Search Results: NaturallyCurly

When you have a hair question you probably ask a curlfriend, maybe your mom or sister, or you ask on Curly Q&A. But when you’re a man with long, natural hair it may not be quite as straightforward. For Tje Austin, like for many of us curlies, his fro has been a process of trial and error. As an adopted child his parents didn’t know how to care for curly hair, so Tje gathered information from friends and figured out what worked for him. He now uses the Mixed Chicks His Mix products to wash and style his hair. If you’d like to see his wash and go routine from beginning to end, watch this video we filmed!

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Watch the Video

What he used:

Mixed Chicks His Mix Clarifying Shampoo, Daily Conditioner, and Leave-In Conditioner

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This post is sponsored by Mixed Chicks His Mix.

Before you try a hair balm (pomade”> for the first time, understand what it is and why it will be useful to your own hair. Balms can be a great addition to your regimen if your hair is heat damaged or in need of repair or more moisture from the parching effects of the summer sun. They contain many powerful ingredients which are especially for brittle hair, like Vitamins D & E–for health, growth, and shine. For styling purposes, it is sometimes best to use this paired with some oil or a light moisturizer.

Hair balm can be used in the dead of winter or in the heat of the hot summer sun. As you use it, your hair will show you noticeable sheen, better definition and overall healthier hair.

Use just a bit (dime to nickel sized, depending on hair length”> to rub through your hair.

A good, natural balm, can be used on wet or dry hair. A little goes a long way, so test small amounts as you go to see what works best for your hair.

What you’ll need

You can find most of these ingredients in the natural/organic section of your neighborhood grocery store:

• 1 cup coconut oil
• 1 tbsp glycerin
• 2 tbsp sweet almond oil
• 1 tbsp argan oil

Directions

1. Melt coconut oil in a double boiler (sorry, microwaves won’t work for this”>

2. Allow some coconut oil to cool for 1/2 hr

3. Add a few drops of almond and argan oil (substitute with jojoba if you are allergic”>

4. Whisk oils together and put in the fridge for 30 minutes

5. Add glycerin once you take it out the fridge

6. Add 1/2 cup cool water (from the double boiler”>

7. Whip mixture until it becomes fluffy

8. Pour into large jar

To make the most of this product, store it at room temperature. 

If you’d rather BUY than DIY, try one of these great hair balms found in CurlMart:

• Carol’s Daughter Hair Balm, $13
• Save Your Do Natural Hair Balm, $17.95
• Camille Rose Naturals Growth & Shine Balm, $12

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Avoid a disastrous first day of school by mastering a couple of easy, 2-minute hair styles. Your son may want to rock a faux hawk, or your daughter may be after a cool new twist on her pixie cut for a touch of grade-school glam.

What You’ll Need

• Organic gel (see suggestions below”>

• Fine-tooth comb

• Medium-hold finishing spray

Directions

1. Apply a few drops of gel along the fine-tooth comb
2. Move the comb from hairline/scalp to the crown of the head, gently moving upward.
3. Hold the style with finishing spray so it can last throughout the school day.

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Product suggestions

Use something that’s light and kid-friendly. Here are some of our suggestions:

• Curlisto Kids Spray Mousse
• SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Kids Curling Butter Cream
• Monkey Brains Kids Pomade
• Fuzzy Duck Anti Frizz Gel
• Curly Q’s Gel-les’c
• Ouidad Krly Kids Pump and Go Spray Gel

Would you drink spoiled milk? No. That pretty much goes without saying, right? If we see an expiration date on our food, we throw it away. This can’t always be said for hair and beauty products–many of us are guilty of not paying attention to those expiration dates, although they are equally important.

Cool, dry storages allow for 3 years of shelf life.

For the most part, we know that our shampoo and conditioner bottles are usually kept in our showers or bathroom cabinets–where they are far from cool and dry. Keep that in mind when trying to hold on to your Holy Grails. They may need to be replaced.

Date the bottle when you buy it.

With a permanent marker, write the date on the bottle when you start using it. Once open, the shelf life can decrease as much as 50%. With the bottle constantly being opened and closed, it’s also getting exposed to bacteria in the shower and bathroom.

Notice a sudden change? Contact the company

If you’re uncertain as to why after just a short period of time (a few weeks to 2 months”> a product has changed its smell, color, or consistency, contact the manufacturer directly–they may be able to answer your question or even possibly replace your product. Although using an expired product shouldn’t cause you harm, its main ingredients are likely ineffective and won’t work as they were originally meant to.

