Search Results: Diane Mary

By Diane Mary · Published April 17, 2017

If you remember my blog post from January when I was at the Ouidad NYC Flagship Salon for my cut, I mentioned I got a sneak peek of upcoming products. Well, these are the new releases!

What the Ouidad brand says about the line:

“Buoyant, brilliant, best: No matter the climate, Advanced Climate Control keeps curls defined and frizz free. Our advanced Anti-Frizz Nano Technology locks in moisture and locks in moisture and locks out humidity, for stronger, softer, silkier curls. Thanks to its small molecular size, Sericin Nano Protein Technology creates a better sealing effect versus traditional proteins. Every strand gets powerful protection, locking in moisture and locking out humidity. It’s the ultimate defense for everyday, long-lasting silky curls.”

He confirmed that the new Advanced Climate Control formulas will actually be replacing the old ones.

Jason told me “the formula [of the new products] is the same, it just has nano technology, which is little small silk proteins that bind to the gaps in the hair shaft which give a softer 2nd day look more than that wet crunchy first day look. Also, it’s a system, so if you use the whole system you get maximum frizz protection from humidity.” He told me that curl consumers have been reaching for creams more than gels recently, “so in the industry we wanted to improve the formula to allow clients who don’t search for gel to use a gel that literally feels like it’s silk. We wanted to improve our star product to reach out to consumers who want more of a second day look instead of that hard set gel look.” As you will read in my review below, I completely agree with Jason on how this gel does not feel like a gel at all, in a good way!

Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

From the brand:

“Frizz defense starts in the shower with our sulfate-free shampoo, which gently cleanses and respects your curls’ natural protective barrier. Create the perfect frizz-free foundation without stripping moisture to enhance curls’ shape and shine.”

My review

Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Conditioner

From the brand:

“Curls crave moisture. Without proper hydration, they’ll try to take it from the atmosphere, raising the cuticle and causing frizz. Stop frizz before it starts by infusing your curls with our advanced blend of rich emollients. Our cocktail of shea and murumuru butters, plus Ceramides, repairs and moisturizes every curl from root to end.”

My review

I generally prefer using masques or deep conditioners as my hair is so dry, so I double checked with Jason who confirmed that it also works as a leave-in and that is how I used it. This conditioner is thick to the point that it is a tad difficult to get out of the bottle! I actually love that since my genetically thirsty hair loves richer formulas like this. I have used this a couple of times and it makes my hair really easy to detangle, while leaving it silky soft and enhancing my curl pattern.

Advanced Climate Control Detangling Heat Spray

From the brand:

“Spritz, prime, protect: Our Detangling Heat Spray with a protective UV filter locks in moisture and defends against everyday damage caused by heat, styling and humidity.”

My review

Advance Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel

From the brand:

“Our signature award-winning Heat and Humidity Gel has now been upgraded to include Anti-Frizz Nano Technology for advanced frizz protection and our longest-lasting curl definition ever. This weightless gel has a flexible hold that won’t leave hair crunchy, sticky or weighed down.”

My review

The Tress Effects Gel was always my favorite but this newly formulated Climate Control is giving it a serious run for the money. It has the perfect amount of hold without leaving my hair stiff or crunchy, cuts down on frizz when paired with the spray and seriously increases my curl definition! This gel also has UV protection and fights against unwanted volume. Believe it or not, the gel doesn’t feel like a gel at all. I feel like it actually has more of a serum consistency, which is great. This product feels super light in my hair, I don’t even feel it there!

To sum it up

As a whole, the new Advanced Climate Control system is really good! The most impressive result I noticed after using it was the incredible definition it brought out in my waves. Also, my frizz was minimal, though not completely gone when air dried. Honestly I’ve never see my hair 100% frizz-free–I wasn’t expecting that. My hair was left soft and shiny and also not weighed down at all, but my dreaded pouf was successfully tamed. I enjoyed the system’s moisturizing capabilities; it had just the right amount of moisture without being overdone, and I liked knowing my curls are also protected from the elements. My head also feels lighter, which is a great plus! I got great second-day hair also that needed minimal touching up, especially when I used the system together.

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Read my Inahsi Naturals review 

By Diane Mary · Published April 14, 2017

My hair usually takes so long to dry, that anything that cuts down that time is miraculous to me! Overall, the Inahsi Naturals line really blew me away. 

Inahsi Naturals is a cruelty-free line of hair products that does not contain parabens, silicones, sulfates, and other harmful ingredients, and was created especially for individuals with naturally curly hair of all types and textures. The line was founded by chemist and educator, Rhonda Marshall, after she started making recipes for chemical-free hair products in her home. Her recipes are full of excellent ingredients for optimal hair health and growth encouragement! I’ve been following the brand on Instagram for a while and was happy to play around with the line!

What’s cool about Inahsi Naturals

Their site has some curated collections, making it easy to start off by finding products made for your desired goals. Originally I started off with the Healthy Hair Collection designed for hair growth and then received the rest of the line.

Something else I noticed with this line is that the more Inahsi products I used combined for a wash day, the lighter my hair felt overall, and the quicker it would dry. My hair usually takes so long to dry that anything that cuts down that time is miraculous to me!

All three of the Soothing Mint products below have the same, delicious chocolatey-mint scent to them. I also noticed these three products feel cooling and tingling on my scalp, which I believe is thanks to peppermint oil, a key ingredient.

Soothing Mint Sulfate Free Clarifying Shampoo

From the brand:

“From styling products to butters our hair can experience product build-up. This can lead to dry, brittle hair which leads to breakage. This sulfate-free clarifying shampoo will remove excessive product build up from natural and silicone-based products. The cooling sensation of mint will invigorate the senses while stimulating the scalp to promote overall healthy hair.”

My review

This clarifying shampoo lathered well and left my hair feeling squeaky clean, but not stiff. I absolutely had to follow-up with something very moisturizing; my hair let me know it, too. I like that this is sulfate-free but still can remove silicones from products I wind up trying out for other product reviews. Admittedly, I would not use this shampoo too often–maybe once a month, at most.

Soothing Mint Sulfate-Free Gentle Cleansing Shampoo

From the brand:

“This sulfate-free gentle cleansing shampoo moisturizes as it cleans. Our shampoo will clean your hair and scalp without stripping it of its natural nutrients. The cooling sensation of mint will invigorate the senses while stimulating the scalp to promote overall healthy hair.”

My review

I like this shampoo a lot because it cleaned my hair and detangled it. When I was rinsing it I felt my fingers glide through my length so easily. This isn’t something I’m used to with an actual shampoo and not a co-wash. My hair felt soft from a shampoo! It did a nice job of removing days of product and work out sweat; I also like that there are hair growth essential oils such as peppermint, rosemary and lavender inside, too! This shampoo is awesome.

Soothing Mint Moisturizing Conditioner

From the brand:

“This rich creamy moisturizing conditioner is enriched with nutrients that will moisturize, strengthen and leave your hair touchably soft.  The cooling sensation of mint will invigorate the senses while stimulating the scalp to promote overall healthy hair.”

My review

I like that this conditioner is on the richer side since I usually prefer masques and heavier conditioners for my high porosity, forever dry hair. I reached out to Inahsi Naturals and they said this can also be used as a leave-in. I used it a few times so far both as a rinse out and leave in. As a rinse out, it properly conditions my hair without weighing it down. As a leave-in, it did a nice job to moisturize my hair and prime it for the styling products I used on top. It played well with products from different brands as well, without clumping or balling up. The slip was fantastic. If you still had any tangles left after the Soothing Mint Shampoo, this Conditioner will annihilate them.

If you still had any tangles left after the Soothing Mint Shampoo, this Conditioner will annihilate them.

Mango Hemp Restorative Deep Conditioner

From the brand:

“Let’s face it; our hair can be put through its paces. Between everyday wear and tear, caused by weathering, manipulative styling, and heat and chemical processes, it is enough to make our hair down right parched, weak and damaged. Our all natural deep treatment hair masque will restore, protect, and strengthen your tresses to promote overall healthy hair. This hair masque is enriched with ceramides, such as Hemp oil, that will help hair retain moisture, restore hair’s balance and help to minimize the effects of daily wear and tear.  The silk amino acids will strength your hair and restore protein loss due to damage.   Perfect for transitioners from chemical to natural, color-treated hair, and over processed hair. “

My review

This Deep Conditioner is so good…so good! It has even earned a spot on my Holy Grail Deep Conditioner list. The scent is fruity and a bit strong, but it is from natural fragrances and didn’t bother my allergies. This deep conditioner is rich but spreads easily, so a little goes a long way. My hair drinks it up as it removes any tangles at lightning fast speed. I love the hair growth ingredients in here such as nettle and horsetail. This deep conditioner hydrates, moisturizes and strengthens my hair all at once, and really does an excellent job at helping to tackle frizz and de-pouf my hair.

Aloe Hibiscus Leave-In Conditioner

From the brand:

“This ultra moisturizing leave-in conditioner moisturizes, strengthens and restore shine which makes Aloe Hibiscus Leave-in Conditioner & Detangler a triple threat to parched tresses. The water and aloe Vera juice moisturizes, the panthenol along with the rich oils of avocado and coconut help to strengthen the hair while the ayurvedic herbal blend of hibiscus and marshmallow root not only provides slip for pesky knots but they help to make the hair soft, supple and sleek.”

