Search Results: Devri Velazquez

By Devri Velazquez · Published April 4, 2016

My name is Crystal, born and raised in Northern Jersey. I’m a curly enthusiast, fashionista, brand influencer, blogger, and baker. But aside from all of those hobbies I have a career in styling. I am currently a Stylist for “Century21 Department Store” eCommerce stores. I work in the photo studio, where we shoot and style all merchandise and creative banners for the site. It’s a perfect career for me, as I consider myself to be a creative person; which is why I also take interest in all of my hobbies, as I find them to be a creative outlet.

By Devri Velazquez · Published March 2, 2016

What these recipes will do:

• balance your scalp’s natural oil production
• lower DHT levels, promoting hair growth
• reduce the risk of infection and allergic skin reactions
• restore your hair’s natural luster

Rosemary oil is an incredibly powerful and potent;  It is green in appearance with thin, needle-like leaves with a deep, pungent smell. Note that rosemary–like other essential oils–should be used in conjunction with a carrier (or base”> oil in order to be applied directly to the skin. This essential oil has the ability to fight off fungal and bacterial infections, containing a high amount of the antioxidant ORAC, a free radical fighting agent that helps curb inflammatory reactions that those with skin sensitivities deal with. This includes scalp fungus folliculitis (scalp bacteria”> which cause itchiness. Rosemary is also known to lower DHT, improving hair growth and reducing premature baldness or gray hair.

DIY Rosemary Scalp Rinse

1. Crush fresh rosemary in your hands to bring out the aroma.

2. Place the crushed herbs into a glass bottle and fill with a carrier oil of your choice (almond, olive, coconut oil”>.

3. Store the bottle away in a cool, dark place for 2 to 4 weeks.

4. Apply the infused rosemary oil directly onto your scalp. It can be strained and used as a hot oil treatment for weekly deep conditioning, or as a pre-poo treatment before clarifying with a sulfate shampoo for your greasy, oily hair.

DIY Rosemary ACV Rinse

Now Foods Essential Oils, Rosemary, retails for around $6.10 in the U.S. You can get this at the all-natural section of your grocery or wellness store.

By Devri Velazquez · Published February 26, 2016

Follow me @jewejewebee on Instagram & subscribe to my channel, JeweJewe Bee.

By Devri Velazquez · Published February 25, 2016

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A photo posted by Devri Velázquez (@devrivelazquez”> on Feb 3, 2016 at 6:20pm PST

Hey, Naturally Curly world! Devri here. I recently got temporary faux locs installed, and I loved them!

There are, however, five things I realized were important to have done beforehand in order to make it an even more seamless install next time. In the words of DJ Khaled here are my 5 “Major Keys” for a successful faux locs install.

1. Protect your hairline.

I had my stylist do the crochet braiding technique for a more natural appearance of my faux locs. This was my first time trying it, and frankly, it hurt my scalp way more than other techniques we’ve used. If your stylist is yanking too hard on your scalp to keep the extension hair in place, don’t be afraid to let them know! If you notice your baby hair has little white bulbs, that means your hair is being pulled too tightly, which might result in unnecessary hair fall or in the long run, thinning.

2. Clean and hydrate your scalp.

Think of your natural hair as a blank canvas for some amazing art that’s about to happen. This art is meant to be protective, encouraging hair growth while taking a break from manipulation. Make sure you properly cleanse and hydrate it beforehand; I usually pre-poo and clarify the night prior to my appointment.

3. Stay moisturized.

Again, you don’t want anymore manipulation than what is needed to install your faux locs–the less, the better. Do yourself a favor and deep condition or do a hot oil treatment on your hair the day before. Drink plenty of water, too, to allow the proper bloodflow to your scalp, which not only promotes healthy hair growth, but eases the manipulation.

4. Avoid the headache.

This doesn’t get talked about a lot in the community, but all that tension on your scalp can do a number on your head. I get painful headaches, and if I don’t take two ibuprofen about an hour beforehand, count me out of a long three-hour (or sometimes longer”> protective style installation.

5. Detangle beforehand.

Trust me, your hairstylist won’t have mercy on your tender headedness. The crochet technique is a little different than others; it requires literal crocheting of the hair into your existing cornrows. It’s better to do the detangling yourself, so it’s a seamless installation that won’t leave your scalp in pain.

