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The topic of hair loss among men and women is no longer taboo, as more people are open to discussing their experiences. Celebrities such as Jada Pinkett Smith (Alopecia), Khloe Kardashian (COVID-19), Christina Milian (Post-Partum), and Matthew McConaughey (aging) have contributed to raising awareness by speaking openly about their own hair challenges. If you have noticed you are losing more hair than usual, you will want to take a close look at external and internal factors that could be causing your hair loss, so you can find the hair loss treatment that will work for you.

How much hair loss is normal?

Shedding is a healthy part of the hair growth cycle. It is typical to shed between 50 and 100 hairs per day. Many curly girls are used to finding clumps of their hair in the showers, especially when cutting down on the frequency of washing their hair. Keep in mind that if you detangle weekly, you may see several days’ worth of shed hair coming out at once.

The signs of hair loss can include increased shedding, patches of baldness (especially in the crown area), gradual receding of the hairline and even complete baldness (alopecia). 

Check out: Hair Loss Vs. Hair Shedding, What’s the Difference?

“There are many triggers, root causes and system dysfunctions that ultimately leads to hair shedding,” says Dr. Brianna Diorio, Director of Product Education at Nutrafol, a supplement to designed to address the leading causes of thinning hair. 

What causes hair loss?

Genetics

Just like in men, genetics play a significant role in female hair loss. If your family has a history of hair thinning or baldness, you might be more susceptible.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal imbalances can trigger hair loss. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause, pregnancy, and childbirth can lead to fluctuations in hormone levels – DHT, testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, insulin and cortisol –  affecting hair growth cycles.

Aging

As women age, hair follicles can shrink and produce thinner hair strands, leading to overall hair thinning. There also is a natural breakdown of collagen and elastin as we age.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases (like alopecia areata), and chronic illnesses can contribute to hair loss.

Stress

Physical or emotional stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to hair shedding. This is known as telogen effluvium.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D, can impact hair health.

Medications

Some medications, including those for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout, and high blood pressure, can cause hair loss as a side effect.

Hairstyles

Excessive use of heat tools, tight hairstyles (like braids and ponytails), and chemical treatments (like coloring, perming, and straightening) can damage hair and lead to breakage. Look for broken hairs around your forehead, a receding hairline and patches of hair loss where your hair is pulled tightly.

Poor Hair Care

Improper hair care, including harsh shampoos, frequent washing, and inadequate conditioning, can weaken hair and contribute to hair loss.

Weight Loss

Rapid and significant weight loss can trigger hair loss due to the body’s response to stress and changes in hormonal balance.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to pollutants, UV radiation, and other environmental factors can weaken hair and contribute to its loss

If you’re concerned about hair loss regardless of your hair type, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional or a dermatologist. They can help determine the underlying causes of hair loss and provide appropriate guidance and treatment options based on your specific situation.

“Treatment can prevent hair loss from worsening and help women regrow their hair. Treatment delivers the best results when started at the first sign of hair loss,” according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

How to treat hair loss

Depending on why your hair is thinning, there are different possible remedies. And treatment can prevent hair loss from worsening and help women regrow their hair.

Treatments like Minoxidil and Rogaine

Minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine) works by prolonging the growth phase of hair follicles by widening them and prolonging the anagen stage of hair growth.

Changing your hairstyle

If your hair loss is caused by your hairstyle – traction alopecia –  you can reduce your risk of developing this type of hair avoiding buns, ponytails, and up-dos that are tightly pulled back. Changing your hairstyle can help. 

Hair vitamins

Many supplements, including biotin and folic acid, are said to help grow and thicken hair. In studying these different supplements, the findings have been mixed. In most studies, the supplements had no effect on hair growth and thickness. 

In one study, however, 120 healthy women had thicker hair and less hair loss after taking specific omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. They took this combination for six months. If these results can be repeated in other studies, we’ll have some evidence to recommend taking these supplements. 

“Since the follicle itself is a mini organ, it is directly impacted by the function or dysfunction of other systems and we need to give it the building blocks it needs for optimal functioning,” says Nutrofol’s Diorio. “Much like the heart needs constant blood supply, our hair follicles need a supply of key nutrients, adaptogens and antioxidants to support hair health, such as Vitamins B, C, and E, as well as minerals like zinc and iron.”

Prescription drugs

A dermatologist may prescribe a medication like Spironolactone, finasteride or flutamide to treat female pattern hair loss. They include options like Musely The Hair Pill which is an oral medication that blocks the hormones that contribute to hair loss and promotes hair growth.

Lasers for at-home use

The FDA has approved laser combs, helmets, and other devices, which are available without a prescription, to treat hair loss at home. These devices emit a low level of laser light that may help stimulate new hair growth. 

Platelet-rich plasma therapy

This therapy uses your own blood. After a blood draw, the blood is placed into a machine that separates the blood into its different components. The platelets, which are a type of blood cell, are treated and injected into your scalp.  It is believed the platelets help stimulate your cells to grow hair. 

Stem cells: Using stem cells to treat FPHL is still in the experimental stages. Like platelet-rich plasma therapy, more studies are needed to know whether stem cells are a safe and effective treatment for FPHL. 

The do’s and don’ts of treating hair loss

Do’s:

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Consume a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins to support hair health. Focus on foods like lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.Gentle Hair Care: Use mild, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are suitable for your hair type. Avoid aggressive scrubbing or excessive washing, as this can damage delicate hair. Use Wide-Toothed Combs: When detangling, use wide-toothed combs or your fingers to prevent unnecessary hair breakage.

Protect Hair from Heat

Minimize the use of heat styling tools like hairdryers, curling irons, and straighteners. If you must use them, use a heat protectant and opt for lower heat settings.

Choose Gentle Hairstyles

Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the hair, such as tight braids, ponytails, or buns. Opt for loose styles to minimize stress on the hair shaft.

Consider Volumizing Products

Use volumizing shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to add the appearance of fullness to your hair.

Consult a Professional

Seek advice from a dermatologist or hair care professional to identify the cause of your thinning hair and receive appropriate guidance.

Don’ts:

Avoid Harsh Chemical Treatments

Avoid excessive use of hair dye, bleach, and harsh chemical treatments, as they can damage and weaken the hair.

Say No to Tight Extensions

Avoid hair extensions that are attached tightly to your natural hair, as they can contribute to hair breakage and stress.

Limit Overstyling

Minimize the use of tight hair accessories, such as rubber bands or hair clips, that can pull on the hair.

Don’t Overwash

Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of natural oils. Aim for a balance between cleanliness and preventing excessive dryness.

Avoid Crash Diets

Extreme diets or rapid weight loss can affect your overall health, including the health of your hair.

Don’t Ignore Medical Concerns

If you suspect an underlying medical condition is causing your hair thinning, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Read next: 8 Protective Styles That Are Gentler on Your Edges

Growing up as a curly girl. I remember flipping through beauty magazines in search of products for my tight 3b ringlets. Hint: there were none.

When pubs began giving out annual awards, I would look for the curl products that won. Whether it was Allure or Good Housekeeping, the curl category didn’t exist. 

So when we started NaturallyCurly, we wanted to make it easier for people with curls, coils, and waves to find the right products for their hair. We created the NaturallyCurly Best of the Best Awards in 2006 to celebrate the standouts, giving out awards in roughly a dozen key categories.

That first Best of the Best was pretty bare bones. We went on CurlTalk and asked people to name their favorite products in each category, tallying up the answers by hand. Initially, there were only a handful of products on the market, and most of those had not been developed specifically for texture. 

The Best of the Best Awards program has come a long way since its humble beginnings.

As the industry evolved and grew, we added categories to keep up – whether that be the best products for braids and twists or the best scalp treatments. Some categories have disappeared, like “Best ingredient to add to a DIY recipe.”

Within each category, we broke it down by texture type, realizing that a Type 2 wavy’s favorite gel wasn’t necessarily the same as the one preferred by a Type 4 coily.

As the site grew, we were able to survey hundreds and then thousands of community members. While there were always old favorites among the winners, some surprising newcomers popped up. 

The NaturallyCurly Best of the Best Awards is now considered the ultimate seal of approval by curl brands both large and small – the gold standard for the textured hair community.  You can find NaturallyCurly’s Best of the Best seal on product bottles and ads. Some brands have done entire campaigns around winning the award.

“Winning the Best of the Best award put us on the map on a much broader stage than anything we had before,” says Canadian stylist Jonathan Torch, creator of Best of the Best winner Curl Keeper, which won “Best Frizz Fighter” several years. “We were – and still are – recognized as a truly competitive and high-performing product, up there with some of the largest beauty companies in the entire world. I still appreciate this victory, and I will always be grateful for the recognition and support that I have gotten from this award.”

Nearly two decades and thousands of products later, we wanted to revisit a few of the earliest  Best of the Best winners. The packaging may have changed and the formulations may be different, but many still remain holy grail products. Here is a look back at the OG holy grail products who have won NaturallyCurly’s Best of the Best Awards.

Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo

This wasn’t a brand that most people had ever heard about. But it had a cult following within the textured-hair community. But people couldn’t get enough of this peach-scented inexpensive shampoo. When we started selling it on CurlMart (Shop NaturallyCurly), we couldn’t keep it in stock! Its sister, the Volume Clarifying Shampoo, was also a favorite to get rid of the gunk.

Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner

 This Aubrey Organics rose-smelling conditioner was thick, creamy, and moisturizing. One of the first containing shea butter, curlies sought it out at their local health food store. Many fans were shattered when it was discontinued.

DevaCurl One Condition

This is a NaturallyCurly Hall of Fame Best of the Best winner. This was one of the original products developed nearly three decades ago by the founders of New York’s famed Devachan Salon. Silicon-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free, it was a favorite among people with a wide range of textures. Devacurl now offers different One Condition formulations for different textures, like the One Condition Delight for waves and the One Condition Decadence Ultra-Rich Cream for extra moisture.

Oyin Handmade Hair Dew

Oyin Handmade was founded by Jamyla Bennu, who started making moisture-rich products for her highly textured natural hair in 2001. This moisturizing leave-in lotion remains a staple leave-in moisturizer for many textured-hair women.

Kinky-Curly Knot Today and Kinky-Curly Curling Custard

CurlTalkers began buzzing about Kinky-Curly, a brand created by naturalista Shelley Davis in 2003. After losing her cosmetics case on the trip to St. Vincent, a local whipped up a blend of herbs, roots, and aloe for her to use on her hair. Knot Today is the ultimate detangler,  while Curling Custard was one of the first moisturizing gels that defined curls without the crunch. As word about the products grew, we couldn’t keep them in stock.

TIGI Bedhead Curls Rock Amplifier Curly Hair Cream

If you ask a dozen curlies to name their favorite styling creams, this is likely to pop up on that list. One woman once told me she goes through a bottle of this every two weeks! The packaging has changed several times over the past two decades, but it continues to be a favorite, especially for Type 3s like me who give it high marks for its ability to define, hold and fight frizz. 

CURLS Lavish Curl Moisturizer

In our earliest days, NaturallyCurly had a monthly Marketplace feature that featured new brands. In 2002, we got a call from Mahisha Dellinger who had just launched a textured hair-care line with  ​a group of products available only on the site. The Moisturizer – now a part of the brand’s Classic Collection – was a standout and continues to be a top seller. Since then, CURLS has become a favorite for all textures, with several popular collections, including Blueberry Bliss, Sea Moss, and Poppin Pineapple.

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

This styling cream came on the scene with a bang. Almost overnight, it became a Holy Grail for many curlies and coilies – a go-to product they could always count on. And with its affordable price and availability at a wide range of retailers, it has continued to win awards.

Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream 

Qhemet Biologics – another of the brands featured in our monthly Marketplace column – was created by Felis Butler, who had a master’s degree in history and a passionate interest in Afro-Ayurvedic hair care traditions, Word spread as CurlTalkers raved about Amla & Olive Heavy Cream designed to moisturize dry, coarse Type 4 textures.

Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk

Hair Milk was one of the first products developed by Carol’s Daughter founder Lisa Price.  In 1993, Price, with a nudge from her mother Carol, Price began making products in her cramped kitchen. The Hair Milk, a rich moisturizing cream, quickly gained a passionate following. 

Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Sculpting Foam

Sculpting Foam was one of the first styling products developed by Paul Mitchell. Although this creamy coconut-scented mousse wasn’t developed for curly hair, the thick moisturizing foam has become a holy grail mousse for many curlies. 

Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding

Founded by sisters Miko and Titi Branch, Miss Jessie’s products were developed and perfected at their New York salon – a go-to place for curly girls. One of the early standouts was Curly Pudding, a purple, rich curl-enhancing cream that defined and elongated curls and kinks.

Jane Carter Nourish & Shine

Natural hair stylist Jane Carter packed this hair nourisher with butters and oils to nourish skin and hair.  This concentrated, multi-use product could be used as a moisturizer, pomade, and sealer. 

Kiehl’s Silk Groom

The original Kiehl’s apothecary first serves patrons at the corner of 13th Street and Third Avenue in New York City.  Over the years, the pharmacy began introducing products, including Silk Groom, A non-greasy hair styling cream to help condition and smooth hair. 

Jessicurl Rockin’ Ringlets Styling Potion

Jessica  McGuinty regularly traded hair tips and horror stories with her cyber friends on NaturallyCurly’s CurlTalk message board. She came across a very basic recipe for a hair gel made out of flax seeds, adding other natural ingredients to perfect it. Fellow CurlTalkers asked her to send samples of her concoction and Rockin Ringlets – and her Jessicurl line of products – was born.

Curl Keeper Liquid Styler

Curly Hair Solutions was one of the first brands focused on curly hair (they were the first brand to advertise on NaturallyCurly in 1999!). Stylist Jonathan Torch at his Toronto salon The Curly Hair Institute created his products to solve the hair issues faced by his clients. His standout product was Curl Keeper Liquid Styler, a unique water-based product with the ability to stave off frizz. It quickly became a favorite product to use both alone and to cocktail with other styling products.

Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel

Although it’s not as fancy as many of the curl products on the market, these tubs of this green gel are a staple for many curl girls. The reason? It’s inexpensive, and it works. The gel now is available in a wide range of formulations, including Coconut Oil, Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil, Keratin Growth Factor, and Argan Oil.

Ouidad Climate Control Gel

Curl queen Ouidad developed groundbreaking products for curlies at her New York salon. Even with hundreds of new gels on the market, Ouidad’s Climate Control Gel remains a holy grail product for many curly girls, especially for those in more humid climates. Since it was first launched, the formula has been upgraded to include Anti-Frizz Nano Technology 

AG Re: Coil

I have a very special place in my heart for AG Re: Coil! When the team at  Canada’s largest professional haircare brand AG was creating its first curly hair product, they did some research and came across NaturallyCurly. They started posting on CurlTalk, and surveying members. They sent out samples for people to test, adjusting the formula based on feedback. The result was Re: Coil Curl Activator, a moisturizing styling cream with the perfect amount of hold. Initially, Re: Coil was only available at a limited number of salons in the United States.

But because of NaturallyCurly’s role in its development, the company  allowed us to sell it on our just-launched CurlMart (It was the first e-commerce site for curly hair products!).  It was only the second product we sold, and thanks to an article about NaturallyCurly in the New York Times Sunday Style section, we sold out in two days. Re: Coil can be credited with putting CurlMart – now SHOPNaturallyCurly – on the map!

When you talk to curly girls, on of our biggest issues is frizz. It’s the 4-letter word that can turn a good hair day into a mess in a matter of minutes.

When I walk outside on a hot, muggy Austin day, I can literally feel my curls turning to frizz. Products can make all the difference in the world. 

And this year, there are a number of new offerings that leverage the latest technology to keep your curls bouncy and defined, even on the steamiest of days. And for those who shy away from cones, there are plenty of options free from silicones.

1. Virtue Frizz Block Smoothing Spray

This lightweight, alcohol-free spray creates an impenetNo silicone build-uprable veil of humidity-blocking, frizz-stopping, moisture-locking mist promises to protect hair for 72 hours. It also is heat protective up to 450 degree. Fortified with Virtue’s exclusive Alpha Keratin 60ku® technology it addresses the causes of frizz both structurally and topically.

2. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Frizz Fighting Touch Up Balm 

The latest offerings from the OG curl brand Ouidad is the ideal addition to the Advanced Climate Control collection. The balm is designed for medium-to-thick curls. This balm and the gel cream below are both free from silicones, parabens, mineral oil, petroleum and glycerin.

3. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Touch Up Gel Cream

The Gel Cream is designed for fine-to-medium textures. Both of these new Ouidad Advanced Climate Control products go on dry curls between wash days to tame frizz, redefine curls, add shine and refresh styles. 

4. Prose Multi-Purpose Styling Gel

The new customizable styling contains a combination of sea moss, okra and aloe vera moisturizes and defines the hair while protecting hair from humidity and fighting frizz, without the silicones, sulfates and alcohol. You can choose your hold level – from light to strong – as well as your fragrance. t also is formulated specifically for your zip code.

5. Naturalicious Divine Shine Moisture Lock & Frizz Fighter 

This super light hot oil treatment uses safflower oil to coat the hair to fight frizz, virgin olive oil to add shine and Spanish almond oil to strength hair by coating the shaft.

6. R+Co Foil Frizz & Static Control Spray

This spray creates long-lasting, flexible control for smooth, shiny results. It contains Vitamin E, Argan OIl and Thermal Polymre as well as an Anti-Static agent. 

7. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum

This hard-working serum promises up to 72-hour frizz control even in 97% humidity, using a blend of argan oil, vitamin E, plant protein, and conditioning agents. 

8. Aveda Smooth Infusion Collection

This new frizz-fighting collection is made with a silicone-free polymer plant shield and botanical smoothing oil blend. The collection includes cleansers, conditioners as well as several styling products and treatments like the Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother which fights humidity for up to 12 hours.

9. Superzero Hair Serum Bar

One of the more innovative new options is the Superzero Hair Serum Bar, which contains a proprietary blend of silicone-free plant-based and vegan actives to reduce frizz, improve color maintenance, and enhance protection against heat and UV damage. To use, you gently massage the bar between dry hands to release serum onto palms.

10. Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Gel

With crunch, this moisturizing gel freezes your curl pattern in place even on the most humid days. In addition to fighting frizz, it moisturizes curls with such ingredients as shea butter, prickly pear oil and pumpkin seed oil.

11. Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Anti-Frizz Leave-In Treatment

The leave-in condtiioner uses enriched with organic, cold-pressed almond oil and hyaluronic acid, to smooth textured hair, prevent frizz and protects against humidity. 

12. Kérastase Fluidissime Anti-Frizz Smoothing Spray

This superpowered spray fights frizz for up to 72 hours. Key ingredients include Morpho-Kératine™ Complex, which Restores the hair fiber’s uniformity, provides manageability and anti-frizz protection. It contains such ingredients as coconut oil and Vitamin E to moisturize and protect curls.

13. TIGI Bed Head Showdown Anti-Frizz Hairspray with Strong Hold

Bed Head Showdowns has a firm 3 out of 5 hold to fight frizz, combat humidity and deliver a smooth finish. Showdown is a compressed hairspray meaning it uses 56% less packaging and lasts as long as your usual 10.6 oz can

14. Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème

This lightweight finishing formula is infused with a nourishing blend of rosehip, argan, and coconut oils to smooth hair, enhance shine, tame frizz, and thermal protect up to 450°F.

15. Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum 

Scientifically formulated for all frizz-prone hair types, Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum is a fast-absorbing formula made to smooth and soften hair for up to 72 hours. Crafted with our exclusive ProteinFusion™ Blend, this smooth hair superstar weightlessly wraps around each hair fiber to create an invisible barrier that repels humidity while adding natural body and movement.

16. Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray

This anti-humidity finishing spray shields hair from frizz on the most humid days, protecting sleek blowouts and perfect curls alike. It contains Oribe Signature Complex (Watermelon, Lychee and Edelweiss Flower”> which defends hair from oxidative stress, photoaging and the deterioration of natural keratin.

17. Marc Anthony BYE.BYE.FRIZZ™ Humidity Shield Hairspray 

This natural-hold, silicone-free spray holds while repelling frizz. If you love volume then this spray is for you, its lightweight formula contains polymers that provide a “no shell” hold that looks natural and won’t weigh down your curls.

 

18. Bounce Curl Avocado & Rose Oil Clump and Define Cream

The Clump & Define Cream is a multi-purpose luxurious leave-in cream that can lightly hold & soften your hair at the same time. Ingredients include 10 exotic oils from the Middle East, North Africa & the Mediterranean areas, including organic black seed oil, avocado, Egyptian abyssinian oil, Moroccan rose and argan oil.

19. REVERIE MILK Anti-Frizz Leave-In Nourishing Treatment 

The multi-functional leave-in serum fights frizz while also detangling, moisturizing, defining and protecting from heat. It can be used on wet or dry waves, curls and coils. 

20. Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer & XXL Diffuser

This hair dryer and its revolutionary diffuser – a massive 8 inches in diameter – were developed to provide even, gentle heat to minimize damage and reduce frizz. . It even has prongs at the back, so you don’t have to hold it while using it.

21. Shaz & Kiks Strands Peptide Restoring Moringa Oil

A unique blend of clinically active ingredients with nourishing Indian oils, this serum is able to nourish damaged hair cuticles. You can use it on your scalp, as a pre-poo, or on damp, clean hair to help with frizz and dryness. 

22. Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray

This lightweight, invisible heat protecting and style extending spray that is clinically proven to protect hair against frizz and humidity for 24 hours.

23. Gussi Hair At-Home Keratin Treatment Kit 

This kit takes a DIY approach to frizz-free hair, leaving your natural texture while making it more resistant to frizz. It lasts up to six weeks It is free of parabens, phthalates or formaldehydes. 

24. MONAT Smoothing Anti-Frizz™ Deep Intensive Treatment 

This richly textured, indulgent treatment was developed with high-performing plant based and natural derived lipid ingredients including illipe and kokum butters that work together to minimize frizz, static, and flyaways.

25. Olaplex No. 9

The latest offering from Olaplex is weightless, leave-in, silicone-free hair serum to shield hair from pollution for 48 hours and provide heat protection up to 450°F. The silicone-free formula is made with red algae extract and Olaplex® Bond Building Technology™.

26. Andrew Fitsimons Fantasy Curls Nourishing Anti-Frizz Serum

The Nourishing Curl Serum by Andrew Fitzsimons quenches thirsty curls with hydrating Jojoba Oil infused moisture that leaves locks bouncy, weightless and glossy. Designed to improve manageability and smooth frizz and flyaways, so you can kick dry, damaged hair to the curb.

Which new frizz products are you excited to try?

The launch of Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector was a transformative product for many of us curly girls. It was a treatment we didn’t even know we needed but now we can’t live without – a Holy Grail, Best of the Best Award winner that visibly improved the health of our curls and coils.

The newest product in Olaplex’s growing family – which includes everything from oils to serums – is the Olaplex No.4C BOND Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo.

An effective clarifying shampoo is a must for many of us curlies. Many of the styling gels, lotions and creams can build up on our follicles, which can reduce the efficacy of our products. 

What is Olaplex No.4C?

