Search Results: Devri Velazquez
It started with the thick, bushy eyebrows we shared.
I was maybe 4 years old when I first recall getting bullied for them — my cousins called me names because of how hairy I was. Because of this I was allowed to tweeze my unibrow and shave my legs and arms at a young age. And while my parents didn’t necessarily want me to have to place so much value on the opinions of others, I also was fortunate to have been blessed with a support system that ultimately wanted me to be happy and comfortable in my own skin.
My dad and I would give each other a funny look from time to time, scrunching up our foreheads at each other like we were pouting. This was his way of making it a point to encourage me to be proud of that ‘flaw’ of mine. I also have a crooked smile similar to his, which the family teased me about. Any physical characteristic that I was obviously insecure about, he would make sure that I knew they were exactly what made me me and no one could take that away.
I can honestly say that I have never doubted my sense of worth because of my relationship with my dad, and his relationship with my mom, his queen. Their example of love taught me to accept nothing less than the respect of a princess.
I appreciate my dad’s approach to parenthood.
One thing my dad always made sure to do in the household was to keep an honest, open conversation about life experiences. Early on he broke down the barriers between a typical authority figure and child — instead, I viewed my father as a sort of wise guiding force who allowed me to make my own mistakes and experiences along my personal journey. Yes, there were moments of scolding discipline, something any child should succumb to whenever they do something bad. Still, my dad made each one into a valuable learning lesson. My parents humbly admitted to my sister and I that we didn’t come with instructions, and this was just part of the process for everyone involved. My father’s ability to remain vulnerable as a human being rather than pretend to have all the answers definitely lowered the pressure I sometimes placed on myself.
After he helped me see my own value, I demanded that same treatment everywhere I went.
My dad taught me to stand up for whatever it was that I believed in, no matter how unpopular my decision was. I questioned a lot, I expected a lot; whether it was in the classroom or in a relationship, he helped me understand from an early age how I deserved to be treated by others. I can honestly say that I have never doubted my sense of worth because of my relationship with my dad, and his relationship with my mom, his queen. Their example of love taught me to accept nothing less than the respect of a princess.
Above all, my dad taught me how to let go of fear and just love.
From all of the cultural gems he shared with me in music, books, film, food, art, and travel, to his fearless yet practical approach to everyday life, I truly admire the way my dad views life and the people in it. If he had 5 bucks in his pocket and we walked by a homeless man sitting on the ground, by the time we’d get to the car his pocket would be empty.
That is just who my dad, Adrian Velazquez, is.
If I can only hope to live with an open, smiling heart even half the size of his, I would be pretty proud of myself in this lifetime.Happy Father’s Day!
Write us on Facebook – NaturallyCurly, and follow me on Instagram @devrivelazquez for more inspiration.
Summer is upon us, which means it’s time to go into the crevices of your closet corner and lay out your sultriest, most stunning seasonal look.
Whether you’re rocking a juicy wash-and-go, the sleekest high bun, or some colorful box braids, stay cool this summer.
And with all of the amazing festivals, concerts, and meetups happening between June and August, you will want to stunt harder than ever. Here are a few of the ones I am personally looking forward to attending this summer ’17.
Curlfest
- July 15 in Brooklyn, NY
Curlfest 2016 year it was lit, here’s my proof in pictures proof. A melanated lady boss squad called The Curly Girl Collective are hoping to outdo another amazing day out in the park in the mecca of culture and diversity, New York and trust me, you’ll get all the ‘fro goals to last you a whole year. Visit the Curly Girl Collective site for more details about Curlfest 2017.
Psst: Have you heard? We are the 2017 Curlfest media sponsor!
Essence Festival
- June 29-July 2 in New Orleans, LA
As if going to see phenomenal musical icons perform live wasn’t a big enough reason to spring for a weekend getaway to the N.O., consider a rare chance to meet some of your favorite curly hair bloggers under one roof. Additionally, this festival will be allow you to purchase the best hair goodies for discounted prices. Visit the Essence site to see the artist and brand lineup.
Afropunk Fest
- August 26-27 in Brooklyn, NY
Which summer festival will I see you at?
Post your pics below if you went last year, and let us know if you’re going to any other summer festivals!
Thanks to recent warm weather good vibes, the out-of-town rendezvous are in abundance.
For those of us with naturally curly hair, it also means making swift yet effective choices in the hair care routine and styling.
At the end of last summer I jotted down my on-the-go wash day regimen that I used while traveling. Of course with different time demands and a different set of products in my bag (ahem, no I am not a product junkie — I just enjoy trying new things”>, I have switched up some essentials.
Going on a trip? These are the questions to ask yourself beforehand.
- What is the weather forecast for the place I will be visiting?
- What type of water is the city known for having?
- How long will I be there?
- How much time does my itinerary allow for styling/prep?
Once these inquiries have been answered, I head over to the bathroom and start packing.
A quick tip for brands: send us more travel-sized products! I thoroughly enjoy whenever I receive a package of sample packets; these will almost always get priority over my full-sized goodies simply for the sake of saving space in the carry-on. (Visit our SHOP for sample-size product”>
My curly hair travel necessities
- A cleansing conditioner since I won’t have time to do a thorough wash and condition, so why not cut an extra step from the routine wherever possible? I enjoy DevaCurl No-Poo Decadence Zero Lather Ultra Moisturizing Milk Cleanser especially during trips because the salon-quality fragrance lasts all day while my hair retains moisture and shape.
- A microfiber towel because the hotel one just will not do for the precious curls. The DevaCurl DevaTowel Anti-Frizz Microfiber Towel cannot do any wrong.
- A light curl-defining cream like Controlled Chaos to smooth down the frizzies while giving me soft, touchable curls for hours.
- A gentle gel just in case the humidity wants to rain — figuratively, or literally — on your curl definition parade. As I Am Smoothing Gel is water-based and made from natural ingredients so it’s easy to wash out.
- A headwrap for the days of the trip that I do not have time to refresh my 2nd-day hair. Right now I am loving my “empress” wrap from Glamorous Chicks.