Have you rocked faux locs yet?

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A photo posted by Devri Velázquez (@devrivelazquez”> on Feb 19, 2016 at 7:07pm PST

By Devri Velazquez · Published February 17, 2016

Are you getting bored with styling your wavy bob (wob”> every single day?

If you’re a low-maintenance kind of girl when it comes to beauty, these 3 simple looks are perfect for you. All you need are 3 bobby pins to freshen up your wob. These looks are also great if you are attempting to grow out your bob and want to creatively hide your split ends in the front without resorting to scissors. Our type 2 editor Susonnah shows you how.

1. Condition your hair.

Susonnah uses Mop Top Daily Conditioner. It is protein rich and contains soothing botanicals, ideal for helping natural definition bounce back without a lot of manipulation.

2. Apply a creamy leave-in and detangle.

While your wavy hair is still wet in the shower, apply a quarter sized amount of Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave-in Conditioner in the hair. It has slip and is light, making it great for detangling looser curl patterns.

3. Air dry and lightly scrunch hair.

To speed up the process, Susonnah puts on her Studio Dry Hair Drying Gloves while lightly gripping each clump of waves. They are fast-absorbing and will encourage natural definition without causing frizz that a terry cloth towel or t-shirt tend to do.

4. Apply a light hold styling product.

Using DevaCurl Light Defining Gel, twirl a few pieces in the front for a more structured wave. Run a thin layer of AG Hair Cosmetics Beach Bomb–it is alcohol-free and infused with keratin, guaranteeing a lasting natural bounce to the wave and sheen that will last for a couple of days.

The looks

• Casual & Chic: Place 3 bobby pins next to each other, parallel, on a front section of waves.
• Flirty & Fun: Take a front section of waves and twist it to the back center of your head. Use 3 bobby pins spaced out to keep the twist in place.
• Pretty & Glam: Grab a front section of waves (or your bangs”> and gently pull it up and back on the top of your head to form a slight bump. Space out the 3 bobby pins to keep the ends in place. 

Is Susonnah your hair twin?

By Devri Velazquez · Published February 17, 2016

#CurlBoss Isabella is an Artistic Director and true visionary in the textured hair industry. Every time I see her, those curls are always on point. She recently shared with me her unique hack for defined, frizz-free hair that lasts all day long. Here’s what this method does for curly and coily hair:

• prevents frizz
• little to no curl breakage
• seal in the moisture by locking in moisture
• smooths the curls
• distributes product evenly
• lesser amounts products are used
• doesn’t allow your hands to create unnecessary heat (this can change the structure of the gel”>

My frizz fighting weapon of choice: saran wrap.

By Devri Velazquez · Published February 15, 2016

Explain the look Johnny created for tonight’s show.

This is like a goddess bun. A loose bun, with the plump braids. It’s a very regal updo. I think everyone with texture can do it at home, no matter the size or length of their curls.

What is it really like being a textured hair model?

How do you describe your hair?

When it’s stretched out, my hair is down to my waist. I have cut layers in it, but it’s pretty much there. I don’t do the hair type thing. The whole ‘I’m in this box–you’ll never see me do that’. Also, the shrinkage is real. But all the time, you learn to work with it.

What are your own hair goals for 2016?

My goal is to get all my hair down to my tailbone; I made this vow when I started this journey to go back to my roots. When the hairstylist messed up my hair that one time, that was kind of a great opportunity to transition and just go for it.

What does your hair love and hate?

My hair goes through cycles, depending on the season, my diet, and other factors. I stick to basics for the most part; I love extra virgin olive oil and shea butter. I also really like some products from Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk collection. I’m not someone who gets the whole line–I think it’s important to use what you need, even if it is one or two products and not the entire collection. I recently got sick and was very tender headed, and it was hard to do certain things to my hair. It all just depends on what my hair responds to in that moment.

Are you excited about walking the runway tonight?

I am so enjoying myself. I love looking around the room and seeing so many afro-textured women of all various textures and colors, feeling empowered. We’re about to go up on stage and show the community. I am so excited!

