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2018 is here and it’s louder, bolder, and fiercer than ever before! Hair color has been making waves for the past few years as celebrities, influencers, and stylists give us creative beautiful colors to add to our curls. 2017 gave us deep turquoise and magenta’s, but 2018 is going deeper with jewel tones, ombre’s, multi-colored hues and more. Any color can be a hard decision for curlies to make since it takes a toll on your curls, but whether it’s temporary or long-term, it can always be fun to change up your look. The great thing about hair color this year is the trends have something for everyone whether you want to layer the color’s in your hair or have different shades of one color all over. Here at Naturally Curly, we’ve got you covered with colors to make your curls pop and varied ways to transition into something bolder if you are really want to switch up your hair game.

Rainbow Sherbet

Photo Credit: @lulustone_

Why have one color when you can have three? For those of us wanting to go the bright fantasy color route this year, mixing up your hues is the trend to follow. Try a base color for the roots and then switch up the shades with light colors like pink and orange for an explosive dose of fun. You can combine any hue you like, but we’re loving this take on rose gold and peach.

Curl Poppin Gray

Photo Credit: @naturallytash

Don’t knock the gray until you try it. While this is a very drastic look, shades of gray have a beautiful hue and pigmentation to make your curls pop and to really try a look outside the box.

Mulled Wine

Photo Credit: @happycurlhappygirl

Dark Chocolate

Photo Credit: @livin_fearless

Are you ready to bang out with a beautiful brown hue? This rich, chocolate color combines several shades that will make your eyes pop and allow you to play with your natural hair color if you don’t want to venture too far into a bold shade.

Cool Copper

Photo Credit: @curlsandcouture

Be looking out for this cool copper shades that will be flooding Instagram this season. Think of a lightened auburn shade combined with brown that will leave your skin glowing. It’s versatility to go lighter or darker is great for brunettes wanting to experiment with their hair color.

Blonde with Dark Roots

Photo Credit: @pariisjay

Have no fear ladies, this season you can try blonde without the weekly trips to the salon. Platinum has never looked so bold in this lightened shade that is accompanied by dark roots. The contrast between the roots and the length gives this look a more modern spin. While honey blonde has often been the signature for curlies, don’t be afraid to step up your shade game and go even brighter this spring. Just be sure to follow these steps to avoid damage and brassiness.

Red Ombre

Photo Credit: @curlychaotic

Ombre is back, but with a twist. The great thing about a good ombre is that it provides versatility and experimentation for any transitional hair color. In a season of varying shades of red, we encourage you to try a red ombre that compliment great dark roots without being too overwhelming.

Root Beer

Photo Credit: @kait_touch_this

The hair inspiration just keeps on coming with this glorious shade of brown. Root beer is not just a soda this year, it has turned into a warm brown hue with hints of red in between. This is a great color for those of us wanting a subtle change, but nothing too drastic in terms of shade or upkeep.

This rich, deep red shade has been all the rage the past few months. It’s varying shades of red can work well without a lot of maintenance or upkeep. It’s a great winter and summer shade that will definitely turn heads in the streets.

Are you kicking off 2018 with a new color? Tell us what’s inspiring you!

The trending items this season ventured from stylish pins and clips for your hair, to velvet textured headbands and bows. Even if you’re not a Pinterest queen who can DIY a flawless accessory, we’ve got you covered with the best places to order or shop for the key items to help perfect your outfit to launch excellent curl game in 2018.

Vintage Headpiece With Satin Tieback Ribbon

Photo Credit: @niadupree

Headpieces were all the rage last year as we gave a nod back to glamorous styles reminiscent of the Egyptian era. Curlies need headpieces that can expand with the volume and texture of any hairstyle we create. This is key whether you’re donning an updo or wearing your hair out, so a headpiece with a tieback ribbon will work with your hair and not against it. The sweet details and sparkle of this gem will give you the just right amount of glitz without breaking the bank.

Satin Headwraps

Photo Credit: @miss_glambition

Headwraps aren’t just for maintaining flawless curls. The season for festive headwraps is upon us and the lighter, brighter, and more sparkly, the better. Satin is chic, elegant and is a hair-care must-have. The great thing about this hair accessory is it allows you to bring bold statement necklaces, earrings, or make-up to the forefront of your outfit to allow for maximum effect.

Bejeweled Hair Pins

Photo Credit: @brittjohnz

These elegant hair accessories can be used long beyond the holidays since jewels are the epitome of grace and chicness. These can be customized for your curly hair with large/small pins as well as the size of the clip. Place it throughout your curls, pin them in an updo, or decorate a topknot for subtle elegance.

Flowers

Photo Credit: @naturally_izzy

Flowers aren’t just for spring! The versatility of the seasons changing is that you have a plethora of colors to work with and hair accessories are no exception. This hairstyle even has the added glam of glitter, bright colors, and accenting the make-up with the flowers. It’s fun, festive, and just subtle enough to where you can appreciate the entire look.

Accents

Photo Credit: @itsalexandramaria

A chic topknot or bun can always be accessorized with a great accent. Using jewels, pins, barrettes, or wire to wrap the bun/topknot can add a pop of color to your hair. It is always fun to experiment with how a hair accessory can compliment an updo and using wire or thread is also an unexpected way to maintain the shape of your style.

Hair Combs

Photo Credit: @julzjones

Oh hair combs, how we love you. Many of us experiment with buns and updos on days when we don’t want to wear our hair out, so a hair accessory is a great compliment to bringing the right attention to your hair. Curlies can love hair combs because they require little effort but the maximum effect for your style.

Bobby Pins

Photo Credit:@lesliellozano by @dahliadanda

Think bobby pins are just for keeping those flyaways down? Think again. This season influencers, stylists, and curlies alike have been revamping the idea of how a bobby pin can work as the ultimate hair accessory. Whether you style it in the front of your hair, back, or use it to create a design between your part, this hair accessory allows for the utmost creativity.

Love the looks? Shop similar styles below:

Elasticized Rhinestone HeadBand: Forever 21

Velvet Knot Headband ($29″>: Nordstrom

Crescent Hair Comb ($48″>: Anthropologie

Large Velour Hair Elastic (5.99″>: H&M

Embellished Stone Back Hair Chain ($13″>:ASOS

Always remember that whether you take the DIY route or shop in-store hair accessories it’s about trial and error. Make sure you research what styles you want to use and think about how your chosen hair accessory fits into the vision you have for your hair. The great thing is that with the multitude of accessories available, there are countless ways to find a hairstyle that works for you!

Are you headed to a special occasion and in need of some of the inspiration? Here’s the party Hairstyles We’re Obsessed With.

2017 brought us so many things, but the one gift we can be grateful for is that it was a year of fabulous natural hair. From the red carpet, awards shows, social media, and YouTube, we got to see some stunning hairstyles that were crafted works of art. We got glam with updo’s, channeled our inner Beyonce with lemonade braids, and served up short hair with ease. Celebrities of all demographics, hair types, and ages were able to provide Hollywood with glam that reflected culture, and the versatility of natural hair. Influencers gave us amazing tutorials on social media and hair envy with hairstyles that were intricate, detailed, and flawless. This was the year to show up and show out with the creativity to try bold looks and work outside of your comfort zone.

