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It’s that time of year when brilliant Black women come together to celebrate each other. In other words, ESSENCE had their 18th annual Black Women in Hollywood event yesterday in Los Angeles. The ceremony honored Teyana Taylor, Cynthia Erivo, Raamla Mohamed, Marla Gibbs, and more. To say the very least, the attendees served us next-level glamour, confidence, and all the melanin magic we could ever dream of.
For starters, Bel-Air actress Coco Jones was giving us inches on the red carpet with her long, sleek, straight hair. Tyra Banks, with her long, blonde curly locks, struck a pose and served diva energy from head-to-toe. Want to know what Tyla and Teyana Taylor have in common? Other than being fabulous and talented, they both rocked chic, short curly hairstyles.
When it came to makeup, the melanin was definitely on display. Claws actress Niecy Nash was giving us lavender vibes with her lip and eyeshadow combo. Orange Is The New Black star Laverne Cox showed up with a bold burgundy eyeshadow, red lips, and a red highlighter, making sure all eyes were on her. Lastly, Star actress Ryan Destiny wowed us with her deep red lipstick, proving she’s got the perfect pout.
Here are our favorite beauty moments from the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards.
As a Black man, my journey with my curls has been one of self-discovery, cultural pride, and pushing back against societal norms. For us, hair is never just hair—it’s a statement of identity, a celebration of our roots, and a silent act of defiance against a world that often tries to define who we are.
My mother, with her own crown of coily hair, took such pride in styling mine. When I was a baby, she’d braid it, twist it, or leave it free to thrive in its natural state. She even shared with me a story of how at family gatherings, my aunties would run their fingers through my hair, exclaiming, “Look at those beautiful curls!” Back then, my hair was simply a part of me, as unremarkable as my laughter or the way I loved Saturday morning cartoons. But as I grew up, I was ashamed of my curls.
The first time I became aware of my curly hair was in elementary school. I was one of the few Black kids in a predominantly white classroom. My classmates, with their straight, silky hair, would often ask to touch mine, marveling at its texture. “It’s like a sponge,” they would say, as if my hair were some kind of science experiment.
Their fascination wasn’t harmful, but it left me feeling exposed and different. It wasn’t my first encounter with how my Blackness, starting with my hair, made me stand out in ways I wasn’t yet ready to comprehend.
By the time I got to middle school, I wanted to fit in with everyone else. There was one boy who got bullied because of his curls, where I decided from then to always have a buzz cut or fade. After years of getting a buzz cut, I looked in the mirror and saw someone who fit in—but it wasn’t entirely me.
The buzz cut didn’t stop the world from seeing my Blackness first. It didn’t shield me from microaggressions or sidelong glances. Instead, it taught me that no matter how much I tried to conform, there would always be parts of me I couldn’t erase—nor did I want to.
In high school, things began to shift. Mainstream media like music, art, and style was taking center stage. Rappers, athletes, and actors wore their curls unapologetically, challenging beauty standards that had long ignored us.
By the time I got to college, I was surrounded by Black men embracing their natural hair in every form imaginable. Each curl style told a story, and each story was beautiful. Inspired, I decided to grow my hair out. Initially, it wasn’t a bold declaration; I just wanted to see what my hair could do. But as my curls began to take shape, so did my confidence.
I felt free when I explored my relationship with my curls for the first time. I experimented with deep conditioners, sulfate-free shampoos, and curl creams to achieve a look. It wasn’t just about style but about self-care and self-acceptance for the curls. Wearing my curls feels like a quiet tribute to the legacy of those who came before me, who fought to wear their hair without fear or shame.
Every morning, my hair routine feels like an act of love. I cleanse carefully, use deep conditions to hydrate my curls and style them with intention. Each step reminds me that my hair is worth time and attention—just like I am. And while it’s true that some days my curls don’t behave as I want them to, I’ve learned to embrace the imperfection.
Looking back, my relationship with my curls mirrors my journey as a Black man. Both have required me to navigate a world that often tries to box me in, to define me before I can describe myself. Because in a world that tries to tell us who we should be, choosing to be yourself is the most powerful statement you can make. My hair doesn’t need to be perfect; it simply needs to be mine. My hair—just like me—is a work in progress. And that’s okay.
