Search Results: NaturallyCurly
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!
Got milk… for natural hair? photo: iStock | PeopleImages
There are a lot of homemade beauty concoctions worth trying thanks to the healing properties found in nature. While drinking milk is proven to give you strong bones thanks to the calcium, there may also be unique benefits to applying it to your hair as well. A popular choice is to wash your hair with milk. If you have some reservations about this, you are not alone. Let’s take a closer look at this to help you decide if a milk shampoo or rinse treatment is worth it for your curls.
What makes milk worth a try?
It is no secret that milk is loaded with all sorts of healthy stuff. Milk has calcium, protein, omega fatty acids, and essential vitamins such as A and D. While drinking milk has certain benefits for your body, applying it to your hair can help hair with hydration, moisture and nourishment as well as helping the scalp by supplying important vitamins.
Can I wash my natural hair with milk?
Yes, however, there are a few things to consider. If you are using whole milk, keep in mind that it naturally weighs down hair and has somewhat of a straightening effect. If you are looking for a milk wash without this effect, a better bet would be to try low-fat milk or coconut milk. It is also important to note that milk is much better as a deep conditioner. It works more as a moisturizer for your curls. Check out the video below for a tutorial on how you can use it as a deep conditioner, even for those that are protein sensitive.
Should I use products with milk in them?
Yes! In fact, this may be a better alternative than using store bought milk in your hair since it is expertly combined with other ingredients for the best result. Best of all, these milk products will last longer than a regular jug of milk! You should also keep in mind, milk doesn’t have to just be dairy milk. You can get a lot of benefits from coconut milk as well which is also high in nutrients and hydrating properties. Here are a few good ones using the powers of milk for curls:
- Curls Blueberry & Coconut Hair Milk uses organic Coconut Milk and blueberry extract guaranteed to moisturize even the driest curls, condition overworked hair and encourage hair growth.
- Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Flaxseed Recipes Half & Half Hydrating Silkening Hair Milk is formulated with nourishing Coconut Milk, Avocado and Marshmallow roots that are great for not only moisturizing your curls but softening and detangling.
- OGX Coconut Milk Shampoo is infused with Coconut milk, whipped egg proteins and Coconut Oils help strengthen and hydrate your hair leaving it soft and shiny.
- Alikay Naturals Caribbean Coconut Milk Conditioner offers a special blend of natural ingredients including Coconut Milk which helps prevents hair breakage, split ends and hair loss.
- SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-in Detangler is formulated with Coconut and Shea Oils, Coconut Milk and Acacia Senegal help to control frizz, detangle and act as a heat protectant.
Have you used a DIY hair milk or used products with milk on your natural hair? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
If you have wavy hair, you know the struggle of creating volume.
Wavy haircut by Evan Joseph Salon
For some, volume may come naturally. For some of us, however, volume can seem like a unicorn or elusive fairytale land always out of reach.
It doesn’t have to be this way! With our 6 tips on how to boost your volume with wavy hair, you can reach the heights you’ve always dreamed of in no time!
1. Get a curly cut
Wavy hair, especially long wavy hair, has a tendency to get weighed down and lose its curl. No amount of scrunching can fix a shapeless cut, so if you are struggling to achieve volume then seek out a curly cut stylist who can help shape your hair in a way that encourages your waves, not inhibits them. Every hair type is different, so if your hair is extra fine (meaning the individual strands are not wide”> or your hair is low density (meaning it is easy to see your scalp”> then your cut will be different from someone whose hair is high density or thick. If you haven’t found a stylist you like, here are 10 ways to meet your match.
2. Plop
When your hair is wet, it is weighed down at the roots. If you allow your hair to dry this way then you’re likely to experience flatness, so one way to avoid the wet dog look is by plopping. Plopping is a curly girl technique in which you accordion your curls and waves into a t-shirt or microfiber towel and tie it on top of your head to partially dry. You can see step-by-step instructions on how to plop here. For many wavies and curlies this is a crucial step in their wash day routine.
3. Dry upside down
If you don’t have time to air dry, then we recommend speeding up the process with a diffuser. When diffusing your hair, bring the diffuser from the ends up towards your roots so that the air is blowing up and not down. For even more volume, flip your head upside down and diffuse the roots while inverted. This will help raise the roots. When you blow down, you are crushing your roots back down to stay flat on your head.
