Search Results: Desiree Johnson

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
We love to see all the beauty of natural hair in its glory. With the summer sun still in effect, we are completely on board the #shorthairdontcare train. As curlies we have full, voluminous, thick, and even dense hair at times that can just sponge up heat during this time of year and cutting it is a must! For our Type 4 curlies with a tighter coil, kink, and curl, identifying the right short hairstyle for you is all about being bold and embracing the density that can make beautiful angles and show off your texture. Kinky and coily textured hair is very fine and fragile so you have the flexibility to sport any look whether you go for super short layers, or do the big chop. We’ve got all the curlspiration for you with these 15 looks that you will love!

1. Halo Fro

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
Image: @naturally_charlette
A round halo cut is flattering on most face shapes and shows off the beauty of the full textured cut. A great way to style this is with a product like coconut oil that will provide plenty of moisture and shine.

2. TWA

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
Image: @jaynellenicole
TWA is a classic short natural hair style that is typically worn after a big chop! This is perfect for giving your hair a refresh after heat damage or a transition from relaxed hair.

3. Angular Bob

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
Image: @vonie_boo
The angled bob is a haircut that is typically shorter in the back and transitions to a longer length in the front. This is definitely a new twist on a classic curly cut that is flattering, edgy, and easy to style.

4. Pixie Cut

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
Image: @twinsunisexsalontheglambar
The curly pixie cut is a short natural haircut that is cropped into layers and has a tousled effect on the coils. They are a fun, low maintenance style that allows you to embrace your texture in its full glory while serving volume and definition.

5. Shape Up

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
Image: @theloftmedford
If you already have a signature style that you enjoy, don’t be afraid to ask your stylist for a shape up! This is a great way to revive your current style or for your stylist to get creative and reshape your hair based on new trends or hair goals.

6. Tapered Cut With Fade

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
Image: @beautywithbj
Tapered haircuts are short and trendy and showcase your texture by bringing attention to the hair being longer at the top and shorter on the sides. Incorporating the fade along the side gives an added style to the cut, but keep in mind it does have to be upkept every few weeks as the hair grows out.

7. Afro

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
Image
Short afro hairdos are an eye-catching cut that complement thick and coiled curls. The afro is a classic hairstyle that can be worn as full or short as possible and compliments many face shapes.

8. Tapered Cut W/Design Accents

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
Image: @juliedavette
When rocking a tapered cut you should always be open to versatility and creativity that comes with this dynamic cut. Many barbers love to include accent designs and signature lines to the sides of the cut to give it additional edge.

9. Layered Afro

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
Image: @mckenzie_renae
Layering your coils and kinks is an excellent way to create the illusion of fullness or thickness. This is a popular way of creating versatile shapes that frame the face and allow for the cut to still be visible as they grow out.

10. Pompadour

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
Cut and color by @kennycolesalon on @mariahmartin67 
If you are looking for a bold and fresh way to rock short hair, look no further than the chic pompadour. This look is very versatile for curlies who may already have short hair and need a refresh. In addition it can be worn with a dry or wet curly look for more definition.

11. Fresh Fade

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
Image: @mahogany.xploher
A fresh fade is viewed as another “big chop” which is a great way to start your hair growth anew and give your scalp some much needed TLC. Fades can be styled with color, accent designs, or edge ups in order to give them a better shape and definition.

12. Blunt Bangs

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
Image: @korluhairartist 
Bangs are a commitment regardless of the type of texture you have, but blunt bangs are a great way to add some style to your everyday hairstyle. They can be worn curly or straight and and worn with a variety of styles.

13. Curly Top Fade

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
Image: @sabrinakvictor
This stunning style is a great way to wear your curls uptop and shaped with a short to medium fade along the sides. You can wear your hair with as much definition and volume as you’d like depending how high your cut is.

14. Fro Hawk

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
Image: @iam.tiffany.renee
Frohawks are a popular hairstyle in the natural hair community because they can be cut or styled with any hair texture. They can be cut as long or short as the customer would like and are meant to maximize the definition of the hair.

15. Bowl Cut

15 Major Short Haircut Ideas for Type 4 Hair
Image: @jess_salonlola
This signature cut is making a triumphant return with a little added curly twist. The bowl cut is a great low maintenance style that allows for the versatility of length and growth.
Pardon My Fro’s Dana Bly Talks Expanding Into Haircare With Her Debut Line

Say hello to Pardon My Fro, a brand that is fierce, funky, and crafted to help women embrace their hairstyle and heritage. Created by graphic designer turned CEO Dana Bly, Pardon My Fro is an exclusive lifestyle brand that includes haircarehome decor, bags, and signature apparel including illustrative kimonos crafted specifically for women proud of their hair and their heritage. This year Dana expanded her brand into Pardon My Fro’s hair assortment which includes: Moisturizing Hair Milk, Curl Enhance Conditioner, Detangler Leave-In Conditioner, Edge Slayer, Mousse, and Growth Oil. We sat down with Dana to chat about creating her first haircare line, her experience as a designer, and her entrepreneurial journey. 

