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How to Spring Twist on Natural Hair

New hairstyles are like seasons, they come and go. But some protective styles like the spring twist will be evergreen in the world of changing trends. Don’t let the name fool you.

How to Spring Twist on Natural Hair
Image source: braidsbyaja

What are spring twists?

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

How to spring twist?

Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKGID1iErCg

Source: Tola Revamps

Step 1: Gather your tools
For a successful spring twist, you’ll need some tools that you already have and you may have to purchase new ones.

  • Spring twist braiding hair
  • Leave in conditioner
  • Rat tail comb
  • Wide tail comb
  • Scissors
  • Your favorite hair cream

Step 2: Make sure your hair is washed, moisturized, and blow dried. Remember to use heat protectant before you blow dry your hair.

Step 3: Separate the hair
The way spring twist hair is bundled, all the strands come together to form the pretty pattern. You have to individually separate the hair before you can twist it. Some packages of hair come pre-separated while others do not. Buying pre-separated hair is a bit more expensive but you’ll save time detangling the spring twist hair.

Step 4: Part your hair
The most efficient way to work through natural hair is in 4 big sections, just like your mom used to do it. Some people also make a ponytail and part rows into the hair starting at the bottom. You should do what is most comfortable for you. If you parted your hair into big sections, begin in whichever section you deem section 1. The math is pretty simple when it comes to sizing your twists. The bigger the part, the more hair you’ll use, the bigger the twist. If you want big twists, that’s fine but start small and find the best size for you.

Step 5: Twist it
Depending on the size of your twist, you’ll need about 2-4 strands of separated spring twist hair will be all you need. Grab a good amount of moisturizing cream and apply it to the roots of the small section. Add two pieces of spring twist hair and try to latch it on as close to your scalp as possible. Start braiding the hair into your own for about one inch, then switch to a two strand twist. The braid is just to make sure the hair stays in place. Continue this process all over your head.

Things to remember:

Make sure you’re detangling the hair as you twist so you don’t have a knotted mess by the time you get to the end of the twist. Twisting too tight will take away from the natural springiness of the hair and you don’t want to pull to much hair out of your scalp. The entire process can take up to 8 hours depending on your skill level.

Maintenance

This is a pretty low maintenance hairstyle. When you’re done, simply wear a bonnet or grab your favorite scarf for a pineapple.

Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IhdEuQ_TLA

Source: Naturally Engineered

Styling

You can style spring twists just like you would style most braiding or styles with extensions. This video by Hair Dela Creme shows you how to style this cute look.

Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc-zWr1iP1A
10 Things to Never Do to Curly Hair
10 Things to Never Do to Curly  Hair

Natural hair is delicate, soft, and should be treated well for it to grow well. No matter what kind of curl pattern you have, there are certain things you should never do to your hair. Consider this the list of non-negotiables when it comes to loving yourself and your locks.

1. Never go to sleep without a silk or satin pillow.

The friction between your hair and a normal cotton pillow can leave your hair dry and brittle. Using a silk or satin pillow is like an extra smooth layer that lets your hair maintain its moisture. Be careful not to use too much oil on your hair or your pillowcases may stain.

2. Don’t take down your styles until they are completely dry, even if that means overnight drying.

I get it, you’ve spent 2 hours doing your hair and you want to take it down and enjoy your hairstyle. Before you do that make sure it is completely dry or you will have to say hello to frizz. Natural hair tends to hold water at its root so making sure they are dry is key.

3. Do not use heat more than once a month, including blow drying and flat ironing.

If you really have to, you can use heat on your hair. If not, refrain from heat as much as you possibly can. Heat damage can cause your curls to be super limp and lackluster, sometimes even straight.

4. Do not compare your curls to anyone else’s!

The temptation to have your hair look like your favorite vlogger is very strong. Resist and find your own groove. Give yourself time to learn what products work best for you and how to style your favorite looks. You’ll find your pace at your own time.

5. Do not wash your hair everyday.

Washing your hair everyday dries out its natural oils. While adding additional moisture is great, let your hair create its own conditioner for a few days before you wash it all away.

6. Be careful not to constantly have your hair in a ponytail or pulled up.

Life can be stressful but your edges don’t have to be. Constant pulling back of your hair can put a lot of strain on the delicate edge hairs. Try hairstyles that are low stress to keep the front of your hair healthy.

7. Don’t give up when one style doesn’t work out.

Your styles will fail a lot but part of the beauty of natural hair comes from creating new styles when the one you tried doesn’t look like the Youtube video. Keep learning how your hair responds to being manipulated and give yourself time.

8. Never start wash day without a pre-poo.

A pre-poo is when you use conditioner to pre-moisturize the hair before you wash it. It’s the hair routine we all followed, except backwards. The conditioner before shampoo is great for combing through any tangles you may have to work out.

9. Don’t buy super expensive products because they promise perfect hair.

There is no perfect fix or one size fits all for hair. If you’re constantly experimenting, it may get a little costly. Try to mix and match the products you use to save your budget some room. Sometimes the most unexpected products work the best.

10. Moisturize your hair.

Moisture solves so many problems. Finding which oil works best for what you want to achieve will be your breakthrough. Keeping your hair moisturized is key!

Here’s more tips for curlies who are just transitioning. If you’ve past that stage and you’re looking for different products, check out the Naturally Curly store.

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love

Take a seat and buckle up for this type 4 hairstyle ride.

First the basics, what is type 4 hair? NaturallyCurly defines type 4 hair as, “fine and thin or wiry and coarse, with densely packed coils. Coily hair may seem robust, but it’s actually the most fragile hair texture because it has the fewest cuticle layers to protect it from dryness. Its top concerns are maintaining moisture, avoiding tangles and counteracting shrinkage.”There are many products and hairstyles that will leave you with a healthy and flourishing. Here’s 20 that show just how much natural hair can do.

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love
Image source @naptural85

1.

Your hair in its most natural state is beginning of understanding its versatility. Let your soul glow with fun and fluffy half up, half down look.

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love
Image source @jaynellenicole 

2.

Remix your bun life. Add some flavor to this classic & cute style with braids, twists, and accessories.

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love
Image source @aseamae

2.

Remix your twist out with fun accessories and turn heads.

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love
Image source @ohwendyoh

4.

A simple braid can change everything. Transform your aesthetic with one braid while letting your curls do their thing. 

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love
Image source @heycurlie

5.

Poofy, curly, and sleek high top buns will never go out of style. Add cute earrings to really pop out!

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love
Image source @themindofmutiny

6.

Wraps are your best friend. Whether fun with covering and uncovering your hair to show your creativity and versatility.

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love
Image source @jaynellenicole

7.

To Bantu or knot? A super cute and versatile style that adds a twist to the space buns.

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love
Image source @jmayoxo

8.

Put a twist on your twists with this fun protective style. Gold accessories will only bring out more of your glow.

