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Often when we think of using oils as stylers, or really, even for conditioners, we think of it as being a good option for those with really kinky or coarse hair types.

But did you know that plenty of Type 2s and 3s use oils in their curls, too? Wavies and Curlies have found if they use the right types in the right quantities, they get good results. Some use olive and some use coconut.

Olive oil as a styler

Wavies and curlies have been using oil as a styler and sharing their results in their NaturallyCurly forum, CurlTalk, for years. “I got better definition, less frizz, more shine, and more voluminous curls with just using olive oil” reports CurlTalker GitaAndHair (2abc/3a”>. GitaAndHair, who’s from Jakarta, Indonesia, says affordable curly hair care products are hard to find in her city. “Now I can save more money as well since I’m ditching my gel,” she says. “I wish I had tried this sooner!”

Coconut oil as a styler

Cara4Curls, 2c/3a, tried coconut oil as a styler. “I applied the coconut oil instead of my usual gel, and wow, my hair just LOVED it! Before I applied the coconut oil, without gel, my hair is usually poofy.” 

Type 3c curlies like using oils, too, for styling and conditioning. “When I’m done styling my hair, I’ll smooth down some oil (just a touch”> if I have any frizzies or extra dry bits. Or I’ll use some oil to ‘refresh’ my style after a few hours,” says 3c CurlTalker nana_banana.

Oils don’t work as stylers for everyone, though

Type 3a/3b Jeepcurlygirl, for example, uses oils for treatments, but not for styling. “I like the way it feels and it gives my hair shine, but as the day goes on it makes my hair stringy and I get a lot of halo frizz.”

2c/3a Guide 65 is also not a fan of oils as a styling agent: “Oils generally leave my hair stringy and oily looking, and pull out the waves.”

Oils as conditioners

Many 2s and 3s use oils as conditioners rather than as stylers. CurlTalker bomega, a 2c, says, “One thing that does work is to do an oil treatment with a good generous amount of oil the night before then shampoo/condition as usual the next morning. Clumps, curls, and even spirals the next day!”

Jeepcurlygirl, too, likes to use oils as a conditioner. “I do use oil as a pre-poo treatment, in my deep treatments, and I use it on dry hair if it’s going into a braid,” she adds. Type 2a CurlTalker Pedaheh says, “I have fine hair that loves coconut oil. Coconut pre-wash treatments are a holy grail for my dry to very dry hair.”

Avoid jojoba extract and avocado oil

Type 2s and 3s who try oils might want to stay away from jojoba extract and avocado oil as stylers, however, because they tend to coat rather than to penetrate. Hair that is coated in oil may appear “greasy.”

Keep in mind, of course, that everyone’s hair responds differently to various products. So what works for your neighbor might not work for you, or vice-versa. You have to try new things to see what works for YOU!

What about you? Are you a Type 2 or 3 who has used oils as a styler? How’d it work for you? Please share in the comments section below.

We’ve all — at one time or another — put some unusual things in our hair. We’ve raided the pantry and the refrigerator in pursuit of the perfect treatment for our locks. And who can forget that crazy bull semen craze?

Well, another bit of the pursuit-of-perfect-hair wackiness is K-Y Jelly. Yep, the vaginal lubricant.

Some curlies swear by this product as a useful hair gel. Some say it prevents frizz while supporting curls.

What’s In It?

After water, K-Y’s main ingredient is glycerin, a humectant. Many hair care products contain glycerin because of its ability to attract moisture to the hair and keep it hydrated. According to noted hair-chemical expert Tonya McKay, glycerin’s “thick viscosity and high boiling point are what make it an effective curl-definer and frizz minimizer (in the right climate”>.”

Keep in mind, though, that in humid weather, you might not want to put a humectant on your hair. Too much moisture can lead to frizz, of course.

Another K-Y Jelly ingredient, chlorhexidine, is a disinfectant and antiseptic. It is a common cosmetic additive, and sometimes used in hair care products as a preservative. We couldn’t find any evidence, however, that it would have any impact on curl formation.

Other ingredients in the lubricant include more humectants and preservatives. The last ingredient listed for K-Y is sodium hydroxide, which, interestingly, is pretty caustic stuff. According to Paula’s Choice, it is “used in small amounts in cosmetics to establish and hold the pH of a product.” I’m sure it’s diluted past the point of harmfulness, but still. Not sure I’d want to put it on my head, let alone on or in other areas.

How it is Used on Hair?

Many curlies find K-Y works best when used in combination with other stylers. Sometimes the jelly is mixed in with another gel or with a cream. Other times the lubricant is used as a base layer, with another styler layered on top. CurlTalker BigHairLaLa, for example, uses it under AG Re:coil. “The K-Y acts as a defrizzer and curl enhancer,” she says.

