Search Results: Lauren Murray
Did you know that over 50% of the residents of Mexico City have curly hair?!
Yep, over half of the population has some sort of textured hair due to their Indigenous, Latin American, & Native American backgrounds. Even famous Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo painted a self-portrait of herself with a tiny curly fro, as a symbolic reference to her taking back her power during one of her bouts with Diego!
Recently, NC Social Media Manager Leslie and I took a trip to Mexico City, as a cultural immersion experience to learn about pelo chino and curl acceptance in the city. With the help of curl expert Rebeca Serur, Co-Founder of Urban Curls Salon (the first hair salon dedicated to curly hair in Mexico City”> as our guide, we were really excited and anxious to see the different textures, styles, and curly community in another country. Everyone we photographed was even more thrilled to have their rizos recognized and jumped at the opportunity to showcase their hair and personal style!
Peep our roundup below of waves, curls, and coils in Mexico City, showing just a small taste of the diverse community in Latinx culture!
This curly couple was serious #hairgoals.
Curls & Calaveras! Talk about getting into the holiday spirit.
NC Social Media Manager Leslie rocking her freshly trimmed waves. <3
Owner of Urban Curls Salon, Rebeca is showing off her curls while wearing a Las Ofrendas crown!
NC Content Editor Lauren showing off her coily curls in CDMX!
On a personal note, this trip forced me to take a look at my own cultural biases stemmed in unrealistic ideas from the media, in how Mexico is portrayed in the United States. I learned of new products and ingredients to put in my own hair, and not to mention the overwhelming amount of hospitality I received was unmatched by anywhere else I have gone! My rizos paquito were a showstopper, but not only that I felt a genuine connection with the curlies in Mexico City, and likewise did Leslie.
Thank you Mexico for showing us your unique style and celebrating your natural textures. We had a blast, and are looking forward to spending more time in your beautiful country.
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All photos by @x_lazcano
This Mielle Organics Brazilian Curl Cream has been a NaturallyCurly fave when it comes to 3c/4a hair stylers, and the community even voted it as a Best of the Best Winner of 2017. The general consensus behind this product is that it has great hold, curl definition, and moisturizing effects, but how would it perform on my curl and density?
I tried it out, and I believe we have a gem on our hands.
I was super excited to use this product, as others in the Mielle line have worked really well for me, notably their leave-in conditioners and twist creams. This company does a really great job of creating products that work for multiple hair types, so I wasn’t worried at all about whether it would be good or not. What I was worried about, was how it would perform over multiple days for a lasting style.
In its key ingredients roster, Mielle features not just one but 4 oils, each with distinct functions. Babassu oil forms a protective coating around the hair strand, while murumuru oil works to fight frizz by specifically penetrating the hair strand and inserting moisture into the shaft. Buriti oil is a new one for me, but it is a more calming oil focused on smoothing, and copaiba oil is an antibacterial agent.
With this myriad of ingredients, you would think the consistency would be that of a liquid, but it’s actually a thick cream. I will admit I was a little skeptical of how a thick cream would perform in my hair, as I typically go for lighter products when wearing a wash and go, but it didn’t leave any residue behind and dried pretty fast. My curls weren’t crunchy either.
Trying out different stylers isn’t high on my product review list because that is usually my last step in my routine, and if the styler is wack, I am in for a disaster. But Mielle got me together y’all!
I mixed the curl cream with the Genedor Beauty Swirl Curls Gel Styler and did the rake and shake method in my curls. Don’t tell anyone though, but I have used the curl cream faithfully for every single wash and go I have done since I first tried this one, over 2 months ago!
My hair was noticeably less frizzy and felt very soft to the touch. It also had a light citrus scent that it left behind, and I received “whoa, your hair smells so good!” statements literally everywhere I went! Even in the grocery store, this lady stopped me in the fruit aisle!
Typically, I do enjoy frizz and I did have some towards the end of the day, but it wasn’t a huge amount. When it came to the test for 3rd and 4th day hair, my curls weren’t as defined, but they were still very moisturized and I only needed to follow up with a very light oil! Dassit.
10 out of 10 in my world
I would recommend this baby if you are on the hunt for a new styler. I’m not a Mielle Stan or anything – I just literally own 75% of her products ;”> – but this really was one of my favorite products to put on my curls.
So what do ya think? Have you tried this curl cream?
Let us know your thoughts below or on the Naturally Curly Facebook!
All photos by @itspheelosophy
Read next: Top 10 Curl Stylers for 3c hair
Urban Curls Salon, founded just 2 years ago, has quickly become a game-changer in the curly hair community by being the first salon dedicated to curly hair in Mexico City. In just a short amount to time, Rebeca and her co-founder Sharon introduced curly hair acceptance to a formerly straight-hair-only market, created their own line of products after an American company turned them down, and flipped curly hair acceptance on its head by training stylists all over the city in new techniques to cut their curly clients. With this being their first international feature, they were extremely excited to sit down with NC Social Media Manager Leslie and I and tell us their story as a young emerging salon disrupting the curl industry in the best possible way.
Lauren Murray: When we first heard about Urban Curls salon, we knew we had to come visit as curl acceptance and education is something we strive for every day. Can you tell us a little about what having curly hair means to you? How did the idea for Urban Curls come about? Can you also speak to the evolution of your brand? Not only did you train your stylists in curly hair, but you created your own product line!
Rebeca Serur: Well I have had my salon for 9 years now, but I never felt that I had a great haircut. Even with my stylists going to the best schools, I didn’t feel comfortable, so where do I go? So, 2 years ago, Sharon told me that she had an idea about bringing a curly hair salon to Mexico because she is also curly and cuts her hair with the Devachan method from the United States. So, when I heard the idea, I said yes! That’s what we need.
Serur: From there, we spent a year researching how many people in Mexico had curly hair and we found that all of the people in Mexico blow-dry, straighten their hair, or use keratin treatments. There is a census in Mexico City that has all of the demographic information, so Sharon took data from all of the states in Mexico and made an average of all the people and it’s about 58%. There is a market here and we found that all of the curly girls that we met told us that they were unhappy with their styles. All of them.
At first, we wanted to bring a brand from the states and we called them and asked them about working with Mexico, but their response was that they were not interested in a Mexican market. With this response, we knew the only way to create change was to design our own products.
Serur: I’m a chemical engineer so I had a little bit of knowledge about making beauty products, but we also hired a chemist to assist. In the beginning, we made all of our products very natural and very organic, but we failed the first time. The mixtures didn’t last at all, maybe only 4 weeks. After a few months though, we contacted a producer and told them which products we needed and which ingredients and we made a really great product that has a combination of the best things that are in the market along with a few Mexican ingredients.
We also wanted to train our stylists. We had 2 salons at the time [now they have 3] and we wanted to train our stylists in the United States, but we couldn’t because they didn’t have American work papers.
One lady we reached out to during our research phase told us about Scott Musgrave & Ron Suriano from Curly Hair Artistry, so we contacted them. They are very passionate about curls, and came to Mexico in May 2017 to produce a formal training. They trained all of our stylists in cuts and color for curly hair and I think our stylists, with all of the knowledge they acquired along with their previous experiences, have become excellent at curly hair.
Murray: What was the initial response? Were people scared to get a true curly hair cut?
Serur: Yes, all the people were like “You are crazy”. It has been hard because we need to gain trust and I think 99% are really happy and will come back and recommend us. It has been also very liberating for our clients because being natural is the best thing you can do for your hair. Our slogan is “Free your style,love your curls! “. You don’t need to wear your hair straight to be beautiful.