Olaplex No.4C is described as a weekly treatment for people who need a deeper cleanse that uses a “broad spectrum clarifying system” to remove product buildup, hard water minerals and heavy metals. Sulfate-free, non drying and pH balanced.

The active ingredient is Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate-Patented Olaplex Bond Building Technology, which is designed to repair damage by relinking broken disulfide bonds.

My experience with Olaplex No.4C

I’ve used a wide variety of clarifying treatments from both mass and luxury brands. Having just come off an article about frizz fighters – many of them with cones – my 3b curls had a fair amount of product buildup. It was looking a little dull and limp. 

I applied a quarter-sized dollop of the violet gel, working it from my scalp to the ends, leaving it on for the recommended five minutes. I followed with the No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask for extra Moisture.

I diffused as usual and my curls definitely felt bouncier and fuller. I would rank Olaplex No.4C among my favorites, right up there with Adwoa Beauty Blue Tansy Clarifying Gel Shampoo, Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating shampoo and Amika Reset Clarifying Shampoo.

Have you tried the new Olaplex No.4C Shampoo? Let us know what you think in the comments.

As we ring in 2022, curl junkies like me are in heaven. We have so many amazing new curl products to try. Thinking back to the early days of NaturallyCurly, when you were lucky to find one or two curl products in a store, the number of new products blows my mind! 

Brands both big and small have created new curl collections and products. Get ready to try products packed with curl-loving ingredients like sea moss, Patua fruit oil and Alpine rose stem cells. There are new styling products in every form, including whipped custards, curl pomades and gelled oil. Some of the most exciting new products pamper your scalp. One new line is designed specifically for people who wear wigs and weaves. And if you thought you’ve seen every variation on a hair dryer, think again.

The list is long so clear out space in your cabinet!

New Curl Collections

1. L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curl Collection

This new collection includes a cocktail of hyaluronic acid and fine castor oil to provide intense hydration.The line includes Moisture Push Shampoo, Moisture Seal Conditioner, No Build-Up Curls Micellar Shampoo, Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-In Cream and Refresh and Reshape Leave-In Spray.

2. Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk

With 11 products in the line, this is one of the largest new collections. It includes Gentle Shampoo, 3-in-1 Conditioner, Deep Conditioning Mask, Leave-In Conditioner, Scalp Cleansing Oil, Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil, Hard-Hold Gel, Refreshing Foam, Defining Cream, Sculpting Gel and Activating Mousse.

3. It’s a 10 Coily Collection

This popular brand launched its first line specifically for textured hair, packed with incredients like iavocado oil, coconut oil, shea butter and monoi extract. The line includes Hydrating Shampoo, Miracle Leave-In, Miracle Mask, Miracle Gelled Oil and Miracle Curl Cream.

4. NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Texture 

This collection wins our award for best packaging! It includes Curl Shampoo, Curl Conditioner, Leave-in Conditioner & Detangler, Texture Cream and Wave Cream. The products are formulated with ingredients including Alpine rose stem cells, Japanese Cammelia oil, sea grapes and blue algae.

5. Matrix Total Results A Curl Can Dream

This “Curl Pattern-Preserving System,” designed specifically for curl Types 3 and 4, is Infused with Manuka honey extract. The comprehensive line includes Shampoo, Co-wash, Light-hold gel, Moisturizing cream, Lightweight Oil and Rich Mask. 

6. CURLS Hair Under There Collection

This collection features five products designed to nourish hair and scalp during the preinstall and post-takedown treatment of weaves and wigs: Detox Cleanser, Strengthen Me Moisture Mask, Bomb Braid in Conditioner, Soothe and Cool Me Scalp Potion and Protect Me Edge Styling Pomade.

7. DevaCurl Fragrance-Free & Hypoallergenic Collection

For those who love DevaCurl but not the smell, this new collection is formulated for people with sensitivities to fragrance, essential oils, dyes or gluten. It includes the brand’s favorite products: No-Poo, One Condition, SuperCream and Ultra-Defining Gel.

 

Styling Products Galore

8. TWIST By Ouidad Boss Bounce Light as Air Buildable Styling Cream

This lightweight, buildable cream delivers definition and hydration for frizz-free curls. This moisturizing cream is packed with shea butter, jojoba oil and patua fruit oil.

9. NaturAll Club Avocado Curl Custard

This medium hold curl definer is suited for a broad range of natural hair styles! Featuring the power of protein rich organic avocados, this is a natural styling product perfect for helping you maintain healthy hair.

10. Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Honey Curl Forming Custard

Whether doing 2-strand twist sets or wash-and-go styles, this gel defines, shapes, and elongates curly to tightly coiled textures without a sticky, flaky residue.

11. SEEN Curly Creme

This dermatologist-designed, curl-enhancing cream contains hemisqualane, nature’s answer to silicone. Derived from sugar, it provides color and heat protection, reduces frizz and keeps hair smooth.

12. Bumble and Bumble BB Curl Gel Pomade

This versatile, silicone-free pomade works on damp or dry hair to smooth, separate, and reduce frizz. It contains ingredients including avocado, coconut and jojoba oils and shea and cocoa butters to hydrate hair.

13. R+Co. Turntable Curl Defining Creme

This lightweight, curl-defining creme blocks humidity and is infused with chia seed extract, coconut and olive oil for moisture and shine. It keeps your curls in shape and nourishes, without weighing hair down or making it feel crunchy.

14. Pantene Curl Affair Curl Reshaping Cream

This cream can be scrunched into the hair to bring back soft, touchable defined curls between washes. It contains argan oil, amino acids, omega-9 and pro-vitamin B5.

Deep Treats

15. Kitsch Coconut Oil Deep-Moisturizing Conditioner Bar

If you’re looking to make your beauty routine more sustainable this year, this brand makes a variety of bottle-free haircare products, including this deep conditioning bar packed with coconut oil and shea butter to restore softness and shine.

16. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ MegaStrength+ Rice Water Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment

This dual-action formula protects hair from future damage, while deeply hydrating ingredients nourish dry, brittle hair and support healthy elasticity in your strands.

17. ADWOA Beauty Blue Tansy Reparative Mask

This creamy, emollient mask contains plant protein extracts that prevent breakage and help seal highly porous hair. Moroccan lava clay, blue tansy flower oil and spirulina extract work to aid in detangling, improve curl definition, reduce frizz and enhance shine.

18. Melanin Multi-Use Softening Leave-In Conditioners

This moisture-rich, leave-in conditioner is designed to soften, smooth, instantly detangle your knots, and help to repair your hair from the inside-out. This formula contains hair-strengthening and conditioning agents like Pro Vitamin B5, bamboo Extract, wheat amino acids and hydrolyzed wheat proteins.

19. PATTERN Treatment Mask

Formulated with softening and strengthening ingredients such as Rice Water Ferment and Moringa seed extract, this mask will leave your hydrated and pampered. 

20. TWIST by Ouidad Sunday Feels Deeply Hydrating Hair Mask

This ultra-nourishing mask is packed with coconut oil, jojoba oil and grapeseed oil estore shine and improve your natural curl pattern.

21. Curl Keeper Rapid Hair Repair 

This beloved curl brand has launched its first deep conditioner. Curl Keeper’s  Rapid Hair Repair is an herbal treatment that uses a proprietary blend of herbs – including marshmallow root and slippery elm – to strengthen and restore damaged and color-treated hair back to health. 

22. Soapbox Soap Hair Treatment Boosters

These treatments are a quick way to customize your hair care routine to make healthier-looking hair easy. Blended with benefit-rich ingredients like flaxseed, amino acids, omega 3s and more each squeeze will enhance your wash routine and replenish your strands. Choose from Oh My Growth  Length-Promoting Hair Boosters and Repair My Hair Repairing Hair Booster. for a customizable cleanse.

The Power of Sea Moss

Curlies have been using this ingredient for their DIY sea moss gel, but if you’re not the DIY type then here are a few brands who are harnessing the power of sea moss, also known as “food for the hair and scalp.” This powerful marine ingredient contains 92 minerals, including ⁠Iron, Magnesium, and Zinc, Vitamins A, C, E and B12 along with vital nutrients like Omegas 3 and 6.

23. Mielle Sea Moss Collection

Specifically formulated for those experiencing daily or seasonal hair loss, Mielle’s Sea Moss collection is designed to prevent hair shedding. It restores to increase sebum in order to keep the scalp moisturized, removes toxins from the scalp and helps promote hair growth. The line includes Sea Moss Anti-Shedding Shampoo, Sea Moss Anti-Shedding Conditioner, Sea Moss Hair Pudding, Sea Moss Gel Hair Masque and Sea Moss Anti-Shedding Leave-in-Conditioner.

24. Sheahut Curl Moss Hair Grow Gel

This light hold moisturizing and curl defining contains Jamaican Irish Sea Moss to increase elasticity and collagen to protect the hair and scalp from sun damage and pollutants.

25. CURLS Sea Moss Collection

Although there are few details about the new line of by CURLS, it will be coming to a store near you soon. The line is designed to ensure the user’s crown is thoroughly protected and replenished before and after the protective style is in place. The collection includes a cleanser, conditioner, gel (called Curl Slime”>, cream and foam.

Scalp Care

26. Rizos Curls Detox Scalp Scrub

This Scalp Scrub gently exfoliates to remove dead skin, product buildup and excess oil from your scalp and hair. It is made with soothing Aloe Vera, purifying pink clay and refreshing peppermint oil.

27. Shaz & Kiks Unearth Yourself Balancing Clay Hair Cleanser

This superstar shampoo is made with Multani Mitti, Indian Fuller’s Earth clay and Jamun (Indian blueberry”> seeds to gently absorb excess oil and dirt and remove build-up and dry flakes while giving a boost of antioxidant love.

28. Marc Anthony Strictly Curls 3X Moisture 2-In-1 Scalp Scrub + Shampoo

Using a curl trifecta of Marula Oil, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, this multi-tasking cleanser removes product buildup, excess oil and pollutants and combat dry scalp.

29. Mane Choice Manetabolism Rejuvenation Solution EnhanceMINT Scalp Drops

This concentrated, nourishing formula is infused with biotin and Vitamins A, C and E to sooth the scalp. If your hairline or scalp could use some TLC in between washes or protective styles, this minty oil could be just the treat you need.

30. Mizani Wonder Crown

This foaming and non-stripping pre-cleanser removes product buildup from the scalp while also prepping it for styling. The direct-to-scalp makes it easy to apply to protective styles.

Tools

31. Rev-Air Reverse Air Dryer

This high-tech dryer is designed to replace your blow dryer and in many cases, your flat iron too. The patented technology dries hair in half the natural direction of the cuticle (downward”> to lock out frizz and seal in shine. At $399 it’s pricey, so start saving now, but NaturallyCurly community members are finding it worth the investment and even awarded it with the Best of the Best award for Most Innovative Product

32. Melanin Haircare XL Shower Mirror

This is one of those products where I thought “Why didn’t I come up with this?” The Melanin Haircare XL Shower Mirror is a lightweight, shatterproof, fogless shower mirror that boasts discreet drainage holes in bottom of the frame ensuring that no water is stored,and strong suction cup adhesion.

It’s a common – but not talked about – issue for curlies. Your tub stops draining. When you reach down to unclog it, out comes a slimy hairball the size of a large rat.

“I used to have my fiancee do it. Now I get my daughter to do it. When it gets too bad, I always buy the liquid plummer type stuff to dissolve it. And it saves me from hurling. Even though it is my hair, once it leaves my head I am immediately disgusted by it.” – CurlTalker Lovemylocks

“Everyday I have to clean out the shower and the sink. So gross, but it needs to be done.” – CurlTalker KinkyCurlyGirl

“My hair sheds EVERYDAY and so my bathroom sink and bathtub pipes get clogged. I try to put as much of the hair in the trash as I can but I’m not able catch all of it, especially when I wash. This is creating a problem. Any suggestions? I’m really sick of all these little curly balls of hair LOL” – CurlTalker Curlista93

From Turbo Snakes to Drain Weasels to Drain Wigs, there are inexpensive tools out there to help the curlies of the world keep their tubs draining and their significant others happy.

