Search Results: Gretchen Heber
A recently released book dealing with menopause might initially seem like an unlikely topic for a website about curly hair.
For the book’s author, however, who goes simply by “E”, her curly hair was very much a part of her personal journey through perimenopause and menopause (which she shortens to a handy “PM&M””>.
“Shmirshky: think inside the box” is the title of this seriously fun and easy-to-read guide to surviving PM&M, which few women are truly prepared for. E (which stands for “everyone” — that’s who the book is for, she says”> says her friend Marcia referred to both vaginas and women as “shmirskys.” (“Erlick”, by the way, was her friend’s nickname for penises and men.”>
“Marcia was a dear friend and mentor of mine and I wanted to dedicate the book to her and in memory of her, so I chose ‘Shmirshky’ as the title,” says E. “It makes the conversation a lot lighter, though it really is a serious topic.”
PM&M isn’t talked about much. It’s a totally not-fun time of a woman’s life when her ovaries stop working, she stops having periods, her hormone levels change dramatically, and, says E, “your brain, your body and your life transform into something you’re totally unfamiliar with. You begin to questions your sanity, relationships, hormones, genetics, sex drive, age, food clothes, underwear, everything!”
“Shmirshky” is broken into humorous, quick, easy-to-read chapters addressing topics such as choosing the right doctor, hormone replacement therapy, thyroid issues, acupuncture, raving lunacy and more.
The author, “E”
E emphasizes the book is not just for women. Husbands, sons, daughters should also read the book, to understand what their beloved shmirshkys are enduring.
“This book is written for the ordinary shmirshy and the people who love her. There’s no book that I could hand to my husband and say ‘Honey, please read this’,” E says. Ordinary menopause books are “long and technical,” she says.
E tells a story about how she was having some remodeling work done on her home, and one by one, as the burly construction workers got wind of the subject of her book, they sheepishly approached her, asking to buy the book. She generously gave each a copy, telling the men that they had to read it first, before sharing it with their wives. The men were grateful and eager to better understand what was happening to the woman they’d been married to for so many years.
“One person at a time, we can make a difference,” E says. “We can change the conversation.”
One of the book’s biggest themes is the need to love your new self—to recognize that PM&M will change you and that you should embrace this new self. E says that one of the most significant ways she changed during her own PM&M was to embrace her curly hair.
Her whole life, E had fought her curls, straightening and beating them into submission. “I used to use this humongous orange juice can and use Dippity-Do,” she says, in a refrain all too familiar to many curlygirls. “I would sit under a hair dryer forever,” she says. “This is how I lived my life for years. The hours I spent blow drying, flat ironing . . . ”
“Going through PM&M allows you to embrace yourself. You feel like an alien has taken over your body. You look at yourself in a new way. I said to myself, ‘You know what? I have curly hair, and it’s great.’ I learned a lot about myself.”
“When we embrace, we have a lot more joy in our lives,” she says. She now proudly embraces her beautiful curly hair.
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.
In this video, Mop Top founder Kelly Foreman talks about starting her product line. We caught up with her at America’s Beauty Show.
When you’ve decided it’s time to pitch your old flat iron, maybe because you’re now embracing your beautiful texture, here are some ideas as to what to do with it!
- 1. Make toasted cheese sandwiches
- 2. Iron your husband’s ties
- 3. Christmas tree ornament
- 4. Make stylish burn marks on your scrapbook pages
- 5. Use them as tongs to turn hot dogs on the grill
- 6. Cut off the cord and give it to your young son to play “crocodile” with
- 7. Collect several, line them up on the lawn, and play croquet!
- 8. A doorstop
What would you do with an old flat iron? Tell us in the comments section below!
Ray and Tonya Reed
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.
Good Hair Leave-in Conditioner video
Extra Butter Brilliant Shine Creme video
Curly Magic video
“Curly Magic” Product Review
Giacomo Forbes has departed “Shear Genius.”
Fans of Bravo’s hit reality series “Shear Genius” were probably surprised when celebrity stylist Giacomo Forbes announced last week, with the season barely underway, that he was leaving the show.