Wash your styling tools & brushes.

If they are maintained and cleaned, they can usually last up to five years. Brushes, combs, and makeup brushes should be washed with a gentle shampoo or soap regularly. Wipe down heat tools with a warm, damp cloth at least once a month–unplugged, of course.

Makeup shelf life:

• eyeshadow: 2 years
• blush: 2 years
• bronzer: 2 years
• eyeliner pencil (kept sharpened”>: up to 2 years
• eyeliner (liquid”> 3-6 months
• concealer (liquid”>: 1 year
• foundation (cream”>: 12-18 months
• lipstick: 1 year
• lip gloss: 18-24 months
• mascara: 3-4 months

Ginseng is a wonderful homeopathic and medicinal herb, with super powers that go beyond teas and recently have entered the world of beauty care as well.

The ginseng plant flourishes in Siberia, Northern China, as well as parts of Korea and Vietnam. This nutritious herb belongs to the 11 species of slow growing perennial plants. Its fleshy roots and leaves carry potent medicinal properties derive.

Here are the top 5 beauty benefits of Ginseng:

1. Combats hair loss

A healthy immune system allows the body to fight off illness and infections. Taking ginseng (capsules or teas”> helps with blood circulation and optimum oxygen adsorption by the blood. In turn, ginseng improves the internal flow of the immune system and helps prevent hair loss.

2. Fights aging

Ginseng has been acting as an anti aging treatment for many years. It promotes the body’s natural metabolism, stimulating and activating the skin to stay firm, and young. Ginseng helps in the production of natural collagen, making your skin firmer. It also rids skin of free radicals.

3. Tones the skin

Try this recipe for a homemade ginseng toner that will keep your skin fresh, firm and clean:

Stew ginseng (whole herb found at health food stores and whole food markets”> in a pot of water for two hours. Allow it to cool, funnel it into a bottle and use daily. (keep the bottle refrigerated”>. 

4. Tightens complexion

Ginseng plant leaves contain lots of rich vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants which are great for skin , and overall health. Ginseng tea is particularly helpful for rehydrating and refining skin.

5. Treats under eye circles

Try making this mask to rid the lines and dark circles around your eyes:

Mix ginseng powder with milk or honey to form a paste. If you need to thicken the paste, add some egg white or oat flour.

Spread the paste around your eye area and allow to dry for 5-10 minutes.

Wash off and remove with warm water and splash your face with cold water before your finish.

Hair products infused with ginseng:

• Frederic Fekkai Curl Enhancing Lotion
• Ginseng Miracle Wonder 8 Hair & Body Oil
• Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Volumizing Conditioner

Yogi Ginseng Tea is a great option for getting these benefits orally. You may purchase it at your local grocery store. It’s also available online here. [prodmod]

Our Q&A Section allows our dedicated curly community members to post, ask, and answer questions all things hair related. Be sure to stop by to engage with others like you and earn points while doing so! Member Northernlights recently posted this question:

Question:

“I have thin 3b hair, fair amount of grey but not enough that it looks good completely natural (yet”>. I’d been using Ion demi color but for me it’s permanent color (really porous”>. I’ve tried several semi brands but they wash out in about a week. Looking for a good longer lasting deposit only color (a month? little longer?”> Suggestions?”

Answer:

Typically, a demi color is only supposed to last 20-28 shampoo/washes. They’re versatile and offer an arrangement of colors, but their duration is shorter than semi-permanent colors. Demi colors are more gentle on the hair shaft, as they do not open up the cuticle or penetrate the inner hair shaft as others do.

Color brand suggestions

• Bigen Semi-Permanent Hair Color
• Clairol Natural Instincts 
• Garnier Herbashine Color Creme
• L’Oreal Healthy Look Creme Gloss Color

As always with hair color, try the at-home strand test if it’s your first time using that brand. Demi-permanent color is also a great time to try out new colors as they fade after just a few weeks.

Have a wavy, curly, or coily Q?

Have a question about your hair and need an answer ASAP? Stop by our Q&A section to get helpful advice from curlies like yourself!

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Our Q&A Section allows our dedicated curly community members to post, ask, and answer questions all things hair related. Be sure to stop by to engage with others like you and earn points while doing so! Member Orange Swirl recently posted this question:

Question:

“I’ve been giving this pineappling thing a try for about a month now. I was excited when I first found out about it but I’ve been disappointed with the results ever since. I always wake up with a huge dent in my hair …What are some other ways of wearing your hair overnight to protect the natural curl pattern (natural being the key word, I don’t want a new pattern from twist outs or bantu knots”>?”