There are two main issues when it comes to curly clogs: How do you unclog a drain already filled with hair? And how do you prevent the hair from clogging your drain in the first place?

We asked around the NaturallyCurly office and the most common method for preventing a clog is hands down: putting the hair on the wall.

6 Tools for Preventing a Clog

We asked around the NaturallyCurly office and the most common method for preventing a clog is hands down: putting the hair on the wall. It may sound unappealing, but we’d rather do that than have to deal with the mess of cleaning out a drain. Here are some other tactics for preventing the clog in the first place.

Stop-A-Clog

This mildew-resistant plastic drain protector fits over the bathtub drain. NaturallyCurly Editor Devri says “I’ve been using Stop a Clog for a couple years now, and I replace it every few months. I get mine in a set of 2 at Bed Bath & Beyond.”

If you can’t clear a clog after a few attempts, you may need to call in the professionals. Exerting too much force can permanently damage a pipe.

Hair Snare Drain Cover Universal

NaturallyCurly contributor Christina Patrice says “It catches all my shed hairs, which also helps me keep track of how much hair I’m losing on wash day. A nifty little hack: if your drain is not inverted, just flip the trap upside down and it works just the same.”

DrainWig

The stainless steel chain is inserted into the drain and the rubber whiskers catches the hair. NaturallyCurly Managing Editor Cristina has used this product and said “The product recommends removing the hair catcher after 2-4 months, but for curly or thick hair I think you’d do better to take out it out once a month instead.”

TubShroom

TubShroom fits inside the drain, collecting hair around it. This is a favorite for many NaturallyCurly community members: “TUBSHROOM!! AH-mazing!!” says community member Annette Trinkle.

OXO Good Grips Bathtub Drain Protector

Rust-proof stainless steel drain protector neatly covers bathtub drain with a hole pattern that effectively catches hair without blocking water drainage. A silicone rim keeps the drain Protector in place and prevents it from sliding around.

Evriholder Hairstopper

Its large surface area ensures all hair and dirt is trapped before it clogs the drain.

Danco Hair Catcher

Constructed of flexible PVC, this hair catcher allows for easy placement in the tub drain.

How to Unclog Your Drain

Is it too late, and you’re dealing with water pooling around your feet when you shower? (We’ve all been there”>. If you prefer the natural route, you can always start with everyone’s favorite multi-purpose items: baking soda and vinegar. According to WikiHow, the first step should be to remove the strainer or stopper from the drain and cleaning off any gunk. Then, boil water in a tea kettle and pour it into the drain. After you’ve poured the water in, mix 1⁄4 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of vinegar and pour the mixture down the clogged drain.

Wait 15-20 minutes and then pour more boiling water down the drain to finish unclogging your tub. If this method doesn’t work, keep reading to learn how to use a toilet plunger or a chemical drain cleaner to solve your problem.

What if that doesn’t work?

If that doesn’t work, use a tool designed to unclog it.

“I don’t know how something can be so disgusting yet SO gratifying at the same time!” said community member Jessica Enyart.

9 Tools for Unclogging Your drain

Turbo Snake Drain Hair Removal Tool

Specially designed head grabs and locks onto hair clogs to remove and free the drain.

Cobra Products Zip-It Drain Cleaning Tool

This multi-tooth clog remover efficiently catches hair.

Flexisnake Drain Millipede Hair Clog Tool

The Millipede’s full 18-inch length is covered with over 4,000 micro-hooks, making it possible to tackle even the toughest bathroom hair clogs.

Drain Snake Hair Drain Clog Remover Cleaning Tool

With tiny hooks for catching hair clogs to remove and free the drain instantly, this plastic device guarantees no-hassle cleaning of sink and tub drains.

Whink Hair Clog Blaster

This is a super fast acting bathroom drain opener designed to specifically attack and break down hair clogs quickly.

Drain Weasel Hair Clog Tool

The Drain Weasel Plus has a reusable handle and disposable wands with Velcro brand hooks, so you can quickly and safely clear that hair-clogged bathroom drain.

Green Gobbler Hair Grabber

Lower this durable plastic snake as far into the drain as possible and then slowly pull back the snake allowing it to grab all the hair that is blocking the line. Clean off and repeat the process as needed.

Green Gobbler Drain Opener

The green gobbler is meant to dissolve hair, paper, soap scum, oil, and organic matter.

Oatey 20410 Glug Drain Opener

Non-acid crystals clear sluggish drains and prevent clogs.

NaturallyCurly World weigh in: How do you deal with this common curly problem? Have you found a tool that works?

Read next: 5 Easy Shower Hacks to Help You Lose Less Hair

When I launched NaturallyCurly 23 years ago, it was slim pickings on the shelves when it came to finding products for curly hair. You had to make do with the gels and mousses that were there – products seldom developed with a curly in mind.

The curly world has changed so dramatically that there are new curl products hitting the market nearly every day. It makes my heart, and my curls, very happy. These new products use the latest technologies and ingredients and have created new innovative categories – from Carol’s Daughter’s Wash Day Delight Water-to-Foam Shampoo and Jelly-to-Cream Conditioner to The Mane Choice MUST BE MAGIC “TADA! A 2 in 1” Shampoo + Conditioner Micro-Suds Cocktail Mix.

Everybody wants to make the curly girl happy – from up-and-coming boutique brands like Sky Organics to giants like TRESemme! Some are from curl pioneers like Ouidad and Carol’s Daughter while others are from hot brands like Olaplex and The Mane Choice.

Here are some of the latest curl treats, with something to feed every product junkie.

New Collections to Get Excited About

Amika Curl Corps

The Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream and Curl Corps Enhancing Gel are two of my new Holy Grail producs. The line hydrates and defines waves and ringlets. The new Curl Power Hour Curl Refreshing Spray is launching this summer.

TWIST by Ouidad 

TWIST is a new brand from The Curl Experts at Ouidad. Ouidad was the first brand I ever tried that was specifically for curly hair, so I’ve been excited to try this newly launched brand. The collection includes a wide range of frizz-fighting, defining, conditioning, multi-functional and layerable products, including cleansers, conditioners and styling products, all for under $10. My personal favorite is Ready, Set, Bounce Soft-Hold Curl Defining Gelee. It defines without crunch.

Sky Organics Curl Care 

This organic brand recently launched a curl line made with plant-derived and renewable ingredients all for less than $10 each. Their formulas are USDA Certified Bio-based, cruelty-free and vegan, making these products not only good for your curls but good for the environment too. The Wash Day Shampoo is full of some of our favorite ingredients: aloe vera, castor oil, and apple cider vinegar and leaves curls both cleansed and hydrated.

Living Proof Curl 

While it’s a little pricey, Living Proof Curl has some amazing products in the collection, including Curl Definer, a light cream-gel that makes my curls pop. The full size product is over $30 but luckily you can test out the travel size before you commit. Curly girls love a travel size product!

Kerastase Curl Manifesto Collection

Formulated for curly and coily hair, this line contains manuka honey and cementing ceramide to provide hydration, definition & strength. Standouts in the line include Crème De Jour Fondamentale Hair Cream, Gelee Curl Contour Gel-Cream and Huile Sublime Repair Hair Oil.

Fekkai Shea Butter Collection

This deeply hydrating collection features cleansers, hair treatments, and oils. Suited for all wave and curl types, the collection is powered by sustainably-sourced Shea Butter. The Curl Defining Gel Crème is my personal favorite in the collection.

Coil Infusion by Ouidad

Ouidad’s new Coil Infusion line caters specifically for Type 4A-C coils. If you’re looking for a new multi-purpose product to add to your regimen, check out their Soft Stretch Priming Milk which will moisturize, minimize shrinkage, and define coils.

Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight 

This shampoo and conditioner collection, available in rose and aloe vera formulas, includes shampoos that transform from a water to a gentle foam lather and conditioners that go from a thick jelly to a nourishing cream to instantly moisturize hair from roots to ends. 

New Curly Wash Day Products

Naturally Drenched Rebalance Pre-Conditioner Treatment

Rebalance is a unique Pre-Conditioner Treatment that provides hair with extra nutrients to restore your hair’s pH and ensure hydration and shine. Packed with almond oil, bamboo extract, calendula and papaya, this treatment was formulated to be used after shampoo and before conditioner. It can also be used for detangling in the shower.

Olaplex Nº.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask 

Olaplex is a Holy Grail brand – thanks to the amazing No. 3 – and this new mask lives up to the name. Infused with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building technology, this highly concentrated reparative mask adds shine, smoothness & body while providing intense moisture to treat damaged hair. 

Briogeo Curl Charisma The Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating & Defining Mask 

The Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating & Defining Mask is a new addition to the Curl Charisma collection (pictured”> that will be launching this summer. This protein-free, weekly hair mask treatment that deeply moisturizes, enhances slip, and boosts curl definition for soft, bouncy, and vibrant curls. The formula is fortified with rice amino acids and tomato fruit ferment that help seal the hair cuticle to promote consistent curl pattern and enhance curl definition.

The Mane Choice Must Be Magic Miracle Mud Mask 

If you want the benefits of a mud mask without the extra DIY effort, then the MUST BE MAGIC Miracle Mud Mask will deliver extreme rejuvenation and revitalization to your curls. It contains mineral-rich kaolin, a clay that gently removes impurities from scalp and hair. It also helps to revive damaged, brittle hair and reduces the appearance of split ends.

Carol’s Daughter Vanilla Moisturizing Sulfate-Free Shampoo Bar 

If you’re looking to decrease the amount of plastic you use, this comes in FSC certified carton packaging. This Eco-conscious solid shampoo bar contains nourishing shea butter, lavender and jojoba oil and is sulfate-free. It creates a creamy lather that makes it easy to use and the moisturizing ingredients mean that your hair won’t be left stripped.

Alaffia Beautiful Curls Curl Activating Leave-In Conditioner 

Alaffia is a Black-owned social enterprise on a mission that you can feel good about supporting. Made with fair trade and unrefined Shea butter from their cooperatives in West Africa, and botanical extracts of comfrey and arnica, their Curl Activating Leave-In Conditioner hydrates, softens and improves elasticity. Natural minerals and vitamins smooth the cuticle, remove tangles, improve shine and reduce frizz. This line was formulated for Type 3 curls and Type 4 coils.

Shaz & Kiks Back to Your Roots Hair Prewash 

This multitasking, creamy plant-based hair mask beautifully formulated with 20 nutrient-rich Indian herbs, oils & flowers to nourish your hair root to tip, inside out. We preach the importance of scalp care here on NaturallyCurly, and this scalp mask works to balance oil production and your pH level. Plus, it’s Asian-owned and comes in the most beautiful packaging I’ve ever seen!

The Mane Choice MUST BE MAGIC “TADA! A 2 in 1” Shampoo + Conditioner Micro-Suds Cocktail Mix 

An instant time-saver! We were taught to be wary of 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioners, but this lathering, creamy, conditioning shampoo has tons of slip and was formulated to cleanse and condition the hair simultaneously. 

Uhai Intensive Deep Conditioner

This deep conditioner is a treat for both your hair and your scalp. The peppermint oil helps promote blood circulation and the rich, thick formula has all of the slip you want on wash day. 

Hot New Curl Styling Products

Curl Keeper Thermal Heat Defence 

This non-chemical heat protectant uses such ingredients as sea kelp, horsetail and chamomile extracts to protect curls from heat damage caused by styling tools like flat irons and curling wands.

