Search Results: Kim Wong-Shing

By Kim Wong-Shing · Published April 16, 2019

Image Source: Getty Images

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes itchiness, flakes, and scaly patches. It’s not the same as dandruff or psoriasis. It’s actually a chronic form of eczema, and while the exact cause is unknown, scientists think genes and hormones both play a role. It may also be related to a yeast (fungus”> in the oil secretions of the skin.

Sometimes, seborrheic dermatitis goes away without treatment… And sometimes — like in my case — it’s a never-ending chronic condition that’ll probably remain with me until I die. Fun times, I know, but I promise it’s not as bad as it sounds! I used to despair over my frustrating scalp, but now I have a handle on how to deal with it, and honestly? I barely even worry about it anymore.

Here’s how I manage seborrheic dermatitis with my with curly hair and how you can, too!

Step one is acceptance

Dealing with my seborrheic dermatitis was impossible until I finally accepted that 1″> I had it, 2″> it wasn’t my fault, and 3″> it wasn’t going to magically go away. Then, the solutions became about management rather than trying to get rid of it — and I’m happy to say that seborrheic dermatitis IS very manageable. It’s all about finding the combination of natural and medicated products that work for your particular case. With the proper regimen, you can get rid of the flakes entirely and stop thinking about your scalp condition so much.

Natural products for managing seborrheic dermatitis

There is a range of natural products that help decrease the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. Here are a few that I’ve personally tried and can recommend:

• Apple cider vinegar: Pure apple cider vinegar, straight onto your scalp. Let it sit for a while and then rinse it out. ACH has natural antibacterial and antifungal qualities. The smell goes away, don’t worry!
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil is another natural antibacterial and antifungal. My doctor recommended that I apply it to my scalp before shampooing; that way, you get the benefits of coconut oil without your scalp becoming overly oily, which can worsen this condition.
• Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil, like any essential oil, needs to be diluted with a carrier oil before you apply it to your skin. It soothes inflammation, and that tingly feeling does wonders for itchiness!
• Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is another useful antifungal for treating seborrheic dermatitis. Mix a small amount into a carrier oil before applying.
• Evening primrose oil: My doctor suggested that I take evening primrose oil supplements. Evening primrose oil contains GLA, a fatty acid that reduces scalp inflammation.
• Fish oil: Fish oil supplements also contain fatty acids that nourish the scalp.

I’ve never been able to fully treat my seborrheic dermatitis with natural products alone, but they do reduce mild symptoms and provide relief.

If DIY isn’t your thing, I love Cantu Shea Butter Apple Cider Vinegar Root Relief, which contains both ACV and peppermint oil and is so soothing. Other options include EDEN BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Scalp Therapy and Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Oil Scalp Treatment.

Another natural way to treat seborrheic dermatitis is to do your best to avoid known triggers that exacerbate the condition. These include stress, illness (take your vitamin C!”>, hair products with alcohol, hormonal changes, and harsh shampoos.

The one product I can’t live without: medicated shampoo

Medicated shampoos are far from “natural,” but THEY WORK.

The active ingredient that works best for me is coal tar, which is in Neutrogena T-Gel. I honestly don’t know where I would be without T-Gel — it’s my go-to scalp treatment! As long as I use it at least once a week, my scalp is a non-issue.

Other common active ingredients include pyrithione zinc (like in Head & Shoulders”>, selenium sulfide (like in Selsun Blue”>, ketoconazole, and salicylic acid. You don’t have to get a prescription for any of these shampoos; they’re available over-the-counter.

Medicated shampoos can be extremely drying; like many shampoos, they contain sulfates and will strip your scalp. Unfortunately, there are no sulfate-free medicated shampoos that I know of, although I’d LOVE for someone to invent one! In the meantime, applying coconut oil to my scalp before shampooing really helps. I also tend to co-wash after using the T-Gel to re-moisturize my scalp and roots.

Image Source: @Getty Images

What to do when it becomes unbearable

If natural and over-the-counter products are NOT doing the trick and your scalp is so ridiculously itchy and flaky that you just cannot deal — go to the doctor and ask about getting a prescription treatment.

My doctor prescribed me fluocinolone, which comes in the form of an oil or a cream. I haven’t actually used it in years (thanks to the T-Gel!”>, but when I was initially getting my scalp under control, it truly saved me. Even though I don’t use fluocinolone anymore, it’s reassuring to have it around in case I have a horrible flare-up (hey, ya never know”>.

Fluocinolone is a type of corticosteroid; other types include hydrocortisone, clobetasol, or desonide. There are also antifungal treatments that you can apply as a cream or shampoo. Your doctor will likely prescribe you one of these options at first. They might prescribe you an antifungal medication to take as a pill if other treatments aren’t working.

My doctor advised me to use prescription products as a last resort — use them sparingly as needed, then switch back over to non-prescription products ASAP, to avoid any negative side effects. Your doctor can advise you on how to use yours!

If you have seborrheic dermatitis, what are your GO-TO products for your scalp?!

By Kim Wong-Shing · Published April 10, 2019

This spring, there are a ton of exciting new hair trends to choose from. You can go for a drastic move, like chopping off all your hair, or try something with a little less commitment, like a simple hair ribbon.