Answer:

Pile It

Loosely pile your hair on your head and tie it with a cotton hair tie or wrap.

Dampen and Style

You can slightly wet or dampen your hair, add a quarter size dollop of conditioner & gel (if the gel is too much for your hair, just stick with the conditioner”>. Then pile it up and tie up loosely.

Silk or Satin

It’s also best to sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase so your hair maintains shape and definition without drying out too much or catching onto the risky fibers.

Morning Refresher

In the morning, twist your hair into shape. If you need to, add some more water (with a spray bottle”> and lavender drops–to help bring back the shape and definition in your hair. If you’re not a huge fan of lavender oil, replace with your fave curl refresher (see recommendations below”>. [prodmod]

Product recommendations for 3B curls:

• Aubrey Organics Sea Buckthorn Curl Activator
• MopTop Herbal Detangler & Refresher
• Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Styling Gel
• Tigi Curl Recall Cream

Have a wavy, curly, or coily Q?

Have a question about your hair and need an answer ASAP? Stop by our Q&A section to get helpful advice from curlies like yourself!

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Apple Cider Vinegar–known as ACV–has become known as a health and beauty “elixir.” There is a long list of the many health benefits of ACV varies from easing cramps, to clearing stuffy noses, to fighting bad breath and helping to lower cholesterol. The beauty benefits of ACV include creating facial masks (combined with bentonite clay”>, skin toners as well as  hair rinses and treatments.

What does ACV do for natural hair?

The restorative properties of ACV clean hair, getting rid of buildup and creating curls that have sheen and bounce.

Here are two treatments to try at home. They’re easy to make and can help do , natural, wonders for your curls! AVC is combined with aloe with these in order to help maintain extra moisture as you cleanse.

Aloe ACV Rinse

Combine and mix (in a spray or applicator bottle”> the following:

• 4 oz aloe vera gel
• 1 tsp ACV
• Distilled water

Directions

1. Cleanse hair with a sulfate-free shampoo.
2. Clip hair into sections with plastic clips. 
3. Apply the rinse from roots to ends.
4. Gently rub the mixture into your scalp till the water is clear and the residue is gone.
5. Rinse each section in cool to tepid water.

ACV and Aloe Spray Treatment

In a spray bottle, combine:

• 1 tsp ACV
• Aloe Vera Juice

Directions

1. Shake all ingredients in the bottle.
2. Apply the spray to each section of your scalp.
3. Apply your usual daily conditioner and continue with your regular wash routine.

Fighting summer frizz and wind-blown flyaways can be a bit of a struggle. If you are seeking something simple this summer, you just may want to try a Pixie cut for your waves and curls. You can use this styling method any time of year and it looks amazing on any length of hair and hair type.

What does a Pixie cut require?

This cut is a very short, cropped style. With thicker or curly hair, this style doesn’t take as much maintenance as you may think. And, it also doesn’t require a precision cut. “You want to show off the texture and choppiness,” says Ouidad creative director, Morgan Willhite. The bonus of the pixie cut is that you can easily allow hair to air dry and use minimal amount of product to keep it under control. Be sure to have a good idea of the exact pixie cut you’re asking for as you communicate with your stylist. Bring in photos and ideas that you like for your hair type.

The pixie curl style method, however, is just one method in which hair can be dried and styled for better definition, or simply , just something different that can help fight frizz.

What makes the Pixie so great, though?

The best part of Pixie-Styling is that you need all of one tool–your dryer/diffuser! You can use your bowl or sock diffuser (or any of the many other diffusers out there”>, and style with your favorite products. You may want to use a heat protectant like Aveda Brilliant Damage Control or Tresemme Heat Tamer spray. By diffusing you are protecting your hair from direct heat and allowing the heat to , literally, “diffuse” through your hair.

