of connecting with fictional characters, or they hope to.
Historically, Black literature was not widely taught or popularized in mainstream media. However, Iconic Black women writers like Zora Neal Hurston and Toni Morrison helped raise a whole generation of writers who wrote with Black women in mind.
Now, Black women writers are making space to represent their core audience through book cover art that depicts Black women in different spaces, places, and hairstyles, such as bantu knots and type 4 afros.
Here are 15 books that showcase natural hair and protective styles for Black women book lovers:
1. Black Girls Must Die Exhausted: A Novel
Jayne Allen’s breakout novel, Black Girls Must Die Exhausted, follows Tabitha Walker. Walker is what most Black women set out to be: educated, successful, financially well off, and loved by her ‘picture-perfect’ partner. However, a life-altering diagnosis brings her to the realization that the one thing money can’t buy is time. With her dreams of having a family at risk, Walker is faced with two choices: her family or her career.
2. Black Candle Women
The Montrose women and their collection of spells have kept their family together until the inevitable happens. The youngest Montrose, Nickie, falls in love without knowing the Montrose women are cursed, and anyone they fall in love with will die. To uncover the answers they seek in love, the Montrose women have to venture back to 1950s New Orleans and reckon with the past.
3. Black Girl Call Home
Poet Jasmine Mans is speaking to any Black girl searching for self-acceptance and the real meaning behind healing. Black Girl Call Home is a collection of essays and poetry that explores the intricacies of adulthood as a young, queer Black woman in America.
4. Bright Red Fruit
Safia Elhillo novel Bright Red Fruit follows a young teen named Samira who is desperate to break free from the bad girl stereotype placed on her. During a summer of exploration and poetry, she connects with an older poet named Horus. Despite the bliss of heightened emotions, their relationship leaves Samira with a secret big enough to prove everyone around her right and threaten her future.
5. Drinking From Graveyard Wells
Yvette Lisa Ndlovu’s Drinking From Graveyard Wells is a collection of narratives that shines a light on the experiences of African women in the Americas and elsewhere. Ndlovu’s novel enters a naturalization ceremony where participating immigrants must sacrifice what they love most to complete their naturalization process.
6. Seven Days in June
Seven Days in June centers on award-winning author Eva Mercy’s path to rediscovering herself, creativity, and love. After Eva accidentally reconnects with a long-lost lover, she is unsure about whether her heart is in a position to trust again. The only thing she’s sure about is her need for closure. Tia Williams’ novel explores Black motherhood and how love, just like life, can be reborn countless times.
7. Where Sleeping Girls Lie
Sade Hussein’s intense coming-of-age story begins during her junior year of high school, her first year at Alfred Nobel Academy Boarding School after spending her academic career being homeschooled. After Hussein’s first night, she becomes suspect in her roommate’s disappearance, all while navigating the school’s social food chain and healing from personal tragedies. As she works to crack the mystery of her roommate’s disappearance, Hussein ends ups up getting knee-deep in the secrets that lay beyond the foundation of her prestigious boarding school.
8. Sun is Sky
Jedah Mayberry’s Sun in Sky shows readers the darker, secretive side of rural living. When teenage Penny Hill gets shipped off to Mississippi after a mishap with her mother, she is met with family secrets and sudden tragedies. After her grandmother’s death, Hill must decide whether she will take her place or navigate her own journey of self-actualization.
9. Before I Let Go
The concept of finding love, or allowing it to find you, is a concept deeply ingrained in both girlhood and womanhood. However, Yasmen and Josiah Wade realized love isn’t enough to salvage a marriage broken beyond repair — or is it? Kennedy Ryan’s novel is full of stolen kisses, unhealed wounds, and reflection on how reminiscing may help the Wades get love right the second time.
10. Until We Break
Naomi Morgan’s determination to earn a spot in the New York City Ballet pushes her to the brink of mental destruction despite dancing being her therapy. When an injury forces her to reassess her dreams and coping skills, she meets a street artist named Saint. Until We Break is the story of two opposite individuals learning the first rule of life: there are no rules.