My review

What a great leave-in; it is moisturizing and does a great job on my wavy hair whether it is wet or dry. This smells similar to, but not exactly like the deep conditioner. Oftentimes a lot of leave-ins are too lightweight for me to use on wet hair, but this one passes that test. Like the Soothing Mint Conditioner, it plays nicely with other Inahsi products as well as other brands. Besides being effective on my wet hair, it does a lovely job adding moisture and bounce back into days old hair, too.

Island Breeze Moisturizing Hair Whip

From the brand:

“Let your tresses feel the moisture locking power of Island Breeze. This moisture sealing hair whip is rich with Aloe Vera Juice which restores moisture to the hair as well as Shea butter which restores shine and locks in moisture. Couple this with the Aloe Hibiscus Leave-in Conditioner & Detangler for ultra moisturized tresses.”

My review

The scent of this product is addicting: very island-esque, with citrus and slight hints of coconut. With this product, less is definitely more. A few times I was too heavy-handed and my hair looked too ‘product-y’ which tends to happen to me when using butters. Once I figured out the right amount for my hair, this stuff helped decrease frizz and increase manageability of my hair, while leaving it super soft and shiny. I like to use this on dry hair to add shine and fight frizz, or on wet hair in place of an oil to seal in my leave-in and styler. I let it warm up to an oil-like consistency before using it on wet hair. I actually started carrying this in my purse for touch ups throughout the day in case I get caught in wind or rain.

Coconut Avocado Curl Defining Custard

From the brand:

“This natural styling custard will leave your curls moisturized, defined and oh so shiny. The panthenol along with the rich oils of avocado and coconut help to strengthen the hair. This curl defining custard provides a light hold without leaving your hair dry or crunchy. It is also great to sleek down edges.”

My review

The texture of this is quite unique. Not quite a gel, not a cream and also not a jelly. It’s not super thick, but not runny and thin either. What it is though, is wonderful. It has a clean scent to it. I am usually not crazy about lighter hold gels, but I really like this one because it gave me nice, touchable definition while de-poufing my waves. It is not crunchy, either. My hair did dry with a stiffer gel cast, but it easily scrunched out and soft, shiny waves emerged from underneath. I used this when washing my hair at night, which usually leads to disaster in the mornings. However, this time, I woke up with lovely, defined curls, and I think that was because of the stiff gel cast that protected my hair in my sleep. I have also used this on days-old hair and paired with the Hair Whip, they did a lovely job.

Rock Your Curls Curl Enhancing Cream

From the brand:

“Curls are so much fun. Our Rock Your Curls Curl Enhancing Cream will moisturize, define and strengthen your curls while leaving them touchably soft.  Isn’t it time that you “Rocked Your Curls?”

My review

This coconut drink-scented cream works well on days old hair as a stand alone product to keep any frizziness and poofiness at bay, as well as re-moisturize and add bounce back to my curls. I also used it a few times on wet hair in place of my leave-in under a gel and oil. It is quite rich, and again, less is more. I learned that of course by overdoing it the first time. (Side note: will I ever learn? Probably not”>. For high porosity, naturally dry hair, it does make a nice leave-in. I also like that using it as a leave-in seemed to tame my curls and prevent undesirable volume.

Tropical Escape Co-Wash

From the brand:

“This gentle cleansing conditioner will cleanse, moisturize and hydrate without stripping your hair of its natural nutrients. This tranquil fragrance will whisk you away to tropics.”

My review

This is a fruity pineapple-scented co-wash that is fantastic! It truly did a good job of cleansing, moisturizing, and detangling for me. It helps keep my hair soft, as well as clean. I can actually use this with a regular conditioner (not a masque”> afterwards, and my hair feels properly hydrated and very soft!

To sum it up

Overall, the Inahsi Naturals line really blew me away! I’ve been playing with this line for over a month now, alone and also mixed with other brands, and have really liked the results.

I want to call out that a lot of the Inahsi products contain hyaluronic acid, which is a popular ingredient for skincare, although we do not see it often in hair products. But did you know that it helps to moisturize, add fullness and plumpness to hair? I think it is quite unique and great that the brand includes it.

Have you tried any of the Inahsi Naturals products yet?

Tell us your review below or on Facebook.

Read My DevaCurl Buildup Buster & Devachan Salon Treatment Review

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By Diane Mary · Published April 11, 2017

Curls to Go is a new line created by natural hair care brand Jane Carter Solution for all kinds of curly hair. I’ve been playing around with the six products in this line for a month and have to say, I am absolutely loving them!

What the brand claims

“Our products are comprised of the very finest natural ingredients, including pure organic essential oils, natural butters, plant extracts, and vitamins which are carefully formulated to repair and hydrate dry or damaged hair.”

My first impression

The new Curls to Go line is intended for curly and coily hair, but if you have naturally dry, wavy hair like mine, hear me out, you may benefit from this. Just keep in mind the amount of product being used–it is good to go with the ‘less is more’ approach with this one and gradually add more only if you need it.

Curl Drench Cleansing Co Wash

According to the Jane Carter Solution site:

• This 2 in 1 sulfate-free formula releases hydrating doses of essential conditioning ingredients.

• Ultra quenching, it cleanses and conditions, perfecting each curl’s shape.

• It cleans and nourishes the scalp and hair without stripping away natural oils.

• Curls are softer, more manageable diminishing frizz.

• Enriched with Jojoba Oil & Restorative Botanicals to gently cleanse, condition and hydrate hair.

My review

The fragrance is floral without the fruitiness mixed in some of the other stylers, which I love. It’s not bad, but not my favorite.

I don’t mind styling products in tubs, but I am not crazy about this one. I would prefer having a co-wash that I use in the shower in a pump or bottle, as a tub runs the risk of too much water into the product, and because of how much space it takes.

That being said, the co-wash itself is nice; it left my hair clean, moisturized and feeling oh so soft. There is no lather at all, but that doesn’t bother me. Every time I use this, even when my hair is dry after washing, I still feel the softening effects.

As soon as I put this co-wash on my hair, and I applied it to scalp and lengths, my fingers just glided through my hair effortlessly. This is good stuff.

Curl Drench Curl Cocktail Conditioning Styling Cream

Per the Jane Carter Solution site:

• Defines curls, reduces frizz and smoothes hair for a soft, silky feel.

• Restores moisture, hydrates while reducing breakage and protects the hair shaft.

• Creates brilliant shine, reduces frizz and conditions hair, adding brilliant shine without weighing it down for bouncy, healthy curls.

• Enriched with Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Aloe Leaf Extract .

My review

Out of all the products in the line, scent-wise this is my least favorite. It kind of smells like a floral Play-Doh to me which isn’t necessarily bad, but not quite what I was expecting compared to how yummy the rest of the stylers smell.

This is more of a heavy cream, so for hair that feels weighed down easily, take an extremely light hand with this one–or just stick with the leave-in. I have used this in place of a leave in a couple of times since the winter air was so dry where I live. I also used this product on Day 2 or 3 hair to add moisture back to my curls, and it worked very well as long as I didn’t use too much.

Overall, this styling creme defines my curls nicely and leaves them feeling incredibly silky each time I use it, although I have not tried it without gel on wet hair yet. The silky-smooth feeling I get is wonderful, and I have even multi-tasked this product as an overnight pre-poo treatment before for its beneficial conditioning properties.

Coiling All Curls Elongating Gel

Per the Jane Carter Solution site:

• To Define Curls and Reduce Shrinkage for Super Coily & Super Curly Hair.

• Great to apply to wet or damp hair to elongate curls. It dries clean and shiny leaving hair soft and frizz free.

• Your hair will have amazing curl definition, bounce and moisture.

• Perfect for wash and go styling.

• Enriched with Nettle Leaf Extract, Aloe Vera Gel, Coconut Oil.

My review

This deliciously fruity smelling gel is wonderful–and I love pumps!

This medium hold gel is different than a lot of gels I use. It does dry a bit stiff but scrunches out effortlessly and leaves me with soft, defined waves (it is actually an elongating gel”>. When I use it I notice longer, softer, frizz-free waves that feel like silk. If you are looking to stretch out your curl pattern this is an excellent product to help with that. This gel also plays nice on days-old hair to help with frizz, control, and adds shine.

Mist Me Over Curl Hydrator

Per the Jane Carter Solution site:

• Water based mist instantly hydrates and strengthens curls.
•  Adds complex Amino Acid and Silk proteins necessary to rebuild stronger, shinier hair.

• Enriched with Shea Butter, Sage, Nettle and Rosemary.

• Natural glycerides seal in moisture, making hair healthy and manageable.

• Great for daily use to hydrate and reactivate curls for ‘second’ day hair.

My review

I have really been enjoying this as a refresher spray for second and third day hair. It has a light floral-fruity scent that is very pleasant. It adds bounce back to my curls that may have drooped from sleeping and/or working out, and I don’t need to use a whole lot. This spray leaves my hair feeling soft and I like that there are ingredients inside that help moisturize AND strengthen my hair. I spray a little bit every day is a leave in treatment. I also really like the sprayer on the top of the bottle, it distributes a nice, even, fine mist.