The A-list stylist did well in the first episode, earning compliments and respect from the judges. But just minutes into episode 2, Forbes interrupted the proceedings to announce to host Camila Alves and the other contestants that the series was over for him.
“I really love the competition but the living together part made me miss my kids,” he said today in an exclusive interview with NaturallyCurly. “I mean, the showers … there was no privacy. It was crazy!”
Part of the show’s drama is the ups and downs of the contestants—all strangers—living together in tight quarters. “It was like a dorm,” Forbes says, “and I’m not into that.” In fact, the curly-haired stylist said he wouldn’t be surprised if, going forward, the show’s producers focused less on the drama of the living arrangement—given the dysfunctional atmosphere— and more on the competition.
He said the whole thing made him think about what was more important, the chance to win $5,000 (as well as some seed money from Nexxus”>, or being with his kids. The choice was an easy one, he said.
Forbes also hinted that as a well-established industry stylist, with plenty of published work to his name already, being on the show to gain recognition or money wasn’t really necessary for him.
Read more about “Shear Genius”
Forbes, who grew up in Rome, is well-known in the industry and has an impressive celebrity clientele, including model Claudia Schiffer and actress Marissa Tomei. After opening successful salons and manufacturing companies in both New York and Los Angeles, he made the move to Austin, Texas. There, Giacomo and his team developed a new line of innovative hair and body care products, meant to heal “hair, body and soul.” Both his talent and products have been featured in national print magazines including “Allure,” “Vogue” and “Harpers Bazaar.” His home base is Bella Salon in Austin.
With his stint on “Shear Genius” over, Forbes will concentrate on releasing an extension to his hair care line in the coming months, as well as a new skin care line that will “blow your mind,” he says. “People who love my Miracle Hair Oil Treatment will love the new products—both hair and skin.”
Also look for a new show from Forbes and Bravo within the next year or so—it’s still in the planning stages. “It will focus on beauty, food, fashion and health,” he says. “It will be called ‘Giacomo Forbes’ Favorites’ or something like that,” he says. “We’re still working it out.”
The show will highlight Forbes’ favorite small boutiques and shops from around the country.
Bumble and bumble offers these tips for getting that slept-in look:
- Mist Bumble’s Does it All from roots to end on dry hair, working in two-inch sections.
- Roll section around curling iron; hold 15 seconds and remove iron gently. Do not brush. Work this way around the entire head.
- When finished, lightly loosen curls with fingers until desired look is achieved—separate pieces for a messier, slept-in effect.
- Mist with Bb.Shine to finish.
When Vicki Ude got her economics degree from the University of Minnesota in 2000, she had no idea she would one day be putting that knowledge to work at a company that makes and sells hats designed specifically to not crush curls.
But nine years, a Nigeria-native husband, pregnancy-induced curls and two beautiful, biracial, super-curly daughters later, Ude and her sister, Lisa Machado, find themselves running Curly Zebra and selling their gorgeous, handmade hats to curlies all over the world.
“We live in Minnesota. My daughters’ hair would get so dried out in the winter. I struggled with always putting on the fleece or acrylic hat, which would damage the hair. But I couldn’t find anything else,” says Ude.
Ude says the idea for something better started churning in her head last winter. Unable to find anything that would protect her daughters’ heads from the cold but not mess up their curls, she asked her mom, an accomplished seamstress, to sew a satin lining into a regular hat.
Vicki Ude and Lisa Machado
Ude was thrilled with the results. Her daughters’ hair looked beautiful even after wearing the hats. “I noticed such a big difference. I noticed their hair was in much better condition,” she says.
Winter gave way to spring and summer, yet Ude kept thinking about the cold-weather hats. She and her sister created more prototypes, and a business began taking shape.
In late summer 2009, Curly Zebra was officially launched, with the hats for sale at Twin Cities-area craft shows. The company went online in early September.
Ude handles the business side of things while her sister is the company’s creative force.
Curly Zebra hats come in three distinct styles
The hats—for children and adults—are offered in three styles: pillbox, chullo, and stocking. The pillbox is the company’s best seller, and the chullo and stocking hats are popular for boys. Because there are many styles, designs and sizes, the stain-lined fleece hats are made to order. And even custom-creating each hat, Curly Zebra manages to get orders out the door in a week or less, Ude says.
