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Every child is teased for one thing or another when they’re growing up.
For kids with curls and kinks, those jibes may be focused on their hair. However, building your child’s self-confidence is key to helping the child handle taunting comments.
“Their hair is a wonderful part of who they are,” says Titi Branch, one of the founders of Miss Jessie’s Salon and hair care products in Brooklyn, N.Y. “You have to help them understand that connection.”
For example, Branch remembers the confidence of a young curly client who was taught early to embrace his curls.
“One of the kids at school gave him a weird look and said, ‘Why is your hair like that?’ The little boy said, ‘Well, that’s what makes me special,’” recalls Branch. “He already had a confidence that was built up, so when he encountered those situations at school, he was ready.”
Curl experts share five steps to raising a confident curly.
1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Image Source: @itsdavianaa
“Get knowledgeable, just like you would with anything else that you’re concerned about with your child,” says Betty Di Salvo, stylist and partner of The Curl Ambassadors in Toronto, Ontario, a salon specializing in curly hair.
You can develop that knowledge by searching the Internet, speaking to stylists, and reading books written by curl experts, such as Lorraine Massey’s “Curly Girl” and Diane DaCosta’s “Textured Tresses.”
“The parent has a big responsibility to learn about curly hair — who has it in the family and how they got it — because that’s what they have to teach their child,” DaCosta says. “There are so many products to help you right now. Whatever you want, it’s there and very accessible.”
For example, Miss Jessie’s salon created a Baby Buttercreme product made especially for kids with kinky-textured tresses.
“I think mommies with kids who have kinkier textures struggle with what they’re going to use. If their mommy doesn’t know how to do their hair, these kids can go through a lot of trauma,” Branch says. “For interracial couples, if the mommy is white or has straighter hair than her kids, suddenly they have to learn to style hair they’re not really used to.”
Stylists urge parents to learn as much as possible about their child’s curls to pass on that knowledge to their young curly kid.
2. TEACH YOUR TYKE
Image Source: @herbalmmo
“It is most important for parents to take the right steps to care for curly hair,” says Christo, curl expert and Global Artistic Director of New York’s Christo Fifth Avenue salon. “For example, if they don’t have curly hair themselves, they should research the right tools and methods to help them style their children’s locks — as well as teach them how. This way, curly kids can love their curls, making life a little easier.”
“Let them feel empowered and that they can control their curls,” adds Di Salvo. “When I started to educate my daughter, Laura — now 12 — I saw the difference almost overnight regarding how she felt about her hair. She always wanted to straighten it, and I got her to feel comfortable with her curls based on the information I shared.”
Image Source: @azande_ntando
Experts say it’s critical to engage your curly in the process of grooming and caring for their hair as early as possible.
“Buy products that are especially for their hair, so they can have fun in the process, too,” Branch says.
Even if your curlies are too young to manage their own mane, Di Salvo encourages parents to showcase their child’s curly locks rather than stifle them.
Image Source: @euanaesarah
“Let them wear their curls naturally,” Di Salvo says. “Don’t pin it up, don’t pull it back, don’t make them feel like they’ve got to hide it. Parents send subliminal messages when they pull their child’s hair back and hide it in ponytails, barrettes, and braids. If the parent isn’t comfortable with their child’s hair, how will the child be comfortable?”
3. WATCH YOUR WORDS
Image Source: @shainarosa
As parents, ensure that your curly confidence is seen and heard in every aspect of your life, not just when speaking directly with your child.
“When you’re commenting about people’s hair, you have to be mindful that little ones are listening,” Branch says. “If you’re showing preference for straight hair, they’re going to pick up on that, and they take everything you say and do to heart.”
DaCosta agrees, “If the parent says, ‘Oh, your hair! I can’t take it, I don’t know what to do,’ then, of course, the child will not think her hair is beautiful. That’s where children get the fear from. They don’t wake up at age 4 or 5 and hate their curly hair. They heard someone say it or their parents complaining about it, so they feel self-conscious.”
So, say what you mean and mean what you say!
4. POUR ON THE PRAISE
Image Source: @suecurlysuee
Curl-centric stylists emphasize positive reinforcement.
“With kids, it’s so important to praise them, reassure them, and express how great they are,” Branch says. “Give your kid a big kiss and say, ‘I love your curly hair. It’s what makes you special. It’s a wonderful thing!”
Then, take them to a salon that specializes in curly hair so they can learn what’s so beautiful about it.
“Always help them style their hair and compliment them,” Christo says. “And keep telling them that you love their curls, and they should too.”
5. RECOGNIZE ROLE MODELS
Image Source: @officialstormi
Movie stars, pop singers and other high-profile curlies may have more influence than you realize on how young curlies embrace their curls. Stylists urge parents to seek out curly role models their kids can relate to, and then subtly point them out.
“Show them examples of celebrities or other idol figures that show how exotic and beautiful curly hair can be,” Christo says.
“There are so many people with curly hair,” adds Branch. ”Start finding them images of people who have their kind of hair.”
And it could start with you. If you’re curly, it’s easy to lead by example. After all, you’re the most important role model in your child’s life.
“I think it’s helpful for you to wear your hair curly, take a break from that flat iron, and show your child that you’re proud of your curls, too. This is who you are, too,” Branch suggests. “Reinforce that curly hair is cool!”
Pictured: @mylaily3
The curls and coils on the heads of little ones need special care and attention — their hair is delicate, which means the products used on their hair should be just as delicate. Regularly conditioning kid’s hair can help lead to not only bouncy and healthy curls, but also can cut down on the dreaded detangling process — making way for a tear-free hair styling time!
Here are the 15 conditioners for kids that will leave their curls rivaling adult curls:
1. The Cantu Care for Kids Nourishing Conditioner
Cantu is a popular line of natural hair care products for both adults and children, and curlies love the wallet-friendly price point too. This conditioner is a specialized formula with pure shea butter, coconut oil and honey that nourishes fragile waves, coils, and curls without icky sulfates and parabens.
2. FuzzyDuck Natural Kids’ Conditioner
You may be familiar with the MopTop curl line for adults, but they have a FuzzyDuck collection for curly kiddos too. The FuzzyDuck Natural Kids’ Conditioner delivers a weightless finish while moisturizing and instantly detangling — making the wash and conditioning process for kids a little more easier. Plus, the swirls of ripe berries gives the smell score an A+.
3. Tiny Twirls Conditioner
Tiny Twirls is the kids’ line of Holy Grail brand Kinky Curly. Knots and tangles are common with curly hair, and The Tiny Twirls kids conditioner tackles that — creating a tear-free process during bathtime. With its thick and creamy texture, it also hydrates curls.
4. CurlyKids Curly Deep Hair Conditioner
Are the kids’ curls in need of a deep conditioning? This deep conditioner penetrates curls with “fast absorbing vitals and nutrients,” creating softer and healthier curls — plus there’s no sulfates or parabens, which can be drying for curly kids and tend to be too harsh for their hair.
5. The Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Detangling Conditioner for Kids
Infused with natural Keratin, it strengthens, smooths, and detangles curly hair while eliminating frizz. Vitamin E is also infused into the conditioner, and can help grow healthier hair and improve moisture. The product can be used on wet and dry hair — just make sure you lightly mist the dry hair before adding the conditioner.
6. So Cozy Ultra Hydrating Curl Conditioner
This conditioner softens and moisturizes curls, making the detangling process an easier task for both you and your curly kid. You can even use this as a nourishing leave-in by not rinsing it all the way out and saving an extra step in your care routine.
7. SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Extra-Nourishing Conditioner
The NaturallyCurly community has voted the SheaMoisture Kids line as their Favorite Product for Kids in our Best of the Best Awards, and it’s easy to see why. This is sulfate free and great for detangling. This product includes mango butter, which leaves hair feeling silky smooth, along with carrot oil, which can help prevent breakage and promote growth.
8. Aunt Jackie’s Girls Soft & Sassy Super Duper Softening Conditioner
This treatment can be used as a co-wash, deep conditioning treatment or a rinse-out conditioner and helps loosen and soften coils while replenishing moisture and strengthening the hair.
