Search Results: Desiree Johnson

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

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

BEST HAIR OILS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEST HAIR GROWTH PRODUCTS 

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

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

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

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

BEST STRENGTHENING TREATMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rizos Curls, 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

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

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

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

Los Angeles Barbie Press Junket

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

Check out: 15 Barbiecore Hairstyle Ideas for Natural Hair 

Barbie L.A. Premiere

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

Barbie London Premiere

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

Barbie European Premiere

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

British Vogue Party

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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).

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.

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

Best Hair Styling Tools for Every Curl Type

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Hair Dryers for Every Curl Type

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Detangling Tools for Every Curl Type

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Diffusers for Every Curl Type

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bomb Ass Fro 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. 

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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. 

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

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.

2. Loc Updo With Bridal Accents

Photo: @tubarones

3. Twists With Curly Hair

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.

4. Twists With Curly Hair

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.

5. Brushed Out Curls

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

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.

• Refresh curls with water and Curl Smith Bouncing Strength Foam, for controlled curl definition can finger coil the front.
• Add pin pearls for ornamental design.

7. Boho With Baby’s Breath

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

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

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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

See more: These Curly Encanto Lookalikes Will Warm Your Heart

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.

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.

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

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!

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 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

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 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 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

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

Originals by Africa’s Best is the affordable haircare brand for women and girls of every hair type and texture! Originals by Africa’s Best is formulated with the BEST high-quality natural ingredients including shea butter, olive oil, tea tree oil, aloe, cloves, and more to help promote strong, soft, and healthy hair that makes hair maintenance and styling easy. Today, with a fresh new look Originals by Africa’s Best is a well-loved and reliable brand staple in beauty supply stores across the U.S. with wide distribution in Walmart, Family Dollar, and OriginalsbyAfricasBest.com. We sat down to chat with the team and talk more about health hair, inspiration, and their fantastic ingredients. 

What inspired the name of Originals by Africa’s Best? 

With our recent rebrand we wanted to create a look for our products that is as original as our consumers. You’ll notice that all of our products, including our classic Originals by Africa’s Best Hair Mayonnaise Deep Conditioner, feature the same great formulas, regardless of our new look. Our consumers keep leveling up, and so did we!

How have Black women continued to shape Originals by Africa’s Best? 

Black and brown women have always been the pioneering voices behind Originals by Africa’s Best. From our marketing team to our product developers! We regularly speak to leading hair care professionals in the curly/coily hair care space to make sure we are always aligned with what is best for the girls. We constantly look at the feedback from the black and brown women in our community. Their voices lead the brand inside and out.

Can you share the types of ingredients the brand has chosen to include in your various formulas?

Our expertly formulated products feature the nourishing, rejuvenating, and revitalizing properties of Olive oil, shea butter, castor oil, egg protein, aloe, and clove just to name a few! We could go on all day, but in short, our moisture-enriched formulas are created with natural and safe ingredients to make hair healthier, longer, and stronger.

What was the ideation behind Originals by Africa’s Best?

Originals by Africa’s Best, formerly known as Organics, launched in 2001 as an affordable haircare line for women and girls of every hair type and texture. It was formulated to help women with curly, kinky, coily, and straightened hair with their everyday hair needs. Each product in these collections was chosen to help promote strong, soft, and healthy hair that makes hair maintenance and styling easy.

What are 3 best practices for maintaining healthy hair?

It’s hard to choose a favorite when it comes to our go-to practices for maintaining healthy hair, but here are 3 that we definitely stand by.

1. When using your Originals by Africa’s Best Olive & Shea Deep Conditioner Masque, rinse it out with cool water to lock in the moisture.

2. Finger Detangle. Finger detangling with your favorite conditioner in your hair leads to less breakage and more defined curls!

3. Protect your hair when you sleep! Cover your hair with a satin/silk scarf or bonnet. You can also sleep on a silk/satin pillowcase.

If you want a few more tips, check out the haircare blog on our website!

What is a hero product that first-time customers should try and why?

When running into first-time consumers we always recommend starting with our Originals by Africa’s Best Hair Mayonnaise Deep Conditioner. This hero product is enriched with Botanical, Herbal Extracts, Vitamins, Egg Protein, and Olive Oil to condition, moisturize, and strengthen damaged or over processed hair.

What can we look forward to from Originals by Africa’s Best in 2023?

