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As we continue to remain at the forefront of recognizing and highlighting black beauty, we’re here to give you all the details on the Black stylist who are beyond some of your favorite celebrity hairstyles. Whether it’s been the groundbreaking work with Beyonce, the classic stylings of Michelle Obama, or the bold colors of Cardi B, Black stylists continue to give us looks that exthue the masterful magic of textured hair.
Black stylists have continued to make their way to the forefront of mainstream culture whether it’s been being featured on high-profile runways or gracing the covers of magazines like Vogue. The meticulous work that comes with braiding or creating a custom wig are all facets of natural hair that we continue to champion and celebrate.
Check out the top 50 stylists you should be following for all the tips, tricks, and insights into creating iconic hairstyles that you will love.
With over 26 years of experience, Felicia Leatherwood is the world’s leading celebrity stylist and inspirational beauty speaker in regard to natural hair. Felicia Leatherwood has worked with high profile celebrities like Issa Rae, Lena Waithe, Anthony Anderson, Terrance Howard, and more! Known as “The Hair Whisperer” for her holistic health approach, her styles range from artistic updos, crochet braids, and elegant evening styles that have graced hundreds of red carpet award shows. Not to mention she’s the creator of the Brush with The Best detangling brush voted best brush for coil hair according to the 2020 NC Best of the Best Awards.
Shai’s fascination with curly hair began after using a diffuser and learning that curly hair has to be managed differently than straight hair. His infamous work around Hollywood had him coined as “The Curl Doctor” for his mastery in the curl-by-curl dry haircut. He’s worked with clients Logan Laurice, Tamera Mowry, Margot Bingham, and more. He revels in cutting each curl precisely with extreme definition and texture shapes.
3.Ursula Stephen
Ursula Stephen who has become the go-to expert for today’s top fashion and entertainment stars like Mary J. Blige, Zendaya, and Tiffany Hadish. As the visionary hairstylist behind style maven Rihanna, she has also worked with top photographers like Norma Jean Roy, Annie Leibovitz and more. She boasts an impressive resume of textured hairstyles whether she’s creating waves, using accessories, adding color, or weaving an elegant fishtail braid for an editorial looks.
4.Monae Everett
As a licensed hairstylist and texture expert, Monae Everett is a New York hairstylist who has worked with top celebrities like Yara Shahidi, Logan Browning, Jada Pinkett Smith. Her work has been featured in editorial magazines like Essence, Rolling Out, and Oprah magazine. Monae’s styles range from blowouts, cornrows, updos, and braided styles that have been featured in photoshoots, press tours, and media junkets. Her beauty brand The Monae Life academy features one-on-one consultations, editorial stylist tips, and her secrets for working with celebrities.
Nubia Suarez Rezo is one of the leading industry experts on all things curly. She is a curly expert, educator, and innovator that established her signature Rezo Cut, Rezo Haircare, and Rezo Academy. The Rezo Cut is a dry cut that adds balance, volume, and shape by cutting circles and triangles to create symmetry throughout the hair. She believes cutting curls should be done with the same delicacy as cutting a rose and continues to be one of the coveted stylists in the curly game worldwide.
Christin is a dual threat as a salon owner and beauty specialist who has devoted her career to helping curly-haired people feel pride in their natural hair. She specializes in pintura and balayage methods to give clients like that extra pop of color using high pigmented colors like red, purple, and shades of blue. As a Deva Curl Certified Specialist she has been a part of styling some iconic campaigns for the brand on top of advocating for curly girls at industry events like Essence Fest! Her curly updos, cuts, and shaping has been seen on stars like Yara Shahidi and Tamera Mowry.
Lacy Redway is using her talents to redefine how natural hair is portrayed in Hollywood by empowering women to embrace their natural crown. She has worked with celebrities including Tessa Thompson, Amandla Stenberg, Yara Shahidi, Zazie Beetz, and Lupita Nyong’o to name a few. What makes her such a notable hairstylist is her versatile skill set, name it and she can do it. From cascading curly updos, knee length box braids, sleek ponytails, and bedazzled baby hair– she can literally do it all, no matter the hair texture.
Aishia Strickland is a lady of many hats who juggles the roles of Curly Specialist, Educator, and Content Creator. Hailing from the windy city in the midwest, Aishia is “fluent in tight curls” and advocates for curl education through her Black Curl Magic Digital Salon. Her specialities lie in shaping and cutting tight curls during wash days as to maintain and achieve healthy hair. She provides step by step education in transitioning, dry cuts, and wash n’ gos.
This Memphis native has travelled the world as an influential style curator to celebrity clients like Simone Biles, Serena Williams, Janet Mock, Alicia Keys, and more! Her ornate hairstyles and artistry can be seen on clients in Vogue, Billboard, and The Hollywood Reporter. Nai’vasha’s talents are displayed in the talent and range of her work from sleek ponytails, faux locs,and mahogany halo’s just to name a few. Each hairstyle she creates is customized according to her client, event, and the collaborative vision they have whether it’s music, entertainment, or media.
Internationally-acclaimed celebrity hairstylist Vernon Francois has been a longtime curl advocate to the stars like Lupita Nyongo, Elaine Wentworth, Amandla Stenberg, and Ayesha Curry. He has become world renowned for his ability to create endless versatility with textured hair with features on international fashion magazines like L’officiel, Vogue, Allure, Cosmo and the list goes on. His intricate work is seen in styles like his sweeping updos at red carpets, braids, locs, sleek cuts, knotless braids, and two-strand twist outs.
Ever since she opened her own hair salon in 1995, Kim Kimble has been unstoppable. After working on hit reality series like L.A. Hair, she received international acclaim for her work on Beyonce’s infamous Lemonade project, The Gift album, Ivy Park campaigns…need we say more? Her artistry knows no bounds whether she’s using the classic bead + braids combo for Brandy’s album cover or shaking it with Shakira’s long cascading waves at the SuperBowl. Whether she’s selling products, working on celebs like Kerry Washington and Storm Reid, or hosting academy classes for beauty branding, Kim is on the move!
The “hair legend” himself, Chuck Amos has been expertly crafting the coveted styles of celebs like Lil Kim , Solange, Taraji P. Henson, and Tracee Ellis Ross. He believes in crafting natural hair textures with plenty of moisture and shine that will keep your hair healthy and fabulous. His work has been featured in several publications, media campaigns, and editorial work around the globe. Chuck believes in adding dimension and fun creative elements to each style he creates whether he’s creating “fun curls” for a beauty brand, hair art with magical designs that celebrate afro-hair, or cascading micro braids that that go on for days.
Leysa Carrillo is a curly expert, educator, and mizani + redken ambassador who is nationally recognized for her vibrant hair color transformations. With over 12 years of industry experience, she is the founder of Forever Curls education which provides stylists all over the world with the tools to cut and color textured hair through her innovative workshops and tours. She has been featured in publications like Allure, Seventeen, Nylon and more for her artistic styles that blend seamless colors and playful hues that make curly masterpieces.
Tippi Shorter is a celebrity hairstylist and mizani artistic director who has worked with icons like Taraji P. Henson, Yara Shahidi , Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Hudson to name a few. She has continued to make waves within the fashion and beauty world styling models during New York Fashion Week with artistic cuts and bold colors. As a “texpert” she styles textured hair with extension, wigs, and the signature mizani “air cut.”
Shani Crowe is a master of creating hair styles that show the beauty of range of the African diaspora. Her intricate corn-rowed hairstyles are prominently featured in large photographic portraits that put the full spectrum of African beauty on display for anyone to see. As a Pan Africanist she takes pride in celebrating each aspect of African culture by paying homage to her ancestry in her work. She has created coveted halo looks for Solange, collaborated with fellow artists to craft beautifully starburst braided designs, and continued to pay homage to her roots with Dorcas.
Texture and style go hand-in-hand for the bold and confident Pekela Riley. She wears the crown of Global Artistic Director for L’OReal Mizani, Ulta Pro Team member, and the founder of True and Pure Texture extensions. As a natural hair expert and celebrity stylist she has been featured in Essence, Modern Salon, Upscale magazine. Her hand crafted hairstyles are the definition of beauty and grace as she aims to put texture on full display with chic updos, blended bangs, high volume hairdos with intricate accessories and super ponytails with defined coils.
Kristy Ramos is a curly hair specialist and passionate educator for teaching naturalistas how to embrace, love, and understand how to manage their curly hair. She uses fashion and pop culture icons like Prince to create beautifully shaped cuts that compliment a person’s profile. Kristy tours the country teachings stylists how to approach a curly haircut and how to style various curly types with multiple patterns.
As the “artistically” curl specialist, Keya Neal is industry advocate, educator, and coach that teaches the important topics like texture vs. race, kulture kompetence, the language of texture, and more! Keya is a master at kolour kulture and teaches how to master coloring through theory, chemistry, and techniques. Her color techniques range from grey coverage, blending, toning, and blonding through live demonstrations and thorough breakdowns of pigments.
Nigerian American artist Susan Oludele made her debut as a stylist by creating braids and extensions for Solange Knowles. Susy has become infamous for creating game changing styles featuring afro-centric that reflect the passion of hair culture. This is often displayed in her iconic and innovative hairstyles that put detailed braid techniques like micro braids, box braids, bantu knots, cornrows, and colored extensions weaved into the hair pattern. She has continued to make waves in the styling industry as the salon owner of Hair By Susy which was recognized as the top beauty salon in NYC.
20.Michelle Thompson
Award-winning textured hair specialist and has been reigning as the “British Afro Hairdresser of the Year” for creating beautiful and wearable styles. Her style is “simple but effective” with artistic styles that showcase femininity, fashion, and the creativity of natural, afro hair. Her textured hairstyles have continued to blend creative and high fashion looks that are seen on runways and editorial shoots around the world. Whether she’s elongating curls with big volume, keeping it stylish with bantu knots, taking a classic bob and changing it with a new shade, or slaying edges with graceful pearls, there is nothing Michelle can’t do.
