Search Results: Devri Velazquez

When in doubt about the emerging popularity of these DIY ingredients and their benefits for your natural hair, go back to the basics. Shea butter, cocoa butter, and olive oil have all been common staples in hair care for coarse, curly-kinky hair types.

• 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.”>.

Together, these three ingredients will provide your edges with an all-natural edge tamer that promotes growth when warmed up, and a curl definer for your strands that will encourage beautiful clumping and springiness on an old wash-and-go. You can find these ingredients on Amazon in bulk or at your local natural grocery store.

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.

Like most curlies I know, my designated “wash day” usually falls on a Sunday. It is the day before my work week, and the last day of my weekend to focus on myself and my needs. It just makes sense. But since it is also considered a day of ‘relaxation’, I try to minimize the amount of strenuous work I actually have to do to keep my curls dope for the following week.

Step 1. Put everything you need in arm’s reach.

Put away everything you don’t.

I am a product junkie by nature–hello, I work for NaturallyCurly–so of course I have enough hair products to literally serve a small city in the French Polynesia. Nonetheless, I do not always need them around, in sight. The clutter does nothing for my psyche, rather it enhances my eye sore and reminds me what a mundane task wash day is about to be.

Anything else that is visible, goes away for the day.

Based on what my curls need for that particular day, I pull out my co-wash, deep conditioner, leave-in, sealant, and tools needed (brush, bobby pins, hair ties, towel”> and leave them on the counter beside my bathtub. I have made an unofficially official checklist of the product cocktails I need for a successful wash day based on what my curls need.

My picks

• Deep conditioner: SheaMoisture Hydration Intensive Hair Masque, Eden BodyWorks Jojoba All Natural Deep Conditioner
• Co-wash: HAIRiette Kokum & Marula Co-Wash, Innersense Pure Inspiration Daily Conditioner
• Leave-in: Zenzele Leave-In Conditioner, Briogeo Curl Charisma Amino + Avocado Leave-In Creme
• Sealant:Ann Carol Beauty Peppermint Chamomile Hair Oil

Ask yourself: What is the climate like outside (humid, dry, etc.”>? What style was my hair in most of the time this past week (tight protective style, etc.”>? What step did I neglect this past week (forgetting to put your satin scarf on every night, etc.”>?

Step 2. Approach the shower with a plan.

Don’t just wing it.

After I actually bathe, shave, and do all that great body maintenance stuff, it is crucial for me to jump right into the process. On most summer wash days, this is what that looks like:

Deep condition for 10-40 minutes. This depends on the specific product powers and time I have available. If I utilize a full 40 minutes, I usually wait to bathe and shave after I have applied my deep conditioner to utilize my time more effectively.

Rinse out with lukewarm water, followed by co-washing. I tend to use 2 conditioners at once–one with tons of slip, one that is thicker and penetrates my high porosity curls easily. During this time, I finger detangle while my hair is soaking in conditioner. Occasionally, I use a detangling brush to define and enhance my natural curl pattern and let the product really penetrate my strands to my scalp.

Massage the conditioner into my scalp thoroughly since I do not use a shampoo. I want to see all the dirt and product build-up run down the drain. Speaking of drain, I use a plastic hair catcher from Walmart to prevent clogging while detangling.

Rinse with cool water step out of the shower, plop freshly washed hair with a microfiber towel or t-shirt with a leave-in, then an oil.

My picks

• Drying towel:Turbie Twist Towel, Curly Tee Towel
• Detangling Brush:Tangle Teezer, Wet Brush

Step 3. Style your hair in that moment, as needed.

Are you going out? Or are you in for the day?

This changes the process ever so slightly. If I am going out after washing my hair, I usually rock a wash-and-go. This means I scrunch some styling product into my curls after applying a leave-in and and oil as part of my faithful LCO Method routine.

If I am in for the night, I take this time to either twist, braid, or bantu knot my hair into sections with a light hold butter and styling lotion.

My picks

• Styling lotion: SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow, & Restore Styling Lotion
• Styling butter:Obia Natural Hair Care Twist Whip Butter
• Styling cream-gel: DevaCurl Supercream Coconut Curl Styler

I may even apply more oil to my scalp, warmed up for some extra relaxation. That way, tomorrow before work all I have to do essentially is unravel my twists, braids, or knots, and allow my hair to naturally gain volume throughout the day with as much curl definition as possible (no afro picks necessary”>.

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Photos of yours truly, courtesy of The Reigny Season.

If you opened Allure’s August 2015 issue you may have noticed an article titled “You (Yes, You”> Can Have An Afro…even if you have straight hair.” Even if you didn’t, the spread has since made its internet rounds, possibly at an accelerated pace in the wake of the Rachel Dolezal controversy. The step by step tutorial details how to get the style that is being “adopted by a new generation of tastemakers” on white actress and model, Marissa Neitling. The article makes no mention of the cultural symbolism or history of the Afro–rather, points to the hairstyle as a hip, trendy accessory to what’s in right now.