Murray: In the United States having curly hair can sometimes be looked at as a really negative thing. In Hispanic culture is it looked at negatively to have curly hair also?
Serur: It is not that it is a bad thing, because the Latina has a lot of curly hair and it’s sexy, but it’s not formal. We want to change that, because curly can be formal. And now curly hair is the thing to have. It is everywhere in the media.
Murray: Did you receive any criticism when you were thinking of how you could execute having a curly hair salon?
Serur: We never received it directly, but we have heard that other salons have critiqued us because we do things differently and we are telling their clients that the way they have been cutting their hair for many years is not the right way. I think it is normal to have criticism.
Murray: What does it mean to you to have the first curly hair salon in Mexico City?
Serur: We are so excited! We can think of hundreds of ideas, but we don’t have enough time to produce them all. Lol We want to sell our products in other salons and we want to teach other stylists the technique!! It makes people feel comfortable with themselves, and it is great to go to a salon and have them tell you don’t need to change who you are.
Murray: Have stylists from other salons come to your salon wanting to be taught your techniques?
Serur: Yes, we have a few! lol We are going to partner with Curly Hair Artistry to build a program to teach more stylists here.
Murray: Have you always loved your curls? Is this a new mindset for you?
Serur: The truth is that I have always loved my curls. I did feel like the ugly duck sometimes because I never wanted to straighten my hair. It did not match my personality. People knew I had a salon and they looked at me and was like “When was the last time you got your hair done?” Even my stylists were like “When can we blow your hair out?” and I didn’t like that. This has been a really terrific time for me to know that I am not the only one and that other people love their curls also.
Murray: And how does it feel that your daughter [Rebeca has 3 children] is in love with her curls at such a young age?
Serur: I am so proud! In school, she cannot wear her hair out, so when she gets home she wants to wear her curls out all of the time! She is so proud of me, and my other children keep asking me when are their curls going to grow, but they have straight hair like their father. Lol!
Thank you so much Rebeca for chatting with us and we look forward to following the Urban Curls story more! If you are ever in Mexico City, definitely check out her salon and tell them we said hello! <3
For more information on Urban Curls, follow them on Facebook here.
All photos by @x_lazcano
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When shopping for a plus size body, sometimes it can seem like society doesn’t quite recognize that we do like to be on trend as well, and not shrouded in a cotton and jersey outfit with the tightest Spanx on. While a myriad of plus shops have opened its door (hello, Universal Standard, Premme, and God I love Torrid“>, it should’t be left up to “specialty shops” to create clothing for women who make up the majority of the United States. Recent stats have found that the average American woman is no longer a size 14, but a 16, and even though this is the case, plus size women only make up 2% of the images that we see in the media (Refinery 29“>.
So what’s next in Plus size fashion? And where do we find clothes that make us feel good and look good, without breaking the bank? Cue Forever 21 Plus. A long runner in the quick fashion game, I have found that their plus size section is hands down one of my faves to shop in. I often like to peep in here for my cute little going out outfits or when I want to find something that I have seen on a model elsewhere, and know F21 will have a reproduction of it, or when I am looking for a good casual piece that I can layer. Yes, I know they ripoff styles, but that’s a convo for another day. For a solid price point though, I’m coming out with a faux fur sweatshirt, boyfriend jeans with pearl embellishments, a white bootie to match, and probably some gold hoops. #Yassss
For this outfit though, I really wanted to play on the trend that thick women can’t wear stripes, or whatever little idiosyncrasy that society tries to place on my comfortably soft, but still beautiful body. So I went my version of bold, mixing a ruffled yellow top, with black, red, and white striped pants, and of course a mule, but hello velvet and mustard!! To accessorize, I “borrowed” a backpack from my mom (she won’t be getting this back”>, channeled my best John Lennon in round sunnies, and you know ya girl had to rock a mean red lip!
Entire outfit, 80 bucks. I did that honey.
I try with my fashion to be a visible influence to others around me, because I have too often seen and felt the snide remarks from others about my body or towards someone else’s. And as a confident plus size woman, it wasn’t always easy to walk into a store and:
- Find something to wear, and then
- 2. Be happy with how it looked once it was on.
Being bigger is hard. I am not going to paint that it isn’t. But don’t think I am unhealthy due to my genetic disposition, and trust, I can still lift more than you can.
In this fit, I felt powerful. I was comfortable and stylish at the same time! The wide legs on the pants were a dream and I loved that I could dress the top up or down. This day, I felt like fashion got me, as a multidimensional human being that is a size 16+ and digs personal style. So thank you, F21 Plus. You were a dream. If you are looking for a cute clothes, on trend, and affordable, I say hit up your local F21. Your weekend selfies will thank you! ;”>
This post is not sponsored by Forever 21. I just really like shopping.
All photos by @Cassandra_Jk
Hair by @prettyeyegirl_mzcuts
Celebrated on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2nd with a huge feast on Nov. 3rd, Día de los Muertos is a holiday traditionally celebrated in central and southern Mexico that is all about honoring your loved ones that have passed on. November 1 is a day for thinking of children, and November 2nd is for celebrating the legacy of the adults. And yes, we all know the cemetery is the hotspot for this time, not to the mention the Westernized costumes we have seen come from it (skull face paint with a Frida crown anyone”>, this celebration is definitely much more than what meets the eye! So y’all ready for un poco de historia?
Peep these 8 facts about Día de los Muertos!
Las ofrendas are everything
It’s all about the altars when it comes to Día de los Muertos. Just like creating an altar with special items for religious purposes, these ofrendas for Day of the Dead are normally filled with items that were significant to the deceased’s life, so you might have toys, hair combs, sugar skulls, bottles of mezcal, or even fragments of their clothing. Each alter must also include cempasuchil or marigolds as they are the official flower of this holiday. Some families even spend months of their income to make these altars beautiful for their ancestors.
La Catrina – The calavera next door
The most famous icon of Day of the Dead is La Calavera Catrina, a political caricature of an indigenous Mexican woman influenced by European standards pre-revolution. Often seen wearing elaborate clothing and a hat, Catrina is a sign of the modernity in the Mexican revolution, as she was created by the famous Jose Guadualupe Posada, one of the most iconic printmakers and illustrators of his time.
It’s not just a Mexicanidad holiday
Yes, Día de los Muertos does have origins in Mexico, but that doesn’t mean it’s just a Latin American Holiday. Celebrations happen all around the world such as the United States, the Philippines, Spain, and even Italy!Fun Fact: Northern Mexico does not participate in the elaborate parties we all associate with this holiday, but holds a more somber celebration instead.
Don’t call it Mexican Halloween
Not to be confused with Halloween whatsoever (completely different holiday and completely different meaning”>, Día de los Muertos is a 3-day celebration that begins on Oct. 31st. At midnight on this date, it is seen to be the time when the spirits begin their transition back into the living world.
CDMX just had its first parade – thanks to James Bond
Mexico City just had its first parade celebrating this holiday in 2016. Shocker, I know! Originally created for a James Bond movie, the parade was such a hit that the government decided to keep it around for the long haul. While some appreciated the parade, others were unhappy because of the mainstream nature of the event.
Colonization transformed into cultura?
Historically an Aztec ritual of honoring those that have passed on, Day of the Dead is a combination of the mixing of both Catholicism and Mesoamerican culture. When the Spanish conquistadores came to Mexico with Christianity, Día de los Muertos was born.