9. Jessicurl Aloeba Daily Conditioner
For little ones with Type 2 wavy hair, this conditioner is infused with with jojoba, coconut, and avocado oils — which don’t weigh down waves. It can also be used as a leave-in conditioner if delicate curls need lasting moisture.
10. Honey Baby Naturals Honey Sweet Softening Instant Detangler
This conditioner uses a child-friendly gentle formula with honey to help kids curls maintain baby soft hair and milk protein to help strengthen hair. One NaturallyCurly reviewer said the product “smells amazing”, but more importantly also said the product “cleanses well without stripping out the natural oils.”
11. Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner
Featured in our Back To School Shopping List for Wavy, Curly, and Coily Hair, was one of the recommended products for Type 3 curly hair. The product works better for thick hair, due to the heavy consistency of the product, and also includes properties of 14 different herbs and spices to leave hair moisturized.
12. Moisture Love Deep Indulgence Replenishing Conditioner
For kids with Type 4 coily hair, the conditioner includes sage, chamomile, horsetail, and nettle, which help detangle and rehydrate curls, while soothing the scalp and reducing breakage.
13. Mixed Chicks Kids Conditioner
Mixed Chicks is another popular brand used by adults that has a kid’s hair care line as well. This conditioner is not just great for hydrating, but also for detangling — which means fewer tears in the end. The jojoba oil in the conditioner softens curls and tames frizz.
14. CurlyQ’s Coconut Dream Moisturizing Conditioner
Does your kid have a problem tackling dryness with their curls? Check out this conditioner infused with virgin coconut oil that can help lock and seal in moisture while keeping curls soft and healthy.
15. It’s a Curl! Patty Cake Conditioner
Formulated with aloe vera gel and jojoba oil to seal moisture into locks, while protecting the scalp, especially for baby’s curls.
Do your precious little curlies have a favorite conditioner? Share in the comments section below!
The product links in this article have been updated.
If curlies spend so much of the year fighting frizz and humidity, why would we want to introduce more humidity into our homes with a humidifier?
It’s because dryness is our hair’s enemy as well! And no matter where you live — hello from super-humid Austin by the way — winter has a way of sucking up all the moisture from the air. In addition to that, as we’ve discussed in so many seasonal hair-care and deep-conditioning articles, the dry, heated air inside our homes poses a hair-hazard as well.
Dry, cold air outside our homes and dry, warm air inside them can combine into a force for breakage that we all have to reckon with.
Enter the humidifier.
What does a humidifier do for hair and skin?
I bought a humidifier and quickly noticed that my skin was improving along with my breathing—and that extended towards my edges as well! Being the line where hair products, facial soap, dandruff, and sweat all meet is hard on everyone’s baby hairs, but I noticed mine were healthier and less, well, crusty than normal with regular water vapor exposure! Breakage was down, growth was up, and I was both glowy in the face and soft in the strands! The cool mist models pretty much work like a constantly firing, extra-fine spray bottle, and it’s honestly been pretty great. Bonus, it’s a lot easier to breathe now. Finally having the ability to use my lungs to their full capacity HAS to be good for growth too, right? Right.
You may not experience the full effects of an actual steam treatment for your hair, but a humidifier can help re-introduce moisture into the air and your hair when it’s in its driest state.
Are there downsides to the humidifier?
The biggest concerns are mold and general dampness, but unless you get an industrial one meant for health or greenhouse purposes, your home’s not going to turn into a rainforest overnight, so don’t worry. What you might need to watch for, though, is incidental drippage (easily solved with a nice tile or plate”>, not keeping it clean (easily solved by taking an interest in your house”>, and keeping it close enough to your bed that you knock it over onto all your electronics while reaching for your glasses (easily solved if you’re not…me”>.
How to keep your humidifier clean
Some humidifier brands only take distilled water, and some can deal with it straight from the tap. Some brands require you to swish out the tank with a bit of rubbing alcohol, and some need actual, manual hand power. If you get a variety that you can add scented oil to, only put in a few drops, and make sure you’re only using pure essential oil. Thicker carrier oils are going to do things like mess up the components keeping the water where it’s supposed to be (and that I do say from accidental experience”>. And if you want to feel extra fancy, a little rose, mint, or orange water (all fine, as they’re hydrosols and not juices”> up in there is going to take you from humidify to humidiFINE very shortly. Trust me.
As long as you read and follow the instructions, you’ll be good to go!
Does this list make you down with the mist?
Let us know in the comments below!
There are a lot of things you should keep in mind when you make the decision to transition from relaxed to natural, like making sure your hair is carefully detangled, moisturized, and limiting heat on your strands. But another rule that’s important for transitioners is deep conditioning!
Deep conditioning your hair while transitioning is extremely important, especially as your “new growth” — aka your curls — are growing in. Deep conditioning can help with dry, brittle, or damaged hair, making your hair more hydrated, soft, and easier to detangle and style. It also helps with avoiding breakage at the line of demarcation, where your straight hair and curly hair meets. If you’re just now learning what deep conditioning is or you need a refresher, check out our do’s and dont’s of deep conditioning!
Below, we’ve rounded up the top deep conditioners for transitioning hair, meaning these products can work well with multiple hair textures to ensure moisture and hydration. Take a look at our recommendations!
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
This product was one of Naturally Curly’s “Best of the Best” in 2016 because it’s just that dang good — this was even one of my go-tos when I was transitioning! This products is specifically meant for transitioning hair, and targets Dry, damaged hair so it can heal, grow, and strengthen. Ingredients like sea kelp and argan oil help seal and smooth hair cuticles and give hair lasting shine, whether you’re rocking a wash-n-go or a braid out.
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner
One of the biggest problems when dealing with transitioning hair is dealing with the effects of heat damaged hair, which causes both textures to be dry and brittle. In the beginning of my transitioning process, I used this Aussie product twice a week to help tackle my heat damaged hair from the beginning. Also, this is a great product to add to my hair before I went swimming, to protect my hair from chlorine damage!
Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment
This is a great product because it’s infused with Argan Oil — a type of oil is comprised of Omega 3, that helps prevent hair loss, and Omega 9, which repairs damaged hair follicles. Argan Oil is also good for dry hair, and you can also use it to oil your scalp, an important part of transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. The Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment also makes your hair very soft and manageable — great for when you’re detangling your hair before styling!
Camille Rose Naturals Algae Deep Conditioner
This is a pricier option, but Camille Rose knows a thing or two when it comes to preserving your curls. Their Naturals Algae Deep Conditioner is mixed with — you guessed it — blue Green Algae, which has Vitamin B that can help improve hair cell regrowth for stronger, thicker, and longer locks. This product also caters to all hair types, so you can continue to use this long after you transition!
Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner
A popular product with Naturally Curly readers, the Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner not only penetrates the hair follicle to tackle dry and damaged hair, but it also works at the scalp with ingredients like Sage. Sage has stimulating properties that help increase scalp circulation, which promotes promotes skin renewal process of scalp. The honey in this product helps lock in moisture and also contains antibacterial properties!
EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Hair Masque
Hair Masks are great deep conditioners when you have time on wash day to go through your entire routine. Masks have a much thicker consistency than traditional conditioners you would pair with shampoos because they are made to coat your strands entirely. This product is not only a great masque, but also has ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, which help soften, strengthen, and moisturize hair.
What’s your favorite deep conditioner you’ve use or currently use for transitioned hair? Let us know in the comments below!
Image: @naturallyshauniece
Spring is here and you may be itching to switch up your hairstyle. One of the easiest ways to update your hairstyle is to add a pop of color to your curls. Some of our favorite Curl Friends like @iam.tiffany.renee, @ownbyfemme, and @tierechristyan have us drooling over their vibrant platinum blonde and red curls. I’ve personally changed my look by adding blonde and bronze highlights to my growing taper cut. It’s been a learning process maintaining colored curls, so if you’re considering color, or have already taken the plunge, there’s one thing I want you to know: updating your regimen is a must for colored curls. Here’s what I’ve learned and a few things you should do to keep your color popping and your hair healthy.
Handle Your Curls with Extra Tender, Love, and Care
It’s no secret that dyed hair tends to be fragile compared to color free hair so it’s even more important to pay extra attention to handling your curls. First, be sure to use products specifically designed for color treated hair like Mielle’s Babassu Oil Conditioning Sulfate-Free Shampoo. Since your hair may be more prone to dryness, that means your hair may break easier. When detangling, be sure to be gentle and use your fingers or a wide tooth comb. Start from the ends of your hair and work your way to the roots.