Chris McMillan, the hairstylist who styled the model’s hair, told Huffington Post that his take on the Afro (on a white woman”> was inspired by none other than Barbara Streisand in A Star Is Born. He came to his own defense, stating “I learned how to do hair from the African American girls in beauty school…I do black hair.” And yet, the significance of culturally appropriating this traditionally African American hairstyle was lost on McMillan, the editorial staff, and the model, who posted this photo on her Instagram after the issue became available to the public:

Shortly after the controversy erupted, she deleted the post.

Ana Kasparian, Karamo Brown, and Becca Frucht for The Young Turks summed up most of Black Twitter’s sentiments: “Afros made a statement of Black Pride [during the Civil Rights Movement]… Cultural appropriation actually is a really big problem. It’s a very complex issue…There is a double standard of beauty. White women get away with [this]…When you exclude the African American woman whose hair is naturally kinky, that’s when it becomes a problem. Include everyone in the conversation so we don’t feel like you are taking away what means so much to us.”

The tutorial and images were a part of a spread labeled “Retro Modern” with a teaser reading “These fearless hairstyles, born in the ’70s, are being adopted by a new generation of tastemakers.”

The line that separates cultural exchange and cultural appropriation is easily overlooked and often blurred. The tone deafness of this spread is blaring with insensitivity and miseducation. Understanding–and acknowledging–the significance of the historical origin and symbolism of the Afro could have garnered a more positive response.

What do you think about the Allure Afro controversy?

Are you in the process of researching a curly hair specialist or salon in your area? That’s what our Salon Finder section is for! Every day we receive dozens of reviews for curly hair specialists all over the world. Here’s a recent review for Cindy Stevenson at Hairmonious in West Hollywood:

Thank you hair gods for finally bringing a curly hair specialist to the Hollywood area!

First off Cindy is sweet, down to earth and very knowledgeable when it comes to curly hair. She is Devachan certified and also worked at the Devachan salon in Santa Monica before opening her own salon.The salon is located inside one of those shared salon suites type of buildings that just opened up on the corner of Fountain and La Brea. It’s a small but clean and trendy space.

I don’t drive and before now I had to travel up to North Hollywood to find a Devachan trained stylist but not anymore! Now I have my own curly hair guru no more than a 5 minute bus ride away.

Okay, now onto the cut.

I talked to her about my current style and what I liked and what I didn’t like and basically what I wanted. We chatted for a bit and she made some suggestions and away she went..snipping each curl to perfection.

Next we headed to the bowl to get my hair poo’d and styled. Now..I love DevaCurl products but they don’t necessarily love me. Unfortunately the scent of the products give me full on migraines.

Usually I allow stylists to use whatever Deva products they want on me and I’ll just go home and rinse it out. But Cindy was like, “Nope, no one is going home with a migraine on my watch,” and used a few products that were less scented including a new Coconut Curl Cream that Deva just put out.

I’ve been getting Deva Cuts since 2007 and I told her this. She still talked through exactly what she was doing with the products which I actually really appreciated because she taught me something new.

Usually I put a curl cream all through my hair and then rake in gel and scrunch. She actually did this in sections to allow for better control of each curl while producing less frizz. Huh? Learned something new! What I also loved is that she realized that my hair repels moisture so she factored this in when applying the products.

Once done at the bowl, I sat under a Deva hair dryer for awhile and then she diffused my hair the rest of the way. Time for a few more snips here and there and…voila…a perfect cut that I am super happy about. My hair has shape ad my curls are defined and bouncy.  Curly girls if you live in the area–run don’t walk to get your hair pampered by Cindy. She is reasonably priced, especially for the area! Cindy, I’ll see you again in about 6 weeks! Thank you!”

 Review written by Raquel.Barra

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Do you have an epic–or epic fail–salon experience that you’d like to tell the NaturallyCurly community about? Leave your review in our Salon Finder.

If your waves, curls, or coils are sensitive to protein treatments or possibly suffer from hygral fatigue, consider adding rice milk products into your daily hair care regimen. According to LiveStrong, rice milk is rich in nutrients such as niacin, vitamin B-6, iron, copper, and magnesium. It is great for those who are on lactose or cholesterol free diets as well.

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.

As for hair color trends, baby-lights are on trend. Balayage and ombre’ are still in demand–and I absolutely love to balayage curly hair! Over 95% of my clients are wavy or curly, which is the best palate for balayage and ombre’. 

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.

Argan, grapeseed, olive, coconut– we cannot seem to get enough of our beloved all-natural hair and skin oils. Oftentimes, however, Jojoba oil gets overlooked for its beneficial properties because it is one of the most commonplace oils used for hair and beauty. True Jojoba is derived from the Jojoba plant seed processed in accordance with the US Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (USDA NOP”>, free of pesticides, first-press, golden, and unrefined.