As for many things, TikTok has become a go-to destination for curly hair divas. From heatless curling techniques to styling routines, we’re constantly look for ways to enhance the definition and volume of our curls.
Always eager to discover new ways to give TLC to my curls, I explored and tested some of TikTok’s most popular curly hair trends. The results? Some were total game-changers, while others are best left scrolling past the For You Page.
Below for my take on the trends I tried and whether they deserve a spot in your curly hair routine.
The “Rice Water Rinse” for Growth
Rice water is an effective treatment for promoting hair growth and improving curl elasticity. Making rice water is simple: I rinsed raw rice, soaked it in water, and allowed it to ferment for 24 hours before applying it to my hair. While the rinse left my curls feeling soft and hydrated, the smell was unpleasant. I didn’t notice significant hair growth, but after a few uses, my hair felt stronger. Rice water could benefit your hair care routine if you’re patient and consistent. Just be prepared for the unpleasant smell.
“Gel Cast” Styling for Long-Lasting Curls
The gel cast technique involves applying gel to wet hair, allowing it to dry and form a crunchy “cast,” which you then scrunch out for soft, defined curls. I used a generous amount of gel on my soaking-wet hair and styled it as usual before letting it air-dry completely. Initially, the cast felt stiff, but after scrunching it, my curls looked defined, shiny, and had excellent hold. My hairstyle lasted for three days with minimal refreshing. If you’re struggling with curl definition or longevity, use a lightweight gel to prevent buildup.
DIY Avocado Hair Mask
This treatment combines avocado, olive oil, honey, and other kitchen ingredients to hydrate and strengthen curls. Many TikTok users say it leaves hair softer, shinier, and more manageable. While mixing the mask was messy, applying it was easy. After 30 minutes, I rinsed it out and styled my hair. My curls felt softer and more hydrated, but cleanup was a hassle. If you enjoy DIY projects, try; otherwise, a store-bought deep conditioner may be more convenient.
Honey and Olive Oil Pre-Poo Hair Mask
A pre-poo treatment using honey and olive oil helps boost moisture retention and makes detangling much more manageable. Many TikTok users swear by this method for achieving softer, more manageable hair before shampooing. I mixed honey and olive oil, applied the mixture to my dry hair, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Detangling my hair was a breeze, and I felt noticeably softer after washing. This treatment is perfect for anyone whose hair feels dry or tangled before washing. It’s a simple way to elevate your wash day routine.
Heatless curls are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Let’s face it: heat styling can be very tempting. Who doesn’t love the instant results of smooth waves or beautifully defined curls? However, excessive heat can be damaging to natural hair. It strips away moisture, weakens strands, and can lead to breakage or irreversible heat damage.
This is where heatless curls come into play. They provide a way to achieve stunning styles while keeping your hair healthy and intact. Thanks to TikTok and Instagram, influencers and hairstylists share techniques to create voluminous curls and tight spirals using common household tools. Heatless curls are trendy, offering several benefits for those with natural hair.
Learn more below
Heatless Curls Protect Your Hair’s Health
The biggest win when you skip heat styling? Protecting your strands from heat damage. Natural hair flourishes with moisture, but excessive heat can zap those precious oils that keep your curls hydrated, healthy, and strong. Tools like curling irons and wands rely on high temperatures that can weaken your hair over time, leaving it prone to dryness, split ends, and breakage. By choosing to go heat-free, you’re giving your curls the love they deserve—preserving their elasticity and keeping breakage at bay.
They’re Low Maintenance
Heatless curl techniques often involve setting your hair and leaving it alone for hours, making them low-manipulation styling. This reduces the risk of overhandling your strands, which can cause thinning and shedding. Many heatless curl methods can be done overnight, meaning you can wake up to a ready-to-go style. This is a major win for anyone juggling busy mornings or looking to streamline their routine.
They Encourage Length Retention
You’ll notice better length retention over time when your hair is healthy and free from breakage. Heatless curls allow you to enjoy versatile styles without sacrificing the health of your ends. Whether rocking a type 3 curl pattern or a tighter type 4 texture, heatless curls work for everyone. You can adjust the technique to achieve everything from loose waves to defined ringlets.
