Search Results: Diane Mary

By Diane Mary · Published April 25, 2018

Moisturizers are so important for curly and wavy hair. Our hair is more dry by nature and using products with moisturizing ingredients will help the overall health of our hair, allowing it to look better, feel better and even grow longer. There are several different ways you can use moisturizing products but once you use them regularly, you will feel your hair is softer and more nourished. I like to use them on wet hair before applying gel stylers or oils and then on dry hair every day to put the moisture back in my hair. Moisturizers come in various forms including conditioners, styling butters or even mists. Everyone’s hair favors different moisturizing ingredients.

My hair personally loves Aloe Vera, Shea Butter and Coconut Oil. Because my hair is genetically super dry and also color treated, my hair might require more moisture than others with looser and similar curl patterns. It is all about playing and experimenting with different products to find what works best for you. Here are some of my favorite moisturizing products.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2014 and has been updated due to discontinued products.

Moisturizers for Colored Curls

By Diane Mary · Published April 13, 2018

Should you wash your hair at night, or in the morning? In an ideal world, I would wash my hair in the morning, let my deep conditioner sit for a half-hour, then allow it to air dry, no matter how many hours it would take.

However, unfortunately, that is not realistic for me right now.

So instead, I am currently experimenting with which time of day works better. Here are the pros and cons of washing your hair in the morning versus washing your hair at night.

Morning washing

Many of curlies get excellent Day 1 curls, and washing in the morning allows us take advantage of this. However, if you have to be somewhere and do not have time to air dry your wet hair, then a diffuser is required to speed up drying time. For some, diffusing can cause hair to be a bit frizzier.

Washing in the morning may also mean having to wake up earlier, which is not the best option for those of us who aren’t morning people.

Going outside with freshly wet, washed hair in the winter also doesn’t work for me (since temperatures below freezing may cause hair breakage”>.  If you must wash in the morning and don’t have a lot of time, gently squeezing out excess moisture with a cotton or microfiber towel can help decrease drying time without making hair frizzy.

Night washing

If you get home from your work day early enough, you may be able to wash your hair and have plenty of time to air dry before bed, which can be ideal but is not a realistic scenario for many of us. If not, you are left with the choice to wash and dry right before bed, or go to sleep with wet hair. Sleep drying, as I call it, is risky for me because I toss and turn so much. More often than not, I wake up the next day with curls that are frizzy and super wonky.

More often than not, I wake up the next day with curls that are frizzy and super wonky. 

The other issue with sleep drying is that our hair is so much more susceptible to breakage when wet, so tossing too much can lead to damage, as well as tangles. One method that can help improve the sleep drying process is to overnight plop. Plopping helps the hair dry and set the curls, but tossing and turning too much can cause the plop towel to come off.

Some curlies find washing and diffusing at night to be beneficial because there is not as much mystery involved with waking up. You know what your hair looked like before bed and may just need to touch it up minimally, if at all. Sleeping with hair in a pineapple can help keep the shape of your freshly washed hair. Satin pillowcases and/or satin hair bonnets are good for sleep also regardless of when you wash because they help to keep frizz at bay.

To sum up

As with all steps on the curly hair journey, you will likely have to try both to see which one works for you. If you are not a morning person and don’t achieve good results with a diffuser, then you may want to try washing at night.

If you have time to wash right after work, this gives you time to air dry your hair completely before going to bed.

If you like the way your hair looks best on day 1, then morning washing might be best for you.

I think it’s important to note that most curlies can’t wake up in the morning and walk out the door without touching up their curls at least a little bit. For some curlies that might mean fluffing out their hair after sleeping in a pineapple, for others that might mean re-wetting your hair to bring bounce and definition back to flattened curls.

Morning or night washing–which do you prefer?

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By Diane Mary · Published April 3, 2018

Think about it: you wear your hair every single day and understandably, some of the best products can be quite the investment.

Getty Images

I am a firm believer that we pay for the quality of ingredients inside a product along with its performance. That being said, some of the curly community’s favorites may be a bit out of our budget–but this is still not a reason we cannot buy our more prestige! Read on for our top tips for saving money on hair products.

1. Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite brands.

Often, brands run sales on their sites at least once a year. They usually let their email subscribers know before anyone else! Some brands will even offer a special one-time use code–such as 20% off–just for signing up.

2. Then…sign up for emails from your favorite curly hair site!

Perhaps this is a bit of a shameless plug, but Shop NaturallyCurly has sales a few times a year and they carry so many of our favorite brands! Be alerted first by signing up for their e-mails! Pssst… we have a sale going on right now–check it out.

3. Follow your favorite brands on social media.

This is another way brands tell their customers about the sales. On top of sales, many brands even do giveaways so you could potentially win products for free!

4. Join the NaturallyCurly CurlTalk Swap Boards

If you tried a product that didn’t work for your hair, pass it along to someone else here. You can also score some of your holy grail products that may be slightly used but still in good condition from other curlies who did not have the same luck with them. Check it out here.

5. Join the loyalty club members program.

If you’ve been eyeing that product found at Sephora and Ulta, it pays to sign up for their free loyalty reward membership. Sephora is known to have a sale between 10 and 20% off in the fall and 10% in the spring. Ulta sends out 20% coupons good on all products, including prestige brands (such as DevaCurl and Ouidad”> a few times a year. Add your favorite products to your wish list, and stock up once the sales hit.

6. Start couponing.

Speaking about Ulta, they almost always have a 20% off or $3.50 off $15 coupon floating around. If your favorite products are some drugstore brands, put these coupons to work! The sales happen to work on one popular curly holy grail, SheaMoisture.

7. Look for combo and value sets

Many brands will often group together popular products or products geared towards a hair type or specific performance. This involves a nice amount of savings, so keep an eye out, especially around the holidays.

8. Ask for products as gifts

The combo and value sets mentioned above would make excellent gifts for us curly girls (and guys!”> for any occasion from birthdays to Christmas.

9. Consider super sizes

If you know a product is your ultimate holy grail, consider getting the biggest size there is. Yes, it may be more money at once but with price break down, but from my own observations, the liter-sized bottles will usually save you money over the 8-ounce bottles.

10. Visit rebate sites

Now I’m not about to be shady and give you my personal affiliate links, that wouldn’t be cool and I know it. But certain sites such as MrRebates and Ebates will give you a percentage cash back at hundreds of online stores just by going through their websites first. It often is not a significant amount, but if you shop online a lot it adds up.

There is one warning I must mention…

I do know many curlies look to Amazon and Ebay in hopes of getting their favorites for cheap. However, counterfeit hair products are a real trouble and often the sellers are not authorized to sell these products. You may think, I scored an insanely great deal on my favorite co-wash, but there are no facts of telling what exactly is inside. With that being said, I suggest not buying off of these platforms, but if you really insist on doing so, please make sure the seller has a significant amount of excellent feedback. Check out this video which explains the Hair Product Grey Market better:

How do you save money on hair products?

Let us know in the comments!

And don’t forget to read my latest article, Yes, Girls With Wavy Hair Use Oil – This is Why 

For more follow my blog Diane Mary Beauty and @dianemary126 on Instagram and Twitter.

By Diane Mary · Published March 16, 2018

When learning to care for your curls, it is not uncommon to search for products that are meant for your specific hair type. NaturallyCurly’s typing system is wonderful in helping you learn what kind of textured curls you have and what kind of products and application methods will work best. I am a mix of 2C and 3A (it is perfectly normal for everyone to have multiple types on their head”>. However, through trial, error and tons of experimentation over the years, I found my hair behaves quite differently than most Wavies’. A few examples include that it does not get weighed down super easily, is constantly super dry and loves heavier butters and oils.

In recent months, more and more brands have released products for Type 4 Coily hair types. This is wonderful since every single hair type deserves choices and lines catered to them! The products in these lines are full of rich butters and oils to help Type 4 hair, which can deal with more dryness and be more fragile than other hair types. Now, I’m not about to do an article all about coily hair because it is not my place to do so, but I was curious about what could happen when Type 2C/3A me tried specific products catered towards Type 4 hair. Did they work? Were they too much?

As mentioned earlier, if you are a typical Type 2/Wavy and you get weighed down super easily or your strands are very fine, I don’t suggest giving this a go. But if your hair sounds similar to mine in being super dry, fragile, frizzy, and always wanting more moisture even though your curls are looser, you may benefit from trying some of these products.