While it is called an oil, Jojoba is actually a liquid wax, also called a wax ester. Its molecular structure is extremely comparable to human skin oil. Unrefined jojoba oil appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid with a slight, nutty aroma. Jojoba oil is also ideal for those with allergy sensitivities.  Refined Jojoba is usually completely clear and has no odor at all. It is great for DIY recipes and large bulk recipes because of its shelf life; Jojoba is more shelf-stable than safflower, canola, and, and almond oils.

In cosmetic products, Jojoba is often used as a moisturizing agent in lipsticks, shampoos, face, hand, and body lotions. It can also be used on its own in an unrefined state for the following purposes.

Condition dry hair

Jojoba oil naturally eases the effects of dandruff and dry scalp. For hair, add some to your favorite conditioner, especially if your scalp itches after washday. Jojoba oil is antifungal, helping to kill of bacterial and fungal infections caused by dirty hair tools, the elements, etc. Jojoba does not interrupt the scalp’s natural balance because of its similarities to the oil your skin naturally produces.

Promote curl elasticity

Add 12 drops directly to your scalp and massage gently with the pads of your fingers to help the Jojoba penetrate your follicles. It literally hydrates your hair deep in the shaft, which help the curl to bounce back from hydral fatigue or over processing of chemicals (relaxers and bleach”>.

Lasting color treated hair

Before swimming, use a water and Jojoba mist all over your hair to help it fight the stripping agents found in pools. It will not strip your color treated hair, and help protect against the elements that are known for causing it to fade.

Encourage hair growth

Before clarifying and cleansing with a harsh shampoo and conditioner, add 10 drops of Jojoba directly to your scalp to balance out the natural oils you already make. Jojoba is a natural emollient, according to Neno Natural–it fills in cracks that are on the surface of the hair cuticle and helps repair heat and styling damaged hair.

Moisturize parched skin

Jojoba oil is used to treat Psoriasis and chapped sunburned skin. It can be used to replenish dry facial skin overnight, as well. Add a few drops onto your overnight mask, or dab a drop over your lips to coat and soothe during the day.

Calming aromatherapy

Jojoba has been clinically proven during massage and therapy to provide a sense of calmness to mind, body, and soul for its aromatherapeutic abilities. Jojoba Company says to use 20 drops in your bath at night, which is equivalent to 60 ml or 4 tablespoons.

Repel against mosquitoes

According to WebMD, a few drops of Jojoba oil rubbed into your skin will naturally ward off mosquitoes for up to 3 hours after application.

Soften cracked feet

Rub some Jojoba oil on your heels, palms, and knees to soften up the rough skin on them.

Products with jojoba

You can purchase pure Jojoba oil on Amazon or in your local health food store from brands like NOW and Aura Cacia (pictured above”> or you can find Jojoba in plenty of hair products. Here are three that have been formulated especially for wavy, curly or coily and are packed with the benefits of Jojoba oil.

• Eden BodyWorks Jojoba All Natural Revitalizing Conditioner, $8.99, is ultra moisturizing for coarse, thick, curly and coily hair. 
• Aubrey Organics 10% Organic Jojoba Oil, $11.67, is great as a pre-poo to soothe and hydrate dry hair before shampoos.
• Design Essentials Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $13.99, will moisturize your curls with the help of wheat protein to eliminate frizz

RELATED: 10 More Ways to Get Your Jojoba Oil Fix

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These days the term “Old Hollywood” elicits images of long, loose waves and the types of hairstyles that women with naturally curly hair cannot hope to recreate without the use of curlers or heat tools. But Old Hollywood glamour can be achieved with curly hair, just take one look at the stunning Dorothy Dandridge. 

If you are feeling bored with your wash-and-go, like I recently was, then channel Dorothy with this curly bob look.

How to get the look

Last night, I did bantu knots after deep conditioning and co-washing my hair.

I did 8 to 10 of them–while my hair was drying but still wet, I smothered each section with my Obia Twist Whip Butter, which is an excellent emollient for smoothing my frizzy cuticles and sealing them with moisture. Some naturals like to twist as close to their scalp as possible, but that does not matter so much with me–it looks more natural when my knots are a little imperfect and asymmetrical.

I then covered my hair with my satin headwrap, went to sleep and waited today for the takedown.

This morning, I unraveled my bantu knots gently.

To minimize frizz, I poured a dime-sized amount of Bahamian Tresses Peppermint Elixir to the pads of my fingers beforehand.

I separated each bantu knot out slowly as a further precaution, and I didn’t use a wide tooth comb or pick.

To give my hair the appearance of a curly bob for that Old Hollywood look, I tucked in the back pieces underneath with a bobby pin.

What I Used

• Deep conditioner: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask
• Co-wash: Innersense Pure Inspiration Daily Conditioner
• Oil: Bahamian Tresses Peppermint and Eucalyptus hair Elixir
• Cream: Obia Twist Whip Butter

This style lasted a full day; if I had re-bantu knotted my hair at night, I am sure it would have been preserved for the next day and so on.

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Ever since DevaCurl’s recent Supercream Coconut Curl Styler product release, the natural hair blogs have been going wild.

Of course, I had to get in on the action.