Untangle Me Weightless Leave-In

Per the Jane Carter Solution site:

• For Hydrating, De-tangling & Controlling Frizz. This weightless leave-in conditioner is great for wash and go curly styles.

• It reduces frizz as it hydrates and de-tangles hair. It provides intense hydrating nourishment with no weigh down.

• This formula feeds curls with moisture, helps block frizz and nurtures each curl’s elasticity and shape.

• Can also be used as a regular rinse out conditioner for wavy hair or as a leave-in for thicker curlier hair types.

• Enriched with Mango Butter, Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root.

My review

This is a nice leave in that plays well with stylers from several different brands. It is on the lightweight side, so if your hair gets weighed down easily, this one may be a winner.

I did not need to use a lot, but at the same time a little didn’t go a long way for me, so it is somewhere in the middle for my hair as far as how much I need to use. You may want to experiment with the quantity you use. It has a fruity-floral scent, which was a tad less juicy than the Elixir (below”>. Still, it was quite delicious.

This leave-in also has excellent slip; I’ve used it on days-old hair to add moisture back in which it did pretty well, instead of reaching for the Curl Cocktail Crème.

Shine On Curl Elixir

Per the Jane Carter Solution site:

• For Smoothing, Conditioning, Sealing In Moisture and adding instant shine to Curly Hair. This serum leaves hair feeling silky smooth, soft and shiny.

• Great as a Shampoo Prep for extra dry or damaged naturally curly hair.

• It seals in moisture, eliminates breakage and frizz and leaves hair with an amazing shine.

• Enriched with Argan, Aloe Vera Gel, Macadamia Oil

My review

This oil blend is amazing. The scent is so addictively juicy and fruity. I’ve used this to seal my wet styled hair as part of the “L.C.O.” method and also on dry hair if I needed additional shine after using the mist. It is lightweight but really does enhance the shine without looking greasy or weighing my hair down.

Used on wet hair, I noticed this product impressively cuts down my frizz!

Used on wet hair, I noticed this product impressively cuts down my frizz! On wet hair, I usually use 2 sprays per section (on seven sections”>. I have also been using a spray here or there and rubbing it into my cuticles which is making my nails look nicer too, but to be honest, I’ve been doing this since I love the fragrance so much.

After using it extensively, this curl elixir now has a place on my favorite oil blend list! Great performance, great ingredients, great scent and easy to control spray bottle…it’s really that good.

To sum it up

Overall, my experience with the Jane Carter Solutions Curls to Go line is quite positive. I really did enjoy all of the products, some more than others, and with the Shine On Curl Elixir and Mist Me Over Curl Hydrator being my very favorites. I would LOVE to see Jane Carter Solution add a Deep Treatment to this line!!!

Read My Briogeo Gel-to-Oil Overnight Repair Treatment Review

Have you tried Jane Carter Solution’s Curls to Go line yet?

Tell us your experience in the comments below. 

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By Diane Mary · Published March 30, 2017

February 2017 marked two full years since I last dyed my hair. Even though I don’t love my natural color, I want my hair to be fully healthy.

Let me give you a quick background as well as what I learned in transitioning back to my natural color:

I used to dye my hair a very light blonde hue, but long story short, although I was babying it and taking as much care of it as I could have, improper use of bleach–which was done at a salon, by the way–caused extreme breakage. To say it was devastatingly traumatizing for me would be the understatement of my life. The breakage took a huge toll on my self esteem and I was depressed. I was a beauty blogger at the time with a focus on hair and I felt like I just failed at life. The experience scarred me. Being terrified to have anyone use color on my hair, and wanting my hair to really get as healthy as it could be, meant I would grow out my natural color.

I thought my curls were in decent condition at the time when my hair was colored.

But looking back now, my length was very thin, the ends were scraggly and my hair was a lot frizzier. The curls were also stretched out and not nearly as bouncy and defined as they have been becoming lately. The process to grow out hair color is quite tedious. I didn’t want to big chop because I lost enough length as it was and was unwilling to sacrifice losing any more. This meant going for trims regularly to remove the dead ends without losing too much more length at once. For a while (months!”> the line of demarcation looked pretty awkward, but I dealt with it as I reminded myself how some day in the future, I will have really long hair again that will also be healthy!

As the months and years went on, the awkward line of demarcation turned onto my hair looking like I just paid someone money to ‘ombre’ my ends.

Luckily, that was still a popular look so I got by. Now I would say at least 90% of my hair is my natural color, with some ends still having slight color that will probably get trimmed off by the end of 2017. Aside from having two clear different hair colors growing it out, the breakage was uneven and some of the breakage pieces were noticeably shorter. I didn’t want all my hair as short as some of the shortest breakage pieces so my current hairdresser listened and understood, micro-trimmed them to remove the dead ends and I just let them be, as awkward and not ideal as it was.

THIS made the biggest difference.

Caring for bleach, colored damage curls versus caring for natural hair color is the amount of product I use. I am still adjusting and too often I get heavy-handed with products, but only because when my hair had bleach in it, my hair felt so dry and damaged and required a lot more conditioner and product in order to style it the way I wanted.

Some of the other bonuses of having my natural hair color back is not having to spend hours sitting at a salon with dye on my hair as well as having to spend all the extra money to get it done and also not having to worry about roots growing in. I did the math: I save over $1,000 a year by not going to get my hair colored! I can’t believe how much thicker my hair is now that it is nearly all natural again. I’ve been taking Viviscal supplements since the breakage happened to help my hair grow.

For the longest time, I hated my hair length. I love long hair on me.

Short hair looks so lovely on other people, not on me. I didn’t like it and I hated mirrors. If you scroll through my Instagram, you may have even noticed during that time there was significantly less selfies. My hair is finally at an acceptable point I feel a bit better about, but it’s still short for my own likings.

I don’t love my natural color. It’s a dirty strawberry blonde, and I like light blonde better on me. However, I’d rather have curls that are more defined and bouncy, hair that is less frizzy, and more manageable. I also have some greys peeping in now that I am getting older. I think they give my color a little dimension and I don’t mind them. Again, I want my hair to be fully healthy.

A last important note about my choice…

Of course I know for many people who dye their hair, it stays healthy and they enjoy it, which is awesome for them! This is my personal experience with hair dye and admittedly, now I am pretty afraid of it. I cannot say that I would never dye my hair for the rest of my life because I cannot predict the future and things may change. But for now, I want nothing to do with it.

Have you regretted dyeing your hair before?

Read I Just Dyed My Hair For the First Time in 2 Years

Visit Diane’s hair and beauty blog, Diane Mary Beauty and follow her on Instagram @DianeMary126

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By Diane Mary · Published March 29, 2017

Raw Curls is without a doubt one of my favorite curly product brands, and for good reason.

When I asked Raw Curls creator, Ken Nickels, to elaborate on the magical anti-frizz ingredient in the spray, he said:

“The anti frizz spray utilizes a patented molecule that actually forces damaged cuticle to come back together and repair itself, thus eliminating frizz..The technology works from the very first application, and the hair cuticle only gets better with continued use. It is silicone-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free.” 

The newly formulated Curly Conditioner

The newly reformulated Raw Curls Conditioner contains the same patented ingredient as the Anti-Frizz Spray now. I asked Ken (who you should follow on instagram @rawcurls since he does more giveaways than anyone ever”> if I still needed to use the Anti-Frizz Spray if I was planning on using the Conditioner as a leave in and they have the same special ingredient. “They both reduce frizz,” added Ken. “One doesn’t replace the other, the conditioner just makes [the frizz] better [to deal with]…and [the conditioner] ‘heals’ the hair strands, for lack of a better word. They both have frizz-fighting capabilities. Thus when used together, you get a super-high frizz-fighting results.” In other words, we will surely get good results using either/or, but the combination will only take those results to the next level–that’s why I layer both! Ken also told me the conditioner will continue to heal my hair and give me better results with each use. I have used it quite a few times now, trying it as a rinse-out and as a leave-in with no other mask and also as my leave in followed after a masque and have got great results each way. Since frizz is one of my hair’s top issues, I really like how these products help get it under control while enhancing my curl definition and leaving my hair soft.

The newly formulated Shine Serum

All of the same strand-healing and shine-enhancing organic oils are in this product as well. However, the level of organic argan oil has increased, which is awesome news since my hair loves elasticity-repairing vitamin E and argan oil. I really like to seal wet hair with this oil and I also like it on hair that is days old if I want to bring back some shine.

Another thing I do with the oil, which I actually learned from Ken’s wife, Melanie Nickels–who happens to be Co-Creator of Raw Curls, a talented hair artist, and Florida salon owner–is that you can combine this with the Raw Curls Pomade for additional shine and control.  This oil is also good for the skin! It has been known to help with skin issues, including scarring. The silicone-free Shine Serum is lightweight and won’t weigh hair down. I use a decent amount on my wet hair to seal–usually 2 pumps per section–but I love the benefits and how well it works. Even using the amount I use, the little bottles lasts quite a while for me.

