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It was so exciting to get a chance to unbox a gift from Eco Style because, as you know, they make some of the best gels on Earth! So, I was ready to get my hands into a vat of a curly hair gel that I hadn’t used before, but what I got was something entirely different.
Surprise! Surprise!
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What I didn’t expect was to unbox a brand new product from them: Eco Style Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Moisture Rich Leave-In Conditioner.
What a pleasant surprise! Since going natural, I have trusted my super dense, coily hair with Ecoco. Of course, I was excited about trying their brand new leave-in. And, without a doubt, it did not disappoint!
What I like the most about this leave-in is how soft it makes every one of my curls! Since this leave-in is water based, I was confident that my hair would get the proper moisture content it requires. In addition to that, I was ready to feed my curls a leave-in containing black castor and flaxseed oils. I’ve never tried them together so I was curious about what would happen.
I was not at all disappointed!
In addition to super softness, there are several other benefits that my hair has experienced after using the Eco Style Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Moisture Rich Leave-In Conditioner. What’s even better is that all of us curlies, from wavy to kinky, can reap these benefits. Listed below are the benefits I reaped; you can, too!
5 Key Benefits of Leave-In Conditioner for All Hair Types
- Leave-in conditioners are gentler on hair strands than traditional, ‘rinse out’ conditioners. They condition all hair types all day long without generating filmy residue and build up on your scalp. ‘Rinse out’ conditioners will only weigh down the hair if left in longer than recommended.
- Leave-ins are known to contain emollients that promote healthy scalps and hair growth. In the case of my favorite new leave-in, my roots will be forever nourished with flaxseed, black castor, mongongo, argan, and olive oils – all of which are great for growing strong, long hair strands!
- Leave-ins are secret sealants! If you are hesitant to add oils to fine hair strands or low density curls, leave-ins are perfect options. When possible, opt for a leave-in with a spray nozzle so that you can evenly distribute the product onto your scalp and the ends of your curls.
- All curlies want defined curls. Well, the little-known secret to defined curls, especially for Type 3c through 4c, is to use a leave-in conditioner that works for your porosity level. As fortune would have it, the featured leave-in is good for all hair porosity types but will work wonders on medium-to-low porosity curls.
- Leave-in conditioners don’t leave flakey, white residue on your curls! This simple benefit is what every curly wants in her life, and that’s precisely what leave-ins like the Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Moisture Rich Leave-in is formulated to do: deeply nourish the hair, not leave flakes and residue on your shoulders and curls.
Are you still curious about leave-in conditioner for curly hair?
Don’t fret! Learn more about Eco Style’s Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil via Eco Style today!
As ever, stay curly!
This post is sponsored by Eco Style.
Spring Break is more than a vacation from academia; it’s an adventure! And with every adventure, a curly girl must be prepared to look cute on her fantastic voyage to rest, relaxation, and good vibe-times with her friends.
NaturallyCurly x Coconut Restore Partnership for Curly Hair Spring Break 2018 Travelers | InnerVisionPRO — iStock
There are six travel basics you must remember to pack before you hit the road:
- Don’t leave behind the one thing your scalp and curls will need: hair oil. Pack this lifesaver in your beauty bundle to prevent dryness and breakage! Containing ultra-moisturizing beeswax, the Coconut Restore Revitalizing Whipped Coconut Oil is your best bet for a pH-balanced scalp and thoroughly moisturized curls.
- Going to warm, sandy beaches this Spring Break 2018? The salty air and water can wreak havoc on your curls! This means that you’ll need a powerful, moisturizing shampoo that contains Sodium C14-16 Olefin to keep your scalp and curls squeaky clean. This coconut derivative is the antidote for salty curls and can be easily applied via Coconut Restore Moisture Replenishing Shampoo. Just lather it up and wash out for clean, refreshed hair!
- A conditioner is always a must, especially for curlies that enjoy pool parties and ocean swimming and snorkeling. Why? Because after you wash the salt and sea out of your curls, they need to be replenished with a conditioner that closes the hair strand’s delicate cuticle layers. The answer to this is Coconut Restore Daily Strengthening Conditioner. Simply coat your hair strands with a generous amount, leave on for 3-5 minutes, and then rinse out for soft, strong curls.
- Your curls are one of a kind. But of course, you’re not going to skimp on pampering yourself just because you’re in travel mode! During your Spring Break week, take a moment to deep treatment your curls with a hair masque formulated to combat and treat environmental heat damage. For its breakage-combating and sheen-giving properties, you’ll want to apply Coconut Restore Keratin Intensive Repair Masque to your hair, cover with a shower cap, and sit under a dryer for at least 5 minutes. No dryer? No problem! Leave the masque on a bit longer, roughly 10 minutes for deep treated, soft and healthy curly hair.
- Daily leave-in conditioner is another way to keep your curls looking luscious during Spring Break. Simply palm a small amount of the Coconut Restore Curl Control Leave-In Conditioner onto your crown of curls, making sure to coat your wet or damp curls with it to combat frizz. Do not rinse this leave-in conditioner out of your curls; simply style as normal!
- Last, but not least, you will want to double check your bags to ensure you’ve packed away styling gel, the 6th essential curly hair travel basic you need to have and maintain stunning Spring Break hair. Because of its ability to absorb moisture from the air and put it into every hair, you will want honey to be a major ingredient in your styling gel, much like it is in the Coconut Restore Styling & Setting Gelee. Healthy, cute styles are just a slicked down edge away this Spring Break!
All of these six essentials every curly hair traveler will need this Spring Break can be found in our exclusive Coconut Restore Spring Break Travel Kit, the perfect take-me-with-you Spring Break 2018 curly hair survival caboodle assembled just for you and your curly hair needs!
NaturallyCurly x Coconut Restore Partnership for Curly Hair Spring Break 2018 Travelers | monkeybusiness — iStock
Get Ready for Fun, Sun, and Beautiful Curls with the Coconut Restore Spring Break Travel Kit – available ONLY at SHOP NaturallyCurly!
Get Your Kit Right Now!
So, we want to know: Are you going to get your Coconut Restore Spring Break Travel Kit to take care of your curly hair? Tag us @naturallycurly and @coconutrestore when you do!
As ever, stay curly!
This post is sponsored by Coconut Restore.
“What is my porosity?“
This is a question I have received in my Instagram DMs, via email, and even in person. It is only second to, “What’s my curl pattern?”
Well, friend I cannot tell you what your curly hair porosity is simply by looking. Furthermore, I cannot diagnosis porosity, even if you describe your hair strands’ characteristics. At best, I can guesstimate what is truly going on with your curls.
That being said, I want to give you the gift of porosity detection in the form of this video featuring me and my fellow NaturallyCurly Editors (and favorite people IRL”> Cristina Cleveland and Alexandra Wilson.
Together we explain precisely how curly hair people can best determine their porosity level, and show you how to use Aunt Jackie’s brand new Coconut Crème Collection! It is a sulfate-, petrolatum-, mineral oil-, and paraben-free collection that any curly can use, no matter your porosity.
How to Determine Hair Porosity in Less Than 5 Minutes with NaturallyCurly and Aunt Jackie’s
In the video, each of us explains the steps necessary to determine our porosity. Each test took us less than 5 minutes to conduct. You can do this, too! All you will need is water, product, and patience.