Let’s be honest, taking care of curly hair isn’t always easy. Our curls, kinks, and coils are unique and beautiful, deserving of all the love and attention we can give them. However, developing habits that may not benefit our hair is easy.
Whether you’re an experienced naturalista or just beginning your curly hair journey, avoiding these common mistakes can elevate your hair care routine. Embrace every twist and turn of your curls—loose waves or tight coils—because they reflect your beauty, strength, and individuality.
Below for some mistakes to avoid when caring for curly hair.
Skipping the Moisture
Curly hair is naturally dry, and skipping hydration is a major no-no. Curls can become brittle, frizzy, and prone to breakage without proper moisture. Hydration is your curl’s best friend. Incorporate a leave-in conditioner and deep condition regularly to lock in moisture. Ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and shea butter are game-changers for the curls. And don’t forget to seal the deal with an oil or cream to keep your hair hydrated for days.
Overwashing Your Hair
We’ve been conditioned (pun intended) to believe that washing our hair daily is a must. But frequent washing can strip your strands of their natural oils for curly hair, leaving them dry and lifeless. Cut back on shampooing once or twice weekly, depending on your hair type and lifestyle. When you do wash, opt for sulfate-free shampoos that cleanse without stripping. On non-wash days, refresh your curls with a water-based spray or co-wash to keep them looking fab.
Using the Wrong Products
Not all hair products work for curly hair girls, and what works for your straight-haired bestie might wreak havoc on your curls. Heavy silicones, sulfates, and alcohol-based products can leave your hair dry and weighed down. Invest in curl-friendly products designed specifically for your hair type. Read the ingredient labels and steer clear of harsh chemicals. Black-owned haircare brands like SheaMoisture, Mielle Organics, Cécred, TGIN, and Pattern Beauty have incredible options that cater to our textures.
Neglecting Your Ends
Your ends are the most delicate part of your hair. Ignoring them can lead to split ends and breakage, stalling your growth journey. Show your ends some TLC by trimming them regularly to prevent splits from traveling up the shaft. Apply extra moisturizer or oil to the tips to keep them soft and healthy. Protective styles like twists or buns can also help shield your ends from damage.
Detangling the Wrong Way
Ripping through your curls with a fine-tooth comb can turn detangling into a nightmare. It’s painful and damaging, leaving your hair a hot mess. Always detangle your hair when it’s wet and saturated with conditioner. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to work through knots from the ends upward gently. Patience is key here—your curls will thank you.
Skipping Satin or Silk at Night
If you go to bed without protecting your hair, you practically invite dryness and frizz to the party. Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture and cause friction, making your curls tired by morning. Upgrade your nighttime routine with a satin or silk bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase. This small change will keep your curls hydrated, defined, and ready to slay every morning.
Heat Overload
We get it—a sleek blowout or perfectly defined curls from a wand is tempting. But too much heat can lead to dryness, breakage, and even heat damage that’s hard to recover from. Limit your heat usage to special occasions, and always use a heat protectant. When styling, opt for low heat settings and embrace heat-free methods like twist-outs, braid-outs, or flexi rods to achieve gorgeous results without the risk.
Ignoring Your Scalp
Healthy curls begin with a healthy scalp. Neglecting your scalp can result in buildup, itchiness, and even hair loss. You can massage it regularly to encourage circulation and promote hair growth. Use clarifying shampoos to eliminate buildup, and follow up with nourishing scalp oils or treatments to soothe the skin. Great options include looking for products that have tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and jojoba oil.
Not Knowing Your Curl Type
Understanding your curl type is essential for selecting the right products and routines for your hair. Cookie-cutter advice won’t cut it—what works for one texture might not work for another. Take the time to understand your curl pattern (from 3A to 4C), porosity, and density.
The wildfires that have swept through the Los Angeles area have had a profound impact: displacing thousands of people who have lost their homes. These individuals have not only lost their belongings but also their sense of stability and security. Additionally, businesses and beloved landmarks have been left to ashes.