Something I noticed across the board with these different brands, is to start off by not using a lot. Less is more as far as the amount of product used, with nearly everything I tried out.

CURLS Cashmere and Caviar Collection

CURLS states, “Strengthen, Restructure & Add Sheen to Stressed and Damaged Coils and Kinks formulated with:

• Certified Organic Cashmere Extract for Uber Soft, Yet Stronger Tresses
• Certified Organic Caviar Extract, Rich in Vitamins A and D + Omega 3, 6 and 9
• Champagne Fruit Extract for Increased Elasticity and Manageability”

Being a big fan of CURLS Blueberry Bliss line and remembering using Curls Cashmere products a few years ago that had some similar ingredients as this new line does, something inside me knew the Cashmere and Caviar Collection would work well for me and wow I was right! I tried the whole collection and enjoyed every single product. Thought the Gelle didn’t have enough hold for post-shower styling, it makes a fantastic styler for me to add back shine and fight frizz on Day 2 and 3. I don’t know that I could select a favorite product from this line because they all performed quite well. I will say, the Hair Silk is another stand out because it is a unique Leave-In as it feels and looks much more like a serum than a leave-in conditioner. My curls drank it up and every time I use it with other products from this line or mixed with other brands, my curls feel extra soft. The Hair Bath has charcoal in it to help really give the scalp and hair a nice cleanse but didn’t leave it stiff feeling at all.

The Mane Choice Type 4 Leaf Clover Collection

The Mane Choice states, “Finally, an advanced hair care system created with highly-texture in mind! Type 4 Leaf Clover collection is a moisture-rich solution designed to help eliminate dryness and minimize breakage that can be associated with highly-textured hair. Our moisturizing complex of clove oil, flaxseed oil, and aloe vera delivers softness, shine, and vitality to moisture-depleted hair. Type 4 Leaf Clover collection is sure to add lasting moisture and softness, improve manageability, and enhance natural texture.“

My hair is so dry and prone to breakage which is why I believe it responded well to the items I tried from this collection. As soon as I read the words “for moisture-depleted hair” in the description, I knew I had to try. I like all of the vitamins, nutrients, and ingredients inside of these products such as Biotin, Vitamin D, E, Flax Seed Oil and Aloe Vera to name a few. The Moisturizing Styling Cream is super thick but soaks into my curls so effortlessly. Of any styling cream I ever tried, this is one where I truly need to use a teeny tiny amount for great results. It made an excellent, richer leave in for me but also added moisture back into Day 2 or 3 when my hair felt extra dry (this cold, cold Winter has done my hair no favors”>. The Leave-In Spray is also excellent on Day 2 or 3 when my curls wanted some moisture back but didn’t need quite as much to go into the Styling Cream. The last product I tried from this collection, the Mask, increased my curl definition and left them so shiny, bouncy and silky. I was more than pleased. This line also has a Shampoo, Conditioner and Gel I did not try yet. I really want to try the Gel but it was out of stock at the Sally Beauty near me. The Mane Choice Type 4 Leaf Clover Collection is another Coily targeted line that gave my waves great results.

My hair after using the new Shea Moisture collection.

Shea Moisture Red Palm Oil and Cocoa Butter Collection

NC Editor Lauren reviewed this collection, and here are her thoughts. “This line focuses on elongating 3C-4C curls and conditioning shrinkage prone strands. It is also sulfate free, completely free of coconut oil, and provides a nice frizz-free finish to all of your styles.“

As a wavy, I do not experience as much shrinkage as my curlier and coilier friends out there, but parts of my hair are curlier than others so I was intrigued to see if elongating products would even everything out a bit. Truthfully, it did not. The curlier parts were still curlier. However, I did like the way the products performed. I used the Styling Gelee on wet curls after leave in but before oil as my styler and it had an excellent amount of hold that left my curls looking defined, shiny and not too frizzy. I also got the Reshaping Shine Butter from this collection. The instructions said to use dry so I used a little amount on Day 2 and it helped calm some frizz and add back shine. The texture of the Shine Butter was surprisingly very gritty, and even when I emulsified it between my palms the little gritty bits didn’t go away. I reached out to the brand to see if this is how the butter was supposed to be or if I just got a bad jar, but they didn’t respond. This line also has a Shampoo, Conditioner and Stretch Pudding I did not try.

Overall, my Type 2c/3a curly waves had great success with the Type 4 products I tried, but again, I don’t consider myself to have the usual characteristics most Type 2 Wavies do.

Have you tried products that are not targeted for your hair type? What were your results?

Leave them in the comments below, but PLEASE remember to be kind.

Editor’s Note: This post was not sponsored or endorsed by any of the above-mentioned brands.

By Diane Mary · Published February 9, 2018

A hair dryer is something curlies just sometimes have to use.

Even though I prefer to air dry my naturally curly waves, since my high porosity, 2C/3A hair takes hours to do so, there are times air drying fully just is not an option.

Enter: Diffusing.

I’ve had my eye on the Dyson Supersonic Dryer ever since it debuted, but $400 for a blow dryer is steep, I get it. Well, I finally managed to get my hands on this coveted hair dryer (using credit card points”>. I’ve been using the dryer with the magnetic diffuser attachment, and I’m here to share my thoughts, and a demo, plus offer some diffusing tips and will talk about a few other less expensive options as well.

The biggest benefit for me when diffusing my curls with a hair dryer is that it is quicker to do so than air drying. Definitely a time saver, especially in the winter when it really is not a good idea to outside with wet hair in temperatures below 50 degrees farenheight, as this can actually cause hair damage. Additionally, when I do diffuse, my curls sometimes look bouncier. Of course, since my curls are fragile and I want to protect them from heat, I will never diffuse without a heat protector. My Holy Grail that I ALWAYS reach for is the Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection and Heat Protectant Creme. Aside from being silicone and paraben free, it smells amazing, protects the hair while strengthening and adds shine!

So back to the Dyson Dryer. According to the brand, these are the key benefits and features of the Dyson SuperSonic dryer:

• Dries hair faster
• Intelligent heat control prevents damage
• Promotes smooth, shiny hair
• Ergonomically balanced
• Prevents extreme heat damage: air temperature is measured 20 times every second, keeping the temperature under control.
• Cool to touch: tired of grabbing a hot blow dryer accidentally? With heat shield technology, the surfaces of the attachments don’t get too hot, even during close-up styling.
• Acoustically tuned: the powerful motor is tuned to be quieter than you’d think.
• Precise speed and heat settings: delivers fast drying and styling, regular drying, and gentle drying with a constant cool flow.
• Easy to clean: simply twist and release to clean the filter.
• Negative ions: eliminate static.

The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer has three different airflow settings as well as four heat settings, including a constant cold mode.

I usually leave it on the highest airflow and lowest heat setting; I don’t want the air flow to be too hot and torch my hair. Something good to remember is that if the air is too hot for your skin, it is also too hot for your hair. I also always finish up using the cold air flow. This helps seal the cuticle and manage frizz.

My favorite thing about the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is how it truly did cut my drying time down significantly.

My hair takes hours upon hours to air dry, and normal diffusing takes a good 45 minutes. With this dryer, I can be done anywhere from 14 to 23 minutes, which for me is unheard of! Saving time in my hair routine is worth every penny. I also got the dryer for a lot less than the retail price by purchasing it from Ulta Beauty and using Ulta Rewards points I saved up for quite some time.

My top diffusing tips for wavy and curly hair

I’m a regular curly-haired girl, not a licensed or professional stylist, so by no stretch of the imagination do I consider myself an expert in diffusing. I’m still learning and practicing, plus as previously mentioned, air drying is my go-to. Usually, my hair comes out a lot frizzier and poufier when I diffuse, but I’ve managed to fix that a bit with practice and persistence.

1. Hold the diffuser still over each section you are drying rather than moving it quickly back and forth.
2. Move the dryer every few seconds so no area of hair gets too hot.
3. Never ever use the hottest heat setting, even if it could dry hair even faster. It is not worth the damage.
4. Always finish on the cold setting to help with frizz and add shine.
5. If you want volume, diffuse with your head upside down. (Note: the author does not like too much volume in her hair, which is why she doesn’t do this”>

Here is my full review and demo using the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer.