- Hair ties and bobby pins; I keep plenty on-hand in my purse, my carry-on, and in my checked bags.
- A satin scarf to preserve the lovely curls from my initial wash day so that all I have to do is take down, finger-fluff and refresh the following days.
How do you do pack for your curly hair?
Having curly hair and requires maintenance, but it doesn’t have to. I am interested in hearing what makes your trip smoother. Let us know on NC’s Facebook.
Want more from Devri?
Follow her on Instagram @DevriVelazquez
Read her latest: 5 Things That Will Make Me Put a Product Back on the Shelf
“What are your favorite products for your curly hair?”
How much time do you have?
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” src=”https://diana-cdn.naturallycurly.com/Articles/Wc_Devri_II-1.jpg”>yours truly photographed by Marc Mayes
I started my natural hair journey in 2011, transitioning with a sew-in weave for a few months before big chopping twice and then fully embracing my natural 3c curly hair. Here at NaturallyCurly it’s time for Editor’s Choice Awards, and per proper product junkie protocol, I have a list as tall as me filled with all of the products my curls have tried, loved, and enjoyed throughout my journey. I could go on for hours but for the sake of making this as helpful and concise of a resource as possible, I will be focusing on just a handful of my favorites, both new and old.
What to know about my curls
- I have 3c, highly dense, high porosity, color-treated curly hair
- I get a DevaCut every 6 months
- I am a lazy natural with a knack for trying new products and styles only if they don’t require a whole lot of effort on my part
Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
Why I love it: The Elucence conditioner has been a favorite since the beginning of my natural journey, and it makes my texture much softer for detangling.
Brown Butter Beauty Sweet Milk Detangling Leave-in Conditioner
With a detangling brush, I saturate the length of my curls with this product and in sections, work my way up gently to get rid of knots without tugging on my roots.
Olaplex
Before my stylist, Robin of Southern Curly in Atlanta, used Olaplex to prevent chemical damage in my hair, I had no clue it could be used prior to coloring. In one use my curls felt more elastic and I was able to see their true shape –also, I haven’t noticed any damage whatsoever since color-treating four months later.
Camille Rose Naturals Moroccan Pear Conditioning Custard
While one of my fellow NC editors have debated whether this product is technically a conditioner or not, I have been using it for almost a year as a moisturizer. And I love it for a number of reason — one being the Fruity Pebbles fragrance, and another being the fact that I don’t have to layer it with anything in order to reduce frizz and retain moisture all day long.
Oyin Handmade Hair Dew
Hair Dew is another tried and true favorite since the beginning days of going natural. I will never neglect this product simply because it never lets me down. On the random days I’m craving rocking a super-defined twist-out, I reach for this — it’s perfect for cocktailing with literally anything.
SheaMoisture African Watermint & Ginger Detox Hair & Scalp Gentle Shampoo
This is my go-to for wash days that require a thorough clean of my scalp from styling product build-up. This shampoo doubles as a mini detox for bad allergies and head colds during the colder seasons, too! Use it next time you have a head cold and watch your sinuses clear up.
DevaCurl DevaFuser
99 percent of the time I’m rocking a fluffy ‘fro in true wash-and-go fashion. But sometimes I want to see my cut and bangs and on those occasions, I reach for my nifty DevaCurl diffuser attachment. It doesn’t leave my curls feeling thirsty of dried out afterwards, but gives me just the right amount of water absorption.
Which products are your favorite?
Do tell! Follow me @DevriVelazquez and share your faves.
These are the most unforgiving attributes of any curly hair product.
I have a head full of thick and fine, highly porous, highly dense, 3c curly natural hair. And I like it. Although I would like to think of myself as a sort of lazy natural, I have come to find out which types of products work for me, and which ones simply do not. It is usually easy to spot a failure a mile–or a few miles–away. Therefore I tend to avoid these characteristics altogether, especially after a fellow curly friend has used one of these words to describe a new product.
It smells bad
The fastest way to get me to put a product back on the shelf before it ever gets a chance to sit on my counter at home is its scent. I am not the biggest fan of strong synthetic fragrances that offend my sensitive nose. Personally I prefer earthy, natural scents–nothing over the top. More often than not a product’s unpleasant fake fragrance is a dead giveaway of its potentially chemical-laden ingredient list.
According to Dr. Timothy Nicholson of the University of Queensland, “Most plastics aren’t fit for consumers in their unfinished state, so manufacturers add other chemicals to improve the stability of the material. This includes things like antioxidants, plasticisers to make things softer, processing aids that help in the manufacturing process and plastic sunblock to improve durability. Often these smaller molecules will seep out of the plastic, which causes the distinctive rubbery smell. When products have been left in airtight packaging for a long time, the volatile molecules start to build up. When you open the packaging, they all get released at once, which means you get a much stronger waft than usual. This is one possible reason why the smell would be more noticeable in Chinese products, which have to travel a long way to get here.”
It feels like glue
Another easy first impression deal-breaker, opening the cap and pouring a small dollop onto my fingertip only to be greeted by a tacky formula will give me no choice but to remove it from my wishlist. In my early transitioning days, when sleek baby hairs meant something to me, I used a pomade that came in a tin can–haven’t we all at some point? However, these days I prefer Texas humidity to give me a lift while I do my best to stay away from applying Elmer’s glue to my edges. Does a brand refer to their styler as a paste or a glue? You can bet I am leaving it right where I found it. Common ingredients that tend to make curly hair stylers feel tacky and sticky include glycerin, castor oil, sea salt, and candelilla wax.It leaves a filmy residue
Unfortunately this trait cannot be determined until it’s too late and the brand has already claimed my $10–but how much do you want to bet that I’m not using it ever again? Depending on the look I’m going for, I may apply a gel to my hair, but it must be color-safe and alcohol-free. Natural curl definition with the help of a good daily conditioner, leave-in conditioner or refresher/moisturizer is all I need, as I prefer my curls to be soft to the touch and not dry, hard, or with a white film.
