Search Results: Desiree Johnson

15 Barbiecore Hairstyle Ideas for Natural Hair

We’re thinking pink all week with the new Barbie movie premiering in just a few days! To say the internet has been buzzing with all things Barbie is an understatement as we see different brand collaborations, pink carpet premieres, and every major media outlet covering this iconic character. With the emergence of collaborations with beauty brands such as Kitsch and Chi, we’re seeing pink-themed accessories and styling tools to help elevate our natural textures to Barbie-level proportions. We’re so excited to see the range of Barbie characters they’ve added to the movie with celebrities like Issa Rae, America Ferrera, and Alexandra Shipp bringing an updated look to the overall styling of the traditional Barbie. While Barbie has been traditionally known for her slim figure and blonde hair, we’ve seen an evolution of how she’s represented to reflect modern standards of beauty, including hair types and textures.

Barbie’s ‘60s-themed signature hairstyle features a long blonde sleek ponytail which can be replicated with a blow dryer or straightener. We’ve seen this achieved on natural hair textures with extensions and weaves. However, if you’re looking for inspiration to create a Barbie-inspired hairstyle that does not involve any heat, we’ve got you covered with an array of options that show the range of natural hair. Whether you’re rocking braids, cornrows, twists, or curls there is a Barbie style for you. 

Bookmark these styles and get Barbiefied this summer!

Half up half down locs with bangs

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Sleek ponytail

@slayedbypaires this barbie ponytail is so cute! I will be located in Jonesboro (30mins From Atlanta Ga) this FALL! 🍂💓 #barbieponytail #sleekponytail #HowTo #naturalhairstyles #blackgirl #atlhairstylist #birthdayhairstyles ♬ Body – Summer Walker

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Updo with Cornrows

https://www.tiktok.com/@andreawiththecurls/video/7257256172393090347?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7257539985199367681
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Space Buns with bows

@daya.care #dayayourfav #naturalhair #barbie #barbiehairstyle #blackbarbie ♬ Barbie World (with Aqua) [From Barbie The Album] [Extended] – Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice & Aqua

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Extended Pigtails

@bexellaa loveee #barbieworld #nickibarbie #naturalhairstyles #nickiminajchallenge #icespicebarbieworld #barbiemovie #type4hair👸🏾 #barbiemovie #nickiminaj #foryou ♬ Barbie World (with Aqua) [From Barbie The Album] – Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice & Aqua

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Curly updo with swoop

https://www.tiktok.com/@leticia_0liveiraaa/video/7255063210598976773?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7257539985199367681
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Low Ponytail

@alycearae the hair & outfit were too on point not to do this!! excited for the @Barbie Movie premiere💕🫶🏽 #fy #fyp #curlyhair #curlyhairtutorial #curlyhairroutine #longhair #longhairdontcare #barbiemovie #barbie #learnontiktok #ponytail #natural #naturalhair #curls #curlscheck #naturalhairtiktok #naturalhairstyles #curlygirl #curlygirlmethod #blackgirlmagic #blacktiktok #blackgirltiktok ♬ Barbie Girl – Lady Aqua

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Curly Bun

https://www.tiktok.com/@allthingsolive/video/7256877126228512002?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7257539985199367681
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Elegant Braided Bun

https://www.tiktok.com/@folahontas/video/7255094874611944750?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7257539985199367681
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Half up half down curls

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Knotless Braided Ponytail

https://www.tiktok.com/@_kayemechel/video/7113373276931378475?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7257539985199367681
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Curly Updo with Pearls

https://www.tiktok.com/@lindalisav/video/7254677706908978438?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7257539985199367681
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Pink Microbraids

https://www.tiktok.com/@chisluxebraidinghair/video/7251349027097300266?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7257539985199367681
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Twists

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Pineapple

https://www.tiktok.com/@nikethegawdess/video/7254314024014466350?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7257539985199367681

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Which Barbie-inspired hairstyle will you try in honor of the movie? Let us know in the comments!

The Best Curl Refresher Products of 2023

The art of refreshing is its own unique styling routine because it usually falls between your wash days. Several factors can contribute to refreshing your curls, whether it’s sweat, climate factors, or scalp care. These should all be taken into consideration when choosing your refresher product because the right product will add longevity to your style and cut down on wash days. You want a refresher that will help your curls with frizz, dryness, and dullness. Refreshing your curls for some people can be as simple as adding water while for others it can be finding the right moisturizer to bring them back to life. If you’re looking to spruce up your regimen or are ready to shop for something new, check out the Best of the Best Award winning refresher products for 2023, as voted by the NaturallyCurly community.

There’s a winner for Type 2 Wavy, Type 3 Curly, and Type 4 Coily hair as well as an overall winner for All Curl Types. Not sure what your curl pattern is? Take our Texture Typing Quiz to learn more about your unique hair type.

Best Refresher Product for All Curl Types

Camille Rose Naturals Rosemary Water Daily Strengthening MistCamille Rose Naturals Rosemary Water Daily Strengthening Mist

Camille Rose is here to help with scalp inflammation with the Rosemary water daily strengthening mist that can help bring weakened curls back to life. This was a winner for all textures because it can be used daily on the scalp and strands whether you have wet or dry hair. Your curls will bask in ingredients like rosemary oil, peppermint, and biotin while getting nourishment between wash days. 

Best Refresher Product for Type 2 Wavy Hair

Maui Moisture Lightweight Curls+ Flaxseed Curl Refresher Mist

As an Aloe Vera-focused product, this curl-defining mist can deliver the perfect amount of hydration for type 2 waves. Maui created a lightweight conditioning spray that is vegan, silicone-free and works to invigorate flat and dull curls without weighing them down. The tropical blend of coconut water, flaxseed oil, and aloe vera is a great combination for fine to medium curls that need an extra boost between wash days.

Best Refresher Product for Type 3 Curly Hair

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Restore + Revive Bi-Phase

Ouidad has something special for the type 3 curls looking to revive and restore their curl pattern and eliminate frizz. As an ideal product for refreshing hair between wash days, this hydrating mist can help extend your style and leave you with soft and touchable curls. The combination of mongongo, grapeseed, and meadowfoam seed oils works to bind moisture to your curls for definition and shine. The anti-frizz nano technology formulated by Ouidad is made for helping to achieve shiny, hydrated curls regardless of the climate.

Best Refresher Product for Type 4 Coily Hair

Camille Rose Naturals Rosemary Water Daily Strengthening Mist

If you haven’t stocked up on this hydrating and nourishing strengthening mist, then you want to start now. As a vegan product, this mist contains a blend of beauty ingredients like amla, shikakai, and rosemary oil to help boost hair strength. This is highly recommended for type 4 coils and kinks because it helps to improve hair strength and nourishes the scalp to stimulate the hair follicles. 

Which refresher do you plan to add to your haircare routine this summer?

Check out the rest of the 2023 Best of the Best Award winners to for more curly community-approved products. You might just find your next Holy Grail!

Shad Moss (Bow Wow) Is The King of Twists With His New Kiss Colors x Care Partnership

Shad Moss (Bow Wow) has been gracing our screens for years and is one of the few artists who has managed to transcend generations of fans with his music, film, and business ventures. As a multihyphenate artist, we’ve gotten to grow with him as he transcended from rap artist to actor, dad, and an established celebrity who never disappoints. He is not only recognized for his talent but his signature hairstyles that have transitioned from braids to fades and everything in between as he has graduated into different eclectic styles that are emulated by his fans. He now enters the haircare space with a new partnership with Kiss Colors that innovates and upgrades the classic durag and brush for men and women. We sat down to chat with Shad about his haircare journey, haircare inspirations, and this new collection.

What was your relationship with your natural hair growing up?

My relationship to my natural hair growing up to be truthfully honest and you guys might find this kind of hard to believe, but I was actually terrified of hair. I remember it very clearly because my mom was a single parent and I’m sure other single parents can relate to having to take their kids everywhere they go. My mom had to go on Saturdays to get her hair done and I’d have to be in the salon with her all day and just watching the hair on the floor would terrify me. Even when I used to get my haircut, watching the fall and hitting the floor just terrified me. So that was my first introduction to the natural hair experience and now throughout the years, you guys see me grow it out and wear so many different styles. I remember at the BET Awards, I straightened my hair by perming it so at this point in my career, I’ve pretty much-done everything under the sun when it comes to my hair.

Once I reached a certain age, it really became important to me to always be fresh just knowing that my job requires me to always be either in front of a camera or public places. It came down to just my grooming, wanting to feel good inside, look good, and accurately represent my brand. I have a unique relationship with my hair and I love the versatility of it, how it represents who I am, and how I’ve evolved in my career personally and professionally. I’m about to chop it off but I had grown it out for the Millennium Tour and wanted to bring back that nostalgic look. You know, everybody was coming to the show with airbrush T-shirts and Air Force’s and our old memorabilia. For me, that was a moment in time and I wanted to grow my braids back just for the fans and just for the tour. But now the tour is over and now it’s time to get back to business. 

Did you have any men whose hair you aspired to emulate or have?

It’s a no-brainer, Allen Iverson. Growing up as a shorter guy and (AI) was considered a short guy for the NBA at 5’11-6 ft. I looked at him as a God to me growing up and I was fortunate enough to not only meet him but have a relationship with him even to this day. I would watch every game and observe how his braids are and then tell my stylist I want it just like this. On my first album (Beware of Dog) I’m wearing the number 2 jersey and I’ve got the fishbone braids, that Allen Iverson invented. I never really looked up to rappers like that because I didn’t have to, Snoop Dogg was it for me, and he discovered me, so I didn’t have to really look any further I always looked outside of my peers.

Why did you choose Kiss Colors for a haircare partnership?

They’re the best and from the moment they found me It was just an organic relationship. I’ve managed to maintain my hair throughout the duration of my career whether it’s braids or wearing a durag which has been an essential tool for when I’m traveling or at home. The durag has always played a special part in my life and I know that goes for a lot of athletes and rappers as well. When the opportunity presented itself, it was just perfect and I went into the mindset of why not become the king of the durags? If this partnership didn’t come together, I would still be going to Walmart and buying them, so why not have my own line and tack on something different?

From a business standpoint, I look around and I’m trying to find avenues that I can dominate where there is no competition. In my industry, you’re always going to find popular business ventures like a clothing line, liquor or nightclub and that’s cool because it plays a part of our lifestyle, but I’m looking for the untapped market. The hair business is an untapped market, like when no one has done it and now you starting to see you know a lot of other artists are now starting to dibble and dabble into it slowly but surely. 

Working with KISS Colors worked so well because we have great communication and respect each other’s ideas. I’m very hands-on with the product, it’s not like they just plaster my face on products and send a few tweets. I was really in Walmart last week just to watch the placement of the product in the stores to see how we’re moving and what’s selling. It’s the perfect marriage and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What was the collaboration process like with Kiss Colors?

