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For curly girls, hair butters are a thicker, more controllable alternative to oils. Butters provide the same dense, replenishing moisture and sheen as a coconut or jojoba oil would do, but with the added benefit of creamy pliability and application – perfect for laying edges, smoothing ends, and securing protective styles.
Why make your own?
There are tons of wonderful hair butters on the market, so why bother going through the DIY process? The fact is, when you create your own products at home, you can feel confident about the ingredients. Since some products use preservatives and drying alcohols in their recipes which can be damaging to your hair. While there are many naturally-based products available to buy, making hair butter at home without these harmful elements can be a great way to be sure you know what you’re applying to your hair and scalp. When you DIY, you will also be able to customize the ingredients you use in your hair butter to best suit your texture and preferences. The DIY alternative may be more affordable than the jar at your beauty supply store as well.
DIY it: Whipped Shea and Olive Oil Hair Butter
One of the easiest DIY hair butters requires only two ingredients. When you combine ½ cup of shea butter and ¼ cup of olive oil together and whisk, you get a butter that is fluffy and hydrating. This Olive Oil and Shea butter recipe can be used for adding moisture to your strands, laying edges, or getting a little hold (without the crunch!”>.
DIY it: Whipped Mango and Honey Hair Butter
Olive oil can be a little heavy for some hair types and for certain styles. Mango butter is a fantastic, light alternative and paired with the richness of honey, this butter provides a rich finish to any style. Simply combine 1 cup of melted mango butter with a few drops of honey and stir until blended well. Whip for a few minutes until you get a light, fluffy consistency. This can be used for styling and conditioning your hair and it smells amazing.
DIY it: Coconut-Shea-Aloe Hair Butter
For a rich butter that helps with a range of textures and styles, this is a must-try recipe. Combine ½ cup of shea butter and 2 tablespoons coconut oil until melted and well blended. Add in ¼ cup of aloe vera gel to the mixture and stir until blended. You can either let your mixture sit in the fridge a few hours and use directly for a thicker consistency, or you can whip it for a fluffier consistency, depending on your preference. Your hair will appreciate the vitamin-richness of this butter.
Which DIY Hair Butter recipe will you try first? Let us know in the comments or post your finished product to Instagram and tag us!
For more DIY hair product recipes to try, check out our DIY Collection:
DIY Dry Shampoo
DIY Hair and Body Oil
DIY Olive Oil Deep Conditioner
Image: @venitahairboutique
If you’re looking to add extra volume to your naturally curly hair, or are simply in need of a temporary new look, you can easily do so with the use of wigs, weaves and clip-ins. There are pros and cons for each of them, but the most important thing is to know how long you plan on wearing it to see which works best for you. Here are a few things to consider about each one to help you choose between wigs, weaves, and clip-ins.
Wigs
• Wigs are best for when you want to change your entire look temporary with out the committment.
• Choose a wig that suits you. There are synthetic and human hair hair options depending on your budget choose the one that works for you. If it’s a human hair wig you’ll get the most out of by washing it regulary, even deep conditioning it.
• Even though you’re wearing a wig it’s important to protect your natural hair, avoid glue or tape at all costs and cleanse your scalp routinely.
• If you’re dealing with hair loss whether from chemotherapy or other medical conditions a wig is a great option to invest in.
• Depending on the quality of hair, most naturals can wear wigs up to 8 weeks then take a break protective styles for 4 weeks.
Weaves
• Whether you have a TWA or simply looking to try out a new style weaves are a great option that can last up to 3 months.
• Most weaves are sewed-in by hairstylists, so you would need to have a professional install for best results.
• Some weaves can add pressure to your edges, so be sure your hair braided underneath isn’t too tight.
• Scalp care is essential when wearing weaves, be sure to cleanse and moisture your scalp regularly.
• Weaves are more limiting since once the hair extensions are sew-in they aren’t able to
Clip-Ins
• Clips-ins are a fast way to enhance your look rather than change it.
• They can be more easily removed than weaves, so you can change them whenever you want.
• Clips are easy to blend with natural hair if you find the right texture, so they will look natural.
• They are also quick to install and remove so you can change your style from day to day with clip-ins unlike weaves.
• These are a great option for instantly adding volume to your natural hair without changing your entire style or needing to book with a hairstylist.
As a natural you have endless options when it comes to switching up your look. One of the amazing benefits of being a natural is the versatility is endless. Thouugh, they are plenty of options to choose from be sure you’re caring for your natural hair and cleansing it regualry and invetsing in quality hair and blend, blend, blend.
What are some of ways you add volume to your hair or switch up your look? Let us know in the comments below.
While a process of trial and error may be a part of the curly hair journey, prom isn’t a time to guess or get it wrong. Most curlies feel the need to straighten their hair for formal occasions, but that is so unnecessary! If you want to straighten just to change things up, we won’t judge you, but if you want to take your signature curls with you to prom then you definitely have plenty of options. We’ve gathered several naturally curly hairstyles for you to choose from that would be great for prom.
1. Braided Crown
When looking at prom hairstyles for curly hair, this one gives the best of a pretty updo with flowing, flirty curls. It is easy to create in a matter of minutes for a look that will make you the belle of the ball.
2. Braided Updo
If an updo is more your formal style, this look will help you turn heads. This braided updo is great to protect your curls whiel you dance the night away on your big night. Grab some gold thread and you’ll be sure to be the center of attention.
3.Hair Accessories
For the girl looking to glam up her naturally curly hair effortlessly, try adding a few hair accessories. No matter your length, jazz up your curls with some glamorous hair accessories.
4. Twisted Updo
When you want to rock your curls and an elegant updo, this is the look for you. This flat twist updo will be sure to give you a bit of volume and defined curls without using any heat.
5. Braided Half Updo
If you prefer to showcase your curls, coils or waves, you can just braid the face-framing section of your hair and leave the rest of your hair down in either a wash & go or a twist out. In addition to the easy braided half updo, India shares 7 more hairstyles in this tutorial, many of which could look gorgeous with a prom gown.
6. Criss Cross Updo
For a look big on drama and upscale style, the criss-cross updo has you covered for your prom hairstyles for curly hair needs. This pretty updo gives a glamorous appeal perfect for making a grand entrance that lasts all night.
Are you wearing your hair curly to prom?
Let us know what style you’ll be wearing your hair to prom in the comments below!
Lasandra Barksdale dug into her purse and pulled out 4-inch-long loc.
“I pull on them, so I know I’m my own worst enemy,” says Barksdale, who has had locs for eight years, and wants to grow them to butt-length.