Here are 10 of the hottest spring hair trends for 2019, according to the runways, trendsetters, and beauty experts.

Spring Twists

Image: @braidsbyaja

Spring twists are a natural, protective style that use coily hair extensions to create a springy and twisty hairstyle. It’s different from other twists because of the texture of the hair used to install it. Spring twist hair is a wavy pattern that is thick and has to be separated to create the style. Spring twists are great for every time of year. While installing the style will take resilience, the end result will be sure to wow you.

Pixie Cuts

Image: @thecutlife

If you’ve been dying to cut off all your hair, now is the perfect time for a fresh start, because pixie cuts are in this spring! There are so many good reasons to go shorter – you remove damaged hair and cut your styling time in half. Plus, you’ll get to feel the breeze on your neck all summer long.

Copper Hair Color

Image:@jasmeannnn

If you have naturally brown hair, copper is the way to go. They can work well for practically any hair type and skin tone.

“I’ve found that copper highlights complement most skin tones and add a nice dimension and contrast to dark brown hair,” Los-Angeles hairstylist Cherin Choi explained to Refinery29.

Temporary Color

Image:@makeupbydenise

Unusual, experimental hair colors were all the rage last year, and this year is no different. Try something truly off-the-wall, like orange or gold. You don’t have to commit to several months of bleaching and dying and touch-ups, either. Temporary hair colors are more advanced than ever; they actually work and they’re easy to remove. Some fan favorites include Hair Paint Wax or Eva NYC Chameleon Temporary Color Spray.

Curly Bangs

Image:@sheleamusic

Curly bangs used to be a disaster zone. Now, cutting bangs into curls is practically standard procedure. This year, super long bangs that graze the eyebrows are on trend. Yes, you may have to trim your bangs every two seconds so that you can actually see out of your eyeballs, but the mysterious, artsy look will be worth it.

Super-Long Braid

Image: @tylauren

This spring, slick your hair back into a long – like really long – braid. Obviously, you’ll need to add extensions, but this is a low-maintenance and quick hairstyle, even for those who don’t have great braiding skills.

Flower Accessories

Image: @saharaya

When you picture flower accessories, your mind may go straight to Coachella. But flower crowns were a thing way before Coachella even existed. This spring, take inspiration from the ‘90s instead.

Hair Barrettes

Image:@mykitsch

This nostalgic hair accessory is a curly girl essential for those wild flyaways or simply adding some glam to your everyday style. Whether you go with exposed bobby pins, metallic snap clips or rhinestone hair pins you’ve got endless options to step your hair game this season.

Embracing Natural Gray Hair

Image:@samanthapollack

Embracing your hair as it naturally grows out of your head also includes embracing your gray. It’s amazing to witness women of all ages, textures and backgrounds embrace their gray hair with grace.

Braided Bob

Image: @khatbrim/

Spring usually calls for a fresh do’ and box braids are always in style. Keep it short and sweet with a braided bob.

Are you hoping to try any new hairstyles this spring? What’s your inspiration? Tell us in the comments!

By Kim Wong-Shing · Published April 1, 2019

I have been seriously neglecting my curls lately. Between work, winter, and general life stress, I recently went a full two weeks without washing my hair (which for my 3b hair type, is a long time!”>. THE SHAME. At that point, I could either let the Curl Police come lock me up for my sins or fix this mess. So, I tried out the new Eden BodyWorks Almond Marshmallow collection.

The Almond Marshmallow collection consists of three items: the Hydration Serum, the Therapy Leave-In Conditioner, and the Split End Repair Masque. The Hydration Serum is designed to “nourish dry, brittle hair,” smooth frayed ends, and protect from damage. The Therapy Leave-In Conditioner is supposed to offer “instant improvement” for split ends. And the Split End Repair Masque is designed to prevent breakage and damage. My poor underappreciated curls needed all of the above.

On my dreaded and much-procrastinated wash day, I tried all three of these Eden BodyWorks products. I also experimented with each one to figure out my favorite way to use it. Here’s my take on the collection!

Featured Ingredients

This trio features sweet almond oil and marshmallow extract. Sweet almond oil is a favorite oil for naturally curly hair; it’s lightweight, yet deeply moisturizing, and it adds softness and shine. Marshmallow extract, on the other hand, is a slippery detangler that also smoothes each strand.

Other notable ingredients include aloe vera, glycerin, and cocoa butter.

First Impressions

This line of products has a strong, sweet scent. The smell is a little strong and perfumey for my preferences – you can definitely smell it for hours after your wash-and-go – but it’s a pleasant smell.

I like the product packaging. The colors and design are elegant and simple, and each product comes in an intuitive package design that makes it easy to dispense without making a mess.

Eden BodyWorks Split Ends Repair Masque

First, let’s talk about the Split Ends Repair Masque. This masque is creamy and luscious. It’s a great medium texture, not too thick and not too thin. The marshmallow extract makes it incredibly easy to work through my curls, and I don’t ever have to worry about applying too much.

The directions say to leave this masque on for 40 minutes and use it weekly. I’ve been so lazy that I definitely haven’t done all that, but even after leaving the masque on for a shorter amount of time, I notice that my curls are softer and smoother and generally healthier-feeling. I love using deep conditioner in place of regular conditioner in the shower sometimes, and this masque works really well for that purpose.

