Search Results: NaturallyCurly

By NaturallyCurly · Published October 1, 2015

If you were so bold as to dye your hair purple (or any fantasy color”>, you may have found by now that it does not stay bold forever. With every wash, semi permanent hair dyes fade until you are left with a washed out version of your former glory. Fortunately, it is very simple and easy to touch up your color without going to the salon or creating a mess in your home.

Our Social Media Manager Evelyn has been rocking blue and purple hair since last year and by now she is a pro at refreshing her color. She is rocking an the ombre look with natural, dark roots and purple ends so she chose to touch up the color of her ends. However, if she wanted to color all of her hair purple she would need to bleach her roots first so that the color would show up. Purple or any vibrant color will not show up on naturally dark hair without lightening it first. Here is Evelyn’s routine:

1. Start with clean hair. If you have Type 4 coils like Evelyn then she recommends stretching your hair first, she sleeps with her hair in twists overnight. Stretching your hair helps you see the full length of your hair more easily, ensuring that you do not miss any sections.
2. Divide your hair into sections using clips. This is crucial so that you can apply color to each section and apply the dye without the rest of your hair getting in the way.
3. Put on plastic gloves before you start so as not to stain your hands purple.
4. Apply your color using your fingers to comb the product through your strands, finger detangling as you distribute the color evenly. Evelyn used Bigen Vivid Shades in Royal Purple.
5. Once your section is saturated in color, two strand twist or bun it and clip it again. Then move on to the next section. 
6. When you’ve completed all of the sections, put on a shower cap and let the color sit for 30 minutes.
7. Rinse with cool water, do not shampoo.

Evelyn repeats this process every 6 weeks or so, or whenever her hair color starts to look faded.

This post is sponsored by Bigen. 

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 29, 2015

PHOTO BY JORMALA–GETTY IMAGES

Question:

I think my hair is between a 2B and a 2C. I comb my hair with either a wide-tooth comb or a fine-tooth comb. I wash my hair no more than twice a week. Whenever I comb my hair (which is most days”>, it becomes a poofy triangle on my head. If I don’t comb my hair, it gets extremely knotted and is such a hassle to detangle! What do you recommend I do?

Answer:

While combing hair helps detangle the knots in your hair, there is a risk in combing too frequently. Do it everyday can cause friction, which eventually turns to breakage and weaken it–especially if you do it while your hair is dry and not moisturized. 

However, if you prefer to detangle with a comb instead of your fingers, follow these precautionary rules:

1. Use a leave-in conditioner or treatment that works with your hair type and keep the amount of strokes you comb with, to a minimum. The conditioner will allow the comb to glide through your hair more gently , and lessen the damage to your hair. If you need a slippery leave-in, add Carol’s Daughter Sacred Tiare Combing Creme to help the comb glide through your hair and let you retain smooth, frizz-free curls.
2. Use a wide tooth comb, even on hair that’s not thick or coarse. The NuBone II Finish is anti-static and has thick, sturdy teeth, so it won’t cause unnecessary friction. A wide tooth comb is exposed to less hair at one time and still help to get rid of even the worst knots.

Lastly, you may want to try using a brush that helps your hair dry as you style and detangle. Goody’s QuikStyle brush has microfiber to help dry hair faster as you brush. Again, while you want to keep brushing and combing to a minimum, you should look to protect your curls at the same time. A brush like this can help cut drying time in half while detangling at the same time.

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Watch how 2c vlogger Curly Penny finger detangles her hair:

Have a hair question or want to help our NaturallyCurly.com community out with your answers? Visit our Q&A section!

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 29, 2015

We recently became aware of a new category of hair product. And if you’re a Product Junkie (like we are”> then this news is very, very exciting.  The product is called a combing creme, or “creme para pentear” as the Brazilians call it (pentear means comb in Portuguese”>. Right now you may be wondering where a combing creme goes in a hair routine, or thinking to yourself “but I don’t comb my hair” – we were too. So we took our questions to Carol’s Daughter, who just released their own line of Combing Cremes inspired by the popular Brazilian product.

How do Brazilian women use combing cremes?

When Lisa Price, Founder of Carol’s Daughter, recently travelled to Brazil she found combing cremes were a staple for Brazilian women, they were “using the combing cremes for extra moisture, for controlling frizz, for battling the humidity that they encounter day in and day out being so close to the beach.” Whether you live near the beach or not, a product that can do all of that is probably sounding pretty appealing right about now. So Carol’s Daughter got to work developing formulas that would work for us, because Lisa knew “we needed amazing detangling, we need moisture of course, we need to battle frizz, we need definition for our curls.”

What is a combing creme?

Think of a combing creme as a BB cream for your hair – BB creams can moisturize and protect the skin, they can be used as a primer for your foundation or worn by themselves. Combing cremes have moisturizing benefits for your hair and works as a base to prime your hair for your styling products, or you can use it on its own for second or third day hair.

The entire Carol’s Daughter range is designed to prep and prime your hair for styling, but it’s important to choose the formula that suits your curl concerns. If your hair feels fragile, fine or frizzy, and you want smoother styles then use the Sacred Tiare Combing Creme. If you’re looking to enhance the definition of your curls, coils or waves then you want the Hair Milk Combing Creme. And if your hair is dry, brittle or dull and you need extra hydration and shine, go with the Black Vanilla.

Do we need to apply a leave-in conditioner after a combing creme? What about a styler?

With the Carol’s Daughter combing cremes, you won’t need to apply a leave-in conditioner afterwards. For styling, feel free to use whatever styling products you like after you’ve applied the combing creme.

Do combing cremes provide hold?

Our combing creme was not created as a styling product but rather as a detangler and conditioner to prep for styling your hair.

So “combing cremes” are not just for combing. How else can we use them?