Commonly known as the “Hair Macgyver,” Nikki is known for creating aesthetics that mix avant-garde ideas with traditional techniques that have been seen on clients like Janelle Monae, Zoe Kravtiz, LaLa Anthony, Solange Knowles,and Jurnee Smollet. She loves to contrast texture like an Afro, perm or deconstructing a classic style like a ballerina bun with microbraids. Her word spans chic, graceful, and artistic designs that are often the highlight of every red carpet star she is styling. She continues to create gravity defying styles for high fashion and keeps it classy with beautiful top knots, updos, and fishtail braids.
As the celebrity hairstylist to Gabrielle Union, Regina King, Danai Gurira, and Zendaya…Larry Sims has mastered removing wigs, weaves, lacefronts, and sew-ins. He has become a premiere hairstylist in the entertainment industry and is most sought out during awards season for his red carpet looks. Larry deals in the details and flawless styles that evoke royalty, high fashion, and elegance. His style focused on shaping, coiled curls, clean cuts with a bob,or textured updos.
Mona Baltazar is the creator of the infamous “Mona Cut” which is all about “creating silhouettes and moving shapes.” As a native of the Philippines her background in Fashion Design has greatly influenced the way she cuts textured hair. The Mona Cut works with your hair’s natural texture and motion which has made it a coveted haircut that curlies from all over the globe seek to obtain.
Haiya is the founder of H.E.R. curls, a custom technique for cutting curls and coils that has established her as a force in the curly community since 2014. Haiya seeks to empower her clients through self-love and encouraging clients to come in with their hair curly versus straight. Her cuts focus on shape, volume, and plenty of color. She recently opened up her first salon in Dallas, Texas in addition to styling clients in Brooklyn and L.A.
With over 20 years of experience as a celebrity stylist, Taskisha continues to bring innovative styles to her clients in print and television. Her portfolio spans magazine covers with Kerry Washington, Willow Smith, Liza Koshy, and Vanessa Hudgens to name a few. Her styles are timeless and often incorporate accessories like that help accentuate the texture for a defined and graceful look. Takisha can take any modern look whether it’s a bun, bobs, a cascading ponytail, or an updo and incorporate bejeweled accessories to glam up the look.
Image Source: @Rachel_Redd
ATL native Rachel Redd continues to turn heads for her show-stopping looks that focus specifically on natural hair. Rachel is best known for her intricate colors and use of dyes on textured hair that continues to normalize the coloring process on natural hair. Her colors focus on warm hues and tones to warm up the hair like red, honey, ginger, and rose gold. She continues to educate her clients by restoring and repairing any damaging color processes through healthy techniques like balayage, highlights, and foil placement.
Stash M. Harris, the owner of Natural Hair Studios in NYC and inventor of the Magic Fingers Shine ‘N Jam. This NYC entrepreneur creates stunning braided hairstyles like criss-cross stitch braids, zig-zagged sleek ponytail, loc retwist, and knotless box braids. Her intricately braided hairstyles are sought after around the world and she teaches the secret to her coveted hairstyles in her “Hands On” braiding classes. These coveted styles highlight the beauty of braiding with complex styles that highlight the detail and magic of why braids are such a pivotal aspect of Black culture.
Image Source: @kyssheart
Slay, slay, slay that is the name of the game when you are getting your hair done by Kyss. You can often catch her styles in CURLBOX featuring Mielle Organics CEO Monique Rodriguez where her dynamic looks are front and center whether she’s creating a curly faux bob or an artistic afro brimming with color. Her work on stars like Susan Kelechi Washington, Naomi Campbell, Michelle Williams,and Janelle Monae, showcase the versatility of classic styles like a blowout, soft waves, and adorned layered hairstyles.
The “Texture Guru” is in the building and he is here to celebrate the unique beauty of natural hair whether he’s working with kinky, curly, wavy, or straight hair. His iconic styles have included Jill Scott, Kelis, Estelle, and Anika Noni Rose to name a few of the heavy hitters he’s worked with in the entertainment industry. His styles feature big volume, soft waves, and tight curls that have been showcased in high fashion and editorial photoshoots. He opened Hair Rules Salon NYC in 2009 which was the first multi-textural salon in the US.
Image Source: @tymwallacehair
Some of the industry’s most popular celebrities like MJ Rodriguez, Skai Jackson, Mary J. Blige,Brandy, and Taraji P. Henson have gotten their hair “Tossed By Tym.” With over a decade in the industry Tymothe loves to reinvent his clients classic beauty looks and has been a driving force in television with credits on MTV, VH1, Black Girls Rock, and more. Tymothee creates flawless and defined styles that range from textured bobs, sleek blowouts, high volume curly fros, and big cascading waves with a glamorous twist.
As a master stylist and educator, Jamal Edmonds is a Mizani stylist who has created styles for editorial, print, runway,glamour, and media. He advocates for texture education and provides consultations for graduations, proms, weddings, and any special event you want to host. Jamal likes to create fun and playful updos that highlight the hairs natural texture, mixing textures like sleek ponytails and braids, and geometric shapes like zigzags for seasonal events.
Image: @naeemahlafond
The queen of statement hair has continued to elevate the natural hair world with big and bold hairstyles that defy gravity. She often uses fluff, updos, and geometric shapes to create editorial looks that have graced the pages of Paper magazine, Essence, Vogue, and Allure. For Naeemah the art is all in the hair which is why her styles continue to combine complex elements like accessories, color, braids, and big volume that makes a statement. Her styles are bold, edgy, and reinvent the idea of the traditional coils and curls by elevating them with blowouts, flyaway hairs, and braids.
Michelle O’ Connor is the L’Oreal artistic director, creative director for Salon by InStyle, and 5x North American Hairstyling award winner. Her intricate work features braided hairstyles, comb twists, mixing textures within, and small details like pearls and beads to accessorize her styles. Her beautiful updos have been featured in high fashion campaigns and editorial shoots around the world for the creative artistry that showcases big hair in all it’s glory. Michelle often combines blended textures with vibrant colors like purple, pink, shades of green, and flashes of orange with tangible accessories like fishnet, chevron adorned accents, and more.
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This beauty maven is the owner of the K.Louise Boutique salon for textured hair specialists in Philadelphia. Kara also features tutorial classes that teach color correction on textured hair, how to create a tapered cut, and advanced highlighting techniques on textured hair. Her hair coloring techniques showcase colored twist outs, brass free blonde, chocolate browns, lucious copper tones, and braided styles weaved into beautifully textured coils and kinks.
Evan Joseph is a curly stylist and independent educator who believes in creating “curly hair simplified for all.” As founder and senior director of Evan Joseph salon love to celebrate the uniqueness and individuality of textured hair. He uses color techniques like painting, dry curly cuts, highlighting the natural hair pattern, and styling with technique instead of focusing on the texture.
Daisy “Daze” Henson is the curl artist who loves her clients to be happy, confident, and with all the skills needed to style their natural texture. She has worked with NFL host MJ Acosta, Christina Cooper, and worked with several designers featured at Paris Fashion week. She uses her background in portrait drawings and oil paintings as inspiration for each style that she cuts.
37. Aleisbel Vazquez
Aleisbel brings you creativity, art, and all the curly inspiration as the CEO and founder of CURLPOP. As the former artistic director for DevaCurl she is now a proud independent stylist and educator who seeks to combine her love of art, photography, travel, and self-love to celebrate all the beauty of natural hair. She specializes in shaping, texture, with lots of volume, and even bigger curls that her clients love.
As a curly/kinky colorist, Mattie Michelle loves to bring the magic of color to curly hair. Hailing from the Dallas/Austin area, Mattie likes to challenge herself with unique colors like lavender blonde, red, and orange as she works to preserve the healthiness of each curly tendril. She empowers each of her clients by emphasizing they remember their magic and celebrate their beautiful crown.
39. Atoya Bass
The curly hair expert is in the building! Atoya Bass has been devoted to learning the technique of waves and curls for the past 7 years. She is a champion for shape, volume, and curly education that emphasizes healthy curls through hydration as the basis for every style that is created. Curlies can take her curly hair course to learn more about the curly girl method and how to apply it to their everyday routine, or she can teach you one-on-one through custom curl coaching.
Sheryl is a curly hair specialist who is here to make you fall in love with your natural hair. She is a licensed cosmetologist and curly hair specialist and has her own boutique, The Curl Suite, dedicated to curly hair. Her expertise is in shaping and styling all types of textures across the curly spectrum and she loves to celebrate the beauty of fros, deep conditioning, definition, and tight coils.
It’s a vibe for Houston stylist Celeste who is the self proclaimed “Fro Whisperer” and founder of the Eclectic Vibez studio. Celeste seeks to empower and uplift Black culture with an artsy and unapologetically bold approach to her styles. She specializes in locs, using perm rods, flexi rods, twist-outs and big transformations that her clients love.
Are you ready to meet your hair goals? Yessenia is the textureologist who is here to help you celebrate and love your curly hair. This NYC native is known for her precision as a curly cut expert whether you have curls, coils, or kinky hair. Her work has been featured in publications like Essence, MTV, and Vogue just to name a few. She is a big advocate for geometric shapes and growing and glowing with her clients through her epic hair transformations that kill before/after.
Ona Diaz-Santin is curl expert and international educator who has been killing the hair game for over 20 years. As the CEO of 5 Salon and Spa she has been featured in Pop Sugar, Oprah Magazine,Latina Magazine, and worked behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week. Her artistic updos blend high fashion and textured hair with accessories that highlight the client and their cut. She continues to be a headlining speaker at industry events and provide curly education for her naturalistas to maintain healthy curls.