Eden BodyWorks Hydration Serum

Look, I’m no expert on serums. I’ve rarely, if ever, used one in the past. At first, I wasn’t sure how to apply this Hydration Serum. I tried applying it after my leave-in conditioner, and the results were okay. Then I tried applying it to wet hair before any other products, and woo, jackpot! It definitely improves my wash-and-gos. The serum has a soft gel texture that easily slips through my curls and leaves them feeling hydrated and smooth. I love this stuff!

Based on customer reviews, other people prefer to layer this serum on top of leave-in conditioner and then apply gel or styler, so do what works for you.

Eden BodyWorks Almond Marshmallow Therapy Leave-In Conditioner

Lastly, the Therapy Leave-In Conditioner. I was skeptical of this product at first, because it’s a spray leave-in, and those almost never work for my curls. The first ingredient is water. My 3b curls prefer a milky or creamy texture – something that provides slip and definition. Nonetheless, I gave this conditioner a shot.

When I tried the Therapy Leave-In Conditioner as my solo leave-in conditioner for a wash-and-go, it was pretty much as effective as I’d expected, which was not much. The watery conditioner seems to just sink into my wet hair and not do much. My hair wasn’t very defined after using it. If you generally love spray leave-ins, though, you’d probably like this one!

I also tried using this product as a refreshing spray, and it’s useful for that purpose because it’s like water and conditioner in one bottle. Sometimes I use it to spritz and revive my front curls and ends. With a bit of gel on top, it’s perfect.

Final Thoughts

Here’s what my hair looked like after using all three products together (plus some gel to style”>.

My curls were so soft and fluffy – and WOW, they really needed it. The Almond Marshmallow trio definitely did what I needed it to do, as far as reviving my curls!

I wouldn’t use these three products together for a wash-and-go in the future. But, they do each have their own purposes. My favorite product out of the trio is definitely the Hydration Serum.

Have you tried the Eden BodyWorks Almond Marshmallow trio? What are your thoughts? Share with us in the comments!

By Kim Wong-Shing · Published February 25, 2019

CBD oil has exploded in popularity in recent months. It’s used for seemingly every ailment in the universe, from anxiety to acne, and hair care is no exception. There are now shampoos, leave-in conditioners, and even hair gels with CBD as the featured ingredient. But does CBD actually provide any benefits for the hair, or is it just a trendy gimmick?

To find out I talked to Mollie Twining, Founding Partner and Director of Sales, at CBD for Life, a company that produces CBD pain management and beauty products.

Move over, coconut oil, JBCO, and baobab oil there’s a new oil that is changing the game.

Image source: @theesperanzamaria

Background on CBD

CBD stands for Cannabidiol, an extract derived from hemp or cannabis plants. It’s the second most prevalent compound in cannabis, right after THC, which is the one that gets people “high.” Unlike THC, CBD has no intoxicating effects, but it does provide a range of physical and psychological benefits. Recent studies have shown CBD to be an effective treatment for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, cancer-related symptoms, and acne, among other issues.

CBD is now legally sold in every state, thanks in large part to the 2018 Farm Bill. And while the ingredient is just now gaining momentum, Mollie says it’s been around for a while.

“CBD has been used for quite some time,” Mollie told me. “I believe it is now being spoken about and used so freely due to the passing of the Farm Bill.”

CBD for the hair and scalp.

There’s not yet much scientific research on the benefits of CBD for the hair and scalp. But based on what hair experts know about the oil and its nutrient profile, it’s very promising, and users have noticed great results.

Here are a few benefits of CBD oil for your hair:

1. Enhance hair growth. CBD contains nutrients that boost hair growth, Mollie says. “CBD helps stimulate and enhance the growth of hair through the scalp’s absorption of the main fatty acids, Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9. [It also] contains GLA (gamma linoleic acid”> which promotes natural hair growth.”
2. Strengthen and protect hair. Hair strands are made out of protein, which is why experts recommend a protein treatment for weak, broken hair. CBD oil contains all 21 amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. When used regularly, it can help strengthen and fortify your hair. Also, CBD is full of fatty acids that provide moisture and seal the cuticle. It’s rich in antioxidants, too, like vitamins A, C and E, so it helps to protect the hair from environmental damage.
3. Improve scalp health. “CBD contains high doses of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and vitamin E – all of which are great for the scalp,” Mollie said. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory, which makes it ideal for common scalp conditions like psoriasis or follucilitis. Moreover, it balances your scalp’s natural production of sebum (or oil”>, whether you have too much or too little.“CBD is an adaptogen, meaning it regulates sebum production so it is great for oily, dry or normal hair types,” Mollie explained. “It helps to address dry, flaky scalp as well as eczema and psoriasis.”

How to use CBD in your hair care routine.

Mollie recommends incorporating the CBD For Life Shampoo and CBD For Life Conditioner into your routine, using them as often as you’d regularly wash your hair. These products contain CBD isolate and cannabis sativa oil – and like all CBD hair products, they do not contain any THC.

