Search Results: gerilynhayes

By gerilynhayes · Published June 14, 2018

Hi, NaturallyCurly world! It’s G. You know me. I’m the wild child editor in the bunch with Type 4c, super dense, low-porosity curls!

Although I’ve been an on-and-off Naturalista for years, this is the 3rd year of my low-manipulation, trims-only natural hair journey. One of my favorite parts of this journey is getting familiar with protective styles. I absolutely ADORE them, and with this love affair, I’ve learned that the more I nourish my scalp and hair, the better off my hair will be in its natural, unstyled, product-free state. With every protective style, with or without braiding hair, I make sure that scalp treatments and oils are mainstays.

In this article, I’ll tell you a little about the Editors’ Choice products in my protective style regimen for cute, always fly braids and twists that you can use for your natural hair when it’s in its natural state!

Next: Not sure what your hair type is? Take our quiz!

Wash & Treat Routine

Step 1: Cleanse scalp, braids, and twists with Cantu Apple Cider Vinegar Root Rinse

Not only is this a remarkable cleanser for my scalp, it helps me clean my braiding hair before I even sit down in the braider’s chair! I recommend soaking your braiding hair in this root rinse at least 24 hours prior to your braiding session because it clears away that nasty coating that cause allergic reactions on your scalp.

Step 2: Protect and keep every last baby hair with Groganics DHT Blocker On The Spot Itch Relief Scalp Medicine Drops

Tribal braids are cute. Losing your edges and sideburns to them is not. Every single time I rock any protective style, I immediately apply this scalp treatment because it stops my hair from shedding and breaking. This is thanks to the DHT blocker that’s in it. Learn more about that here: Experiencing Hair Loss? Try a DHT Blocker

Step 3: Oil scalp with Chocolate Kinks & Kurls Lemon Rose Hair & Scalp Renewal Oil

If you love oils but have found that they’re too heavy for daily use, you’re going to love this lightweight, delightfully scented hair and scalp oil. It’s an excellent moisturizer for those of us with dry scalps and even drier skin. Yes, your elbows, as well as your natural hair, will be looking lavish because of this oil.

Styling Routine

I like to use mousse to hydrate my natural hair when it’s in braids, and the hair butter is to keep my Bantu Knots moisturized and soft so that if I want to take them down, my natural hair will feel and look great. 

Skin Care Routine

Since I experience discoloration, I like to use products that help me even out my skin tone. First thing in the morning, I wash my face with a gentle cleanser. Then I follow up by applying a serum because it’s lightweight and won’t cause my oily skin produce excess sebum. For super hot days, I like to wear a gelee-type moisturizer because it feels soothing and keeps my face and next hydrated for hours.

Watch Gerilyn’s Wash Day Routine

To see the rest of the Editors’ Choice winners of 2018, check out the full list here.

Do you have Type 4c hair? Let us know what your regimen must-haves are in the comments so other 4c’s can learn from you!

By gerilynhayes · Published June 1, 2018

Oh, the stunning beauty of naturally lightened hair!

Golden brown curls are lovely so keep them healthy. || @marceau_photeau for nappy.co

You love this look, but what appears to be natural, sun-kissed kinks and curls is actually – *gasp* – sun damage.

Yes, my friend. SUN. DAMAGE. 

Not feeling so cute, anymore? That’s okay. I was caught off guard when my stylist told me about this last year. I mean, there I was, just basking in the glow of my caramel tinted coils only to fly too close to the sun and get burned. Boo!

Picking the shards of my broken ego up off the floor, I decided to research natural hair sun damage because I mean come on… this is AWFUL.

Golden brown curls are lovely so keep them healthy. || @marceau_photeau for nappy.co

Curly chemist and writer Tonya McKay Becker breaks down what happens when natural hair is overexposed to sunlight. 

“Most of us are familiar with the lightening of our hair that occurs when we spend hours in the sun in the summer. To many people, this is even a desirable side effect of sunbathing,” Becker explained in her article about protecting natural hair from the sun, “However, this effect is evidence of the destruction of pigment in the hair as a direct result of UV-induced oxidation of melanin particles in the cortex.”

YIKES. So, many of us Naturals have been cooking our hair strands through overexposure?! So, what about those of us that chemically lighten and lift color off of our hair strands?

“This effect is particularly devastating for those of us who rely upon the wonders of hair dye to enhance our natural coloring because the molecules used in hair dyes to add color to hair are even more susceptible to degradation via ultraviolet radiation,” Becker explained further, “UV radiation also can cause cleavage of molecular bonds in the hair, ultimately leading to fracture of the cuticle and the cortex.”

Whoa. Okay. So, what does that mean, exactly?

“This can lead to dry, brittle hair, rough texture from damaged cuticles, split ends, and breakage.”

Protect your hair strands with coconut oil! || @evelinterres for PEXELS

See? Sun damage is 100% not cool.

How Every Naturalista Can Avoid Sun Damage All Year Long

If you’re even mildly freaked out by this, you are probably wondering about a viable solution. Well, you definitely need to find a stylist to dust and trim those damage strands. While you wait for your appointment date to arrive, you need a regimen that is emollient-rich, to keep your hair strands coated in moisture all summer long. How?