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love
Image source @heycurlie

9.

Twists are a simple way to help protect your curls with minimal tension. To really get the most out of this look you can even take the twists out to create a twist out.

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love
Image source @chimeedwards

10.

This edgy yet sleek ponytail look will be sure to stand out no matter the occassion. The braided bantu knots are the perfect touch to this simple ponytail.

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love
Image source @creolenaturelle

11.

Crown braids that complement soft curls are a classy and edgy style. Accessories go really well with this style, just like putting jewels in your crown. 

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love
Image source @hairbysusy 

12.

Updo’s are a chance to get super creative. Allow your hair to show off its versatility with these braids that resemble a ponytail.

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love
Image source @therealjadahblue

13.

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love
Image source @shanillia26

14.

Everything you love about natural hair in one style. Two strand twists, space buns and braided mohawk all wrapped in one!

15 Natural Hairstyles We Love
Image source @naturallytemi

15.

Keep it simple with a low maintenance style by adding a couple twists in the front and let your coils flow freely.

Don’t ever feel like your hair can’t do something because of its texture. Type 4 hair is super versatile and can be manipulated into styles you couldn’t even imagine. Check out some good products for these styles here.

Stylist Janera Rose on How Natural Hair Has Redefined Sisterhood
Stylist Janera Rose on How Natural Hair Has Redefined Sisterhood
Image source @janerarose

Hair isn’t just about looks. For many women, hair is an outward expression of self love. From an early age, Janera took pride in her hair and its versatility. She channeled this creative energy into an illustrious career of beauty and styling. Between leading a team of volunteers to pamper women in need and styling Janet Jackson, Janera is an innovator in the world of natural hair. We dive deep into her inspirations and creations to find out more about Janera’s magic.

1. What inspired you to do this work?

For as long as I can remember I was interested in hair – whenever I was asked as a child what store I wanted to go to, it was always the “beauty supply store.” My mother would work overnight shifts at the hospital leaving my father to style my hair before school, so I learned pretty early on how I liked my hair and how I did not like my hair. Practicing on myself turned into practicing on others, and because practice makes perfect, by the time I was in middle school I had a side hustle of braiding hair for the kids in my neighborhood. I attended cosmetology school directly after high school, and 10 years later, I never would have imaged that a skill that I picked up during childhood would take me all over the world, reward me with invaluable opportunities and become a means to provide for my family.

Stylist Janera Rose on How Natural Hair Has Redefined Sisterhood
Image source: @janerarose

2. What was it like growing up with textured hair?

My favorite part about growing up with textured hair was wash day. Before I became my own little hairstylist, my mother typically kept my hair braided with beads or in ponytails; She was not a fan of styles that made young girls look “too grown.” But on wash day, before she proceeded with my kid-friendly styling routine, she would always let me stare at myself in the mirror while my hair was wet and curly, then again after it was blown out and hot combed. Whether curly or straight, I always admired the versatility of my hair and was taught very early on that everything from my brown skin to my textured hair was beautiful!

3. What are some of your most memorable moments of your professional journey?

I have SO many, but I’d say that my most recent memorable moments would be: 1. Working on set for Janet Jackson’s “Made For Now” music video. 2. My latest campaign with L’Oréal that was narrated by Beyoncé’s Makeup Artist, Sir John. These moments are most memorable because they were both ‘aha’ reminders of how hard work, prayer and persistence eventually…inevitably pay off.

Stylist Janera Rose on How Natural Hair Has Redefined Sisterhood
Image source: @janerarose 

4. When creating styles, where do you draw your inspiration?

I draw my inspiration from a variety of sources such as art, music, books and magazines, fashion trends (current and previous”> and social media. The best part about working in a major city like NYC is that you can literally walk down your block and be inspired by the people and the culture – it’s easy to see what’s in, what’s out, what’s new and what’s coming back in style.

5. What does natural hair represent to you?

Natural hair represents unfiltered beauty and the ability to love every inch of yourself, even down to your hair follicles. Natural hair represents freedom, strength, power, versatility and diversity. Natural hair – in all of it’s kinky-curly-coily glory- is captivating!

6. What legacy do you strive to leave?

When I am not working on set, I work with underserved women in marginalized communities by providing pampering services to residents of public housing facilities. These services include facials, hairstyling, makeup application and manicures. About two years ago I started volunteering once a month; now I’ve have created a small team of stylists that have worked with 23 facilities and have provided services for over 1500 women. It is very important for me to utilize this skill that God has given me not only for my worldly advancement, but to enrich the lives of others. I hope to expand this ‘purpose project’ globally, pass it down to my children and have it live on for many generations after my departure from this Earth.

Stylist Janera Rose on How Natural Hair Has Redefined Sisterhood
Image source: @janerarose

7. What are your top tips to protect the crown?

Physically? If you want to keep, treat and grow your edges, purchase a satin bonnet or a satin pillowcase. Scalp massages reign supreme for growth and stimulation. Also, purchase products created with integrity from hair brands such as Oyin Handmade, TGIN, Alikay Naturals, EDEN BodyWorks, Jane Carter Solution, Camille Rose…and the list goes on.

Mentally? Find your peace! Whether it be a concrete plan toward financial freedom, carving out an hour a week to read something new or do a face mask, try to fill your life with more of what you love. With so much going on in the world around us, it’s important to constantly nourish our mind, body and soul. 

8. What are your thoughts on the natural hair
movement?

From events like Curlfest and Texture on the Runway to platforms like Naturally Curly, the natural hair movement has created limitless spaces for women of color. Many have managed to update their hair regimens with texture-based recommendations from online and offline friends. Some have created profitable and flourishing hair care businesses that educate and cater to women worldwide. Others have simply found the courage to wear their homegrown tresses in the workplace with pride and without shame.

From mainstream to the hood, from work to the gym to happy hour, the natural hair movement has restored our confidence, redefined our sisterhood and heightened our influence!

Stylist Janera Rose on How Natural Hair Has Redefined Sisterhood
Image source: @janerarose


Even though she caters to the stars, Janera tries to make her styling secrets accessible to everyone. Be sure to check out @JaneraRose on instagram. You can also find more stories of curl love here.

Salon Owner Hair by Susy Shares the Power of Natural Hair Through Articulate Braids
Salon Owner Hair by Susy Shares the Power of Natural Hair Through Articulate Braids

Image:@hairbysusy

Susan’s creative hairstyles are easily recognizable. Where have we seen them? Well we’ve seen her handiwork on Beyonce in the creation of the iconic lemonade braids. Susan’s craftsmanship has been displayed on Solange and Justine Skye, but she still runs her own NYC salon. She draws from her Yoruba culture to tie history and modern swag together in beautiful styles.

What was it like growing up with textured hair?

