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3 Acne-Causing Hair Ingredients
3 Acne-Causing Hair Ingredients
By Devri Velazquez ·
wavy hair
PHOTO COURTESY OF KITSY.NET

Hate to break it to you fellow product junkies, but constantly trying new products without looking at their respective ingredient labels sometimes can bite you in the face–literally.

Wondering why you are causing acne after trying all these new products? If you’re noticing sudden acne flare-ups and oily, red skin, check to see if your latest Holy Grail product contains one of these 3 harsh ingredients.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfates (SLS”>

This foamy surfactant is a detergent ingredient which is commonly known to cause skin breakouts, especially when used it high quantities. It also causes rashes on sensitive skin. If you need to clarify, stay away from super sudsy shampoos containing sulfates. If you absolutely must use a shampoo with sulfates, keep your hair off of your neck and out of your face in the shower while applying the product.

Petroleum/Mineral Oils

A lot of moisturizers contain this product, which is something you should stay away from if your skin is acne prone or reddens easily. These occlusive moisturizers are oil-based, so they do not wash out of hair easily and clog pores easily. Many people who use products with petroleum byproducts typically break out on their scalp, which can lead to prevention of hair growth. Be sure to especially avoid the product in the hotter months or while exercising, as it will likely travel down onto your forehead and back, causing breakouts.

Carrier Oils

Whenever applied directly onto the scalp, carrier oils cause extremely clogged pores, especially when used over time as moisturizers. Look for products that are high linoleic acid. Those who use products containing high concentrations of this don’t experience as much skin breakout issues as those whose are depleted of linoleic acid. However, don’t knock carrier oils out your regimen altogether–some of us need it. Here are some that won’t be as harmful on sensitive, acne-prone skin:

Oils High in Linoleic Acid

  • Safflower Oil
  • Grape Seed Oil
  • Wheat Germ Oil
  • Hemp Seed Oil
  • Black Seed Oil
  • Rosehip Seed Oil
  • Soybean Oil
  • Pumpkin Seed Oil

Try a styler without sulfates, parabens, and mineral or petroleum oils like CURLS Goddess Curls. See what people think here. And Sevi Pumpkin Seed is a line that is made especially for sensitive skin, as it contains a shampoo that not only contains pumpkin seed, but 5 essential oils AND is sulfate-free. Curls Unleashed ORS has a great curl definer that is completely free of petroleum, mineral oil, and alcohol (which is drying for the skin, too”>.

[prodmod]

 
9 Reasons Rosemary Oil Is a Must
By Devri Velazquez ·

rosemary oil for hair

Rosmarinus officinalis, familiarly called Rosemary, is an aromatic herb originating from the Mediterranean region. It was known as the “herb of remembrance.” Rosemary is the most written-about herb ever, and is even indirectly mentioned in the Holy Bible as the bush Mary covered her son, Jesus, with when they fled to Egypt. Perhaps where the name “Rosemary” came from. Aside from this, the herb is packed with tons of benefits that benefit your hair, skin, and overall health.

More: Top 20 Carrier Oils for Hair

Reduces Dandruff

Rosemary works well for skin conditions. That includes your scalp, which is why there are many clarifying shampoos with Rosemary oil. It helps balance natural oils in your scalp.

Fights Wrinkles

Steep Rosemary into hot water to get the antioxidant benefits. The vitamin, iron, and calcium support collagen levels. It also contains manganese which minimizes the appearance of wrinkles.

Kills Bacteria

Used topically, Rosemary oil kills bacteria, fungi, and skin viruses on minor wounds.

Restores Lackluster Hair

Just a few drops applied directly to your scalp repairs lost moisture.

Calms Achy Joints

Rosemary oil is often used directly onto problem joint areas. If your wrists are hurting after a long work day, dab a few drops on for almost instant comfort from the pain.

Heals Scars

Rosemary oil promotes healthy skin healing through stimulating the cells and circulation. This makes it a great topical oil for acne, eczema, and psoriasis, too.

Prevents Baldness

Studies have shown that 2mg of Rosemary leaf extract on a daily basis acts as a formula towards rapid hair growth and re-growth.