You don’t have to use a comb to use a combing cream! Many curly girls detangle with their fingers and that works just as well. These cremes really work to loosen your tangles, whether you use a comb or not. Here are a few other ways you can use a combing creme:

1. Apply it as a leave-in moisturizer to dry or damp hair
2. Enhance shine for dull 2nd day hair
3. Reduce frizz in high humidity
4. Mix it with your favorite gel for moisture and hold
5. Refresh your curls, coils or waves for 2nd day, 3rd day and 4th day hair

If you’re curious and want to give combing cremes a try, the Carol’s Daughter collection just launched this month and is available at Target! And if you’ve already tried them let us know what your experience was in the comments!

This article is sponsored by Carol’s Daughter.

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 23, 2015

If you have made the decision to cut sulfates out of your hair and skin regimen, you still have alternative options for cleansing. There are plenty of sulfate-free shampoo products to choose from, or you can take matters into your own hands and make your own. The latter will give you total control over your exposure to chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS”> and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES”>.

If you’re looking for a sulfate-free cleanser that will still leave your hair and scalp feeling clean, try this easy recipe.

What You’ll Need

• ¼ cup of distilled water
•  ¼ cup of castile soap
• 1 tsp. of jojoba oil 
• measuring cup
• whisk/spoon
• plastic bottle
• funnel
• *optional essential oil for fragrance

How to make homemade shampoo

Pour a quarter cup of distilled water into a bowl. Distilled is the best choice for DIY recipes, it is free of any other minerals, contaminants, or gases that other types of water can contain.

Add a quarter cup of castile soap to the distilled water and stir the two ingredients together with a whisk.

You can find castile soap in grocery stores, pharmacies, and online. We used Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap because it’s easy to find in our local groceries, but you can use any brand of castile soap that you can find. Here’s a list of 4 castile soaps we like.

Add one teaspoon of jojoba oil to the mix. Jojoba oil is one of the most common carrier oils and is packed with benefits for your hair and skin, so it is a useful ingredient to keep in your cabinet. 

Use a funnel to pour the contents of the bowl into a plastic bottle. Depending on the size of your bottle you may want to adjust the quantities of this recipe to either make more or less. Just remember to use equal parts of distilled water and castile soap, and a proportional amount of jojoba oil.

Watch the Video

Do you DIY your own cleansers? Share your favorite ingredients below!

For more curly mixology recipes, or to share your own favorite at-home treatments, go to our recipes section.

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 1, 2015

PICTURED: KAI FRIAS ROCKING LIVED IN HIGHLIGHTS

Fall tends to bring about some of the best hair colors due to its rich, elegant, and natural hues. It’s easy to find a color that will work for your hair and skin tone with a fall pallette. Naturally curly and wavy hair have the added benefit of being able to soak up color a little more easier than straight hair. And their texture serves as the perfect platform for showcasing dimension and drama! This fall, these are the hair color trends you’ll be seeing all over your Instagram and Pinterest feeds.

PHOTO COURTESY OF: ERICK ORELLANA

Bronde

We know the name sounds silly, but we’re here to report the trends and this bronde trend isn’t going anywhere this fall. It’s on the lips of stylists and celebrities and the translation is a soft mix of brunette and blonde. Regardless of the name, the color effect is a perfect transition from summer highlights into darker fall hues.

PICTURED: AQUAYLA GADSDEN

Color Blocked Roots

The color blocked roots trend can be seen in the drastic, darkened roots paired with a high shine color on the length. The vibrant pink and purple above is one version, but you can also achieve the look with more natural colors like black and blonde or dark brown and beachy brunette.

PICTURED: ANA YANSI

Single Process Brunette

Taking roots and length all together into one uniformly, stylish blackish-brunette gives waves and curls a lot of depth and shows off their texture. Your hairstylist will know what you mean when you request a single process color.

PICTURED: KAI FRIAS

Lived In Highlights

For those who don’t always have a stylist touch-up in the budget or schedule; allow your color to grow out as low lights within your natural hue.

PICTURED: ALANNA DOHERTY

Burnt Auburn

If you have some natural red or auburn in your hair color, deepen the look with burnt auburn for something richer. This look adds dimension, especially for naturally darker curls.

PICTURED: STEPHILAREINE

Sand Art

Also called “candy dip dye” hair color, this uses summery bright pastels for more flair in the cooler seasons. We recommend you go to a stylist for this look because it will require bleaching and re-coloring the hair in strategically placed sections. If you’d like to try the look temporarily, there’s always the easy at-home methods of using cream eyeshadow or liquid chalk.

Ready to color your hair?

If you are looking to change to a new shade or two for the 2015 fall season, start by considering these steps:

1. Select shades you want to experiment with and have multiple reference photos ready to show your stylist. Visuals are best for color, as they give you and your stylist an easy place to start and communicate with one another about the look you’d like to achieve.

2. Discuss your options with your stylist and find out which one–or two, or three–may be right for you this season. Consider adding high or low lights to your hair to avoid going too dark or too bright too soon.

3. Ask your stylist about the upkeep for maintaining your new hue. Also, do not forget that you may need your roots touched up every 4-7 weeks, depending on your growth and the color(s”> you have selected.

4. Update your product arsenal with cleansers, conditioners, and styling products that are color-safe and healthy.

Which of these colors are you tempted to try?

By NaturallyCurly · Published August 30, 2015

Over 5000 years ago ancient tribes and writings used and noted that ginger brought about flavor to food as well as healthy benefits as a medicinal plant…

You may already love the scent and taste of ginger in foods and drinks. Ginger has some amazing properties to it that also benefit your body–specifically hair and skin. It contains great levels of antiseptic and antioxidant properties that is used to soothe digestive problems, a sore throat, and even minor burns and scrapes. When applied to your skin, ginger extract can bring more of a natural glow by lessening inflammation and clearing up blemishes. For hair, ginger naturally stimulates growth by promoting blood circulation to the scalp. Ginger also contains natural zinc so it provides moisture to your hair and scalp as well.