In 2023, over at Originals by Africa’s Best, we are so excited to keep providing products with quality ingredients to our diverse, talented, beautiful consumers. Promoting healthy hair all of 2023 is our goal! And we are also beyond excited to connect with our South African consumers, even more, this year!

Read next: The Summer Launch Our Curls Need: Ceremonia Adds To Their Best-Selling, Award-Winning Guava Collection

Ceremonia, the clean hair care brand rooted in Latinx heritage, expands its hero  Guava Collection with the new Champú de Guava and Acondicionador de Guava for Damage Repair and Color  Protection: a reparative shampoo and conditioner that repairs & protects hair from damage and color fade. This wash duo is the perfect summer companion. It is specifically formulated to repair and protect the hair from the damage caused by common summer stressors, including UV, chlorine, and salt water, while also mending damage from color and relaxing treatments. The formula harnesses natural ingredients instead of using harsh chemicals commonly found in most reparative products. It is infused with antioxidant-rich superfruit Guava and Aloe Vera, to keep the hair nourished and protected all summer. 

The inspiration behind this product development came after hearing countless hair stories from the community describing their hair as frizzy, dry, and damaged. The brand took a deeper dive into the root of this and discovered that the common causes of the frizziness, dryness, and damage stemmed from years of hair damaging practices, including conforming to the mainstream beauty standards that only represented one hair texture, coupled with lack of access to products that do nourish hair, as most products in the market focus on styling, taming and simply masking symptoms of damage versus actually repairing it. In addition, the brand found a lack of awareness of summer’s negative impact on hair strands. UV, chlorine, and saltwater damage hair, split ends, and color fade. 

With the new Guava Shampoo and Conditioner for damage repair and protection, along with the rest of the Guava Line,  Ceremonia provides much-needed relief for hair, rebuilding and restoring strands from years of damaging practices, and protects hair from future damage. With this launch, Ceremonia wants to not only provide the community with proper hair care products to tackle the root cause, but also invite them to live fully on their terms, embracing and nurturing their natural beauty. Ceremonia also wishes to hold space for the women of the Black and Brown communities that have been taught from an early age not to embrace their natural curl patterns and that to be “beautiful”, they have to tame and mask their hair under heavy, damaging chemicals to make it straight. El Pelo Malo No Existe – and  Ceremonia intends to end that limiting belief. 

“Most ‘damage repair’ products on the market are packed with filler ingredients such as silicones to give you the illusion of results when it’s usually just a temporary fix that overtime makes the same concern you’re trying to fix—worse. The Champú and Acondicionador de Guava for Damage Repair and Protection answer our community’s desire to do better for their hair. As a Brown woman who spent most of my life trying to conform to traditional beauty standards, I’ve seen the damage it can cause to your self-esteem, not to mention the literal damage to your hair. I spent over a decade frantically bleaching and straightening my hair on a  daily basis, coupled with toxin-filled products promising to ‘tame’ my hair. When I wanted to break out of that cycle and reclaim my natural hair, I realized I needed to rethink my approach to hair care. Whether you’re looking to break out of a cycle of hair damage or want to reduce the negative impact of color treatments, heat tools, and  UV, this duo and line are for you,” says Babba Rivera, Founder, and CEO of Ceremonia. 

We chatted with Founder and CEO Babba Rivera to learn more about the new line and its benefits to natural hair!

What was the inspiration behind your newest collection?

The inspiration behind the launch of the Champú de Guava and Acondicionador de Guava for Damage Repair and Color Protection came from our community. Ever since starting Ceremonia, the main hair concern I consistently heard over and over again was frizz, dryness and damage. As a result, many of our community were not feeling confident in their natural hair. 

After many community conversations and research, I realized that a lot of our hair damage stems from years of damaging hair practices that we’ve opted into in an effort to conform to beauty standards that have only represented one hair texture and color. I’ve personally spent over a decade damaging my hair on a daily basis, through bleaching and straighteners, coupled with toxic hair products to “tame” and mask my hair instead of nourishing it. 

In addition, I found a lack of awareness of the negative impact of summer on hair. UV, Chlorine, and saltwater contribute to hair damage, split ends, and color fade. The combination of a history of hair damage, insecurities around our natural hair, frizz concerns, and unawareness of summer stressors ultimately inspired this line — a Guava infused hair routine specifically formulated to repair damage and protect the hair from future damage. This line is also perfectly suited for those with color-treated hair. In addition to being color-safe (which all of our products are, btw), this is the first line to also proactively protect hair from color fading, while also repairing it from the damage caused by color treatments.  