The curls are popping down south and we can’t get enough! Robin Sjoblom has over 20 years in the hair game cutting and coloring curly hair. She has garnered numerous awards like Modern Salon Top 100 Stylist, Curl Artist of the Year, Top 10 Curl Artist in the World & More! She specializes in all curly types and uses the power of touch to feel where the curl should be clipped. You can catch her getting playful with vibrant colors or changing up a bob with alot of textured layers.
Jessica is the curl expert who is here to lend a hand in style and education. As a stylist for Ouidad in NYC Jessica loves to provide curl education to naturalistas whether it’s products to use when you are working out or how to protect your hair when you are sleeping. Her work has been featured in Glamour, Bustle, Vanity Fair and more! She’s cut hair for celebs like Laurie Hernandez and focuses on creating dynamic short styles for naturalistas wanting to do a big chop.
Not everything in the desert is dry. Curly hair specialist Loni Jean is the owner stylist of Desert Curls Studio in Nevada. Her biggest passion lies in first educating her clients and working to achieve the desired look before even snipping a curl. She uses plant based ingredients to achieve the healthiest hair possible and likes to walk her clients through specific terms and chemicals that could be harmful to curly hair. Her specialities lie in balayage highlights, enhancing the natural curl, hydration lessons, and superior grey coverage.
Kauilani Goodwyn is a colorist, stylist, and educator who took her background in chemical engineering and combined it with her love of natural hair. For the past 14 years she has been a certified color educator who has styled hair on the runway for New York Fashion Week, editorial shoots, and celebrity catalogs. Her beautiful styles combine African artistry with textured styles like locs, cornrows, corset braids, and more. Her custom colors feature twist balayage techniques and bright colors like red and yellow.
Joe Miguel is a curly stylist and educator who has been working in the industry for over a decade. As a master colorist he is known for creating intense color combinations and taking the time to provide thorough education to each of his clients. His gorgeous styles create shape, movement, and volume through his one of a kind transformations that have become his signature trait.
Image Source: _thehalfrican
April Kayganich is a curly stylist based out of Austin, TX. Known as the local ‘Curl Whisperer’, her curly transformations are known for being amazing! Check out her instagram for some examples of her work.
Last, but certainly not least, is Nia Petit, known to instagrammers as Niathelight. Known for her majestic curls and beautiful smile, she is also the CEO and owner of salon The Curl Bar London. Check out this article to read her inspiring story!
Know of any stylists we missed? Share with us in the comments! And let us know if you’ve visited or plan to visit any of the stylists listed.
Image:@jaz.mcnew
There’s no time like the present to give your curls all the love they deserve. Quarantine has given us all a lot of downtime to reflect and take a look at how we are practicing self-care. As we move into the summer months, it’s extremely important to start building a hair care regimen that gives your curls all the TLC and nourishment they deserve. Whether you are just starting to build your hair care regimen for the first time or looking to give your current regimen a much needed update, here’s some tips, products, and guidance for simplifying your hair care regimen.
Understand Your Hair Type
The first step to building your hair care regimen is understanding your hair type. Curlies all over the world come with different texture combinations that make up our fabulous curls. You may have heard terms like 2b,3a, 4cand wondered…what is that? Those numbers reflect your curl pattern, porosity, and can help to guide you in choosing the right products for your hair. Your hair type is made up of the shape and size of your hair follicle, thickness, length, and how it retains moisture. If you are unsure of your hair type, take our customized hair type quiz that will help guide you to understanding your hair type.
Put the “P” in Porosity
One of the important aspects of maintaining your curls is understanding how your curls absorb and retain moisture which is defined as porosity. Porosity can be divided into three categories: low, normal, and high. Understanding your hair’s “Porosity” doesn’t have to be a rubix cube, you can start by performing the strand test.
- Start by taking a strand of hair and placing it in a clean glass of water.
- If it falls to the bottom your hair has high porosity, if it’s midway then your normal, and to the bottom means that your strands have low porosity.
- Low porosity means that your hair can’t easily absorb moisture and you want to avoid products with alot of oil or butters.
- Normal porosity means your hair can hold and absorb moisture which is a great sign of healthy hair.
- If you have high porosity hair your curls may absorb a product quickly but then lose moisture. In this case you want to avoid using oils and butters to help your hair lock in moisture and incorporate using protein treatments into your hair regimen.
Hair Care Essentials
Building out your stash of hair care essentials will be an ongoing process as you continue to understand your hair. With the thousands of products that hit the shelves seasonally, there are a few essentials you want to start stocking up on.
Suggested Cleansers:
SheaMoisture Jamaican Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Shampoo
As I Am Coconut Cleansing Cowash
Whether you call it a cleanser or “shampoo” this is a product that works to clean your scalp from product build-up and dirt while providing your hair with much needed nourishment. Cleanser’s are an essential part of your hair care regimen because they are the foundation for your wash day and can revitalize your hair from all the products that accumulate on your scalp. Clean hair is healthy hair and whether you go for a sulfate-free shampoo or a clarifying cleanser, find a product with ingredients you love and make it a staple of your routine.
Suggested Conditioners:
SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl and Shine Conditioner
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Hydration Intensive Conditioner
Conditioners play a duel role in your hair care regimen by giving dry and frizzy curls the moisture it needs. A great conditioner features oils and vitamins that blend together to make your curls strong and healthy. Conditioners can come in liquid and heavier textures that you use daily in your hair. While a shampoo works to clean your hair from product buildup, conditioners give your hair the moisture it so desperately needs.
Suggested Deep Conditioners:
Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment-No Fragrance
Our hair all needs a little more intensive TLC from time to time and a deep conditioner is great for restoring moisture to your dry hair. Deep conditioners are very nutrient rich with a blend of essential vitamins to work against breakage and frizz. You can deep conditioner once weekly with your favorite product for 15-20 minutes.
Suggested Leave-in Conditioners:
Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-in Conditioner
The holy grail of all your hair care essentials, a quality leave-in conditioner keeps your curls beautiful from day to day. Leave-in conditioners have the essential nutrients and vitamins that makes your hair strong and soft. Leave-in conditioners can blend ingredients like coconut, flaxseed, essential oils, to enrich and moisten your hair every day.
Suggested Styling Products:
Rizos Curl Refresh and Detangle Spray
Avocado and Rose Oil Clum and Define Cream
Ecoco Eco Styler Professional Styling Gel With Argan Oil
Once you’ve established a shampoo and the types of conditioners you want to use, you can mix it up with your styling products. Styling products help to create your go-to styles or protective styles like twists, bantu knots, braids, and more! They can range from mousses, styling creams, butters and gels. Just like with any product you want to research the ingredients and see how it will work with your hair type. Not every styling product works the same with every texture, always read reviews and do your homework before you buy.
Suggested Oils:
You may be seeing oil and thinking I don’t want my hair to be “oily” or “greasy,” but oil is what helps seal in moisture for our curls while giving it an undeniable shine. Hair oils work just like a deep conditioner, except you can use them as a treatment or for everyday use. There are so many oils to choose from whether you want argan oil, morrocan oil, almond oil, coconut oil, the list goes on and on. You can bring your curls back to life with a good oil treatment and help to prevent damaged and dry ends.
Suggested Scalp Care:
Eden Bodyworks Papaya Castor Scalp Cleanser
If you want to keep your curls healthy and growing, you have to take care of your scalp. Having a healthy scalp can lead to thicker and healthier curls because you are giving focus to your hair follicles. During cold month’s when our curls need all the moisture, using a scalp treatment can help retain moisture, deduce frizz, and get rid of dead skin cells that prevent your curls from growing.
Always remember that building your hair care regimen takes time and patience. The fabulous aspect of curly hair is that more and more products are created each season to help us tough out damaged hair, dry hair, frizziness, and everything in between. As long as you start with the essentials, you can only grow up from there!
Going natural is never an easy feat. For many of us curlies, it’s been a process learning to love, care, and treat our curls with the divinity they deserve, but that comes from a long process known as transitioning. Transitioning occurs you are reducing the amount of heat you put in your hair via a flat iron or blow dryer and start wearing your curls naturally. This is never an easy or quick process depending on the extent of the heat damage. Whether you’re at the beginning, middle, or end of your transitioning stage, it’s all a process full of routine and patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day and your curls won’t reappear overnight. There are several methods and tips to keep in mind as you are transitioning and we’ve got the experts on speed dial today.
Here is the 411 on transitioning your hair from damaged limp strands to healthy bouncy curly hair.
How to Transition Properly
Decide ahead of time if you plan to grow your hair out and trim away the dead hair gradually or if you’re gonna do the big chop. There is no right or wrong answer, it’s all about your comfort level and overall goal for your curls. Growing out your curls is a long process that will take time, dedication, and should be followed up with regular visits to your stylist. For some it’s easier to chop it all off at once and start fresh, but this is also a very drastic change and one you shouldn’t do lightly. If you plan to grow it out, make sure you are accompanying the growth with products that will replenish and nourish your hair. Perhaps you are leaning towards the big chop, research different styles and options that will go best with your face shape and curl texture.
Do’s
- Create a game plan ahead of time so you can mentally and financially prepare for your transition.
- Make an appointment with a stylist whether you are getting the big chop or growing your hair out.
- Use your favorite influencers and curlies as a resource for styling your hair through this process. You don’t have to walk through your transition with blinders, there are numerous curlies on NaturallyCurly.Com and social media who can give you all the inspiration you need.
- Get creative with your hair and use accessories to create updos and fun styles. Just because you are transitioning doesn’t mean you can’t dress up your hair with a headband, scarf, or clips.