How did your experience as a graphic designer impact how you approached the versatility of textured hair?

I think when I first started designing, I literally probably self-consciously was always designing tight curls because my hair was sporty. It wasn’t until I learned about different textures of hair and got inspiration from my friends that I expanded my designs. I realized that natural hair comes in all different shapes and sizes and I feel like it definitely changed over the years. If you see a design from like 2010 versus now, you’ll definitely see some versatility in that. 

How did your entrepreneurial journey inspire you to create your latest fellowship for start-ups?

I was very excited to be able to do this partnership with Bethany Baptist Church when they approached me for the experience I felt like it was right on time. I’ve been in the industry for eleven years and I remember how difficult it was starting out. How I wanted to do things and I couldn’t because of finances and resources. Understanding where to start and who to talk to is half the battle. I remember when I needed to connect with a bag manufacturer and learn how to bring the design to the product and determine what should it look like. I struggled at the beginning to try to find my niche. Resources, operational support, and money were definitely the top three challenges I needed to take this journey to the next level. 

Your brand features apparel, home decor, and bags; which products did you create first and why?

I started designing prints first because it was the most cost-efficient, I could print at home, using my printer to save money, so it was a no-brainer. First, as I started selling my prints and going to different vending shows, I started looking at what other brands were selling there. I was there with my parents, and I was proud of that, but then I saw T-shirts and mugs. I think I fell into being a lifestyle brand by accident because I was basically gearing up for what my customers were telling me. If they’re like oh, I have your artwork on the wall, but I would love to be able to have your brand out on the street with me as a travel bag, sweatshirt, and t-shirt. 

Overall, I was just listening to my customer base and transformed into a lifestyle, and I felt like the art that I was designing could easily transition to a variety of lifestyle pieces. I was always into interior design, always changing my bed and my wall space every season. but it was very expensive to do. I started with the prints and then gave myself the freedom to venture into home decor so then I transitioned into mugs. 

What have you learned from creating your first collection?

When I worked with the chemist, I really wanted to make sure that whatever we did, it was just going to be focused on hydration and moisture had to be the key. I built the hair care line based on my experiences of being a type 4C. I felt like my hair never got washed, moisturized enough, and never got hydrated enough. My scalp was always so dry, so I examined all the brands that I knew worked for me. I’ve brought it back to the chemist and said, well, these are the ingredients that work for me. It was very intentional for me to make sure that anything that we put out, that it definitely has hydration. 

What have you learned from creating your first hair care collection?

I’m still learning. We launched in Walmart in February and the overall experience has been great. I always never want to complain about anything and take everything in stride. When I started out I was really nervous because I felt like it was already being done right because the brands that I was using for my hair were still very successful. It really took me about a month to sit on the idea with my partners came to me with the challenge to determine how I could make myself different in the market. I’m an artist first and that’s the difference that you’re going to see in my brand is that I am an artist first and this hairstyle line is an extension of my passion and how I connect with my customers. 

I’m learning about the business side of dealing with retailers and what customers like and just recently had my first experience at a natural hair show. When you have something like a brand baby, you just want to protect it, so you want to ensure that you’re doing the right things. 

The journey definitely has had its ups and downs, but I’ve really been enjoying it. 

What is your favorite product out of the entire collection and what are your recommendations for using it?

In the beginning, it was the hair milk because it’s a heavy cream, but it’s very moisturizing, and hydrating. Recently, our Edge Boss won the Pop Sugar Beauty Award for Best Edge Control of the Year which my daughter used frequently because she was always wearing braids. This has become my favorite because it smells good, it’s compact, and travel-friendly. 

How have you seen the natural haircare landscape evolve since you started your business in 2010?

2012 was when the natural hair movement kind of got started, so I’ve seen it all and I’ve been to all the hair shows. I think the biggest difference I’ve seen is really utilizing influencers because even back then before there was even that word influencer I feel like we had the OG influences, but they just weren’t titled that. I wanted someone to be able to use the product, for them to be genuine, and I didn’t want it to be like a business transaction. 