While you sit back and reflect on your own hairstyles, it’s important to think about who caught your eye, what they were rocking, and why you were attracted to it. We were given so much access to great hairstyles whether you were in Instagram, reading a magazine, or cruising through Netflix. Representation is essential in an evolving beauty industry with new trends and styles that we are all wanting to keep up with. It’s important going into the new year we continue to be inspired and motivated to rock hair reflective of who we are and demand to see more of it on the silver screen, big screen, and everything in between. Natural hair took the industry by storm through products, hairstyles, and looks that were universally celebrated. Regardless of anything else that went on this year, natural hair and magnificent hairstyles were tip-top.

Zendaya’s Fringe Curls with Bangs

Photo Credit: @zendaya

Yara Shahidi’s Hair Accessories and Curly Hair

Photo Credit: Image taken by Yu Tsai for Seventeen Magazine

Zoe Kravitz’s Bleached Blonde Pixie Cut

Photo Credit: Image taken by Charles Star Matadin for Tiffany & Co

Issa Rae’s Natural Updo

Photo Credit: Image taken by Jessica & Clark for @fastcompany

Susan Kelechi Watson’s Textured Ponytail

Photo Credit: @jordan_grossman

Beyonce’s Natural Ponytail

Photo Credit: @beyonce

@iknowlee’s Sleek Ponytail Pompadour

Photo Credit: Helecia Williams

@joyjah’s Braided Space Buns

@leonegoddess’s Beaded Braids

Photo credit: nikeliphotography

@livin_fearless’s Halo Braid

@moknowshair’s Twisted Side Updo

Photo Credit: @flylifeimages

@naturallytemi’s Faux Fro Hawk

@curly.edgy’s Lemonade Braids

Photo Credit: @mountainbikekeith

NaturallyCurly is always here to bring you the best of the best in everything hair related no matter your gender, age, ethnicity or cultural background. We look forward to bringing more essential natural hair tips, products, and advice in 2018 that will challenge, inspire, and grow your love of hair. May your new year be filled with fierce, fun, dynamic hairstyles that help you learn to continual love yourself and your hair no matter the type, length, or texture. Happy New year from the NaturallyCurly family!

I never thought I’d date a man with a beard.

Every year when No Shave November rolled around I literally found myself cringing at the long, scruffy beards that would emerge. Post-November, you began to see the good stuff coming back out. I was a fan of the clean look, seeing a nice jawline, perhaps a good five o’clock shadow from time to time; however, when you meet the right partner, the heart wants what it wants. My heart chose a beautifully bearded man with a kind heart and an open mind. Now, dating a man with a beard has taught me a few lessons, like the importance of bi-weekly trips to the barber, the variation of length/shape depending on how fast it’s growing, and the fact that beards come with their own beauty regime. Yes, I said it, beards come with a beauty regimen that consists of shampooing, conditioning, oiling, and general hair maintenance.

This was all new to me since I had never dated a man with a beard before, and to some extent, this was also new to my boyfriend, whose beard maintenance typically takes place at the barbershop. With an explosion of natural men’s lines hitting the shelves and the growing popularity of facial hair, I decided to embark on a beard product search to meet his general day-to-day grooming needs. I provided my boyfriend with four men’s line brands, HIS MIX from Mixed Chicks, J.Carter Men, Shea Moisture, and Cantu, which are formulated specifically beards. Here’s his review of each product based on texture, smell, and how well he was able to use it in his beard.

Mixed Chicks HIS Mix-The Men’s line from Mixed Chicks comes in a quad pack featuring a Shampoo, Daily Conditioner, Leave-In Conditioner and Styling Gel

This pack reflects some of the classic Mixed Chicks favorites, while adding new styling products for men’s hair. My boyfriend stated this was favorite product in the pack because it had a “good smell” and “left his head/beard feeling clean.” The “clean” feeling was important given his frequency of daily workouts. He tried to alternate between the daily and leave-in conditioners in his hair, but admitted couldn’t tell a difference in how well they conditioned his beard. The Styling Gel was his least favorite because “it left my scalp itchy,” although he figured it was because he never uses gel in his hair.

J. Carter Men:Drench Curl Activator

This hydration spray promises to “reactivate dryness” and “reactivate your texture pattern.” I’m not sure if my boyfriend’s beard wasn’t fine enough for this product, or whether it was too thick, but it wasn’t his favorite. I think for men post-No Shave November who have finer beards or want to see definition, this is your product. He found the texture “sticky” and stated that it “made his beard feel stiff.” It had a wonderful rosemary smell that he found “overwhelming at times,” but did see some texture in his beard since the product seemed to “make the hair kink up.”

Shea Moisture Men Maracuja Oil & Shea Butter Full Beard Detangler

Oh this was my personal favorite, but back to my boyfriend…This was his favorite for his beard since it had “a good straightening effect” to lengthen his beard. I’m pretty sure even if you’ve done some trimming since No Shave November, you’ll want to use this product because it promotes healthy beard growth. It also “wasn’t sticky” and didn’t “clump up,” which made him less prone to itching or flaking. The best part he seemed to enjoy with styling was combing through his beard with ease, and I can second that since he literally smelled yummy… all the time.

Cantu Men 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash

This was one of those 3-in-1 products where you either get the most bang for your buck, or it falls flat. For men transitioning from No Shave November to these cold winter months, having a multi-functional product could be great for on-the-go styling and cleansing. For my boyfriend, he loved the smell but only used it as a shampoo and didn’t like the texture of it on his beard. He felt that because it had a shampoo consistency he didn’t understand how it could function as a conditioner as well. He did enjoy it when he used it as a shampoo, but it wasn’t his favorite because of the liquidy consistency.

Alhough November has come to a close, we can still appreciate and love a man with good beard game. The great thing about the availability of natural men’s products is that all of our favorite brands are coming out with different varieties of styling and conditioning products to make our men just as happy. For my man, he’s planning on using the SheaMoisture Detangler and HIS MIX Shampoo as part of his daily regimen, and I’m happy he was so flexible and open to trying so many different products.

What do the men in your life use on their hair or beard? Share with us below.

November means a few things: Thanksgiving, sweater weather…and “No-Shave November.” It’s not just a hashtag or trending topic, it has become so ingrained in our culture that there are pages, contests, and websites dedicated to the glory of the beard. The great thing about “No-Shave November” is that it’s foundationally rooted to generate awareness for cancer, so even if you’re not a fan of your man’s scruff, it’s for a great cause.

“No-Shave November is a web-based, non-profit organization devoted to growing cancer awareness and raising funds to support cancer prevention, research, and education.”

Growing a beard for some men takes patience, diligence, and a lot of trial and error so you’ve got to marvel at his discipline to grow out his hair. Men are meticulous in their use of creams, oils, and conditioners to maintain, soften, and keep their beard looking in tip-top shape. Their barbers can attest to the hard work and care taken to trim, edge, and line-up a good beard during this month which does require ample maintenance so the beard doesn’t get scraggly and unkempt.