- Wear protective styles like cornrows, twists, bantu knots, weaves, or extensions.
- Be patient, it can take anywhere from 6 months to a year for your curl pattern and texture to grow out. Even the healthiest of hair doesn’t hair doesn’t grow overnight.
- Embrace the journey. Know that you are not alone and there are so many curlies who have endeavored down this path…just like you!
Don’ts
- Neglect your hair by putting it in protective styles for an extended period of time, give your hair time to breathe and grow.
- Attempt not cut your own hair if you are not an expert or licensed stylist. As tempting as it may be to go at it alone, the experts are here to help you. If you’ve never cut your own hair or done a big chop, you want the advice and guidance of a trusted stylist who can walk you through the process.
- Color your hair throughout your transition if it can be avoided. Harsh chemicals, bleaches, and other dyes can be harmful to your healthy hair as it’s transitioning. Don’t delay your growth for a splash of color. If you want to color your hair, consult your stylist first.
- Forgo using products that can help replenish and aid your curls.Your curls need the healthy vitamins and nourishment found in hair care products.
- Put heat back on your hair. There will be moments when you want to throw in the towel and just go back to the heat, but don’t allow your frustration to make you retreat.
What The Experts Say
Image: @_thehairsaint_
On Finding a Stylist:
Get your mind ready: This will probably be the hardest of all and you will go through many ups and downs, stay on course.
Do your homework: Find the right stylist for you, I know, sounds easy but you would be surprised at how difficult that can be. Research is everything from their work, their style, their bedside manners and how passionate they are. You’re not looking for a one time thing, what you want is a long term relationship with a stylist that gets you and what you are about.
Be a regular: Did you know, the more you take care of your scalp and hair the healthier and beautiful it becomes, Maintenance is the key to unlocking lovely locks! A healthy scalp produces healthy hair and of course diet has a lot to do with it. I recommend getting a trim every 6-8 weeks in conjunction with conditioning treatments.”
Image: @_thehalfrican
Suggested Hairstyles
“When transitioning, wearing your hair down, in its natural state is the best way to help your hair. Damaged hair sheds more, so if you are putting it up constantly in ponytails and buns, this increases your shedding. I usually recommend doing a more gentle protective style such as bantu knots, braid outs or twist outs. This is where that hood dryer comes in handy because we know that all of those styles must be completely dry before taken out to ensure that they give you the results you want.”
Curly Tools to Help You
“I love to recommend Curl Formers to my clients or straw sets also that are not ready to do the big chop during transitioning because it forms your damaged ends to curls without heat. I also explain to my clients that eating healthy and taking your vitamins and biotin will increase the chances of your hair growing faster. On average a person grows a half an inch of new hair a month, 6 inches a year. With the proper diet, vitamins and treatments you can more than double that. Getting your hair trimmed regularly is very important also because every 2-3 months your going to get a split end , if you don’t trim it right away it rises up your hair like a split in a tree branch and your ends just keep breaking off as your roots are growing in making it seem like your hair is not getting any longer.”
Suggested Products
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
This sulfate-free shampoo is a perfect remedy for those who have added color or heat to their hair. The blend of Castor Oil and Shea Butter is great for helping promote healthy hair growth and leaves hair soft and shiny.
SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner
This lightweight daily conditioner helps to restore moisture and shine thick, curly hair. Coconut oil helps to hydrate and protect hair while the silk protein smooths out hair for soft and silky texture.
Design Essentials Almond and Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse
You want a mousse that is going to keep on giving back to your curls. Our 2020 Best of the Best choice mousse dries quickly and reduces frizz. You can apply to wet or dry hair for defined curls you will love.
Having a hair mask is essential to helping restore moisture and essential nutrients to your curls. The tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask helps to treat dry, damaged or colored treated hair. Give your curls the deep condition they need with a unique mix of jojoba and olive oils to help your strands repair.
Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
You can never have enough styling creams to add a little bounce to your hair. The Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream is made with pure shea butter and formulated without any harsh ingredients.This product is perfect for curls on the go, just apply a bit to your towel dried hair and be on your way!
We wish you the best of luck on your curly journey as you transition away from the heat and into your natural texture. Be patient, give your curls lots of love, and know that we’re here to support you with all your curly needs.
While we’re all at home during quarantine, we’re collectively experiencing the highs and lows of maintaining our hair. It can be hard decided day to day whether to wash it, curl it, straighten it, or use a protective style. We feel you sis. If you’re looking for low maintenance and gorgeous styles to get you through COVID-19, we’ve compiled 15 DIY braided hairstyles for you to do from the comforts of your home.
1. Top Knot and Two Mini Braids
Image Source: @olovesuuu
How to achieve this look:
- Separate your hair in two parts (back and front”>.
- Make a little bun in the middle of your head and let the rest of your hair out. Keep 2 extra pieces of hair to make your braids (thickness depends on how much extra hair you leave out.”>
- Create 2 braids in the front part of your head and add 2 clips or rubber bands to seal the braid.
2. Mini Braids
Image Source: @lavishlybrit
Why I love this style:
This is perfect for a low-maintenance look with a low tension hairstyle that requires very little talent and is perfect for many hair types. You want to make sure your hair is free of tangles and don’t forget to twist the ends of hair around your finger for curly ends. You can always add accessories to level up the style a bit.
Here’s a video on how to get this look.
3. Cornrows
Image Source: @Ms.TMarie
Why I love this style:
This is one of my go to hair styles! Doing this look is extremely easy and will always go with any outfits especially your quarantine pajamas! I choose 4 braids because it’s easy and neat for me but you can always do more!
Here’s a video on how to get this look.
4.Two Sleek Jumbo Braids
Image Source: @jazziloves
Tips for achieving this look:
To get the most out of this style, start out with stretched dry hair and braid your natural hair first before attaching the braiding hair like how I did in the video! This is a perfect get up and go style!
Here’s a video on how to get this look.
5. Passion Twists
Image Source: @lyasiainthecity
Love this style? Watch this video to get the look.
6. Braided Frohawk
Image Source: @joynavon
Tips for achieving this look: Although it seems intimidating to do yourself, it’s a lot easier than you may think. The rubberband/crochet method makes it very beginner friendly. My biggest tip would be to remember that when crocheting the hair in, be sure to never loop your actual hair through When creating the base knot to avoid tangling (you’ll see a better visual/explanation of that in the video.”>
How to achieve this look:
- Start by washing and conditioning your hair.
- To style, cornrow your hair upward on both sides leaving out the ends.
- With your leave out, you can create a twist out on your natural hair or add clip-ins or crochet hair.
7. Jumbo Box Braids
Image Source:@Bellamerlot_
Tips & tricks for achieving this style :
- Use gel or edge control to manage flyaway hairs.
We all know how difficult styling your own hair can be, especially doing it on your own. I use Murray’s Edge wax on each section of my hair before I braid to keep all hairs together for a perfected look.
Here’s a video on how to get this look.
8. Half Up/Half Down Braid Out
Image Source: @shaakiramolisho
Use your favorite gel or edge control to tame your baby hairs.
Here’s a video on how to get this look.
9.Halo Braid
Image Source: @syeda_bombom
Why I love this style: This Halo Braid is one of my favorite styles! It’s super easy to do and can be worn for a few days without having to restyle. It’s stylish and is a great way to keep hair out of your face and neck.
Here’s a video on how to get this look.
10. Rope Braid
Image Source: @bbhiral
How to achieve this look:
- Dampen your hair.
- Isolate the front section and tie a ponytail.
- Twist the front isolated section sideways and secure it with a pin.
- Split your ponytail into 2 parts.
- Make it a neat braid and pull it to the back.
Here’s a video on how to get this look.
11. Flat Twist Braids
Image Source: @ravishing_tresses
Tips for achieving this look:
Use your favorite moisturizer and castor oil to help keep your protective style conditioned. Braid your hair down from the root to the ends. Keep your parts nice and clean. Use edge control at the root of your hair throughout your braiding for a clean and polishe braid. Add more hair with each rotation,use a wide toothed comb between each section and be patient.
Here’s a video on how to get this look.
12. French Braids
Image Source: @istina.manners
How to achieve this style:
- Split your hair into two parts and tie the excess hair.
- Detangle your hair using your favorite moisturizer.
- Divide the side into 3 parts and start braiding from the top, don’t forget to include the small pieces.
- When you get to the bottom, braid your hair to the end and seal it with a rubber band or clip.
- Use your favorite gel or edge control to tame your baby hairs.
Here’s a video on how to get this look.
13. Criss-cross Flat Twists
Image Source: @abbiecurls
How to achieve this look :I did this style on blow dried hair. To get the loose fluffy curls in the pony tail I put three braids in for a few hours and then took them down to create this look.
Here’s a video on how to get this look.
14. Criss-cross mini braids and puff
Image Source: @truleytalentedbeauty
How to achieve this look:
- Part your hair in the 1/4 front, brush it out, and moisturize the ends.
- If you can’t braid your hair, use flat twists, make sure they are tight!
- Use about ¾ of a section and create a parted design in the shape of a triangle.
- Pull your edges out, you will lay them down at the end.
- Create bigger sections with the remaining pieces and get funky with, incorporate different designs.
- The goal is to twist the sections with enough remaining pieces for your puff at the end.
- Repeat on the opposite side.
- When you are done, use water/moisturizer to finger comb the puff and volumize it.
Here’s a video on how to get this look.
15. 2 Stich Braids With Curly Ends
Image Source: @thelolawilliams
How to create this look:
- Start by separating your hair into two sections and using edge control and gel on your hair.
- You can either start feeding in any extension to your braid or braid your down naturally.
- Incorporate gel as your braid your hair to maintain the style.