I was always teased for having natural hair. My mom used to braid my hair in creative natural hairstyles, add beads and create amazing looks. But when I went to school they would try to bring me down. Even though I was proud the kids around me weren’t. Later on when I went to high school, I begged my mom to perm my hair and she begged me not to. I did it anyway. I regretted it then I did a big chop. That’s where my natural hair journey began.

What inspired you to do this work?

I love to create and inspire others all across the globe and even around me. I love seeing people smile after you have done their hair. It’s like this huge inspiration for me.

Salon Owner Hair by Susy Shares the Power of Natural Hair Through Articulate Braids

Image:@hairbysusy

What are some your most memorable moments of your professional journey?

When I got to style Beyoncé’s hair for the Say yes video! The iconic “lemonade braids” That hairstyle was done over 8 years ago and is still being worn in Africa, Caribbean’s in the states, Brazil literally all over the world. God is amazing. Another would have to be when I made my first book “Lady a celebration of women” I created this book to inspire others that they can do it to. We also spoke to other huge influencers doing it big in the industry and how they started.

Salon Owner Hair by Susy Shares the Power of Natural Hair Through Articulate Braids

Image:@hairbysusy

When creating styles, where do you draw your inspiration?

I draw inspirations from dreams, artists around me, other dope people, creative images, movies, cartoons, candy, a random thought, my pain, Yoruba culture, the youth and most especially from GOD.

What does natural hair represent to you?

Natural hair represents identity. It’s who you are, God created natural hair to touch the sky. Often times we want our hair to be stretched, permed and all the manipulation done to our hair, but our hair is meant to be left alone, meant to flourish. Our hair is POWERFUL.

Salon Owner Hair by Susy Shares the Power of Natural Hair Through Articulate Braids

Image:@hairbysusy

What legacy do you strive to leave?

I strive to have a legacy that you can be yourself and still make it. You can discover yourself through helping people. Never give up no matter what and always look to the top. Don’t let others belittle you, the most important opinion that matters is what God thinks of you & what you think of yourself.

What are your top tips to protect the crown?

Always sleep with a satin bonnet or satin pillowcase, drink a lot of water, use natural oils and products. We have a lot of natural hair products from different artists at Hairbysusy salon. Create a hair schedule for yourself on when to wash, deep condition, braid, moisturize and etc.

Salon Owner Hair by Susy Shares the Power of Natural Hair Through Articulate Braids

Image:@hairbysusy

What are your thoughts on the natural hair movement?

It’s a movement that is moving strong! I love it and I’m proud of the natural hair movement. It’s been a long time coming but we continue to push the barriers, claim ourselves and love our hair. This also helps with self love too because you are embracing every part of you.


Susy is empowering naturalista’s across the world with her creative styles. Check out her Instagram page for more of her larger than life designs. 

The Politics of Natural Hair: A Common Thread

In the brisk Manchester fall of 1945 at the 5th Pan African Congress, slightly aloft and parted low cut natural hair electrified a room of leaders from the Black diaspora. Leaders like WeB Du Bois energized the atmosphere with rambunctious American spirit. Jamaican shakers like Amy Ashwood Garvey and Miss Alma La Badie brought intersectional and feminist theories to the forefront of conversations. The first 4 conferences birthed anti lynching campaigns and economic development plans but something was different that day in Manchester. Nnamdi Azikiwe described the 5th conference as, “a turning point in Pan-Africanism from passive to active.” Nnamdi would eventually become the first president of Nigeria and the natural hair low cut style that conventioners wore would eventually become a symbol of freedom.

The Politics of Natural Hair A Common Thread
Image: Stijn and Marie for Getty Images

A decade later on the western coast of Africa, conference attendee Kwame Nkrumah with short natural hair stepped up to the podium, looked into a crowd of red, gold, green, and black stars declaring, “at long last, the battle has ended!” That same year, the ink on the Civil Rights Act of 1957 dried in the United States guaranteeing equal protection under the law for all citizens. The following fall, uprisings in Notting Hill set London ablaze in racial frustration. All the while, the South African apartheid government quickly and painfully tore away the rights of its black citizens. Each civil rights struggle unique in its own right, but all of which shared a renewed sense of belonging that displayed itself in a kinky crown called the Afro.

The Politics of Natural Hair A Common Thread
Image:

Natural hair has always been political. Amongst African tribes, hair was not just hair but an external representation of belonging. The Himba women of Namibia have always covered their hair in otjize, a thick, red, and protective clay that reflects the beauty of the earth. Colorful beads and gold adornments lightly frame the bright faces of Ghanaian brides whose smiles meet you before they do. Similarly to the women of the Masaai tribe in Kenya, the fictional and proud Dora Milaje women of Wakanda wore their bald heads in a shiny declaration of belonging. Ever common Bantu knots, are a sweet nod to the history of African hair as a unifying tool of freedom in blackness.

Natural hairstyles share a story of identity that represents belonging in the face of separation. We have watched natural hair disrespected with spit and milk at the Woolworth Counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. The world has seen the sheen of afros scurrying past television cameras as the youth of The Congolese National Movement fought back Belgian regimes and young Afro-Colombians stood up to a government that refused to recognize them. The braids and plaits of the black Canadian children who walked into segregated schools to change history are all connected through strands of time. In the face of social and cultural, and political oppression, natural hair is an unbroken thread of unity amongst the black diaspora, a beacon of affirmation and belonging and therefore political.

The Politics of Natural Hair A Common Thread
Image: ClassicStock for Getty Imagaes

An act as simple as wearing your natural hair became brave, revolutionary even… The freedom of wearing natural hair liberated generations who were told their individuality and humanity was not allowed, crushing their right to live as free as they were made to be. To the children of Pan African liberation, natural hair will always be political because it will always mean freedom. The spark ignited at the 5th Congress produced a flame that held the forever-recognizable afro in the spotlight of the world during the Black Power Movement. Drawing on the grace of the movements that came before it, the revolution was televised, natural hair politicized, and subsequently criminalized.

Today’s civil rights struggle has embedded itself in laws, policies, and practices that uphold the criminalization of natural hair in an attempt to physically or mentally implicate the individual from which the hair comes in a crime that their DNA committed. A crime of whom the accused, often have no choice in obliging. The oppression of hair follicles becomes a crippling extension of political persecution and not the hope of liberation and call of belonging that we have been taught it to be.

The Politics of Natural Hair A Common Thread
Image: Peathegee Inc for Getty Images

Images of hands stuck to sides with the glue of fear paint a picture of natural hair that is reprimanded, mutilated, unwanted and unloved. We have seen our daughters come home crying because teachers they have trusted told them their hair does not belong, contradicting our ancestors’ purposeful hairstyles of home. We have seen dignity stripped from our sons as people in power publically separate hair from their bodies under the guise of nonexistent, colorblind statutes. Through the fight for liberation and equity across the world, natural hair has continued to be a guiding light of hope calling ashore all the movements that have gone and those to come from the seas of injustice.

