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As single women, when it comes to relationships, we like to have closure and more importantly, to know where we stand at ALL times. In today’s convoluted dating world where honesty and transparency pretty much don’t exist largely due to the internet, free dating sites and cell phones providing already non-committal men with even MORE options, where do we stand? Let’s talk about some “dating labels”—words or phrases that define where we are in a relationship.

“Dating”: If I’m seeing someone who has “boyfriend potential” I like to say that I’m dating. “Boyfriend potential” meaning he has the majority of things on my “LIST.” Is he the one? Too soon to tell, but he could potentially be “the one,” and we will continue to “date” until I figure it out. To be clear, I can’t say that I’ve done very much “dating” in the city. I very RARELY click with and am attracted to someone and in the rare event that I am, they typically end up being unavailable and/or raising red flags which quickly down-grades their “dating” status. Is it okay to “date” more than one person at a time? I think it is critical to “date” multiple men. “Things”, especially in New York City, have a tendency to NOT work out. By having a couple of guys in the rotation, you’re keeping your options open, which helps lessen the disappointment when it doesn’t work…there’s always the other guy.

“Seeing Someone” If you’re going out with someone you know is NOT “the one” but you are sleeping with him and spending time with him, then by my definition, you are “seeing” him. Guess it’s a kind of a more respectable way to describe an unspoken “friends with benefits” or “hook-up” situation. I tend to “recycle” guys that I’ve “seen” in the past. They come, they go, but they ALWAYS come back in some form or fashion even years later.

“Boyfriend” Actions speak louder than words with exception to “the talk” which HAS to happen for your “relationship” to be legit. He can be acting like your boyfriend, seeing you a few times a week, calling you every night, holding your hand in public, BUT, if you do not have “the talk”, he in his own mind can still think he is single and actually, based on the unspoken rules of dating, technically has the right to still be seeing other people. Most men try to put off having “the talk” for as long as possible. Here’s a hint: Stay away from men who are initiating “the talk”, especially if it’s within a couple of weeks of meeting you.

Harsh but true…You may have had “the talk”, and even be saying the “L” word, but here’s a MAJOR indicator that he’s still NOT really your boyfriend. If your “boyfriend” won’t change his Facebook status to say “in a relationship” with you, then despite having had “the talk,” he is clearly still not willing to fully commit and is probably seeing people behind your back or at least wanting to have the option to do so in the event he’s contacted by an “ex,” or as SO many men endearingly refer to me, “unfinished business”. If you’re in this situation I would quickly in your mind downgrade this man to someone you’re “seeing” while immediately hitting singles events and girlfriend supported outings to begin the search for an upgrade.

FYI ladies…”Text message” relationships are “textbook” he’s just not “into” you. But that’s okay…maybe we’re not all that “into” them either. As soon as a relationship starts to look like or full-on become of the “text message” variety, I quickly demote that guy from someone I’m “dating” to someone I’m “seeing”. Don’t get me wrong, “text message” relationships can be a nice distraction and keep us going during dreaded “dating” droughts. I for one survived ten years in “Corporate America” largely due to some great text message exchanges that got me through PLENTY a boring meeting, conference call and 3-day seminar. Again, they’re fine, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s more than it is and just know that like a “text”, these types of relationships tend to be short-lived and EASILY deleted…except for the private, naughty pics that these guys will probably save on their phones FOREVER so they can continue to show them to their friends and anyone else that will look.

Here’s my dating advice. With all of the ‘smoke and mirrors’ that men put out, it’s hard to say if we’re ever seeing things clearly. Our “relationship” labels may at times be off or greatly vary, but at the end of the day I truly believe that knowing is half the battle. The quicker you can see things for what they are, the less likely you are to be disappointed, hurt or wasting valuable time. I tell all of my gfs and female matchmaking clients, be aware of your male surroundings at all times and always try to know where you stand. If you’re too emotionally involved to assess, have an honest girlfriend put a label on it for you.

My last trip to Vegas for a hair brand’s awards show proved to be a complete blast, but while I was ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the insane hair on the models, I couldn’t help but notice what they were wearing. Alison Lang, fashionista extraordinaire (she’s styled Kelly Clarkson, Mandy Moore, Will Farrell to name a few, as well as the fashion director for MTV2″> was behind the insane fashions sported on the runway that night. Lucky me, I had the chance to pick Lang’s brain, and talk to her about current trends, classic pieces, and what to do with that beautiful curly hair of yours!

CF: You have a plethora of experience in the world of fashion. What has been the most memorable thing you have worked on?

AL: To be honest, I feel very blessed to have working on so many different types of projects. I would say now that Michael Jackson has passed, working with him at MTV’s Video Music Awards at Lincoln center in NYC is by far memorable. He surprised Justin Timberlake on stage. I look back now and realize that I (worked with Jackson”> when I was 22 (which boggles my mind”>. It is so crazy to think that he is gone. But so amazing to have that memory.

Another great memory was doing a 24-hour live show with the Foo Fighters for MTV2. I had about 48 hours to prep all of them and did all of there fittings on camera. Each hour was a different theme and they needed a different wardrobe change. Everything was needed from Tuxs to swim trunks. It was insane but so much fun.

CF: We are seeing a lot of trends cropping up right now; what is your favorite thing that has caught on?

AL: To be honest, I am not a fan of trends. I am a fan of classic items. That is why I love Chanel. I have purchased handbags 8 years ago that still look current today.

CF: Women with textured hair are sometimes hesitant to try new fashion trends when their hair makes a statement; what are your suggestions?

AL: Your hair is an accessory to your outfit. If you are going to go crazy with your hair then wear something simple and vice versa.

CF: What are a few staple items that any fashionista worth her salt should have in her arsenal?

AL: Great basics that you can mix and match.

1. White tee shirt
2. Black blazer or chunky sweater
3. Jeans that fit your body type
4. Black dress
5. Black and or metallic heels
6. Black converse or cute sneakers of choice
7. One statement necklace
8. Business suit
9. White blouse
10. A splurge handbag. Nothing trendy—something classic.

These are items that you will have forever and are worth investing in. Mixing and matching this items is something fun to do. You will be so surprised how many looks you can make out of these few simple pieces.

Dear Dickey: I’m 18 years old and I live in the Philippines. The top layer of my hair is 2a but when i put my hair in a half ponytail the bottom layer of my hair is straight. I want my hair to have more defined curls on all layers. What products can I try and what can I do?

A: Try Hair Rules Curly Whip—it’s designed to maximize your curl pattern to give you beautifully defined curls. The key is to make sure you’re applying it to hair when it’s soaking wet—how it looks wet is how it will set.

Dear Dickey: This past January I had a relaxer put on my curly hair. Before that I used to straighten it every once in awhile and it would take hours. Now that I have the relaxer it takes 20 minutes. I miss my curly hair and want it back. When I had curly hair, I never knew how to style it or what products to use in my hair. It always seemed to be “Frizzy” and “huge”. Any suggestions? Thanks!

A: You have to make sure you’re caring for your hair based on your texture. Try using a sulfate-free, non-suds shampoo, which will clean your hair without stripping it of essential moisture, which often leads to frizz. Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream is gentle on hair while still doing everything you need a shampoo to do. Follow it up with a lightweight conditioner like Hair Rules Quench, which will give hair the moisture it needs without weighing it down and making it appear limp or greasy.