4. Raise your roots with root lifter.
Of course, you can always cheat a little with a great product designed to raise your roots. A few examples of this would be SheaMoisture Dragon’s Blood & Coffee Cherry Volume & Lifting Spray, HASK Mint Almond Root Thickening Spray, and Groganics DHT Blocker System Moleculizing Root Lifter.
5. Try O-clipping
O-clipping is a method of lifting your roots with duckbill clips while they’re wet, and allowing them to dry this way. The ‘O’ symbolizes the shape you make with your arm when you insert the clip at the root. Stylist Brianne Prince shared a fantastic tutorial for how she O-clips for volume here. If O-clipping does’t work for you, you could also try her genius chopstick hack, which she calls “Curl Kebabs.”
6. Avoid build-up and calcification
Tying in with dry shampoo, if your scalp has a lot of build-up, it will naturally make hair seem flat. Make sure you are paying attention to buildup. If your scalp feels extra oily, consider a clarifying treatment as needed. A few great products for this include Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo, SheaMoisture Sacha Inchi Oil Omega-3-6-9 Rescue + Repair Clarifying Shampoo, and As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo.
Need more wavy hair care tips?
Visit our Wavy page now for tips, hairstyles and product suggestions from the NC community.
Be honest, when it comes to your curls…are you winging it? Do you not have a set routine? Being spontaneous isn’t always a bad thing, but your curls might be worse off for being subject to whims as opposed to real planning.
Listen curlies, the ultimate key to success in everything is getting organized.
No amount of stylers or deep treatments will work for you without a hair regimen. From meal planning to picking out work outfits — the more you can schedule, the better off your results will be. A hair regimen is no different!
Photo by skynext — Getty Images
Let’s take a look at the importance of keeping a hair regimen and how it can benefit your curls.
1. It’ll keep your hair moisturized
How many times do we have to say it? Dried out curls don’t do anyone ANY favors, and hydration is key. While how much we can retain moisture is largely dependent on your sebum production and hair porosity, chances are if you’re only doing an in-shower conditioner your strands are pretty dry. Curly hair needs higher levels of moisture to keep it healthy and elastic, and if you have a strict sealing and conditioning routine in place, you will be more likely to ensure your curls get the TLC they need. When you don’t plan for moisture, most of the time you miss out. Obey your curls’ thirst, and get a plan in place!
2. It’ll prevent breakage
If you aren’t on a hair regimen, your strands are just getting whatever you sporadically decide to give them instead of tailored care based on their needs. And when your hair is dry or undernourished, it will be more prone to breakage. Hair needs protein and moisture to stay healthy. While sometimes your hair will need more of one than the other depending on influencing factors, having a plan in place makes it easier to manage this aspect. If you have a regular routine of doing a deep moisture treatment once a week, and a protein treatment biweekly or once a month as needed, you can beat breakage and reveal healthy curls. Conditioner, folks. Use it, or lose it.
3. You’ll reduce buildup/irritation
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before. A curly walks into a bar, and even in the dim lighting, everyone can see the streaks of dried product, and also her hair is super crunchy and she spends the whole evening out scratching her scalp. Oh, that wasn’t funny? Well yeah. It’s not a joke. Without a good hair regimen, including clarifiying, and getting rid of all your styling product film, you’ll end up an itchy, flaky punchline no matter how easily absorbed your usual stylers are. Maintaining a schedule for hair care can help prevent scalp issues before they happen, and keep those curls from crackling.
4. You’ll save time and energy
Without a plan in place, you may end up doing hair treatments you don’t really need. Did you deep condition last week? Don’t remember? Welp, you’re doing it again, go ahead and cancel that lunch date. Having a set regimen in place not only teaches your hair to expect certain treatments at a given time, it also keeps you more organized. For instance, if you know every two weeks on Sunday night, you are doing a hair masque, it will just make life easier to manage. Bonus: You’ll save money on product if you don’t have to waste a treatment “just to be sure”.
5. It makes styling easier
When your hair is healthy and strong from having a routine, styling becomes easier. Healthy hair tends to need less in the way of daily frizz control, and can generally take less in the way of styling products, and other measures which can slow you down in the mornings. Who doesn’t like extra time? Whether putting in a protective style or wearing your hair with a fresh wash and go, styling success starts with healthy hair, and healthy hair starts with a routine!
So what do you think curlies? Are you a Type A bullet-journaling regimen whiz, or could you stand to get with a program? Let us know how you do or don’t keep it together in the comments!