For me to push a product or stand behind the product I gotta like it and I have to have used it before I meet the company and negotiate any deals. There’s never a time I go to the store and I see something and I have to call the company asking “Yo, what is this?”  “How come this wasn’t sent to me or run by me?” Everything is designed and reviewed by me and I’m a big advocate for I need to like it in order to promote it. There are billions of other people in the world with different hair needs and when I have questions or concerns about an item that is created, they do a great job of educating me on the purpose or need. Everything that you see in the collection will have some review and feedback from me. For example with the brushes, I’m rubbing them, I’m testing them and I’m like, oh, it’s too hard. I like the brushes soft as do most men because it’s better on the waves and grooves on our heads.

Even with the twist king brush, I wanted to consider doing something that’s never been done before that would be durable, won’t break up your toiletry bag, or get in the way of your toothbrush and your cologne. Truly speaking, it is changing the game, everybody online, all I see on Tik Tok like is everybody talking about the Twist King brush that’s one of our hottest products. We gonna cook up some more things for the future. 

How do the Twist King Premium Dense and Curved Twist Sponge help with your day-to-day styling?

In the past, when I had my twist, I mean it was an essential tool for my daily routine because it was perfect for on-the-go styling. Whether you’re heading out to a meeting or lunch and don’t have the time to be in the bathroom for a long time you can use a little gel or grease, twist your hair and go. I don’t need a haircut. I’m ready to go.

Each product that we have is a representation of me like the brush for when I have a short haircut, Twist King for my twist, and of course, the durag could go for the waves or the braids. Our products are unisex and I see so many women who have short haircuts, and waves, and they use durags and the Twist King for their twist. Even though it’s presented as a male hair accessory line, I’ve seen a lot of beautiful women who have short hair and have success using these products. Guys, women, and kids, if you need this product, then it’s for you.

What is a valuable lesson you learned about taking care of your hair?

Your hair, it tells your story is a representation of who you are. I am and I’m always have been in the public eye being seen at events. It’s just always important that my hair is right and it’s done, but you know I’m at home, it’s okay to have our lazy days or weeks where you take a week off. You gotta let the hair breathe and feel free.

I never want to be one of those artists or celebrities that gets to 41 years old and my hairline is receding and I can’t grow my hair. I’ve been blessed enough to not put a lot of chemicals and wild things in my hair over the years. It’s pretty much just been wash and shampoo, conditioner, and maybe a styler. I’ve never really been big on going overloading my hair with chemicals or products that could damage my hair. My hairstylist are usually braiders and barbers and they’re always making sure that I have the right products to go on my hair, whether that’s for growth or vitamins.

Do you have any hairstyles from the vault that you look back on with love?

I’m fortunate that I haven’t had to look back on a compilation of bad hairdos that I cringe at or don’t like. The only time I had a questionable style was for the “Let Me Hold You” video when I had the beads which I requested from my hairdresser Chantelle at the time. That’s probably the only thing that comes to mind if anything close like damn might not do that again.

You can shop the latest from Shad Moss (Bow Wow) and Kiss Colors today!

Shad Moss (Bow Wow) Is The King of Twists With His New Kiss Colors x Care Partnership

Check out: 38 Photos of Twisted Hairstyles for Men

The Best Products for a Wash & Go, for Every Curl Type

Who doesn’t love a great Wash and Go? They are the easiest way to style and maintain your curls and help keep your signature tresses, coiled, curled, and bouncing all week long. A wash-and-go consists of shampoos and styling products that you layer on your hair to help improve your curl and coil pattern. The key to taking your wash-and-go to the next level is understanding your hair texture to know which products fit best for your regimen.  Curly, coily, and wavy textures all benefit from a wash-and-go to keep hair shiny, happy, and healthy. We’re breaking down the winning wash and go products from the 2023 Best of the Best Awards, as voted by the NaturallyCurly community.

Each category has a winner for Type 3 Curly, and Type 4 Coily hair as well as an overall winner for All Curl Types. Not sure what your curl pattern is? Take our Texture Typing Quiz to learn more about your unique hair type.

BEST GEL

Best Gel for All Curl Types, and Best for Type 4 Coily Hair: The Doux Bee Girl Curl Custard

The Bee Girl Honey Curl Custard is an all-around favorite because of its amazing hydration and definition it brings to an array of curl types and textures. Users love it for its ability to create a tight curl without any crunch or flaky residue. It can be easily applied on wet hair and raked through the hair for fluffy and bouncy curls.

Coily, kinky, and tighter Type 4 textures love this product because its super-charged honey formula helps to give a hydration boost to thirsty hair. The combination of aloe, vitamins B, C, and E are great for growth and protection and help seal in moisture, fight frizz, and boost shine. 

Best Gel for Type 2 Wavy Hair: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel

Say goodbye to frizz with this award-winning gel that is infused with ceramides and defines curls with a strong, long-lasting hold. Designed for extreme humidity, this helps to bring hod and definition to finer curls with a crunch-free finish. The combination of sericin, anti-frizz nano technology, and molecules works to protect your curls in any climate. 

Best Gel for Type 3 Curly Hair: Curls Sea Moss Curl Slime

Are you ready to get your hair silk shiny with this vitamin-infused curl jelly? Curls bring a new style of gel with their Sea Slip Mineral Infused Curl Slime that moisturizes and defines dry hair with a medium hold. It’s ideal for type 3 curlies because it helps to nourish and moisturize hair which protects the hair from damage when styling. Its anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, and anti-fungal ingredients help deliver shiny and hydrated curls.

BEST HAIR BUTTER 

Best Hair Butter for All Curl Types, and Best for Type 3 Curly Hair: Mielle Organics Moisture Rx Hawaiian Ginger Moisturizing Hair Butter

Let’s bring back the moisture to thirsty and dry curls with Mielle Organic’s moisturizing hair butter. This works exceptionally well with all hair textures and types because it’s infused with fruit extract, coconut oil, and ginger oil which can be used directly after you shampoo your hair. If you’re looking for a boost of shine and a way to lock in moisture during these summer months, this is your go-to product.

Type 3 curlies love this product because it can be added to any hair regimen before styling whether you want a wash-and-go, twist-out, braid-out, or Bantu knots. Curlies love these ingredients because they are packed with nourishment and naturally derived from fruits like ginger oil, orange and lemon extract, and coconut oil. Get ready for moisture and hydration with this power-packed product.

Best Hair Butter for Type 2 Wavy Hair: Innersense Inner Peace Whipped Creme Texturizer

Innersense is here to bring your curls inner peace with their whipped creme texturizer that focuses on hold, separation, and texture. As a lightweight texturizing formula with shea butter and bee-friendly honey, you can look forward to flexible and defined waves. For type 2 waves and finer curls, this is a very moisturizing formula that protects from humidity, and elimination frizz, and flyaways.

Best Hair Butter for Type 4 Coily Hair: Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream

Let’s get to the root of how type 4 coils, kinks, and tighter textures benefit from the moisture-filled Burdock Root Butter Cream. This creamy leave-in helps with textures that have dry or medium-low porosity by delivering lightweight moisture without buildup. The ingredients include olive oil, oat straw, and burdock root to strengthen the follicle, reduce shedding, and soften and condition the hair.

BEST MOUSSE 

Best Mousse for All Curl Types, and Best for Type 4 Coily Hair: The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam

Hello to a dual-use mousse that we can’t get enough of! This Mousse Def Texture Foam is great for helping any curl type or texture achieve shine, definition, and volume. This is loved by so many curlies and coilies because it helps you achieve maximum definition without the pesky flaking and crunching associated with normal mousses. 

This is fantastic for Type 4 textures because it helps with manageability and hold. The Mousse Def Texture Foam delivers because it contains natural humectants and silk proteins that resist humidity and strengthen hair while leaving an amazing shine.

Best Mousse for Type 2 Wavy Hair: Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam

Your curls can enjoy a shiny, healthy, and defining finish from root to tip with this lightweight styler. Innersense brings volume, texture, shape, and sculpting powers to wet and dry curls looking for a boost between washes. This volumizing foam is created with aloe vera, honey, lavender, and orange flower oil for defined curls.

Best Mousse for Type 3 Curly Hair: Design Essentials Curl Enhancing Mousse

We’re jumping for joy with curls that pop and sing because the Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse gets the job done! This mousse is formulated with wheat protein that helps to penetrate the hair cuticle for stronger and healthier-looking hair. The blend of avocado, almond, and olive oil helps to enhance curl definition and provide a luminous shine without any flaking.

Check out the rest of the 2023 Best of the Best Award winners to for more curly community-approved products. You might just find your next Holy Grail!

Celebrity Stylist Jared “JStayReady” Henderson Talks Embracing Your Inner Barbie This Summer

Jared “JStayReady” Henderson is a celebrity hairstylist who is the mastermind behind the iconic styles of global artists like Doja Cat, Normani, Saweetie, and Karol G who features on the Barbie soundtrack. As the brand ambassador for Professional Hair Labs, he’s helping lay, slay, and secure protective hairstyles such as extensions and custom wig units. We sat down to chat with him about the Barbie movement, hairstyles, and how we can channel our inner Barbie this summer.

The Barbie movement has come back in full swing with the release of the movie, how does Barbie appeal to the masses? 

I mean Barbie is an icon and has been for generations. Barbie sees absolutely no imitations as to what she can or cannot do – She’s the only girl I know who can perform surgery in the morning, fight fires in the afternoon, and be home to host a slamming pool party at her dream house in the evening. And not a hair will be out of place as she does it all! I believe that’s what’s most appealing about her to the masses. 

What summer trends are we seeing for Barbie-inspired hairstyles?

I’ve seen some amazing trends inspired by the film – including Barbie blonde hair color, Barbie-inspired blowouts, and of course, the iconic Barbie high-ponytail have all emerged this summer 

What are easy accessories you can add to your hair for a Barbie-inspired look?

Colorful clip-in hair extensions, colorful hair clips, and headbands are all easy accessories that can easily make your look Barbie-inspired. 

Check out: 15 Barbiecore Hairstyle Ideas for Natural Hair

What tools can you use at home to create a Barbie hairstyle?

Rollers, a big barrel curling iron, and hair ties are all great tools for creating Barbie-inspired hairstyles. But since I’m a wig guy, I’m always going to go for my GHOST BOND XL wig adhesive and use it to install a fun blonde or pink wig that will really create the ultimate Barbie fantasy. 

The diversity of the Barbie character is evolving, how do you create a Barbie look with natural hair?

Yes, she is! And we love to see it. For my natural hair girls who want to give Barbie-inspired hair, I’d use a bit of gel and do a twist-out or define your natural curls and accessorize it with a pink headband! 

When you think of modern-day Barbie figures, what celebrities come to mind?

It’s funny you mention it because growing up of course I was not really allowed to openly play with Barbies. So now I think of my beautiful clients such as Coco Jones, Winnie Harlow, and Kelly Rowland as my own personal life-sized black Barbies. I get to do their hair, make them all pretty, and send them out into the world to inspire and entertain the masses. 