CurlTalker Naturalista agrees that K-Y works well as a base layer. “These products help with frizz and moisture retention when used as a “primer,” she says.

“it’s great for frizz control,” says Elita. “I use it under a curl cream then add gel on top.”

Truwaves tried K-Y Jelly without any other products and was pleased with the way her hair looked. “I tried it today without gel, and my hair came out soft and wavy!” she says. “I’m definitely impressed.”

But as Truwaves’ day progressed, she says, “My hair became quite puffy throughout the day.”

“I’m thinking this is due to the glycerin and the high dewpoint around here lately. I would definitely need to try some gel with it,” she added.

When Morningstar used K-Y jelly for the first time, she was impressed with the results. “It felt great going on my hair and then I used a strong gel on top of it. It gave me great clumps. I air-dried as it was a beautiful sunny day and the results are fantastic.”

It’s All Up To You

While some curlies have found that generic brands works just find, others have a different story to tell. Oregano cautions: “Just be cautious of the generic stuff. Some of it I’ve found flakes horribly. Yuck.”

According to a recent survey of Amazon, K-Y Jelly can be as inexpensive as $1.11/ounce. While this is cheaper than some hair care products containing glycerin, it is similar or more expensive than others. So cost alone might not be a good way to determine whether you should switch to K-Y Jelly.

As with all hair care products, most curlies find the only way to know if something works is to try it! And even if K-Y Jelly doesn’t really work for you, using it as a hair product certainly would make an interesting topic at your next dinner party!

As CurlTalker Hakim Nuraldin says, “Now that’s what you can call sexy hair.”

Have you used KY Jelly as a hair product? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Curlies looking for a chemical-free color change often look to henna, which imparts an attractive red-brown hue to locks. Curlies looking for a darker cast, on the other hand, might add indigo to their coloring regimen for a darker color.

This natural hair color is derived from plants, often Indigofera tinctoria or Indigofera suffruticosa, shrubby members of the bean family that are native to tropical and subtropical parts of the world.

“If chemicals aren’t your thing, you should definitely consider henna and indigo,” says Khadija Carryl, founder of online henna boutique Henna Sooq, and henna and natural hair care expert.

Indigo has been used for centuries to dye not only hair but also fabric. The fabric and clothing industry now largely uses synthetic dyes, but synthetic indigo cannot be used to dye hair because it contains ingredients that can damage hair and skin.

That’s not to say, however, that every hair dye indigo on the market is free from additives. If you’re shopping for natural hair colorants, be sure to check labels carefully, cautions Carryl, who teaches at various henna events around the country. Some may contain chemical additives.

One Step or Two?

Almost always, an indigo treatment is done in conjunction with a henna treatment. Indigo alone can impart unpredictably bright and typically not desirable colors, such as green, purple or bright blue, depending on the base hair color.

Most natural dye adherents do either a one-step mixture of henna and indigo or a two-step process wherein henna is applied first and then the darker color is applied in a separate step.

“It depends on what color you’re going for,” says Carryl. “If you’re looking for a reddish brown, you can do the one-step process and mix your proportions based on the exact shade you’re looking for.”

For example, a 60% henna/40% indigo mix would result is a redder hue than a 40%/60% mix, Carryl explains. “You have to do a little math to get the right color,” she says. “It can be kind of a trial and error process.”

If you’re going for pure black hair, she says, “The two-step is the only way to get true black.”

In fact, if deep black is what you’re after, Carryl suggests adding a little indigo to the “henna” step, to create a darker base. “If you make the base darker to begin with, you’ll have better luck with the indigo step,” she says.

Furthermore, doing henna in a separate step can also help the indigo “stick” better, Carryl says.

Whichever method you decide is right for you, it’s important that you do a patch test first, cautions Carryl. “Some people are allergic to natural plant products, so it’s important to test for any reactions first,” she says.

Getting Started

Before you get started, you’ll want to have some supplies on hand:

• Henna and indigo powders. You’ll want about 100g of powder for every 6 inches of hair.
• Rubber gloves
• Two non-reactive bowls
• Petroleum jelly (like Vaseline”> or Shea butter
• Plastic spoon
• Newspapers or towels
• Hair color brush (optional”>
• Plastic cap or plastic wrap
• An old shirt to wear — one you don’t mind getting stained.

Two-Step Henna-Indigo Process

Henna

Read this article to learn how to apply henna to your hair.

Indigo

You can do this step immediately following the henna step, or up to 72 hours later.

1. Prepare an area to do your coloring. Lay down newspapers or old towels on the countertop, sink and floor where you’ll be working. Alternatively, some people do the dying process in the shower to minimize the mess. Keep in mind that the dye will stain clothes and towels.

