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Curl definition tends to be a top priority for curly girls. Gel is one of the most common products used to achieve curl definition, and while there are definitely some amazing gels out there, many of them can lead to frustrating side effects – like crunchy hair, flakes, or dryness.

If you want to give your hair a break from hair gel – or if you just can not find a hair gel that actually works for your hair – you might assume that you also have to say goodbye to curl definition. But that’s not the case! There are plenty of other ways to define your curls without applying gel to every strand. Here are some tips and tricks.

• Skip the comb: A wide-toothed comb is useful for detangling, but it doesn’t do much to define your curls. Instead, use a Wet brush or Denman brush to detangle and distribute product throughout your hair. These brushes cut down on detangling time, and they leave each one of your curls shiny and defined.
• Use a diffuser: To set your hairstyle into place, it’s best to use a hair dryer with a diffuser. When used correctly, a diffuser leaves your hair much more defined than air-drying or using a towel. Read more about how to diffuse properly here.
• Use other holding products: There are other great holding products aside from gel, like mousse, butter, lotion, cream, or pomade. Many of these products are actually moisturizing, unlike most gels, and they also help to keep each strand in place.
• Twist-outs and braid-outs are your friends: Twist-outs and braid-outs are a tried-and-true method of creating and maintaining curl definition for all curl types. You don’t need to use a gel to set these styles, either! You can use another holding product, or even just some cream or leave-in conditioner. The trick is to leave the twists or braids in place until your hair is completely dry. The longer you wait, the more defined your hair will be.
• Try finger coiling: Another technique for creating curl definition is finger coiling. The method is easy – just take a section of your hair that’s about the same width as your finger, and twirl the hair around your pointer finger from the root to the ends. Then repeat all over your head – or just on the sections where you want more definition. The resulting curls are smooth, defined and free of frizz.
• ‘Shingle’ your curls: Shingling involves applying product to each and every strand of hair on your head to ensure that every curl is defined. Usually, when you apply conditioner or a holding product, you apply it in sections to a bunch of curls at once. But when you shingle, you literally go curl by curl – one single curl at a time until your whole head is done. Yes, it takes a while, but the results are worth it!
• Invest in some flexi rods: Lastly, try using flexi rods. Flexi rods give you bouncy, stretched and defined curls that’ll last for days. The effect is similar to a curling iron, but this method involves no heat. You can even use flexi rods on a braid-out or twist-out to change things up and extend your style. Here’s a tutorial on how to use flexi rods properly.

What’s your favorite way to achieve curl definition without using hair gel?! Share your methods in the comments!

Photo by John Sommer/iStock

If you suffer from an itchy scalp, you’re not alone. Our delicate scalps become itchy and irritated for a huge variety of reasons, making this issue extremely common. But that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with.

An itchy scalp is uncomfortable and sometimes even painful, since persistent scratching causes your skin to become red and irritated. And to make things worse, scratching can also create micro-abrasions on the scalp that lead to further inflammation.

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To fight an itchy scalp, you first need to pinpoint the cause. Your scalp might be too dry, but on the other hand, it might be producing too much oil. You could also have a scalp condition, like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. Or you might simply be having an allergic reaction to one of your hair products.

Whatever the issue, there are ingredients that can help. Look for these 14 ingredients in your shampoo, co-wash, or conditioner to get rid of itchiness once and for all.

Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective against scalp conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. As an astringent, it thoroughly cleanses the scalp and removes build-up without stripping moisture away. ACV also has the added benefit of balancing the pH level of the scalp.

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Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another powerful antibacterial and antifungal ingredient. Since this is an essential oil, it doesn’t take much to be effective, and it relieves itchiness while also fighting the infections that cause itchiness in the first place. When used in the right ratio, tea tree oil is moisturizing instead of drying.