Have there been any Barbie hair collections that have caught your attention?

YES! I’m obsessed with the Tangleteezer brushes, and the Barbie collection is so cute! I like to leave my clients with the pink mini brush to pop in their bags to use for touch-ups on the go after I’m gone.

Which Barbie-inspired looks will you try this summer?

Check out: Issa Rae’s Best Looks From The Barbie Pink Carpet

How to Fight Halo Frizz in the Summer, According to Celebrity Stylist Marilisa Sears

Marilisa Sears has been changing the hair industry for over 25 years with a portfolio that spans editorial, fashion, red carpet, and international campaigns for Marc Anthony Hair Care and L’Oreal. Her expertise has helped her work with a wide range of celebrity clients like Eva Longoria, Keanu Reeves, Anna Wintour, and Justin Bieber. She sat down with us to chat about how to help your curls thrive and survive during these hot summer months. 

What has been a memorable moment in your professional career as a celebrity stylist? 

I’ve been blessed with so many memorable moments like my first Oscars, Grammys, and Emmys (I still have the passes for them <3). The travel is also a highlight. I have shot videos in Malaysia, done hair in Mexico City, and been all over Europe, all for hair. There have been so many amazing humans, the kindness of Keanu Reeves, the wisdom of Tilda Swinton, and the passion of Eva Longoria have all shown me wonderful things about the world that have stayed with me. 

What is your favorite way to style curls? 

For me, curls always start with the right cut. It’s difficult to get the look you want when you do not have a cut that leans into both the type of curl you have and the right cut for them. My salon clients are wonderful in that they trust me to get it right. With the right cut, you are using products to enhance the curl versus attempting to control them. Curls work best with as little touching as possible. Once the hair is washed and conditioned, I limit the amount of time my skin comes into contact with it. Two of the best all-around products for curls are Cake ‘The Curl Friend’ Defining Curl Cream and Cake ‘The Curl Whip’ Whipped Curl Mousse. Between these two products, I have most of my clients covered. ‘The Curl Friend’ has a heavy focus on moisture with hold while the ‘The Curl Whip’ focuses on body, softness, and hold.  

Photo source

What is the number one cause of frizz during the summertime? 

Humidity can cause havoc to hair, especially in the summer. Curls tend to frizz more due to the nature of the curl formation. Our natural sebum has a difficult time winding its way down the strands, so you end up with extra oils at the roots and not enough at the ends, which does not help the frizz. You would think that the humidity would help but what that creates is a strand full of hydration with no way of sealing the correct amount leaving the hair swollen and the cuticle open. This in turn flattens the curls and creates summer frizz.  

What’s the best way to maintain your curls between wash days? 

Honestly, there is no right answer here, because curls change constantly and what may work one wash cycle, will suddenly not deliver the same results the next time the air will be drier one day, rainy the next day…. and you’ll feel the difference. Its madness. You can try using a satin pillowcase or bonnet. No matter the thread counts on good cotton, you will end up with two things: absorption of both moisture and oils, and tangled hair (since cotton is never fully smooth under a microscope. Tying your hair up loosely at the top of your head and wrapping a tie around it can help keep the curls from flattening.  

There will be days when you need to use the product, and my advice always is not to overuse it. I’ve tested and tried this on set when you don’t really have time to start over! You want to build product when refreshing and one of the products I love is The Mane Choice’s ‘Tropical Moringa’ Daily Restorative Spray. I work it through with my fingers styling once my hair has enough product. Always start with less and work according to your hair and curl type.  It helps the hair to refresh (even the curl pattern) without a build-up of product. The Mane Choice also carries the ‘Heavenly Halo Deep Hydration’ Serum Oil Mist that can help to get a fresh sheen on type 4 hair.  

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Can you share a few essential frizz-fighting products to keep on hand this season? 

The Mane Choice ‘Heavenly Halo Deep Hydration’ Serum Oil Mist is a great item to have on hand. My new go-to product is the Cake ‘The Glow Drop’ Iridescent Shine Serum as it’s totally buildable and, with frizz you want to have the ability to go back in if frizz reappears. The Marc Anthony ‘Repair Bond’ Concentrated Hydrating Mask has truly blown me away. It helps to recover busted disulfide bonds (which curls have more of) and it fixes the frizz at its root cause.  This is by far the most replenished product in the salon for me. Protective styles cut down on frizz and offer an ease of styling that is most helpful in the summer, The Mane Choice ‘Ancient Egyptian Anti-Breakage & Repair Glistening Gold’ Twisting Gel is brilliant for this as is Marc Anthony ‘Strictly Curls’ Curl Envy Cream when leaving curls down. 

How do you reduce “Halo” frizz at the roots? 

This is so problematic for me; we take something natural and focus on removing it. It’s so hard to live a frizz-free life as hair changes so quickly. It’s warm outside and you sweat just a bit a drop of rain hits you – poof! Halo frizz! The goal for me besides cuts that work with the curl type, is to have an overall ease of styling with products as well. To minimize halo frizz, you focus firstly on hydration and moisture, this removes frizz so that the hold element of a product helps shape and define curls with minimum halo frizz. Cake ‘The Glow Drop’ Iridescent Shine Serum is light enough for touch-ups during the day (and on set). Cake ‘The Top Coat’ One Minute High Shine Hair Mask and Cake ‘The Smooth Move’ Moisture Melt Hair Mask is an amazing way to seal the cuticle and add shine to curls.  

Which types of oils are best for helping reduce frizz? 

All oils serve a purpose with curls, the goal is to find the right one for your hair and curl type.  

The Best Curly Hair Treatments of 2023

Who doesn’t love a great hair treatment? These are the bread and butter of our haircare routines because they help to enrich, revive, and moisturize our curls, coils, and kinks. Whether it’s hair oil, hair mask, or hair growth products, each serves a different function in our hair regimen that can help liven up our hair. Hair oil is vital for natural hair because it can help with dullness, breakage, and sealing in moisture. If you’ve been wondering why you should use a hair growth product then you can skip the dermatologist and trichologist and try out our winners to help stimulate your hair follicles and provide a foundation for healthy hair growth. We’re breaking down the best hair treatments products for curly, coily and wavy hair according to the NaturallyCurly community, as voted in the 2023 Best of the Best Awards. Read on to see which hair strengthening treatments work to restore fragile, dry, moisture, and hydration back into your curls. 

Each category has a winner for Type 3 Curly, and Type 4 Coily hair as well as an overall winner for All Curl Types. Not sure what your curl pattern is? Take our Texture Typing Quiz to learn more about your unique hair type.

BEST HAIR OILS

Best Hair Oil for Type 2 Wavy Hair: Pattern Beauty Jojoba Oil

Pattern Beauty is coming through with a jojoba oil blend that type 2 wavies love for it’s super lightweight and oil residue-free blend. Ingredients like safflower oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, and lavender oil help low-porosity hair that prevents damaged hair by reducing breakage. You can massage this oil into your scalp to help with pesky problems like itchiness, soothe dandruff, and prevent a dry scalp. 

Best Hair Oil for Type 3 Curly Hair: Mielle Organics Rice Water Treatment

Split ends don’t stand a chance with the Mielle Rice Water split end therapy that help to nourish hair and prevent damage. It is light enough that it can be used daily for type 3 curls and is designed to strengthen against split ends.  The rice water and yuzu compound contains ingredients like rosemary oil and coconut oil for a powerful combination your hair will love.

Best Hair Oil for Type 4 Coily Hair and All Curl Types: Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil

If you’re looking for a versatile hair oil, then look no further than the Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil which features a blend of 17 essential oils and herbs that nourishes the scalp. It pointed tip directly targets the scalp and works to stimulate the hair follicles to reduce dandruff and scalp irritation. It can be used during your daily hair regimen or used overnight as a treatment so your pores can absorb the essential oils.

Type 4 coilies love this hair oil because it works like nothing else! The lightweight blend of 17 essential oils and herbs helps to promote faster hair growth by nourishing the scalp and strengthening hair follicles. Featured ingredients include tea tree oil and horsetail powder work together to help reduce buildup and residue at the root, reduce hair loss, and dandruff. 

BEST HAIR GROWTH PRODUCTS 

Best Hair Growth Product for Type 2 Wavy, Type 3 Curly, Type 4 Coily, and All Curl Types:

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

The Best Curly Hair Treatments of 2023

It’s no secret that this viral sensation dominated all of social media and the haircare aisle for 2022 and there are so many reasons users love this product. Mielle’s Rosemary Mint Scalp and Hair Strengthening Oil is intensive formula infused with biotin and features more than 30 essential oils and extracts to get curls, coils, kinks, and waves strong and healthy. This multi-faceted oil can be used for braids, weaves, and protective styles to increase longevity and preserve the hair under the scalp. Get ready to smooth split ends, condition dry scalps, and help improve your overall length retention with this all-star oil that won’t disappoint. 

Check out 15 Rosemary Hair Products To Try For Hair Growth.

BEST STRENGTHENING TREATMENT

Best Strengthening Treatment for All Curl Types: Olaplex No. 3

Olaplex has been a fan favorite for years because of its innovation and revolutionary formula that helps to repair and strengthen hair from the inside out. As a bond builder, this product works to create more robust and healthier hair and prevent hair damage. It works well with all hair types and leaves you with visibly healthier hair after a few uses. If you haven’t invested in a bottle of this miracle product, start now!

Best Strengthening Treatment for Type 2 Wavy Hair: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ MegaStrength+ Rice Water Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment

The Best Curly Hair Treatments of 2023

This is a concentrated hair formula that works to protect against breakage and moisturize the curls. Your hair will go from dry and brittle to nourished and happy due to the fortifying rice protein complex. It can be used as an intensive treatment as left on overnight with users citing seeing a 60% decrease in hair breakage after just one use. The mixture of rosehip oil, algae extract, b vitamins, and rice protein complex can help balance hair hydration and control frizz.

Best Strengthening Treatment for Type 3 Curly Hair: Olaplex No. 3

We love to see Olaplex making the list twice! One of the hallmarks of this bond-building product is that it can be easily applied to your curls during your wash day routine. If you’ve had any color treatment or heat damage it can help restore a healthy appearance and texture so your curls are at their best. The vegan and cruelty-free formula can instantly improve your hair strength and give your hair the moisture and hydration it deserves.

Best Strengthening Treatment for Type 4 Coily Hair: Tgin Miracle RepaiRx Curl Protein Reconstructor

If you’re ready for a deep protein treatment that will restore the protein in your hair, then look no further than the Miracle RepaiRX CPR Protein Treatment. This can be applied directly after shampooing and works for maximum penetration that moisturizes the scalp and smoothes the hair cuticle. Type 4 textures love this product because it can reduce breakage, shedding, and help prevent split ends.

Check out the rest of the 2023 Best of the Best Award winners to for more curly community-approved products. You might just find your next Holy Grail!

