Search Results: Irma Garcia
May is Mental Health Awareness month, and beyond this month more and more people are realizing that the mind can become ill as easily as catching a cold. There should be no stigma about it—specifically in households of color that believe mental illnesses are not a “thing.”
I grew up in a traditional Latin household, where depression was fixed with cleaning and staying busy. Mental illnesses were an “excuse” people used, and possibly a consequence of thy sins, but what isn’t understood is that genetics, biological disorders, and stress are the root of the matter. I dealt with mental illness as a teen, and still, it occasionally creeps up into my life as a young adult. As a developing teenager and curly girl, I was, of course, fixated on my aesthetic appearance, and I began to notice that my hair was thinning and falling out due to stress. Family issues and the pressures of school (in and out of the classroom”> were beginning to take its toll.
Studies have shown that stress—emotional and physical—is a massive power of destruction, and can affect something so small as the hair follicles on our head to our overall health.
Keeping our cool isn’t the only savior of our tresses. There are many other factors that can affect hair, such as personality disorders and genetics. The most common diseases are depression, anxiety, OCD, trichotillomania (impulse control disorder”>, and unhealthy eating behaviors.
Stress and Anxiety
Anxiety is the result of long-term stress, and can cause large clumps of hair to weaken and fall out suddenly or later on. These large bunches can add up overtime and make some people go bald, if the issue is not treated.
Besides taking a nap, exercising, or taking time to oneself to recharge, drinking tea can serve as a great home treatment due to its tranquilizing ingredients. Although, this doesn’t replace seeing a doctor for a proper diagnosis, if the problem persists. This test can help in determining if anxiety and stress is becoming a problem.
Biological disorders
OCD (obsessive compulsion disorder”>, bipolar disorder, and trichotillomania (impulse control disorder”> are some of the diseases that can cause hair loss, directly or indirectly.
Hair-pulling is a behavior usually associated with OCD, and can ultimately damage hair follicles that will block the restoration of new hair growth.
The other disorders indirectly cause hair damage and hair loss due to the medications—antidepressants, beta-blockers, mood stabilizers, etc—needed to address the symptoms.
According to a study done at Ohio State University College of Medicine, omega-3 supplements can naturally aid in the case of anxiety and depression, when taken on a regular basis or added to one’s daily diet.
Hair growth and health restoration does not happen overnight, but addressing life’s stressors and disorders can aid the timeframe in which it goes back to normal or close to it.
All of these issues can really affect one’s health and hair, which in turn can lessen our confidence and self-esteem. It is important to tackle any and all illnesses as soon as possible, that way the areas we love and care for don’t suffer.
Always remember, you are loved.
Does your disorder affect your hair? Share your story with us on Facebook.
For more stories on how we are raising awareness during Mental Health Awareness Month, sign up for the Naturally Curly Newsletter!
It is no surprise that in this digital age, our children are as connected to technology as we are. There are consequences to inhaling media daily, whether it be surfing the internet, watching television, playing video games, or having our headphones glued in. Media has its pros and cons, and it is our individual responsibility to assess its benefits and pitfalls according to our separate lifestyles.
In order to know how to become good digital parents, we have to know the benefits and disadvantages of all media—YouTube, social media, messaging apps, television, music, podcasts, news platforms, etc.—to construct a positive foundation in ourselves, as well as our children. Promoting media awareness is vital in order to implement learned behaviors that can positively impact the physiological and psychological systems of children and teens. This concern is a very important one because what we allow our children to consume and how we influence them will determine who they become as adults and how they contribute to society.
The children are unequivocally our future.
Several studies support the aforementioned statement of media having its good and bad side, so let’s begin to differentiate the sides of this division.
According to a study by by Wright JC, Huston A and Lawrence on the effects of educational television viewing of lower income preschoolers on academic skills, school readiness and school adjustment one to three years later, there is a relationship between learning and watching YouTube or television shows. For example, studies show that Sesame Street improves the reading and learning skills of toddlers, just as many other television programs or YouTube channels. They concluded that shows that are dedicated to relay educational messages serve as an influential teaching device given the fact that every child has a unique learning style, and not many can stay focused on just reading or listening to someone talk.
Although, if show-watching goes unguided, the risks of addiction and consuming unfiltered information presents itself. Based on academic journal, Cyberpsychology and Behavior, excessive watching of any show, especially non-educational ones, can contribute to childhood obesity, unfavorable academic performance, negative behaviors, and detrimental consuming habits of media. Ultimately, it boils down to balance. The yin and yang of media viewing habits. According to a research study by Pediatrician Strasburger, one to two hours of daily unregulated show watching has a significant adverse effect on a child’s development.
The technological method by which a child consumes media can be a destructor, because it is still a channel through which advertising and popular culture embeds itself into a child’s life. Marshall McLuhan, professor and author of The Medium is the Message, stated that technology has the power to shape us, especially children who are still developing and molding their voice, habits, and personality.
However, if we keep things in perspective, we can conclude that technology is growing and becoming a part of our life, therefore parents do not have the same amount of influence as what is channeled through technology.
Dr. Jim Taylor, adjunct faculty at the University of San Francisco, suggests four questions in his Raising Generation Tech: Preparing Your Children for a Media-fueled World parenting book, to determine the influence of media in your child’s life:
- How often are your children immersed in technology?
- What is the quality of content to which they are exposed?
- To what degree do you provide limits and guidance in your children’s interactions with technology?
- How much counterbalancing exposure do your children get from positive influences and experiences?
This outline can serve as a rubric to evaluate the influence of media your child is consuming daily, and to determine if their favorite shows are raising them, or you.
Has a YouTuber or show become more powerful in your home?
Let us know how you ensure what your child is consuming through technology in the comments.
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Have you ever felt restless or angry due to social media? Or maybe felt that you were able to become more outgoing because of it?
The idea of using this platform to connect to like-minded people still rings true, although it can come at the expense of involuntarily feeling the full spectrum of human emotions. It can cause us to become addicted, compare ourselves to others, and possibly unhappy. We never really think about how our brain is processing the endless stream of information it’s taking in.
There are many pros and cons to this method of communicating, but here are three of the top results that surveys and studies prove common.
Self-comparison
Social media often portrays distorted images of users, and chances are they are not posting about their shortcomings. Seeing posts about people’s accomplishments, trips, awards, etc., under certain circumstances, has proven to be linked with mental health problems. Social media as a whole is not the culprit, rather it’s the type of browsing that can develop feelings of inadequacy and jealousy. According to researchers, Nesi and Prinstein, depression is linked to using social media for comparison and feedback. Self-comparison can trigger a sense of envy and loneliness, which in turn causes social media use to be maladaptive, which leads us to restlessness.
