Search Results: NaturallyCurly

Why People Are Using Egg Whites as a Natural Curl Definer

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DATING DIVAS

The natural hair community has long used eggs in homemade hair treatments to benefit from the number of great things that come from both the yolk and the white.

Egg whites contain lutein, which is known for naturally improving skin and hair’s appearance and luster. It is like a natural curl-forming ingredient to enhance your natural texture, especially after breakage or while transitioning. They work deep in the pores of your scalp to alleviate that dry, itchy feeling and firm the follicles.

There are three vitamins in egg yolks that are also quite beneficial for hair and bodies: vitamins A, E, and D. The vitamin A component helps to promote growth, stop dandruff and nourish the scalp. Vitamin E works to protect hair from damaging UV rays and other environmental factors that could otherwise cause hair damage. Vitamin D helps to improve the texture and the shine of your hair.

3 ways to use eggs in your hair

Egg yolk & honey masque

  • You need: 1 egg yolk (determine if you need a whole yolk or less based on your hair length and thickness”>, 3 tablespoons honey, 3 tablespoons olive oil, optional- yogurt.
  1. Beat the yolk thoroughly then add and mix in the other ingredients.
  2. Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp by gently massaging it in. 
  3. Leave it on for 1.5 hours. 
  4. Wash thoroughly with cool water and style as usual.

Egg & coconut masque

  • You need: 1 large egg yolk, 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted”>, 2 tablespoons honey
  1. Mix the honey and coconut oil together until they combine then whisk your yolk and add to the honey mixture.
  2. Add the combined mixture to dry hair and scalp, throughout your hair.
  3. Put a shower cap on over your hair and leave it on overnight, or for as long as you can.
  4. Wash well with warm water and avoid shampooing if you can–dry and style as usual.
  5. On dry hair, try mixing one egg with a cup of skim milk and leaving it in your hair for 30 minutes to an hour, then shampoo.

Egg white curl definer

Lisa P. (pictured above”> shared this curl defining recipe on the blog The Dating Divas. She uses egg whites and a little bit of gel to define her wavy curls. We’ve also seen CurlTalkers burgundy_locks and Sweet Curly use eggs as a natural curly hair styler as well.

  1. Break two egg whites (no yolks”> into a bowl.
  2. Bring the bowl into your shower but be careful to not get water in the bowl.
  3. Detangle and condition your hair as normal.
  4. Turn off the water and spread the egg whites throughout your hair (it may be messy, but that’s ok”>. Scrunch the whites into your hair, in even sections.
  5. Towel dry your hair. Note: If your curls look crunchy, that’s where your diffuser comes in. Use it carefully to dry up to 50-70% more of your hair and your curls will appear super defined and hydrated.
  6. For extra hold, you can add a gel on top of the egg whites.

But does it smell?

The first two recipes are masques that you will wash out, so the smell will be gone once you wash and rinse the masque out. The third recipe only uses the egg whites, not the yolks. When breaking your egg make sure that none of the yolk falls in the bowl, this will keep your curl definer odor-free.

Try This Revitalizing Coconut Oil Curl Mask

coconut oil curl mask

PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCKPHOTO

NaturallyCurly user kayleigh.lew used this recipe to nurse her damaged curls back to their original state of bounciness, and luckily for us she shared it with the NC community.

“After years of forcing my hair straight and a long illness that caused significant hair loss, my curls were in extraordinarily bad shape. I had not only altered the curl type/texture of my hair (I was a frizzy 2c at that point”>, but my color was looking dull and my hair felt like straw. I altered a recipe that was given to me and after using it just twice, my hair was back to the bouncy curls (3a/b”> that I hadn’t had for years! I recommend this to ANYONE with damaged hair/fuzzy, undefined curls. My mom was absolutely amazed to see me with the curls I had as a little girl again.”

I recommend this to ANYONE with damaged hair/fuzzy, undefined curls

What You Need

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil: made up of a class of saturated fatty acids that promote hair growth from its scalp moisturizing properties. Coconut oil also reduces breakage because the oil adds to the strength of hair shaft, which is great for high porosity hair.
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey: a natural split end ‘mender’ and emulsifier for thinning or low density curls
  • 2 egg yolks: incredible amount of protein for weakened, limp strands
  • Hair Therapy Wrap: helps the ingredients to penetrate the follicles in the scalp. 
  • A few drops essential oil (optional”>: sooths an inflamed, itchy, or dirty scalp and promotes growth by blasting open the follicle

Directions

  1. Melt the coconut oil in a saucepan on very low heat. Coconut oil melts at 76 degrees fahrenheit, so it will not take much heat at all to change from liquid to solid.
  2. Pour it into a bowl, add the honey and mix. You may have to work at it, as these two don’t easily mix. Whisk in the egg yolks, and add the essential oil at this point if you wish. The mask does not smell bad if you don’t add any fragrance!
  3. Apply the mixture to your wet hair from ends to roots.
  4. Put on a Hair Therapy Wrap, alternatively you can warm a towel in the microwave and wrap your hair in it. CurlTalk member Sweet Curly shares “People say not to use heat when using eggs but I didn’t have any problem.”
  5. Wait 45 minutes, or for damaged hair you can leave the treatment in overnight (just wear a shower cap”>.
  6. Rinse thoroughly.

Have you tried this recipe before? Let us know if it worked for you.


Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2015 and has been updated to incoroporate reader feedback.

3 Quick Tricks for Making Your Curly Hair Bigger
When it comes to body in our hair, many of us struggle with either achieving it or keeping it.

PICTURED: @STYLEFEEN

Depending on your hair type and curl pattern, you may already be blessed with goal-worthy volume.

However, for the rest of us, getting achieving body may require some real effort. This simple guide contains some advice that might help you achieve the body you crave.

First thing’s first: volume vs. body

Body is how much movement hair has, while volume refers to how raised the hair is from the scalp. While these terms mean something slightly different, they are often used in the same way.

Healthy routines

If you are noticing a loss of body in your hair, the culprit may just be the products you are using and how you use them.

Volume and body are created by roots that are lifted from the scalp and help create body because hair can move more freely. If you are using products that are causing build-up and weighing down your hair, hair will naturally lack the body you are seeking. Make sure you monitor your build-up and use a clarifying shampoo when needed. Moisturize and cleanse hair to keep it as healthy as possible. Hair that is damaged often lacks body.

Tricks of the trade

1. Use your blow dryer the right way to create the desired volume.

While some curlies avoid the blow dryer in fear of it causing extra frizz, this can be remedied with an anti-frizz solution or leave-in conditioner that is compatible with heat. Towel dry hair first with a microfiber towel to help with frizz fighting.