Rizos Curls Spices Up Summer With Their First Curl-Defining Mousse

Rizos Curls, the award-winning clean hair care brand that creates products that embrace and celebrate the beauty of curls, coils, and waves, is proud to launch the new Curl Defining Mousse. This long-awaited mousse is proven to give weightless definition and hydration for healthy and voluminous curls! This lightweight styling foam controls frizz, boosts shine, and enhances hairs’ natural texture. Made with 96% naturally derived ingredients that were carefully selected to make hair healthier and deeply hydrated with each use. The formula is infused with fortifying nutrients, nourishing vitamins, and antioxidant protection and features cactus flower extract, maracujá oil, red algae, coconut water and more.

Rizos Curls is Bringing Weightless Curl Definition & Hydration to Another Level with their NEW Curl Defining Mousse

The Curl Defining Mousse is perfect for Curl Definition, Enhancing Texture, Weightless Volume, Deep Hydration, Frizz Control, Easy Styling.

Why We Love It:

  • Lightweight formula doesn’t weight down curls
  • Enhanced curl definition
  • Works great across all textures, for waves, curls & coils!
  • Provides weightless volume & definition without weighing hair down
  • Great for wash day styling and multi-day curl refresh & hydration
  • Provides vitamin-rich, deep hydration
  • Airy, foamy texture for maximum body
  • Highly potent formula, a little goes a long way!
  • Made with 96% naturally derived ingredients
  • Dermatologist-Tested
  • Vegan & Cruelty-Free
  • Non-aerosol, safer for the planet & sustainability

High-Performing Natural Ingredients:

  • Cactus Flower Extract: Improves hair health with vitamin-infused hydration. This highly potent extract is derived from the cactus flower, known for its incredible ability to draw in & retain moisture. It deeply hydrates, nourishes strands & promotes hair strength.
  • Maracujá Oil: Antioxidant-rich, improves softness, enhances shine, reduces breakage & combats frizz. A rich source of vitamins that deeply nourishes & enhances luminosity.
  • Red Algae: Super antioxidant that shields hair from environmental damage & pollution. Repairs & nourishes weak hair. Highly popular in skincare with great benefits that revitalize hair.
  • Coconut Water: Ultra-hydrating & nutrient-dense, it deeply nourishes strands for lasting visibly healthier hair.
  • Also with Flaxseed, Chia Extract, Aloe Vera + more!

Check out next: Rizos Curls Makes History As The First Latina-Owned Curly Hair Care Line At ULTA

Issa Rae’s Best Looks from the Barbie Pink Carpet

If you haven’t seen pink splashed all over your news feeds for the past few weeks, you might have missed the memo that the Barbie movie is here to turn the world pink this summer. The highly anticipated film from Great Gerwig stars a slew of celebrities from Margot Robbie to Ryan Gosling who will be playing the titular Barbie and Ken characters. However, Greta decided to pay an ode to not only the lengthy collection that is the Barbie doll, but also the beauty of diversity in bodies, culture, and hair with new characters. 

Each Barbie is unique, charismatic, and vivacious and we’ve been treated to seeing all of their looks on the worldwide press tour, but Issa Rae has been a standout with all of her looks. Issa Rae has been the President of our television sets for the past few years with hits like Insecure, Rap Shit, and an array of films, but now she’s playing President Barbie in the new movie. While she’s been serving up pink looks to die for as she jet sets across the globe, her hair has been exceptionally stylish and we love to see the switch up between each outfit. Scroll down for our roundup of Issa’s best hairstyles in full glory across the Barbie pink carpet. 

Feeling the Barbie spirit? Shop our Pretty in Pink favorites.

Los Angeles Barbie Press Junket

Issa Rae’s Best Looks from the Barbie Pink Carpet
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 25: Issa Rae attends the press junket and photo call For “Barbie” at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

We love this monochromatic look that is simple, stylish, and a nod to the 60s with a form-fitted top and trousers. Issa brings out the texture with a top-knot bun and curly bangs that are perfectly styled across her head.

Check out: 15 Barbiecore Hairstyle Ideas for Natural Hair 

Barbie L.A. Premiere

Issa Rae’s Best Looks from the Barbie Pink Carpet
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 09: Issa Rae attends the World Premiere of “Barbie” at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on July 09, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/FilmMagic,)

Issa brought all the class in this plunging cutout velvet dress for the Los Angeles Barbie premiere where she donned an upscale ponytail with a soft wave and an embellished swoop on the side of her head. It’s stylish, sleek, and the perfect addition to her overall look which is giving Barbie goes Hollywood.

Barbie London Premiere

Issa Rae’s Best Looks from the Barbie Pink Carpet
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 13: Issa Rae attends a photocall on July 13, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Warner Bros. )
Issa Rae’s Best Looks from the Barbie Pink Carpet
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 13: Issa Rae attends a photocall on July 13, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Warner Bros. )

This style is pure summer fun and is giving us beach Barbie vibes as Issa rocks a lower crimped ponytail with this two-piece look. During the day while she interviewed she kept it simple with a see-through pink top and jean pleated mini skirt before changing into a fun look in the evening.  The crimps are a perfect throwback to 80s and 90s Barbie looks and is playful, and simple, and allow her face to take center stage. The additional length added to the pony so the crimps are visible is a fun addition to the ponytail and completes the look.

Barbie European Premiere

Issa Rae’s Best Looks from the Barbie Pink Carpet
US actress Issa Rae poses on the pink carpet upon arrival for the European premiere of “Barbie” in central London on July 12, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Issa Rae’s Best Looks from the Barbie Pink Carpet
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 12: Issa Rae attends the “Barbie” European Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on July 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Neil Mockford/FilmMagic)
Issa Rae’s Best Looks from the Barbie Pink Carpet
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 12: Issa Rae attends the “Barbie” VIP Photocall at The London Eye on July 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

The hot pink mini dress is giving sexy, sultry, and chic as Issa makes her way onto the pink carpet at the European premiere of Barbie. She’s going for an effortless style with straight hair tucked behind her ears so it frames her face. Her hair is looking sleek and compliments her look perfectly which she also replicated during the evening when she swapped out her dress for a 1960s mod look.

British Vogue Party

Issa Rae’s Best Looks from the Barbie Pink Carpet
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 13: Issa Rae attends the British Vogue x Self Portrait Summer Party at Chiltern Firehouse on July 13, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Can we have a moment for this stunning two-piece look that channels a couture Barbie vibe? Her stylish updo is a great addition to this look that gives elevated Barbie chic with a large dose of sophistication. She compliments the updo with two soft curls adorning each side of her face for a softer style that brings attention to her makeup.

While Issa is now currently on strike with many other actors in Hollywood as of this week, we are delighted and overjoyed to have seen her slay the pink carpet and bring a range of diverse hairstyles to compliment her stunning looks. She has us prepped and ready to cheer Barbie on when the film premieres on Jul 21, 2023!

We’re celebrating the premiere of the new Barbie movie with all things Curl & Pink! Shop some of our favorite pink products!

20 Humidity-Proof Products to Fight Frizz
We all know the struggle of styling our curly hair only to watch it fluff and go poof once we step outside. Purchasing a humidity-proof product is a great line of defense to help your curls stay healthy and frizz-free as the blistering sun touches down on our heads. We’ve compiled a list of great products that can help you fight the humidity whether you are looking for a gel, styling cream, mousse, or oil.

Gel

20 Humidity-Proof Products to Fight Frizz

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel

Humidity stands no chance with a gel that prevents frizz, flyaways, and volume that the summer heat can bring. The wheat proteins combined with nano-technology formula are specifically designed to lock in moisture and keep humidity away.

Jane Carter Solution Condition And Sculpt

A gel that provides maximum hold is great during the hottest seasons when your curls need to be defined in the heat. This is a good product to use on wash day to set your definition because it’s best used when wet and won’t leave any build-up or residue.

Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper Gel

It’s great to have a versatile product in your arsenal that can be used on either set or dry hair. This Curl Keeper Gel will help control frizz during humid weather without giving you flakiness or crunchiness.

Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel

The soothing ingredients of honey, ginger, and babassu are blended for a natural formula to hydrate your hair. This gel will give each of your curls definition and smooth your edges while keeping frizz away.

CURLS Goddess Curls Gelle

Transform your curls with an botanical curl styler that will give you hold, shine, and no frizz. Plumeria alba flower extract and aloe leaf juice are blended to define and keep your curls protected. 20 Humidity-Proof Products to Fight Frizz

Curl Junkie Curls in a Bottle

This curl classic is a lightweight styler that also offers gentle conditioning properties. We’d recommend this for Type 2 wavies as a styling product, while Type 3 and Type 4 curlies and coilies may find better luck using this as a leave-in and layering stylers on top of it. This product is water-soluble and the consistency is quite liquidy for those that prefer light products.

Mousse

Smooth‘n Shine Curl Defining Mousse

This anti-frizz formula is great for adding volume to your curls and bringing out the best definition and texture. A camellia oil and shea butter blend is going to give your curls bounce and health whether they are wet or dry.

The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam

This light-hold foaming mousse will keep the humidity away with its combination of blue agave and green tea to leave your hair soft and shiny. You can use this on any texture of curls to define and control your style.

Bed Head by TIGI Foxy Curls Extreme Mousse

This strong-hold mousse provides definition and frizz-free curls for up to 72 hours. Shop this product for humidity protected curls that will hold up in the heat. Curlies love that it doesn’t leave behind a crunch.

SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Styling Mousse

If you follow the Curly Girl Method then this silicone-free mousse can help keep your curls nourished and happy. It is vitamin enriched with lychee berry, green apple extracts, and fresh dragon fruit to control frizz and give you a weightless shine.

Styling Creams

20 Humidity-Proof Products to Fight Frizz

Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Cream-to-Serum Lotion

Moisture is here to stay with a light cream-to-serum treatment designed to hydrate and penetrate your curls. Agave, mango butter, and meadowfoam oil are going to keep your curls shiny and free from humidity.

Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme

Use this crème with a humidity-resistant formula to define and style your curls. You can apply the coconut oil, avocado oil, and shea butter blend to dry or damp hair for finger styling on-the-go.

Mixed Chicks Coil, Kink, Curl, and Styling Cream

Five oils are blended in this styler to give you creamy perfection to keep your curls moisturized and frizz-free. Whether you rock a wash&go or a protective style, humidity doesn’t stand a chance.

Soultanicals Can’t Believe It’s Knot Butta

A styling cream that smoothes and nourishes your curls is the best to keep flyaways away in the summer heat. This creamy concoction is made with Jamaican black castor oil and sweet honey for moisture, softness, and shine.

Taliah Waajid Curls, Waves, and Naturals Curly Curl Cream

This lightweight styling cream smoothes and moisturizes your curls with its amazing shea butter formula, but won’t build up on your curls over time.