Restlessness
Monitoring someone excessively on social media (or spending too much time on it”> can cause anxiety, which either leads to depression or what researchers call, “FOMO,” fear of missing out. This also results in unexplained mood swings, particularly towards the bad end of the spectrum, and inadvertently leads to being less productive. Have you ever not accomplished your to-do list because you spent too much on your favorite social media site?
It’s not all cons though, when social media is used in moderation and with right intentions, there is also a bright side of things.
Connectivity and socialization
Being able to connect and stay connected with family and friends promotes positive emotions of relevancy. Knowing that someone cares for you and being able to express yourself freely preserves one’s self-worth. According to The British Psychological Society, people with low self-esteem have found that they rise from a mood slump when connecting with like-minded individuals online, which in turn creates a feeling of self-affirmation. Who doesn’t like being thought of by family and friends? Or knowing many out there care about the same things you do? It’s a great feeling indeed.
Social media can definitely promote positive results and a general well-being when there are instances of positive feedback and displays of inclusion. Heavy social media users aren’t necessarily all low self-esteem people or addicted. Research conclusions from the Journal of Computer‐Mediated Communication state that there are many who are naturally outgoing and satisfied with their lives.
This phenomenon of communication definitely presents positives and negatives. It is not the system as a whole, rather the particular unhealthy behaviors that can result in self-comparison and feedback seeking. When used with the right mindset, social media can offer multiple physical benefits, as well as boost our psychological health.
How do you feel when you use social media?
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Have you ever left a hair salon unsatisfied and looking worse than how you went in? Or have you ever had to travel long-distances to get your cut right or laid by someone. That’s been most of us at least once, but hey, the struggle is no longer real according to two business-savvy entrepreneurs that had women of color in mind. Jihan Thompson, former magazine editor, and Jennifer Lambert, former corporate lawyer, noticed that there were countless beauty apps, but none that catered to Black and Hispanic women’s needs. This was the genesis moment that led the game-changing duo to take the entrepreneurial lead, and create something that was desperately needed: Swivel.
This booking app is designed to assist women of color in New York City find the right hairstylist for their specific needs, whether it be for natural or relaxed hair.
Swivel is meant to streamline the searching process and cut down the time it takes to find what you’re looking for. The app opens with three options to narrow down your search: desired service, hair type, and city. You can select anything from an in-home styling, a twist out, or a wash & go; the options are limitless. The hair type drop down menu ranges from naturally curly to relaxed to transitioning, which allows for as much inclusivity as possible.
Hair is an integrated part of Black and Hispanic culture, yet the beauty and hair industry is built around the Caucasian experience. “Women of color can’t just walk into any salon and get their hair done,” says Jennifer, therefore it makes sense to create something that connects women of color with their own. “Black woman beauty needs matter!” states Jihan.
Jennifer and Jihan personally go to the salons that want to partner with Swivel before they add it to their database. There are currently 35 vetted salons and around 100 stylists, with over 100 user-generated reviews that are based on the stylist, wait time, type of hair, type of style, and experience.
Market research firm, Mintel, projects the black haircare industry to grow up to $761 million this year, and mainly due to social media. “Social networking is one avenue that has helped to garner trust, empowerment, individuality, and pride as it relates to haircare. Brands have been born and re-born using social networks,” states Mintel analyst, Tonya Roberts.
This beauty app is already seeing a dramatic increase every month. “The conversion rates were slower in the beginning but there is more and more growth every month,” says Jennifer.
We wanted to be a main resource for women and make it easier for women of color to have great hair days everyday
The app is currently servicing Black and Hispanic women in the New York City area, but Swivel founders are in the works of taking this beauty experience nationwide (so not to fear, it well get to everyone soon!”> by the end of this year!
If you don’t live in the New York City area, you can search our Salons page for salons that have been reviewed by NaturallyCurly community members.
Is finding a stylist still a challenge for you?
The natural hair and beauty movements have come with a force–and it’s looking like it is here to stay.
There is a plethora of ingredients in nature that aid our inner and outer health. Many of nature’s finest beauty ingredients hail from Central America. With the abundance of information regarding ingredients, we decided to encapsulate the hair and skincare beauty ingredients from Central America that offer the most benefits.
1. Acai
This is a grape-like fruit from the acai palm, originally found in Brazil. It can also be found in select countries in Central America. The beauty of this plant is its high antioxidant quantity, thereby making it a popular ingredient for anti-aging cosmetic products. Although, you can receive the same results by just adding the fruit to your diet, and not just as a topical product. Acai berry oil is 100% pure, natural, and cold-pressed, so you can receive the sum total of benefits from the fruit in this form.
2. Jackfruit
This small powerhouse contains endless nutritious benefits for your health due to it being rich in vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, fibers, fat, protein, and carbs. This Central American native is a triple-threat because not only does it aid in healthy living, but the seeds benefit the hair and skin, too. Its antioxidant properties fight wrinkles, prevents acne, lowers oil production, soothes sunburned skin, depletes blemishes and hyper-pigmentation to give a bright and glowing complexion. Hair growth and frizz prevention are also boosted with the consumption of jackfruit seeds.
3. Cashew fruit
This isn’t only one of the best beauty ingredients from Central America; it is also one of the healthiest to add to your diet. A Brazil native also found in Costa Rica, this fruit is known to be high in fiber and lowers high cholesterol. It also has skin benefits because it contains antioxidants, vitamin C, and minerals which aid in preventing premature aging and skin cancer.
4. Red Mangrove Extract
This little powerhouse is said to have stronger potency than vitamin C in terms of dealing with the effects of aging. Dr. Hevia, founder of Hevia Cosmetic Dermatology states, “The skin can be safeguarded and cellular health can be promoted the same way the mangrove plant protects itself from harsh elements.” Red mangrove is an antioxidant that soothes and heals the skin while protecting it from aging, as well.
5. Cocoa butter
This is probably the most famous on the list. This multipurpose beauty powerhouse is derived from cocoa beans, which are native to Latin America, specifically Central and South America.