Follow Tessa on Instagram @Afroista | Visit Tessa’s blog, Afroista.com

By Devri Velazquez · Published February 11, 2016

Valentine’s day should be celebrated with one thing in mind: love. You love your naturally curly, wavy, and coily hair–and we do, too! But what does your significant other think of that fabulous texture of yours? 

Even if you don’t have a significant other, it’s always interesting to know what others around you are thinking when they come in contact with you.

In this amazingly adorable video recently posted by DevaCurl, one bashful sandwich maker recalls his regular encounters with a customer who has thick, curly hair. “There’s a girl who comes to my work a lot now, with curly hair. I’ve been trying to talk to her for weeks. There’s not a lot of words between us, but she kinda does the googly eyes thing with me, and I look at her–then she orders a weird sandwich. Someday, I’ll talk to her. “

One woman proclaims her love for the way curly girls’ hair smells, and how it’s much better than those with straight hair. She even breaks out into a dance because the smells are just that good.

A buff wavy haired man also professes his obsession with naturally curly women–and a tactic for meeting singles in the area. “When I see a girl with curly hair walking down the street, my immediate thought is, How do I get to know her? Is she on Tinder?”

One man enjoys getting his fingers caught in the crown of her curls. And another lists curly hair as the top attribute a woman could have. “You have curly hair, that’s the sexiest thing. Number 1, awesome hair!”

Even the husband of our very own naturally curly contributor Rochelle (DiscoCurls”> admits that her head of hair attracted him to her more after she went natural. “When we first met, she actually had straight hair. When she had her naturally curly hair, it’s like I fell in love with her all over again. I just think that naturally curly hair is beautiful.”

Another man says, “Natural beauty is the way to go. Just do you, booboo.”

By Devri Velazquez · Published February 11, 2016

Have you used rice milk yet?

What You Need

• One cup of plain rice milk
• One tablespoon wheat germ oil
• One tablespoon amla oil 
• 2 tablespoons of apricot, lime, or grapefruit essential oils (used in this recipe as preservatives”>
• 25% of a ripe banana

Directions

1. Purée the ingredients into a fine cream.

2. Apply the cream evenly to freshly cleansed hair, from ends to roots, finger detangling from the ends up to the roots.

3. If using as a daily conditioner, rinse out after thoroughly distributing throughout hair until water runs clear.

4. If using as a deep conditioner, keep this in your hair for 30 minutes or so and then rinse and follow-up with a cleansing conditioner.

This can be stored in a spray bottle because of its thinner consistency, making for an easy application to tangles if used as a detangler.

Have you made this? Tell us how it works for your hair!

Find the original recipe for this conditioner on Curly Demure (it has been altered for those with protein sensitive hair”>. 

By Devri Velazquez · Published February 2, 2016

my first day results from Killer Curls 

This has been the effect of using Killer Curls by Kevin Murphy just one time.

What the label says:

A leave-in anti-frizz curl defining creme. For medium to coarse, curly or wavy hair. Paraben free. Directions: Apply to towel dried or damp hair and scrunch to activate curl.

The active ingredients are water, lanolin wax, propylene glycol, and cetearyl alcohol. Together, these ingredients create the perfect frizz-fighting, curl-defining creamy substance that is light and ideal for helping curly girls like myself keep their volume and clumped curls at the same time. It’s a killer combo, no pun intended.

What Killer Curls looks, feels, and smells like

A fine milky liquid that feels sticky when pumped onto the pads of my fingers. The Helichrysum essential oil (“everlasting” oil”> scent is potent–herbal, musky with honey tea undertones.

First impressions

This product without a doubt gives me luxurious vibes. It comes in a modern mint green geometric shaped bottle that I wouldn’t mind proudly displaying in my shower or on the bathroom counter. It stands up with an easy pump nozzle that gives me easy access to controlling the amount I want to use.

How I applied Killer Curls

1. Right after co-washing and detangling my curls in the shower, I rinsed one time with lukewarm water but didn’t reach for my towel yet.

2. Using the pads of my fingers only, I pumped enough cream to coat them all after getting out the shower.

4. Then, I grabbed my towel and scrunched the excess water and product out until it didn’t feel as sticky in my hair and there was no more white residue.

5. Normally I would finish my wash and go style with a light oil to seal, but this time I wanted to see how Killer Curls stood on its own.