2. Shampoo your hair, if you like. Some curlies apply the mixture to dry hair.

3. Section your hair. Clip each section in place.

4. Apply petroleum jelly or Shea butter to your hairline and ears to prevent the dye from staining your skin.

5. Prepare the mixture. Put the powder in a bowl and slowly add warm distilled water until a yogurt-like consistency is formed. Don’t add a lot of water all at once or your mixture will be too runny. If your mixture ends up too loose, you can add a thickener (see below”>. Allow the indigo to rest about 20 minutes before using.

6. Stir mixture and apply to hair, section by section. Most people use their gloved hands, but others use a brush.

7. Don a plastic cap or wrap hair in plastic wrap and let sit for 3 to 4 hours. Some curlies allow the dye to remain on their hair overnight.

8. Thoroughly rinse the paste out of your hair using cool water. Some curlies apply a conditioner on top of the coloring paste right before they rinse — they say it makes rinsing easier.

One-Step Henna-Indigo Process

1. Mix henna and allow it to sit for 8-12 hours to release the dye.

2. When the henna is ready to use, move on to the next steps.

3. Shampoo your hair, if you like. Some curlies apply the mixture to dry hair.

4. Section your hair. Clip each section in place.

5. Apply petroleum jelly or Shea butter to your hairline and ears to prevent the dye from staining your skin.

6. Prepare an area to do your coloring. Lay down newspapers or old towels on the countertop, sink, and floor where you’ll be working. Alternatively, some people do the dying process in the shower to minimize the mess. Keep in mind that the dye will stain clothes and towels.

7. Prepare the indigo. Put the powder in a bowl and slowly add warm distilled water until a paste is formed. Don’t add a lot of water all at once or your mixture will be too runny. If your mixture ends up too loose, you can add a thickener (see below”>. Allow the indigo to rest about 20 minutes before using.

8. Mix the two pastes together.

9. Apply to hair, section by section. Most people use their gloved hands, but others use a brush.

10. Don a plastic cap or wrap hair in plastic wrap and let sit for at least 3-4 hours. Some curlies allow the dye to remain on their hair overnight.

11. Thoroughly rinse the paste out of your hair using cool water. Some curlies apply a conditioner on top of the coloring paste right before they rinse — they say it makes rinsing easier.

Thickening The Mixture

Even if you’re careful when adding water to your indigo powder, the mixture can end up runny, so many experts proactively add a thickening agent to the powder. It’s important to add the thickener to the powder, before you add water. Adding it later in the process can cause a lumpy mess, according to CurlTalker Bomega, who has spent many years researching and using natural hair dyes.

One option is carboxymethyl cellulose, commonly referred to as CMC or cellulose gum, a nontoxic thickening agent available for purchase in powder form. Use 1 gram of CMC per 100 grams of colorant powder. Another option for thickening colorant mixtures is powdered pudding mix — about a teaspoon per 100 grams of indigo. Some curlies use vanilla pudding mix so they can enjoy the nice scent.

Yet another option is touted by CurlTalker ButterCurl, who suggests instead adding glucomannan powder into your mixture. Glucomannan is a dietary fiber usually made from the root of the tropical konjac (Amorphophallus konjac“> plant. In foods, glucomannan is used as a thickener or gelling agent.

“My indigo was very smooth and non-crumbly. It went on great and didn’t affect the color,” says ButterCurl.

Other natural hair coloring devotees use xanthum gum or cornstarch as thickeners.

Other Additives

Some natural hair dye users saying adding salt to the mixture helps the hair accept the dye better, but some CurlTalkers say this trick does not work for them. So it may be a case-by-case thing.

Bomega has another tip for increasing coverage: “I discovered (that”> cutting the indigo either with shikakai or with fine ground mica powder actually helped me get better coverage — and saves me money.”

You may see recipes online that suggest adding coconut milk, oils, conditioner, honey, egg, yogurt, etc. to your natural hair color mixture, but know that if you use these, they can lessen the saturation of the colorant. “It depends on what your focus is. If you’re looking for just a hint of color, it’s ok to add any of these,” says Carryl.

Some women with curly hair add amla to their color mixes, says Carryl. “It’s good to add to the recipe to maintain curls,” she says. Amla is another name for Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn“>, a small tree native to Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and southern China. “In fact, amla is often used separately to encourage hair growth,” Carryl adds.

Yet another additive often added to natural hair dye mixes is aloe vera powder, which can alleviate drying, according to Carryl.

Fading

Indigo fades. How fast seems to vary from person to person, but know that this colorant does fade.

