Search Results: Devri Velazquez
If you are a new natural and nobody has told you yet, I’ll be the first… It can be a lot.
For years, my natural hair journey has given me nothing short of excited inspiration and experimentation. Embracing my natural texture has truly opened my eyes to a refreshing new lifestyle practice of self-love and patience (among other things”>. I love my curls. But like everything else good in this world, the natural hair life has annoyances I really could live without.
I love my curls. But like everything else good in this world, the natural hair life has annoyances I really could live without.
1. Losing bobby pins
And hair ties. I mean, where did they go? Or whenever I randomly find one in my hair a few days later. That’s always fun (not”>. The bobby pin and hair tie industry must be booming.
2. People asking to touch my hair
I’m a human being, not a dog. No, you may not pet me.
3. Prolonged styling sessions
My hair didn’t let me get away with just wetting it to “refresh”. Now I’ve got to section it, moisturize each section evenly, seal with an oil, and search for a curl defining creme that pairs well with the old conditioner from days before. Time to call my friends and reschedule.
4. Cleaning after detangling
Unclogging the drain, gathering my hairballs from the floor, wiping up and putting away the product jars and bottles. It is literally a commitment that always throws me for a loop. And it is beyond gross.
5. Getting shampoo in my eyes
Acid rain, anyone? Honestly, if it weren’t for the burning sensation my eyes experience every time I clarify my curls, I would probably have never considered fully embracing the curly girl method.
6. Neck cramps from avoiding smooshed hair
In the car, on a flight, at a friend’s house–when I tell you that wanting a fluffy wash-and-go to last throughout the day has been the biggest motivation for a better posture.
7. Humidity
Mother Nature, just stop already! I get it…Now can I have my curl definition back?
8. Finding random hairballs
I hope I’m not the only one who sees some of my own hair on the bathroom floor, gets startled because it looks like a huge bug when I don’t have my glasses on, and then comes to my senses and laughs at myself.
9. Having a distorted view of “dime-sized”
By dime, they mean half-dollar right? For each section of my hair, yes? Urm. Thought so.What annoys you about having naturally curly hair?
If you have naturally coarse, dry curly to coily hair that has been either chemically processed or color treated (or both”>, then you know the importance of moisture retention. If you enjoy the versatility of stretched styles but don’t want to risk hydrated natural hair, try one of these.
HAIRiette Kokum Butter and Marula Oil Curl Creme
It is made up of mostly water, safflower oil, castor oil, and aloe vera juice for ultimate moisture without making your curls feel crunchy.
Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Honey Butta Leave-In Conditioner
Although it’s technically a leave-in, this thick and rich butter cream is excellent for sealing moisture and enhancing curl definition on high porosity.
Camille Rose Naturals Curlaide Moisture Butter
Rice milk and coconut oil work together to provide a nourishing blend of moisture and humectant properties to penetrated even the fullest, thickest head of hair.
The Roots Naturelle Shea Butter Hair Oil Moisturizer
Hair that has been put through the trenches of the environment–and your own curious hands–will benefit from all of the juicy contents of this moisturizer/styling butter.
Taliah Waajid Curly Curl Cream
Whether it is naturally coarse hair or texture that has experienced a lot of friction and damage, this cream will coat the hair shaft of each curl for a smooth, silky finish.
Dr. Bronner’s Hair Cream
An infusion of coconut, jojoba and hemp oils give dry or over processed hair the necessary fatty acids to remain feeling strong and luxurious during stretched styles.
Renpure Coconut Whipped Creme Leave-In Conditioner
This gluten-free, sodium chloride-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free creamy leave-in penetrates beyond the medulla of the hair and seals moisture for a softer, bouncier wash-and go.
Nubian Heritage Evoo & Moringa Repair & Extend Hair Butter
This multipurpose all-natural conditioning butter will give your color-treated or heat damaged dry hair a boost of nourishment with Quinoa and Olive oil.
EverButter Buttermint Smoothie Moisturizing Creme
This rich moisturizing styler will help balance out your hair’s porosity and keep your curls defined all day with minimal frizz.
Women aren’t the only one rocking their natural hair texture. Two hairstylists from Jose Luis Salon in Austin, TX show us two simple ways to style men’s curly hair. You haven’t seen these techniques–yet. But soon bae just might be asking his stylist for one of these.
Style #1- “Tousled Texture”
No beach necessary–here is how stylist Mandy Denson got Justin’s hair to look beach-wavy perfect.
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Gently towel dry hair until damp.
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Prep hair with V76 by Vaughn Ultralight Grooming Spray.
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Apply a nickel-sized amount of V76 by Vaughn Styling Cream evenly onto hair, then scrunch the ends to enhance texture.
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Air dry or diffuse hair on a medium heat setting.
- Finish the look with V76 Molding Paste by emulsifying a dime to nickel-sized amount (depending on density”> onto your hands before applying to the ends to enhance the texture and add hold.
How often do you have to get this cut trimmed or touched up?
I suggest getting this cut refreshed every six weeks. If it’s going to be longer than that, I highly recommend a neck trim in between to keep the sides and back feeling tidy.Who does this cut and style work best for?
This cut is ideal for someone with naturally wavy, hydrated hair. Styling time varies depending on density. Some diffusing with a blow dryer is ideal, but not required.Does it matter if they shower at night or in the morning?
Washing the hair in the evening is best, at least 30 minutes before bed, allowing the waves to set with product without disrupting them too much (especially if they aren’t diffusing their hair”>.
Style #2- “Disheveled Disconnection”
If low maintenance natural is the look your man is going for, stylist Beau Clements shows him how to recreate Jimmy’s easy look.
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Spray V76 by Vaughn Ultralight Grooming Spray into damp towel dried hair.
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Apply dime to nickel size amount of V76 by Vaughn Well Groomed Ultralight Cream from roots to ends and scrunch into hair.
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Let hair air dry or use blow dryer.
- Finish with a small amount of V76 by Vaughn V Rated Natural Wax to add shine and separation.
How often do you have to get this cut trimmed or touched up?