Blow dry your hair using a diffuser with your head upside down, starting at the roots and working your way down. Focus on the roots while running either a brush or fingers through hair to help increase volume and body.

2. Tease it up

Another effective method to help build body and volume is to tease it at the roots.

For this method, lift hair up in sections and brush up and down from the roots. Be careful not to tug hair–this method might not be ideal for especially fine-haired curlies.

3. Use the Right Products

There are several products available to help build body and volume in curly hair.

Consider a curl activator or root raiser to help build the desired volume. Avoid heavy oils and silicone-based styling products that cause curls to become weighed down, as they can make hair less voluminous with the added weight they add to strands.

4. Play with styles

From a front pouf to a pieced beachy wave style, go with styles that are known for adding texture for bigger hair. Avoid sleek ponytails and tight buns that make your hair look flat.

Read next:

How I Get Big Volume On My Type 3 Curly Hair Try This New Way to Sleep for More Volume Than a Pineapple How to Get Volume & Curl Definition with Your Diffuser
7 Remedies for Irritated Scalps

irritated scalp

iStockphoto

Every time CurlTalker Tonii2010 rubs her scalp, it burns. “I have tried olive and tea tree oil but they do nothing but make my scalp itch as well. I am so frustrated I don’t know what else to do.”

For Curltalker Crazy Kinky Curly, her scalp has alternated between being really itchy and being really sore. “Right now it’s really tender to the touch and I don’t understand why.”

When your scalp gets irritated, it definitely lets you know – through dryness, oiliness, itchiness, and even painful red bumps. In fact scalp issues are one of the most searched topics on NaturallyCurly.

Here are a few remedies for irritated scalps.

1. Figure out the issue

The biggest remedies for irritated scalps is to figure out the root cause. If your scalp needs one thing and you overload it with something else, it could make matters worse. You need to figure out if your scalp is too dry, too oily, itchy, or inflamed before deciding what step to take.

In some cases, you may want to keep a journal of products you’re using to track when you’re experiencing the issue. It may be that a new product contains an ingredient that you’re especially sensitive to.

Here are some articles about some common scalp irritants:

Signs you have a propylene glycol allergy

4 Common culprits for a cosmetic allergy

Natural hair products to avoid

2. Try a clarifying treatment

If your scalp is oily or has a buildup of product, you need to clarify it ASAP. This buildup of either natural oils or product can lead to a nasty environment perfect for the growth of fungi and bacteria, and no one wants that outcome. A few good ones to try are Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo or Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo. Both of these formulas offer cleansing that is a deep down clean to help your scalp recover from a tough time.

3. Use a natural antibacterial

Another of the best remedies for irritated scalps is to use a known antibacterial element. Peppermint oil is known for fighting bacteria while giving a soothing effect for irritated scalps. Tea tree oil is also known to be antibacterial. You can either apply these oils to your hair on your own or turn to a product that already has both in it, such as EDEN BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo.

4. Give yourself a massage while adding moisture

A scalp massage can be a great way to perk up your scalp. It is believed there are links between proper circulation of blood flow and overall scalp health matters. A great way to improve circulation is with a massage, and when you add in your favorite oil, whether coconut oil, olive oil, or another natural emollient, you get a massage with a little extra hydration built in. Apply your favorite oil to the scalp and massage in circular motions with the pads of your fingers for about ten minutes for the best result.

5. Try one of the new scalp treatments that are available to exfoliate your scalp

Yes, scalps need exfoliation! One of the hottest new products is Brigeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo, which leaves your scalp feeling clean and your hair feeling soft. We also like using Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment and HPO Happy Scalp as scalp treatments in between washes.

6. Do DIY treatments

When your scalp is irritated and sore, give it some quick relief by grabbing these simple ingredients from the kitchen and applying them straight to the scalp: olive oil and apple cider vinegar. If your scalp is irritated and dry, olive oil has healing hydration properties that will restore moisture and balance to the scalp in a gentle, soothing way. If your scalp is packing a one-two punch of being irritated and itchy, apple cider vinegar helps calm down inflammation and dull the itchiness factor with its antibacterial properties. The best is that these two solutions are so simple to use.

Rub 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil into scalp and rinse off after 10 minutes. For apple cider vinegar, simply make a mixture that is one part water and one part vinegar. Apply to scalp for ten minutes and rinse out, and never apply vinegar to a scalp with open cuts or blisters as this recipe would be too harsh.

7. Seek a professional

If your scalp is seriously irritated or inflamed, you may be better off seeking a professional on the matter. There are certain medical conditions which need to be treated by a dermatologist or trichologist to get them to clear up. When you have tried all your usual tricks and your scalp is still giving you trouble, it is time to seek help. Here are 15 situations where you need to see a trichologist.


Read more: 10 Products for a Sensitive Scalp

How to Use Heated Rollers on Wavy Hair

heated rollers

NaturallyCurly CurlTalker Vaneda uses hot rollers on a regular basis “They give me lots of volume, which I like. I just grab big sections of hair and roll around the hot rollers, without brushing whatsoever.”

Hair rollers are used to achieve curls and waves without using a curling iron or wand. There are different types of rollers including heated and they vary in length and width. Many who use rollers love the lasting hold they give, especially when creating a wet set. Roller sets also give volume to your tresses and a uniform look if you have different types of curls on your head.

Here are 7 tips for using heated rollers in wavy hair.

1. Get enough rollers for all of your hair

Heated rollers are available in varying diameters and used on dry hair to create long-lasting curls and minimize frizz. Before you start, you will want to make sure you have enough rollers to get the job done. NaturallyCurly CurlTalker thefossilchick found this out the hard way, “One issue is that the rollers vary in size and there are only 4 of the super-giant ones” in her roller set, “If you have long or really thick hair, you’ll have to set half of your hair at a time.” She uses the Instant Heat Compact Rollers from Conair and finds that the rollers work well, but could use more of them.

2. Always use a heat protectant

One of the best tips for using heated rollers in wavy hair is to use a heat protectant. Wavy hair can be prone to heat damage because it can be on the finer side of strands. Whether your hair is fine or coarse, a heat protectant creates a barrier between your strands and the potential for heat damage. Always apply your favorite heat protectant and make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout your hair prior to using heat rollers. We like Cantu Thermal Shield Heat Protectant and Tresemme Thermal Creations Protectant Heat Spray.