Use a styling product specific to curls, like Hair Rules Curly Whip, and make sure to apply it when hair is soaking wet. After you’ve applied product, don’t touch your hair while it’s drying!! This will create unneeded friction in the

hair, and will lead to frizz.

Finish the entire look off with a finishing cream like Hair Rules Hydrating Finishing Cream. This will seal in necessary moisture and will help prevent hair from frizzing up during the day.

Dear Dickey: For the past four years I have been been struggling with finding the right products that will make my hair look its best, but I fear I don’t quite know what products would work best for my hair. I think that I am somewhere in the Type 3 to Type 4 area, but I’m not sure. When I wet my hair, it gets longer and much more easy to comb, but as it dries, it curls very tightly into pen-spring-sized spirals. Very pretty if you ask me, until it is completely dry. When wet, my afro is about a foot long, but as it dries it begins to coil so much that it is only four inches long!!! If I keep my hair continually wet while I detangle I can put my fingers through it, but there is so much frizz. It does not make a zig-zag pattern when it curls and waves a bit when it is wet. What products can I use that will allow me to detangle my hair, keep it moisturized for an entire day without being a slave to product and retain at least a little of my natural curl?

A: To prevent your hair from tangling or drying so that your hair develops a better curl pattern that stays defined longer use Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream Shampoo. This unique no suds cleanser will help detangle your hair while you shampoo so that your curl will stay elongated and hydrated and hair is left soft. This will help your conditioner work better with your curl. Any shampoo that has suds will cause your hair to dry and frizz and will not hold a curl pattern. Now for the final step. After rinsing your conditioner (Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner“> your hair should be left soft and completely detangled with a beautifully defined spiral. This is where you add your miracle styling product, Curly Whip (a lightweight gel”> that fixes your curl pattern to perfection. The trick here is to sit under a portable hood dryer for 10-15 minutes to set the hair and prevent frizz. You can let the rest air dry. Be sure not to touch the hair until it dries. Then all you have left to do is fluff and go!

Dear Dickey: I’m a teen and I cut my hair last week and it’s a TWA that’s less than an inch long. What can or has to be done as far as caring and styling it. Oh, and just another question would getting braids, like Senegalese twists or micros, damage my hair?

A: In order to get a beautiful curl pattern use the Daily Cleansing Cream to keep hair refreshed, but also soft and hydrated. Follow by using Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner and Curly Whip in the shower for more defined curls. Braids are not always damaging for the hair, but can be if you keep them in for over a month, or if they are too tight. They can be especially damaging in these cases around the hair line.

We have seen the pictures all over the Internet of women with curly hair getting their first ever Brazilian keratin treatment, but when we found out that a Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Treatment educator wanted to get his first treatment, we knew we had to see this for ourselves.

Ron Valdez runs a salon with partner Simon Brown in Austin called Estilio Valdez Salon. Ron is a regional educator for Redken as well as the Austin-based educator for Marcia Teixeira. Women and men have been going to Ron for years to get their curls clipped, as he is one of the most curl-friendly stylists in town. Some of his expertise comes from his own personal struggles with his super-coily mane.

Roles have reversed, and Ron is in the chair explaining to me that he used to try to blow his coils out and get them as straight as possible growing up. He also told me the horrifying story of when he was in beauty school and his classmates relaxed his hair which left it completely melted off. Since then, Ron has embraced his curls and wears them proudly. After doing so many keratin treatments for women, he began to get curious about what it would look like on a man, in particular-himself.

The process was entertaining to say the least. With his hair brushed out, there were Hall and Oats references being tossed around the salon and everyone was amazed to see Ron’s hair in its natural state. The process took about the same amount of time as it would for anyone else, and Ron wore his hair flat-ironed for four days before washing the treatment out.

I came back to see Ron the next week and see what the end result was. I was shocked to find this loose-curled person standing in front of me. His whole appearance shifted because of this treatment. His hair was loose and wavy and had the most adorable “flip” in the back. Everyone was pleasantly surprised with how his hair turned out. When I asked if Ron would do this again, he said he didn’t know-he would have to see how things went over the next few months. This just goes to show that it’s not only women who are struggle with their hair!

Acanthus extract is making a big splash on the curly hair care scene. Most notably in the haircare line by Rene Furterer, who discovered the plant’s potential while growing up in France. She studied the therapeutic benefits of essential oils and plants leading her to develop products that treat specific hair types and diverse scalp conditions. Today, Rene Furterer makes a line of products specifically geared towards curly hair definition, body and structure. According to Furterer, acanthus extract is an additive that leaves the hair shiny, supple and voluminous, with a well-defined curl pattern.

Have you been curious about this majestic plant that you might even already have growing in your garden, wondering why it is recommended especially for your curly hair type? This article provides some background information on the growth, habit, distribution and uses of acanthus, the source of acanthus extract.

History and Background

Acanthus extract is derived from the Acanthus (Acanthus mollis”> plant, also called a shrub, which grows well near the Mediterranean Sea but has a wide distribution in Europe and even grows well in parts of the United States. Acanthus is mostly used as a decorative plant because of its ample, lush leaves and towering purple, white or even pink flower of the Tasmanian type. Acanthus is also referred to as Bear’s Breeches and is from the family Acanthace and genus Acanthus. It is an herbaceous perennial whose leaves were made immortal as the featured motif on Corinthian (Greek”> columns of the 5th century B.C.E.

Growth and Habit

Acanthus is not a picky plant. It grows well in dry or humid weather, cold or warm conditions and sunny or shaded locations, though it does best in dry warmth in full sun to partial shade. It also prefers wet soil of a pH 7. The impressive foliage is at its height of beauty in the fall, though in spring, the evergreen plant assumes its purple color. Though typical flowers are 4 feet high they can grow as tall as 6-8 feet high. It has an invasive root system and has sharp spines and sharp edges so it must be handled and grown with care.

Medicinal Properties

The medicinal aspect of the plant is usually derived from the foliage (leaves”> and the roots. The crushed leaves have been used to treat burns. The plant is also used traditionally to treat spider bites, burns, bruises and joint pain. The leaf juice has been known to stimulate the appetite.

Acanthus contains tannins and mucilage, lending important medicinal qualities. The qualities most useful in hair care, making it a boon as an added extract, are its astringency as well as its emollient, demulcent and detergent properties. Astringents dry up excess oils on the scalp and help deter oily build up and greasiness. This makes products with acanthus extract especially good for oily scalp conditions or hair that suffers from build-up of chemical products. Emollients attract moisture from the air and encourage that moisture to be retained by the hair. One of acanthus’ most prominent qualities is its emollient property. This means that products with acanthus extract can help the hair retain moisture without being weighed down or appearing greasy. The combination of astringency and emollient make products with acanthus extract good for both dry and oily hair types. Acanthus is also a demulcent. Demulcents are softeners, making products with acanthus extract useful for those with brittle, coarse hair. Some products with demulcents are also good detangling aids. An additional feature of the acanthus plant is that it contains natural detergents or saponins; these help cleanse the hair, pairing nicely with the astringent quality.

So wonder no further. Reach for products with acanthus extract if you have dry hair or oily scalp. Try acanthus if you seek a light moisturizer as well as control and definition of your curly top.