This haircut is best maintained every four to five weeks.Who does this cut and style work best for?
It works best for medium to thick hair with wavy texture or mild curl.
Does it matter if they shower at night or in the morning?
It is very quick to style and takes five minutes or less to fix. The style looks best if you shower in morning, but it’s not necessary.
Strawberry Blonde / Pale Ginger
This color really pops on those with naturally fair skin and red undertones. Clairol says “People with warm coloring look best in warm tones, which are based in the gold/copper color family. Warm coloring includes a variety of skin tone and eye color combinations, including golden brown hair with fair skin and hazel eyes, golden blonde hair with fair, peachy skin and blue eyes, and golden olive skin with black hair and brown eyes. Redheads generally fall into this category…” Mahogany Lox, pictured above, has subtly darker roots that appear faded out towards the end, which enhance the light reflection on her and hair to make the color appear more natural and not concocted. Blogger GirlGetGlamorous mixes L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme Haircolor, Reddish Blonde 8RB Warmer with Excellence Creme Haircolor, Red Penny 7R to cover her 80-90% gray and get the perfect strawberry blonde or ginger hair color. The biggest issue with these hair hues is that they tend to fade fast–so it’s important to use a purple shampoo to preserve the color to keep from turning brassy.
Oxblood / Burgundy
Purplish eggplant-like hues tend to show the yellow undertones in caramel to red-brown skintones. Oxblood and burgundy color pairings, however, are the best bet for achieving a look that can easily teeter on the supermodel-dramatic-but-still-realistic-everyday-chic. This tint also looks dazzling on curly hair, in particular: “Copper penny strands and soft curls take the girl-next-door style to the next level. A rich copper hue with flecks of gold paired with soft curls is sure to turn heads,” says Latest Hairstyles. Matrix Hair Salon stylists in Canada have brought this fashion week-inspired hue to hair for those with brown skin with naturally cool undertones. As Salon Price Lady says, “Your hair is the accent of your whole body. Most people have an even skin tone and the largest part of your body that stands out is your hair…People with cool skin undertones go well with platinum, ash brown, cream, sandy, coffee, jet black, fawn, mid-level blondes, flat browns, wine, mahogany and burgundy hair colors.” Free Your Hair uses Madison Reed Radiant Color Kit for her oxblood-burgundy shade.
Runway Red / Rich Copper
“Yellow and red undertones are the two main undertones in dark and black skin tones,” shares acclaimed makeup artist Caroline Barnes. For this reason, vibrant red-orange shades work exceptionally well for bringing out your rich features. The color above is sported by Charniq Garrett, was once called “fire engine red”. When it comes to picking the right red, just remember to stick to shades (or lowlights”> that are not darker than chestnut brown–this can wash out your complexion and cause an unwanted green or blue undertone, according to YouBeauty. Vidal Sassoon Pro Series in Runway Red 6RR will give you super vibrant results. J’AdoreMyCurls dyes her fire red hair at home using Naturtint.
Which red are you going for this season?
Just a few years ago it was hard to find a meetup dedicated specifically to the natural and curly hair community. Now, we need a calendar to keep up with the many events going on that surround our unique, closely-knit lifestyle! Here are some exciting upcoming natural hair events, expos, and seminars happening during the month of October:
Baltimore, MD
Natural Hair Players Night, October 3rd @ 7pm
For a $35 entree fee, watch a fashion award show event that will honor Floyd Kenyatta and include 6 guest speakers, live music, and a great chance to mingle with Baltimore’s finest. Get more info at www.hairplayersclub.com.
Miami, FL
Fall in Love with Your Natural Hair 2015, October 3rd @ 3pm
Rub elbows and share hair journey lessons with other product junkies and naturals, and get insight on the latest trends in fashion and hair. Get more info and tickets on coilydivas.com.
El Paso, TX
2015 2nd Annual Black Hair Expo and Trade Show, October 3rd @ 10am
Aimed at both consumers and professionals, this trade show will include techniques, trends, and wellness classes to help others maximize their growth. Get more info on their Facebook, El Paso Black Hair Expo and Trade Show.
Morrow, GA
The Curl Factor Brunch, October 3rd @ 1pm
The Genesis Hair Care team will teach fellow curlies regimen tricks to achieve their best curl definition, elongation, and hydration this fall and winter. Contact Tajuana Hammonds for more information: tajuana@genesishaircare.org.
Brooklyn, NY
Natural Hair and Skincare Tea Party, October 4th @ 1pm
Early bird tickets are already sold old, but for $27 you can guarantee entry into this fabulous networking event hosted by Keisha Reeves of Spa Essentials. Get more info on the expo’s EventBrite link.
New Orleans, LA
African Wellness & Organic Beauty Expo, October 10th @ 9am
Workshops that focus on yoga, nutrition, alternative healing, and organic hair & skin care will be the focal point of this cultured educational experience. Register at www.originalqueen.net.
North Hollywood, CA
Kurls on Film: An Event Produced By Felicia Leatherwood, October 10th @ 6pm
This night of laughter and inspiration will be hosted by natural hair guru Felicia Leatherwood and showcase women filmmakers in the kinky curly hair community. Get more info at instagram.com/felicialeatherwood.
Hartford, CT
Natural Hair Affair Brunch Meetup, October 10th @ 11:30
Tickets won’t be sold at the door, so make sure you get first dibs on them online at www.brownskinwomen.com.
Chicago, IL
How to Grow Your Hair Longer and Stronger This Winter, October 15th @ 6pm
Chicago winters are brutal. Naturalista Afrobella and Naturalicious CEO Gwen Jimmere will host this advice-packed meet and greet at the Whole Foods in South Loop. Get more info on their EventBrite.
Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma Naturals Showdown, October 23-25th
This extravaganza aims to excel the overall wellness of the Oklahoma naturals’ community. Best part, it will include a chance to shop for the best local natural hair products (last year 90% of attendees purchased products”>! Find more on www.oklahomanaturalsexpo.com.