Sales have grown steadily this fall, Ude says.
Eventually, Ude says, Curly Zebra would love to have economically disadvantaged women from Nigeria and Angola — the birthplaces of the sisters’ husbands—make some of the hats. “A lot of women and mothers in these poor countries may not have the resources to support themselves,” she says. “We’d like to help.”
Hand Dry Hair Glove
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.
Patti Coyne
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!
With the change in seasons sometimes comes the need for a new skin care regimen. What worked for summertime temps and humidity levels may not work come fall.
If you and your skin are feeling the need for something new, something to protect your skin from the winter wind, you might want to check out the Gentle Cleanse Kit from Clinical Care, available at BeautyShoppe.Biz.
Clinical Care Skin Solutions is a skin treatment program formulated by Charlotte Bates, a pioneer in the medical aesthetic field. For more than 25 years, her products have successfully treated thousands of clients for acne, wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems.
The Clinical Care Gentle Cleanse Kit
The Gentle Cleanse Kit includes The Green Stuff Facial Cleansing Gel, for cleansing and removing makeup; Clinical Care Splash Ginseng and Chamomile Toner, which protects and calms normal and over-sensitive skin; Clinical Care Destroyzit Zinc, a product whose high concentrations of Sulfur and Camphor clear blemished skin; Later Alligator Vitamin C Day/Night Moisturizer, a cream containing grape seed oil and Vitamin C, which provide the ultimate protection from devastating and aging effects of free radicals.
One customer who recently purchased the kit said she could feel a difference in her skin. “It definitely feels much more moisturized. The night cream smells awesome — it has a citrus smell and my skin feels so great when I wake up,” she writes.
Clinical Care Acne Care Kit
The kit contains Clinical Care Cleanzit Foaming Acne Cleansing Gel, amild, anti-bacterial gel designed with amino acids and anti-inflammatory properties that gently and effectively removes excess oil, environmental impurities and make-up; Clinical Care Destroyzit Zinc, a product whose high concentrations of sulfur and camphor clear blemished skin; Clinical Care Tonezit Oil/Acne Toner, a reviving formula that offers antiseptic properties, which help soften the epidermis, clear clogged follicles and regulate the activity of sebaceous glands; and Controlzone Oil Control Moisturizer, a creme that has astringent, anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
Clinical care products are packed with natural ingredients with a variety of extraordinary benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, softening and invigorating properties.
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.
Geno Stampora wowed the crowd with his humor and his positive message.
“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.”
John Paul DeJoria blesses and thanked audience members for their service to country.
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.
A Paul Mitchell School student, right, offers product advice to a military wife.
It’s time to celebrate International Curly Day!
It’s a day to celebrate! In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the first day of fall, a day that — symbolically, at least — ushers in cooler temperatures and lower humidity.
It’s the day we here at NaturallyCurly have decreed International Curly Day, a day to celebrate waves, kinks and curls — textured hair of all types.
In honor of this day, we’re announcing the winners of our Bathroom Cabinet Contest — the contest where we asked you to throw open wide the doors to your previously secret stash of curl products.
The entries were so fun — curlies are very creative as to where they store their product! Who knew there were so many possibilities?
Without further ado, we are pleased announce ~mixedchick~ as the winner in the Most Organized category, and empressri — with her empressive series of no less than 7 images — wins in the Most Chaotic category.
We offer our deepest thanks to all the Bathroom Cabinet Contest participants.
Each curlygirl receives a $50 gift certificate to CurlMart and a $50 gift certificate to The Container Store. Have fun shopping, ladies!
So while ~mixedchick~ and empressri definitely have something to celebrate, so do all curlies, everywhere! Take pride in your gorgeous textured hair. Treat yourself to an ice cream sundae or to a new styler — just treat yourself. You rock, your curls rock — shout it from the rooftops, proud curlygirl!
Watch our fun International Curly Day video!
Jeff Lewis, right, stars with Jenni Pulos on Bravo’s “Flipping Out.”
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 Dean
“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.