With this line, we want to give our community the tools to live fully on their terms, by embracing and nurturing their natural beauty. We also wish to hold space for the women of the Black and Brown communities that have been taught from an early age not to embrace their natural curl patterns and that to be “beautiful”, they have to tame and mask their hair under heavy, damaging chemicals to make it straight. El Pelo Malo No Existe – and we want to end that limiting belief.

Why did you choose Guava as the key ingredient for your collection? What are the benefits?

Our brand is on a mission to push the boundaries for what clean and effective beauty can be, and part of that is tapping into the powerful natural and clean ingredients that do better for us, versus masking symptoms under toxins. 

The Superfruit Guava is used and cherished in many countries across Latin America for its delicious taste, powerful antioxidants, and natural source of Vitamin C, Potassium, and Fiber–which also act as natural protectants for your hair. It also helps boost sun defense by acting as a protective shield against solar rays, neutralizes the free-radical damage that UV exposure causes, and is packed with five times as much vitamin C as oranges. With that said, when we were looking to create a line that would rebuild damaged hair while protecting it from future damage – Guava was the perfect candidate. 

How do UV rays affect hair health, and how do these products work to combat those effects?

UV rays diminish hair strength and shine and cause brittle, lifeless hair with split ends. They also contribute massively to hair color fade. The Champú de Guava and Acondicionador de Guava for Damage Repair and Color Protection, alongside our Guava Leave-In Conditioner, Guava Rescue Spray, and Guava Beach Waves, are specifically formulated with the Superfruit Guava in a powerful cocktail of natural and sage synthetic ingredients to combat the damage that UV rays cause, while also protecting it from future UV damage. It’s a first-of-its-kind rinse-off product to provide UV protection even after washing it off!

What are the three tips for using these products?

The Guava shampoo and conditioner is a must during the summer months, and truth be told, year-round for anyone with damaged and color-treated hair. I wash my hair one to two times a week with this duo, then spray the Guava Rescue Spray to help detangle and add additional UV protection. The Guava Rescue Spray is always in my beach bag to re-apply throughout the day when enjoying the sun and the ocean. 

I pair the Guava Rescue Spray with the Guava Leave-In Conditioner between wash days to combat dryness and frizz. The Guava Leave-In Conditioner is perfect for smoothing out my baby hairs and sealing split ends. Finally, as a styling hack, I finish with the Guava Beach Waves Spray for messy “fresh off the beach” waves. 

How does this shampoo and conditioner duo complement each other?

This wash duo is specifically formulated to work together to cleanse and condition, focusing on repairing and protecting the hair from the damage caused by common summer stressors, including UV, chlorine, and salt water, while also mending damage from color and hair relaxing treatments. The Guava Shampoo pairs perfectly with our Weightless Hydration Acondicionador de Cupuaçu for Fine/Thin Hair for a lighter finish for those with fine, not-so-damaged hair. 

Which product is your favorite and why?

Our Aceite de Moska Pre-Wash Scalp Oil has always been my favorite Ceremonia product. But I must say, the new Champú de Guava and Acondicionador de Guava duo might steal the throne because the way it leaves my hair is simply incredible. The shine and smoothness is unmatched!! 

Read next: The Winners Of The NaturallyCurly Best Of The Best Awards

Mia Jackson, known professionally as Toyko Stylez, is a celebrity hairstylist and beauty maven killing the hair game. Her most notable clients are Cardi B, Kylie Jenner and Mulatto to name a few. Mia is breaking barriers in the community as a proud transwoman and constantly setting trends in the hair space with her raw talent. We sat down with her to chat about the latest addition to the CURLS family, the Hair Under There Collection and how she has used it with celebrity clients. This new growth and protection system is designed to nourish and hydrate the scalp while wearing protective styles. The collection consists of a wide range of ultra-hydrating, nourishing products made to protect your natural hair under extensions, weaves, braid-ins and wigs.

How does this collection help with scalp maintenance and recovery?

The CURLS Hair Under There Collection keeps the hair extremely moisturized and hydrated while soothing and preventing dandruff in-between washes. 

Can you tell us about some styles you’ve created with this collection?