To receive the full benefits of CBD for your scalp and hair, you might also want to add a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer to your routine, like the Eco Natural Cannabis Sativa Oil Leave-In Conditioner. To target scalp health in particular, try the Emera Nourishing CBD Scalp Therapy.

CBD also goes by other names in hair products, including “hemp oil” or “hemp seed oil.” On the other hand, “hemp” or “hemp extract” is a slightly different ingredient that contains less CBD, but still offers some benefits.

Have you ever used CBD in your health/beauty routine? Let us know below!

By Kim Wong-Shing · Published January 16, 2019

Baobab fruit. Image source: Valentin Casarsa/Getty Images

Baobab oil is an ingredient that’s easy to fall in love with. It’s super moisturizing yet non-greasy, and it works wonders for dry, fragile hair. You can gain a lot of the benefits of this oil by simply adding a few drops to your conditioner. But when you need some real, deep hair nourishment, a DIY baobab hair treatment is the way to go.

Baobab oil is derived from the baobab tree, which is native to Africa. The oil is full of vitamin E, fatty-acids, and antioxidants. Translation: It intensely moisturizes the hair and scalp, and it also penetrates the hair strands to heal and protect damaged hair. If you’re struggling with dryness, dullness, frizz, humidity, or damage, baobab oil can seriously help.

An at-home hair treatment is an easy way to get the most out of this amazing oil. But first, you’ll need to get your hands on some 100% baobab oil.

Many products have filler oils and other ingredients, which means you may be getting more of the filler oil than the actual baobab oil! Read the label carefully. It should only have one ingredient – the baobab oil itself.

Baobab Hair Treatment Recipe

For a simple baobab hair treatment, you only need a few ingredients.

• ⅓ cup Baobab oil
• ⅓ Coconut oil*
• 10-12 drops Lavender essential oil (optional”>

*If your hair is sensitive to coconut oil or if you’d rather use something lighter, you can choose any other carrier oil, like almond or jojoba.

1. Combine the oils in a heat-safe bottle, jar or bowl.
2. Warm the oils briefly. You can do this using the microwave or a bowl of hot water. If you use the microwave, put the container in for about 30 seconds at a time until the oils are thoroughly heated. If you use hot water, simply place the container with the oils into a pot of hot water for a few minutes.
3. Test the oil on the back of your wrist to make sure that the temperature is just right.
4. Divide your hair into at least four sections. Clip each section out of the way.
5. Unravel one section at a time, and apply the warmed oils to your hair from root to tip, including your scalp.
6. Put a plastic shower cap on your head. Let the oils work their magic for up to 45 minutes.
7. Lastly, shampoo your hair. Rinse and style as usual!

This hair treatment will result in softer, shinier, healthier hair. You can reapply weekly. And since this treatment is for your unique head of hair, you can customize and tweak the recipe in any way that you need to.

If you’d rather go store-bought, there are plenty of hair products with the power of baobab oil in them, here’s a few of our faves ORS HAIRepair Coconut Oil & Baobab Intense Moisture Creme, All I Need Naturally Baobab Growth Oil Cocktail, and SheaMoisture Baobab & Tea Tree Oils Low Porosity Protein-Free Conditioner.

Have you ever used baobab oil in your hair routine? Let us know in the comments!

By Kim Wong-Shing · Published January 14, 2019

Image source: @jmayoxo

Over-bleaching your hair can easily send you into full-on panic mode. Worst case scenario: your hair literally falls off into your hands. Best case scenario: your hair looks and feels like Scarecrow from Wizard of Oz.

The bad news is that there’s no quick, easy way to repair your hair after bleach. The good news is that with commitment, patience and the right products, you can get your old head of hair back.

Here are a few tips that hair experts use to restore damaged hair after bleach.

Apply an Intensive Protein Treatment

Bleach damages your hair by causing the hair strands to weaken and eventually break. Those hair strands are made of protein. Therefore, you can gradually strengthen your strands by applying protein treatments.

If you have the means, it’s a great idea to go to a salon, where a stylist can give you a professional-strength protein treatment. If not, though, there are some excellent at-home protein treatments available, like the Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment. Use this treatment about twice a month to repair your curls, and don’t forget to moisturize after each application.

Get Rid of the Damage

If you do go to a salon, one of the first steps they’ll likely take is to chop off as much as the visibly damaged hair as possible. Hopefully, that’s not too much of your hair! It’s important to remove the most damaged areas of your hair, because split, broken strands only get worse over time. Moreover, damaged hair is hard to comb and style, which can cause collateral damage when it’s time to detangle.

If you’re brave, you can do this at home, too; ask a friend for help if you’re worried about hard-to-reach areas.

Make Hair Masks Your Best Friend

Repeat after me: “Hair masks are my lord and savior.”

Seriously, you may have loved hair masks before, but regular hair masks are an absolute necessity for damaged, bleached hair. They balance, restore, and repair all at the same time. Many naturals with damaged hair swear by the It’s a 10! Miracle Hair Mask, which is rich in oils and collagen (though it’s not Curly Girl method friendly”>. It’s pricey, but its name doesn’t lie – it works miracles.

Whichever hair masks you choose, apply one at least once a week.