MORE: How to Style a Pixie

Maintaining your pixie at home

• After your shower, prep your hair with your favorite product(s”>–a good gel and leave-in are effective in this method. You can loosely twist sections with your fingers and prep them for drying.
• Set your hairdryer on a higher setting as making it lower and less hot could cause some frizz. Try to cut the amount of heat by setting your dryer a little higher. Many people who use this method find that curls tend to do better with higher heat and less time.
• Flip your hair over (helps with volume”> and take one small section of hair, twist it loosely then 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. Then, stop. Literally stop. Shut off your dryer and move to your next section then start again.
• The idea is not to “blow” hair around and move it as little as possible. Do the same for every section of hair. You don’t want to spend more than 1 minute per section. If you’re 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 it’s own. Most importantly, do not touch it as it dries – you will get frizz.
• If you have a lot of hair, or it’s longer, you may want to opt for clips–both before and after the Pixie drying method. First, style with the products you normally use, then section, using clips, and begin to dry via 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 the heat settings and amount of time you need for each section. To help with the amount of time you expose your hair to heat you may want to look for an ionic or tourmaline dryer. These tools help speeding up the drying process yet leave hair shiny and healthy.

Our Q&A Section allows our dedicated curly community members to post, ask, and answer questions all things hair related. Be sure to stop by to engage with others like you and earn points while doing so! Member Danniro recently posted this question:

Question:

“My mom always insists that I should have my hair shorter because it will look better that way apparently and she thinks it will be less frizzy.

Now that I’ve found my true 2b texture (always thought I was a 2a”> I’m pretty satisfied with how curly my hair is, which is almost halfway down my back. But, there is still a lot of frizz and it’s not that shiny, particularly near the roots.

Could cutting my 2b hair shorter make it less frizzy? Is my texture better off shorter?” 

Answer:

Danielle, the length of your hair does not necessarily deem your hair’s texture. Even with the best haircut possible, you will still have to do some of the work to keep it looking shiny, defined and healthy. Your texture is here to stay – unless you have it chemically altered.

Find a stylist who understands

Knowing your curl/wave type is important, and it’s a great point to start working from. Finding a stylist who understands the look you are trying to achieve is also very important. And lastly, maintaining your style and cut, to avoid too much frizz, is also important. Find photos of what’s close to your hair type (and color”> and bring them to a stylist who has worked with curly hair and knows the ins and outs of cutting and styling waves and curls.

Work with your frizz, not against it

Yes, the length of your hair will “pull” it down a bit, but you may still encounter frizz on warm, humid days, or as the weather changes. Trying out a new look and going from longer to shorter may give your waves some bounce and definition too–especially if they haven’t been cut in a while. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as well as for his or her input about the cut you’re looking to achieve.

Every hair type, texture, thickness, and length require different things. Learn how to maintain your new style–find products that are safe, and right, for your hair. Experiment and see what works for you. After washing your hair, towel dry with a microfiber towel instead of terry cloth, and use cool air on your blow dryer instead of hot. That way, your hair cuticles will lay flat, reducing the amount of frizz.

Use products with honey & marshmallow root

For type 2 hair that is prone to frizz, try silicone-free products with honey or marshmallow root like MopTop Daily Conditioner, Milk+Honey Tangle Free Pudding, Nubian Heritage Honey & Black Seed Leave-In Cream, or Samy Esencia Marshmallow & Yarrow Styling Mousse.

Have a wavy, curly, or coily Q?

We want you to have your healthiest, happiest hair possible! If you have any questions, feel free to visit our Q&A Section for helpful advice from curlies like you!

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In the world of the natural and curly hair community, women have been more inclined than ever to practice everything at home when it comes to their personal beauty and haircare–styling, coloring, even trimming their own hair. Although these are great ways to save money, they should be done only after thorough research of what exactly your hair needs has been conducted. Want to save a trip to the beauty shop and start trimming your own hair at home? Purchasing professional shears can safely ease you into the DIY life that most naturalistas choose to lead.

The basics

Shears used for hair cutting are about 6 inches in length and have equal sized “eyes” and handles. Other types of shears are designed for very large cutting jobs. Scissors can range in size and can be under 6 inches (and over”> in length and usually have one handle that is longer than the other. Scissors are used for lighter cutting tasks.

What to look for

Hardness and temper

With a harder blade, you will always have uniformity when cutting.

Smooth in your hands

Most cutting should feel smooth each time the tool opens and closes. It’s important that every cut feels this way with the scissor to prevent fatigue.

The blades and screws

Blades should always meet at only one point at any given position and they should be concave, slightly, on the insides. The screws that join that blades should allow a professional to sharpen the blades and reassemble them with ease.

A comfortable handle

The handle of the scissor should have a comfortable “eye” for the fingers to fit. Sizes and shapes of the eyes of handles, over time, has changed. Some are lined in rubber or other plastic finishes to make it more comfortable for fingers to hold and cut over longer periods of time. Be sure to “fit” your scissor handles as you look for the pair that works for you.