All the styles I have created using the collection are protective styles since the CURLS Hair Under There Collection was specifically formulated for wig, weave, and extension wearers. The most notable looks have been the sleek low ponytail wig that was seen on Cardi b for the Grammys and the elevated finger wave look seen this year on Cardi B at Vanity Fair.

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What is your favorite product from this collection and why?

My favorite product from the collection is the CURLS Hair Under There Detox Tea Cleansing Shampoo. I absolutely love how fresh, minty, tingly, and clean the tea infused cleansing shampoo makes the scalp feel.

Get to Know the Curls Hair Under There Collection

Hair Under There Detox Tea Cleansing Shampoo

CURLS’ herbal tea infused, sulfate free, purifying and cooling shampoo can be used to rid scalp and hair of build up from weeks of protective styles. This clarifying shampoo can also be used on curly weave and/or extensions. Pamper your scalp before braiding it in a protective style. Refresh and hydrate your oxygen deprived scalp & deep cleanse your hair after taking out your weave, wig, or extensions. Rinse hair with warm water. Lather & massage Detox Tea Cleanser into scalp. Rinse well. Follow up with Strengthening Moisture Mask conditioner.

Hair Under There Protect Me Edge Styling Pomade

 Vitamin Infused Edge Styling Protector (to thicken and protect delicate edges, prevent breakage and thinning). Use Protect Me Edge Styling Pomade to smooth natural hair and to blend with extensions, wigs, and/or weaves. Perfect pomade to create the best edges for your braided style.

Hair Under There Soothe & Cool Scalp Potion

Soothing scalp oil used to refresh, calm, and reinvigorate and hydrate irritated, dry, neglected scalp. Apply Soothe & Cool Me Scalp Potion directly to your scalp before and after braiding your hair before installation of a protective style. Use after taking braids out, to refresh the scalp before shampooing and conditioning.

Hair Under There Strengthen Me Moisture Mask

Condition. Moisturize. Strengthen. Protect. This herbal tea infused, sulfate free, purifying and cooling hair mask helps to rid scalp and hair of build up from weeks of protective styles. This hair mask can also be used on curly weave and/or extensions.

Hair Under There Bomb Braid In Conditioner

Softening & hydrating pre-install treatment to be used before braiding the hair in preparation for an installation of a wig, weave, or extensions. This leave in conditioner can also be used on curly weaves and extensions. Excellent cream to use after taking down braids to prevent breakage. Braiding dry, brittle, moisture deprived hair will only further damage your hair. Start with conditioned hair with this protective “braid in” conditioner.

Read next: Celebrity Stylist Njeri Radway Talks Box Braids & Michelle Obama’s Hair

Njeri Radway is a style unicorn. She is the go-to girl, who never disappoints for on-trend hair looks such as textured haircuts, precision cuts, full blowouts, beautiful bobs, feathered layers, and more. Her expertise includes natural styling, braid and loc styling, cutting, and color application plus more across all hair types.

As a master and lead cutter at Aesthetics hair salon, under the leadership of Yene Damtew, Njeri continues to perfect her craft. To date, her diverse clientele has included author and former first lady Michelle Obama, VP Kamala Harris, media executive Debra Lee, Michelle Norris, Tom Hanks, and Rita Wilson. We sat down to chat with the stylist extraordinaire to discuss how she broke into the industry, styling Michelle Obama’s hair, and tips to master box braids this season.

How did your career as a stylist begin?

I have been a licensed cosmetologist for 14 years. My family is from Jamaica, so after high school, I enrolled in a community college in Maryland. I tried to figure out my passion, but then I dropped out of community college in 2008. I enrolled in cosmetology school in Montgomery Beauty School, in Silver Spring, MD.

While I was in school, I worked at a hair salon as a shampoo assistant. Once I graduated from hair school, I was in between jobs and I got a call, from hairstylist Yene Damtew wanting me to interview for an assistant position under her Johnny Wright (HOTUS) who was the lead hairstylist with Mrs. Obama while they were in office. I have been working with the Obamas for 13 years.

What’s been a valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career? 

I learned to follow my gut. Perfect my craft, show up, and do my best. Because you never know who’s watching. Also, it’s not always what you know but whom you know. 

Do you have a favorite style you’ve created for your celebrity clientele? 

My favorite style would have to be one I did on Mrs. Obama for the third night of The Light We Carry Tour in Washington, DC. It was a high ponytail with a side bang. It was simple yet sexy and fun. 

What is the best way to prep your hair for box braids? 