Grapevine, TX
Bella Kinks DFW Natural Hair Expo, October 24th @ 11am
The Black Excellence Dinner will be jam packed with the powerful presence of natural hair movers and shakers Tamika Fraser Hines, Myleik Teele, Mahisha Dellinger, Monique Rodriguez, and Janelle Sands, and much more. Purchase your ticket at www.bellakinksdfwnaturalhairexpo.com.
Toledo, OH
Ohio Natural Hair, Health & Beauty Expo, October 24th @ 11am
Ohio’s 5th annual hair and beauty expo is completely dedicated to those with naturally curly and coily hair. Enjoy a swag bag full of product samples, a fashion show, and health/hair care classes all for $10. Purchase your tickets on EventBrite.com.
South Orange, NJ
Curl Talk and More!, October 25th @ 2pm
If you are looking for an environment that will empower you and your friends while giving you tips on loving the skin you’re in, this lifestyle event is for you. Mimosas will be flowing and conversation will be going. Get more info at www.keirenae.com.
Houston, TX
The Hair Revolution with Corey “StylesbyHim” Ford and Tony “Teequezy” Quarterman, October 25th @ 2pm
Celeb stylists Corey Ford and Tony Quarterman will come together for an intimate hairstyle educational seminar explaining the sew-in “flip-over” method, pixie cuts, and how to color hair the right way. Get tickets on EventBrite.com.
Did we miss something? Let us know!
You need
- Your boxed hair color of choice (we like SheaMoisture Moisture Rich Hair Color System”>
- Your hooded hair steamer (try the popular Huetiful Hair Steamer“>.
- 2 plastic shower caps or bags from the grocery store (like Kala G does for her deep conditioning treatments“>
- Distilled water
Baggying method
After applying your hair color as normal, carefully place both plastic caps or bags over your hair to trap in moisture and encourage even more heat for the color to penetrate into (and essentially, stain”> your hair. Make sure to cover your entire head securely. The steam will allow the hair color to process much faster than foil or nothing at all. Do not use mineral or regular tap water in your steamer, as the deposits can make the hooded steamer ineffective in functioning by causing excess build-up. Some curlies like to wrap a wet, warm washcloth around their hairlines to seal even more heat in and moisture in. While the baggying method works well to improve length retention and curl softness, it is more likely to cause friction in the hair unless you have deep conditioned a day or two prior to starting the coloring process.
Hooded steamer process
A Huetiful is a great option for this process because it will help revitalize your scalp after following up with a cleansing conditioner. Try SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal System Conditioner for being both moisturizing to color-treated hair and preventing fading from hair color. It contains an “ozone feature”, which converts into ozonated steam that protects the scalp but also speeds up coloring time.
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Hair growth and long hair tips are some of the most searched for information on NaturallyCurly, so we know that many women value length, but love curls, coils and waves in all of their shapes, lengths and sizes.
Whether you recently did the big chop and are now on an adventure to fully embrace your natural wavy, curly, and coily textured hair, or have you been natural for a while and are considering a fresh, new haircut – you are in the right place. Use these cool hairstyles for inspiration, featuring the most recent posts from @TheCutLife‘s Instagram feed.
Products for Fine Hair
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When Lupita Nyong’o does fashion week, she shows up and shows out. Here she is at Hugo Boss’s show supporting designer pal Jason Wu.
Rozae Nichols’ Clover Canyon collection shows off loose perm rod cropped curls and bangs on every single model in this collection, which she calls “a celebration of the mightiness.”
The face no designer can pass up in a casting, and the hair no stylist can wait to get their hands on: meet Céline’s campaign model Frederikke Sofie. Vogue.com describes her hair as a “Fashion Week Phenomenon,” saying that with “Pre-Raphaelite proportions, Rapunzel-like length, and loose golden spirals that retain an easy fuzzy quality, Sofie stands out like an Aphrodite-type beacon among other blondes.”
Let NYFW goddess Gigi Hadid tell it: Tommy Hilfiger’s spring collection is nothing short of “Sunset. Muses. And an everlasting island state of mind.”
In regards to New York Fashion Week street style, Urban Bush Babe Cipriana and her twin sister have a tendency to steal the spotlight from the actual shows.
With so much going on during the Yeezy Season 2 show, North West still easily upstaged everyone involved sitting pretty in the front row.
It was called “whimsical” by the expert observers; Anna Sui’s upcoming spring season is giving us fishtail braid-out and huge flower accessorizing greatness.
At the DKNY show, we had our eyes on designer Maxwell Osborne’s single freeforming loc hanging in front of his face.
Even though she had pink eye, Lorde still rocked New York Fashion Week probably more gracefully than we could have with both good eyes.
Marc Jacobs provided us with fashionable ways to cover up our curls–fashionably, of course–on those bad hair days.
” src=”https://diana-cdn.naturallycurly.com/Articles/ao_650x400-New-York-Fashion-Week-Spring-2016-3.jpg”>When she’s not stealing the spotlight in the Milly show front row, Solange Knowles is just gliding through the NYC streets more effortlessly than ever.
Did you spot any curly hair at Fashion Week that we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Every few months, as I see fit, I get a trim. I revisited Robin Sjoblom after loving what she did to my curls back in April. This time around, we went with a technique slightly different from last time, called the Foundation Cut. Here is Robin’s take on the cutting and styling process she used on my hair, step by step.
Preparing for your appointment
1. Stop using butters and oils at least 2 weeks before your appointment (no Shea Butter/Shea moisture/coconut oil, as these things coat the hair and cause heavy build-up”>.
2. Get off of the usage of silicones and sulfates, if possible.
3. Detangle well before coming in for your appointment.
4. Arrive with hair down, freshly cleansed & dry, no braids/pony tails, clips, etc… like you are going on a date (you can use light product to show definition. Stylists need to see as much of your natural curl definition as possible.
5. Bring products you are currently using so that we can review products with you. We want to educate you on what to look for and what to avoid.