My final review

You may be wondering now if I have a preference between the Raw Curls Wavy Swavy Conditioner or the original. I actually really like both products–I have even combined the two conditioners together to get the beneficial ingredients in both. However, since my natural color hair has grown in and my hair is still very dry, I think Curly Conditioner is a bit more moisturizing, which my hair has been really loving lately.

Overall, Raw Curls already had some solid products for curlies, so the fact they somehow managed to improve on what was already great is quite impressive. Now if only they would make a curl cream!

Have you used Raw Curls?

How did it make your hair feel? Let us know on Facebook and in the comment section below.

Follow me on Instagram @dianemary126

By Diane Mary · Published March 14, 2017

I am forever trying to grow my hair super long.

PHOTO BY AkilinaWinner — GETTY IMAGES

After my breakage disaster of 2015, I have tried countless tricks, tips, and techniques to speed up growth and I will say this: there is no miracle. If you want longer hair, you are going to learn patience–and probably experience frustration–like never before. Even if you like the length you are at now, perhaps you want your curls to be as healthy as they can be! Here are some things I do now to ensure my hair grows as healthy and long as possible.

Take a hair vitamin

I have tried several different brands, but Viviscal Hair Supplements are my absolute favorites; I have been taking them religiously since fall 2014 now. They help hair grow in thicker and healthier, but not necessarily faster. While it isn’t a replacement, hair vitamins can be a good addition to a healthy diet. Do talk to your doctor before adding a supplement in to your routine.

Minimize your heat usage

Since all heat, including diffusing, is somewhat damaging, minimizing its usage will help significantly in maintaining the hair’s health and preventing damage. If you must diffuse, use a heat protectant spray. And for straightening? If you are growing out damaged hair and really want your curls to be as healthy as possible, just don’t do it.

Wash less often

Washing curly hair too frequently can really dry hair out. I usually wash two or three times a week–three times a week is rare–so that natural oils from my scalp can have a chance to make it through my hair. If you must wash more often, be sure to use a hydrating shampoo or co-wash. And in my opinion, the combo of a dry shampoo and a refresher spray on non-wash days may very well be the best pairing since peanut butter and jelly!

Take a break from hair coloring

It’s my personal choice, but I have not colored my hair in over two years now. (Side note: This has saved me a nice $1,000 a year!”> Obviously, hair that hasn’t been chemically treated is usually healthier hair. If you really want to permanently color your curls, make sure you go to a professional who knows what they are doing! Also, try to find someone who uses ammonia-free and/or oil-based dye. Last but not least, please do not let them overlap color on top of color–that’s just asking for breakage down the line.

Trim when you need it

I know, it sounds counter productive to trim often if you want to grow your hair long, but you don’t want your split ends to travel up your hair shaft. Severe breakage will mean that you need to cut more hair off when you finally do go in for a trim. While I do not believe in following an actual schedule for trims, I go when my hair tells me to; I usually wait until the splits look bad or if I notice more shedding. On average, I go for trims every 3 to 4 months and use the ‘search and destroy‘ method to get rid of bad splits in the meantime. Also, never let a hairdresser come near your curls with a razor–that is a disaster waiting to happen.

Deep condition regularly

I feel like I mention this in every single article I write, but deep condition with and without heat. Depending on the ingredients, it will help restore moisture, add hydration, give back protein, and strengthen your hair to make it much more manageable. Additionally, deep conditioning will lessen your frizz, mend damage, and the list goes on. Using certain conditioners heat can amplify the benefits. My favorites are Ouidad Deep Treatment Restoration Therapy (with heat and always sealed with moisture”>, DevaCurl Heaven In Hair, Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Masque, Inahsi Naturals Mango Hemp Restorative Hair Masque, and most of the SheaMoisture masques.

Oil your scalp

Almost every night before I wash the next day, I sleep with a hair growth-encouraging blend of essential oils applied to my scalp. I like to massage it in for a few minutes to really stimulate the follicle and attract blood flow to the scalp; and it feels great, too! My current favorites are Up North Naturals 8 Oil Blend and Mane Choice Growth Oil.

Detangle your curls

A wide tooth comb or our fingers are the best detangling tools. Remember when detangling: start from the bottom of the hair, working your way up the length. Trying to drag the comb through from scalp to the end will cause the comb to get stuck in the hair–the results won’t be pretty. It might take some extra time to detangle more carefully, but the reward of long, healthy hair is worth it.

Protect your hair at night

I sleep on satin pillowcases since they cause less frizz than regular pillowcases do. I also like to sleep with my hair in a pineapple. The combo helps prevent my hair from getting too knotty and tangly during the night, which can cause breakage and length loss. If my hair is feeling particularly dry, I will use a small amount of a moisturizing cream or spray before bed. Jane Carter Solution Curls to Go Leave In has been a recent favorite of mine.

Moisturize frequently

Keeping the hair properly moisturized will help with breakage (which leads to length”>. The drier your hair feels and looks, the more moisture it needs. I deep condition in the shower when my hair is wet and leave it in as long as possible, and use a regular conditioner as a leave-in on days I don’t wash. A refresher spray with a water-based leave-in adds moisture daily to leave my hair soft, hydrated, and healthy. DevaCurl One Condition Decadence or Raw Curls Curly Hair Conditioner are both great.

Pay attention to ingredients

The more products I used that do not contain sulfates, non-water soluble silicones, parabens and heavy waxes, the healthier I have noticed my hair becoming. Start using products with natural moisturizers, healthy oils, butters, and vitamins. I also notice that when I do not use products with heavy silicones, my hair isn’t as frizzy and is more manageable.

Drink bamboo tea

I drink a cup of bamboo tea every single day. Bamboo is one of the strongest plants on earth and is high in silica, which is essential for healthy hair. Since what we put in our bodies reflects in our hair, drinking the tea helps hair stay stronger, and it is also great for skin.

Eat clean!

Your hair is essentially made up of what you put in your body. The better you eat, the better your hair. I recommend plenty of fruit, vegetables and protein! I can write a whole article alone just on this topic…no, really. Comment below to let me know if you want it!

To sum it up

Following healthy hair habits will pay off for longer, stronger, healthier hair. Remember that the average human hair grows about a half an inch in a month; you might experience more or less but there is not one miracle way for hair to sprout inches overnight. 

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Read My DevaCurl Buildup Buster & Devachan Salon Treatment Review.

By Diane Mary · Published March 10, 2017

I was lucky enough to attend the product launch event for Buildup Buster by DevaCurl earlier in February, and in that article I promised you a thorough review of the Buildup Buster as well as the new Devachan Salon treatment, Bounce Back.

Buildup Buster: a few quick notes

Buildup Buster is a micellar water cleansing serum. You may have heard of this ingredient before as it is used in popular skincare products, but DevaCurl is the first to bring this technology to hair care. According to the brand, their product “gently removes buildup from products, hard water, or environmental stressors, while the rejuvenating cleansing serum will bring all curl types back to life!” This is a cleansing product meant to be used once weekly or as needed, replacing your regular shampoo or co-wash for a deeper clean.

Key ingredients

• Micellar water: gently removes buildup without harsh, stripping effects

• Abyssinian seed oil: boosts shine and provides added moisture

• Jojoba esters: moisturizes and soothes the scalp

Like all DevaCurl products, Buildup Buster is sulfate-free, silicone-free, and paraben-free.

Buildup Buster is made for all hair types; wavy, curly, super curly, coily, and even straight hair can benefit from it. Not only is the product designed to remove buildup from styling products, but also meant to remove it all and refresh the hair that has accumulated dirt from the environment and our water (gross, I know”>. It is almost like a “reset that allows the hair to regain moisture,” says Devachan stylist, LaToya. So even if you use all DevaCurl or Curly Girl Method ‘clean’ hair products, you may find that your hair benefits from a more thorough cleansing once in awhile. The Buildup Buster is essentially a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo that thoroughly cleanses without stripping the hair of much needed moisture. The bottle says to use it once a week, but based on your personal situation, products used, etc., you could us it less if you wanted.

The consistency of Buildup Buster feels like a thin gel, with a nice, clean scent to it. It is a bit slippery and easy to distribute. The nozzle made it convenient to target the product on my scalp. I massage it into my scalp and down the lengths of my hair, and I actually noticed I was able to detangle a bit with it, which was surprising. Buildup Buster is meant to be used in place of, not in addition to, your usual shampoo or co-wash. I left it in during the duration of my shower, then rinsed. My hair felt slippery, soft and clean. Once rinsed I applied my conditioner, left it in for a half-hour, rinsed, and styled as usual. After I got out of the shower–and prior to applying my styling products–my hair actually had a nice shine to it! Even after applying styling products and drying my hair, my hair felt so light with great bounce; overall, my waves looked healthier and more manageable. Days later, my hair felt super soft, too. I am excited to see how using this product on a regular basis affects my hair down the road.

I was fortunate enough to go to the Devachan Salon in SoHo (NYC”> to experience the Buildup Buster Bounce Back In Salon Treatment!