- Give yourself some length at the ends and tie down your braids with a rubber band or accessory.
- Moisturize the ends and add accessories.
Here’s a video on how to get this look.
What has been your go-to DIY style this season? Let us know in the comments below!
You are never too young or old to switch up your hairstyle and that is why we at NaturallyCurly are all about celebrating natural hair that extends beyond gender or age. While anti-aging treatments can be one source to tap the fountain of youth, changing up your hair with a new style or color can also bring that youthful glow you desire. We’re here to bring you a variety of styles that can not only highlight your curls but give you ideas for a few simple adjustments to your styling routine that can make you look younger with minimal effort. A few of these may feel like throwbacks to styles we wore in our younger years that are trending now, and some are classics that never go out of style.
Double Puff Mohawk
Image: @jasmeannn
When it’s too hot to deal and you’re not ready for wash day, try this easy double bun mohawk style.
Side Twists
Image: @meliscurls
When you want to pull some hair out of your face, but still flaunt your curls – try this! This style is low maintainence and can be acheived in less than 5 min.
Short Cut
Image: @jenibellrosanne
Nothing is better than a fresh start and getting a haircut really has that effect. Whether you decide to go short like this pixie style, taking a few inches off really enhances your youthful glow.
Space Buns
Image: @joyjah
This is so fun and easy! Space buns are such a timeless style and great way to refresh day 4 curls.
Highlights + Bangs
Image: @aminamarie
The biggest secret to anti-aging actually has everything to do with hair color. For brunettes, adding blonde highlights softens your facial features, plus the lighter color adds dimension.
Big Braid w/Texture
Image: @hairromance
A simple braided style not only shows your bone structure, but keeps your hair out of your face. Not matter your hair texture, this style is easy and effortless.
Half up half down top knot
Image: @chelliscurls
Spice up your half-up, half-down style with a few twists and pull it up into a top knot. If you’re feeling extra glamorous, add some accessories and step out in style.
Classic Ponytail
Image: @sydnieslittleworld
No matter how old we get the ponytail will never go out of style. To prevent tangles or tears, use a satin scrunchie and make a statement.
Which style is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
Image:@tylauren
It’s that special time of year, let’s venture down the path in how to straighten curly hair. For curlies, when the weather gets dry, cold, many of us decide to be adventurous with our curls for the holidays. Many of us know the woe and joy that can come applying heat to our hair whether it’s via the blow-dryer or flat iron. It’s got a different texture, hangs around our face differently, and we can even run our fingers through it. Whether you love it or hate it, straightening curly hair never gets old, but they are ways to keep your natural hair protected, nourished, and healthy. Here are our best serums, heat protectants, and tips for how to straighten curly hair throughout the straightening process.
Serums
The first thing to know about serums is that they are all about strength. They work to cover up dryness, heal damage, and nourish your hair. The best serums contain natural ingredients that work together to tame frizz and work as a finishing product for your hair. Some serums can be used before/after your straightening process, but think of them as the icing on top of a very elaborate cake.
Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Finishing Oil Serum
If you want a silky smooth finish, this is your winner. It’s light, silicone-free and works to lock in your moisture instead of weighing it down or building up product gunk.
Mizani Thermasmooth Smooth Guard Serum
This heat protectant hair primer contains smoothing coconut oil for no-frizz hair despite high humidity and conditions hair for shiny hair. A must have for fragile, brittle hair, this hydrating treatment protects against split ends and hair breakage with professional hair strengthening ingredients.
Curlfriends Shine Hair Gloss
A gloss is always the best way to finish out the grueling and hot process of straightening your hair. Remove the frizz, flyaways, and sleek down that straight hair with just a few drops. The key to gloss is to use it sparingly, don’t over saturate your hair and give it an oily appearance.
Heat Protectants
If serum is the ying of straightening, then think of heat protectants as the yang that helps complete the perfect picture. Most heat protectants help replenish moisture in curls while defending them from the damage heat can do. Heat protectants are a must-have to keep your curls healthy as you are applying and afterward to keep them dry at bay.
Cantu Thermal Shield Protectant
No frizz, flyaways, or fry are key to this thermal protectant that keeps your curls healthy up to 425 degrees. The magic ingredient is shea butter that provides moisture and a light hold.
Tresemme Thermal Creations Protectant Heat Spray
This is one of my personal favorites I’ve been using for years when straightening my curls. The lightweight spray is great as a pre-protectant that won’t leave your flat iron sizzling or your hair frying. The biotin enriched formula will also leave your hair super soft so no worries about over drying.
Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray
Protect your hair with our Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray. This spray is specially formulated with Mongongo Oil to protect the hair from extreme heat temperatures. The ultimate solution for repairing split ends, eliminating frizz and adding shine.
Outside of products, you should remember these key tips for maintaining your straight hair:
- You can’t control the weather, so pick your days to straighten your hair wisely so rain/snow doesn’t ruin your hard work.
- Finding your ideal straightening combination will take time. Whether it’s serum, blow dry, flat iron, heat protectant or all of them, there will be trial and error.
- Don’t keep reapplying heat to your hair. Try to spare daily or repeated usage of the flat iron on your hair, depending on the length of time your hair will be straight, make sure to keep as much heat off it when it’s done to prevent damage.
Are any of these your favorites? Share with us in the comments below.
The beauty of being a curly is that your hair texture, pattern, and type all are unique aspects of you! While there are many reasons your beauty is unique and special, the shape of your face is one that can impact the way your hair falls around your features. Oval face shapes are versatile in that many hairstyles can fit this specific face shape — whether they are short, long, or chin length. A good haircut will highlight your favorite facial features like your cheekbones or lips, but it all depends on the style you are looking to achieve. Check out these stylists’ tips for how oval-faced women should cut/style their hair.
Image: @dashell_devacurl
Stylist: Dashell
“To have an oval face shape is to be blessed with perfect symmetry! Oval is the ideal face shape because it is the most balanced all the way around and is the most visually pleasing. What this means for a client when it comes to the shape of their haircut, is they can wear anything! Side parts, center parts, fringe, and bangs, long or short! The reason for this flexibility and versatility is because there isn’t an unbalance that needs to be corrected in an oval face shape. For example, triangle face shapes, that have wider jawlines, bangs would be favorable to create width up top. Or oblong face shapes, where shorter lengths look nicer to help make the face more oval. Creating an “oval” face shape on someone who may not naturally have one is my job as a stylist. So if you are fortunate to have this shape naturally, embrace the change and try something new, because you can!!”
Image: @hairmajestiii
Stylist: Alisha, Lavish Salon
“I cut my curly girls dry versus wet because every curly girl has multiple curl patterns naturally and when you wet the hair, it stretches out, and we don’t know how it’s gonna shrink up dry. I always tend to stick with round layers to frame the face. Most of my girls come in with a triangular shape that they are trying to get away from. I cut curl by curl and carve into each curl, especially around the face to take bulk out if needed. I love all my curly girls! The curls come in all shapes and sizes making every haircut unique to custom to fit each person.”
Image: @utopia_salon_nj
Stylist: Nubia Suarez
“Oval shapes come in different symmetries, depending on the client’s texture and curl type. I like to create a softer fringe that lays around the shoulders. I think this makes a harmonious and balanced shape for my clients.”
Image: @actually_ashly
Stylist: Sharita, The Loft Hair Studio
“Curly hair frames an oval shape face very well no matter the length. This Wash and Go style with partial “side twists” shows off a great bone structure. It also helps to give you a fly look to accentuate your oval shape face.”
Experimenting with haircuts tailored around your facial shape is a great way to intentionally play up your favorite features. Oval face shapes are long, curvy, and gorgeous! Fellow curlies like Halle Berry, Jordan Dunn, and Selena Gomez are great examples of celebrities with oval face shapes who constantly change their hair game by rocking fierce styles. Use the versatility of your angles to try something trendy whether it’s chopping it off or adding color.
Summer always calls for more color, but nothing is making more waves in the beauty industry than pastel color making a fierce debut. We’ve all seen it: Ariana’s lavender tresses, Zayn rocking neon pink, and Camila Cabello’s hues of purple that are ushering us into the lighter colors of the fall. Pastel hair looks fabulous on any curl type or texture, but we all know that creating these beautiful colors can put some wear and tear on your curls due to the intense dyes and chemicals. The misconception is that you must go blond before you can add any real color to your hair, but with a booming beauty industry making hair color more accessible and convenient, there are alternatives. Have no fear — if you are looking to put some pastel into your hair this season without the damage, we have a few alternatives to help keep your wallet and curls happy.
Image:@cotton_candy_curls
1″> Hair Chalk
Yes, you can color the sidewalk and your hair at the same time. Hair chalk gives you temporary color for the day and is great way to add highlights or pastel hints to your hair without any messy dyes or chemicals. Chalks like Splat slide on dry and give your instant results with colors like violet sky, sugar plum, mint candy, and sun kissed. Hair chalks come in creamy and powdery formulas so determining which one is best for your hair type will require some research along with deciding what color you might want. You may need to do a few test runs on strands of hair to see what takes.
Image:@lauren.asshley
2″> Hair Spray
If chalk isn’t your style and you prefer not to get your hands dirty, there are many new color sprays out that can give you temporary color at an affordable price. L’Oreal Paris has a 1-Day Spray with pure pigments in bold colors that you can wash out after just one day. Many temporary sprays on the market work so well because they aren’t sticky, and you can control the light or dark tints with the amount of spray you use. Dark and Lovely and Kristin Ess Rose Gold Temporary Tint also carry some beautiful hues.