Cheaper alternatives

If you are looking for a hair dryer or diffuser and do not want to try the Dyson Supersonic — hey, I get it — here are some other dryers and diffusers that are very popular in the curly community:

• Devacurl DevaDryer and DevaFuser is actually my second favorite dryer and diffuser combo. They also do an excellent job at drying my curls and giving bounce but this dryer does take longer for me than the Dyson does. I do love the DevaFuser, though. The unique hand shape helps to get in my roots and cause absolute minimal frizz. I wish there was a way to get this diffuser to stay on the Dyson Dryer. That would be amazing.
• Xtava Black Orchid Diffuser has longer prongs than most bowl diffusers I have seen. My friend Nico (@_nicurly on Instagram — he has amazing curls”> says that this bowl shaped diffuser is good for longer hair because it gets a lot of hair dry at once and also helps with volume.
• A strainer is something most of us have in the kitchen, and curlies have found that it performs the job of a diffuser really well. It’s free, accessible, and some even find that it dries their hair faster than a traditional diffuser.
• The Curly Co. Collaspsible Diffuser is excellent at adding more bounce to curls according to Nico, but it can also take away some volume. The prongs on this diffuser are significantly sorter than the ones on the Dyson Diffuser and Black Orchid. The fact that it is made of soft, collapsible rubber makes this a space-saver and a good option for traveling with.

Overall, I do find the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer to be worth the investment for the time it saves me when I need to blow dry my hair, but I understand not everyone can spend that amount on a blow dryer.

Editor’s Note: of this list, the only other one the author has tried is the DevaFuser

Have you tried this dryer?

Do you have a less expensive dryer that works well for you? What are your best diffusing tips? Comment below — but please be nice and respectful!

Disclaimer: this article was not sponsored by Dyson.

Follow Diane Mary on Instagram @dianemary126 for more wavy and curly hair tips and product recommendations

By Diane Mary · Published February 7, 2018

What is the CG Method?

This is short for “The Curly Girl Method” which is also referred to as “The No Poo Method.” It originated years ago in a book written by Lorraine Massey (also the creator of the Devacurl line”> called Curly Girl: The Handbook. The book helps people embrace their natural texture and explains a new and revolutionary routine to get healthy, well-behaved waves, curls and coils. 

There are essentially three main “rules” to the CG method: No poo/sulfates, no silicones, and no heat.

What are the Curly Girl Method benefits?

Less damage, less frizz, better curl definition, better manageability, softer hair and the potential to grow even longer hair for starters! Please keep in mind, everyone’s hair is different so of course it may take some trial, error and experimentation for you to get the Curly Girl method down pat and figure out exactly which was it works for you. But I promise once you do, consistent good hair days and an increase in confidence will make it all worth your while.

“You’d never dream of washing a good sweater with detergent. Yet most shampoos contain harsh detergents (sodium lauryl sulfate or laureth sulfate”> that one also finds in dish washing liquid. They’re great for pots and pans because they cut grease so effectively. Your hair on the other hand, needs to retain some natural oils, which protect your hair and scalp. Stripping them away deprives the hair of necessary moisture and amino acids and makes it look dry and dull.” -Lorraine Massey

No shampoo

No poo means not using traditional shampoos full of sulfates. Why? Sulfates are very harsh. They strip the hair of its natural oils causing it to be extremely dry. Because textured hair is porous, it is virtually impossible to rinse out all traces of shampoo and that leftover residue can contribute to frizz. It is highly recommended before starting the CG method to clean your hair one final time with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product build up, residue, and non-water soluble silicones that were living in your hair so you can truly start with a clean slate.

The Curly Girl Method suggests cleansing hair with a “Conditioner Wash”, also known as a “Co-Wash” or “Cleansing Conditioner”. Most conditioners contain mild surfactants that, paired up with a little manual friction, are capable of lifting off dirt, debris and excess oil from the scalp and hair.

Consider these ingredients while selecting your no-poo (or co-wash”>:

• Natural Emollients–which soften, smooth the hair and give it shine. Natural oils and butters are excellent options.
• Proteins–these will temporarily repair damaged hair and protect it. Note that some people’s hair are protein sensitive and the protein can build up. Usually the healthier the hair, the less protein you need. If you happen to be protein sensitiv, make sure to use a protein-free conditioner. Otherwise look for a conditioner with protein. Examples of proteins include silk, soy, wheat, keratin or individual amino acids (components of proteins”>.
• Humectants–which absorb water and hold in moisture. They are absolutely crucial in a conditioner for curly hair. Panthenol, vegetable glycerin, sorbitol and honey are just a few humectants to look for on the label. Moisturizers soften and control to curly hair. Amino acids and aloe vera are two great moisturizers. 

No Silicones

There is great debate as to whether silicones are beneficial for hair or not. As far as the CG method is concerned, they are bad and should be avoided. Aside from silicones, the CG method also says to avoid waxes, non-natural oils, or any other non-soluble ingredients in your conditioners and any styling products. Most silicones can only be removed with shampoos that contain harsh sulfates. This is why they can be a problem. Avoiding such ingredients is essential so they do not build up on your hair which can lead to frizz and added dryness.

How do you identify silicones?

A silicone is any ingredient that ends with the suffixes -one, -conol, or -xane. However, sometimes you may see “PEG-” in front of the silicone, in which case they are water soluble and will not build up on the hair. Example: Dimethicone is non water soluble and will cause build uo. PEG-Dimethicone is water soluble and alright. Waxes are easily identified because they have “wax” in the ingredient name (usually”>.

You also want to avoid drying alcohols, if at all possible, in your conditioners and stylers. Drying alcohols are commonly found in conditioners, leave in conditioners, gels, mousses, and hairsprays as fillers. For products that you are going to rinse out, this is not as big of a deal, but for products that are going to sit in your hair all day, or for several days, they should not contain drying alcohols. There are also moisturizing or fatty alcohols however, that sound similar, so be sure not to confuse those with drying alcohols.

No Heat

When following the CG Method, it is best to avoid heat styling tools. That being said, if it is the middle of winter and freezing, by all means do not go outside with your hair wet! There is a proper way to blow dry hair and that is with an attached diffuser which spreads the heat more evenly on the curls.

It is highly encouraged to let your hair air dry naturally as often as possible on the CG method. This is easier to do in the warmer months. You do not want to direct blow dryer air directly on one spot of your hair for any length of time and do not use any styling irons such as flat irons and curling irons. Doing so will cause severe damage to your hair. Ms. Massey affectionately refers to blow drying as “blow frying” because you are frying your tresses.

Some other things to consider with The Curly Girl Method

• More Frizz – Some people may experience more frizz at the beginning of the Curly Girl Method than before. This is because your hair is finally able to “breathe” and is not trapped under silicones and bad stylers. With proper use of co-washes, hydrating conditioners and silicone free stylers, it should subside within a few weeks.
• Mushy Hair – If your hair feels mushy, soft, and frizzy, you probably have over conditioned hair. While curly hair tends to be dry and need a lot of moisture, some products can overload hair, especially if it is fine or less dry. If this happens, clarify with a sulfate free shampoo and using lighter conditioners and moisturizers on your hair. Make sure not to deep condition too often.
• Seasonal Care – Different seasons call for different care methods. In the summer, use more liquid-based products so you do not suffocate the hair. Leave less conditioner or leave-in cream in your hair to prevent frizz and increase definition. In the winter, it is the opposite. Use a heavier, creamier products and more conditioner or leave-in to combat dry, wintry air.

Not everyone follows the Curly Girl Method 100% all the time. Not even me. I consider myself to be “mod CG” or “modified CG” meaning while I use the Curly Girl method as a base, I may wind up using products with castor oil or a non water soluble silicone for product testing purposes. And it’s okay. Over the years though I have learned that, for me personally, following the CG method as close as possible makes my hair its happiest. The biggest thing for me is avoiding sulfates because they do dry my hair out terribly. But my hair is longer than it has even been thanks to it not breaking off from excessive flat ironing and being properly hydrated. When I am strict about avoiding cones, I notice my 2c/3a curly wave definition is increased and frizz is decreased.

If you decide to try the CG Method (or even take some principles of it”>, let us at NaturallyCurly know how it works out for you.

By Diane Mary · Published December 22, 2017

I was so fortunate to be asked by Michelle Breyer to be part of her book, “The Curly Revolution: Inspiring Stories and Practical Advice from the NaturallyCurly Community.”

Not only was I included in the book, she even put me on the cover! What a true honor. The photo shoot for that book was from September 2016 and now, December 2017 my hair has grown significantly, and even got curlier. I wanted to take time to talk about my updated healthy hair regimen.

At this point, I have not colored or bleached my hair in almost three years.