People were really tired of putting perms and chemicals in their hair at that point, and so I’m glad to see that it’s grown so much. I’m just excited to be part of it now and to be in that whole journey with them, because I was just doing natural hair art back then, just trying to keep up with the differences and the changes. 

Will you be adding the Pardon My Fro products to your shelf this year? They recently expanded the haircare line with the brand’s first set of hair tools this summer!

Check out: 20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products To Add To Your Regimen

OurX is a New Haircare Experience for Tightly Textured Hair

Innovation and haircare meet for a new type of haircare experience with Our X. This first-to-market platform for highly textured hair is on a mission to create a new standard for tighter textures and scalp care. OurX does not just provide products, but a full experience that includes an in-depth assessment, education, and hair coaching for textured hair. Comprised of industry experts such as CEO Meghan Maupin, celebrity stylist, Johnny Wright, and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jenna Lester, OurX is customizing and tailoring solutions for your specific haircare needs. The OurX products are prescriptive and thoughtfully developed based on the state of hair, length, and what is needed to create the healthiest strands and scalp based on common concerns with textured hair.

We sat down to chat with Ceci Kurzman who has a rich career in business, investment and serves as one of the few Black, female board members who set out to create a platform that would reach the folks who have been left behind in the hair aisle and the DTC and premium CPG experiences. Via OurX, Ceci has a vision of ushering in a new standard of premium hair health and care in the Black hair care industry with the hopes of removing barriers to access exceptional, premium hair care for those with tightly textured hair.

OurX is a New Haircare Experience for Tightly Textured Hair

You originally come from a music background, what piqued your interest in getting involved in the haircare industry?

I was inspired by three things, First I’m a consumer and I fall into the category of spending the equivalent of a mortgage on my hair and never felt confident in my ability to understand and take care of my hair. I thought it was just me and I learned through this process over the years that not only is it not just me, but it’s an overwhelming number of people. Coming from the music industry, I’ve worked with a lot of women and artists of color in the pop and pop urban artist development sector for 20 years. A lot of my interests in these other categories really came with challenges we ran into working and developing artists, and this was a big one.

When you become more established you can hire hairstylists like Kim Kimble and always look great because you have, hair and wigs that travel in first-class seats. However, it just was hard even for the artists themselves and certainly, for people who looked up to and aspired to understand how to maintain and manage your hair properly over time. In many cases you’ve never seen a real artist’s hair and if you had you’d be shocked because of the wear and tear and beat down that that hair takes even with all of the experts that you have at your disposal. 

OurX is a New Haircare Experience for Tightly Textured Hair

What was the ideation behind OurX?

The ideation for OurX came from knowing our consumer is interacting with brands at the highest touch level whether that’s music, film, and television. You’re driving share of wallet and I’d love to see that happen in the beauty category by doing that, you give Access to a customer and give them preference. Baba from Ceremonia said, “At what point do we not get the benefit of preference?” You allow us to choose from a wide range of things that’s not just products, that’s offerings with different price points, distribution channels, and ingredient stories. It’s not that we don’t have great products in the market we do we should have more. We should have more and different and you know give more founders and entrepreneurs room and resources to introduce things into the market because you can’t say we don’t want it if you never allow us to have it exactly right. 

What inspired the name?

I was trying to find something that hit on a few categories: community, innovation, and personalization. Community is something of ours and inclusion, hence the X. If you say “OurX”, it also sounds prescriptive, like a prescription. It also speaks to innovation when you’re talking about prescription grade and science speaks to innovations. 

As a businesswoman, what did you feel was missing from the haircare market for the Black consumer?

I think what’s missing is preference. What drove me as an investor was to try and find table stakes and business models that we talked about, e-commerce, data-driven, sustainable, sort of key pillars in any modern brand. I wanted to find the brand in this category that pulled on all those levers and I had a hard time finding them. I was having a hard time finding anything that had data at its roots, one was Texturized, Candace. She was instrumental in helping us build the foundations of OurX and how the algorithm would work just by being able to use data to demonstrate how strong this consumer is. I could say anecdotally we spend more on hair, hair in terms of products and services in the general market and I don’t think anybody who lives in this world would disagree with that. 

When I turned around to look for where is the facts and data it was really hard to find. I look at a brand like Olaplex, which was not marketed to this customer and is now in many cases being driven by this customer. I think the only way to solve that is to build a really strong data set and that’s where it started. We hope to build enough data to be able to publish a data index at the end of the year that just underscores this point. I think the data also refines what we’re able to offer to the individual consumer. We may all be a community, but we’re also individuals who all have different needs when it comes to hair care, and that is based on the actual attributes of your hair and scalp, your genetics, or your lifestyle. 