Welcome to my blog! I hope you will stop by often and regularly to follow the amusing drama of one white lady combing the hair of three little girls on a regular basis. I am the lucky mother of a trio of brown beauties, each of whom has her own special character and curl. Learning to comb hair is the parenting skill I am most proud of because it wasn’t easy to learn. As a matter of fact, I would love to find a way to incorporate it into my resume!

I relied on the kindness of both strangers and friends alike to learn the artful skill of caring for my children’s hair. It didn’t come easily and took a tremendous amount of practice, but it was worth every minute. I love it when black mothers ask me, “Who did her hair?” and I can honestly answer, “I did!” These are shining moments for any transracial family. I have a creative freedom in styling my children’s hair that I find thrilling. I often tell my girls, “Look at Mommy’s hair. This is all I can ever do with it, but I can do a million different things with your hair.”

My hair story began in 2003 when I became a mother for the first time. I was sitting behind my desk in the office where I worked as a travel agent when I received the call our baby was on her way. My partner and I had recently completed the lengthy process of becoming foster parents in hopes of adopting a child. When the call came and I was told, almost as an afterthought, that the baby was black, my immediate thought was “What will I do with her hair?” Fortunately, she was only 6 months old and had very little hair. Hair is huge when you talk about black hair! I had a lot to learn.

I have parented a dozen children over the years as a foster parent and am now the forever mother to Madison, McKenzie, and Morgan. What I have learned about raising children of a different race could fill the state of Texas. It would have been great to have another mom or a girlfriend share some secrets with me about what works and what doesn’t, but I didn’t have that luxury. Instead, I made my fair share of mistakes, talked to almost anyone who could teach me something, and read every book I could find on black hair and culture. This is the reason I wrote the book “Brown Babies Pink Parents”— to help other families like mine. (The book will be published in August; look for more information in this blog soon.”>

So here I am with you, sharing the stories of my family and answering any questions I can. I am not a professional hair stylist and I don’t claim to be any kind of expert. I am simply a mother in the trenches of parenthood. On a weekly basis, I create an assembly line of hair in my living room where I comb, oil, and style hair that has been washed and conditioned by my partner, Kim. Sometimes “Salon de Mommy” is like trying to choreograph cats. At other times, you would swear my living room was a scene out of “Beauty Shop.” There is usually popcorn involved, possibly a Disney movie, and countless pony tails, puff balls and twists.

I am thrilled to have this opportunity to share some thoughts with you. I hope I can make you laugh, give you some new ideas, pass on some lessons, and maybe even open an eye or two. More importantly, I hope to remind every reader they are not alone in whatever hair scenario you call your own.

All right; I have to give major props to Marcia Teixeira and my newfound appreciation for the Brazilian Keratin Treatment!  After receiving the treatment a few days ago, I have finally had the freedom of washing and styling my hair at home, so I chose to wear it curly today and am loving the beachy wave that I am left with!  My hair is completely transformed:  I am using very little leave-in conditioner (Tigi Curlesque“> and have almost no frizz and extremely soft and shiny locks.

I know that there is a lot of controversy about why we post these stories and test these products when we are a curl-loving website.  Having options is a huge part of being a woman. I can speak only for myself and say that I change my mind daily on things from my taste in fashion, music, men, and of course, hair.  I don’t feel guilty that I chose to loosen my curls and lose the frizz if I feel better for it!  There may be some confusion on what my texture would be after the treatment, so I think it is important that everyone see this photo of me taken today with my Austin Frizz Forecast at 86% humidity, and understand why I love this treatment.  I am still a curly and will always be, but I can’t stress how much better I feel about myself and my hair after doing this!

I also want to advise anyone who wants to get this done to do their homework and find a great stylist who is educated on the product they administer.  Ron Valdez was recommended to me because he is the only one in this area who educates other stylists on the treatment.  I, of course, chose him and did my homework on the company.  Also, schedule a consult with the stylist a few days before receiving the treatment.  This way you know what you are getting yourself into and have time to think about it. I will keep you updated with pictures of my hair throughout my journey! Please leave comments and feel free to ask questions—I would love to help you in your hair journey!

Oh, Glee! How oh so many people love thee! What’s not to love? From the fantastic musical renditions of legendary and modern songs to the snippy and witty quips given out by Sue Sylvester, coach of the “Cheerios” cheerleading squad. As we “Gleeps” all know, Sue is constantly ragging on Mr. Schue’s (Glee club coach for all of you non-viewers”>. Here are a couple of memorable quotes/quips from the first season that you may or may not recognize:

Episode 7: “Throwdown”

“I don’t trust a man with curly hair . I can’t help but picture little birds laying sulfurous eggs in there, and it disgusts me.”

Episode 12: “Mattress”

“You’re too busy chasing tail and loading your hair with enormous amounts of product. Today, it just looks like you put lard in it.”

Episode 14: “Hell-O”

“Hey, buddy. Get a haircut? It looks awful.”

“You have enough product in your hair to season a wok.”

“The Power of Madonna” (She really ripped into Will in this episode.”>

“I make fun of Will’s hair because I’m jealous. There. I said it.”

“I just lost my train of thought because you have so much margarine in your hair.”

“I thought I smelled cookies from the tears of elves weeping that live in your hair.”

“Your hair looks like a brier patch. I keep expecting racist, animated Disney characters to pop up and start singing about living on the bayou.”

— Toree Roy

It’s (finally”> summer time and although we are all excited about the warming trends, there is something more important that needs our attention: the hair trends. With every season comes a little something different and with beach vacations, pool parties, and everything in between, one trend that is sticking this summer season is the beachy wave. You can catch it everywhere from a Derek Lam runway show to this year’s MTV movie awards. So how do you, as a stylist, cash in on this trend? Do your homework!

Classes all over the country are being offered on a regular basis to help tame the frizzies and promote beautiful waves. Two educational endeavors that will ensure your pocket book success: keratin treatments and the beach wave.

Although many curl pro’s are leery about the keratin treatments, they really are hitting the market hard and curls of all kind are demanding the frizz-reducing treatment. So many of us curlies are at wit’s end during the humid summer months and these treatments are a saving grace! There are many different options when choosing a treatment: Braziliante, Brazilian Blowout, De Fabulous, Global Keratin, La Brasiliana, and the list goes on. The point is, research the products and understand what they offer your potential client.

As for the beach wave, this is a new spin on the “perm” which gives those of the non-curly persuasion a better option when it comes to wash-and-wear hair styles. This treatment gives clients a sense of freedom from their blow driers and flat irons, and letting them fit right in with the summer beach feel that everyone strives to achieve. The company standing at the forefront of the beach wave craze is Pravana. They offer Q&A’s on their site as well as class schedules (they will be on the east coast this summer so check out their schedule to get the nearest class information”>.

Need more exposure? Tons of stylists are already gaining new curly clients through NaturallyCurly.com’s advertising program. With well over 500,000 visits to the site each month, it’s a great way to grab the attention of the curly community. They will post an ad on the salon reviews section in your state so all of the curlies can find you! Make sure your salon is listed for all to find.

I am constantly speaking with stylists across the country about what they are doing in their salons to gain more exposure. I would love to hear what you are doing! Have questions about a certain brand/treatment/trend? Go ahead and email me your questions and comments!