According to Curl Chemist Tonya McKay, not all film-producing products are bad, though. One that is intended to moisturize the hair or skin will contain emollient esters which “are usually hydrophobic oils that form films on the surface of the hair, where they often act as anti-humectants or sealers. They are lubricants and provide increased slip between adjacent hair strands, which makes detangling much easier.” McKay says that “the best ones impart a soft, silky feel to tresses, while lesser ones may weigh it down or make it feel greasy. Some can penetrate the interior structures of the hair and act as plasticizers, improving elasticity, toughness, and suppleness.” If your product contains dimethicone, fatty alcohols, vegetable-derived oils and butters or hydrolyzed proteins, depending on how you use the product in your regimen, this trait isn’t always something to cause worry.
It makes my hair squeak
Shampoo is a touchy subject when it comes to the regimen of us curly girls due to the potentially harmful ingredients they used to contain. To finally give in and consider adding a new one to the wash day routine and find it a miserable failure is beyond devastating. The squeaky clean noise is a particular buzzkill for me because it often signifies something far more damaging than beneficial.
According to North American Precis Syndicate (NAPS”>, “Hair that squeaks signifies bad clean; it can mean it has been over-cleaned, stripped of natural oils and just plain damaged.” Thankfully there are plenty of clarifying shampoo and cleanser options that work with the naturally dry textures of wavy to coily hair, so I haven’t had to run into the issue of that squeaky clean sound in a while.It has ugly packaging
Yeah, I said it. Of course “ugly” is all a matter of personal opinion–but if I can visibly see that your advertising and branding strategies weren’t on point, then chances are I will have a difficult time trusting the actual content of the package. And note to brands: saying “for all hair types” will not make me want to try the product any more or less. Be specific, and be honest–from the label to the ingredient list to the directions and the expected outcome for said hair type and demographic.
Which characteristic will make you put a product back on the shelf?
I want to know. Tell us on the NC Facebook page and in the comment section below!
Follow me on Instagram @devrivelazquez
My name is Ada Rojas and I am a New York digital influencer and entrepreneur. Both of my parents are from the Dominican Republic and I was born in the Bronx, NY. I am first generation Dominican-American.
How @AllThingsAda started
I’ve been blogging for 7 years now. I used to love reading fashion and beauty blogs, but couldn’t relate to any of them because none of the girls looked like me. None of them were women of color. None of them had hair like me, or curves like me. I didn’t see myself reflected in the online community that I loved so much so I decided to start my own blog. When I was younger people would always ask me about my curls or makeup and my friends used to always ask me for style advice when putting their outfits together so I knew it was definitely something that I would enjoy doing since it came really natural to me. I just wanted to share my passions on a little corner of the internet and talk to other girls that looked like me. Down the line, I eventually got into making videos and things just grew from there. It’s been seven years and not a day goes by where I’m not thankful for where this road has lead me.
I’ve been a natural all of my life. I come from a single family home of six and my mom couldn’t afford to send us to the salon weekly for blowouts. Getting your hair done in my house was definitely a luxury so I had to learn how to take care of my own hair because I didn’t have a choice. I was doing braid outs at age young age because that was the only way I could manage my hair. When I got to college my roommate had a flatiron and I borrowed it from her once to do my hair. After that I was instantly hooked and started straightening my hair repeatedly. I got heat damage and stopped wearing my hair curly because it looked terrible. I found the natural hair community on youtube in 2010 thanks to friend and was able to transition back to healthy curls. Thank goodness there is a lot more info and product options for curly hair now than when I was younger.
Representation is so important!
It’s the entire reason I starting blogging. It’s a huge part of why I still continue to do what I do. I love who I am and everything that makes me Ada and a lot of that has to do with the fact that I can identify with others who look like me and come from where I come from. Representation matters. What we see around us, especially what our youth sees, positively or negatively shapes our expectations for ourselves and each other.
I definitely learned to be comfortable in my skin over the years. I remember attending an almost all-white middle school in Florida with a small percentage of people of color and feeling really different compared to the other kids. I couldn’t understand why my hair was so different, or why body was so drastically different from the other girls. As I got older I started learning more about my culture and the history behind our people and where we come from and it just made me so proud to be a women of color and be comfortable in my own skin.
Fast facts about me
- My career inspiration: I’m such a huge fan of Myleik Teele and truly think of her as a mentor in my head. Everything about her is so dope to me and as a fellow entrepreneur I really appreciate her hustle and lust for life. I’m so inspired and influenced by women who are resilient, witty, and passionate and Myleik is it.
- My biggest role model: Selena Quintanilla will always be a queen to me. Her life was short but she lived it to the fullest. I love how aware she was of her influence and how she used it to spread nothing but love and positivity. She worked hard, but was kind and humble no matter how famous she was. She was proud of her roots and where she came from and used it to unite people and bring them together. With her passion and dedication she conquered the American Dream and brought her family along for the ride. The fact that she has been gone for more than 20 years and continues to have an impact on the community just as much as she did then if not more just shows that her legacy will live on forever.
- The most valuable lesson I have learned in my adult life: to trust your struggle. Every single hardship that I have been through has molded me into the person I am today. Sometimes its really hard to trust that what you are going through is for the best, but I believe there is always a reason for that season and in order to thrive in the next you have to thrive in the current. I believe in pushing past the struggles no matter how hard they may seem and making that lemonade.
I want to meet people in person and connect a face to the name. I want to give you a hug and know how your day is going. I don’t know if it’s a Latina thing, but I just love to interact with people in real time.
Ada is going on tour with Rocio Mora (@RisasRizos“>!
Click here to RSVP… it’s gonna be a good time!
Follow Ada on Instagram @AllThingsAda and subscribe to her YouTube channel, All Things Ada
Read Curly Content Creator RisasRizos Has a Surprise for Her Followers!
My name is Rocio Mora and I am based out of the beautiful city of New Orleans. I am a full time digital influencer and entrepreneur, as well as founder and content creator behind RisasRizos. I am Afro-Latina from my mother’s side; I am half Honduran and half Mexican.