Read more: How To Use Ginger For Your Thinning Edges

Hair growth stimulator

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil

Mix these together and apply directly to the scalp. Massage in gently and allow the mixture to sit for about 1/2 hour. If you feel a warming sensation, it is completely normal. Follow by shampooing and conditioning as usual.

Length retention spritz

Battle split ends and enhance hair growth with this hair spritz that will leave a great scent and help your locks grow to their true potential. This DIY spray will also add moisture and help rejuvenate curls and waves.

• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (liquid form”>
• 1/2 cup cucumber pulp
• 1 teaspoon basil oil
• 2/3 cup water

Simply pour the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well. Use this spray for when your hair looks a bit dull or you notice frizziness on top. The oils used help enhance the benefits of the ginger combo and will bring your locks back to their best.

Edge massage oil

You can also create a massage oil with ginger to help with thinning edges. Simply mix equal parts ginger oil and jojoba, olive, or avocado oil (depending on your personal preference and hair type”>, massage gently into your scalp and around the edges in small, circular motions. Regular usage of this oil blend will promote growth in thinning areas. Be sure to use a gentle massage and motion as you apply.

Where to find ginger

You may purchase ginger at your local grocery, health food or Whole Foods market. Depending on what consistency you like, you may use ginger oil or freshly ground ginger for these recipes.

If you’re not the do-it-yourself type, there are already a number of popular products on the market that you may not have realized contain ginger, like the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Cream Rinse, Rasa Namaste Hair & Body Oil, or The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo.

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By NaturallyCurly · Published August 28, 2015

I recently had the chance to attend the Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show, where tens of thousands of beauty professionals gather to learn about the latest innovations in the beauty industry each year. If you’ve never been to a beauty show, their over the top productions and live hair cuts (often while dancing”> are awe inspiring, to say the least.

One such amazing cut I saw was by Robert Cromeans, an industry legend and the Global Artistic Director for John Paul Mitchell Systems. He put a hat on a model’s huge afro and cut around the rim, and when he took the hat off she had this super fly tapered cut. It was crazy! I noticed that among the straight-haired models we so often see, 70% off the models at Paul Mitchell had texture from coily to curly to wavy hair. So when I got a chance to speak to John Paul Dejoria, the Co-founder of Paul Mitchell, I had a major fangirl moment.

As a curly girl, I love that you have different versions of your MarulaOil – a lighter oil for fine hair and a heavier one for coilier hair. How did you decide to target your products by texture type instead of race, color or ethnicity?

When I was first coming out with my products everyone said, oh you need an ethnic line. But I looked around and decided we all live in this one world. It doesn’t make sense to divide the people. There’s no need to separate them. So I have one line that includes everyone.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL MITCHELL

What sets Marula apart from other oils? Why is it worthy to carry the Paul Mitchell name?

There are 50% more antioxidants and maleic acids. That’s way more than argan oil. When you get those other oils, your product is 10% oil, 90% perfume and other stuff. With us, it’s mostly Marula. Cold pressed. And that’s in all the products – the shampoo, the masque, all have MarulaOil in them. We’re also coming out with two stylers – a finishing serum and two stylers.

Related: The Benefits of Marula Oil, and How to Use It

What’s your best advice to curly girls to get their best results and love their curls?

Remember to use a wide tooth comb for God’s sake! And try Marula. It will out-perform anything else you’re using, I’m telling you.

What inspires you?

Being able to do things that will inspire millions and change people’s lives in some way. For instance, I just came out with this new line called Aubío. It’s plant based and it works to cure symptoms from all elements of the herpes simplex virus – cold sores, shingles, anything. You start feeling like you might get a cold sore, you put the Aubío on each hour and by the end of the day, it doesn’t even come out. That’s something the majority of the world needs, and I made sure that it’s sold at a price point people can afford. It was just released a couple weeks ago.

Anything else you’d like the NaturallyCurly community to know?

The world is not as bad a place as you think. It’s surprising, but it’s becoming better every day. Also, try Marula.

By NaturallyCurly · Published August 27, 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

We already published your guide to the ultimate Hair Growth Diet, but as you know a diet can be just as much about what you don’t eat. The good news is, the foods that hurt your hair growth goals are foods that your general health would benefit from cutting down on too.

“Any foods that would make you breakout, such as those filled with sugars and grease are going to cause a buildup on your scalp that’s going to affect the way your hair feels, looks and grows. Anything that irritates your skin (think ice cream”> will bother your scalp, which can damage your hair follicle. A damaged hair follicle will either grow weak hair or not grow hair at all” explains Carla Rivas, hairstylist and co-founder of the all-natural hair growth vitamin Hair La Vie.

So if you have been staring longingly at your hairspiration’s long curls, then you might want to leave these food groups off of your next grocery list.

1. Sweet Treats

Sugary foods like your favorite candies or cupcakes cause your insulin level to rise, which also causes anincrease in androgen (a male hormone”> in your body. This hormone is known for causing hair follicles to shrink or become irritated. This leads to hair thinning and hair loss.

2. Greasy Foods

The grease form fatty meats like fried chicken and french fries can cause more secretion on the scalp. Also, a lot of the time after eating greasy foods people touch their face and hair without washing their hands. This causes both acne and damage to the hair. You need a clean, debris free scalp or your hair will not grow healthy and your follicle could be damaged.

3. Salty Foods

Think potato chips and canned/frozen meals. Consuming a lot of salty meals and snacks will dry your hair out and leave it weak, lifeless and breaking.

4. Low Protein, Filler Foods

Starches like pasta and a lot of cereals which can be low in protein will leave your hair limp and unhealthy. That bounce and shine most ladies want is not possible without a healthy dose of protein.