Speeds up Digestion

When used medicinally, Rosemary has been proven to speed up fat digestion.

Improves Vision

A few leaves of Rosemary contains Vitamin A, which is needed for optimal eyesight.

Important note

Like other essential oils, note that Rosemary must be diluted with a carrier oil before being used topically. Check with your physician before consider taking this as a supplement or putting it on your body. For topical use, it is suggested that you don’t exceed using 6 to 10 percent of an essential oil on the given area per day.

Read more: 5 Ways to Use Lavender Oil

10 Braided Styles For Summer
By Devri Velazquez ·

As much as we love our hair, it’s hot outside and our necks need some cool-down time! So what else to turn to than braids? Not only are they super cute and versatile, but they also allow you to easier manage your summertime extra-curricular activities like swimming and exercising. Look on for 9 photos of braided inspiration.

23 Curly Men You Should Be Following NOW!
By Devri Velazquez ·

Let’s admit, a man with a charming personality, chic style, and a striking mane of hair makes us weak in the knees. For your (and our”> viewing pleasure, we gathered up a batch of some curly cuties worth following. Ehm, online only, of course. Check out our picks for 23 curly men to follow and subscribe to right now!

2014 Gemini Curly Horoscope
By Devri Velazquez ·
ILLUSTRATION BY KETURAH ARIEL

Happy Birthday Gemini! What does your hair horoscope have in store for you? You can expect the unexpected, so read on for tips to navigate your birthday month.

Consistency may not be Gemini’s strong suit, but you can use your impulsivity to your advantage.

Qualities You Possess

  • Lack of consistency. Your unpredictable hair would rather not stick to the same routine or product. 
  • Impulsiveness. When it comes to hair products, your hair color, and trying daring, new things — you are totally up for the challenge and are not afraid to commit. 
  • Versatility. You’re definitely not afraid to go with the flow and remain unaltered by unexpected obstacles, especially for your fashion and hair.

What does this mean?

During your birthday week, change it up. If you’re used to wearing your hair up all the time, embrace a chance to bask in all your b-day glory by literally letting your hair down. For wavies, go for a different defining mousse or cream to amp up the volume. For curlies and coilies with medium-length hair, aim for a “fake pixie” similar to this one. This is when your impulsive behavior plays a positive factor into your personal wardrobe, makeup, and hair.

Geminis love trying new things, and we love that about them. If there’s a new buzzed about hair oil, you’ve tried it. You won’t find a Gemini sporting last year’s ombre trend, you’re on to the next trend before it even begins! Be aware that these qualities can put your hair – and your wallet – at risk. Your hair may be suffering from the constant changes you inflict upon it, hair color can be damaging especially to the ends, and over-manipulating your hair to try new styles will definitely lead to breakage.

If you’re jonesing for a new color this spring, try henna to brighten up your natural hues safely. If the exact color doesn’t come out as planned or your new ‘do doesn’t work, no worries — you’re dope enough to pull off whatever comes out of a failed hair experiment. Just remember to give your hair a break from the manipulation every now and then, and a good weekly deep treatment!

Based on your traits, you may find inspiration in these:

The lovely illustration is by Keturah Ariel. You can follow her on Instagram- @KeturahAriel. And go view her online store here.

Art By Ariel: Curly Illustrator to Watch
By Devri Velazquez ·

Keturah Ariel Artist Spotlight

23 Instagrammers You Should Follow This Summer
By Devri Velazquez ·

Instagrammers to Follow NOW

"I Beseeched My Congressman for Army Hair Regulations"
By Devri Velazquez ·

Former U.S. Army Major Kristie Mitchell
On Tuesday, April 8th, 2014 we published an article titled U.S. Army’s Controversial New Grooming Standards. This post outlined the new regulations the U.S. Army’s AR 670-1 created on natural hair. Here’s an update of how the mandate is affecting and offending many women in the workforce, including Dr. Kristie Mitchell.
 