How @RisasRizos started
I’ve always had my curls but I never quite knew how to style it or care for it. When I was introduced to a straightening iron in middle school, I’d straighten my hair as often as possible. I didn’t think anything of my hair or particularly my curls until I lost my curls to heat damage. For me it was a “shock loss” rather than a gradual loss. Literally, I straightened my hair for one New Year’s celebration, went to wash it the next day expecting it to curl again, and came out of the shower with my hair stick straight. I swore, someone did brujeria or voodoo on me! It was then that I did everything possible to get my curls back–and now, I fully embrace it.
I started my YouTube channel in the Fall of 2014. I had lost my curls to heat damage a little over a year before then but through lots of research and trial and error, I got my curls back and they were even healthier than before. I had several friends and family members ask me what I did to get my curls back and finally a friend of mine suggested that I just do a step-by-step tutorial on YouTube. After my first video, I had comments and subscribers from people I didn’t know and at first I thought it was members of my family recreating accounts to make me feel better but sure enough, it wasn’t! When I noticed that some of the questions that people had, I created answers based on personal experience along with new videos. That is basically how it started!
Fast facts about me
- My Holy Grail: SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie never fails me.
- My celeb inspiration: Gina Rodriguez. I just want to tell her how incredibly inspiring she is. She is kicking ASS as an actor, a leader, an activist… and she just so happens to be a woman and a Latina.
- Most valuable lesson I’ve learned in my adult life: Prayer works… seriously, prayer can get you anywhere.
- What keeps me from getting overwhelmed: 20-minute power naps during the day–and coffee to keep me up until 3 or 4 am when it’s really necessary. Oh, and did I mention prayer?
It’s one thing to have a conversation with your community about something that means a lot to you, but it’s another thing to have in person and in-depth discussions with people who can relate to you.
There are times where one might feel alone, not knowing that others can relate to or understand what they are going through (like hair”>, but knowing that there is a community out there filled with people who get you makes being a part of the community so much greater! Plus…free hugs!
Rocio is going on tour with Ada Rojas (@allthingsada“>!
Rizos on the Road is the most anticipated natural hair tour of 2017, giving the curl community across the country an opportunity to meet Rocio of RisasRizos and Ada of All Things Ada while celebrating hair. Style tips, hair demos and curl talk will be the highlight of the tour in 6 different cities across the US including Miami, New Orleans, Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City.
Click here to RSVP… it’s gonna be a good time!
Follow Rocio on Instagram @risasrizos and subscribe to her YouTube channel, RisasRizos
So is this procedure really worth it?
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The beauty blogging world can’t seem to get enough of microblading, and we can see why. Although plenty of women admit to its terrible pain and hefty price tag, it has also proven to turn up noticeable results with fuller eyebrows that rival Solange’s. So is this procedure really worth it?
Here is what you need to know:
- it is, essentially, a face tattoo
- it can be painful
- it requires a time commitment
- it is a financial investment
- it lasts for years
- it is also called micropigmentation
According to New York City-based microblading expert, Piret Aava, whose nickname is The Eyebrow Doctor, “microblading is a form of tattoo artistry where pigment is implanted under your skin with a manual handheld tool instead of a machine.”
Using small “hair-like strokes,” to mimic eyebrow hair, this procedure is meant to make them look more fuller and natural, versus a store-bought pencil, wax, or gel. The handheld tool doesn’t go as deep into the skin as a typical tattoo, but it is meant to be a semi-permanent solution to mask any lack of growth in certain areas in your desired eyebrow shape. The typical lifespan of a complete microblading procedure is three years.To prepare for your first microblading session, stop taking aspirin and using retinol in your skincare routine, as these things thin the skin out and cause easy bruising and bleeding. Since the reviews are all over the board as far as pain is concerned, take a some ibuprofen an hour or so before your appointment just in case. That way, you will not be in complete agony throughout the procedure.
Microblading takes anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours per session, and according to microblading expert, Nicoleta Palmer, who is referred to as The Eyebrows Queen, costs anywhere between $1,200 to $1,500 for a full procedure that includes a consultation, first session, and from one to three touch ups at one-month increments. In other words, don’t expect immediate results–patience is key.
Watch Stylefeen’s latest video, in which she explains her personal account of the micropigmentation procedure:
Have you tried microblading?
Share your experience with us below.
If you’re on the journey to thicker brows, read 4 proven ways to grow your brows and lashes naturally.
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I am a firm believer that we are amongst wise souls who have been here before, and through my observations, Amandla Stenberg is one of them.
Never one to miss an opportunity to shine her guiding light, Amandla Stenberg often focuses on topics that were once considered too controversial for mainstream consumption, specifically regarding race and self-identity.
The actress turned activist says what she feels in her heart in hopes for bettering every single person around her. In true Amandla style, her most recent interview with Simran Hans for Dazed Magazine gives props to “a community of black women who are working every day to do what they need to do.” According to Amandla, utilizing her social media page as the top platform for voicing her opinion is completely intentional:“I hope my page is a space where you can feel safe to speak and be angry. I am not denying the concrete and physical danger of the future. I am telling you that your identity and strides are valid — even when you are tired, even when you are just existing as you.”
While I also believe that we are all embarking on a constant journey of self-awareness and have the capability to evoke positive change within our community and circles, Amandla is someone who translates the definition in such a way that is widespread and easily digestible for millions of humans.
That includes–but is not limited to–young and old, of color and not, of all levels of social and financial status. Millennials, particularly, are getting the message more clearly than ever, which young activists like Stenberg play a huge factor in. In her work, both professional and personal, the young starlet seamlessly displays her sense of self through radical expression and verbal queues. She is sure of who she is and, in my opinion, is much closer to realizing her purpose on this Earth than most.Yet, speaking from experience, the price tag that often comes with sharing a heightened level of awareness is anything but light.
Bridging the gap between knowing and feeling is the very thing the people of this world need right now. With the state of our nation currently appearing to be in shambles, it can be easy surrendering to stress and anxiety. Amandla is working to encourage others to channel their energies into something more profound and meaningful.