Oil

Oils will not give your hair the hold it needs to define your curls, but they’re a useful tool in smoothing and spot treating frizz that has formed when refreshing your curls. They can also seal in your moisture as the final product in your styling routine to prevent your hair from reaching out for moisture (which is what frizz is). 20 Humidity-Proof Products to Fight Frizz

Crème Of Nature Argan Oil Anti-Humidity Gloss & Shine Mist

Your curls will have a brilliant shine after using this frizz-controlled mist that doubles as a heat protectant. The argan oil will help repair your dry hair, fight humidity, and give you a shine that won’t weigh your hair down.

Flawless by Gabrielle Union Oil Treatment

This five-oil, silicone-free oil treatment is your go-to product for shinier, frizz-free hair. The blend of argan oil, marula oil, avocado oil, and pea protein is going to give you hydration with a shiny finish.

Cantu Anti-Frizz Smoothing Oil

No one likes flyaways or frizz, so why not eliminate them both with one product? This product is free of silicones or mineral oil to keep your curls healthy, smoothed and shiny.

Uncle Funky’s Daughter Glossy Finishing Shine Mist

A mist that’s going to hydrate your curls is perfect for fighting the humidity and frizz. Enjoy the mix of safflower oil, jojoba, and coconut to strengthen and provide shine to your curls.

Design Essentials Almond and Avocado Curl Control and Shine Mist

If you are looking to revitalize your curls and coils, this shine mist is a must for you. The almond and avocado ingredients are perfect on wet or dry hair to achieve controlled, frizz-free curls. We hope you find the right combination that can help your hair beat the heat these next few months. Each set of products is great for different styles no matter if you are doing a wash&go or a protective style to keep your curls protected. A great mix of humidity proof products can truly help combat frizz and assist in sealing moisture in all the right places.
The Best Products for Protective Styles & Locs

Protective styles are an essential part of the natural hair process and having a good haircare regimen is key to maintaining the coveted look. Traditional products like shampoos and conditioners aren’t what you’ll use when wearing a long-lasting style like box braids or bantu knots and will be using different products to help with moisture retention and hydration. We’re breaking down the best products for protective styles according to the NaturallyCurly community, as voted in the 2023 Best of the Best Awards. Read on to see which products help add longevity and give your hair a great hold to maintain your protective style this summer.

Each category has a winner for Type 3 Curly, and Type 4 Coily hair as well as an overall winner for all curl types. Not sure what your curl pattern is? Take our Texture Typing Quiz to learn more about your unique hair type.

Best Product for Braids and Twists for Type 3 Curly Hair, and for All Curl Types: Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Honey Curl Forming Custard

If you’re looking for a beautiful definition and hold that will stretch your curls and coils, look no further than this Honey Curl Forming Custard from Design Essentials. This can be easily applied to your wash-and-go routine, finger coils, Bantu knots, and two-strand twists with plenty of hold and shine. The rich blend of almond, avocado, honey, and chamomile make a sweet blend that work together to seal in moisture, reduce breakage, and protect hair strands during styling.

Type 3 curlies love this product for its ability to define, shape, and elongate their hair texture for braids and twists. This is a fan favorite because it can provide hold without being sticky, flaky, or creating any residue on your scalp. It helps to fight shrinkage by elongating your natural curl pattern and can be used with a twist set or flexi-rod set for the ultimate bantu knots, flat twists, or 2-strand twists.

Best Product for Braids and Twists for Type 4 Coily Hair: The Mane Choice Tropical Moringa Pearly Braid Out Glaze

Here’s to endless moisture that your braids and twists will love as the Tropical Moringa Sweet Oil and Honey glaze works to deliver a flexible hold that is great for type 4 textures. This product can be used to smooth and soften tighter textures while reducing frizz for your protective styles. It can be applied to wet or damp hair from roots to ends as a styler for braid-outs and twist-outs for added moisture and shine.

BEST PRODUCT FOR LOCS 

Best Product for Locs for Type 3 Curly Hair: Lockology Peppermint Tea Tree Oil For Locs

The Best Products for Protective Styles & Locs

Hello to this unique blend of peppermint, green tea, and other natural ingredients to strengthen your locs and promote growth. The pointed tip helps you to directly condition your scalp tp relieve itching and promote growth. You can easily remove pesky build-up and rinse your locs easily which can help within conditioning and sealing in moisture.

Best Product for Locs for Type 4 Coily Hair, and for All Curl Types: Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products Lock It Up Tight Hold

The Best Products for Protective Styles & Locs

Locs are going to love this product because it provides a great hold with no flaking and can help to tame frizz and hold styles longer for any hair type. The infusion of yarrow root, rosemary, nettle, and Indian hemp are great ingredients for starting locs, loc grooming, and two-strand twists. If you’re looking to define your curl pattern this can also be used to help shape and define curls without any flaking or hardening. 

This is a superior product to help with locs because there is no alcohol which means no flaking while maintaining your loc style. It works well with type 4 coils and kinks because of the excellent hold and non-flakey build-up. You can use the palm or comb rolling technique to twist new growth without any sticking or gumminess between strands. 

BEST EDGE CONTROL PRODUCT 

Best Edge Control Product for Type 3 Curly Hair, and for All Curl Types: tgin Miracle RepaiRx Smooth & Protect Edge Control

Our edges are some of the most delicate and fragile hair we have which means they need ultimate protection and care. If you’re looking for a smooth and finished look to help lay and sleigh your edges, look no further than the tgin smooth and nourishing edge control that is infused with biotin and castor oil. It is a nutrient-rich formula that helps promote hair growth and holds edges in place without any buildup or flaking.

This anti-breakage edge control didn’t make our list twice for just any old reason. It’s great for type 3 hair because it can help you create sleek styles that will enhance any braids, locs, and twists. It provides a long-lasting hold with non-sticky and non-greasy formula that nourishes hair with shine and moisture. 

Best Edge Control Product for Type 4 Coily Hair: Flawless by Gabrielle Union Repairing Edge Control

Type 4 coils and kinks love the flawless repairing edge control for its biotin, passion fruit seed oil, acai palm oil, and buriti oil that helps to rebuild and strengthen hair. This is gentle enough it can be used every day with your protective styles while still providing a long-lasting hold without any flaking. 

Check out the rest of the 2023 Best of the Best Award winners to for more curly community-approved products. You might just find your next Holy Grail!

The Best Mousses for Naturally Curly, Coily and Wavy Hair

Modern-day curl mousse has skipped the alcohol and drying ingredients of yesteryear in favor of water-based formulas and ingredients that can make curls hydrated, fuller, and frizz-free. They can be fluffy, thick, hydrating, and add volume to your curls. There are plenty of mousses on the market so finding your favorite is all a matter of identifying the mousse that addresses your specific curl needs. Do you want a mousse that’s defining? Perhaps a formula with oil that can help add some shine back to your hair? We’re breaking down the best mousse for ever curl pattern according to the NaturallyCurly community, as voted in the 2023 Best of the Best Awards. Read on to see which tools actually worked for thousands of curly, coily and wavy haired readers so you can easily shop.

Each category has a winner for Type 2 Wavy, Type 3 Curly, and Type 4 Coily hair as well as an overall winner for all curl types. Not sure what your curl pattern is? Take our Texture Typing Quiz to learn more about your unique hair type.

Best Mousse for All Curl Types: The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam

The Doux is helping keep us fresh to def with this dual-use mousse that provides the perfect amount of hold to define your curls or control your sleek look. The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam gives definition, shine, and volume to every hair type and curl pattern. Enjoy the touchable control free of crunch and flaking. It’s ideal for any hair texture or type because the natural humectants and silk protein resist humidity and strengthen hair and leave hair soft and touchable with a lustrous shine.

Best Mousse for Type 2 Wavy Hair: Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam

Did someone order volume with their mousse? This lightweight styling foam is perfect for type 2 wavies looking to uplift their roots and build body in their hair. It includes ingredients like aloe vera, honey, and sugarcane for an airy foam that will you will love. The lightweight foam won’t weigh down your hair and help to increase fullness and manageability so each strand is moisturized and hydrated.

Best Mousse for Type 3 Curly Hair: Design Essentials Curl Enhancing Mousse

Let’s get those curls popping with a lightweight foam that helps with curl definition, reduces frizz, and provides a lasting hold. Design Essentials Natural Almond and Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse has a unique formula of wheat protein that works to penetrate the hair cuticle which creates stronger and healthier hair. Type 3 curlies can look forward to soft and pliable curls that have no frizz and will not flake.

Best Mousse for Type 4 Coily Hair: The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam

The Mousse Def Texture Foam is not only ideal for all textures but especially good for type 4 coilies who are looking to define and control their hair. Coilies can look forward to definition, shine, and volume that will keep their hair touchable and free of crunch and flaking. You can distribute this mousse liberally throughout your coils and allow it to coat the hair from root to tip!

Which mousse do you plan on adding to your cart? Let us know in the comments!

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

Tools are an essential aspect of any natural hair regimen because we need them to help style, cleanse, and manage our curly hair on a daily basis. Every naturalista has their own unique combination of tools that helps transform her coils, curls, and kinks from drab to fab. Whether it’s your signature hair pick or your favorite diffuser, you can never go wrong with these tools to help your curls, coils, and kinks elevate to a beautiful crown. These products were voted as the best hair tools for every curl type by the NaturallyCurly community in the 2023 Best of the Best Awards. Read on to see which tools actually worked for thousands of curly, coily and wavy haired readers.

Each category has a winner for Type 2 Wavy, Type 3 Curly, and Type 4 Coily hair as well as an overall winner for all curl types. Not sure what your curl pattern is? Take our Texture Typing Quiz to learn more about your unique hair type.

Best Hair Styling Tools for Every Curl Type

Best Hair Styling Tool for All Curl Types: Pattern Mist Spray Bottle

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

No has time to keep running their brush underneath the sink or getting a hand cramp from pumping a small spray bottle for water.  This aerosol-free spray bottle is great for helping create a continuous fine mist to help rehydrate your hair. It can be used for straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair to help your hair stay moisturized. 

Best Hair Styling Tool for Type 2 Wavy Hair: Pattern Beauty Hair Pick

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

Who doesn’t love a good hair pick? Pattern brings a functional and lightweight hair pick that wavies will love for its extra long prongs which can help to shape, style, and elongate finer textures. It’s great for reviving your waves in the morning and can be used to add volume, shape, and elongation to your everyday style. 

Best Hair Styling Tool for Type 3 Curly Hair: Pattern Mist Spray Bottle

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

It can be tricky to keep your hair hydrated during these long summer months, but the Pattern Mist Spray Bottle has your curls covered. This is a fan favorite for type 3 curlies because it can lightly resaturate the hair for styling and help with dryness. If you’re looking for a curl-enhancing product that will help hit those tough-to-reach spots and angles then look no further than the spray bottle that is refillable and reusable. 

Best Hair Styling Tool for Type 4 Coily Hair: Baby Tress 3-in-1 Edge Styler Tool

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

Finally, an edge control brush that can slick, swoop, and define coils, kinks, and tighter texture curls. This premium styling tool can help with baby hairs, flyaways, and getting your edges nice and smooth. The comb can help separate and smooth coils, has a pointed tip for parting and finishing details on your styles, and includes a travel cap for easy application on-the-move.