We cut your hair first, then do the cleanse, hydration, and style. This is why we ask all these things of you upon your arrival. Bring in the products you are currently using so we can review ingredients with them and show what to look for and what to avoid. You may also choose to donate any unwanted products to our local women’s shelter, 7 Bridges! This cut starts at $150 and includes a cut, cleanse, hydration, style, product bootcamp (lesson”>, and before and after photos.
The cut
I went with the Foundation Cut for Devri, I like this cut the best for my Type 3c and 4 naturals. On Devri, I created a solid foundation for the cut from the bottom up. It’s still a dry cut like the Deva method, but my cut creates super lightness and volume. The hair literally doesn’t touch as it moves up the shape of the head (as you can tell”>, creating a personalized shape that is unique and made just for you.*Editor’s Note: At this appointment I learned that there is more than one type of DevaCut, and the Foundation Cut is one of them. I’ll be sharing more information on the different options in an upcoming article.
How I styled Devri’s hair
- Co-wash & detangle: I used A half-dollar size amount of Innersense Color Radiance to co-wash and detangle and leave in with warm water.
- Styling: I raked a quarter size amount of Quiet Calm on top at the root then smoothed to “kill the frizz”. I also added a quarter or half-dollar size amount of IHold Gel over the top to seal in the moisture in a glaze motion over the top and around the head. I told Devri to flip her head over so we could make sure the back was covered, then I parted her hair where she wanted the curls to fall, and clipped at root. Dry and shake out!
Keeping your hair beautiful–long after your appointment
- Moisture is what most people are missing. So many curly girls assume gel is the answer to defining curls! Often times you need a good conditioner, and what I call a “filler” (a moisturizer”>. Hair gets frizzy because it is reaching out into the atmosphere for moisture! If the hair if “filled” with moisture and then coated with gel to seal it in, your curls will not get frizzy. The curlier you are, the more moisture and the less gel you need, because you are already curly. Moisturizing will keep the curls juicer. The less curly you are, the more definition you need.
- Use products that are curly girl friendly–no silicones or sulfates. Silicones are plastic and repel moisture. Again, curly hair needs moisture. The best conditioners can’t get through a silicone to moisturize so be aware of what you are using. You need to remove any silicone with an apple cider vinegar treatment of a vitamin C treatment.
- Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate”> are detergents. While it is the cheapest way to cleanse, it is also the most drying. These are found in laundry detergent, toilet bowl cleaner, and tooth paste–and in a lot of shampoos. Curls need moisture, not detergent.
- Get trims every 3-6 months. Do your research on who to see in your area. Don’t just go to your first ‘Deva Stylist.” Check the reviews in the naturallycurly.com database and devacurl.com, ask your potential stylist for before and after photos, and check social media (Instagram photos, Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest”>. Check curlyhairartistry.com for names of curly stylists as well. Remember, you may have to wait weeks to see a good stylist. Ask a fellow curly girl (a friend, coworker, or even someone you follow online”> if you love how it looks, bring in photos of what you want, and what you do NOT want.
Here is my 2nd day hair (still fluffy and soft!”>:
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Robin Sjoblom is a curly hair specialist at Southern Curl (inside Fuzion Hair Studio”> in Smyrna, GA. If you would like to book an appointment with her call 770-490-6485 or email rsjoblom@live.com. You can read more of her salon reviews here.
Different oils react to our unique hair types in different ways. Coconut oil isn’t for everyone, and that’s OK. Here are 8 popular curly hair faves that you can incorporate into your regimen for softer, longer, and healthier curly hair.
EDEN Bodyworks Peppermint Tea Tree Oil for a hot oil treatment
AG Hair Cosmetics Argan Oil for smoothing
If your hair is fine and color treated, this oil is for you. Organic argan oil promotes the hair’s natural shine, boosting each strand’s vitality. Rub a small amount (start with a few drops and work your way up from there”> between the palms of your hands and gently smooth over your curls or waves in places where you are experiencing frizz.
HPO Happy Scalp for scalp treatment
While our hair gets a lot of love, sometimes the scalp lacks the proper nutrients that it needs for healthy hair growth. This essential oil blend delivers for ultimate scalp stimulation.
Apply this oil to your scalp and use the pads of your fingers to gently massage your scalp. Not only is this great for the health of your scalp, it is also a great method of de-stressing or relaxing at the end of the day.
Sunny Isle Jamaican Extra Virgin Coconut Oil for deep conditioning
Thick curly and coily hair that has suffered too much damage will benefit from this intense virgin coconut oil treatment. Mix this into your conditioner for an extra conditioning treatment.
Kinky Curly Perfectly Polished for shine & sealing
Your wash-and-go has never looked better. This hydrating, refreshing oil blend will enhance your curls by adding shine and moisture. Our community uses this for wash and gos, curler sets, and to break the cast of their styling gels.
Sunny Isle Extra Dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil for hair growth
Dryness and breakage don’t really stand a chance when it comes to this oil. This 100% pure, dark brown castor oil is a good step toward getting the length that you want–and having softer hair to play with. We recommend this for coarse or thick hair, as it is a thick and rich oil. Less is more when it comes to JBCO, applying more won’t increase the effects of this oil so use a light hand. Apply it to wet hair or concentrate on the areas where you are experiencing thinning.
Darcy’s Botanicals Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Oil for hair and body
This oil blend is a double-whammy for overall softer everything. It can be a refreshing cocktail addition for more curl definition, and works just as well when used as a nourishing body shine mist.
Darshana Natural Indian Hair Oil for “miracles”
In order for your hair to grow and stay healthy, it needs the necessary vitamins, antioxidants, and omegas. This oil has all of that. Following the ancient Ayurvedic lifestyle formula, stressed-out texture will be restored with this miracle worker.
Does coconut oil work for you? Or do you have a different favorite?
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Better Than A Pumpkin Spice Latte” src=”https://d28mymtno8c5sd.cloudfront.net/Articles/650×400-coffee-girl.jpg” alt=”girl with curly hair at coffee shop” width=”650″ height=”400″ />PHOTO BY PIXDELUXE–GETTY IMAGES
If you are a Starbucks buff like me, you have been eagerly waiting in the drive-thru line for the updated Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe that is reserved for the cooler months of the year. And if your love for coffee is only matched by your love for curly hair (like myself”>, these 9 curly hair products will give you the same rush as a pumpkin spice latte on a cool fall day.