“It’s something that I’m continuously learning–it’s not like I’ve mastered it or anything. I see a lot of teenagers experiencing really high levels of anxiety and depression. I’d say that every person I know in my age range experiences it to a degree. I think a lot of it has to do with this human disconnect that the internet is creating, but also general anxiety about global events and the difficult climate that we’re entering as young working people. So I think one of the most powerful things to do in this moment is to have faith.”
This is my ode to celebrities using their platform to reach a grand scale of thinkers and doers, free but critical.
To those who consistently question and assert out loud, I applaud your immense capacity to remain vulnerable. Amandla Stenberg, thank you. Stay tuned for more of my personal essays on this topic in March for Women’s History Month, and check out the rest of Amandla’s interview with Dazed in their latest spring 2017 issue here.
Want more from Devri?
Read This Valentine’s Day, Keep Falling in Love With Yourself + The 2017 SAG Awards Speeches Gave Us the Hope We Needed
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ECOCO’s Eco Style is arguably one of the most popular styling gels for transitioning naturals–but things just changed.
Known for providing some of the most trustworthy curl definition and elongation for transitioners with limp and frizzy hair, Ecoco just released two updates to their famed Eco Style Gel less than a week ago. “If I have to be on an island by myself, Eco Style is coming with me–that’s how tough I rock for Ecostyler,” says YouTube content creator CurlDaze. Per product junkie protocol, we have searched near and far and cannot seem to get our hands on the already sold-out additional stylers, but there is plenty of buzz online generated by those who were lucky enough to grab a jar or two.
Here is what we know so far:
- The jar of green gooey stuff now includes a jar that contains castor oil and flaxseed, and one with coconut oil.
- Both are considered on ‘level 10’ for hold.
- The consistencies are thicker than the original Eco Style, with different fragrance. Many bloggers claim to enjoy the flaxseed scent.
- Your coils will be softer and free from a gel cast. Unlike the previous Eco Style gel, these will not leave you with the stiff, crunchy, noodle-like elongation that many transitioners tend to confuse with healthy curl definition.
- The new formulations might not be ideal to cocktail with. Some YouTubers have mentioned that they noticed some residue when using the product in conjunction with an old favorite like the SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie.
- They can be used as edge tamers, like most Ecoco stylers.
How to get your best results
- On soaking wet, washed hair, section off your coils into quadrants, focusing on one at a time.
- Finger twirl the product into your hair from the root to tip. Diffuse your hair on low heat on the warm setting, focusing on each quadrant.
- Lightly mist your edges with a spray bottle of water.
- Comb in a gentle upward, swooping motion.
- Smooth back with a gel-coated palm.
Watch these reviews and tutorials for more results:
Thinking about picking up one of the new Eco Style gels?
Let us know which jar you use, and post your results on StyleNook.
In the age of viral photos and social media, those hoping to satisfy their craving for staying on trend can go awry when they don’t possess the proper knowledge needed before trying a product. We feel the itch of curiosity for a new look, but when budget factors in many seek to go the most affordable, cost-effective route.
Boxed, store-bought hair dye has always been an accessible route for young people who don’t have the resources to book an appointment with a professional colorist, which brings me to the latest public visual to bring light to the dangers: Tylah Durie. The Australian 16-year-old was hospitalized this week after attempting to tint her eyebrow hair and lashes at home, which gave her severe chemical burns to her eyeballs as well as an extreme allergic reaction to her face and eyelids.
“My eyes had blown up like huge balloons,” Durie told Yahoo! Beauty. “I was screaming and crying. My mum said I looked like a frog because my eyebrows were folded over and my eyes were horribly swollen.”
What causes an allergic reaction?
The chemical p-phenylenediamine, short for ‘PPD’ in the hair and beauty industry, is an organic compound often found in permanent and natural hair dyes to assist in preserving the life of the color after multiple washes and styling. While it is considered to have a low toxicity level, PPD is a known irritant and allergen. It is important to do a patch test before applying a product containing PPD to your scalp, skin, and hair. According to dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, severe hair allergic reactions affect about one in 250,000 people. “To be allergic to something, usually your immune system has to come in contact with it and decide it doesn’t like it,” she says. “Depending on how sensitive your system is, the allergy may develop more slowly than others.”
Tylah isn’t the only recent victim of a hair dye job gone wrong…
Back in August the internet went crazy for the “Chillest Korean Dude Ever,” who documented his horrible salon coloring experience in an unfortunate string of images which showed the world an allergic reaction literally ballooning, right before our eyes.
How to avoid having an allergic reaction to your hair color
Fortunately, both people started showing signs of improvement, but of course, everyone should aim to avoid the above scenarios altogether. This requires spending time doing the following things:
1. Always do a patch test.
This is necessary, especially when you are attempting to dye your hair at home. Experts at Renee Rouleau say “the side of the neck is a good starting point for true compatibility because it’s thinner and generally more reactive. The idea is that if it can be tolerated on your neck, then you can feel confident that it will be okay on the face. Also, should you encounter a negative reaction such as an itchy, red rash, you might want it to appear on the neck rather than on your face.” Wait 24 hours after a patch test to ensure that you do not have a reaction, as allergies develop more slowly for some than others. Do not skip this step.2. Research the ingredients label.
Don’t assume that because a product is sold in stores that it will be safe for you to use. Our bodies react to chemicals in different ways, and people with compromised immune systems should take extra precaution, as they are at risk for not having the ability to fight off infections or allergic reactions as easily.
3. Keep up with new formulations from your favorite brands.
Just because you have used a brand once (or many times”> does not mean that you can blindly trust that it will work for you. Brands are regularly reformulating their products, so make sure to stay aware of current package labeling.How to alleviate an allergic reaction
- apple cider vinegar
- aloe vera
- oatmeal
- baking soda
Have you ever developed an allergic reaction to hair dye?
Per usual, New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2017 is already serving up all of the beauty and style inspiration and typically, I am so here for the individuality in expression.