3. Should you straighten first? It depends

If your hair is tightly curled or doesn’t take well to heat styling, for example it starts to revert to its natural texture in humidity, you may want to straighten your hair before using the heated rollers. If, on the other hand, your hair takes easily to being manipulated, you can use put the heated rollers into your natural wash and go. CurlTalker macduffy shares “I find the curl stays better without being straightened first. BUT I do like the curl better with my hair is straightened (it just doesn’t last AT ALL”>. Still working on it though!” It’s a matter of figuring out what works for your individual waves and curls.

4. Section hair before rolling

For an even effect rather than having a few mismatched patterns throughout, you should always section your hair with clips prior to rolling to get the best results. This will help to not only create more even patterns, but it will also make it easier for you while you roll. Don’t be tempted to skip this step, as it will make the process much more manageable.

5. Choose your part before you roll

Before you begin placing the rollers in your hair, make sure you create the part you prefer, so when you take the rollers out you will have an easy-to-style result. If you’re looking to emphasize the volume and drama of your bombshell waves, we recommend a deep side part.

6. Roll from bottom to top

When you roll from bottom to top of your strands, you end up with curls that sit at the bottom of your strands while the strand closer to the roots remains somewhat untouched. If you roll from top to bottom, you will still get a nicely defined curl and more volume at the roots.

7. Make sure your hair is completely dry

For frizz-free results, make sure your hair is completely dry before manipulating it. NaturallyCurly CurlTalker Wurlylox advises “Be sure to allow any moisture in your hair to dry before styling it, or it’ll probably frizz up. I’d roll mine, leave the rollers in 10-30 minutes. Then I removed them but didn’t do anything with it until I was sure all the moisture was gone. Then I’d finger comb upside down, flip upright and arrange a bit with fingers or a pick, if needed, and lightly spray with hairspray.” We like DevaCurl’s Flexible Hold Hairspray because it avoids the crunchy, drying pitfalls of traditional hairsprays.

Want to know more about getting your perfect roller set? Check out these articles:

Which Roller Set is Best for You?

My 7 Must-Know Tips for a Frizz-Free Roller Set

How to Do a Roller Set on Short Natural Hair

5 Side Swept Hairstyles Every Curly Girl Loves

Woman with curly hair and side swept twists

Image: @chelliscurls

As any curly knows, getting in a style rut from time to time is pretty much inevitable, we all experience it. It’s so easy to find styles that work for you and get comfortable wearing the same few hairstyles that are reliable, quick and easy. If you are looking to switch up your everyday style and try something new, we’ve got you covered! Check out these 5 side swept curly hairstyles that show off your texture, create volume, and best of all, change up your look.

1. Wand Curls with Clip Ins

For a look that plays up the volume, you can use clip-ins for this style. This look works well with different lengths and textures, so it is definitely worth trying out. Whether you’re headed out for a date night or attending a special event, this look will keep all eyes on you.

2. Side Swept Flat Twist Out

If one of your go-to styles is a twist out, this is for you. This hairstyle lets you show off the results of your twist out while also bringing it all together on one side for added volume.

3. Wash and Go Side Swept Braids

For the curlies that prefer to wash and gom this is a great way to shake things up and add volume effortlessly. Add a few braids on one side for an eye-catching appeal and your hair pulled to one side to show off your defined curls. 

4. Sleek Side Sweep

When you want the appeal of a side-swept look coupled with a sleek part, you really can have it all with this easy style. This style works well for most lengths, but is especially dramatic with longer lengths. It is the perfect look for a party or event where you want to be the center of attention.

5. Flat Twist Updo

For the curlies with short to medium hair and have no idea what to do with their curls, this is a perfect style for you. Add a flat twist to one side and let your curls flow beautifully. 


Have you tried any of these side swept styles? Let us know your favorite style in the comments below. 
Reasons You Should Never Burn the Tips of Your Hair

burn tips

Image: iStockphoto

In the world of hair care, there is always a new trend that everyone becomes obsessed with even without proper evidence of it actually working. The matter of burning split ends away with the use of fire has become a hot topic lately. Whether you are looking to try it out for yourself or you just want to know why there is so much hype surrounding this idea, let’s take a look at the reasons you should never burn the tips of your hair.

What and why?

Stylists are using the flame from candles held close to the hair to burn off the ends to eliminate split ends. The fire is also passed over the strands to remove any splits higher up on the hair shaft. It is believed to help remove the thin hair that needs to go while allowing you to keep your length. There is also the theory that the heat opens the hair cuticle, so conditioners and other treatments can penetrate the hair shaft more easily. Started as a trend by supermodels and celebrity stylists, the burning method has gained ground because everyone wants beautiful hair and this way lets you keep your length instead of trimming it off.

Does it work?

One of the biggest reasons you should never burn the tips of your hair is that there is absolutely no research to back any of these claims up. While it may burn away split ends, we all know that heat damage is a very real thing and especially for natural hair which tends to be more vulnerable to it. It is also unsafe. Hair is flammable meaning it can burn. If the treatment is done improperly, you may end up losing your hair. Aside from the vanity concerns of losing strands to burning, it is dangerous overall since you could be more seriously injured. There is a reason they say keep hairspray away from open flames. Hair care products can be flammable so any time you put a flame near your hair (which may have leftover product in it”> you are asking for trouble.

Aside from the safety concerns, it is a long and somewhat unpleasant experience to have the treatment performed. It can take up to three hours, depending on your length and the state of your hair, and the smell of burning hair is anything but enjoyable.

If you want to take care of split ends, a trim is still the best method. The hype of burning your ends is still just hype instead of a proven method with actual benefits.

5 Ways to Wear The Halo Braid

Woman halo braid

Image: @revampedstudiosalon

When looking for a go-to style that works for any occasion, it’s important to choose a style that is versatile and low maintence. There are plenty of great hairstyles to choose from, but one that naturalistas love is the halo braid and for good reason. It is easy to create on almost any length of hair and hair type, it can be adapted into several looks, and it only takes a few minutes to achieve as opposed to more time-consuming styles. Here are 5 ways to rock the halo braid, scroll down to see which one suits you best!

1. Halo Braid

This is the classic look that you need to master to create any of the other looks on this list. The halo braid is the foundation so learning how to master it is important if you also want to try the other styles. Whether you are using this to learn the others or just trying a halo braid for the first time, this short tutorial will walk you through it.

2. Beaded Halo

For a twist on the natural hair halo braid, this beaded look is a fresh take on a classic look. While typical halo braids keep all your strands tucked up into the braid, this style frames your face and adds some texture and accessories to your look effortlessly.

3. Halo Short Hair

The great thing about this style is that it can easily be done to any hair length. When you are transitioning and still learning what styles work best for your length, this is a great way to play up short hair with ease.