“I just accept fading as part of the process,” says Bomega. “I normally just color the roots every 2-3 weeks and I find that the first time around, the indigo is considerably faded after 2 weeks, but then when I re-apply for the new round of roots, the last 1/4-1/2 inch that was faded gets covered permanently.”

You’ll just have to see how much your color treatment fades and re-color accordingly.

Ready to Try Indigo?

We hope you have enough information now to achieve the dark brown or black hair of your dreams using indigo hair dye.

And once you’ve colored your hair, be sure to share your experience over in the Coloring Your Hair section of CurlTalk! We can’t wait to see your new look!

Photo by Dmitry_Chulov/Getty Images

We’ve written about rinsing the hair with rice milk. Well, it appears that rinsing with rice water is a thing, too. A very ancient thing, in fact, that women in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia have practiced for centuries in pursuit of healthy, long, and beautiful hair.

Fermented rice water is rich in antioxidants, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, and vitamins E, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine.

Studies showing conclusive proof of the impact of fermented rice water on hair are elusive. But anecdotal evidence from not only centuries of Asian women who have used the rinse, but also from legions of contemporary women who swear by the technique point to numerous benefits for both hair and skin.

Many women say application of rice water to skin helps heal scars and reduces wrinkles, fine lines and inflammation. Some say it firms the skin and reduces the size of pores. In terms of hair, a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that rice water reduced surface friction and increased hair elasticity.

Yao women of southern China claim that using fermented rice water rinses on their hair makes their hair grow faster and retains their natural color well into old age, with many of these lovely ladies not seeing a single grey hair until they’re about 80 years old.

As we mentioned above, we were hard-pressed to find anything other than anecdotal evidence of the wonders of fermented rice rinses, but, hey, if so many women swear by this treatment, it’s worth a shot, right?

CurlTalk‘s BeinDeb, for example, uses it for her hair and skin. “My hair and my winter eczema-prone skin are loving it!!,” she says. “It’s helped my eczema tremendously, which is really amazing as we’ve been having sub-zero dewpoints!”

CurlTalker adthomas likes it, too. ” I love how this made my hair feel soft and strong at the same time. It was hairgasmic,” she says. “I was a little apprehensive because I’m protein sensitive, but I had no issues.”

“When I tried using the rice water for washing, my hair felt amazing!” says CurlTalker Meechl.

How to use fermented rice water for hair

There are many methods for creating fermented rice water. Here’s how BeinDeb creates and applies hers:

1. I boiled some rice and kept the water I drained off of it.

2. I poured the water in a jar and let it set out for a couple of days to ferment. (Most sources say to allow the water to ferment at room temperature”>.

3. I have a squirt bottle that I put it in when I’m ready to use it. You’re supposed to dilute it, so I use half rice water and half distilled water.

4. After I wash and condition my hair, I saturate my scalp and hair with it. I let it sit for a couple of minutes and then rinse it out.

5. I then just style using whatever.

If you can’t use the fermented water right away, store it in the fridge after a couple days of room-temperature fermenting. You’ll definitely want to use it within a week.

“It makes my hair very smooth and tangles are non-existent,” BeinDeb says. “It really seems to be helping me hold the moisture in, or at least longer than my highly porous hair normally does.”

Some textured women add drops of lavender or tea tree oil to their rice water mixture. And, instead of using a spray bottle, some curlies simply pour the mixture over their heads, collecting it in a bowl so they can repeat the pour a few times to fully wet the scalp and saturate the hair.

Have you tried a fermented rice water rinse? Are you inspired to? Tell us about it in the comments section, below!

You’ve done it. You’ve crossed home plate with the hottest guy you’ve met in a long time. But you’re still not quite to the I’m-comfortable-being-around-you-with-my-hair-sticking-every-which-way stage. You need to look good, and fast!

How to make yourself look presentable in a serious hurry? How to prevent the mess in the first place?

1. Put your hair up in a sexy, but easy, ‘do before you do the deed.
2. Opt for the uppermost vantage point. Your curls are less likely to be crushed or smooshed if you’re hovering above rather than writhing about on a pillowcase.
3. Offer something else for clutching, so that your hair is left untouched.
4. All curlies should always carry an emergency-fix-it product or two in her purse. While the cover of dark is still nigh, sneak into the bathroom for some quick repairs.
5. You can always opt for the mysterious middle-of-the-night departure. Send him daisies the next day and keep him guessing.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Design Essentials launched its new Natural line of hair care products this weekend at the Bronner Bros. International Hair Show in Atlanta.

The line, which consists of five products, is free of sulfates, silicones and parabens, mineral oil, paraffin, petrolatum and fragrance, says Director of Education Rebecca Mariolis.