There are over 350,000 women serving in the U.S. armed forces. 1/3 of those women are African American. As imagined, the controversy of the new Army hair grooming standards hasn’t rubbed many the right way, and former U.S. Army Major and psychiatrist Kristie Mitchell tells Think Progress that she is “dismayed” by the ordeal.

“When I read the regulation and endured words like ‘unkempt’ and ‘matted’ used to define my natural hair, I was reminded of the pain and humiliation I, too, endured five years ago before I voluntarily departed the Army.” Mitchell further explains the scrutiny she received for attempting to keep her hair in a natural state and how the negativity pushed her to maintain her curls in a straight style for most of her time in the Army. That is, until she found her voice and started her loc journey.

Though Mitchell felt dignified for showing off her natural hair while still trying her best to stay within the Army’s then regulations, she still experienced daily changes while in combat overseas. “…I made one futile attempt to hide my locs by covering them with a wig (an authorized option”>. So I conceded…I cut off my locs…”

Upon returning home from war, Mitchell decided to take official action. “I filed oficial requests to change the regulation…but my efforts fell on deaf ears,” she says. “It was not until I beseeched my congressman, Ciro Rodriguez, that I finally got a response from the Army.”

What happened next? Kristie had already left the Army before she received a response from the Deputy of Human Resources Policy Directorate. The letter addressed to Kristie spelled out how locs were in fact not a violation of the natural hair regulations of the U.S. Army. By this time, however, it was too late for Mitchell.

Kristie still maintains her strong decision to leave and what emotional impact it left on the psychiatrist. She applauds the high standards the United States Army holds for grooming and hygiene, but “it must recognize that the Caucasian hairstyles these regulations are based upon are not the only ways to achieve this professional, hygienic appearance…This is a toll no other group in the Army must pay.”

MORE: Congress Demands U.S. Army Grooming Standards to Change

Cocktails to Elongate Your Curls (and Fight Shrinkage)
By Devri Velazquez ·

red curlsDo you sometimes (secretly”> wish your tight curls & coils could just fall down over your shoulders as smooth, flowy loose curls for a day or two? Erm, of course not, right?

Come on… I love my hair in its absolute MOST natural state–tight, curly-coily spirals and corkscrews pointing in every which direction on top of my head–but I will be the first to admit that sometimes, I just want elongated, well-defined curls. Shrinkage, please have a seat.

Here are my 3 cocktails for elongating your curls. These have been tested and approved by my unpredictable mane and have been proven to minimize natural hair shrinkage.

2nd Day Cocktail

This works best on dry, second or third-day wash-and-go hair.

You’ll Need

Directions

  1. Spritz a few pumps of Fuzzy Duck Detangler into damp or dry hair that has been detangled. Focus spraying the ends of your hair.
  2. Pour a dime-sized amount of Curl Keeper into your palm and use your other hand to dab it with two fingers. Take your curls and gently work the serum through your strands from beginning to end. Do this for each curl.
  3. Scoop out the Styling Butter and twirl each curl and coil to seal in moisture on your ends. Also be sure to pat some on your temples and edges.
PHOTO WELOVECURLS

happy natural

Twist Out Cocktail

This works best on curly or oily hair that has been stretched overnight via twists or braids after washing.

You’ll Need

Directions

The night before styling:

  1. Apply your leave-in generously to allow moisture to be retained in your freshly washed hair.
  2. Use a dime-sized amount of curl pudding for each twist or braid, and distribute evenly from root to tip.

The next morning:

  1. Untwist/unbraid.
  2. Apply a dime-sized amount of your Curls Unleashed Curl Creme and run it through each section.
PHOTO LUV YOUR MANE

long kinky hair

Freshly Washed Cocktail

This works best on freshly washed hair that is air dried.

You’ll Need

Directions

  1. Thoroughly remove build-up in your scalp using Creme of Nature Shampoo.
  2. Detangle with your shower comb while hair is still soaking wet.
  3. Apply Cantu Curl Activator throughout wet hair and gently scrunch hair.
  4. Let hair air dry. Once it’s about 70% dry, spritz SheaMoisture Hold & Shine Mist onto hair, focusing on the roots and ends.
PHOTO TORRID TRESSES
Curly Illustrator Spotlight: Nicholle Kobi (Niki’s Groove)
By Devri Velazquez ·

black parisian by niki
At NaturallyCurly.com, we’re all about versatility, authenticity, and uniqueness. It drives us, and it certainly drives everyone around us. We have a few curly illustrators we work with who help bring our curly content to life. But who exactly are these illustrators, you ask? In this mini-series, we will individually spotlight our artists because they all have a genuine and fun story to tell about what drives them to do what they love.
 