I immediately contacted my Curly Hair Artist in Smyrna, GA, Robin Sjoblom at Fuzion Hair Studio and she sent me a bottle right away. “We are loving it here at Southern Curl,” she told me. I was anxious and excited to try it on my 3c curls, especially after finding out that it’s made especially for tighter curl patterns like mine. [prodmod]

The first 5 ingredients

• water: natural hydrator
• cetearyl alcohol: a naturally-derived fatty alcohol that gives the hair a smooth, soft feeling and helps the cuticle lie flat on the surface of the hair.
• coconut oil: a natural moisturizer that penetrates deep into the hair shaft.
• glycerin: helps to smooth and coat the hair shaft.
• hydroxypropyl starch phosphate: a plant-based starch that acts as an emulsifier, or a thickening agent for hair.

How I used it

I like to use a new product at least twice consecutively before coming to a conclusion whether my curls like it or not. Yesterday I scrunched the Supercream Coconut Curl Styler into a 3rd day twist-out that had been misted with just a bit of water. Honestly, I didn’t notice any impeccable results–my hair actually looked the exact same. Throughout the day, my curls remained the same–the usual frizz halo on my crown, some definition on my ends, and the random twirly curl and corkscrew here and there.

This morning, I quickly co-washed my hair to refresh my curls. When I got out, my hair was still soaking wet. I applied a nickel-sized amount of the Supercream using the praying hands method. Instantly, I felt the benefits of coconut oil–but my hair was still wet, so it’s normal to feel so much moisture in the beginning, right? Well, it’s been five hours already. By now my curls would have shrunken up and taken the Deva Cut shape. But right now, my curls look healthily elongated, enhanced, and super defined. I actually notice the length of my curls more and my hair still appears as if they’re wet and fresh out of a wash, even though they are 100% dry.

My curls are also softer than ever. I just got my hair colored two days ago, but I can say this styler has helped restore the natural sheen and life back into my curls. Its consistency is that of a cream-gel, with a bit of hold but not too much. I haven’t experienced any flaky cast that sometimes comes with a styling cream or gel.

Before

My hair usually shrinks quickly after washing–it’s big with some frizz at the top of my crown on most days. 

After

All day long, I have noticed defined, soft, and shiny curls that haven’t lost their definition or gotten frizzy yet.

Have you used the Coconut Curl Styler yet?

I am Winnie Elizabeth Caldwell, named after Winnie Mandela and Queen Elizabeth.

I currently live in St. Louis, MO and I am a proud full time mommy and full time blogger. After almost three years of blogging, I’ve began a career teaching teens how to blog at a local college here in my community.

I have been natural for about three years. I actually felt it was best for my hair. With relaxers my hair would always break off really badly and I realized when I left it alone, it grew naturally, beautifully.

My favorite products have to be Design Essentials Oat Protein Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo, Design Essentials Almond and Avocado Leave In Conditioner, Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste (They keep my edges slayed and laid!”>, and I love massaging my scalp with organic coconut oil.

I started a blog called The Wire Hanger By Winnie. It is a faith-based blog for aspiring entrepreneurs. My blog is a safe haven for go-getters to get some inspiration and guidance career-wise. I help others to start their own blogs and by doing that I learn new things everyday. I’m always placed outside of my comfort zone, in a good way. Catering to others adds more value to me as a blogger and also as an instructor. Want to be a celebrity makeup artist, a costume designer, or even a business owner? On my blog, you get to see a plethora of interviews of people who will inspire and help lead you to your dreams.

My blog offers inspiration for any faith belief.

I’ve interviewed those who didn’t believe in Christianity but they believe in a higher power. And that is just fine. I highlight anyone’s belief as long as their respectful. Also my blog offers counseling to those suffering anxiety or depression every other Tuesday! Lastly, I help my followers reach their dreams by going the extra mile. Through my attached store, I offer services such as resume revising, career consultation, and more. You’ll do more than read or listen to an interview; you will get blessed!

Regardless of the trials and tribulations I have endured, I never let them take me off course.

Bishop T. D. Jakes once said, “People with great instincts always transform what they are given to more than what it was when presented to them!” This quote means a lot to me as a Black woman who is also a single mother. I had my son at 17. I could have easily been just another statistic but my instinct didn’t allow that. Regardless of the trials and tribulations I have endured, I never let them take me off course. Instead I used those challenging moments to push me harder. I always laugh at challenging moments because each time a big blessing isn’t too far away.

Every woman holds the key to her own destiny.

A man, a relationship or job does not determine your destiny. You hold the power. We as women are emotional creatures, regardless of how it’s showed. Have your moment briefly to vent or cry. But don’t allow let downs of relationships, family or work deter you from your dream. How you react affects your future. React with positivity and authenticity at all times.

Find me on Twitter: @WinnieElizabeth, Instagram: @thewirehangerbywinnie, and my blog of course: Thewirehangerbywinnie.com.

Conmuffin_ (3C”> recently posted this question in our Q&A section.