OurX is a New Haircare Experience for Tightly Textured Hair

How did using data allow you to enhance your brand offerings?

We’ve developed an interactive assessment that determines so much more than just your texture, it examines how porous your strands are. If you don’t know, here’s how to figure it out so that in the process you’re also understanding your hair and scalp and your needs better. The premise of OurX is no two heads are alike and we want to zero in on the individual and give each individual a plan and a regimen that works for them and is going to yield results for them. 

We’re super proud of our product and this is designed from the ground up with the 4C texture in mind so that you’re getting high-performance design for you. Other people can use it, but that is the core consumer which is developed for. We’re highly focused on more than a wash day, but what you do every day in between because you know that’s where folks are either reaching goals or falling behind. 

How does the personalized approach for each consumer help with the spectrum of haircare concerns they could be facing?

The way we design it for somebody may need intervention from one of our dermatologists because they’re facing issues versus someone else who may have very different needs and just need to know how to develop care that suits their lifestyle. It’s a combination of taking in the data and then curating product usage, but then more importantly than the products themselves, what to use how frequently in combination with what and what to do every day in between. 

So we’re sort of the expert in your pocket at night or in the afternoon to learn how you need to style your hair so you’re not putting too much tension on it, even if you haven’t washed it for a few days. Every single plan is going to be a little bit different and there’s the intervention of the. coach, expert stylist, trichologist, and dermatologist when needed to supplement that. It’s a combination of art and science with a personalized stream of content. The content, types of products, and expert support are all going to be designed around the data. I think that the wave of personalization is getting more and more and more sophisticated, certainly with AI, it’s going to get more sophisticated.

The brand includes a muti-tiered approach of a plan and experts, how did you select which industry experts to partner with?

Johnny Wright has been a partner in crime since the early ideation of OurX many years ago and in some part the inspiration because when he was working with the Obama girls their hair was healthy, strong, thick, and long. A couple of years later I asked him how he did that because you know our platform is not about style, it’s ultimately focused on health. When I started talking to Johnny about that, he started educating me and we started pulling the ideas together of how we inform with hair health in mind, not as product-focused but how to care for the hair and scalp. 

Jenna Lester came on board recently because she is a Harvard-educated certified dermatologist who has huge practice out of a major tier-one hospital. She developed an entire hospital sector specifically focused on melanin, rich hair, and skin. I am not an expert. I am a customer and I’m learning every day myself. When I first met Johnny, I didn’t know what my hair texture was and they’ve been teaching me ever since and I was like, “Wow, if everybody had the benefit of these folks teaching them and telling them about their hair, it’s like, it’s amazing how quickly you learn to do it for yourself.” I certainly was not confident and was petrified to go near my hair myself if I couldn’t find my stylist. 

OurX is a New Haircare Experience for Tightly Textured Hair

Your products include a recyclable and reusable option, why was that important to you to include in the marketing?

We had the benefit of not coming from this industry and being able to canvas the industry a little bit to see not just the consumer problems that needed to be solved but what else wasn’t happening in the category. There are brands doing much more on sustainability than we are, but there’s a baseline any brand today has to live up to. Whether it’s cleaning products or other consumer goods, you know refillable options are going to become standardized. 

What would you say is your hero ingredient or product from this line?

One of the things that we wanted to focus on was scalp care. We’re doing 10-step regimens on our faces these days and yet our scalp is just supposed to get the residue from the shampoo. Now we’re learning how to apply some oils but the scalp gets as much attention in terms of pre-cleansing cleanse. When it comes to what we’re trying to do, which is health, growth, thickness, and luster, and all the things that are signatures of hair health and that all emanate from the scalp. 

Instead of creating multiple different conditioners, we have a hero mask which is rich and incredibly effective. We have boosters that mix in with the mask, for example, once every six weeks you might want to mix in a protein or moisture. You’ll be able to add different elements to it given whatever your needs are on that particular treatment day. 

OurX is a New Haircare Experience for Tightly Textured Hair

What can we look forward to from OurX in the future?

We intentionally launched with treatment because we wanted to spend a good amount of time on just the foundation of care. We play with the data to refine the individual regimen, but we are excited to come out with stylers soon. We’re a treatment-first brand, so you won’t have edge care that doesn’t have active ingredients to heal, repair, and strengthen your hairline. You’re not going to have anything whose preliminary function is not to either repair or protect the hair and scalp. 