11. The Other Black Girl
Every Black woman knows being the only Black woman in any corporate office feels like surveilled isolation, and Nella Rogers is no exception. Rogers is excited when Brooklyn native Hazel begins working at Wagner Books, but the happiness is short-lived after she begins receiving threats to leave Wagner. As the friendship between Rogers and Hazel grows, more unexplained events occur, and secrets at Wagner are brought out of the darkness.
12. Queenie
Twenty-five-year-old Queenie Jenkins is a journalist in London who is fighting to perform at work, dealing with a break-up from her long-term boyfriend, and healing family trauma with all the wrong vices. An age-old tale many Black women have or will experience en-route to full fledge adulthood and learning her worth. Queenie’s story follows all her
13. Ties that Tether
Ties that Tether explores the culture nuance of interracial relationships and breaking generational curses. After promising her mother she would marry a Nigerian man, Azere continuously indulges her mother’s matchmaking until a fated one-night stand with a man who is everything she hoped for, aside from being white. Tether unpacks Azere’s choice between her fulfillment versus being a people pleaser and what either decision says about her identity as a Nigerian woman.
14. Black Girl You Are Atlas
Renee Watson’s collection of poetry and autobiographical essays lets readers into the intricate folds of her childhood in Portland by exploring themes of sisterhood and celebrating Black women. Watson writes to the Black women in her life who have helped her become the woman she is today and urges young Black women after her to be fearless when stepping into their power.
15. Patience is a Subtle Thief
Patience Adewale can be seen everywhere in the eldest daughters. Being the sheltered daughter of a chief does not come easy, especially when there is no comfort to be found at home. Finding independence at the university in Lagos fuels her determination to find her mother, who was banished from their compound years ago — with no explanation.
If your life was a novel, what would you title it? Take a picture of your favorite book and tag us @NaturallyCurly in the story you see yourself in.
OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.
Black-owned businesses are not a monolith, nor are hair care brands catering to natural hair.
For Black women everywhere, hair care is reminiscent of a sacred activity. There is an obsessive but warranted need for the perfect combination of products to create the perfect style. However, the strategy that comes with learning what natural hair needs varies by person, and the journey can be very costly.
According to market research on the Black Hair Care Market, Black women “spend more time and money on hairstyles and hair care products compared to women of other ethnicities.” In 2022, the Black hair care market was worth $2.9 billion and is expected to increase to $4.5 billion by 2032.
Pioneers in the natural hair care industry, such as Cantu, Shea Moisture, and Miss Jessie’s, set a standard for how brands should cater to the beauty of Black women. When formally Black-owned companies, like Cantu, decide to sell, it creates a rift between the Black woman consumer and the brand.
When Mielle Organics joined P&G Beauty, it caused an uproar in the Black beauty community. Founder Monique Rodriguez released a statement saying there were no plans to change formulas but to better meet the needs of their increased demands.
Although selling, whether for the benefit of the company or its founders, isn’t enough to keep Black women from trying new products, it does signal a need to invest in upcoming Black-owned hair care brands that are looking to usher in a new sustainable era in the Black beauty industry.
NaturallyCurly spoke with six budding Black-owned beauty brand owners about the biggest lessons they’ve learned throughout their entrepreneurship journey. Here’s what they had to say:
1. AfroUnicorn
Image Source: @afrounicorn_hair
As a person who is championed for their entrepreneurial spirit, what tips would you give another hair care line-owner on expanding their brand while maintaining their core values of catering to Black women with natural hair?
April Showers, the founder and CEO of Afro Unicorn, was inspired to start the brand after a friend called her a “unicorn” for her ability to balance her multifaceted and demanding life. She also noticed that her favorite emoji, the unicorn, was only available in white and lacked representation.
Showers wanted to create a more inclusive brand for children of color to celebrate their uniqueness, divinity, and magic. When children use Afro Unicorn Magical Tresses, I want them to feel like they’re putting on the power of their unicorn mane. You can’t say anything about my hair because it smells good and it looks good. Our hair care collection celebrates individuality, curated out of love and respect for every unique hair texture.