Try Olaplex

Aside from protein treatments and hair masks, there’s a third restorative treatment that can help damaged hair: Olaplex. Olaplex is commonly used in salons to help strengthen and reconstruct hair strands during the bleaching process. It’s also very helpful for repairing damaged hair. It works by restoring the bonds that break under harsh chemical treatments. Honestly, the science of Olaplex is all a bit confusing, but you can read more about how the treatments work here.

A salon can give you a full, three-step Olaplex treatment, or you can buy all three steps and do them at home yourself. Warning: It’s pretty $$$.

Wash Less Often

Since hydration is so important for hair repair, it’s a good idea to adjust your wash day routine a bit. You might find that heavier, more moisturizing products do better for your hair during this time. Switch out your shampoo for a co-wash or cleansing conditioner. Swap your leave-in conditioner for a cream or butter.

Along the same lines, try washing your hair less often so your hair can retain as much of its natural moisture as possible.

Avoid Heat and Color

Unfortunately, you’ll need to steer away from the blow dryer, the flat iron, and the curling iron for a few months until your hair can handle the heat. Also, this should go without saying, but you should avoid touching your hair with any type of chemical processor, including bleach and dye, without consulting with a professional stylist.

Get Regular Trims

Lastly, make sure to stay on top of your hair trims. You don’t need to go to a professional to do this. Instead, just dust your ends once a month to remove any damaged or split ends.

What are your go-to methods for repairing bleached hair? Share with us in the comments below!

By Kim Wong-Shing · Published January 4, 2019

Image:@ouidad

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been experimenting with some newly released hair gels in an attempt to find a new favorite. Nowadays, the climate in my city is unbelievably, disgustingly humid, which makes this the perfect time to try Ouidad’s new Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel – Stronger Hold.

The original version of this gel has been out for quite some time, and it’s a favorite of some of the NaturallyCurly editors and readers. But the “Stronger Hold” version is a recent release, and it’s purportedly Ouidad’s most advanced frizz fighter yet. It’s designed to protect against both humidity and UV rays to keep curls defined and shiny all day.

Well, I was banking on it living up to its promise. I’ve found a couple other hair gels that I really like, but this New Orleans humidity has not been playing around lately. New Orleans is always humid, but things recently got to the point where everything in my house felt constantly damp for no reason. My bath towels didn’t stand a chance against the humidity, let alone my curls.

I tested the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel – Stronger Hold on my 3b curls with a regular wash-and-go to see how well it’d stand up to the heat. Spoiler: I LOVE IT.

First Impressions

The Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel Stronger Hold features “anti-frizz nano technology” to seal the hair cuticle and protect it from humidity. It also features a “dedicated UV filter,” because yes, UV rays can damage your hair, too. If you usually take more of a pro-technology than an all-natural approach to your hair routine, this gel is right up your alley.

The gel is clear in color, and it has a slippery-smooth feel. It’s silky and easy to spread in your hands. I’m definitely a fan of the consistency and texture.

As far as smell goes, this gel has that clean Ouidad smell. It’s pleasant and not too strong.

Testing It Out

To test this gel, I washed and conditioned my hair and then applied a leave-in conditioner (Mielle Organics Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk, my new favorite!”>. Then I raked the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel – Stronger Hold through my curls section by section, focusing on my ends, crown, and front curls. Those are the parts of my hair that tend to get the most frizzy.

I used to use the LOC method, which involved using twice as many products on my hair as I do now. But a hair stylist told me that, with all the humidity here, it’s silly to add oil and cream to my curls rather than products that focus on definition and frizz-fighting.

So here I am, discovering the magic of hair gel.

This new Ouidad gel was easy to work through my curls, and it instantly made them feel soft, smooth, and ultra-defined.

Next, I blow-dried my hair on low heat with a diffuser.

The Results

After drying, my curls were still well-defined, but not crunchy or stiff whatsoever. They were bouncy, even and voluminous.

Impressively, I went out that night in the midst of a dense New Orleans fog with my hair loose, and my hair was still pretty defined at the end of the night! It did increase in volume, but more volume is always a plus, as far as I’m concerned.

This gel also manages to not dry out my hair despite its humidity-fighting capabilities, which is lovely. Another plus: It doesn’t flake.

Final Thoughts

I Love. This. Hair Gel.

It’s been a struggle to find a lightweight hair gel that does everything I need it to do – define my hair and keep it moisturized and last all day – especially in this crazy humidity. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel – Stronger Hold absolutely gets the job done.

Honestly, I can’t think of any cons to this gel, but I do have a word of caution. I used it one more time on a braid-out – because I love it so much – and it left some white build-up on my front curls. There is, apparently, a limit to how much you should apply to any one section! Don’t go overboard and attempt to use it as an edge control like I did!

At $26, my wallet will cry a little when it’s time to buy a new bottle. But on the plus side, $26 buys you 8.5 ounces of this product, and a little goes a long way. I expect this bottle to last me for a couple months – fingers crossed.

Have you tried this magical gel from Ouidad? What are your thoughts?

By Kim Wong-Shing · Published January 2, 2019

Image:@laurenlewiss_

If there’s one thing that we can all agree on, no matter our hair type, it’s that hair breakage is a real bummer. It looks bad, it feels bad, and it leads to other even more annoying problems, like frizz and stunted hair growth. In short, when a curly girl has a nightmare in her sleep, it’s probably about hair breakage.