Find these products in Amazon or Curlmart, links below.
CURLS Whipped Cream, $17 for 8 oz.
Hair that is in need of moisture, frizz protection, and curl definition will benefit from this softening styler (while smelling like a tall vanilla latte”>.
Curly Hair Shaper Ball Sponge by GW, $21 for a 6-pack
This sponge ball adds volume and definition instantly to wet textured hair. Cute added bonus: This one is orange and shaped like a pumpkin.
Alaffia Shea Butter & Coffee Revitalizing Conditioner, $12.17 for 8 oz.
It is made with 100% Certified Fair Trade ingredients–free of parabens, petroleum, propylene glycol, sulfates, or artificial colors–and contains Robusta coffee to stimulate weak hair follicles and shea butter to moisturize and strengthen dry hair.
Crabtree & Evelyn Myrrh Hair & Body Wash, $22 for 10 oz.
Infused with aromatic cardamom, bergamot, and warm amber, this cleanser will leave your hair looking shiny and silky with its glycerine, while smelling like autumn.
LUSH Soak And Float Solid Shampoo, $20 for 1.9 oz.
This dandruff-taming shampoo bar is an infusion of honeycomb, cade, bergamot, lavender, and marigold petals that make the scent reminiscent of a crackling campfire.
Darcy’s Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Moisturizing Conditioner, $12 for 8 oz.
Made with coarse, porous kinky-coily hair in mind,this rinse-out conditioner uses unrefined pumpkin seed oil to boost your scalp’s natural sebum for extra moisture to the hair.
Sun Essential Oils Cinnamon Bark, $28.49 for 4 oz.
This brand gives you 100% pure, unrefined cinnamon bark essential oil, perfect for removing impurities and build-up from the scalp, as well as promoting hair growth deep in the follicle.
Healthy Sexy Hair Pumpkin Enzyme Therapy Mist, $5.50 for 3.7 oz.
Protect your curls from harmful UV rays (yes, even in the fall”> with this volumizing leave-in conditioning refresher that leaves your hair soft and defined.
Nature’s Natural Nutmeg Hair Food, $12.99 for 4 oz.
Restore your lackluster hair with this keratin and collagen-filled treat that will give your curls their bounce back–and smell good enough to eat.
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My name is Ebony, a.k.a EbSweetz.
I live in the DMV area and I am a YouTube beauty vlogger (Ebony’s Curly TV“>, brand ambassador for 2 Curls 1 Mission, co-owner of a celebrity gossip site WhatsTheCelebriTea.com and co-host of online radio show The Rex Stanley Show. I have been natural for almost 6 years.My hair stylist had a lot to do with helping me make the decision to go natural.
She warned me of all the chemicals getting into my body from the relaxers so I thought I’d give it a shot. And to be honest, I was tired of relying on someone else to get my hair to look “good.” I was pretty hesitant at first because I knew what my natural hair texture was like–super thick and curly–since I didn’t get my first relaxer until I was 14 years old. It took me a minute, but I finally wrapped my head around the idea of embracing my curls. Especially if I would have a healthier body because of it.
The best hair for me, always starts at night on wash-n-go first day hair.
I do the pineapple before going to sleep, but now that my curls have gotten pretty long, I tuck them underneath themselves in a loose but secure bun. I will then tie a satin scarf along the edges of my hair to keep them from frizzing and then proceed to sleep on a satin pillowcase. Once I wake up in the morning, I coat my hands with coconut oil and scrunch that into my curls to keep them moisturized throughout the day. All of this combined with second-day curls gives me my best hair ever.
I’ve found that I get better growth results when I wear my hair in its natural state–coconut oil gives me my best hair, ever.
A top bun is always my go to when I’m short on time. It’s quick, easy and always looks really neat and put together. But at night time, I like to wear my hair down. Sometimes, I’ll even embrace “big hair” just to add a little drama to my look. I also cannot live without my Denman brush. No matter what hair styling product I use, I know I can at least define my curls the way I want since that’s my top priority when wearing my curly hair.
My advice for growing longer natural hair: Stay away from heat!
The next tip–stay away from heat. Oh, and did I mention–stay away from heat? Flat irons and curling irons are your worst enemies when trying to retain your length. Direct heat is so drying that even hair that doesn’t feel brittle or weak will get there in no time.
And we all know, dry hair has a very hard time retaining its length. Breakage is always just around the corner. I’ve found that I get better growth results when I wear my hair in its natural state because I have to deep condition weekly, moisturize every few days, keep it hydrated everyday, etc. My hair has no choice but to retain its length when I give it what it wants.
My YouTube channel is tutorial and hair styling information based.
I want viewers to get a detailed video of how I style my hair. I always get so many questions about my hair when I’m out in public so I’m hopeful that my video answers their questions fully. I’ve been vlogging since March of this year.
You can find me online, too: I am on YouTube and FaceBook at Ebony’s Curly TV and on Instagram and Twitter @EbSweetz.
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We know your routine may change with the seasons, or your moods, but there are some steps that we never. ever. skip. We’ve learned our lesson! And so have these natural hair gurus. Here are the 3 steps that each of these popular YouTubers never skip, no matter what.
Twist, Bun, Wrap
Naptural85 makes sure she creates a humongous rope twist with her hair and then buns it up before laying down. To secure, she puts a stretched out hair tie around the bun. Next, she uses a satin scarf over her entire head and wraps the ends into a knot around from the back to the top front of her head to keep it from falling off at night.
Pineapple, Shake, Fluff
MahoganyCurls makes her wash-n-gos last up to 5 days by simply pineappling her hair night with a loose scrunchie. The next morning, she takes it down, shakes her head, and fluffs with her fingers. If there’s frizz or flyaways, she will use a bit of styling product at the ends of her hair.