4. Halo Bun Braid

While the usual look of a halo braid is to encircle the crown of your head, you can also add a braided bun at the bottom for even more texture and appeal. This is a pretty look for work or special occasions when you want a little something extra to your style.

5. Purple Side Swept Halo

When you want a pop of color, a halo braid for your crown, and a long pony, this look is the real triple threat. This look is perfect for a fun summer style when you want to have fun while turning heads.

Have you worn the halo braid before? Let us know how you style your halo braid in the comments below.

Read next: 30 Best Braids & Braided Hairstyles

8 Tips for Pinterest-Worthy Wavy Hair

wavy hair

Image via iStock

In many ways, wavies have the best of all possible worlds. They can go from tighter curls to beachy waves to smooth and silky with just a few tools and tricks and not too much manipulation. If you have wavy hair, you have unique needs. Whether you have loose 2a waves or 2c tighter waves bordering on curls, your hair needs certain things to look its best.

Here are 7 tips for Pinterest-worthy wavy hair to get your waves brag-worthy in no time.

1. Check your scalp

Great hair starts with a great scalp.

The scalp is the bedrock of great hair regardless of your texture so make sure you pay attention to it.

If your scalp is unhealthy, your hair will be unhealthy and have a harder time growing. If your scalp is loaded down with buildup from products, dry from lacking moisture, or having some underlying medical conditions that makes the scalp irritated, your hair will pay the price.

Wavy hair can have a tendency to look limp, especially if your scalp is oily. If your scalp is oily and needs a clarifying shampoo, your strands will be oily and limp. If your scalp is dry and irritated, your strands will be dry.

2. Know your type – and what to do with that information

While you may think all waves are the same essentially, there are a few variations within the grouping of wavy hair that can make a difference for you personally.

For instance, wavy hair falls under type 2 hair on the curl pattern scale, but there are also types 2A, 2B, and 2C within that broader scope. Each type subcategory has different needs based on the texture or wave pattern. Some products are especially designed to help enhance waves, while others are ideal for smoothing them. Here are some products especially designed for wavies.

To find out more about this matter and pinpoint your exact type, check out this resource.

3. Moisturize by focusing on the ends

While your roots need moisture, especially the scalp, to help things stay hydrated, the ends are where you should focus. Wavy hair naturally has a harder time keeping the ends of strands moisturized. The reason for this is because as your scalp produces natural oil (called sebum”>, the oil streaks down from the scalp to coat the strands for naturally occurring hydration, but wavy hair’s natural shape makes it a little harder for the oil to reach the ends in between your washing schedule. The way to beat this issue is to make sure you focus on moisturizing your ends when you apply leave-in conditioner. Some good ones to try include Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk 4-in-1 Combing Crème, Devacurl B’Leave-In and AG Hair Cosmetics Fast Food.

4. Never dry detangle

Breakage is always a concern. If you want to have social media worthy waves, you need to watch out for breakage. To make sure you hold onto your precious strands, you need to be prepared to handle the inevitable matter of tangles like a pro. You should never detangle your waves while your hair is dry since this can lead to more tugging and cause breakage. Detangle strands with plenty of conditioner or moisturizer to make sure you hold onto as many strands as you can. Look for products with slip, like Oyin Handmade Oh My Glide! Alikay Naturals Knots Be Gone and Curl Keeper Slip 30 Second Detangler.

5. Rinse upside down

CurlTalker Rsand313 does her routine upside down. She shares “Typically I wash, then condition, let the conditioner sit for a few minutes. Then I rinse my hair upside down and comb with a wide tooth comb as I rinse. I’ve achieved really great clumping and well defined coils doing this. Before I would only get waves. With my head upside down and in clumps, I get out of the shower and immediately apply leave in. Then I plop it and let it dry a little while I get dressed. Then I add gel, diffuse and I’m done. I never flip my hair over and let it hang down until it’s diffused.” NaturallyCurly Editor Cristina follows a similar routine, “I like to condition and detangle my hair upside down in the shower because it allows my curls to clump and form with lift and volume at the roots. It helps me avoid waves that dry plastered to my head.”

6. Wrap hair at night

While curlies are well versed in the importance of wrapping hair at night, those with wavy hair are just starting to catch up. When you sleep at night, your hair naturally gets a little tangled, and it is also exposed to friction which leads to frizz. Your waves can also be dried out during the night by the air, as well as the fact that any products you applied probably just end up on your pillow instead of seeping into strands. When you wrap your hair in a silk scarf at night, you give your hair a chance to absorb your leave-in products while also preventing unnecessary damage. You might also want to try a satin pillowcase.

7. Vary routine based on seasons

If you are caring for your hair the same way year-round, you are probably missing out on some areas of improvement. By switching up your routine based on the season, you can give your hair more customized care.

For instance, if you notice your strands are a little dry in the winter, you may need a heavier leave-in whereas, in the summer, you might find a lighter one is better to avoid oily buildup. You should always adjust your routine based on the considerations of the season for Pinterest-worthy waves.

8. Add some sheen naturally

To add a photo ready finish to your strands, adding a bit of sheen to your strands will help pick up light. An easy way to do this without weighing down your hair is to use coconut oil. A small amount, about a dime to quarter size, warmed between your hands, can add a healthy sheen for that Pinterest-ready snap.

Get advice from fellow wavies on CurlTalk.

Curly Girl Tips To Speed Up Wash Day

Women smiling with curly hair

Image: @laurenlewiss_


It’s wash day. You already know the drill: You better set aside extra time to wash, condition, detangle and dry your curls. Most curly girls are so used to the rundown on wash day that it becomes a staple on our calendars. Despite the inconvenience, wash day should be seen as a time to pamper yourself, get your hair looking and feeling amazing, and give yourself the care you deserve. Still, duty calls – we have houses to clean, places to go, and work to do. How can you speed up the process on wash day without sacrificing that cleansed scalp and fresh curls? We’ve got you…

1. Get A Co-Wash That Can Do Both

One of the best tips to speed up wash day is to turn your two-product step in the shower into a one-product step instead. With co-washing, you get rid of the traditional route of using shampoo and then conditioner as two steps by using a cleansing conditioner to do both steps in one. A co-wash product gives you the cleansing power you need while also conditioning your scalp and strands all in one product. See our favorite co-wash products here.

2. Pre-Poo the Night Before

Of course, for those looking to save time, adding a pre-poo treatment the night before wash day can be a big help. A pre-shampoo treatment is usually a deep conditioning step you can take so you can jump right into shampooing in the morning and then right into styling without adding a conditioning step on wash day. This is an easy way to speed up wash day and best of all, the pre-poo can do its work while you sleep! That’s what we call multitasking. Try this pre-wash treatment from Mielle Organics.