By NaturallyCurly · Published August 18, 2015

The naturally curly-haired community is a tough one to break into–and be accepted into with open arms. And with the new wave of curly ‘popularity,’ most of us are skeptical when a new brand name pops up out of nowhere. This is especially true when the brand is attached to a celebrity name, say for example Kardashian, who styles their hair to be sleek and straight. So if you saw this photo and thought “but they have straight hair…” you’re not alone.

You may be thinking, but they have straight hair…

Contrary to what your assumptions may be of the Kardashian line, the products have been garnering positive reviews among curlies. Here’s what wavies, curlies and coilies have to say. 

Kardashian Curl Defining Cream-Gel, $13.99

The product claims

This cream-gel is infused with black seed oil, which makes hair both nourished and flexible. It also style more uniform coils and curls without making them crunchy or dry.

The review

Chanel Parks, a Huffington Post writer with natural kinky-coily textured hair said this about the product: “I noticed that the cream-gel had a silky consistency at first, allowing my fingers to gracefully grip the hair into place. The product gets stickier as it dries thanks to the gel component. White residue stayed behind in the twists initially but thankfully it absorbed by the next morning…My hair is pretty hard to please. It usually shrinks more than I want it to during the first three days after a twist-out, but the cream-gel definitely held up. Every morning thereafter, I just pulled at the curls with my fingers and was ready to go. ” 

• Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18-Methicone Glycerin Propanediol Nigella Sative ( Black Seed “> Oil Hydrolyzed Silk Panthenol Polyquaternium-69 VP/VA Copolymer Amodimethicone Cetrimonium Chloride Trideceth-8 VP/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer Phenoxyethanol Methylisothiazolinone Citric Acid Fragrance (parfum”> Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone Citronellol Geraniol Benzyl Alcohol Citral Linalool Mica titanium dioxide

,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-version=”4″>

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian”> on Jan 29, 2015 at 5:41pm PST

Kardashian Beauty Take 2 Dry Shampoo, $14.99

The product claims

This dry shampoo is meant to accompany the conditioner and revives limp, lifeless hair by instantly absorbing excess oil and impurities that tend to weigh fine hair down. It is a fast drying, waterless spray that extends the life of your style by refreshing the roots and providing a pure foundation for layered styling, creating the ultimate finish.

The review

The Take 2 Dry Shampoo had the lowest rating out of all of the other products in this article, with 3.3 out of 5 stars. There were a couple bad reviews for this product that said it left their hair feeling crunchy and felt like a hairspray, but this Ulta reviewer addresses that issue when she said: “This product is absolutely amazing for any girl who wants to stretch washing their hair out to prevent damage. As some of the reviews stated, the product might make your hair have a crunchy or hard touch as if it acts as a hairspray. If you read the instructions carefully, you are supposed to spray several inches from your head in order to prevent this from happening. When used correctly, this product is definitely something I would recommend, and I am always getting compliments on how good my hair smells any time that I use it.”

• Ingredients: Hydrofluorocarbon 152a Alcohol Denat. Oryza Sativa (Rice”> Starch Cyclopentasiloxane Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate Nigella Sative( Black Seed”> Oil Hydrolyzed Silk Tocopheryl ( Vitamin E”>Acetate Retinyl ( Vitamin A”> Palmitate Panthenol Cetrimonium Chloride Acrylates Copolymer Magnesium Carbonate Dicetyldimonium Chloride Polysilicone-19 VP/VA Copolymer Fragrance (parfum”> Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone Citronellol Geraniol Benzyl Alcohol

Kardashian Beauty Take 2 Dry Conditioner, $14.99

The product claims

This is a lightweight conditioning spray that helps to revive dull hair and enhances shine and moisture. It, too, is formulated with black seed oil and has a strong scent that lasts all day long and smoothes a rough, coarse cuticle down for a smooth, sleek appearance–even on curly hair.

The review

We’ve all heard of dry shampoos before, but dry conditioner is not so common. For curly girls this may come in handy if you are wearing a style in which you’ve manipulated your curl pattern, for example with curlers or a twist out, and you want to add some moisture to your hair without reverting back to your natural curl pattern. According to Ulta reviewer Jen, who has wavy hair, “If your hair’s dirty, you really need to use dry shampoo, then use the dry conditioner to get rid of that super dry grimy feel. This will add some moisture and shine.” Another reviewer who describes her hair as “very curly” says “I use after dry shampoo to add shine and cover chalky residue. I use Big Sexy Dry Shampoo. They were sold out of Kardashians dry shampoo but I want to try it.”

• Ingredients: Hydrofluorobarbon 152A, Alcohol Denat., Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone PEG 8 Meadowfoamate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethyl Macadamiate, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E”>, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A”>, Panthenol, Fragrance, Citronellol, Geraniol

,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-version=”4″>

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian”> on Jan 28, 2015 at 10:02am PST

Kardashian Beauty Hair Dryer, $89.99

The product claims

Of course you can’t have a Kardashian product that doesn’t promote blow outs. So yes, the hair dryer  does promise max power and a “designer finish.” The Kardashian Beauty Hair Dryer has 1875 watts of pure power for incredibly fast drying time and optimal performance. This hairdryer promotes heightened air circulation to significantly reduce drying time and lock in desired styles. It also has 6 speed and heat settings that allow a more customizable control and styling versatility. It also has a ceramic heater with a powerful ion generator to dramatically reduce frizz and increase shine.

The review

Now most of our community rocks their natural curls (hence our name”> but if you do on occasion like to wear your hair straight, it’s important that you minimize the exposure to heat. This Ulta reviewer found that when she used this blow dryer on her curly hair, her hair was shiny and straight without resorting to following up with a flat iron – which is a great benefit for the health of your hair. Here’s what she had to say “I was a little skeptical but figured let me try this for myself. Not only does it have a gorgeous design, which is what drew me to this product, but it actually locks in the moisture. I barely have to iron after. My hair is frizzy/ curly let me add so I usually iron after a blow dry. My hair was shiny and healthy looking after I used this dryer.” 