Best Hair Dryers for Every Curl Type

Best Hair Dryer for All Curl Types: RevAir Reverse-Air Dryer

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

Rev Air is here to bring you healthy, fast, and easy ways to dry and smooth your hair in one quick step. Their unique reverse-air drying method seals hair cuticles in their natural direction for a frictionless experience that effortlessly dries hair. The dryer includes 3 heat settings with detachable wand that expertly dries curls from root to tip for a flawless finish!

Best Hair Dryer for Type 2 Wavy Hair: InfinitiPro by Conair 1875-Watt Salon Performance AC Motor Styling Tool

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

Are you ready for a faster drying experience with less frizz? The InfinitiPro by Conair gives salon-style quality at home with powerful airflow that can add volume and create smooth and shiny hair. Type 2 wavies love it because it helps curls dry faster without creating more damage due to its 6 total speed and heat combination you can personalize to your liking.

Best Hair Dryer for Type 3 Curly Hair: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

Say hello to fast drying that will protect your hair from extreme heat damage while helping increase smoothness and shine. Engineered for different hair types, the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer has been a game changer for type 3 curlies that helps to improve curl definition and add volume. It comes with a diffuser, wide tooth comb attachment, styling concentrator, and flyaway attachment for easy listing and a 360-degree rotation.

Best Hair Dryer for Type 4 Coily Hair: RevAir Reverse-Air Dryer

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

The RevAir is ideal for coily/kinky textures because it uses less heat than blow dryers and flat irons so it’s healthier for your hair. The reverse-air drying technology cuts drying and styling down by half and provides a versatile experience for natural hair whether you have braids, locs, wigs, or extensions. The friction-free airflow helps to preserve hair’s strength, shine, and overall health.

Best Detangling Tools for Every Curl Type

Best Detangling Tool for All Curl Types: Detangler Brush by Felicia Leatherwood

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

Felicia Leatherwood continues to be a standout detangling tool for natural hair because of its wide flexibility and spaced bristles. It can be used on wet or dry curls and helps to cut detangling time in half without any pulling or yanking. As a multi-award winning tool, it’s become a staple of curls, coils, and kinks because of it’s unique shape and styling properties. 

Best Detangling Tool for Type 2 Wavy Hair: Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Hair Brush for Adults & Kids Hair

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

The original glide thru brush is here to help transform knots and tangles into smooth and defined curls. The bristles work to separate the hair sideways instead of down and can help unravel even the most unruly tangles for type 2 waves and finer textures. The flexible bristles make it a standout for kids and adults who want an easy detangling experience void of pulling or tugging on the hair.

Best Detangling Tool for Type 3 Curly Hair: Tangle Teezer NaturallyCurly Brush

Say goodbye to tangles with the Tangle Teezer that’s here to help with type 3 curly hair. These longer and firmer teeth can help to reduce the level of frizz while keeping curls defined. It’s a great tool for curly hair because the firm-flex teeth help to eliminate knots and reduce breakage. You can shop this fun tool in a variety of colors to add to your collection!

Best Detangling Tool for Type 4 Coily Hair: Detangler Brush by Felicia Leatherwood

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

Specially formulated for coily and kinkier textures, Felicia Leatherwood set a new standard for detangling tools when she created this brush. It works well with thicker and tighter textures without breaking or damaging natural strands. The wide handle is perfect for beginners and can help with preventing excess hair loss and hair shedding.

Best Diffusers for Every Curl Type

Best Diffuser for All Curl Types: Xtava Black Orchid Hair Diffuser

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

Diffusing doesn’t have to be hard, in fact, the Black Orchid Hair diffuser makes it easy to achieve frizz-free, defined styles for thick and textured hair. The optimal 3D multi-pronged grip is great for achieving 360-degree airflow which can help you touch those hard-to-reach areas! The compatible 6” attachment also makes it easy to fit any blow dryer you have at home!

Best Diffuser for Type 2 Wavy Hair: Xtava Black Orchid Hair Diffuser

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

Who doesn’t love the 90 air vents that help with optimal air diffusion for your waves? The Black Orchid Hair Diffuser helps to preserve hair health and enhances the natural texture of type 2 waves because it helps to eliminate frizz and maximize volume. You can save time quickly drying your curls because of the extra large design speeds and fingers that are formulated for finer textures.

Best Diffuser for Type 3 Curly Hair: The Curly Co Collapsible Hair Diffuser

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

Meet the travel diffuser that is ready to work with you and your curls. Its silicone design is built to stretch and shrink with any hair dryer and collapse into a packable shape that you can pack in your suitcase. It can be used to maintain your natural texture while you blow away the frizz and gives salon-style quality while you’re at home.

Best Diffuser for Type 4 Coily Hair: Conair Volumizing Universal Hair Diffuser

The Best Hair Tools for Every Curl Type

If you’re looking for affordable luxury that will deliver, look no further than the Conair Volumizing Hair Diffuser with adjustable hair dryer attachments for frizz-free curls! It’s ideal for coily and tighter textures because it can help with volume and providing a great shine. The prongs help to lift the hair like your fingers so your coils can be gently diffused as they dry.

Check out the rest of the 2023 Best of the Best Award winners to for more curly community-approved products. You might just find your next Holy Grail!

Bomb Ass Fro Creator Sydni Raymond Talks About Her Viral Hair Jelly

Bomb Ass Fro isn’t just a mantra, it’s a movement and product that has been flying off the online shelves in 2023. As a New Orleans, LA native, CEO, and founder Sydni Raymond wanted to ditch the complexity and complication of styling natural curls with a one-stop shop remedy, a hair jelly. She desired to not only inspire confidence in her customers but also provide them a simple and effective way to combat pesky frizz and humidity. We sat down to chat with Sydni about how she created her sold-out hair jelly and what she’s learned from her experience as a business owner. 

How did living in NOLA impact your relationship with your hair?

I think at first it was definitely a learning curve for me. You do have to learn how to use the humidity to your benefit because there are pros and cons to it. My gel definitely has humidity-fighting ingredients, although it has glycerin in it. When a lot of people see glycerin they get concerned but it’s definitely a unique formula and overall this has been a learning curve for me. You mentioned your own experience with the climate in New Orleans and when I walked outside it can be frustrating to see it immediately frizz up after spending an hour on your hair. The winter can be a bit better, but it is a trial-and-error situation where I’ve always tried to work with it instead of working against it because you will never fully win.

What inspired the name of your business?

It kind of just came to me, I am a person who has always received compliments on my hair and the misconception that it’s easy to style because it’s a looser texture. I had to get used to having curly hair like anyone else, and I think that’s an experience that a lot of people can relate to. We’ve been conditioned to feel like our curls needed to be straightened and we needed to use chemicals in our hair. I just wanted to give Black women specifically the confidence to rock their Bomb Ass Fro, no matter what texture you have or if you’re still learning how to do your hair. I want you to walk in the room with my product and embody having a Bomb Ass Fro and feel confident. 

Why did you choose to make your first product a jelly?

I am a gel girl and I just got tired of trying to figure out all of the methods like the LOC method and what order I should have to put the products in my hair. Do I use the moisture I prefer? When do I use oil? So I wanted to reduce all of those steps. I wanted to make it simple so all you have to use is the gel which has all of the properties that all of the other methods are supposed to add to your hair without the endless steps. I personally find it confusing and natural hair is already such a learning curve and then we’re trying to figure out which steps to take and what is right for my hair type. I wanted to help people achieve good-looking hair with the least amount of effort.

How would you describe the difference between a jelly and gel?

A gel has more of a cast, more of a hard cast I consider, and a different consistency. My gel is a looser consistency but it’s not as thick as a regular gel would be. I intentionally created it that way because I wanted to be able to maneuver through different textures. I feel like gels can kind of get stuck because they don’t have as much slip as I like. I chose to go the jelly route for consistency and being able to detangle your hair so it’s an easy-flowing experience without a lot of manipulation. 

What ingredients are in your product?

The first ingredient is water, and glycerin, and then there’s a fruit extract mix, which is it has different hair growth and humidity-fighting components. It’s considered a botanical gel and doesn’t have any PCPs or harsh ingredients which I’m proud of because most of my ingredients are naturally derived, but it also still performs well. I want to make a note that I chose to use glycerin because I still wanted the product to have a moisturizing property, and If I’m going to consider it all into one gel, I need to have that moisture factor there. Water brings moisture to your hair and glycerin extracts the moisture from the air and puts it into the hair. You can use all the leavens and oils and butter in the world but the ultimate component to moisture is water, and so it was important to me to ensure that moisture is being put into my customer’s hair.

What is an important milestone you’ve experienced as a business owner?

Recently I got selected to be the first product-based brand for New Orleans entrepreneur week. I got to pitch on stage, which was exciting and nerve-wracking but it was a proud moment for me because it just showed, you know, how quickly my brand is scaling and where it has the potential to go. It’s important to have that affirmation that other people believe in what I’m doing and I’m headed in the right direction.

How have you created an audience for your product on social media?

All of Bomb Ass Fro’s audience is organic to this date and we haven’t spent a dollar in marketing because we haven’t had to. I’ve had some great influencers back me because they love the product and they see the vision and want me to win. I totally appreciate each of them for that support so they’re a big aspect of that word of mouth reviews. 

What can we look forward to from Bomb Ass Fro this year?

We will be expanding our product line this year to offer a deep conditioner and possibly a shampoo. I’m very specific on what I want each product to be and it took me a year and a half to formulate the jelly. Shampoo and conditioners are essential to the natural hair experience so it’ll be a bundle. Since we sell out a lot, we’re going to offer a subscription-based model as an option to customers so you can ensure that you have the product instead of waiting weeks. 

How to Wear Your Hair Curly On Your Wedding Day
A wedding is not only a major milestone in your life but is the one day where as a bride, all eyes are on you. As a naturalista there is nothing more essential than making sure your hair is on point for the big day. Since many of us embrace and love our natural curls, it only makes sense that we’re going to want to create and implement a classic wedding style that highlights and elevates our curls for the wedding. Finding the perfect wedding day look isn’t a matter of pattern or texture, it’s all about creating a look that compliments your curls. Whether you’re rocking free flowing curls or looking to create a stylish updo, we’ve got you covered with 10 amazing looks you’ll want to keep saved for your big day.