It is mainly known for skin moisturizing and avoiding stretch marks. It contains two top antioxidant ingredients that your skin can never get enough of—polyphenol and flavonoid. Flavonoids are in charge of gathering cell-damaging free radicals, and polyphenol is in charge of fighting against ultraviolet radiation, so with these two compounds, you will definitely have a great defense team. P.S. Cocoa butter can also be used on your hair and scalp as a pre-poo treatment or simply to tame fly-aways.
6. Chikoo
Mainly found in Mexico or Belize, just like all of the above ingredients, it contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals with some nifty hacks. One, for example, uses the chikoo plant to produce a milky sap that can be used to remove fungal growths on the skin, such as warts. It also has advantages for the hair, such as promoting growth, removing dandruff, and moisturizing curly hair.
There are a ton of great beauty ingredients from Central America that are known to provide beautiful skin, healthy hair, and overall health benefits. With these powerhouses available, there is no reason not to look your best!
After generations of internalized oppression and colorism reinforced by slavery and colonialism, we were told that all things associated with our blackness was synonymous with ugliness, which certainly includes kinky, curly hair.
There is no such thing as good or bad hair.
Whether you rock it curly, straight, in a bun, in cornrows, in braids, or in twists, a hairstyle should not be used to define you. Hair is what we make of it, even if we cannot neglect real-life discrimination and hate against the natural hair community.
Deciding to go natural is making a life-transforming decision–it tends to revolutionize your train of thought, your political views about the world, and most importantly, how you view yourself.
The root of the ‘good hair’ vs. ‘bad hair’ debate
In order to understand natural hair from a sociological standpoint, we have to take it back to how ‘good hair’ vs. bad hair’ happened. During the times of colonization, slavery not only involved enslaving Africans against their will, but also decades of raping women. This created a caste of mixed race slaves, also known as mulattoes. The favor they received due to their Europeanized aesthetic features inherently caused the darker slaves to grow envious and angry toward their lighter-skinned brothers and sisters. Essentially, this led to a deep-seeded internalized hatred of their ‘bad’ African features such as having dark skin, a wide nose, round lips, wide hips, a round butt, and coarse, kinky-textured hair.
We spoke to Christy Martinez, founder and visionary of C. Divinity Productions. The proud AfroLatina does not allow her self-esteem or hair to be victimized by anyone else’s views and here, she explains how ‘good hair’ to the Black community is what ‘pelo bueno’ is to the Latino community.
What Pelo Bueno means to the Latino community in the U.S.
Pelo bueno is a term used among many Latinos of African descent to describe having hair that is perceived as manageable, long, silky, and straight. There are many Latinos who have the stereotypical ‘pelo bueno’ while the others who do not have concocted various ways of attaining it, many of them dangerous and unhealthy.
For centuries, people with any sort of kink in the texture of their hair relied on chemical relaxers, texturizers, hot combs, irons, and blow dryers to achieve straighter hair. This long history of labeling hair as good or bad is part of the systemic denial and alienation of our African lineage. After generations of internalized oppression and colorism reinforced by slavery and colonialism, we were told that all things associated with our blackness was synonymous with ugliness, which certainly includes kinky, curly hair.
I remember how good it felt to be real to myself, to have made the choice to not only stand up to my family, but to everyone who had ever thought nappy was not happy. I felt like a woman–a black woman–when I once felt like a nobody who faded into the background. Going natural rewarded me with my womanhood: I looked in the mirror and saw who I really was and for once in my life, I felt genuine.
Perming my hair for so long felt like a self-inflicted act of hatred.
It was as if I was paying a stylist to turn my hair into an open-ended apology letter to racism and internalized oppression, when in reality I was never sorry for being black, I was proud. In a society that has systematically denied me access to my African roots, I have found an open window by going natural. Releasing my attachment to the chemical process that made me look more convenient, likable and, in essence, white, helped me release the preconceived notions society had set for me–the same notions that have trapped my people for centuries.
My ‘fro is a historical act of resistance due to its popularity during the Civil Rights Era and the Black Panther movement.
That’s why I feel so much judgment when I unapologetically walk down the street in my active ‘fight the power’ vibes because people do not like to be reminded of the darkness of our past and an afro stands tall and proud, no shame at all.
Finding the goddess in me
Once I made the decision to cut off my chemically processed hair and allow my natural hair to grow, I felt a weight of shame, guilt, self-hatred and resistance shed. I’ve found the goddess within by killing the demons that once ruled my self-image. It has made me appreciate life and nature. In re-growing my hair I’ve realized how much I am like plants and animals, in need of love, light, and water for sustenance.
Ultimately, my curly, kinky, in-your-face ‘fro has made me see myself for who I really am: a beautiful, wise, gifted soul looking for adventure and freedom. I may never be able to control the ignorance of others, but I can control my own. In doing so, I have decided to affirm every day that I am not my hair, I am not this skin, I am the soul that lives within.
Follow Christy on Instagram @afrolatinadivina
Is it safe to use coconut oil for my baby’s hair?
From your kitchen to your skin to your hair, coconut oil has an array of different uses (if only it worked on bills, too”>. But is it safe to use on the little ones?
Yes, it is!
Coconut oil is derived from the fruit of the coconut tree. If left unrefined and unprocessed, its health benefits are endless, even for the minis.
The universal ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, coconut oil is baby and toddler-friendly although they do not require much of it. Understand that your child’s skin, hair, and body are still fragile in the early growth stages and cannot take the same amount of ingredient dosage as we can. Watch out for excessive dryness and irritation on your baby’s scalp and skin before application on a regular basis. Do keep an eye out for how your child reacts as some curlies, including Naptural85, have had negative reactions to coconut oil. If this is true for your child, try using grapeseed oil as an alternative.These are some of the top uses for coconut oil on young children:
Diaper rash salve
Unrefined coconut oil will soothe your irritated skin without the harsh chemicals in most over-the-counter products.Teething pain reliever
Simply rub a bit of oil onto the aggravated gums to ease teething pain. Coconut oil makes for a safe all-natural toothpaste alternative, safe enough for your little one to use until it’s time for an over-the-counter option.Ear infection
Due to its natural healing properties, coconut oil does wonders when it comes to infections, bruises, burns, cuts and sores. Put a few drops into the ear twice a day to fight the infection to relieve pain.Cradle cap treatment
A teaspoon of oil gently rubbed on your baby’s scalp will moisturize the scalp and gradually reduce the inflammation.Skin moisturizer
Apply a bit of the oil on the skin for deeply moisturized skin and to prevent baby acne and dryness. It can also be used as a body wash for preserving moisture.Products with coconut oil
While pure coconut oil gets all the hype, there are also several products that contain coconut oil in their infant and toddler lines.