Devacurl introduces new MirrorCurls, the newest addition to the curly product line. MirrorCurls is Let’s the first, silicone-free, water-soluble, botanically infused, 99 percent naturally derived shine serum. It delivers moisture, maximum curl reflection and shine that is good for all curl types.
John Paul Mitchell Systems has launched two new styling products in the Express Style category: Hot Off The Press™ and Fast Form™. Hot Off The Press™ is designed to protect fragile strands from the wear and tear of heat styling. The innovative formula, which contains rice hull extract, shields locks from humidity and damage. Fast Form™ combines the conditioning of a cream with the hold of a gel to tame texture, create detail and style those locks in minutes. It contains shea butter, evening primrose, avocado and jojoba oils to create slip and leave locks shiny and manageable. Like all products in the Express Style line, they help the hair dry faster.
AG Hair Cosmetics is launching fastFWD, a revolutionary new dry shampoo that uses rice starch in an aerosolized form to freshen the hair. The product, developed at the request of consumer demand, provides a convenient alternative to washing the hair.
Redken introduced two new products to its Straight Collection. Sheer Straight 06 is a lightweight straightening gel for fine hairand Power Tame 16 balm is for coarse hair. Both products contain new Straight-Out Complex with strengthening protein, moisturizing olive and coconut oils and caitionic conditioning agents to defend the hair from humidity and provide lasting frizz control.
Avon Techniques introduces the new Moisture Sleek Hair Care collection. The shampoo, conditioner and Smoothing Cream hydrates and smoothes dry, unruly hair, seals in moisture and helps prevent frizz for up to 24 hours.
From Wella System Professional comes Shine On, a smooth silicone fluid that glides easily onto the hair to create a platinum shine and a smooth finish.
Aveda introduces new Smooth Infusion Glossing Straightener. An exclusive blend of plant-derived cellulose, wheat, organic aloe, maize and guar bean and atural cellulose provide long-lasting hold to maintain a straight style all day.
Hydrolized wheat protein protects the cuticle from heat damage caused by hot styling tools.
Klorane offers a reformulated line of pomegranate products that gently cleanses and conditions hair while enhancing and protecting its color. Grown in Morocco, hand-picked and naturally dried in the sun, the Punica granatum L. fruit is selected by Klorane because it is rich in tannins. This active ingredient binds color in the keratin to give long-lasting power and intensity in color-treated hair. The line includes a shampoo, a conditioner and a leave in-conditioner.
From Goldwell’s Trendline natural styling collection comes Nice Balance Calming Milk, an alcohol-free moisturizing hair milk that provides gently style support and smooth control.
From the new CHI Nourish Intense line comes Silk Masque for Coarse Hair. It contains new Hydrasilk complex, which delivers deep, intensive nourishment and replenishes dry and damaged hair with essential ingredients that moisturize and reconstruct the hair.
Macadamia Natural Oil introduces Deep Repair Masque, a revitalizing hair reconstructor for dry, damaged hair. It contains a combination of macadamia oil and argan oil along with tea tree oil, chamomile oil, aloe and algae extracts, to rejuvenate and rebuild the hair, leaving the hair deeply nourished for improved elasticity and shine with long-lasting conditioning benefits.
Davines has expanded its Wizards collection with No. 11 Universal Grip Glue, gel created to offer a glue-like texture. The fibrous texture – made of latest generation resins and a certified organic vegetal raw material extracted biotechnologically from wheat – guarantees styling flexibility.
Alfaparf has introduced the new Style For You collection, including X’RebeL Optimal Smooth Control. X’RebeL delivers control and incomparable smoothing, hydrating, and straightening for all finishing techniques, plus extra heat protection when used with flat irons. This light spray also provides 24-hour humidity defense.
John Frieda introduces several new Sheer Blonde formulas. Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo and Conditioner to gradually lighten your blonde for a year-round sun-kissed look with no harsh chemicals. New Sheer Blonde® Color Renew Tone-Restoring Shampoo and Conditioner helps rid hair of brassiness and yellowing to give you brighter, salon-fresh blonde. And new Sheer Blonde® Highlight Activating formulas with exclusive Highlight Optimizers bring out a range of gorgeous highlights and tones.