Keep reading to learn how to protect your natural hair from sun damage. || @bridgid_ryan for nappy.co

Look no further than all-inclusive Coconut Restore Weekend Getaway Kit, featuring coconut oil-based items that will hydrate and smooth your hair strands no matter where you decide to take your weekend vacations this summer.

The hair and skin care experts at The Alternative Daily can vouch for this incredibly simple solution: “One of coconut oil’s impressive talents is the ability to protect hair and skin from the sun. Some experts say that coconut oil naturally contains a sun protection factor, or SPF 10.” So, of course you’ll want the kit that will cover every strand with natural protectant.

Coconut Restore’s Weekend Getaway Kit Is Here For Every Naturalista, Everywhere!

You know that we adore you, and want you to live your #bestlife. So, we’re offering you the Coconut Restore Weekend Getaway Kit – available ONLY at SHOP NaturallyCurly! No matter where you go this summer, your kinks, coils, curls, and waves will look extra lit.

You will protect your natural hair from sun damage with these lifesavers in the kit:

• Coconut Restore Moisture Replenishing Shampoo
• Coconut Restore Daily Strengthening Conditioner
• Coconut Restore Curl Control Leave-In Conditioner
• Coconut Restore Keratin Intensive Repair Masque
• Coconut Restore Revitalizing Whipped Coconut Oil
• Coconut Restore Styling & Setting Gelee

Bask in the glow of healthy curls this summer! || @dimexphotography for nappy.co

Once you get your kit, Show us your healthy, un-sun kissed curls by tagging @naturallycurly and @coconutrestore in your IG selfies all summer long, and beyond!

This post is sponsored by Coconut Restore.

By gerilynhayes · Published May 23, 2018

Okay. I know what you’re thinking: There is absolutely NO WAY virgin coconut oil can change my life in 3 ways, G. You’re a crazy person.

My hands are up, curl friend. You’re right… It will do even more!

Scroll along with me into the magical world of SheaMoisture’s 100% Virgin Coconut Oil collection to learn how it will be the new breath of life for your hair, skin, and soul.

3 Effortless Ways Virgin Coconut Oil Can Change Your Life

#1 – FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR CURLS, OVER AND OVER, AGAIN.

Naturalistas like you and me are deeply involved with the care and moisturization of our roots and strands, sometimes on a daily basis. We will not settle for any old ingredients or product, our curls demand the best. That’s why I know your curl-lovin’ life will be forever changed by the 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Leave-In Treatment.

You don’t have to worry about product buildup with virgin coconut oil because your hair will soak it in with the greatest of ease, and a little goes a long way to maximizing moisture. This is so great for us curlies because, like fellow naturalista Ashley Hall says, “Leave-in conditioner is probably one of the most important steps in maintaining healthy hair. It replenishes the hair’s moisture after washing, and it aids in softness and manageability.” We can have it all! 

#2 – BASK IN THE GLOW OF PERFECTLY HYDRATED SKIN

Do you love that feeling of your melanin poppin’? Freckles on fleek? Skin on a full-on #glowup? Me, too! If you haven’t already grabbed the 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Body Wash, I’m telling you now that you need to.

My skin tends to be dry thanks to the Texas Hill Country climate, so I love to use hydrating body washes that protect my skin before I even put on a layer of lotion. This has been my go-to body wash, and if you experience dry skin (no matter where you are in the world”>, you need this in your shower caddy!

#3 – SATURATE EVERY CURLY HAIR ON YOUR HEAD

It’s been said that daily washing is the enemy of natural hair, but I think that with the right products, your curls will love you for the daily cleanse. That’s why I recommend the 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Shampoo for those of us that lead an active lifestyle filled with workout sessions and miles-long jogs, or those that simply love how their hair feels post-cleanse! 

The unrefined, virgin coconut oil is what your hair strands crave, and if you have low porosity curls, the oil is able to penetrate those strands without leaving a hard-to-rinse-off residue; it’s just right!

BONUS – EMPOWER WOMEN EACH TIME YOU BUY!

You and me, we’re well-informed women! We know that every dollar we spend on our favorite products is a sound investment. So, what if I told you that every time you buy any of the items from 100% Virgin Coconut Oil collection you are empowering women?

The possibilities to empower women all over the globe are boundless! Want to help a woman get started on her journey? Well, there’s no time like the present: Get your 100% Virgin Coconut Oil collection today!

Want more empowering content in your life? Then follow @sheamoisture for hair & skincare products, made with natural and organic ingredients for curly hair and style #inspo 

This post is sponsored by SheaMoisture.

By gerilynhayes · Published May 10, 2018

Do you remember sitting between your mom’s legs, getting your hair braided down into cornrows? What about that time you learned that you are tender headed? Or, the day your mom finally figured out that she needed more than a boar hair brush and grease to get your hair into Afro puffs?

Ahhh… those were the days!