Your curls are beautiful just the way they are, but sometimes they might need a little helping hand and when it comes to definition, the more the better! When you are looking for an at-home solution to this issue, it never hurts to have a few tried and true recipes on hand for DIY curl definers. Here at the NaturallyCurly office, we love to experiment with store bought products but we’re never afraid to venture into our pantries for curl help, so here are some of our faves.
Check out these three great recipes for DIY curl definers!
Photo Courtesy of @JessicaPettway
Here are 3 tutorials and recipes for creating three different DIY curl definers to help you find the one you like best for your preferences.
1. Flaxseed Gel
This recipe is easy to do and lets you create a gel that is easy to store. Made with the powers of flaxseed to get a usable consistency, this YouTuber reports a good deal of curl definition from this easy to make, natural solution. Flaxseed is also a great ingredient to stretch the curl, so you get less shrinkage and a great moisturizer/definer. Find out more about flaxseed gel here.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup flaxseeds
- panty hose or a stocking
- 1 tsp Vitamin E oil (from a capsule”>
- few drops essential oils like rosemary, tea tree, and lavender oils
- few drops scent oil such as jasmine
2. Apricot Curling Custard
Most naturals have a preference in the consistency of their styler, whether it’s gel, custard, spray on, or something else. If your curls react best with a custard, here is a great one. This is another recipe that is generally pretty easy to whip up and offers great benefits for the life of your curls. Custards also work super well for tighter coils, so Type 3 and 4’s try this one out! If you prefer a different fragrance you could leave out the apricot oil and fragrance and substitute your favorite essential oil.
Ingredients
- 1 oz glycerin
- 1 Tbsp xantham gum
- 2 oz aloe vera gel
- 1 Tbsp beeswax
- 1 Tbsp emulcifying wax
- 4 oz Shea butter
- 2 oz coconut oil
- 1 oz apricot oil
- 10 drops apricot fragrance
3. Moisturizing Defining Smoothie
When you want definition and an extra punch of moisture to get your curls through the day, this smoothie ticks all of the boxes. With this step by step tutorial and ingredient listing, get the inside scoop on giving your curls what they need with a few simple ingredients you might already have on hand! This recipe is packed with tons of moisturizing oils and all of the ingredients to give you great shine and luster.
Ingredients
- olive oil
- unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 avocado
- sweet almond oil
- honey
Of course, with any recipe you try out for your strands, it can be a lot of trial and error to find what works for you as an individual. Since no two curls are alike and we all have several different hair types on our heads, you may need to experiment with a few different recipes to nail down one that works for you, or even cocktail your products to work with your various hair types. With these three easy to make recipes to guide you, one of these will hit the mark!
What are your favorite home recipes to make for curls?
Share your photos with us on Facebook!
We all know that specific skin-clarifying benefits of treating ourselves with a mud mask for our faces, right?
Yes, curl friend, that’s right! photo: iStock | laflor
Many naturalistas wonder if those same benefits can be seen when using a mud mask on their strands. Well, let’s find out if this is a good idea for the life of your curls!
Should I put a mud mask in my hair?
The answer to the question really depends on what you mean by mud mask. The first thing to make clear is that you shouldn’t use a face mask product on your hair unless it is specified as being for both skin and hair. This can lead to dryness you certainly don’t want for your curls. The other matter is to look at ingredients. Many “muds” are a bunch of non-natural ingredients with just a small percentage of those ingredients being actual healthy “muds” and the rest is synthetic filler. To get the most out of a hair mud mask, you need to check the ingredients!
Typically, the first ingredient listed is the main ingredient. If the first ingredient is listed as anything other than the type of mud it claims, find a different product. Of course, you can also easily whip up a mud mask for your hair at home which is a great way to make sure you get the ingredients you seek. If your hair is already on the dry side, you may want to skip this type of hair mask. If you are dealing with buildup and want a supercharged cleaning, a mud mask is a great way to go.
What types of muds are best?
You want to be wary of anything that says mud mask without some other kind of indication of what kind of mud it is. The two most common and useful are bentonite clay and dead sea mud. If you are choosing a store-bought product, look for these two as your signifier of an excellent mud mask for your locks. These two types of “mud” are known to have detoxing properties which make them great for drawing out scalp impurities, dirt, residue, and buildup. Bentonite clay actually works like a magnet to draw out these unwanted elements from your scalp, so you get a fresh, clean feeling with every use. Dead sea mud is rich in minerals and salt to give your hair a boost of hard to find nutrients. It should be noted that while these muds are great for detoxing, they aren’t super moisturizing by nature so you will need to mix in a few elements to add some hydration or follow up with your usual deep conditioner or leave in treatment.