As I was quoted in the book, the bleach truly damaged my hair causing terrible breakage. It will be three years since I last dyed my hair in February 2018. I didn’t realize it when my hair was colored, but the damage that was done negatively affected my curl pattern. While I’m not saying no curly girl should ever dye their hair, make sure you go to a curl professional who knows what they are doing. Additionally, my whole life, my hair does seem to increase in curl as it grows longer.

Since the Curl Revolution shoot, my routine and favorite products have both changed. I now follow the Curly Girl Method using no sulfates or silicones in products at all. Not only has this helped my 2C/3A waves become curlier and defined as well as more manageable, I also think this, along with daily scalp massage with oil has helped my hair grow to the maximum potential each month.

I absolutely love using DevaCurl products now.

Many of their stylers have become “holy grails” including Arch Angel Gel, B’Leave In and Mirror Curls. Their Deep Sea Repair and Melt Into Moisture treatment masks that were released this year have also become my hair’s best friends. I like mixing both of them together for the perfect combination of strength and moisture Other lines I reach for regularly that do not let me down include Raw Curls, CurlSmith and Briogeo. There is also this new refreshing spray, Witch I Love Your Hair, that is a combination of lavender, peppermint, rosemary, castor and argan oils with water. There are real quartz crystals inside the bottle — instead of preservatives — to mix the oils and water together. I love massaging the spray into my scalp to stimulate growth as well as refreshing day 2 or 3 hair. This spray also has uplifting aromatherapy benefits — and it smells amazing!

How I keep my curls in shape:

Here are some regular habits I practice to keep my hair in tip top shape.

• I take a hair vitamin to help compliment a healthy diet. For the past few months I’ve been using CURLS Blissful Lengths Vitamins since the body actually absorbs more liquid than pill form.
• I sleep on a satin pillowcase with my hair in a loose pineapple on top of my head to help prevent friction that can cause frizz, split ends and tangles.
• I wash my hair two to three times a week and use a deep treatment each wash. I add heat to the deep treatment once a week for the treatment to penetrate deeper. I alternate between a co-wash and sulfate-free shampoo each wash.
• I do a hard protein treatment every six weeks. I really like the ApHogee 2 Step Protein Treatment for this, but use a Curly Girl Method-friendly conditioner since their brand has silicones.
• On the days I don’t wash my hair, I use the refreshing spray mentioned above as well as a cream or leave-in conditioner to add more moisture to my dry, high porosity hair especially now that the weather is so cold and dry in Winter.
• I go for regular trims three to four times a year. I love going to the Devachan Salon in NYC! I used to always get my curls cut wet and although those cuts were good, I like getting my curls cut on dry hair a lot better. Regular trims are essential for preventing traveling split ends up the hair shaft.
• I use essential oils for scalp massages almost every day to help keep my scalp healthy and stimulate hair growth.
• I apply styling products on my hair the way LaToya at the Devachan Salon taught me. You can see a video on how I do this here .

• I air dry my hair as much as possible. If I do have to diffuse, I make sure to use a silicone-free heat protector. The best one I found is Briogeo Rosarco Blow Dry Perfection and Heat Protectant Creme. I also do not go out of the house with wet hair if it is below 50 degrees, as I learned that this can also lead to breakage.

The biggest takeaway from my updated curly routine?

Overall, I definitely think my healthy hair is just getting better and better as the months progress. It is growing in healthy and I look forward to having mermaid length hair again hopefully in a year or so.

Follow me on Instagram at @dianemary126, on my blog, Diane Mary Beauty, and on my newly relaunched YouTube Channel!

Need more wavy curly hair advice?

Read 3 Things a Curly Girl Should Never Do

By Diane Mary · Published October 10, 2017

Oh Summertime! The beach, the pool, the warm weather, the…frizz!!! As the temperature rises, my curl definition increases which is great but with it comes a side of frizz and extra puffiness I am not all too fond of! But good news!! You don’t have to let your hair take control of your life in the Summer. Here are several tips and tricks that have helped my friends Sarah and Katherine and myself battle the heat so we can enjoy the season without hair worries!

1. Cold Rinse

Do a final rinse with cold water in the shower. Brrrr. Yes I know. But rinsing with cold water will help tame frizz and provide some extra shine by closing the hair cuticle quickly.

2. Styling Products

Now is the time you might need to add an additional styling product to your routine for frizz or switch out some styling products to others that are true frizz fighters. Depending on your hair porosity, you might benefit from adding in humectants this time of year. I also notice in Summer I use more of the amount of gels as I would in the winter to help insure it stands up against the Summer elements.

Some of my styling products picks include:

Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper

I have been using this under various gels for several Summers now and the addition of this product vs not using it helps cut frizz for me drastically. It is super lightweight and doesn’t build up.

Jessicurl Spiralicious

This has been my favorite gel throughout the winter and I am finding it does just as good of a job in Summer providing me with nice curl definition and minimal frizz.

Zotos Professional All About Curls High Definition Gel

Another favorite gel. This is strong hold and I like that this gel forms a cast so on days when it is extra humid I don’t need to break the cast up and have a pretty, “just got back from the beach” look without frizz.

Original Moxie Hold Up Defining Serum

This product is brand new but I am hooked on what it’s done for me in the humid days we had so far. It is silicone free and enriched with plant botanicals such as quinoa protein. I have been having the best day 1 hair with this stuff and even my days 2 and 3 are great. Less puff, less frizz and added shine + curl definition. I can actually use this alone without a gel too! What’s not to love?

3. Sun Protection

Protect your hair from the elements! Especially if you color your hair but even if your hair is it’s natural color, you don’t want sun, wind, ocean water or chlorine to damage your tresses. You can wear a cute hat or scarf to conceal your hair from the sun and wind. Or, keep a spray in your bag that provides UV protection with additional moisturizing properties.

My two picks:

Living Proof Restore Revitalizing Spray

This spray protects hair from UV rays for up to 24 hours and adds a nice amount of shine in my hair. It is so lightweight, I can reapply every day and not get any buildup.

Ouidad Sun Shield Sun & Sport Leave In Conditioner

This has been a Holy Grail product in Summer for me for YEARS! It contains UV blockers, plus amino acids and moisturizers to really “shield” your hair from Summer elements. I will not be at the beach without this in my beach bag. Aside from making sure my hair color does not fade in the sun, I find this product really helps to detangle my hair if I get caught in too many ocean waves.

4. Deep Condition!!

Aside from doing regular deep conditioning treatments, if you are going to be in the sun and don’t want to wear a hat, let the sun work for your hair! Applying deep conditioners will let the sun help penetrate them making them even more reparative and beneficial, rather than just being out the sun causing damage on your hair. Also, applying deep conditioner to your hair before going swimming in the ocean or a pool, your hair will absorb the deep conditioner and not take in as much of the chlorine or salt water that can dry the hair out and mess with color.

Bonus: Add honey to your deep conditioner. This can add additional shine and moisturizing benefits. But be careful if you are blonde because too much honey can cause unwanted brassiness!

5. Shampoo

As curlies, I know some of us are scared of shampoos and might solely depend on co-washes. But this season is a good time to use a nice sulfate free shampoo or sulfate free clarifying shampoo. It will just make sure any chlorine, excess sweat, sand, etc will be all rinsed from your hair. I personally will shampoo every time I swim, and I make sure to use a deep conditioner after. I don’t rinse the deep conditioner out in the summer at all.

My two sulfate free clarifying shampoos are Pureology Purify and Ouidad Superfruit Renewal.

6. Prevent Tangles

When I go to the beach, water park or pool, if I leave my hair down and loose it can tangle so easily between the wind and water. I like to braid my hair in 2 simple braids to help prevent tangles. You can do any kind of braid you like, a french braid would be even more secure. I also carry a wide tooth comb and will gently comb my hair out while applying more conditioner or UV spray a couple of times during the day. Make sure you start detangling from the bottom and work your way up to prevent breakage.

By Diane Mary · Published October 10, 2017

Dyeing our hair different colors is a fun way to experiment with our look. But sometimes, we may not fall in love with the color we wanted or it doesn’t turn out quite like what we hoped for! Before you label your new hair color a disaster, there are a few different ways you can remove hair dye at home. Sure, you can always go buy a “hair dye removal” kit, but those are full of chemicals and can lead to really bad damage to your precious locks. “Shopping” your kitchen to remove the hair dye is a safer and more gentle alternative.

Bonus…these options are inexpensive and safe for the environment!