If you have dreadlocks, you have probably heard about the dreaded breakage scenario. You spent months or years getting them to a certain length, so when they break off, it can be pretty upsetting. Here are five things to do when your locs break so you can get back on track.
1. Don’t get too upset
The first time one of your locs break, you might get pretty upset. Since this look takes some time to cultivate, it can be frustrating when you get the dreaded breakage outcome. Whether it is a little break or a lot of breakage, it can be upsetting. Don’t get too upset though because there are things you can do to make this situation better.
2. Find out why
Aside from dealing with the breakage by checking your emotions on the matter, finding out why is the crucial next step. If your locs are breaking off there is usually a root cause worth investigating. Are you pulling your styles too tight? Are you washing your locs too often and drying them out? Do you need more daily moisture because they have become brittle and dry? If you can find the root cause of the issue, it can be helpful in the future. If dryness is your problem, try out Soultanicals Hair Sorrell Knappylicious Kinky Drink, Cantu Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel or TGIN Twist & Define Cream.
3. Reattach
The good news is that you can reattach your broken locs. You can either go to a professional or reattach it on your own. This will help you to keep an even length throughout your hair as opposed to having a few areas where your locs are shorter and uneven. To reattach a loc, take the end of the short loc and divide it into two sections, then take your broken loc and place it in between the two sections. Then do a traditional braid, using the two end sections and the loc as the three sections of your braid. Then palm roll the loc once you’re done without any products. You can watch Jungle Barbie use this method here.
4. Prevent it
Once you have established the root cause of the breakage, you should do your best to prevent it from happening in the future. This can mean everything from getting regular trims to make sure your locs aren’t being weighed down to the point of breaking to dealing with the problem of thinning. If you have locs that are thinning in certain spots, you can have your stylist repair the area by using some added hair from the beauty supply store to wrap around the thin areas until your hair gets back to its desired thickness.
5. Add some protective styles
If you are experiencing breakage, you should also consider adding a few protective styles to your look. A protective style for locs can be anything from wrap styles to updos or any style that gives your locs a break from manipulation or pulling. Here are 15 loc tutorials to give you style inspiration.
Top Loc Tips from our CurlTalk forum
“Don’t use beeswax products after they have locked.” NubianCoils
“Don’t overtwist or be too obessessed with an overly manicured aesthetic. You don’t want locs that hang on for dear life.” — Msjaim
“Sleep with your hair covered at night.” — Luvmylocs
“Don’t use terry cloth towels.” — NubianCoils
“Use a satin pillowcase.” — Akilamonique
“Even though the hair is loc’ed, make sure the hair is conditioned to avoid dry brittle locs.” – Geode
“I’ve always (and still do”> rinse my hair in the shower daily!” — NubianCoils
“Cut down on the shampooing.” — Ekaette
For more information, check out these Instagrammers with locs.
Although the temperatures are rising in many places around the country – and it’s officially the first day of Spring – another Nor’easter has its site set on the East Coast this week. The cold and wind are especially hard on curlies, dehydrating the hair. As you prepare for Winter Storm Toby, here are 5 winter tips for natural hair to make sure your curls come out of the season as beautiful as ever.
1. Wash less often
This might sound like old news. But one of the easiest winter tips for natural hair doesn’t require to take on more work at all but instead might lighten your workload. In the winter, dry air can strip hair of natural moisture it needs to stay hydrated and healthy. Cutting back on the frequency of wash day can help keep more of your oils intact for a longer period. Over-washing can dry out scalp and strands, so in the winter, consider cutting back a little. When you do shampoo, opt for sulfate-free shampoos or cleansing conditioners like Mielle Organics Detangling Co-Wash, Ouidad Curl Immersion No-Lather Coconut Cleansing Conditioner and AG Hair ReCoil Sulfate-Free Curl Care Shampoo.
2. Check the lining of hats
While you may think checking your hat isn’t that important, it is one of the winter tips for natural hair. In the winter, cold temperatures make having a beanie or hat a necessity to stay warm. To make sure your curls aren’t being robbed of moisture by abrasive caps, opt for beanies that are loose fitting or lined with satin material to keep curls safe. Take a tip from your nighttime routine and when breakage and frizz are possibilities, wear a satin-lined cap. Make sure you put all of your hair into the cap because although they will protect you from the frizz of a normal cap, if you wear them with your hair down you are still prone to having a head full of flat, volume-less curls.
3. Wrap hair
Most naturals wrap their hair at night to avoid damage and lock in products at bedtime but wrapping in the winter can be your go-to style. With cold air and moisture from snow, your curls can take a beating if left exposed. By wearing a stylish wrap look during the day, as well as at night, your strands will get the total coverage they need to survive the season. Check out these beautiful Ruby Sampson Head Wraps, and here are 45 gorgeous ways to wrap them.
4. Oil ends
An easy way to combat the effects of the seasons is by oiling your ends. When you use your favorite oil, whether it’s coconut oil, olive oil, or one of your own choosing, it seals the ends of your strands to help prevent moisture loss, so your strands stay healthy. Natural oils such as jojoba, rosemary and lavender are so important in the cooler months because they help keep your scalp and hair in good condition. Check out Darshana Natural Indian Hair Oil and Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil.
5. Swap out lighter moisturizer with heavier ones
If you are still using the same game plan in the winter that you used in summer, it is time to upgrade. Your rotation of products should change with the changing seasons. Make sure you evaluate the state of your hair to get the right moisturizer for your needs. Some good ones to ty include As I am DoubleButter Cream Rich Daily Moisturizer, Mane Choice Green Tea & Carrot Deep Strengthening & Restorative Mask Treatment and Crème of Nature Pure Honey Moisture Replenish & Strength Hair Mask.
How CurlTalk Community Members Deal with the Cold
“I used to only airdry for 7 years, but discovering the pixiecurl method of diffusing won me over to the diffusing side. I diffuse for 30 minutes and then it takes about 3-4 more hours to completely dry. Still annoying and cold in the Winter, but at least it’s not sopping wet and literally freezing up.” – Shalomcurls
“Myself, I can use more cream stylers than gel in the winter. In the spring and fall when the weather is half-n-half, it can get frustrating to figure out what works :shock.” – LavenderCurls
“When the dewpoints are really low, most hair usually needs less protein and more moisture. ” –Kathymack
“I’ve started washing at night again because who wants to go outside with wet hair?!” –Russianprncss
“A big hood is definitely gentler for me than a hat.” – Naturecat
“The L.O.C. method is now O.L.C. The other method was working well until my hair for some reason began to drier. Then I remembered an oil I used a long time ago, and now am using it–pure Vitamin E. After it’s applied to second day dry hair, yes, my hair is greasy and sticky. But the next morning, it’s soft, moisturized and no stickiness. And after application, it lasts about 2 days. Not sure what’s happening, but I’ll change the method again if needed. Right now it’s the O.L.C.O. method, lol!” – Greatcurls
“I switched back to a silicone conditioner a few days ago and that actually seems to have made a world of difference! I think a lot of my hair’s problem was that it was so tangled. ” – Alyssa.Godfr
“These are my winter 1,2,3s:
1. Pre Poo W Coconut oil (I’ve been slacking as of late”>
2. Co Wash / Deep Condition / Detangle
3. Brush hair / braid in 5 braids / Seal / Plop and Air dry” -BeautyOG
How do you change your curly hair routine in the winter?