California Baby Calendula Cream is a non-greasy, therapeutic lotion that soothes and heals all skin types with any skin condition.
SheaMoisture carries SheaMoisture for Kids, which offer products catering to your child’s unique hair and skin type while delivering simple, safe, and natural ingredients.
Cara B Naturally is specifically formulated to nourish your child’s needs organically and maintaining their natural beauty without harsh chemicals that are found in regular adult products or non-organic baby lines.
Keep in mind, your infant does not require too much work–a simple, soft cleanse with a tad bit of coconut oil will be enough for now.
Do you have any baby-safe product suggestions with coconut oil? Let us know below.
What’s next?
Wondering whether “kids’ products” are really necessary? This is what you need to know.
If you can’t get enough of cute curly kid Farouk James (pictured above”>, here are 10 curly kiddos to follow on Instagram.
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Help–I cannot find the right products for my 3b high density and coarse hair.
For many of us curlies, tending to our tresses can be tricky. There are characteristics that should be taken into consideration in addition curl pattern (and you understand that”>. Hunting for products that will effectively maintain and style your hair can quickly become a full-time job due to the amount of time and effort it takes. NaturallyCurly community member Maya.Pik is in the midst of her search, so she posted this question in our Q&A section:
We recently received this question from NaturallyCurly community member Maya.Pik:I have 3b hair, with medium porosity: high density, coarse width. I cannot seem to find products to my hair. I tried a lot of products, although most I cannot find in my country. Most times I do LOC, which is great, but I need to find the right products (oils, leave-in conditioner, cream”> and also shampoo and conditioner. I use Garnier Fructis right now.
What works for your hair type?
The first step to finding products that work for your Type 3b, coarse, highly dense, medium porosity curls is to understand what types of products work best for those characteristics.
High density
Hair density refers to the amount of strands that are on your head. Having high density curls requires products with heavy oils, milks and butters in order to keep moisture, hydration and definition.
Coarse width
Hair width signifies the thickness of each strands. If your hair is coarse, then you have the widest type of hair which makes it strong and resistant to breakage and damage. You may want to reach for strong hold styling products like gels to keep your curls clumped and defined throughout the day.
Porosity
Hair porosity refers to the ability of your hair to lock in moisture. This is the main indicator when choosing products that are a right fit for your type of curls. Medium porosity curls mean that your hair is normal when it comes to moisture absorption. It looks like you added color to it, which causes hair to be high porosity (unless that was a temporary color like hair chalk”>. If this is the case, then you will want to deep condition to give your hair a moisture boost, and the LOC method is a good routine to be using. Type 3b curls range from tight ‘s‘ shaped ringlets to tighter corkscrews, so to maintain frizz-free, perfectly formed curls, products that have a heavy consistency and a high amount of slip will work highly in your favor.
Products to try
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Made with nutrient-rich vegetable butters that condition and soften the hair without adding weight, this product controls the frizz of coarse, thick strands. It also contains neem oil to smooth down your halo.Jessicurl Hair Cleansing Cream
This ultra-moisturizing co-wash will assist in keeping down the frizz but won’t weigh the natural volume of your curls down.Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment
A conditioning formula with a thick consistency, this treatment is made out of cocoa and shea butters to add some serious moisture and penetration to dry, porous curls.DIY
If curl products are difficult to find where you live, you can always make your own cleanser, conditioner and deep conditioner. Here are some quick and easy recipes that you can make with common household ingredients.
Aloe vera gel
This is a product that you can find at health food stores, and while it is not a hair product, it works exceptionally well on curly hair. Check the ingredients label to ensure that it is pure aloe vera gel with few additives (most products will have some additives to keep the product shelf stable”>. Aloe vera gel can be used in every step of your regimen from cleansing to conditioning to styling, check out all of the ways you can use aloe vera gel on your hair here.
NaturallyCurly world, what would you suggest for this community member?
What’s next?
Not sure what “LOC” refers to? Read LOC Method: The Routine Every Curly Should Know.
If you’re on the search for products, check out the Best of the Best curly hair products, as voted by the NaturallyCurly community.
Not sure what your hair type is? Find out here.
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Today, we have a plethora of naturally curly hair products available to us. However, every curly is made differently–some of us cannot use certain popular products because of their ingredients.
There are several constituents in products–such as nuts, latex, or fragrances–that cause allergies, but thankfully, today there are easily accessible alternatives that will give you similar results.
Here are four substitutions to popular ingredients found in hair products that will still give your mane all the required TLC.Swap out your shea butter for cupuacu butter
If you have a latex allergy, cupuacu butter is a great substitute for shea butter, and since it derives from the seeds of the cupuacu tree, it is also nut free. Cupuacu butter works similarly as shea butter, acting as a sealant, strengthener, and shine restorer. Cupuacu butter is recommended for those with weak and damaged hair in need of vitamins, minerals and proteins. Another great factor is its natural SPF content; if you are getting more than enough Vitamin D in your life, cupuacu butter is your go-to as a hair and skin sunscreen. I personally recommend trying Carol’s Daughter Cupuaçu Anti-Frizz Smoothing Shampoo that is particularly popular for aiding in frizz-free curls–even on colored hair.
Swap out your coconut oil for grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil is an amazing alternative to many people’s favorite: coconut oil. You may even find that you prefer all of grapeseed oil’s benefits over coconut oil. Grapeseed oil has a high amount of omega-6 fatty acids, giving your hair and scalp more than enough moisture and shine. This oil is light enough to use on fine and brittle hair and will aid in the growth of your hair. Plus, it is less expensive than coconut oil!
Swap out your nut products with soap nuts
Soap nuts are the best replacement for naturals with nut allergies because they are basically dried fruit with the same antibacterial and antifungal properties. If you experience hair loss and dandruff, soap nuts act as a natural shampoo because it won’t strip your hair of its natural oils. Shampooing a bit more often is not an issue! Trader Joe’s carries a nut and sulfate free conditioner with soy protein for added shine and strength to your strands. If you haven’t heard about the hype yet, try the Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner with Peppermint and Eucalyptus.
Swap out your castor oil for avocado oil
Avocado oil is recommended for those allergic to castor oil, widely known as a natural hair thickener. Avocado works similarly but is lightweight enough for fine haired
curlies to use. It also contains a great amount of vitamin E, which restores natural luster in each strand. if you are ever in a hurry and need to skip that leave-in conditioner, go right ahead! Similar to the cupuacu butter, avocado oil is also an antioxidant that can protect your hair and skin from harmful UVA and UVB sunrays.Do you have an allergy to a common hair ingredient?