Briefly introduce yourself.

My name is Niki Kobi, and I am based in Paris France. I was always into art, so I studied 3 years Art History and then Stylism in school.

What is your “signature” artistic style? What does everyone know you for?

I don’t think I really have one… Maybe drawing ethnic women with curly or natural hair.

What are some things you have learned creating art for a living?

Work hard, be patient and NEVER give up because there are so many great artists but only a few can make a nice living off of creating artwork.

niki

What is one thing you wish people knew about you as a person?

When people don’t know me they often think that i am cold or a snob but I am a sensitive and tolerant person. I really love human beings! Don’t judge a book by its cover.

What are your passions? What excites you?

I enjoy “ethnic” or primitive art from South American, Aborigines, and African culture. I also love Scandinavian–Sweden, Norway, Denmark–artistic design. I love to travel meet all kinds of people!

What do you hope to accomplish in your professional life?

I hope one day to have my own studio to promote black artists and black female art.

Where can people follow you and keep up with you?

Twitter @theblakparisian | Facebook nikisgroove | Nikisgroove.tumblr.com | Nikisgroove.com | Etsy- nikisgroove 

Curly Illustrator Spotlight: Cheyan (Tall N Curly)
By Devri Velazquez ·

Tall N Curly Spotlight

21 Products That Actually Work for All Hair Types
By Devri Velazquez ·

There are so many products that cater to all hair types. It can be overwhelming sometimes which products to trust and give a try and which ones to pass on, since some of them don’t direct their attention to a specific texture. Most of us don’t have the luxury of spending unnecessary time or money on things we don’t need; exhibit A: trusted reviews from honest, unbiased and everyday people. We’ve gathered some products that have won the hearts of multiple hair types for different reasons. Check out why our diverse wavy, curly, and coily community members love these products.

Products EVERY Curly Loves

Anne Hathaway Thinks We Envy Her Straight Hair
By Devri Velazquez ·

anne hathaway

PHOTO REUTERS

Why isn’t Anne Hathaway favorable to the general public? According to the actress, it’s because of her pin-straight hair. Say what now?!

A slew of articles have been written about Anne and the lack of interest that both ordinary, everyday people as well as the acting community have for her–The New York Times, The New Yorker, and CNN are just to name a few.

Recently at a red carpet event covered by E! News, the Rio 2 actress came to the conclusion that her short, straight pixie cut is the reason people don’t like her.

“I’m very, very luck to have very straight hair…Everybody hates me, it’s fine, I’m used to it!” boasts the actress, with a pearly white smile full of cockiness. Actor and 2011 Oscar co-star James Franco claims Hathaway has “Hathahaters,” and it’s a known thing around Hollywood that “Everyone sort of hates Anne Hathaway.”

What does the curly community think of Anne Hathaway? Do we wish we could have her type 1 hair? I personally think her preference is just that–hers. She was gorgeous rocking a faux curly, frizzy ‘do in The Princess Diaries, and she’s just as beautiful with a short, straight pixie cut. My one piece of advice for her, however, is to not single us curlies out and immediately assume that we hate you because we want your hair. Just my guess, but it likely has something to do with your ego trip.

Watch the video here, and let us know what you think about Anne Hathaway and her hair!

 

MORE: Why Doesn’t Blake Lively Like Her Hair?

How Weave Can Help (Or Harm) Your Natural Hair
By Devri Velazquez ·

When it comes to protective styles in the natural hair community, weaves and extensions have long been popular and continue to be an incredibly thriving business within the haircare industry. It all started with an Ohio woman by the name of Christina Jenkins in 1950. Jenkins and her husband created and patented the first known hair weave business, appropriately titled “Christina’s hair Weave.”