Testing the quality

1. Look at the scissors from the side (in a closed position”>. The tips of the blades should meet and you should be able to see between the blades.
2. Open the scissors fully and allow the blades to fall towards one another. The blades should not stay open nor should they close completely, but they should meet about half way.

Maintaining your shears

You should have them resharpened by a professional on occasion. You should also add a small drop of oil at the point near the screw to help in maintaining them for a longer period of time.

Recommended brands

• Tweezerman Stainless 2000 Styling Shears; available online here
• Sally Hansen Beauty Tools Do Your ‘Do; available in Target stores and online here 
• Cricket S-2 550 5.5″ Shear; available online here

NEXT: How to Trim Your Own Bangs

Tons of health food and organic stores are starting to carry all-natural shampoo bars. They’re a great environmentally friendly hair care option. 

After switching to a shampoo bar from a liquid sulfate shampoo, you’ll notice shinier hair, more curl definition, and vibrant color.

Here’s an all-natural, cold press shampoo bar recipe for the DIYer in you.

You’ll find most of these ingredients at your local Whole Foods Market. (You’ll be using lye, so be careful. Use this lye calculator for precision.”>

Ingredients

• 4 ounces sunflower oil
• 2 ounces jojoba oil
• 4 ounces castor oil
• 3 ounces palm oil
• 1 ounce cocoa butter
• 8 ounces coconut oil
• 8 ounces distilled water
• 3 ounces lye
• 1 ounce essential oil (your choice”>

Directions

For Blonde hair

Follow the same recipe but instead of water steep half cup of chamomile tea in 12 ounces of boiling water and strain well. Measure out 8 ounces and use this for the water instead. Add 1 ounce of lemon essential oil.

For Red, Brunette or Black hair

Follow the basic recipe and substitute water by steeping 1/2 cup of chopped rosemary in 12 ounces of boiling water, strain well. Measure out 8 ounces and use this instead of water. Add mint and/or rosemary essential oils.

1. Fill a glass bowl with the water then add the lye and stir (never do this in reverse”>.
2. Allow to sit and cool down (it will create it’s own heat when combined”>.
3. Weigh out and melt the oils in a stainless steel pot using stove on medium.
4. Stir the lye solution into the pot with oils to create the mixture (use goggles or glasses in the case that the lye splashes”>.
5. Mix thoroughly for 10-15 minutes then add essential oil(s”>.
6. Pour soap into a mold (you can use a Rubbermaid container or heavy cardboard box lined with parchment paper”>.
7. Allow the soap to set and dry for 4-6 days then cut into bars.

If you’d like to share your own DIY curly concoctions, you can submit them here for the curly community to try!

For years it has been rumored that “No tears” baby shampoos intended for babies contain novocaine as an anesthetic.

This theory is FALSE. Here are three reasons why:

1. If these shampoos contained a numbing agent like nov0caine, then parents would feel a tingling or numbing sensation in their fingertips as they applied it to their child’s hair.
2. This would actually burn the child’s skin and eyes during the washing process.
3. This would put both babies and adults at extremely high risk for illness and even death due to the toxin exposure.

So what exactly is in our “no-tear” shampoos?

As you probably know, most shampoos contain sulfates in order to aid in the cleansing process. They’re known to irritate skin and eyes. Over just the past few years, many companies have reformulated shampoos and products to be free of sulfates, but baby shampoos use long-chain surfactants (less emulsifying for cleansing the hair”> or ionic polymers. These help prevent a stinging sensation for whenever the soap gets into child’s eyes. This is why many shampoos marketed for infants and toddlers are labeled as “no-tear” shampoos.

In 2009 the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics researched the content of a number of baby shampoos and cosmetic products and found formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxane in Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo (as they had done since 1953″>. J&J was forced to reformulate their products and by May 2013 the company announced that all formaldehyde, parabens, triclosan and phthalates had been eliminated from all of their baby products.

Still uncertain about what to wash your little one’s hair with?

Here’s a safe, gentle shampoo recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 oz liquid castile soap (unscented”>
• 4 oz filtered water
• 3 drops lavender oil
• 3 drops orange or lemon oil

Directions

Combine the ingredients into a foaming dispenser and use as needed. Your baby’s hair will be left with clean, soft, and with a pleasing fresh scent.

We all know it’s super important to ensure our shampoo doesn’t have any sulfates inside.  We understand that sulfates are synthetic cleansing agents that are really good and getting rid of dirt, styling product and sweat, but with that they also take away natural oils, moisture, and can make your hair strand rough. No good, right?