1. Curly Updo with Bridal Accessories

How to Wear Your Hair Curly On Your Wedding Day
Photo: @mariaelenaheadpieces
Wearing a voluminous updo is a great way to get creative with your curls and allow the texture to really take center stage. Adding a bridal accessory or accent like a jeweled pin can add additional flair and compliment your wedding dress.
Here’s how you can get the look:

2. Loc Updo With Bridal Accents

How to Wear Your Hair Curly On Your Wedding Day
Photo: @tubarones
Here’s how you can get the look:

3. Twists With Curly Hair

How to Wear Your Hair Curly On Your Wedding Day
Photo: Hair by @ninalstylist photo by @angelicapompy
Wearing twists or cornrows in your hair is a great protective style that can help manage flyaways and give you the chance to rock an accessory. The key to rocking twists or cornrows is to make sure that you wear plenty of gel and edge control so that the look remains smooth and polished.
Here’s how you can get the look:

4. Twists With Curly Hair

How to Wear Your Hair Curly On Your Wedding Day
Photo: @orioneconceicao
Show off your length and texture with an amazing side swept puff that will get your hair high and out of your face.This is a elegant take on the classic pony that allows you to add volume to your curls and allows you to show off your neckline and jewelry.
Here’s how you can get the look:

5. Brushed Out Curls

How to Wear Your Hair Curly On Your Wedding Day
Photo: Lovely Bride
We love to see a soft and elegant bridal style.Wearing your hair down on the big day can feel a bit nerve wracking but with this stylish and soft take on pillow soft curls, you’ll be in love. Brushing out your curl pattern can give you extra volume and showcase your cut or layers. Get the look:

6. Pineapple With Pearls

How to Wear Your Hair Curly On Your Wedding Day
Photo: Styled by @Lebron_ellie
If you’re going for an elegant, romantic look, try this pineapple with pearls updo. It’s a timelessly gorgeous style that keeps the majority of your curls off the back of your neck (ideal if you’re getting married during warmer months) while still leaving some defined natural curls framing your beautiful face. This model is wearing Bebonia curly clip-in hair extensions to make the pineapple formed by her natural curls fuller and more voluminous.

How to Style Pineapple With Pearls

  • First, install your curly clip-in hair extensions. (Check out our how-to guide here. You can also bring it to your stylist!) This gorgeous style was created using two sets of Bebonia curly hair extensions in 110g, Natural Black, 22” Ringlets.
  • Separate a v-section for front loose curls, secure with a clip.
  • Spritz water, add holding gel (our stylist recommends Innersense “I Create Hold” gel).
    • Stylist Note: It’s easier to smooth the hair ponytail while curls are damp to create a smooth high ponytail. Use a smoothing brush for slicker form.

7. Boho With Baby’s Breath

How to Wear Your Hair Curly On Your Wedding Day
Photo: Styled by @glamazoncoifs
This “Boho With Baby’s Breath” style is straight out of a fairytale. It’s perfect to pair with flowy, bohemian dresses or outdoor weddings. Just picture yourself gliding down the aisle with this gorgeous, loose, curly braid! Bebonia curly clip-in hair extensions add length and fullness to create a breathtakingly beautiful wedding-day hairstyle.

How to Style the Boho With Baby’s Breath

  • Install your curly clip-in hair extensions before styling this half-up, half-down. (Here is a tutorial on how to clip in Bebonia curly hair extensions.) In this photo, the model is wearing two sets of 110g, Chestnut Spiral Bebonia curly hair extensions in 22” length.
  • Starting just below the temples, take equal sections from each side and twist them in toward the middle and tie them with a small rubber band.
  • Take the second section behind the ears and do the same thing—tie them with a small rubber band over top of the first section.
  • Continue down the length of the hair in as many sections as necessary.
  • When you get near the ends, take specific curls and pin them to blend and create cascading curls at the bottom.
  • Loosen particular curls throughout and pin them if necessary to hide the rubber bands.
  • To finish, decorate with baby’s breath, but you can use any accents or accessories you choose.

8. Half-Up With Pearls

How to Wear Your Hair Curly On Your Wedding Day
Photo: Styled by @Lebron_ellie
If you can’t quite commit to a full updo, you can have the best of both worlds with this gorgeous half-up, half-down hairstyle. This is the perfect look to really show off your beautiful curls, and it’s an incredibly easy style to create. Utilizing curly hair extensions can enhance the length and volume of your natural texture, and accessorizing with pearls creates an eye-catching style that will complement your wedding dress beautifully. In this photo, the bride is wearing a set of customized Bebonia curly clip-in hair extensions to add length and enhance her naturally beautiful curls.

How to Style Half-Up With Pearls

  • Before you begin, install your curly clip-in hair extensions. In this photo, the model is wearing a gorgeous set of 220g, Honey Blonde, Curly extensions in 22” length. (customized color)
  • Make a side part, following the eyebrow arch.
  • Pull side hair back to mid-crown and secure with bobby pins.
  • Accessorize with a pearl side comb and add loose pearls for a charming, gorgeous hair adornment.

9. A Crown For A Queen

How to Wear Your Hair Curly On Your Wedding Day
Photo: styled by @ashlydanielaa
If you’re considering wearing a tiara on your wedding day, but aren’t sure if you should, just take a look at this gorgeous Queen. Your wedding day is probably the one day of your life you’ll be able to wear an actual tiara and get away with it, so we say DO IT! This is a simple hairstyle that’s great for any hair type, but looks especially lovely with curly hair. This model is wearing her Bebonia Spiral, Lightest blonde hair extensions extensions for added volume, lending a regal, elegant look to her hairstyle.

How to Style A Crown For a Queen

  • Install your curly clip-in hair extensions (or have your stylist install them for you) before you begin. This model is wearing two sets of Bebonia curly hair extensions. The curly extensions are 110g, Lightest Blonde Spirals in 22” length. 
  • Have your stylist pull your curls loosely to the back of your head.
  • Gently pin the locks down.
  • Lightly adorn your crown of curls with a tiara, or any other accessory of your choice! We love the way this tiara shows off the full length and volume of the curly extensions and natural curls.

10. Classic Half-Up, Half-Down

How to Wear Your Hair Curly On Your Wedding Day This is another simple, curly wedding hairstyle that makes a HUGE impact. Just look at the length and volume on this beauty. This is a great choice for anyone wanting something simple, elegant, and low-maintenance. One of our favorite parts about this style is how you can match it to your wedding dress using the accessory or adornment of your choice! This model chose to enhance her half-up, half-down hairstyle with curly clip-in hair extensions for the length and volume boost they give the style.

How to Style Classic Half-Up, Half-Down

  • Install your curly hair extensions before you begin creating this hairstyle. Our model is wearing two sets of 110g, Dark Brown, Ringlet curly clip-in hair extensions in 22” length. (Two sets of Bebonias will help create even more volume.)
  • Use a clear elastic band to make a small ponytail for the half-up, half-down.
  • Add a hair accessory to decorate the hair.
If you’re blessed with curly hair, don’t hide your natural texture–embrace it! Your wedding day is a day to shine, and showing off your beautiful crown of curls will help make you shine that much brighter. If you want to add length and volume to your wedding-day hairstyle while embracing your curls, curly extensions could work well for you. If you decide to incorporate curly hair extensions into your wedding-day hairstyle, we recommend bringing them to your stylist for a hairstyle “trial-run” before the day of the big event. Now get out there and say “I do!” to letting your curls free on your big day!
The Best Celebrity Hair Products of 2023

To say that the natural hair scene has exploded with new brands and collections in the past five years is an understatement. We’ve seen growth across the category from product offerings to mainstream beauty stores now having a natural haircare aisle. Most notably we’ve seen celebrities throw their hat into the beauty game and use their experience to help carve out a new sector of hair care. Each celebrity totes their collection based on their signature style and iconic characters, and leverages their own expert stylists to help formulate their products.

There are plenty of celebrity hair products on the market today, but which ones actually work? You voted in the Best of the Best Awards for 2023, and according to the NaturallyCurly community these are the best celebrity hair products for curly, coily and wavy hair.

Pattern Beauty

Voted Best New Brand for All Curl Types

Source: @patternbeauty

Tracee Ellis Ross was ready to disrupt the curly industry when she debuted her Pattern Beauty line and has been skyrocketing ever since. Her brand focuses on pattern positivity and includes ingredients that are safe and nourishing for Type 3 and Type 4 textures. She’s committed to bringing self-love to each customer by providing comprehensive curl guides and education on how to wash, treat, and style natural hair. Each collection focuses on a combination of simple ingredients from nature like aloe vera leaf juice, coconut oil, honey, and jojoba oil. Most are lightly scented with fragrance notes curated by Tracee who desires to provide a luxurious experience for her customers at an affordable price.

Flawless by GU

Voted Best New Brand for Type 2 Wavy Hair

Gabrielle Union and Larry Sims are the co-founders of Flawless by Gabrielle Union which features a large range of products to make sure you have everything you need to hydrate, define, repair, and protect your hair! This brand was intentionally crafted to celebrate versatile hair types, textures, and styles all at an affordable price point, Flawless’s texture-specific products are formulated with exotic, hydrating ingredients such as Brazilian Bacuri Butter, Rice Oil Complex, Lilac Leaf Extract, leaving out harmful additives such as sulfates, silicones, and parabens. She recently debuted her newest styling collection which features a five-butter leave-in conditioner, nourishing scalp spray, and elongating custard. Type 2 wavies love her collection because it’s lightweight, nourishing, and is versatile enough to create a variety of styles. 

Donna’s Recipe

Voted Best New Brand for Type 3 Curly Hair

Source: @donnasrecipe

CEO, Tabitha Brown, and COO, Gina Woods are the co-founders of Donna’s Recipe which is an exclusively vegan hair care brand. Tabitha wanted to provide customers with a nutrient-rich, clean, and vegan product line that uses creative ingredients like sweet potatoes, nuts, and strawberries for maxim moisture penetration. Her products are focused on improving all textures and hair types but Type 3 curlies love them because they feature many moisture-based products that can help rehydrate the scalp, reduce breakage, and create definition. Tabitha’s infectious personality and enthusiasm for helping others makes her brand a stand out with easy how-to guides that help her customers find the best products for their needs.

Pattern Beauty

Voted Best New Brand for Type 4 Coily Hair

Source: @patternbeauty

Pattern Beauty is a brand so nice, it was chosen by our readers twice! This brand is especially geared towards Type 4 hair textures that tend to have tighter coils and kinks. Tighter textures need as much moisture as possible and Tracee delivers a range of products to help address length retention and delicate ends. Customers can shop products like her detangling nectar, curl mousse, palo santo leave-in conditioner, and styling cream to help improve hair with a regimen that is easy and accessible.

Did we capture your favorite celebrity brands? Let us know the products your loving in the comments below!

12 Must-See Cartoons with Curly-Haired Characters

12 Must-See Cartoons with Curly-Haired Characters

There is nothing like representation on the big and small screen whether you’re an adult or a child. We’ve seen a lot of progress in the TV and film industry in the past few years as characters of color take the forefront of stories with nuance, complexity, and layered storylines. Most importantly as the characters evolve, we’ve also seen a change in how their hair texture and pattern have mirrored our own making for an exciting watch. Curly hair needs to be represented in all shapes, colors, and lengths and we’re excited to see more curly-haired cartoon characters being included across a variety of industries.