DIY Bentonite Clay Mask
When taking a DIY approach to this matter, here is a tutorial on bentonite clay to help guide you. With step by step instructions and ingredients to use, this is the perfect companion to start your relaxing at home spa day!
Dead Sea Mask
This one is a little harder to make on your own, and there are a ton of products with this beneficial mud as the main ingredient. Here are a few to check out:
Pure Originals Natural Organic Cleanser
Neutriherbs Cleansing Blackhead Anti-Aging Detox
Are you using a mud mask for your hair? Tell us in the comments!
Pictured @themonacut styling @christinavega_ shot by @mountainbikekeith
Whether you just moved to a new city or still on the hunt for a stylist who knows how to cater to curly hair, finding a hair stylist you can trust is a struggle only curlies would understand. There have been too many times we’ve left the salon unsatisfied and out of pocket, so before you jump into the chair and let the stylist work their magic, be sure to schedule a consultation in advance. If you’re not sure where to start or what to ask, here are the best questions to ask your future hair stylist to get an understanding of their expertise and to be clear on what your expectations are.
“What are your areas of expertise?”
Though there are stylists who are multi-faceted and offer a wide variety of services, be sure to ask what their expertise is. That way you know what they’re specialty is and know if they’re a good fit for the service you’re looking for, plus it’s a great conversation starter.
“Where did you train?”
Another way to gauge their expertise is to ask where they trained. Lots of hairstylists started out working on friends, sisters, and cousins before graduating to a professional school, and just because they started small doesn’t mean they can’t do big things for your curls now, but you do want to be sure they’re professionally licensed and have experience with textured hair specifically.
“Do you have a portfolio where I can see your work?”
Many stylists have a gallery on their website and social media sites, so if you haven’t already check that out to see their work.
“Will this style, cut or technique work for my hair type?”
If you have a vision in mind of how you want your hair to look be sure to gather some hair inspiration and show the stylist to get her feedback. Ask for her opinion to see if that will work with your hair texture,
“What would be the best maintenance regimen for the preferred style?”
The biggest mistake curlies make is getting a style, cut or color they aren’t educated on how to maintain. If you know what you want, be clear on what you’re wanting to do with your hair and ask the best regimen for a healthy
“What products do you use?”
Many stylists work with hair brands and prefer to only use certain brands on their clients, but that doesn’t always mean you’re hair will work well those brands. If a stylist is just pushing the products sold in the salon to get you to spend the most money, that is a warning sign that they care less about your hair and more about the final sale.
“What are your prices?”
Let’s be honest, maintaining healthy hair is an investment. Be sure to ask the stylist for their price list, especially if you know the service you have in mind. Though many stylists accept credit cards, some only accept cash so something else to be aware of so you can be prepared if you decide to book. In some cases there is an upcharge for textured hair services, and it is worth finding out before you get to the register.
“What is the best way to schedule an appointment?”
With technology being at the touch of our fingertips, there are several ways to book an appointment through a website or an app, so be sure to ask what their preference is. Also, many stylists require a deposit when you schedule your appointment, don’t fret it’s common amongt most stylists.
If you’re looking for a stylist in your area check out our recommended salons.
You already know your curls need certain things to stay healthy and strong.
While the matter of moisture is the most talked about topic in curly hair care, the need for a good sealer should also be a top priority. What good is all that moisture if you can’t lock it in? Even the best spray bottles can only do so much. With this easy and affordable recipe for a DIY sealer, get what you need with ingredients you most likely already have in your kitchen!
iStock/Africa924
Go ahead and grab:
1/2 cup unrefined shea butter
Why?
Shea butter is a natural emollient which helps to leave strands soft and hydrated. It also gives the sealant a nice texture that is easy to work into your hair and scalp. Your curls are going to be… smooth like butter.
¼ cup aloe vera gel
Why?
Aloe vera helps to purify the scalp thanks to the antibacterial properties. It also works to coat the strands to help close the cuticle when combined with the other elements. This is the ingredient that’s going to keep your hair from losing the moisture you’ve already imparted!
2 tbsp grapeseed oil
Why?