Image:@lulustone_
3″> Hair Gel and Tints
If applying your own color at home feels a bit overwhelming, some salons allow you to bring in your own hair color applicators they can apply for you. Brighter hues can be tricky to impart onto darker curls so having a little help won’t hurt if chalks and sprays aren’t providing your desired hair color. Hair gels and tints have a more hands-on approach but can still provide a semi-permanent color you rock for a few days. Lime Crime and Manic Panic are both vegan and cruelty-free brands that can give you pastel hues in bold pigments.
With so many alternatives for coloring our curls this season, trying out new, soft pastels are not only pretty but on trend for the fall season. Mix and match your color and have fun blending different hues;
Always keep in mind that no matter a temporary or permanent hair color, conditioning and moisturizing your curls is essential to prevent damage and dry hair.
Have you tried to temporarily color your curls? Let us know what products you used and any tips that helped you achieve and maintain your color.
The big chop is a big deal for curlies, no matter your texture, curl type, or pattern. Whether you are wanting to change up your look, get rid of damaged hair, or start from scratch, sporting a TWA is a liberating but oftentimes difficult decision to make. Many of us find ourselves flooded with questions post-chop: What do I do with my hair now? What styles should I choose? Can I accessorize it? Have no fear, curlies, we’ve got you covered! Sporting the teeny-weeny afro should be embraced, loved, and rocked with confidence – and we’re going to show you how it’s done!
Accessories:
1. Bobby Pins
Image via @melgizelle
“For this style, I did a side part and used bobby pins to form a snowflake-like shape.”
2. Flowers:
Image via @queenteshna
“Nothing says summer like adding a flower to my TWA in a wash-and-go style.”
3. Scarf:
Protecting your hair from the sun is essential to keeping your roots and scalp protected during the hot summer months. Using a headwrap is a perfect accessory for a TWA, because you can coordinate the scarf with a bold lipstick.
4. Headband:
The 90s have been back in style for some time now, so rocking a headband will have your TWA fierce, funky, and on trend. Whether you are using a satin or skinny headband, this will draw attention to your lovely cut, with little effort to style it.
5. Color:
Image via: @lauren.asshley
“My favorite accessory is temporary hair color. It allows me to spice up my look, without ruining my actual color, or curls. Dark and Lovely’s Go Intense sprays are my favorite.”
Styles
6. Finger Coils
Image via: @rikki_danielle
“The style is my signature go-to: FINGER COILS. I’ve been told I’m the finger coil queen, but I’ll let someone else be the judge! These are so easy, and they last up to 5 days with proper maintenance!”
7. FroHawk
Image via: @_lavidarosa
“This golden, flat-twist frohawk is the perfect style for summer.”
8. Wash and Go
Image via: @talaylayyy
“Same look, different day! Wash and go’s with a few finger coils thrown into the mix is a staple look of mine. I just dampen my hair, add some of CURLS Blueberry Bliss leave-in conditioner, and a little Eco Styler gel to define random curls that frame my face for maximum definition.”
9. Bantu Knots:
Although you might not think so, protective styles are still essential when rocking a TWA. One way for you to keep your scalp safe from the heat is by using bantu knots. Mix up your style with colored weave for extra length and flair, with a pop of color.
10. Mohawk
Image via: @beatybynesh
“I did my big chop back in 2016, and just like anyone who big chops, I struggled with awkward lengths and stages. To switch it up and add variety, I went straight for the bobby pins. In the first two pictures, I added bobby pins to each side to create a quick and easy mohawk. In the last picture, I took a small section and pinned it up to create a different look.”
Always remember having a TWA doesn’t mean you are limited when it comes to styling and accessorizing. The big chop means new beginnings for your hair health, and our favorite influencers are always here with details and instructions to help guide you on your new journey. Let us know how you like these styles, and how you switch up your TWA each season!
Curly hair events are a staple of the natural hair community and allow us to connect with curlies, try new products, learn about innovative brands and techniques and build our community. Curlies flock to these events worldwide, and many meetups and events are expanding to include live interactive workshops, on-site demos, panels, and in some cases, CEOs making appearances to connect with fans. If you’ve never been to a curly hair event, we’ve got you covered. We’ve got the top natural hair events across the country (and internationally”> you’ll want to attend whether, you’re going to connect with fellow curlies or snag the latest product releases. Plus, we’re spilling the tea on our biggest event of the year and how you can join us!
Curl Fest
When: July 21st
This year’s Curl Fest just passed, but if your social media feeds gave you major FOMO then make sure to follow the Curly Girl Collective for announcements on when you can get tickets for next year!
Where: Brooklyn, New York
Many curlies from near and far gathered together for the amazing Curl Fest this Summer. Dubbed “The Ultimate Natural Beauty Festival,” this NYC based event brought curlies in the park to rock their natural beauty, showcase fashion and featured some of the hottest brands in the business.
CurlyTreats Festival
When: July 28, 2018
Where: London, UK
UK curlies and anyone traveling internationally this summer, we’ve got a festival for you! This UK festival will feature Revlon, As I Am Naturals, and Creme of Nature to name a few. CurlyTreats features black-owned businesses, speakers, panelists, and is the premier event for all UK curlies to come together.
I Am Not My Hair Tour Hosted by Nia The Light
Nia will be visiting 3 different states around America including Los Angeles, NY and Atlanta screening the documentary she filmed of her intimate big chop and embarking on her new journey. It will be a magical celebration of #DiscoveringYourLight, meeting new people, dancing to groovy music and so much more. Your ticket will include a gift bag from Bumble and Bumble and Aerie as well as many games to win a gift card to shop at Aerie!
Afrolicious Hair Expo Dallas 2018
When: August 5th
Where: Dallas, Texas
Are you ready to go big or go home? First, the theme of this event is “Wakanda Forever,” so you already know it’s about to be amazing. This natural hair expo is part of a five-city tour that travels from Oakland, California with two stops in Texas before ending in Los Angeles. You can catch Uncle Funky’s Daughter, Miss Jessie’s, and Curls will appear on this tour with a percentage of proceeds being donated to charity.
Sip N Swap
When: August 5th
Where: Seven House, NYC
Need to remix your wardrobe? Beyond being economical, eco-friendly, and an excuse to clean out your closet, Sip & Swap is an event created to help you land new hot items into your closet! Who wouldn’t want to join in the fun?! Especially when it is also centered around women empowerment, networking with your favorite curly influencers,& helping raise funds for a great cause!
Detroit Natural Hair Expo
When: August 11th-12th
Where: Detroit, Michigan
For my mid-western ladies, this fall event is one to mark on your calendars. The 2nd annual Detroit Natural Hair Expo is hosted by the Mane Choice and sponsored by Mielle Organics. This event caters to men, women, and children alike and will feature local and international vendors with tickets starting at $15.
Texture on the Runway
When: Sept.6th
Where: New York City, NY
NaturallyCurly will host our biggest event of the year during New York Fashion Week, Texture on the Runway! This year will be bigger and better as we celebrate 20 years of texture in a space where we have historically been underrepresented. With our annual event, we’ve helped change the conversation about fashion, beauty and diversity. Stay tuned to see how you can get a chance to win a trip to join us on the runway! We’ll be kicking off our giveaway July 30th, keep your eyes open to learn how you can win tickets to this special event!
Fabulously Unique Natural Hair & Beauty Expo
When: Sept. 15th
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, Florida Center
The 2018 Fabulously Unique Natural Hair and Beauty Expo (FABU”> is named the best natural hair event in Tampa Bay. This expo empowers, encourages and educates. As a family-focused event, this unique experience brings to life the passionate movement of natural beauty.
Textur’d Hair & Beauty Show
When: Sept. 23rd
Where: Toronto, Ontario
The 13th Annual Textur’d Hair & Beauty Show, formerly the TORONTO NATURAL HAIR & BEAUTY SHOW, will take place on Sunday September 23rd, 2018, at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre located at 6 Garamond Drive in Toronto, Ontario. This is Toronto’s only major show, with a focus on the natural hair, health and beauty. Since its inception in 2003, the show has been a huge success, starting off as a one-day (4 hour”> event with about 90 participants, to now a full day event with over 800 visitors including international guests.
3rd Annual Maritimes Natural Hair & Beauty Show
When: Oct. 28th
Where: St. Mary’s University – Layola Hall 923 Robie St Halifax, NS B3H 3C3 Canada
The Maritimes Natural Hair & Beauty Show (MNHBS”> inspires people of all ages to embrace their natural hair as part of what makes them uniquely beautiful. MNHBS builds and strengthens the natural hair community in Halifax, Dartmouth, and surrounding areas through events and activities. They collaborate with local businesses and individuals in the industry, such as natural hair specialists, salons, hair stylists, and natural hair bloggers and DIY-ers to bring you the show. For all our Canadian curlies, definitely check this one out!
Will you be attending any of these events? If we missed an event in your city, drop it in the comments below.
Who doesn’t love saving a few bucks when shopping for your favorite natural hair products? We all know how notoriously expensive just one single bottle of curly hair goodness can be. Conditioner, which is the most vital component during this hot summer season can range in price, but if you’re short on time and cash, then we’ve got some options for you. Shopping at your local drugstore can be a quick, fun way to stock up on your favorite products without breaking the bank. While supplies and brands can be limited depending on where you shop, have no fear, we’ve got products to snag for under $10. The prices of these products vary from retailer to retailer, but these are the prices at my local drugstore.
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner $3.79
Are you looking to give your curls a soft and silky texture with a quick mask? This conditioner will revive your hair in just three minutes with its invigorating mix of orange, grapefruit, and lime!
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Conditioner $4.99
Oil infusion is the key to this conditioner which conditioner dry, lifeless hair with lightweight oils like sunflower and camellia seed. The hydration and conditioner you’ll receive will give you soft and lustrous hair in just one wash.
Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner $4.99
Frizz doesn’t stand a chance with this intense hydration conditioner. In the hot summer months this will help you retain moisture and keep your curls hydrated for the day.