Where you can get Killer Curls

On the Kevin Murphy website. Yes, it’s about $34 for 6.7 ounces, but a little goes a long way. Like I mentioned before, only a few pumps over the pads of my fingers to smooth my frizz was enough application to last an entire week.

Have you tried Killer Curls?

Let me know what you thought in the comment section! And follow me @DevriVelazquez for more curly inspiration!

By Devri Velazquez · Published February 2, 2016

Photo courtesy of Mike Blake-Reuters Pictures

Admittedly, I didn’t actually watch the 2016 Screen Actors Guild Awards.

What I did do, however, was troll the blogs and social media to weigh in on the most beautiful red carpet hair. And I think the public vote on who stole the award show’s spotlight has been clear.

Curly hair as a…fashion statement?

While Gaby Hoffmann made Entertainment Weekly’s ‘Best Dressed’ list for “rocking carefree disco curls,” paired with a bronze sequin dress to round off the look. The NaturallyCurly world was being wooed by Girls actress Gaby Hoffmann. Who said curly or frizzy hair was unprofessional, unkempt, and ill-prepared for a glamorous Hollywood event? Surely not Hoffmann. And we don’t think so, either.

I’m human–I have hair.

Known for taking a defensive stance about her hair in the past, Gaby is no stranger to various critiques made by anyone from close industry colleagues to social media bullies. “I’m human, I have hair,” the New Yorker has said in response to fans inquiring about her Girls character, Caroline, wearing purposely poofy and visibly unbrushed naturally wavy-curly hair.

Her curls are a classic

Born into a Bohemian society at growing up in the Chelsea Hotel with her mother, Hoffmann has never felt the need to apologize for qualities that others have called out as ‘typically feminist’ or ‘radical’. After spending nearly 15 years away from the Hollywood life since appearing in such classics like Now and Then, Sleepless in Seattle and Field of Dreams, Gaby has re-emerged as a fan favorite to the Girls club. Still, the haters have always loved lurking around. “You know what’s great for feminism?” she asked The Debrief. “Respecting everybody’s own choice.”

Social media’s stance

When she appeared on the red carpet this past weekend for the 2016 SAG Awards, social media had much to say about her happily flowing cropped curls. One follower asked Twitter, “Why does Gaby Hoffmann always look like someone took a knife to her hair?” Another poses the question, “Can somebody take away Gaby Hoffmann’s SAG card please? #NoOffense #OrWhatever #SorryImNotSorry #YouCantDoThatOnTelevision.”

Redefining natural hair’s role on the red carpet

Those of us who support Gaby’s embrace of self in her natural beauty applause the actress. One Twitter follower shares our sentiments, saying “ugh, Gaby Hoffmann has wonderful hair… #obvious.” Hopefully more women in the industry will, like Hoffmann, make the choice to show off the hair that grows from their hair as it actually appears without any heat alterations on the red carpet.

By Devri Velazquez · Published February 2, 2016

If you haven’t deep treated your dry natural hair with coconut milk yet, you’re truly missing out. But if the sound of opening a canned food item and pouring it over your hair in the shower doesn’t sound appealing, we totally understand. This milky liquid is squeezed from the nutmeat of the coconut seed, which is found on a coconut tree.

For curly hair it’s extremely effective in providing slip, moisture, and definition that lasts days on end.

Do you want to benefit from the following attributes that this nature-made goodie without heading to the canned goods aisle? These hair products are formulated to be used specifically on your textured hair–and contain coconut milk. On your product ingredient list, look for cocos nucifera.

MYHoneyChild Coconut Hair Milk

For natural hair that frizzes up at the hint of a drop of moisture in the air, this refreshing hair milk will prevent that from happening. At the same time, it won’t make your curls feel greasy or weighed down. The glycerin acts as a barrier to seal in moisture for a prolonged period of time, so you won’t have to co-wash the very next day after applying this on wash day. Olive oil will deeply penetrate even the thickest, fullest head of hair all the way to the root.

Honey Baby Naturals Honey Sweet Softening Conditioner

Breakage can be a big deal while detangling curly hair, whether it is soaking wet or dry. This conditioner doubles as a detangling treat for hair that is particularly dry and matted. It also has organic honey that’s known as a powerful natural humectant to give parched hair a boost of moisture. The milk protein strengthens weak or damaged curls, making detangling knots a super simple and pain-free task.