Oribe Invisible Defense Universal Protection Spray 

A signature complex of watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extracts protect hair from environmental stressors and prevent color depletion. This is another pricey product that thankfully comes in a travel size. 

Rizos Curls Light Hold Gel 

This Instagram-favorite uses 95 percent naturally derived ingredients like aloe vera, flaxseed and thyme to create flexible hold, definition and moisture without crunch or flakes. At the time of publishing the gel is also on sale!

TRESemme Flawless Curls Defining Cream 

This buttery cream fights frizz with a soft hold ideal for fine hair or looser textures. It has a humidity-resistant formula that reduces frizz, all for less than $5. 

Mizani Style Shifter Society Heat Screen Heat Protectant Spray 

This lightweight spray offers UV filter and heat protection up to 450°F to help shield hair from damage. If you’re going to be exposing your curls to the elements by being outdoors or heat styling your hair this summer, make sure to keep them protected!

 

What new curl products are you adding to cart this summer? 

Los Angeles – Well-known and admired for her natural hair, T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh shares her secrets in her new book, Natural Woman/Natural Hair: A Hair Journey: Hairstyles and Hairstories from the Front with simplestep-by-step instructions on taking care of your natural hair. Infused with Keymáh’s holistic lifestyle approach, the book is a natural hair care style guide with poetic prose and step-by-step instruction on how to care for your hair.

“Natural Woman/Natural Hair” is a lyrical and historical contribution to the history of African American hair, written for children, women and men who have been considering wearing their hair naturally and don’t know where to start or how to take care of it. The book includes models and some well-known faces including, T.C. Carson – star of “Living Single,” Josie Harris Thacker – “In Living Color” fly girl, singer Pru and others.

About her journey, Keymáh stated, “I wrote this book as a glorious celebration of all things that have been wrongly negated, dismissed or vilified. The book is a present for all Black women and all others with beautiful tightly curled, coily, kinky or nappy hair.”

Keymáh anecdotally adds, “Someone once used Lena Horne’s make-up on Bill Cosby, not realizing that we come in all colors. I wrote this book hoping that the actress that follows me won’t have to tell everyone she meets that our hair comes in all textures…and that all of them are good.”

Keymáh is also starring in Disney Channel’s new original series “That’s So Raven.” “That’s So Raven” is a new live-action situation comedy starring Raven (formerly credited as Raven-Symone, “The Cosby Show””> as Raven Baxter, a winsome teen whose ability to glimpse flashes of the future often gets her into hot water. As Raven’s mother, Tonya, along with Rondell Sheridan as her husband Victor, Keymáh tries to allow Raven’s flights of fancy and keep her feet on the ground. “That’s So Raven,” is currently Disney’s #1 show.

“Natural Woman/Natural Hair” is available at her website. Please visit her website for other online listings or a bookstore near you.

With a family full of curlyheads—and a glorious head of tawny curls himself—it’s easy to see why Giacomo Forbes has a passion for curly hair.

‘Curly hair is easy for me to understand—the shapes to cut, the products to use. the ways to style it,’ says the tall, charismatic Austin hairstylist. ‘It comes naturally to me.’

From the age of 5, Giacomo Forbes knew he wanted to cut and style hair. He quit school at 11. And at 12, the grandson of the head of the U.S. Embassy in Rome began apprenticing. When he was 15, he moved to the United States, working for star stylist Paul Mitchell.

Since then, Forbes has worked with some of the biggest names in hair—Pierre Michel, Frederic Fekkai and Jose Eber, to name a few—at some of the most prestigious salons in New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Paris.

His client list has included celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Marissa Tomei, Emma Thompson, Elizabeth Taylor and Barbara Walters as well as Saudi princesses and some of the biggest names in the world of modeling. He’s been featured in such publications as Vogue, Allure, Women’s Wear Daily Marie Claire, Town & Country and In Style and has appeared on many television programs, such as MTV, Fashion Files, Ask E. Jean, etc. The Fox Morning Show ‘Breakfast Time’ featured him for years as a makeover and professional product expert to discuss the latest tips and trends.

At one time, he said his life wasn’t unlike the movie ‘Shampoo,’ in which Warren Beatty portrayed a playboy hairstylist to the stars.

Forbes met his wife, model Jennifer Hoover, at a Houston fashion show. Hoover, a native Texan, along with friends director Quentin Tarantino and actress Sandra Bullock, drew him to Austin.

Forbes says it wasn’t a tough sell. He fell in love with the city’s natural beauty and creative energy and felt it would be an ideal environment to raise their baby daughter Isabella — now a 4-year-old curlyhead. After working at another Austin salon, he recently opened his own salon near downtown Austin, called Giacomo Forbes, on 12th Street. The smell of incense fills the cozy salon, which he designed himself, using Feng Shui principles.

An aromatherapist by nature, having grown up in Italian olive oil vineyards, Forbes has been involved with product development for some of the nation’s top haircare manufacturers. With the help of plastic surgeon Robert Clements, Forbes recently developed a line of products called Organic Miracles.

The all-natural, all-organic line, which doesn’t use animal testing, includes his Miracle Hair Oil and Dry Hair Pomade as well as skincare products. The hair oil, which he describes as a ‘wearable defrizzing treatment,’ contains grapeseed oil (‘One of the most miraculous things I’ve ever used'”>, hazelnut oil, honey, lavendar and oils of lemon, mandarin and grapefruit. It is formulated to revitalize the hair and protect it from environmental damage. The pomade, which contains grapeseed oil, beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, essential oils of mandarin, grapefruit, tangerine, lemon and lavender controls frizz, adds shine and protects against styling damage. Neither product contains silicones.

‘I am by far my best judge,’ says Forbes, pointing to his own head of curls.

Giacomo’s Top Curly Tips

1. Always rinse with cold water. ‘Hot water blows the cuticle up; cold water seals the cuticle.’
2. Don’t ever comb hair after you get out of the shower. ‘The last time you should comb your hair is with the conditioner in it.’
3. Rinse and condition your hair everyday — ‘it cleans as well as shampoo’ — but don’t shampoo everyday. Shampoo only once a week.
4. Try to use shampoos made especially for color-treated hair. They are richer and seal the hair. ‘For curly hair, the most important thing to do is seal it.’
5. Use flat hands when touching your hair. Never run your fingers through your hair.
6. Air drying is always the best.
7. If you like essential oils, lavender, lemon and rose are good for curly hair because they help sela the cuticle shaft.
8. When cutting curly hair, never cut a square layer on top. Cut a rectangle so the weight is closer to the eyes and the jawline. ‘I like a lot of angles. If you layer it straight across you’ve ruined the hair.’
9. Cutting less than one-quarter inch is enough for curly hair.

Image: @shariharbinger

 

An experienced and gifted stylist, Shari Harbinger co founded the DevaCurl Academy in 2006. Today, thousands of stylists worldwide use DevaCurl’s signature cutting and coloring techniques, including the Pintura highlighting technique. 

After nearly 25 years with DevaCurl, she has branched out on her own with a professional education program. Her goal is to develop talent across the country. She now cuts and colors the hair of curly clients at the Jeffrey Stein Salon.

 

NaturallyCurly: Why did you decide to become a stylist?

Shari: For as long as I can remember I’ve had a passion for all things beautiful, colorful, and musical. It all started with a sewing course that my mother enrolled my sister and I in down at the local mall. I was fascinated with fabric, color, and textiles and immediately jumped in – creating a pair of brown corduroy pants and a matching vest. I had never felt cooler. I loved what I had created and was flying high from the experience. “Step aside Halston! Out of the way Diane Von Furstenberg! There’s a new kid in town!” 

I continued to explore fashion – and at the age of 8, I spent time redesigning my mother’s hand-me-downs. Then, something happened. I discovered the hair magazines of the 70’s. Think hundreds of glossy pages filled with boho chic styles like the shag, fringe, bangs, and braids galore. 

And just like that, my passion for sewing evolved into something new – hair! I traded in my sewing scissors for a pair of drugstore cutting shears. And, I immediately decided to transform my Barbie’s hair. I cut her bangs just like the magazine models – and an indescribable rush of dopamine ran through my veins. I couldn’t wait to try out my talents on real hair, which is where my best friend Marianne came in. I showed her my Barbie creation and assured her, “I can totally give you the same look!” And…she agreed to it. My impatient hands immediately got to work. I was so excited, that I never thought to ask my mother (or hers”> for permission. You can guess how this ended up. Less than an hour later, the scissors were confiscated. 

The news of my creation became a story for the ages: Shari “Scissor Hands” Harbinger destroys tresses of next-door neighbor.If only I had a more sophisticated pair of scissors.” My mother informed me, it wasn’t the scissors fault. And if I ever wanted to be like the great Vidal Sassoon, I should probably consider a career in cosmetology. Cosmetology? Beauty school! Sign me up! Oh, wait–I was still only nine. 

I was accepted into the Fine Arts Program, Binghamton University (BA”> and studied Music & Management in the Arts. I had the chance to spin records with a talented and diverse group of creative geniuses. But that wasn’t all I was doing. At the same time, I was building up my reputation as the premier dorm stylist.

It was no surprise to anyone, including my parents, that I would abruptly switch career paths and find my way back to hair. My true love was beauty, fashion and hair care. It was where I was meant to be. 

 

Image: @shariharbinger

 

NaturallyCurly: You were one of the original stylists at Devacurl. How has the curly world changed since then? 

Shari: In 1996 I partnered with the Devachan Salon founders. We quickly realized the need to share our findings and successes with curly hair with other professionals. I took the lead on turning our philosophies, principles and techniques into scalable digestible programs and in 2006, we co-founded the DevaCurl Academy. 

At our salons, we taught our team how to cut, color and style natural textures. And with this new understanding and approach for caring for curly hair, we guided our clients by teaching them to embrace their natural curls through hydration and styling. Soon we realized that our approach to hydrating and caring for curls was a game changer, for curly girls and the industry. We were on a mission to help clients, but also to help guide stylists around the country so that they too could have the same success with their curly clients that we had with ours. 

This ever evolving curly client wanted more. As we continued to develop our brand, the need to learn how to properly cut and shape this now beautifully hydrated fabric became more evident. The client continued to shift their mindset around their ideal image and now wanted a relevant and more provocative shape to support their natural texture. So we spent the next 20 plus years developing and perfecting our cutting and coloring techniques.

Image: @shariharbinger

NaturallyCurly: You specialize in coloring curls. What excites you about coloring curly hair? 

Shari: My passion for fabrics, color, and textiles stayed with me from a very young age. When I realized that we could breathe new life into curly hair with multi dimensional color, I became obsessed. 

As we developed the Academy curriculum, I had the opportunity to develop a highlighting technique with Denis daSilva, who created  Pintura highlighting. This approach, along with his patented tool, eliminated the need for foiling and the results on natural textures were nothing short of a masterpiece. 

 

NaturallyCurly: What type of training did you have when it came to coloring hair?

Shari:  At 23, I quickly landed my first job as a sales consultant with Clairol and simultaneously enrolled in cosmetology school. I dove into the industry full force. As a member of the sales education team I realized my love of teaching. But soon after I had an epiphany, “why am I selling color? I’d  rather be doing it and teaching it!” In 1989, after receiving my cosmetology license, I worked for various salons in NYC before going to Schwarzkopf USA where I became a platform artist. I couldn’t get enough and I learned so much from other colorists. At the same time I served as Director of Education for Paramount Beauty Distributors where I led education programs for a variety of brands including Schwarzkopf, Logics, Bain DeTerre, Nioxin, and Artec. 

 

NaturallyCurly: How does coloring curly hair differ from coloring straight hair? 