Source: Netflix

Gabby’s Dollhouse

Gabby is a curious and lively animated character brought to you by Netflix. She loves cats, cooking, and represents a new kind of character since she embraces and accepts her mistakes. Each epic adventure showcases how she encounters new experiences, friends, and a variety of paw-tastic sidekicks to help her along the way. Her curly hair has become a staple for viewers with the show selling a variety of accessories that teaches people how they can make their curls sparkle.

Source: DC Entertainment and Warner Brothers Animation

DC Superhero Girls: Bumblebee

As a first-generation character, Bumblebee has been a formidable character as a superhero, scientist, and student in this animated series. Her honey-blonde streaks in her hair are styled in cornrows with her curls and are an ode to her character name. She is a great addition to a powerful lineup of DC characters in this show who are transformed into teenagers to appeal to a younger audience. 

Source: Walt Disney Pictures

Brave: Princess Merida

Disney hit it out of the park with their movie Brave which follows Princess Merida from the Scottish kingdom of Dunbroch fighting for freedom for herself and her family. As one of the first curly-haired princesses to grace the Disney screen, we love to see her beautiful and voluminous curls wave in the wind as she conquers the opposition throughout the film. Her big hair matches a big personality and heart that is brimming with rebellious and fun energy.

Source: Danger Goldberg Productions and Fathouse Industries

Bigmouth: Missy Foreman-Greenwald

Missy is the lead of the animated Netflix series “Big Mouth” who has begun to explore her race and identity in recent seasons. Her short and soft curls reflect the changing landscape of adolescence and how cartoons can provide a humorous lens for the most awkward conversations like sexuality and trying to find your place in the world. As a mixed-race character we also get to see her experiment with different hairstyles like wearing her natural curls and then rocking braids as her personal style develops. 

Source: Klasky-Csupo and Nickelodeon Network

As Told by Ginger: Ginger Foutley

Ginger is one of the original curly cartoon characters to grace our screen as most millennials will remember her show on Nickelodeon. Ginger works through all the coming-of-age trials to fit in with new social circles, make friends, and brave the complex world of adolescence. Her short and curly hair is a far cry from the detailed looks we see in modern animation, but we still pay homage to this trailblazing character.

Source: Walt Disney Pictures

Moana and Maui: Moana

We love a Disney princess on the big screen who is off on a whirlwind adventure that has us on the edge of our seats. Moana takes her journey to the high seas where she is out to save her tribe from a life-threatening blackness. She meets the charismatic Maui, a demigod who she works with to tackle all the obstacles in her way. We love her gorgeous curls and how Disney showcased a range of lengths and textures for her and Maui.

Source: Dreamworks Animation

Home: Gratuity “Tip” Tucci

Tip Tucci not only made waves for being voiced by the fabulous Rihanna but also for taking the audience on an otherworldly journey.  Rihanna is famously on the record for ensuring this character would be empowering to little girls everywhere regardless of their race, size, or skin color. She worked with Dreamworks to ensure this curly-haired teenager was an authentic representation of girls today.

Source: Walt Disney Animation

Encanto: Madrigral Family

Who didn’t love Encanto? It was not only a hit for its infectious tunes and magical family but the enchanting lead Mirabel. As our curly-haired heroine, Mirabel spends the movie trying to uncover what her gifts are in her magical family. Many of the women sport a range of naturally curly hair and textures that has us giving a big thumbs up for representation. 

You have to see the Encanto lookalikes this movie inspired.

12 Must-See Cartoons with Curly-Haired Characters

See more: These Curly Encanto Lookalikes Will Warm Your Heart

Source: Disney Television Animation

Kim Possible: Monique

Monique is the best friend to the infamous Kim Possible who helps her navigate the personal and social challenges of growing up. She’s got a knack for fashion design and is often seen wearing long and thick curls that roll down her back. Monique is always there to help Kim Possible in her most vulnerable moments and can also be a strong compass for Kim during stressful times.

Source: Walt Disney Animation

The Princess and The Frog: Princess Tiana

Oh did Miss Tiana make a splash when she made her debut as the first Black princess in a Disney film. Before she goes on her adventure going from a frog to a princess, we get to see Tiana’s beautiful curls in a series of updos and ponytails as she pursues her dream to build her own restaurant. As the first Disney princess to represent a Black woman, it was very satisfying to see her hair texture and shape authentically represented onscreen.

Gracie’s Corner

Gracie’s Corner is a YouTube channel for kids created to address the lack of representation that parents Javoris Hollingsworth and Arlene Gordon-Hollingsworth had noticed in their children’s programming. “Everyone deserves to be seen or feel like they matter,” Javoris told ESSENCE. “We felt like there was a lack of representation, especially in edutainment. And we figured, ‘Hey, let’s be proactive and create our own.’” Popular videos of theirs include “I Love My Hair” (above) which of course, we love.

12 Must-See Cartoons with Curly-Haired Characters

Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, a new animated series from Marvel now streaming on Disney+, follows the adventures of a 13-year-old genius superhero and her accidental dinosaur sidekick in Lower East Side, New York. The internet was most excited about episode 5 of the series, where the main character Lunella is made to feel insecure about her natural hair. Her reaction (straightening her hair) takes a surprising turn and ends with her missing her natural hair.

Did we miss any of your favorite characters? What shows or movies are you excited to watch?

Check out: You Have To See These Girls Reacting To Hair Bonnets On TV In Rise Up, Sing Out

25 Photos That Will Make You Want Curly Bangs

There is nothing like a good set of bangs to take your curls from drab to fab in just a few swift chops. Bangs have been making a big comeback as we see more and more naturalistas proudly rocking curly bangs (sans the straightener) and showing off their beautiful texture. We’ve seen celebrities like Zendaya and Rihanna sport the fringe whether they are growing them out, wearing them short, or layering them up next to a classic set of curls. Bangs were long believed to be a straight hair style, but no matter your curls type or texture, anyone can wear bangs, it’s all about selecting the right fringe for your face shape. The biggest aspect of wearing curly bangs is finding a combination of styling techniques and products that will highlight the bangs and make them blend in with your current hairstyle. 

Unsure of where to start? Here’s 25 photos of curly bangs that will have you running to your stylist to ask for bangs…ASAP.

1. Curly Baby Bangs

Photo: @veeaubreyy

Baby bangs are all about the face! If you have super tight or coily curls this is an excellent option that highlights the fringe and lets you grow out your bangs.

2. Windswept Fringe

Photo: @silverstrandsofglitter

Windswept bangs are all about the finer details of carefully styling each curl as it lays across your forehead.

3. Layered Bangs

Photo: @_anacrepaldi

Layers are a great way to warm up the face and give definition to your curls. If you aren’t ready to go for a short or blunt bang style this is a safe option.

4. Curly Short Hair With Bangs

Photo: @mynaturalsilvercrown

If you already have short hair then you are halfway home with this style. Bangs naturally compliment shorter hairstyles because your cut is already tailored to your face shape, your stylist does the rest.

5. Spiral Bangs

Photo: @suecurlysuee by @salonestique

Spiral bangs are an excellent way to not only elevate your curly style but give you face framing layers. These fun, bouncy bangs are perfect for loose or tight curls.

6. Ringlets

Photo: @aoki_hair

If you love to sport ringlets then this is a great bang style to consider since it accents your natural pattern.

7. Fluffy Bangs

Photo: @margaux.dawn

Fluffed up bangs are always great to make them look more voluminous and textured.

8. Seamless Layers 

Photo: @oliviacalabio

Layers can always bring life to limp curls and provide additional texture to your cut.

9. Curly Curtain Bangs

Photo: @edosalonandgallery

Curtain bangs are perfect for people with square or angular face shapes. They are wispy, effortless, and are all about accenting your texture.

Considering curtain bangs? Here are 18 Ways To Rock Curtain Bangs On Curly Hair

10. Sculptural Shape

Photo: @themonacut

One of the great perks of curly and coily hair is the amazing shapes you can create with an expert cut. This silhouette with short bangs in the front is no exception 

11. Mid-Length Shag With Shorter Bangs

Photo: @davidwbullen

Mid-length shags with shorter bangs are a staple of the curly bangs collection because it frames the face and allows for a textured shape across the forehead.

12. Face Framing Bangs

Photo:@curly_lala

Sporting short hair always helps to compliment your bangs because a shorter style frames your face.

Check out: How to Cut and Style Curly Bangs, According to a Stylist

13. Side Fringe

Photo: @nubiarezo

If you prefer to have your bangs adorn your face, side swept bangs are perfect to manage instead of cutting straight across.

14. Side Swept Bangs

Photo: @mindy.gale

You can combine layers with a side swept look that will makes your curls full of definition and voluminous.

15. Wispy Fringe

Photo: @slickback_buttahtoast

If you love volume then this is the style for you! The wispy fringe has plenty of layers which enhances the volume and gives additional movement to your overall style.

16. Micro Spirals

Photo: @evelynsrizos

If you have a tighter or coily texture, rocking spiraled bangs can help with day to day maintenance and look good wet or dry.

17. Long Bangs

Photo: @dessa.malaquias

If you’re looking for big, fluffy curls, rocking long bangs can give you volume, balance, and shape.

18. Barely There Bangs

Photo: @behindthechair_com

The bangs that are so tiny, you just might miss them. These are not for the faint of heart and basically entail wispy curls that lay along your forehead.

19. French Bob Bangs

Photo: @sophiaroe

Our original baby bang queen Sophia Roe cut her long, signature curls into a short angled bob and gave us a new shape to aspire to.

20. Curly Shag

Photo: @raquelschair

The shag is a classic style that compliments any bang style because it keeps the curls out of the face and brings lift and life to long hair.

21. Textured Bangs

Photo: @themonacut

When you have a full head of curls, sometimes it’s time to get choppy. Textured bangs are easy to manage between washes and a fun way to showcase definition.

22. Super Size Curls

Photo: @cheverayuweldagoed

Volume is everything when it comes to bangs and you can style yours to be big and bold while blending into your natural cut.

23. Braided Bangs

Photo: @leratolicious1

If you’re rocking a protective style and have been considering braids, look no further, it’s a very achievable look. 

24. Wavy Curtain Bangs

Photo: by @nomadic_madam of @mermadge

If you’re a curly that loves the idea of bangs but dreads having them in your face this is a great bang style that separates the curls so they adorn your style.

25. Curly Bangs on Short Natural Hair

Photo: @serratostyle

Ready to schedule a haircut for curly bangs? Here’s what to ask your stylist for:

@naturallycurly.com

✂️ Ready for a fabulous curly bangs transformation? Here’s how to ask your stylist for that perfect 3b/3c bangs haircut. Remember trust the process and show off your gorgeous curls with confidence! #haircut #hairtipsandtricks #bangcutting #curlyhairgirl

♬ Nicki For the Money verse – pink friday 2

Bangs can give lift and definition to every curl pattern from Type 2 to Type 4. If you don’t mind the maintenance of regular trims, this is a fun cut that everyone should try at least once!