Separate, Twist, Pic
NaturalMe4C tries not to disturb the pattern from her previous twist-outs. On 2nd day hair or beyond, she lightly twists at night with only a small amount of gel for hold. The next morning, she uses an Afro pic to separate her twists once they are unraveled. She adds oil to her roots and pomade to her edges.
Stretch, Tuck, Wrap
Yolanda Renee creates two-strand twists using the LOC Method then wraps her hair with a satin head wrap. After knotting the ends, she tucks in her twists underneath her wrap to keep the ends fresh the next day.
Smooth, Tie, Pull
Mini Marley opts for a low puff instead of a high pineapple. She leaves her ends loose and open but ties the satin head wrap over her crown. The next day, she patiently awaits her hair to regain its shape on its own. Sometimes, she pulls on sections to ‘mold’ the shape.
What’s your nighttime curly hair routine?
WARNING: This article will make you want to eat tons of cotton candy, popsicles, and be a mermaid.
If Alanna Durkovich has taught us anything about hair and personal style, it’s that they should always appear effortless but magnificent.
Zidisha serves up “cotton candy poodle vibes,” as she affectionately calls them, and we are so here for them.
Our forever crush Michelle keeps her curls consistently fresh with an array of color blends–her signature silver is our fave.
Faded grey and pink Type 2a waves never looked so purposely fabulous until we saw Greta’s feed.
Electric fuchsia curls are poppin’ all up and down AarQuisha’s timeline, and we still cannot get enough.
Once you start Insta-stalking Amy, you can say you have actually seen a real life mermaid.
This red ‘fro lights up our lives, thanks to PumpkinWU’s bold choice in hair color.
Just witness all of the fierceness Livita J is serving with her easter egg pink waves to give you life.
In the hair color world, the lines separating icy white and blonde are often blurred. Catresse walks the line like a pro.
It’s not blonde, and it isn’t quite yellow, either–Steaktalk’s hair practically makes her a walking glow stick.
Jasmine Long has successfully unlocked the code for upstaging a cute dog in a selfie with her magnetic multicolored TWA.
Every now and then Sarah Marie strays from her usual platinum blonde and switches it up with a sultry indigo or highlighter green hue.
You have probably heard of the term before, and you may even practice the art of Ayurveda without realizing it until now. Nonetheless, if you have not heard of Ayurveda but want to practice a healthier routine for your natural hair, this is for you.
What is Ayurveda?
According to Zandu Ayurveda, “Ayurveda, is the art of living in harmony with nature. It comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Ayur’ , meaning life or lifespan. The word ‘Ayur’ literally means ‘life’ and ‘veda’, the ‘science’ or ‘knowledge.’
According to Zandu Ayurveda, “Ayurveda, is the art of living in harmony with nature.
When your hair is negatively affected by your mind, body, and spiritual imbalance, this deals with the Pitta component. A lack of proper care can lead to hair loss, premature graying, thinning edges, more breakage, and split ends.
While your specific cause may be due to a number of things–nutrition deficiencies, illness, stress, age, or hereditary factors, it is still something that can be proactively sought to better care for. This is where natural Indian-derived herbal remedies come into play.
The names of Ayurvedic ingredients may intimidate or overwhelm you, but incorporating them will show major benefits soon after making this lifestyle change. The following list shows a quick, straight to the point beginner guide of 6 imperative ways to get your Ayurveda fix for healthier hair–following the regimen you already use for curly hair. Find these ingredients at your local natural health store or online at Amazon.
Clarify and condition
Amla oil
Amla oil, also known as Indian Gooseberry, is a popular oil that is rich in its antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-fungal prevention capabilities. In place of your apple cider vinegar clarifying treatment, use amla oil to penetrate your scalp and remove excessive dirt and styling product build-up. Amla oil is also known to lessen the amount of hair shed during washing. If you have noticed more hair coming out, amla is a good Ayurvedic oil to consider using one to two times a month as needed. Also, amla in the powder form can be added to clarifying treatments to reduce premature graying strands, as well. This oil and powder is best for naturally oily, greasy and fine wavy to curly hair.Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil tends to work quite nicely on texture that always feels dry and thirsty. It also promotes healthy hair growth by naturally stimulating the hair follicles when used in co-washes or shampoos. Both men and women can use rosemary oil as a topical treatment for pattern baldness. Get into the routine of massaging your scalp with warmed rosemary oil for a couple of minutes at a time every few days to allow it to penetrate deep into your pores. Those with eczema and dermatitis will benefit greatly from rosemary oil, either used alone or as the main ingredient in a clarifying shampoo.Ayuuri powder
Ayuuri powder (soap nuts”> tends to be added to amla for herbal shampoo bar recipes. It is a natural astringent that is also safe enough to use on the length of the hair, too. It is a gem for those with sensitivities to strong fragrance, as it lacks a strong, lingering odor like other Ayurveda remedies. Ayuuri powder works hard to replenish the scalp from losing so much oil and helps to maintain a healthy balance for hair moisturizing and conditioning capabilities. It also naturally increases the bounciness and elasticity in textured hair that is severely heat damaged or lacks the necessary protein.Seal and moisturize
Bhringraj oil
Bhringraj oil allows light to reflect off of the hair shaft, letting curls and coils appear more vital and lively. This herb is considered a Rasayana in Ayurveda, meaning that for hair care it is specifically used to revitalize dulling signs of aging. Many women use Bhringraj oil as part of a temple balm recipe, as it has natural soothing effects on strained muscles and easing tension headaches. At the same time, it will promote growth to the follicles in areas that have been thinning or weakening due to stress and age. What sets this oil aside from others in Ayurveda is that once in contact with the skin and scalp, it literally has a cooling sensation. With that being said, use this oil to seal the cuticle and promote shine after co-washing, but do not use it as an overnight or hot oil treatment.Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds, also referred to a methi, can be boiled and then strained to be added to an at-home deep conditioning remedy to deeply condition brittle, weakened hair strands. This remedy also naturally and gently darkens your hue, so it is recommended for use on brunette to black curly or coily hair. Fenugreek seeds add a shiny, reflective coat to the hair, allowing for it to look more vibrant and healthy. Its anti-aging properties make it a wonder for sealing split and dull ends that are in need of a pick-me-up in between trims.