Here at NaturallyCurly we’re dedicated to providing you with the best in hair tips, tutorials, and product that can change your curly game, but we also have something for men who are seeking to change their hair game through stylish cuts and maintenance no matter their pattern or texture. In honor of the movement that is “No-Shave November” and the passion for an excellent beard we’ve scoured social media for the best of the best in beards. The best thing about a man with a beard is there is no right or wrong way to sport one.

Whether it’s thick, thin, bushy, shaped up or lining his face, beards are hot. Beards are the equivalent of a hat – men look completely different when wearing one and we can appreciate the subtle or bold transformation even if it’s just temporary. Some men will sport their beard game all season and others will bring back the razor and reveal their face at the end of the month. Below you’ll find 20 of the hottest men rocking beards ranging from athletes, models, personal trainers, the everyday man, and your business executive. These men sport their beards proudly and we are in 100% support of the “No-Shave November” movement.

Photo Credit: @kaydenmade

Photo Credit: Carlos Rodriguez

Photo Credit: Terrance Franklin

Photo Credit: Trenton Patterson

Photo Credit: Samir Patel

Photo Credit: @asiyami_gold

Photo Credit: Tom Brennan

Photo Credit: Marvin Pierre

Photo Credit: Daniel Enciso

Photo Credit: @fitwallo

Photo Credit: Steven Luangpakdy

Photo Credit: @ronshredz

Photo Credit: @bytarricelove

Photo Credit: Anthony Bartucci

Photo Credit: Jeremy Hills

Photo Credit: @taymitch_

Photo Credit: Rachel Emma Photography

Photo Credit: Ricky Saldivar

Photo Credit: @QueDuong

You might recognize him from the latest SheaMoisture Men’s commercial, check out the full video below.

Here’s to celebrating the wonderful beards that have come and gone in this wonderful holiday season where a little scruff is never a bad thing. We love all types of hair at NaturallyCurly, so we’re happy to end 2017 giving recognition to a wonderful beard that exemplifies one of many things we can appreciate in a man.

Photo courtesy of @asos

Thanksgiving is almost here, it’s so close I can almost taste it. There are so many things to look forward to during this time such as grandma’s sweet potato pie, binge-watching your favorite shows and spending time with your family and friends. It’s also one of the biggest shopping days of the year. If racing to the stores isn’t your cup of tea, check out a few of our favorite Black Friday deals you can snag online in the comfort of your own home. When you have so many brands and stores you love to shop at, dwindling down your time and budget can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering, who has the best deal? Is it really worth it? Decisions, decisions, decisions await us all as Black Friday looms closer. Here at NaturallyCurly we’re here to make your holiday shopping easier with a list sharing a few of our favorite fashion and beauty brands to stock up on and check a few people off your list, you may even grab something for yourself too. Scroll through these mind-blowing deals that will give you something to look forward to after you finish feasting. Ready, set, shop!

Fashion

• H&;M– November 14 through November 28 save up 70% off select items and 30% off sitewide on CyberMonday.
• Express – You’re going to be going insane filling your cart with Fall essentials 50% off November 21 through November 25 plus free shipping on all orders.

• Asos – Elevate your holiday style with up to 60% off shoes and accessories for a limited time only.

• Nordstrom- You’ll want to head over to the sales section, which will have an additional 20% marked off from November 23 through November 27.

• Old Navy– The party doesn’t stop for the two-day sale happening November 22 through November 24 where you can get 50% off in-store and online.

Skincare

• L’OCCITANE– This luxurious brand is offering 20% off all their full-priced skin and body products from November 26 through November 29.
• Sally Beauty– This gem as bit of everything for everyone so why not take advantage of 30% off orders of $50 or more.
• Clarisonic– It’s time to get to scrubbing with these skin-tastic devices which are 30% off, including holiday gift sets Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
• Origins – Prefers to keep their Black Friday deals under wraps until the day of, but here are a few ways to save. Get 15% off your first order by subscribing to their newsletter plus get full size treats when you spend $45 or $65.

• Glow Recipe– No more flake, the cure to the winter time blues is here with code BLACKFRIDAYGLOW November 24 through November 26 to receive 25% all sheet masks.

Make-up

• Sephora– Is known for revealing their Black Friday deals the day of, but we checked out their app for a sneak peek. They shared a preview of select fan favorite brands like Lancome, Bite, Buxom, and It cosmetics for $15 and under.
• E.L.F. Cosmetics – One of the most recognized drugstore beauty brands now offers a wide range of skincare, make-up and accessories. Take 50% off of everything, yes everything, November 24 through November 28.

• NYX Cosmetics – From November 24 through November 25 get 30% off site-wide and in NYX retail stores.
• Ulta – Don’t miss the beauty busters that include deals under $10, $15 and $25 starting at 5 pm November 23rd.

• Black Opal – Support one of the first black-owned beauty brands and save 20% off sitewide until November 20th – November 26th and on Cyber Monday save 30% off sitewide.

SHOPNaturallyCurly is also having a Black Friday site-wide sale. Re-up on your holy grails such as Mielle Organics, Cantu, SheaMoisture and Mixed Chicks and save 25% off plus FREE shipping.

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 ($11.99″>

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.

TGIN Argan Replenishing Hair and Body Serum ($14.99″>

You can never go wrong using an oil-based serum to keep your curls hydrated. This beauty blends coconut, argan, and vitamin E for manageable hair that leaves makes taking care of your hair much easier after straightening.

Curlfriends Shine Hair Gloss ($28.50″>

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 ($4.99″>

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 ($6.99″>

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.

Flawless by Gabrielle Union Heat Protectant Spray ($19.00″>

The fierce comes in all sizes with this product that contains essential oils like argan, marula, and avocado to keep your hair enriched with vitamins. The ultra-light formula won’t weigh your hair down and gives a beautiful shine that will keep you smiling all night long.

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.

Before the natural hair movement became “trendy” or the go-to way for styling your curls, coils, and kinks, going “natural” was frowned upon. The struggle for public and personal acceptance to wear our natural hair free of relaxers, straighteners, sleek ponytails or “professional” has been an endeavor many curlies have encountered at some point with regard to their hair. Whether it was being teased by a classmate, bullied, pressured to straighten by family or friends, or looking “appropriate” for an interview, hair discrimination is hard to overcome.

Me personally, I experienced the ongoing pressure of people always wanting to experiment and transform my curly hair straight. Magazines and my peers impressed upon me that straight hair was pretty and I aspired for crimped and bone straight hair that I could never achieve. I was taught that wearing my hair void of a hairband, clip, barrette or something to tame it was letting it be “wild” and primal. I’m happy I was finally able to not only learn how to accept my hair in whatever form it’s in but to not allow other’s opinions influence my own self-worth.