1. Baking Soda

This is a gradual process and may not give instant results, but you can safely repeat it until you reached your desire goal and not have to worry about damage.

Directions

1. Mix the baking soda with your favorite shampoo (If you use a clarifying shampoo, that would be especially good. My favorite is the Ouidad Clarifying Shampoo“>
2. Use approximately 1 tablespoon of baking soda mixed with 1 tablespoon of your shampoo (depending on the thickness of your hair”>.
3. Lather the mix into your hair and scalp; let it sit for a couple minutes then rinse.

The baking soda will help lighten your hair and won’t remove the dye completely after the first try. Wait a few days and repeat the process as needed.

2. Vitamin C

This is probably the safest and most non-abrasive option for people who have dyed their hair a particularly dark color and would like to remove it quickly.

This method for removing hair dye works best if the Vitamin C paste is applied only after a few days from the time you originally dyed your hair. Though, it will show decent results later on as well – just don’t expect magic.

Directions

1. Crush a handful of Vitamin C tablets in a bowl.
2. Add some hot water till it creates a a thick paste.
3. Apply it to your wet hair and leave it on for about an hour before rinsing out.

Optional

• Add some shampoo into the mix if you want some extra lather.
• Place a plastic bag or shower cap around your hair to help the mixture penetrate your hair strands more effectively.

3. White Vinegar

You should use plain white vinegar for this method. The acidity of the vinegar will help remove the dye from your hair without damaging your scalp like some expensive hair products can do. It is also a safer and more natural way to go about removing hair dye, just like Vitamin C and Baking Soda!

Directions

1. Saturate your hair with a mixture of half warm water and half vinegar
2. Cover your hair with a shower cap (or plastic bag”> for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Wash your hair and rinse clean.

You should notice a difference in the shade of your hair afterward when you remove hair dye with vinegar.

Not only does removing hair dye at home save your hair from excess damage, it will also save you some money as opposed to buying an expensive kit or going back to the salon! After removing dye with any of the above methods, I suggest using a good deep treatment to help add moisture and strength back into your hair as well.

My favorite deep treatments

• Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Mask
• SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Masque
• Living Proof Restore Treatment Mask

By Diane Mary · Published October 10, 2017

Ever since Elsa from Frozen came around more and more people have been wanting to have that beautiful ice queen hair for themselves.

If you are considering hopping on the platinum hue bandwagon, know what you are getting yourself into, first. As a wavy curly girl who had almost platinum blonde hair for over a year, although the color looks absolutely stunning, it is incredibly high maintenance–especially for curlies. 

1. Don’t do it on your own.

Go to a salon. Yes, it will be more expensive. But a professional colorist can help preserve the integrity of your hair. With bleach and high lift color especially, overlapping previous dyed sections or previously damaged hair will lead to a breakage disaster.

Don’t attempt to go Platinum without Olaplex. If I can go back in time, just over a year, Olaplex would have been around before I decided to go lighter with my hair!!! Olaplex gets added to the bleach and helps rebuild the bonds in the hair so your hair stays softer, healthier and you get minimum breakage from the harsh color service. It does cost a little more, but it is worth every single penny. It can save your hair. If you don’t believe me check out the before and afters with Olaplex from ThatBlondeGirlMandie on Youtube. I’m convinced my hair never would have broken the way it did had Olaplex been known when I colored.

2. Be ready to get even crazier about ingredients and regimen.

Platinum and all blonde hair can get brassy easily. Certain natural ingredients have some incredible benefits for the hair and others can actually attribute to brassiness and darker hair. Hibiscus, Neem and Amla are just a few. Applying pure Argan Oil which is high in vitamin E and great for hair elasticity can also unwillingly turn ice blondes darker too. Also, using hair creams and gels can make the hair appear a bit darker than it actually is, even if it doesn’t permanently stain it. Sun exposure and hard water can also make blonde hair brassy. I used hair products with a UV filter when outside like Living Proof Restore Spray. Consider getting a shower filter if you live in a hard water area to help keep your Platinum true and worth it. Sleep on a satin pillowcase. Most naturally curlies are doing this already, but now it is extra important. Satin pillowcases will help prevent frizz and help friction while you sleep. 

3. Your hair is going to be super dry.

Bleached hair is usually super dry on its own, so bleached curly hair…you get the idea. Forget about rinse out conditioners because they will probably do nothing for your hair. Use a deep conditioner every single time you wash, leaving it in as long as possible. A deep conditioner with both moisture and protein will be ideal because with the bleaching to get to platinum also comes protein loss. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair and Living Proof Restore Treatment were and still are 2 of my favorite masks. Add moisture to your hair, even on the days you don’t wash it! I still add a moisturizing spray to my hair daily, sometimes twice a day. Platinum hair will soak up moisture and really needs a lot of it to say hydrated–I’ve been obsessed with the Mirabelle Plum refreshing spray from Carol’s Daughter and the Wen Replenishing Treatment Mists, especially the 613 one because it has added amino acids.

4. Expect frequent touch-ups.

Platinum hair with dark roots is actually a trend within itself, but if you can’t stand the look of grown in roots, expect to be at the salon every few weeks. The lighter the hair is dyed, the quicker your roots will be noticeable.

You may not get to platinum in one sitting. Especially if you are starting off with a darker base color. Remember, achieving platinum hair is quite damaging. It is far better to do it gradually rather than to in a single session–your hair will likely suffer.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JARED LETO’S INSTAGRAM

5. Use a blue or purple shampoo and/or conditioner.

6. Take extra precaution with heat tools.

Heat tools are damaging to all hair, but for Platinum and lighter blonde hair especially and even more so with platinum textures hair because it is already so delicate. If you really have to use heat, don’t even consider not using heat protectant spray with it.

7. Going platinum may alter your curl pattern.

8. Breakage might be your reality.

I know I mentioned this already, but it is worth mentioning again. Going platinum will lead to breakage if you hair is not at its healthiest state beforehand. I sadly learned this the hard way. My hair would still be super light blonde now if my strands would have been able to handle it better.

In conclusion, the color of platinum hair is gorgeous. It is breathtaking, especially on textured hair. Platinum and light blonde curls have their own set of extra issues, as the hair becomes super fragile. Remember, it is extremely high maintenance to care for. Make sure you are willing to go the extra mile for your hair care; keep your hair is healthy before heading over to the lighter side.

By Diane Mary · Published October 10, 2017

Image: Getty Images

The use of humectants and knowing the dew point of the day can reflect on what kind of hair day you will have. Understanding them can certainly help lead to more consistent good hair days- something we all want! If you hear the terms “Humectant” and “Dew Points” and are unsure of what they mean or how they relate to your hair, my hopes is this article will help clear that up for you. 

So, what exactly is a humectant?

A humectant absorbs moisture and keeps a moisture balance in the hair and skin. Humectants will search for moisture in your own hair too. Therefore, in areas where it may be hot, but dry, these products may actually do more bad than good. In the right condition, humectantsare materials used in products to moisturize dry or damaged hair.  They promote moisture retention by attracting water molecules from the local environment and binding them to specific sites along their structure.   

A humectant absorbs moisture and keeps a moisture balance in the hair and skin.

Are Humectants Good or Bad?

Both. It completely depends on the situation. Here are 2 situation humectants are not your friend:

• BAD: In areas where the moisture and humidity is very high, like areas that are wet such as down in Florida for example, combined with the heat of the summer, humectants can overdo their job by absorbing so much moisture that the hair becomes “bloated.” This leads to puffy, frizzy hair, instead of well defined curls and waves. Generally speaking, higher your hair porosity, the more you may suffer from this.
• BAD: On the opposite end of the spectrum, when there is extremely low humidity conditions, humectants can actually draw water away from the hair shaft causing dryness and breakage! 

So when can a humectant be your hair’s bestie?

• GOOD: Given the ideal dew point outside, the use of humectants can help hair stay bouncy and retain the curl. Using humectants can also make hair feel softer, more elastic and less brittle and also protect hair from dry weather and wind.

Dew Points

Understanding dew points can be a deciding factor in figuring out when to use humectants and when to avoid them.

The definition of dew point: the temperature at which a vapor (as water”> begins or would begin to condense.

Please note: this is referring to degrees in terms of the dew point, not how hot or cold it is.

Different Dew Point Levels

Dry Dew Point: 15-30 degrees (-1 C”>

• Typically the winter months.
• Avoid humectants.
• Use leave in conditioners.
• Use light hold products.
• Use plenty of emollients (moisturizing oils, butters”>.