The affirmation of belonging holds strong when American singer Solange Knowles sings “don’t touch my pride” and reminds us of our humanity through the celebration of natural hair and the boundaries that it is worthy of. The thread of identity leads to Pretoria Girls High School where South African girls proclaimed their rights to wear their hair the way it grows out of their heads sans manipulation and conformation. As if to prostrate as a sign of respect, 40% of Black American women wear their natural hair in a graceful bow to the Yoruba people that came before them. The perceived rebellion of wearing hair in a society that constantly tells you it does not belong is still revolutionary.

In 1945, politically conscious black leaders from across the world planted a tree of whom its shade they would not receive. A tree whose seeds they themselves had inherited. A tree whose leaves span across deserts, mountains, plains and imposed boundaries gathering all its children into its solace. Binding us with strings of tradition and locks of identity, natural hair continues to be more than a movement but a life-changing affirmation. The curly, coily, and kinky patterns of belonging create a map leading to indescribable freedom that only love and liberation can provide.



Top 9 Custards and Puddings for Type 4 Hair

Puddings and custards sound like they belong on the last course of your dinner menu. But these two treats can be transformative in embracing your natural Type 4 curl pattern.

Top 9 Custards and Puddings for Type 4 Hair
Image source: Instagram, Dayna Bolden.

What’s the difference?

The real difference in custards and puddings are the textures. While both products tend to be creamy, custards may be a bit thicker in consistency or may mimic gel. As with most hair products, it is a game of trial and error until you find which products work best for you. Both custards and puddings can be amazing for smoothing and styling your 4A-4C curls.

Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding

The Oyin Handmade brand is all natural and effective on most type 4 curls. This pudding is a delightfully whipped mixture of butters and oils, and can be used to add extra moisture on dry hair when added to deep conditioners. Oyin Handmade products are so moisturizing that you can use them on both your hair and skin, especially during the dry, colder seasons.

Design Essentials Natural Honey Curl Forming Custard

The honey, almonds, and avocado in this custard are essentially the holy trifecta of curly success for type 4 hair. You can use this custard to do cute finger curls, or simply smother it in after a wash. To get a super curly look, use a Denman Brush or something similar to comb through your curls after application, and make sure you give your hair enough time to air dry.

Palmers Olive Oil Formula Curl Extend Hair Pudding

The key to curls with type 4 hair is moisture. Because of the coily curl pattern, it’s easy for the hair to dry out and appear lackluster. With an olive oil base, this product allows for multiple alcohol-free styling options that will hold. Try twist-outs or braid-outs with this pudding for ultimate success.

Kinky Curly Curling Custard

This curling custard will give you the consistency of gel, without all of the flaky problems in the morning. The key here is to style on freshly wet hair, and wait until the hair is completely dry. The popular product has wonderful reviews, and is relatively inexpensive.

Lusters Pink Shea Butter Coconut Oil Curl & Twist Pudding

The combination of coconut oil and shea butter makes this pudding great on dry or wet hair. Consider using this product to restyle old hairdos into something new. Using too much may cause your hair to be heavy with oil that may not soak in, so be careful about how much you use. Happy twisting!

Ouidad Curl Immersion Hi-Defining Custard

This gel-like custard is another option for experimenting with your natural curl pattern. It’s best used on very wet hair. You can either spread the custard on from root to tip, or you can part your hair into four sections, and try finger coils and other creative styles.

Creme of Nature Argan Oil Pudding Perfection

Anything with Argan Oil is usually a good bet for type 4 hair. The nutrient-rich oil is perfect for beginners who are experimenting with their natural curls. Because the pudding is oil-based, try a cute twist-out, or braided protective style. Be sure to fluff your roots to add volume.

Fantasia Curly & Coily Curl Custard

A common misconception about type 4 hair is that it cannot “wash & go”. Well that is simply not true. With the Fantasia custard, you can let your curls wash & glow too. After your hair is washed and clean, comb the product through, and let it air dry. You can also use this for awesome braid-outs.

Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Natural Curly Styling Custard

If you’re nervous to try a custard, start with one that has good old castor oil. The oil locks in any moisture that may have been lost in the washing process. It is a thicker oil, so you will have to use it liberally so that it doesn’t wear down your curls.

Follow this Naturally Curly thread for more insights into hair custards and puddings!

Do you use custards or puddings on your hair? Share with us some of your favorites below in the comments!

How to Use Food in your Hair to Make it Healthy
How to Use Food in your Hair to Make it Healthy

With the holidays around the corner, food is on everyone’s mind. Whether you gather around a fire with friends or a table with with family, the menu is very important. Whoever is in charge of the macaroni and cheese understands that they have a big role to play and hopefully they don’t take that lightly. After you’ve had your meal and before you begin clean up, take a pause before you throw everything away. Some of the ingredients in your kitchen may be perfect to use for your hair. While everyone may be thinking about heating up the evening’s leftovers, you should be thinking about what proteins you can use to moisturize your curls.

Here are the Top 4 holiday foods and ingredients you didn’t know could cook up some beautiful hair.

Olive oil

How to Use Food in your Hair to Make it Healthy

There will be olive oil e-very-where. Try to grab an extra one to yourself. To get the most out of this protein rich ingredient, douse your hair in it. Put on a shower cap and go to bed (seriously”>. When you wake up in the morning wash it out with regular shampoo and feel the difference in your curls. Olive oil is great for revitalizing all hair types.

Cornstarch

How to Use Food in your Hair to Make it Healthy

Cornstarch? Yes, cornstarch? The mysterious white powder should be used lightly in gravy but also in your hair. If you catch your hair on the greasier side of things, dusting some cornstarch on the roots can take care of that just like dry shampoo works. Just as you would sprinkle it in your dishes, be sure to sprinkle it in your hair so you don’t end up looking like you got into a food fight.

Avocado

How to Use Food in your Hair to Make it Healthy

Millennials, I know you all feel me. Avocados can literally do everything. Make an avocado hair mask by adding pure yogurt, coconut oil, or mayonnaise to mashed avocado. Be sure to whip the ingredients together so that there are no lumps. Apply the concoction to your hair for 20 minutes. Rinse it out and follow your regular procedure. The nutrients in avocado are great for restoring dry or damaged hair.

Honey

How to Use Food in your Hair to Make it Healthy

Honey-baked ham, holiday honey cake, and honey in your hair. The sticky treat seals moisture in your hair and can be mixed with a ton of other things depending on what your hair needs. Honey and olive oil is great for promoting hair growth. And honey and eggs are a protein-packed treatment for thirsty hair. You can read more about the benefits of honey here. Make sure you pick the best mix for yourself, honey.