“One of the things that we wanted to make sure with the new line was that we really paid attention to our ingredients—using botanicals and essential oils. What we found when we were testing is that is really makes a difference. A positive difference. Now, you can use product with those more-traditional ingredients and be fine. But hair is softer without those ingredients,” Mariolis says.

The Natural line includes Curl Cleanser Sulfate Free Shampoo ($12.95/8 oz”>, Moisturizing Conditioner ($10.95/8 oz”>, Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($11.95/8 oz”>, Defining Crème Gel ($25.95/16 oz”> and Curl Stretching Cream ($26.95/16 oz”>.

Comprised of nourishing ingredients like jojoba, cocoa butter and almond oil, the company says, “you are sure to produce beautiful healthy hairstyles that are rich in moisture, high sheen and strong hold.”

Sholanda Armstrong, Design Essential’s Director of Marketing, says, “We found that the new products give such as much moisture and shine. Hair looks just as beautiful.”

“You may have to pay a little more. It’s a more about a personal choice. The others aren’t bad ingredients, just not as close to earth,” Armstrong adds.

The line was developed to meet market demand, says Mariolis. “The research shows that the number of people who are getting away from relaxers and going holistic is growing. If they go natural, we’re there with them.”

The line is aimed mainly at Type 3s and 4s, says Armstrong. “Our consumer is a woman of texture. Anyone with some curl and wave; it’s probably not for people with straight hair.”

The pair of Design Essentials execs had a hard time picking their favorites from the line.

“I love the Daily Moisturizing Lotion; it’s curl-defining and a great leave-in conditioner,” says Mariolis. “It’s also a great second-day hair fixer. It’s really lightweight —it’s not going to make the hair feel heavy.”

Armstrong raves about the Natural Defining Crème Gel, “The great thing is that is good for all textures. Great definition and hold, without a lot of crunch. The way to control that is to apply the Daily Moisturizing Lotion and then the Defining Crème Gel. Best hold and best sheen.

Mariolis says of the line, “We recommend you use the line as a system. Work your way through the line, product by product. The products work really well together. We definitely noticed a difference when the line is used as a system.”

Most mother-of-the-bride hairstyles are just a step up from your everyday look. You most definitely want to be careful that your style does not outshine the bride’s. Generally the mother of the bride wears her hair down. Trying to be too formal or going so far as to wear a wedding updo will steal the spotlight from the bride on her special day.

Get a professional cut and color (if applicable”> a couple weeks before the event, so it will have time to settle back to “normal.” Then, on the big day, you’ll be ready to simply take your everyday look up a few notches. And plan to make a trip back to the salon on the big day for a professional ‘do—you have enough to worry about without having to fuss about your hair!

You might want to go with a soft curl look, which can be achieved with a set of hot rollers or curling iron. Gently break up the curls with the fingers to soften the curl and add body. You might also want to add a fancy hair clip or barrette to keep the hair off the face while adding just a spark of formality to your style.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORA HUBER

What is a Keratin Treatment?

Brazilian keratin treatments are still among the most-talked about —and desired— procedures in the haircare industry. And the latest news is that you can get great results after having the treatment on your hair for only an hour, as opposed to the old procedures, which required three days!

A straightening treatment that goes by many names—Brazilian keratin treatment, Brazilian blowout, BKT, keratin straightening, hair keratin straightening, escova progressiva—, keratin treatment is a method of temporarily straightening hair by applying a liquid keratin and aldehyde solution and sealing it with a flat iron.

Keratin treatment is a long-term “blow dry” for hair that lasts about three months. It is designed for people who have curly or frizzy hair but would like a straighter appearance. Pioneered in Brazil, keratin treatments can be performed on virgin as well as chemically treated hair.

How Does it Differ from Japanese Treatments?

The system is said to eliminate any frizz, unruly curls and waves without making it too flat like other treatments such as the Japanese Yuko System.

Keratin treatments different from Japanese straightening treatments not only in the ingredients, but also in that keratin treatments are not permanent; the treatment gradually “wears off” after 10-12 weeks. Japanese straightening also tends to be more expensive and takes longer in the salon.

Reactions from Stylists and Curlies

Robert Coykendall at Hair Studio 411 in Punta Gorda, Fla., said keratin treatments have a profound effect on his clients. “It makes a huge difference,” he said. “One woman we did recently was so excited because she could actually put her hands through her hair.”

CurlTalker Suzie E was somewhat less impressed with the results from her Brazilian keratin treatment. “My hair was loose, but not really that big of a difference.”

This result, however, is exactly what some curlies are looking for: looser curls, waves even, instead of tight ringlets. Many seek Brazilian keratin treatment to achieve the “beach wave” look that is so popular right now.