TreLuxe Curl Supreme Styling Creme

If you are still deciding if a cream-gel is for your hair, this product will likely sway you to be in favor. The aloe vera leaf juice coconut milk, and rice amino extracts make it the total package for inducing curl-quenching hydration and strength. Your curls will have just enough bounciness for the perfect looking wash-and-go, in addition to hold that will allow your curls to expand throughout the day as they dry without flaking up or losing volume.

Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo

Most of us with naturally curly and textured hair don’t wash our hair often. If you fall in that ‘low-poo’ category, you understand the importance of making your wash day worth it. This shampoo will wipe away the impurities of your scalp–buildup from products, the environment, and its natural oils–with this refreshing concoction. Egg white proteins will help rebuild the structure of brittle curls that have suffered from color treated damage. It’s water-based, so it won’t be as harsh as some shampoos. 

Renpure Coconut Milk Nourishing Shampoo

There aren’t many shampoos that are both cleansing and creamy but without a lather. This one seals in moisture while delivering the necessary nutrients to hair that is dried out and damaged. It also contains seaweed and red algae that have been proven to make textured hair more defined naturally without a leftover crunchy feeling.

Thinking of making a homemade coconut milk hair cleanser?

Use this recipe by Adore Botanicals for CurlyNikki.com.

[prodmod]

By Devri Velazquez · Updated February 2, 2016

photo courtesy of srdjanpav-Getty images

My name is Erik Emblen. I am a hairstylist and the owner of Curl Culture in Denver, Colorado, and I have been doing hair for twelve years, specializing in naturally curly hair for eleven years. I have received training at the DevaCurl Academy in New York and am certified in the Ouidad Cutting Technique. Additionally, I have studied at the Vidal Sassoon Cutting Academies in London and San Francisco and have learned balayage hair coloring from the L’Oreal Soho Academy.

I have been in Denver for 26 years and recently. Throughout the nation, I’ve noticed an increase in the number of salons that offer curly hair services, but as far as I know, I’m the only hair stylist here who works exclusively with naturally curly hair.

I think that continuous education is great, and is most beneficial when it is followed by a lot of practice. I currently have about 300 curly haired clients and it seems that I have worked with every curl type there is.

Even so, I still have more to learn, and I am sure that I always will.

I am constantly trying to find new ways to simplify and enhance the ways that I cut, color and style curly hair. My goal is to help more curly girls love their hair, and I can only accomplish this by continually improving at my craft.

The mistake I see most curlies making

How to work with a dry, cold climate

I find that women with thick corkscrew curls often like the dry climate because the dry air prevents their hair from absorbing moisture and getting too big and frizzy. It is still important, however, for them to deep condition their hair often. This keeps it from becoming too dry.

What makes this challenge so rewarding

The best part of my day is when I have finished cutting, coloring and styling a new client’s hair and she looks in the mirror and says “I love it!” It feels great to see the excitement and surprise in her face when she sees her hair looking better than ever.

Are you in the Denver, Colorado area and need a curly hairstylist?

By Devri Velazquez · Published January 28, 2016

Hi! My name is Hortencia Caires, but people call me Tezz.

I’m originally from Brazil, but live in NYC. I’m currently working at B&H Photo as information for different camera brands. I’ve been rocking my curly hair on and off for 5 years, but strictly curly for the past 3 years. I can freely do as I please with my hair as long as it’s not too extreme. My personal style in the clothing aspect, however, is very limiting due to the company being very strict. I still manage to stay true to my style without breaking any rules, most of the time. 

Get to know yourself and your hair, it’ll allow you to not feel so helpless and frustrated.

How I describe my hair

My hair is currently healthy, but needs lots of cream in order to stay hydrated. My curls are thick 3c with some 3a in my nape and behind the ears area. I have a lot of hair.

On a “bad” hair day…

I want to say it gets frizzy, but I’ve learned to embrace it. So I’ll say that some of my curls are inconsistent with its curl pattern in some areas. I’m kind of a perfectionist so it drives me a little crazy, but I can’t do anything about it so I just enjoy the stubborn curls regardless.

My curly hair routine

Learn from my mistakes, excessive heat will cause heat damage that is irreversible. 