Now that we’re all grown up, we don’t need anyone telling us what to do with our curls and how to rock them… or, do we?

Using Design Essentials, these teens show their moms what cute hair is all about!

According to 3 young ladies, featured on the NaturallyCurly YouTube page, we may need a little help with stylin’ and profilin’ in this modern world of Insta-glam-selfies and Snap-worthy stories.

To prove that they know best when it comes to hair care, life, and all things cute, these young ladies decided to take their moms back to school by styling their hair with the ultimate curl collection: Design Essentials Naturals.

Using some of our NaturallyCurly favorites, the girls turned their mom’s hair into something… well… different! Watch the video to see how quirky things got between these naturally curly (and one wannabe curly”> moms and their daughters.

Aren’t these mom and daughter teams just the BEST?!

All the products that the daughters used on their mother’s hair are from the Design Essentials Naturals family, with each one complementing the other when used in concert:

• Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse: As one the favorite mousses’ in many curly women’s Holy Grail collections, this airy and light formulation is perfect for those of us in need of a gentle, yet firm hold. Sorry, straight haired-sisters! You’re not going to get curly hair using this mousse.
• Almond Avocado Twist and Set Setting Lotion: Let’s talk about bomb twist outs and moisture-saturated curls for a second: if that’s what you want, you’ll need this setting lotion in your life.
• Almond & Avocado Detangling Leave-In Conditioner: Every curly woman needs a reliable hydrating leave-in to get out the door and on with her day without having to worry about dry, frizzy hair. Grab this trusted leave-in and rock those curls with confidence.
• Coconut & Monoi Leave-In Nourisher: You’ve gotta love formulas that infused your hair strands with hydrating coconut and monoi oils. If you haven’t tried it, yet, get yourself a bottle now!
• Coconut & Monoi Moisturizing Edge Control Glaze: In the video above, you’ll see Nijah laying Nikki’s edges allll the way down with this glaze that you’ll want to add to your Holy Grail kit. The scent is delightful!

We absolutely adore that these moms and daughters got a chance to deepen their relationships with each other with the help of Design Essentials Naturals, one of the most beloved brands in our community. So, tell me:

How have you connected with your mom, guardian, aunts, dads, and family members through the power of curls?

Share your story in the comments below. And remember to sign up for our newsletters so that you can get exclusive Design Essentials Naturals information before anyone else!

As ever, love your mom (but leave the styling to her hairdresser”>!

By gerilynhayes · Published May 1, 2018

This post is for all Wavies and Curlistas and Naturalistas, still on the hunt for the numero uno gel to:

• Eliminate flyaways and straggly, wiry rebel hair strands
• Define your natural curl pattern while adding shine
• Apply easily, dried quickly, and won’t flake all over you
• Strong enough hold for intricate styling without drying out curls
• Make you look like the shining star you are!

Well, my friends… I think we’ve found another winner with Ecoco!!!

With every unboxing, we’re always thinking: Is it the ‘One’ that will be my end-all-be-all?

In this case, the Eco Style Wave & Curl Gel 100% was for NaturallyCurly community member Shauna! Watch as she explores the benefits of this one of a kind gel that gives those curls, waves, and coils moisture, hold, and shine:

What I love most about Shauna’s experience with the gel was that she was able to optimize her waves’ natural pattern while managing its natural behavior (e.g., taming her flyaways and wild hairs”>. When we talked to her about it, she was genuinely excited by its hold and scent.

That’s great, G. But how do I get MY hair to look good with this gel?

Friend! I’m so glad you asked. Let’s explore some amazing ways you can optimize your curls with the Eco Style Wave & Curl Gel! Check your Curl Pattern, then get gelled up!

Optimize Waves

Wavy hair enthusiast and influencer Becky Woodford understands the wavy girl’s plight, but she does have a golden nugget of advice for you all. She says, “You probably need a product that has a stronger hold than what you are using. Strong holding products for waves can be intimidating because you generally do not want to have a stringy crunchy look to your waves but rather a soft hold that will clump your waves without separating them.”

Clearly, you should grab the ultimate gel I’ve mentioned in this feature! Once you get it, I highly recommend diffusing it after applying it to your wet curls. Don’t know? Watch Managing Editor Cristina Cleveland optimize her waves by diffusing them in the video below.

Optimize Curls

If you are hesitant to try gels because you fear that they weigh down the hair, let Samantha Berley weigh in:

“It not only helps settle hair, frizz and flyaways, but it is perfect for thicker hair.”

She goes on to explain, “It helps define curls when applied to damp hair like mousse however does last longer. Gel is heavier and therefore great for running around for hours on end.” This is a win for curlies because you can use a little or a whopping amount to get long lasting styles; it’s all up to you and your curls!

I recommend optimizing your curls with a simple wash and go that takes a dollop or two of the gel, finger raking, and air drying. Watch Graphic Designer Frances Shaw optimize her stunning curly hair in the video below.

Optimize Coils

If you’re coily, you’re probably more a gel expert than I am (or, at the very least, you have your favs”>. In any event, you need to try this gel. Based on rave reviews and and high sung praises, your coils and zig-zags and kinks are going to POP with this gel ??