Photo by katerinasergeevna/iStock

Coconut Oil

Is there anything that coconut oil can’t do?! This popular oil is perhaps most well-known for its moisturizing properties, but coconut oil is also a natural antifungal and antimicrobial. In fact, it’s so effective that people use it to prevent and treat infections. If your itchiness is due to a dry scalp, you’re in extra luck – coconut oil is excellent for maintaining moisture.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is extremely effective at combating itchiness, making it a go-to ingredient for when you need immediate relief. This oil naturally soothes inflammation, but its effects are more than just surface-level. It’s also a natural antibacterial and antifungal.

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Neem Oil

Neem is a powerful antimicrobial ingredient that’s been used for centuries. It clears infections that cause an itchy scalp, which leads to eventual relief.

Honey

For some gentle anti-itch action, look for products with honey. Honey helps to alleviate dandruff and other scalp conditions due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. At the same time, it heals the redness and scratches caused by your frequent scratching. It’s also excellent for balancing moisture and locking that moisture in all day long.

Plantain

No, not the delicious food. Plantain is also the name for an unrelated herb, which is traditionally used to combat dandruff and flaky scalp. Plantain is an antiseptic and antibacterial ingredient, so it fights the underlying infection that causes itchiness. It’s one of the main ingredients in a popular anti-itch shampoo, SheaMoisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo.

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Rosemary

If you’re looking for a gentle herbal solution to itchy scalp, look for rosemary essential oil or extract. It’s effective against both dandruff and dry scalp, in addition to helping to relieve the itchiness from these conditions.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil is useful for more than just its calming floral scent. It’s also antimicrobial and antifungal, so it helps to prevent the growth of the bacteria and fungus that cause itchiness. This makes it an excellent natural remedy for dandruff and itchy scalp.

Chamomile

Chamomile tea is famous for its ability to soothe and relax the body, but this popular herb also soothes your skin. Chamomile essential oil reduces itching caused by dandruff, dry skin, or even eczema, providing much-needed relief.

Salicylic Acid

If you experience itchiness due to a chronic scalp condition, you’ll likely need to reach for something a bit stronger. One option is salicylic acid, an ingredient that’s commonly used for scalp conditions, dry skin, and acne because of its ability to shed dead skin cells. It dissolves all the gunk and combats dryness at the same time.

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Pyrithione Zinc

If you have itchiness caused by dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, try a shampoo with pyrithione zinc. This popular ingredient is found in many over-the-counter dandruff shampoos, like Head & Shoulders, and it works by reducing the level of histamine on your scalp, which contributes to itchiness. Since these shampoos are basically antihistamines, they’re also effective against scalp itchiness caused by skin allergies. The amount of zinc in each shampoo varies, and too much pyrithione zinc can be drying, so you may have to experiment to see which amount works for you.

Selenium Sulfide

Selenium sulfide is found in many anti-dandruff shampoos, such as Selsun Blue. It fights dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis by slowing down the growth of yeast on the scalp while also treating infections. Like most dandruff shampoos, selenium sulfide can be drying, so you may want to alternate with a more gentle cleanser.

Coal Tar

Another common ingredient found in over-the-counter dandruff shampoo is coal tar, which is extremely effective against seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. Coal tar reduces inflammation and itching, and it also gets rid of scales and crust. Moreover, it slows the growth of bacteria, which keeps the itchiness at bay for a few days. On the other hand, coal tar doesn’t smell that great, and it makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

If you’d like to go the DIY route to combat dryness and itchiness, try these at-home remedies.