As communities grapple and grieve with the traumatic experience, they need support and solidarity. Families are working tirelessly to rebuild, and local organizations are stepping in to provide aid. But the journey toward recovery is just beginning for them. Thankfully, beauty brands are stepping up their game, using their platforms to share resources, donating proceeds from sales, creating relief campaigns, and partnering with local charities.
From celebrity-loved brands like Sienna Naturals to initiatives like the Rhode Futures Foundation, here are the beauty brands giving back to LA wildfire victims.
Vaseline
rhode futures foundation
Tatcha
Summer Fridays
Rare Beauty
Sienna Naturals
about-face
Shani Darden Skincare
Laura Mercier
Can you believe it’s almost 2025? While we’re looking back at all the beauty moments of this year at all this year’s beauty moments, we’re also looking forward to the trends coming in the new year, specifically for the curls. “The focus is all about embracing natural textures,” says IGK NYC hairstylist Olya Iudina. “People are moving away from over-styled looks and leaning into the beauty of their own curls.”
Remember how people were diffusing their curls? Yep, it’s still on the horizon. “Embracing your natural curls has been making a big comeback in 2024 and for 2025,” says RPZL Master Stylist Stephanie Angelone. “Instead of blowing your hair out, a round brush using the diffusing nozzle with curling products and letting natural curls dry without frizz is on the upswing.”
This year, we’re seeing a surge in styles that celebrate the beauty of all curls, from bold Jheri Curls to curly pixie. For specific hairstyles, layered bobs, heavy fringes, and voluminous shapes offer versatility and showcase curls in their best spotlight. Regarding curly hair, we’re focusing on low-maintenance yet high-impact hairstyles (especially if we’re trying to look good when running late to work). Let’s remember beauty products to maintain the volume of the curls. “The main focus here is moisture,” says Iudina. “Something that will enhance hair texture and won’t bring it down.”
2025 is the year for the curls to shine. We’re here to express ourselves with the power of hair while keeping it chic and healthy.
Below for some inspiring curly hair looks to consider rocking in the new year.
Over time, product buildup, oil, dead skin, and pollution can clog your hair follicles and throw your scalp out of balance. These factors can lead to dryness, itching, dandruff, or thinning hair. That’s where a good scalp treatment comes in. It works to deeply clean and exfoliate, clearing away all the gunk and boosting circulation to nourish your hair follicles.
The result? Stronger, healthier hair growth. Plus, scalp treatments can help control oiliness, calm irritation, and make your other hair products work even better. Not to mention, winter can be harsh on your scalp, causing dryness and irritation. Scalp treatments, such as nourishing oils and soothing masks, help restore moisture and keep your scalp healthy.
Whether your scalp is dry, oily, somewhere in between, or simply want to give it some extra TLC, adding a scalp treatment to your routine helps create the perfect environment for your hair to thrive, leaving it shinier, softer, and full of life. That said, the below will keep your scalp nourished all winter.
The downsides to frequent shaving are that it can cause irritation, bumps, cuts, ingrown hairs, razor burn, and nicks. This can be frustrating for anyone who wants to keep everything clean and tidy. Luckily, safety razors are designed to address these issues, making shaving a much smoother, safer, and more comfortable experience—especially for those with sensitive skin.
“Safety razors work best for sensitive skin,” William Rodgriguez, a master barber at Public Image NYC tells Beautycon. “Using a safety razor to shave is the best way to prevent unsightly razor bumps, ingrown hairs, nicks and irritation.”
What’s the difference between a safety razor and a regular razor?
There is a significant difference between a safety razor and a regular razor. The difference lies with the razor head. “Safety razors use a single or double edge razor that is encased in a head that only exposes the edge of the razor,” Dr. Hartman says. “A regular razor is often known as a cartridge razor, which has a series of razor edges stacked on top of one another.”
Best practice with safety razors
When using a safety razor, it’s important to note that the head of the razor doesn’t pivot like regular razors. Instead, it’s recommended to use the safety razor in the direction of hair growth to achieve the best angles. First, it’s important to prepare the skin on your face by steaming in the shower or using a hot towel. Second, apply a pre-shave oil, shaving gel, or cream, and try to shave with and across the grain of the hair growth to avoid irritation. After shaving, rinse your face with cold water and apply an after-shave balm for a refreshing finish.