To optimize your coils, I recommend the advice of Type 4 coil-star Tabitha Tongoi who says, “I’ve worn strand twists from when I had 4 inches of hair to this very moment when my hair is about 20 inches long. I’ve found them equally effective at all lengths. When my hair was shorter, I’d wear micro-twists and as my hair has grown longer I’ve made my twists slightly thicker.”

“The great thing about twists is that you can install them as you please regardless of the length of your hair.“

Watch as beauty and skincare guru Amanda Starghill shows you how to style your strands in 2 cool ways!

Ready to optimize your wavy and curly hair?

You betta get it, girl! Eco Style Wave & Curl Gel, that is. Learn more about this beloved gel for Wavies and Curlistas via SHOPNaturallyCurly today!

As ever, stay curly!

This post is sponsored by Eco Style.

By gerilynhayes · Published April 16, 2018

Are You Feeling The Love For 100% Virgin Coconut Oil?

Of course, you are! And we know that you’re not the only one:

“Coconut oil is so good for the hair and scalp, and is an ingredient we use in many of our SheaMoisture products to help nourish curls,” explains Founder and CEO of SheaMoisture Richelieu Dennis, “Virgin coconut oil is special because it isn’t refined. This preserves all the natural goodness of this wonder oil, including a high content of vitamin E, fatty acids, and minerals, which are typically lost in processing.”

Now, who can resist that? Surely, you cannot live a life without this amazing emollient!

That’s why you have a chance to WIN all 5 of these miraculous hydrating products from the SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil collection!

Keep reading to learn how to enter!

Are You Ready To Try 100% Virgin Coconut Oil?

Even though you know its benefits, you shouldn’t have to concoct new ways to use 100% Virgin Coconut Oil, a tried and true staple in the natural hair and skincare world. That’s why SheaMoisture is giving you 5 ways to use 100% Virgin Coconut Oil, leaving the DIY guesswork on the shelf:

Daily Hydration Shampoo + Leave-In Treatment

These perfect hair care formulas for your daily hydration needs are available in a shampoo and a leave-in treatment to deliver just right moisture, to help your curly hair combat frizz, product buildup, and environmental damage. Perfect for all curl patterns and texture types, these 2 reliable curl friends will get you up and out the door no matter what!

Daily Hydration Body Wash + Daily Hydration Body Lotion

From head to toe, their 100% Virgin Coconut Oil collection keeps you thoroughly hydrated. Don’t just take my word for it!

“I use 100% coconut oil to remove my makeup and for my hair but hesitated to use for the body in fear of smelling too much like I was on an island somewhere. So I recently bought this was for my vacation to Puerto Rico and loved it there so much I’m using it back home (NYC”> and love the subtle smell and moisturizing without the greasy feel! Will continue using!” — Sapphire Read her full review!

Daily Glow Priming Moisturizer

Not only is the 100% Virgin Coconut Oil collection great for keeping your hair and skin hydrated and full of life, but the formulations are also power-packed with a double dose of Coconut Milk and Acacia Senegal. These luxurious emollients are pros at multi-tasking-beautifully blended to help hydrate, prime and glow!

It’s Giveaway Time!

Will you be one of the 10 WINNERS of this giveaway? Take a chance! You could win the following must-haves from the SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil collection, all of which contain Coconut Milk and Acacia Senegal:

• Daily Hydration Body Wash
• Daily Hydration Body Lotion
• Daily Glow Priming Moisturizer
• Daily Hydration Shampoo
• Leave-In Treatment

The giveaway opens on Monday, April 16, 2018, and closes on Thursday, May 31, 2018.

Use the SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Giveaway email entry (see form below”> for a chance to WIN!

Love contests and giveaways just like this one?

Then follow @naturallycurly to stay updated. And of course, you need to follow @sheamoisture for “natural, organic, sustainably-produced hair & skincare products, made with natural and organic ingredients for you & your body!” ❤️

* NOTE: This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, as per our Terms and Conditions.

Good Luck, curl fam!

By gerilynhayes · Published April 12, 2018

Imagine it: you walk in the club, stunning onlookers with your enviably impeccable style, brand new Lou-Bous and the fresh stiletto acrylics to match. Yes, you did come to slay and your girls did, too. Snapping those fingers and fluffing your ‘fro, you came into the place to not only celebrate yourself, but to laud all things curly, coily, kinky, wavy, and loc’d up!

If this sounds at all familiar, you probably know a thing or two about what happens when curl friends, loc sisters, and naturalistas get together: It’s going down.

So what happens when you put these textured stunners on the runway in Atlanta, Georgia for the hottest trends of the season? Honey, you know it’s LIT, especially because we came to not only slay, but to see the brand new Smooth ‘N Shine! Formulated with all new ingredients and outfitted in sleek packaging, this incredible brand re-launch was eagerly received.

5 Curly Hair Trends For Summer 2018 From Texture On The Runway: Atlanta Edition

At Texture on the Runway in Atlanta, the Smooth ‘N Shine brand re-launch reiterated to us all that textured hair is versatile, elegant, smooth to the touch, and always on TEN.