The face paint means something
You may be familiar with the tradition of painting faces as skulls, and there is a belief behind the calavera look. According to Amparo de Jesús Rincón Pérez, anthropologist and expert at the National Museum of Popular Culture of Mexico City, this is done as a preventative measure to ward off death. Rincon told the Dallas News in Spanish, “To wear the face paint was a way to say ‘Don’t look at me. I’m already dead.'”
Actually, it’s just an insane amount of symbolism!
Literally, from the flowers to the altars, the naked spirit dogs that are there to guide the spirits back to the pan de muerto, Día de los Muertos is a days-long celebration of symbolism.Another Fun Fact: The bread is round because it is supposed to symbolize the Circle of Life. #imshook
Want more Dia de los Muertos inspo? Catch me on ig @whatsuplauren_ as I am traveling to CDMX next week to celebrate!
Nos Vemos!
All photos courtesy of Pixabay
Genedor Beauty, a new product on the curly market, has been making some new waves for the curly community. With a unique blend of products including cexotic butters, honey, vanilla tahitensis fruit oil, pequi oil, Argan oil, jojoba oil, and super fruits, the team behind this collection created a powerhouse line that gets the job done from start to finish. I recently had a chance to try their shampoo, conditioner, styling gel, and hair vitamins and had a few thoughts for how these products performed in my hair. Check out my take on Genedor to see how it performed on my 3c/4a hair!
Superfruit Antioxidant Shampoo
My first impression of the shampoo was that while it was very runny, the lather was straight up spa like. It definitely did not strip my hair though. Once I rinsed it out I had a ton of shine, and I also enjoyed how the shampoo had a little bit of detangling ability in it also. Slated on their website to provide “anti-aging, moisture, strength, and gentle but effective cleansing,” I did find that the shampoo lived up to its description. The smell was also slightly “perfumish” and overwhelming at first, but nothing that would deter from me using it again in the future.
Moisture Resuscitate Deep Conditioning Treatment
Immediate reaction, great slip right off the bat! I did use a pretty hefty amount of this on my hair after sectioning everything into 4 sections, but I think more is more in this case. I needed the extra product, because my hair was suffering from a lazy wash day earlier this week. It does say on the bottle that this is a deep conditioning treatment, so to get the full effect I let it sit on my strands for about 15 minutes. I could feel my hair soften, but it didn’t start out that way whatsoever. Once I let it sit and detangled my hair, the product rinsed out super easily. This product also had more of a strong vanilla scent, but overall it served its purpose as a conditioning agent.
Swirl Curls Gel Styler
Normally, I don’t use styling gels in my hair, so I was a little apprehensive to give this one a go. It is a clear gel with a really thick and sticky consistency, so I wasn’t quite sure how it would perform, but it did well! I did the rake and shake method on my curls with a little light scrunching at the ends with my fingertips, and I had good definition with slight frizz. To combat the frizziness, I added a little bit of Argan oil to my hair for additional moisture. It did take my hair about 30 minutes longer to dry than normal, maybe because the product is so thick, but I had poppin’ curls for sure.
Healthy Hair Gummies
I haven’t taken these for very long, so this review is purely based on taste. It does have an initial chalkiness to it, but it has a fruity aftertaste which kills any negative remark I had. Also touting 5,000 MCG of Biotin, a vegetarian formula, and it’s gluten-free, while all of this sounds grand, definitely get at me in a month and I can let you know if I saw growth or not.
All done! What do ya think?
Overall I approve of what it did for my hair, but I am most excited about mixing it with other products I have it home to see how it holds up.
Genedor Beauty is now available on SHOPNaturallyCurly, so you can give it a try for yourself.
Be sure to let me know your thoughts below!
Drop us some love on Facebook!
All photos by @itspheelosophy
The wrap dress is one of the most universal and iconic silhouettes that has made its way into a number of women’s closets over time. Recreated in 1974, by designer Diane von Furstenburg, this dress is a simple one piece of fabric, made to cross at the chest area and cinch at the waist, all by tying together two ties. Worn by celebrities, educators, politicians, businesswomen and more, the wrap dress also looks good on every body type and Diane’s style was specifically made famous for its use of jersey fabric, a breathable clingy texture. Symbolizing freedom in women’s sexuality, mental health, and overall empowerment of womanhood, the wrap dress became a popular icon in the 70’s for the liberated woman.
When asked about the status of the dress as a fashion staple, Diane stated “It started as a wrap top and skirt, and I thought it would make a simple and sexy dress. I had no idea it would be such a phenomenon. It was so effortless, and it allowed women to go to work and still feel like women…I used to travel all over the country, meeting someone in different cities and helping them to tie their wrap dresses. I could always see the way it changed a woman once she put it on…It was a very empowering thing for me, and for them.” – Refinery 29.
I have a pear shape body and find quite a bit of sexiness and confidence in wearing clothing that flatters my curves while also allowing me to still be comfortable. The wrap dress has always been one of my faves for how it makes me feel, and plus I love a good minimal outfit that speaks for itself. While my pockets can’t quite afford the original style though, I did find a super chic and very on trend alternative at Forever21 Plus! Instead of going for my normal neutral pallet, the cobalt blue hue also stood out to me as a new way to bring color into my wardrobe, but also sticking to my love of basics. In the world of fashion, ya know you gotta live a lil bit and I’ve been feeling bold lately, so playing with color will definitely be sticking around and this dress was a fun first option.
Accessorizing this look also proved to be a feat, as I didn’t want to go the uniform route of dressing her up for a night on the town look, which is how I would normally rock this. Instead, I went for my version of a “dinner and drinks in San Fran, before we head to a lounge that plays house music” vibe. I threw on a light pink faux leather Moto jacket from Forever 21 (v millennial right?”>. *Fun Fact: I found this in the men’s section! Just a little reminder that fashion is evolutionary and not defined by gender constructs.* And for my shoes, I chose a black bootie from Nordstrom Rack with little embroidered flowers, because it’s all about the understated details for me.
My style evolution is something serious right now as I am starting to wear things that make me feel good, mentally and emotionally. So whether that be a slinky wrap dress one day or sweats and Huaraches the next, if I feel good, I look good. With the wrap dress being such a known style, I knew I had to take my own personal go at it.
Did I feel liberated? Um yeah! But most importantly, I felt like the true boss that I am. Thanks DVF for your feminism and creativity!
Want more of my style? Check out my ig @whatsuplauren_ and follow Naturally Curly on Facebook!
All photos courtest of @cassandra_Jk
Hair by @prettyeyegirl_mzcuts
Rated 5 stars on SHOPNaturallyCurly, the Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Leave-In Treatment has been a product I have been pining over to try. I support all things coconut, because I am one of those people who thinks the word alone will make my hair grow 5 inches overnight. Coconut is often slated to be a miracle ingredient to put on your hair, so please believe trying this was a serious matter for me, and it did not disappoint. 
I have never tried anything from Camille Rose Naturals before, so I didn’t have any expectations for how I thought it was going to perform in my hair. When I am not chasing my coconut obsession, I am a self identified “procrastinatural” as coined by @thoughtscaughtinmyfro, meaning I do the bare minimum with products and often push the envelope on how long I can go before I do a serious wash. It’s ok, you can go ahead and shake your head at me for admitting that.