The Float Test
This test seems straightforward, but in reality, it is the one that tends to cause us curlies to go a little cray cray. Fortunately for low porosity curlies like me, we can tell straight away that our hair is low porosity because our hair strands will float.
Well, what about our medium and high porosity friends?
NaturallyCurly.com says:
Take a couple of strands of hair from your comb or brush and drop them into a bowl of water. Let them sit for 2-4 minutes. If your hair floats, you have low porosity. If it sinks, you have high porosity.
If your hair is in liquid limbo, aka literally floating in the middle of the glass, you more than likely have medium porosity hair. However, we want you to be 100% certain. So move on to the next less-than-5-minute test to determine your porosity.
The Product Application Test
This test is self-explanatory and you have probably done it without even knowing it. Simply apply a small amount of a water-based styling product, like Aunt Jackie's Coconut Crème Intensive Moisture Sealant we used in the video, to a section of hair. Gently work the product into your curls.
If the product sits on top of the hair and needs to be squished into the strands, you have low porosity hair. If the product absorbs instantaneously into the strands, you have high porosity hair. If the product does neither of these things and only needs a few finger strokes to get the product in easily, you're definitely medium porosity.
What I love the most about this test is that Alexandra was able to easily and quickly determine her porosity level, and then move on to styling her hair with the Aunt Jackie's Curl Boss Coconut Curling Gèlee. Although she did not use them together, she got the cutest style because she knew what product to use based on her porosity type.
Still need further confirmation? Move right along to the next test!
The Slip and Slide Test
Admittedly, I think that this is one of the most challenging tests (which is why I asked Cristina to do it – LOL!">. This can be especially true if you are a new natural or transitioning. However, I just ran my fingers up and down my hair strands and Cristina is right: you can definitely tell your porosity type with this 30-seconds or less test.
NaturallyCurly says:
Take a strand of hair and slide your fingers up the shaft (toward the scalp">. If you feel little bumps along the way, this means that your cuticle is lifted and that you have high porosity. If your fingers slip smoothly, then you have low porosity hair.
Pretty cool, right?
So, what do you think, NaturallyCurly World? Are you ready to proclaim your porosity?
You know that we absolutely love hearing from you, so tell my girls and me in the comments if we helped you figure out your porosity! If you still have questions about porosity and how to determine what yours is, let me know in the comments.
Learn more about porosity, texture types, curl patterns, and Aunt Jackie's incredible collections for curly hair with these NaturallyCurly articles:
- 3 Curly Hair Products Every Naturalista Should Own
- It's All About That Hair Length!
- Texture Type Hype: Does Hair Density Matter?
As ever, stay curly!
This post is sponsored by Aunt Jackie's.
It’s that time again: Date Night! Moreover, you do not want to wear the same old tired style on this special night. You want to shake things up, but there’s a problem: ;”>You don’t have much time!
That is why you can get your cute on with a get-ready-for-date-night look that will help you pick the ‘fit, beat the face, and spritz the smell goods without breaking a sweat in seven easy steps.
With the scoop on all things cute and curly, Smooth ‘n Shine gave us the lowdown on how to get Date Night curls that are luscious, cute, and right on time:
What You Need to Achieve Date Night Hair:
As instructed, you are going to need several items to achieve this look. Smooth ‘n Shine recommends the following for all hair types, including those of us with dense, coily hair that usually takes hours to style:
- Smooth ‘ Shine Camellia Oil & Shea Butter Quenching Co-wash
- Smooth ‘ Shine Camellia Oil & Shea Butter Deep Treatment Recovery
- Smooth ‘ Shine Camellia Oil & Shea Butter Curl Defining Cream
You do not want to skimp on the steps, and we have at least four reasons why. Take a look:
Why does curly hair need a co-wash instead of regular shampoo and conditioner?
Although your regular shampoo and conditioner are great for wash day maintenance, you will want to invest in a daily curl cleanser if you are prone to product build-up or are used to washing your hair frequently. Also, and more importantly, co-washes repair dry, damaged hair via hydration and adding in specific emollients like Shea butter and camellia oil.
Why deep treat curls after using a co-wash formula?
Although co-washes cleanse the curls while simultaneously adding moisture, the outer layer of your hair strands needs to be smoothed down before getting sealed. A deep treatment will do this while also adding moisture to your scalp. The camellia oil in the Deep Treatment Recovery acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent for your scalp as well as a powerful natural conditioner.
Why add curl cream instead of gel?
You may think that the only way to get super defined curls for date night is to use a firm-holding gel, but you don’t want that if your goal is super soft-to-the-touch hair. A curl defining cream is the way to go because you are not only sealing your hair strands with moisture; you are priming them for the next step, which is diffusing your curls.
Why diffuse?
You will also need to diffuse your hair, depending on your curl length. For naturals with short curls, there’s no need to fret! You will need a hood attachment to dry your curls for this style. You will also be pleased to know that the hair cuffs you will find are perfectly adjustable and ridiculously fly – get it, curl friend!
Moreover, remember, for this Valentine’s Day and all the days that follow, you can love your hair every day, every way with Smooth ‘n Shine!
As ever, stay curly!
This post is sponsored by Smooth ‘n Shine.
Infographic photography by Brio Photography.
Hair care innovators are putting more bounce into every fluid ounce!
Photo: fillipefrazao — iStock
Curly hair and brand innovations, brought to the markets by enterprising leaders in curl, are the focus of naturalistas and curlistas around the world. Both are topics of discussion in forums across Types 2 to 4, with the primary focus being on which brands are giving us curlies the latest and greatest ingredients and outstanding product performance. So I decided to put an assortment of new curly hair products to the test on my dense Type 4C hair. As a willing product tester, revelations washed over me. Day after day, I discovered better ways to apply mousse, the best ingredients for low porosity hair strands, and just how great leave-in conditioners are for daily hydration and protecting curly ends from environmental damage. As more brands increase their offerings, we Type 4s need to stay abreast of the products that give our coily, kinky, and zig-zagging curls the most life for our buck. The list below details the best, new hair care products available on the market that work wonders on Type 4 coily hair.
Best Shampoos for Type 4C Softness and Natural Sheen
Over the past week, my main concern is answering a question that multiple women have asked me: How can I make my curly hair softer? Sadly, my answer often rings out with the same phlegmatic cadence: It depends on your texture type, which includes factors beyond just your curl pattern like density and hair strand width. Even saying it out loud sounds too much like lip service for me to remain comfortable. So I sampled a few shampoos on my low porosity, Type 4 coils, and recommend these to my fellow coily hair naturalistas seeking softer hair strands starting with Bounce Curl Pure Silk Moisturizing Shampoo, its scent makes this gentle cleanser a must-have.
For premium-level softness, nutrient-packed Evlogies Naturals Fortifying Purifying Shampoo is the most reliable option I have found; it contains emollients argan and rosemary oils that hydrate hair strands. It also contains saw palmetto, tea tree oil, and nettle leaf extract, all of which prevent hair fall.
To get soft hair and replenish lost moisture after extensive wear of protective styles, get your hands on Dove Dandruff Care Shampoo (it saved my itching, flaky scalp“>.
Always follow up with a conditioner to lay your hair cuticles down, and seal your ends with a reliable hair oil, butter, or crème. Keep reading for the best on offer this Spring 2018!