Question

My hair is 3c and recently it has been getting dry and matted at the roots especially, sometimes the ends. It happens no matter what I do. It can happen a few days after deep conditioning, right after detangling, or just anytime really.

I’ve been conditioning a lot and sealing with oil yet that still doesn’t help. [My hair] shrinks at the roots and get stuck in this round afro-shape…When it’s in this shape, I can pull a curl out and hear it crackle and pop and then that one curl will be longer than the rest. I currently have my hair in Marley twists because my hair is getting on my nerves. What can I do? I miss when my hair used to behave!

The pictures I included are one of a bomb wash and go 100% dry before the matting, the other is a day at work when my hair was matting. Note the length and shape difference. These were taken maybe a month and a half ago.

Answer

Based on the pictures provided, your hair type is 4a, which is a bit coilier than 3c but still appears to be fine in texture and medium (normal”> in porosity.

Since you didn’t detail your exact morning and nightly regimen and the products you currently use, I’ll outline a quick list of questions you may want to ask yourself. This should help you in modifying your personal steps to fit the needs of the current state of your hair:

“What do I do to my hair at night before bedtime?” 

Conditioning hair frequently doesn’t always help the cause. This can lead to hydral fatigue, which causes continual swelling of your hair cuticles, or over-moisturizing. Deep conditioning overnight as a habit, for example, can cause weaker strands.

Since your hair easily mats up, I recommend doing two-strand twists and wrapping each twist’s end with a foam roller or flexi rod. Not only will this be easier for next day’s wear, your coils will be defined, uniform, and the weight of the roller will help you avoid shrinkage and enhance your natural curl pattern and shape. Don’t forget to cover your hair with a silk head wrap–or sleep on a satin pillowcase.  On top of that, you put your hair in protective styles that further tug on the follicle, making your hair even weaker and more damaged over time. I suggest trying an at-home protein treatment twice a week with a gelatin packet or purchasing protein-enriched products to strengthen your hair fibers. Read the reviews of these community faves and determine which one you might like:

• Yes to Carrots! Leave-In Conditioner
• ApHogee Curlific! Moisture Rich Leave-In
• Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask
• SheaMoisture Tahitian Noni & Monoi Hair & Scalp Weekly Therapy
• Aubrey Organics GPB Balancing Protein Conditioner- Rosemary Peppermint
• Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner

“How do I refresh my hair the next morning?”

Your hair needs an even amount of moisture, day and night. Spritz water with a little bit of your favorite conditioner throughout your hair in the morning after untwisting. Or, if you would rather purchase a leave-in refresher spray, that works, too. On the weekend, treat yourself to a soothing steam session. There are portable handheld hair steamers like the Q-Redew, or you can make your own with 2 face towels, 2 shower caps, and a hooded dryer.

“How do I style my hair on most days?”

Try a twist-out, flexi rod or perm rod set instead of a wash-and-go. Like I mentioned above, this will allow your coils to clump into ringlets and tendrils rather than stand alone and get matted or tangled up easily. Also, it may be time for a trim.

It sounds like your hair is uneven since some pieces are longer than others. You may search a salon in your area that specializes in natural hair or try the Search & Destroy Method at home with a new (not dull”> pair of shears. With this method, you won’t lose as much overall length–you’ll just focus on the split ends that stand out and need to be removed.

“How do I currently detangle my hair?”

Have you considered investing in a detangling brush? You didn’t mention what tool or method you use to detangle your coils, but you may want to look into a Denman or Tangle Teezer to really get to the root of the problem, pun intended. You can also finger detangle, but make sure your hair is saturated with a ton of slippery conditioner to prevent that snap and crackle that you get. Watch how Naptural85 detangles her hair in the most effective yet fuss-free way possible.

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Have a curly question and need the NaturallyCurly community’s help? Visit our Ask section.

Remember those days when Daddy was in charge of our hygiene and maintenance for the day while Mommy was away? Oh, the blissful tragedy.

Kudos to Pops for making an honest effort. However, for most of us this was a day of resistantly dragging through an hour-long hair washing and braiding session while his hands stumbled to grip the combs, his mind scrambled to recall where Mom kept the extra hair ties, and his go-to style when it was all said and done was a half sopping wet low pony that was matted beyond recognition by the time Mom got back home.

If only Dad had access to one of these classes offered by Upper West Side, Manhattan Cozy Cuts for Kids salon.

“Dads want to learn,” said Cozy Friedman, owner of the salon. “I hear it all the time. But you can see right away on the playground whose hair was done by her dad. We’ve really had to start with the basics here.”

Early Monday morning, daughters ranging ages 3 to 9 attended the class, which ended up being filled to capacity so much so that father-daughter duos had to be turned away. The session lasted 45 minutes, starting with tips for brushing and detangling. It concluded with two timeless hairstyle tutorials: the ponytail braid and the braided bun. The girls of the crowd seemed mostly thrilled of receiving these styles, probably due to their wide popularity from the movie Frozen.

Full-time father and clothing manufacturer Ricky Zinn expressed his need to learn how to do his daughter’s hair was due to growing up with only male siblings. “I grew up with brothers, so I don’t know anything about it.”