Not Your Mother’s Kinky Moves Curl Defining Conditioner $5.99
Who doesn’t love moisture for their curls? A combination of fruit oils help create soft and shiny curls with this sulfate-free conditioner to keep your curls happy and defined.
Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream $7.79
We can all use help mending breakage with a deep penetrating leave-in conditioner. The 100% pure shea butter blend is great to use on hair post-wash for daily frizz control and restored curls.
Taliah Waajid Curls, Waves and Naturals The Great Detangler $8.79
A leave-in with a light formula and the versatility to be used on wet or dry curls is the perfect product to keep nearby. Keep your curls soft and free of breakage with rich moisture and protein heavy conditioner.
As I Am Coconut Co-wash Cleansing Conditioner $8.99
We can always use a bit of co-wash during the summer for our build-up and this price is a steal! Remove residue with this moisturizing cleanser infused with tangerine, coconut and castor oil.
Maui Moisture Vanilla Bean Conditioner $8.99
If you are looking for a silicone-free conditioner then this is just for you! A conditioner that combines aloe vera juice, coconut water, and kukui nut oil is here to tame frizzy hair. It’s designed to smooth even the most stubborn curls with it’s humidity resistant abilities.
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-In Conditioner $9.49
Keep frizz away with a detangler and leave-in conditioner. Your curls will love the rosa fruit extract, olive oil, and aloe leaf extract that can help repair dry and damaged hair.
Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Cleansing Conditioner Co-Wash $9.99
A co-wash that works as a conditioner is a lifesaver! This product works as a conditioner and detangler that will leave your curls healthy with its protein blend of olive oil and keratin.
The drugstore has an array of great options for all curl patterns and textures that won’t leave your wallet unhappy and can make your curls healthy and conditioned. Always look for key ingredients that you may need to help create defined and frizz-free curls so you can get the most out of whichever product you purchase. Your curls can still be flawless and rockin’ even when you’re on a budget.
Share your favorite drugstore conditioner in the comments below!
Protein is not just in the chicken or beef you ingest on your plate, protein helps to strengthen and grow our curls. Protein-rich products have been on the rise and between the deep conditioning treatments and protein packs being released by brands, it can be hard to determine what’s the best product for your hair type. The type of protein treatment you may need depends on your hair type, texture, and how healthy your hair can be at the time.
It’s all about balance
Finding the perfect balance between protein and moisture is essential for preventing breakage and limp hair. Protein should be implemented into your routine roughly every 4-6 weeks and if it’s your first time you can grab ingredients for your own DIY recipe or purchase a treatment pack in your local drugstore.
What is protein sensitivity?
For those with protein sensitive hair or scalps, there can be trial and error in determining a good product for you depending on the recipe and ingredients within the product itself. Examining what’s within a protein-focused product or pack and observing how your hair and scalp react to it can help you decide whether it will/won’t respond well to your curls.
According to the Toxicological Sciences in the Oxford Journals, protein allergies can present themselves through various symptoms ranging from mild erythema to acute anaphylactic shock, as well as irritations of the skin.
Ingredients to Avoid
Some curlies find that their bodies do not agree with ingredients like hydrolyzed protein, collagen protein, vegetable protein, or silk proteins. Each of these main foundations of a protein could cause an allergic reaction to your scalp that could potentially cause bumps, irritation, dryness, or stiffness.
Doing your research is key when you are protein sensitive, and if you aren’t sure, you can determine if you’re protein sensitive through a testing process. If you find that you are protein sensitive, you can use one of these DIY recipes you can create at home so you know exactly what you’re putting on your hair.
Gelatin hair mask
This gelatin hair mask is a great homemade protein treatment include household ingredients like olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey to create strong, shiny and luscious hair!
Banana, coconut, avocado hair mask
Who knew that items from your fridge could be so great for your hair? A DIY mask that includes banana, coconut oil, and avocado is going to give you all the nourishment you need!
Mayo honey olive oil mask
Three ingredients are key in this DIY recipe to give us flawless results! Mayonnaise, honey, and olive are combined for a great mask to keep your curls soft and defined.
Egg and avocado mask
Are you looking for strength, conditioning and growth? This hair mask combines healthy proteins like eggs and avocados for clean, defined curls you will love.
Coconut milk olive oil and argan oil mask
We are coco in love with this DIY conditioner that uses coconut milk, olive oil, and argan oil to give us soft and shiny hair!
Please remember to always do your research and do a patch test to determine whether you have an ingredient allergy. Knowing what your curls and skin respond to will help you create the best treatment for you and give you the nourishment you deserve. Have fun and experiment with oils and fruit to keep your treatment natural and fresh.
The season of sun, fun, and summertime calls for braids, buns, and your baby hairs to be on full display. Many of our favorite brands have come out with different edge controls that are specially tailored to lay your edges down in the best way possible. Edge controls are infused with all different ingredient types that work not only to enhance your hairstyle, but provide nourishment and moisture to your hair, which you need in the heat. During the hot summer months, you must worry about sweat and frizz, so you are sure to find something that works for you and haircare routine.
Crème Of Nature Pure Honey Moisture Infusion Edge Control
Looking for 24-hour hold that won’t give up? This non-flaking, non-sticky, non-greasy formula is infused with pure honey, coconut oil, and shea butter for control and no-frizz edges.
Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Control Edge Glazer
Edge controls are best when they don’t leave build-up, and this aloe Vera and shea butter fusion is exactly what you need. An edge glazer that is lightweight with a great hold is perfect for on-the-go styling.
Aunt Jackie’s Grapeseed Style & Shine Recipes SLICKED! Flexible Styling Glue
Slicked! is the ultimate styler, great for sleek styles, like ponytails & puffs or for sculpting edges, this gel delivers superior hold. Unlike some other holding gels that flake and zap moisture, Aunt Jackie’s Grapeseed gel is infused with Marshmallow Root & Honey to add moisture, shine, and help protect hair and hairline from breakage. A little goes a long way.
Taliah Waajid Protective Styles Hairline Help 2-in-1 Plus Bamboo & Biotin Edge Growth
Biotin, basil, and bamboo are a great mix that work to help the hairline and edge growth under your protective styling. This edge styler is great for use before, during, and after your style to help revive your hairline.
Design Essentials Natural Honey Shea Edge Tamer
A little goes a long way with this pomade that is great for creating sleek styles, buns, ponytails, and up-dos. Fruit and Castor oils help to give a firm hold with a brilliant shine to your desired styles.
Carols Daughter Black-Vanilla Edge Control
This smooth styler is infused with honey, aloe, and rosemary to replenish moisture and add shine to your hair. The benefits of this product is that it’s not sticky, heavy, and can help seal split ends for brittle hair.
African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc, & Twist Gel
This Extra Hold Braid, Loc, & Twist Gel smooths frizz and flyaways while boosting shine for longer lasting styles. Leaves braids, locs and twists neat and smooth.
Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste
A classic edge control that never goes out of style due to the blueberry extract, argan oil, and mango ingredients. This paste creates a beautiful sheen and works as a pomade to enhance, define, and help with hair growth.
Mielle Organics Flexible Hold Edge Gel
If you have natural, relaxed, or chemically treated hair, this edge gel is going to tame your edges and fly-aways. Organic ingredients like honey, ginger, aloe vera, and flower wax create a non-flaky or greasy formula you can use on straight or natural hair.
The Mane Choice Laid Back Effortlessly Growth Stimulating Edge Control
Having an edge control that works to help grow your hair back is one worth keeping. The avocado and castor seed oil blend is gentle and can be used with your fingertips or a brush.
So many options, so little time! We’re going to be running to the store to get our edges laid down by one of these amazing products this summer. An edge tamer is key to helping shape your protective styles and keeping your scalp hydrated and conditioned with natural ingredients.
What is your favorite edge control? Let us know in the comments below.
### [Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil](https://shop.naturallycurly.com/mielle-organics-mint-almond-oil-8-oz/”>
The soothing blend of mint and almond oils can be applied directly into scalp whether wet or dry for maximum coverage. Soothing and rebalancing the scalp are just a few steps you need to take to achieve healthy hair growth with this essential product.
### Chocolate Kinks & Kurls Lemon Rose Hair & Scalp Renewal Oil
Lemon and rose penetrate your strands to seal in shine and moisture, leaving behind a light and pleasant scent. Use this to invigorate your scalp or as a hot oil treatment to nourish your coils.
### [Tropic Isle Living Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil](https://shop.naturallycurly.com/tropic-isle-living-lavender-jamaican-black-castor-oil-4-oz/”>
The JBCO is effective in enhancing hair growth and moisturizing the skin. The Lavender JBCO adds a natural calming scent from the pure and natural lavender essential oil. It helps control hair loss and improves hair growth, treats dry itchy scalp, helps, and Alopecia Areata and stimulates the scalp and cleanse hair of toxins
### [ Shea Moisture Sacha Inchi Oil Omega 3-6-9 Rescue and Repair Hair and Scalp Tonic](https://shop.naturallycurly.com/sheamoisture-sacha-inchi-oil-omega-3-6-9-rescue-repair-hair-scalp-tonic-4-oz/”>
A hair repair serum designed to smoothen and strengthen your hair is key for growth and styling. These organic ingredients blend sea kelp, argan oil, and shea butter to seal and smooth your hair cuticles.
### [Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Clarifying Scalp Treatment](https://shop.naturallycurly.com/carols-daughter-mimosa-hair-honey-clarifying-scalp-treatment-6-7-oz/”>
This is an essential product to help gently remove product build-up and soothe an itchy scalp after wearing protective styles like twists and braids. The mimosa flower, tea tree oil, and mint oil is going to leave a light fragrance and help your scalp recover post after removing braids or weaves.