Mid-Range Dew Point: 30-40 degrees (-1 to 4 C”>

• In  between seasons, this will require trial and error to see what your hair likes.
• Some curls tolerate humectants in this range, some don’t.
• Use emollients.

Best Dew Point for Curls: 40-60 degrees (4 to 16 C”>

• You will enjoy the best curls at this dew point.
• Keep your hair moisturized.
• Humectants can be used.
• Use emollients.

High Dew Point: 60 (16C “> +

• May skip a leave in conditioner.
• Hard hold products like gels. You will want to control your hair.
• May want to avoid humectants.
• Use emollients.

We wish there was a magical mathematical formula to tell you exactly which ingredients to use in which temperature and humidity conditions. The best we can do is provide you with some loose recommendations on that topic. As always, you will need to do some experimentation with your own hair to find the combination of conditions and product that give the results you prefer.

If the dew point is below 35°F or so, the moisture content in the air is sufficiently low that a humectant applied to your hair might be irresistibly drawn to the moisture in your hair and make every attempt to steal it from you (by drawing it out of your hair and binding it to itself”>. This can result in dry, fly-away hair, split ends, and broken strands.

This effect can often be compensated for by using plenty of moisturizing products, not over-drying your hair (leave it somewhat moist after washing”>, and layering leave-in conditioners with humectant-containing styling product.

Curly hair seems to really thrive in moderate climactic conditions, and dew point ranges of approximately 35°F to 50°F seem to be optimal. In this type of weather, most curlies find that they can get really pleasant results by using products that contain some humectants. There is just enough moisture in the air that the humectants can grab a little from the environment, which can enhance the curl and create a bouncy feeling to the hair.

PICTURED: WRITER DIANE MARY

When the dew point for your area is at 60°F or above, it might be a good idea to apply some product with anti-humectant properties. These products will seal the hair shaft, flatten the cuticle and prevent atmospheric moisture from absorbing into the interior of your strands. Most of these products will contain ingredients that are water insoluble. However, many of these products contain ingredients which are easily removed with an extremely mild shampoo or perhaps even a thorough conditioner wash.

The key to having the best curls in any weather is to have extremely well-hydrated and moisturized hair. This will protect your hair from losing too much moisture in dry weather, and it will prevent your hair from absorbing excess moisture in humid conditions. Another important factor is the overall condition of your hair. Hair that is damaged will necessarily be more porous, and thus more susceptible to climactic conditions. Smooth strands with a sealed, flat cuticle layer will be naturally more impervious to atmospheric conditions as well.

Common Humectants

• Glycerin
• Propylene Glycol
• Honey
• Agave nectar
• Sorbitol
• Sodium PCA
• Panthenol
• Hydrolyzed silk protein
• Fructose

Once you understand your climate, the weather and what your hair likes and dislikes, it will help lead to better hair days by knowing when to use products with certain humectant or anti-humectant ingredients inside. As the seasons change, so will your hair needs which is why a variety of products based on the weather is good to have. If you buy a new product and you dislike it in the Winter, you may want to shelve it and give it a try in summer where it could become a “Seasonal Holy Grail”.

For more information on Dew Points & Humectants, be sure to check out curly-wavy vlogger Waterlily716‘s video:

This article was originally published in July 2013 and has been updated for clarity and updated information.

By Diane Mary · Published October 10, 2017

As the temperature drops, and our long, sun-filled, beach days are a distant memory, this time of year brings on new challenges that most wavy-curly haired people have to battle.

Image:@curlywhirlyred

This season, our biggest concern becomes how to maintain moisture while the air is dry. With a few tweaks, the right products, and a good routine, your hair can survive the long, dark winter season as we count down the days ‘til spring.

1. Deep condition, a lot

This is one of the most important tips. Fortifying your hair with nutrients, moisture, and protein if you are not protein sensitive, helps prevent breakage and brittleness, and it keeps our waves hydrated.

These things are essential to have healthy hair year-round, but in the warmer months, I can get away with deep conditioning less often, usually once a week. However, as it gets colder, I will use a deep conditioner every single wash, usually two to three times a week since my waves are so prone to dryness.

My picks:DevaCurl Heaven In Hair Treatment and Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Masque

2. Welcome steam into your routine

Steam is essentially moist water, and water gives hair moisture, so this is especially important with the dry, humidity-lacking winter air.

Add steam to a deep conditioner so that it penetrates deeper. Another option is using steam with either a leave-in, or moisturizing cream on second and third day hair, because it will hydrate the hair, while revitalizing droopy waves. Steaming to refresh winter hair may even extend your wash day too.

My pick: Q-Redew Portable Hair Steamer

3. Seal your ends

Some wavies such as myself like to do the LCO Method (leave in, cream, oil”> year-round. If you usually do not seal your hair with an oil, this season is an excellent time to start.

By sealing the hair with an oil, you are locking in the moisturizing properties of the conditioner and styling products underneath, as well as keeping out the outside elements, like the dry air, from the environment, or indoor heaters.

My picks: Ouidad Mongongo Oil, Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil

4. Temporarily shelve your humectant-filled products

Humectant ingredients including honey, wheat protein, fructose, sorbitol, glycerin and panthenol are great in the summer, and help to moisturize your hair by taking it from air all-around. However, they tend to do the opposite to our natural waves in the wintertime, drawing moisture out from your already dry hair, making it even drier and more prone to breakage, split ends and flyaways.

5. Co-wash, co-wash, co-wash

Even our wavy-curly hair needs as much moisture as possible. Now is the time of year to make the most of your co-wash, AKA cleansing conditioner. Since it contains no sulfates or lathering detergents at all, it helps our hair remain at max hydration levels as it cleanses.

If you do use products with heavy silicones or waxes, shampoo once in a while, but I will still suggest coating the length of your texture with a co-wash first. This way, the shampoo just cleanses the scalp. If you follow the Curly Girl Method or use all-natural products only, using only a co-wash in the colder months should work well.

My picks: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioner Cleanser, and DevaCurl No-Poo Original.

To sum it up

These are just some tips to help winterize your wavy-curly hair routine during the colder months. If you have any tips of your own, please feel free to leave them in the comments!

By Diane Mary · Published June 1, 2017

My current stash.

Leave-in conditioners are a staple in any hair care regimen. For those of us with naturally wavy hair, they are essential to helping reduce frizz, maintain moisture, and prime the hair for a gel or other styler to follow. Based on the density, dryness of your hair and desired results, the thickness of your ideal leave-in can range from super lightweight for low density waves to rich and concentrated for dry, frizzy hair (such as my own”>.

Leave-ins have their own products as is, but through the years, I have found some rinse-out conditioners that double as excellent leave-ins as well.

Here are some of my current favorite leave-ins for wavy hair. Side note: I have used all of these on second or third-day hair to add moisture back into my hair that may have got dry or frizzy, which they worked excellently on. A multi-tasking leave-in conditioner is key.

Raw Curls Wavy Swavy Conditioner

This is a rinse out conditioner, but it does an excellent job to really bring out the curl definition, add enough moisture without being too much, and has a nice long list of beneficial organic oils that treat the hair making it stronger and softer with continued use.

DevaCurl One Condition Delight

One other regular conditioner that makes the list for excellent leave-ins. This light, moisturizing formula makes detangling a breeze and is made with rice proteins, lotus flower and a chia-flaxseed blend, to fights frizz and hydrate the hair weightlessly.

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme

Aside from the awesomely unique, fresh scent, this leave-in has a nice amount of amino acids and proteins to strengthen and repair damaged hair while encouraging curls to form and frizz to vanish.

Up North Naturals Go-2 Leave In Hair Milk

This product is rich and moisturizing. Aside from leaving hair soft and defined, it gives wavy hair a gorgeous amount of shine! A little goes a long way with this one.

Inahsi Aloe Hibiscus Leave-In Conditioner and Detangler

If your hair is on the extremely dry side, this is a must-try. The tropical fruit scented leave-in is super moisturizing like a much needed drink of water for super thirsty hair. Ingredients such as aloe vera, panthenol, coconut, avocado oil and ayurvedic herbs leaves hair soft, strong, and sleek while fighting unwanted volume and frizz.

Jane Carter Solution Curls to Go Un-Tangle Me Leave-In Conditioner

Un-Tangle Me is really lightweight, so if your hair gets weighed down easily this one may be a winner for you! It has a delicious fruity-floral scent with excellent slip.