Neem leaves
Neem leaves are crushed and strained, forming an oil used in many Ayurveda medicines. With the ability to detoxify blood, this ingredient promotes healthy hair growth while it provides excellent moisture to curly hair. Neem contains a great amount of vitamin C, which is known to enhance the hair’s natural luster for a long period of time–when used regularly as part of a hair care routine. Those with frizzy hair can benefit from the effects of neem oil. It acts as a natural conditioner that seals the cuticles and lets hair lay down smoothly.
If you are not completely comfortable switch 100% to the Ayurvedic principles for balancing your Pitta, try slowly incorporating an ingredient or two into your regimen and find out what your curls like, what they currently lack, and what they don’t need any more of.
Do you use any of these ingredients in your regimen?
- Shea butter is an emollient found in nature; it deeply moisturizes dry hair and scalp by providing an occlusion to the skin (a layer of oil to slow water loss and increase moisture content”>.
- Cocoa butter does the same thing as shea butter with an aromatic, nutty cocoa bean scent that people love. It is used to soothe rough, flaky scalps.
- Olive oil will penetrate the scalp for intense hydration and seal in any moisture for long lasting shine and bouncy, healthy curl definition. It also naturally protects your curls from potential damage of the elements (sun, wind, chlorine, etc.”>.
What you need
- 3 tablespoons of Shea butter
- 1 stick (or 10 ounces”> of Cocoa butter
- 1/8 to 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 1/8 cup of Saffron oil (optional”>
Directions
1. Melt Shea and Cocoa butters together over the stove on medium heat. 2. Slowly add the olive oil a plastic tub container.3. Stir in the Olive and Saffron oils until the container is full. Cover the container with a lid and place in the refrigerator to cool.
4. Once it is cool, take the mix out of the fridge and scoop out a handful. It should be solid when you scoop it out, and easily melt in your hands.
For best results, use this hair balm after applying a leave-in conditioner on freshly washed hair. This will seal in moisture, enhance your curls, and prolong your hairstyle for days. After a few weeks of regular use, you will also notice softer hair in general.
RELATED: How to Test if Your Hair is Protein Sensitive
How rice milk benefits your curls
- Provides slip in daily conditioners and co-washes for easy detangling
- Gently strengthens and fortifies hair shaft without weighing it down
- Softens hard, crunchy curls that are damaged by heat tools and elements
- Gives naturally dry hair a ton of moisture and bounciness
Get your rice milk fix
If you are a DIY naturalista you can make your own rice milk co-wash with lots of slip, but if you are low maintenance then you can also find plenty of products on store shelves that contain rice milk. Here are a few of our curly community favorites:
Camille Rose Naturals Moisture Milk, $14
A water-based lightweight moisturizer that defines wash-and-gos with the help of slippery, soothing aloe vera and green tea extracts.
TreLuxe Curl Supreme Styling Creme, $22
A curl definer packed with thick, hydrating ingredients that help balance out medium to high porosity curls like coconut oil, tomato extract, and shea butter.
Eden BodyWorks Curl Defining Creme, $8.99
A moisturizing leave-in cream that contains meadowfoam extract to encourage curl clumping and hydrolyzed silk to smooth frizz.
Hamadi Shea Rice Milk Conditioner, $24
Organic formula made with 4 essential oils like clary sage, orange peel, and rosemary to balance the scalp’s natural pH and soothe an irritated scalp.
Biolage Smoothing Shine Milk, $12
Gives protective styles a shiny, glossy finish while bamboo extract improves elasticity on a twist-out or braid-out.
Gud Vanilla Flame Nourishing Shampoo, $7
A lightly foaming cleanser free of parabens, phthalates and petrolatum that smells just scrumptious.
Jakeala Shea Butter Natural Hair Co-Wash Bar, $10
Contains Behentrimonium Methosulfate, which penetrates the hair shaft for extra moisture and softens hard, dry curly hair.
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Hello everyone. My name is Teresa Badolato and I am addicted to hair.
Yes, I’m serious–I love. it. Especially curls. I can not help wanting to play, touch or a curl when I see it. My obsession with curl goes back to my childhood. All of the women in my family wished their hair was curly. From childhood until my early twenties, my hair was pretty straight, but as each year went by I noticed more wave and I loved it. I started styling my hair wavy and it looked great! I love all hair textures, but cutting curly hair is so similar to sculpting, which makes it fun and way more challenging. It keeps you on your game. It is my art and all that know me well, know how passionate I am about hair.
I work in Wayne, Pennsylvania at a high end beauty store and salon called Beans Beauty. Beauty store? Yes. This brings me to my next addiction–products. I found out about DevaCurl much faster than any other salon in the area because Beans finds out first and sells only the best.A successful hairstylist needs the best hair products and I love quality products. Guilty as charged. I am very selective whenever choosing a shampoo. I like quality products that perform, and that is why I’ve been using DevaCurl on my curly customers since it first hit the shelves. Mist-er-right has had my number. I have been a hairstylist since I was 4 and my younger sister, Angela, was my first victim, er, customer. Let’s just say, if my mom had let me finish the cut, it could have been a masterpiece.
Although I am the only one in my immediate family with a wave more than a 1 on the curl type scale, we have always had a slight obsession with curls. My afro wig was always included in my “dress-up play” as a child. Curly hair has always fascinated me and after 12 years of practicing my hair styling skills on dolls, friends, family, (whoever would let me”>, I got a part time job in a salon as a “shampoo girl”.
I was eager to begin my career as soon as I graduated high school. My curly hair stylist status was not made official until I was 23 and went to Devachan. That changed everything.
If you were in middle or high school in the early to late 90s, pickings were pretty slim as far as curly hair products go. There was no such thing as a true curly haircut back then. During my early years in cosmetology school, a high school friend’s mother, (who had 3c curl and a terrible mullet”> came to me often with curly hair questions. I’m sure she could see the panic in my eyes when she asked 131 questions about curly hair. What did I know? I was taught to cut all hair types and textures the same way, with the only variation being the angle you hold it. I had no idea what to tell her, but that was the push and inspiration I needed to explore the path of the unknown… curls.