It was not long before Jenkins’ intriguing technique was sought after around the entire globe. She was soon being flown everywhere to demonstrate her method of temporarily adding hair of different qualities, textures, lengths, and colors to women’s original manes.

Today we see everyone rocking weaves and hair extensions–every age, every race, and every hair type. The weaving technique has evolved much since Jenkins’ innovative days. And, if done correctly, weave and extensions can actually offer up benefits to natural hair. But like every pro, there comes a con. Here, we break down the three most popular types of weave– sew-in, clip-in, and glue-in– and examine their benefits and harmful side effects.

sew in weave

Sew-in Weave

Sew-in weave might be the most beneficial of the three. This is done by braiding the hair to the scalp (like cornrows”> and having either real or artificial hair woven into real hair. Nowadays it can also be accomplished without braids.

Pros

  • Your styling options are versatile.

  • can be blended or you can use closure pieces or braiding methods that allow your hair to be fully protected.

  • You can use ‘closure pieces’ to fully protect your natural hair from root to tip.

  • You are still able to moisturize, cleanse, and condition your natural hair & scalp.

  • If left in for a long period of time (no more than a couple of months at a time”>, your real hair will retain length.

Cons

  • Without using a protective net, your natural hair may become dry and lose moisture while it is weaved.

  • If your hair is braided too tight, it may weaken, become fragile, and more prone to breakage and split ends.

  • Your hair is at greater risk for thinning and bald patches.
PHOTO ZIONNATURALS

2. Clip-ins>>

apply clip in

Clip-in Hair Extensions

With clip-ins, changing up your hairstyle drastically and adding some length can be done without much skill and doesn’t have to be as tedious as a sew-in. Not only are they easy enough for beginners, clip-in extensions are usually the most affordable of the three types of weave. If you’re an avid DIY-er, making them at home can be feasible, too.

Pros

  • Depending on what type of hair you use, it can be simple to blend in with natural hair.

  • Clip-in extensions are easy and quick to apply.

  • They’re inexpensive to purchase and easy to find.

Cons

  • Since they aren’t as high-quality and secure as sew-in weave, they aren’t as reliable–subject to falling out of place.

  • Just like sew-in, clip-in extensions can harm natural hair via breakage, thinning, and weakening of the hair shaft (by constant tugging hair at the scalp”>.

PHOTO HOTSTYLE

3. Glue-ins>>

glue in weaveGlue-In Weave & Extensions

Unlike sew-ins, glueing in weave (also called “tracks””> can be the most damaging of the three methods. This can be done at home using a bonding adhesive to glue real or synthetic hair close to the natural hair root.. Glue-in styles are usually affordable and accessible–found in most hair and beauty supply stores at a reasonable price.

Pros

  • Glueing in weave and extensions makes it easy to blend in with natural hair and styling options can be versatile.

  • They are cheap and can be found at almost any hair or beauty supply store.

  • Glue-ins are stronger than clip-ins.

Cons

  • Removing the glue from the hair damages the hair shaft, preventing hair growth & length retention.

  • Since you cannot wash or condition your hair, it will not be as moisturized or as clean.

  • If the bonding glue gets wet or is part of an old application, the tracks can easily slide out of place.

  • With this method, there’s lots of room for breakage via combing and brushing during styling.

PHOTO ATLANTA SALONS

Weaving hair can be an effective form of protective styling but should never be an excuse to neglect the overall health of your natural hair. Remember to continue to show love to your tresses from root to tip, cleanse and moisturize often.

Next: Pros & Cons of Coloring Curls

How to Cleanse Your Scalp the Right Way
By Devri Velazquez ·

washing your hair

There are two camps of cleansers in the curly world: those who shampoo and those who cowash (washing hair with a conditioner”>.

No matter your method, it is extremely important to cleanse the scalp properly because over time, hair follicles acquire dirt caused by climatic debris and hair product build-up.

Neglecting to properly cleanse hair follicles can result in hair loss, redness, dryness, and an itching scalp. 

Here are a few frequently asked questions – and their answers – for co-washers and shampoo-ers, and a few of our favorite cleansing products!