A few of our favorite curlies and influencers share their tips, advice, and experiences overcoming hair discrimination below:

“My tip for all the girls who are trying to go natural, but their family or friends tell them ‘you look better with straight hair’ or ‘how are you going to manage it’ would be: Don’t let those people get to you, the beginning is the hardest part, once you are transiting you will flourish! Your natural hair is part of you! It’s not something we can change it grows out of our head! We have to embrace it and love it!”– Sue Portillo

“You can’t try to justify that straight hair is the only acceptable hairstyle in the work place. I’m tired of ‘taming’ my hair to please someone else. My hair should not affect your work performance.” – Bree Lee

“I straightened my hair out of fear of not getting a job. I felt extremely ashamed after I did this, I could not believe I let this fear hide the real me. I wanted to share my story to inspire women to be proud of every kink, curl and coil you have on your head. If someone thinks your hair is too ‘nappy’ they just need some education on black culture. Please do not change yourself for anyone, remain natural, remain beautiful and most importantly remain true to yourself.”– Dominique Washington

“I used to get taunted for having long hair before it was a ‘popular’ thing. To those who are struggling with their natural hair I say to them. ‘Never be afraid to embrace what was naturally given to you from God.'”– Dawan Pearson

“I don’t think it is fair to bully anyone about their hair. The ignorance regarding hair can be so discouraging! I would encourage anyone in this situation to counteract hair bullying with ultimate confidence! Be proud of your hair. Be strong and courageous in your beauty. You can silence bullying with confidence!”– Lorelle Oliveira

One of the best ways to combat hair discrimination is to find a community that allows you to be open, honest, and receive advice from others who can respect your story. NaturallyCurly,CurlsUnderstood, KinkyCurlyCoilyMe, and CurlyNikki: Natural Hair Care are just a few online resources that provide information on loving your natural hair and having an active community to interact with.

Have you dealt with hair discrimination? How did you overcome it?

The big transition to wearing your natural hair curly and proud is a process. Growing up in a “woke” generation has enabled us the ability to be more expressive with every facet of our bodies, clothing, sexuality, and hair. The beauty of curly hair is that everyone’s transition process is different. How we started to embrace our natural hair, what we used, and how it’s affected our perception of our hair is a significant journey for curlies.

My natural hair journey was inspired by my younger sister . . .

I grew up in an era where wearing your curly hair big, bold and beautiful without a pin, headband, or barrette was unheard-of. Mind you I am 26 and a millennial, but the natural hair movement as I know it, came to me at the age of 22. After a long four years of straightening my hair to no end, living with my sister allowed me to see her natural hair process up close and personal. It was long and expensive. I watched her take meticulous detail in putting this conditioner in her hair that made her curls moisturized and healthy. She finally convinced me to try wearing my hair down and to use her go-to, Kinky-Curly Leave-In Conditioner.

After seeing a hairstylist who informed me not to straighten or color my curly hair anymore for danger it could fall out, I began to research what products would revive my curls. I didn’t feel confident wearing my curls down since they smelled bad and had no bounce. Instead, I would try up-do’s during the day and wear it down around the house with my sister where I felt more comfortable. I began to experiment with other remedies to restore my curls and keep them healthy. I used Mane ‘n Tail to help my hair grow and Garnier Fructis Length and Strength Cream Conditioner to assist with my breakage and split-ends. As my hair grew out, I would visit a stylist bi-monthly to cut the bad ends and google tips and tricks on what could get my curl pattern back. I became obsessed with my hair because I wanted my curls back to normal and to wear it down as my sister did.

Over the course of that entire year I slowly but surely started to see the bounce in my curls, shine in my hair, and the smell of burnt hair from my straightener slowly disappear. I began to move away from Garnier Fructis and upped my curls game with the John Frieda Dream Curls collection where I used the Shampoo, Conditioner and Defining Gel. I learned from my sister to not use hairspray or products with alcohol and started seeking products that were more natural. When I hit the age of 23, my curls were flourishing and I received compliments on how good my hair looked. I started learning that my hair didn’t look wild, or unkept, it was blossoming. I didn’t need a headband or ten palms of gel to slick it down.

If I could give you five tips for your transition to help you through the process here’s what I suggest:

• Don’t be ashamed! Acknowledging your need to get your hair back healthy is the first step and sometimes a hard one to face. Beating yourself up is no way to start your long curl journey, so take a deep breath and know it’ll be okay.
• Do your research. I cannot stress enough the untapped power and vast net of knowledge that is on social media and the internet. Every curl type and pattern is different so researching what products are best for you to start with is vital.
• Headbands and scarves will be a lifesaver. Whether it’s tying your hair up, locking in moisture, or putting a stylish twist on your outfit, think of these hair accessories as tools to enhance your curls, not hide them.
• Take pictures of your transition. Believe me, I’m the first one to admit getting in front of a camera was the last thing I wanted to do when my curls were lifeless. Now, though there aren’t many, I’m happy for the progress pictures that help me see how far I’ve really come.
• Be patient. Your curls won’t come back overnight. Everyone’s bounce back is different whether you start with the big chop or are visiting the salon regularly to cut dead ends, getting your curls back takes time.

Now at 27, I love my hair. I love it big and curly and I am grateful that I was able to revive it. For those transitioning, doing your research is key. The product aisle can be overwhelming, but if you find yourself wandering around your local drug and beauty supply store, try the travel sizes from different brands. Be bold, be unafraid and know you have a huge curly army behind you!

Further reading about transitioning hair:

• 10 Tips for Transitioning Natural Hair
• 5 Easy Hairstyles Every Transitioner Should Know

Defining “multi-ethnic” beauty can be complicated, as there is no one curl pattern or hair type that multi-ethnic people have. Multi-ethnic people can sometimes feel isolated for not fully fitting into one group or another, and luckily there are more brands than ever before that catering to all curl types and ethnicities and the conversation has shifted on how that could impact the consumer.

I spoke with seven curlies on their perspectives on “multi-ethnic” brands, how they use them, and why it’s important to look past the label in natural hair care.

Having products that appeal to people of different hair textures and diverse backgrounds is not only important for hair care but also for self-esteem.

“Having products that appeal to people of different hair textures and diverse backgrounds is not only important for hair care but also for self-esteem. Brands like SheaMoisture, Mixed Chicks, DevaCurl and Miss Jessie’s give men and women everywhere the opportunity to embrace and accentuate their beauty without having to alter their hair pattern. Personally, I would not try products that I do not culturally identify with, as I have felt ostracized for most of my lifetime by culturally limited brands.

My favorite brand is Shea Moisture because my hair is eternally thirsty and I feel that these products provide intense moisture while defining my curls. I currently apply the African Water Mint & Ginger Detox & Refresh Scalpl Gentle Conditioner to soaking wet hair, add Sacha Inchi Oil Omega 3-6-9 Rescue & Repair Curl Defining Smoothie and lastly I section my hair and brush to add definition.”- Stephanie Espejo

“The first products I tried from Mixed Chicks were the Deep Conditioner and the Leave-In Conditioner. How I use them is simple, I don’t always need to shampoo my hair before restyling so if need be, I’ll use either my Mixed Chicks Shampoo or any sulfate-free drug store shampoo I may have at the time.