This runway show is living proof that texture is QUEEN! MCs Michelle Breyer and Nikia Phoenix opened the event with jubilance, introducing celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims and fashion designer Marrisa Wilson, both of whom described the looks they created as they were modeled on the runway.

Take note! You’ll be seeing these 5 on-trend curly hairstyles all Summer 2018 long:

The Teacher: A+ curls that schools all onlookers.

The Student: Flossing in her protected style, she’s ready to express herself.

The Afro-punker: From head to toe, this punk rocker is seriously righteous.

The Artist: She’s bright, bold, and a firm believer in beautifully sculpting every curl.

She’s On The Go: Her strong bob says, “I’m here to slay, even in my trainers!”

Want more? Here is a BONUS style you’ll love:

The Corporate Conquer: She navigates corporate landscapes with a style that bobs and weaves between being straight, then curly, and back again.

It was thrilling to see every model styled to perfection, with every curl and sleek strand held gently in place with Smooth ‘N Shine! My favorite look of the evening was the sunlight blonde Ghana Braids style that I absolutely MUST get installed for Summer 2018 and beyond. I love it because it can transition from a daytime work look to a polished night out rockin’ style!

Although these five trends were highlighted at Texture on the Runway, and will inevitably flow up and down your IG feed all summer long, you’ll be thrilled to know that even more trends were on display while we were in the event space.

Check out these stunning looks on these stylish guests:

CurlTalk TV: On the Scene for the Smooth ‘n Shine Relaunch

You know that I love a good event, right? That’s why I am thrilled to share curl stories from the NaturallyCurly community in Atlanta with you via CurlTalk TV! In this episode, you’ll learn about curly hair care maintenance, whether regimen and product versatility matters, and what’s hot in the ATL.

New, Amazing Curly and Straightening Smooth ‘n Shine Products

Smooth ‘N Shine is known for giving us options to keep our hair beautiful. That’s why the re-launch of their collection is so exciting! With its new look and new formulas, Smooth ‘N Shine is giving us all the best of the best whether you’re wearing your hair curly or straight.

The following stellar products were introduced and featured at Texture on the Runway – Atlanta Edition:

• Curl Defining Cream
• Deep Recovery Treatment
• Quenching Co-Wash
• Styling Custard
• Detangling Foam
• Straightening Polisher
• Hydrating Setting Mousse

You can get any one of these items from SmoothNShine.com!

As you can see, we had a ball at Texture on the Runway: Atlanta Edition with Smooth ‘N Shine

Want to make this curl connection official? Show @smoothnshineusa some love on IG today! We can’t wait to see you at the next Texture on the Runway so make sure you follow us @naturallycurly for updates and invites.

As ever, stay curly!

Loving this all-things-curly content from Smooth ‘N Shine?

Read more:

• How to Get Date Night Curls
• Show Out In Your Blowout

This post is sponsored by Smooth ‘N Shine.

By gerilynhayes · Published April 2, 2018

Since wearing your hair in its naturally curly state, you may have received the following inquiries:

• “How long have you been natural?”
• “How long have you been wearing your hair curly?”
• “Are you going to grow your hair out?”

No matter how used to these intrusive questions you get, one thing is certain: You are tired of trying to grow your hair longer and stronger than ever before over the past few years because nothing seems to work.

The hair growth struggle is 100% real, my friend. That’s why you need to follow this advice for healthy, strong curls from our friends at Aunt Jackie’s:

No matter what your curl pattern or texture type, PROTECT YOUR ENDS!

That’s right; it’s that simple! The proof is in the products.

BONUS TIP: Work with the length you have by using the right ingredients and styling products. Watch as NaturallyCurly Editors April Bingham, Grace L. Hathaway, and Alexandra Wilson talk about healthy hair growth and the best products to use no matter your #lengthgoals!

Pretty amazing how each curl friend, irrespective of her length and texture type, was able to get a stunning hairstyle while nourishing their roots, strands, and ends, right?

Maintain long coily hair strands with Lanolin and Shea Butter.

Want to grow those Type 4 curls out? April recommends that in addition to protecting your ends, you need to properly detangle and condition your hair with the potent properties of lanolin and Shea butter. To achieve this, she uses Aunt Jackie’s Knot on My Watch which contains both! Since you may be familiar with the ever-popular Shea butter, you should be thrilled to learn that lanolin is kind of a miracle emollient. Here’s why:

” In its natural state, lanolin contains about 25-30% water by weight. When applied to skin or hair, it is very effective at penetrating the surface and enhancing moisture retention. Lanolin is also beneficial because it continues to absorb moisture from the air, and can thus act as a humectant for the skin or hair.” – Tonya McKay Becker

To set her style, April used Curl La La Defining Curl Custard Cream, a curly hair styler that reliably defines curls of all porosity levels without leaving a filmy, visible residue!

Read more: Learn about Lanolin

Nourish curly hair with Omega Fatty Acids.