Ulta has introduced its own private-label line, including Ultimate Styling Defining Curl Enhancer. Infused with a unique blend of vitamins and plant extracts this cream gel to define, separate, add texture and smooth curls.
From Blow, the New York blow dry bar, comes Wave Maker light twisting lotion. It creates long lasting “soft touch” waves and twirls without a “crunchy” after-feel.
Profound Beauty introduces new Hush Time-out Treatment, a time-released, leave-in treatment containing micro-encapsulated ingredients that continually penetrate the hair fiber over an extended period of time. The exclusive Hydrophobic Complex™ mimics your hairs natural F-Layer, a barrier that lies on top of the cuticle, maintaining the hair’s moisture balance in order to prevent frizz. It instantly detangles and absorbs into the hair without weighing it down.
SP, Inc., the creator of Enjoy Hair Care, has unveiled a new line of hair care products named HBL (Health, Beauty, Life”>. All 12 HBL products are pH balanced and are formulated without the use of harsh sulfates and are free from parabens, MEAs, DEAs and TEAs. The line consists of Volume Shampoo, Volume Conditioner, Hydrating Shampoo, Hydrating Conditioner, Leave-in Conditioner, Hair Masque, Revitalizing Treatment, Spray Mousse, Straight and Style, Texture and Styling Cream, Thermal Styling Spray, and Shine and Seal.
Skin by Monica Olsen introduces new Shield and Shine, a hair-care product designed to protect the hair from bleaching, heat, cold, perms, chlorine and other intrusive treatments such as coloring, keeping the hair healthy, clean and safe. Monica Olsen created the line of organically and environmentally pure products when she was unable to find products that met her high standards.
From Enjoy Hair Products comes Sulfate-Free Luxury Shampoo and Conditioner. The shampoo gently cleanses, moisturizes and smoothes the hair while relieving stressed out hair and scalp.The conditioner smoothes, moisturizes and softens the hair.
Thermafuse introduces Heatsmart Serum.This lightweight, dry oil serum contains Pure HeatSmart Complex for maximum heat protection and instant hydration.
Brocato has expanded its Curlkarma line with a new Energizing Shampoo and Energizing Treatment. They contain Curlkarma’s proprietary Curlscience creates coil memory. The protein and moisture balance of Curlkarma controls humidity.
Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola introduces Keratin Complex Infusion, a unique formulation with advanced infusion technology. This high Ph replenisher automatically opens the cuticle and enters to infuse keratin proteins and emollients into the hair. Its deep penetrating action repairs and revitalizes hair during blow drying or ironing and closes the cuticle to entrap nourishment. Infusion protects against the damaging effects of environmental pollutants and works as an anti-oxidant to repair damaged hair.
From Kim Vo comes Perfect Polish Dry Serum. It contains ingredients such as blue lotus, meadow foam, Chinese cabbage and tung oil to preserve color, add gloss and tame flyaways and frizz while speeding drying time.
Phyto introduces new Express Rx kits, h with a smaller-packaged, two-week supply of products. The Color Guard Rx kit includes Phytocitrus restructuring shampoo and mask for after-color care, while the Ultra Nourishing Starter Kit includes Phytonectar ultra nourishing shampoo and Phytokarite ultra nourishing mask.
Zotos International introduces its new Diamond Shine, a new hair care system that contains actual diamond micro-particles. Consisting of shampoos, conditioners, glazes and gloss drops, Diamond Shine protects, strengthens and repairs dull, damaged hair leaving it soft, shiny and luminous.
From Matrix comes new honey.COMB highlights – three new salon color placement techniques that intermix golden highlights and rich lowlights to create a sweet, sun-kissed treat. Honey Dipped offers shimmering caramel blonde with a sun-drenched feel; Honey Blossom offers a subtle burst of sweet honey hues and Honey Comb offers accents that give you the choice to create a buzz or be subtle.
White Sands has launched new Vegan Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner, a 100 percent vegan and sulfate-free cleansing duo to moisturize while protecting color. The shampoo cleanses and maintains moisture, while the conditioner is enriched with essential moisture to reverse the unwanted effects of extremely coarse, dry, and unruly hair.