What most of us don’t know is that making it sulfate-free isn’t enough. Many sulfate-free shampoos can actually do more harm than good. They can leave hair extra dry, strip hair of its strength, leave it tangled and even increase the amount of frizz!  And here’s why…

When we started asking beauty companies to stop using harsh sulfates and find something better, they simply switched out one synthetic ingredient for another.

In many cases, the alternative was more harsh, not more gentle.  So, while a shampoo might read sulfate-free on the front, it actually means it’s still just as hard on your hair (and in some cases even worse”> as its full-of-sulfates big sister.

What you need to find is a product that uses something naturally-derived that can both get hair all squeaky clean, but also helps condition and replenish hair.  Sound too good to be true?  It’s not.  Promise.

Thanks to improvements in technology, you can now find products that use fruit or vegetable-based cleansing ingredients instead of sulfates. What’s great about these gals is they don’t just make your shampoo all foamy and good at cleaning, they also put some good stuff back into your hair.

For example, some are made from coconut.  Coconut, as we know, is great for helping hair in a lot of ways: adding back moisture, leaving hair feeling softer, helping repair strands, easing detangling, reducing frizz, and boosting natural shine.  Yeah, all that.

Which means, as you shampoo you can get both a thorough cleanse and get a bunch of good stuff at the same time…all without sulfates. So, next time you’re thinking of getting a shampoo, take a look at the bottle and see how it measures up. You want to look for phrases like “naturally-derived cleanser” or “vegetable-derived cleansing agents.”  You might find it right on the front of the bottle in full view, or on the back just above the ingredient list and directions (a spot most of us skip past”>.

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This post is sponsored by Carol’s Daughter.

For my entire childhood and into my early adult life, the hair in the center of my head was always drier, thinner, coarser, frizzier, more tender and shorter then the rest of my hair. I would go to hair salons and stylist would immediately comment on the difference of my hair texture in the center of my head but would offer nothing more to help the problem aside from an emergency deep conditioning.

As I became more receptive to natural hair care and healthy hair care practice (which has grown into a full blown obsession”>, I began doing some research into how to treat “problem spots.” After some trial and error, I can honestly say that the center of my head is now healthier than it has ever been in my entire life. It is softer, fuller and longer than it has ever been. Here are some techniques and information about how to handle your own “problem spots” that have helped me on my journey.

The Symptoms

How You Know You Have A Problematic Center (You do not have to suffer from all listed to qualify”>.

1. While the rest of your hair grows and retains length, the middle of your hair remains the same length.
2. The center of your head tends to be more itchy, flakey and tender to the touch and during styling then the rest of your hair.
3. The texture in the center is generally more coarse, drier and holds little to no curl pattern in comparison to the rest of your surrounding hair.
4. It causes you bouts of insecurity, fear to wear your hair down and out, constant product consumption in the attempt to “fix” this issue and inability to wear your hair in certain styles because of the dramatic length difference of your hair.

The Causes

1. The hair in the center of your head is simply a different texture then the rest of your hair therefore demands different hair care practices.
2. You are suffering from heat damage.
3. Your style choices as well as hair care practices are affecting the area negatively.
4. That area is under-nourished and under-moisturized.

Ways to Treat Your Problematic Center

1. Finger Detangle

Come to the realization that the hair in your center is simply a different texture than the rest. Just because it is thinner or more coarse does not make it a death sentence. It requires you treat it more attentively and gently. The troublesome area should become where your attention is focused rather than the bothersome afterthought. A gentle habit to consider is always finger detangling rather than raking a comb through your hair.

2. Moisturize

If you are suffering from extreme dryness make sure your moisturizing regime is solid. Look for a leave in conditioner that is best for your area that is suffering the worst which is the minority rather than focusing on the benefits of the majority of your hair. Remember that moisturizing is a two step process; moisture first and sealing second.

3. Camouflage

Heat damage will always wreck havoc on your hair. The damage will occur on the most vulnerable areas of the hair. For most that is the center and sides of the head. There is very little that can be done once heat damage occurs. Once your hair is damaged – the curl is gone. Your greatest skill to master while waiting for your hair to grow out is camouflage. Twist outs, braid outs, rod sets etc are great. If you are a wash and go kind of girl, I suggest while your hair is wet, two strand twist the “problem area”. Once your surrounding hair is dry, take down the twists making sure not to touch them too much and allow them to dry while still keeping the curly form. They will blend in quite naturally with the rest of your curls.