Dreyer says she especially loves the new advanced keratin treatments. “You don’t have to wait three days before washing your hair,” she says. “And the results with the new ones are much better,” she says.Deborah Dreyer, owner of A Nu-U Salon in Cranston, RI, agrees. Most of her customers who seek Brazilian keratin treatment are after a looser curl pattern. “They want to get up and go,” says Dreyer.

“My clients walk out of here saying, ‘The answer is keratin,'” says Dreyer. “If your hair is frizzy and disheveled, you’ll love keratin.”

The keratin straightening treatment is a savior for hair in need of TLC, according to Michael Boychuck, hair aficionado, celebrity stylist and owner of three stylish salons. He says the treatments revive and replenish hair, leaving it soft, smooth and camera-ready.

Suzie E says she’s on the fence as to whether she’ll repeat her Brazilian keratin treatment. “My hair is very dry — I’m having to constantly use deep treatments.”

So What’s the Cost?

The cost of the treatment ranges from $250 to $400, and most of the treatment manufactures recommend that you use their line of shampoos, conditioners, etc. after you have the treatment, to ensure best results.

The “Formaldehyde” Issue

Another new development is the marketing of many of these treatments as “formaldehyde-free”. While this is true, a truly straightening keratin treatment must contain some product from the aldehyde family of compounds in order to do the straightening. Keratin in and of itself does not straighten; it coats the hair and gives it the shiny, glossy finish. Many of the aldehydes are naturally derived and less toxic than formaldehyde. Still, it is recommended that pregnant women do not undergo the treatment. Additionally, many stylists and clients wear masks to protect themselves from any irritants.

If a “keratin” straightening product is truly aldehyde-free, then it is a different product than what is typically referred to as a keratin treatment, and the results from the treatment will likely last a much shorter time, possibly only until the next wash.

If this seems confusing to you, you’re not alone. Your best best is to inquire as to which keratin treatment system—there are many on the market—your stylist uses, and then thoroughly research that particular product.

Popular Keratin Treatments

COPPOLA KERATIN COMPLEX

Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy was founded by world-renowned stylist, salon owner and television personality, Peter Coppola. His life-long passion and talent lies in creating beautiful hair using the finest products available. The therapy eliminates up to 95% of frizz and curl and instantly adds amazing shine, silkiness and condition to the hair.

LIQUID KERATIN

Liquid Keratin formulas drench the hair with both keratin proteins and keratin peptides to allow the formation to bond to the hair inside and out, while adding keratin protein and nourishment that is naturally missing in your hair. The result is smoother, stronger, softer more manageable hair. Liquid Keratin is the first safe at home alternative to expensive salon treatments providing amazing results of healthier, longer, softer, shinier hair with 100% less frizz without the use of Formaldehyde and other harmful chemical ingredients. One application can last up to 30 days.

KERATIN FUXION TEXTURE CONTROL

Keratin Fusion Texture Control: is an innovative salon service to instantly and permanently transform coarse, curly, unruly hair to smooth, straight and shiny. Or fine limp hair into volumous and beautiful. Contains no thio, no sodium hydroxide, no formaldehyde, no aldehydes. As part of the Keratin Fusion service, Pravana’s Thermal Insulator protects the hair during the texture control.

MARCIA TEIXEIRA BRAZILIAN KERATIN TREATMENT

It is a treatment for all kinds of hair. This intense treatment leaves hair soft, shiny and frizz free for up to four months. It can be used safely on just about any type of hair – dry, frizzy, over-processed, color treated, ethnic or even unprocessed virgin hair.

BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT

Through the use of a Brazilian Super Nutrient Complex and a proprietary polymer system, the Brazilian Blowout actually improves the condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz and smooth the cuticle. Results last up to 12 weeks.

KERAFUSION KERATIN TREATMENT BY DE FABULOUS

The Kerafusion by De Fabulous provides a top quality look with results lasting for at least 3 to 4 months (depending on hair type virgin hair lasts about 2 months. As keratin is infused into the hair, it penetrates deep into the damaged cuticle giving the hair a naturally straight look and leaving even the most porous hair silky, shiny and healthy. It is formulated especially for damaged, chemically treated and dry hair to eliminate frizz and out of control curls.

GLOBAL KERATIN

Juvexin Hair Taming System. incorporates our unique keratin formulation which protects the hair’s natural properties and prevents damage to the hair surface. Unlike over-processed hydrolyzed keratins found in the market today, Global Keratin’s Juvexin™ Hair Taming System. is an organic, active complex component, delivered to the hair in its raw, natural state. Critical amino acids and proteins remain whole to condition hair and protect it from damage and aging caused by environmental factors. It works on all hair types, leaving it healthy looking, shiny and frizz-free for up to 5 months. It is available in Light wave, Virgin/Curly/ Colored andThick/Coarse/Resistant. 