A New Masque and Leave-In Conditioner for Dry Hair
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Fed up with their insatiable nature, I have been scouring the market for a hydrating hair masque and daily leave-in for my hair which losses moisture within an hour or two of walking out the door for work. The combination that is most effective for me is letting the Raw Sugar Hair Masque: Avocado + Banana Oil + Coconut Milk + Honey sit in my hair for up to 10 minutes and then spraying wet curly hair with the new Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Multi-Action Leave-In Hydrate + Repair.
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While both come from different brand families whose products work wonders for all hair types, these two are my personal favorite that I believe will wow those with coarse, low porosity coily hair similar to mine.
The Best Hair Oils You Have Never Heard Of Until Now
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While we are still slumbering soundly in our coconut oil-fueled dreams of soft, long curls, there are a couple of fantastic hair oils Type 4s need in their caboodles, starting with Phyto Baobab Oil for Hair & Body. While some oils tend to be too heavy to seal ends with, this oil is perfect for both your curls and your body because it is so lightweight and quick absorbing. I highly recommend it.
Now, the one that surprises me the most, especially when wearing box braids and scalp-exposing protective styles, is made by a woman-owned, Black-owned brand that does not compromise on quality: Chocolate Kinks & Kurls.
My box braids were in their last week of cuteness before I needed to uninstall them, and I was losing my mind with the itchiness. Fortunately, I had the Chocolate Kinks & Kurls Lemon Rose Hair & Scalp Renew Oil on deck to sooth my embarrassingly dry scalp and natural hair. It smells like its name, but I would not mind if it were sold as a candle or in loose tea form because I want it in my life, all the time. I highly recommend this one, as well.
The Stylers You Didn’t Know You Needed
Before joining the NaturallyCurly community, wearing my TWA with pride, and DIY-protective style sessions, I never entertained the idea of using mousse in my hair. Growing up and trying to navigate standards of “teen spirit” in the 90s, television commercials and magazine ads propped up mousse as a smooth applicating, stunning results-oriented product for straight, non-textured hair.
As fortune would have it, a curly girl-favorite brand has come along in 2018 to offer me an education in my self-professed curl enhancement x mousse-deficit: The Mane Choice.
Highlighting their new Pink Lemonade & Coconut Collection, I am heralding Super Antioxidant & Texture Beautifier Mousse as the one to beat in the competition of Type 4 curl pattern Picasso-level curl definition and superior moisture retention. Simple to scrunch, from ends up to the roots, into wet curls for a near effortless wash and go style, this mousse changed my perspective on what I thought was reserved for blowouts and wrapping relaxed hair.
After wash day, focusing on second-day hair and protective styling is a must for us with coils. To achieve soft curly hair, without going through several hours of wash day-style treatments and steams, gently coat your curls with a lightweight, nourishing hair butter. The one that has my curls feeling like a firm, down-stuffed pillow is Flora & Curl Flower Garden Styling Curl Butter Cream.
In addition to regular curl maintenance, I am recommending Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie to Type 4s that focus on protecting their ends with Bantu Knots, Two-Strand Twists, and Cornrows. The smoothie is absorbent and will not leave excessive product residue on hair strands, especially coarse, low-to-medium porosity curls.
Are you ready to try all 10 of these recommendations?
Great – I want to hear about it in the comments, friend. If you like this compilation of curly hair products that every Type 4 will be clamoring for this Spring 2018, share it with your curl friends and family!
There are several more Spring and Summer 2018 trends to tell you all about, so stay informed by signing up for the NaturallyCurly newsletter or by following my tweets @gerilynhayes today.
As ever, stay in the know!
Irrespective of curl pattern and texture type, all curls need hydration. To achieve this, we reach for “hydrating products designed to increase the moisture content in our hair strands.”1 While this intuitive call-to-action makes sense, many curlistas are diving deeper into the internal health aspects of hydrating their hair, from the inside out.
Learn more in the CURLS 101 Series. Photo cred: PeopleImages for iStock
We all have heard the anecdote time and again: If you are dehydrated, your skin and hair are dehydrated, too.
So, we answer this problem with a solution: drink more water.
However, there is fancy-schmancy, newfangled water out there called “alkaline water.” Merchants of this water tout it as a kind of miracle liquid for people with various ailments, from problem skin to kidney disease. Some people even believe that it is a reliable treatment for dry, breaking curls.
Finding this hard to believe, I did a little research to answer the question once and for all: Is alkaline water better for hair? My findings are listed below.
3 Surprising Truths about Alkaline Water for Curly Hair
1 – #NoFilter: Alkaline water is one step above tap water, and it is not a big deal.
That’s right, my friend. Alkaline water merely has an 8.0 pH to 14.0 pH rating which is one tick higher than regular, ol’ tap water which has a neutral 7.0 pH rating. What this means for you and hair is that depending on where the water comes from and its treatment before you consume and use it, the water may be more or less acidic.
Some people will tell you, especially those in wellness and homeopathic circles, that because of its alkalizing compounds such as calcium, silica, potassium, magnesium, and bicarbonate, alkaline water is better for you to consume and use. Well, my friends, the jury is still out on this claim. For now, you can get your slight daily traces of those elements mentioned earlier in your homegrown tap water.
- Still curious about pH levels and what it means for your curly hair? Read this NaturallyCurly article.
2 – The Proof (or disproof”> is in the pH: Drinking, bathing in, and washing your curls with alkaline water will not hydrate your hair strands more than regular tap water.
If you have asked yourself, “Should I drink alkaline water? Isn’t it better for my hair?”
I am here to tell you “Nah.“
Well, at least, alkaline water has not proven to be a better alternative to drinking tap water. #NoShade to those of you drinking bottled and filtered water. I’m just saying that alkaline water gimmicks are just that: gimmicks. The more scientific evidence, the better for our natural hair community on this matter! If you want to debate me, let me take a sip of this ice-cold tap water real quick before we catch verbal and proverbial hands.
3 – Wash. Rinse. Risk it all?: Alkaline water might dry your curly hair, which will result in breakage.
None of us in the NaturallyCurly community are here for breakage so why would we risk the health of our curls by dousing them in alkaline water that may or may not benefit us? I know that I’m not alone on this. Read what Writer Tonya McKay says about alkaline products in this CurlyNikki.com article2:
Alkaline products cause the hair to swell, the cuticle to lift and remove oils from the air. This results in frizzy, dull, brittle hair that is prone to breakage and tangling. Extremely alkaline solutions cause the disulfide bonds between keratin protein molecules to break down and can eventually dissolve the protein completely. –Tonya McKay
Clearly, there is risk involved with alkaline water, and I don’t know about you, but I am staying clear of it touching my hair. The day Neil deGrasse Tyson tells me it’s okay, I will consider bringing it into my life. Until then, no thank you, boo!
Tell me in the comments because I think it’s alllll talk. Photo by Max-Kegfire — iStock
Got more water-based questions? Read more about water and regimens for your naturally curly hair:
- How Much Water Should You Drink
- How to Build a Hard Water Regimen for Your Hair
- This is the Best Water Temperature to Wash Your Hair
- Dealing with Damage Done to Your Hair by… Water?
As ever, stay curly!
Yes, you read that correctly!
There are three curly hair products that you absolutely must have in your naturalista curl vault: a moisturizing detangler, nutrients-packed curl cream, and an elongating gel.