Image: @tierechristyan
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
I’ve had color for two months and the most noticeable change I’ve experienced is dryness. I typically wash on a Sunday and apply a leave-in, oil, and cream to my curls which usually lasts for five days before I have to refresh. Well, since adding color, I now have to refresh every two days to keep my hair moisturized. When people tell me that color damaged and broke their hair, that may mean that the hair shaft was dry which makes for easy breakage. To help combat dryness I now apply aleave-in and oil every two days which has made a world of difference in my hair’s overall moisture. I also use a sulfate-free color safe shampoo to avoid stripping all moisture during wash day. Here’s a few products to help you avoid dryness and keep your curls moisturized.
Image: @iam.tiffany.renee
Don’t Skip Deep Conditioning
I know we’ve all skipped a deep conditioning session, but with colored hair, skipping deep conditioning treatment is a no-no. It’s reported that colored hair makes for extremely porous hair. This means that moisture leaves the hair very quickly. Deep conditioning is a major key to ensuring your hair is getting all the moisture it needs. If you want to be extra cautious, try protein treatments to help strengthen the hair shaft and replenish moisture. ApHogee makes a great Two-Step Protein Treatment for strengthening the hair shaft.
Let’s Chat! How has your regimen changed since adding color? Comment below!!
Are you looking to add spring to your curls? Check out these articles!
7 All-Natural Ways to Get Your Curls Ready for Spring
The Best Temporary Hair Colors For Fall That Will Make Your Curls Pop
When it’s time to change up your style, braided updos are a great option if you are looking for an eye-catching look that will turn traditional updos on its head. Updos are a great look for curly girls and can dress up just about any look that you rock. Plus, braided updos are low maintenance, which is music to curly girls’ ears! Check out these curly ladies below and how they stylied their braided updos!
Braided crown
Image source @neshae_ro
This look gives us angel vibes with the braid serving as a “halo” to celebrate your hair. This is a beautiful braided crown with criss cross braids in the center to add some extra detail and creativity.
Braided Half-up Half-down
Image source @hair_by_tawanna
Alright, so I know this only counts as half an updo — but if there’s a little updo action, we’re counting it! This braided “half-do” is half feed-in braids — extensions of hair you include in your cornrows by simply braiding them into your natural hair — and half Senegalese twists. This killer combo of braids and twists is a great head-turning look!
Feed-in Braids Low Bun
Image source @transformedbyo
This beautiful feed-in style is a great transitional look that can be worn as a low bun and is just in time for Valentines day.
Braided High Ponytail with Front Side Braids
Image source @slaywithmelanin
For those looking for an upgrade to feed-in cornrows, this braided top knot with side braids is a great look. We recommend adding in beads in the end of your loose braids or adding jewels to the cornrows.
Butterfly Braid
Image source @laurenshairforyou
This is a great twist on your standard butterfly braid, which normally hangs down like a typical french braid. You can add in colorful string or jewels to this look to make it really stand out.
Braided and Twisted Mohawk
Image source @candiandcochillilane
Can’t choose between braids or twists? Do both and throw them into a fancy mohawk!
Braided Space Buns
Image source @chiistyles
For a look out of this world, try doing feed-in cornrows and putting the left over hair in two space buns. Add some hair accessories to give this style a one-of-a kind look.
Cornrow Braided Bun
Image source @afrankedu
To turn-up the notch on a classic cornrow style, add a low bun to the style and top it off with some cute gold jewels in your hair!
Braided and twisted combo updo
Image source @_simplystasia
Looking to show off your braiding and twisting skills? Well this updo covers all of that and then some! This look involves braiding the front half of your hair, and then twisting the back half, with a low braided halo. With the amount of braiding and twisting for this style, we recommend using a creme, like Darcy’s Botanicals Organic Coconut & Aloe Moisture Pudding, which will leave your hair soft and moisturized after you take down the style. Plus, when you take this look down, you’ll have a killer braid out and twist out!
Jumbo Braided Ponytail
Image source @touchofheavenartistry
This braided up ponytail is a fabulous updo style that can be done with your natural hair to show off your curls. Spice up this simple braided style with white string to make your style pop.
Double updo
Image source @theislandiva
If you’re already rocking braids, you can still join in on the updo fun! This double-do look from @theislandiva is a great look for those with braids looking to switch up their style. To keep your braids fresh and not frizz, we recommend using two products from Protective Styles: the Refresh And So Clean Bamboo, Avocado And Peppermint Dry Gel Shampoo and the second is Intense Moisture Bamboo And Coconut Milk Strengthening Leave-in Conditioner. Check out our article to learn more on the two products and how to use them to keep your braids fresh!
Braided “low-do”
Image source @nolabraider
If you’re looking to add a twist to your typical low bun style, we recommend this beautiful braided style with an eye-catching pattern in the back!
Braided Fro-hawk with Fulani Braids
Image source @teealbertini and @ancestralstrands
With this style, your skills will be put to the test, but the end result is amazing! If you’re looking to achieve to fro-hawk looks, try using crochet braids to add extra hair and volume!
Braided Bouffant Bun
Image source @transformedbyo
This royal look is timeless and inspired by African royalty. The gold coil is the perfect touch to glam up this braided updo.
Braided fo-hawk updo
Image source @badubeauty
This style is great for a fancy event, like a wedding or dinner party! While the braiding is minimal, the star of the show is the top — where you can use crochet braids to achieve the volume. Check out our story on the top brands of Marley hair for crochet braids, under $10!
Which style are you looking forward to trying? Let us know in the comments below!
Oil is my best friend, plain and simple. As someone who has type 4 hair, I’m dealing with a fragile hair texture because my hair type has the fewest cuticle layers to protect it from dryness. This means that maintaining moisture takes a lot more for my hair type, making oil my go-to whenever I’m doing a style.
Image Source: Getty Images/Image Studios
Today, I’m going to share with you how I incorporate oil into my type 4 hair routine, from twistouts to wash-n-gos.
First, it’s important to know what kinds of oils are good for type 4 hair. Luckily, there’s a variety to choose from, depending on the specific texture of your hair. The best oils for type 4 hair include:
- Coconut oil (pure and unrefined”>
- Castor oil (Jamaican black”>
- Olive Oil (extra virgin”>
- Avocado oil
- Jojoba oil (pure and unrefined”>
- Grapeseed oil
If you want to go into the specifics behind each oil, check out this article to learn more.
For me, I’ve learned that mixing oils is my best bet to keep my hair moisturized, because every oil offers something different. In the past, I’ve created my own DIY mixture of avocado, jojoba, and grapeseed oil to use on my hair. Currently, my go-to oil product is Melanin Haircare’s Multi-Use Pure Oil Blend, which includes baobab oil, argan oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, sage oil, geranium oil and vitamin E. While the price of the product is a little high, it’s worth it — I’ve seen a huge change in my hair moisture, not to mention I’ve had the bottle for three months and I’m not even halfway through it!
So how exactly do I use oil when taking care of my hair? First, I use (and swear by”> the LOC method — liquid, oil, cream method — which is a three step product application process that aims to maximize moisture by layering products. Using liquid (like water”> serves as a foundation for moisture; oil is next sued to seal in the moisture; and the final step, cream, is used to further seal in moisture and style and define your hair. I used this method whenever I do a twist out, braid out, or wash-n-go. If I’m refreshing my twistout on its second or third day, I lightly spray my hair with water, put a quarter-size amount of oil in my hand and put it on the ends of my hair, followed by a gel styling product.
Another way I use oil in my routine is by oiling my scalp about 2-3 times a week. After I wash my hair, I’ll oil my scalp, along with oiling it before bed on nights that I pineapple my curls vs. braiding or twisting my hair up. This involves me parting my hair into 6-8 section and using the tip applicator of the oil product I use to run to product through my scalp, dividing my hair into mini section as I go.
Lastly, although I don’t use this method a lot, it is helpful — using a spray water bottle, I had several drops of my favorite oil, along with some conditioner, and shake the bottle to make my own LOC method in a bottle. This is great for post-gym styling or just refreshing your curls after a long day.