Kardashian Beauty Black Seed Dry Oil, $16.49

The product claims

This oil blend is a nutrient rich treatment and styling aid that rejuvenates and nourishes hair so it appears strong, thick, smooth and shiny. This ultra light formula is easily absorbed, instantly nourishing and smoothing to the hair with no residue left behind.

The review

Racked writer Tynan Sinks reviewed the entire line, and found that “The Kardashian Black Seed Oil felt pretty synthetic in my hands, thick and slippery, so when I put the pads of my fingers together, I felt more of the oil than I did my own skin. I didn’t have high hopes. But when I ran it through my dry hair, I found that it didn’t weigh my hair down or make the strands cling together. Applied on damp hair and blow dried, it made my damaged hair very soft and cooperative. I actually can’t stop tousling my hair around, just because it finally has some movement to it.

I love how my hair feels when blow-dried with the black seed oil, so much so that it’s currently competing with my favorite leave-in conditioner. I’m a fan. Is it the best hair oil on the market? No, but it’s quality and it’s affordable, and I’m going to keep using it.”

The Black Seed Oil is said to be one of the best selling products in the line and many Ulta fans give it a 5 out of 5 star rating.

• Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane Cyclotetrasiloxane Caprylyl Methicone Cyclohexasiloxane Nigella Sativa (Black Seed”> Oil Hydrolyzed Silk Phenoxyethanol C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Fragrance (parfum”> Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone Benzyl Salicylate Benzyl Benzoate Eugenol Hexyl Cinnamal Limonene Yellow 11 (CI47000″> RED 17 (CI26100″>

Maybe you love the Kardashians, maybe you hate them, but we wouldn’t want the name to get in the way of finding a product that works for your curls. Armed with these reviews and the ingredients lists you should have what you need to make an informed decision. If you’d like to try these out for yourself the products are available at Sally’s Beauty Supply, Ulta and Drugstore.com.

Have you tried any of the new Kardashian hair products? We want to know what you think.

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By NaturallyCurly · Updated August 4, 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAIR TRANSPLANT NETWORK

Over time and with age, your hair will undergo a number of changes.

You may notice that there is more gray appearing, or perhaps the texture of your hair has started to get curlier. Maybe your hair feels and looks thinner. Have you experienced actual hair loss? It’s normal, and there is a cosmetic solution that requires going under the knife. For those who want to cover baldness with a very natural result, hair plugs can be an an effective option. A hair transplant, also referred to as hair plugs, is a surgical procedure that involves taking hair from a healthy area of your scalp and moving it to another area that is balding.

A hair transplant, also referred to as hair plugs, is a surgical procedure that involves taking hair from a healthy area of your scalp and moving it to another area that is balding.

Depending on the case, you may need to have more than one session planned for the procedure. First, a licensed doctor will review what needs to happen and how large of an area on your scalp should be covered.

There are different types of transplants which are based on the size of the area to be covered. For example, a mini graft will transplant just 2 to 4 hairs at a time. There are also grafts known as micro, slit, punch and strip. Each type of transplant moves and literally plants a certain number of hairs to the designated area(s”>.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZIERING

Pre Op

Before your procedure, your physician will consult with you. He or she will show you real images of before and afters on previous clients. They will also go over the length of the surgery, requirements for preparation (should you fast the day of?, etc.”>, and if there is a need for multiple sessions. For the most part, the surgeries are performed at the doctor’s office, or an outpatient surgery center, so you will most likely be sent home the same day.

Procedure day

During the surgery, patients are given a local anesthesia  and the site is numbed. The doctor will trim the donor site area on the head to make it easier to remove the grafts, inject saline into the graft to keep it’s strength, create small holes in the balding area to insert the transplants then stitch the grafted area(s”>.

Post Op

Once the surgery is complete, the doctor will cover the area with gauze, administer medications, and discuss the recovery period process. During this time, for approximately 10 days, clients are restricted in their daily activities and told to avoid strenuous physical activity and sports while they heal.

After the recovery period, the stitches will be removed and the area can be gently washed. The hair can also be gently washed and tended to. Doctors remind patients that their new hair will growth will take several months to occur.

With this surgery there are risks of infection, scars and excessive bleeding. However, these types of procedures are considered low risk and usually have great results for both men and women.

Find a hair transplant specialist near you with this database provided by Hair Site.

Have you gotten a hair transplant before? What was your experience like?

By NaturallyCurly · Published July 29, 2015

PHOTOS COURTESY OF

Gel creams come are true two-for-one stylers that serve multiple purposes for your waves. They give you the hold and definition of a gel, but the moisturizing softness of a curl cream. They allow you to get the look of defined waves without piling the product on and risking losing the little volume you have.

Thirsty, frizzy curls can be a year round challenge and curl gel creams are a great solution for dry or damaged curl care as they help to nourish hair, condition curls, define and will not weigh your fine, loose curls down.

If you have naturally wavy hair and have yet to find a Holy Grail styling product, try one of these five gel creams in your styling regimen.

Ouidad Vitacurl Define & Shine Styling Gel Cream, $24

This styler feeds your hair the necessary vitamins and proteins it may be lacking in order to keep bounce and a more uniformed texture and pattern. You can also achieve beachy waves and tousled textures with this product, too.

Garnier Fructis Curl Sculpt, $4.29

This cream-gel will help your curls to go from unruly to under control. It has a light but pleasant fragrance, as well. This won’t leave your waves crunchy, either.

L’Oreal Paris EverCurl Sculpt and Hold Cream Gel, $6.99

Notice this product appears with “stripes” of gel and cream layered one onto another. The perfect blend of cream and gel will ensure you evenly distributed, smoothly defined waves that will not weigh them down.

Mizani True Textures Curl Recharge Moisturizing Refresher, $18

This cream gel is made specifically for loose curlies and wavies. The lightweight texture brings shine back to dull day-old hair. It enhances your texture’s natural spiral while offering a boost of manageability.