LA BRASILIANA

Revolutionary and safe intense treatment that softens, smooths and relaxes all hair types. Comes in Original, Apple and Moca varieties.

SOFT-LISS

The Soft-Liss Intelligent Brush is a line of products used for hair straightening through a “texturization” technique, in which the active ingredients of the product act on the hair, promoting the straightening of the strands and leaving them naturally straight. In addition, these products also act on the keratin and protein of the hair, which protect the hair from damage and keep it shiny and healthy.

OK ORIGINAL KERATIN

This product was developed and improved in cooperation with a leading university research biochemist. This cooperation resulted in the best, safest formulation available today.

SIMPLY SMOOTH

Reduces curl by 25-50% on any hair type for up to 16 weeks. Formaldehyde-free. Uses highest grade of keratin possible. 

GOLESHLEE KERATIN

Goleshee Keratin is a professional, prescriptive, and revolutionary range of treatments for damaged hair; a special “hair enhancement” that will answer all your hair care worries! This product uses monomolecular technology to turn back time and restore your hair to its former glow! Using particles that are so small, they can penetrate the hair shaft. GKT then replaces the vital components of the hair structure to restore its health, vitality, strength and shine.

QOD

Experience our cutting-edge product line and throw away yesterday’s raw formaldehyde formulas. Avoid controversy by using our FDA-compliant, high-tech formulas.

Sometimes misfortune can turn into the most naturally glorious type of good fortune.

Husband and wife entrepreneurs Ray and Tonya Reed were working in the Houston energy industry when giant Enron collapsed, taking a number of other companies with it.

The Reeds, along with thousands of others, lost their jobs. Lesser souls might have panicked, but not these two dreamers and doers.

In considering their options, the two knew one thing for sure: they never wanted to be at the mercy of another company; they wanted to control their own destiny. “We wanted to be in charge of our own business,” Tonya says.

And so Uncle Funky’s Daughter was born. The 8-year-old salon and boutique in Houston is a seriously fun and, yes, funky destination for women who want cuts, twist-outs, extensions and other natural styles.

“We don’t offer any chemical services. We don’t use curling or flat irons,” says Tonya. “Natural is everything.”

Such an approach eight years ago was trailblazing, Reed says. “There weren’t any professional, natural salons in Houston,” at that time, she says.

When searching for a new venture, turning to the hair business was an easy call for Tonya. She’d enjoyed working with hair her whole life, and had wanted to attend cosmetology school straight out of high school. But her mom convinced her to go to college and get a degree.

The need to control her own destiny was the right reason for Tonya to pursue her dream of doing hair, she says. The time was now right to go to cosmetology school, and she was able to find a program that specialized in natural hair care.

Her business degree and experience, combined with her cosmetology license, and Ray’s added business acumen and retail experience, set the pair up for instant success in the salon business.

“We’ve been busy from the minute we opened our doors,” she says.

In another unusual twist, the flagship store also sells women’s accessories and clothing. “You can get your hair done, pick out a new outfit, and be ready for a night on the town, all in one place!” says Tonya.

And where did they get that super-fun name? “My dad was a funky, fun guy. He had a great style,” she said. “My cousins called him ‘Uncle Funky’,” she says.

“My husband — he’s pretty creative—thought of ‘Uncle Funky’s Daughter’. We wanted the name to be synonymous with the spirit of our company,” she says.

The company recently introduced a line of hair care products that have proven to be very poplar. “They’re selling fantastically. We ship all over the world,” she says. “Word of mouth has done us phenomenally well.”

Houston TV personality Deborah Duncan—a rare TV-news “natural”—loved the salon and products so much, she crafted a segment on her show around Uncle Funky’s.

And Uncle Funky’s Daughter has recently expanded to a second store a couple doors down where they sell natural body and skin care and offer spa services.

We would all do well to learn from the lesson of Tonya and Ray Reed—two amazing entrepreneurs— from adversity can come great things.

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Good Hair Leave-in Conditioner video

Extra Butter Brilliant Shine Creme video

Curly Magic video

“Curly Magic” Product Review

One of the more interesting, not to mention fun-to-use, innovations for the curly world has to be the Hand Dry Hair Glove.

Invented by Patti Coyne, a stylist-entrepreneur from Toronto, the gloves offer a great way to dry curly hair and scrunch shape and volume into it at the same time.

Having heard about all the various drying methods from different curl experts, and having a couple curl experts on her own staff at Delineation salon, Coyne said she knew “there had to be a better way” than paper towels or t-shirts.