What advice would you give another business owner who is trying to crowdsource and earn grants to jump-start their business?
My advice would be to focus on four key areas: a strong brand story, a great product, a capable team, and demonstrable traction in your market. When crowd-sourcing or applying for grants, it’s important to communicate these elements to show potential supporters why your business is worth backing. Additionally, research to find funding opportunities that align with your mission. Building relationships with funders who understand and support diverse entrepreneurs can make all the difference in securing initial and long-term success.
2. Bomb Ass Fro
Image Source: @supersydnayyy
Bomb Ass Fro was started in 2022; what has the journey been like developing your brand from inception to the New Orleans Entrepreneur Week pitch competition up until now? Is entrepreneurship what you expected?
Bomb Ass Fro was launched in 2021, and the journey from inception, to NOEW, up until now, has been a ride! Entrepreneurship isn’t all that I expected. I knew that launching a company would be hard work. But I thought it would be all the hard work I enjoyed. I soon learned that there are parts of business that you may not necessarily enjoy doing that need to get done.
As time goes on, I’m learning that there has to be a balance between working on the parts that you love about your business to keep you fueled and doing the necessary administrative things (that you may not enjoy) to keep your business afloat. If you can master balancing the two, you’ll be successful.
In the next five years, what do you see Bomb Ass Fro growing into in the future? What are you hoping to contribute to the Black beauty industry?
Image Source: @bombassfro
In the next five years, I see Bomb Ass Fro being on the shelves globally! I want to continue to cultivate a community of Black women and men and give them the confidence to rock their bomb ass fros. It’s more than products; we’re building a movement. We’re on our way to the top.
3. CurlDaze
Image Source: @robynatwater
Curl Daze has been around for almost ten years. What has been the most fulfilling part of your journey transitioning from a hair influencer to a small business owner with a hair care line?
CURLDAZE has recently celebrated four years as a small-owned business. It is very rewarding to assist this company as a brand manager and educate consumers about how to care for their hair properly. I love interacting with naturals who are frustrated with their hair journey, and it’s like we meet at the perfect time because I come in to encourage them not to give up on their hair.
With products that are sulfate-free, alcohol-free, and help manage your hair, it makes the hair care process a breeze. Ultimately, that is what CURLDAZE is all about: helping everyone embrace their hair, one strand at a time.
What advice would you give to other hair care business owners struggling to build an audience for their brand?
Image Source: @curldazehaircare
We live in a world where consumers want something in their face briefly. We scroll on social media and our phones very frequently. The key is to ensure your brand is in the face of many very often. You have to hit the streets and showcase what you have to offer. Even if you don’t see the views you are looking for, don’t give up! You never know who is watching.
4. Frizz & Co.
Image Source: @themltgirl
Frizz + Co. was created to help people embrace their natural hair textures. What was the thought process behind creating a community solely for women with natural hair? How did solidifying your target audience help build your brand in the long run?
The thought process behind Frizz + Co.’s community aspect was about the resources I wish I had when managing my curly hair. While the product started the business and was incredibly important, it wasn’t enough. I wanted to create an ecosystem that filled the gap I was seeing beyond finding the right product for my curls, like connecting with like-minded individuals and sharing resources and education around curls.
As I got to know my curls, I felt frustrated. But in connecting with other women in this space, I realized that we all had similar frustrations and texture trauma. It’s so much more than just hair; it’s also a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, and I felt that those experiences were a powerful connector.
I also believe that community is essential for people to get a better feel for the brand, making it a key differentiator. People don’t want to be “sold to”; they expect more. They want a genuine connection with the brand they choose to buy into.
What is the meaning behind your slogan ‘Sunday curls every day of the week’, and how does that slogan influence your brand’s aesthetic?
Image Source: View this post on Instagram
Sunday curls came from a branding brainstorming session a few years ago.
The idea was to illustrate the feeling behind day one hair: juicy, defined, bouncy curls (i.e., the perfect self-care Sunday dedicated to wash day).