Matrix Biolage Leave-In Defining Gel Cream, $17

This color-safe styling gel cream enhances your natural wavy texture. It provides a soft look and feel to hair and allows waves to remain bouncy and defined.

Or, make your own cream gel!

It isn’t hard to do. Simply combine equal parts of your favorite lightweight leave-in conditioner and gel. You could also combine your daily conditioner with gel but be aware that this method could potentially cause build-up on your scalp depending on which products you cocktail. Once you have found a mix that agrees with your waves, apply the mixture gently to your wet hair and scrunch. Use a light defining cream on top to seal and smooth out your wave. If you are refreshing second or third day waves, use a spray bottle to spritz your waves with water and scrunch your DIY cream gel through the hair using your fingers.

What’s your styling product of choice? Creams, gels, mousse, salt spray, or cream gels? 

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By NaturallyCurly · Published July 27, 2015

Hair perfumes are made to have beautiful scents and leave your hair with some added shine and softer hair, with light hold for texture-manipulated styles. Hair is a natural diffuser, this is why your shampoo and conditioner scents linger long after you have washed your hair. The hair shaft and follicle naturally absorb odors, and as your hair moves it helps generate diffusion.

Hair fragrances work in a very similar way to skin fragrances and body wash scents, which are meant to evoke positive emotions and leave skin feeling refreshed and clean. Hair perfumes do the same, as well as sometimes including additional ingredients targeted to add softness and shine to your locks. Some hair fragrance works like a dry shampoo in that it absorbs oils and build-up, while adding a fresh scent to your curls between washes.

Some hair fragrance works like a dry shampoo in that it absorbs oils and build-up, while adding a fresh scent to your curls between washes.

Are hair perfumes drying?

Many hair perfumes are formulated with drying alcohols, and too much use throughout the day could be damaging and drying to your hair. While most alcohols in perfumes evaporate before they reach your skin, your hair can be far more delicate and easily prone to breakage or other damaging factors. We suggest taking a look at a hair perfume ingredients list and weighing up how important hair health is to you.

If your hair is in a damaged or chemically processed state, then you might want to avoid anything that could potentially exacerbate the situation. If your hair is healthy and has low porosity, then you may find that a small amount of fragrance won’t have any effect on the state of your hair. 

It’s important to know that not all alcohols are drying or damaging to your hair, some can provide moisture or act as emulsifiers, so before you rule out any product that has the word alcohol on its label, check this list of good and bad alcohols.

5 hair perfumes

If you’re curious and want to try a hair fragrance for yourself, these fragrances smell divine:

1. Frederic Fekkai L’Air de St. Barths, $21.99, contains a lavish mix of citrus and sugary notes. It helps with frizz and adds shine to dull hair.
2. L’Occitane en Provence Roses et Reines Hair Mist $16, uses extracts of roses from Grasse, Bulgaria, Morocco, and Turkey to saturate hair with richness while providing light curl definition.  
3. Miss Dior Hair Mist, $48, is like a little black dress in a bottle–it is intense, sensual, and sophisticated with Indonesian amber patchouli essence.
4. Byredo Hair Perfume, $62, in Blanche (a clean floral”>, Bal d’Afrique (a zesty citrus”>, and Gypsy Water (a woody vanilla scent”>. The formulas use a single silicone with polymer to add shine and leave your texture soft and manageable.
5. Paul & Joe Beaute’ Hair and Body Mist $20, sends off light bitter orange fragrance combined with rose water extract. A super fine mist that cools and moisturizes hair in the summertime.

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Make your own DIY hair perfume

If you prefer to be in control of what you are placing in your hair, you can DIY your own with this recipe from Beautiful Secrets Hair:

• 1 cup rose water, or 1 cup distilled water
• a few drops of your favorite leave-in conditioner
• 5-8 drops of essential oil (try lemon verbena, sweet orange, patchouli, or lavender”>

1. Combine the above items into a spray bottle and mix them well by shaking. Use a few sprays to mist your hair or make it part of your daily regime.

2. Mix 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel and 1 teaspoon of a light non-scented oil like grapeseed and stir until a white cream forms.

3. Add about 5 drops of essential oil. Remember, just a few drops of some oils will go a long way. Mix well and allow it to sit overnight.

4. Rub a quarter-sized amount of the blend onto your hands then into run through your hair with your fingers. Use the mixture to refresh a day-old style or even on your wrists and behind your ears.

Do you use hair perfume?

By NaturallyCurly · Published July 27, 2015

Mousse products vary in their make up, and may not always contain all natural ingredients. However, they can add to curls and waves by helping define hair more and better the texture as well.

By NaturallyCurly · Published July 27, 2015

Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO”> is a staple among hair health enthusiasts. From summer growth challenges to sealing in moisture during the harsh winter months, JBCO is potent, prevalent and multipurpose. Recently, Haitian black castor oil (HBCO”> has made its way onto the natural hair scene thanks to companies like Kreyol Essence and Okay. Because HBCO promises the same benefits as JBCO, many naturals have wondered what the difference is between the two.

In order to properly answer that, we have to delve into the history of castor oil.

The history of castor oil

Castor oil is derived from the Ricinus communis plant. Cold-pressed, solvent-extracted, or heat-extracted, castor oil has over 700 uses and has been an international commodity since the antiquities. Ancient Egyptians adored the castor bean, placing them alongside mummies in sarcophagi. Although called by many names (eg. ricino, castor, tártago, higuerilla, mamoneira, mamona, palma christi, higuereta”> derivatives of Ricinus communis have been used, and are still used today, to treat every malady from hair shedding to angina. Castor oil is also used as a renewable biodiesel, rodent repellent, and polish!