Now to leave you all with a few words of wisdom from stylist and beauty guru, Crystal Wright about building your business and client base. I prodded Crystal for a few tips for the CurlStylist audience while at the Mizani Forum in Houston, TX. Her advice is precious, so listen up!

MD What are some of the biggest mistakes you see stylists making today?

CW: They don’t know what they don’t know. What I mean is, sometimes stylists don’t realize that they are working in a vacuum with only the limited information they have in their heads about a subject. Whether it’s working behind the scenes, opening up a new salon, adding a new employee, or choosing the furniture for your salon environment, in order to do it right it’s important to read your trades, do your homework, and seek the advice of people who know more than you and who can help you get to the next level even if it costs a little money. Rest assured that I have been penny wise and pound foolish. I’ve learned that the right book, or paying the right person for 30 minutes of advice can save thousands of dollars and so much time. I learned to call someone up and say “Can I buy 20 minutes of your time”.

MD: What is one key piece of advice you can give to someone wanting to change their lives professionally and personally?

CW: Just one! Ahh shucks. Plan to work and work the plan. That’s the advice that my sales manager at Xerox gave me over 20 years ago and it still works. The only time I falter is when I don’t have a plan. A real plan. One that’s written down on paper with a date from which you can work backwards. That date becomes an appointment that you have to keep, and it makes you accountable to yourself.

MD: Can I have two?

CW: Stop trying to fix everything that isn’t working all at once. You don’t have to do everything all at once. When you identify the things that aren’t working (personally or professionally”> in your life you don’t have to fix them all next month. Fix one thing every 30 days.

Dear Shari: I am starting the shampoo free routine, but have a question. I have dandruff and need to use a shampoo that will control it. What do you suggest I use that would still be sulfate-free?

A: Dandruff is considered a virus and you would need to consult with a physician to determine if this is really the case. Make sure you actually have dandruff and not just dry scalp or product build-up from styling aids that are not Deva. (Deva will never build up on the hair or scalp because it is a water-soluble product line”>. If you do have the dandruff virus, unfortunately your doctor will want to prescribe a medicated shampoo for the scalp. If you feel you must this medicated product, then I suggest following immediately with DevaCurl No-Poo. DevaCurl No-Poo will replenish lost moisture that dandruff shampoos remove.

Dear Shari: I am writing because recently (for about 7 months”> I have noticed my curly hair (full of ringlets”> has started to straighten out. I cut my hair, thinking it was just to heavy, but I am still having this problem, except for it mainly is the bottom layer that is straightening out. My normal hair would look identical to Lorraine Massey, but now it seems like the top layers are the same, but the bottom layers are almost just wavy (more like the Sarah Jessica Parker kind”> What should I do to fix this? I have no clue what to use in my hair. I just want my old hair back!

A: If you have never used DevaCurl before, now is the time. Sometimes trauma or stress, pregnancy and menopause can cause this to happen. One way to see if you can get your curls to spring fourth again is to follow the Deva 3-Step approach:

1. Cleanse with DevaCurl No-Poo cleanser

2. Condition with One Condition.

3. Style with any Deva styler for maximum hydration such as Set It Free or AnGEL. Watch our 3-step video on www.devaconcepts.com and learn how to scrunch and style your curls. The key is moisturize, moisturize and moisturize!

Dear Shari: I have naturally wavy hair. Though I think of it as tight waves. I’ve been straightening them for some years now but I want to rock out my natural waves.

The thing is that I’ve tried to classify my hair according to the hair types suggested but my hair doesn’t seem to fit any.

I was also advised in the salon not to straighten my hair any more because it has become quite brittle. If I want to have it straightened I have to get a rebond and not just a simple relax.

What specific haircut could you suggest that would be best for my weird hair type? Something that is low maintenance.

A: I am glad that you realized that straightening is not the answer. The best cut for you is angling the sides without too much layering at the base, but rather, more elevating on the top so that the hair doesn’t hang so heavy. An authentic Deva cut will do the trick. We cut the hair dry, in its natural form, curl by curl. Then you must infuse as much botanically derived moisture as possible to nourish thirsty curls, which will then reduce frizz and dehydration. While the curls are drying, take a clip and anchor the bottom of the curl to weigh it down. This will give you a more elongated and looser curl without having to resort to a chemical to do the job. And voila, there you have it! Low maintenance , beautiful, shiny and frizz free curls!

Dear Shari: I have had wavy hair most of my life. But after losing my hair twice in two years due to cancer and chemotherapy, I now have curly hair! I don’t have the energy to spend much time on it! I have been blow drying my bangs straight on my forehead and mostly air-drying the rest. It is still short, but kind of just looks frizzy with curls. I just run a brush through it and wear a baseball cap . . . every day! Any products that could help me with a no-fuss style so I can stop wearing a hat everywhere? Since my hair is now growing so slowly, I haven’t found the trust in anyone to cut it! I have had a friend do a small trim a few times. My hair is now thinner than it used to be, more so on one side than the other! Funds are limited, too, as I am no longer able to work.

A: The beauty of the DevaCurl philosophy is that we teach our clients to be self-sufficient. Low maintenance is possible with just a few easy steps.

1. I suggest you do not cut your hair for at least six months. Just let it be.

2. Stop using a brush—it sounds as if you are giving your hair two personalities—if you want to be low maintenance, stop the brushing madness!

3. Try using just conditioner on the scalp and ends for a month. I promise your curls will begin to coil and the frizz will disappear.

4. Use Set It Free as a styler to continue to nourish thirsty curls and keep the frizz at bay.

Dear Jonathan: I have always had nice, curly hair. Recently a stylist stripped the color out. Since then, blow-outs are the only type of style that looks good. I’m afraid of damaging my hair. It hardly curls anymore. The products I’ve used for blow-outs are building up and making my hair greasy. Please help me out!

A: The reason your hair has lost its curl is because the chemicals have broken down the essential hair bonds that are responsible for hair’s elasticity. This is the ability for hair to stretch without breaking. The ingredients in the Treatment Shampoo will rebuild those precious sulphur bonds, which over time will deepen the ‘s’ formation of your curl. The ReMane Straight will help protect your hair from extreme heat and over-stretching while you continue to wear your hair straight. Sooner or later you should start wearing your hair curly and allow Curl Keeper to control the frizz.

Dear Jonathan: My hair has been super straight for my entire life. I had breast cancer in ’04, plus an autoimmune disease has been recently diagnosed. My hair it TOTALLY curly now! What happened? I did have radiation, I was also put on high doses of prednisone, pain medicine, and you name it. I have been under extreme stress as a result.

A: Hormones are one of the biggest factors in causing hair to change. There is evidence of this when young girls go through puberty or women go through menopause and it is extremely common after cancer treatments. Sometimes hair will return to its normal straightness over time, and sometimes it will remain curly. As this is a new experience for you, it is very important that you learn how to control the frizz and use products that have higher quality ingredients to control and condition. Luckily today, there are wonderful products and techniques available.

Dear Jonathan: My hair is soft, but has these curly kinky curls coming from the crown of my head. I don’t know how to style it, deal with it, since I never had to before. The shorter I get it cut, the curlier it becomes. It would be fine if I could find the right cut and products to help me accept it, buy I don’t know where to go to. I feel ugly most days because my hair looks like I just got of bed every day. Please help me.

