Search Results: Jessica Fields
We’re deep into the cooler months and, for naturals, that means just one thing: Silk press season. Like clockwork, social media is a buzz with viral videos toting tips, tricks, and hair flips, among other enticing smoothed styles. Whether it’s a sleek middle part style or bouncy waves, there’s no denying the main character energy ignited with each look.
I can attest firsthand to the freeing feeling that soaping away buildup to emerge with a sleek look brings. My curls are tight and plentiful, but you’d never know as I always wear my hair straight. I’ve gotten my silk press routine down to a T and often opt for a siny bone-straight look. But come wash day, it’s my curls, kinks, and coils that make me smile the most. My silk presses aren’t just a process to straighten my hair. Instead, it’s a reminder of how appreciative I am for my crown full of curls.
Like most Black girls, I grew up wearing ponytails and twists weighted down with bobos and barrets. I have countless memories of sitting between my mom’s knees as she raked through my curls and saturated them with globs of Luster’s Pink Moisturizer, never forgetting to tell me how fast my hair “drinks this stuff up.” At that age, straight hairstyles were reserved for special occasions, like church or school picture day, and were done with a hot comb and thick layers of grease. But as I got older my desire for longer-lasting straight styles increased and I begged her relentlessly for a relaxer.
The answer was always the same flat no so my hair was kept in braids and twists. Her decision to keep my hair natural stemmed from two main issues. First, there were the dangers of perming virgin hair and how doing so too early in the growth process can alter the texture and growth rate drastically. Second, was the financial obligation bi-weekly relaxers came with. But in my senior year of high school, she finally gave in and during my college years, I was devoted to relaxers. It was a weird victory— sure my hair was pin-straight but I couldn’t help but notice it never looked as good nor full as my natural hair roller wraps. I knew I didn’t love the look the perms delivered but I continued to use them for management’s sake. Relaxers meant I could easily style my hair and most importantly, that I didn’t have to worry about it frizzing up.
However, a turning point came when I moved to New York. I didn’t always have the money to get my hair done and had to quickly learn how to do it on my own. This resulted in the ultimate happy accident. I began growing out the years of permed hair. The process was trying, but through it, I gained so much more than a healthy head of hair. I began experimenting with ingredients to help my hair retain moisture and learning different techniques to straighten it. As the months went by, I watched the ragged permed hair slowly grow out, leaving behind loose curls. I’ll admit those first few years were a struggle, seeing just how much my curl pattern had changed. But it also helped me remember what my hair could be. In the years that followed, I learned how to wash, condition, treat, and nourish my hair— and in turn, watched my curls transform from loose and stringy into tight ringletts and coils.
This tale isn’t a new one and has remained a double-edged sword within the natural hair community. Many Black women have experienced vitality after ditching their relaxers but have also felt the sting of natural hairstyling— be it lengthy wash days or product formula inconsistencies. After some time, the fantasy of the big chop and twist-out faze that caused the natural haircare industry boom began to wear off, and women slowly began going back to relaxers. The decision typically led to a familiar crossroads, having to choose between what made sense for your hair and what “looked good.”
Going natural isn’t for everyone, and, at the time, I didn’t think it was for me, either. Despite perming my hair late into my teenage years, straightening my hair was the only style I knew how to do. Before my first relaxer, I’d spent years using electric hot combs, curling irons, and heavy products like curl wax and hair polisher to tame my curls. The result lasted no more than two days and turned my hair into a greasy mess—meaning I’d have to wash and redo my hair sooner rather than later. It ultimately led to heat damage and manipulating my curls.
But getting a perm for the first or 70th time didn’t give me the results I longed for either. After leaving the salon, my hair looked incredibly thin due to how straight it was. I’ve always had very thick hair, so seeing it look flat was disheartening. Even when I settled on curls or a roller set, they never provided the voluminous look I preferred. My new growth was always nice and thick and when I started growing out my perm, I noticed it stayed that way. The fullness I tried so desperately to hide as a child was back and I wasn’t about to make the same mistake.
Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and can easily transform my hair from springy coils to smooth, shiny strands— so much so that most people, including stylists, believe my hair is relaxed. My process involves a lot of conditioning products, clarifying ingredients, and heat protectants. Each layer ensures my curls are deeply moisturized and heavily protected before I begin heat styling. Through it all, I’ve learned to embrace my texture and to lean into the frizzy days. Don’t get me wrong, I love it when my silk press is on point, but I’ve learned to love the days it fades just the same. Seeing my curls revert is the epitome of bliss.
It’s no secret that scalp health is a top beauty trend right now. From clarifying shampoos to detox masks and scalp scrubs, there’s no shortage of products to improve the health of your scalp. As someone with seborrheic dermatitis, I couldn’t be happier. I’d try anything to relieve the itchiness and decrease the flakes. Using a clarifying shampoo alone didn’t always get the job done, so I relied on a mix of scalp scrubs and purifying ingredients to thoroughly cleanse my scalp—that is, until I came across The Rootist Clarifying Scalp Treatment with AHA + Apple Cider Vinegar.
The combination of natural curls and an oily scalp can be tricky. Purifying ingredients are ideal for cleansing the scalp, but they can be drying. Given that coiler textures are prone to water loss, it’s important to find products that are also moisturizing. That said, my wash day has become a balancing act to cleanse my scalp of buildup and ensure my curls remain moisturized and hydrated. The Rootist’s Clarifying Scalp Treatment featured a mix of ingredients that promised to do just that.
Having tried a plethora of clarifying agents, I’d learned that mixing actives and natural acids often dried my scalp out, causing it to produce excess oil. Reading the ingredient list for this treatment, I felt assured that this experience would be different. The hero ingredients are two AHAs, glycolic and lactic acid, and apple cider vinegar. Together, they are a potent mix to purify the scalp. But the addition of aloe leaf to soothe irritation and rice seed extract ferment to condition the hair stood out to me. I was also impressed by the nozzle applicator, which is perfect for maneuvering through curls to reach the scalp.
My first experience with the treatment was using it on my dry, straightened hair. It had been several weeks since I’d been to the salon, and my scalp was feeling it. After parting my hair into sections and applying the product, I massaged it into my scalp and let it sit for the recommended 15-minute time frame. I was worried that it wouldn’t completely break down the buildup and that I’d still need to go in with a scalp scrub before washing.
However, after rinsing the product out, I found my scalp felt refreshed enough to continue my washing routine. After one use, I could tell that the scalp treatment would likely stay in my rotation of products. It lifted debris and made my scalp feel squeaky clean but not dehydrated. But as I started to use it more often, I began to notice that my scalp was less flaky and oily, which helped my silk presses last much longer.
I even tried it while wearing knotless braids over the summer. The nozzle tip made it easy to reach in between the braids and didn’t disturb my parts. It’s truly a one-and-done clarifying product. Best of all, it didn’t dry out or irritate my scalp and works well no matter what style my hair is in. That’s a winner in my book and a staple in my wash day routine.
The world of protective hairstyles has grown tremendously in the past few years. While it’s true that classic looks like box braids and cornrows are still popular, there are tons of new styles to explore. This year has been one of the most creative for the category, with the success of the braided baldie and other unique looks like Bora-Bora braids.
But the latest style to steal the spotlight is in a lane of its own. River Locs, also known as Waterfall Locs, blend a less traditional braiding method with the breezy feel of boho braids to create a truly one-of-a-kind look. Despite being new to the braid scene, they’ve already gained a cult following on TikTok and Instagram.
Protective styles are a popular choice come summer, thanks to their ability to keep curls tucked away. But they also provide a stylish look, and with so many options, it’s always fun to change it up. The allure of airy boho braids or crisp stitch braids never gets old. However, if you’re looking for a fresh way to shake up your hairstyle, River Locs could be the style for you.
As with any new protective style, it’s good to know the ins and outs before committing. We get it; braids aren’t exactly cheap and have a longer lifespan than a silk press or twist-out. Fortunately, we got the rundown from three stylists and braiders to help you out. Below, they share everything you need to know about River Locs, including how to keep them looking salon-fresh.
What are river locs?