Also, wash day can be daunting, so we try to make it as pleasurable as possible. I believe we achieved this through small details in the product, like the custom scent, creamy texture, and minimalist aesthetic. Our goal was to design a product that elevates your wash day experience.
5. Nuele
Image Source: @nuele_hair
Nuele is the epitome of the clean girl aesthetic, seemingly on brand for former medical professionals. What moment inspired you to pivot into the hair care industry and leave healthcare behind?
The moment Anne and Christine were inspired to create a clean, naturally derived haircare brand was after realizing the impact that their professional backgrounds could have on the haircare industry as a whole. The vast majority of hair care products, including clean/vegan products, are formulated in 3rd party labs that specialize in creating formulations that use cheaper ingredients. This means genetically modified plant-based ingredients, or “vegan”, and a mixture of chemicals traditionally used in haircare, rather than using 100% naturally derived ingredients that perform as well or better, and are safe and healthy for your body.
A 2016 study by the Environmental Working Group found that over 70% of hair products marketed to Black consumers contain dangerous ingredients, compared to 40% of hair products for the general public. As Anne and Christine are biochem and medical professionals, along with Christine’s experience in food science and working with natural ingredients, they realized their new purpose: to create haircare products using 100% toxin-free, naturally derived ingredients that perform as well as traditional hair care.
How did you conceptualize the branding aesthetic and strategize building a strong social media brand for Nuele Hair?
Image Source: @nuele_hair
NUELE’s brand is centered around transparency and authenticity, which is reflected throughout our branding and social strategy. It is important for us to communicate these attributes from our packaging to the individual and authentic experiences that are showcased on our social media. For example, today’s generation does not want to be a “Revlon” girl. They want to be themselves, and we believe it is important to showcase people’s authentic experiences with our products.
Additionally, it’s important for us to know what we’re putting in our bodies, and many brands communicate their ‘key’ ingredients but not their full ingredient lists. We are challenging that norm by incorporating every ingredient in the design for each product’s packaging. Whether on our website or in-store looking at a product, you will always know what ingredients you are using.
OOume
Ooume prides itself on being a natural hair care line at the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship. How did you build out your niche in the beauty industry and grow your customer base despite focusing on parents?
I built out my niche and grew my customer base by focusing on a problem I knew other parents were struggling with—finding baby hair care that hydrates coils and curls. As a single mom, I often combine my own self-care routine with my son’s bath time to make the day easier. One time, after a particularly long stretch of not having time for myself, I used my son’s baby hair care products on my own hair. They completely matted my curls, which made me realize the lack of effective, hydrating products for our specific needs.
That moment sparked the creation of Ooume. I wanted to develop a line that cared for my son’s delicate curls and made wash day simpler for both of us. By addressing this real and personal challenge, I was able to connect with other parents who faced the same struggle and build a brand that resonates deeply with our community.
What lessons have you learned while trying to formulate products for children?
Creating products for children has taught me several important lessons. First, it’s essential to understand the sensitivity of a child’s skin and hair, which requires extra care in formulations. Ensuring that every ingredient is gentle, safe, non-toxic, and effective is non-negotiable. I’ve also learned the importance of creating products that can be used by both parents and children, simplifying routines, and making bath time a bonding experience.
Image Source: @weareooume
From a branding perspective, I knew I wanted a name that would be easy for kids to remember and colors that would naturally draw them in. As a mom, I often find myself energized and soothed by bright colors, especially after a long day of working and caring for my baby. This insight inspired me to design vibrant hues for Ooume’s branding, making it appealing and comforting for both kids and parents alike.
Regardless of where you get your hair care products, shopping within the realms of Black-owned beauty is inclusive, liberating, and accepting of every texture. What Black-owned beauty product is on your list of must-haves or must-tries?
Style your hair with your favorite Black-owned hair products and tag us @NaturallyCurly before the end of Black business month.
OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.
Self-care is necessary for everybody; however, men are often left out of mainstream conversations about the importance of self-care and grooming. Carlton Rose is working to change that through content creation.