Keune Haircosmetics introduces Keune Hair Extension Care for hair extensions. Hair extensions are ideal for creating color effects, to increase body and volume, altering texture and lengthening hair, but they are delicate and need extra care. The line includes shampoo, conditioner and a leave-in spray.
Does your cabinet look like this?
In honor of International Curly Day, we’re having a contest!
Until now, only you and your roommates/partner/spouse have seen the dirty depths of your bathroom cabinets. Well, now we’re asking you to throw open wide those cupboard doors, take a photo, and offer it to the world to see!
Take a photo of your bathroom cabinet — the one packed to the brim with your secret stash of curl products — and upload it to our special gallery . Write up a little blurb about why your cupboard looks the way it does — are you a neat freak? Is “chaos” your middle name? How’d you get the way you are? How’d your cabinet get the way it is? Has the Health Department ever come calling? Are you a candidate for TLC’s Clean Sweep TV show?
We’ll have two prizes — one for the neatest, most-organized shelves, and one for the most chaotic. We’ll reveal the winners on September 22, International Curly Day, here on NaturallyCurly. The winners will receive a $50 gift certificate from the Container Store and a $50 gift certificate to CurlMart.
So head on over to the CurlPix area and upload your photo. Be sure your NaturallyCurly profile has your most current email address, so we can get in touch with you if you’re the winner!
Tyra Banks
Supermodel-turned-TV-star Tyra Banks has announced she will leave her weave behind — at least temporarily — when she launches the new season of “The Tyra Banks Show” in early September.
Read NaturallyCurly’s editorial comments on Tyra Banks’ decision.
See 10 tips for Tyra or anyone considering going natural
“This season on ‘The Tyra Show’ we’re taking it to the next level and getting more real than ever before by encouraging women everywhere to own and rock what they’ve got and be proud,” Banks said in a statement. “For the Season 5 premiere, I will be doing just that — no fake hair, I’m rocking my REAL hair.”
Tyra is hoping her de-weavement will encourage others to show off their natural ‘dos.
“This will all be going down on September 8, 2009, which we’re declaring National Real Hair Day,” Banks’ statement continued. “We welcome everyone to go natural with me!” And NaturallyCurly, of course, welcomes this wonderful lead-up to International Curly Hair Day on September 23.
CurlTalkers offer a mixed view of Bank’s announcement.
Alice_42 writes, “You don’t get cool points for going one day/episode without a weave, Tyra.”
But CityGirl81 contributes, “Natural” women get such a bad wrap it’s nice to see she is willing to let her “soul glo,” even if for one day.”
RECESSION SUMMER SPECIAL:
$200 cut & color for medium hair through the end of August. Must book with James McNally.
NaturallyCurly: How did you become interested in working with curly hair?:
James McNally: I began working in the hair industry in 1996 at Devachan, which was then a small curly girl salon. I worked with curly hair five days a week, 11 hours a day and fell in love with it. In 1997 I left his home in NYC and headed off to Brazil where I began training for “pintura” with Denis DeSilva. After many years, I headed off to Mario Diab Salon in Soho. My specialty are coloring techniques that accentuate the beauty of curly hair. I find the coloring part to be really artistic.
NaturallyCurly: How do you cut curly hair?
James McNally: I cut it dry and then wet. I prefer to cut curly hair dry because it saves the length and I can see it in its natural state.
NaturallyCurly: What’s the biggest challenge of working with curls?
James McNally: Combing it out, with all the knots and tangles. Other than that, I find it easy to sculpt and accentuate the curls.
NaturallyCurly: What are the hottest curl trends?
James McNally: Sun-kissed sparkles in the front is a big trend. Many women also are going for really radical color – deep brown with platinum highlights, like Lady Gaga.
NaturallyCurly: What products do you use?
James McNally: I use Profound Beauty and Devaconcepts. If you’re looking for a good at-home deep treatment, here is my favorite. Take half a cup of mayonnaise, three egg whites and a tablespoon of olive oil. Put it on at home under a cap for a half an hour. It’s a really good conditioner.