3. Organize Your Products

If you are a product junkie (guilty as charged!”> your growing collection of hair products may be slowing down your wash day. Make sure you regularly clean out your shower shelving of products you no longer use so you have just the staples at the ready. When speeding up wash day, every little bit certainly helps. Also, you should know that hair products do have a shelf-life and they do expire. Make sure you also don’t let long-aged products linger, either!

4. Detangle in the Shower

When you detangle in the shower with some conditioner or co-wash in your curls, you can save some time. If you have tangles, knots or matted curls, this light-weight pre-cleanse detangler is just what you need to own wash day. Whether you finger detangle while hair has some slip or you use a detangler comb in the shower, it makes sense to work those tangles out when your hair is most receptive to help save time overall.

5. Dry Smarter

If you are wasting time with your blow dryer and the need to get your hair dry is slowing you down, consider air drying. Air drying can certainly save valuable time on wash day. If air drying isn’t your thing, you can also invest in a quality diffuser which will help with achieving a more even distribution of heat from your dryer, so you can dry curls faster, more evenly, and with less impact from the heat. This Dry Like a Deva kit from DevaCurl will have you drying like a pro in half the time.

For more #washday magic, check out these helpful articles:

The Wash Day Routine for Lazy Naturals

Podcasts to Listen to on Wash Day

How to Prepare Your Child for Wash Day

Making Wash Day Easier

The Wash Day Musts for Wavy Hair

When You Know You’re Due for a Wash Day

Michelle Breyer Inspires With Her Curl Journey and Entrepreneurship

Trove Artist Management is excited to launch our fourth season of Ladies To The Front, a blog series celebrating exceptional women in our lady-boss network.

We are so honored to be connecting with Michelle Breyer, co-founder of NaturallyCurly.com (now TextureMedia, LLC.”> Michelle is an inspiring entrepreneur, author, mom, and proud owner of some seriously fierce curls.

Michelle Breyer TROVE

Michelle Breyer, Co-Founder of NaturallyCurly.com | Photography: Tania Quintanilla

Tell us a little bit about starting your brand and how it has evolved.

I was a curly girl growing up in a straight-haired world. I spent most of my life straightening my curls and hoping that nobody would realize I actually had curly hair. When I moved to Texas from California, all bets were off. I had to figure out how to work with my texture rather than fighting it. I had two curly friends at the newspaper I was working at, and we would regularly bitch about our hair. Somebody overheard one of our bitch sessions at a friend’s brunch and thought it was so amazing that a group of women could complain about their hair for 45 minutes straight.

He suggested we create a magazine or website. We were a little tipsy on mimosas and got on the computer at the party and came up with a name and purchased the domain that same day. From our own experience, we knew that there was such a lack of information, products, etc. for curly hair.

Over the next few months, we came up with ideas for the site – things that we needed for ourselves (a forum, a place to review stylists, product reviews, etc.”> My neighbor’s 14-year-old son was our web designer. In September 1998, NaturallyCurly launched. From the beginning, we talked in terms of texture rather than ethnicity, and the site reflects the diversity of our community.

In the beginning, NaturallyCurly was pretty bare bones. We worked on it in our spare time. But people found us. Hundreds of daily visits grew to thousands.

Over the years, the site has evolved dramatically. We now have active followings across multiple social platforms, and we are known for events like Texture on the Runway – a full-blown runway show during NY Fashion Week where the hair is front and center. We reach more than 16 million monthly followers across our social channels. We also have a market research division and work with companies to help them develop and market products to the curly market.

It’s a much more competitive world than it was when we started. There are thousands of influencers in the curly space, and we have learned the power of partnerships.

Congratulations on the success of your book, The Curl Revolution! How was the experience of writing the book?

It was an incredible experience, and really reinvigorated me and reminded me of why we started NaturallyCurly in the first place. Over the course of a few months, I interviewed more than 100 women – some well-known curlies, and some community members – about their curl stories. It was incredibly inspiring, but also reinforced the need for a community like NaturallyCurly. Curlies are a unique group, and we are always looking for newer, better ways to work with our hair.

Tell us about some of the women that inspire you.

This is so hard. There are so many women I’ve come across in this industry who are so inspirational – other entrepreneurs who were sick of waiting for things to be done so they created them on their own.

But ultimately, I’d have to say, my mother. At 81, she’s still knocking on doors for political candidates, marching in protest rallies, volunteering for important causes. She’s been doing this her whole life. We were boycotting grapes when I was a kid because she wanted to support the Farm Workers. We marched in “No Nuke” rallies, we marched in peace marches. She has always ingrained in us the importance of standing up for what you believe in. I see the impact she has on people around her.

What is some of the best advice you have been given or lessons learned?

Sometimes, you just have to listen to your gut and disregard all the naysayers. When we first started out, everybody laughed when we told them about our business. We had a lot of people who flat out told us it was a bad idea. “Why don’t you focus on hair in general rather than just curly hair?” Had we listened to them, I doubt we would have been successful.

What do you love about living/working in Austin, Texas?

There is such an incredible sense of community in Austin. Everybody seems to know someone who knows someone. I love going to the grocery store and running into a bunch of random friends.

I also love how supportive this city has been to small businesses. There is so much support for entrepreneurs. Everybody is so willing to help you out and donate their time and connect you with people.

Shout out to another lady boss that you love or are inspired by:

I love Elaine Welteroth. She was the editor of Teen Vogue. She was the youngest editor-in-chief ever at Conde Nast. As a former journalist, I have so much respect for how she was able to transform the magazine. Rather than focusing on superficial topics – how to get a date for prom – it dedicated its coverage to politics, social justice and feminism alongside fashion, beauty and pop culture. Having a teenage daughter, I was so thankful for someone who believed that young women should be exposed to important issues.

Tell us about any great books you are reading.

I’m reading a fantastic book by Jodi Picoult called Small Great Things. I love the way her books tell a story through the point of view of multiple characters.

NaturallyCurly will host Texture on the Runway ’18 in New York on September 6th. It kicks off NY Fashion Week, and will show the world that curls and coils are beautiful and fashionable. It will be their fourth year hosting the event in New York (They just hosted their first Texture on the Runway in Atlanta last month.”>

“I’m so proud that Texture on The Runway has become a must-see event for a lot of beauty editors and influencers.” Here is a video from last year’s event.

Photo by Tania Quintanilla. Hairstyling by curl expert Bianca Castillo, Makeup by Shannon Van Horn.