4. Hot Oil

If your center is more itchy, flakey and tender to the touch, regularly apply hot oil treatments infused with rosemary and tea tree oil to combat the ach and flake. Massage the area nightly as well to bring blood flow and relieve tension. Lastly, no matter how cute the style, if it hurts your head then you have to stop rockin’ it.

5. Aloe Vera Gel

In my discoveries, I found that aloe vera juice was the best nutrient in helping to bring my deprived center hair back to life. Aloe vera is really moisturizing and helps to seal cuticles that are damaged and frayed. If your hair in the center is dry and brittle and moisture just goes out as quickly as it goes in then go buy yourself some 100% PURE ALOE VERA JUICE. Mix it with your favorite leave in conditioner and apply it directly to your hair. (Don’t forget to seal with an oil!”> After consistent use (2-3 months”> you will see a drastic difference!

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This post is sponsored by Carol’s Daughter.

Yasmin Sewell, chief creative consultant for Liberty of London is a thriving fashion maven among London designers whose style and hair has been drawing plenty of attention lately. Yasmine has a great curly bob. It is more graduated with less angle. It allows the shape of her curls and waves to highlight her long, pointed facial features.

With summer in the air, many stylists find Yasmine’s photos popping up on their counters with numerous curly customers requesting a “Yasmin cut.”

Yasmin’s curly cut has been captured by street photographers in London and NYC. Google any of her photos and you will be able to notice that her curls are always natural, fall right into place and have that classic, look to them that doesn’t appear to be trying too hard.

Vogue entitled Sewell’s hairstyle in an online article “Cropped Curls” –a perfect title at that. Yasmin states, “I always want to have the kind of hair that looks like I just got out of bed.” She adds that she has a stylist who understands her hair and texture.

He cuts the curl in a way that kind of thins it out underneath. If you don’t do this, my bob looks like a Christmas Tree and spreads out.

The bob that Sewell maintains is graduated but doesn’t angel towards the front and the length reaches her lips or lower jaw. Allowing this type of cut, you should see something that is more square all around.

Sewell also adds, “My maintenance is not really daily. I wash it and put in a little argan-based oil, it will be fine for three or four days of sleeping on it. Then I get up in the morning and mess it up with my hands a bit.”

If you are thinking of taking on the Yasmin Sewell look, this summer season may be the perfect time. Need something shorter and easier to maintain? Who could complain? Be sure to find a stylist who is willing to work with your hair and communicate with photos and ideas as you work with your stylist.

There are a few different reasons why your scalp may be feeling overly dry and itchy. It can stem from dietary deficiencies: depriving your body of enough water and/or essential nutrients found in healthier foods. Maybe from cleansing too often, using products that are too heavy for your particular hair type or being heavy handed while applying them. Even your stress levels and climate changes are important factors. Regardless of the trouble source, the biggest mistake most naturals make is assuming a dry scalp can only be cured by applying more product for moisture. Reality is, your body has it’s own natural oils that do a great job of coating your scalp, as needed. Our job is to eat the right things and apply the right products that won’t interfere with our body’s natural function. Adding more product to your scalp can cause even more dryness, as the layers become a barrier blocking much-needed nutrients from entering and wastes from being released. It becomes a never-ending cycle because the dryness never really goes away. The next time you feel yourself experiencing a seemingly relentless itchy scalp, try one of these natural remedies before grabbing that jar of product!

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is excellent for helping your scalp restore it’s natural oil levels. Our poor diets and beauty techniques can cause an imbalance, creating either an overproduction or underproduction of oil. Eating a balanced diet that includes rich veggies like asparagus and broccoli, fresh fruit such as mangoes and papayas, nuts like almonds and wheat germ in your smoothies and cold cereals will ensure a healthy dose of the nutrient. My favorite all-natural remedy, using Vitamin E oil directly, is breaking open a few capsules and deep-massaging my scalp for 3-5 minutes. This topical application, once a week, will help neutralize your scalp’s pH levels, will improve overall circulation and heavily reduce dryness.