Application
After washing and conditioning my hair, I separated my hair into two sections, front and back. I used a quarter-sized amount on the front section and another quarter-sized amount on the back sections of my hair. From there, I squished the product into my hair, and gently smoothed it down the length of my coils. As a weird prequel I take before putting anything in or on my body, I like to smell it. Whether it be food, lotion, whatever, it’s getting smelled. This product had a super light scent though, with just the smallest notes of coconut. It definitely wasn’t overpowering, and I found that the scent lasted well into the next day once I applied this into my wash and go. My hair could have been properly moisturized from just the scent alone (which also made me later go to the store and buy a couple of bottles of coconut water to drink on the daily, obsession much?”>.
Results
People, what you are seeing here, are happy and quenched curls with shrinkage like none other. Y’all, when I tell you my curls were juicy! Like Camille Rose got me all the way together. On the bottle, it says that this is a detangling treatment, but I didn’t use it that way. I just added it to my hair as a leave-in conditioner for a wash and go and went on my merry way. I wouldn’t look to this choice for definition, as I definitely had frizz all day, but my shine and moisture levels were on point.
Price
Coming in at around $14.00 a bottle, I can say while the price point isn’t super magical, it’s still a good product and one I would buy again. Plus, if I were to have used it correctly, I would have gotten two products for the price of one, a detangler and a leave-in. Can’t beat it!
What did you think? Let us know your thoughts below!
There are three qualifications I look for when determining a good styling product for my 3c hair:
- It must be or have a holding agent present so I can achieve at least Day 3 hair.
- It must be moisturizing to my strands and not contain any harsh chemicals that cause buildup and breakage.
- The smell must also be tolerable. Smell is a super subjective trait, but hey, its important lol
Eden Body Works Natural Curl Defining Creme
“This product moisturizes and keeps my 3b/3c curls tame. My hair has been very dry and frizzy after pregnancy and all the products I used before (kc knot today, miss Jessie, curl junkie, dev one cond”> were not helping but making it worse! Then I tried this curl cream and my hair transformed! I added curl junkie gel after and now my hair stays presentable for almost a week! It is nice thick cconsistency, which is exactly what my hair type needs and the price is exactly what my budget needs :”>” – Justina
ORS Styling Smoothie
“This is my first time trying any style product from ORS and I’m very impressed. This styling creme is very moisturizing and instantly defined my 3c, low porosity curls. I did a three-strand twist out and my curls were fluffy and defined. I would pair this with the Olive Oil for Naturals Butter Glaze Gel Souffle for more hold.” – curlywishesccd
Camille Rose Aloe Whipped Butter Gel
“FANTASTIC product. I absolutely love it. I use it for twist outs for myself (3c”> and twist outs and cornrows for my daughter (about a 4b”> and we BOTH have wonderful definition and shine. The smell is divine! We also use it to seal in moisture using the L.O.C. method, usually water or a leave in, organic coconut oil then the Aloe Whipped. It’s absolutely perfect and a little goes a long way. One jar covered us for almost three full months (this is weekly twist outs on below shoulder length hair and bi-weekly twists or cornrows on mid-back length THICK hair”>.” – Anonymous
Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard
“…I’m a guy. I use Herbal Essence Hello Hydration and Main ‘N Tail. I alternate between conditioners. However, without Main N Tail I would not have very defined curls. The Curl La La magnifies my curl pattern exposing each curl individually and decrease volume drastically. (Water on Cotton Candy”> Instantly feels moisturizing when applying, but dries like a light gel. No signs of excess residue after running my fingers through my hair via styling. I like the way it feels when it’s just applied and not so much when it dries, but it looks good. I have to style with Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Firm Wax for my coily curly Afro-hawk. This product does not create curls; it will expose your curls.” – Jetfire
Kinky Curly Original Curling Custard
“I’ve been using this product for 10 years. I would give this product 10 stars if I could. Please continue to make this. I don’t know what I would do without this product. It provides great definition and a little product goes a long way! It’s well worth the money.” – Carice
Mielle Organics Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream
“The overall product works great! … I received a lot of compliments on my hair… I have used other products in the line and I am very pleased” – Sonya
Soultanicals Marula-Muru Moisture Guru
“I use this on both of my kids’ hair. My 6 year old daughter always comments on how wonderful it smells, like chocolate candy! It gives her curls great texture and height and I can only hope that there is a product for locs that smells the same!” – Melissa
DevaCurl Light Defining Gel
“DevaCurl Arc Angel is my typical curl gel of choice but my new favorite is this Light Defining Gel. It gives a Gel cast, has definition and leaves my curls frizz free and feeling light.” – Jess
SoCozy Boing Curl Gel-Cream
“This product worked surprisingly well in my hair. I used it for a coil out and it provided good hold without any flakes. It was a bit too lightweight for my Type 4 hair but works well for type 3 hair.” – hillaryjl
Design Essentials Curlforming Custard
“I’m still new to the whole “natural” life and I try so much with awful results. Piling product on top of product is not the life I want to live, I have recently found my cocktail and this honey custard is my C. So often these products just leave me with flakes and crunchy hair, but this custard does the job and no ‘hours’ of waiting to dry. And FANTASTIC smell. Both products are not cheap but I love my results.” – Kiana
What styling products do you use on your hair? Let us know below!
This article was originally published in 2014.
In a heartfelt moment, Serena Williams, tennis powerhouse and legend and fellow member of the #blackgirlmagic tribe, penned an open letter to her mother on Reddit,following the recent birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia. In her words, she highlighted the strength of her mother as a woman, her sincerest gratitude towards her mother’s presence in her life, and the role she played in helping Serena during some of her roughest times.
Thank you for being the role model I needed to endure all the hardships that I now regard as a challenges–ones that I enjoy. I hope to teach my baby Alexis Olympia the same, and have the same fortitude you have had.” – Serena Williams
You could feel the love and admiration Serena holds towards her mom radiating off of the page, and through her words the legacy she knows she will provide for her own daughter as she grows into motherhood.
As this beautiful ode to motherhood made its rounds in our office, amidst tons of “Let me go call my mom” statements, some of our staff decided to share their thoughts on Serena’s letter. Muva Williams, you put us all in our feelings, and through your deeply personal expression of gratitude, we are sharing a few of our responses to your letter and to the matriarchs of our families.
Alexandra, Content Editor
The sincerity, authenticity & genuine love in this letter is so amazing to witness! I could relate on many levels of growing up thin & tall, looking different from my peers. My mom has always been my #1 fan and biggest supporter, I’m beyond grateful for her unconditional love. Also, it’s such a great reminder to celebrate your body and the power you hold!
Fave line:
“I am proud we were able to show them what some women look like. We don’t all look the same. We are curvy, strong, muscular, tall, small, just to name a few, and all the same: we are women and proud!”
Cristina, Managing Editor
I read this letter and thought… I need to call my mom! She’s the strongest woman in the world, and she’s the reason I’m so strong-willed – she would call it “matigas ang ulo,” which means hard-headed in Filipino. In addition to our stubbornness, we share a birthday (watch out, double Scorpios”>, our compassion for others, and our muscular calves. We both danced ballet into our 20s and we have these big calves that never fit into boots and pants. To me they’re a symbol of strength, and my mom.
Kate, Mother of Two Amazing Daughters & NaturallyCurly’s CEO
As a mother of two young women, one who barely made it to birth let alone adulthood, there is no greater gift than seeing your daughters grow to be a strong, amazing, resilient and articulate females owning all they are, no matter how different, leading the way for others behind them to also stand strong for who they are and what they believe in, leaving the world a better place each day they wake up in it. That letter from Serena is a both a testament to how intelligent and grounded Serena is as well as something that her mother and her own daughter will cherish forever.