You may have to answer to Grandma when she asks you why your to-go bag is full of uncooked food. But be sure to explain that raw ingredients are what your curls need to be their best. SHOP NaturallyCurly has a bunch of organic products that use some of the ingredients above. You can also learn more about how to eat foods that are good for your hair here.

How to Change Your Conditioner When the Seasons Change
How to Change Your Conditioner When the Seasons Change

It’s holiday season, the most wonderful time of year. And if you don’t live near the equator, chances are you will be walking in a winter wonderland very soon. And while your curls may have flourished in the summer, the onset of a new season may mean changing your hair routine. The cold air outside and the dry heat inside can create a perfect storm of tangles, frizz, and split ends. If your conditioner works through the winter, that’s great! But if you notice your hair is not behaving the way you’d like it to, here’s how to stay three steps ahead and keep your curls conditioned.

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Put some moisture back with a steam conditioning treatment.

Steam conditioner treatments use simple heated water to put moisture back into your hair. The machines themselves can be a little costly but they are great for hydrating hair and even skin. If you can’t spend the money right now, simply take a very hot shower and let the steam work. For optimal results, apply Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Hydrating Conditioner to you hair and sit under the steamer for no more than 20 minutes. Keep a little towel near you to catch the extra drip that forms.

How to Change Your Conditioner When the Seasons Change

Use a co-wash instead of washing your hair every week

Washing your hair every week or every day can strip a lot of essential nutrients away from your curls. Combined with the cold air of winter, your hair will be begging for moisture and your curls will probably be flat and unenthused. To avoid this and still have clean hair, use a co-wash like Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner or As I Am Coconut Cowash Cleansing Conditioner.

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Meet your new best friend: deep conditioner

If you’re going to leave your hair out of a protective style, you have to deep condition your hair every week. No gimmicks, no tricks. Go easy on the shampoo because conditioners have products in them that can also cleanse your hair of any buildup. Adding shampoo may just strip whatever nutrients you have left. NaturallyCurly SHOP has conditioners for every type of hair. Mix and match products to find what works best for you.

Winter can truly be the most wonderful time of year, and you can’t let dry, brittle hair ruin that. Play in the snow all you want just as long as you’re equally playing in different conditioners. If you’re interested in finding more ways to take care of your hair in the winter, check out these tips.

4 Quick and Easy Protective Styles for Winter

During the winter, the harsh weather changes can be damaging to your hair. Think about it: you go from inside a warm house, usually circulating dry air, into a cold, windy, and frigid environment. Not only is the temperature change hard for you, but your follicles can pay a price too. If you’re struggling for simple remedies to the cold, here are four protective styles that can keep your hair safe from the freezing winds.

$$AD$$ 4 Quick and Easy Protective Styles for Winter
Image: @actually_ashly


This classic style of braids covers your hair in three strands of protection. You can wear them for up to 6 weeks and not have to worry about your hair being shocked by the cold. Be sure to provide your scalp with the oil it needs and also give your braids an occasional shampoo. Your local Yelp can help you find a braider to help you create this look.

$$AD$$ 4 Quick and Easy Protective Styles for Winter
Image: @coolcalmcurly

It’s cute, it’s chic, and it’s great for winter. Using a headwrap on a cold night out is a great way to show your personality and protect your hair. Some come pre-wrapped but others you can simply do for yourself. There are also different styles of wrapping but this simple protective style is something you can do all by yourself with your favorite scarf. NaturallyCurly SHOP even has silk-lined wraps so that your curls are not dried out.

$$AD$$ 4 Quick and Easy Protective Styles for Winter
Image:@tylauren


The braided ponytail has made a major comeback this season and is so sleek and easy to style. Simply put your hair up in a ponytail and braid your puff and wrap it into a small bun. Then, grab the hair extensions and attach it to your bun with a rubber band and a few hairpins to secure the ponytail. Now, braid the hair extensions and you’re off to go. Watch this video for a step-by-step tutorial.

4 Quick and Easy Protective Styles for Winter

Image: @simplycyn


Winter is the perfect time for cool and funky hats. Mix and match your hat colors with your outfit. Making the hat part of your look will prompt conversation about your cool and artsy aesthetic. The hat will keep your head warm, your curls out of harm’s way, and will easily be a conversation starter. For NaturallyCurly-approved hats, check out more styles here. 


These styles are not the only ones that can keep your hair out of the winds way. Wigs are also very popular for winter time hair changes. You can literally transform into different people just by switching out your hair. Wigs come in human hair or synthetic, so be sure to do some research before you buy one. Before you pick out your new styling options, here are some protective styles do’s and don’ts from NaturallyCurly to help you stay on track.

Top 18 Deep Conditioners of 2018 for Naturally Curly Hair

Deep conditioning is essential to keeping your hair moisturized. To your hair, a good deep conditioner is like drinking a cold glass of water at 3 a.m. But how do you choose which conditioner is right for you? One good way to decide is to categorize deep conditioners into 3 groups: expensive but worth it, hair home chef products, and holy grails that never failed us. 

Expensive but worth it

Ouidad Curl Immersion Triple Threat Deep Conditioner

Top 18 Deep Conditioners of 2018 for Naturally Curly Hair

For over $35 this product promises a paraben-, sulfate-, and phthalate-free experience that reduces breakage and increases shine. The popular deep conditioner is great for refreshing hair after a vacation or constant hairdo changes.

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Morrocanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner

The combination of these oils will add moisture to your curls that last well into the week. Repair is the key word here and this conditioner gives a break to hair that has been through a lot.

Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioner

Top 18 Deep Conditioners of 2018 for Naturally Curly Hair

This sweet-smelling concoction is a little expensive but well worth the buy. The conditioner is great for a weekly deep condition that doesn’t require a super long routine.

Hair Rules Quench Conditioner

Coming in at just above $20, this deep conditioner is great with restoring damaged hair. Just as the name suggests, the product leaves your hair full of moisture.

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Karen’s Body Beautiful Luscious Locks Hair Masks

Top 18 Deep Conditioners of 2018 for Naturally Curly Hair

Karen’s Body beautiful is a brand that combines great natural moisturizers with healthy oils. The mask is a great monthly rejuvenation for your hair and curls to bounce back after a lot of manipulation.

Sienna Naturals Dew Magic

This soft conditioner leaves your hair just as the name suggests, dewy. It’s great for all types of curls and works a little better with a shower cap and blow dry on low heat.

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Hair home chef products

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

For under $10, this bentonite clay mixed with raw apple cider vinegar is a natural mask that leaves hair feeling soft and refreshed. Its healing powers can be used as a deep conditioner or a weekly pick-me-up for heat-damaged hair.

Aloe vera & olive oil

Your favorite Ikea desk plant could also be your new favorite conditioner. Grab some scissors, cut a piece of your plant and mix the natural aloe with olive oil. Apply on your hair and rinse after 30 minutes for best results.