What are some of the ways you incorporate oil into your hair routine? Which oils work for your hair? Let us know in the comments below!
Curl-friend, it’s officially summer, and officially time to put your hair in a protective style so you don’t have to think about it while you deal with temperatures that you can’t bring yourself to actually move in.
Image Source: @khatbrim
By which I mean, you’re going to be tubing, hiking, sweating, and festival-…ing, and having so much summer fun that you don’t want your top of head to be top of mind every time the humidity level shifts.
But between the sun, the surf, and the late nights where your extra-long bonnet just doesn’t make it on your head, your hair will still need another layer of protection while it’s in a state where you can’t touch it directly!
Yes, of course—maintenance is both possible and necessary through protective styles’ lifetimes, but we can’t pretend there aren’t going to be steps you’ll have to forgo post installation.
Try doing a deep conditioning mask when you have crochet braids in sometime, I dare you.
Just like you can’t go into your restorative, post-beach blanket-burrito without having snacks and a good movie cued up, it’s just as imperative that you protect your hair IN its protective braided style before anything gets installed.
Enter the sealing process.
The shaft of your hair is made out of scales!
You’re not exactly Medusa, but as it turns out, at the micro-level, hair, scales, and feathers all operate on very similar principles!
Image Source: @eviedoesla
The closer the scales are together, the less breakable your hair is. That’s why birds preen, lizards shed, and curlies seal!
But sealing isn’t just laying your cuticles down, although that’s part of it.
When your hair is damp, as it should be during maintenance, your little “shingles” surrounding each hair have tiny amounts of water running into them. The oil you seal with basically shuts the door before your hair can dry and the water can run back out!
And that’s what’s keeping your strands moist, elastic, healthy and happy!
Why is this so important for protective styles?
Simply put, your hair can and will break off within a braid or under a weave if it’s not protected beforehand.
And because you’re not taking microbraids out every night (can you imagine?”>, you won’t have the opportunity to course correct the coarseness until several weeks down the line, when it’s too late.
Think of each hair like a wooden fencepost.
If each plank is unfinished, and unsanded, the constant contact means snagging, snapping, and splintering. And while sanding by itself helps, it’s the finishing touches that keep the wood from warping with the elements and heading right back to splinter town.
But if you’ve treated the wood thoroughly, the smoothness on smoothness is less conducive to damage!
Then what’s the difference between sealing and moisturizing?
Toia B via Curly Nikki puts it best in this expository article, but the short version is: moisture is the water in the bottle, and sealing is the lid.
Have a water bottle without a lid on a hot day? Everything evaporates. The hair equivalent leaves each single shaft’s shingles (say that 10 times quickly”> raised, and open, and vulnerable!
Meanwhile, a bottle with a lid and nothing inside of it is just kinda…trash. Well, recycling, but you get my drift. If you’re putting a thick sealing oil on completely dry hair, your curls aren’t going to feel or be any better off. That’s why hot oil treatments are a PRE-wash thing.
Your hair needs both elements to thrive!
Image Source: @fatangryblackgirl
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvuVlI5geDe/
So how do I seal?
Section your damp, not wet, hair, and run a thick oil or butter from root to tip, after detangling.
That’s literally it!
If you’re a user of the LCO method like I am, guess what? You’re already doing it!
The O, for oil, is the last step in sealing moisture from the liquid and cream into your hair.
I prefer to lightly seal my hair post wash with a toussling of low-weight oil (more on this later”>, and then once my hair is dry enough to use creams on without me looking like I’ve had a horrible milk-related accident, I’ll use a heavier sealant after my leave-in.
The amount of oil you use will depend on your porosity level, and the oil you’re using. My hair’s got Blanche Devereaux porosity (ie, it’s always thirsty”>, so large amounts of thick oil work best for my coils.
And just what are these oils?
I’ve extolled the virtues of Sunny Isle’s JBCO Butter already, and I’m going to do it again here!
For my high porosity hair, I have yet to want to go elsewhere for a pre-protective style sealant. It’s also been great for sealing my new growth and the sections that slip past my braids with time!
After the protective style is in, an oil blend decanted into a spray bottle is mandatory for me post-wash. I like Reshma as a blend that’s thin enough for spraying, but thick enough for sealing!
If your hair isn’t as thirsty as mine is, I recommend Alikay’s Essential 17 for an alternative to the thickness that is JBCO.
So do you have the zeal to seal?
We all know we can’t step out with missed steps, right? But I know the 5 metric tons I like to spread through my coils won’t work for everyone.
Put your porosity level and what you seal with in the comments, and share & share alike!
So you’re transitioning!
Maybe you’re going with the growing out method, or you’ve big chopped and still getting folks around you used to the new hotness.
It’s a long road, pun very much intended. I was so insecure when I chose to go natural that I let myself be talked back into a “mild perm” (there’s no such thing, by the way”> that literally sent all my confidence and progress down the drain as my hair sloughed off my scalp.
You’re going to be facing potential ill-informed and unkind reactions as you go through these changes. But you won’t go through them without help!
Here’s a rundown of what you might run into, and some helpful hints on responses that you can use to keep your cool and your crown.
Image Source: Getty Images/Deagreez
I liked it better before….
I like you better with your mouth shut, but here you are running it.
Why do people think they’re that important? This one’s weird.
I remember a friend being happy that I put in box braids instead of “That weird…marshmallow”, and I had like…a Mufasa moment. ‘That “little hairball” is my HAIR’, you need to hush.
I won’t lie, I do kind of wish someone besides me was bankrolling my haircare habits enough to have input in the way I look, but that’s just not the current reality.
If it comes from loved ones whose opinions you actually do take into account, this reaction can be particularly painful, but if they’re close enough to you to comment, you’re close enough to them to have a good retort.
Are you trying to make some sort of statement?
How does doing nothing make a statement?
Don’t get me wrong, natural hair takes work that can be considered an action. I can’t say I ever speed rubbed my hands to melt a rock of raw shea butter when I was taking care of my relaxed locks. Still, this line combined with as innocent a look as I can muster usually gets people to clam up nicely.
“Non-action actions” like not wearing makeup, or forgoing body-hair removal tend to meet with accusations of petty rebellion from people who expect a certain appearance from certain subsets of human beings just “because”. And this can happen whether those pointing the finger share your identity or not.
But simply confronting someone with the fact that allowing your hair to grow as your genes dictate is actually taking less action than consistently relaxing it tends to get them to think about what they’re actually saying, and what the implications of it are, long enough to make a graceful exit from the conversation.
Of course if the issue gets pressed, you can always hit them with the fact that the discrimination against natural, bloodline conferred hair went so HARD that laws had to be passed to prevent it, and ask why a statement against that kind of hate would be so bad in the first place.
I just don’t think it’s professional.
I just don’t think you need to speak anymore.
Most of the background on this is linked to the above, so I won’t dwell for too long.
And obviously, if it’s between buying a wig and keeping your lights on, buy that wig, quit when you have something lined up, and slash your former employer’s tires…metaphorically…by living well. I’m not allowed to encourage y’all to do crime here.
We’re out here natural and employed though, so get that bread, get those braids, and get the haters out of your face.
How are you going to get a man like that?
How are you going to get back to 1835?
The late Ms. Whitney Houston said ‘I’d rather be alone than unhappy’, and I took that under advisement.
I realize that the desire for courtship drives a lot of us, and that’s not a bad thing! But engineering my appearance to the point where I love the lady in the mirror is my highest priority.
I wonder though, black men with long hair, do y’all have to deal with people telling you women won’t be into it? DM me with pictures…for…purely editorial reasons.
I wish my hair could do that…
I wish you could see how beautiful you are already!
Now this reaction is AWKWARD. I’m not a fan of non-compliments like this. It’s not an insult directly, but if you think about it, all these people are saying is ‘I want what you have’, and that’s not a compliment, it’s just them airing out their own insecurities.
I personally still have a lot of work to do when it comes to giving out “noncoms” like this—especially at the gym.
I think it’s better to respond to this one by erring on the side of kindness. Sure, you didn’t tell this person to make you their therapist for the day, but sometimes these cries for help are just going to get projected in your direction.