Lauren, Content Editor
If I continue to evolve into even half of the woman my mother is, then I know I will have a resiliency like none other, the biggest heart full of love for myself, others, and the world, and a hustle that cannot be matched. Reading this letter made me realize how much I take my mom for granted and don’t tell her I love her enough, but mom if you’re reading this, you’re my favorite girl and I love you deeply. Shout out to all the mamas!
Gerilyn, Senior Copywriter
Conversations about life, the future, family and creating traditions have permeated many conversations I’ve had in recent days. That’s why this love letter, written by Serena Williams to her mother, resonates so deeply with me in this moment. It’s not just that she loves her mother, or that because she is now a mother… it is because she is proud to be her child. She thanks her mother for instilling pride in her mind, body, and soul; just like my mother did when the weight of childhood bullies seemed unshakable. I am 100% here for the diamond-bright love Serena has for her mother and feel inspired to call my mom right now (after the lump in my throat swells down”>.
Devri, Content Editor
*wipes tears away*
So what did you think of Serena’s letter to her mom?
Share your response with us on Facebook, and tell your mom you love her!
As a frequent “non-shampooer” and self admittedly leery of all things DevaCurl (I’ll hit on this later”>, I was definitely apprehensive to try out their Low-Poo Original Shampoo and One Condition Conditioner Line, despite it having won the Naturally Curly Editor’s Choice award in 2016. Over the years, I have created a pretty solid regimen for my hair with a once every two months usage of shampoo and my preferred cleansing agent consisting of Apple Cider Vinegar and a little alkaline water. To remove product buildup, I tend to gravitate towards some no name brand shampoo or a good cleansing conditioner, since I am not shampooing my hair that often.
My apprehension with DevaCurl products stemmed from the facts that they were:
- A little pricey
- Products I thought were geared more towards looser curl patterns
While my thoughts were a bit unfounded, I was definitely biased based on some internal preconceived notions I had. But y’all, after trying this line out, DevaCurl won me over. My hair was thoroughly cleansed by the shampoo without being stripped of moisture, and the conditioner was super hydrating and had good slip without feeling like I needed to use the entire bottle to saturate my curls and get out tangles.
Pre-Use
While my hair is very dense and thick, my individual strands are fine and I often experience single strand knots and tangles when my curls are clumped together. From doing a little bit of research online and reading the product bottle, I found that DevaCurl Low Poo works wonders for “fine hair” and is a preferred gentle cleanser for those that need to remove buildup without using a harsh cleanser.
During Use
I began my usage by saturating my hair with water and proceeding with a 2 tablespoons amount in my palms. LOL this is the funny part y’all, because I was definitely throwing DevaCurl the side-eye as to why my shampoo wasn’t lathering. But it’s a mild lather product! My bad! After smushing it around my hair for a while and letting it sit for about a minute or two, I rinsed it out, and then did the typical shampoo steps (lather, rinse, repeat”>. After two applications, I then went on to the conditioner and used about a tablespoon in each section of my hair. I created 4 sections. I then detangled with the Curlpro Wet Brush, and that’s all she wrote!
Conclusion
Overall, I would give this a 9/10, because who digs perfection? LOL seriously though, for everything it is supposed to do, DevaCurl does it. Mind you, when I used this product I had just gotten done taking down a protective style that left my edges full of buildup, so a deep cleansing was in order. DevaCurl Low-Poo got your girl together, and set up a solid and CLEAN foundation for my conditioner afterwards. I will for sure be using this again.
Peep that after hair though! Glistening curls for days!
Have you tried DevaCurl Low-Poo Shampoo?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and shop my new Holy Grail item in SHOPNaturallyCurly!
Leave it to #NYFW to bring out some heavy hitting fashion! Powered by Sally Beauty and Presented by Naturally Curly, Texture on the Runway was no exception. Each collection presented was a carefully curated melody, styled to perfection and all on trend for the Fall! From tribal prints to micro fashion and even all white ensembles that can be worn well after Labor Day, TOTR Fashion were all such a look, and I think it’s time for me to go shopping now! ;”>
Carol’s Daughter
Ranging from edgy to Athleisure, Carol’s Daughter gave us an ode to all things Brooklyn culture. With an emphasis on taking each look to the max, each look “consisted a wearable style, but to the extreme”- Ty Hunter. I should also mention that Ty Hunter has styled Beyonce and Solange for years. Yep, you read that right.
Cantu
Cantu gave us chic family friendly styles that featured a myriad of orange and green hues to match their brand persona. Styled by Harrison T. Crete take a look at some of their top styles, featuring menswear, kids wear, and lastly women’s wear in ready-to-wear styles.
Mielle Organics
Mielle doused her models in gilded gold, and made all our black=gold dreams come true! With a fresh take on “Cranes in the Sky”, and models that literally glistened down the runway, her looks created an air of royalty, magic, and overall appreciation for dynamism of melanin. Peep her looks below!
Creme of Nature
With an opening from Hiplet dancers swaying in two gorgeous dresses in vibrant hues, Creme of Nature upped the ante with a focus on neon hues. A myriad of dresses and skirt sets gave us a little flirtiness, while a killer jumpsuit and acrylic earrings brought a swag like no other to the runway.
CurlFormers
Featuring the most ready-to-wear looks out of all of the collections, Curlformers gave us bohemian chic with a little bit of flair. Can we talk about this yellow blazer and green silk cardigan though? All so swoon worthy! The jewel tones featured in their ensembles are currently on trend for Fall 2017, so think of these looks as your next shopping guide.
Shea Moisture
Who doesn’t love a good all white fit?! Shea Moisture proved that we can still break all the fashion rules and rock white, as long as we keep it in simple silhouettes and let a statement piece, such as our hair, do the talking. All models rocked styles from the UNIFORM collection, just one of the aspects of Shea Moisture’s community empowerment initiative. Read more about that here!
Crowd Looks
Of course we can’t forget the crowd when we mention New York Fashion Week! The textured world showed up and showed out with their fits, and each one was better than the last. Influencer fashion is a category all on its own, and our crowd pulled together some stylish looks.
Michelle, CoFounder of Naturally Curly looked radiant in a red ruffled dress. Mo from Mo Knows Hair rocked a powerful matching kimono and pants set, and Karonda from Sally Beauty gave us space age chrome, another hot trend for Fall & Winter 2017!
Stay tuned for more coverage of Texture on the Runway for a full look at the beauty and products launched at the event.
When I tell y’all Cantu held nothing back, they brought everything to Texture on the Runway! Fronted by The Maria Antoinette as their host for the night, Cantu took us all on a family trip featuring viral sensations and influencers as their models, along with creating a very fun and lively show while showing what their product line can do.
All fashion selections for the night were coordinated by stylist Harrison T. Crite and team. Harrison picked looks by independent designers and ready-to-wear brands, with an emphasis on selecting designs consumers can shop now. Designers worn included Chen Burkett NY, Kira Nacole, Malcolm Diggs, Terell Shåw,and Midget Giraffe. With a huge focus on afrocentric textiles in green and orange hues to match the Cantu brand, Crite & his team created looks that were comfortable, kid friendly, and incredibly stylish for all members of the family. His biggest sentiment when selecting his looks for Texture on The Runway included his ode to utilize the TOTR “platform to give more opportunities to showcase their designs for NYFW.”