Each of these curly hair products makes styling waves, curls, and coils quick and painless, boosts your texture’s natural sheen, and highlights the definition of your unique curl pattern.
3 Curly Hair Products Every Naturalista Should Own
- DETANGLER – In addition to having plenty of patience and a gentle touch, your curls will always need a reliable detangler. My recommendation is Aunt Jackie’s Knot on my Watch Instant Detangling Therapy, which you can buy at Walmart for about $9. Because it has a blend of shea butter and olive oil, two hair strengthening ingredients, this one is great for curls that tend to get knots easily or if you’re looking to protect your ends and edges.
- CURL CREAM – As a curly haired woman who is intimidated by products drying and turning white in my hair, I can attest to the fact that Curl La La Defining Curl Custard Cream will absorb into low, medium, and high porosity hair with ease without leaving a gnarly residue! The scent is delightful, very light yet crisp, without overwhelming the senses. It is especially effective for Type 4a – 4c hair that needs moisture and definition.
- GEL FOR CURLY HAIR – Every curl in the world should be smooth, frizz-free, shiny, and bouncy. That is just what you will get when you use Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel on your curls and coils. The star of this gel is the flaxseed, which is known for its ability to improve scalp health and reduce hair fall.
How will I know which one will work for my hair, G*?
Ahhhh, yes! I am so happy you asked, friend. I know that you want to choose the best products for your texture type and curl pattern. That’s why I took the guesswork out of the equation and partnered with Aunt Jackie’s to show you just how effective all three of their products are!
Let me show you how perfectly Aunt Jackie’s works on low porosity, Type 4 curls!
What I liked most about applying Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard Cream to my hair was the slip it gave my curls. It was clear to me that it would give me the perfect style.
As you will see in the video below, my dense curls are defined and fluffy, which makes me beyond thrilled with the detangler and curl cream. Both left my hair feeling like a million bucks, and my second and third day Afro was a sight to behold. I will definitely use these for my braid- and twist-outs.
Now, take a look at how Alexandra’s medium porosity 3C curls get that extra burst of Ahhhhh-mazing!
“I don’t usually use gels and was very impressed with the Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel. It left my hair moisturized, defined and extremely soft. I think most gels have a bad rep for making textured hair flaky, sticky and dry, but that was most certainly not the case for this gel.”
Nourished, defined, beautiful curls are just a click away!
Two-strand twists, finger coils, mega-fros, and bouncy wash and go styles are so much easier to achieve when you have a detangler, curl cream, and curly hair gel that actually work.
Watch these curly hair products in action!
At NaturallyCurly, we put all products to the test. But this time around, we wanted to test our knowledge of Black History Month!
That’s why we partnered with Aunt Jackie’s to see if we could not only get great hairstyles with their products, but also multitask while styling. Watch NaturallyCurly Editor Alexandra Wilson and me style our hair while answering Black History Month trivia questions!
Which Aunt Jackie's product are you using? Share your experience and your trivia answers in the comments below!
Thanks to Aunt Jackie's, you really can have it all!
Get all 3 Curly Hair Products Every Naturalista Should Own right now from select Walmart stores:
- Aunt Jackie's Knot on my Watch Instant Detangling Therapy
- Aunt Jackie's Curl La La Defining Curl Custard Cream
- Aunt Jackie's Don't Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel
Then, tell Alexandra and me what you think! Show off! Tag us @naturallycurly and @auntjackiescurlsandcoils in your IG selfies so we can double-tap on your amazing hairstyles.
As ever, stay curly!
This post is sponsored by Aunt Jackie's.
Many of you are laser-focused on label reading and all-natural ingredients listing on your hair products.
For this, I say, “Well done! Keep it up!” Why? Well, in the end, there’s one thing that drives me crazy: FALSE ADVERTISING.
Writing sponsored content and ad copy for our NaturallyCurly community is one of my greatest pleasures because I get to product test and research ingredients on your behalf. So, when I see that some labels blatantly mislead or misconstrue information to consumers, it riles me up, friend.
Seriously… have you seen my list of the various aliases of sugar? It is outrageous what we don’t know.
Fortunately, the Netflix docu-series ROTTEN shines a light on how consumer goods, especially food, are sourced, produced, and brought to market. It is a fascinating look into the underbelly of the world’s food supply chain.
I’m not the only intrigued, or (more accurately”> disturbed, by this doc. Here is what Amy Glynn, for Paste Magazine, has to say about it:
Exposing food frauds ranging from the confusing to the flat-out lethal, the episodes investigate various ways in which the literal food chain is screwed up by the corporate food chain, and the ramifications for people who farm, and people who eat. Which I’m pretty sure includes all of us. –Amy Glynn, Paste Magazine
Yep. It is, in a (pea”>nutshell, intense.
Okay, I’ve bored you enough. Watch the video to see my reaction to ROTTEN.
Before you press play:
Also, I just need to correct myself because my memory fails me some of the time: the chicken coops were NOT burnt down, but they were smoked out. To me, that’s just as bad. I really dislike that the chickens were killed. More than that, my heart cried out for the chicken growers who lost nearly everything because of it. #notcoolbruh
Sighs heavily * I dunno, friend... This Netflix docuseries ROTTEN has gotten me to the point of overanalyzing almost every single item I touch at the grocery store. Admittedly, I am obssessed with chicken ?, but now I have to think twice about buying it and honey and eggs and milk.... Can I eat anything, ever, at all again?!!! Has my shopping experience been completely destroyed???
After watching ROTTEN, are you feeling #inspired to learn more about food sources or #nah?
Since having participated (* ahem, briefly *"> in the NaturallyCurly No Sugar Challenge and watching ROTTEN, I have been hyper vigilant about the produce I choose to consume… especially, garlic… you're going to LOSE YOUR MIND when you learn the truth about garlic, friend. For more of my ramblings, reviews, and antics, follow me on Instagram @gerilynhayes ?
As ever, stay sweet – never ROTTEN!
The docu-series ROTTEN is streaming now on Netflix.
Hi, NaturallyCurly World! Quick question for you:
Have you heard about “Oil Washing”?
As natural hair and curl enthusiasts, you most likely have heard the term in recent months from vloggers like Fanta Diop (pictured above”> and Brittany Kyss.
Well, have you tried oil washing only to have your entire head and face look like an oil slick?
Yeah, well… maybe you’ve been going about oil washing all wrong, my friend.
And that is a-okay because you know what I’m about: trial and error. So, kudos to you for smiling through the greasy forehead mishaps and shining nose snafus ??
In any event, we are going to take about 2 minutes to examine this trending natural hair hack to learn what the oil-washing-on-a-curl-and-a-prayer technique is all about.
What exactly is Oil Washing?
You are literally using oil, instead of shampoo, to wash your hair.
Sounds counterintuitive, right? Photo: andresr | istock
Well, you want to use the oil in place of your shampoo because, theoretically, the oil will loosen and lift product build up and scalp debris. Its weight and slip helps the gross stuff in your curls to glide down your curls, smooth the hair strand, and (*gasps*”> reduce frizz??
What is even better about oil washing is that it is one of the easiest ways to detangle your hair. This means that this technique is a lifesaver for those of us with super tight, kinky coils and zig-zag curls that can get knotted up so easily.
Is Oil Washing the same as Pre-Poo?
Nope!