Like Goddess Braids, River Locs have an ethereal and beachy feel. “They are considered a crochet hairstyle and create a bohemian, free-flowing appearance thanks to curls at the root and ends of the locs,” says Kadidja Dosso, founder of Dosso Beauty and Philadelphia-based braider. However, unlike braids, River Locs are lightweight. “It’s a great style for those who like mid-back braids because they’re not too heavy and offer less tension at the root of the hair,” she says.
River Locs are still fairly new in the braid community. A quick Google search will yield just a few pictures for inspiration. Still, it’s not hard to see why they’ve become so sought after—especially for summer. The style is breezy and quick to install, making them ideal for vacations. “It is perfect for creating a weave look thanks to the curls, but it doesn’t have the extra maintenance that comes with having those styles,” says Shay London, a Brooklyn-based braider and owner of the namesake hair salon Shay London Beauty Bar.
What Makes River Locs Unique
Faux locs have become a popular protective style that offers less tension and is often much lighter than knotless braids. You’re probably familiar with a few hairstyles, such as butterfly locs and soft locs. Both were top trends last year and could be seen all over Instagram. River Locs offers the same lightweight protection but varies in a few ways.
The first is how the look is achieved. According to celebrity stylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, the hairstyle is installed by crocheting the locs into your natural hair, which is usually twisted flat on the scalp. “This method is easy to install and makes River Locs lighter than other protective hairstyles,” she says. It also creates less tension and allows your strands to breathe a little better.
Another glaring difference between River locs and other faux loc styles? The overall appearance. Sturdivant-Drew explains that while some loc styles have a beautifully messy look to them, River Locs are more polished thanks to a neatly defined root structure.
How long do river locs last?
Dosso and Sturdivant-Drew tell ESSENCE that most River Locs hairstyles last between 6 and 8 weeks when properly cared for (more on this below). But as with any type of extension, the type of hair you use can also play a role in the longevity of the style. Most River Locs looks are created using locs crafted of synthetic hair, which can help keep the curls intact and tangle-free.
Others are created using a blend of loc extensions and human hair. In this case, London explains that human hair adds curls and volume to the locs, similar to Boho braids. She mentions that this type of installation can last up to three months with salon touch-ups to keep them looking fresh.
How To Maintain River Locs At Home
If you’ve had braids in the past, you know that having a routine in place is essential. Not only will it keep your style looking good, but it will also ensure your natural hair remains healthy. That said, you’ll need a handful of moisturizing and nourishing products. “A braid shampoo is key to breaking up products that can build up at the root of your hair,” says Dosso. Between edge controls, gels, and oils, the roots of your style can become saturated with debris. She recommends using a detoxifying shampoo every two weeks to keep your roots clean.
Scalp care is just as important as having a good wash routine. Sturdivant-Drew mentions that using a scalp oil will help lubricate the scalp and nourish the roots. She also recommends adding a scalp spray, like Jamaican Mango Lime’s No More Itch Gro Spray, to your routine. “It refreshes your scalp and reduces itching, so the style lasts longer,” she says. The pro also suggests looking for gels that prioritize nurturing ingredients, like manuka honey and Jamaican castor oil.
Dehydration can be a common problem with braids. In that vein, you’ll need to invest in a fortifying braid spray to ensure that your natural hair is moisturized and well-kept. Rice water is a popular choice for protective styles because it’s full of vitamins and nutrients that hydrate and replenish the style and your hair. Dosso suggests adding a spray with the ingredient, like Dosso Beauty’s Rice Water Braid Spray, to your daily routine to lock in moisture and prevent breakage. Lastly, all three experts say that covering your hair with a satin or silk bonnet at night will keep the style neat and moisturized as you sleep.
Sofie Pavitt, Celebrity Facialist and Founder of Sofie Pavitt Face
Acne is a pesky skin concern. But in the hands of Sofie Pavitt, celebrity facialist and founder of her namesake skincare brand, the issue is a lot easier to manage. As a certified acne specialist, Pavitt has dedicated her craft to restoring skin to its natural beauty. Her roster of celebrity clients runs the gamut from actresses like Zendya to artists like Lorde.