A: Obviously your hair has gone through some change, which is very common, and there are a few simple steps that will help you to manage your curls. Before you decide to get your hair cut, you have to learn how to control your curls with the right products and techniques. You will notice that when your hair is wet, all those fuzzy pieces are in control. Curl Keeper will duplicate that exact control. Learning to regroup the longer hair or the tighter hair pieces will support those flyaways when they dry. Curl Keeper vanishes, leaving your hair soft, healthy and frizz free.

Dear Jonathan: I have curly dark hair that I get blown out every 2 weeks because of the fact that after a couple of hours of styling with gel, it gets a big poof in the back. I would like to know how to get rid of that poof so I can FINALLY stop blow drying it and can love my curls once again.

A: Gel is too thick to spread evenly to control your curls. Curl Keeper has the same consistency as water and it dries very clean. You can use a generous amount and it will distribute evenly in your wet hair. Make sure that the root area is thoroughly saturated. This will bring down the volume as your hair is always in control when it’s wet. Curl Keeper will duplicate the same effect that water has and, as a result, will control that puffy spot.

Dear Jonathan: My hair is somewhat wavy and somewhat curly and very frizzy. I have tried a bunch of products and none of them work. My hair is about medium thickness, not thin and not thick. I don’t know what to do my hair looks awful everyday and its really lowering my self confidence!

A: All curly hair is prone to frizz. In order to control all frizz, we are confident that Curl Keeper will be the one product that you will need. The challenge is that you have to adjust your styling techniques by scrunching or squishing the looser curls while they are wet, not touching the tighter curl areas, and allowing you hair to dry as much possible on its own. The scrunching on the looser curls will allow them to have more bounce so that all your curls blend together and dry frizz- free.

For most curly cuties, we didn’t grow up embracing our curly hair. As kids we probably always wished we had straight hair, which lead to years of torturing our locks to make it straight. Until NaturallyCurly.com, most people did not have the information to embrace their curls, but how much of a difference would it have made in your own life if someone would have showed you how to embrace your girls and build your confidence in you hair when you were a child?

Devachan stylist Rosie DaSilva has been doing just that—changing the lives of children by giving them confidence in their curls. “I have a garden with flowers that I [help] grow every day—I help them bloom,” she says.

The confidence that Rosie gives children with their hair helps them blossom into individuals who understand the beauty of their unique hair and creating confidence that exudes beyond outer beauty, impacting—more importantly—inner beauty.

DaSilva was born in Brazil and she attended school in England, and once she finished, she jumped across the pond and landed in New York. Rosie has resided in New York for 17 years and has been with Devachan for 15 years. She has been styling hair for the past 20 years, and over the years Rosie saw that women were coming into the salon frustrated with their curly hair. DaSilva educated these women about what gorgeous, unique hair they have and gave them the tools to build their confidence and learn to love their curly locks.

You may think that Rosie started her work with children having been inspired by own children, but in fact, though she does have a son curly hair, he’s a typical boy who’s not so worried about his hair. So how did she get into helping children embrace their curls?

DaSilva started working with children when a client asked her to work with her daughter’s hair. DaSilva consulted with the child and gave her the opportunity to tell Rosie what she wanted for her hair. DaSilva says, “I take a lot of time [with the children in consultation] and you have to see the whole picture—I don’t want any miscommunication.“ DaSilva is very interactive with children, showing them how to wash their hair and care for their curly hair to keep it looking beautiful. DaSilva was not aware of the impact she had made with this little girl until the child came back to the salon, “The feedback was amazing and I wasn’t aware until she came back into the salon I saw that her charisma changed—she grew into a flower and her hair looks amazing.” DaSilva gave this child the security in her hair to open up the horizons of opportunity through her newfound confidence. The child was speaking up and giving her own friends advice on how to wash their own hair and take care of their own curls and the change did not go unnoticed by her mother.

DaSilva realized that the women who would come into her salon frustrated with their hair had grown frustrated from insecurities about their own hair stemming from when they were children.

“A lot of little girls don’t feel pretty because their hair doesn’t look like everyone else’s, and I help them transform their hair. It makes a difference in their daily life and it makes me feel so good,” says DaSilva.

DaSilva recently had a mother-daughter experience with an editor of a popular magazine and her 6-year-old daughter. The mother came to DaSilva wanting to change her straight hair back to its naturally curly state. DaSilva recognized that mothers lead by example, so not only did she restore the mom’s hair back to its beautiful curl, but she also took the 6-year-old daughter under her wing and worked with her hair to create and build the self-esteem about her hair. Of this mother-daughter experience, DaSilva says, “The relationship between mothers and daughters is amazing—they talk in the same language about hair.“ DaSilva is not only building confidence in children but also bringing mothers and daughters together and helping build a bond based on curly hair.

DaSilva describes the feeling she gets when she sees how clients change and says, “Once you feel good, you can make someone else feel good.” DaSilva brings the “pay it forward” perspective into working with children and helping people embrace their curls. Not only is she making people look beautiful on the outside, but the confidence that she creates with kids and their hair makes them beautiful on the inside as well. DaSilva is helping create a new generation of confident curly cuties that will pass on their knowledge of curls to their daughters.

Welcome to the new “Frizzoff.com”, the official website of Curly Hair Solutions. This new website is a result of years of research and customer feedback and is specifically geared towards you – people with curly hair. Check out our award-winning Curl Keeper, a product that has raised the standard for excellence in the industry and is recognized as being the top-performing product for curly hair.

Learn all about Jonathan Torch, founder and head stylist at Curly Hair Solutions. The Curly Hair Institute is becoming a famous one-stop shopping destination for people with curly hair. Scroll through this section and read about Jonathan’s methods of cutting, styling, coloring and treating curly hair. Here you will find the history of Jonathan Torch’s famous Tunnel Cut and learn about different styling techniques, including our own “Wet Styling” technique that will give you total control of your curls with no frizz and much more.

Our Hair Thoughts section describes all things curly. Some of the topics that are covered are: the importance of a consultation; pH levels; how to manage your curls in humidity and other weather conditions; winter hat hazards and indoor heating. This just scratches the surface as the Hair Thoughts section goes into many more curly hair topics.

The Frizzoff section includes key information about curly hair for children. Here you will find information about our TV and other media appearances, past magazine articles and general stories about curly hair. Also within Frizzoff is our Curly Hair Club. The Curly Hair Club is free to join and boasts a membership of over twenty-five thousand curly heads that are kept informed of all special offers, events and calendar shows. Our club members also play a huge role in research and development and their input assists us in creating new products and solutions.

The Hair Gallery displays “Before and After” makeovers of many different curly hair types. Makeovers are a key element in learning which products are right for you. We, at Curly Hair Solutions, are dedicated to providing information and teaching people about all elements of curly hair.

Check out our Video Gallery which will give you step-by-step instructions and “how to” videos, all relating to curly hair. Learn how to create the best hairstyles for curly hair and tips on how to use our products and accessories.

Choose your Curl Category is a new addition to Frizzoff.com and divides curly hair into three separate categories. Browse the curl categories to determine which one fits you best. We have provided the right products, tips, techniques and accessories for each curl category.

Some other new sections include: Kids Section, Products, Articles/Stories, Kits, Press, and Ingredients: What’s in it for you?

If you have any questions please go to our Quick Contact form and we will get back to you right away. It’s time to Style On, Frizzoff!