Opening the show, were the Syncopated Ladies with a high energy tap dance number that was just enough to get the crowd going, but also showed the dyanmic range of their talent. Famous for their youtube videos, the Syncopated Ladies did a rendition of “Formation by Beyonce” which catupulated them into the viral spotlight, and thus… Creator of the troupe Chloe, rocked a textured protective style in the form of a pompadour up top cascading downwards into a long braid, all styled by Lead stylist and Cantu Brand Ambassador The Maria Antoinette.
Next up, we had men’s viral sensation Team Twins! You may know them from their hit song “We Get Turnt Up”, and please believe they did just that. Dressed in the most dapper attire, Team Twins were the only male models on stage this year showcasing the diversity of the textured hair world. One twin rocked a lustrous fro with big curls, while the other sported sleek braids. Trust, the crowd was swooning over their runway appearance, and believe it or not, this was their first fashion show!
Lastly, stealing the spotlight and our hearts, the McClure Twins came out on stage rocking their little green and orange tutus and sporting the cutest bantu knot out & Fulani braids. Ava & Alexis then ended their presentation with a little side to side shimmy in collective twin fashion, amidst a cry of “Awwwws” from a very engaged crowd.
Cantu really did take us on a family trip, and set the bar high for the rest of the night. A closeout performance by the Syncopated ladies sealed the deal, and Cantu Beauty further proved that they are an OG in the product game and know how to slay on the runway.
Want to see more from the show? Check out this BTS recap video from their channel!
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This post is sponsored by Cantu.
Powered by Sally Beauty and presented by Naturally Curly, Texture on the Runway is a platform that encourages the visibilty of textured hair in the fashion industry during New York Fashion Week. With 6 brands presenting lines this year, I had the pleasure of working with Cantu beauty to discuss all things curls and coils, and how their products cater to all members of the family. Opening up for Texture on the Runway 2017, Cantu Beauty came to set it off with a showstopping performance by the Syncopated Ladies, viral sensation Team Twins, and the cutest little curlies ever, The McClure Twins.
Brand Ambassador and Lead Stylist for Cantu Beauty, The Maria Antoinette, took us all on a trip as the emcee for the night, where Cantu featured protective styles for women, men, and kids. With the inspiration of curls on vacation, we sat down before the show to discuss some of the styles she created, the versatility of Cantu’s products, and how Cantu is a brand that is here to stay.
Lauren Murray: Thank you so much for sitting down with me! I am very excited to work with Cantu this year as it was one of the first brands I used went I went natural in 2012. Can you tell us about some of the looks you’re styling for Texture On the Runway?
Maria Antoinette: Everything is about everyday styling with an edgy runway appeal. We wanted to make sure everyone felt inclusive and we wanted everything to be realistic. For instance, for our Cantu Men’s Collection styles we wanted to go from everyday to boardroom, showing the diversity of styles possible with the product line.
LM: What was your inspiration for the looks you came up? How did you decide which styles to showcase?
MA: Once we came up with the theme, the styling came natural to me. I wanted the styles to be very detailed and take the personality of each of our models. I thought about trips I’ve taken in the past, tropical, fun, exciting, vacation!
With the Syncopated Ladies for instance, you have a ton of movement, and it’s very important that when you want to do curly styles that you build in curls that can withstand that movement. So I’m using a tiny wand curler. With wand curls, you let them set in the same way that you curl them. Literally, it’s chemistry. When you use heat you are breaking ions [in the hair], and when the hair cools, [those ions] reconnect and stay in that shape. So basically we are setting her hair. When we take these down and separate them, they will have more longevity with their curls.
LM: What Cantu products are you using on the Syncopated Ladies?
MA: I am using the Thermal Shield and I am also using our Anti Frizz Smoothing Oil which contains argan oil. It’s amazing and super lightweight with a heat protectant built in, so you can use it on top of your other products and that’s it!
LM: Can we talk about the men’s line? What are you using on the Team Twins hair? What ingredients does it have in it?
MA: The men’s line is functional! We have a 3 for 1 in the men’s line! It’s a shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. I used it on of our male models today, and it is amazing. It’s literally a one stop shop. One product and they were done. It cleanses your hair, cleanses your body, and of course it has a moisturizer in it, so it conditions the hair as well as well. It has some pretty amazing ingredients in it as well, such as willowbark and caffeine. Cantu really went all in. Willowbark gives you strength and shine and promotes healthy hair growth, whereas caffeine promotes scalp stimulation. It’s great for beards and things like that, and it’s good for women too because it stimulates the scalp and increases the blood flow causing more hair growth.
LM: And if you really wanted to use just that product, you wouldn’t need to use anything else?
MA: Well, that’s what it is. It’s perfect to throw in the gym bag. It’s ideal, because men tend not to do a whole regimen.
LM: Can these product lines be used interchangeably? For example, men use women’s line? women use men’s line?
MA: That’s the beautiful thing about Cantu. We have something for men, women, and kids! I find myself using the Cantu Men’s Beard Oil as body oil because the product is that great! The ingredients are amazing and the formula is non-greasy and includes hemp seed oil and tea tree oil.
LM: With kids there is a lot of movement also, so what products did you use for the twins?
MA: We used our kid’s line for the girls. It is totally sufficient. We have a cream as well as a styler, and that’s the combination that everyone should be using. You have to start with your cream and then your styler. Some people don’t need a cream because they use a leave-in, but you definitely need a styler. That is your holding agent. I always tell people to think back to your relaxed days when you had a roller set. Your stylist put a wrap foam on there, so you still need something to hold your hair. And we have that in the kid’s line.
LM : Can an adult use the kid’s line?
MA: For the McClure Twins, we focused on using products from the kid’s lines that would be easy on the girls’ curls. Cantu has a detangler conditioner in the kid’s line that is amazing. The women’s line has one too called the Coil Calm Detangler, but I use the kid’s and women’s interchangeably between whichever is left in the house between my son’s products or my products.
Cantu is the perfect brand for the family and for those who are looking to buy all of their products in one stop. Also, by featuring the only male models in the Texture on The Runway show this year, Cantu also recognized a key consumer in the natural hair movement: Men! As we journeyed through their vacation theme this year, Cantu showcased the diversity and flexibility of their products, noting that “Each category has its own line of products, but they can all be used interchangeably based on need.” Finally, Maria Antoinette offered up some lasting words of advice for all our curly families out there on how we can continue the curl & product conversation.
LM: How can we encourage other brands and stylists that curly hair education is important in the world of natural hair care?
MA: We need to keep pushing healthy hair is good hair. It doesn’t matter the texture or type. Educating fans, followers, supporters, and consumers on what products work for their hair type will always be most important to Cantu and should be to other brands and stylist as well.LM: Are there any tips you’re using on the models today that our readers can try at home?
MA: Of course! Make sure you’re using a heat protectant for any blown out styles and Cantu’s Edge Stay Gel to lay those edges. Two tips that’ll take your hair styling to the next level!Thank you Maria for sitting down with me and duscussing Cantu! Stay tuned tomorrow for even more event coverage from Texture on the Runway 2017!
This post is sponsored by Cantu.