### [All I Need Naturally Baobab Growth Oil](https://shop.naturallycurly.com/all-i-need-naturally-baobab-growth-oil-cocktail-4-oz/”>
It soothes the scalp as well as helps to seal the follicle and hair ends. It can be used as a daily scalp oil, hot oil treatment, plus it can be used for nails and skin.
### [Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment](https://shop.naturallycurly.com/briogeo-scalp-revival-charcoal-tea-tree-scalp-treatment-1-oz/ “Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment””>
This scalp treatment has cooling blends of peppermint and spearmint oils that reduces scalp itchiness, buildup and dryness. Add a few drops to your scalp after a wash or in between to soothe irritation.
### [Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil](https://shop.naturallycurly.com/alikay-naturals-essential-17-hair-growth-oil-8-oz/ “Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil””>
This unique blend after extensive research by combining not 2, but 17 of the best natural ingredients that increase hair growth by penetrating the scalp to get the nutrients to your follicles. This oil blend stimulates, nourishes and strengthens the hair follicles and reduces dandruff, while helping to reduce scalp infections and inflammation.
There are so many options, and so little time to shop, but with all of these remedies, we know your scalp is going to thank you! Picking out the product that is best for you is all dependent on the level of itch or dryness you are experiencing, so when shopping think about how light or intensive you want the oil to be. Also pay attention to the ingredients if you are sensitive to any specific formulas or have allergies!
Men who sport their curls aren’t without all the same trials and tribulations we natural gals go through. They too deal with finding the right products and most of all, style. Style is everything for curly men looking to mix up the classic wash&go with shape, design, and angles that work for their hair texture. Whether you’re a barber, influencer, or reader, as a curly man, it’s always important to have options that can be fun and stylish. We’ve compiled nine curly hairstyles you can rock no matter you texture or curl pattern. Throw it up, shave it down, braid it up, the possibilities are endless!
Natural Taper High Top
@mikhailsinanan shot by @mdericotte
Braided Bun
Image: @aaronjoates
Ponytail
Image: @grhamsnaturalcurls
Space Buns
Image: @kxdsheldyy
Undercut
Image: @_cleciojunior
Messy Bun
Image: @michealscurls7
Twist out Ponytail with Fade
Image: @aaronjoates
Pineapple
Image: @mcdonaldterell
Samurai Bun
Image: @kxdsheldyy
Wash n’ Go
Image: @shanefonntane
The key to rocking a great hairstyle is to be confident and experiment. A little product and hair ties can truly transform any set of curls into a whole look. If you’re looking to beat the summer heat locs, dreads, or braids are great protective style always a great option to keep your curls off your neck!
Ladies, can we agree we’d like to see more curly men? Let us know in the comments. And curly men, what are your top curl concerns? Let us know so we can help answer your questions.
Image: @jamilarowser
When you think of your wash day as a curly, what comes to mind? Your routine, products, frequency? For Black and Latina author Jamila Rowser, it became the inspiration for her 27-page comic that brought the opportunity to reflect and teach a larger audience about the importance of wash day in the world of natural haircare. We spoke with Jamila regarding her own wash day routine, what inspired the book, and the importance of representation for women and latinx people in comics.
Growing up as Black and Latina curly girl, Jamila didn’t embrace her natural hair until she was in college and chose to no longer get perms and wore her hair in natural styles. She shared how her hair represents her identity and this became an essential component for the foundations of creating “Wash Day,” which is represented by placing the setting in her hometown of the Bronx. Showcasing the changing climate of the “BX boro” was also important for audiences to understand the impacts of gentrification and how it affects her character. The duality of a bi-lingual character and cultural background was essential for Jamila to create a Spanish version of Wash Day to reflect her Black, Puerto Rican, and Dominican roots.
As Wash Day came to life, Jamila wanted to implement the process of a weekly ritual many of us endure in the pursuit of healthy, happy hair. She used her own routine as inspiration to create her character Kimana, a 26-year-old with long, thick hair residing in the Bronx. In order to also depict a routine that was universal and relatable Jamila sent her friend’s a survey to learn about their wash day routines, which helped influence her character’s patterns. Jamila shared her biggest wash day struggles as “Detangling, hands down. I recently cut my hair, but previously I had long thick hair and detangling would take me forever and it made me dread wash day. Now I have shorter hair and detangling takes me less than 5 minutes. It’s a dream!” As for holy grails, she likes to keep it simple with a “wide tooth comb, bobbi pins, and thick hair ties.” We couldn’t agree more with her essentials since they are staples of natural haircare.
One of the motivations Jamila had when creating a comic book that would highlight women of color and latinx people was to depict a life experience that is underrepresented for many Black and Brown women. “I know there is a lot of racism and colorism in Latinx society, and many dark-skinned women and women with kinky and curly hair receive a lot of hate and discrimination. Knowing this, I made sure that Wash Day, a comic that celebrates natural hair had an Afro-Latina character and was also available in English and Spanish.” The celebration of women was not only important in the creation of the comic but extended into who Rowser wanted to collaborate with for art and translation. She credits her success in adapting the writing into a comic from artist Robyn Smith and the translations by “Joamette Gil of Power & Magic Press, an Afro-Cuban woman I admire a lot in the comics community.”
When creating a passion project, it can lead to amazing new opportunities and Jamila was empowered by the creative process that came with the fruition of this book.“Wash Day helped me understand who I wanted to be as a creator, and that I wanted to create comics by and for women of color. I know that want to serve my community in a very specific way with my comics. I want Black and Latina women to read my comics and feel seen, respected and understood.”
Are you ready to grab your copy of Wash Day? Head to JamilaRowser.com/Shop to get notified when Wash Day goes on sale to the public!
For many of us curlies, we’ve experienced the challenge of finding a way to get our curly hair under a dreaded graduation hat. Whether it’s square, heptagon, or octagon these celebratory hats were not designed to flatter your hair no matter the texture or type. Don’t let the design fool you, curly women are bosses and we’ve found many ways to still be fashionable even with the constraints the cap can have. Styling your hair for your big day doesn’t have to be stressful, we’ve got the tips and tricks to help create a look that will have you crossing the stage with a smile as you continue to shine bright!
1. Side-Swept Curls
Image: @livenaturallylove
This is a cap friendly style that can prevent you from getting hat hair and squashing your curls. This style is all about texture and volume and can be used with clip-ins, braids, an updo, or a wash & go.
2. Slicked Bun
The excellent thing about a bun is you can wear it to the back or side when rocking your graduation cap. Grab your favorite edge control and slick down those edges which can help to position your cap and have a no fuss look with a chic style. Rocking a low side bun or pulling it straight back is also a fast style that is low maintenance and requires your choice hair band and some bobby pins.
3. Braids
Image: @minimarley
Curlies love the versatility of braids. Whether your curly hair is long or short, switching your style up with braids is perfect for graduation. You can go Beyonce fierce and rock lemonade braids, do a long fishtail on the side/back, or even try a braided crown. The key is to decide on the thickness and type of braid you want to rock sine some braids are more cap friendly than others. Braids are also a great protective style that can help maintain your curls depending on the temperature or climate your’re graduating in.
4. Cascade Roll
This style is a great way to show off your volume and keep your curls out of your face. Graduation day can be stressful, so your twist out or perm rods didn’t come out as planned, no need to worry. Grab a few bobby pins and take each curl and twist them into one roll like a casade effect, easy and timeless.
5. Let It Fro
Image: @de.jpeg
Nothing says graduation slay like the classic wash&go for your curly hair. Letting your curls fly free is a perfect way to compliment your graduation attire. The ease of a wash&go is that it;s a classic, comfortable style you know can set you up for photo success. You should plan ahead for the weather since an indoor/outdoor ceremony can affect your frizz level and how voluminous your hair can get. Make sure to leave time for air drying/diffusing so your wet curls don’t drip on your gown.
The best thing I can recommend for curlies on graduation day is to experiment and do your research. I wish on my graduation day I had tested out a few trial styles with my cap so I had an idea of how it would look in pictures. I was happy with my slicked backed bun, but I could’ve had a more playful or fun style that accentuated my curls. I also should’ve used a better gel/edge control because my baby hairs were sweating out my product underneath my hat when we took pictures outside. We wish you the best of luck in your graduation endeavors! May the cap gods have favor on your curls!
Spring is here and while most of us are itching to switch up our color, but we’re still on the fence because we’re afraid of the damage and maintenance of a major color change. We’ve got a solution for you. Naturalista, Wanda Mulzac, is a curlie who has been taking social media by storm by showing off how to color your curls without the commitment. What’s the secret to her ever-changing colorful curly hair? She uses temporary hair colors for a few days that wash out without having to go to a salon or coloring her natural hair. Scroll down to find out her tips and advice for applying temporary hair color, plus an awesome tutorial for blending your favorite hues for a multi-colorful look.
How do you properly apply temporary hair color?
What’s the best way to preserve temporary hair color?
I tend to only keep the color in my hair for 1 or 2 days. This is because it can fade and also cause my hair to feel dry the longer I keep it on.
Does your wash day routine change before you apply color?
Not really, I tend to style my hair as normal and the spray the color on once that has been completed.
What are your go-to products when your curly hair is colored?
The only product that I use is coconut oil to seal the color in on the first day, other than that, whichever styling products you may normally use is fine.
How do you select your colors? Does it depend on the season?
I basically select my colors depending upon the mood that I am in that day, and which colors would match. It’s really fun to just explore and try colors that I wouldn’t normally think of.
Can you share your best for getting the best looks from your curly hair color treatment?
Read more on Wanda’s curly hair tips and her life as a natural hair influencer on her blog.
Would you try a temporary hair color? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