For some reason, however, we aren’t quite sure what to make of the following head-scratchers, erm, trends. Will they pick up steam and actually take the upcoming season by storm–as told to us by celebrity hair stylists and fashion tastemakers? Or will they pass by along with the rest of the hype once the week finishes wrapping up? Personally, I am still undecided on two of the three, but we shall wait and see. (In the meantime, let us know your take on Facebook.”>
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“The Good, The Bad and the Ugly”
No joke, that is the actual name of this style, created behind the stage by Amika lead stylist James Pecis under the direction of Adam Selman, a man we can thank for some of Rihanna’s most notable hairstyles.
This particular look, best suited on people with type 1 straight to type 2b wavy hair, is “western-inspired” according to Pecis. “There’s a bit of a western-feel where the hair’s rolled in a pompadour kind of way—but it should have a little bit of a tousled look to it.” To finish the look, the pro suggests leaving some bottom pieces of hair out so that “when you roll the bun, there’s some hair that also sticks out the back. It’s just really fun and soft.” For more volume, create big curls with a 32mm curling iron assisted by the Amika Un.Done Texture Spray used on the entire length of the hair.
- Tip: Women hoping to catch the attention of NYFW street style photographers’, keep extra bobby pins on hand just in case your roll tries to frizz up or unravel throughout the hectic day.
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“The Mini Mullet”
The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, and Glamour among other popular publications called it months ago and now it has been proven true: mullets are back. They are trying really hard, anyway–think Florence Henderson during the height of popularity on The Brady Bunch. Retro and edgy vibes are created with a chili bowl cut on top and longer razor-thin sides hanging over the ears. Sies Marjan, Off-White, Creatures of the Wind, and Alexander Wang are just some of the designers who chose to present this look to pair perfectly with their latest collections during Fashion Week. Celebrity hair stylist Orlando Pita creates the mini mullet on his models using a single bobby pin and dry shampoo for more of a tousled, undone look.- Tip: For those in a rush to beat the traffic and make a statement at the show’s front row, this look thrives on the ‘dirty’ look, so not washing your hair before the big event works just fine.
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“Frizzy, slept-in braids”
On Day 1 of Fashion Week, Ane Amour hair stylist Laurent Dufourg gave a messy touch to all of their models for the big show.
Adorned with headpieces that draped over the forehead, the #DaughtersofArtemis theme spanned across women of all hair textures and lengths, playing with just the right balance of drama and nature. As we find ourselves taking our caps and beanies off with each hour, this trend might just stick while the weather continues playing indecisive and we try our best to remain fashionable and warm simultaneously.
- Tip: Fashionistas with finer strands can use a backcomb with a light spritz of hairspray for a natural-looking hold that will last as the show schedule continues. Higher porosity and coarser hair textures can rely on second-day fishtail braids–and the humidity levels–for enhancing frizz.
Will you be rocking any of these hairstyle trends in 2017?
[prodmod]
As all of my thrifted items enhance my freedom of expression, I am able to hold parts of myself that I so desperately want to keep in this crazy world.
Pops taught me the art of the thrift
I picked up the habit of thrift–I call it an art–from my father during my childhood. He taught my sister and I how to look for good deals in clothing, home decor, and other items, by taking our time perusing locally-owned shops and doing comparisons before committing to a decision.
It gives me a chance to escape…
Even if it’s for a short period of time, I enjoy the story that each thrifted piece of clothing tells. I especially like taking on a new persona each time I wear it. Thrifting lets me take on a new persona each time, which is why it will never get old. Finding the perfect pair of pants or picture frame is the best feeling ever because to me, it feels like I am closer to completing the puzzle than I was before discovering that item.
…while preserving the sacred parts of myself.
Some people I know like to take an old vintage thing and essentially destroy it to call their own, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, part of the thrill of thrifting for me has been to collect and preserve the item just the way its original owner would have liked. On the other hand, I understand that it was something that the said owner was OK with getting rid of, so in a way, I am turning one man’s trash into my personal treasure–therefore, I will cherish it with the utmost dignity and respect. This is my self-care… it’s so necessary.
How do you practice self-care?
Watch other self-care rituals from some of our editors here.
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Follow Devri on Instagram @devrivelazquez | photos taken by @Monique_RDZ
Although it appears effortless at times, trust me when I say that being a fearless black woman is no easy feat. One thing I find incredibly powerful is being able to show support to like-minded women within the community so that we can all continue to strive to work towards the purpose for which we were placed on this Earth to fulfill. It is so necessary. I recently sat down to chat with WEtv star Mushiya Tshikuka of Cutting It In the ATL and here, I break down her advice into five must-know tips for balancing the operation of a successful black-owned business while maintaining a happy home.
I woke up one day knowing what my purpose was: to inspire and build women with confidence and self-esteem so they can know they can achieve their own purpose in life.
My mom knew how to do hair and initially taught me how to do hair, but she didn’t do it as a profession. She’s actually a French professor. But I started doing hair when I was small, like 12 or 13 years old.
It all started with my parents…
My attitude and in-your-face style came from my parents and being at home. They always told me I could do whatever. “You look stunning today,” my mom would tell me. This confidence has translated into a [sense of] fearlessness and confidence to do anything I want to in life. I know how it works–but guess what, I want to do it this way.
And now, I’m running a thriving brand.
I am from Congo but I came to the states about 15 years ago. I went to Canada then worked in New York to create my brand name and further my career. What I love about [settling down in] Atlanta is that it is an open city–you can make it whatever you want. Atlanta is a great place to lead a worldwide conversation.
Everything we do for The Damn Salon is outside of the box. It is a full experience–it’s about an attitude, a confidence, and that is what makes Damn, Damn! From the hairstyles, to the walls, to the way we market the brand: everything is Damn. We are always expanding, and the empire is going strong! With kinky curly extensions on the rise right now, Runway Curls is being carried in over 500 salons.
Keeping a happy home life is critical for success.
As a busy woman, the keys to a happy family unit include five roles you need to play for your husband: the trophy wife, the maid, the slut, the friend, and the business partner. We, as women, ask for complicated (and sometimes psychotic”> requests. We run the world, and we define the dynamic of the relationship by giving a man these simple things that he requires.
At home, I am obsessed with cooking for my family and eating a healthy cuisine–I am not a fan of eating at chain restaurants. Some of my favorite dishes include seafood, lobster, scallops, crab…I love a good fillet mignon.