Hair breakage happens when the shaft of a hair strand breaks, resulting in a shorter strand and, often, a split end. Once a strand of hair breaks, you’re never gonna put it back together, so the key move here is really about prevention. On the plus side, if you can prevent hair breakage, many of your other hair woes will be solved, too.

Here are a few ways to stop this frustrating phenomenon.

Moisture, Moisture, Moisture

Hair breakage is often a side effect of dryness. If you have curly hair, you probably need tons of moisture in your hair anyway, so you know what to do – step it up on the deep conditioner, and leave-in conditioner, and don’t forget to seal with oil to prevent your hair from losing moisture throughout the day. Read more about the steps you can take to prevent dryness on wash day here.

To retain moisture for the next few days, use a satin or silk pillowcase or wrap your hair at night. Otherwise, you’ll lose a ton of that moisture to your pillow. 

Try a protein treatment

In some cases, hair breaks because the shaft of the hair has simply become too weak. This is often the result of chemical processing (like hair dye”> or high porosity hair.

The hair cuticle itself is made of protein, so you can strengthen your hair strands by doing a protein treatment. Look for a store-bought protein treatment with hydrolyzed protein in it, like the Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor. You can also opt for a protein-rich deep conditioner, like the Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner. 

Detangle properly – and patiently

Never brush your hair with a regular brush while it’s wet. (Or dry, for that matter!”> Only use a brush that’s specially designed for waves and curls, like a Denman brush or a Wet brush.

Wet hair is easier to detangle, but it’s also more fragile and prone to breakage. Make sure that your curls are coated in a product with plenty of slip, like the Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner, before you even touch a comb or brush.

When you inevitably run into tangles, be patient. Sit down, put some Netflix on, and get ready to really take your time with each knot so that you aren’t forced to yank it out of your hair. Ripping knots = instant breakage.

Protect your hair from heat

Unlike hair breakage, heat styling is a more controversial issue among naturals. Some steer away from it entirely, while others go wild with the blow-dryer weekly. If you do use heat on your hair on a regular basis, use some type of heat protectant to protect your hair from damage. Air-dry your hair for a bit before you blow-dry. Try not to use heat on your hair more than once a week, at most.

Be gentle with your up-dos

Yes, your ponytail looks flawless, but what about your hair strands?! Updos pull on your strands, and all that tension can lead to breakage (as well as hair loss”>. If you wear your hair up often, make sure to give it a break and let it hang loose sometimes. You can also practice looser up-dos using only gentle hair ties.

Get regular haircuts

It’s important to get regular trims to remove dead and split ends. Otherwise, those split ends will travel up each hair strand, resulting in even more hair breakage. If you’re cringing at the thought of paying for frequent haircuts, remember that you can dust your own ends easily at home. 

Watch your health

Stress can lead to hair breakage, believe it or not. So can the lack of certain vitamins and minerals, like zinc, iron, and folic acid. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet, and try to find a way to manage your stress. Easier said than done, I know.

Buy a shower filter

Are you doing everything right, but still experiencing hair breakage, frizz, and dryness? It might be your water. Hard water contains minerals and heavy metals that can wreak havoc on your hair and cause cuticle damage. A showerhead filter takes all of that out, so your hair only soaks up water that’s as pure as the water you drink.

If you’re experiencing hair breakage, what remedies have you tried so far? How have they worked?

By Kim Wong-Shing · Published December 28, 2018

I’ve been trying to find the perfect hair gel to incorporate into my routine, and it’s been a bit of a struggle. Lots of gels are fine, okay, meh. But none so far have been truly amazing, you know? Some are too heavy and stiff. Others just aren’t strong enough. All I want is a hair gel that is light yet still strong, and that won’t dry out my hair. Is that so much to ask?!

I just tried out the Cush Cosmetics Creme De Palme Lite Styling Gel, and guys, I’m pretty into this one.

This gel is a “Lite Moisturizing Styling Gel.” The “lite” and “moisturizing” parts are already promising – many gels are too thick and heavy for my 3b curls, and they can be super drying. This gel contains palm oil to nourish your hair, as well as castor oil, almond oil, and panthenol. Also important: it’s alcohol-free.

Recently, my second-day hair was looking pretty pitiful because, again, I haven’t found a great hair gel. I tested out the Creme De Palme Lite Styling Gel by using it to refresh and revive my 3b curls. Here’s how it went!

First Impressions

The packaging is dark orange, and it comes in a standard 8-ounce bottle. Nothing too fancy here.

The Creme De Palme Lite Styling Gel has a different consistency than any other gel that I’ve tried. It’s milky-white and feels much more oily or creamy than most gels. It’s not sticky.

The gel also has a more herbal, perfumey smell than most of the others that I’ve tried. I can’t put my finger on what it smells like exactly, but it’s like a mix between a perfume shop, an incense shop, and a plant store. It’s not too overpowering.

Testing It Out

I started with frizzy, undefined second-day hair.

After spraying my hair with water, I applied some leave-in conditioner. Then I generously applied the Creme De Palme Lite Styling Gel to my hair, focusing on my roots and crown.