The best way to prep your hair for box braids would be to shampoo your hair twice. Your first shampoo should be a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup and your second should be a moisturizing one. Then follow up with a deep conditioning treatment. Once you’ve rinsed your hair you should section it out and detangle it. Once that is done you should add a little leave-in conditioner and blow-dry your hair. But always consult with your braider first so they can advise you best. 

If you’ve never worn box braids before, what is a piece of advice you would give? 

You should probably start with knotless braids first. It’s looser on your scalp and you’ll be able to flip your hair from side to side or put it in some sort of style like a bun, without it hurting or being too stiff. 

How long do you recommend keeping box braids in? 

I’d recommend leaving your braids in for up to eight weeks. 

What is a good scalp-based product you can use while rocking your box braids? 

It’s Natural Rosemary Stimulating Spray by Influance. It helps relieve a dry itchy scalp and improves circulation. Or you can keep it old school and use Sea Breeze. 

Read next: An Inside Look At Vernon François’s Personal Favorite Products

As the first U.S.-made plant-based braiding hair brand, Rebundle uses patent-pending, forward-thinking technology (braidbetter) to create its extensions out of recycled banana fibers. In addition, with Rebundle’s recycling program, you can send back your old synthetic braiding hair to be recycled properly – making room for this brand-new launch! 

After suffering from one-too-many itchy scalps while wearing her protective styles, founder Ciara Imani May set out on a mission to find a solution. Along the way, she educated herself on what true sustainability is, and turned over every stone to find the technology that would give your scalp and the Earth the love it deserves. Rebundle uses revolutionary technology to dramatically reduce the health and environmental disparities in the hair extensions industry. Using repurposed biopolymers and naturally extracted banana fiber, each strand of hair is plant-based and sustainably made for more comfort and less waste. We sat down with Ciara to learn more about Rebunde, sustainable hair care, and how she’s partnering with braiders all over the country.

What inspired the name of your business?

I actually didn’t name the company. My friend Jessie, while working together during Venture for America’s side project-athon in 2019, came up with the idea for the name Rebundle. I wanted the name to reflect something about hair or the hair extensions industry in general and for it to tie into sustainability, which is exactly what she was able to come up with. It was a fun serendipitous moment that resonated with everyone, and we stuck with it.

Did you have prior experience with sustainable products before creating Rebundle?

My experience with sustainable products extends through my own efforts of researching sustainable alternatives and adopting a conscious consumer mindset. I was really inspired by the zero waste movement and had questions about how I could incorporate some of those ideas into my everyday routine, which is how I landed on the idea for rebundle initially. 

One of my favorite hobbies is looking for sustainable alternatives in my clothing, accessories, personal care products, and pretty much anything in between. I keep a detailed record of brands that are sustainable in some way and make an effort to exclusively purchase items from them and tell my friends and family about these great finds.

Source: Rebundle

Why was it important to include a braider dictionary for customers? 

I really wanted to think outside of the box about every touch point we have with how and where we buy hair, what influences these purchases, who installs the hair, and what makes for a great customer experience. I did a lot of initial customer discovery with braiders and recognized that they would always be either a gatekeeper or partners, and I decided to make them partners and make sure that they felt heard and included not only in the product development process but in our business model as a whole. Today, we have over 40 braiders in our directory spanning across the country, some of which we’ve worked with on photoshoots and publications and others who give us really good ideas and feedback on the product.

How do you see the future of haircare changing with sustainable products and technology?

The future of hair extensions looks like Rebundle. Consumers will begin further demanding that the environment, the planet, and people are all equally taken into consideration when watching a product and developing a brand. This extends true for hair extensions as well and is likely overdue, so we see a world in which hair extensions will only get better.

Source: Rebundle

Why is Rebundle a better alternative for your scalp? 

braidbetter is better for your scalp because it is certified microbiome friendly, made with biodegradable, non-toxic ingredients that have been tested for toxins, such as formaldehyde.

What can we look forward to from Rebundle in 2023?  

You can expect to see a Rebundle in a lot of fun and cool places like festivals, on TV shows, and on TikTok. We’re really focused on what brand awareness looks like for a product like ours that gives us the opportunity to not only educate but to inspire people to want better for themselves and better for the environment.

Have you tried Rebundle hair extensions? Let us know what colors you’ll be buying!

Read next: How to Use Curly Hair Extensions, According to Celebrity Stylist LeAna McKnight