Co-Washing Tips:

  • Depending on the texture, porosity, and thickness of your hair, it is not always necessary to condition wash your hair daily. 
  • Stay away from silicones in products. They’re more difficult to wash out of hair since they’re not water soluble. Beware of any ingredient on a bottle ending in ‘cone’.
  • Check that your conditioner contains emollients, protein, and humectants. Emollients add shine to dull hair, protein repairs fragile curls, and humectants lock moisture into hair.
  • Be sure to stimulate the scalp to loosen dirt from the hair follicles.
  • People who have skin conditions like dermatitis shouldn’t rely on cowashing, because this could actually backfire and make the condition worse. 

Popular cowashes:

Wavy Hair

Curly Hair

Coily Hair

Shampoo Tips:

  • Since wavy, curly, and coily tresses tend to dry easier than straight hair, try using a gentle shampoo.
  • For those with oily hair, shampooing might be a better option than cowashing, since they are strong enough to remove excess oil build-up.
  • Most shampoos have a low pH that many cleansing conditioners simply do not. This means that without shampoo, the hair cuticle may not be raised enough to properly release dirt from the scalp.
  • Clarifying sulfate-free shampoos do exist. Luckily nowadays, they aren’t difficult to find. Especially necessary for an itchy scalp (this usually means it is unclean”>.

Popular Shampoos:

Wavy Hair

Curly Hair

Coily Hair

MORE: Don’t Ignore Ceramides

‘A Vintage Vanity’ on her Iconic Rockabilly Style
By Devri Velazquez ·

vintage vanity youtuber

Jen, known online as A Vintage Vanity, is all about gutsy, bold but elegant fashion and beauty. As if her fuschia hair wasn’t enough for me to dare you to divert your attention from her channel, her chic hair tutorials and fun ‘unboxing’ episodes easily make her likeable and admirable for her vibrant persona and carefree confidence. Tune in for my interview with A Vintage Vanity.

Introduce yourself.

I’m Jennifer, a vintage lifestyle beauty guru on YouTube!  I’ve had a longtime love affair with the style and beauty of the 40s and 50s so I finally threw away trying to fit into the modern style and wholeheartedly embraced my inner vintage dame!  My channel features hair tutorials, DIY projects, sewing, and vlogging though it’s become so much more…a supportive and stylish community of ladies and gents. 

Describe your personal style.

If I like it, I’ll wear it!  Petticoats, circle skirts, cardigans, bright colors, prints, hair flowers.  My style draws heavily on the full skirts of the 1950s, but I love to mix it up with modern styles or throw in some padded shoulders for a dash of 1940s.  I love the feminine feel of vintage styles, it just feels right, in fact that’s how I feel about one’s personal style…it should feel right to you!  Trying to fit into styles/trends that you’re not drawn to is like wearing someone else’s skin…uncomfortable and a wee bit gory! One of my favorite phrases is from my literary bible “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” when the heroine is looking at the women in her life she equates them to thin invisible steel, which is how I think of my style soft and feminine on the outside with an inner layer of thin steel…strong and unbreakable, the beauty of being a woman.

What influenced you to start vlogging on YouTube?

I’ve been on YouTube for a little over 2 years. I actually started blogging (which has been grossly neglected though hopefully to be reborn in the near future”> as a way to work out my long neglected writing muscle.  This coincided with the time I was really embracing my vintage life so the blog started reflecting the changes I was making.  I wanted to be able to share with one of my best friends (who lives out of state”> the styles I was doing so I made my first youtube video, never expecting to fall in love with it.  Which is how I ended up with the user name that I have.  Once I made that first video there was no going back, I loved being able to “teach” people the styles I was creating and before I knew it an amazing community grew up around sharing something that I loved. 

vintage vanity vloggerWhat inspires you?