My advice: Embrace what is yours!

For the longest time I just couldn’t love my hair and I found out it was because I wasn’t educated on how to style it. Get to know yourself and your hair, it’ll allow you to not feel so helpless and frustrated. Seek advice from blogs and other curly hair beauties, it’ll make a world of difference on your own hair journey. Learn from my mistakes, excessive heat will cause heat damage that is irreversible.

I’m loving these quotes…

“You will never gain anyone’s approval by begging for it. When you stand confident in your own worth, respect follows.” -Mandy Hale

This quote speaks a lot of truth to owning what makes you, you and allowing those around you to see it without you making any effort!

Keep up with me!

You can keep up with me via Instagram @stylefeen and my blog www.stylefeen.com.

By Devri Velazquez · Published January 26, 2016

Instagram is one of our favorite places to find haircut inspiration, our daily dose of unicorn hair colors, and other women dealing with the ups and downs of having curly hair. This is especially helpful when you don’t have many curly family members to look to for tips and tricks, or curlfriends to share in your natural hair journey. We rounded up some of our favorite curly girls to follow on Instagram in 2016…warning: serious hair envy ahead.

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A photo posted by 35K? (@cawestbrooks”> on Jan 4, 2016 at 7:04am PST

Crystal Westbrooks

The second-youngest of a group of social media-famous siblings residing in Los Angeles, Crystal sets herself apart from her sisters in that she takes pride in her unaltered, natural curls.

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A photo posted by Best Known As Edgy (@curly.edgy”> on Jan 24, 2016 at 7:36am PST

Curly Edgy

Better known as Edgy, this budding YouTuber shares product reviews, and attends various events and meetups, living a true curly lifestyle to the fullest.

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A photo posted by Mismmo (@mismmo”> on Jan 21, 2016 at 3:36pm PST

Mismmo

Talk about length goals. Bounce Curl owner, Merian, is passionate about maintaining a minimal regimen for her beautiful, luscious locks.

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A photo posted by Alexis Savage (@lovecloudarexis”> on Jun 19, 2015 at 5:58pm PDT

Alexis Savage

The naturally ginger-tinted hair, the frizz, the freckles — Alexis basks in what would might generally be considered beauty oddities.

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A photo posted by Romance (ro·mance”> (@heycurlie”> on Sep 23, 2015 at 4:08am PDT

Romance Cox

A never-ending stream of simple coily hair tutorials, giveaways, and the occasional lighthearted meme make Hey Curlie’s feed worth following.

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A photo posted by Hiluv (@lili_ann”> on Dec 11, 2015 at 3:39pm PST

Hiluv

As if her daring big chop wasn’t worthy enough for a repost, this editorial model’s striking features only enhance her natural hair.

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A photo posted by Stephanie Bertram Rose (@rose_bertram”> on Jan 19, 2016 at 11:08am PST

Stephanie Bertram Rose

This stunning bleach blonde curly girl has a knack for actually smiling in her selfies, a rarity in today’s viral pictures.

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A photo posted by CHEYENNE DEPREE (@cheyennedepree”> on Oct 22, 2014 at 2:32pm PDT

Cheyenne Depree

Cheyenne is the definition of poise and grace. Her free-flowing curls support her perspective on life and career.

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A photo posted by Jasmine Winters (@jd_winters”> on Jan 13, 2016 at 10:10am PST

Jasmine Winters

Jasmine never has a shortage of advice, product recommendations, or hair-care tips for her 40,000-something kinky curly-haired followers.

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A photo posted by Isabella Peschardt (@ibellapeschardt”> on Aug 7, 2015 at 1:21pm PDT

Isabella Peschardt

This mixed model chick highlights her everyday fabulous lifestyle and modeling career on IG sprinkled with flawless no-filter selfies we can stare at for hours.

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A photo posted by Tamy Emma Pepin (@tamyemmapepin”> on Jul 4, 2015 at 6:50pm PDT

Tamy Emma Pepin

Watch Canadian TV show host, Tamy, and her perfect head of curls, travel the U.S. on a mission to befriend other lovers of adventure.

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A photo posted by Avielle ❤️ (@avielleamor”> on Oct 19, 2015 at 9:15am PDT

Avielle Amor

Twist-outs, tapered cuts, and TWAs are in abundance on Avielle’s IG, showing off the true beauty and versatility of natural hair.