Photographed at SHDW Studios in Austin, Texas.

Meet all of our Ladies To The Front here.

Want to nominate a lady-boss? Contact us here.

Sign up for the Trove newsletter to keep up with their blog series and see new work from their artists.

5 Mistakes All Transitioning Naturals Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Three women with curly hair show off their hair texture standing arm and arm

Image: @dazhaneleahphotos

Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed by your choice to go natural? We know that the care and keeping of natural curls can be a lot of pressure at first. There’s a ton of information online to help you learn but everything is broken down into curl pattern, there are a million different products, and you’re not sure what applies to you, your style, and your texture. There is so much to learn about your natural curls and how to care for them that it can definitely feel like information overload. So many of us have made mistakes early on in our transition to that natural life – take it from us and avoid these frustrating oops moments.

1. Don’t Overwear Your Protective Style

You really can have too much of a good thing. Protective styles are essential to supporting the quality and health of your hair and helping your hair grow. Over-manipulation of your hair can cause stress, breakage, shrinkage, impediment to growth, and an unhealthy look and feel to your hair and protective styles can help – but there’s a limit. Never wear your protective style for longer than 8 weeks; 6 is plenty. A huge part of caring for any type of hair – especially curly and coily textures – is keeping your scalp healthy and giving your scalp and the roots of your hair room to breathe. Try this routine after taking down your protective style to feel revitalized and prevent hair mishaps.

2. Don’t Brush Your Hair

The brushes and combs you used for your straightened, relaxed hair is not cut out to be used on curls. If brushed, your curls will blow out and expand, become frizzy, and could experience stress or breakage. The wrong choice of tools can have a massively negative – and long term – impact on your new, natural curls. Choose a wide-tooth comb with stiff, separated bristles to separate and define your curls without frizz, snags and tangling, or damage.

3. Give Your Edges Some Love

The care and keeping of your edges isn’t just about the way you look. Of course healthy, cared-for edges will look more polished and beautiful framing your face and supporting the roots of your hair – but there’s more to it. To polish your appearance – especially if you’re used to the look of chemically treated hair – your instinct may be to pull your edges tightly into protective styles and gel them into place. Resist! Constantly yanking your edges into formation will only cause them to break and strain. Instead, condition your edges, loosen the tension when you style them into place, and keep them nourished with cocoa butter or shea butter.

4. Don’t Skip the Deep Conditioner

How does your scalp feel? When transitioning to natural hair, many women feel dry and itchy or irritated. If you’re experiencing a dry scalp, your curls won’t have enough moisture to travel down your strands and keep them strong and smooth from root to tip. You would benefit from the addition of a deep conditioner. (We love this one from Dominican Magic“>. The quality and feel of your hair will improve, your scalp will be less itchy and more comfortable, and the overall health of your head and hair will improve drastically by conditioning deeply once per week.

5. Give Yourself Time to Learn

Being a natural girl comes with a lot of lingo and knowledge that takes time to develop. You may feel in a hurry to learn everything you can, try every new product you hear about, and learn everything there is to know about your hair type. The fact is, you’re in a growth phase. Your hair type may change and evolve with your growth. The experience you have with different products may change as you grow or learn different tactics. As you transition, be mindful that all you have is time and make sure that you don’t pressure yourself to look, feel, or perform self-care in any certain way. This metamorphosis takes time – try to welcome and embrace your texture as it evolves and don’t compare yourself to other natural girls who have different hair or more experience than you do. You’re doing great.

For more tips for your transition, here are some transition do’s, some transition don’ts, and some transition support for you.


Are you transitioning? Let us know your hair struggles in the comments below so we can help you along your journey.

DIY Scalp Exfoliation: The Do’s and The Don’ts

Woman sitting on a bench smiling with curly hair

Image: istock

Your scalp is the foundation for great hair. You probably know by now that you should pay close attention to cleansing your scalp, moisturizing your scalp, and even massaging your scalp to activate your sebum, protect your roots, and prevent irritation. Did you know that should also exfoliate your scalp? You can keep your scalp in great condition, stimulate hair follicles, and slough away dead skin and product residue with a scalp exfoliant.

Why should you exfoliate the scalp?

There are a few great reasons to consider the use of DIY scalp exfoliators as part of your hair care routine:

  • Remove that dead skin. The biggest reason to exfoliate is that it can help remove dead skin cells from the surface of the scalp. Dead skin cells can hinder the overall health of your scalp and leave you feeling dry, itchy, and victimized by dandruff.
  • Circulate your blood. Another good reason to consider an exfoliating step for your scalp is to help improve blood circulation. Proper blood circulation is essential for a healthy scalp and promotes hair growth through follicle stimulation.
  • Eliminate residue. Curly girls use a LOT of products and residue happens. Product residue can clog your pores, cause itching or irritation, and can even become visible on your scalp.

Mistakes to Avoid During Scalp Exfoliation

  • Don’t go hard! You don’t need to apply extra vigor to achieve a healthy, exfoliated scalp. A gentle approach to scrubbing will protect from abrasions on the skin.
  • Don’t crystallize. Whether you’re purchasing an exfoliating product or trying a DIY recipe, avoid harsh crystallized ingredients. Choose something with coffee grounds or brown sugar over a cane sugar or sea salt exfoliant for a soft experience.
  • Don’t exfoliate too often. You should exfoliate your scalp twice per month. Over-exfoliation can leave the skin irritated, raw, and even susceptible to infections if abrased.

DIY Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub

To make your own DIY scalp exfoliator you only need two ingredients:

  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • ½ cup brown sugar

Stir until well blended and apply to scalp. Massage in circular motions using the pads – not the nails – of your fingers. Rinse completely and finish with the Jessicurl scalp massage oil for a luxurious treat.


How you treat your scalp will have a direct effect on the growth and health of your hair and how you feel in your skin. For more on exfoliating your scalp check out our how-to guide to scalp exfoliation or learn more about calcium bentonite clay for dandruff sufferers.

How do you exfoliate your scalp? Let us know your go-to scalp care routine in the comments below.

7 New Ways to Reimagine Your TWA

The big chop was a liberating moment for your hair. Leaving relaxers, chemicals, and straighteners behind, you’re embracing your natural texture. That’s something we get excited about around here. If this is your first experience styling and maintaining your natural look, the teeny-weeny afro that your chop left behind might feel like a bit of a stranger. How do you style it and make it feel fresh and different week to week? How do you customize your look with hair this short so you can still express yourself? If you’ve rocked the TWA before, you may have found a few key styles that work for you but if you’ve hit a rut – you’re not alone. We scoured the web to find the most stylish, fresh, and chic ways to rock the TWA – which one will you try?