Editor’s Note: You hear a lot of “what did you put in your hair?” and “I love your shoes!” around the NaturallyCurly office. Personally, I am always finding inspiration in what my colleagues are wearing to the office and on their Instagrams, so we’re starting a new series to share what we’re loving with the rest of our community – beyond our hair! #OOTD – Cristina Cleveland
My relationship with fashion and style has always been a game of tug of war between dressing for my body type while also making sure to hide the parts I don’t necessarily like. I’ve had to shift my mindset though, as I realized I was missing out on some solid looks and depriving myself of selfies and IG posts lol. Fashion is what you make it, and same with style, and as long you feel comfortable and good about yourself with what you are wearing, then that makes you fashionable and stylish. It’s all very subjective, so I just rock what I like and keep it moving. *fluffs fro and struts off into the distance*
As the final days of summer approach, I am letting my style reflect all of the things that I feel most comfortable in while also trying to spice it up with bold patterns, classic lips, and of course my voluminous fro. I love me a good jumpsuit and the color black, so what better way to dress for summer than the perfect black jumpsuit with a very on-trend floral print. With a nice bold accessory to tie the look together and my purple eyeglasses, I was my own #stylegoals and was feeling myself all day.
My earrings are from Haute Dimensions Boutique. My glasses are from Zenni Optical, and my jumpsuit and shoes are from Old Navy. It’s my favorite store and they haven’t failed me yet lol.
For my hair, I am wearing a 3 day old wash and go, that was held together with a little bit of rose water for moisture, Olive Oil Ecostyler Gel and AG Hair Re:Coil Curl Activator on my ends to encourage curlling. I also pineappled my hair at night to achieve even more volume the next day.
For my beauty look, I used a BB cream by ELF, as I have have been actively trying to avoid using foundation on my face to create a healthier skin routine. On my lips, I have a shade by NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream. I only buy their lip products, because of how smooth they go on and literally last all day long. Plus, they are super budget friendly! I also consider my glasses to be apart of my beauty routine as well, because I’m blind and need them at all times, so I might as well make them look good. Picking this purple color was definitely something new for me, but they are legit and they only cost 6 bucks!!
I have been on a serious style evolution this year as my weight has fluctuated up and down from stress, moving, life, etc. Because of the constant flux of my bodyshape, I tend to gravitate towards jumpsuits when I need a big confidence boost, yet want to feel comfortable. You can literally dress them up or down, rock it whatever way you choose, and they are perfect no matter what size you are. The jumpsuit is my fashion staple and I own like 8 of them. *hides faces in jumpsuit shame*
How are you dressing for the last days of summer?
Follow me on Instagram for more style inspiration @whatsuplauren_
Photos by Cassandra J. Klepac
See How I Rock A Thrifted Skirt, My Favorite Fashion Item IRL
Known for being a natural detoxing agent, Bentonite Clay is commonly used a skincare product, perfect for those days when you need a serious deep cleanse. In the next installment of the “We Tried It:” series, I gathered some of our Naturally Curly Editors to try out various Bentonite Clay mud masks. Let’s see what they thought!
Alex
I used The Shea Moisture Beauty Hack Bentonite Clay Mask which requires a mixture of water and a pure oil, so I added a couple drops of Josie Maran Argan Oil.
I applied my clay mask to a clean face, and removed my makeup beforehand. When I applied the clay mask it immediately starting drying and after 10 minutes my face began to feel very tight. Afterward, my skin was slightly red but was extremely soft and smooth and I didn’t need to moisturize afterwards. Before I knew it my skin was glowing!
Would you implement this mask into a skincare routine?
This was my first time using a clay mask and I was very impressed with the benefits it offers such as glowing skin, unclogged pores and healing powers to lighten up dark spots. I would definitely implement a claymask in my skin routine once a week.
Nikki
I used the SheaMoisture Sensitive Skin Mud Mask and put it on top of my makeup.
I thought it would do the double duty of removing my makeup and doing what a mask does. The mask said it was for sensitive skin, but it really burned and irritated my skin so I did not keep it on long. It didn’t get a chance to dry. After I rinsed it off, my skin felt kinda dry and I did need to moisturize afterwards, but unfortunately I did not have a moisturizer on hand. I used an argan oil that was in my purse. It says it was for hands, but hey I was desperate.
Would you implement this mask into a skincare routine?
Nope. Not at all. I really like sheet masks.
Cara
I used the Pixi Glow Mud Mask with aloe vera, ginseng and sea salt all up in it. Honorable mentions, it also has hops, rosemary and sage in it. I really do love an herbally product.
I washed my face before applying it, but I still had my eye makeup on. It went on so smoothly. I would say it went on like butter, but then again it wasn’t greasy at all so that’s not really true. It was smooth and homogenous, and very soft. It was very light and never made my skin feel tight. The pores on my nose became so distinct as it was drying, like they were really sucking in all the moisture they could. I knew that it was dry because the color got darker, but not because it felt different on my face. My skin felt soft after I washed the clay off, but it took several minutes to wash it off completely. It didn’t necessarily feel cleaner or exfoliated, but it was nice and fresh. I followed up with toner and night cream (the mask’s instructions were for PM use, so I used it before bed”>.
Would you implement this mask into a skincare routine?
I’ll use this mask maybe once a month now. I like to mix up my masks (face masks and hair deep conditioners alike”> so I’ll rotate it in every now and then. The smell was nice and pleasant, which that more than anything is a deciding factor for me.
Lauren
I used the Alikay Naturals Bentonite Me Baby Clay Mask.
I mixed the clay with a little bit of Apple Cider Vinegar, tea tree oil for extra cleansing, and water so it wouldn’t burn my skin, and I put it on top of my makeup. It starts out in powder form, and then of course when you add liquid, it clumps up. I like to mix mine to be slightly thick and then I apply it to my face with clean fingers. It dried in about 15-20 minutes. When it dried, it became super tight. Like insanely tight! I could literally see all of the pores on me face. Once it was off, my face was super tight, really dry, and about a shade lighter than before I put the mask on. I typically like to follow up with a toner and an oil to moisturize after I use this product. For the toner, I used a Rose Water & Lime face spray that I made at home, and for the moisturizer I used my fave oil, the Josie Maran Argan Oil Collection.
Would you implement this mask into a skincare routine?
I currently have this mask in my routine, and use it 2x a month. I plan on switching to a different clay product though, since it was the subject of a controversial warning by the FDA last year for containing high levels of lead. I don’t see it available in stores anymore.
April
I used Peachy Keen’s Bonne Terre Bentonite Clay mixed with bottled water and Egyptian Magic.
Because mud and clay masks tend to leave me a little dry, I thought the mixture of bee products and oils in Egyptian magic helped make this mask extra moisturizing, and it payed off! I removed my makeup before putting the mask on—and in fact, on my normal spa days, I’d exfoliate gently to make sure none of the mask is being wasted on dead skin. Thinking of it now, that might contribute to the masks being super drying on me…but where there’s a humectant, there’s a way!
It was a REALLY hot day when we got together for this, and the mask was nice and cooling when I started spackling it on. Because I layed it on extra thick, it didn’t get all the way dry on the outside, however, once I felt it tightening, I knew it was time to rinse off. You don’t want your skin being pulled too much after all. Post rinse, my skin felt great! I was very dewy, and my face was refreshed. There’s always room for more moisture though, so despite mixing my go-to moisturizer into the mask, I applied a thin layer of the Albolene I used to remove my makeup to keep everything sealed in. I definitely used less of it than I usually would for any moisturizer after just a facewash though.
Would you implement this mask into a skincare routine?
I could see myself doing this any time I needed extra pampering! My skincare “routine” is actually anything but, and past washing and SPF, I tend to just go with what I feel like. But given the results, this might need to be a weekly thing. It’s definitely making the ‘no makeup challenge’ we have going on much easier to bear.
Leslie
I used the Formula 10.0.6 “Pores be pure” skin-clarifying mud mask with strawberry + yarrow.