Shari: Depending on the intensity and strength of some hair colors and lighteners, the coloring process may result in some dehydration to the curls leaving them lackluster. Curly hair typically needs more moisture and should be treated like a delicate fabric, think cashmere!

You need to make sure the hair is hydrated and prepared for a color service. Curly hair also lives on (or off”>  the head differently due to its texture so how we view the color will be somewhat different post color service.   

 

NaturallyCurly: Are there rules of thumb it comes to coloring curls. 

Shari:

You need to honor the fabric ( curly or straight”> and fully understand the choices you make with regards to product, strength,  timing, and placement, Understanding spring factor, density, curl type, hydration and how the hair lives and lands on the head with respect to texture and volume will determine which products and techniques I’ll use when coloring the hair.

I always balance technical color theory with what I know to be true about the behavior of curls. And I am always tapped in to my intuition. I honor it always as I formulate the best possible color approach for every client that sits in my chair. 

NaturallyCurly: What are some of the hottest trends in coloring curls?

Shari:

Multi dimensional effects will never go out of style on curly hair. trends come and go and each client and their stylist have different ideas regarding trends. But no matter the texture, I think that bright fashion colors are on trend right now. And while this trend may come and go, the color choices and categories available today can be more gentle and temporary for naturally textured hair, which allows the client and stylist numerous opportunities to explore different trends. But, I’ve also noticed curly girls always want dimension to showcase their texture.

NaturallyCurly: Are there colorists who inspire you? 
Shari:

All of the colorists I’ve taught, trained with and work with inspire me. I remain both the teacher and a student. This will never change as long as I am part of this community. There are so many exceptional artists in this business that I admire. it wouldn’t be fair to single any out. I am in awe of the artistry that I am witnessing today in the beauty industry.

Image: @prose

 

How many combinations of ingredients can you create with Prose’s new Curl Cream? 14,000.

For us curly girls, there is no one size fits all. Far from it! If you gather a group of us in a room and ask what we’re looking for in their dream curly styling product, you’ll get a nearly infinite range of responses. 

Some of us want a strong hold while others want it lighter. Moisture is the top priority for many textured-haired women, while fighting frizz is more important to others. While many curly girls run away from products containing silicones, others seek them out.

And when it comes to the way our products smell some of us like floral, some like musky scents and some don’t want any scent at all.  

The reality is that no two heads of curls, coils or waves are the same. From the tightness of our texture – 2a to 4c and often a combination of several curl types – to the hair’s porosity, density, width and length, our hair responds differently to ingredients. There has never been just one curl cream that addressed all styling concerns no matter the hair type. 

So I was intrigued when I heard about the new Prose Curl Cream.

 

I wish I had come up with the idea to come up with a completely customized formula! 

 

When Prose came onto the scene, it had a unique offering: made-to-order, customized hair care – “No categories that define people by hair type, gender or ethnicity.”  

Given our teams experience we knew that mass produced curl products had the tendency to box an individual into a hair type which of course, can lead to major frustration,” says Faith Huffnagle, Director of Education at Prose. 

Prose believes that their formulas guarantee optimal freshness people no products ever sit on the shelf waiting to be bought – a waste-free approach. 

The key ingredients for the new curl cream include Pequi Oil, which combats frizz, flaxseed extract, which provides curl definition, Baobab Protein, a  strength booster, and shea oil, which nourishes the scalp.

I admit I was a  little cynical that they could truly come up with a system that could. It seems nearly possible. It took the Prose R&D team more than eight months to develop a curl cream that was truly flexible on all hair types and densities.

I took the consultation. In addition to detailed hair questions about my hair health, my styling and coloring habits and my ingredient preferences, it asked me everything from my stress level to my exercise habits to my zip code (they are able to adjust the formula for your location’s atmospheric conditions!”> Then it gave me a choice of scents – woody, citrusy, floral, powdery, fruity, herbal, fresh – with names like Perle and Corsica. I chose Signature, a floral and powdery scent.

So, what did the quiz come up with for me? A curl cream with professional silicone, Argan, Sacha Yushi & Jojoba Oils to nourish my curls, a professional polymer to define my 3b curls and Oat Lipid & Sunflower Seed Extract to protect my color.

Image: @prose

 

The curl cream arrived. The first step is a custom Pre-Shampoo Mask, followed by the Prose Shampoo and the Prose Conditioner, which were also customized..  

I pumped it into my hand and applied it evenly through my soaking wet hair. Then I diffused until my curls. For a final touch, I put a drop of the Prose Hair Oil into my hands and rubbed them together and then – with my hair upside down – raked my hands through my hair.

The result: shiny, defined curls that felt moisturized. And I loved the scent!

 

Since my formula is specifically created for the winter weather, when the humidity is lower, it’s not the optimal formula for the spring and summer. I will definitely need a product that offers stronger hold and a touch more silicone. (yes, my hair needs ‘cones, if they’re water soluble”>

My box also contained a satin pillowcase, something curly girls use to prevent frizz while they sleep.

Prose will continue to evolve the product based on customer feedback.

“This is just the beginning- so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for what’s to come,” says Huffnagle.

Image:@calareneesalon

When Cala Sabella Mahoney opened her salon three decades ago in Beverly, Mass., it was a family salon focused on children’s haircuts. Since completing her first Curlaboration training with Devachan Salon in 2005, the Cala Renee Salon now is the go-to salon for curly girls around the country. 

NaturallyCurly: What made you decide to become a stylist? 

Cala: I was inspired by my parents to own my own company and I was better with my hands than I was with my studies. I think the final decision was made when I went to a stylist and requested a particular haircut and got the complete opposite, I was very upset and I knew I could do a better job with Curly hair clients like myself.

NaturallyCurly: Do you have a technique you use for cutting curly hair, and does it very depending upon the texture? 

Cala: I will always stay true to curl-by-curl dry cutting. Whether the hair is wavy or super curly, I look at it like a jigsaw puzzle, I want each curl and wave to fit together perfectly with the pieces around it. 

Image:@calareneesalon

NaturallyCrurly: You have several curl experts in your salon. How do find people who are skilled in working with curls?

Cala: I try to make it to the local schools once or twice a year for a look-and -earn session with Curls, from that visit, I spread the word we are hiring. I like to take new stylists right from school and train them myself. 

NaturallyCurly: How do you hone your skills? 

Cala: I love education! I attend at least four to eight classes a year. I think your mind and skills always need to be challenged, we can all learn something no matter how long we have been doing something. 

NaturallyCurly: How important is a consultation before cutting a curly girls hair? 

Cala: Curlygirl consultation is the key to success. I like to take a seat with my curly girls and talk eye to eye before I even drape them. I need to understand what they expect from me as a stylist and what they are hoping their hair will look like in the end result. Being honest with your client and letting them know that sometimes, they may not get instant results or that their hair may not look like this or that is very important during the consultation so no one is disappointed when the appointment is over,

Image:@calareneesalon

NaturallyCurly: Do you ever have clients who come in with unrealistic expectations, and how do you work with them to insure realistic expectations? 

Cala: Absolutely! It is important for me to know where a client inspirations lie for their hair. And it is my responsibility as a professional to let them know what their hair can achieve. Pictures are key in this situation so the client can see what to expect. This way there is no question at the end of what she asked for and what I gave her as an expectation. 

NaturallyCurly: What are the hottest trends when it comes to curly hair? 

Cala: Right now, layers, big hair and bangs are big!

Image:@calareneesalon

NaturallyCurly: What are your favorite curly cocktails?

Cala: I have loved layering Devacurl Ultra Defining Gel and DevaCurl Set it Free, but when I cocktail products, I love Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Volume and Innersense Quiet Calm for a fresh wash-and-go style. 

NaturallyCurly: Can you share a few of your favorite curl tips – things curly girl can do at home.

Cala: My best tips for curly girls are:

• Get a satin pillowcase. That lets you have great 2nd, 3rd and 4th day hair.
• Apply your styling products in the shower. Flip your hair and scrunch some water from the hair before grabbing your favorite styler. I love the moist air and soaking wet hair to apply my products this always gives me best curl sets
• The best microfiber towel for me is the Turbie Twist, But don’t leave it in there too long (Just enough to get dry and dressed.”>

Image:@calareneesalon

NaturallyCurly: Who are the stylists that inspire you? I

Cala: n the 80’s-90’s I was inspired by Robert Cromeans, Then I met Lorraine Massey! I continue to be inspired by her and the Curly World Community

Ethan King of Ron King Salon has been fascinated by curly hair, and has worked to learn everything he can about curls, coils and waves. To that end, he trained with Nubia Suarez, who created the Rezö Cut and Rezölights. He now is the Rezö Curly Global Educator.

NaturallyCurly: What made you decide to become a stylist?

Ethan: Growing up, I never knew what I wanted to be. I only knew one thing: I enjoyed making things beautiful. I got so much happiness from creating and transforming things into beauty. After going through some different professions I kept getting pulled back to the suggestion by friends and family of being a hairdresser, which did not appeal to me for some odd reason at all.

My first experience with hair, besides the normal chopping of my sister’s Barbie dolls hair off, was when I was 16 years old. I walked in on my friend glueing extensions to the back of her head. I quickly gasped in horror, quick to offer help. I assisted in glueing them in with the cheap foul-smelling rubbery glue. She asked me “how does it look?” I replied with “A whole hell of a lot better than the mess you had going on back there!”

After that, she always asked me to help her glue her extensions in. Ever since then I had an interest in making hair look good I just didn’t know I would eventually make a career from it. Years later I decided to give it a shot in cosmetology school even with the hesitation I had from the fear of failure. 

Being a male in the industry is quite scary at first. Being in a class filled with girls whom all had years of experience styling their own hair compared to me who didn’t have any experience besides chopping Barbie dolls hair off and fixing a botched extensions.

A couple months of school and I soon realized I LOVED doing hair and I was actually good at it! I had all the girls in my cosmetology school asking me to help do their hair because no one else could manage their mane. Making people feel beautiful is so special and makes so proud to be doing what I do.

NaturallyCurly: You recently became a curl expert. What excited you about working with curly hair?

Ethan: What drew me to curly hair was seeing the impact that an amazing transformation could do for someone who had gotten bad hair jobs for years and years. The stories that I heard from women with curly hair were so heartfelt and devastating compared to what other people experience. These women have been told for years that their natural texture was “unprofessional”, “messy”, “crazy”, “unkept” and “ugly”. Everyone should love what is on their head and I want to show them why it’s so beautiful.

NaturallyCurly: What do you like about working with curly hair compared to working on straight hair?

Ethan: Curly hair to me is so powerful. Seeing a woman embrace who they were meant to be and rocking something so fierce and strong is just unbelievable to me. Curls are all so different and unique. Being able to create big full shapes without teasing the hair……um yes please! 

NaturallyCurly: What has been the impact of learning the Rëzo method?

Ethan: Rëzo has completely changed the way I do curly hair. Being a part of the team as a global educator has opened up so many opportunities for me. Getting to travel world wide and work with so many different textures has only broadened my experiences. Curls used to scare me to death! I didn’t understand them. The only way to get better at something is just practice and educate yourself properly. Rëzo has blown my mind since day 1. 

Ethan: Do you feel that a consultation is key before cutting or coloring a client’s hair? If so, why? 

NaturallyCurly: With any service consultation is super key! People have different perceptions of every adjective. If you ask ten people what “volume,” “warmth,” “shorter” or “layered” means to them, I guarantee you that you will receive a variety of answers. Pictures are extremely helpful as most people are visual. 

Ethan: Who are the stylists that inspire you? 

NaturallyCurly: First, my top inspiration is Ron King, my husband. He has shown and taught me so many things as a stylist and as a businessman in this industry. Without him I wouldn’t be who I am today. 