Curly hair with medium porosity is already well balanced, but every little bit of nourishment and strength is welcome for this hair type. Alex adds Omega-3 and -6 Fatty acids to her curls through the slip-worthy delight of Knot on My Watch (which also fights frizz when paired with Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel”>. This is what every person with curls wants. Why?

“Omega-3 fats nourish the hair follicles and encourage growth. They also prevent inflammation, helping to stave off hair loss, dandruff, and other hair and scalp conditions.” –Sabrina Perkins

Read more: Omega-3: The Essential Hair Secret

Protect and strengthen wavy and curly hair ends with Flaxseed Oil.

Having fine, wavy hair can be a struggle since this type of hair is very fragile and refuses to maintain a voluminous shape. However, fine wavy LOVES moisture and being defined. That’s why Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel is perfect for a superior level of protection and strength to your ends all while keeping roots lifted and waves super defined.

While you know your hair better than anyone, you must always keep this rule of thumb in mind, no matter your curl patterns and texture type:

Protect Your Ends!

Thanks to Aunt Jackie’s, you can do this with ease. Grab any or all of these nourishing stylers for the ultimate hair growth experience that will give your curls, coils, and waves LIFE:

1. Aunt Jackie’s Knot on my Watch Instant Detangling Therapy
2. Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard Cream
3. Aunt Jackie’s Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel

As ever, keep those curls healthy, vibrant, and growing strong!!!

This post is sponsored by Aunt Jackie’s.

By gerilynhayes · Published April 2, 2018

Some things in this life will never change. From your favorite childhood storybook down to the grooves worn in the sway of your hips when your jam starts playing, these deeply rooted attributes are locked into your personal history. However, there are some things that must move into a new time, a new season. This sentiment has not been lost on one of the most widely recognizable brands in the world: Luster Products, Inc.

Luster is fascinating for several reasons, one of which is its approach to reach the millennial curly and natural hair consumer. Another is its focus on innovative product development and brand management. Following its undeniable pulse in the community, I found what can only be called the heartbeat of the brand: Miss Resa B. Luster, Brand Manager at Large for Luster Products, Inc.

Photograph retrieved from @resabluster.

Chatting with Miss Luster, I discovered that there’s a plethora of information about the brand that all naturalistas need to know. The Chicago native had quite a lot to say to me about her family heritage and business, giving back to the community, and, of course, natural hair.

Luster-ous Roots and New Growth

NaturallyCurly: Please tell the NaturallyCurly community about your company history.

Resa B. Luster: Luster Products Inc. was founded in 1957 by my late grandfather Fred Luster, Sr. He was a barber based on the Southside of Chicago. His clients would frequently complain about not being able to find products in the marketplace to help keep their hair well-conditioned, moisturized, strong and healthy. He instantly knew he wanted to create products to satisfy his clients’ wants and needs. He began to mix ingredients in his barbershop and created the first product: Luster Crème. He gave this product to his clients, and they instantly fell in love. From there on, word of mouth spread around Chicago, and the demand grew immediately for the product. Demand was increasing so rapidly that he was forced to drive around the Chicagoland area to sell the product out of his car. Creating the goods and maintaining his clientele also became a bit cumbersome, so he hired his brothers & children to help him produce the products. From that point on Luster Products Inc. was born and became a family business.

NC: What makes Luster Products, Inc. unique?

Luster: Our collection is unique because from start to finish it allows you to have ease while detangling all the way to maintaining long lasting moisturized hairstyles. Our products are gentle yet effective. No flakes, no dryness, no residue. This Pink® Shea Butter Coconut Collection has something for everyone’s curls & coils. We do know that women with tight curls patterns are seeking products that help moisturize those beautiful coils and keep their desired hairstyle elongated. Our collection will do wonders for coily girls.

NC: Please tell me about new products.

Luster: We recently launched our Pink Shea Butter & Coconut Oil collection that contains certified organic ingredients. Each of the items was developed on-site at our headquarters by chemists of color that understand the importance of keeping curly hair moisturized, hydrated, defined & well-conditioned. Once our Research and Development team has created these formulations, we immediately start testing them in our in-house test salon. After our test salon approves the product, Luster Products employees and external consumers test the products on themselves. My coworkers and I find this collection to be the solution to every girl with curls needs, from wearing Bantu knots, wash ‘n’ go, twists and braided styles.

Photograph retrieved from @resabluster.

NC: What initiatives are you most excited about that Luster is doing?

Luster: Recently launched the SCurl Free Flow Line to help men rock their natural styles! We’ve also executed on the following listed initiatives:

• Rolled out a social media program that gives our coworkers the opportunity to actively engage in an online space. We want our co-workers to grow with us and know the importance of how social media can impact them personally.

• We are hosting our 2018 New Face of Pink contest. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for details @lusterpink.

• We are also hosting a SCurl Beard search.

• We are always in the testing phase looking for new items to develop.

5 Things Naturalistas Never Knew About Luster Products

NC: What are things about Luster we might not know?