Share your product suggestions below and on the NaturallyCurly Facebook page.
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Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a device that could dry your curls without disturbing the pattern? What if this tool could give you more volume? Well, now there is one.
Memphis native and entrepreneur Ayshia Collier was inspired by her own struggles of obtaining volume in her curls to create a device that could air dry and prop curls at the roots without plugging a cord into an outlet.
“I struggled with my hair for years, like a lot of curly haired women and there was this one problem that didn’t have a real solution,” Collier says. “Curly hair tends to have a good amount of volume but for some, it is flat on top and bigger on the bottom. I stood in my bathroom, frustrated and wishing that I had a device that could lift my roots away from my scalp while they dried. So I thought this definitely doesn’t exist so why don’t I make it so.”
Collier’s device gives individuals the freedom to focus on other activities while air drying and getting volume, and simultaneously depleting the time spent diffusing in front of a mirror.
Did Ayshia always plan on pursuing her curly hair invention as a business endeavor? Not quite.
“I had no plans of becoming an entrepreneur until I moved to Austin four years ago. All the people around me who had the entrepreneurship spirit inspired me. I thought, well if they can do it, then so can I. I started brainstorming on different business ideas and originally planned on starting a scooter rental company. I went back to this hair tool idea that I came up with, when the rental company didn’t pan out.”
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And behold, the curly crown.
This gives every curly girl the convenience of not having to flip one’s hair down, tease and diffuse, and minimizing the hair routine. There is only one roadblock, however: the curly crown isn’t in stock yet due to low funds for manufacturing.
The prototype was actually made out of craft pipe cleaners. It wasn’t functional, but it was enough to get the idea across to the community. Later, Collier was able to afford CAD files and 3-D prints, until an unexpected turn of events happened. A drunk driver hit her when she was riding her moped, but thankfully, Collier walked away with only staples and a neck injury, plus a settlement that helped develop the CurlyCrown.
After the prototype, Collier went through many other drafts and had conversations with designers to make sure it worked properly. Now that the CurlyCrown has been perfected, it needs to be manufactured in order to get it into people’s hands or hair.
In order to raise the necessary funds to get this new invention into production, Collier needs to raise $32,000; each CurlyCrown costs from $300 to $600 to build. The money raised from her Indiegogo campaign will go towards the tooling mold, manufacturing, packaging, shipping, advertising and other miscellaneous costs.
Collier never intended to be a businesswoman in the world of curly hair. She only desires to help every curly girl out there who yearns for big curls full of volume. “I have definitely grown into the entrepreneur state of mind. I know from all of the great feedback and reactions that I’ve gotten that this is something people want just as much as I do. I plan on producing several other hair tools as well; CurlyCrown is merely the beginning.”
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We’ve all experienced the disastrous at-home hair dye job once or twice.
Believe it or not, these all-natural hacks have been proven to do the trick in stripping your unwanted hair color.
While some methods work faster than others, none of these will break the bank or further damage your real hair. It is important to remember that your first trial will not return a natural hair color immediately, therefore patience is just as much of an essential ingredient when creating a homemade remedy.
Baking soda + anti-dandruff shampoo
- Mix equal amounts of baking soda with anti-dandruff shampoo and wash your hair with the mixture.
- Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes then thoroughly rinse out.
- Repeat washing your hair, but this time only with the anti-dandruff shampoo. Leave it in your hair for another 5 to 10 minutes and thoroughly rinse out. The pH level in the anti-dandruff shampoo is what works in your favor to reverse the bad dye job.
- Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner–stripping your hair of its color will also strip it from moisture. Seal with your favorite carrier oil.
Raw lemons + toning conditioner
- Wash your hair normally as you would but let the shampoo sit in your hair for 5 minutes.
- Once that time is up, squeeze the lemon juice onto your hair strands and leave it for another 5 minutes before rinsing.
- Apply some toning conditioner–in the desirable pigment–that will add some of the preferred color to your hair. Repeat for a week.
Coconut oil + dish soap
- Blend the coconut oil with dish soap and use the mixture to wash your hair.
- Lather it up as much as you can and allow it to sit in your hair for several minutes. The suds that the dish soap creates are the main factor to how the dye comes out; the coconut oil is responsible for preventing your strands from experiencing damage from the dish soap.
- After several minutes, rinse it out and follow-up with your favorite moisturizing deep conditioning treatment.
Have you had a bad dye job? Do tell!
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As a product junkie and timeless fan of coconut oil, I have come across some holy grails that never seem to disappoint.
Some curly girls have made a reputation for being product junkies although some of us might plead the fifth. We are always experimenting, trying out different products to get our curls to look like our favorite YouTube Curl gurus. After my fair share of trial and error, I have finally found some trusty holy grails with a common ingredient that never disappoints. Hey, some of us still cannot go wrong with coconut oil.
The following products have aided my type 3 curls in reaching great volume also defining and moisturizing.
DevaCurl Coconut Curl Styler
DevaCurl continues to slay the curly girl market, and aids in the transition of many to go natural. Many of their products are acclaimed winners and have been featured in countless venues.
This product has a great slip, and moisturizes immensely, although, the amount of product needed for the necessary hold varies per person. If you use too much, you run the risk of weighing your hair down because it’s not a lightweight product. If you use a small amount, you might need to reapply throughout the day. The styler creates amazing definition, but the price is pretty high, so although I keep it around, I don’t use it everyday.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
My absolutely, ultimate favorite brand is SheaMoisture, and their award-winning Coconut & Hibiscus line for curls is to die for. The moisture gained from this entire line is amazing. The shampoo has coconut oil, silk protein, and neem oil therefore your hair will receive ultimate moisture and aid in frizz. It is important to rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water to not weigh it down once you get to the conditioner.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner
This conditioner is a holy grail for millions of curly girls. It’s a heavy product with a good slip that restores the shine and definition to damaged curly hair and keeps your hair moisturized until your next washday.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk
For those with high-porosity and coarse curls, this product is for you. The coconut oil and added ingredients create a heavy slip to lock in extra moisture and avoid breakage.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Moisture Mist
My hair likes to get a bit frizzy in-between washdays, so I lightly spritz this mist all over in order to reduce stray-aways and keep it looking fresh.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse
This product is my personal holy grail. My hair is a mixture of thick and fine 3c curls, therefore the less weight I can put on my hair, the better. I love volume, so I mix all of my heavy products with water to lighten the consistency, except this mousse. It’s perfect for fine curls, and its extreme slip and moisture creates beautiful and lasting definition.
Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Style Setter
Camille Rose released a line specifically with coconut water and coconut oil to deeply moisturize curls without weighing them down as most products do. The coconut water allows your curls to expand to their maximum potential while the natural oils keep them defined and tangle-free.
This style setter is a game-changer. Unlike many products, your scalp won’t start itching or getting irritated because you’ve gone several days without washing it. I wash my hair once a week, and this product helps my hair stay moisturized and frizz-free while soothing my scalp until washday.Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Leave-In Treatment
For those with fine hair, this leave-in treatment is a must. Your hair will be protected and conditioned while not being weighed down like other conditioners do. It has a nice slip, but it’s a bit of struggle to get the product out of the bottle, therefore I suggest unscrewing the top when using the product.
Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Penetrating Hair Treatment
This conditioner is an obsession for many, including myself. It has a great slip, and defines and moisturizes curls so that your hair stays tangle-free and shiny. It’s light enough for fine hair, yet can penetrate deeply for those with high-porosity 4a or 4b curls. The only con would be the amount of conditioner to price ratio. Curly girls tend to use a bucket load of conditioner therefore it wouldn’t hurt for CR Naturals to give us a bit more bang for our buck.
As I Am Coconut Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
Co-Wash cleansing conditioners tend to be a hit or miss with many, but when I tried the one from As I Am, I definitely made it my personal co-wash product. The conditioner is light enough to make its way to your scalp and strip away all the dirt and product residue, although, I have to use a lot of it in order to get all of my hair clean, therefore expect to finish it pretty quickly.
The As I Am Co-Wash is light enough for even the finest of hair, but can clean thoroughly without breaking your hair and stripping away natural oils. The coconut oil in the co-wash adds needed moisture to hair, and will keep it defined without flattening your curls.What are your holy grails?
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As curly girls, most of us desire to have textured but frizz-free strands that are shaped perfectly–preferably by a knowledgeable hair stylist who can ensure they will not get destroyed. Sometimes, we even resort to doing our own trimming and chopping because of the fear that a person who claims to be a ‘professional’ will not perform our desired look. A skilled curly hair specialist can make or break a curly girl’s journey to natural.
I spoke with Melbourne’s top curly hair specialist and salon owner, Neel Morley, about how to succeed in the hair industry when focusing on curly hair. Luckily for us at NaturallyCurly, he was more than willing to share a few insider secrets! Here are four things a stylist needs to succeed as a curly hair specialist.
1. A curly education
The owner of Australia’s only curly hair salon, Neel Loves Curls, Neel knows a thing or two about entrepreneurship. Morley started training in England. Next, he attended DevaCurl Academy in New York to focus on mastering the craft of curly hair. There, Neel learned how to shape curls for the most natural appearance. For further training on Afro-textured hair, he relocated to Detroit, then took his skills to a salon in Australia.
It didn’t take long for Neel’s phone to keep ringing off the hook.
Soon enough, he opened his own salon with a schedule booked out three months in advance.
2. A booking system
Neel highly recommends every aspiring stylist to looking into using a booking system. It will allow you to focus on your current clients while not worrying about missing potential ones if you cannot make it to the phone.
3. Social media
Another recommendation Neel had to use social media. All of your handles are a big factor when starting your own business as it is the place you need to show off your skills and gain more traction. In order for potential clients to trust your expertise, they need to see real photos.
4. The right tools
The tools Neel suggests for aspiring stylists with a focus on curly hair:
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Regular hair shears. Insider tip: long blades work better on curly hair.
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Hair dryers. Don’t forget your diffuser attachment!
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Hair clips. Neel’s fave? DevaCurl metal clips.
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Curly hair products. No brainer, but Neel suggests none with ingredients that harm the curls.
Regular hair shears
As you shop around for your hair shears, it is important to buy the ones that are six inches in length and with the sharpest blade you can find. Regular bulky scissors damage hair, so the sharper, the better. Remember: when cutting curly hair, you are layering and lightly cutting off the damaged pieces and shaping it. Therefore, six-inch shears will allow you to reach every end without disturbing its natural state.
Check out the handles of the scissors before you buy them is vital. Besides comfort, you do not want them to freeze up on you in the middle of your haircut. In terms of comfort, you want to be as comfortable as possible while doing your job, and not all scissors eyes are made equally.
Hair dryer and diffuser attachment
Regular blow dryers tend to mess with natural hair patterns, thus leaving curls a frizzy mess. Diffusers, on the contrary, do not disturb curl patterns and adds ultimate volume to flat hair. Remember that when cutting curly hair, it must be done dry, but you never know when a client will ask for shampooing or co-wash, and being able to dry their hair rapidly is important.
Hair clips
Curly prong clips are another essential that work well on curly hair that is wet and needs to dry and gain volume. Clipping hair while diffusing will give the illusion of big hair once it’s dry, thus making a happy customer!
Hair products
It is important to stay cautious of chemicals that can damage hair since curly hair is more prone to frizz than straight hair. Sticking with products that focus on delivering natural ingredients will allow you to provide clean service while aiding your client in having beautiful, healthy hair.
Are you an aspiring curly hair entrepreneur?
Stylists: Here Are 4 Deal-Breakers For Losing Your Curly Client
Are you in Melbourne or traveling there soon? Schedule an appointment with Neel now!
Follow us on Instagram for curly haircut inspiration @NaturallyCurly
Bentonite clay is a natural detoxifying remedy that has been around for centuries due to its multipurpose healing properties for the hair, skin and digestive system.
The two types of bentonite clay are:
- sodium bentonite
- calcium bentonite
For your skin
Sodium bentonite aids in the healing and detoxifying of the skin, and hair. Skin disorders like acne, eczema, psoriasis and chickenpox are continuously treated with this clay because it is hypoallergenic and acts as an antibiotic on the skin. It is especially useful for sufferers of acne. If your skin needs an extra kick during a bad a breakout, use apple cider vinegar instead of water. The mixture can be left on the skin for as long as you desire, although it is best to use before bed because your skin will be a bit red once it’s washed off and your skin will renew overnight.For your hair
Bentonite clay is recommended as a treatment for those who suffer from:
- damaged ends
- itchy scalp
- breakage
- dandruff
- hair loss
For the body
Calcium bentonite works the same way in acting as a magnet when mixed with water by detoxifying your gut. By drinking the food grade clay, you pull the toxins while making its way through the digestive system and attaches to the clay to release it later. It aids in:
- acid reflux
- acidosis
- arthritis
- bacterial infections
- candida
- constipation
- diarrhea
- food poisoning
- heartburn
- nausea
- parasites
- irritable bowel syndrome
There are a few things you need to make sure your clay possesses before adding to your Vitamin Shoppe cart.