Jojoba Oil

If your scalp ailment happens to be an underproduction of oil, and the Vitamin E capsules do not seem to be restoring health, Jojoba Oil is another great all-natural option for moisture. It is said that the molecular structure of Jojoba Oil is closest to that of our scalp’s natural oil (sebum”>. This similarity is why Jojoba is the perfect moisturizer. It replenishes the deficiency without blocking proper circulation. I usually pour a quarter-size amount into the palm of my hands, rub together, then deeply massage my scalp with my finger-tips for 3-5 min. Doing this once a week usually gets the job done!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Product build-up is the most common reason for dry and itchy scalp. A lot of us can be heavy handed during the application process! Not only that, but most of us use more than one product at a time: leave-in, sealant, styler; and all of those layers, in addition to how many days we repeatedly apply them, will add up! Apple Cider Vinegar is an awesome way to naturally clarify your scalp from product build-up. It’s a natural disinfectant, so it will help remove any fungus or bacteria that has been produced. Its detoxifying properties will also help unclog your pores from old product and debris. This works great for your strands, as well! The trick is to fill a spray bottle with the ACV, wet your hair with warm water, spray your scalp and strands until fully saturated, deeply massage scalp for 3-5 minutes and then let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Proceed to rinse out with cold water to close the cuticles. Using this method once every two weeks or once a month will help keep your scalp refreshed and it’s pH levels balanced.

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This post is sponsored by Carol’s Daughter.

There’s nothing more confusing than following all of the steps suggested by popular hair bloggers and vloggers and still ending up with frizzy, brittle hair. Especially when you learn the wonders of sealing with an oil or butter for longer lasting hydration, but still wake up with thirsty strands by the next morning. What gives? Well, it may be your hair’s porosity.

What is porosity?

It’s your hair’s ability to absorb water, products and moisture overall. The ranges are broken down into low, normal and high porosity. Here’s a strand test followed by a break down of each range, what it means for your hair regimen and how to repair it.

Porosity Test

Next time you wash your hair, grab a strand and drop it into a glass of water. If the strand immediately sinks to the bottom, then your hair is of high porosity. If it floats somewhere in the middle with ease, then it’s of normal porosity. If it seems to stay at the top, taking forever to sink downward, then your strands are of low porosity.

Low Porosity

Low porosity means your cuticles are tight and pretty resistant to opening up for water and moisture.

This is more than likely due to genetics. Does it usually feel like products you apply are just sitting on top of your hair? Your hair doesn’t readily absorb products; hence its inability to retain the moisture and shine your hair needs. The strand stayed at the top of the glass because water couldn’t get inside of it to make it sink. The tricky part of having low porosity hair is how well it can actually hold moisture once inside, but getting it inside is the key!

Low Porosity Products

Beware of products with a low pH because high acidity works to keep the cuticle closed. In other words, they won’t help your case! Look for products using more alkaline ingredients that will help lift your cuticles. Regular baking soda treatments (Google: Cherry Lola Treatment”> or products containing glycerin may help improve moisture levels. Granted, many naturals have issues with both ingredients so test them out for your particular hair type and see if they help!

Try avoiding products loaded with oils, as oils serve as sealants for the cuticle and may work against your efforts to lift them. Steamers are great tools for aiding with cuticle lifting, as well. And when applying products, make sure your hair is damp, as you’ll need all the moisture you can get!

Normal Porosity

Normal porosity is pretty self-explanatory! It means your strands allow for easy moisture inside the cuticle.

This range tends to take color and perms better than the other two. And will also hold moisture and shine for a longer period of time. It’s essentially considered a very desirable and low maintenance hair type. However, be aware that regular chemical processes, including heat, can change the hair’s porosity over time.

High Porosity Products

Healthier ingredients, regular deep conditioning, moisturizing and little to no heat regimens will help keep normal porosity strands at optimum health.

High Porosity

High porosity means your cuticles have been exposed to a severe amount of damage, either through environmental factors or the overuse of heat and chemical processes.

Does your hair seem to stay wet for a long time? Or do your strands feel as though as quickly as they absorb moisture from your products is as quickly as they lose it? Your strand sank to the bottom of the glass because of the gaps and large openings, allowing for the entrance of more water, all throughout the cuticle.

High Porosity Products

Thicker butters and products with more oils are helpful for this hair type as they will seal the cuticle and even serve as a protective layer. You want to use things with a low pH, which are acidic, and will help tighten the open cuticle. Sealing with pure Aloe Vera after applying your leave-in will be extremely helpful. A regular apple cider vinegar rinse, diluted with 2 cups of water, will also help detoxify any pollution (from being so openly vulnerable to the elements”> and help seal the cuticle. Protein treatments are also recommended to temporarily patch the gaps.

The truth is, there is no repairing overly porous hair. These regimens will help make it more manageable but regular trims, so you can focus on the new growth, and a major halt in the use of heat and chemicals will be key.

This post is sponsored by Carol’s Daughter.