Not only was I taught exactly how and why to use this product (which I mentioned above”> to ensure achieving my best results at home, my wonderful stylist, LaToya, styled my hair the signature DevaCurl way and was very patient and kind in explaining everything to me, including what she was doing and why. I made sure to let LaToya know during styling I personally do not like too much volume in my curls, and she gave me the perfect amount!

I loved the way my hair turned out after the In-Salon Treatment and Deva Styling. My hair felt super silky, there was absolutely minimal frizz and my curls were really defined! I also noticed my hair color (which has not been dyed in 2 years”> looked a bit more vibrant. My style lasted for days after, without me needing to do a whole lot to refresh it!

Aside from Buildup Buster, the following DevaCurl products were used in my hair at the salon: One Condition Decadence (this is the best choice if you have really dry hair, like me”>, Supercream, ArcAngel and Flexible Hold Hair Spray.

Latoya’s styling tips

• When applying conditioner, start at the ends and work your way up since the ends get drier faster than the roots. Leave in more of the conditioner for maximum hydration, rinsing it just a bit.
• Use lukewarm water when applying conditioner. The warmth of the water–don’t use scorching hot–will help open the hair cuticle so the conditioner penetrates deeper into the hair shaft. Rake the conditioner through, and when it feels silky, scrunch to encourage curl formation.
• Use cold water when rinsing. This helps add shine to the hair.
• It is best to apply styling products in the shower to soaking wet hair. She applied all the products on my hair with my head flipped over and then I sat under the hooded dryer for a while, followed by diffusing.
• Use a microfiber towel to help remove excess water from the hair. Not a terrycloth.
• After applying styling products, once your hair is dry, gently rub your scalp to release the gel cast. Don’t run your hands through the length, as this will disrupt the curl pattern. Instead, scrunch at the bottom to loosen the cast.

To sum it up

I really have been enjoying the Buildup Buster by DevaCurl. If you are looking for something to refresh your hair, leaving it clean and silky and help bring out definition in your curls you may not even have known you had, I definitely suggest giving it a try!

Have you tried the DevaCurl Buildup Buster yet?

Tell us your review below or on Facebook.

Read I Went to the DevaCurl Buildup Buster Launch Event!

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By Diane Mary · Published March 1, 2017

The birds are chirping, flowers are starting to bloom, weather is slowly warming up, and the days are getting longer! Springtime is here, which means you may need to make a few tweaks to your regimen.

Here are 6 tips to keep your hair in tip top shape from winter to spring.

1. Get a trim

If it has been a while since your last trim, now is a great time to refresh your ends. Even curlies with the best intentions sometimes use more heat–by way of diffusing–in the colder weather, so your ends could actually be damaged. If, like yours truly, you are trying to grow your hair long, it is important to make sure your split ends don’t get too out of control since they can travel further up the hair length to cause breakage.

2. Continue to deep condition

With winter’s dry air, it was super important to deep condition regularly. Although the air is not as dry anymore, you still should continue this step as the year goes on. Based on the condition of your hair, you may be able to wait a bit longer between treatments, but don’t skip the D.C. altogether. Springtime weather usually means more time spent outside to run the risk of the drying exposure of sun and wind.

I like deep conditioning with Inahsi Naturals Mango Hemp Restorative Hair Mask or Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Masque for more moisture.

3. Extra frizz control

Humidity will be returning to the air in the springtime, which sometimes leads to even more frizz. You may find adding a frizz control product to your regimen to be very beneficial if you are extremely frizz prone.

Raw Curls Organics Anti-Frizz Spray is my absolute favorite, and Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper or Curl Junkie Curls in a Bottle are also two good options.

4. Lighten the load

Since the air is not as dry, switch out those heavy butters and oils for a lighter lotion and cream. While they may have worked well at keeping hair moisturized in lower temperatures, chances are they are weighing your wavy curly hair down now.

5. Air dry

If you have the time, spring is perfect to begin air dry season–it leaves the hair incredibly healthy by giving it a break from heat tools. Are you transitioning or working on repairing damaged hair? You will see significant changes in your hair health by air drying more often.

6. Keep a hair accessory near by

Spring = April showers and… wind. Keep a scrunchie, clip or scarf nearby to protect your waves from the elements if you are caught outside during a commute.

Which product do you put away when winter’s over?

Follow us on Facebook to see what we’re talking about right now.

Check out my blog, Diane Mary Beauty and follow me on Instagram and Twitter @dianemary126.

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By Diane Mary · Published February 24, 2017

Be Kekoa is a line of products for all textures of hair created by salon owner and healthy hair artist, Brandie Kekoa. Not only do they have some lovely products, but they are unique in how they source and produce one of their key ingredients, tamanu oil.

Per the brand’s website, “Brandie is very passionate about her company’s mission to empower women to exude pride and confidence in their natural curly hair. They inspired her to develop her Be Kekoa product line. Believing that the health of your hair is the foundation to any amazing style, Be Kekoa’s Healthy Curl product line was created with that being her core focus. The Be Kekoa product line promotes the restoration and maintenance of your hair, while bringing out your individual, natural beauty.”

One of the star products of the Be Kekoa line is the pure tamanu oil essential oil blends. This mix is sustainably sourced and ethically produced while containing absolutely no fillers, additives, or silicones. It is 100% organic with the addition of selecting two out of several 100% certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils based on your specific hair repair and concerns. Not only that, the Be Kekoa tamanu oil is the only hand-pressed, sun-dried tamanu oil on the market! By extracting and sourcing the oil this way, none of the nutrients inside get lost.

What is pure tamanu oil used for?

In addition to being high in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and vitamins A and E for the skin, it also promotes the following benefits for hair:

• stimulates the scalp and encourage growth
• strengthens and regrows thinning edges
• adds natural luster to dry, dull hair
• prevents breakage on natural and chemically treated hair
• heals split ends
• calms an itchy, flaky scalp
• protects hair from damaging UV rays
• locks in moisture on chronically dry hair
• reduces the signs of aging hair and skin

As mentioned earlier, Be Kekoa allows you to select one or two from several essential oils to add into their tamanu oil. I selected Geranium for my blend to encourage hair growth and lavender to fight hair loss and soften brittle hair. Other essential oils to choose from include juniper berry, rosemary, Hawaiian sandalwood, ginger, grapefruit and lemon.

My first impression

The oil comes in a convenient pump bottle. Since there are no added or artificial fragrances, the scent is quite a strong, natural, earthy, and nutty, which is not my favorite. However, the performance and results far outweigh the scent. So far, I have used this oil to seal my wet hair and also on dry, days old hair. I have also used some a few times as a pre shampoo treatment.

My review

Any way I use it, the results have been wonderful. The oil is lightweight and absorbs into my hair and skin almost instantly. Whenever I pump too much, I like rubbing the rest into my cuticles. Not only did this oil leave my hair with a nice dose of shine, but my frizz was significantly cut down and overall, I felt like my hair was more manageable. I also like how this oil blend protects my hair from harmful UV rays, which I will be taking full advantage when the summer arrives.

The brand’s stance on giving back…

“Be Kekoa is the first and only brand to ink an exclusive contract for the sustainable sourcing and production of Tamanu Oil in French Polynesia. This Fair Trade agreement empowers families economically while compensating them for their knowledge, time, and work in handcrafting Be Kekoa Tamanu Oil. To this point, Be Kekoa Tamanu Oil is the only Tamanu Oil on the market made with the Mana and blessing of the people of Huahine. The nut from this rare Tamanu tree is highly sought after for its unparalleled healing powers, but none have been able to capture its pure maximum potency until now. Be Kekoa Tamanu Oil is produced in small batches, following the ancient custom of hand-pressed crafting by a small network of families on the French Polynesian island of Huahine. The sacred, indigenous process takes nearly a year to complete–and the end result is the rich, powerful, deep brown healing oil.”

By sourcing and importing their tamanu oil directly, Be Kekoa is providing fair-paying jobs and better lives to the people of French Polynesia.

You can find Be Kekoa Tamanu Oil, along with a whole line of products on www.bekekoa.com and @bekeoa on Instagram.

Special thank you to Christina from Mane Objective @maneobjective for allowing me to source additional information from her awesome blog. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check her blog out!

For more, please check out my blog, Diane Mary Beauty and follow me on Instagram and Twitter @dianemary126.

Read I Tried a DevaCurl Dupe (So You Don’t Have To”>

By Diane Mary · Published February 20, 2017

For those of us with loose curly and wavy hair, gel is an important product in our post-shower styling routine.

PHOTO BY @EVANJOSEPHSALON, USING DEVACURL B'LEAVE IN & ARC ANGEL

Using a styling gel comes with multiple benefits, including helping with curl definition, fighting frizz, and providing hold. It’s safe to say that most of us like our gels to hold our texture without feeling stiff or crunchy. However, you may be wondering why using a gel that is specifically alcohol-free is beneficial.

Why you need an alcohol-free styling gel

Certain alcohols can cause extra frizz and dryness to already dry curls since they will steal moisture our hair so desperately needs.  These offenders include short-chained alcohols such as ethanol, SD alcohol, SD alcohol 40, and alcohol denat as well as fast drying alcohols such as Ethanol alcohol, Ethyl alcohol, 1-Propanol alcohol, Isopropyl alcohol, Isopropyl alcohol, and Benzyl alcohol.