Originating in Abyssinia, castor beans did not arrive in the Americas until the Portuguese brought slaves to Brazil.  Castor oil then traveled to Haiti in 1625 where it became the universal cure-all known as lwil maskriti. Although castor eventually made it to Jamaica, the British did not catch on to palma christi oil until 1764. Therefore, the tradition of using black castor oil is at least 100 years older in Haiti than it is in Jamaica.

JBCO vs HBCO

The history of castor suggests that at a biological level all castor beans are the same, however, some are grown with pesticides and others are grown organically. Additionally, what differentiates castor oil products is the way the oil is extracted. Black castor oil as we know it, comes from beans that have been roasted, ground, boiled and heat extracted. The rich amber color comes from the roasting process. JBCO usually contains a greater amount of ash than HBCO does. Kreyol Essence in particular, strains their HBCO through a micromesh to remove any sediment or ash as they have not found evidence that the ash adds value.

Independent laboratory tests of one batch of castor oil from two leading brands showed that JBCO has .014% lower water content than HBCO and 10.27 higher saponification value, suggesting that JBCO is suited to soap-making. HBCO on the other hand, has 2.04% more ricinoleic acid and 3.27 more cenitgrams of Iodine per gram (an indicator of fatty acid saturation”> suggesting it is ideal for hair and skin.

Conversely, refined (hydrogenated or saturated”> castor oil, easily identifiable by its clear color, is inexpensive and frequently added to beauty products. Unfortunately, the castor oil is extracted with a chemical called hexane and decolorized using bleaching clay to remove the natural color and characteristic nutty scent. As a result, refined castor oil contains 85% less ricinoleic acid. Without the ricinoleic acid, the castor oil loses the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that decrease hair loss and kill harmful scalp bacteria. For the greatest amount of hair-growth stimulating ricinoleic acid, globulins, and Vitamin E, choose an unrefined, undiluted, black castor oil.

How to choose

Finally, consider what brand you trust and the overall impact on the country of origin. Some brands have coopted “Jamaican Black Castor Oil” or “Haitian Black Castor Oil” when the oil is neither from the island nor extracted using traditional methods. Also, choosing HBCO or JBCO has the potential to positively impact the economy. For example, the United States imports all of its castor oil, so choosing authentic JBCO or HBCO promotes trade with that country. Kreyol Essence, for example, uses the demand for HBCO to employ farmers and women and plant trees in Haiti. 

Regardless of your preference, castor oil is a history-rich staple for a reason and will continue to be so for thousands of years to come.

Have you tried HBCO?

This article was written by Chelsea Atkins.

References

Silvia L. Falasca, Ana C. Ulberich and Eliana Ulberich, “Developing an Agro-climatic Zoning Model to Determine Potential Production Areas for Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L.”>,” Industrial Crops and Products 40 (2012″>: 186.

Antonio Scarpa and Antonio Guerci, “Various Uses of Castor Oil Plant (Ricinus comunis L.”> a Review,” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 5 (1982″>: 117.

Falasca, Industrial Crops, 185.

Scarpa, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 118.

http://www.wildly-natural-skin-care.com/jamaican-black-castor-oil.html

David N. Campbell et. al, “Developing a castor (Ricinus communis L.”> production system in Florida, U.S.: Evaluating crop phenology and response to management,” Industrial Crops and Products 53(2014″>: 217.

By NaturallyCurly · Published July 21, 2015

Did you just run out of your Holy Grail? Or maybe you’re a Product Junkie and have plenty left but want to try new products anyway. Either way, this is your chance to win a set of products to get you cleansed, conditioned, styled, and refreshed. We’re giving away ORS Curls Unleashed prize packs to 6 lucky winners. Here’s what our curly community members who’ve tried these products have to say:

“I really like how my hair feels after using this shampoo, the moisturizing conditioner and the leave in conditioner. I also like the way the products smell. My 2b curls are bouncy and shiny!!” – mariag1, Type 2c

“Used this as a standard deep conditioner – wash hair in sections, apply deep conditioner in sections, do all my other beauty routines, rinse out the DC and party on. It was thick, made my hair all soft & shiny, and left me feeling like I could legitimately go about my day without adding any other product – that‘s how good this was for me.” – Franki

“Despite being called a refresher, I used this as a gel and LOVED it. With the change from 80s to 90s (yes, far earlier this year”> and t-storms many afternoons, this gel has been my go-to product when I wanted to *know* my curls were going to be springy and bouncy. Good shine. Low frizz. Some curl boosting with solid curl encouragement. Good definition. I used a little less than I would as a gel which was also cost-efficient. If I awake with any areas of frizz roughed up from sleep, it also was good to smooth the roughed up areas into a curl clump.” – laurabeth33, Type 2b

“So I don’t use mousse ever but this has me changing up my routine. It has great hold for my type 4 hair and it didn’t leave my hair flakey.” – enigmaticnik, Type 4

Today (through Thursday”> is your chance to win this set!

When

July 21 – 23

Prize

6 lucky winners will receive:

• Lavish in Lather Sulfate Free Shampoo
• Second Chance Curl Refresher
• Let It Flow Shine & Define Mousse
• No Restrictions Moisturizing Conditioner

How to win

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, as per our Terms and Conditions.

*Please make sure you have liked us on Facebook, so that when we can notify you if you’ve won.

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This post is sponsored by ORS Curls Unleashed. 

By NaturallyCurly · Published July 21, 2015

PHOTO: MUCH MORE THAN BEAUTY 

1. Vampy: Big heatless curls

In the shower, wash your hair and rinse upside down with cold water. As you apply your styling product, scrunch close to your head to promote natural volume. For big heatless curls, you can use flexi rods or Curlformers for big hair, no heat necessary. Use the Praying Hands Method to separate curls and encourage clumping without adding more frizz. Pin some hair to the side behind your ear to show some neck–he’ll be tempted to kiss you at the end of the night. Remember to allow yourself a few hours before your date to prepare this hairstyle.