“I was in the right place at the right time, and saw the perfect fabric,” Coyne said. She bought the fabric and sewed the first prototype herself.

She had stylists in her salon try the gloves. They loved using them and customers loved the results. Coyne’s mother-in-law helped her sew additional test units, using them in the salon for close to a year before manufacturing and selling the gloves at her boutique, website and other select locations, including CurlMart.

Coyne recommends clients apply their styling products first, then use the glove to gently wick out excess moisture.

How do the gloves absorb the water but not the freshly applied styling product? “Water is a larger molecular structure so it absorbs out faster,” Coyne asserts. And what about the deep-pile fabric? It doesn’t rough up the cuticle, causing frizz? “It’s fluffy and doesn’t disturb the cuticle; it smooths it down,” says Coyne.

Customers love it: “I have been using the hand dry hair gloves for 2 weeks now, and my hair feels more amazing then ever, and I am not the only one noticing it. My curls feel so healthy, now that I have stopped using a blow dyer and switched to the gloves, which take the same amount of time!” writes Jenna Lebert.

Industry leaders, too, are adopting the glove. Says Jonathan Torch of the Curly Hair Institute, “The Hand Dry Hair Glove is perfect, especially on those cold winter days. The Hand Dry Hair Glove made such a difference; it reduced drying time by half. As you know that drying speed is a great issue for curly hair styling. It was quick and easy to use.”

Coyne recommends using the gloves to dry the hair about 75% through, then air drying or diffusing the rest. “Low heat and low air flow” on the dryer, she reminds us.

“I have a lazy curl, so I was good candidate. My hair would get so matted.” The gloves seal the cuticle and prevents the matting,” she says. “Second day, you can comb out your hair with a wide-toothed comb, rehydrate with your favorite hydrating product. Then re-scrunch with the gloves and your curls are re-perked!”

One of the beauties of the glove is that it allows you to style your hair while you’re drying it, Coyne says. Cleaning the glove is a cinch, too: just throw it in the washer and then let it air dry.

See the Hand Dry Hair Glove in Action!

Soldiers and military spouses at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, were treated to an inspirational day of beauty and motivation yesterday, featuring two of the hair industry’s biggest names.

John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems, and Geno Stampora, salon owner, trainer, author and industry icon, thrilled the crowd with motivational stories and much gratitude for the audience members’ sacrifice for their country.

“We have here spouses and those in arms. It is a privilege to go in front of you to thank you for your service,” said DeJoria. “You all help preserve the American dream.”

Stampora, who had the audience doubled over in laughter much of the time, told the crowd, “You make the moment matter. You make the day matter.” Heads nodded along as he said, “This base is not a place for ego; it’s a place for heart.”

DeJoria, who revealed he is an admiral in the Texas Navy (who knew Texas had a Navy?”>, echoed Stampora’s positive message, “We feel that success unshared is failure.” He added to the military spouses, “You’re already doing it. You’re already giving back.”

DeJoria mentioned the Paul Mitchell brand will have “more unique products coming out” in the coming year, but didn’t provide details. He said that Paul Mitchell hasn’t raised its prices in a couple years — “America doesn’t need that right now.”

In addition to the speeches, the approximately 300 audience members were invited to fill their NaturallyCurly-donated tote bags with oodles of products provided by a variety of hair care companies, including Aquage, Paul Mitchell, Conair, Circle of Friends, Paul Brown, Sorme and Spornette.

Students from the Paul Mitchell School in Austin were available to offer product consultations.

Has anyone caught Chaz Dean, creator of the Wen line of products, on Bravo’s “Flipping Out”?

Dean has hired the star of the show, obsessive-compulsive house-flipper Jeff Lewis, to renovate the Chaz Dean Studio, a cluster of bungalows in Hollywood that serve as the celebrity stylist’s salon.

The storyline made its debut Sept. 1 and will continue for a few weeks, with the big reveal occurring Oct. 13 or 20, according to Dean spokesman Omar Cunningham. “Ratings have been high,” says Cunningham, so he wouldn’t be surprised if the studio’s reno makes an appearance next season.

“Chaz is amazing, I have tremendous respect for him and his product. Jeff and Chaz are similar, they are both extremely talented but want things done a certain way,” writes the gorgeous curlyhead and Lewis sidekick Jenni Pulos on her BravoTV blog.

Three 1920s-era homes — one of which once served as Dean’s home — make up The Chaz Dean Studio. Work on renovating the house that is now the reception area began in January and is the focus of the “Flipping Out” episodes now airing. Lewis continues work on the other two houses, says Cunningham, and episodes featuring work on those buildings may be a part of Season 4.

“Flipping Out” airs Tuesdays at 10 eastern/9 central.

Redirecting . . .