“I started making content to share my journey and help other guys who might be struggling with their hair care,” Rose said. “It’s been awesome to see so many men embracing their curls because of it.”
Rose’s social media content about hair care and grooming for men has helped him gain nearly 185K followers on his Instagram and TikTok platforms. After learning to care for his hair by trial and error, Rose realized there was a lack of resources for men with curls and decided to bridge the gap.
“I always joke with my community — I watched all the lady’s hair tutorials on YouTube, so you don’t have to,” Rose said.
Image Source: @carlton.rose
His decision to embrace his curls and show curly-haired men that they don’t have to subscribe to traditional grooming standards has helped create a safe space for men to experiment with different hairstyles and grooming practices.
Making self-care a habitual part of life is daunting for anybody when they first start. Here’s a deep dive into why and how men can start their grooming journey from Carlton Rose:
Why is it important for men to practice self-care?
It’s important for men to practice self-care because it helps with both physical and mental health. Self-care isn’t just for women; it’s crucial for everyone. When men take care of themselves, they can handle stress better, feel more focused, and stay healthier overall.
Can you explain why grooming is an important part of self-care for men?
Grooming is an important part of self-care because it’s a way to take care of yourself and feel good. It’s not just about looking good, but also about boosting your confidence. Taking time to groom yourself also gives you a chance to slow down and focus on yourself.
Image Source: @carlton.rose
In your opinion, what does implementing a grooming routine look like for the modern man? What are some core steps men should consider?
A grooming routine should be simple and consistent. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Key steps include cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin and hair. For hair, that means regular washing, conditioning, and using products that suit your hair type. For skin, it’s about finding a good cleanser, moisturizing daily, and using SPF during the day. The main thing is to stick with it—consistency makes the difference.
What does your typical wash day look like? Describe your current hair care regimen.
On wash day, I start with a sulfate-free shampoo to clean my hair without drying it out. Then, I use a deep conditioner and leave it in for about 20-30 minutes to make my curls soft and hydrated. After rinsing, I apply a mousse or hair cream to define my curls and keep them moisturized. I finish with a gel to smooth everything in and eliminate frizz. I like to let my hair air dry, but I’ll use a diffuser on low heat if I’m short on time.
Image Source: @carlton.rose
What are some of your go-to tools and products to use when styling your hair? (Name at least 3)
1. Twist Gimmie It All: This product is amazing. It leaves my hair super conditioned and moisturized, which really helps my curls to pop and look more defined.
2. Mousse & Hair Gel: These help to hold my curls in place while still keeping them soft. They give me that definition and hold. The key is you need to find the right gel without the crunch!
3. Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer: I use this with the diffuser attachment to dry my hair quickly and evenly without causing frizz. It’s perfect for getting my curls to look their best in a short amount of time.
How do you manage product build-up in your curls as an on-the-go creative?
Managing product build-up can be tough, especially when you’re busy. I use a clarifying shampoo once a month to eliminate any build-up. It helps clean my hair without stripping it of natural oils. If I need to reapply products throughout the week, I’ll stick with lighter ones. Sprays and mists to refresh my curls.
What is one hair care tool or product you couldn’t live without? Why?
The one product I can’t live without is Twist Gimme It All. I’m telling you, this stuff is amazing! It can untangle the toughest knots and keep my hair super hydrated. It works great for curly and coily hair textures. It’s my go-to product, and I recommend it to anyone with curls like mine.
Aside from your haircare, how else do you practice self-care as a creator?
Outside of hair and skin, self-care also includes staying active. I make time for exercise, whether that’s going to the gym or just doing some push-ups in my living room. It helps clear my mind and gives me more energy. I try my best to get enough sleep and stay hydrated—those are key to feeling good.
What three tips would you give men trying to start their self-care journey?
1. Start Small. Don’t feel like you have to do everything at once; there’s no need for an overhaul. Start with simple things like drinking more water or setting up a basic skincare & hair care routine.
2. Be Consistent. The most important thing is to be consistent. Even small habits can make a big difference if you stick with them.