Original Moxie Everyday Leave-In Detangling Conditioner

The omega-enriched shea butter and pumpkin seed oil in this formula keeps wavy-curly hair soft and hydrated while making detangling easy.

Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner

This lightweight formula creates a “moisture foundation” to prep waves for styling products to follow. Prickly pear cactus extract draws moisture from the air, sealing it in for superior conditioning. Additionally, antioxidants green tea and vitamin B5 protect hair while promoting shine; arnica extract creates long-lasting hydration by sealing the cuticle layer to prevent frizz as well.

Innersense Organics Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner

This herbal scented spray is lightweight and full of beneficial hair nutrients from herbs and flowers to help to hydrate and add shine to dry locks without being too heavy.

What are some of your favorite leave-ins?

Read My Inahsi Naturals Review for Wavy Hair

For more check out my blog Diane Mary Beauty and follow me on Instagram @Dianemary126

By Diane Mary · Published May 29, 2017

Although the warm weather humidity always effortlessly adds in nice definition to my curly-wavy hair, when I really want my hair to be the curliest it can be, a curl definer is essential.

iStockphoto.com / Oleh_Slobodeniuk

Curl definers come in various forms, from a spray to a gel to a cream. Sometimes they are built into gels or other styling products, in which case layering a curl definer isn’t necessary. However, there are also standalone definers that may be an extra step, but the definition and added benefits they provide make it worth it. Below are some of my personal curly-wavy favorites.

1. Jessicurl Rockin Ringlets Styling Potion

Even though this product has no hold, the thin, lightweight serum layered underneath a gel helps define limp waves for maximum definition. Free of alcohols and silicones, it defines curly or wavy hair without drying it out.

2. Ouidad Vitalcurl Tress Effects Styling Gel

3. Raw Curls Firm Hold Gel

Another one of my very favorite gels, not only does this one have strong hold without crunch or stiffness, it makes my frizz vanish while my waves get bouncier. For maximum frizz reduction, I like to layer over Raw Curls Anti-Frizz Spray.

4. DevaCurl Wave Maker Touchable Texture Whip

5. SheaMoisture Yucca and Plantain Wave Defining Lotion

By Diane Mary · Published May 23, 2017

Briogeo recently launched three new products as part of their Scalp Revival Collection: a shampoo, dry shampoo and scalp treatment. They are all infused with scalp friendly ingredients, including Binchotan charcoal.

 

I’ve been using these products since I received them and they surpassed even my high expectations I’ve come to expect from the brand.

Here is what Briogeo says about the new collection:

“A detoxifying collection of Binchotan charcoal-infused scalp therapy solutions that purify, soothe, hydrate, and treat the scalp.”

What is Binchotan Charcoal?

“Binchotan charcoal is a traditionally Japanese charcoal that is completely different from typical black charcoal. The starting material is ubame oak, a tree possessing great strength and hardness. The wood is heated to temperatures upward of 1000°C, followed by a covering with a moist mixture

of earth, sand, and ash to cool it. The resultant charcoal contains a variety of minerals that were absorbed during its life as a tree.

Because Binchotan charcoal has numerous small pores, it can absorb deep-rooted impurities and build-up from the hair and scalp. The highly absorptive quality gives Binchotan charcoal a detoxifying effect on the scalp.”

Key Ingredients In The Scalp Revival Line

• Binchotan charcoal detoxifies the scalp and draws out impurities that clog the hair follicle or that cause buildup on the scalp
• coconut oil moisturizes the scalp to prevent dryness and flakiness
• peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oil complex provide a cooling effect to the scalp and reduce itchiness, irritation, and flakiness
• panthenol provides essential nutrients that strengthen the hair root and shaft
• witch hazel normalizes oil production to prevent oily scalp
• biotin provides essential nutrients to the hair follicle that support healthy hair growth

• safe for color-treated, keratin treated, chemically-treated, and relaxed hair
• cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, contains organic ingredients, and 98% naturally-derived

• formulated without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, DEA, or synthetic dyes

charcoal + coconut oil micro-exfoliating shampoo

From the brand:

This unique shampoo infuses Binchotan charcoal to draw impurities from the scalp and hair follicle to provide the foundation for optimal scalp health. Vegetable-derived micro-exfoliators remove dead skin cells and product build-up from the scalp to support a clean, balanced, and healthy scalp. A cooling blend of peppermint and spearmint oils reduces scalp itchiness and tea tree oil has anti-septic and healing properties that reduce scalp irritation and inflammation. Coconut Oil provides superior moisturization to the scalp to combat and prevent dryness and flakiness. Super-vitamin, panthenol, provides essential nutrients to strengthen the hair roots and shaft.

My review

My first thought was it is odd to see a shampoo in a tub, which is more typical for a deep conditioning product. It was no big deal, but I just had to be a bit careful in the shower not to let too much water get inside the product.

Once rinsed, my hair did feel super squeaky-clean. I didn’t want to run my fingers through the length; it was begging for deep conditioner and moisture. This shampoo really got rid of every trace of build-up, toxins, and any junk that didn’t belong on my scalp and hair.

I followed up with a deep conditioner such as Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Masque and my favorite stylers. I have gotten such unbelievable hair days every time I use this–I think my curl definition moved into the next classified category! Since this was the only new product I used the first few times trying it out, it’s how I can thank it for the extra definition, softness, and shine! I think this blew the other shampoos out of the water.

charcoal + tea tree scalp treatment

From the brand:

What is is: This unique treatment infuses Binchotan charcoal to draw impurities from the scalp and hair follicle to remove build-up and provide the foundation for optimal scalp health. A cooling blend of peppermint and spearmint oils reduces scalp itchiness and tea tree oil has antiseptic and healing properties that reduce scalp irritation and inflammation. Witch hazel water helps to normalize oil production to prevent an oily scalp while sodium hyaluronate and aloe keep the scalp balanced and hydrated. Super-vitamin, Biotin, provides essential nutrients to the hair follicle to support healthy hair growth.

My review

There are so many different ways you can use this treatment. Since I personally do not have big scalp concerns, a Briogeo rep told me I can use it once or twice a week overnight on my scalp on either wet or dry hair as a pre-poo treatment. I decided to use it in place of my usual scalp oil blend the night before washing. It felt nice–not too heavy.

I love the hair growth ingredients inside such as biotin, tea tree oil, spearmint, and peppermint, a great blend that requires only two droppers to thoroughly cover my scalp. It is too soon to say anything miraculous or amazing happened–let’s be realistic here, please–but I plan on using it once a week before washing for the long term for additional scalp and hair growth benefits.

charcoal + biotin dry shampoo

From the brand:

This unique, scalp-healthy dry shampoo infuses Binchotan charcoal to draw impurities from the scalp and detoxify the scalp and hair. A complex of clay and tapioca & rice starches absorb excess oil at the roots to refresh, clean, and extend the life of your blowout. Witch Hazel extract helps to normalize oil production to prevent an oily scalp, making this dry shampoo a solution oriented product as opposed to just a temporary fix. Super-vitamin, Biotin, provides essential nutrients to the hair follicle to support healthy hair growth.

My review

A dry shampoo that helps promote hair growth? Ladies and gentlemen, coming straight from my dreams to Briogeo suppliers everywhere, let me present to you the Charcoal and Biotin Dry Shampoo. *Cue confetti* Okay, I’m done being silly–but if you read my articles and blog regularly, you know I love everything and anything that can help my hair grow long and strong, and as a curly who works out regularly and is too lazy to wash daily, dry shampoo is my best friend.

My final thoughts

Do you use charcoal in your beauty routine?

Editor’s note: This article is not sponsored.

What’s next?

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Read Ouidad Just Updated Their Climate Control Collection, This is Why

For more curly-wavy hair tips visit Diane’s blog, Diane Mary Beauty

By Diane Mary · Published May 1, 2017

Summer is going to be here before we know it and I am super excited for warm weather and beach time.

iStock.com/visualspace

Another added bonus for summer: although there is absolutely no scientific fact behind this, my hair actually grows a bit more in hotter weather. Here are my goals and products I plan on using for my hair in the upcoming warm months:

1. Make sure to deep condition

This is always my top piece of advice for hair care health. It is extra important to regularly deep condition during the summer since hair is exposed to harsh environmental aggressors such as the sun, wind, ocean and pool water! When it comes to deep conditioning, I like to add in heat using the Thermal Hair Care Hot Head Deep Conditioning Cap every other week. This cap has made deep conditioning with heat incredibly easy for me.