This ingredient helps with consistency and texture while having the added benefit of being an oil that adds nourishment and extra slip. Oils naturally slick down the cuticle to help lock in moisture. This is a lightweight oil compared to some heavier options which means it won’t weigh your hair down in concert with the shea butter. If you’re dealing with winter dryness or extreme conditioning needs, you can step it up to a heavier oil like castor or avocado.
1 tsp pure honey
Why?
As a natural humectant, honey can help ward off frizz. It also adds a bit of softness to your strands. It’s just as sweet on your hair as it is in your cup of tea.
Directions
To get started with this DIY sealer, melt the shea butter until it is soft, but not liquid. You can stir, fold, and crush the butter as it melts down to get that consistency since the butter will liquify where it meets the double boiler. Next, whip the butter with a hand mixer to make it fluffy. Add in the grapeseed oil and honey to the butter. Continue whipping on low until everything’s nice and blended. Then, add in the aloe vera gel and whip again on low. From there, all you’ve got to do is decant with a silicone spatula to avoid leaving anything behind, and store in a covered container away from heat. Apply to your curls after washing or refreshing as needed.
While you could melt it all down and make a liquid sealer, it is much easier to apply in a fluffy form. It also means you will use less so you won’t go overboard with the sealer. You can also add in your favorite essential oils to the recipe to create a mixture that has your favorite scents, but remember to use a light hand.
Ready to whip things up?
Let us know how you do in the comments!
Photo source: @joyjah
When it comes to pulling off a great hairstyle, your curls should be the main attraction. When you want to show off your curls, but still keep things pulled back somewhat, there is an easy compromise. With easy half-up hairstyles for natural hair, you get the best of keeping your curls up and out of the way while still showing off the beauty of your texture. Here are a few favorites for pulling off this style with ease.
Top Knot
This is one of the best easy half-up hairstyles for natural hair because it is so fun. It gives the mix of up and down style while having a lot of variations to where you place the knot, the hair length, and the texture. You can go messy or tidy with this look.
Ninja Bun Twist Out
For another look that lets you play with your stretched texture and frame your face, a ninja bun is a great choice. Perfect for work or play, this look can be done as neat or messy as you like it. Whether you want all the strands near the face pulled into the bun or some face-framing strands left out, this look is always pretty. See for yourself right here to how to make this look your own.
Space Buns
Tired of your top knot, but don’t want to put in any extra effort? Space buns is one of the chicest of the easy half-up hairstyles for natural hair. It gives a youthful vibe, works with all textures, and is pretty for whatever your day has in store. Here is a quick tutorial on achieving this style for yourself.
Braidless Crochet Top Knot
When you have short hair, but still want the look of a half up, half down style, this is an easy fix. This look lets you create a cute style using your favorite braids to get the perfect texture you are looking for no matter the length of your natural hair. Here is an example from one YouTuber on how to make this look come to life.
Pineapple Updo
This is not a traditional half up half down hairstyle, but it achieves the same effect for curly and coily hair. It’s a classic curly style that lets you sweep all your hair up and bring it forward for a pretty play on texture, while keeping the hair gathered and out of the way. Here is a pretty way to wear this style and tips on achieving it.
Which of these hairstyles is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
There are carrier oils, and there are carrier oils, but coconut oil is a curly classic.
It’s not without reason either. In every country coconuts can be found, people have been making their own DIY coconut oil products for centuries! In the here and now, new research has concluded that it is a nourishing way to replenish moisture to both hair and skin. It is loaded with healthy fatty acid complexes which are helpful in sealing in moisture and keeping hair strong, and skin supple. According to the Journal of Cosmetic Science, “Coconut oil, being a triglyceride of lauric acid (principal fatty acid”>, has a high affinity for hair proteins and, because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft.” Nice!
In addition to being super hydrating, it is also antibacterial which makes it great for certain skin concerns. In a study covered in the leading journal, Dermatitis, researchers found that virgin coconut oil was a successful means of treating not only dryness, but also reducing and removing Staphylococcus aureus which is an accumulation of harmful bacteria and fungi. Makes you wonder if you should start washing your hands with it…
Another benefit is that it’s easy to apply in its semi-solid state and it dries relatively quickly across different hair and skin types since it is easily absorbed. The best thing about DIY coconut oil products is that you can honestly make a one ingredient solution for almost any issue you have. Coconut oil on its own can be applied to hair and skin for noticeable results. However, when you’re looking to get fancy with it, here are four recipes well worth trying out.
iStock/Virtustudio
Coconut Conditioning Mask
This is an easy way to keep your hair hydrated and elastic! Combine 1-2 teaspoons melted coconut oil, 2 teaspoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Stir until well blended. Apply to strands and put on a shower cap. After 30 minutes, rinse it out for glossy beautiful strands. If you’ve got a big beautiful head of curls, especially if they’re high porosity, feel free to ratchet up the amounts of the materials in the same ratio you see here. Just don’t let any of this goodness go to waste!