A “pre-poo” is usually an oil treatment applied to hair [before] shampooing or conditioning. While most of these treatments can be oils of your choice, some women create other treatments from household pantry items. -NaturallyCurly
A critical difference between oil washing and pre-pooing: wash time. Pre-poo takes between 1 to 2 hours, or longer, to efficiently coat and nourish hair strands. The oil washing method takes significantly shorter time, equalling a typical shampooing session.
To learn more about pre-poo methods, bookmark these handy NaturallyCurly resources:
Is Conditioner necessary?
While the curl jury is still out on this one, some of you are nixing conditioner altogether because oil washing works so well for your hair.
Others of you are still into conditioner and co-washes.
IMO, sticking with conditioner won’t hurt your curls. In fact, it may save them from environmental factors such as heat damage (yep, from the sun”>, breakage from arid climates, and even humidity. You want to keep your hair hydrated, and hair cuticle smoothed down at all times, so that is why I will say that a fantastic conditioner is totally worth applying post-oil washing.
Ready to try it? Here are a few Oils to use when Oil Washing:
There are several oil washing techniques – what is the right one?
Maybe it’s because my bull-headed nature takes over, but I think there’s only one way to execute oil washing: Your Way.
Seriously, friend. Whatever works best for your hair texture, porosity level, hair density, and curl pattern is the best route to take when oil washing your hair. That being said, I do think that the following 2 approaches will help you get luscious, shining, poppin’ curls for days and days.
Press Play ▶️
For Oil Washers Only.
DIY | SHINY GLOSSY NATURAL HAIR (Oil Wash”> by Fanta Diop
Got Build Up? Shampoo + Oil Washing Curls Works!
Oil Rinsing for Natural Hair by Brittany Kyss
Try a few of my all-time favorite shampoos for low porosity, dense coily, kinky curls:
- Mielle Organics Babassu Conditioning Shampoo
- DevaCurl Low-Poo Delight
- Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo
Pretty slick, right?
Well, if you’re wondering whether this will work for you, I think that you know your hair and scalp better than anyone. Those in the community that have scalp issues, such as psoriasis, dandruff, or eczema, may want to avoid this oil washing since it may clog your pores or irritate your scalp. If you already have an overabundance of sebum, you may want to skip this method since it will only make you feel oilier.
Got questions about Oil Washing? Ask them in the comments.
We love hearing from you! Photo: PeopleIamges | iStock
If you like this article, let me know on Facebook. You can also follow me on the ‘gram @gerilynhayes ✌? ☮️ ??
As ever, stay curly!
There are plenty of winners at the 2018 Screen Actors Guild Awards, but we have to say that for us, textured hair was the true star of the night!
We compiled some of our favorite looks of the evening. Take a look and get inspired!
Samira Wiley
Actress Samira Wiley, who played one of the most beloved characters in television history (yes, we will proclaim it”>, showed us all just how incredible her short curls are at the 2018 SAG Awards. Her plum lip and angel feather-eyelashes were on point, delivering a look that served us a fierce yet gentle passion. We are also getting those auntie vibes from the incomparable Jennifer Lewis <3
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% – 2px”>; width:calc(100% – 2px”>;”>; display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;”>At the #SAGAwards w/ "The Mother of Black Hollywood" herself, Ms. @jeniferlewisforreal. ?
Ryan Michelle Bathe
Actress Ryan Michelle Bathe gave us elegance in the truest sense of the word with her perfectly draped Gemy Maalouf gown at the 2018 SAG Awards. The wife of arguably America’s favorite “Pearson” looked absolutely riveting with her side swept, waterfall curls and seemingly barely there makeup. We love it!
Yara Shahidi
One of our absolute favorite looks of the night came from the illustrious Yara Shahidi. The star of Grownish mesmerized us with her elegance and everpresent grace. We were so floored by this that we just had to know: How did she get this look?! Inspired by powerhouse vocalist and icon Diana Ross, Celebrity Stylist Nai’vasha Johnson worked her magic on Yara Shahidi’s already stunning curls. Johnson told us how she styles Shahidi’s hair for awards ceremonies.
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“The inspiration for Yara’s look was glamorous Diana Ross,” Johnson said about her creative source, “I wanted her beautiful texture delicately brushed out.” To get the look, Johnson brushed Taliah Waajid Green Apple and Aloe Nutrition Leave-In Conditioner into Shahidi’s curls from root to tip. Then, Johnson diffused the curls, added Taliah Waajid Curly Curl Cream for definition and shine. From there she, brushed out her to get that Diana Ross-esque look. Absolutely stunning!
Lupita Nyong’o
Okay, so we need to talk about how stunning Academy Awayd Winning Actree Lupita Nyong’o is… but there’s not enough time! So, let’s just focus on her super sexy TWA! Seriously – who can turn heads in a sparkling sheath gown without breaking a sweat? The Black Panther star can, and has, and will continue to dazzle us with her otherworldly beauty and talent. We love you, Lupita!!!
Uzo Aduba
There’s nothing crazy about Actress (and my personal hero”> Uzo Aduba, who played the unforgettable Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in Orange is the New Black. We have been over-stanning for Aduba since we saw her in the Netflix Series and were completely blown away by her blown out hair and empire waist gown at the 2018 SAG Awards. Sigh – we just cannot believe how remarkable she is. [crying emoji]
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% – 2px”>; width:calc(100% – 2px”>;”>; display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;”>I never wanted to be a princess. They never reign. #sagawards
We are particularly intrigued with Aduba’s stylist Lacy Redwaywho used Nexxus to transform those textured curls into striking, flowing waves. Oooh – we are SO here for it.
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Danielle Brooks
We needed to sit down for this one. Myself and NC Editor Cara Logue were literally bugged eyed at the sight of Actress Danielle Brooks on the 2018 SAW Awards red carpet. Why? ARE YOU LOOKING AT THAT DRESS?! She couldn’t just be an Tony-award nominated actress. Oh, no! She had to slay us in that Marc Bouwer couture gown, the Tadashi Shoji clutch, and Stuart Weitzman heel. Quit playing games with our hearts, Miss Brooks… we’re joking; you’re ahhhmazing!
We are in the office just trying to cope with the beauty and the texture and curlllsssss! We love that in 2018, texture and curls are illuminating awards season. We cannot wait to see what is to come from more celebrity stylists and designers this year!
What were your favorite looks from the 2018 SAG Awards?
Tell us in the comments and on Facebook. #sagawards2018 #2018sagawards
As ever, stay glammed up!
Have you been looking for new hair color #inspo for fall and winter?
From silver-tipped blonde to shining sea blue, standing out from the crowd has been your usual hair coloring modus operandi. No color is off limits! You rock your lit tresses with a stylish confidence that never goes unnoticed.
Well, what if you could give onlookers in more to talk about when you saunter into the room?
Get a head turning Va Va Voom! effect with this season’s to dye for Vivid Shades from Bigen, a NaturallyCurly community curly hair dying favorite. Why? It is because Bigen formulated the at-home color to keep your curls primed for moisture and hydration post-dying. How? With coconut oil and shea butter!
Excited to try, but you do not want to re-dye?
That is not a problem, colorful curl friend! We recommend wearing a protective style that allows you to keep your curl color while trying something new.
Watch our video to learn how to keep your already stunning curls intact while giving your best Instagram-selfie face to the world!
Ooooh! We just love these beautiful, vivid shades. We also love the new scent it has – very floral and bright! Do you? Tell us in the comments below.