In 2001, at age 19, I was given an opportunity to apprentice a well known stylist in the Main Line area. If you wanted to be successful as a hairstylist, he was the man to learn from. He could do anything, whether it was makeup, hair, photography, or design–he was a true artist. He could also sell anything to anyone and they believed they needed it. I was one of the fortunate few to make it through his rigorous 6-month training after 6 months. Although he was the master of the hair stylist universe, his knowledge of curls was actually limited.The first few years in my career my knowledge for curls was still below par.
Through trial and error and other stylists I worked with, I figured out a way to style curly hair. I’ve always been the hairstylist trying to convince my clients to let me style their hair curly. I felt like the only stylist encouraging my clients to love their natural hair. The look for hair at this time was flat and super-straight. I could not understand why anyone would want to straighten their beautiful hair. I wanted to help people see the beauty that I saw in them. I needed to give my curly clients a better understanding of their hair, as well as finding a better technique. I felt confident in my curly styling skills but was still in search of a better way to cut curls. The traditional wet cut or dry and flat-ironed super straight cut wasn’t cutting it for me, (pun intended”>. Neither technique made sense to me. Then came Deva.
In 2004, I had to meet the woman behind it all.
Lorraine Massey was the guru behind The Curly Girl Handbook, DevaCurl products, and Deva Cut. She held weekend trainings at her salon on Broadway, Devachan Salon, also known as Heaven. And it was. It changed my life and career forever.
I left feeling like I finally understood why I didn’t understand how to cut curls before and grateful that I learned this so early on in my career. I had been cutting hair for four years and finally learned an awesome technique that made sense. I learned curly hair should not be cut wet and taut because it will shrink up dramatically and unevenly. Curl patterns vary on every individual and even on the same head. It is impossible to see the curls take shape when the hair is wet. It all made sense! The only hurdle to overcome was to convince my clients to try curly, when the look was straight or die. Our generation has come a long way. Finally, people are embracing their natural hair and inner curl. Sort of. A lot of my clients are looking for a style that they can manage. They want the un-done, natural look, utilizing their natural texture. I work in a very conservative area, but my reputation and expertise in curly hair has brought the more avant-garde clientele who want to have fun. Big hairstyles are the most fun for me. In my area, I definitely notice more of a natural but controlled look. Not contrived, loose and perfect. People are looking to loosen their curl more than straighten it now and I couldn’t be happier that is the direction we are heading.
The word on the street is if you have curly hair I’m your girl. In the area in which I work, I have heard references such as the “Diva of DevaCurl” and “The Queen of Curl”.
Sometimes you have to make hard decisions that leave you doubting yourself and if you made the right choice. I am talking about the type of decision that is life changing, not just for yourself but your family also. In February of 2015, I decided I no longer wanted to be a partner in a salon business. The stress of the business and partnership had a major effect on my happiness, as well as my family’s.I was so consumed with the salon stress, that I couldn’t function the way I wanted to as a mother, wife and hairstylist.
I wasn’t able to just focus on my family and customers and go home. It was a difficult time. When I finally hit rock bottom sadness, I decided I needed to move on.
I gave it all up and chose happiness.
I now go to the salon, do what I love to do and when the job is done, it’s done. It doesn’t come home with me like it used to. I feel like myself again. For awhile, I felt like a failure. I thought l lost and that was so important. I was wrong, I gained.
I’ve realized that although I am not a salon owner, I do what I love. I am receiving more recognition for it than I ever have before. The decision to leave the business was the best decision for me and my family. I am most proud because now I am free to be my own person and the extra time spent with my family is so worth it. During the dissolution of my salon business, I was named by a reputable magazine in Philadelphia, Main Line Today, as Best Stylist for Curly Hair. Actually the votes scored me win as the best in my area for curls, not the magazine. The magazine does their ‘Best of’ issue every year, honoring a variety of businesses and people that are on their radar of possibly best in the area. Some winnings are based on votes, some are critics choice, and some are both votes and critics choice.I was contacted by the M.L.T. the end of May notifying me of my win. This award means so much to me because “curly hair” was actually added as the wild card space. I feel honored to not only have won a non-existing category, but to have earned the most votes. Hopefully this category will continue.
I have worn many hats in this industry.
Education is so important to me. I recently did an intense three day training that would determine whether I would qualify as an educator with a company (I can’t reveal names yet”>. We had to do timed presentations on products we had just learned about, they tested our ability to speak in public, tested our basic skills, as well as technical. We were in class from early morning until 4:00, went back to the hotel to study all night then back again the next morning. We were tested all three days. At the end of the week they would tell us if we passed all of the tests. It was the most intense training I’ve done in my career and I loved every minute of it.I love being behind the chair. That’s what I see myself doing in ten years from now. I’d love to explore more possibilities with curly hair. We shall see.
Dear curly, know this:
One thing every curly haired person should know about themselves is that you are not alone in the struggle. We all want to change something about ourselves, and to those that were born happy exactly the way they are, I applaud you.The one thing we all have in common is the desire to change something about their physical appearance. As a stylist, my job is making people look and feel beautiful, however my self appointed job is to teach my clients how to work with what they struggle with, not change it, but to embrace and encourage it. If you do the opposite you will be unhappy most of your life.
I am not advising you to not change your look–I’m all for that. I want to teach you how to work with what you have and learn to truly love it because you will never look or feel as great as when you’ve accepted your “flaws” as unique to you. The root of the issue is deeper than what is shown on the surface. There is something to be said for being true to yourself. P.S. Your hair is not straight and frizzy, it is curly and dehydrated.
Keep up with me online (and book an appointment”>
If you’d like to see my work you can go to my Facebook, T.B. curl girl and also read my reviews here. I can be found bouncing between two of the four Bean’s salons. One is in Wayne and the other is Manayunk. I take my own appointments. If you’d like to make an appointment with me, you can message me on Facebook and I will call back Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