Since many curlies do not wash their hair every single day, gels are one of the hair products that can live in our hair for days at a time; it is damaging for the bad alcohols to be constantly stripping the hair of its moisture. The following gels don’t contain the bad stuff:

DevaCurl Arc Angel Gel

All of the gels from the DevaCurl line are actually alcohol-free! This is my personal favorite because it provides the firmest hold for most control without the crunch. The unique formula is made with chamomile, lemongrass, and orange peel extract. It keeps my curls smooth and soft for the long haul with a delicious, fresh orange citrus scent.

Raw Curls Medium Hold Gel

Ouidad Tress Effects Styling Gel

This gel helps loose curls and waves achieve and maintain just the right internal moisture balance while acting as a primer for their hair, providing hold any textured style, in any weather condition. This memory lock gel with pro-vitamin b5 and clove oil smoothes the uplifted cuticle to set in style and preserve a defined, frizz-free curl formation.

SheaMoisture High Porosity Moisture-Seal Styling Gel

This gel is specially formulated with mongongo and hemp seed oils to tame frizzy curls by sealing the hair cuticle, blocking humidity and frizz and giving you shiny, smooth, perfect curls. Baobab proteins and apple cider vinegar also enhances the natural shine of your texture while keeping frizz in check by smoothening rough hair cuticles.

Jane Carter Solution Curls to Go Coiling All Curls Elongation Gel

Enriched with nettle leaf extract, aloe vera gel, coconut oil, this gel is a great to define loose curls and waves while reducing shrinkage. Additionally, it leaves them shiny, soft and frizz-free.

Innersense Beauty iCreate Hold Gel

I Create Hold provides style and manageability from roots to ends. Certified Organic Honey acts as a natural resin to create style sustainability; antioxidants add protection while plant extracts combine to add incredible shine.

It is important to note that not all alcohols are bad.

Some of them are commonly used as emollients in skin and hair products to help soften and condition our hair. Popular fatty alcohols include cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.

Do you use alcohol free gels? What are your favorites? 

By Diane Mary · Published February 13, 2017

Many wavy haired people fear that sealing with an oil won’t benefit their texture, or it may weigh it down. That’s not necessarily true.

When styling my wavy-curly hair, I have been sealing my wet, wavy hair with an oil now for years. For me, the L.C.O. method (which stands for leave-in, cream, oil”> works quite well. Sealing your hair with an oil can be very beneficial, even for wavies! 

Some sealing oils themselves do not moisturize hair. Sealing is the act of “locking in” moisture from water or products you apply to your hair. As opposed to moisturizing oils, which penetrates the hair shaft and adds moisture to the hair, sealing oils mostly do not penetrate but instead sit on top of the hair and hold in the moisture from other products.

Why use a sealing oil

• shine
• lock in moisture
• softer hair
• improve manageability for styling

Do you need to seal your wavy hair with an oil? Ask yourself this:

Are my waves dry and dull-looking?

If you are styling your hair and find that you crave more shine, less frizz or if your hair is ‘puffier’ than you would like, using a sealing oil may be just what your routine needs.

Do I style my hair while it is wet?

You can seal as a last step in your wet hair styling routine. Personally, I use a leave-in conditioner followed by a gel or cream and then I will go in with an oil. Since a lot of wavy types can get weighed down easily, it is best to start with very little and add more if needed if you feel you require more. Once you figure out the perfect amount of oil for your own hair, it will become like second nature.

Popular sealing oils for textured hair

• argan oil
• shea oil
• grapeseed oil
• safflower oil
• jojoba oil
• castor oil
• olive oil
• avocado oil

Here are some of my favorite oil blends to seal with since I like the idea of getting the benefits of several oils at once: 

Josie Maran Pure Argan Oil

Okay this is my only favorite that is not an actual blend. What is unique about pure argan oil is it actually does moisturize the hair while sealing! Lightweight on my wavy hair, it is rich high in Vitamin E to help with elasticity, as well.

Ouidad MongongoOil

I like that this blend of Mongongo nut, coconut, broccoli seed and American palm seed oil comes in a spray to easily control and is very lightweight. This oil not only seals my hair, but it doubles as a heat protector. An added bonus: it fights off environmental damage! Another plus: the unique scent is incredible.

SheaMoisture High Porosity Finishing Elixir 

Another oil in a spray that features Mongongo oil! This one really adds in shine and promotes manageability for my hair. It also includes Baobab proteins and Apple Cider Vinegar for added smoothness. 

Be Kekoa Tamanu Oil Blend

I like that this sustainably sourced and ethically produced oil is as pure as it can get, without any additional fillers or ingredients aside from selected essential oils, which only benefit the hair more. It is lightweight and helps with frizz as well, repairing damage to the hair.

Obviously, everyone’s hair is different. If you have tried oil sealing before and it didn’t work out, that’s okay! Finding your perfect hair care regimen is all about trial and error.

Have you tried sealing your hair with an oil before?

Next: Here is the difference between a moisturizer and a sealer 

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

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By Diane Mary · Published February 9, 2017

As a wavy-curly girl, one of the biggest struggles is getting my curl pattern to look defined and enhanced, especially since there are quite a few things that can disrupt it.

1. Touching your hair while it’s still drying

I find this to be especially true if you like to air dry. Aside from creating frizz, touching your hair at a time that it is the weakest can ruin your curl pattern and make it prone to manipulation when wet. I know, it’s hard, but try keeping your hands off your hair until it is completely dry.

2. Using products that are too heavy

Some finer-haired curlies may find that heavier products weigh their hair down easily. Using these products can cause hair is not look at bouncy and defined, and instead look too stringy, limp or product-y (yes, we just made that a word”>. If you think this may happen to you, lightweight products may be more ideal.

3. Using too much product and being heavy-handed

This is one I am super guilty of doing too often and ruining what would have otherwise been excellent hair days. Even if a product is lightweight and marketed to your hair type, more is not necessarily better. It takes some experimentation to find the perfect amount, but using too much of any product can make hair look weighed down and undefined.

4. Brushing your hair

I mean, do I even have to go into details with this one? Brushing your curls–especially when dry–will absolutely disrupt the curl pattern.

5. Certain ingredients

Our hair reacts differently to different ingredients inside products. Many type 2 wavy girls’ hair don’t play nice with sulfates, non water-soluble silicones and polyquats. I have also read that some curlies do not react well to too much protein, waxes or specific butters. This is another individual situation where with experimentation you can see what ingredients your hair may or may not like. Several factors that may help determine this include curl pattern, porosity and density.

6. Terrycloth towels

Using a microfiber towel or cotton towel is significantly better for curl patterns. Terrycloth towels have rougher fibers which can affect your hair’s cuticle, leading to frizz, disrupted curls, and even breakage.

7. The weather

The time of year and weather makes such a difference in those with wavy-curly patterns. During winter when the air is colder and very dry, curls often droop and do not look as bouncy and defined as they do in warmer months with higher humidity. I find going in with the Q-Redew Hair Steamer can help enhance the curl in this situation.

8. Certain chemicals

Know that a relaxer will disrupt your curl pattern because that is its purpose. However, if not done properly and taken care of, permanent hair color can also have a negative effect on curl patterns. Even when applied correctly, hair color does damage the cuticle layer to an extent, which leads to dry, frizzy curls that are stretched out. Lightening your natural hair with bleach will absolutely affect the integrity and strength of your curls. If you still want color, it is important to take care of them with delicacy.

Have you noticed anything specific that disrupts your curl pattern?

What do you do to fix it? Leave a comment below.

Read I Went to the DevaCurl Buildup Buster Launch Event!

For more of Diane Mary, follow her personal blog, Diane Mary Beauty. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @dianemary126. 

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By Diane Mary · Published February 8, 2017

You may have noticed a new and unique hair color taking over social media lately, and it isn’t rose gold anymore.

PICTURED: @nyanelebajoa

Enter: “blorange” hair

A bit less girly though, “blorange” can mean two different things to hair color professionals and clients. The color is what you get when you combine classic ‘blonde’ with a more fun ‘orange’. This warm hue cannot be missed. Second, according to Teen Vogue, “it also refers to blood orange, ‘a citrus fruit that combines shades of orange, ruby, and crimson.'” No matter how you want to refer to it, this warm and sunny shade is quickly gaining more popularity, especially across the pond in the UK.

We first saw the “blorange” rage kick off when Georgia Jagger, daughter of Mick, showcased the color late last year. However, it has also been debated that the color may have been inspired by the peach emoji or sunsets.

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A photo posted by @cherrycherrybeauty on Feb 4, 2017 at 12:57am PST

With over 2,000 results searching #blorange on Instagram right now, the possibilities with the unique color are endless.

There are so many ways you can rock the “blorange” trend from full head color, to highlights to ombre to even only applying it in the “peek-a-boo” underneath layer. If you want “blorange” without maintenance, wearing it with darker roots also looks great. Aside from the different ways to wear it, there is also the option of intensity for your color; it can be light and purposely faded looking for a softer look, or you may choose to go the vibrant route. The sky’s the limit when it comes to “blorange” variations.