3. Know Yourself. Pay attention to what works for you. Everyone’s different, so find what makes you feel your best and go with that.
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Summer is the season of renewed possibility and new hairstyle trends.
Although it is common to wear curls and kinks in protective styles for vacations or pool days, there are other ways to upgrade the typical summer style.
People who are interested in using their curls to try new trends have many to choose from. This season has been notably softer than past years allowing most women to channel their inner muse by incorporating feminine accessories like bows or floral accessories.
Here are 18 flowered hairstyles to try this summer:
1. Flowered Braided Baldie
Image Source: @tracy.hairstylist
This season’s trendiest style keeps getting more chic. Women ready to try the risque braided baldie hairdo can soften the style with a braided flower design complimented by decorative flowers for extra added flare.
2. Rose Barrell Cornrows
Image Source: @fashionbombdaily
Traditional cornrows are known to provide protection for kinks and curls, but rose barrel ends take this style to new heights. This pretty and protective style is sure to turn heads.
3. Cleo’s Cornrows
These versatile cornrows are able to be styled in a fishtail braid or a bun and complemented by blossoming flowers for an extra feminine touch.
4. Space Buns in Bloom
Image Source: @michixo__
Stitch braid space buns are the best style to wear during the heat. Dressing these braids with flower accessories allows any woman wearing this style to embody the vacation aesthetic perfect for summer.
5. Blossoming Bubble Ponytail
Image Source: @its_deloris
Stylists can upgrade their bubble ponytails by adding flowers to create an ethereal aesthetic. Women with 4C hair can frolic through the summer season with their trendy ponytails in the wind.
6. Pineapple + Flowers
Image Source: @mendezisthatyou
Loose naturals aiming to enhance their up-do’s with floral accessories can try styling their curls in a pineapple puff. A pineapple gives women the ability to hide flower stems, both real and fake, leaving the appearance of a built-in flower crown.
7. Flower Stem Singles
Image Source: @braidsgang
Women interested in taking their ‘green thumb’ and love for nature to the next level will love these Flower Stem SIngles. These dark green braids are a subtle and elegant way to incorporate a cute color change that transitions into a beautiful bouquet.
8. Bantu Knot Flower Crown
Image Source: @brialarine
Creating flower crowns with natural hair is simple with Bantu knots. Women who want to protect their edges from humidity can style their afros in a cute half-afro, half-bantu-knot flower crown.
9. Aromatic Afros
Image Source: @angelsvill
Kinky-haired women have the perfect texture to secure flowers in any style, and an afro is no exception. Minimal styling is involved, and maximum beauty is achieved.
10. Rose Tower Top Knot
Skai Jackson’s avant-garde Rose Tower Top Knot is a flawless example of a flower-inspired hairstyle. This simple yet elegant hairdo is exactly what the trendiest woman needs for her next photoshoot.
11. Double Flower Claw Clip on Box Braids
The hibiscus flower claw clip going viral is exactly what happens when two trends collide. Women obsessed with wearing claw clips and want to participate in this season’s floral trend can try these pastel claw clips on loose curls or box braids.
12. Half-up Half Down
Image Source: @tiaynnaa
Braid lovers and use bold flowers to accentuate a simple half-up, half-down style.
13. Daisy Dutch Braids
Image Source: @curlbellaa
Turn classic Dutch braids into daisy Dutch braids this season. Stylists can incorporate flowers and other greenery in this quick and easy style to keep up with this summer’s floral trends.
14. Messy Loc Bun with Flowers
Image Source: @coley_lox
Who says a messy bun can’t be trendy? Ladies can style their locs in a messy bun with faux bangs and accessorize with their favorite flower for this lazy day upgrade.
15. Garden of Knots
Image Source: @anthonytruthgary
Locs will always create the most voluminous bantu knots. Women who innovate the style with flowers or trendy floral accessories to this style will look like they stepped straight out of the garden of Eden and onto the streets — ready to own their ethereal light.
16. Botanical High-Bun
This elegant high bun is perfect for any formal occasion.