Early Monday morning, daughters ranging ages 3 to 9 attended the class, which ended up being filled to capacity so much so that father-daughter duos had to be turned away.

Another working father of a curly-haired daughter, David Shapiro, attended the class to educate himself on styling his daughter’s unique ‘corkscrew-like’ texture. “I get her ready in the morning–my wife goes to work early. But I have to leave the hair part to the nanny.”

Ira Cohen is a lawyer by profession and a dad by default. That doesn’t mean he wasn’t also willing to learn how to care for his daughter’s naturally curly hair. “It’s a completely different situation,” he said.

One seat over was Zinn had trouble using the bobby pins given during the ponytail tutorial. “If I let go, this thing is going to go.”

While these dads struggled to adapt to the tricks of the trade for styling and maintaining their daughters’ hair, not a single one gave up on the initiative. And the impact of this class will hopefully be followed for salons and cities to come.

We definitely love to see more dads willing, eager, and able to enter the women’s hair care world with confidence–especially if it’s for their number one girl, their daughter.

Hey guys! My name is Char.

I currently live in Washington, DC, from Pittsburgh, PA. I’m in my senior year studying Sports Medicine at Howard University. I also find joy in modeling and establishing my brand. I’ve been embracing my natural hair all of my life, and my curly hair full-time for a year now. My hair was so damaged from constantly putting heat and color in it that I decided to cut out the heat and become a curly girl, and I’m so glad I did. 

My style: Beauty in simplicity.

I like to keep it simple with my style, mostly solid colors or minimal patterned outfits. Natural looking, clean face makeup. Rarely wear jewelry…not even earrings! (Although, I do wear my favorite watch on occasion”>. My definition of beauty is doing what you’re passionate about, being the person you want to be, and living life with love and not hatred. When I see those attributes in a person, I see beauty. I am confident in knowing that whatever project I am working on, I will do it to my best ability.

If I have the passion, then I have the confidence.

My daily curly hair routine

My daily routine consists of showering, of course! I start with washing my hair–by wash I mean just condition–with Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Conditioner. I do not use shampoo, whatsoever. I’ll let the conditioner sit in my hair as I continue with my shower, then detangle with a wide tooth comb.

Next, I wash most of the conditioner out, only leaving a little left in. I finish off with Eco Styler Gel and jojoba oil and let air dry. I’ll use a pick at the roots or I’ll blow dry my hair on cool air if I want added volume. I then do my makeup, get dressed, and start my day.

At night, I do not do anything special with my hair, I’ll usually just sleep on it as is–I love the volume it gives me for 2nd/3rd day hair.

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I want to be my own boss.

Successful, traveling, doing new and exciting things. I see myself owning a company; I want to be my own boss and I do not want to work for anyone else. I cannot tell you exactly what I envision myself doing. I have many avenues that I’m interested in taking, so it will be cool to find out what I end up doing/expanding to in 10 years. Hopefully you guys will follow me on my journey!

Keep up with me

Follow me on the gram, @thirsttrapchar, and on twitter @charsaywhatt. Also check out my website, charbookings.com! <3 Char.

According to an article by Shirea L. Caroll, “Extracts come from the actual extraction of the nutrients and essential elements of the ingredient. The extraction process can vary greatly, depending on the botanical and which part of the botanical contains the essential nutrients.” 

Starting your natural hair or curly hair journey can be both overwhelming and expensive, but these botanical extracts will add multiple benefits to your regimen and give you the best curls possible after regular use. Get these in bulk, powder, or capsule form at your local natural foods grocer. If you would rather BUY than DIY, we have suggestions for you, too.

MORE: Why Do Brands Put Extracts In Your Products?

1. Bamboo

Bamboo is rich in organic proteins, which strengthen the hair follicle and retain moisture. It is also known to promote natural shine in dry hair. Bamboo contains a rich source of silica, an essential nutrient that helps our bodies absorb and retain potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It also keeps our ducts clear, promoting speedier hair growth. Read more about bamboo extract here.

• If you would rather BUY than DIY: Alterna Hair Care Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Dry Oil, $25 at Sephora

2. Oat kernel

This vegetable protein, which is also called Avena Sativa, is found in numerous bath, body, and hair products. According to Cosmetics Info, It is used to temporarily protect and relieve minor skin irritations and burns. If you experience a chemical burn from hair bleaching or relaxing, oat kernel extract will soothe your scalp, neck, and face. For those with particularly sensitive scalp, excessive dandruff, or eczema, will find nourishment in this ingredient.

• If you would rather BUY than DIY: Innersence Quiet Calm Curl Control, $20 on innersencebeauty.com

3. Rhatany Root

This naturally derived root extract provides conditioning properties to dry, parched hair. It is a natural astringent and can be used in place of apple cider vinegar to clarify the scalp. Rhatany root, also called Krameria Triandra Root Extract, has a shelf life longer than most (2 years”> and is water soluble for any amount of water. It is typically added to water and glycerin hair styling products as a natural emollient.