Read next:
5 Tips to Winterize Your Curly Wavy Hair
Have Dry Winter Curls? It’s Time to Use the LOC Method
Pictured: Just Curly aka Sandra
If you’re looking for a no-frizz styling method that also fights flyaways, the pixie curl method may be what you’re looking for! You can use this styling method any time of year for any length of curly or wavy hair.
Keep in mind, this has nothing to do with a “pixie-style” haircut—this is just one method in which curls and waves can be dried and styled.
The best part of pixie curl styling is that you only need you dryer and hair diffuser and your favorite styling products.
Before you diffuse
You may want also to use a heat protector like Cantu Thermal Shield Heat Protectant or SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Grow Thermal Protectant Spritz. You might not need to use a heat protector if you don’t use heat a lot on your hair, or if you want a more natural look, since some heat protectors contain silicones and other additives. By diffusing, you are protecting your hair from direct heat and allowing the heat to literally “diffuse” through your hair.
Set the diffuser on high
When you’re ready to start drying, set your hairdryer on a higher setting. Long periods of heat exposure can damage hair, so this method reducing the amount of time your hair is exposed to high heat for a no-frizz finish. Typically we recommend blow drying curly hair on a lower setting, but many people who use this method find that curls tend to do better when the dryer is on a higher strength setting and when the process takes less time.
Flip over
Ready? Flip your hair over (helps with volume and flat tops”> and take one small section of hair. Place it on the diffuser and dry it with your diffuser by pushing up and working roots to ends and finishing with the dryer close to your head.
Turn off the dryer
Stop. Literally stop. Shut off your dryer, move to your next section, then start again. The idea is not to “blow” your hair around, but to try and move it as little as possible.
Repeat
You can also pile your hair on the diffuser, push it to your head, then turn on the heat. Allow it to sit for a minute (or less”>, shut the dryer off and move to another section. Do the same for every section of hair. You don’t want to spend more than 1 minute per section. If your hair is still wet, then go around a second time.
If you’re afraid to use too much heat, do 1 or 2 “rounds” and get your hair 85-90% dry, then let the rest dry on its own. To ensure a no-frizz finish, do not touch your hair as it dries.
Think of it as “plopping” your hair with a damp towel. You use the same motions, only with a diffuser instead of a towel.
Optional: Clipping
If you have a lot of hair, or if it’s longer, you may want to opt for the clipping method — both before and after pixie curling. First, style with the products you normally use. Then section using clips, and begin to dry with the pixie method. After you are done and the heat is off, you may opt to clip the hair again and pass over with your diffuser one last time.
You may need to experiment with the products you use for your hair type for this method as well as with the heat settings and amount of time you need for each section.
To help reduce the amount of time you expose your hair to heat, you may want to look for an ionic or tourmaline dryer. These tools help speed up the drying process yet leave hair shiny and healthy.
Once you’ve discovered just how well the no-frizz pixie curl method works, and just how bouncy and defined your curls and waves become, you’ll use it all the time.
Have you ever tried the pixie curl method, or do you have your own variation? Tell us how it worked for you in the comments.
There aren’t a lot of styles more classically fresh than a good fade.
But all good things must come to an end when you’re ready to switch your look up! If you’re growing out a fade hairstyle, we’ve got some tips to make this somewhat serious challenge less stressful for you and your strands!
iStock/Hagen Production
First off, recognize it will take time.
When it comes to growing out a fade hairstyle, the most important thing is to remember it’s not going to happen overnight. While there are certain things you can do to help encourage new growth, there’s no such thing as a supplement time machine. Patience is truly a virtue in this curly endeavor!
Start using products designed to encourage new growth.
While hair growth starts at the follicle level and is promoted by different factors overall, there are certain products designed to help you along this part of the natural hair journey. Certain herbal ingredients are known to stimulate the circulation of blood flow so the scalp can foster new growth, while other minerals and proteins aid the body’s production of keratin. A few good products for growth include Alikay Naturals’ Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil, SheaMoisture’s Bamboo Extract & Maca Root Resilient Growth Masque, and The Mane Choice’s Manetabolism Plus Vitamins. Look for ingredients like horsetail and biotin to speed things up, but remember not to expect an extra three feet of growth by the time a bottle is finished.
Keep your scalp healthy!
Of course all new growth starts at the scalp. While many people think of the scalp as being more of the crown of the head or the top, you have hair follicles along the hairline, too! The healthier you keep your scalp and your edges, the easier it will be to foster that growth. The keys to a healthy scalp are regular cleanings, conditioning with emollients to add hydration, avoiding buildup which can clog pores and stunt new growth, and dealing with any issues before they get in the way. For example, if you have dandruff or buildup, you need to remedy the situation quickly so you can get your scalp healthier enough for those inches-to-be! Look for anti-fungal and anti-septic ingredients in your hair care like the neem and tea tree oil found in this Obia Naturals shampoo bar. You might also consider switching to a styling product with lighter hold during this transition to prevent buildup and over-washing. Camile Rose Naturals’ Moisture Milk comes to mind!
Consider a trim to get an even style
A big concern when growing out this look is how uneven your hair might be while the sides of your head catch up to your crown. If you have a lot of curls on top on the longer side and your fade is more on the short to medium length, a good rule of thumb is to trim your upper curls to get a more uniformed look that is less awkward. If you can’t bear to part with any of the length you already have, consider rocking some headwraps for a while! You might not even want to stop…
Make sure you’re protected while you sleep!
Breakage doesn’t rest, even when we are. If you aren’t wrapping your hair at night, even with a shorter fade cut, you are doing a disservice to your curls. As new curls come in, they have to be babied a little to ensure they grow long and strong. Make sure you apply your favorite leave-in conditioner and wrap your hair in a silk or satin wrap before you hit the hay each night to protect your strands.