Field them with as much love as you can, but don’t be afraid to put your foot down if you feel taken advantage of.
Speaking of which…
I reeeeeeeallly love that hair *heavy breathing*!
Thank you! I really like keeping my food down, bye!
Did we all watch ‘Chewing Gum’?
First of all, that show was nasty, haha. But remember that episode in the 2nd season where Tracy meets this white dude that’s really…really into how black she is?
Yeeeeeeah.
That’ll happen.
It’s gross to have a compliment turn into a sexualization of your entire ethnicity, because the whiplash you get is already nauseating enough.
Go through life secure that you’re not the one in the wrong, learn how to defend yourself (doesn’t always involve learning to hit either”> and try to keep your head up.
Ultimately, I can’t tell you what’s going to happen.
In the real world, sometimes delivering verbal smackdowns means packing up your desk, or worse. But spiritual shrinkage exists too.
Practice these lines out loud, and if you need to Slytherin it up by finessing ‘Eat $#*! and die’ to ‘You look like you could use a little fertilizer in your diet’, then no problem!
Be you, curlista, and be you in hair AND heart health!
Got other examples for transitioners in training? Share them in the comments!
When I decided to transition from relaxed to natural hair three years ago, the big question for me was how I would style my hair. In the beginning on my transition, I kept my hair straight, until I realized how that wasn’t 100% healthy — I was going to natural so my hair could be healthier, and I didn’t want to make that process any harder! So just how do you style your hair when you’re working with two different hair textures? It’s not easy, but Naturally Curly put together a list of hairstyles you can rock before your hair is entirely natural. Check out the styles below!
1. Braidouts:
Image Source: @tiana.my
Braidouts were my go-to when I was transitioning because the style made it look like my hair was entirely natural! The products you use to do a braidout is important, because they help with definition, especially with your straight hair. I recommend the Cantu Coconut Curling Cream.
2. Bantu Knot Out:
Image Source: @naturallycurly
This was my second favorite style to rock when I was transitioning. Like a braid out, bantu knot outs helps your hair look curly all around, and you can’t really notice where your new growth stops and your straight hair begins!
3. Half-Up, Half-Down:
Image Source: @christinadotnicole
On those second or third day twistouts or braidouts, doing a half updo can be a quick style to do when your hair isn’t as defined as when you took your braids or twists out, but you’re not ready to re-do it!
4. Braided Top Knot:
Image Source: @essie_n
This is a simple style that doesn’t involve braiding or twisting your hair in order to achieve a look. It’s simple, yet you can dress it up or down!
5. Space Buns:
Image Source: @tiana_my
An out-of-this-world look for those looking to add something a little different to their routine! To help slick down your edges, I recommend using the Carols Daughter Black-Vanilla Edge Control!
6. Twisted Crown:
Image Source: @essie_n
Here’s another style that’s quick to do if you’re in a rush or you don’t feel like doing a full-on braidout or twistout nor do you need any product to hold it together. At most, moisturize your hair and scalp with with avacado or CBD oil!
7. Wrap it up!
Image Source: @msjasminerose
Aside from wrapping the actual wrap (you can watch our tutorial here”>, hair wraps an easy way to not only style a look, but also keep your hair underwraps if you’re having one of those days where your curls just won’t cooperate.
8. Box Braids:
Image Source: @_enferrujada
Many people opt for protective styles during their transition, and box braids are a great way to show-off a new style, while letting your natural hair grow for a few weeks without manipulation.
9. Senegalese Twists:
Image Source: @focuss_moore
Senegalese Twists have been a popular protective style for awhile, and there’s a reason for it — they are cute!
10. Braided Back Ponytail:
Image Source: @ukcurlygirl
This is a low-maintenance style you can do and it’s still cute!
11. Low Bun:
Image Source: @paucahantashair_
A low-bun is always a safe move for transitioning folks. You can either keep it casual, or dress it up with a variety of hair accessories to make it stand out.
12. Braided Ponytail:
Image Source: @lipstickncurls
Another protective style for the summer that you can rock, especially when you don’t want to deal with the humidity messing with both your hair textures.
13. Double Braided Crown:
Image Source: @shyinstar
One of my personal go-to’s when I was feeling lazy was a double braided crown. It’s easy to transition from day to night, and it doesn’t take long to do!
14. Feed-in ponytail:
Image Source: @cicistyles_
If you’d like to keep your hands off your hair for a bit (trust me, it happens!”>, then this is a great style to rock.
15. Faux Bangs and a Bun:
Image Source: @adannamadueke
This look is one of my favorites for those who want to try out bangs, but maybe don’t want to take the leap just yet — especially when you’re transitioning. Instead, opt for a faux banged bun, where you can achieve “bangs” by either twisting or bantu-knoting your hair in the front.
Are you still transitioning? Which style are you going to try next? Let us know in the comments below!
Image Source: @naturallycurly, of @souda.mk
If there’s anything I can’t stand, it’s unwarranted advice. But like it or not, I definitely could have used a present-day me way back when I started getting back to my roots’ roots.
Transitioning into anything is difficult—even more so when there’s so much about it you can’t control. So for everyone that’s where 2007 April is, this one’s for y’all.
Obviously, this advice is all pretty subjective. But if I could go back and tell high school senior April this, things would have gone much more smoothly.
Do: Go full fashionista!
I’m not a morning person.
If it’s between that extra 15 minutes and doing my hair beyond a twistout, 9/10 times that snooze button is going to WIN.
But you don’t need to live like me.
Take the time to figure out finger waves, Bantu knots, and where to place that Niecy Nash flower everyone loves in your TWA. Believe me, the extra attention you pay yourself will build confidence, and keep you strong and extra cute as you make the switch!
If you don’t feel your best, pair your new styles with something a step above your usual when you go out. Sundress and Docs? Add some fun tights and a blazer to the mix. Live in sweats? Do classic bootcut jeans and tees for a hot minute. Already a Louboutins and fancy pants type? Ballgowns.
If the office asks questions, say you’re dressing for the job you want.
Your new natural texture is an elevation! Until you feel like it’s your normal, bring the rest of you up to match!
DON’T: Stockpile “someday styles”.
When I was younger, I thought that pinning pictures of thinner women to my vanity would serve as motivation to lose weight.
It didn’t.
It just made me miserable, even as I made fitness progress worth celebrating, because reaching the pictured level was taking (the correct amount of”> time.
Probably didn’t help that they were all unrealistically proportioned anime girls either, but that’s another story.
Hair growth is much the same way. You can make healthy decisions that help it along, but ultimately, progress will be made in months and years, not days. Not only that, but you need to commit to a lifestyle if you want to keep your progress.
Stockpiling motivational styles shoves all your joy into the future and saves you no happiness for the here and now. Newsflash…the present is where you actually live.
Focus on the fabulous things you can do with your ‘do in the moment, and let future-you take care of those future inches.
DO: Get a hobby!
Ever hear the phrase ‘A watched pot never boils’?
That’s not technically true of course, but standing around waiting for those first bubbles on the stove gets TEDIOUS. And so does constant monitoring of your hair growth with nothing else going on.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I began throwing myself into making simple beaded jewelry around the time I 2nd big-chopped in high school. It gave me something to do with my hands that wasn’t constant length-checks, let me wander in and out of very soothing meditative states that warded off the re-RE-relaxing temptations, and as a bonus, the constant back pain from spending hours hunched over ensured that I didn’t wait until my more advanced years to take active interest in protecting my spine!
If you don’t already have an interest that you can throw yourself into, find one! Think about what you like to see in the world most, and work forwards from there.
If you’re really pressed for time/money/patience, try audiobooks and podcasts! Libraries carry them, and so do several online services, some of which are totally free! Yours truly is currently enjoying old-time radio mystery series, ‘The Saint’, starring Mr. Vincent Price, while doing housekeeping.
Finding something to occupy your mind in spare moments will give you something besides your hair to focus on and look forward to. What’s under your scalp is just as important as what’s on top of it after all!
DON’T: Get critical.
Unless you’re cutting corners on maintenance, or actively cutting an inch off your hair every two weeks, slow growth isn’t your fault.