The only difference between you and me is that I KNOW I can.
I want to use my platform to build up powerful women.
I woke up one day knowing what my purpose was: to inspire and build women with confidence and self-esteem so they can know they can achieve their own purpose in life. I take every opportunity and platform that is given to me to fulfill my own. The most important meaning is to inspire other women to be great and love themselves. My goal is to just to have bigger and great platforms to do so on an even bigger scale.
I always aim to have daily, weekly, and monthly resolutions. A lot of things don’t change for ‘New Year’s Resolutions’. Take your greater purpose and break it down into [granular] tasks you can–and will–accomplish. In my twenty-five years of experience, I can say one of the things that inspires me the most is affecting people, instilling hope and belief in oneself. It is a powerful tool. I see that I have the ability to stand in front of a little girl, and it is powerful.
Everything is authentic–including my doll and hair extension companies.
Even my dolls are accurate representations of little black girls. I knew that if I had this same problem, there are others having the same problem, so I decided to create a line of dolls for girls like mine. Our dolls have 100% naturally kinky hair from the collection, which has solved so many problems for customers.
We move so fast and we work so hard with this, so I see many things happening in this movement. The Runway Curls line is close to my heart bc a lot of women wear extensions, so I say, let’s celebrate our hair! I only have kinky hair [in my line because] it is super important that the hair requires the same amount of care as our real hair. Someone can seamlessly blend the extensions with their own hair instead of having to press that section of the hair; it is versatile.
The key to a fulfilled life is philanthropy.
My kids were part of the process of doll-making. They drew the doll on a white board when we went to the designer with our ideas. They were excited when they chose the material, and I even named the dolls after them.
This is what it takes to achieve complete happiness. One of my passions is singing. I always attach a song to everything I do. I did one called My Natural Girl about a girl who is greatness personified. All she invokes is greatness. I wanted mothers to hear the song so they could know the power of speaking words. It’s for both of them.
Follow Mushiya on Instagram @mushiyatshikuka and Devri @DevriVelazquez
I have dyed my hair a total of four times and I have cut it twice. The reason is because, like most people, I got tired of it looking a certain way.”
Undoing decades of being brainwashed into thinking that your natural hair was somehow incorrect and needed to be fixed is one hefty habit to break.
Once you overcome that hurdle and make a full transition into wearing your unaltered hair with confidence, it can also be a bit exhausting keeping up with the ever changing trends in hairstyles, product options, and techniques talked about and passed around within the community. Dealing with these things could make anyone want to give up on their journey–and rightfully so. Just ask Ambria, a YouTube creator who can thank the natural hair community for gaining leverage in the world of social media influence.
“I went natural in May of 2012 and since then, I have dyed my hair a total of four times,” says Ambria. “I have cut my hair twice. The reason is because, like most people, I got tired of it looking a certain way.”
Ambria blames part of her dissatisfaction in returning natural on her obsession with length retention.
“The first couple of years of being natural I was all about length, and figuring out what type of styles I could accomplish. Then after a while, I became more focused with the health of my hair, but I still wanted to try something new.”
After switching gears to focus on the health of her texture still didn’t satisfy a craving for change, Ambria did another Big Chop. “I decided to cut my hair–into a tapered cut–and I began playing with color.” While this did the trick for a while, she quickly realized the constant maintenance that now came with the modifications.
I soon realized that having color in your hair means you have to constantly make sure your hair is moisturized…I failed to do that to the best of my ability.
Still, Ambria wasn’t ready to quit her natural hair just yet.
“To combat this, I cut off about 2 to 3 inches of my ends, which got rid of some of the color, but not all. After a while, I noticed that twist outs did not look good on me like they used to, even if I switched around products.” Once Ambria hit the styling plateau with her natural hair, her momentum had slowed down. “Pretty soon, I began wearing my hair up, tucked away or just refrained from styling it all together. I knew how much I loved my tapered cut so I decided I would get it again, but this time I would go even shorter!”Is Ambria done with natural hair for good? Nope.
Just three days ago the YouTuber Big Chopped yet again, and now feels a boost of confidence as a result in her TWA. “So, Saturday, May 7th, I got a haircut and it’s not in a TWA and I couldn’t be more happier! I feel more like myself than I ever have! I think I’ve found the style for my personality and lifestyle! “
Since the above video was posted, Ambria has continued to embrace her TWA! Below, watch her latest tutorial geared to other naturals hoping to ease their own ‘awkward phase’ in hair length.
The editors of Blackhair Magazine are under fire after their December 2016/January 2017 issue hit newsstands.
The magazine, which is an international bi-monthly publication targeted to “the style conscious black woman,” per its Facebook page, approved a white model with teased hair to grace the cover of the latest issue. London-based model Emily Bador took to Instagram yesterday to post a public apology to her fans and the readers of Blackhair. Her caption paired with the cover that she shot stated:
I would deeply and sincerely like to apologise to every one for this, and black women especially.
I would like to clarify, I believe this shoot is from when I was around 15 and didn’t understand cultural appropriation or the impact it has on POC. I was uneducated, which obviously is no excuse, ignorant and immature. Growing up in a very very white city, I had no idea the struggles black women face and how often they were persecuted for their hair. I didn’t understand how black women are constantly told their natural hair is inappropriate/unprofessional for the work place, or how young girls are told they can’t go to school with natural hair. I didn’t understand that shoots like this support the very Eurocentric beauty standard that the mainstream media focus on which reinforce the idea that black features are only ok on white women.
I didn’t understand that as a white passing woman I’d be praised for this hair, but if I was a black woman I’d be persecuted. I didn’t understand cultural appropriation. I do regret doing this. I hold up my hands, I’m so so so sorry and I’m very sorry this cover was taken away from a black woman. This image is (I think, although I’m not 100% sure”> about 3/4 years old, it was never intended to be on the cover of this magazine. If I had known it was going to be published, I would never have condoned it. I’m upset and angry I was never asked by the photographer/hair salon/anyone if this image could be used for the cover Black Hair.