Typically, I like to remove my makeup before putting on any masks and then let the mask remove what ever makeup I may have missed. I don’t know that this mask would have removed all of my makeup. It was a lot more gently than I anticipated, so if you have sensitive skin, this would be something to try. The mask was different than those i’ve used before. It dried extremely quickly and kind of blended with my skin, so it was difficult trying to figure out what spots I missed and what spots had enough on. Once it was all dry (which took literal seconds”> it wasn’t hard or difficult to move my face like some masks. The smell was also amazing, and my face felt extremely soft and clean without feeling stripped.
I naturally have dry skin but I didn’t feel the need to moisturize afterward I removed the mask. The only product I used after was my Glossier sunscreen.
Would you implement this mask into a skincare routine?
My skin care routine is already a process, so i’d probably add something like this once every 2 weeks. I’d like to know what everyone else thinks of this product!
Gerilyn
I used the SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask, and put the mask on top of my makeup-free, moisturized face.
My skin felt as if it could not soak up enough of the moisture the mud mask had, so much in fact that the mask seemed to not dry within the 10 minutes it was on. I fanned my face to help the process. Once the mask was dry, it did not feel like a clay mask that hardens and cracks if you burst into laughter all of a sudden. This may have been because I put it on top of my moisturizer. Although I wanted to immediately reach for my face lotion, I waited to see how the mask truly felt. After about 2 minutes of dry time, I ran my fingers over my face. I noticed that my skin felt soft to the touch and was visibly refreshed. Moisturizing is my life! This mud mask was not as drying as others I have used in the past, but I still needed to layer my face in moisture. Although it is for the body, I used a penny-size (or less, depending on the weather”> of SheaMoisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Lotion on my face after rinsing the mud mask off.
Would you implement this mask into a skincare routine?
Although it did not dry very fast, this is the first mud mask I tried and liked. I would probably use it on longer than usual self-care or spa days, but not on a regular basis. For the sake of time, I will stick to my regular gel peel-off masks.
Cristina
I used the PUR Dirty Girl Detoxifying Mudd Masque. I like this masque because I don’t have to mix it with water or ACV, which I find can be messy and tedious to clean up.
This time I put it on top of makeup, but most of the time I apply it on a freshly washed face. Once it was dry my face felt ight, and then tighter! I found it hard to smile or move my face once it dried. It took a lot of scrubbing with a towel to get the mask off, so immediately afterward my face was very red and felt a bit irritated from the scrubbing. Once that settled down, my skin and pores felt tight – in a good way! I didn’t moisturize afterwards, but maybe I should have…
Would you implement this mask into a skincare routine?
I do use this masque whenever I remember to, which is probably once every couple of months. Using it today reminded me how good it makes my skin feel and that I should be doing it more often. I do use a daily cleanser that has mud in it (Osea Cleansing Mudd“>, so I use mud twice a day.
Would you try a clay mud mask?
Show us your masks on Style Nook and follow us on Instagram for more NC editor inspo!
This year from colors to flowers to beads to butterflies, the AfroPunk attendees came out showcasing some of the dopest hairstyles I have ever seen. All so beautiful and full of uniqueness, their hair definitely caught our eye! Check out our Top 40 styles from AfroPunk Fest!
Colors
You could spot these colorful do’s from a mile away. All of the vibrant hues on various shades of brown skin looked like jewels floating across the festival lot.
I totally have color envy for these fro’s. Maybe it’s time for me to schedule a hair appointment. lol
Flowers
Flowers typically add a sense of delicacy to outfits, but these petals hold no punches! Some were rocked as flower crowns and some were beard crowns, but hands down all things flora were present this year!
Leslie, the Social Media Manager at NC chose to wear these beautiful white flowers in her bun, showing you can still add an element of flair to an everyday style.
Braids & Locs
Braids & Locs stole the show this year. The intricate details and hues in each style made each one unforgettable, and you could feel the energy radiating from each person rocking them. Braids & Locs also have such historical significance in the hair community, so to see them recreated in various ways was a serious hair moment. #love
NC Editor Lauren rocks a myriad of teal, blue, and green faux locs in her hair, along with some serious face paint.
NC Senior Copywriter & Punk Rock Artist Gerilyn chose a box braid style with fire red ombre ends!
NC Copywriter April is killing it with her black and burgundy twists, and those fangs!!
Leave it to NC Editor Alexandra to slay us all with her Fulani Feed-In braids!
Men
Yall, the men showed up and showed out! No stranger to the use of accessories and color, these guys wore some killer styles and showcased all of their #BlackBoyJoy.
Don’t you love these styles?! Let us know your thoughts below, or talk it out on Facebook!
We were so inspired at AfroPunk 2017, so who knows where our hair will be in 2018. ;”>
Photography by @StyleFeen for NaturallyCurly.
As America continues to be shocked by the actions of its people, it’s hard to not become upset in the face of those who are asking our communities to just “Be Kind” as if this act alone would solve all of our racial transgressions. I think not. The United States was not built on fairness or kindness, so what’s the point now?
I found myself searching for an emotional release due to the current calamities in our country, but I didn’t know exactly what kind of space or mental mindset I needed to be in for this release to happen. What I really needed was familial melanated strength, and that’s what I found at AfroPunk 2017.
No words can describe the magic over Brooklyn.
As I write this, to my left I have a group of people playing double dutch, laughing and bonding, embracing each other like long lost cousins from a distant land having seen each other for the first time in 400+ years. To my right, I have a woman draped in Fulani braids, her pink crop top billowing around her, carrying her waves of sage smoke higher into the air as she twirls to the music, cleansing the area of any ill will. Ahead of me, I have a woman climbing a tree, desperate to get a better look at her favorite artist, but also a visual reference of the elevation of people of color rising and reaching higher ground and higher thinking. And not soon after I leave this space, I am welcomed into a dance circle of Afro Drum beats, voguing, and so much #BlackBoyJoy and #BlackGirlMagic that my cheeks hurt from smiling so hard.
My brown body has always been a source of unnecessary and unnegated conflict as my very existence is determined to be a threat to all those who do not look like me. But here I feel safe. I am allowed to take up the space that is rightfully mine, without feeling like I have to shrink into my being or sit by meekly.
Black & Brown people hold so much weight, and we are valuable and important, and necessary to the existence of this Earth.
We are revolutionary.
Performances from SZA put me all in my feelings thinking of failed loves that had no stake in my life, but I’m cuter and finer now so it’s all good. Mother Solange consistently took me to the brink of life altering consciousness, as her artistic performances always do. And Princess Nokia yall! Her energy was unmatched, her faith was astounding, and her self-confidence RADIATED across the stage. She has a newfound fan in me. But while I didn’t get around to see all of my favorites, watching the crowd was the highlight of my experience and the fashion was something out of the dopest cultural fairytale.
Starting in 2005, this was a festival created to celebrate Black people whom were left out of the Punk scenes in America. Afro Punk has since morphed into not just Punk culture, but an entire experience for all of the many facets of Black people. It’s a celebration, and trust, I left it all out there in Commodore Barry Park with not one ounce of regret or expectation to fulfill. A true sensory experience, Afro Punk reaffirmed to me the power that lies in progressive community, what it means to be celebrated, and how impactful people of color are when we stand together as one, under the strength of our ancestors and the Earth, all while praising our existence.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I must get back to whipping my teal colored locs to this Kaytranada song enveloping me right now. I am living my best BLACK life.
What did you think about AfroPunk 2017?
Let us know below, and for more on my Afro Punk journey, check out @WhatsUpLauren_on ig!