The importance of using one blade is also emphasized by the experts. “Stick to one blade if you have sensitive skin,” Dr. Corey L. Hartman, Founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL, says. “A fresh, new blade will easily remove hair from the face with the least amount of contact with your skin possible, which will reduce the risk of skin irritation, redness and itching.”
Which safety razors should I try?
Holiday party season is here. With that, comes shopping for the perfectly festive dresses for office and family celebrations alike. To bring it all together, though? An elevated hairstyle that still shows off your curls.
With just a few simple steps and the right products, you can create stunning, curly hair-approved party looks from your home. Whether you’re going for elegant, playful, or bold, there’s something for everyone to choose from below.
Super Defined Glam Curls
To achieve an elegant look that enhances your natural curls, wash your hair and apply a leave-in conditioner. Section your hair and apply curl-defining cream using your fingers or the praying hand’s method. Then, use a diffuser to dry your hair and separate curls for volume. Finish by adding shine spray or hair oil to the ends for a polished, party-ready glow.
Half-Up, Half-Down
You can never go wrong with a half-up, half-down hairstyle. With freshly washed curls, start with using a curl refresher spray or leave-in conditioner. You can either use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to part and separate the top half from the bottom half. Gather the top section of your hair into a loose ponytail or twist it into a small bun to keep your curls intact.
Wet Look
You can apply a generous amount of curl-defining gel to damp hair for a sleek, high-fashion party style, channeling Rihanna. Make sure to slick the roots back for a polished, wet appearance. To finish the look, scrunch the ends to maintain defined, glossy curls.
Side-Swept Curls
If you’re looking for a classic hairstyle, simply sweep your curls to one side and secure them with bobby pins. If you want a glamorous style, add a glittery clip to give it an extra dose of sparkle.
Elegant-Messy Curly Bun
Without a doubt, a bun can make you look put together. All you have to do is grab and gather your curls at the top of your head and pull them back in a ponytail. You can pull the ponytail halfway through on the last loop of the tie to create a loose bun look with a few ends sticking out.
Winter wash days for coily hair require a little extra love and care to combat the dryness and brittleness that come with the colder months. The key to maintaining healthy, defined coils is to focus on moisture-rich products that hydrate and protect.
For starters, reach for a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo following a deep conditioning treatment to give moisture and strengthen your hair. Then, you can use a leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture. Meanwhile, a curl cream or styling gel can help define your coils and reduce frizz. Don’t forget to add an oil or hair serum to seal in all the hydration and give your curls that healthy, shiny finish. In other words, with the right essentials, you can keep your coily hair soft, bouncy, and full of life all winter long.
Below, discover our favorite essentials to add to your wash day routine.
It’s that time of year again: family gatherings, gift giving, and cozy evenings in. Additionally, ‘tis the season for holiday parties, too. That likely means you’re on the lookout for hairdo ideas that will turn heads and inspire festive cheer.
Lucky for you, there’s an abundance of inspiration out there. Our favorite celebrities, for example, are turning heads with stunning hair looks as of late. If you’re considering getting a silk press this season, take a look at Coco Jones at the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Otherwise, you might want to go for a classic Hollywood look, such as a slicked-back straight hairstyle or a short bob, like the music trio FLO. Or Maybe, like Lizzo, a braided crown or is a little more your speed. And did someone say blondes have more fun? With their bouncy ‘dos, Sabrina Carpenter and Wicked’s Ariana Grande certainly say so.
Regardless of your preference, below are a few dazzling hairstyle ideas to make a statement this holiday season.
The holidays are a time for relaxing, eating well, and creating unforgettable memories with our loved ones. It also often means many of us are traveling. That said, between the dry airplane air, hotel products, harsh water pressure, and unpredictable weather, our curls might be more prone to dryness than usual. we have to make sure our curls rise to the occasion and shine no matter what.
To help us through it all, Joey Scandizzo, celebrity hairstylist and co-creative director of ELEVEN Australia, is here. He notes the importance of, when it comes to travel, keeping things simple. “Traveling can also mess with your normal hair routine,” says Scandizzo. “The key is keeping your hair hydrated without weighing it down.”