For me inspiration comes in many forms.  I look to old movies, classic Hollywood actresses, old photos of every day people, and designers like Givenchy, Edith Head, Coco Chanel, Dior, along with modern designers for fashion inspiration.  I also gobble up all the fashion reality shows like M&Ms.  For hairspiration many of the same provides me with ideas as well as vintage styling books and modern pin-ups.  For a jolt of creativity it comes from stranger places such as abandoned buildings and photographs of strangers.  I love to try and imagine the lives that were lived, how they loved, and what was their passion.  I do the same thing when I purchase a vintage piece, you know there was a story behind it because the owner cherished it enough to save it throughout the years, wearing a piece of vintage clothing is like honoring someone’s beloved memories.  I’m also continually inspired by other YouTubers and bloggers as well, their style and creativity keep me striving to move things forward.

Who is your style icon?

I adore Ginger Rogers. Whenever I’m stumped for a new hairstyle I always scroll through pictures of her, her style was ever changing and always stunning, from finger waves, loose curls, to elaborate updos.  I lean more towards 1940s hairstyles mainly because of the fabulous amount of curls that were running rampant about that time, which is why Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner rank high on my list of icons, their curls and waves were so sultry they could steam up a camera lens.  I love a good tease which is why I can’t leave the styles of the 50s and 60s behind, Audrey Hepburn and Doris Day rocked amazing volume along with sexpots like Brigitte Bardot.

What is your go-to hairstyle?

My go to for quick vintage glamour is always any type of victory roll, they are signature of the 1940s and never fail to make me feel sassy!  They are so versatile…you can style them very low to the scalp for a more subtle look or really tease them up so you get great height and volume, they work whether or not you have bangs and look great on everyone!  If I’m trying to get out the door in the quickest way possible I grab a sheer scarf and tie it around my hair, roll my bangs up, pull up the rest of the hair in a ponytail and either just pin up my curls or tease the heck out of my hair and roll it for a beehive feel.

vintage vanityWhat do you hear and read the most from people out in public?

I have an internal mute button for negative comments or weird stares, so everything has been wonderful. Seriously though, I tend to get the sweetest comments from strangers who will make it a point to stop me and tell me how much they enjoy my look.  Some of the best are little girls who will stare wide-eyed, mouth open, and in awe tell their Mother that “that lady has princess hair!”  Others will stop to tell me how lovely they think my look is and that it adds a little brightness to their day (though my hair is so bright pink that it will indeed brighten any dark room”>.   What I love best though is when my style sparks a memory for someone and they tell me about the person whom I remind them of.

What is the most positive comment someone has said on one of your videos?

I honestly have the best viewers, they are continually leaving the most amazing comments!  They inspire me to try something new, suggesting new products, and overall being awesome!   Since you’re making me pick,  my favorite comments always begin “You’ve inspired me to…”.  The fact that this little YouTube channel that I’ve started has motivated someone somewhere to do something that they love, (I’m going to get sappy here”> brings tears to my eyes and fills me with happiness.  There is no better feeling.  Not too long ago I did a video that was near and dear to my heart “8 Tips for Working on your Self Confidence”, all of us to some extent struggle with our confidence…I’ll admit to not having mastered it myself!  I wanted to find a way to give them the support they were giving me, return the confidence that their comments gave me so I created the video and I received the most amazing feedback.  From very personal responses to how it helped them with their struggle to a simple “I needed this”. 

What is your favorite thing to do in your past time?

When I’m not filming videos or trolling a local vintage fair I can be found stalking the beautiful city of Chicago.  I’m a big Chicago history nerd, growing up with amazing stories of this very racy, slightly crazy, and often times downright weird city, so I’m constantly visiting different places and trying to walk in the footsteps of the past.  Which helps with one of my other jobs as a tour guide for Weird Chicago, I love taking people throughout the city and telling the spooky, odd, and creepy history of my stomping grounds. One of the pastimes of the 50s that I love to partake in is the cocktail party with the addition of board games, favorites of which are anything in the horror genre and sci-fi!

vintage vanityWhat are your favorite hair products? 