- Not all clays are created equal, so check to make sure it is not a cream or white in color.
- The clay should be odorless, soft and smooth.
- Before using the clay, do not let it come in contact with any metal as that can take away from its electromagnetic effects.
- Use a plastic or glass container when pouring the clay out (you can even use your finger to stir it with water”>.
Have you used Bentonite clay before? Would you try it as a facial cleanser, a body detox, or a hair masque?
Let us know in the comment section below.
Although there are so many that have stimulated me in different ways, these Latinx icons are the top ones on my list.
Latin women are usually typecast to be the maids, nannies, cooks, mothers or the fiery, objectified role in movies.
But they are women–intellectuals, artists, scholars and activists. They are the ones who pave the way for their children and grandchildren to have a better life. They are the ones who inspire. Although there are so many that have stimulated me in different ways, these are the top ones on my list.
Frida Kahlo
Kahlo is not seen as a traditional feminist icon to many due to her controversial individuality as an artist, but if you pay close attention to her work, she embodies the key pillar of the movement—being herself. From a young age, she was always against the grain and didn’t follow societal rules. Her viewpoints were in opposition to patriarchal rules of fashion, manners, morals, and gender roles, therefore what about that doesn’t scream feminist? Kahlo did indeed marry a misogynist, but we all saw the pain she went through through her surrealist art expression. For that reason, we should take it as a lesson to only allow those who treat us with the highest respect, love and kindness into our lives.
Jovita Idar
Idar started off her career as a schoolteacher. After leaving that position, she became a journalist at her father’s newspaper, La Cronica, where she wrote about the Mexican Revolution and the poverty of Mexican-American workers. Later on, she formed the Mexican Feminist League, in which she was president as well. Idar is credited for forming the first feminist part in Mexican history–G.O.A.T! Her organization exposed issues regarding civil rights, bilingual education, the lynchings of Mexicans, labor organizing and women’s rights. She was an advocate for Mexicans as a whole but she held the wellbeing of women and children near to her heart. Jovita yearned for the betterment of education in order for Mexican men and Americans to not take advantage of them; she went on to create a free kindergarten center as well as work as a translator at a hospital.
Rosario Castellanos
“Women [should] see all of [our] possibilities in life, to know that we don’t have to live in ominous spinsterhood, a pressured marriage, or mortal solitude.” Castellanos was a poet and a writer; her focus was on politics and the difficulties of being a Mexican woman. She even wrote her thesis for her master’s on Sobre Cultura Femenina, the women’s movement, and is now a literary figure for many feminist scholars. Rosario incorporated women’s images, bodies, voices and texts to feminize her dialogue and create a variety of new messages about the women of Mexico. She describes this process in The Eternal Feminine: “…it’s not good enough to imitate the models proposed for us that are answers to circumstances other than our own. It isn’t even enough to discover who we are. We have to invent ourselves.” Rosario enlightened us all with her literature which helped pave the way for many Latina feminist writers.
Celia Cruz
As an Afro-Latina, it was a given that the Queen of Salsa would be on this list! Cruz broke many racial boundaries and rose to be the La Reina de la Salsa, but she also contributed to the intersectional feminist movement by celebrating Afro-Latina beauty in Latin America, where you see light, fair skin, thin bodies, and straight hair (pelo bueno”> as the epitome of beauty. You can see her praising all Afro-Latinas in her smashing hit, “La Negra Tiene Tumbao,” and making it a body-positivity moment.
Dolores Huerta
Huerta is the true MVP. Known because of her title as co-founder and leader of the United Farm Workers, Huerta’s success is also thanks to getting the Immigration Act of 1985 ratified, and most recently, movement in the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. Huerta has been given 73 honorary doctorates and a Presidential Medal of Freedom for her activist work. But it wasn’t easy; Huerta has been arrested 27 times lobbying for immigrants and farm workers. She is now president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, and was recognized by Hollywood in the film Cesar Chavez, where Rosario Dawson plays the amazing Latin woman.
Selena Quintanilla
Oh, but of course, Selena, La Reina de La Cumbia. She’s the iconic performer who had every young Latinx girl singing her songs in the mirror. Selena helped other Mexican women believe anything is possible; she broke barriers from the Tejano music industry to crossover stardom in the pop industry. To this day there hasn’t been another Latin female performing artist that has touched the lives of so many the way she did in such a short amount of time. #SelenaVive
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe is another Afro-Latina that inspires me and so many others because of her truly unapologetic personality and feminism. Her husband even took her last name (ugh, goals”>. She has addressed gender roles publicly and continues to speak on discriminations in the film industry, body image and society’s gender gap.
Proud Latinas, who has inspired you?
Wrinkles, dehydration, and sagging–residual effects of aging that most women try to avoid; with a plethora of cosmetic products and prescriptions, our choices are countless. Incorporating natural chemicals produced by our own bodies to our hair and skin regimen could be just the extra kick we need.
Dermatologists have long recommended products with hyaluronic acid, also known as HA, to patients due to its moisturizing benefits. It is the lubricating agent for our skin, hair, eyes, and joints. Also, note that by the time we reach our 40s, our bodies produce half the amount of hyaluronic acid that is required to maintain the plumpness and fullness of our skin and hair.
Collagen and HA are the main components that keep our skin healthy and glowing.
Collagen keeps skin firm, while HA keeps it nourished and hydrated. This incredible duo is what aids in slowing down the aging process. Regardless of your skin type, HA is gentle enough for sensitive skin, and amazingly lightweight for acne-prone skin. Hyaluronic acid included in a skincare routine creates a natural barrier that time and radical damage has caused, and will prevent further loss of moisture thus allow you to age gracefully.
It can help you hair, too.
Besides firmer skin, HA will prevent a dry scalp and hair from thinning and eventually falling out. It is recommended for children who suffer from progeria, which causes premature aging, and hair loss, therefore dermatologists believe that it can assist in cosmetic purposes as well.