Dear Anthony: I am in the process of transitioning. My last relaxer was in September. I am clueless as to what hair type I am. I know that I am 4 something. My transitioning hairstyle is the straw set. I have attached pictures of my hair before the transition, my transition hairstyle and of my new growth. Any advice you could give for caring for my hair while I am transitioning will be appreciated.

A: Great to know you’re going natural. Transitioning can be a bit overwhelming but it shouldn’t be. All transitioning means it that you’re not relaxing anymore and depending on your comfort level, you can chop all your hair off or you can leave the hair on your head and look at it as though it is play hair and play away- straw set, blow dry, twists, etc. Don’t think you have to wear any one style. Don’t concern yourself with the two different textures on your head until you’re ready to cut off and deal with one texture. the one thing you can do is make sure you keep both your natural hair and relaxed hair soft and hydrated so they are easier to deal with. Try using Daily Cleansing Cream Moisturizing No Suds Shampoo. For your hair texture, there is no reason to use a cleanser that suds up. If you are using a sulfate free shampoo that suds up like Hair Rules Aloe Grapefruit Clarifying Shampoo; those shampoos should be used as treatments to purify and clarify once every 2-3 months for type 4 hair textures (4a, 4b, 4c, etc…”>

Dear Anthony: Do you have any suggestions for very curly hair that is beginning to thin? I have used Rogaine and take a zinc supplement, but it does not appear to be helping. Can coloring my hair cause hair loss?

A: There could be many reasons for your hair loss. Although I can not give you medical advice, I can provide you with a hair care regimen to ensure the hair on your head is the healthiest it can be. Curly hair can never be over-conditioned. The more conditioned your hair is, the healthier it will be. Your first line of defense against dry, brittle hair is to use a non suds, sulfate free cleanser that is more geared toward your specific texture. This will leave the scalp and hair clean, refreshed, hydrated and soft, which will allow your conditioner to work more effectively. Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner was specifically designed to make the hardest, driest, tangled hair soft and pliable. For added moisture, apply Hair Rules Nourishment Leave In Conditioner.

Dear Anthony: I have 3a type hair, and have recently moved to a new city and am having a huge dry scalp problem. I can’t seem to keep the flakes and itch under control without taking all the body and bounce out of my curls. Any suggestions for both shampoo and product?

A: Your dry scalp may be caused by using conventional shampoos that contain sulfates and actually dry out the scalp. Your skin is your largest organ—you want to treat your scalp like you treat your skin. Just as you wouldn’t use bar soap for your face, you do not want to use harsh detergents for your hair. The first line of defense against frizzy, dry, naturally kinky, and curly hair is to use a non-suds, sulfate-free cleanser that is more geared toward your specific texture, like the Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream. This will leave the scalp and hair clean, refreshed, hydrated and soft, which will allow your conditioner to work more effectively. Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner was specifically designed to make the hardest, driest, tangled hair soft and pliable.

For styling, I would suggest Curly Whip. This will give your curls the bounce you’re looking for. It gives your tresses a moisturizing hold without drying hard. Its a light-weight, revolutionary hybrid moisturizing gel that can be used everyday for styling Check out www.hairrules.com under 411/videos—there is an application video. While the model in the video uses Kinky Curling Cream, you will apply the Curly Whip the same way. For added moisture and to maintain your style in between washes, use Hair Rules Hydrating Finishing Cream.

Dear Anthony: I’m a fairly new natural, about 5 months or so. I’m at in my wits end with my hair. It is so dry! I can’t seem to find a product that my hair likes. No matter what I do, it just seems to sit on top of my hair and weighs it down and be greasy. I try products with shea butter, jojoba oil, natural oils, glycerine. I just don’t know what to do. I see ladies talking about how soft their 4a/b hair is after using products and I just can’t figure out why my hair is not becoming soft. I have 4b hair that is fine and thin. If you can help me or have any idea what could possibly be my problem, I would so appreciate it.

A: Don’t worry, there are lots of women with hair like yours who have this same problem. It’s so important to remember that there’s no such thing as over-conditioning. Women with non-straight hair, and especially for women with 4a/4b hair like yours, tend to have naturally drier hair. Until recently, there has been no underlying standard in hair care for women with your texture. So, it’s no surprise you’re experiencing this uphill battle. You also don’t have a texture that wants to be kept away from water for more than 3 days. That means unless you’re maintaining a straight style, your hair wants to be rinsed, conditioned and detangled Make sure that after every shampoo, you are following it with a nourishing conditioner—Hair Rules Quench Conditioner is perfect for thirsty hair like yours. Cover the ends of your hair with conditioner and rinse until hair feels soft, and you should see a noticeable difference in the moisture and softness levels of your hair. Good luck!

You’ve probably seen a number of hair care products lately that contain Indian gooseberry, or amla. In addition to having numerous medicinal benefits, amla is also well-regarded for its benefits for the hair, including hair loss prevention and conditioning.

Amla, is a renowned Ayurvedic (a system of traditional medicine native to the Indian Subcontinent”> and Unani (a branch of medicine based on the teachings of Hippocrates, Galen, and Avicenna”> medicine. Also called amalaki or dhartriphaia, Phyllanthus emblic, syn. Emblica officinalis is the botanical Latin name for Amla. Indian gooseberry is a long-living deciduous tree from the Euphorbiaceae family. All parts of the tree are used in Ayurvedic medicine including the root, bark, flowers, leaves, seed and fruit. Amla is well known both for its berry and the oil extracted from it which is commonly referred to as Amla. The two types of amla include gramya, the cultivated type and vanya, the wild type.

Amla’s Indian History

Amla has an interesting history in India as a health and beauty aid. It is called the nurse (Dhatri”> and the sustainer (Amalaki”>. One of the reasons it is revered is because it contains five of the six rashas or tastes (bitter, pungent, sweet, astringent and sour”>—the only taste it is missing is salty. This is important because a balanced meal should contain the six tastes to cultivate wellness.

Amla is a natural ingredient good for the pitta dosha (constitution type”>, amla also reduces hair loss and prevents premature graying. Pitta is one of the three doshas the others being vata and kapha. Doshas can roughly be described as body, mind and spirit types. The pitta dosha lives in the small intestine, stomach, sweat, blood, plasma and sebum. Amla is good for pitta dosha because it is cooling while the natural inclination of a pitta dosha is to be hot.

The Phyto-Nutrients in Amla

Indian Gooseberry consist mostly water—as much as 80%. It contains vitamins (a rich source of vitamin C”>, minerals such as iron; protein, carbohydrates and fiber. The vitamin C it contains is important because it is a necessary part of the synthesis of collagen. Amla fruit contains about 20 times more vitamin C than our usual source, the orange. Collagen helps keep the cells of the body together, improves the condition of hair, nails and skin and renews cell growth. Amla is rich in antioxidants and in polyphenols.

Amla Cures

• Improves memory, brain function and thinking capacity
• Detoxifies the system
• Rejuvenates body
• Improves vision
• Boosts immunity
• Supports heart, liver, lung and bone health
• Balances stomach acids
• Improves mental disorders
• Useful during pregnancy and lactation
• Indicated for scurvy

Herbal Actions

Amla is a tonic, rejuvenator, astringent, aphrodisiac, laxative, refrigerant and stomachic.