To keep your hair healthy while traveling, find more tips below.
Hydrate your hair
Scandizzo notes that hydration is the ultimate superpower to nourish and add moisture to your curls. “Humidity will pull in extra moisture from the air leaving you with frizzy and wild curls,” says Scandizzo. “Add a bit of sweat and oil buildup, and your hair can start to feel heavy and greasy pretty quickly.”
Wear a protective hairstyle
Scandizzo recommends styling your hair in braids or a chic bun. “It’ll protect your curls and give you one less thing to worry about while you’re traveling.” If you want to do a quick hairstyle, braids or twists are great options. “They’re easy ways to prevent excessive tangling while still letting your hair flow naturally.”
Use a silk pillowcase or hair wrap
During vacation, like always, you want to protect your hair while you sleep. Scandizzo notes that if you’re traveling to a warm climate, wrap your hair. “Bring a satin bonnet or a satin pillowcase for your neck pillow,” says Scandizzo. “Both options help reduce friction, keeping frizz under control while you rest or lean back.” He also recommends wrapping your hair in a scarf, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and carrying an umbrella when you’re out in the sun.
Pack go-to travel hair essentials
When it comes to packing your favorite hair products, Scandizzo recommends packing a lightweight, hydrating shampoo and conditioner to balance moisture for your curls. Here’s a tip: keep your hair hydrated without weighing it down. “Pack a lightweight, hydrating shampoo and conditioner to maintain that moisture balance,” says Scandizzo. “Alternatively, pack a mini 50ml curl cream for the flight to keep your curls smooth and hydrated.”
Finding the perfect gift for someone with curly hair can be a challenge, but a curated gift set is a thoughtful and practical solution. We think the best gift sets include a combination of nourishing shampoos, conditioners, styling creams, and treatments that cater to the unique needs of curly textures. After all, your curl friends want their strands to be moisturized, frizz-free, and defined.
That said, when shopping for the kits, look out for ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and coconut oil which help promote healthy hair. So, give the gift of confidence this season with a premium curly hair gift set that can elevate your loved one’s routine.
Below, we narrow down our favorite curly hair gift sets.
Curly hair is glorious. But, like any good thing, it requires care and maintenance. Let’s face it, though. Some mornings we simply just don’t have the time to re-style our hair and chance it not turning out the way we’d hoped for.
That said, it’s great to have a trusted style you can whip out when you’re in a rush. “Go-to, easy, protective hairstyles for curly hair are often updos,” says Master Cosmetologist at the Ogle School, Stanley Nolan. It’s all about using the right products and tools to give your hair more volume or definition. “Adding texture and shine to your curls can be a quick and effortless way to get a beautiful, shiny, bouncy look.”
Below, for more quick, easy, and cute styles for those busy days.
Ponytail
Nolan recommends using a styling cream or pomade to make sun the ponytail in place. “Place the product along the hairline, as well as over the crown of your head.” You can use a small boar bristle brush to lay down your edges.
Slick Bun
Without a doubt, a slick bun makes you look professional on a new level. Nolan recommends securing the hair into a bun and using your brush to smooth down any remaining bumps or flyaways. “For extra hold, you can wrap the ponytail with an elastic band or pin the bun tightly.”
Relaxed Updo
Maybe you want to do a relaxed hairstyle for a busy work day. After drying your curly hair, apply a curl-defining cream and gather hair into a ponytail halfway between the nape and crown of the head. “Wind the ponytail around the base of the hair tie to form the bun.”
Top-knot
A top-knot hairstyle can be done like you’re putting a half-updo. Nolan recommends using bobby pins to secure the hair into place before misting it with hairspray to lock everything in while maintaining the natural bounce of your curls. “If needed, you can gently pull on some sections to adjust the shape of the bun for a more effortless finish.”
Curly Pineapple
You can go for a classic curly pineapple. All you have to do is pile your hair up and secure it with either a scarf or bobby pins. If you’re looking to add more shine with this hairstyle, Nolan recommends applying a small amount of lightweight styling cream or oil to add texture and a glossy finish.