Pro Tip: Make sure that you follow the mixing instructions with precision for best results!
Ready to rock these vivid shades yourself?
We thought so! Here are a few things you need to know about the NEW oil-rich, ultra-moisturizing Bigen Vivid Shades before getting into the color wheel rotation:
- The color is semi-permanent and easy to apply to hair
- It is ideal for all curl patterns that need pops of color
- Anti-breakage formula that's free of lead acetate, ethanol/alcohol, PPD, Resorcinol
- Colors various texture types, from low to high porosity
- Conditions with coconut oil and shea butter
- New and improved fragrance
- NO ammonia (WIN!"> and NO peroxide (WIN!"> so that color deposits into the hair without damaging it for darker shades
Protect those Gorgeous Colorful Curls!
Semi-permanent hair dye is great for us curlies that want to dye our hair at home, but what happens after we've got the color we desired for so long? How do we maintain that camera-ready color and magnificent unfiltered glow?
We have to choose and apply the right color-protecting products for our treated hair!
Keep your color in the Bigen family by visiting us on SHOP NaturallyCurly to get the best color maintenance options for your curls. This full-range color treatment system will help you keep that new coral, shining emerald, and electrifying indigo as vivid as their namesake!
The following recommended maintenance products will work wonders on your colored curls and protective wigs:
We know that you are not one to shy away from the perfect Instagram opportunity, so tag @naturallycurly and our friends @bigenofficial in your ultra-glammed out selfies! We are so here for your vibrant #colormebigen transformations and stellar #curlyhairstyle.
As ever, stay vivacious!
It is with absolute certainty that, before last night’s appearance at the 75th Annual Golden Globes, you have watched, fan girled over, and applauded the magnificent Viola Davis.
Photo by AP Images, Graphics by Cara Logue
If there is a slight chance you have not heard of esteemed actress Violas Davis, allow me to illuminate the deepest caverns of your soul to give you a spark of life by listing her numerous achievements:
- She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Fences
- Only African-American woman to be nominated for three Academy Awards
- Is the BESTest best friend to Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love (which also made her my #bff in my head for years”>.
- Somehow managed to hurt my feelings in Suicide Squad, but I’m not mad because she inspires me to grow up and wear bespoke pants suits and a piercing look that slices through to the core of all in her way.
- Has been a natural hair inspiration since the moment her play mom Cicely Tyson combed her hair on Shonda Rhimes’s undeniable masterpiece television series How to Get away with Murder.
Need I go on?
We can sit here and revel in this #BlackWomanPower all day long, but I want to get to that ‘fro! I want hair like THAT. Viola’s stylist Jamika Wilson told Refinery29 precisely how she achieved the Afro using products you may not have heard of. According to Khalea Underwood,”She worked As I Am Curling Jelly Definer and As I Am Doublebutter Cream through her hair, and Davis slept with the twists in overnight. To prevent shrinkage, Wilson applied a small amount of Shea Moisture Red Palm & Cocoa Butter Curl Stretch Pudding, which elongated and defined the style.”
So, to get that Viola Davis Golden Globes level Afro, I have detailed a quick regimen for Type 4s and 3s that will give onlookers serious LIFE.
How to Get the Viola Davis Golden Globes 2018 Afro
- Starting with clean hair, divide your hair into 4-6 sections with your fingers (you may need more or fewer sections depending on hair density and length”>
- Thoroughly condition each section by cocktailing a small amount of hair oil, like Sunny Isle Extra Dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil, and a shea butter-based curl cream, like FORM Twist Styling Cream. Work the cocktail in from ends to roots.
- Two-strand each section, making sure to get a firm twist at the root. To keep the twist in place, wrap the length of the twist around the base of the twist. You are essentially creating Bantu Knots to set the look.
- For a quick set, blow-dry the knots on medium heat for 30 to 45 minutes. If you do not want to use heat and have time to spare, let the knots dry overnight.
- To style, coat your fingertips with hair oil and gently unwind the Bantu Knots. NOTE: You do NOT want to use a water-based product. It will cause shrinkage.
- Then, gently untwist the two-strands. At this point, you will see defined, elongated strands. Go ahead and gently separate them with your fingers and fluff them, starting at the roots, to build your Afro.
- To add Viola Davis level volume, use a wide-tooth pick to lift and further extend those curls around your dome. Be careful not to over separate the strands as you go; you still want curl definition.
- Once you are satisfied with the dome height, use the palms of your hands to pat down and shape your Afro.
Et, Voila! Or, ahem, “Et, Viola!”
Phew!
I don’t know about you, but I am experiencing intense feelings about the #hairgoals, and LIFE Viola Davis gives us naturals on a regular basis. To see such a MASSIVE ‘fro on the red carpet at the Golden Globes was an all out raised-fist, power ‘fro dream come reality for me as a Black woman and proud member of the natural hair community.
From day one, the entire community’s call for natural hair, textured hair, and curly hair representation throughout every facet of entertainment, media, professions, and virtually every space has seemingly been treated like a whisper in the ears of hair and beauty professionals.
Viola Davis’s Afro has transformed that whisper into a full-volume ROAR. And, I admire and appreciate her so much more for trumpeting the cause in one iconic moment.
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How do you feel about Viola Davis’s immaculate Afro?
Tell us on Facebook!
As ever, stay golden!
Women everywhere are clamoring for the latest innovations in hair color care, oftentimes at the cost of damaging and drying their strands. There’s no way you’re going to follow suit because you know that your curls crave moisture.
istock / AleksandarNakic
You also know that it’s difficult for any curl, no matter its pattern or texture, to bounce back from breakage. What you need is Bigen: hair color that replenishes lost moisture while deepening the lively hues into your curls.
Isn’t it time you got this and more?
Keep reading to learn how!
Take a Break from Breakage with these 3 Oils and 1 Butter
Pexels / Mareefe
Healthy, undamaged curls and rich color are on deck for you thanks to three powerful, nourishing oils and one amazing butter. Finding their way into new semi-permanent hair color formulations by NaturallyCurly reader’s favorite Bigen, these individual oils on their own pack a punch:
- Argan – Best known for its ability to eliminate frizzy, dry hair strands, this powerful oil brings shine to color treated curls. What’s even better is that argan oil repairs damaged hair.
- Coconut – Arguably the most popular the hair oils, this fruit derivative is truly one of a kind, especially when it comes to sealing the hair shaft with moisture.
- Maracujã – Also known as ‘passion fruit’, this oil is a power-packed with antioxidants and fatty acids that strengthen hair strands. Yes, that means curls will be fortified against damage during the color treatment process.
- Shea Butter – Who doesn’t love shea butter? When you put this conditioner-by-nature’s-design butter into a hair formula for color that wears long and curls that stay strong, you’ve got a new “I love this so much” product on your hands.
- With the introduction of coconut oil and shea butter to its Vivid Shades collection and coconut, argan, and maracujã oils in the regular semi-permanent collection, Bigen is making it easier for you to color your curls with confidence.
Color your Curls with Care
istock / alexey_ds
Why worry about breakage when you have a new formula, designed specifically to keep every color treated curl intact? Whether you choose a natural shade of brown or a stunning ruby red, you can rest assured that this semi-permanent color puts your curls first thanks to it being ammonia- and peroxide-free. The formula deposits color into hair strands; can withstand shampooing over several weeks; and will maintain your chosen hue’s vibrancy.