Tutorials to help you

2. Sultry: half-up, halfdown ponytail

Not sure about letting all of your hair down for the night–figuratively and literally? Try the half-up, half-down hairstyle on your curls. Take the top half and create two-strand twists with hair from both ears. Use bobby pins to pin them in the back, middle area of your head where they meet. Create a cute design with the twists. For the rest of your hair, tousle your natural texture and allow the bottom half to flow effortlessly in the wind. Scrunch DevaCurl Spray Gel into damp hair with your Curly Tee Towel to enhance the natural curl pattern and give the style long lasting hold.

Tutorials to help you

3. Elegant: high bun

This hairstyle is always an option if you are in between trims, or if it’s too hot and humid outside to wear your curls down on your back. Simply run a light blended oil like Blended Beauty Natural Hair Oil through freshly washed hair, wrap up in a high pony (not too tight”>, twist around into a large bantu knot and bobby pin the end down. Play with your options for bedazzling your bun to be date night appropriate; add a cute headband and let pieces fall down for more appeal. Use an edge tame like CURLS Blueberry Bliss to slick your baby hair down and a hair donut for a more uniformed look.

Tutorials to help you

4.  Flirty: Fishtail Bun

Who doesn’t love a chic, easygoing bohemian look? Especially if you are on the beach or are having an outside picnic date, the elements will play your curls up even more. Try a Dutch side braid or a fishtail braid-out so your hair stays out of your face but still is sweet enough to make him want a taste. On freshly washed hair, braid into two low ponytails and leave them in overnight. Saturate with a defining leave-in like L’Oreal Evercurl Hydrating Leave-In for hold and volume. The next day, either leave the braids in and tuck them up, or unravel and wear your hair down.

Tutorials to help you

By NaturallyCurly · Updated July 20, 2015

Learning your hair texture is an important part of your naturally curly hair journey. Women typically identify their hair as fine or coarse. But caring for your hair and keeping it healthy means understanding more about it. Once you understand your texture, you will know which styling routines and product combination work best together to enhance your curl pattern to its full potential.

Fine Hair

PHOTO: WATERLILY716

Vlogger KreativeAllure has fine 3C curls. Watch her video tutorial for an easy DIY strengthening protein treatment:

Fine curly hair holy grails

• Daily conditioner: Curl Junkie BeautiCurls Strengthening Conditioner, Design Essentials Natural Moisturizing Conditioner
• Cleanser: MopTop Bamboo Gentle Shampoo, AG Hair Cosmetics Light Protein-Enriched Conditioner
• Styling product: Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Nourishing & Conditioning Styling Butter, Ouidad Vitacurl Define & Shine Gel-Cream
• Leave-in: Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-In, Yes to Carrots! Leave-In

Medium to Normal Hair

PHOTO: SUMMER KELLSEY

Medium to normal hair holy grails

• Daily conditioner:CURLS Curl Ecstasy Hair Tea Conditioner, Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Revitalizing Conditioner
• Cleanser: ACV and baking soda, Kinky Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo
• Deep conditioner: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deep, Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
• Styling product: Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker, SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
• Refresher: Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Blossom Moisture Mist

Coarse Hair

PHOTO: LINDAY BARRY

The hair strands are wider. They look and feel thicker. This type of hair is more difficult to break and almost always appears full and voluminous. Coarse hair can take more time to dry and can also be resistant to permanent coloring treatments. Use products that seal in moisture. Coarse curly hair possesses a lot of protein, so using protein-enriched product is unnecessary.

Vlogger Linda Barry has coarse 4C hair. Watch her routine for definition and moisture:

Coarse hair holy grails

• Cleanser: SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Shampoo, Alikay Naturals Caribbean Coconut Milk Shampoo
• Moisturizer: curLUXE Naturals Buttercream, Darcy’s Botanicals Sweet Cocoa Bean Moisturizing Whip
• Deep conditioner: Camille Rose Coconut Water Penetrating Hair Treatment
• Styling product: TreLuxe Curl Supreme Styling Cream, Jane Carter Solution Incredible Curls

For more help on understanding your hair type ask your stylist. S/he may try a simple “trick” – wrap your hair in a ponytail with an average elastic hair tie. If the elastic only goes around once, you have coarse hair; wrapping 2-3 times gives you medium hair and more than 3 times means you have fine hair.

By NaturallyCurly · Published July 13, 2015

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

You hear the word Emollient often but are not sure what it means.

The emollient esters for hair

• Butyl myristate
• Butyl stearate
• C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
• Caprylic/capric triglyceride
• Cetyl octanoate
• Cetyl stearate
• Cetearyl stearate
• Decyl oleate
• Dimethyl Lauramine Isostearate
• Glyceryl Stearate
• Glyceryl adipate
• Glyceryl arachidate
• Glyceryl arachidonate
• Glyceryl behenate
• Glyceryl caprate
• Glyceryl caprylate
• Glyceryl caprylate / caprate
• Glyceryl citrate / lactate / linoleate / oleate
• Glyceryl cocoate
• Glyceryl Di-Arachidate
• Glyceryl Dibehenate
• Glyceryl Di-Erucate
• Glyceryl Di-Hydroxystearate
• Glyceryl Di-Iso Palmitate
• Glyceryl Diisostearate
• Glyceryl Dilaurate
• Glyceryl Dilinoleate
• Glyceryl Dimyristate
• Glyceryl Dioleate
• Glyceryl Dipalmitate
• Glyceryl Di-Palmitoleate
• Glyceryl Di-Ricinoleate
• Glyceryl Distearate
• Glyceryl Erucate
• Glycol stearate
• Isocetyl stearate
• Isopropyl Myristate
• Isopropyl palmitate
• Isopropyl stearate
• Isostearyl stearate
• Octyl palmitate
• Octyl stearate
• Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
• Sorbitan benzoate
• Sorbitan caprylate
• Sorbitan isostearate
• Sorbitan laurate
• Sorbitan Tristearate
• Stearyl stearate
• Tocopheryl linoleate