Are you phasing out your fade, curlies?
Tag us @naturallycurly to show us your progress!
With winter wreaking havoc on the weather, finding the right styles for your curls takes a little extra preparation and thought. When the weather forecast calls for a serious case of the flurries – or worse – another bomb cyclone, having a few tried and true snow day hairstyles is always a good idea to get you through the season in style. Here are 5 styles to break out of a rut when cold weather strikes.
1. Wrap Up
Depending on how extreme the weather is in your area, it may be time to wrap up your curls for a style that is pretty and protective all in one. Wrap styles are actually one of the more versatile choices because there are so many ways to wrap your curls. Here is a tutorial to help you master three different wrapping techniques to achieve this winter-friendly look:
Here are 45 more ways to wear a headwrap.
2. Heatless Winter Braid Out
Winter can be drying for our hair as is, so you don’t want to add to that by heat styling your hair. When you want a look that offers body and texture without taking on the extra damage of heat tools, these heatless curls are the way to go. This is an easy overnight look, so you wake up with beautiful winter curls perfect for the office or a day of fun.
3. Winter Wash and Go
A wash and go is a staple for most naturals, so when looking at snow day hairstyles, don’t count this one out just yet. This is such an easy way to get a great look to last throughout the day, so you want to look for ways to make it more winter friendly. The key here is thick cremes for lasting hydration. Here is a quick video of achieving a winter wash and go:
4. High Puff with Faux Bangs
A high puff is one of the easiest looks to pull off in any season. When you want a twist on the high puff complete with faux bangs, this video has you covered:
5. Winter Protective Style
Since winter can be a little harsh on your strands, it is important to have a protective style to keep your curls healthy during those harsh snow days. With this look, your ends are safely tucked in to avoid any damage while also giving you a pretty style that is easy to achieve.
If you’re going to be covering up with a hat or scarf, keep in mind that the material will likely be rubbing up against your curls, so opt for satin-lined accessories whenever possible.
How are you wearing your hair in the extreme cold?
Read next:
The extreme cold and dry air of winter robs our curls of much-needed moisture our natural hair needs to look and feel its best. That is why it’s so important to protect our curls from damage at this time of the year – and one way to do that is with the right hairstyle. Whether you are looking for a few protective styles to try out, or quick and easy hairstyle that requires low maintenance, we got you. Here are 5 natural winter hairstyles to help you stay on track and stay in style this season.
1. Halo Protective Style
A lot of winter hairstyles are meant to be protective to keep your strands from the dry air. With this look, you get a style that is protective and pretty for a win-win combination. Perfect for the office or a special event, this style is a must try. Check out this quick tutorial below on how to complete this look step by step.
2. Beanie Styles
Sometimes, the best natural winter hairstyles are about more than just the style of the curls. There is no denying the need for beanies to stay warm in freezing temperatures on snowy days, but many naturals worry about how to make it work with their curls. Here are a few ways to stay warm and stylish without damaging your curls.
3. Side Braid
For a look that is perfect for work or play, this side braid style is a winner. Best of all, it’s easy to do and lets you protect your strands from the winter weather. Check it out below.
4. Flat Twist Ponytail
When looking for a style you can easily wear with your favorite beanie or hat, this flat twist ponytail is a great go-to. This style is easy, pretty, and gives your curls a break from constant manipulation. Find out how to pull it off for yourself here.
5. Braided Bun
When you want a look that is easy to do in a matter of minutes, this five-minute style is the one to try out today. Perfect for winter weather by protecting your curls, it gives a sleek look that makes it well worth the short amount of time it takes to create. See more below.
Which hairstyle is your favorite? Let us know what protective styles you’ll be trying in the comments below.
Photo: @janibellerossanne
When winter comes around, your curls need extra attention. The dry cold air combined with the matters of snow and moisture deprivation can wreak havoc on your curls leading to unwanted damage. Here are a few trusted winter hair care tips to protect your curls against this trying season.
1. Make Deep Conditioning a Priority
The most important of all winter haircare tips is to make sure you are deep conditioning. The dry air of winter can zap your curls of natural moisture leaving them fragile, brittle and prone to breakage. If you live somewhere where the winter is extreme, you need to step it up from how often you were moisturizing in the fall. A good rule of thumb is that the more severe your winter, the more moisture you need. If you were applying in the morning, try applying in the morning and at night to keep your curls safeguarded against dryness.
2. Use a steamer
Deep conditioning with a steamer is a game changer, don’t believe me try it. If you have a steamer or heating/deep conditioning cap make sure you use it religiously. If you have neither of these items, no need to stress, grab a shower cap, plastic cap, or grocery bag and a warm towel it will get the job done. Steam helps to open your hair follicles and absorb the deep conditioner and soak up all the much need moisture.
3. Grab a Hat
Hat hair isn’t cute, but your curls will thank you. During the day, stepping outside the house in the winter can be an unenjoyable experience all around. Don’t let your curls suffer unnoticed. When you are on your way to work or school in the morning, your curls are being exposed to dry air. Make sure you wear a hat or wrap when you step outdoors during the winter to protect your curls from the dry cold air.
4. Wrap Hair at Night
Of course, doing all this work to keep your curls safe from the winter during the day isn’t worth much if you aren’t wrapping your hair at night. Wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf or a bonnet before bed after applying your favorite leave in or oil to trap in moisture, avoid friction and tangles, and give your curls a chance to rejuvenate and repair while you rest.
5. Scalp-Care is Key
With all this extra moisturizing you are doing to protect your curls from dryness, it’s important to regularly clean your scalp to remove access product buildup and combat dryness. While having natural oil is a good thing, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Make sure you regularly clarify your scalp as needed to keep everything in balance.
How do you protect your curls during the Winter months? Let us know your top curly girl tip in the comments below.
Read more:
Overcome Winter Dryness by Embracing and Nourishing Your Curls
The secret to healthy hair begins at the root. Maintaining a clean, moisturized and healthy scalp leads to healthy hair and hair growth. If your scalp is itchy, irritated, or dry your curls will pay the price which can lead to hair breakage. In order to create a healthy hair regimen, you can revitalize your scalp with the use of oils. Here are 4 of the best oils for scalp-care to use when you just can’t stand the itch.