Coconut oil & honey

Coconut oil is great for moisture and honey traps in all the right nutrients for your strands. Using these common household items, you can create a deep conditioner without having to make a dent in your wallet.

Eggs & mayonnaise

After a lot of blow drying and flat ironing, this trusty mixture of 2 eggs and mayo is perfect for locking moisture into your hair and stopping frizz in its footsteps. Leave on the hair for 30 minutes before washing out.

Oatmeal mix

This mixture of crushed oatmeal, honey, almond oil, olive oil, and aloe vera is essential for repairing damaged hair. The ingredients might make you hungry but this deep conditioner will definitely cause some growth if used for one hour a week.

ACV, honey, and mayonnaise

Apple cider vinegar is a favorite for curly hair. But this DIY mix can lead to super-soft and hydrated curls. This recipe is great for those with dandruff if left on the hair for up to 45 minutes.

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Old faithful

Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque

Top 18 Deep Conditioners of 2018 for Naturally Curly Hair

Your local corner store is sure to have this affordable and popular deep treatment. The moisturizing recipe is great for frequent use and should be a staple for every curly to try.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner

This delightfully fruity conditioner is all you need for weekly conditioning. You should always keep some handy and try sitting under a low heat dryer for 15 minutes after the conditioner is applied.

Mixed Chicks Detangling Deep Conditioner

Top 18 Deep Conditioners of 2018 for Naturally Curly Hair

If you have multiple textures in your hair, this deep conditioner is for you. Mixed Chicks tackles tangles that result from different curl patterns and leaves hair feeling soft.

Pantene Gold Series Moisture Boost Conditioner

This favorite pharmacy choice is a cheap but dependable way to make your curls bounce back. Infused with argan oil, this deep conditioner keeps moisture in without breaking the bank.

Shea Moisture Super Fruit Complex 10 in 1 Renewal System Hair Masque

Top 18 Deep Conditioners of 2018 for Naturally Curly Hair

Dried-out hair can benefit from this Shea Moisture classic to rejuvenate what humidity may have stolen. The added biotin promotes healthy growth and shiny finishes.

Pure Oils Eucalyptus & Honey Dry Hair & Scalp Relief Deep Treatment Masque

Eucalyptus is a great stimulant for hair growth and the tingly after feeling will leave you wanting to play in your hair all day. The balance of the honey keeps in all the great nutrients your hair needs for healthy growth.

Check out our 2018 Editors’ Choice for the best conditioners and leave a comment to let us know how it went.

What to Do When Your Wash and Go is No Longer Working

Picture-perfect facades rule the world around us. Photographs of flawless curly-dos are in your favorites, and your mind. The likes and shares have created a new perception, a new reality for how we view ourselves, and how we view our hair. Oatmeal, olive oil, and coconut are no longer meals, but deep conditioners. It’s easy to get caught up in the status quo and judge yourself according to another person’s video. But when your wash and go starts changing, be patient with your hair, and judge your hair only against your hair. Love today has gone digital, but self-love hasn’t.

What to Do When Your Wash and Go is No Longer Working

When your wash and go doesn’t come out the way you pictured it the first time, there are four rules summarized from sci-fi writer Octavia E. Butler’s essay “Furor Scribendi” that can apply to most things in life, but in this case, we’re going to apply them to your routine, and your curls.

1. Habit is dependable

Make a habit of moisturizing daily. Once you get into the swing of things, you will be able to tell when your hair needs some moisture. Double check the products you use to make sure you’re not mixing water-based and oil-based products, that way, your moisture is maximized. Your hair isn’t the only thing that needs hydration — your body does too. Make sure you drink enough water, especially when the weather changes.

What to Do When Your Wash and Go is No Longer Working
2. Don’t be afraid of change

Your hair routine requires learning what your hair likes. This is really important if your hair has multiple textures, color, or heat damage. Learning doesn’t require splurging on salon-quality products. Mix and match your favorite hair butters, conditioners, and oils. Try less expensive and familiar products like Aussie Mega Moist Conditioner or Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo. You never know what you might learn, or how your hair will react.

3. Persistence

If at first you don’t succeed, try a good clarifying shampoo, and condition again. ‘Nuf said.

4. Have fun

If your hair doesn’t turn out the way you want, make sure to keep some clips, brushes, and scrunchies on hand for a midday hair change. A lot of popular hair gels and conditioners come in a travel size. Buy a couple favorites and keep them in your car, office, or wherever you frequent the most. In the moment, learning will stretch your creativity with your hair.

So you’ve watched the videos and tutorials, picked out an outfit, and you can’t wait to take on the day. But your hair doesn’t quite do what you want, and no amount of fluffing or crunching in passing reflections helps. That doesn’t mean it’s all over; this is actually the beginning of a new level of relationship with your hair. Learn from others, but give yourself room to create your own picture-perfect hair. Be patient with yourself, taking each perceived error as a new opportunity for a trial. You never know what you’ll like. You can learn along the way, and make progress toward what is best for you.

Are you ever let down by your wash and go? Tell us how you respond to a less-than-perfect hair day in the comments section below. And check out this article for short hair wash and go tips.

Best Products for 4C Hair
Best Products for 4C Hair
Photo of Gerilyn M. Hayes, @gerilynhayes by Brio Yiapan, @briophotography

This is for 4C women all over the world, for your shrinkage and your super tight curls. Celebrate your coils and give your scalp a tender rub as you read this because your hair is beautiful and don’t let anyone tell you any differently. What makes 4C hair special? As defined by NaturallyCurly, “your densely packed hair is similar to a 4b, but experiences less definition and more shrinkage. The tightly coiled strand texture ranges from super fine, thin and soft to wiry and coarse. It is very delicate.” With that being said, special hair has special needs. It’s easy to get frustrated while trying to find the best products for your hair. Here’s a list of the basic starter kit products you’ll need for 4C hair.

$$AD$$ Best Products for 4C Hair

Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream

Cantu this, Cantu that. I’m sure you’re wondering what all the hype is about. But this product is worth it. The hydrating cream works wonderfully with a little bit of heat to restore damaged hair, especially hair that is adjusting after a protective style. Apply the product to your hair and sit under a dryer for no more than 15 minutes on low heat. Thank us later.

Best Products for 4C Hair

Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Extra Dark

Warning: this is not your mama’s kitchen. Castor oil, honey, and one egg will change your life. The proteins from these ingredients coat your hair to repair damaged ends and encourage growth. The stimulating effects of castor oil also help to grow your hair while the honey and egg seal in all the restorative elements your hair needs.

$$AD$$ Best Products for 4C Hair

Ecostyler Professional Styling Gel with Olive Oil

All you need in this life of curls is Ecostyler. It will never betray you. The specific olive oil brand doesn’t dry out your hair and cause snowmaggedon on your scalp. After a wash or co-wash, slide some Ecostyler through your curls and watch them pop. Make sure your hair is fully dried. Now may your wash and go’s be curly and sitting right.