Show Up! Show Out!
Already using Bigen and feeling good about your color? Then, go off! We at NaturallyCurly love seeing your selfies on Insta so tag @naturallycurly and @bigenoffical with #ColorMeBigen so we can see how lovely you look and feel!
Be mindful of your time and kind to your pocketbook by picking up the new Bigen Semi-Permanent hair color from your favorite retailer! Not sure where to get it? Simply hop over to SHOP NaturallyCurly – it’s virtually effortless!
As ever, #ColorMeBigen!
This post is sponsored by Bigen.
When the opportunity to be transformed into our most admired, most beloved natural hair icons, Nikki and April and I leapt into action. Within seconds, all 3 of us knew whom we wanted to be.
In the video below, you will see us get transformed, thanks to Design Essentials Natural and the magical hands of stylist Shandrall Duncan aka @shanmaire_visions, into some of the most iconic women in contemporary entertainment and the natural hair community.
Can you guess which natural hair icons we are emulating?
Share your guesses in the comments section at the bottom of this article or on our Facebook post!
With a crown of long, dense curls, @nchanel gets her hair moisturized and set with the following:
- Almond & Avocado Twist & Set Setting Lotion, one of the best smelling hair lotions on the market, hands down. It is lightweight in texture, gliding onto the hair with ease, and penetrating the hair strands for thorough hydration.
- Almond & Avocado Curling Creme, a definer for all curl patterns. Use this creme on any porosity type, adjusting the amount used based on your hair’s needs.
- Nikki’s roller set was blown out to get the iconic look, that is undeniably powerful thanks to the addition of hair clips with colored ends!
Although @gerilynhayes has low porosity hair, her strands immediately soak up almond and avocado oil:
- Almond & Avocado Daily Moisturizing Lotion, my favorite hair lotion for blowouts! Its scent is a hybrid of floral bouquets and almond oil. Its consistency is lightweight but offers enough slip to give coily hair malleability for styling. I love it!
- The iconic Afro pick helped me get a look that I’ve always wanted! Never has my ‘fro been so voluminous, soft, and fluffy. For the finalized look, gently sculpt your Afro with cupped hands.
With her dense, high porosity curls, @firstchurchofapril needs lightweight, all-day hydration:
- Almond & Avocado Detangling Leave-In Conditioner for all-day hydration that won’t evaporate from your hair strands.
- Almond & Avocado Daily Moisturizing Lotion contains nutrients that help keep April’s ends sealed with moisture, which is especially important since a natural bristle brush was used on her fragile hair.
- Large hair tie and bobby pins were used to secure the updo.
- To achieve April’s finished look, stylist Shandrall used a dramatic scarf to drape over her hair to add iconic flair!
No matter the reason, or the season, you can use Design Essentials Natural to style your hair like your favorite natural hair icon just like we did! Remember to follow our friends @designessentials to get unforgettable style #inspo on a daily basis.
As ever, stay iconic!
This post is sponsored by Design Essentials Natural.
We all want beautiful, healthy hair, and that starts with a healthy scalp. While the use of natural oils is a long-standing tradition in the natural hair community, there are those hesitant to fully embrace this trend because they feel itchy. A lot of curlies may wonder, do certain oils make your scalp itch? Let’s take a look at reasons why oils may cause that itchy feeling that makes some wary of choosing oils.
Do certain oils make your scalp itch?
Photo Courtesy of @Unsplash
The answer is yes, but there is more to it than just that simple answer. Before you swear off all oils, as well as the many benefits oils can offer to your scalp and strands, there are a few things you need to know. The oil source isn’t usually the problem unless you are putting something crazy on your hair which truly doesn’t belong there. The issue is usually because of three main reasons for that itchy feeling.
1. Reaction
While rare, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to natural oils. If you experience an itchy feeling with a burning sensation accompanied by bumps raised on the skin, it may be an allergic reaction. Of course, the best way to make sure you avoid this fate is to spot test any time you use a new oil. When you use an oil for the first time, you should test it on one small spot on your scalp, as opposed to applying it all over.
2. Circulation Booster
Another reason you may experience an itchy feeling could be because the oil naturally stimulates circulation. While this itch is less intense than an allergic reaction, it is still a common feeling. However, this type of itching doesn’t usually burn the same way and is more of a tingly itch sensation. For instance, castor oil is often reported as feeling a little itchy for some naturals, but that is usually the fact that circulation is being boosted. Peppermint oil is another oil sometimes described as feeling itchy, but this one usually comes with a cool sensation to balance things out. The itch is usually the oil working as an antibacterial agent on the scalp.
3. Previous Itch
It is also possible that the itchy feeling is because you have an underlying issue on your scalp that the oil isn’t designed to help remedy. For instance, if your scalp is already inflamed or irritated, you may feel that itchiness regardless of what oil you use at first because of how severe the scalp issue has become without treatment.
Have you ever experienced one of these symptoms?
We want to know! Share your story with us on Facebook!
Steal the show, and hearts, this winter with stunning ringlets when you use the NaturallyCurly community’s favorite styling kit by Curlformers! You’re going to love this beautiful look that you can wear to every winter-themed gathering this year and beyond. Below is a check list of what you will need to do to get these stunning ringlets for Type 4 hair!
How to get The Festive Holiday Ringlets Look:
Using the Hair Flair Large Paddle Brush, detangle and smooth your curls, making sure to get rid of the smallest of tangles and fairy knots. You will want to dampen your curls to add slip by using Flairosol, the micro-mist applicator that quickly covers your curls for easy styling.
Make between four and six sections of curls, starting by parting your hair in the middle from the front of your hairline.
Use alligator clips to keep sections in place as you begin installing your Spiral Super Long Curlformers.
Gently glide your hair through the Curlformer using the styling hook. You may need to use two hooks to speed up the process.
Repeat step 4 on each section of your hair.
Set your curls by covering them with the Hair Flair Deluxe Softhood and attaching your hairdryer to it. Set the hairdryer on low heat; dry your curls for 30 – 45 minutes. Add on more time depending on your porosity and hair length.
Once dry, gently slide the Curlformers off your hair.
Accessorize with darling tassel earrings, dramatic eyes, and two fresh red roses!
Watch us style Type 4 hair into Festive Holiday Ringlets with Curlformers!
See how easy it is to style your Type 4 hair into the smoothest, most dramatic ringlets of the year by watching the how-to video below:
Remarkably simple. Remarkably YOU.
Will you wear these lovely ringlets to your winter and end of year parties? We hope so! Share your amazing look with us@NaturallyCurly and @CurlformersOfficial on Instagram today. We can’t wait to see your beautiful hair.
As ever, stay curly!
This post and video are sponsored by Curlformers.
Curly girls everywhere will tell you that coconut oil is a must-have all year long, but no time is more important for our hair to soak in it than the wintertime. Dense, medium to low porosity hair needs the deep moisturization that coconut oil brings during dry, chilly winter months.
istock / portishead1
If you have spent the warmer months foraging for the best winter product options, but have come up short, you need the Coconut Restore Holiday Must-Have Kit. The all-inclusive kit features coconut oil-based products formulated to hydrate and smooth your hair strands throughout the year, and especially throughout the winter.