,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-version=”7″>

A photo posted by Lia Weiz (@liaweizmakeup”> on Feb 3, 2017 at 3:35pm PST

This warm toned shade is quite universal and looks flattering on all skin tones.

Those with lighter hair can achieve the color easily without bleach. Darker hair colors will have to bleach first, so first asset the current damage situation of your hair and proceed with caution. Then, if you decide go forth on your “blorange” quest, it is absolute critical to deep condition regularly and take extremely good care of your hair to keep the damage to a minimum.

Aside from damage, one other concern with “blorange” hair can be that if not properly taken care of, it could wind up becoming very brassy–after all, the color does have orange in it. But don’t fret, a good sulfate-free color protecting shampoo will help with this.

While “blorange” is already quite popular, as the weather begins to get warmer and summer approaches, it is only going to get bigger as the months go on and temperatures rise.

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A photo posted by Georgia May Jagger (@georgiamayjagger”> on Oct 5, 2016 at 5:05am PDT

Would you rock the “blorange” hair color trend?

Let us know on Facebook.

For more of Diane Mary, follow her personal blog, Diane Mary Beauty. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @dianemary126. 

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By Diane Mary · Published February 7, 2017

Buildup Buster is a Micellar Water Cleansing Serum meant to be used once weekly or as needed, replacing your regular shampoo or co-wash for a deeper clean.

DevaCurl just launched a new product called Buildup Buster in their brand new treatment category!

To celebrate, they had a launch party in Manhattan and by some incredible awesome miracle, I was lucky enough to get an invite to attend! This is part one of a two-part article series where I will tell you about Buildup Buster and recap my fun experience at the party.

Buildup Buster is a Micellar Water Cleansing Serum.

You may have heard of this ingredient before as it is used in some skincare products, but DevaCurl is the first to bring this technology to hair care. According to the brand, their product “gently removes buildup from products, hard water, or environmental stressors, while the rejuvenating cleansing serum will bring all curl types back to life!” This is a cleansing product meant to be used once weekly or as needed, replacing your regular shampoo or co-wash for a deeper clean.

You may have heard of this ingredient before as it is used in some skincare products, but DevaCurl is the first to bring Micellar Water technology to hair care.

The key ingredients

• Micellar water: gently removes buildup without harsh, stripping effects
• Abyssinian seed oil: boosts shine and provides added moisture
• Jojoba esters: moisturizes and soothes the scalp

Like all DevaCurl products, Buildup Buster is sulfate-free, silicone-free and paraben-free.

I actually don’t have a review of the product; I received one in my gift bag from the event last night and have not used it yet since I only wash my hair twice a week and yesterday was wash day.

On Thursday as part of the launch I went to a workout class at 305 Fitness. This was a high intensity cardio work out with a live DJ-inspired by dancing at clubs. I am not a good dancer at all, and felt awkward more often than not, but I still had fun and left dripping in sweat! The workout was challenging, yet doable. There It was let by an instructor who even had gorgeous curls herself.

Friday was the party and I was nervous and so excited.

Admittedly, I am actually pretty shy and incredibly awkward in real life. There were tons of gorgeous beauty influencers I recognized from YouTube and Instagram from all over the USA with all different kinds of curls there. I have never saw so many gorgeous heads of curls in one room before. Being shy, sadly, I did not take as many pictures or go up to as many people as I wanted to, but everyone I did talk to was so nice.

We exchanged hair care tips and talking about our favorite DevaCurl products.

It really was incredible to be in a room with so many other who understand and can relate to curly hair experiences. The girls who flew in from out of town went to the Devachan Salon for the Bounce Back Treatment earlier in the day. When I asked a few of them how they liked it, everyone had a similar response, saying that their hair felt very soft, clean, but not dry or lightweight. Everyone’s curls looked beautiful, so I am super excited to go to the salon and get the treatment for myself.

The Buildup Buster display was a beauty influencer’s dream.

There were so many different and fun picture and video stations to stop at. There was even a video station where we danced on a green screen, a slow-motion camera where we flipped our hair around, a ring light with a gorgeous silver background while awesome professional photographer @skinnywashere took our shots. I am excited to see how mine turned out. I saw a couple on a screen and they looked good. Some of the girls were such pros at posing. The event was also catered by Shake Shack, one of my favorite burger places ever. Delicious!

The DevaCurl team did a wonderful job putting the event together.

I would like to thank Dana, Sam and the team so much for inviting me to the event! I had such a great experience, met some friends who I’ve talked to online before and also made some new curly friends!

Part two with the product review and in salon treatment review will be coming soon. 

For more of Diane Mary, follow her personal blog, Diane Mary Beauty. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @dianemary126. 

Read: Is the DevaCurl DevaFuser Just as Safe as Air Drying?

By Diane Mary · Published January 31, 2017

No one likes the thought of heat damage, but sometimes a time restraint or cold weather calls for blow drying and diffusing. Is the DevaFuser a safer route?

Confession: I hate blow drying my hair.

Oftentimes when I blow dry my hair, I’m left with unwanted frizz and volume, and it just does not look as nice as when I air dry. Since air drying takes a long time, blow drying usually reduces the time to no more than 1 hour. Although I do not like the thought of heat damage, sometimes a time restraint or cold weather might mean a girl has got to blow dry.

Recently, I received the DevaCurl DevaDryer and DevaFuser. I actually had the original DevaFuser and when blow drying, I liked it better than any other diffuser, but sadly I had difficulty keeping it attached to my old blow dryer. Now that I have the updated model of the DevaFuser as well as Deva’s dryer, I was excited to see if this would change my mind on blow drying.

What DevaCurl says about the dryer

“If you want a quick way to give your waves and curls more shape and bounce while reducing frizz, than this is the tool for you! The innovative, hand-shaped DevaFuser delivers 360-degree airflow to completely surround curls – even at the root which speeds up the drying process. The patented ergonomic design enhances your natural curls or waves, while creating body and lift due to easy positioning at the crown. Curls look beautifully defined and frizz-free due the gentle drying of the DevaDryer & DevaFuser combination.”

• Professional 1600 Watt / AC Motor

• Ionic Technology

• Patented DevaFuser

• Concentrator Nozzle

• 3 Temperature Settings

• Cool Shot Button

• 2 Speed Settings

• Protective Cord Strain Relief

• Easy Storage Cord Wrap

• Balanced Lightweight Design

First impression

The diffuser is certainly a unique shape. It is shaped like a hand, to help scrunch as it dries and there are air holes all around to help make hair dry faster. It didn’t significantly cut down my blow drying time, maybe by a few minutes, but nothing too life-altering as far as the length of blow drying time. However, the other effects I notice when using this dryer and diffuser make it so worth it for me.

How I safely blow dry my wavy hair

• When diffusing, I alternate my head straight up and to each side. I do not flip my head when diffusing as I do not want to add volume.

• Before diffusing I plop first so that my waves can air dry as much as possible; this will minimize the amount of time my hair is hit with heat.

• I avoid hitting the ends of my hair with the blow dryer as much as possible since this section is the oldest–and most fragile.

• Most of the time I use the highest heat setting so that my hair dries as fast as possible. However, I always finish by pressing the cool shot button to help close the cuticle of the air. This helps hair remain smoother, with less frizz.

• I apply a heat protectant before I begin blow drying, layering it on top of my regular styling products. Then I apply a drop or two of an oil or serum (DevaCurl MirrorCurls is a favorite”> to give back a little shine the dryer may have taken away.

• Use extra deep conditioner! I keep stressing my fear of heat damage. My hair is so easily damage prone and very dry so since heat does rob moisture from hair, and since I diffuse my hair most in Winter when the air also robs my hair of moisture, using deep conditioning treatments is ESPECIALLY critical. The SheaMoisture High Porosity Moisture Seal Masque is a favorite of mine.

Final review

This dryer and diffuser combo really helps to nicely define my curl pattern without leaving behind unwanted volume or frizz! Some curlies do love their volume, and I think the with right technique you can probably achieve it, but I personally do not like when my hair expands too much. The dryer and diffuser prevented this while drying my curls. My hair felt soft and touchable after blow drying. When used properly and with a heat protectant, this dryer does not seem to cause a ton of heat damage that other dryers might. (If you are in search of a good one, two of my favorites are Briogeo Rosarco Blow Dry Perfecting Crème and Original Moxie Heat Wave Reparative Blow Dry Crème–both contain ingredients that treat my hair as well as protect it.”>

To conclude, I really like that the DevaDryer and DevaFuser can give me great, defined, frizz free hair when I need to blow dry and I like that it doesn’t seem to damage my hair the way other dryers have in the past.

Note: This post was not sponsored or endorsed by DevaCurl.

By Diane Mary · Published January 26, 2017

It is often said that imitation is the highest form of flattery, but is that also the case with hair products? I recently tried and compared DevaCurl to a dupe brand, Lovely Curls, which I found while shopping at Harmon’s Face Values in New York.

Every curly girl knows about DevaCurl–it is one of the first curly hair brands of its kind to be released. I recently noticed when shopping Harmon’s Face Values, sitting next to DevaCurl was the store’s own brand of similar products, Lovely Curls. Below, I share my thoughts on whether or not you’re better off splurging on the original.