Foam rollers are the love of my life!  Using them with an overnight wet set produces fabulous curls that will last for days!  My teasing brush is used on a daily basis, making backcombing/teasing a snap and works wonderfully at smoothing out the hair.  My Denman brush is a new addition to my vanity but it does an amazing job at brushing out a curl set, which is key to achieving a fabulous vintage do!  I’m constantly trying different styling products but the ones I reach for the most are Vintage Glam’s Thermal Freeze Spray (every gal needs a hairspray they can count on”>, Curly Sexy Hair’s Curl Crème works wonders as a setting lotion producing smooth curls that have staying power, and Kenra’s Platinum Grooming Pomade 4 really helps to add shine and smooth down any stray hairs without weighing down my hair or making it look greasy!

What is something that every young lady should know how to do these days?

Short and simple: I think every young lady needs to know how to give and receive a compliment, sew a button, change a tire, dance like a fool, laugh with every muscle in her body, and be true to herself.

What are your plans for 2014?

I’m planning on launching my website, continuing to offer new and more fabulous hair tutorials every Thursday, more DIY projects on Sundays with beauty products, home decor and clothing, and of course even more unboxings,  beauty reviews, look-books, and vlogs!  Things this year are going to be better than ever and we’ll dive even more into vintage styles!  It’s all about creativity and pushing the channel to new limits and exploring fun ways to present the information.  Hopefully someday I’ll be able to launch a line of skirts and styling products…who knows what the future will bring…I’ll keep dreaming big!

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CURLS Conditioner & Cream Review
By Devri Velazquez ·

I’ll admit, at first I thought I would not like CURLS for a couple of reasons.

For one, the name of the brand was oddly kind of off-putting to me because off the bat I couldn’t figure out exactly what type of “curls” this line caters to.

After visiting their website and seeing that they have an array of products for every every type from loose waves to tight coils, I released my doubt and knew my 3C curls were going to be in good hands for a shower or two.

Coconut Sublime Moisturizing Conditioner

I loved the scent… And its detangling properties made it so, so exciting.

Let me start off by telling y’all how much the scent sucked me right in. Seriously, it was so tempting, relaxing… reminded me of a tropical vacation. I soaked my hair and coated my strands from root to end (focusing particularly on my ends”>. Then I ran my wide-toothed comb through it with no problems whatsoever. The conditioner has a ton of slip, so my hair didn’t snag or tug at all. My detangling process was super smooth. The one thing I do wish is that there were more of this product.

The price isn’t so steep that I cannot stock up on more if I needed to, but still, I had a feeling once I used it that if I loved it, I wouldn’t want to commit to piling these bottles in my bathroom closet for the simple fact that there are other products that offer bigger sizes for the same price (or less”>.

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Whipped Cream

Immediately after conditioning with Coconut Sublime, I dug out a handful of cream from this jar, running the buttery-like consistency throughout all of my curls. I wasn’t attempting a particular style other than a natural, wash-and-go look, and that is exactly what I received. I wrapped my hair in a microfiber towel as per usual, and let the air do its drying magic on my mane.

About 30 minutes later I unwrapped the towel, scrunched, and noticed a lot more definition in each curl. My hair was softer and fluffier, which gave me the appearance of big volume without a frizzy after-look.

I went on with my normal daily routine and the conditioner + whipped cream combo seemed to hold me down for the day. In addition to helping my hair be frizz-free and full of body for about 12 good hours, I smelled like a frickin’ cupcake. And to me, that was a good thing! Anyone I walked by complimented how I smelled. Haha! At night when I twisted my hair and threw on my silk bonnet, I could still smell the heaven-like product in my hair. And off to sleep, I went.

Much to my surprise, I did not experience a lot of product buildup in my hair the next time I co-washed. And another pleasant surprise how well the Curls products helped me achieve fabulous second day hair with ease- just added a bit of water and some more whipped cream on my ends, and voila!

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Have you tried this curly line yet?

Tell me what you think, and what other curly products you recommend that I try out! The product junkie in me in tingling for feedback.

Get in touch with me on Instagram @DevriVelazquez

4 Styles to Hide Your Split Ends
By Devri Velazquez ·

We’re not perfect when it comes to our hair routines and regular maintenance; because of one reason or another, we might not be able to get our usual 6-week trim. Well, there’s no need to panic. Here are some quick in-season hairstyle fixes to hide those split ends.