Amla for Beauty

• Good for the skin and hair, improves elasticity
• Hair becomes more pliable, vibrant and strong with use of the oil
• Amla conditions and strengthens the hair
• Prevents scalp infections and disorders that lead to hair loss
• Prevents premature graying
• Helps hair and fingernails grow
• IImproves sheen in the hair

Amla can be eaten or consumed as a drink or taken in capsule form as an internal treatment for all conditions mentioned. It can also be applied topically as a shampoo, conditioner, or fixed oil to reap beautifying benefits.

So the pundits say the recession is officially over. Sadly, however, your cash flow is a little low. But just because your budget is limited, it doesn’t mean your hair has to suffer. There are simple ways that you can easily fit haircuts, colors, and styling products that won’t break the bank. With these tips your hair you will be able to keep your curls fabulous while still staying within your budget!

Trim

If you need a haircut, or just a trim to hold you off until you have the cash flow for the next cut, don’t shy away from beauty schools. Yes I know, I know, you hear the words “beauty school” and the voice in your head lets out a shriek. Fear not, though—I thought the same thing when I first went to a beauty school to get my curls cut. In all actuality, though, these people are training to become your stylists in the future. I absolutely LOVE going to the Regency Beauty Institute here in Austin to get my hair cut.

I was a little skeptical at first, thinking, “Well, I don’t think they know how to cut curly hair” but I was DESPERATELY in need of a haircut. So I took my curly-haired friend Bianca with me to get her hair cut, also. We absolutely LOVED our cuts! When I first made our appointments, I asked for students who were learning to cut curly hair.

The school looked like a salon. Our stylists greeted us at the reception area, where we were led to the back to have our hair shampooed. Once you are in the chair, there is a consultation between you, your stylist and the head instructor. You explain what you want and what you’d like for your hair to do. The instructor asks your stylist what she thinks she should do with the cut, then the instructor either approves or provides guidance about what your stylist needs to do.

From there your stylist starts the cut; the instructor comes by from time to time to check how everything is going. Now, if there is something that you don’t like, the instructor will fix it for you. The process is lengthy, but that is to ensure that your cut will be exactly what you want. The great news about this is that because you are willing to let these students learn and practice with your hair, you don’t have to pay a high price for a cut or a trim.

As an extra bonus, they do salon pedicures and manicures for the school price— now that’s something I could get used to.

Here’s a this tip is for those of us who have bangs and trim them in between visits to the salon. You can learn to cut your own bangs. Yes, kind of scary—but with a good pair of shears or a razor to feather out your bangs (you can get a good pair from a beauty supply store for around $7″> and a couple of instructional videos, and you will become a expert of trimming your bangs in between cuts. First place I look when I want to get tips on how to cut my bangs, is ehow.com. This site offers instructional videos and directions on everything you may need to know how to do. I use this site quite often for tips on trimming my bangs. You can also look to YouTube for inspiration also. The trick when trimming your bangs in to do things slowly. When trimming your bangs, remember, you can always cut your hair shorter.

Color at Home

Color your hair in the comfort of your home. A salon coloring will seriously put a strain on your wallet, and if you’re not looking for anything dramatic, you can color your hair at home.

You may think you may not get salon quality color—wrong! A new hair color line called “Perfect 10” — you can buy it at almost any drugstore—has been reviewed to be one of the best at home colors on the market. This formula gives you salon quality at less than the salon price.

Adding some highlights? Well, since we have curly hair, we don’t have to worry about messing up highlights. As always, take your time. With our curly hair, highlights are not as risky as it is with straight hair. Grab thin pieces of random hair to where you would like to see your highlights. Work by sections, starting with the bottom sections and work your way up. If you don’t feel absolutely confident on highlighting your hair by yourself, check ehow.com to pick up some tips to boost your confidence.

Shop Smart

Products, you know you need them and there’s some quality products featured on CurlMart that are affordable and make your hair work for you. I like to use Elucence Moisture Benefits shampoo and Moisture Balancing Conditioner. They are affordable products made for curly hair. I like to then add some Curl Keeper. You can use a leave-in conditioner or a silk serum to tame frizziness. Then I use some Shine and Define from Oyin. This is a great coconut-scented definition cream that is a great deal for $11. For drying my hair, I splurged just a little and bought the Hand Dry Gloves, but these gloves are well worth the $22. The gloves are the best things I’ve ever used to dry my hair. The gloves tame my frizzies and leave my product intact and my curls defined.

So I’ve shared the 3 tips that have kept me on my financial course throughout my college years of surviving on ramen. These are three most important tips that anyone can use whether you’re on a budget or just trying to save up for that cute pair of shoes you just have to have! Hopefully these tips will save you some money and maybe even some grief—just enough to get you to the next holiday.

Q: I just turned 25 and have spotted about 6 silver hairs on the right side of my head. It’s freaking me out!! Can anyone tell me if this is normal? I’m too young to get grey hairs!!

Both of my parents only started to go grey in their forties, my dad only his late forties, so I am not sure the about genetics argument. Remedies?

Jonathan: It is quite normal to spot the odd grey hair at a young age. There are many theories as to what causes hair to turn grey—stress, heredity, and simply the aging process. At times your hair will grow in grey, and other times it will just fade from roots to ends. If your natural hair colour is dark, then it will be very easy to spot any grey hairs as they are shiny and will show immediately even if there are only one or two. Some grey grows in so coarse and wiry and is very resistant even to the strongest hair colour formula. My advice is first, do not to stress about this new change. If you have fewer than five grays’ showing, it may be more convenient to just pluck them out. If not, then be prepared to embrace the world of hair colouring. There are several options available for successful hair colouring, but I would strongly recommend seeking personal, professional advice from a qualified, licensed hairstylist.

Q: Since I’m a skier and a horseback rider, I wear helmets pretty often. I’m growing out my layered hair. My shorter layer, which is about chin length, never stays in a low ponytail that I wear under my helmets, and my hair just looks plain ratty, flat, and chaotic when I take my helmet off. I try to use clips, but they don’t stay in place well. I know helmet hair is fairly unavoidable, but do you have tips that may help my situation? I hate taking my ski helmet off in the eating area because I’m so self-conscious of my helmet hair!

Jonathan: Many of the worst hair style disasters are caused by hat head or helmet head. This common problem inspired me to create one of my favorite products called Tweek. Tweek will rebuild broken hairstyles quite effectively. Tweek is a hairspray in a cream form and is ideal for curly hair, as regular hairspray does not quite work for curly hair. Tweek is not greasy, waxy, or sticky. Tweek dries clean and supports your style without the look and feel of having product in your hair. Fixing the curly hair problems that are caused by helmet head is all about rebuilding support at the root area. So simply rub Tweek between your palms or fingers, and create movement with your hands at the root area, followed by scrunches towards the ends. This movement provides volume, and Tweek will hold and support all of the volume you created. This wonderful product will easily fix flat spots, cowlicks and pony tail elastic demarcations.

Q: What is porosity and what does it have to do with anything? How do I tell what my hair’s porosity is?