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A photo posted by frederikke sofie (@frederikkesofie”> on Oct 8, 2015 at 9:57am PDT

Frederikke Sofie

Before this year, we had no clue who Frederikke was. But this year, the model made huge waves during New York Fashion Week — she can thank her huge hair for that.

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A photo posted by Rayna (@happycurlhappygirl”> on Nov 4, 2015 at 6:41pm PST

Rayna

Known online as Happy Curl Happy Girl, this curly girl has a wide range of tutorial and care videos to let others in on her springy, defined ringlets secret.

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A photo posted by Adwoa Aboah (@adwoaaboah”> on Dec 4, 2015 at 1:27pm PST

Adwoa Aboah

GURLS TALK founder and model Adwoa is known for her passionate feminist-friendly posts and beautiful, low curly-coily ‘fro.

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A photo posted by CarolSavannah (@carolsavannah”> on Jan 23, 2016 at 4:50pm PST

CarolSavannah 

Carol Savannah, founder of MixxxedChicks and The Naturals Life, is a product junkie whose main focus is on the curly haired and multicultural communities.

Who are your favorite curly Instagrammers that we should follow?

By Devri Velazquez · Published January 25, 2016

It’s one of the fastest growing chain of hair salons in the U.S. And its number one focus is on textured hair.

This Saturday, Ken Burkeen, along with his closest friends-who just so happen to be some of the most prominent influencers in the natural hair community–welcomed a new baby to their growing family in Arlington, Texas.

The crafty h’ordeuvres and pinot grigio selection were enough to keep the crowd around for some upload-worthy small talk and photo ops.

However, the tone of conversation quickly shifted to something much deeper and inspirational.

“Wavy to tight coils–we don’t see race, we see texture,” Burkeen says in his commencement speech at the Dallas/Fort Worth area Huetiful Salon grand opening on January 23rd. “We are client centric. Everything we come up with is inspired by the needs of the client.”

Myleik Teele, founder and CEO of CurlBox, mentioned to the audience of her pact with Ken when he opened his flagship salon in Chicago, Illinois just a few years ago. “I promised to host every grand opening of Huetiful. Here I am again at a third opening in Dallas!” she said followed by the crowd’s bellow of applause and raised glasses.

I just had this belief that some things are meant to work…Why don’t we design a salon that is going to do what it takes?

In the two hour opening ceremony, Ken touched on a few important things to note why this was so special for him as a business owner and entrepreneur. “I just had this belief that some things are meant to work. Time is the most precious commodity. Why don’t we design a salon that is going to do exactly what it takes? There are no booth rentals here. I am not a landlord pimping out booths. We don’t work that way.”

It’s all about the stylist-client relationship

It became clear to me as a curly-haired consumer and frequent salon-goer myself that Ken’s personal mission is to please the textured masses. I couldn’t be mad at that! He took the time to thank many of the moving parts in this process individually, from the key stylists from the flagship location, to his wife, who made her Huetiful Steamer debut on the product’s original box. When describing the big players in the Huetiful family, he used words like “exceptional” and “phenomenal”.

No more being parked under the dryer all day…

Creative Director Nina Christmas stepped in to share her perspective briefly, as well. “We’re stylist specific,” she told the audience. “If a stylist doesn’t feel comfortable doing something, they don’t have to. Right now we offer 57 services, from color to perm rod sets, to Curl Formers. We don’t double-book, either–our stylists want to have one on one time with you, the client. I know you’ve all been parked under the dryer for hours before…”

In its beginning, Huetiful Salon started with 2 chairs.

Are you in the Dallas or Fort Worth area and are craving an exceptional quality service that caters to your actual, natural hair texture? Book an appointment online with Huetiful Salon today. You won’t regret it.

By Devri Velazquez · Published January 25, 2016

If occasional flat ironing your hair gives you the versatility of your dreams, doing these three things both before and after will minimize potential heat damage.