During the cooler/cold weather, SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is my favorite! Having hair products that target the multi-ethnic community is a blessing. Natural hair care has come a long way. For years, curly hair was frowned upon so companies hesitated to create products targeting ‘multi-ethnic hair,’ making it harder for curly heads to really learn to accept and take care of their hair the way they should. Generic hair lotions are not enough to care for a head full of curls. The ingredients in generic lotions are not always the healthiest or moisturizing and that’s why I prefer to use “multi-ethnic” hair products.”- Brandi Harrell

“I’ve tried a variety of multicultural brands and one that always worked for me from the beginning of my journey was SheaMoisture. I always loved that they catered to a variety of different hair needs. When I first decided to transition from relaxed hair to natural not many people understood why, many believed I didn’t have the hair type ‘that wasn’t meant to be relaxed’ or ‘needed to be relaxed.’ Shea Moisture products helped me to fall in love with my hair, just the way it grows out of my scalp. I mostly use their conditioners and treatment masques depending on what my hair needs at the time.”- Sephora Gabourel

“My motto these days, is power to the curl! I am not a hair product snob, but I am someone who tends to stick with products that bring my curls to life. I love products that are multi-ethnic because as a biracial woman, it really allows my hair in supporting its own tress-duo identity. I used to try to control my curls with heavy gels and chemical heavy products, but within the past year, I did a big chop and decided to start fresh. On top of that, I stocked my beauty shelf with products that truly embraced my locks and helped bring the big bounce back. For example, DevaCurl has been a hair life saver. My favorite is DevaCurl’s B’Leave In Miracle Curl Plumper. I love how it defines and makes my hair feel soft, as opposed to crunch and stiff like other heavy products.”- Jasmine Banks

“I always have products from SheaMoisture at home because I can rely on it. It helped me so many times in the beginning of my natural hair journey. I’ve already tried various products from this brand. There’s a lot of choice in terms of hair type and hair care, but I trust them and I’m loyal to them. I use SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie and shine milk as my curling cream. It’s the last part of my wash and go or twist out routine. I love it, my hair loves it and it smells so good and make my hair feel super good too. This product is a must, and when it’s almost gone I always go buy more. The most important thing about this brand is its efficiency and the amazing scent of the products.” -Yoya

“I’ve been riding the curl struggle bus for quite some time due to bad highlights, over-straightening, and using the wrong products. I recently made a HUGE chop, so my hair is much happier! It still has a long way to go to get to where my curls were before all the bad habits, but I’ve found that patience really is key. My current routine is: 1″> apply Deva Curl Ultra Defining Gel then Mixed Chicks Coil, Kink, and Curl Styling Cream after washing; 2″> air dry for a little (usually use this time to do my makeup”>; 3″> dry on low heat upside down; and 4″> apply Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. These products leave my curls soft and bouncy, and smelling delicious!”- Vanessa Suggs

If you’re a multi-ethnic curly, what role have brands that cater to a range of curl types meant for you? Do you feel it’s important to culturally identify with a brand, or do you shop by hair concern? Weigh in in the comments below. 

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The Windy City is known for its vibrant city life, diverse culture, and amazing fashion that inspires people all over the world. Finding a natural hair salon can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack if you don’t know where to start when you live in the city, but we’ve got you covered. We’ve scoured the city of Chicago to find you Chicagoans the best salons to get your hair braided, cut, and help you achieve your best curls. Check out the top 15 natural hair salons in Chicago below.

Image: Hair Spa Chicago

1. Hair Spa Chicago

Formerly known as “Salon Pressure”, Hair Spa Chicago offers an array of services ranging from colored bundles, blowouts, and texture based hair care. Their salon catalog spans a variety of styles for all hair types that include closures, weaves, and varying curl patterns. The salon also features curly care products to help clients learn more about their natural hair and keep it healthy at home.

Image: Huetiful

2. Huetiful Chicago

Huetiful has been a long standing natural hair salon in Chicago and was founded by Ken Burkeen in 2010. Ken introduces his clients to the “The 4 Healthy Hair Pillars” which is a science-based approach to textured hair care that has been adopted by salons all over the U.S. Huetiful focuses on health hair treatments, Devacuts, extensions/braids, loc maintenance and more!

Image: Natural Beauty Couture

3. Natural Beauty Couture

Rasheeda Bibbs is the stylist and owner of Natural Beauty Couture, a salon dedicated to helping naturalistas with protective styles, transitioning, or the big chop! Rasheeda offers a variety of styles for her clients such as two-strand twists, loc maintenance, scalp treatments, and other healthy hair services. As the “curl whisperer” she has dedicated her career to restoring natural hair with protective styles and teaching her clients to love their hair in all forms.

Image: Twisted Roots Salon Inc.

4. Twisted Roots Salon Inc.

The art of the twist, loc, braid, and textured hair is all an art form for the stylists at Twisted Roots Salon Inc. They strive to meet the needs of their various clientele by making it a business motto and practice that is seenin the delicate care and time invested in each signature hairstyle. Twisted Roots specialized in a variety of loc services such as loc maintenance, extensions, stylings, interlocking, and twist styles. 

Image: @shavonakhan

5. Glo On Natural Hair

Currently located in the South Loop of Chicago, Glo On Natural Hair is owned by Shavon Akhan who has been a natural hair stylist for the past 20 years. Shavon honors and reveres the “sacred cultural artform” of natural hair and desires to educate every one of her clients. The salon specializes in braiding and natural hair styling which offers a variety of options like weaves, cornrows, twists, locs, and intricate braiding like micro braids or tree braids.

Image: Cally’s Curls

6. Curls and Company

Curls and Company isn’t composed of one specialized stylist, but prides itself on housing a collection of creative stylists who are devoted to the craft of hair styling. This salon specializes in dry curl cutting, deva cuts, color, and trains all their staff to tackle any hair texture for all genders. One of the signature services of this salon is conditioning and revitalizing treatments to help restore damaged hair and transition clients into healthy hair practices. 

Image: Natural Hair Bar 

7. Natural Hair Bar

Jacqueline Tarrant is the beauty expert, certified trichologist, and owner of Natural Hair Bar located on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. As the former Director of Education and Product Development Specialist for LOREAL she has developed a unique insight into hair care and product usage that she is able to share with her clients at Natural Hair Bar. She offers a variety of services that focus on hair education like hair loss analysis, hair growth sessions, protective hair styling, and more!

Image: relaxshesnatural_llc

 8. Relax She’s Natural

Deanna Browley is a celebrity stylist and licensed trichologist whose passion for hair styling and education led to the creation of West Loop salon, Relax She’s Natural. This salon focuses on helping customers rediscover how to properly care and maintain healthy hair through styling sessions focusing on services like trichology to help revitalize the scalp and a variety of silk press options. These options give the customers the chance to find and define their wigs, weaves, or natural hair using rod sets, twist outs and microlink installs.

Image: Roe’s Natural Hair Care

9. Roe’s Natural Hair Care

Roe’s Natural Hair Care Salon features a range of services to meet the naturalista looking for braided styles, cuts, color, and more. Roe’s specializes in twisted styles and braids which range in length and size like knotless braids, box braids, ombrebox, and tribal braids. Regardless of gender or age, Roe’s Salon is a one stop shop for everyone to get their hair goals accomplished.