1. Lavender
This is one of the most obvious oil choices. Lavender is naturally antibacterial, so it can help cleanse the scalp of bacteria, fungus, and other gross things that go on there. It also smells great and can give a nice calming effect. The main reason people choose this oil is that it has been reported to help with hair growth. In fact, a study published in the journal, Toxicological Research, found that lavender oil increases hair growth. The Jamaican Mango & Lime Black Castor Oil Lavender is pure and unrefined, retaining all their nutritive properties making it great to use as a skin softener, moisturizing massage oil or as a hot oil treatment for dry damaged hair, hair growth, and thinning hair.
2. Peppermint
When looking at the best oils for scalp health, peppermint oil is a no-brainer. This oil gives cool, tingling sensations that many people enjoy. While the feeling itself is pleasant, the effects of the tingle are an increase in circulation. Without proper circulation of blood, the scalp has a hard time generating new growth and turning over cell regeneration. Again, much like lavender oil, studies have confirmed that peppermint oil has benefits in the area of hair growth. Studies published in Toxicological Research indicate peppermint oil helps with hair growth by extending the anagen phase of the hair growth process. Eden Bodyworks Peppermint Tea Tree Hair Oil is an exotic blend of nourishing ingredients that penetrate the hair from root to tip to promote new hair growth without clogging pores. A perfect choice for hot oil treatments on all hair types.
3. Horsetail
One of the rare plants that can be used as an oil and an oral supplement, horsetail is rich in silica. Silica helps hair to grow, as well as helps to improve the strength of your curly strands. A study published in Dermatology Research and Practice reports that taking horsetail oil supplements can decrease hair shedding for women with thinning hair. There is also evidence to suggest that topical applications of the oil can have similar effects. Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil is blended with 17 of the best natural oils such as the horsetail powder which is extracted from the plant to reduce dandruff and hair loss.
4. Tea Tree
Dandruff, dead cells, and bacteria can get in the way of a healthy scalp. With tea tree oil, your scalp gets a powerful clean to remove product build-up. A study published in Journal of American Academy of Dermatology found that the use of shampoo with even a small percentage of tea tree oil in the formula could cause a 41% improvement in reducing dandruff flakes. Tea tree oil is known to be the cure scalp issues and has so many amazing benefits such as being an antibacterial, antifungal, and helps with dandruff and hair loss.
Do you use any of these oils to care for your scalp?
Let us know which ones are your favorite in the comments below.
So you’ve heard of oils, right?
iStock/Anna-Ok
Obviously, our lovely readers are at all different levels of naturalista know-how, from the product junkie kings and queens, to the level-one learners, but we can rest fairly assured that you know about treating your natural hair with oil, whether it involves brushing some blends fresh from the double boiler into your strands, or warming up the ol’ electric bonnet for a deep hot oil soak. But do you know what cold oil treatments are? No? Well, we can tell you—they’re not as complex as you might think.
Essentially, cold oil treatments are just…hot oil treatments at a different temperature.
Stop rolling your eyes, we’re getting to it. Cold oil could be more accurately called ‘room temperature’ oil—the process doesn’t actually involve refrigerating any of your treatments. If you’ve ever tried to pour cold, solidified oil, you’d know why. But why should you use them?
Several reasons, actually!
For one thing, cold oil treatments can save you some time! Many busy (or “lazy””> naturals would rather forego an oil treatment than have to heat up oil and sit with it. That works great for a full schedule, but it’s not as great for your hair’s health! Treating your curls and coils with room temp oil is a great compromise between either taking up time and counter space, and having dull, easily broken hair.
Sometimes, you don’t actually NEED to do a full treatment to get your hair to benefit.
Have you ever sealed your end with oil to avoid frizz? That’s a cold treatment! Ever applied some soothing oil in between your cornrows because you could feel that your scalp needed a little love while you had your braids in? That’s a cold treatment too. And if you use the LOC or LCO methods as part of your everyday routine, well, you get the idea. Chances are, you’ve been using cold oil treatments for a long time without referring to the process by its actual name! So if this is a vocab lesson, great!
Are cold oil treatments better than hot oil treatments?
Like most things in life, the answer is both yes and no. Cold oil treatments certainly have their place in your normal routine, but because the oil is the same temperature as the room around you, the cuticles of your hair aren’t going to raise and absorb the oil. If you have low porosity hair, you might not get as many benefits from cold oil treatments if you’re not also regularly doing hot oil treatments. Similarly, if you’re treating specifically to stimulate growth, room temperature oil isn’t going to increase circulation like warm oil would. Again, as long as you’re getting a nice scalp massage, it’s much MUCH better than not treating at all, but sometimes there are steps you just can’t skip!
So what kind of oil should you use?
Again, this is going to depend on your needs and hairtype. If you normally use a heavy oil like castor or avocado on your strands with a hot treatment, you may find that these oils ‘sit’ on your hair more without the spike in temperature. Try dialing down to a lighter oil like apricot, jojoba, or almond for maximum absorption. Then again, if you’re into Ayurveda, and you’ve been using stronger smelling oils like neem in your hot oil rinse-out rituals, you might find that using them cold leaves you smelling a little…too earthy. Consider subbing in a sweeter smell with essential oils blended in, or an infusion product like Monoi oil. If you’re treating your scalp, rather than your hair, you might not need to change anything at all as far as which oil you’re using. However, you might find that a cool oil takes a little longer to spread, and that you end up making more time for a rigorous scalp massage (which is always fine by us”>.
What’s your hot take on cold oil, curlies?
Let us know how you do or don’t do oil treatments in the comments!
What do we think of when we think of bows?
We think fun! Feminine! Girly! And sometimes, we even think sophisticated. No matter what, there’s a bow for every natural’s hair, and when it comes to pretty ways to wear your curls, bow hairstyles are a popular choice for naturalistas of all ages…even if we DO tend to give them to our younger curly princesses. Not only are bow styles classic and cute, they also add a nice finishing touch to any look. Are you ready to shake things up with your natural ‘do? There are so many more different ways than just headbands and clips (although, you’ll never hear us say those aren’t great”>. Let’s let these experts show us how it’s done.
Textured Bow Updo
This look is great for any age but is especially popular on little naturalistas. As a cute, yet protective style, this is going to be perfect for a girl that’s active in action packed after-school activities like cheerleading, or sports, or the debate about whether or not cheerleading is a sport! This look is easy to achieve and works well with any natural texture. Whether it’s a picture day look for your elementary school daughter, or a homecoming style for your teen, this is a great bow ‘do to have in your curly repertoire. See for yourself here with IAMAWOG’s expert hands!