Best Products for 4C Hair

As I am Coconut Co-wash Cleansing Conditioner

When it’s cold outside, this product will leave your hair feeling and smelling like the month of May. A co-wash is perfect for 4C hair because it doesn’t strip away essential oils the way shampoo does. Use this product up to once a week to refresh your curls and keep them springy.

$$AD$$ Best Products for 4C Hair

CURLS Blueberry Bliss Control Paste

Thou shall lay thine edges. This is a 4C commandment and this control paste does just that. You don’t have to worry about flakes or thinning hair with this product. Simply apply to your edges after styling and put a scarf on it to keep it flat.

Best Products for 4C Hair

EDEN Bodyworks Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo

That tingly clean feeling combined with a wonderful smell and great hair is what happens when you use this product. It’s a clarifying shampoo that picks up buildup very well. Because it is clarifying, be careful with the use so you don’t dry out your hair.

Having 4C curls may seem difficult but once you get the hang of it, you and your hair become best friends. If you need ideas about how to style your hair, see this article featuring 20 photos of 4C natural hair. And be sure to share tales of your 4C love in the comments section below.

5-Minute Curly Styles for Beginners

Discovering your natural curls can be scary, but there’s no need to fret! If you’re a curly kid, teen, or beginner, there are a lot of styles to do that aren’t as daunting, and don’t take hours to complete. These styles are great for on-the-go looks, or just to try something new.

5-Minute Curly Styles for Beginners
Image by iStock/PeopleImages

The Styles:

1. Two buns in three steps

First you part your hair straight down the middle into two sides. Comb your hair up, and put it into a ponytail before wrapping your hair around itself. Lania.Theresa shows us how cute this quick style is for any day of the week.

2. A classic curly do from Curls.Locks.Chronicles

A go-to style that can never fail you. Whether your curls are fresh out of the shower, or a little less than moisturized, this style will work for you. Use your hands or a comb to part out a side bang in the front of your hair. Put the rest of your hair up into a ponytail, and let your curls flourish.

3. emblu’s Quick and Easy Style

Simply grab half of your hair and tie it up like you would a ponytail. Leave the rest of the hair down. You can add a holding or styling product to maximize your curl pattern.

4. A sleek low bun

Takes a bit of effort, but the style is perfect for any occasion. You can do this style with a middle part, or no part at all. Brush your hair back with alcohol-free gel on top to sleek and solidify the style. The gel will also add a great shine, just like in themindofmutiny‘s gorgeous picture.

5. ohwendyoh’s Versatile and Quick Hairstyle

A big bun is a great quick style that is low maintenance. Pull all your hair up and tuck it neatly into a bun. Here are some tips on how to craft the perfect bun.

If you’re just starting your curly journey, there are many way to learn about your hair with tutorials and blogs from Naturally Curly.

What are the Best Products for 4a Natural Hair?

Welcome to the quick, one-stop shop for 4A hair. The A is obviously for a-mazing. 4A hair is a tight coily “s” pattern hair type that is prone to dryness and shrinkage. When well moisturized with sulfate-free products and light whipped butters, this hair is super fun and manageable. Finding the right things to use for your hair may be tough but this go-to guide has great products that are a guaranteed style home run.

What are the Best Products for 4a Natural Hair
Image by Jezael Melgoza/Unsplash

Shampoos

As I Am Long and Luxe Strengthening Shampoo Hydrating Wash

The aloe-based ingredients in this shampoo are perfect for stimulating hair growth and smell amazing. This formula doesn’t leave hair dry and brittle like other shampoos and is super gentle for 4A hair.

Taliah Waajid Protective Styles Thick and Full Bamboo and Coconut Milk Moisturizing Mint Shampoo

If your hair goes through a lot of manipulation like braids or twists, this shampoo is best for you. The thick formula is great for strengthening hair that may be in protective styles more than in its natural state.

Luster’s Pink Conditioning Shampoo

If you’re looking for soft and shiny hair, Luster’s is the way to go. This trusted shampoo is great for 4A hair that easily tangles.  

Conditioners

Aussie Mega Moist Conditioner

Don’t brush off this popular conditioner because you think it may not be for your hair type. Actually, when used as a co-wash, this conditioner brings your curls to life.

Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Conditioner

Coconut oil is great for 4A hair because it seals in some of the easily lost moisture. Be sure to use with a heavier moisturizer like shea butter to maximize the conditioning.

Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner

This versatile conditioner can be used as a leave in or a pre-poo conditioner. The honey acts as a sealant so you don’t have to worry about adding too much extra product after initial use.

Deep Conditioners

Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Flaxseed Recipes Fix My Hair Intensive Repair Conditioning Masque

Flaxseed is a great fatty acid that when combined with avocado and coconut oil replenishes the moisture that can be lost from too much manipulation. If your hair has been super dry, this deep conditioner will bring it back.

Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner

The desert plant jojoba finds a way to stay full of moisture in extreme temperatures. The oil of the plant is so rich that using it on your hair will make you a true believer in the wonders of jojoba.

Design Essentials Coconut & Monoi Deep Moisture Masque

Keratin, the active protein in this deep conditioner has powerful restorative features that are great for any type of hair but especially hair that is prone to dryness.

What are the Best Products for 4a Natural Hair
Image by Lucas Lenzi/Unsplash

Curl Defining Stylers

Eco Styler Argan Oil Styling Gel

Always buy the Eco Styler that is best for you. However, the red top will never steer you wrong. Infused with argan oil, this gel is perfect for a wash and go or a quick puff. Once it dries, your curls will be super defined and will last well into the week.

Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper Styling Cream

This frizz-free styler leaves your hair super soft and super defined. You can use it for a twist out or let your ‘fro go as it pleases.

Carol’s Daughter Marula Curl Therapy Diffusing & Styling Lotion

If you want curls that don’t get stiff and stay defined, Carol’s Daughter does the trick. The product is also great for 4A hair that may have other curl patterns and textures mixed in.

All hair textures are unique in their own special ways. 4A happens to be super coily and responsive to sweet smelling oils, creams, and butters. Comment your favorite 4A products below and be sure to visit SHOPNaturallyCurly for our suggestions.

Is Jamaican Black Castor Oil Better than Pure Castor Oil?
Is Jamaican Black Castor Oil Better than Pure Castor Oil

In the game of castor oils, there can only be one winner. As the battle begins to grow healthy hair, choosing the right oil for you will be essential to avoid a night that is dark and full of terrors. There are so many different options that you may feel like you know nothing (” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Jon Snow“>. But in reality, picking between Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO”> and pure castor oil is like picking which one of the Stark siblings is your favorite. While each oil has its own personality like the Starks, the different journey it takes to go from castor bean to a bottle of oil determines the variation in color but not necessarily in the amazing benefits.