Because the gel has a smooth and creamy consistency, it was really easy to rake through my curls and distribute evenly.

I then let my hair air dry, which went pretty quickly since I didn’t start with soaking wet hair.

The Results

After air drying, my curls were sharply defined.

The gel left some of my curls a little hard and stiff, but it was easy to break the cast by fluffing my hair a bit. (If you have no idea what that means, read all about gel casts here.”> This is definitely not a heavy gel that will weigh down your curls.

I didn’t spot any flakes, and my hair definitely wasn’t dry. If anything, it felt a little oily at first, but that feeling completely went away as my hair dried. My curls were soft and fluffy, yet still defined, and they stayed that way for the rest of the day.

Is this a miracle?!

Final Thoughts

I’m a big fan of the Cush Cosmetics Creme De Palme Lite Styling Gel!

This gel is truly light and moisturizing. It left my hair defined yet soft, and it held my curls in place all day. I’m afraid to jinx it, but… I think I finally found a hair gel that meets all of my requirements. Hallelujah!

At $14 for an 8-ounce bottle, this gel doesn’t break the bank, either. My only complaint is that it’s not widely available in stores.

You can buy the Cush Cosmetics Creme De Palme Lite Styling Gel here.

Have you tried this gel, or any of the other products from Cush Cosmetics? Are you a fan?

By Kim Wong-Shing · Published December 24, 2018

As a self-proclaimed hair product junkie, I’ve tried A LOT of SheaMoisture products over the years. There’s a reason that the brand was voted NaturallyCurly’s Overall Favorite Brand two years in a row – they’re always coming out with intriguing new product lines, and many of them are absolute Godsends.

So when I found out that SheaMoisture released a brand new collection this summer, I was excited to put it to the test. The Green Coconut & Activated Charcoal collection is designed to remove impurities from throughout the day, while also providing a heavy dose of hydration; this is a goal that most modern curlies will likely appreciate. It includes products for both your skin and hair, including shampoo, conditioner, soap, and moisturizer.

I didn’t get the chance to try out all sixteen products in the collection (and honestly, who has the time?!”>, but I did try out exactly half of them, and I’m here to give you the scoop.

Featured Ingredients

The star ingredients here are activated charcoal and green coconut.

Activated charcoal has become trendy in recent years because of its ability to act like a sponge, binding to toxins and carrying them away. You can actually see the bits of activated charcoal floating in many of the products that I tried. Read more about the benefits of charcoal here.

This collection also features green coconut, which contains the moisture that your skin and hair need to stay smooth and soft. Green coconut is also full of essential vitamins and minerals.

Image via iStock

First Impressions: Packaging and Scent

All of the products in this collection smell the same: fresh, clean, and not too overwhelming. It’s definitely not my favorite SheaMoisture scent (the High Porosity collection takes that crown”>, but it’s not bad either.

As for the packaging, it has the neat, well-designed look that I’ve come to expect from SheaMoisture products. In this case, the packaging has a gray and green theme to match the featured ingredients.

Products

Here are the products I tried within the brand:

1. Shampoo

First up, the review you probably came here for: the hair stuff. I tried both the shampoo and the conditioner.

The Green Coconut & Activated Charcoal Shampoo is sulfate-free, but it still gives a nice lather. I was impressed to find that it actually does cleanse my scalp, and provide moisture at the same time. My roots didn’t feel stripped afterward, but instead felt soft and hydrated and clean. I’m a fan!

2. Conditioner

The Lite Conditioner didn’t leave me quite as enthused. It has little chunks of activated charcoal in it, and although they do dissolve, it felt strange to put black chunks into my hair.

Also, I wouldn’t call this conditioner ;intensely’ hydrating. The consistency was thicker than I expected, but for my high-porosity 3b curls, the moisture level was average at best, and I had to apply a lot of it. This product would work better for those with thinner hair, who still want a good dose of moisture.

3. Cleansing Balm

Next up, the facial products!

I first tried out the Cleansing Balm, a product that “melts away makeup, impurities and pollution residue.” This is truly a balm – it’s thick and oily. This product is more like an oil cleanser than a traditional face wash.

I’m not a big fan of using oil to clean my face, so not surprisingly, I didn’t love this balm. It feels nice to apply, but it doesn’t rinse off easily, and it leaves my face feeling oily. If you’re into oil cleansing, though, this may work for you.

4. Moisturizing Jelly Cream

After cleansing my face, I applied the Moisturizing Jelly Cream. The consistency of this cream is definitely jelly-like, but it’s still easy to spread, which I appreciate. The cream feels refreshing and moisturizing, without being heavy – it’s perfect for the summer, especially for those who live in a humid environment, like I do. I even took it on vacation to Mexico!

5. Bath & Shower Jelly

Speaking of jellies! The Bath & Shower Jelly is designed to be used as a regular soap in the shower. In comparison to the Moisturizing Jelly Cream, the consistency is more like Jello than jelly. It doesn’t dissolve easily, and instead just remains slippery and solid. It’s difficult to use, either by itself or with a washcloth. However, it does lather, and it cleanses my skin without stripping it.