1. Braided Front TWA

Want to frame your face a little differently, add some shape, and feel like a new you? This tutorial will show you how to separate and braid your hair for a fresh twist on your classic TWA look. Learn how to section your TWA for a chic and balanced look that keeps your texture loose and lively in the back. With this style, you can add beads to match an outfit or change up your look to match your mood.

2. Double Puff Braided TWA

The double puff look is a classic style that gives off a youthful, fun vibe. You might think you can’t rock this look with the length you’ve got but this is one of the easiest styles to start working toward and there are multiple ways to play around and customize it as you grow. To keep your sides sleek and controlled, Olive recommends Hicks Pomade which is a fantastic product for smoothing edges, keeping braids under control, and providing a smooth finish where you need it. This video will get you feeling inspired.

3. Faux Undercut Tapered TWA

An undercut is always a popular style choice, but if you are looking for the same effect without going near the clippers, you might really love this easy, short-sides tapered TWA. Without sacrificing your growth, you can enjoy a whole new shape and a cool, controlled feel. See how to pull it off here:

4. The Wash N Go

The Wash N Go is a classic for curlies and coilies like us. You can enjoy that shower-fresh look and feel by updating your routine. Follow along with Jaleesa as she uses As I Am Coconut Cowash for that cleansing TLC for her scalp, Double Butter for extreme hydration, and Coil Defining Jelly to keep her TWA defined and polished.

5. High Puff with a TWA

Who says ladies with the TWA can’t enjoy a gorgeous, classy updo? In the video, Dayvia shows you how to pick your fro and then use bands to stretch your hair and coax out just a little extra length. She’s working with 9 months of growth during this tutorial but you can try this look sooner and see what works for you. You’ll learn how to wrap your headband and roll your TWA into an elegant high puff. Dayvia recommends finishing this look off with Lotta Body Control Me Edge Gel – a product we love at Naturally Curly. She’ll show you how to comb down and manage your edges, pulling out pieces to really define and frame your high puff for maximum style.

6. Slicked Down TWA

This is a fantastic style option for the shortest, freshest big chop ladies. If you have a newly cut TWA, this is a great option to make you feel polished and pressed while you get to know your new texture. For veteran natural girls, this sleek TWA tutorial will help you reinvent your process to achieve a classic look. Nia uses the SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie to achieve a soft, not-crispy finish to her sleek, slicked-down look. This is one of our highest-selling items and has been voted Best of the Best products for curlies and coilies.

7. Afro Puffs with a TWA

Are these cute and energetic afro puffs off limits for your post-chop TWA? They’re not as impossible as you might think. Follow Cindyrella’s tutorial and see how she transforms her slightly-grown out TWA into full-bodied puffs that demand attention. This tutorial is simple but comprehensive and you’ll learn how to use EcoStyler Olive Oil Gel and Smooth ‘N Shine Foaming Wrap Lotion to keep this look smooth and stylish until you’re ready to wash.

If you’re new to the TWA or looking for more guides on how to care for your new, natural hair, we’ve got more chatting to do. Check out our TWA Survival Guide, these tips for Trimming your TWA and more short, curly style inspo!

Embrace Your Mixed-Texture Hair with 5 Stylish Looks for Transitioning

African-American woman with curly hair smiling

Image: @mini_marley


The journey of transitioning to natural hair can be a bumpy ride. One of the most common issues new naturals run into is dealing with multiple textures at once. It can be stressful to style and care for multiple textures and many curly girls end up frustrated, rocking the same style for weeks because it’s the only look that seems to work. Change up your rotation and find love for your mixed texture curls with these 5 styles:

1. The Twist Out

The Twist Out is a must for transitioning and curly girls. As your hair grows, this is a style that grows with you. However, a lot of us struggle with this style because it requires some patience so your look doesn’t end up too chunky or too frizzy. Watch India of My Natural Sistas as she masters the twist, the takedown, and the picking of her voluminous Twist Out and shows you how to keep your ends in check. For a smooth finish, she recommends CURLS Blueberry Bliss Twist-N-Shout Cream.

2. The Three-Strand Twist

Just like the twist out, a three-strand twist should definitely be in your bag of tricks. This look is easy to create, lets you hide some mixed texture, and protects your ends. This quick guide from Samantha Harris of Ahfro_Baang will show you how to get that not-frizzy, not-flat three-strand twist that will even out your various textures and help you achieve mega-sexy volume.

3. Cocoon Curls

If you really want to embrace your textures – however they’re developing – and let your hair run wild and free, try cocoon curls! This is a look with a lot of body and attitude but if you’ve got it, why not flaunt it? Using the Camille Rose Twisting Butter – which we LOVE – Christine Amor shows us how to achieve cocooned twists. These loopy little slipknots seem more complex to create than they really are – give this one a try. Your end result will feel retro-inspired and chic.

4. The Flat Twist

If you really want to camouflage your multi-texture look, the Flat Twist will help you mask the varied pattern of your curl, root to end. Lianne at Chronicurls makes this style look super easy but if you’re new to it, take it slow and section your hair carefully for best results. Lianne is using the Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-in Conditioner, Edge Gel, and Brazilian Curl Cream to achieve this smooth, stylish look.

5. The Chunky Twisted Updo

This updo is an any-texture favorite that works well for date-night, the office, or casual outings. Because it’s so versatile, it’s essential to master this style especially once your hair has grown fairly long. Starting with stretched hair, TJ shows us how to section, twist, and secure this look into place.

Which of these styles are you going to try this week?

Tag us on Instagram and show us your mixed texture style wins! We can’t wait to see you shine.

How to Create a Zig Zag Part with Curly Hair


African-American women with zig zag part and two buns looking down

Image: @mycurlyarmy


Many of us change our hairstyles to match our mood all the time. Whether you’re looking to change-up your style for a night on the town or to flaunt like the boss that you are in the boardroom, there are tons of ways to style your hair to reflect how you want to feel. One effortless way to add some fun to your look without a whole lot of effort is to create a zig-zag part. Varying your part is a no-commitment way to make your usual styles look a bit different and it can stimulate growth by surprising your follicles.

The zig-zag look is great for your kids to feel fun and creative at school, as well as for you when you just want something a little different. Here are a few tips on how to create a zig-zag part with curly hair plus a video to help you learn how.

How to: Zig Zag Part


1. Start with damp hair. Hair that is damp is easier to work with and will lay down to help you map out your part better than dry hair.