Nubia Suarez is my other inspiration as a stylist. So much passion in one tiny woman cannot be explained through words. I am not the most spiritual of people, but one thing I can say about her is that she has one of the most beautiful souls. She genuinely cares about women and the empowerment that they get from their hair. For a woman who doesn’t have curly hair, she understands everything about them.

NaturallyCurly: What are some tips for replicating the look you get in a salon at home?

The best three tips that I can give to my clients at home are:

• When styling, make sure you have your hair completely saturated with the most important ingredient for moisture, water!
• Take the time to apply products section by section and do not use too much! 
• Dry your hair 101% before you touch it and shake out your curls. Not 100% but 101% !

NaturallyCurly: Do you have a favorite curly cocktail?

Ethan: My favorite cocktail for perfect curls, would be Rëzo Moisturizing Shampoo and conditioner and then raking the Oribe Priming Lotion through the hair and then applying the Oribe Curl Gelee section by section. After diffusing, I use the Rëzo Curl Serum to lightly rub into hands before breaking up the curls to help break the cast beautifully. 

Atoya Bass has devoted herself to the study of wavy and curly hair – and training stylists how to work with texture – because she was “that lady devastated by a bad haircut.” She opened her salon, The Curly Hair Studio, to fill the need for a minimal approach to textured hair care. She trains stylists at home and across the country her exact method for shaping and hydrating curly hair. Bass is paying her good fortune forward with Project 1248. It is not uncommon for her salon to give someone a free service when inspired by their story.  Two causes that are near and dear to her are cancer survivors and mothers of special needs children.

“We feel blessed to be in a position where we are able to offer a small token of love to someone in this beautiful curly tribe of ours,” Bass says of Project 1248, which gets its name from Luke 12:45 “To whom much is given, much is required.” 

NaturallyCurly: What made you decide to become a stylist? 

Atoya: When everyone else was asking for Barbie Dolls, I wanted hot rollers. So, I was probably around 4 or 5 when I knew.  

NaturallyCurly:  Do you have a particular technique you use for cutting curly hair, and does it vary depending upon the texture? 

Atoya: I love dry cutting. I like to approach it like a sculpture. I really get in a zone and get lost in it. I work off of a rhythm and feel.  

NaturallyCurly: You have been working with curls for a decade. What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned? 

Atoya: I’ve learned so much and everything has evolved really organically. Some of the biggest takeaways have been that everyone’s hair is different and there really aren’t rules as much as guidelines. I consider myself a researcher, and every day I learn something new from the clients in my chair. There are only two absolutes: Shape and Hydrate.  

NaturallyCurly: You said you decided to specialize in curly hair because of a bad haircut. Can you share that experience?

Atoya: Jennifer Lopez had just come out with a new CD, and there on the cover were pics of the most sexy haircut. It was shoulder length and had so much movement and body. I figured, since our hair texture, density seems very similar, I would do the chop. I went to a bougie salon in LA and showed the pics to the stylist. She was highly trained and super talented, but I ended up leaving the salon looking like the Brady Bunch mom. I sat in my car and sobbed. It wasn’t until years later that I realized it was because she had thinned my hair so much that I ended up with a bulky interior and stringy ends. I see this a lot in my chair. That was the last time I cut my hair off. 

NaturallyCurly: You are a big proponent on curly hair health. What is the best way to keep your hair healthy? 

Atoya: Keep it shaped up about every four to six month. And really understand hydration. I like to explain hydration as the marriage between water and conditioner. I can’t overemphasize water and how crucial it is to hair health. It sounds so basic but our hair is an extension of our DNA. On a cellular level, we are made up of water and we crave water. 

NaturallyCurly: How do you feel about curly girls going back and forth between straight and curly hair?

Atoya: I’ve never been of the belief system that you can’t go back and forth. When I first started doing this, I would ask if clients wanted their hair styled curly or blown out. Since I do cut for the hair to be worn in its wavy or curly state, I always encourage clients to wear it that way most of the time. Otherwise, it doesn’t make much sense to come to a curl specialist. 

NaturallyCurly: What are the hottest trends when it comes to curly hair? 

Atoya: Bangs. Bangs. And more bangs. Shags too. I’ve loved them both since I did one on myself about three years ago. 

NaturallyCurly: What are your favorite curl cocktails for wearing your hair curly. 

Atoya: I am really a less is more kinda stylist. I’m always preaching the minimalist approach to hair care. Simplicity. I teach most clients with type 3 curly hair- DevaCurl Low-Poo, Devacurl One Condition and Devacurl Ultra Defining Gel. At home, I have been using Gisou Honey Infused Hair Wash and Gisou Honey Infused Conditioner plus a combo of Kevin Murphy Hair Resort and Devacurl Ultra Defining Gel. 

NaturallyCurly: Can you share a few of your favorite curl tips – things curly girls can do at home (clipping a certain way, styling a certain way, scrunching, etc.”> 

Atoya:

• Move your gel into the shower. This is the best way to trap water. It’s like watering a plant. Building a shield around the maximum amount of hydration will let the water nourish the hair from the inside out.  
• Scrunch and hold is really important for wavies. You hold in the scrunch for about 5 seconds before gently letting it down. 
• For tight textured coilies, I love to mix deep conditioner with regular conditioner to give more definition and holding power.  

Known as “The Hair Saint,” curl expert Ona Diaz-Santin Ó is a true force in the curly community. The creative director of 5 Salon & Spa in Fort Lee, N.J. has worked with all types of hair throughout her career, but she is passionate about curls.

“Every single client that sits in her chair gets a completely customized experience,” Johanna Ferreira, deputy editor of HipLatina, wrote about having her curls cut by Diaz-Santin “From the shampoo bowl to the cut and down to the styling, Ona caters to the individual’s texture and hair needs. She doesn’t treat curls with a one-size-fits-all mentality. Because of that you walk out of her salon not just feeling like your best self but having learned a lot about how to style and care for your curls.

NaturallyCurly: What made you decide to become a stylist?

Ona: I grew up in a salon my whole life! My beautiful momma owned four salons so, it’s all I know.

NaturallyCurly: How have your own curls influenced your decision to specialize in texture?

Ona: I used to straighten my hair in high school. After years of wearing my hair straight, my blow dryer died on the day of high school graduation and I was forced to wear my hair curly. I was shocked at the positive feedback.

For me, it’s deeper than just hair. In our (Dominican”> culture – and many other cultures – we have similar stories on hair hate, heat damage, relaxers etc. Growing up in the hair salon, I heard the terms like“pelo malo” and for years I thought I had “bad hair. “I wanted to use my own experience to help my clients embrace their natural curls and transition to healthy hair. I just wanted to help as many people as possible because in the end, it boils down to self love and accepting yourself just the way you are.

NaturallyCurly: How would you describe your technique?

Ona: I look at all variables, not just curl pattern. Texture and porosity are big factors when coloring, cutting and styling. These will determine whether to cut the hair dry or wet. Although no one standard haircut works for all curly hair do typically apply versions of what’s called the “sliding technique,” a way of cutting that layers the hair to add texture and remove bulk.

NaturallyCurly: How have you honed your technique over the years?

Ona:Practice makes progress. Never perfect.

NaturallyCurly: What are some of the things we can do to keep our curls looking their best?

Ona:

1. How your curls look all starts with the shampoo bowl. Cleansing conditioners and co-washes are great, but they don’t necessarily work for everyone. Depending on your texture ,you shouldn’t always co-wash. I don’t co-wash because I have very fine oily hair. This whole idea that lather is bad for curls isn’t true. It doesn’t necessarily dry out curls. Once again, it all depends on your curls.
2. When refreshing your curls make sure that you evenly distribute the water or twisted curl reviver spray, Think of misting!
3. After conditioning, run cold water through your hair for a few seconds. It helps seal the cuticle, which prevents frizz. When detangling, divide your hair into four sections. Start by parting your hair horizontally, separating your hair from earlobe to earlobe to divide it into two big sections. Then, separate each of those halves vertically into two pieces, so you end up with four cross sections. Next, twist and spiral each individual section into a small bun, then clip three of them to your scalp to give yourself room while you detangle the fourth section.
4. To keep your hair as healthy as possible, curly girls should get a trim at every six to eight weeks.
5. To add volume, clap your hand! After you’ve completely dried your curls, flip your hair upside down, then clap your hands quickly a few times between your curls.
6. To prevent shrinking while the hair is drying, put duck clips on the ends of every individual curl.

NaturallyCurly: What are the biggest mistakes that curly girls make when working with their hair?

Ona: Not using enough styling product. Less isn’t more. Make sure to really work the product through every section.

NaturallyCurly:  Who are the stylists that inspire you?

Ona: I would have to say my mother. Although our techniques and views on hair are different, she was my first teacher. Also, Mrs. Goodwin took me under her wings and I will forever be grateful. Others that provide inspiration include Nick Berardi, Stephen Moody, Johnny Othona, to name a few.

NaturallyCurly: Who is your curl crush?

Ona:A mom forced me to watch Brave and Moana, and that hair!

Image: @thelipbar

 

The one thing that curly girls love more than hair products is makeup. A new shade of lipstick? Bring it on! Sparkly eyeshadow? Yes, please!

The holidays are a great time to experiment with different looks. Whether you’ve always wanted to try a fuchsia lipstick or a sparkly eyeshadow, the holidays are the time to experiment with different looks. (Always test your new look out first before your big party.”>

The NaturallyCurly team tried out some of the hottest new products to provide some tips to stand out in the crowd at your holiday parties.

 

The Eyes Have It!

There’s nothing that gets us more excited than eye shadow palettes. They offer endless possibilities, and we discovered some new ones that have us jumping for joy. They include: 

Kevyn Aucoin Jewel Pop:This is the perfect all-in-one face and eye palette that will give you a stunning bejeweled transformation. What we loved most was the eyeshadow could be applied wet or dry. For an intense pop of color and shine, add water for extra sparkle to give you a crushed jewel look.

Smith & Cult Glitterbaby Obsessed Duo: This 2-piece set includes a Metallic-Shift Eyeshadow in Gold and Shot All-Over Glitter Crush, a gold glitter paste that offers sparkle and shapes to your look. We loved the way this gold shade turned black and smoky when we smudged it as the black micronized pigments were released by our touch.

Laura Geller Nude Attitude Multi-Finish Eye Shadow Palette: These easy-to-use shades give you everything you need for a subtle or dramatic look, with satin, matte and pearl shades – from matte baby pink to metallic spicy copper.

bareMinerals Bounce & Blur Eyeshadow Palette: Dusk enabled us to create the perfect smokey eye, with five shades designed to build and blend.

Perfect amount of pearl to give your eyes an incredible lift and luster

Quick Tip: Don’t go overboard with glittery shadows. A little sparkle goes a long way, and if you’re going for metallic lids, steer clear of shimmer on your cheeks and lips. 

 

Glow Wherever You Go

Nothing can take your look up a notch than a good luminizer, and the newest ones come in a variety of forms. We loved:

bareMinerals BarePro Glow:This liquid highlighter gave us a golden natural glow – the perfect finishing touch for any look. We applied it mostly on our shoulders and neck at a friend’s wedding to give us endless summer glow. We paired BarePro Highlighter in Fiercewith Bounce & Blur Powder Blush in Blurred Bufff or a warm golden glow to keep us photo ready while we danced the night away.

Smith & Cult Glitter Obsessed Duo: This two-piece shimmery duo delivers everything you need for a standout gold party look, with satin, matte and pearl.

Merle Norman Ready, Set Glow Body Shimmer: We paired the Body Shimmer with our powder blush for a warm golden glow. It’s the perfect finishing touch for any holiday look. 