Image: Essence VIP 

10. Essence VIP

Essence VIP is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago and features a variety of salon services like relaxers, press and curling, dreadlocks, weaves, and extensions. The team of amazing hair designers works with each client to help you achieve the best style for your lifestyle and personality. In addition to styling services, the designers are trained to help with scalp treatments to improve disorders like dandruff, eczema, cradle cap, and alopecia.

Image: The Healthy Hair Boutique

11. The Healthy Hair Boutique 

The Healthy Hair Boutique is located in downtown Chicago and is known for its signature “Chicago Silk Press” that “moves in motion. The boutique specializes in several healthy hair styles for Black women such as sew-in weaves, relaxers, updo styles, and locs. Each customer will receive a 1-1 consultation for their individual beauty needs and can also purchase bundles, lashes, and extensions

Image: The Curl Whisperer

12. The Curl Whisperer Chicago

The Curl Whisperer Chicago is a salon suite operated by Starresha Martin in the Lincoln Park Area of Chicago. She has been in the industry for over five years specializing in naturally curly hair care. Offering services such as Deva Cutting, Pintura Highlighting, Custom Coloring, Rod sets and Twist Outs. She focuses on client education and helping clients maintain and care for their crown. Naturals love this salon because it offers a more intimate experience. They love the setting, the energy and the location.

Image: Nu Bgin NS

13. Nu Bgin NS Natural Hair and Wellness Center

NubginsNs Natural Hair and Wellness team was founded by Tywanna who is a licensed cosmetologist who has been an industry leader for natural hair professionals. She teaches techniques with creative styles that she has made an integral part of NubginsNs team culture. Customers can select from services like braids, twists, locs, extensions and new stylists can attend natural hair workshops and braiding classes to improve their skills.

Image: @iprotecttresses via @chicagocurlcollective

14. Chicago Curl Collective

Chicago Curl Collective is a Natural  and curly hair boutique salon that specializes in healthy hair care. The Chicago Collective specializes in bridal styling, Deva Cuts and amazing color. The Chicago Curl Collective strives to cater to any and all your hair care needs.

Image: @christianfields_legacyinc

15. Christian Fields Natural Hair Salon

Christian Fields Natural Hair Salon features an array of talented stylists and barbers ready to service all of your natural hair care needs and “stay on the cutting edge” of the latest hair trends.. This upscale salon features styling and cut options for any person looking to get their hair done. Styling services include loc styles, double strand twist, and color for anyone looking to add a little pop to their hair this summer.

Many of us curlies know the stress and finesse that comes when shopping for your token curly hair care products. As the industry is evolving and growing and new items hit the shelves, you can easily replace a curl staple of your hair care with something new. For those of us who are champions of our token brand, moving outside our comfort zone is hard and we have to take careful steps to putting new products in our curly hair.

Will it work? Am I wasting my money? These two questions are common feelings I ask myself when shopping because I’m pretty intent on always sticking to what I know will work. In the spirit of the new month I decided to take on a challenge and let my type A personality put my hair care in someone else’s hands…my boyfriend. He is a wonderful man who not only loves my curly hair, but understands the importance of the natural hair movement, so needless to say he was pretty confident he could do this.

Now, my partner and I do not live together so I knew my proposition to give him $25 and buy my curly hair products would be a risk. While he’s aware of my enthusiam for curly hair care and has seen my work in NaturallyCurly, we’ve been dating less than three months and he hasn’t seen my curl routine up close and personal. We haven’t had a vacation or weekend getaway which requires him to see the curly cocktail I put in my hair. He hasn’t gotten to spend a Sunday where I’m deep conditioning with a cap on or the struggle of a detangle session mid-week.

I decided to take a chance to see what products he thinks it takes to style my hair. The only parameters I gave him was not to use my staple company since I need to use products/brands I’m not familiar with.I will say his choices were impressive, some I was familiar with via social media, others I hadn’t heard of. After a lengthy trip to our local Target where I was patiently hiding in between shelves of books, we checked out and I looked in the bag.

Surprisingly he chose an interesting mix: Shea Moisture’s Raw Shea & Cupuacu Frizz Defense Hair Masque ($12.99″>, the Travel size Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream ($2.99″>, and Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Cream ($8.99″>. He spent exactly what I gave with a little fluctuation for tax, but I was very impressed. Shea Moisture products aren’t a stranger to my hair, but the other two were, so here’s my curl take on the products.

Shea Moisture’s Raw Shea Cupuacu Frizz Defense Hair Masque: I’ve actually had this in my hand many times, and always put it down because I already had my signature hair masque. My oh my am I happy this came across my path. The amazing scent of Passiflora and Pistachio left an intoxicating smell on my hair on top of taming the frizz in my hair for the week. It was extremely thick like any deep conditioner, but I was very satisfied with the softness of my hair and smoothness on my curls.

Cantu Leave-In Conditioner Repair Treatment: This 2 oz. portion was so small I side-eyed my boyfriend at first, but once he explained how he thought a mini version was a better investment so I could try it out, I understood. This repairing cream is very thick and I didn’t need much at all to spread throughout my curls. It left a great amount of moisture and shine to my hair which I haven’t seen in many leave-in conditioners, so I appreciated a new effect on my hair.

Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme- Hello heavy product. I knew by the 16 oz. bottle this was going to have more weight in my curls. It wasn’t my favorite only because my dry curls didn’t absorb the product and it sat on top without giving me much definition. I do plan to try again with wet curls to see if it gives me a different hold and feel, but $8.99 I do think it is a generous portion and is good for curl separation.

When I asked my boyfriend why he chose these specific products he told me a few things. 1″> He was looking for products that were curl/wave/texture specific in the title to help wittle down options, 2″> With $25 he wanted to at least bring a minimum of two quality products though he realized how expensive natural hair care is 3″> He looked for items that weren’t fully stock on the shelf so he assumed other people were also using them. Overall, I was very happy with his choices even if they all won’t be my go-to’s, I can incorporate them into my curly routine on occassion.

The heat can make or break a wedding hairstyle from the tips of your curls to the edges along your forehead. Depending on your location you may have to worry about humidity, heat, dry air, or a combination of all three. These can be a deathly mixture that could ruin your bridal look, but have no fear, we have brides who survived the heat and lived to empower you to rock your natural crown! Curly brides Jeanette, Cassandra, and Ellysia share how they styled their hair on their big day and fought the frizz with some of their go-to products.

Jeanette

“I was back and forth about what I wanted to do with my hair for my wedding. I knew I wanted it to be a reflection of who I am and my husband loves me natural! It was a toss-up between a head wrap or a curly fro!! Since I still have my baby hairs I pitched some Kurly Klips and just blended my natural hair into them! I had to refresh the Klips, so I deep conditioned them with Gabriel Union’s Flawless Hair Repair Masque and sprayed them with Not Your Mother’s Knotty To Nice Conditioning Detangler. I also used Cantu Shea Butter Oil Sheen Deep Conditioning Spray to give them that radiant shine!! My hair was beautiful and held up amazing in the 90-degree weather! I was amazed by how awesome it turned out!”