2. Moisturize. When working with parting, make sure the hair has some gel or oil in it to help with separating the sections and also help you to get that sleek finish once your zig-zag is complete.

3. Start at the front. Separate hair close to the forehead hairline using the handle of a rat tail comb. Pull the hair to the right about an inch – this measurement may be smaller if you’re creating this look for your child.

4. Keep it neat. Make sure the line you create is clean and you collect any stray strands back into either the newly created section or the rest of your strands – let your natural hair pattern guide which direction strays need to be pulled.

5. Choose your angle. When it comes to the size of sections, you can do large sections which will make a zig-zag with a few lines or smaller sections for more lines to create a zipper-zag. You decide which look you want to achieve and how much drama you want to create with this look.

6. Keep Zagging. Gather a new section of hair and pull it to the left. Try to make the size of the hair sections about the same to create an even part and keep the zig-zag “straight” – and ending in the center of your head at the back.

7. Repeat. Take your part all the way to the back, alternating between left and right sections until you have the zig-zag you hoped to achieve.

8. Set the style. Set the style with a little of your favorite styling gel or oil to prevent flyaways or frizz. We love

Of course, the easiest ways to learn how to create a new style is to see a visual example. Check out this quick tutorial on how to create a zig-zag part with curly hair to help pull off this look below.


Have you tried a zig-zag part? Let us know your tips in the comments below.

For more on sections and parts, check out how to find the most flattering part for your face shape, learn how to transform your look by changing up your part, and grab a few tricks to keep your part straight and smooth.

Are Shampoo Bars Worth A Try? You Ask. We Answer.

There are a lot of products on the market that claim to cleanse your curly hair and your scalp. Navigating all of the different shampoos available – and choosing one that actually suits your needs – can cause a headache for most naturals. Shampoo bars are a popular alternative to the hundreds of liquid shampoo options you could choose from – but are bars better? We answer your pressing questions about bar shampoo below…

Soaps and Shampoo

EasterBunnyUK — iStock

What is a Shampoo Bar?

While 95% of the shampoos available are in liquid form, these shampoos come in bar form – not unlike a bar of soap. This solid-form cleanser does everything a liquid shampoo can do – cleanse, add volume and sheen, protect, add moisture – but requires less complex packaging (an environmental win!”> and claims to be void of those harsh chemicals that most liquid alternatives are full of. More on that later.

How do I use a Shampoo Bar?

For many people, there is clearly an adjustment period to the idea of using bar form over the traditionally used liquid. It can feel super awkward at first to rub a bar of soap on your head and through your curls. Since it can feel a little strange to rub a bar all over your scalp, most people choose to lather the bar shampoo in their hands and then massage their scalp and strands. While this might feel more tedious at first, we waste less product this way – a major perk, since bar shampoo lasts longer than the bottled alternative as well!

Is bar shampoo better than liquid?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Many curly girls who try bar shampoo return to their liquid faves but shampoo bars are making waves in the curly community and across the board because of a few key benefits:

  • Easy travel. No liquid limitations in your carry on – take solids instead!
  • Space saving. Bulky pump-top bottles take up valuable shelf space – bars won’t!
  • Money saving. Because you get more washes out of a bar than you will out of a bottle at the same price, you buy shampoo less often, and you save a few bucks. WIN!
  • Fewer harsh chemicals. This is dependent on the brand you buy (of liquid OR of bar shampoo”> but in general, a solid-form requires less additives like Soidum Lauryl Sulfate or Ammonium. These ingredients strip your hair of moisture.

What are the drawbacks to Shampoo Bars?

Largely, women who try the bar complain that it takes longer to wash their hair and scalp than it would with liquid shampoo. Also, a waxy buildup can occur from some bars – a problem that’s easily fixed with an apple cider vinegar rinse. Some women would rather skip that step!

Where can I find a Shampoo Bar to try?

If you’re interested in giving shampoo bars a try, we recommend the OBIA Naturals Coconut Shea Shampoo Bar or this Shampoo and Body Bar by MYHoneyChild.

If you decide to try out the Shampoo Bar, let us know how it worked out for you in the comments!

5 Braid Trends You Should Try This Spring

African-American woman with acessorized braids

Image: @ayeciara

We all want to look our best so we are ready to take on whatever life brings our way. When it comes to our curls, finding the best style takes some time and effort. For a lot of curlies, braided styles are a mainstay in their style rotation because they’re easier to maintain throughout the week. Braids are also a fantastic way to protect your hair while still looking beautiful and expressing your unique style. That’s just it, though – when you get into a braiding rut, you don’t feel like you’re achieving a unique look anymore. We gathered up 5 unique, fresh braided styles for you to try Here are 5 unique braids for your hair when you’re feeling something new.

1. French Braids

This one doesn’t seem unique at first – we’ve all heard of french braids. However, when you’re looking to switch up your style, french braids can be modified a million different ways. French braids can seem difficult to master if you’re new to them but once you get the hang of these, they’ll stay on your rotation. The best thing about french braids is how well they stay put throughout the day and how versatile they are – appropriate for anything from work, to cocktails, to the gym. Check out how Rayann achieves her frenchies using My DNA Moisturizing Hair Butter and a careful, skilled approach.

2. Stitch Braid Pony

Want a braided look that’s pretty from any angle? This one looks intricate and complicated but with a little practice, it’s super doable and looks sporty-chic. Like the french braids, this one stays in place and is comfortable to wear. Ideal for longer hair and possible for medium-length natural girls, this is one to try:

3. Dutch Braids

When you want a look that is perfect for a pigtail inspired look, Dutch braids are where it’s at. Also called Inverted French Braids, this is an any-texture style that’s equal parts elegant and stylish. Jasmine achieves this look beautifully and shows you how to get it done, too. Grab your Argan Oil, Curl Gel, and Styling Paste and let’s get started…

4. Trendy Pocahontas Braids

This ultra-feminine, long-locks look is perfect when you want to rock your favorite extensions and feel flawlessly put together. Ciara will show us how to braid the front of our natural hair, pulling it into two long braids and adding gold hair cuffs to jazz it up.

5. Braided Crochet Updo

The crochet braid is a high-impact style that will impress your friends and coworkers because it’s just a little bit extra. Tiny corn rows flank each ear and tie into two larger rows at the top of the head going back into the crochet hair which is added in sections. The hair is then fluffed, twisted, and pinned in place for a faux-hawk, pompadour style that is sure to turn heads.

Which of these styles will you be trying? Let us know your favorite in the comments below.

For more braiding tips and hair inspo check out our list of the thirty BEST braided styles, learn more about braid maintenance, and avoid these bad braiding habits.