17. Majestic Mohawks
Mohawks looks voluminous regardless of texture, this simple style looks amazing with floral accessories. Perfect for 4c hair.
18. Low-down daisy ponytail
Slick-back buns have never looked better until they were decorated in flowers. Decorating your ponytail with flowers is the quickest way to jazz up the style.
Flowers and floral-inspired accessories will complement any style regardless of texture. People searching for soft and trendy accessories this summer can finally stop and smell the roses because flowers are everywhere.
Try one of these flowered hair-dos to find your new favorite summer style!
When Monteria Johnson, also known as Tookie, posted her innovative Braided Baldie hairstyle, she did not expect it to go viral.
Summer is always the perfect time for stylists to premiere their best-braided designs, such as tribal braids and other protective styles like Bantu knots. Johnson has definitely left her mark this season by creating a viral hairdo that is now infiltrating salon suites everywhere.
Johnson didn’t even expect to become a hairstylist during her formative years of learning how to become a master braider many would come to know her as. Growing up in old-school style salons inspired her first business — Natural Hair Flows.
Her mission of joining the California Make-U and Hairstylist Guild led her on a journey of rebranding Natural Hair Flows into her current brand, Tookie Did It.
The Braided Baldies Goes Viral
Although Johnson’s brand was already popular, she only expected her viewers to see the Braided Baldie style and think it was up to par with her other works. However, the viral response she received helped her reflect on how she enjoys using social media as a tool to find inspiration and help inspire other stylists.
“We all get inspiration from somewhere,” Johnson said. “ If I can inspire other people to be more creative, then it’s just making the world better.”
Johnson’s first attempt at the style came after a client from Chicago requested freestyle design braids. During the pairs search for inspiration, they came across a beehive braid pattern, which is typically used for sew-ins. From there, Johnson’s creativity began to sore.
Image Source: @tookiedidit
“I was just thinking about the old school aspect of it and then also thinking about [creating] something new because everybody is wearing all the same styles,” Johnson said.
The following day, one of her regulars who saw the first attempt requested the same style with the addition of a heart design. Johnson agreed and committed to creating one continuous braid full of design. Her second attempt at the style is ultimately what went viral and thus the ‘Braided Baldie’ was born.
Her first two Braided Baldhead videos garnered over 4 million views on TikTok and over 200K likes on Instagram combined.
“I wasn’t trying to invent anything because the style, in my opinion, had already been done multiple times,” Johnson said. “ I just put my spin on it.”
Those interested in trying the Braided Baldie style can expect their tresses to be tucked away into one continuous braid that curves and contorts into hearts, crosses, stars, zig-zags or all of those designs all at once. The end of the braid is usually tucked into another, creating a ‘bald’ appearance.
How to Wear The Braided Baldie
Johnson wants people who are apprehensive about trying this style to remember that confidence is key. She believes if you have confidence anything can look good and this one key factor is what contributes to a lot of styles becoming “trendy.”
“It’s because of the energy and the vibe. That’s why I believe it’s really just your attitude and confidence that give you the ability to rock anything,” Johnson said.
She believes this same confidence is what played a role in propelling the Braided Baldie style to viral heights. In her video, Johnson can be heard hyping her design and sending positive affirmations into the universe, claiming that this style would be the style of the summer.
“I definitely feel like this is going to be this summer’s hairstyle,” Johnson said in her viral TikTok video. “This is 2024, all summer, it doesn’t matter how you get it braided, but the braided bald head needs to be the style for the summer.”
The design savvy stylist asserts hair is a means of expression and Black women everywhere should be able to turn heads in this style if they choose. Johnson also wants to challenge other stylist to be creative and set new trends so they don’t get bored in their craft.
“You can take what I’ve done, recreate it and make it your own,” Johnson said.
Tookie’s Tips for Stylists
Here are Tookie’s four guiding principles for stylist who want to add the Braided Baldie to their services:
- Start the creative process early — ask clients questions about designs they like and dislike
- Draw or visualize designs before braiding — having a reference point will help stylist determine where braids will begin or end
- Be intentional with your design — there should be no straight lines. Usually when braids start on one side of the head, it will end on the other.