Cassandra

“I used Kera Care Leave-In, 100 percent natural Coconut Oil, ORS Edge Control and slicked away. The key to it not sweating out on such a hot day was loads of gel and then making sure it is wrapped until it was bone dry. Whether you prefer using a hair dryer that you sit under or attachment it MUST be dry. It was also essential for me to have a hairdresser on hand to help with any flyaways.”

Ellysia

“I use the hair line by Earthtones Naturals. I wash my hair with their Curl Cleanse Moisturizing and Conditioning Shampoo and then use some of the Curl Condition Intensive Hydrating Deep Treatment as a leave-in. After that, while my hair is soaking wet, I section my hair and apply generous amounts of their Curl Define Curl Enhancing Gelly. It’s vital to ensure my hair is bone dry before I leave the house to avoid any frizzing. I sometimes apply their oil too on day two onwards to keep it fresh”.

Keeping your curls fresh on your wedding day is essential to maintaining your perfect bridal look. Each of these brides not only shampooed, and conditioned the day of their wedding, but took extra care when styling and their curls to prevent frizz. Regardless of whether it’s an updo, protective style, or you’re letting your curls loose, careful maintenance and conditioning is essential when you’re a natural bride.

One of the perks of summertime is getting to experiment with your curly look while you’re on vacation. The oh so bright sun offers us the creativity to find new hairstyles to prevent heat damage and the boldness to rock a new look. Here are some of our favorite hairstyles curly girls are sporting through the sunshine months that we’re loving.

Pineapple

This is one style every curly girl can do no matter the season. Whether rocking it high, low or to the side, this is a manageable, frizz free look that showcases the beauty of your curls. Hot summer nights make this an ideal hairstyle to keep your hair off your neck and accent with a fun head wrap or accessory.

Color

My oh my can we get a hip hip hooray for all the bold, vibrant curls this summer? Summer is the perfect time to experiment with bright hues of bold, deep purples, highlights, and everything in between. You can go for a drastic look and color your entire head or have subtle traces of color on your tips. The key with color is proper conditioning and maintenance so you don’t leave your hair damaged afterward. The perfect thing about this season is that whether on vacation or heading to a festival there is no such thing as too much color.

Braids

We’ve been preaching all summer about protective styles and they are truly the best way to keep your curls protected while you’re on the go plus help with hair growth. Box braids, feed in braids, crown braids, and can all give a regal style that transforms your day-to-day look. They allow you some versatility with your hair and effectively hide your ends from potentially harmful effects of regular styling, manipulation, and the environment.

Buns

 Whether you wear it super high or go for a romantic look wearing it low, you can never go wrong with styling your hair a bun. These double buns are fun and great for these hot summer days when you don’t have much time to style your hair. Rocking a high bun is excellent for a playful look and helps keep your hair off your neck.

Summer is not over yet, so there is still time to rock many of these hairstyles before the cold weather sets in. The seasons always allow us to be versatile with our hair and experimenting with new looks never gets old with curls. It’s trial and error, but as long as you’re confident, you can’t lose.

In a recent marketing campaign, Suave, the classic drugstore hair brand, went undercover as a luxury, premium hair care line (Evaus, Suave spelled backwards”> to test theory if expensive beauty brands work better than inexpensive beauty brands. The brand specifically targeted millennial beauty influencers to give them an opportunity to try this new line of hair products. According to Suave, 7 out of 10 women think expensive brands work better than inexpensive brands.

Data shows that millennial women, in particular, are looking for quality and value. In fact, 92% of millennial women agree that they would buy a lower priced hair care product as long as quality was not sacrificed*. “The truth is, many millennials are still playing financial catch-up and they don’t want to overspend. Products and services that are high quality and with an affordable price tag are the perfect hybrid for them,” says Farnoosh Tarobi, a millennial finance expert.

In the video Suave shot for the campaign, the influencers shared their opinions on the new hair line, saying things like, “these were game-changing,” “I instantly fell in love with these products,” and “they left my hair so strong and healthy.” Once the brand revealed to the women they were, in fact, using Suave the whole time they were shocked by the results that a drugstore brand could offer high-quality results.

In my experience, a pretty bottle doesn’t always equal quality product. I recently had the chance to try out a celebrity line of hair products that not only had sleek packaging, but it represented an actress who I love. I was disappointed that despite top-notch marketing which is what initially got my attention, the product itself was lackluster for my curls. I remember when I bought it at Ulta, I spent an upwards of $60 for three products and left feeling like there was no way this wouldn’t be worth all my hard-earned money. This is one of the reasons I’ve always been an advocate for trying out sample sizes that I can purchase at a drug store or Target so there is less of a risk of wasting my money.

The other issue is that drug store brands get a bad rap since the idea that “you get what you pay for,” is often applied to matching price with quality. Just like my $60 splurge giving me the false notion of a quality investment, customers perceive paying less for a product to give them bad results. Suave takes this idea and flips it by makes consumers question how they spend their money and what influences their purchase. Here’s my question to you- Do you buy based on packaging?

We want to hear YOUR take. Would you have fallen for this Suave experiment? Sound off in the comments.

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Prepping for vacation goes beyond deciding what clothes to pack. When traveling you want a protective style that will hold for the duration of your trip. Many curlies ask, how far in advance should you schedule to get your hair done? Waajid says, “It is recommended that you have your style installed about four days to a week before your departure.” Even when your hair is in a protective style it’s important to cleanse your hair and maintain a healthy hair regimen. If you’re not sure what to do or use on your trip, no need to worry Waajid shares her protective styling routine, “Prior to protective style installation, you’ll want to cleanse your hair by shampooing with Protective Styles Thick and FullTM Bamboo and Coconut Milk Moisturizing Mint Shampoo. Then deep condition your hair with a hot oil treatment using Protective Styles Gro Hair GroTM Bamboo and Coconut Milk Growth Oil. Follow your hot oil treatment with an application of Protective Styles Intense MoistureTM Bamboo and Coconut Milk Strengthening Leave-In Conditioner to your hair strands.”

Now when you’re on vacation, maintaining a protective style requires the right product, patience, and time. Waajid shares her recommended night time routine for braids and weave, “For braids, at night, simply apply Protective Styles Healthy Hair Under ThereTM Bamboo, Avocado, and Peppermint Conditioning & Restoring Serum to nourish your hair underneath your braids, then tie down your braids before bedtime. For a textured weave style, also use Healthy Hair Under ThereTM  on your hair underneath your weave style. To maintain the weave curl pattern, apply Protective Styles Gro Hair GroTM Bamboo and Coconut Milk Growth Oil to sections of the weave and place sections in twists. Tie your hair up for bedtime and untwist and go in the morning.”

Once you are ready to take down your hair it’s essential to “Trim your hair after it is taken out of a protective style and repeat the cleansing and oil treatment process,” says Waajid. 

Protective hairstyles are so unique, versatile and fun! When wearing these styles, you have to make sure you care for your hair and scalp to maintain a healthy hair regimen. Be sure your scalps are clean, your ends stay hydrated, conditioned and moisturized! The more you care for your protective style, the longer it will last. 

Do you have a protective style this Summer? Share what products you’re using below.