Have you tried any products with the above ingredients? Which ones are your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

There’s nothing like a great curl cream. Silky and moisturizing, these hair products are a staple in many curly girls’ hair routines. They take you from “Hey, cool hair!” to “OMG what do you use for your hair?” There are a few different types of curl creams – styling creams, curl smoothies, souffles, and puddings all fit into this category. If the color is opaque and it’s thicker than a lotion, but thinner than a butter, it’s safe to say that you’re looking at a curl cream. Some of them are denser than others. They often contain rich butters and oils, like shea, coconut, or jojoba. Practically all hair types should have a curl cream in their arsenal, but different types are useful for different things. Lightweight creams and curl smoothies are lovely for finishing off your wash-and-gos – the LOC method has a C in it for a reason! Thicker curl creams, souffles, and puddings are ideal for twist-outs, braid-outs, and protective styles. With so many curl creams on the market, how do you know which one to choose for your hair? We rounded up the 18 top curl creams of 2018. Your curls will thank you! $$AD$$

1. Curl Junkie Spiral Lotion Hair Styling Creme

For lightweight moisture and a boost of volume, reach for this curl cream from Curl Junkie. It’s great for wash-and-gos and can also be used to revive second day hair, adding some much-needed definition into your hair. Type 3s especially adore this cream.

2. Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie

This Maui Moisture curl smoothie features coconut oil, papaya butter, and plumeria extract. The rich formula is ideal for type 4 hair. It smooths and hydrates, so your curls will end up bouncy, soft, and frizz-free. $$AD$$

3. Obia Naturals Curl Moisture Cream

The Curl Moisture Cream provides deep nourishment without being too heavy or weighing down your hair, making it ideal for type 4 hair. It contains argan oil, burdock root, and grape seed oil to strengthen your hair while adding shine. Oh, and it’s pH balanced,, too!

4. Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Cream

This curl cream keeps it simple, yet effective. It features coconut oil, coconut milk, and shea butter, which work together to moisturize and define your hair. It works wonderfully for all hair types. Use it for the LOC method or super-defined wash-and-gos.

5. Aunt Jackie’s Coconut Creme Recipes Butter Creme

Looser curl types adore this cream, which is ideal for hydrating and protecting the ends of your curls as well as any damaged sections. It contains tons of nourishing ingredients, including coconut oil, shea butter, avocado, monoi, and rosemary extract. $$AD$$

6. SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

This OG SheaMoisture product remains a staple in many cabinets. When it comes to styling twist-outs, wash-and-gos, braids, and other styles, this curl-enhancing smoothie is as dependable as it gets. It features shea butter along with silk protein and neem oil, and it’s great for all curl types. $$AD$$

7. Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Twisting Souffle

Looking for the perfect curl cream for twist-outs? This souffle results in a secure hold while also moisturizing your curls, so your hair is defined, but still soft. Bonus: It adds a silky shine to your hair.

8. DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler

Type 2 or 3 curls will love this cream, which also doubles as one of the best stylers out there. Infused with coconut oil, the SuperCream results in gorgeously defined, soft curls. It also adds volume.

9. Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curling Creme

This curl cream smells divine, but more importantly, it’s full of bomb ingredients like avocado and almond oil to make your curls pop. This formula dries quickly and results in soft, touchable, frizz-free curls. It’s light, but it works well for all hair types and textures.

10. Cantu Curl Activating Cream

Ladies on a budget, this one is for you. Cantu’s Curl Activating Cream is available at most drug stores for under $7, and it delivers consistently great results. It’s chock full nourishing oils like jojoba, sweet almond, argan, and avocado. It’s easy to use and versatile enough for all hair types. $$AD$$

11. Redavid Orchid Oil Dual Therapy

Many curly hair routines involve both cream and oil, so why not combine both into one dual product? Redavid Oil Dual Therapy has two sides – one side dispenses oil, while the other dispenses cream. You can use however much you need of each. Brilliant!

12. Controlled Chaos Curl Creme

Controlled Chaos may be a slightly lesser known brand, but this curl cream could be your new secret weapon. It’s wonderful for firmly defining your curls while also delivering a healthy dose of nutrients, including rosemary exact, green tea, aloe, and lavender. Use it for wash-and-gos, finger coils, or to style your second day curls.

13. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme

This luscious curl cream is perfect for type 2 and 3 hair. Unlike most curl creams, this one contains rice amino acids, which help seal the hair cuticle to prevent frizz. It also has shea butter, avocado, quinoa extract, and a bunch of other yummy good stuff. This cream is an ideal moisturizer for wash-and-gos.

14. Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding

How many curl creams also double as a skin cream?! Whipped Pudding can be used for your hair or for dry skin. It contains shea butter, cocoa butter, and aloe vera gel, and it’s great for achieving super-soft twists and braids. Rub the excess on your elbows, and your entire body will smell like dessert.

15. Taliah Waajid Curly Curl Cream

This affordable hair cream from Taliah Waajid has a short ingredients list, which is always a good sign. It contains shea butter, sage, and protein to strengthen, moisturize, and define your hair. It’s best for type 3 and 4 hair.

16. As I Am Double Butter Cream

As you might guess from the name, this is a very rich cream, containing both cocoa butter and shea butter along with jojoba oil, castor oil, and vitamin B5. It’s ultra-moisturizing, making it ideal for type 4 hair. Although the jar says that it’s a daily moisturizer, it may be too heavy for daily use – a little goes a long way! Use this for twist-outs, wash-and-gos, or refreshing older styles. $$AD$$

17. Curls Creme Brulee Whipped Curl Cream

This curl cream smells divine. It provides deep moisture, but the product itself is lightweight and leaves no build-up. This curl cream contains organic ingredients, like aloe juice, shea butter, and sweet almond oil. It’s great for twists and braids.

18. ORS Curls Unleashed Shea Butter & Honey Curl Defining Creme

This thick, yummy-smelling cream from ORS is lovely for wash-and-gos and twist-outs. It also works well for sealing and re-defining the ends of your hair on the second or third day. It’s perfect for type 3 or 4 hair, especially if you’d like to prevent shrinkage.

On Monday, a little girl in Terrytown, Louisiana, was sent home in tears for wearing braids to class. Over the summer, her school, Christ The King Elementary School, banned hair extensions, clip-ins and weaves. This policy includes braids and twists – traditional black hairstyles that are installed using extensions.

The decision has caused a national uproar.

“[My sister Faith] has been attending this school for two years and wearing extensions,” Steven Evergeen Fennidy wrote in a Facebook post.

“Over the summer the school has sneakily added in a policy, that no extensions, clip-ins or weaves are allowed. Faith got a notice on the first day of class.”

Steven posted a video of his sister being kicked out of class and crying. Adults can be overheard reassuring the girl.

“I don’t want this to happen,” one adult says.

Towards the end of the video, Faith mentions that she wasn’t the only girl who was penalized for her hairstyle that day.

The school’s parent-student handbook simply says: “Boys and girls: only the student’s natural hair is permitted. Extensions, wigs, hair pieces of any kind are not allowed.”

Steven’s video went viral, resulting in a massive outcry against the clearly discriminatory policy. It’s hard to ignore the racial implications of the school’s new rule, which will primarily affect black girls – the only ones who routinely wear braids and twists to class.

Indeed, the policy is unfair on multiple levels. Low-maintenance braids can be a lifesaver for little girls, who should be able to learn, play and socialize without stressing over a hairdo. By banning this extremely common hairstyle, the school is literally making it more difficult for black children to go to school.

“Extensions make the hair easier to maintain. It allows my sister to have access to the swimming pool without having to get her hair rRe-done every night,” Steven wrote.

Moreover, black girls – like all children – need to feel confident, secure and safe in their school environment. Braids are a point of cultural pride for many families. They are unapologetically, delightfully black and beautiful. By banning these hairstyles, Christ The King Elementary is sending a clear message: Our school is not for girls like you.

There’s no other way to put it: Targeting a young black child for her hair, singling her out in front of her peers, and sending her out of class is racist. It’s traumatizing. And it’s not okay.

Faith’s family plans to meet with a lawyer today to file a discrimination lawsuit against the school, WWL reports.