According to dermatologist Dr. Paradi Mirmirani, hyaluronic acid is similar to a fertilizer because it can increase hair growth and the strand diameter–thicker hair.
According to dermatologist Dr. Paradi Mirmirani, hyaluronic acid is similar to a fertilizer because it can increase hair growth and the strand diameter–thicker hair. It is not only found in topical beauty products, but it can be taken orally as supplements. Some women choose to get it injected in depressed areas. Note that the injections are not permanent and will require more regular maintenance. Dermatologists have not determined whether taking HA orally or applying it topically works better, but adding both methods in our daily routines could create a desirable effect on our skin, hair, and bodies.
Where to find hyaluronic acid
Supplements
You can find supplements on Amazon or VitaminShoppe which offers Hydraplenish Hyaluronic Acid that will not break the bank.
Injectable fillers
If you are in the market for injectable fillers that will achieve the coveted plump look rapidly, do your research into brands like Restylane and Juvederm.
Topical products
If you prefer to avoid needles, consider topical products instead. Peter Thomas Roth VIZ-1000™ 75% Hyaluronic Acid Complex has the highest concentration of HA, therefore getting the quickest results, although it is far from the most affordable option. For a product at a more accessible price point, Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Anti-Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Night Moisturizer is over-the-counter and available at any major drugstore.
Hair products
If you’re looking for a product to add moisture to your scalp and hair, try John Masters Organic Bare Shampoo. It is inexpensive and active ingredients include both HA and jojoba oil.
For an even better deal, L’Oreal Advanced Haircare Moisture Shampoo contains the magic ingredient and will leave your hair feeling hydrated and weightless.
If you’re looking for a quick hair plumper, Davines Replumping Hair Filler Superactive spray will liven up those thinning and limp hair strands to give your curls a more voluminous appearance.
There is a controversy behind why some people choose to wear dreadlocks; here’s why these three defensive statements are just wrong.
Remember when Zendaya appeared at last year’s Oscars with faux dreadlocks?
E! Fashion Police co-host Giuliana Rancic stated that she looked “as if she smelled like patchouli oil and weed”? A viral video from San Francisco State University showed two students in a debate regarding the dreadlocks on the Caucasian individual, Cory Goldstein. The other student, Bonita Tindle, stated that she was simply trying to “collegially provoke thought within the man to critically think about his dreads and the racial implications it has as a non-Black person.” These are just two recent examples of how white supremacy has stepped in to regulate the beauty standards in mainstream media and our society.
There are several reasons why dreadlocks are controversial on a non-black individual but there are three points I believe are most important to reverse when defending dreadlocks.
1. “Dreadlocks are cross-cultural.”
Although dreadlocks have appeared in history since B.C. times to other several cultures in A.D. times around the world—Vikings, Irish, Celts, Greek, Romans—there is a difference in its connotations in the U.S. and why it’s seen disrespectful on those who are not Black. The Civil Rights Movement is exclusive to America, therefore African-Americans have used dreadlocks as a way to resist white supremacy, similarly to how white feminists ‘stick it to the patriarchy’ by not shaving or grooming in order to protest mainstream beauty standards.
2. “It’s not cultural appropriation, it’s cultural appreciation.”
Eh, not really. The difference between the two phrases has been explained enough times, but for the sake of the ones who live under a rock: cultural appropriation is when a dominant culture takes a part of the oppressed culture and instead of receiving negative connotations, there are no negative assumptions or consequences because the individual is part of the dominant culture (a.k.a., the oppressor”>. For example, Caucasians with dreadlocks do not experience discrimination because of their appearance, whereas an African-American with dreadlocks runs the risk of being singled out.
On the other end of the spectrum is cultural appreciation, which is simply when you value an aspect of the culture–or its entirety–without altering or taking it away from the originator. For example, when you see a beautiful bed of exotic flowers, you do not uproot them–you simply take pleasure in their beauty by watering and admiring them.
Ultimately, it is about respecting a method that was formed by a group in order to create a movement within that group. There was no need for white people to create a resistance movement against white supremacy, thus making it unnecessary and disrespectful for them to wear dreadlocks.
3. “Black women appropriate white culture when they dye their hair blonde or wear it straight.”
The Eurocentric beauty standard has controlled the media and society for thousands of years; in order to be accepted, your appearance has to align with what is considered mainstream. This means having straight hair, a narrow nose, a light skin tone, etc. African-American women have to assimilate to not be discriminated against, and be competitive job candidates or high-holding individuals of power in their career. It is not appropriation, it is survival.
You are able to liberate yourself from mainstream beauty standards, but not at the cost of oppressing others, therefore it is important to understand the history of the aspects of different cultures, as well as knowing how to empower yourself without taking what belongs to someone else.
What do you think?
Are you trying to spice up your look this season with some highlights or lowlights by a professional stylist?
You’ve seen your stylist pull out foil for this before, but perhaps you’re stuck on the difference between full foils, partial foils when you look at the service list.
When it comes to full or partial foils, it always depends on the look you are trying to achieve. They are the same as highlights, the only difference is if you want your whole hair highlighted or just a few sections. For example, if you’re trying to change an entire hair color, a full foil is the best decision.
What are foil highlights?
Foil highlights are simply a more precise application, and the processing time is a bit less. Aluminum is a heat conductor–as all metals are–so the foils slightly warm up on their own. This contributes to a color mixture highlighting your hair faster than if there were no type of covering used.
What is a full foil?
A full foil is the highlighting service of your entire hair. All of your hair will be parted into sections in order to place foils all around, especially underneath your hair; usually this consists of 45 to 100 foils. For example, if a brunette is trying to get that beach blonde look, a full foiling service (possibly several services”> would be required.
What is a partial foil?
Unlike the full foiling service, partial foils are only focused on certain sections of your hair. The most common areas that get highlighted are the top half and side sections of your hair. A partial foil will give you a subtle effect, similar to how the sun lightens your hair.
What’s the difference?
If you are trying to attempt a bold look then a full foil would be your best choice, but if a subtler, natural look is the goal, then a partial foil would work best.
Although, full foils is not the only way that you achieve a dramatic look. If you heavily highlight one section of your hair with partial foils, you will be able to save some money and give yourself a bold new look.
Do foils damage the hair?
Any highlighting service can be damaging to your hair if your stylist is not educated and experienced with your type of hair texture. Therefore, it is always important to only make an appointment with a well-researched stylist that you trust and has experience with naturally curly hair.