1. Cleanse

The ingredients in your shampoo matter. Not only do you need something strong enough to totally rid the scalp of any dirt, product build-up and impurities, but there needs to be a moisturizing factor included as well. Sulfate-free shampoos are great, especially for natural hair, as they thoroughly cleanse without the detergents that strip hair. Look for a cleanser that contains hydrating fruit extracts and nut oils. Argan and olive oils work together to neutralize the strong detergent ingredients a shampoo may have in order to help your curls keep their soft, uniform appearance and feeling after you’re done rocking a straight style. Argan Smooth’s Epic Moisture sulfate-free shampoo thoroughly deep cleans while adding moisture back into the hair.

While every curly head is different, it is possible to use a shampoo too frequently or not enough. Finding the perfect balance is the key. Look for the following signs: Does your scalp get greasy fast? Is your hair struggling to retain length? Do you notice a ton of frizz at the top layer of your curls? Does your head itch often? 

2. Deep treat

If you’re going to straighten your hair for a special occasion, use a deeply moisturizing reconstructive treatment that is known to soften and smooth down particularly coarse, frizzy textured hair. Doing this for 30 minutes to an hour should be fine, depending on your hair’s porosity level–but overnight isn’t necessary. Use a masque or treatment that contains shea butter to deeply penetrate the hair shaft and give your curls their highest level of moisture before (and after”> utilizing a heat styling tool. This will balance and restore your curl pattern, as long as it was a one-off occasion.

Try the Baggy Method for sealing in the most amount of moisture: Use saran wrap or a plastic bag to trap steam and help your product penetrate your texture. Seal that moisture in with a sealant like the Argan Smooth Leave-In Softening Sealant that comes in their Silk Press Natural Hair Thermal Straightening System.

3. Protect

Maintaining a straightened hairstyle can be challenging if there is even a little bit of texture in the hair. Use a heat protectant like the Argan Smooth Silk Press Crème to coat your hair for a few reasons: to keep the style in place as long as you want it, and to act as a barrier between the heat application and your natural hair. Silk Press Crème seals and smooths cuticles, and evenly distributes heat throughout hair, so that “hot spots” (spots throughout the hair where heat concentrates and weakens it”> do not occur. In the worlds of all-natural and do-it-yourself, argan oil has been proven to be an effective super ingredient for protecting naturally curly and coily hair from excessive heat damage. Use argan oil products before reaching for the flat iron, and remember to never let the tool sit on a single part of your hair for more than a couple of seconds at a time. Constantly let it pass through your strands, allowing for the lightweight oil to produce a silky and moisturized straightened style at its healthiest and least damaging.

The Argan Smooth Silk Press Natural Hair Thermal Straightening System is a kit for curlies who are looking to straighten their hair temporarily (there is no chemical straightening involved”>. It contains their Epic Moisture Shampoo to cleanse the hair before straightening, the Strengthening Miracle Hair Masque to deeply condition, the Leave-In Softening Sealant to seal in moisture and the Silk Press Crème to protect hair from heat damage and maintain your heat style. Silk Press Crème also smooths cuticles, causing them to lay flat, which helps keep the style frizz-free, smooth and straight.

This post is sponsored by Argan Smooth.

By Devri Velazquez · Published January 21, 2016

I get out the shower and do my routine. After 30 minutes my curls fall–an hour later, I have this crazy dry lion mane.

1. You have hygral fatigue.

Hygral fatigue–over-moisturizing–refers to your hair cuticle swelling as it absorbs water and dries. Textured hair cannot always handle frequent co-washing. Next time you are in the shower, gently tug on a clump of curls and let go. Do they retract (curl back up easily”>? If it does not, hygral fatigue could be your issue. Be cautious, as this can cause more breakage over time. 

2. You have high porosity hair.

Coconut and argan oils are universal miracle workers for most hair types, but in my personal experience, not so much with curls that are highly porous.If you are not sure what yours is, do an easy test by taking a strand of shed hair and placing it in a glass of water. Does it sink or float? If it starts sinking, you have high porosity hair.

This could be a result of environmental damage or over-manipulation in your case. Hair has gaps and holes in the cuticle, which let too much moisture in your hair, causing individual strands to raise and tangle when moisture is present in the atmosphere. This makes your hair prone to damage because any contact with water can make it weaker if you’re not proactive in providing it with a barrier.

Do you have a question for our NaturallyCurly community or editors? Post it here on the ASK page.

photo: @VicStyles