If I know I will be out in the sun for any extended period of time, I will apply deep conditioner before hand since the sun’s heat also penetrates the hair turning what could be damage into a treatment!

• My favorite deep conditioners: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Masque, Inahsi Naturals Mango and Hemp Restorative Masque, Ouidad Deep Treatment Curl Restoration Therapy and just about any SheaMoisture Masque!

2. Get a trim

Yes, I’m trying to grow my hair long but trims and shapings are so essential so split ends do not travel up the hair shaft and cause more damage. Since I trim roughly every four months or so, my plan is to see my hair stylist, Jason at Ouidad Flagship in NYC sometime around the end of May or beginning of June, right at the start of summer season, then again in late September or October when the weather changes. I don’t take off much–just the slightest dusting possible. I am hoping to have the last parts of my damaged dyed hair at the tips by my October trim.

3. Use a protective UV spray

The sun can burn our skin as well as damage our hair. For the times I am outside but not long enough to use a conditioner like mentioned above, I will use a UV spray to protect my hair from harsh rays. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Detangling Heat Spray and Briogeo Rosarco Milk are two current favorites for this.

4. Use an anti-frizz spray

My hair gets a lot frizzier in the warmer, more humid months. A stronger hold gel and using an anti-frizz product is crucial to me if I want good hair days. I like using Raw Curls Anti-Frizz Spray as the first step out of the shower. It is so lightweight, I do not even feel it in my hair. When I pair it with their Firm Hold Gel, good hair days are practically a guarantee, as Raw Curls products contain a patented anti-frizz molecule exclusive to their company.

5. Air dry more often

I already try to air dry most of the time, but if it is cold outside I have no choice but to diffuse. Since it is warmer out now, I can air dry and go out of my house with wet hair without worrying about my waves freezing off. If you do blow dry regularly, it is always a good idea to give your hair a break from heat and air dry in this season to take a break from heat damage.

6. Continue taking hair vitamins

I take the Viviscal supplements to help keep my hair healthy 365 days a year. So I will continue to do so as the year goes on. While these cannot replace a well balanced diet of course, I find them to be an excellent addition to for my hair to grow in as healthy as possible.

How do you keep your curls healthy in the warmer seasons?

By Diane Mary · Published April 27, 2017

I recently was able to try the line–I am quite impressed! I’ve been using them together, as well as mixed in with other brands and they are so good. 

All of the Curlsmith products contains no sulfates, parabens, silicones, mineral oils, phthalates, DEA, and are vegan and cruelty-free. With this product line, less is more and a little goes a long way, so the bottles and jars should last quite a while.

What Curlsmith says about their line:

“This line is high quality, hard-working curl-care formulas that are fresh, fragrant and deeply nourishing ‘food for curls.’ Curlsmith blends fresh curl-loving foods with kitchen cupboard staples and rare organic ingredients. One such rarity is Resurrection Flower, a dry shrub that survives for up to three years without water, transforming into a lush plant on contact with moisture. This property helps it revive dehydrated curls.”

The scent of these products is out of this world. I can’t quite pinpoint it, but it is delicious and unique. Fruity sweetness with a touch of herbal fragrance from basil would be my best way to describe it.

Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream

From the brand:

“Moisture, Nourish, Shine. Our rich leave-in conditioner is perfect for TWA’s, Wash & Go, L.O.C. Method, braids and twist outs. It can also be use as a curl primer in combination with other products. It doesn’t flake, is non-greasy and non-crunchy. Plus it’s blended with organic carrot, olive and aloe vera oils for extra Strength, Moisture and Shine.”

Handpicked ingredients

• resurrection flower
• organic carrot oil
• rare andiroba
• organic olive oil
• aloe and basil blend

My review

This has been a go-to product on second and third day hair for me (I’ve posted a couple of times about it on Instagram“>. A little goes a long way and when using the correct amount I am left with super moisturized, shiny, frizz free hair. It also makes a good leave-in for me on wet hair, prepping my hair for gel on top while enhancing my definition; although I really do prefer it for second or third day hair. Additionally, I can use this to smooth down my hair when I wear it tied back.

Curl Defining Styling Souffle

From the brand:

“Define, Anti-frizz, Bounce, Enhance. Our styling Souffle is all about bouncy definition. It is perfect for creating flexible wash & go styles, braids and twist outs. It leaves no residue, is non-greasy and non-crunchy. Plus, it’s blended with Irish Moss for elasticity, Babassu oil for moisture and Flax Seed for defined curls.”

Handpicked ingredients

• indigenous Irish moss
• babassu oil
• flax seed infusion
• rare andiroba
• wild rosemary & sage
• organic avocado

My review

This is a jelly-like formula which had me concerned because my hair does not always like jellies. It was a bit difficult to scoop the product and apply onto my hair; it stayed kind of chunky. I admit that I am not crazy about the texture and mess, and also feel like I wasted too much. When my hair was wet, it felt a bit stiff.

All that being said, the results using this when my hair fully dried were absolutely great! The stiffness scrunched out and I was left with bouncy, frizz-free, defined curls underneath that did not feel hard or crunchy at all. It played well with leave-ins and creams underneath from several different brands which was another bonus. I notice when using this styling souffle I get an extra day or so of wearing my ‘wash day hair’ down. I did not try this on day 2 or 3 hair. A little went far so this jar is going to last me quite a while. 

Intense Deep Treatment Oil Serum

From the brand:

“Ultra Hydrate, Elasticity, Damage Protect. Our hard-working and versatile serum brings back shine, strength, silky softness and manageability to even the most damaged curls. Perfect for lifeless, dull, brittle, frizzy or roughly handled hair. Our formula contains Oats to enhance elasticity, Macadamia to protect against damage and Apricot kernels for ultra hydration.”

Handpicked ingredients

• infused jojoba
• organic avocado oil
• silky oat oil
• rare andiroba
• macadamia oil
• organic apricot oil

My review

At first I was not sure if this was a deep conditioner or a styler or what. Turns out, it can be used as either–even as a pre-poo on dry hair! I have been enjoying this oil serum. Like the rest of this line, too much will leave my hair a bit weighed down, but the right amount gives me excellent hair days. The consistency is similar to pure coconut oil, but when you warm a little bit between your hands, it easily turns into an oil. On wet hair I use it as my last step in the LCO Method on top of another styler to seal in moisture. This can also be used on dry hair to tame frizz that may have popped up. I have also been throwing this in my purse for touch-ups if needed during the day. 

 

Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash

From the brand:

“Moisture, Shine, Anti-Frizz, Detangle. Say goodbye to traditional foaming shampoos which contain chemicals and soaps that strip the natural oils from your curls. This gentle, lightweight yet hardworking formula removes build-up and dirt, leaving curly hair manageable, soft and shiny. Suitable for color-treated hair and perfect for detangling. Plus it’s blended with rare ingredients like Andiroba to restore shine and Resurrection Flower to help curls retain moisture.”

Handpicked ingredients

• mashed shea butter
• resurrection flower
• organic coconut
• rare andiroba
• organic avocado oil
• torn sage and basil
• black pepper oil

My review

This co-wash is lovely; it is super moisturizing and has incredible slip that allowed me to detangle at lightning speed. It has absolutely no lather at all, so massaging with the pads of my fingers was a must to properly cleanse my scalp. I felt like if I had to, I possibly could skip conditioner after this–it left my hair feeling that silky and soft! I also like some of the more uncommon extracts in here that I don’t see all that often which helps promote follicle health and hair growth.

This is a wonderful co-wash. I can’t think of one bad thing about this product!

To sum it up

Overall, I really like the new CurlSmith line. All four products gave me nice results when used together and also with other brands. A little goes so far with all the products which will make them last long.

Something else worth mentioning is the fact that the products are thicker consistencies and are in jars and not bottles–aside from the co-wash–or squeeze tubes, making it easier for me to use without struggle.

I like that the ingredients inside help treat and repair my hair, there is nothing bad inside and the smell is so delicious! Finally, when I use these products, and even combine them with other more natural products (such as Raw Curls, Inahsi Naturals, and Briogeo”>, my hair air dries significantly faster than usual.

Have you heard of Curlsmith?

If so, do you plan on trying it on your curls? I’d like to hear your thoughts. Like us on Facebook and let us know in the comment section below.

Read my Ouidad Deep Treatment Curl Restoration Therapy Review 

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