Lumene Instant Illuminizer: This easy-to-apply luminizer contains pearlescent luminizing pigments, instantly creates a luminous complexion. We got compliments all night!

Quick Tip: Use an illuminator as an eyeshadow and as a highlighter for your cheekbones. Shimmery shadow can also work well as a highlighter if you don’t own actual highlighter. It easily gives you a beautiful holiday glow.

 

Rosy Cheeks

Cold winter weather can make our skin look dull and dry. Blush is an ideal way to add extra radiance and color at the same time. Some of favorites include: 

Lip Bar Fresh Glow: We loved this 2-in-1 bronzer and blush in Just Got Paid– a shimmering golden cinnamon illuminating bronzer with a bottom layer of perfect blush pink for that “just kissed by the sun” look. In. This is month The Lip Bar’s first, first-ever non lip product. And this compact wins the glam award!

Merle Norman Lasting Cheekcolor: This silky powder formula blends easily, and the Precious Pink gave us the perfect rosy glow.

bareMInerals Bounce & Blur:This fingertip-friendly, weightless powder blush blends like a dream, and the Coral Cloudand Blurred Buff shades provided the perfect universal glow.

Smith & Cult Flash Flush Cream Blush: The Universal Peach shade went on easily and instantly brightened up our face. And the velvety cream-to-powder formula made it easy to apply

Quick Tip: When choosing a brighter color, make sure you blend well to create a natural look. Start with a light touch,  adding pigment as you go. 

 

Pucker Up!

Nothing can dress up a look more than the perfect lipstick. It can complement your other makeup or be the main focus of your look. We checked out:

bareMinerals BarePro Longwear Lipstick: This is perfect for parties because the full-coverage matte color lasts throughout a night of eating and drinking. Unlike many matte lipsticks, it has a creamy gloss finish. We especially loved Blackberry, a deep raisin shade, Nutmeg,a reddish brown color, and Petunia, a bright pink.

Lipstick Queen Saint Sheer Lipstick:This lipstick is uber creamy and moisturizing. We loved the Peachy Natural lined Lipstick Queen Visible Lip Liner in Dusty Rose for a holiday glam look. If you have a lipstick lover on your holiday list, we highly recommend Lipstick Queen’s Luxury Holiday Lip Vault. This 8-piece collection is filled with an assortment of sheer, light, medium and full coverage lipsticks, from Frog Prince, an enchanting emerald green magically transforms into a flattering rosebud pink to Blue By You, a stunning indigo blue that morphs into a pearlized raspberry pink.  

Lip Bar Lipstick: One of our favorite looks for the holiday season the metallic lip. And one of our favorites is Conceited, a metallic peach that made our lips look gilded by the gods.

Lucky Chick Lip Glaze: We are obsessed with this lip gloss. Available in Golden or Shimmery,we can wear alone or over our favorite matte shade to add a metallic sheen.

Quick Tip: Less is more when you’re wearing blush with bright lipstick— pick a blush in the same color family as your lipstick, and use a light hand.

Final Tip: Never go to sleep without removing your makeup. This will prevent irritation and breakouts. 

 

 

Image: curlfactor

Christin Brown is an Advanced Deva-Inspired Stylist and colorist at her boutique, LunaBella Makeup & Hair in Santa Barbara. Her dedication to educating her clients is one thing that sets her apart from other stylists. She travels nationwide providing her services.

NaturallyCurly: What made you decide to become a stylist?

Christin: The funny thing is that I accidentally fell into hair. I was a chef before cosmetology, but my partner needed a hairstylist to help build her budding makeup company. I agreed to help her until she found a “real” hairstylist. I did weddings and photoshoots for almost four years before deciding that I needed to commit to my newfound passion, which was curly hair. The rest is history.

Image: katepowerslovesyou

NaturallyCurly: What made you decide to specialize in texture?

Christin: I decided to specialize in natural textures because it was the first thing in this new career that spoke to me. When I first met my partner 17 years ago, she was the very first person who introduced me to my own natural hair. My hair was chemically relaxed at the time, and she assured me that if I did a big chop, then I would finally get a chance to see what my hair actually wanted to do. Of course I was terrified, but she was so confident at her knowledge of what my hair could/ would do, that I was ready for me to meet “me.” I knew that if this was my beginning into a curl journey, how many other people in the world have similar stories like mine? That became the ah-ha moment of realizing that if I was going to be in this industry, I was going to make a difference in the lives of people like me, curly.

NaturallyCurly: How would you describe your technique? 

Christin: My technique and approach to curly hair is simple: give the curls what they want, give the clients what they need, and let nature do its thing. So often, we try to manipulate and over work the hair, especially when it comes to wavy hair and natural textures. But what I like to do is take the kid-gloves approach to a client’s past because there is typically a layer of trauma hidden within their hair story. I hear them. I listen to them. Then the two of us devise a plan that will give us more successful days versus them troubleshooting by themselves. Setting a client up for success through education and positive reinforcement is truly the recipe for success. 

Image: curlfactor

NaturallyCurly: How have you honed your technique over the years?

Christin: I have absolutely honed my technique over the years. I’ve gone from taking more of the standard model approach of how to cut curly hair to more of a personalized approach to every person. Let’s be honest. We are all different. We are all unique. Some of us even have multiple types of textures on one head of hair. Sometimes the standard version or technique does not always apply the same way to everyone. You have to switch it up, be willing to take risks, and learn from every opportunity with every single client. 

NaturallyCurly: You work with a wide variety of textures. What are some of the different considerations when working with looser waves rather than tight coils? 

Christin: When it comes to working with different textures, technique is not one-size-fits-all approach. For example, a client with wavy hair may not have as much of a “spring factor” or recoil on their strands versus someone who has coils like mine. When it comes to a much tighter coil, you have to be so careful to not cut too much or apply tension to the hair when cutting. Many have made the mistake of going too short because they’re unaware of how much length can be lost with tighter curls. Different curl patterns have different needs and guidelines. There’s nothing wrong with that, but as artists, we need to know all of the rules before engaging. 

Image: denisebovee

NaturallyCurly: Who are the stylists that inspire you?

Christin: The stylists that inspire me the most are the ones that will come behind me. This new wave of stylists give me hope because they immediately want to know about curly hair and they embrace these textures. They are eager and ready to soak up all of the knowledge about curly hair, and they constantly reach out to say how much I inspire them. It’s the perfect cycle of aspiration, motivation, and recognition. I see them and they see me. 

NaturallyCurly: What are the biggest mistakes that curly girls make when working with their hair?

Christin: I feel that one of the biggest mistakes girls and guys can make is that they dry their hair with a towel first before applying styling products. This is a huge mistake because it’s almost as if you are the one telling your hair how thirsty it is versus your hair telling you how thirsty it is. Allow for your hair to be completely wet in the shower, and just before stepping out, scrunch your hair without product to remove a little bit of water. Then, immediately apply product on top of soaking wet curls before stepping out of the shower. Many people find that this makes one of the biggest differences in achieving an incredible wash-and-go style that is less crunchy and that lasts for days without overusing styling products. It’s a game changer! 

Image: curlfactor

NaturallyCurly: Can you share a few of your favorite curl tips – things curly girl can do at home.

Christin: One of my favorite tips for curly girls is to finger detangle their curls instead of using a wide-tooth comb or even a brush. Many of us grow up in a household where we are told to brush our hair as a kid. However, a lot of our parents don’t realize that brushing our hair can lead to breakage, excess frizz, and ultimately prolong the process of loving what we’ve been blessed with naturally. So, I would highly suggest using your fingers for the best detangling and curl clumping. 

Another curl tip is to watch out when it comes to hot water. The majority of my new clients will come into my salon and I can automatically tell they shower in too-hot water. When water is too hot, it dries out the crown area creating excess frizz and dry patches. By simply cleansing in pleasantly warm water versus. Super-hot water, your curls won’t be as thirsty for water and your cuticle won’t be as upset. Also, rinse your conditioner out in cooler water than what you washed it with. This will help close the hair cuticle, locking in moisture, and creating happier curls. 

Image: curlfactor

NaturallyCurly: Who is your curl crush?

Christin: My curl crush is me. I’ve waited long enough in my early life to have hair like mine. Then when I finally saw myself, I was beside myself. The very hair that I had searched for my whole adolescence was buried underneath chemicals and dead-weight hair! I figured that I’d waited this long, I’m going to fall in love with my hair every day for the rest of my life. I encourage this for everyone with curls. Fall in love with your hair first. You are your own curl goals, so pat yourself on the back, document all of your journey, and spread the love to someone else looking for encouragement.

One of the hottest names in the curly world right now is Nubia Suarez. She trained with top curl educators such as DEVACurl, Ouidad, Aveda and Goldwell before creating her signature RëzoCut– a dry cut that adds volume, balance and shape. Suarez recently launched her line of Rëzo products.When she’s not cutting and coloring curls at Utopia Salon & Day Spa in Westfield, NJ, she takes her Rëzo Academy on the road to train stylists around the globe how to do her cutting and coloring techniques.

NaturallyCurly: Tell us how you got started in the beauty industry and what inspired you to open your own salon.

Nubia: I was driven by my father to pursue my passion. He inspired me to start in the industry, to become an independent woman and to open my own salon.I’ve spent over 30 years of experience in the industry, both as an educator and master stylist. I’m very passionate about my work and love creating a beautiful experience for all of my clients. I quickly learned that my styles allow my clients to experience their individual beauty. I love being a part of my clients’ special moments – their weddings, the birth of their children and especially seeing the freedom they feel when they stop straightening their curls.

NaturallyCurly: What are your most memorable milestones?

Nubia: Creating the RëzoCut and winning the BehindtheChair award for natural texture.

NaturallyCurly: What are your top curly hair tips for healthy hair?

Nubia:

• Water is an ingredient we all take for granted, but it is the most importanr one for curly hair. I use a ratio of 20 percent hair product to 80 percent water
• When it comes to using hair products, less is definitely more.
• In winter months it is more important to keep your hair hydrated than in the summer months.
• Treatments are a great way to keep the hair healthy and hydrated.
• Defined curls will come from a proper set. Take time to shampoo, condition and apply products properly. Don’t rush! 
• Make a date with yourself to really focus on your hair.

NaturallyCurly: Definition or volume? Do we have to choose?
Nubia: Depending on your hair’s density and texture, yes you may get both!!! You may need to create “positive frizz” near the roots to create volume, while focusing on definition from mid-shaft to ends.

NaturallyCurly: What are the CG questions/concerns you receive from clients? How do you address them?

Nubia: I am regularly asked how to begin the healthy hair journey, product recommendations and where to find RëzoCut-trained stylists.

NaturallyCurly: When cutting curly hair, what makes theRëzoCut unique.

Nubia: The RëzoCut is so UNIQUE because it is the only haircut in the world that cuts in circles and triangles for perfect body, balance and shape to creating perfect symmetry. By sectioning the hair in “Vs” and cutting the hair in circles, it delivers seamless elevations.It works for every texture: wavy, curly and coily. And the technique provides the curly girl with options – bangs, no bangs, more volume, less volume.

NaturallyCurly: How long should you go between cuts?

Nubia: How often you cut your curls depends on how well you take care of your curls. Generally speaking, wavy girls should get their hair cut every 3 to 4 months; curly girls can go 4 to 5 months and coily girls can get their hair cut every six months.

NaturallyCurly: Tell us about the new Rëzo products line, and why it was important to create this collection.

Nubia: I wanted to create vegan products for all texture types that are super hydrating super yet weightless. I also wanted to create a clean product line free of many of the ingredients that are not healthy for curly hair. And I wanted the line to look gorgeous, with beautiful bottles because curly girls deserve it! The line includes the Curl Control Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Gel and the silicone- and paraben-free Curl Define Hair Serum.