- Consistency is crucial — keep the same thickness throughout all braids.
Braids are more than a stylistic expression. Before slaves braid rice into cornrows for those seeking freedom and refuge, their African ancestors used braids to identify tribes, social statuses, and even ages.
Fulani braids, created by the West African Fula Tribe, are a tribal braid style that has been widely popularized in recent years. They are characterized by their unique cornrow patterns in the front, which usually include a few forward-facing braids and individual box braids or corn rows in the back. Lately, many stylists have also been innovating the style by using curly hair to create bohemian-inspired Fulani braids. However, Fulani braids are not the only type of tribal braid.
Here is a round-up of 18 tribal braid styles to show braiders when trying new summer styles:
1. Cross-over Fulani Braids, With Curly Afro
This style provides a youthful take on the Fulani braid, with bob-length criss-cross braids in the front and an afro in the back. This afro-textured hair can be substituted with bundles or crochet hair of any texture.
2. Fulani Stitch Braided Bun
Women looking for versatility in their summer braids can try this style. The stitch braids curve to create an elegant pattern, complete with box braids in the back. This style can be worn in a bun, straight down or half-up half-down.
3. Bohemian Flip-over Fulani braids
The triangle design takes the trendy flip over to new heights. Women stuck on the classic Fulani braid style can expect compliments on this innovative tribal pattern.
4. Classic Fulani Braids
Fulani braids will never go out of style. Braiders can add curly hair to achieve the bohemian look or use more cross-over braids for a more intricate design.
5. Nubian Micro Feed-in’s
Despite what most people think, cornrows also originated in ancient African civilizations. These detailed tribal patterned braids are a perfect example of simple yet stylish tribal braids.
6. Side Swoop Fulani braids
Side-swoop Fulani braids have been the trendiest style this summer.
7. Freestyle Tribal Cornrows
Freestyle fulani cornrows offer clients a chance to stunt in a tribal design for half the time. It includes zig-zag braids, bohemian-style hair, and dramatic edges to complete the look.
8. Allante Braids
Smedium Allante braids are a gorgeous alternative to regular sitch braid cornrows. These braids feature a traditional Fulani pattern in the front with cross-over braids and parallel zig-zag braids in the back.
9. Fulani Stitch Braids with Small Knotless
These Fulani braids have a defined middle part, with two braids to compliment the face on either side. This style fits any woman trying tribal braids for the first time.
10. Zig-Zag Tribal Cornrows
The twists and turns in these braids are perfect for any woman with an experimental taste. Beaded to aesthetic perfection fit for an ethereal queen, these braids incorporate zig-zags, swirls and cross-over braids.
11. Nubian Cornrows
Women searching for the perfect vacation hairstyle should consider trying these Nubian Cornrows. These braids offer a sleek look with a simple design that is guaranteed to turn heads.
12. ‘One Tribe Fits All’ Braids
These bohemian Fulani braids are perfect for the simple yet stylish woman.
13. Alicia Keys Inspired Tribal Braids
Alicia Keys-inspired tribal braids will curve a woman’s curls in the right direction. This curvy pattern will definitely compliment gorgeous girls with round faces.
14. Ghana Braids
Ghana braids are known for their large size, and these bohemian-style goddess braids are no exception. This style is for girls who love a quick jumbo braid style.
15. Tribal Pin Curls and Braided Top Knot
Tribal pin curls add an extra layer of extravagance to this hairdo, perfect for a formal occasion. Who said tribal braids were just for vacation?
16. Triangle Tribal Twists
This is a cute alternative for women who prefer twists instead of braids.
17. Goddess Tribal Braids
Traditional tribal braids with a bohemian flare.
18. Crossover Fishbone Cornrows
It is a complicated yet cute tribal style for all the women ready to pop out in braid art that most probably hasn’t seen yet.
Which tribal style would you try this season? Post a picture and tag us @NaturallyCurly so we can see how you stunt in the summer heat!
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