To win the game of oils, you have to understand what ricinoleic acid — the active ingredient in castor — does for the hair. If moisture and healthy hair growth is the goal, then either JBCO or pure castor oil will work for your hair. While there is no scientific proof that JBCO or any type of castor oil will make your hair follicles thicker in diameter, the anti-inflammatory fatty acids found in the oil kick-start blood circulation, which definitely help to create a healthy scalp and promote more hair growth. Applying the castor oil that is best for you is also great for thinning spots in the hair and even growing your eyebrows.

The way each of the Stark children has gone through his or her own difficult journeys to get back to Winterfell help us decide which one is our favorite. The scientific process that JBCO and pure castor oil go through before they get to our hair should help decide which one is best for you. Both of the oils come from the castor bean but they are each processed differently and that’s what gives them their names and color. JBCO is made by roasting the beans and using heat to extract the oil. This often results in ashes from the ground and burnt beans that give JBCO the color and smell we experience on local pharmacy shelves. Pure castor oil varies in color but in its cold-pressed, original form, it is pale yellow. Filtration to lower the iodine content results in a white castor oil that can also be purchased. While pure castor oil is slightly acidic, the processing of JBCO makes it more alkaline. Both oils are similar in price and availability. If the oils are hard to find where you live, Amazon has a whole range of castor products that can be shipped to you.

Because the foundational base of both JBCO and pure castor oil is the castor bean, the oil that wins will ultimately be the oil that works best for you. Now your watch begins. Because castor is heavier than other essential oils, trying out JBCO or pure castor oil and monitoring the reaction will determine who wins the game of oils. The age-old hair growth method has proven itself a go-to technique for healthy hair growth and ample hydration. Remember that when you play the game of oils, you moisturize or you learn.


There are so many healthy hair benefits from using castor oil. The benefits for hair growth are undeniable. Thinning hair is just one of the magical ways the oil can be used. It is also great for mending split ends, hair breakage, and dryness. You can also use the oil on your skin to tackle tough wrinkles. Read more here about the reasons it’s a magical product.

Our Favorite Curly Hairstyles from AfroPunk

“Afro: as in, born of African spirit and heritage; see also black (not always”>, see also rhythm and color, see also other, see also underdog. Punk: as in, rebel, opposing the simple route, imbued with a DIY ethic, looking forward with simplicity, rawness and open curiosity; see also other, see also underdog.”

This weekend in Brooklyn, the Afropunk Festival created a safe space for self-described cultural rebels where creativity and freedom were expressed through hair, outfits, and everything in between. The celebration of the culture gave people a way to show pride through their coily and curly hair in extravagant headpieces and gorgeous gear. These are some the pictures we saw that exuded light, love, and liberation of all shapes and sizes.

Our Favorite Curly Hairstyles from AfroPunk

In a subtle and sexy combination of summertime denim and traditional African kente, the pink curls on @evita_loca come together with glitter accessories to rock the festival grounds.

Our Favorite Curly Hairstyles from AfroPunk

@Brunita_alvs gives a classic look that shows a strong and confident femininity topped off with natural curls.

Our Favorite Curly Hairstyles from AfroPunk

In a thankful display, @alexis.braswell and her friends, jbellzz_ and tinajohn55, show gratitude and fierceness.

Our Favorite Curly Hairstyles from AfroPunk

No costume necessary. @23piecesofrose rocks a classic look with an unmatched smile.

Our Favorite Curly Hairstyles from AfroPunk

In a cute half up, half down hairdo @yemkotheunicorn & her joy can be felt through the screen.

Our Favorite Curly Hairstyles from AfroPunk

@sailor.brooke captures our attention with bright eyes and butterflies floating through her curly afro.

Our Favorite Curly Hairstyles from AfroPunk

@innerg_b came dressed to take life by the reins with a headpiece that lets the world know she did not come to play.

Our Favorite Curly Hairstyles from AfroPunk

These curl-friends show us the versatility of hair with genuinely inviting smiles @lexlucid.

Our Favorite Curly Hairstyles from AfroPunk

In an ode to the African goddess Osun, @pierr_e gives us life as the goddess of sexuality and fertility with sun beams intertwined in her hair.

Our Favorite Curly Hairstyles from AfroPunk

@Michathebrand and the girls give us curls to die for in a picture that screams life and liberation.

 

Afropunk happens once a year in Brooklyn, Paris, London, Atlanta, and Johannesburg, South Africa, and we look forward to seeing the ways people resist at every single one. 

Which is your favorite look? Let us know in the comments!

IUD Hair Loss & Copper Toxicity
IUD 700

Image: istock

As strong as a woman’s body is, the delicate nature of our existence can be thrown off from something as minute as eating too much candy. So when it comes to making bigger decisions about what goes into our bodies on a daily basis, we have to weigh the effects a little bit more especially when it comes to contraceptives. Daily contraceptives for women play a huge role in our lives. But if taking a pill every day or getting a shot every couple of months is not your cup of tea then an IUD, or an intrauterine device is your next best bet. The safest way to pick a contraceptive for you is to speak with your doctor and evaluate which choice would be work for you. Currently, there are two types of IUDs available in the US: Mirena and Paraguard. Once you have decided that an IUD will be the optimal contraceptive your doctor will ask you to giddy up into the stirrups for the insertion.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, IUDs work one of two ways.

  1. Prevent implantation by altering the cervical mucus lining of the uterine wall
  2. Cervical mucus from the IUD kills the sperm and prevents fertilization

The IUDs that are inserted into your body are made of copper. No need to fret, you won’t slowly turn into the Tin (Wo”>Man or in this case, the Copper Woman, but there are adverse side effects that should be taken into consideration. These include but are not limited to migraines, weight gain, and hair loss. Many women report changes in curl patterns and overall hair health which can be attributed to a buildup of copper in your body on top of the natural copper that may be found in foods like your favorite dark chocolate or handy snacks like cashews.

Copper buildup, or copper toxicity, is what happens when your body is having a hard time getting rid of the extra copper in your body as a result of your IUD or any other extra copper. The issue is often overlooked in women because it is very hard to detect; however, an excessive amount of copper can affect our nervous, skeletal, circulatory, and reproductive systems. Too much copper can even lead to changes in personality.

You hair is one of the first things to react to any changes in your body, so if you notice there are changes after a recent IUD insertion, talk to your doctor about what you are experiencing. In the meantime, reducing your intake of foods with high copper may help protect your hair.

IUDs and daily contraceptives are common and some women may not experience any side effects at all. It is important to do your research and speak with your doctor, because making the right choices for ourselves will be the key to our own reproductive and hair health.

Have you experienced changes in your hair after an IUD insertion?

You can learn more about how your hormones affect hair loss here.

This post has been updated for clarity since published in 2015.