Coily hair spirals, and even pulling it out with your hands isn’t always a good indicator of how much growth is actually going on—especially since different portions of our hair grow at different rates.
I used to think of myself very unkindly as ‘Trapezoid Head’, because my nape’s growth was so much slower than my crown’s.
Nerdy insult, I know, but the point is, self deprecation wasn’t what I needed—and it’s not doing you any favors.
Don’t allow yourself to be guilted, and don’t put yourself down either. Even if you’re admonishing yourself for being impatient, or frustrated, be nice to you.
Coily friends and family, you and your hair are BEE-YOU-TEE-FULL.
If you’re going for a lot of length after your transition, there will be moments of frustration, pain, struggle, and more. But rest assured, there WILL be joy.
What helped YOU during your transition? What’s helping you now? Share the love in the comments!
This is the season of the big chop. Explore 15 short natural haircuts of all textures from wavy to coily that you can try!
Asymmetrical Wavy Pixie Cut
Image Source: @themonacut
Get a haircut full of volume. Voluminous haircuts show off lots of shape and texture. Get your hair cut in layers to tailor your areas of additional shape and volume.
Layered Deep Side Part
Image Source: @_thehalfrican
A haircut with a defined side part and layers gives effortless volumand can be worn by all curlies. Whether you have a wavy, curly, or coily pattern, consider getting a haircut with a defined side part.
Under Cut
Image Source: @d2themasterbarber
If you want to stand out and make a statement, get an undercut with a design. This is a bold style, and can serve you if you want to really switch up your look.
Bald Fade
Image Source: @d2themasterbarber
let go of everything, and completely start over! Imagine not only all the physical, but also all the emotional weight gone! If you’re thinking about shaving all of your hair off, just do it. This cut ensures that all the hair that remains and grows back will be 100% healthy.
Triangle Cut with Bangs
Image Source: @themonacut
Stylist, Mona Baltazar, is known for creating silhouettes and moving shaped with curly hair. This beautiful triangle shape is a great way to show off the various dimensions of your curls.
Tapered Cut
Image Source: @masechabandlovu
Leave a lil length on top and add dimension to your tapered cut with a deep part. A part adds a unique touch, and will give your look more flair!
Asymmetrical Wavy Lob
Image Source: @lazygirldayz
Love a clean line and shape? This is a great style for those who want to cut their hair, but still want to hang on to some as well. An angled bob aka lob is such a statement style, and will make your waves or curls pop even more!
Pixie Cut
Image Source: @mahoganycurls
Natural hair blogger, @mahoganycurls , big chopped recently and is rocking her cute and curly pixie cut with finger coils for maximum definition.
Tapered Side Undercut
Image Source: @greg_gilmore
If you are interested in a more edgy look a side-tapered fade is just that. Be daring and try it out by adding color and finger coiling the top for extra definition.
Curly Bangs
Image Source: @themonacut
Bring your hair forward with front bangs. If you’ve been wanting to do the big chop and have been sick and tired of your current hairstyle, go for the curly bangs.
Haircut: Artistic Mini Afro
Image Source: @thehairsurgeon_
If you’re fearless and ready to try something totally new, rock a mini afro with artistic designs. This creative style is such a game-changer!
Haircut: Shirley Temple Inspired Cut
Image Source: @brenahenn
Get a haircut inspired by the iconic Shirley Temple. Her delicate, soft, and big curls fell right at the neckline. With a few bobby pins, you can even place a twist or two in the front like @brenahenn did to experiment with the look.
Haircut: Curly Mohawk
Image Source: @boldheadbabes
Be fierce with a curly mohawk! This super rock star yet feminine style will make you glad you did the big chop!
Ready for your big chop now? Get your hair cut with confidence knowing that you are not limited to just one look. Use these haircuts to help you get your new do!
What inspires you to do the big chop?
What haircut do you want to try?
Let us know in the comments below!
Read about how to have confidence with your big chop here.
Discover when the right time is to do your big chop here.
Read about how other natural women felt when they did the big chop here.
I went for a good long time thinking I was a 4C.
Brio Photography
I did my own research after my second (augh”> big chop in high school, and I figured “Okay, these have to be the tightest things ever, so my hair type is 4C.” I don’t have many pictures of me with my actual hair out from that time, because I hadn’t learned to love it yet, but now I’m kind of wondering…was it EVER a 4C?
Now that it’s coming up on 10 years of me being out of high school, and my hair’s grown out, I can’t help but ask myself if something changed my pattern or if I was just completely wrong about what it was in the first place.
I’d always been skeptical of curl types changing, but I know that it can happen.
Reading our comments sections, it looks like your hair types have changed with age, pregnancies, and even haircuts! I’ve also had a few friends on hormone replacement therapy tell me that their curls got tighter after beginning testosterone supplements. So it IS possible for something that isn’t styling damage to switch up your curl pattern, seemingly spontaneously in some cases!
So what happened to mine?
Well, there are a few possibilities. It’s fully possible that my hair type was never 4C at all, but that it just took me longer to realize it was a 4A with continuing natural hair education over the years. And that makes sense—after all, I’d never even thought of my porosity levels before I started working here. Seeing my hair next to Gerilyn’s hair made it a lot more obvious though, I must say.
It’s also possible that as my hair grew the curl pattern just became more evident, or that it’s falling and stretching under its own weight, enough to pull the pattern out more permanently, even though it’s still growing out and not down. Grace just cut about six inches of her hair off at a Deva salon, and she’s reporting tighter waves as a result. Naturally, we got footage of it all, so make sure you’re subscribed on YouTube to catch the big reveal. Maybe now all of our less-than-polite commenters will get off her back about it…
A third option is that life in general just loosened my curls. I had what I affectionately call a puberty part 2 in college that saw me go up a cup size, down a sanity size, and finally grew me the butt I never had. Whether or not that had anything to do with the birth control I was on, off, then on, and off again I’m not sure. I was also on and off a few different prescriptions during my matriculation. Considering the various effects that came through on my body and brain, it’s not a huge stretch to say something could have happened to my hair as well.
What is certain though is that curls change.
For better or worse, our hair, like our bodies, is not going to stay the same forever. The important thing is to be able to love yourself through whatever changes occur, even if it’s not something you like. I’m trying not to spend time thinking about what I’d do if my curls do something like spontaneously lightening, or jumping off my scalp in clumps, but we’ll see what happens.
What about you, curlies? Has your curl pattern ever changed?
Can you trace your changes in hair type to certain events in your life?
Let me know, I wanna hear your story!
I stopped getting my hair relaxed in 10th grade, and ever since, I’ve been making strides in both literal growth and growth in my curl treatment techniques!
But despite years of experience, which ironically includes doing work for NaturallyCurly itself, I still have some ‘Needs improvement’-rated issues that plague me. So I thought I’d share!
Mediocrity loves company after all……
Parting my hair
I know there’s a rat-tail comb somewhere in the house, but even when I can manage to not hide it from myself, straight parts are difficult for me.
Every time I’m putting in my box braids, I always manage to get one section inside of a section it’s not supposed to be in, and then it hurts, and everything is terrible, because separating my hair from my other hair is a trial.
But trials make us stronger, and even though I’m still unarguably not great? I’ve gotten much better. I refuse to get better at this next one though.
Getting trims
I will literally never get my hair trimmed. Next topic.
Just kidding, I can never not elaborate on things. Like most of us, I’ve gotten the “trim” that was just the stylist whacking off 7 inches of hair and insisting it was all broken. The only person I’ve let go near my hair with scissors since “The Incident” is my mother, and I’m not comfortable having it any other way.
I always hear that it’s massively unhealthy, and unproductive, and that I may as well just go set my hair on fire, but bottom line is I can’t face the shears again.
Maybe we can see about DIYing it someday. Until then, I prefer to ‘cut out’ the snipping.
Putting my hair up at night
I talk a good game on how I’m about that nap life, but the reality is I just have sleep issues. And those issues get compounded when I need to do my hair as one of the last things for the night (which can start as early as 6PM on the days when it gets weird”>. Those extra 10-20 minutes of spraying, combing, buttering, and braiding wake me back up like nothing else!