Fluffy Twists
Celebrity hairstylist Xia Charles notes that you can use a leave-in conditioner to create a fluffy twist hairstyle. “After washing, divide your clean, damp, detangled hair into sections,” says Charles. “Move slowly down the length of your hair, ensuring it dries and smooths completely.”
After drying, use a rat tail comb and section your hair. “Twist the sections from root till end,” says Charles. “Repeat this process till your hair is completely full of long fluffy twists.”
Let’s face it. Curly hair can get dry and frizzy at times. That’s because curly hair requires more moisture than other hair types. In other words, finding the right products, and hydrating more than you think you should, is key. Additionally, in the winter months, hair tends to be dryer due to heating systems, cold temperatures, and more heat styling.
That’s where trusted leave-in conditioners come in! Luckily, we spoke with hair experts on the power of leave-ins. Below for tips, product recommendations, and more.
What are leave-in conditioners?
“Leave-in conditioners are typically a cream that goes throughout the hair after you shampoo and condition,” says hairstylist Mick Lewis Denver. “It is applied on wet hair and will help with moisture for dry hair.”
Celebrity hairstylist and Co-Creative Director of ELEVEN Australia, Joey Scandizzo, also notes that they are perfect for giving your hair some extra love aer washing. “Unlike regular conditioners, they stay on your hair, adding moisture, protecting it from damage, and making it way easier to detangle and style.”
What are the benefits of leave-in conditioners for curly hair?
Scandizzo raves that curly hair can benefit from using leave-in conditioners. “Curls tend to get dry and frizzy, so a good leave-in can give them that extra boost of moisture they need to stay so and bouncy all day,” says Scandizzo. “Leave-ins also add a protective layer so your curls stay defined and full of life.”
Why are they important to use for curly hair?
Curly hair takes longer to get natural hydration all the way to the ends. Quia Querisma, hairstylist and owner of Querisma Beauty Studio, also notes that curly hair is prone to dryness and “the most fragile” hairstyles. “Natural oils don’t easily travel down the hair strand,” says Querisma. “Maintaining moisture in the hair helps discourage breakage and leaves the hair feeling softer.”
Scandizzo notes that leave-ins can help give curls the moisture they need to stay healthy “They also add a layer of protection against frizz and environmental damage, keeping curls looking defined and healthy.
Which leave-ins should I try?
If there’s one thing Saweetie will do, it’s make sure she looks good when she steps out of the house. The Beautycon 2024 speaker’s recent vacation-ready cornrows, adorned by neutral and turquoise beads—matching her Tony Ward Couture light blue gown and nails— were no different.
The “My Type” rapper made sure her edges were laid down to perfection, too. The feed-in braids she rocked involve adding extension hair to cornrows or single braids, adding more volume to the hair. It appears as though her braids might have been done on her natural texture—as the next day, she took them down and revealed her silky curls while at the beach. For the braided style, of course the singer had to add a unique touch; side-swept to give them an elevated, it-girl look.
So, if you’re looking for hair inspiration for your holiday beach adventure—be it during the upcoming holiday season, a solo trip, or baecation for Valentine’s Day—take notes from Saweetie.
One thing’s for sure, two thing’s for certain: SZA gives us good vibes and music. While we can relate to her songs from her two albums, Ctrl and SOS, the Grammy-winning singer loves to show off her head-turning hair looks. And for good reason.
Do you remember when all of us would turn on the TV’s and put on 106 & Park? The Ctrl singer rocked her natural long curly hair in one episode with no makeup. Then, she rocked her big curls at the 2014 Maverick Music Festival. Additionally, there have been many times on Instagram where she’s showcased a variety of wigs—ranging from pink to orange to blue hairstyles.
Later, she rocked her hair in a top-knot updo at the 2017 BET Awards. She also made her first appearance at the 2018 Met Gala with loose curls. And, let’s not forget when she totally owned the yellow hair at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards, performing “Kiss Me More” with Doja Cat, either.
We could go on, but you get the picture. SZA is constantly raising the bar, not only musically, but also hair-wise—reminding us of the beauty and range of Black women.
In honor of her 35th birthday, today, below are a few of our favorite SZA hair moments.