We’re focused on making the digital tool that reflects the individual so we hope that continues to get better where each individual has an expert in their pocket than at any time. Not only could they access a real expert on the other line via chat by scheduling a meeting and getting direct responses, but we can also recommend stylists in your city. We want to be that resource that gives you kind of everything you need in terms of support wherever you are. 

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
Photo Credit

Curly Updo with Pearls

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

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

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.  

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

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!

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!

The Best Clip-In Extensions for Curly Hair

Who doesn’t love the versatility of natural hair? With the endless possibilities to extend, chop, and customize your hair, keeping your curly hair fabulous has never been easier with the newest extensions. Several types of hair extensions and textures are accessible for naturalistas, but if you’re looking for curly clip-in extensions, we’ve got you covered.  Whether you have type 2 or type 4 hair, there are a variety of extensions to give you extra length and bounce. It can be challenging to find the right extension for your hair because you want to match them to your natural curl pattern and you can’t always gauge that online. We have scoured the internet to find brands that offer a variety of curly clip-in extensions for different textures, colors, and hair types. Step into summer feeling confident and cute with any of these extensions below.

Kurly Klips

Lana Boone is the CEO behind Kurly Klips which was the first hair line to ever offer clip-ins for natural hair. If you are a type 3 curly looking for curly clip-in human hair extensions with a  soft texture, look no further than Kurly Klips! They offer a variety of options, whether you want a shoulder-length style or a ponytail.

Heat Free Hair

Heat Free Hair started in 2012 with the goal to create a collection that would match any hair type or texture. Over a decade later, CEO Ngozi Opara has provided millions of customers with a line of curly hair extensions for kinky, curly, coily hair that can provide confidence, fullness, and length. Each texture of clip-ins are meant to blend seamlessly into the hair with a variety of natural hair colors. 

Unice

Unice is here to inspire customers to live a glamorous life with clip-in extensions that can be used in any setting whether it’s professional or personal. Their premium hair options are 100% real human hair with textured options designed to match your hair. They make transforming your look easy with secure clips that add volume and length to your curls.

Read next: How To Properly Install & Care For Clip-In Extensions

Mayvenn

Are you looking for voluminous curls, face-framing bangs, and a classic color? Mayvenn offers curly clip-in extensions mimic that replicate beautiful twists and coils of your natural hair, all while giving your own strands a well-deserved break. You can trim them to accentuate even more layering, or leave it as-is and go.

Bebonia

bebonia curly clip in extensions

Bebonia Curls was born in 2017 by Soleil who wanted to create curly clip-in hair extensions that spanned different textures and colors. She wanted to provide customers with options that could make them feel beautiful even if they had experienced hair damage. Customers can shop a variety of lengths, textures, and colors, that give a natural look they will love.

HeyCurls

HeyCurls is here to make waves with naturally curly, coily, and kinky hair inspired by your natural tresses. Their curly clip-in hair extensions are flexible, lightweight, and easy to install even if you are a beginner. The website makes it easy to shop by your curl type so you feel at ease and comfortable with your purchase.

Wondering how to use your hair extensions? Here’s what an expert stylist has to say.

Irresistible Me

Irresistible Me curly clip in extensions

Are you ready to have curls that are utterly irresistible? Irresistible Me is a brand here to give you inclusive, diverse, and luxurious curly clip-in extensions that are stress-free and risk-free. They offer three different types of curl patterns made from 100% human hair and a free 30-day exchange or return policy.

XoXo Hair Virgin Hair

XoXo Hair Virgin Hair clip in extensions

XOXO Virgin Hair is the premier destination for a high-quality and inclusive wig and extension experience. They have been ethically sourcing quality hair since 2014 from Southeast Asia and encourage their customers to find an option they will love. Their curly hair clip-in extensions help to retain moisture longer and can be easily styled.

Conscious Curls Hair

conscious curls clip in extensions

Conscious Curls offers seven different textures to experiment with and has been used by celebrities like Ella Mai and Kehlani. Their power texture clip-ins are great for blending into type 3 curls and can be blown out and straightened for a variety of styles. Their website also features a variety of accessories and maintenance options to ensure they last past a couple of uses. 

Big Chop Hair

Big Chop Hair curly clip in extensions

If you’ve ever done the “Big Chop” you know this can be a long process that can be challenging to style as you wait for your hair to grow. Big Chop Hair understands that and delivers a variety of clip-ins that make styling and sporting your favorite looks much easier. Melissa Etienne is the owner who used her own personal experience with the big chop to create a brand that was versatile and diverse for all women.  

Read next: How I Make My Hair Extensions Last Longer