Rubber Band Plaits
We know what protective styles are here, right? No worries if you don’t, they’re just a style that helps growth by keeping your curls’ ends tucked away. But who says protection can’t be just as much of a look? With this tutorial, you’ll be doing it up for an adorable bun with Gugu’s elaborate styling flair and little Miss Londi’s natural kiddie panache. Although you COULD do any other accessory in this style, a flower, a shell clip, etc, there’s no better way to add a little layer of springy floof than with a nice bow. And don’t let the model’s age fool you, this particular protective style holds water for curlies well into teens (and maybe even their 20s”>!
Hair Bow with Marley Braid
Okay, the curly kids have had their fun being models, it’s a curly queen’s turn! If you don’t have enough of your own length to make a bow out of your naturally grown hair, it’s not even a big thing, you can just pop down to the beauty store for a package. For this bow hairstyle, store-bought is fine! And for the hair with the closest texture to your own, or a seamless look, you’ll want to grab the Marley styles. For those of us who like a little more definition and texture to our styles, and insist that bows aren’t JUST for kids, let’s let Cherrell lead the way!
Any questions, curlies?
Do you want to rock a bow style? Let us know which ones in the comments!
Accidents happen.
We’re not perfect. And if you’ve ever had the unfortunate experience of gum in your hair, or your kids’ hair, you know this is one accident that can be a real pain. Literally. But with a few tips to get gum out of hair, you can combat any bubbliciousness on your own with minimal candy-alopecia effects.
iStock/ll28
Separate the affected area to avoid spreading
One of the biggest problems with gum in hair is that any surrounding hair around ground zero can get stuck in it the longer you leave it alone. It’s sticky fallout! Your best bet is to strike fast and isolate the area with the gum. Tie any affected strands into a small ponytail and then tie the rest of your hair back and put it up in a clip. And now that you’re ready to treat the problem…
Do not use ice
People love to say ice can help get gum out of hair, but this is an old wives’ tale that’ll have your curls feeling the freezer burn. Ice makes gum hard which makes it more difficult to get out of hair. Theoretically, you could make the gum hard enough to shatter and brush out of your hair…but if you had access to the dry ice or liquid nitrogen you’d need to do so, you probably wouldn’t be here. So unless you’ve got mad science at your disposal, your goal should be to warm up and soften the gum for the easiest removal without hair loss.
Try safe heat
Since ice makes gum harder and heat makes it softer, we want to go with a song of fire and no ice whatsoever. Try applying a little heat with a blow dryer to help loosen the gum up some. Once the gum is warmer, work with care to remove it without spreading it to other sections of your curls. And if you don’t own a hairdryer, don’t improvise! A heat gun, curling iron, or gas stovetop is no substitution. Make common sense decisions, because we’re not making plans to expand the site into ‘NaturallyBurned’ anytime soon.
Use peanut butter!
One of the strangest sounding tips to get gum out of hair is also one that really works the best. Putting peanut butter in your hair can help get gum out because the oils will loosen up the hair while the teeny-tiny peanut grit breaks down the gum. The key is to use a peanut butter with a higher fat content than a lower fat once since it will work better. Sorry, health-nuts…pun intended.
Apply peanut butter with a toothbrush
While you could apply the peanut butter with your fingers and massage it in, it is more effective to use a toothbrush if you can. The bristles will help break up the hair and gum while also evenly distributing the oils of the peanut butter. To give you a hard surface to brush against, use the back of a spoon as a surface. Once you feel the gum loosening, pinch it closely and pull it out! And HEY. No licking your fingers. You have a job to do.
Use heavier oil
If the peanut butter isn’t doing the trick, you can also go for something a little heavier in oil content. Applying cooking oil or olive oil can work most gum out. You want to make sure to completely saturate the area of the hair affected. If it seems loose enough to move, try gently brushing the gum up and out of the strands with a wide tooth comb. If it still isn’t soft enough, add more oil to the hair and allow it a few minutes to sink into the gum so it can break down. Just make sure you’re not using that time to beat yourself up! If it’s your kids’ hair though, well we could argue that they already feel bad enough, but you’re entitled to a few ‘I told you so’s’.
- Cover the gum completely with either peanut butter or oil.
- Very gently spread the oil with either your fingers, the wash cloth or a toothbrush.
- Let the oil (or peanut butter”> sit in the hair for a few minutes. This allows the oils to work and the gum to loosen from the hair.
- Using the toothbrush or cloth, gently move the gum out of the hair in downward strokes.
- Wash the hair as you normally would and style.
How about it, curlies?
Do you have any chewing gum horror stories? Get that bubble off your chest and share with us!
When looking to add some extra length, volume, or an entirely different style to your hair, extensions, AKA weaves, are a natural choice.
But eventually it comes time for the hair you bought and the hair you grew to go their separate ways. Installing them properly is one matter, best left to the professionals, but safely removing them is usually something we try to do ourselves…with varying levels of success. Since we all worry about losing our natural strands or destroying our edges, knowing how to remove extensions is key!
Regardless of which type you have in, the goal is to remove them without breaking, ripping, or cutting your natural hair. Let’s start you off learning the right way now, so we can avoid the “pound of cure” later on.
Clip In
A clip is perhaps the most straightforward in terms of both installing and removing. It’s literally all in the name! To remove a clip in weave:
1. Place your thumbs on the sides of the top of the clip with your index fingers placed directly beneath your thumbs.
2. Use your thumbs to pull in a downward motion on the clip while your index fingers exert outward pressure at the same time. This pressure and movement will open the clip.
3. Now that you have opened the clip, start to lift it away from your hair using gentle motions to avoid pulling out natural hair. Remember just because it’s simple doesn’t mean you can just rip through!
Tape In
1. First, locate the tape and begin applying a generous amount of remover solution around the edges of the tape. Don’t be stingy here, more is more.
2. The remover should start to loosen the tape and it should stop sticking to the other side of the tape. This will allow you to pull the extensions off slowly in a downward motion—so as to cause as little disruption to your strands as possible.
3. Always remove one section completely before trying to remove any following extensions. It’s not a race!
4. If any residue is left over on hair, promptly apply remover, and deep clean your scalp. Look into some good clarifiers and go to work!
Glue In
1. Locate the bonds with your fingertips to get started.
2. Apply your favorite oil to your fingertips and then begin slowly, gently rubbing the bond, careful not to put any pressure. If you sneak in a scalp massage here, we won’t tell.
3. Use a wide-toothed comb if needed or fingers if able, and start to loosen the area where the bond holds the hair and extension.
4. Apply a keratin glue remover where the bonds are to further loosen the hold. Continue working through with fingers or a comb to loosen the bond completely.