• If you would rather BUY than DIY: Workable Finishing Mist, $16.95 on onestahaircare.com

4. Ginseng Root

Invigorates the scalp and hair follicle to add volume at the root. It has been proven to slow down the hair loss process, and is used by those with thinning hair and alopecia. This nutritious herb belongs to the 11 species of slow growing perennial plants. Its fleshy roots and leaves carry potent medicinal properties derive. Read about the 5 beauty uses of ginseng root here.

• If you would rather BUY than DIY: Aubrey Organics Men’s Stock Ginseng Biotin Shampoo, $9.95 on Amazon

5. Lotus Flower

The sacred lotus flower or Nelumbo Nucifera, is a short-living plant that provides a number of medicinal benefits with its seeds and bark. The bark contains polysaccharides which are anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antiseptic when applied to the skin and hair. It elasticizes as is used for promoting bouncier curls. Read about what the seeds can do here.

• If you would rather BUY than DIY: Wen By Chaz Dean Six Thirteen Cleansing Treatment, $61 on qvc.com

6. Chamomile

If you want to lighten your hair naturally, chamomile extract is effective. It is also used as a natural leave-in because of its follicle conditioning properties. Chamomile nourishes and strengthens the hair and stimulates the scalp for fullness. Read 9 uses of chamomile extract here.

• If you would rather BUY than DIY: Blended Beauty Curl Styling Butter, $21 on Shop.NaturallyCurly.com

Wafaya Abdallah is owner and stylist and Oasis Hair Salon in Rockville, MD. She specializes in the art of curly hair cutting and styling, and her salon specifically focuses on the needs of textured/curly hair clients.

Tell us how you were introduced to the curly hair salon industry.

Our salon has focused on curly hair since 2008. It really all started because our clients kept asking if we had heard of The Curly Girl Handbook by Lorraine Massey. Being skeptical, we doubted the validity of a book we hadn’t even read. One day a sales rep stopped by and gave us the book and products to try. Only because clients had mentioned it did we even look at it. Once we read the book, we understood this was real. Finally, us curly women were understood. Lorraine came to our salon a month later and the rest is history. Everyone who works here has attended Deva Education several times and now we are part of Curly Hair Artistry (CHA”>.

What does everyone know you for?

Our clientele best know us for specializing in wavy, curly and multi textured hair. We are known also for our warm and relaxing atmosphere. Just another feature that differentiates us is that we host a lot of social justice events. For example, JIDS (Jewish Islamic Dialogue Society”>, Falling Whistles which is a non-profit advocating and rehabilitating boy soldiers in the Congo. In September, we will be hosting Lorraine Massey to raise money for the “Keep A Child Alive Foundation”. As a team we volunteer quarterly in our local community as part of our giving back initiative. Also, all of the accessories we carry are from fair trade organizations from around the world that support women and children.

You are a part of the Curly Hair Artistry, as well.

We became part of CHA in January 2013, when it was first formed. A friend and fellow curl stylist, that lives in Ohio, Jessica Ackerman Guster introduced me to Scott Musgrave. I fell in love with the vision so much that now I am part of the master educators team with CHA. Our salon is now home of The Curly Hair Artistry Spring Symposium every year. We are so honored to hold that title.

What is one thing you wish every curly knew about their hair?

I wish every curly knew that their hair is stunning! Once taught how to care for it, it is magnificent. I tell my curly clients who straighten their hair sometimes that they lose their super powers that way. When a curly person walks into a room they cannot be ignored.

The curly and textured hair scene in the DC area has taken off, particularly among the millennials. We see all kinds of lovely natural hair and it is gorgeous.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

My youngest son Zak inspires me in my daily life. He has mild cerebral palsy–as you can imagine in middle school, it’s hard to have a difability (young people’s term for disability”>. Yet no matter what social obstacles he faces, he is always ready for school early with a smile on his face excited for the day! He keeps a can-do positive attitude in life. How can I have an excuse for doing less than my best with an example like that in my life.

What are you most proud of?

In late 2007, we changed our business structure to “team based” taught by Strategies Salon and Spa Consulting and Mr. Neil DuCoff. To take a commission-based salon to a salary and team based salon was difficult. Yet the culture we now have is worth everything we went through to get here. We have such a positive, all for one and one for all mentality. Every client that walks in says that the energy in the salon is amazing. Working with the most talented and devoted group of people that are here is such a gift. Doing things differently whether specializing in naturally curly hair or structuring a business with a team mentality is always challenging, yet very rewarding.

Lastly, how can we book an appointment?

Our website is www.Oasis-salon.com. On facebook we are Oasis Salon Rockville. There is a link on both to book appointments. Other options are to call the salon at 301-340-2424 or email receptionist@oasis-salon.com. Read our client reviews here in the Salon Finder on NaturallyCurly.com.