If I’m being honest, I’m sure it’s a symptom, not a cause, causing knots when I decide ‘Forget it’ and plunk down to sleep with my hair out. And of course, in addition to forcing me into the bun of shame the next day, the inevitable hard-mode detangling leads to breakage.
I don’t love the ‘snapped ends confetti’ that I get after I decide to be bad, so thus far the best solution has been just not…
Taking out protective styles
I’ve talked about this before, so I won’t dwell too much, but I’m still working on taking down my braids before it starts getting sad.
I’m still good with keeping my hair healthy under all the kanekelon, but as far as maintaining sleek looks and deep cleansing, we’re in construction mode.
Trying different styles
There are SO. Many ways. To do our natural hair. I do maybe 5 of them at any time, and I’m actually pretty disappointed. I’m a very non-morning person, and if I’m at work wearing eyeshadow and liner it means I actually got enough sleep. So hair is almost always in a braid out, or a simple half up half down deal with my box braids.
I couldn’t tell you why I stay in my comfort zone even when I have plenty of time to prepare a more elaborate look, but of all of my curly girl sins, I’m hoping to eliminate this one first.
Time will tell.
What am I doing then?
If I know I’ve been bad at this stuff for over a decade, what’s my deal exactly? Why isn’t it better? Why aren’t I done?
I’ve asked myself the same questions, believe me. About my hair, and about other things in life. And what I’m doing is: I’m trying.
Things are getting better! My fro is full and fluffy, I’m gaining inches, and I look cute more days than I don’t. That’s real progress.
And if you’re anywhere near where I am, or any less developed, you can make progress too! We all can.
Is there anything you’re still improving on your curls and coils? Let us know in the comments! It’s a safe place to share.
Source @freddieharrel
Hey coilies!
We have a reputation for having the most unmanageable hair types, don’t we?
Our hair’s ‘too breakable’, ‘too rough’, ‘too hard to make professional’, and a whole slew of other dirty lies you might be pressured to believe if you’re chronically short on time.
Unlearning the stigma that still surrounds our hair type will take time in and of itself, but for now, the least I can do is leave y’all with a few tips I’ve picked up that are going to save you a lot of effort.
1. Invest in a hook for your bonnet
‘April’, you’re asking, ‘How exactly does putting a hole in my wall help anything?’. Believe me, O’ Skeptic One, it will. Having a dedicated hook—not a drawer, not a lamp, not a spot on the nightstand, not on my pillow—but an actual ‘it’s on me to spackle this if I move’ hook in my bedroom to keep my bonnet on has saved me HOURS in searching for it when it inevitably slips, folds, crumples, or wedges itself somewhere with every other place I’ve had it. Get a real one that sticks out, curves, and holds your bonnet (yes, I see y’all trying to get away with just the pushpin, and that’s not going to work”>, and you’ll be snoozing away on time more nights than not, I guarantee it.
2. Find a spray bottle that works and buy multiples
You know how when you find shirts, pants, bras, etc that really work for you you’re supposed to buy a few in different colors? The same thing goes for spray bottles. I can’t tell you that having a minimalist house and one dedicated bottle that you put back in the same place every time won’t help save the same amount of time. I will tell you that unlike a bonnet, you’re going to be using your spray bottle in different rooms of the house, and you’re going to put it down, and lose it, and waste time tracking it down. Buy a few, keep them strategically spread out, and save yourself the pain.
3. Keep a hair shelf by your desk
As I write this, I’m working off of a converted bar shelf. Converted meaning…I did absolutely nothing to it, except plop my pens, laptop setup, and inspirational Funko Pops on top. But because I spend a lot of time here both for work and play, I keep a comb, leave-in, and one of my many spray bottles nearby. I can easily take a writing break, fire up my Hulu account and be twisted up for bed before hitting the keyboard again without having to lug everything into my workspace and then be pressed about making sure it goes back. Marie Kondo wouldn’t approve of this method I’m sure, but the time I’ve wasted chasing bottles and losing things didn’t exactly spark joy in me either, so here we are!
4. Get used to complete coverage protective styles
I can’t begin to tell y’all how much time and effort wigs have saved me. You wake up, you see it’s humid out, and you just feel like the time spent untwisting and styling is going to be a waste, but then BAM. You just slip the wig on, and you’re polished in exactly no time. I have the same love for headwraps! Learn a few stylish knots, and now you’re not being a “lazy natural”, you’re doing it for the culture, with enough time to make a healthy breakfast before you head out. Can’t beat that.
5. Embrace your night-time protection as a style
Hands up, y’all, do we know that Bantu knots are a look in and of themselves? And twists? And regular degular braids? The same curl-prep under your scarf at night can be just as lovely with a finished look in the AM if you’ve already parted everything evenly. Save yourself the time spent taking down your night’s work and turn a few heads!
6. Try leave-in mists instead of liquids or creams
This tip’s fairly easy to embrace! Working a product in takes longer than spraying—it’s the same philosophy behind using a power washer instead of hand-scrubbing your driveway. If your hair is dry and in need of extra protection, don’t throw out your puddings entirely of course. But alternating can be a good way to grab an extra few minutes here and there, especially if you’ve saved your nighttime style for a daytime look, and you’re going right to bed on top of it!
7. Read reviews. No, really.
I have a rule that’s saved me a lot of money and time so far: if a product has 10% or more negative reviews, I just don’t buy it. The great thing about hair-care is that no matter what, you will find something that makes your curls cute, there are too many products out there for there NOT to be a line for you. But if you’re not taking the time to do a little research, you’re going to end up wasting time (and cash”> on what just doesn’t work for you in the long run. Make the investment and study up!
8. Stick with what you love
There’s nothing wrong with being tempted by new products as long as you’re making good use of them. But as the natural hair care market continues to expand, we’re staring down more choices than ever, and not all of them are going to be right for all of us. Gerilyn and I are both type 4s, but I still have waking nightmares of what one of the co-washes she absolutely LOVED did to my hair. If you’re trying to save time on shopping and on repairing damage, it pains my hoarding tendencies to say, you’ve got to put the product junkie in the same place with your inner child, and squish it down. Now it’s straight in and out at the beauty aisle, and no needing to take days to pare down what you already have, because you know it works for you.
Last tip I’ve got for you? This is probably going to be the one I wrestle with the most myself, but…
9. Just buy the snacks
I won’t be going back to our no-sugar challenge’s rules any time soon, but since then, I have been trying to buy smarter. That’s always included just skipping out on the snack aisle entirely, which sounded good on the surface, but for me, there was a catch. I ended up wasting a lot of time being hangry on wash-day. We joke about needing to meal prep, order in, and keep a pile of our favorite cravings on hand, but y’all, it’s real, especially if you’re like me and you struggle with getting things perfect before you can move forward. Do yourself a favor, get something ‘cheat day’ worthy and save yourself the pain.
And if all else fails with your hair and you’re running out of time, coilistas, just pick it out, put a flower in it, and try again the next day.
Do you have any time-saving tips to share with the class? Don’t hold back in the comments section!
When we think winter aromatics, our minds tend to go towards either pine or mint, right? Well, that leaves out a leafy herb that’s antiseptic, bug repelling, and great all over—rosemary. Although it looks like it could be a tiny cousin of spruce, this evergreen herb is actually a relation of peppermint. Scent-wise, it’s right at that line between herbal and floral, which is where you’d think the name came from. Apparently it’s actually “dew of the sea” — in Latin, “ros marinus”. Wild. Rosemary has been known as an insect repellant, a preserver of omega 3-rich carrier oils, and a flavorful addition to most meals, but that last part’s besides the point. How can we use this hardy little shrub to help our hair?
1. Alikay Naturals Caribbean Coconut Milk Shampoo
As we all know, I’m a serial co-washer, meaning I wash my hair with conditioner, rather than shampoo. At least, that’s my normal routine. If my hair is dirty with actual dirt, dust, seawater and what have you, I do reach for an actual cleanser first, and this one’s at the top of my list. It’s bubbly, cleans without stripping, and the softness of the coconut milk counters the more astringent ingredients. Rosemary shines in its antiseptic capacities in shampoos, and I’m all for it.