Luster:

1. We are 61 years strong. We remain Black-owned, family owned and operated.
2. We value giving back to communities both domestically & internationally.
3. We develop and manufacture all of our formulations in-house, testing thousands of heads before releasing our products to the marketplace at our in-house test salon.
4. We have R&D, quality control and test salon on-site.
5. We have two locations in Chicago and an aerosol manufacturing facility in Blue Island, IL. We have another office in London and all of our products are sold in over 70 countries!

Luster is On Point and On Trend

NC: What are the most exciting trends in texture?

Luster: I will always say the best trends that I’ve seen in the beauty realm is healthy hair. I believe that it is very important for women to keep their hair well-conditioned, moisturized and hydrated at all times. I meet naturalistas all of the time who complain about breakage, but don’t understand the importance of a simple “dusting” of their ends (hair trims”>. By having this foundation in place it allows women to achieve long-lasting styles and maintain their length retention. To this day I love braided styles with added colorful braiding hair (blue, pink, purple, green and yellow”>, and I’m also in love with over the top Bantu Knots styles.

NC: What have you seen consumers looking for right now, and how is Luster addressing those concerns?

Luster: Moisturizers and conditioners (leave-in, co-wash, rinse out and deep conditioners”> are the frequent requests of naturalistas. We are often asked what products we offer that contain a great deal of hydration & conditioning benefits. We know moisture better than anyone else in the market. We started this thing 50 years ago with our Pink Oil Moisturizer lotion which was originally developed for natural hair. We have over 60 years of R&D experience in meeting our consumers’ needs.

What’s Next For Resa B. Luster?

As you have read, this Brand Manager at Large is making waves in the beauty and hair care industry. With her extensive product knowledge and passion for natural hair, Resa B. Luster is the one to watch. We’re excited to see what she will do next! You can keep up with her next move by following her on Instagram @resabluster. Also stay in the know by reading her NaturallyCurly guest features every month!

Read more from Resa B. Luster: How to Care for Bleached Natural Hair

This post is sponsored by Luster Products, Inc.

By gerilynhayes · Published March 14, 2018

I have a problem. I am a Product Junkie.

What can I say? I love products!!! (#helpme”> | Photo by Gerilyn M. Hayes

For those of us living with this intense addiction of walking into beauty supply stores, a product junkie’s heaven on Earth, with the sole purpose of feeding the compulsion to peruse their aisles of brightly colored labeled curly hair creams, coconut oil-infused gels, and nourishing shampoo and conditioner combos, it is a struggle to leave the premises with less than $20 worth of items that will end up in our beauty caboodles.

Understanding that product junkie compulsions are real, I had to take a step back and let go, and let prioritization guru Jennifer Slaski, Founder of Prune and Bloom, help me get my life together in a matter of hours. During this time, she helped me compartmentalize my physical products and my emotional attachments to all the items I’ve collected over the past two years of working for NaturallyCurly.

Eight full bags of product later, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with all the excess. Slaski and my coworkers encouraged me to not only give it all away but to consider donating them to charities in my community. And that’s just what I am going to do.

So, if you’re like me, wanting to free your home and mental space of accumulated product clutter, you need this article.

Together, we will learn the best ways to give back to the community by uplifting others with our partially (and in most cases unused”> beauty and curly hair products.

Simply gather your new and gently used beauty and curly hair products in bags or bins, and make a date to donate. Hop in the car, and get to business.

Let’s go!

3 Best Places to Donate Your Beauty and Curly Hair Products

WomensShelters.org

The NaturallyCurly CurlTalk is a fantastic resource for all things curly, but also a great place to connect with curlies in your area to start a donation circle. Women’s Shelters: A Nationwide Directory of Shelters for Women is mentioned in a CurlTalk forum, and continues to be one of the best resources to reach out and donate to organizations that uplift women in need of safe spaces, new lifestyle opportunities, and much more. Beginning your donation cycle here is a great first step to your product junkie recovery. You’ll also help those in need!

Dress For Success

You may have heard this term throughout your life, but did you know there is an organization that lives by this popular motto? That’s right, friend. Dress For Success brings out the very best in women that need an extra boost of je ne s’ais quoi and elevated confidence levels for their professional lives. In addition to accepting donated, new beauty and hair care products, the organization will offer professional attire and footwear to women.

Beauty Bus

Empowering those in the community with terminal illnesses and disabilities takes a committed effort from all of us, from all communities. That’s why you need to consider donating your new and gently used beauty and hair care products to the Beauty Bus. This organization specializes in beauty and grooming for women, children, and men with terminal illnesses. For those of us able to volunteer time, the organization is accepting volunteers to help with in-home services and deliveries of “Beauty Bags” for their clients.

More Donation Services that accept beauty and hair care products (check each for details”>:

• Family-to-Family Share Your Beauty
• Project Beauty Share
• Local shelter directory by state (USA only”>
• Back to M-A-C
• Return to Origins

There is a myriad of options for us to collect and give away our products. Which, if not all, will you choose to donate to? Let us know in the comments. You could not only help those in your community, but you could win some serious prizing because of your efforts. Details are as follows:

Join Our Pound for Pound Challenge

Put your product junkie-ism to the test in our Pound for Pound Challenge! Simply snap a photo of your product stash, @ us on Instagram and use the hashtag #NCpound4pound. Whoever has the biggest stash wins a $100 gift card to the Container Store.