5. Remove bonds completely before moving on to any other sections.
Sew In
The process to remove sew-in extensions is a little more complicated than the other options…and yet there’s only one actual step! You will need to cut the bonds with a pair of cutting shears, or with a seam ripper (a much less scary tool than it sounds”> The key, obviously, is to make sure you don’t cut your actual hair. We still have tips though! BEFORE you even start installing, you can always ask for your stylist to use a thread that’s a different color than your hair to install your style. Even a subtle color a few shades lighter or darker than your natural hair will help you get started. If you have access to a lighted vanity to help get you started, use it! The worst thing is getting into your own light. Finally, you’ll want to keep distractions to an absolute minimum. Send any small kids off for a playdate, turn Spotify on instead of the TV, and really give yourself time to feel those threads out. Take a takedown break every few sections to get your bearings, maybe grab a cup of tea, and let your fingers re-adjust to how your hair feels before you get into the numb sort of groove where the worst mistakes are made (wow, that’s actually deeper than we expected to get on this article”>. Your inches will thank you!
Micro Link
You might not have thought instructions on how to remove extensions would include literal tools, but to remove this type, you’ll really need to get a grip! Because the microlinks are flattened former cylinders of malleable metal, rather than links like the jump rings on your favorite necklace, you’re actually just squeezing them back into a somewhat circular shape with some needle-nose pliers to get enough room to pull your hair out of the link. Squeeze GENTLY at the horizontal axis (the shorter part for the geometry-challenged”>, without squeezing so hard that you end up re-closing the link in the opposite way. Seems simple enough, right? It is! Just pull the ring out with care to avoid ripping your hair. If you have the option to choose, leave the exposed spring pliers alone! They’ll only catch stray hairs, and dare we say…pluck up your process? Check out craft stores for smaller jewelry construction pliers that you can isolate specifically for this purpose! No rust, no fuss, no reappropriating hair tools as household tools and losing them in the tool box! DIY Divas, we’re looking at you.
Do you have any weave-removal lessons, tips, or horror stories to share curlies? Let’s commiserate in the comments!
We all know that sea salt sprays are a great way to boost wavy hair for a tousled, beachy vibe. As far as putting table condiments in your curls goes, though—sugar may push past it as the front runner!
Photo by TheCrimsonMonkey — Getty Images
It’s the salty snack versus sweet snack argument all over again! But we’re all winners when it comes to haircare.
While salt can help with the texture aspect, it can sometimes leave your waves a little bit more brine encrusted than you bargained for. And it’s not like you meant ‘the noise of crunchy hair and weeping’ when you went looking for more volume. Sugar, on the other hand, can give you a more touchable soft effect while still adding a nice amount of texture to hair along with the same volume you wanted in the first place! Best of all, it can also add a good amount of hold without the harshness or weight of traditional hairsprays. With this easy DIY sugar spray for hair, your curls are going to get a sweet and natural boost, with no fuss, no muss, and no sticky fingers! But we know what you’re asking…
“Why should I DIY?”
There are definitely a lot of great products on the market with sugar as the main ingredient. If you’d rather leave your haircare to the experts, or if you’ve found your holy grail and just can’t bear to give it up, hey, you know what? We’re not even mad. Keep on keeping on! However, if you’re just starting out on the Curly Candyland board—the advantages of a DIY sugar spray for hair are that you have more control over the ingredients you add to help you avoid additives or chemicals which can damage curls. Spoiler alert for the ingredient list ahead… you only need two components for this.
Another reason to consider a DIY approach is that you can adjust the amount of hold you get based on your curl type and your own personal needs by adding more sugar as needed. You can customize it to be exactly what you need it to be!
Bonus benefit, if you get this sugar in a cute atomizer, you’ll get to feel that extra fabulous factor every time you spritz! DIY Diva Mode, activate!
Do you still have concerns?
We don’t blame you! One of the biggest concerns with using a DIY sugar spray for hair is the touch factor. Many people assume their hair will feel either hardened like hard candy and untouchable, or that their curls will end up with the cotton candy effect of being voluminous… but incredibly sticky. Fair concerns on both counts! However, as long as you aren’t dumping piles of sugar into your recipe in excessive amounts, you should be fine. We’re not trying to make simple syrup here (unless you’re having actual cocktails with your curl cocktails“>.
Another valid concern is whether or not the sugar will attract bugs. As long as you store your spray in a bottle with a lid you can screw shut, you shouldn’t have any pesky pests because of the sugar factor. Check the spray bottle market for one that has a little rubber seal in the bottom of the spray portion to prevent leakage, and DON’T store your bottle in a drawer where it can fall on its side and spill. Also, as much as we love our Curly Hair Solutions H2O bottles… go ahead and shelve that guy for this sugar spray, as it works best with pure H2O rather than any delicious concoctions.
How to make a sugar spray
The best thing about a sugar spray is that it’s super simple and only requires two ingredients. Combine sugar with hot water, and you get one of the easiest hair sprays you can create at home!
1. Boil Water – Bring a half cup of water to just below a boil on the stove and add in 1 teaspoon of sugar. We don’t need a rolling boil here, once you start seeing the first bubbles go ahead and turn the burner off. When looking for a stronger hold, mix a half cup of hot water with 2 teaspoons of sugar and follow the same steps.
2. Stir Until Blended – You don’t want to see any more sugar crystals.
3. Wait to Cool – Wait for it to cool to a safe, tepid temperature and then transfer to a spray bottle. And we mean it when we say WAIT. Pouring hot water into a plastic spray bottle can cause the bottle to melt and warp on contact, and possibly even spill on your hands and scald you! Not good.
Patience may be a virtue here, but we can’t wait to see your results!
Curlies, let us know if you’d try this sugar spray in the comments, and don’t forget to tag us @naturallycurly so we can see how sweet you look!
Wouldn’t it be great if all our curly problems could be solved with one pill?
iStock/OpenmindedE
Unfortunately hair care hasn’t gotten that convenient just yet.
While many women rush to the vitamin aisle to help with lackluster hair or even dreaded hair loss, it is important to check out the research on the matter before just assuming a vitamin is the answer. One of the most hotly debated and misunderstood options on the market is the use of vitamin A supplements for hair.
And it makes sense, after all, retinol, a prominent member of the vitamin A family is a very common ingredient in both hair and skin care for its rejuvenating properties. But before you stock up on this little powerhouse, there are a few things you need to know first.
The matter of taking vitamin A supplements for hair loss isn’t a clear-cut, yes or no type of answer.