The glorious thing about curls is that they are not limited to a race, gender, or nationality, they are worldwide and celebrated by curlies everywhere. The wonderfully talented Andrea Lewis who surpasses the triple threat box with actress, writer, producer, and YouTuber attached to her credentials is a Canadian curly who embraces and loves her natural hair. Hailing from Toronto, ON where she began her career in hit tv shows like Degrassi: The Next Generation, this multi-talented woman learned the art of self-love at an early age where curls were widely accepted in her home country. She shares her hair journey, curly girl struggles, and holy grails with the NaturallyCurly community.

What has your hair taught you about yourself?

“I feel like you create a beauty standard when you’re younger and experiment with it as you get older. I often like to go back to the original me, like how I looked when I was younger with fuller, longer and healthier hair. But I realize I need to learn to be patient and let my hair be what it’s going to be. I apply this to life as well, it’s synonymous.”

What are your holy grails?

“My holy grails consist of Kinky Curly Knot-Today, Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner, and the Coil Kink and Curl Styling Cream. You want something simple, not 80 products. I like a one-two step process with a balance between the hold and softness. It’s a challenging combination to define but I get this when applying both the Kinky Curly and Mixed Chicks Leave-In conditioners together.” Jane Carter “Untangle Me Weightless Leave-In” Condition from the “Curls To Go” Line is also great for curls on the go and gives me soft curls and a light hold.”

Do you feel the natural hair movement is a trend?

“The Natural Hair Movement has been going on for a long time, but it seems like it’s trendier in the media and with hair companies. They must keep up with the trend of it. For examples, I’d heard of the term co-wash from YouTube years ago and now every company has one as part of their line.”

“It’s interesting because for commercials wearing curly hair was acceptable, but TV and Film featured more straight-haired actresses. Now in prime-time television, it’s starting to become normalized and more people are coming to recognize it and embrace it.”

What are some curly girl problems you’ve endured along your journey? Had did you overcome it?

“Last year I dyed my hair with box dye from the drug store, which I used to do all the time not noticing the damage it could entail. It taught me that relatively cheaper products that are quick/easy end up costing me more in the end. Curly hair is more fragile than you realize. Whether it’s dyed or straightened, if it was still soft I assumed it was fine. The result was that my curls were damaged, they didn’t sit right and I was in the process of trying to start over with my curl routine.”

“Reclaiming your curls is a process, and just when you think you have it figured out since I’ve been told your hair renews itself every seven years. I’ve also learned that environment changes your hair, which I’ve had to experience living here in Los Angeles. I have to wash my hair more due to the drier climate and I’m constantly learning that my texture requires more washes and I can’t emulate other people.”

What’s the hair culture like in Canada?

“I grew up in Toronto where curly hair was more accepted. I didn’t grow-up with relaxers, but I experienced heat damage from straightening. In TV, I looked for characters that reflected my hair, which I saw in Sister, Sister or musicians like Kelis who wore their curls out loud and proud.”

Did you ever experience any challenges to wear your curly hair when filming Degrassi in Canada?

“In Degrassi, they worked with whatever I did. I would often film right after I go out of school so I had the freedom to wear my hair as I wanted. They gave all of us actors the freedom to represent the trends and styles that reflected teen culture at the time. As a black actress in Canada, hairdressers can be intimidated by styling your hair, so I usually showed up ready in whatever I felt was going to be accepted.

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Summer is upon us, and you know what that means…time to pull out those beautiful head wraps that add style to any outfit, on top of protecting your hair. It’s a two for one package, we cannot get enough of. Whether you’re wearing it to help maintain your curls by keeping them strong, healthy, and beautiful or representing your culture, or even wanting to add some flair to your fashion, we’ve got the top 10 headwraps to purchases that are unique and timeless!

Diva Headwraps– Charmaine (Shahimah”> Idris, founded Diva Headwraps with a deep love for her country South Africa where women used to wear a ‘doek’ (from the Afrikaans language meaning headscarf, fabric, kerchief”>. She learned how to make batiks while living in Asia and now offers head wraps, bandanas, clutches and t-shirts for the adventurous, bold, confident, and sassy woman.

Pretty AnntoiNet’s- Founded in 2008, Pretty AnntoiNet’s prides itself on “silk hair lingerie” whose products are created from the passion of silk with natural fibers. Linda Antoinette Nelson tests each individual wrap that can work with long, short, medium, straight, and curly hair in a variety of prints and colors.

Ebonnet by Eboni Curls– This natural hair enthusiast jumped from YouTube in 2011 to creating her own over-sized double satin drawstring “Ebonnet” to protect your hair at night. The company seeks to inspire women to embrace curly hair and also offers scrunchies, pillowcases, headbands, and turbans.

Wrapper Delights– After going natural and getting “the big chop”, Tara was inspired to create Wrapper Delights to protect her hair during her transition. She sources her fabric from Africa and creates handmade head wraps that ship worldwide with over 50 unique designs for any occasion.

Grass Fields– Handmade premium, unique clothing, and accessories based in the U.K. that offers African fashion sourced from Cameroon, Nigeria, and Benin. Grass Fields serves women sizes S-4XL and ships worldwide.

Zuvaa– Kelechi Anyadiegwu, founded Zuvaa (which means “sunshine” in the Shona language from Zimbabwe”> in 2013. Zuvaa is an online marketplace that was created to fill a void in the fashion industry to offer trendy and modern African-inspired pieces. Zuvaa works directly with emerging fashion designers to shine a light on African fashion that offers men, womens and kids clothing, head wraps, and home designs.

The Wrap.Life– This New York company by Nnenna Stella ships thousands of handmade HeadWraps to international users who love the color, texture, and versatility of these products. The Wrap. Life offers several different textures of HeadWraps outside of the traditional satin such as denim, hand printed and true African.

Fanmdjanm– Are you ready for high fashion head wraps? These handmade scarves coming from Harlem, New York represent “strong women” and offers solid, day and evening head wraps for any occasion. Founded by Haitian Kreyol in 2014, these luxurious wraps even have a zero waste policy and reuse recycled fabrics!

Constant Covering– Local owner and entrepreneur Shawn Clarke makes Head Wrapping easier than ever with pre-tied, original satin lined headwrap accessories. Her vision to create ready-to-wear versatility for her customers is a great way to start protecting your hair, especially if you don’t have the time or patience to wrap your curls.

Aso Dara: “Aṣọ Dára” originates from the Yoruba language and translates roughly to “good cloth”. Aṣọ Dára was started by a group of siblings who decided to put their talents and passions together to create a lifestyle brand that reflects the genius, precision, and diverse beauty of Pan-African ideals and culture. They offer unique bold printed head wraps, headbands and chokers.

Whether you’re looking for protection, fashion, or a combination of both, all of these brands offer something to be explored and enjoyed, especially for the Summer.  Headwraps are becoming a curl staple to keep in your arsenal when wanting to moisturize and nourish your hair and having versatility and options is key when shopping. Make sure to educate yourself on what would be best for your curls and there are plenty of blogs, websites, and vloggers with how-tos on wrapping.

Do you wear head wraps? Share your favorite ways to style them below.