2. Hairnamics Healthy Hair Royale Hair & Scalp Butter
If you have a naturally dry scalp like I do, it’s never a bad time for a scalp butter. This lighter blend of oils and herbs is perfect for keeping my new growth healthy in the warmer months, and on the off chance I’m running around outside fountaining sweat as I normally do, the smell of my hair makes up for the rest until I can hose off somewhere. I will say this—there’s one thing I dislike about it. The rosemary is infused directly with dried leaves throughout the butter. So scooping up any amount of this stuff means it’s a guarantee you’re going to get poked with these little evergreens, and they’re actually pretty sharp. Still though, given the benefits and scent of the plant, I’ll still take it rather than leave it. Just be advised, you want to be good and awake before you grab this stuff…trust me.
3. Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Line
I love children. Other people’s children. And because I love them, I can say that they’re amazing little blessings that just get absolutely covered in germs and parasites, and you’ll know I’m saying this from a place of concern, not disdain. Enter the Rosemary Repel products. This brand uses a high concentration of anti-bug plant ingredients, including rosemary, to help reduce the chance of lice being passed head-to-head. While none of the brand’s offerings of conditioner, shampoo, and styling gel claim to be cures for lice, if you know there’s an outbreak going around, wouldn’t you rather Junior and Juniorette have that famous “ounce of prevention”? Exactly.
4. Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products Tight Hold for Natural Hair
Hi, we’re all aware that locs in natural black hair require grooming and maintenance, right? Right. To keep your new growth in order, mature locs tidy, and everything evenly rolled (if you’re not into freeform”>, washing, trimming, and products with hold are musts! And if a little rosemary can keep things smelling nice, then get with it, I say. This is the product that future April is going to use on her salt n’ pepper locs. Guess I should start stocking up now…
5. Obia Naturals Babassu Detangling Conditioner
I always promise myself that I’m going to start using shower combs when I cowash, but that promise gets broken often. I’m blessed with the use of all my fingers, so that counts, surely. Conditioners with slip are where it’s at in that case—less need to pre-detangle, fewer knots. Rosemary keeps the oils that provide that slip fresh and ready for your curls to glide against—you might say it keeps conditioner conditioned!
Rosemary tends to be underrated as far as herbs go, but I hope this rundown can start changing that. People love it, bloodsucking bugs hate it, and it grows so quickly that everyone wins!
Is rosemary in your routine? Tell us about it in the comments below!
You know the term “mind your own beeswax”? Sometimes it’s good to mind your own — especially when you get it stuck in your hair! But just how do you do deal with this problem? NaturallyCurly has some tips on how to mind your own beeswax — in your hair, that is!
First, let’s talk about beeswax and how it reacts with natural hair. Beeswax is pretty self explanatory — it’s a natural wax produced by honey bees of the genus Apis. From lip balms and skin moisturizers to unsticking drawers and sealing envelopes, beeswax can be used for a variety of day-to-day activities. But what about beeswax and hair? The product can be used in products curly hair girls frequently use, such as gels and pomades, making it good forholding styles or laying down edges. But like any product, too much of it can lead to annoying buildup that can leave your hair feeling heavy and gunky.
Cleanse, Cleanse, Cleanse!
Sometimes when dealing with a buildup of beeswax, it’s good to go back to the basics and give your hair a good, deep clean. Be sure to use a clarifying yet moisturizing shampoo when getting beeswax out. Try out CURLS Pure Curls Clarifying Shampoo or Inahsi Soothing Mint Sulfate Free Gentle Cleansing Shampoo to get your curls nice and clean!
Co-wash Your Locks
If you haven’t already, try co-washing your locks to deal with the product buildup. Co-washing is using conditioner or a conditioner-like, cream-based product to cleanse the hair, as an alternative to shampooing. Depending on your hair type and how much moisture you may need, try co-washing 1-2 times a week with your favorite conditioner. We recommend Creme of Nature Creamy Hydration Co-Wash!
Do a Low-Poo
Yes, the name sounds a little odd, but it can do some good for your locks! Cleansing your hair is essential to healthy hair, but if you’re looking to remove beeswax buildup without harsh sulfates, silicones, and lather, try using a gentle cleanser. Check out our Top 15 Low-Poo and No-Poo Cleansers if you’re looking to protect your hair from harsh chemicals.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Like beeswax, apple cider vinegar, or ACV, has many uses from cooking to skincare — but it can also be used on your hair! ACV has clarifying properties that can help strip beeswax from your hair. We recommend trying our ACV Hair Rinse recipe, which will help balance the PH levels of your hair and kill bacteria that may be caused from buildup left behind by the beeswax. The good thing about an ACV rinse is that you can find most of the ingredients in your kitchen, making it easy and accessible to put together.
Dishwashing Soap
I know we’re ending on a weird note, but hear us out! Shampooing with dish soap can get rid of heavy build-up, along with adding body to your hair. After shampooing with the dish soap, follow with your regular conditioner and leave the conditioner on for an extra 5-10 minutes. This idea may not be good for all curl types, so test out the dish soap method on a small section of your hair to see if this is for you.
These treatments will help get that stubborn beeswax buildup out your hair and leave your curls looking more healthier and feeling much cleaner. Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Instagram with what your favorite treatments are for getting rid of beeswax buildup!
We get super excited when a new curly hair product hits the market. Keeping a community of natural hair care entrepreneurs close is handy — particularly so we can get a recommendation when it’s time for a product refresh.
If this winter weather calls for a scalp-rejuvenating, buildup-fighting new cleanser, NaturallyCurly has got your back. Here are some new products from many loved curly hair brands to consider for your next shampoo purchase:
1. Mizani Moisture Fusion Moisture Rich Shampoo
This moisture-rich shampoo is infused with cupuacu butter, argan oil, and honey. By cleansing and conditioning hair, this Moisture Fusion Moisture Rich Shampoo leaves your hair clean, glossy, and detangled.
2. Mizani Thermasmooth Shampoo
Mizani’s coconut oil-infused Thermasmooth Shampoo provides creamy conditioning and thorough cleansing to detangle, rehydrate, and protect against heat damage on wash day.
3. Taliah Waajid Green Apple & Aloe Nutrition Shampoo
With green apple to balance pH levels, aloe to repair, and coconut to nourish and soften hair, this nutrient-rich shampoo uses vitamins A, B, C, E, fiber, protein, and antioxidants to give you refreshed and strengthened hair.
4. Cantu Sensitive Hypoallergenic Shampoo
This dermatologist-reviewed, fragrance-free shampoo is perfect for folks with allergy issues who need added moisture and volume. Formulated for all hair types.
5. TXTR. by Cantu
“A salon-inspired collection for all hair textures. TXTR. by Cantu is the go-to solution for waves, curls, and coils enriched with vitamins, extracts, essential and natural oils.”
There are two shampoo options available in this new line: TXTR. Soothing Shampoo and TXTR. Cleansing Oil Shampoo.
6. Cantu Detangling Pre-Poo for Kids
Cantu’s gentle, tear-free pre-shampoo formula primes hair for washing — by detangling! Shoutout to all you parents out there. Maybe this will make bath time just a little easier.
7. Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo – Special Edition
This isn’t a new product, but it is a new size: get 20% off and go green by buying a larger size of this classic Moisturizing Repair Shampoo.
8. Dippity Do Girls With Curls Coconut Curl CoWash
Enriched with coconut oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, bamboo extract, and shea butter, the Curls Coconut Curl CoWash is a wonder. “This gentle 5 in 1 formula cleanses, conditions, detangles, adds shine and deep treats your hair in one step.” Sulfate-free, color-safe, paraben-free, this cowash formula leaves hair glossy without weighing it down.
9. Ouidad VitalCurl+ Clear & Gentle Shampoo
Ouidad’s new VitalCurl+ Shampoo is a sulfate-free, color-safe formula that balances pH and cleanses curls. By restoring essential amino acids to your hair, VitalCurl+ Clear & Gentle Shampoo improves curl consistency and bounce.
10. Tropic Isle Strong Roots Red Pimento Shampoo
With red pimento, coconut, jojoba, and essential oils, Tropic Isle’s Strong Roots Red Pimento Shampoo promotes growth, cleanses, removes build-up, all while adding key moisture to your hair and scalp.
Looking for a new moisturizer, too? Check out New Must-Have Moisturizers for Curly Hair – Winter 2018