Tropical Acne Medicine
One of the best DIY coconut oil products is this super easy acne fighter! Since acne is caused partly by dryness, the moisturizing properties of coconut oil make it an ideal solution. The tea tree oil in this recipe also has natural antibacterial abilities to remove the bacteria which causes acne. But since essential oils can be a little harsh by themselves, using coconut oil as a carrier can be ideal for spot treatment! Combine 1/8 cup melted coconut oil with 1-5 drops of tea tree oil. Mix until well blended. Transfer to a clean container and store in a cool place. Apply as needed while your face is still damp from regular cleansing to problem areas to help reduce acne.
Island Love Lip Balm
Coconut oil works nicely as lip balm thanks to both the moisturizing ability and the nice sheen it creates. This recipe also uses beeswax which can work to make the end product firmer and less likely to end up as chin, neck, and collarbone balm as it melts with your body heat. Melt 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 tablespoon beeswax, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil and stir until blended. Transfer to clean lip balm containers. Allow to fully cool prior to use—haste makes slippery waste…unless you have wood floors that need polishing.
Soothing Shaving Cream
Coconut oil is great for a shaving cream since it keeps moisture on your legs and gives good slip to prevent cuts and razor burn. For this recipe, you only need the coconut oil and a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance (no more than 3″>. Stir until well blended and store in a container with a lid. If you’re feeling extra fancy, use a whisk or batter blender to get a little air into the oil for a whipped spreadable shaving experience! Don’t forget to exfoliate beforehand so the coconut oil can get your new skin rather than the old.
Are you ready to get mixing?
Share your recipies and results in the comments below!
Photo courtesy of Nia the Light
Curlies, we all know sleep is important.
If you don’t get enough shut eye, you wake up feeling groggy and cranky without enough energy to get through the day. But did you know lack of sleep can also impact your hair? While the connection between sleep and health is nothing new, the matter of how sleep affects hair health is still being studied for new insights. So are there real benefits of sleep for natural hair growth?
Well, for starters, the healthier you are overall, the healthier your hair will be, and the healthier your hair is, the more it’ll grow! This cycle is nothing new since our health affects literally every aspect of our physical well-being, especially matters of appearance such as skin, nails, and hair. There’s more to this than the idea of sleep just generally being good for you. Let’s talk blood!
The key to hair growth is circulation.
The better blood flow you have underneath your scalp, the easier it is for hair to grow. When you lack enough sleep, the body goes into a hyperdrive mode where it shifts the focus to more necessary functions. For instance, when you aren’t rested, the brain is the first area compromised. Cognitive function decreases without enough sleep and the body may focus on that matter before any others, so the normal blood flow delivered to the scalp may be decreased, and hair growth will be put on the back burner to compensate for other areas the body deems more essential such as keeping you upright during meetings, and remembering what your name is.
No judgement, we’ve all been there.
Another one of the main benefits of sleep for natural hair growth is related to stress. When you get enough rest, your stress levels are lower. When your stress levels are lower, hair is more likely to grow. The science of sleep has long seen the relationship between lack of sleep and stress; in fact, a study published in Sleep Medicine Review states that, “Epidemiological studies suggest that sleep complaints and sleep restriction may be important risk factors for a variety of diseases that are often linked to stress, including cardiovascular diseases and mood disorders.” The connection between lack of sleep and stress, as well as stress-related health concerns, is a clear one. Lack of sleep leads to stress, and stress leads to inhibited hair growth.
One study published in The American Journal of Pathology reports, “Data suggest that neurohormones, neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters may significantly influence cyclic activity of the hair follicle further supporting the hypothesis that hair follicles represent an important target for stressors.” This means that when you get stressed out, your hair has a harder time growing!
Sleep is a necessity for everyone, and hey, curls are people too. Get your bonnet out, and grab those Z’s!
How do you sleep at night, curlies? Let us know in the comments!