The list, along with her own glowing skin, speak volumes. But her passion for blemish-free skin extends beyond the stars. Scrolling through her Instagram, you’ll find before-and-after photos showing her passion for this common skin issue on full display. Curing acne is a journey that involves a treatment or two. Her favorite? A professional peel. “Truly transformative, it instantly brightens and smooths the skin, and depending on what type you do, there can be very little downtime. One of the most effective is a clinical fire and ice treatment. It’s perfect for all skin types and doesn’t require you to take time out of your life.”
When asked about the best skin advice she’s received, Pavitt recalls a wired hack from a former teacher at her aesthetics school. “The best tip I’ve gotten is to take a daily fish oil supplement. It’s weird, but it can really transform your skin by softening it and decreasing inflammation from the inside out. It’s also particularly great for clients dealing with acne and problematic skin. You just have to try it and see!”
Raquel Medina-Cleghorn, Esthetician & Co-Founder of Raquel New York
In New York, fashion and beauty collide often, and Raquel Medina-Cleghorn is a prime example of how beautifully they mesh. The stylist turned esthetician receives as much praise for her chic wardrobe as she does for her signature facial. To her fans, who include celebrities, editors, and beauty experts, she’s affectionately known as The Snatch Doctor. The nickname is a testament to her facials, which leave your skin looking lifted and, for lack of better words, completely snatched.
Tighter, firmer, and more youthful skin are ultimate skin goals. And per Medina-Cleghorn’s philosophy, getting there requires a combination of techniques. “My favorite treatments are the Environ chemical peels, microcurrent, and red LED. Respectively, they stimulate growth factors, lift and sculpt the facial muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve collagen production. The combination makes one hell of a facial!”
But in her eyes, good skin isn’t simply found on the surface. “Kindness radiates from within and makes someone more beautiful than creams and makeup hacks ever could. You have to be true to yourself and your values and treat others the way you’d like to be treated.” The golden rule is a standard we should all strive to live by, but for Medina-Cleghorn, it’s unwavering. “This is something I learned from observing my mother, who is the most kind, considerate, and beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”
Taylor Worden, Esthetician and Founder of Taylor Worden Skin
After training with renowned celebrity facialists, Taylor Worden took the ultimate leap and opened her own lofty oasis for skin care bliss. Located in the heart of SoHo, her studio is a sanctuary of calm and haven for making your skin look and feel incredible.
The Arizona native has become known for her soothing yet glamorous approach to skincare, dubbed the “Taylor-made experience,” and is passionate about giving skin the ultimate glow up. “I’m obsessed with the Cellstory Treatment.” For those unfamiliar with the process, it’s a liquid microneedling treatment that’s less invasive than the traditional treatment. “There’s no numbing cream, blood, or needles involved, but you get the same results as regular microneedling, such as softening wrinkles and fine lines, diminishing acne and the appearance of pores, and tightening the skin. It’s truly magic.”
Like any good esthetician, Worden’s passion for stellar skin runs deep and started from an early age. “My Hungarian great-grandmother used to tell me to never pick my pimples. She’d say, “Picking leaves leaves scars and infection, and a classy lady would never touch or pick her face, not even in a public restroom.” Pimples aside, she holds daily sunscreen habits in high regard for great skin care. “Hang out in the shade and wear SPF every day. Your skin will thank you later.”
Amity Murray, Lead Esthetician at Hotel Chelsea
Few establishments are as iconic as Hotel Chelsea. The storied location has remained a hub for art, culture, creativity, and NYC counterculture. Coincidentally, it also happens to hold one of the city’s most notable spas, and at its helm you’ll find holistic esthetician Amity Murray. The western Massachusetts native has a penchant for glowing skin and ritualistic skincare techniques.
“My favorite facial treatments to receive and perform always include loads of facial massages. The act of kneading and rubbing the face helps stimulate blood flow to the skin to increase regeneration and restore your glow.” At her core, Murray is an old soul with a deep connection to the earth, and she imparts that energy through her treatments.
“I’d have to say the best beauty advice I’ve ever received is less is more. Marie Veronique Skincare, a brand I work closely with, has the same motto, and in this day and age, simplicity sums up my philosophy.”