6. Cleansing Bar

The Cleansing Bar is basically a nice, big hunk of high-quality soap. It was a relief to use this after the Bath & Shower Jelly – no slippery parts to chase after, just regular good ol’ bar soap!

This soap lathers nicely, and it isn’t drying at all. It’s gentle, moisturizing, and cleansing. You could even use it on your face in a pinch.

7. Body Jelly Moisturizer

The Body Jelly Moisturizer has a similar effect to the Moisturizing Jelly Cream. It absorbs quickly and provides plenty of hydration. It’s not heavy, but instead is refreshing and cooling.

For me, this moisturizer would work better in the summer than in the winter, because it doesn’t offer the deep moisture that my body needs in cold weather – I’m more likely to reach for a butter rather than a jelly these days! But for those hot days when you need a little something light to avoid being ashy, this is great.

8. Bath Salts

Lastly, I tried the Bath Salts in a bath one evening. They dissolved quickly into the bath water, and the black lava salt is great for aches and pains.

The salts have the same fresh, clean scent that the other products have, which I found invigorating rather than relaxing. For that reason, I think I’d prefer using these Bath Salts in a foot bath, instead of a whole-body bath.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the best products in this collection do exactly what they’re designed to do – they provide a nice, thorough cleansing, while also moisturizing your skin and hair. My top three favorite products were the shampoo, Moisturizing Jelly Cream, and Cleansing Bar. I’ll probably use these until they run out!

On the other hand, some of the other products in the collection were a miss for me. Due to being too heavy, not heavy enough, or just plain hard to use, they fell short.

This collection also includes several other products that I haven’t gotten my hands on yet, including a Build-Up Blaster, Exfoliating Hair Mud, In-Shower Styler, Multi-Masque, Exfoliating Cleansing Powder, In-Shower Mask, and Mask Duo.

You can find the entire Green Coconut & Activated Charcoal collection on the SheaMoisture website or at Ulta.

By Kim Wong-Shing · Published December 19, 2018

My hunt for a bomb hair gel is still on. As I seek to achieve amazing curl definition in the humid, southern climate where I live, I’m on the look out for a gel that gives me an all-day hold, without being heavy or drying. I just tried out Koils by Nature’s Herbal Curl Defining Gel to see if it’d meet my expectations, and I’m here to share my thoughts!

First, a little bit about Koils by Nature. This company makes vegan, organic, and cruelty-free hair products for men and women with all hair types. These products are sulfate-free, paraben-free, free of synthetic dyes – all that good stuff.

The Herbal Curl Defining Gel is one of Koils by Nature’s fragrance-free products, which I was excited about because I hate when hair products smell like I just waltzed into the perfume aisle at Macy’s.

But even more important than smell, to me, is effectiveness. I tested the Curl Defining Gel on freshly washed and conditioned 3b hair to see how it’d hold up.

Featured Ingredients

Koils by Nature Herbal Curl Defining Gel is free of alcohol and protein. Instead, it’s packed full of natural ingredients like aloe vera juice, nettle leaf, moringa leaf, and marshmallow root powder. It also contains nourishing oils like Jamaican black castor oil to moisturize and protect your hair rather than dry it out.

There is NO fragrance in this gel, natural or otherwise. If you’re sensitive to scents for whatever reason, it can be really hard to find natural hair products that don’t contain any fragrance. Well, here’s one!

First Impressions

The bottle itself is very plain, which works well for the whole fragrance-free vibe. It comes in a pump bottle, which I love.

When I first pumped some product out, I discovered that the texture is liquidy and has a thin consistency. This is definitely not a thick gel, which for me is a pro – I don’t want an overly heavy gel.

However, the smell is not my favorite. Yes, it’s fragrance-free, but that just means that it smells exactly like what’s in it. It smells sort of medicinal and chemical-y.

Testing It Out

I washed and conditioned my hair, then applied leave-in conditioner, and a little cream at the ends. I brushed everything out with my Wet brush, then generously applied the Koils by Nature Herbal Curl Defining Gel to my hair, focusing on my ends and crown.

Since the consistency is so thin, the gel went on smoothly and was easy to distribute. I didn’t have to struggle to work it through my curls or worry about applying too much.

Lastly, I blow-dried my hair with a diffuser on low heat.

Results

Here are my curls, 90% dry.

The Herbal Curl Defining Gel gave my hair medium definition, and it has a really soft hold.

On the plus side, my curls feel soft and touchable – this gel is not drying whatsoever. There’s zero crunch, build-up or flakes. Also, the initial smell didn’t linger in my hair at all. This is truly a fragrance-free gel.

On the other hand, the consistency is a tad bit too thin for my purposes. My curls are not as crisp or defined as I’d like, and there’s a bit of frizz still.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a very lightweight, all-natural gel, with a soft hold, that won’t dry out your hair, I’d recommend this. It would also be great for third-day hairstyles when you want to avoid piling more heavy products onto your hair.

If you’re looking for something to keep every curl in place for hours, though? This is probably not the gel for you. Look for a thicker, stronger-hold gel.

Personally, I’ll save this gel for when I want a really natural look, and don’t mind a little frizz. My hunt for a perfectly light gel with an all-day hold continues!