While there have been studies that suggest vitamin A can help with hair growth, these studies were typically small-scale studies collecting data too small to be fully conclusive in its findings. It is also important to note that there are studies suggesting that a vitamin A deficiency can lead to hair loss. If a person doesn’t have a deficiency in vitamin A, many people think there is no harm in simply doubling up to be on the safe side. However, if you do not have an actual deficiency, taking vitamin A supplements can have the opposite effect and lead to premature hair loss. In a study published in the esteemed journal, Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, it was found that, “While deficiency has not been linked to hair loss, high levels of vitamin A have. In fact, one study found that in a mouse AA model, reduction of vitamin A in the diet actually delayed hair loss onset.”
Remember, just because it’s a vitamin doesn’t mean the more the better.
Unlike vitamin C, our bodies don’t naturally flush (literally!”> excess A out of our systems. As it’s a fat soluble vitamin, not a water-soluble vitamin, vitamin A takes much longer to leave our bodies, and can build up to toxic levels if you’re not careful. As well as hair loss, symptoms of over-intake of vitamin A can include irritability, nausea, severely reduced appetite, spontaneous bone fractures, and liver damage. Not fun stuff, curlies.
So, unless you have a deficiency in vitamin A, you might want to skip adding in supplements, especially less obvious ones that are still high in the substance like Cod Liver Oil. But how do you know that you actually might have a significant amount missing from your diet in the first place? The symptoms of a vitamin A deficiency include dry skin, vision problems such as being unable to see in dim settings, dry eyes, and vision spots or “floaters”, as well as frequent infections. If you suspect you have a deficiency or any of these symptoms, consult your doctor. You should never start a vitamin A supplement without checking in with your physician just to be on the safe side—and if you doubt us, scroll back up and read through the overdose symptoms one more time.
If you have consulted your doctor and increasing your vitamin A intake is a suggested method, it is important to note a few things.
If possible, it is better to get your vitamin A through digestion of vitamin A rich foods over supplements. Foods rich in vitamin A, include common, easily found munchables like kale, sweet potatoes, spinach, liver, broccoli, and eggs.
If you do decide to take vitamin A supplements for hair growth or other issues, do remember that supplements are not closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA”>, so a vitamin A supplement may have less vitamin A than it leads you to believe. It is important to carefully read any labels on the supplements to make sure you are getting something that is pure and safe, as well as to read reviews before purchasing anything and to ask questions in communities that DON’T profit from selling supplements. If you still have questions about supplementation, you can consult your doctor or a registered dietician for guidance.
What do you think curlies? Have you ever supplemented blindly or do you always check in with your GP first?
Let us know in the comments!
Curly hair and rubber bands don’t go together.
We really hope we’re not saying anything our audience didn’t already know, but if we can save anyone a little grief with a few tips on how to remove rubber bands without damage to your curls, it’s worth it to make the statement.
iStock/Dominique Landau
Yes, sure, maybe you used the mini ones on the very very ends of your braids as a little girl, colorful ones in protective styles with untextured braiding hair, or in a SEVERE pinch when you just have to get your curls up and out of your face for that post-work kickboxing class; but if you’ve been grabbing for office supplies instead of proper hair accessories more often than not, you’re going to run into some issues. But don’t despair. We’ve got answers for you. For instance….
1. Cut them out!
This is honestly the easiest way to get the bands out of hair without losing hair. However, obviously you need to be very careful not to cut your hair. So don’t go just whacking at the problem area—you’re preforming a delicate operation, not an old-timey rainforest expedition. If the band is wrapped around several times, don’t try to cut the entire band in one movement. It is better to cut through the top layer of the band only and then gently unwind the rest of it as best you can. Make sure you cut the band with the tip of the scissors so you don’t end up cutting the band with the middle of the scissors and your hair with the tip! Precision is key here, so if you have a good set of nail clippers or even cuticle scissors on hand, feel free to reach for those instead of your normal house scissors. Your curls will thank you.
2. Roll them down
If you aren’t confident or comfortable enough to put scissors that close to your hair, we don’t blame you. But that means you’ll need to remove the rubber band the old-fashioned way. While many people treat a rubber band the same way they treat a band-aid with the ‘Just rip it off’ approach, this is the wrong way to go if you want to save your strands. When it comes to how to remove rubber bands without damage or breakage, slow and steady is much better for your hair than trying to remove it in one quick tug. You want to roll the rubber band gradually down instead of tugging at it. It’s either have patience or have a pixie cut, so unless you’re looking for an excuse to change up your look, choose wisely!
3. Get to greasing
There’s always something to be said for bringing a little slippage into a rough situation. If your curls are seriously snarled around the rubber band in question, slicking your strands down with a conditioning agent will make it the easier to get the rubber band to give up its hold on you. Most leave ins will work on looser rubber bands to help prevent breakage, but if the rubber band is tighter, straight oil is a better bet since it is thicker and will create more slip. Go ahead and grab your cooking oils, mayo, or even some butter if you’re not a LOC method type with hair oils on hand—the goal here is to get your hair free no matter what. Between going greasy for a day and loosing hair, we know what we’d pick.
4. Get some help
It can be embarrassing to try to get a rubber band out of your hair and fail, but not nearly as upsetting as if you can’t get it out or end up taking a chunk of your hair with it! Don’t be too ashamed to ask for help from your stylist or even a friend with more hair experience than you to lend a helping hand. If you are dealing with a band in the back of your strands, you will benefit even more from enlisting another set of hands than trying to do it yourself. Suck up the shame go for it. It might be awkard with people you don’t know as well, but consider the unbanding a bonding experience, then go forth and learn from it.
5. Just don’t use them!
We promise that we’re not here to judge, but putting rubber bands in your curls is just asking for hair trouble. Even our non-textured brothers and sisters out there know this. The rubber pulls at your hair, tangles in on itself, MELTS, and just generally comes in to mess up your situation like a needy ex. Avoid using them at all costs!
Do you constantly find yourself reaching for rubber bands when you’re out of alternatives?
The answer to that is simple: just don’t let yourself run out! Scrunchies and hair ties can be bought in bulk fairly cheaply if you know where to go. If you’re not as organized as you’d like to be just yet, save up about $15, and buy several packs to keep on your desk, in the bathroom, in the car, at the office, and wherever else you happen to be! You’re well worth the investment.
If you absolutely, 100% must use a rubber band, try to keep them closer to the ends of your hair and away from your roots. If your hair is long enough to need a rubber band, it should be long enough for you to put into a braid, or into two pigtails and rubberband the end of that, rather than put the band close to the root of your hair.
Curlies, do you have any rubber band related hair loss horror stories?
Share your tales and any other removal tips you might have in the comments!