“We’ve been developing our proprietary DevaCurl product formulations for over a decade based on superior ingredients that deliver exactly what the curly girl needs. We’re flattered that other companies are trying to create similar formulations but there’s absolutely no substitute for the original. Harmon’s Face Values Deva “dupes” are not DevaCurl formulas nor packaging and we categorically do not support this type of infringement nor the performance of any of these formulations.” 

Quick side-by-side first impression

Lovely Curls Non-Lathering Shampoo vs. DevaCurl No Poo Original

Scent wise, Lovely Curls is a lot more minty than DevaCurl No-Poo, which has more of a floral-mint tone to the scent. Consistency wise, the original No-Poo is a bit thicker. Both products cleansed my hair well, while leaving it feeling soft and moisturized. Out of all four products I am comparing, this one was the one I had most difficult telling the difference between performance wise.

Lovely Curls Super-Creamy Conditioner VS. DevaCurl One Condition

• Fragrance: Even my sensitive nose cannot detect a difference in the lemongrass scent of both product lines.
• Consistency: As far as consistency is concerned, the DevaCurl One Condition is a bit thicker than Lovely Curls.
• Performance: Even though both products moisturized my hair, One Condition was more moisturizing and had better slip for detangling. DevaCurl also played nicer with my styling product when used as a leave-in.

Lovely Curls Firm-Hold Defining Gel vs. DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel

• Fragrance: Both products have a unique, clean, fruit scent but DevaCurl’s is slightly stronger, but I don’t personally mind since I love that fragrance.
• Consistency: The Lovely Curls gel is a bit goopier, even sticky. What I like about DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel–actually, all of their gels–is that they are not sticky at all.
• Performance: There is no comparison. I noticed immediately that when layering the Lovely Curls gel over their conditioner as a leave-in, it formed little white clumps that original DevaCurl products never do for me. Both gels gave me defined curls with hold but when drying, the Lovely Curls gel left my hair feeling stiff and a bit hard which is something else DevaCurl gels never did to my waves.

Lovely Curls Styling Cream vs. DevaCurl Styling Cream

• Fragrance: These products had the most different scents of all of the four others. DevaCurl Styling Cream has that delightfully fruity Skittles candy-like fragrance. The Lovely Curls styler has more herbal notes, which isn’t a bad thing–but it’s definitely not the same.
• Application: I enjoy using DevaCurl Styling Cream as a way to replenish moisture and fight frizz on days-old hair, so that is how I used both products to compare. On second day hair, DevaCurl Styling Cream leaves my hair soft, shiny, and bouncy while fighting frizz throughout the day. The Lovely Curls Styling Cream did not leave my hair as soft, there was a bit of stiffness to it; it also did not fight frizz or add shine.

Final thoughts

DevaCurl may as well print on their bottles that they are “Often imitated, never duplicated!” as the saying goes. While my results with Lovely Curls were okay, they truly just did not compare to the award-winning originals for my hair.

Sure, DevaCurl has a higher price point, but I believe the quality and performance are worth our hard-earned pennies. Rather than buying subpar dupe products to save a few bucks, I suggest becoming more sale savvy by doing things like signing up for e-mails from DevaCurl.com, shop.naturallycurly.com, and other retailers you like where you can find DevaCurl. That way, you are alerted of their sales and can get the real deal and still save a bit of money.

Note: This post was not sponsored by DevaCurl.

Please visit my personal blog at dianemarybeauty.blogspot.com and follow me on Instagram @dianemary126.

By Diane Mary · Published January 26, 2017

One of the biggest challenges for those of us with natural wavy and looser curl patterns is learning how to enhance our curl definition.

There are several different techniques practiced by the community–read on for a few popular methods that you can try so that you can maximize your natural definition.

The best techniques for enhancing your natural curl definition

1. Scrunching

This method is a personal favorite method of mine. Scrunching the hair in an upwards direction while wet encourages incredible curl formation–I combine this with #2 below after the shower to define and enhance my own waves.

2. Ouidad Rake and Shake Technique

3. Plopping

4. Scrunch-n-Plump

5. Skip Curl

6. Squish to Condish

Have you tried any of these curl-defining techniques before?

Did we miss one? Share in the comments section below!

Read Top 5 SheaMoisture Hair Products, According to a Wavy Hair Blogger

By Diane Mary · Published January 23, 2017

SheaMoisture is a favorite among those of us with all kinds of textured hair, and for good reason.

The cruelty-free brand is affordable, contains excellent treatment ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, does not contain the bad ingredients many curlies stay away from such as sulfates and silicones, and currently has over 150 different products to reach a diverse needs of each curl, wave, coil out there! The brand even has a focus on porosity, which is a rarity.

I have been using SheaMoisture products since around 2012 and since then, I have watched them release more products and lines each year. By now I have tried quite a few of the SheaMoisture lines and have certainly developed relationships with my favorites. Here are my Top Five Favorite SheaMoisture products to date!

Note: At time of doing this article I have not tried the brand new 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Line or the Kukui Nut & Grapeseed Oils Damage Rehab Line yet.

1. Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Frizz-Free Shine Mist

Key Ingredients

• Yucca: Promotes hair growth for thicker, fuller hair
• Plantain Extract: rich in vitamin B complex, and nourishes hair with moisture
• Baobab Oil: contains vitamins A, C, D, E, and F to fortify and strengthen hair

The entire Yucca and Plantain line is pretty incredible, to be honest–they are my second favorite SheaMoisture line! The lightly floral-scented mist has been a staple in my hair care regimen since I first tried it years ago. I love using this when my Day 1 hair is all dry. It’s also great for refreshing days old hair to add shine, combat frizz, and fight breakage. A bonus: this mist does not leave my waves feeling crunchy or weighed down.

2. Bamboo Extract & Maca Root Resilient Growth Root Stimulator

Key Ingredients

• Bamboo Extract: boost the hair’s intrinsic flexibility and resilience for healthier growth
• Maca Root: invigorates and energizes hair, improving the look of fullness
• Red Clover: helps reduce build up to encourage full, healthy looking hair growth

I massage this product into my scalp every single night for five minutes, as I am forever on the quest to encourage my naturally wavy hair grow in the healthiest, strongest way possible so that it can get longer without breaking. This helps encourage healthy hair growth without leaving my roots oily or greasy.

3. SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex 10-In-1 Renewal Leave-In Detangler

Key Ingredients

• SuperFruit Complex: a blend of red raspberry, goji, acai and guava extracts rich in protective antioxidants
• Marula Oil: rich in essential fatty acid omega-9 oleic to hydrate deeply
• Biotin: multi-vitamins nourish for stronger-looking hair

This wonderful, multi-tasking cream makes detangling a breeze, giving my wavy hair just the right amount of moisture it needs. I can use it as a traditional leave-in before applying a styler on wet hair, or if my days old hair feels extra dry and wants more moisture, I can quench my dry hair’s thirst with this leave-in. It adds bounce back to my waves and even some unexpected shine. The formula is lightweight and runny, so I need a bit of it, which is good for other curlies who find most cream style products to weigh their hair down easily. Not to mention, it offers a yummy fruity fragrance.

4. Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intense Hydration Complex

Key Ingredients

• Manuka Honey: anti-inflammatory properties smooth hair, and helps create a moisturizing barrier to rehydrate hair
• Mafura Oil: high level of beneficial oleic acid help replenish oils stripped from hair
• African Rock Fig: contains antioxidant vitamin C, which helps keep hair looking vibrant

This oil blend is fantastic, as it is yet another product I can use on both wet and dry hair. I like to use it as the last step in the L.C.O. Method to seal my hair or I will use it over the mist on days old hair. Sometimes I may even add a little bit on my ends if they are feeling particularly dry in between trims. This oil is lightweight but adds incredible shine and hydration. It’s crazy how soft my hair feels instantly after I apply it.

5. High Porosity Mongongo & Hemp Seed Oil Line

Key Ingredients

• Mongongo Oil: specially selected to coat and seal the cuticle of high porosity hair
• Hemp Seed Oil: moisturizes hair while it reinforces and protects
• Baobab Protein: contains vitamins A, C, D, E and F to fortify hair

Okay, so I used a loophole and included a whole line for this one. But that is because it is my favorite full line by SheaMoisture. Every single product works extremely well for my dry high porosity hair. Aside from helping enhance natural curl definition and leaving my hair feeling silky, what I really notice most after using these products are the significant reduction in frizz and intensely beautiful shine. The High Porosity line truly helps my stubbornly frizzy hair in a way not many other products can. A stand-out from the line is the Moisture-Seal Styling Gel which has the perfect amount of hold for a gel without leaving my hair feeling stiff or crunchy.

To sum it up…

It was hard to pick just five products, but here they are! There are plenty more from the brand I also like using, but to talk about all of them would be to write a novel.

What are some of your SheaMoisture favorites?

Tell us in the comment section below.

Read How to Stop Your Second-Day Hair from Looking Like Stringy Noodles

For more of Diane Mary, follow her personal blog, Diane Mary Beauty. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @dianemary126.