I’m so glad I’ve educated myself and surrounded my self with people to teach me what is right and wrong. I constantly am learning and becoming more and more informed. It’s important to come forward and be honest with ourselves about our past mistakes, otherwise we will never learn. Again, I’m truly, deeply sorry to anyone I’ve offended and I hope if nothing else this post can educated others so they don’t make similar mistakes. (also please let me know if I’ve said anything wrong or offensive in this post!
Following Bador’s IG post, Blackhair Magazine posted an apology to readers on Facebook, stating:
Dear Readers
This morning it was brought to our attention that the model gracing our December/January issue is not of black or mixed-race heritage. We were obviously not aware of this prior to selecting the image. We often ask PR companies/salons to submit images for the magazine, specifically stating that models must be Black or mixed race. We can only take their word for it, and of course, try to use our own judgment.
At Blackhair we continuously strive to celebrate black women in all our beautiful variation of skin hues and hair textures. We are keenly aware of how black women are underrepresented in the mainstream media and the last thing we want to do is add to our erasure. In this ever-changing world, race will surely become even more fluid and no doubt conversations around Black identity will continue to change, and we definitely welcome the dialogue.
Thank you to Emily Bador for bringing this to our attention, we really appreciate your honesty. And we also thank our dear readers for your continued support, we don’t take any of it for granted and therefore welcome any emails, messages, tweets you have on this subject and others.
Enjoy your Monday
Keysha
Blackhair Editor
The ugly truth is that cultural appropriation is still very much an issue within our community.
However, some commenters have argued that while it could have been easily avoided with more crosschecking, this was only an innocent mistake and nothing to hang over the heads of the model and editor. I celebrate my colors with an immense amount of pride each day of my breathing life, despite what the media or society has told me. I also have tailored my mindset to see the beauty in a person that goes much deeper than their surface or any of their superficial possessions.
That being said, as an editor and published author, I also feel an incredible responsibility to encourage my community to discover their own unmatched beauty. We are placed in a position that can sway the industry’s portrayal of ‘beauty’ in one or another; for that, people like Keysha and Emily have got to do better next time they are placed in such a position to either pose for, or publish, on a racially sensitive subject.
Together, we must properly educate and inspire readers, viewers, and fans by upholding our own requirement for obtaining that same level of awareness to set as a positive example.What is your take?
We’d love to know in the comments below and on the NC Facebook. Drop me a line on Instagram @DevriVelazquez.
Read my most recent article, Why Every Survivor Needs to Hear Selena Gomez’s Touching AMAs Speech NOW.
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My Dominican mom always felt that having my hair blow dried was more beautiful because no one walked around with what she’d call “un pajon.”
Growing up, it was not easy embracing my natural hair.
My Dominican mom always felt that having my hair blow dried was more beautiful because no one walked around with what she’d call “un pajon.” Whereas my dad, being Salvadoran, thought it was beautiful and different since everyone on his side of the family had straight hair. I was always confused.
SunKissAlba on YouTube really inspired me to start embracing my natural hair. Seeing her before and after pictures and listening to her talk about her journey really inspired me to start my own. I am happy I did.
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What the natural hair scene is like in D.C.
There are a lot of proud natural women where I live and that really warms my heart. Whenever I see another curly girl, I am always sure to compliment her so that she knows she is beautiful. Curly girls just click, ya know?
You can make eye contact with another curly girl and instantly y’all are low key curlfriends, haha! Many of my girlfriends now embrace their natural hair which is always a plus, too. I think curly hair is so beautiful, especially all of the different types of curls–uniqueness!,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-version=”7″>
The biggest lesson I have learned in the past year
I learned to love myself and that putting myself first more often than usual isn’t selfish, nor conceited of me.
Overall, this embrace has made me more positive about my own beauty. I feel more confident now with my curly hair than when I decide to straighten it.What I wish I could tell my younger self
Don’t stress out all the time. It will eventually take its toll on you girl, so calm down!
How to keep up with my journey
If you’d like to keep up with me, follow me Instagram, snapchat, and twitter @beyondhercurls. You can also visit my fashion and hair blog, Beyond Her Curls.
Read next
I transitioned to change my Dominican family’s perspective on natural hair
I returned to my Brazilian curls roots–once I moved to America
When it comes to black women and mental health, acknowledgment is key. However, given the severe history of our race and gender in the United States, conquering the stigmas can feel burdensome at best.
One thing is for certain: black women are sublime creatures of God.
We are fully capable of doing it all at no less than 100 percent. That said, even the superhero must count on their sidekick for support.
Statistics shouldn’t lie, although they tend to have a crafty way of masking the entire truth.
Long after the days of slavery, the black American narrative continues to lack accurate representation, from textbooks to mass media. Reality TV producers thrive on exploiting black women and our ‘drama’ for the sake of entertainment. As a result, we choose to follow suit and turn a blind eye to our issues, too. Rather than acknowledging and addressing them, we live Hollywood’s portrayals—only to be led down a shameful path of self-inflicted psychological wounds that are taught never need healing. A health care system designed to discourage certain marginalized groups from seeking the care they deserve certainly poses a roadblock. However, there are other ways of finding support and encouragement in our own needs.
We can change the narrative.
Today is a better day than ever to start an open conversation about mental health and self-care. Social media is a powerful tool for sharing. With it, we can tell our true, unique perspectives as a community and as individuals. Considering socio-economic issues, constant oppression and injustice, a number of psychosocial factors make us far more susceptible to mental suffering and we must remain aware and informed.
Having a mental illness or challenge should no longer be another silent killer of our community.
Let us be empowered by our conditional traumas, not discouraged. Remember how necessary it is to routinely check in with your own mind and acknowledge what feels right, and what doesn’t. You are allowed to be afraid and uncomfortable while doing so, but you do not have to live in those feelings forever. Just like everyone else, you deserve to be freed of your mental suffering.
Follow me on Instagram @DevriVelazquez
Let’s discuss Black women and mental health–NOW
This is why I stopped comparing myself to the most ‘liked’ girl