Jonathan: Porosity is the ability of hair to absorb moisture, which is the most important factor in the styling and conditioning of curly hair. Moisture balance determines whether or not you are having a good hair day or a bad hair day. Preventing successful hair colouring from becoming a disaster also depends on your hair’s porosity. The same concerns affect the moisturizing and conditioning treatments for curly hair. Some curls dry in minutes and others can take hours to dry. To find out how porous your hair is, try to determine how long it takes your hair to dry—porous hair will take longer. Curly Hair Solutions products have been developed to work with all types of curly hair. Each product is carefully Ph balanced to correct and maintain the harmony of great curly hair.

Q: My hair is dark brown thick and curly. I reside in Florida so the rain and humidity never end. I received a really bad haircut, the worst I have ever had 1 yr ago and there are no knowledgeable salons in curly hair near me. I have learned the hard way! I also received a horrible dye job 6 months ago again they did not know how to handle curly hair. I would like to have burgundy highlights all over. Would that be in style considering it’s all about dark natural hair right now? Also would it look ok on a 25-year-old working in a chiropractic clinic? If so how could I do this?

Jonathan: As your previous experience has taught you, not every hairstylist knows or even likes or appreciates curly hair. You may have to undergo a series of interviews before you find a hairstylist that you believe in. Doing research is the key, and consultations should always be readily available—even free—before making a commitment. You should try to learn how to style your hair yourself by using the right products with the proper techniques and instructions so that your curls can be at their best. That is what Curly Hair Solutions’ primary goal is. When you become the master of your own curls, the haircut will become secondary. Curly Hair Solutions has proved hundreds of times that you can’t always rely on a haircut to achieve great bouncy frizz-free curls. Many people have to be convinced to let their hair grow out longer before their hairstyle can reach its ultimate potential. I can also give you the same advice about finding the correct, most qualified colorist. Every season brings with it certain colour choices. With the latest vamp trends, deeper, cooler, and darker tones are now mainstream. However, your hair colour must blend in with your skin tones to help you achieve a more glamorous look.

Q: My hair is a 3b and 2a in the front and the rest is 3b. My hair is very soft and I love my curls, but my hair doesn’t seem to shine ever. I need help with some products that will help give my hair some shine. & by the way my hair is black with brown highlights.

Jonathan: Shiny hair is caused by light reflection. The reason that straight hair has more shine than curly hair is that the hair cuticles of straight hair lie in a flat position, making it easy for the light to reflect off of. Curly hair cuticles are naturally more open, and make it more difficult to reflect light and shine. Using Curl Keeper will control all frizz by drying the hair cuticles in a closed position, which will always result in frizz-free curls with tons of shine – a simple, but very effective remedy. In addition, clean hair shines more easily than coated hair. It helps when you use artificial hair colours that reflect light. (Dark colours are shinier than light colours, and warm colours are shinier than cool colours”>

Learn more about and ask questions of Torch and our other columnists.

Often when looking for a “natural” hair conditioner or hair growth aid, we turn to the herbal kingdom. As we go through our herbal options a plant that quickly comes to our attention is horsetail. This article explores the beneficial qualities of horsetail as a health and beauty aid.

Horsetail Background

Horsetail is a member of the Equisetaceae family. The type used in cosmetics and shampoos most often is Equisetum arvense L. Horsetail has many colorful folk names including scouring rush, corncob plant, horsetail grass, shavegrass, pewterwort and bottle brush. The Latin root equus, meaning horse, and seta, which means bristle, come together to form part of its botanical Latin name. Its common name “horsetail” refers to the herb’s thin, branchlike leaves which in some ways are similar to the hair of a horse’s tail. It is called scouring rush because the durable plant can be used as a natural scouring aid for pots, pans and pewter, as well as in refining some forms of art as a natural sandpaper.

Horsetail descends from the huge, tree-like plants of the Paleozoic era some 400 million years ago. Closely related to ferns, horsetail is a non-flowering weed found throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It is perennial plant, with hollow stems and shoots reminiscent of asparagus.

To prepare horsetail for use, the young shoots are harvested in the early spring and dried; it is also tinctured or even eaten, prepared like asparagus. As horsetail dries, silica crystals form in the stems and branches, lending the herb its scouring ability. Later in the year, horsetail levels rise significantly and then it can be an irritant to the kidneys.

Horsetail has a venerable history in Herbalism traced back to ancient Rome and Greece where it was used to stop bleeding, heal ulcers, hemorrhoids, wounds and to treat tuberculosis, anemia, as well as kidney ailments. As a traditional European folk remedy, horsetail has been used as a diuretic to reduce swelling and fluid retention. Horsetail is approved by the German Commission E as a diuretic. Horsetail is used to treat bladder infections and incontinence as well as bed wetting. This is because internal use of the herb reduces the urge to urinate. Horsetail is used to treat osteoporosis, kidney stones, urinary tract inflammation and as a topical wound healer. Horsetail has been recommended by some herbalists as a treatment for tumors and certain cancers.

Horsetail: the Health and Beauty Aid

Key to our concerns here with naturally curly hair and skincare treatments is the silica and minerals contained in horsetail. Horsetail stems are imbued with ample silica and silicic acids; in fact, it contains the most silica known in the plant kingdom. Silica forms collagen, a protein found in the skin, bones, cartilage, ligaments and connective tissues. Silica also helps bind protein molecules to many tissues in the body. The silica content helps strengthen weak, brittle, damaged hair, giving it vitality and shine with regular use.

There is a high mineral level as well including potassium, selenium and manganese. The saponins and flavonoids it contains help the skin regenerate, improving elasticity of skin and hair, promoting hair growth. Since bone, hair and fingernails require high mineral levels, horsetail is taken as a tea, tincture or applied topically as shampoo, conditioner, soak or healing balm. As a healing balm, it is used in many treatments for pattern balding.

Those with very dry hair should take note: Horsetail has a powerful antiseptic property which means excessive use could further dry out your hair. On the other hand, the astringent herb helps eliminate excessive oiliness for those with oily scalps, and also aids in removing styling product build up. Used in shampoo and conditioner horsetail is a useful remedy for dandruff, eczema, psoriasis and other troubling skin ailments. Because it promotes circulation, horsetail assists in nourishing and strengthening hair follicles.

Using Horsetail

Many shampoos, conditioners and hair growth aids contain horsetail extract. To create your own hair rinse:

2-4 teaspoons dried horsetail

Cup of boiled water

Add the horsetail to a cup of boiled water (still hot but not boiling”>. Let steep 15-20 minutes; strain; cool. Rinse through hair and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and style as usual. You can also strain and drink this tea warm 2-3 times per day with honey. Taking the tea internally is believed to help the hair, skin and nails the same way as applying topically.

Contraindications

The German Commission E monograph suggests using only 6 grams of the herb per day for internal use. Excessive topical use can cause dermatitis. A 2 teaspoon tincture can be used (10 ml”>, 3 times per day. Horsetail is generally considered safe provided the Equisetum arvense species is used. Equisetum palustre, for example, contains toxic alkaloids that are well-known livestock poisons. Horsetail is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. Certain drugs may interact with horsetail as well. The crude form of the herb may destroy the B vitamin thiamine unless it is refined in a way to prevent this from happening.

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About the Author: Stephanie Rose Bird (BFA, MFA”> is an herbalist and aromatherapist based in the Chicago area. She is also the author of several books including the recently released “Big Book of Soul: the Ultimate Guide to the African American Spirit” and “A Healing Grove: African Tree Remedies and Rituals for Body and Spirit”.

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