At one point in time, it was difficult trying to find a salon that catered to your natural, curly hair. Thankfully these days, it’s much easier–here are the top (but underrated”> natural hair salons in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area. For curly specialist recommendations in your city, visit our Curl Salons page for salons with curl specialists all over the country, reviewed by curly community members.

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Fiddleheads Salon

1515 17th St. NW Washington, DC 20036

Book an appointment or read reviews

With 2 locations, the Fiddleheads gang focuses on the Deva Cutting technique, the Deva 3-Step process, and offers other services like Pintura color, Escape Root, and even extensions or a blow dry.

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Diaspora Salon

2412 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218

Book an appointment

If you’re yearning to be welcomed into a salon that is sophisticated, calming, and embracing of your hair texture, then this salon is for you. Filled with highly skilled staff who know how to cater to curly and coily hair types, Diaspora specializes in DevaCurl and uses Qhemet Biologics on their curly clients. [/do] [do action=”gallery-slide”]

Urban Nature

2802 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Book an appointment

With convenient locations in DC, Silver Spring, Greenbelt, Temple Hills, and Alexandria, the stylists and locticians of Urban Nature focus on creating intricate and unique designs for their clientele.

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Jaha Hair Studio

Book an appointment

Not only does this salon offer natural and transitioning services, they also specialize in loc maintenance. Each of their stylists really knows how to work a person’s natural texture like a charm.

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Cole Stevens Salon

Book an appointment or read reviews

Top educator Diane Cole Stevens knows natural hair. This salon has two locations–one in the heart of DC, and another on the outskirts in Greenbelt, MD. They offer an array of styles from two-strand twists, flexi rod sets, bridal, and more, with DevaCurl products.

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The Divine Touch Hair Salon

Book an appointment

From updos to loc retwists, this salon offers versatile and trendy yet affordable and accessible options for those with natural hair of all textures. They also provide services for relaxed, naturally straight, and men, too.

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Bang Salon

Book an appointment or read reviews 

For its 4th consecutive year in a row, Bang has been called “Best Hair Salon in DC” by Washington City Paper. It’s known to the locals as the ultimate place for reviving bad past curly haircuts.

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Natural Motion

Book an appointment

If you are still transitioning between weave/protective styles and wearing your natural texture out, this salon is up your alley. Rumor has it, owner Liz Nolan can do a mean blowout.

Do you love a curly salon in the DMV that we missed? Share it in the comments!

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Sometimes the “2-in-1” label is true–these hair products have multiple uses and will define and enhance your natural hair texture.

11 Multipurpose Curly Hair Products

Hello ladies! I go by the name NaturallyTash and I have come to be known as both the Queen of Hair Shadowing and The Queen of Temporary Colors for all of the many ways and colors I temporarily color my hair. I am a natural hair blogger/vlogger and the creator of irockmynatural. I am also a Kinder Prep Teacher during the day. I currently reside in Houston, TX but I am originally from Staten Island, NY.

My Journey

I have been totally natural for 4 years now. I hadn’t had a perm prior to that in almost 12 years but I killed my curl pattern by constantly dying my hair and applying heat to it every day. Four years ago I gave up all heat and harsh chemicals and began my natural hair journey. I wore bantu knot-outs for almost a year straight until my curl pattern returned healthy enough for me to do a wash and go.

I wouldn’t say I was inspired by one single person but I think I was more inspired by the movement of accepting yourself and your hair for what it is.

I had always done everything I could to change my hair when leaving it alone was what I should have done all along. I was and still am a big fan of Aevin Dugas the beautiful women with the Guinness book of world record for the biggest fro and I would say she was some inspiration to me beginning my journey as well.

My Top 5 Holy Grails (Right Now”>

1. Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

2. Dove Quench Absolute Shampoo & Conditioner

3. Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner

4. Taliah Waajid Curl Sealer

5.Taliah Waajid Hydrating Curl Shine

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I Call Myself “A Bold Chameleon”

I like to think I’m always evolving my style and not afraid to take chances. I’m not really into following trends. I just dress to my moods, even with my hair and I rock it from there. 

I stay in my lane. I say I am the Queen of Temp Colors and I stay consistent. I don’t stray away from that because that is what I am here to represent.

So you can always expect to see some new color combos from me along with some new product I have discovered to color my hair with. You also will always get some kind of great art on any of my social media because I am a big art lover.

On negativity

To be honest I don’t deal with trolls, online and offline. There will always be some sort of negativity trying to come into your life but I do my best to avoid it at all costs. I get my fair share of rude comments and such but I very seldom ever respond to them. I understand that people are entitled to their own opinions but I don’t have to participate.

What The Next 5 Years Look Like

I see myself at the head of my own Temporary Coloring Company. I will be running “I Rock My Natural Magazine” and channel and having coloring workshops all around the country. I also plan to still be happily in love with my husband and 6 dogs while continuing to come up with new color combos for my curls. Follow me on IG- @NaturallyTash, @IRockMyNatural, @QueenOfTempColors. My Blog is www.irockmynatural.com, and my Facebook is www.facebook.com/irockmynatural. Subscribe to me on Youtube: TashNaturally.