The kit features the entire Coconut Restore family that will help you build the perfect holiday must-have wintertime regimen. Learn how it works:
Coconut Restore Holiday Must-Have Regimen
1″> Pre-Poo, Massage, & Cleanse
Curly hair needs plenty of moisture. We all know this. However, an often-missed step in our curl regimens is pre-pooing. Once you have your kit, grab your 8-oz jar Coconut Restore Revitalizing Whipped Coconut Oil goodness. Unscrew the lid, take a nice long whiff of that coconut aroma, and begin sectioning your hair. You will want to massage 2-4 dollops of the whipped coconut oil into your scalp. Depending on how much hair you have, adjust your applied amount.
The goal of pre-pooing is to maintain moisture balance so that you do not strip your hair of healthy oils during the cleansing process. Even still, you will want to dig into your kit for Coconut Restore Moisture Replenishing Shampoo so that every single section of your hair is not only clean, but thoroughly hydrated post-shampooing!
2″> Fortify for Moisture Retention
Breakage is dreaded among all members of the natural hair and curl communities, so it is no wonder why you have grab hold of your coconut oil-based winter curls care kit. To get you fully fortified against bone-dry curls, apply Coconut Restore Daily Stregthening Conditioner to your freshly shampooed hair, and rinse.
Enhance this conditioner’s performance by applying the Coconut Restore Keratin Intensive Repair Masque, letting it absorb into your hair while covered by either a satin-lined or plastic shower cap for 15-20 minutes. Thoroughly rinse the masque out of your hair, then follow up with this pro tip!
Pro-Tip: To get heavenly holiday hair, cocktail the Coconut Restore Revitalizing Whipped Coconut Oil and Coconut Restore Curl Control Leave-In Conditioner! As NaturallyCurly Managing Editor Cristina Cleveland explains, “Cocktailing is combining store-bought products with raw ingredients to create your personalized product. You know cooking at home is way better for you than eating out because in your kitchen you have control over what’s going into your food – the same [is true] for cocktailing your hair products.” What’s even better for you is that when you receive your Coconut Restore kit, you will not have to worry about not having the ingredients you need: it is all packaged together for your convenience.
3″> Everlasting Curl Definition
Wintertime does not play well with curls, but that will not stop you from looking your absolute best at every turn, now will it? All you need is to dive back into your must-haves kit to retrieve the über-hydrating Coconut Restore Styling & Setting Gelee to style your hair into your favorite look. Apply as much or as little of this gelee to your curls, depending on the density and length you have. From defined finger coils and twist-outs to soft ringlets and curly spirals, winter does not stand a chance when trying to cramp your style!
Coconut Restore’s Holiday Must-Haves Are Perfect for Every Curl
We love giving you exclusives here at NaturallyCurly! That is why we are thrilled to have partnered with Coconut Restore to bring you the gift of the season: The Coconut Restore Holiday Must-Haves Kit – available ONLY at SHOP NaturallyCurly! It is the perfect gift to give yourself for beautiful curls that turn heads and break hearts.
We want to see you with your new kit and new holiday hairstyles, so tag @naturallycurly and @coconutrestore in your IG selfies all winter long.
As ever, stay curly!
This post is sponsored by Coconut Restore.
Steve Debenport / iStock
Although the green beauty trend isn’t new, women in the natural hair community are expressing concern about the ingredients in their curly hair products. This focus on all – or mostly – natural ingredients is also transferring over to skin and body care, with more than 31% of women refusing to buy products with sulfates. The “no chemicals, please” bullhorn effect within the marketplace has propelled brands owners to concoct all natural and greener formulations for hair and skin products.
To help you along your all-natural ingredients journey, I have listed my favorite items from 4 brands heeding the call of consumers around the world, each of which providing health-conscious curlies nasty chemicals-free alternatives to our hair and skin care regimens. Each item is in my bathroom cabinet, used either daily or weekly and comes highly recommended. Take note, friend!
Curly Hair Brands That Offer All-Natural Hair and Skin Products
Sunny Isle
Naturalistas focused on hair growth have long lauded Sunny Isle for bringing Jamaican Black Castor oil-based products to the marketplace. Understanding the need to stay hydrated from head to toe, Sunny Isle has a host of hair and skin products available for those focused on purchasing all-natural products. One hero item from the line is the Sunny Isle Rosemary Jamaican Black Castor Oil, a 100% natural emollient for hair and skin that acts as a miracle for people with low porosity natural hair and dry, flaking skin. Put these JBCO-infused products on your Hydration Wish List to keep curls and skin moisturized every day:
- Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Knot Free Forever Leave-In Detangler
- Sunny Isle Extra Dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil Moisturizing Shampoo
- Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Beard Oil (excellent year-round grooming gift for the men in your life”>
Everyday Shea
Focused on fueling the growth of underserved global economies? Then, you will want to invest your dollars in Everyday Shea, the brand that creates hair and skin products with the intention of building educational spaces while propelling burgeoning entrepreneurs forward in Africa. After reading the brand’s fascinating history, I purchased the Everyday Shea Body Wash – Lavender which gently cleanses skin while creating moisture balance. This body wash is my daily go-to, and I love that it comes in a huge pump bottle so that I do not overuse it and that its scent is not overpowering. Other items in the Everyday Shea line include unscented lotions and washes, and children’s hair and skin products:
- Everyday Shea Fair Trade Shea Butter – Unscented
- Everyday Shea Body Lotion – Unscented
- Everyday Shea Babies & Up Shampoo & Body Wash – Lemon Lavender
Honey Baby Naturals
“Like every other mother, I also wanted products that were natural and free from ingredients that weren’t good for their hair and skin, but I needed them to work and make my life easier.” -Aisha Crump, Founder of Honey Baby Naturals
By following the natural ingredients-only path, Aisha Crump formulated hair and skin products with honey as the “secret ingredient” for her entire family. For those of us outside the family that need hydration and consistent moisture, Crump brought her collection to the masses. Her Honey Baby Naturals Honey Nectar Body Jelly is a petroleum-free lifesaver for dry skin. This jelly is excellent for those in arid, dry climates. Listed are additional natural ingredients-friendly items you’ll want to try include:
- Honey Baby Naturals Knot My Honey Instant Detangler
- Honey Baby Naturals Honeychild Moisture & Scalp Balance Gentle Shampoo (You will LOVE this shampoo for its lightweight application and scent”>
- Honey Baby Naturals Honey Shea Butter Hair Smoothie
HPO
Happy People Only, or HPO, prides itself on using cruelty-free ingredients to produce hair and skin products for everyone to enjoy. Its sulfate-free products feature all-natural ingredients that nourish curls of every pattern and provide daily reinvigoration to all skin types. To strengthen limp curls with wheat protein and refresh skin while cutting your wash day routine down, reach for refresh Hair & Body Shampoo with Avocado and Orange zest. For all textures that need spa-level TLC, try the following curly hair products from HPO:
- Butter Drops – Jojoba and Citrus Heat Protectant
- Happy Scalp – Olive Oil & Rejuvenating Mint Extracts
- HPO Spa Hair Conditioner – Avocado & Wheat Protein
These are just a few of my healthy and happy ingredients-product favorites!
It’s exciting that hair care brands are taking the lead in natural-ingredients formulation bath and body products. The addition to the marketplace is welcome! Have you tried the hair and skin products I listed? If so, feel free to share your thoughts about them in the comments section below.
As ever, stay curly!