As ever, keep giving!

By gerilynhayes · Published March 12, 2018

Go to your bathroom. Look in your beauty cabinet. Grab that jar of cream gel or leave-in or deep treatment that’s in the darkest corner.

Are you holding it, yet?

Great! Now, examine the jar and its contents. Chances are, the contents have expired, but how can you tell? It is still the same color as the day you purchased it. So what if it has a vinegary tinge to its aroma? It is usable, right? ;”>Wrong.

It is expired. So, you need to dispose of it properly. Don’t believe me?

Take heed of the following expiration considerations that will get you to toss those old products in the trash bin.

Expired Hair Products: The Top 5 Expiration Considerations for Product Junkies

1. Storage, environment – Listen. I know that you are not going to store your coconut oil in the oven, okay? However, it is helpful to note that storing your beauty and curly hair products in appropriate places in your home is important. Basically, don’t act a fool like me and store your products in your kitchen cabinets. And remember that all of your expired hair products need to be properly disposed of, and not stored in weird, random places… like your kitchen cabinets (if I keep repeating it, I won’t do it – #SelfCareInAction”>.

2. Ingredients, including preservatives and chemical stabilizers, can separate and breakdown so make a note of any changes for the duration of use. These breakdowns can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold (YUCK!“>. If your once very thick curling cream feels thin and watery, for instance, it may be time for a replacement.

3. Health concerns – Do you want to contend with rashes, breakouts, or severe allergic reactions? Didn’t think so. Although these cases are relatively rare, you don’t want to put yourself in an uncomfortable, or potentially dangerous, situation that could have been avoided by tossing out old products.

4. Exercise your intuition – If it looks wrong, smells weird, or just gives you that “Yeah… somethin’ ain’t right” feeling, it is time to toss the product.

5. Period-after-opening, or PAO, symbol: Also known as the *look for the open jar symbol on the back of, the bottom of, somewhere near the ingredients label of your beauty and hair care product bottles, jars, tubes, and other conventional containers* is the BEST way to decide whether it’s time to toss the mascara out or not.

The 4-1-1 on the P-A-O

During a very personal, on-camera purge of all the expired products in my bathroom and kitchen cabinets (yes, you read that correctly“>, NaturallyCurly Editor Cristina showed me the PAO symbol on a few of them. This cute stamp of a jar with an open lid and a number and the letter “M” (which stands for “months””> on it set off a flurry of bells in my head: DING! DING! DING! Of course, I should have known it was that simple, but still, I thank Cristina for the good lookin’ out.

Edited image of Alikay Naturals Aloe Berry Styling Gel container with PAO symbol by Gerilyn Hayes

Apparently, I have been living in the Dark Ages of Beauty because, according to Chloe Pantazi, Lifestyle Editor at INSIDER, “The PAO was introduced on cosmetics labels in 2005 by the European Commission, which requires all cosmetic products with a shelf life of 30 months or more to feature the symbol. Products that have a shorter shelf life than 30 months must include the minimum shelf life or best before [the] date on the label.”

BOOP. I guess, you really do learn something new every day.

In addition to this discovery, I also learned from Pantazi’s article that the FDA has laws in place to protect us consumers… kind of…

“While the US currently doesn’t require cosmetics to have an expiration date by law, the US Food & Drug Administration holds manufacturers responsible for ensuring their products are safe to use — and determining the shelf life of a product is considered part of their duty to consumers.” –Chloe Pantazi

2 Apps That Make Expiration Dates Visible to the Naked Eye

Ahhh, the cellular phone! Where, oh where, would we be without you? Well, we would most likely be in a fitful state of slathering fistfuls of expired night cream onto our faces, no doubt. The outcome would be dreadful without you, dearest Galaxy and Siri.

Thanks to app-makers of the world, learning what the expiration dates for all products are is as easy as *tap to open-and-swipe left*. Download either of these apps to assist you when the PAO symbol is absent:

1. Beauty Keeper for Apple

2. BEEP – Expiry Date Barcode Scanner for Android

Are you feeling the urge to purge?

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A post shared by Writer ☆ Vocalist ☆ Volunteer (@gerilynhayes”> on Aug 2, 2017 at 2:12pm PDT

Do you need a little motivation to begin tossing out your expired beauty and hair products?

Sign up for the NaturallyCurly Product Junkie Spring Cleanout Challenge, starting on March 12, and learn the best ways to clear out all those unused, expired products. And watch me embarrass myself on camera… you’ll get a chance to see my hot mess-kitchen cabinets :”>

Join Our Pound for Pound Challenge

Put your product junkie-ism to the test in our Pound for Pound Challenge! Simply snap a photo of your product stash, @ us on Instagram and use the hashtag #NCpound4pound. Whoever has the biggest stash wins a $100 gift card to the Container Store.

As ever, stay curly!