Search Results: NaturallyCurly

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:

Dead Sea Olive Mask

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!

Is there anything more versatile than natural hair?

Aside from slim-fit black jeans and bacon, not too much.

And you know that when you want a traditional way to play with length, color, and style, extensions are a great tool in your style box! If you’re not about going to a stylist for more basic braidwork though, this feed in braid tutorial is going to have you working like a pro on your simpler styles without damaging your curls or sacrificing your edges!

What are feed in braids?

Simply put, they are extensions of hair you include in your cornrows by simply braiding them into your natural hair. They come in a variety of options, allowing you to find the one that will work best with your natural texture and current hair color.

Tips for Feed in Braids

• Don’t braid the hair too close to your hairline. This will cause excess pulling on your edges, and with the extra weight of the braiding hair added to that tightness, you may end up losing your own curls! Start about a half inch away from your hairline, and use silk bonnets and edge control to keep your look sleek.

Tension is not your friend.

• Practice makes perfect. Even if you’ve been braiding for a while, working with feed in braids takes time to master. Don’t expect to rival the experts on the first attempt. Remember, there’s a reason professionals charge what they do—these things take time and skill!

• Work with colorful hair when first learning this technique. Not only is it fun to take a flamboyant first step, it will also make it easier to see the different sections of hair so you get a better braid.

• When sectioning out the hair pieces, make sure you start with smaller braids and sections at your forehead and crown and then gradually work your way to thicker pieces on the way to the back of your head to ensure you get a natural looking result.

• Make sure the legs of the braid stay even throughout to ensure the most proportionate outcome. If you find one leg is getting smaller than the others as you reach the bottom, simply readjust the legs by ‘borowing’ from a longer strand to fix this issue.

Of course, the best way to learn something new is to have a great visual!

With step by step guidance on the process, you can master this technique a lot sooner. To learn how to master this look, check out this feed in braid tutorial:

Being a naturalista takes a lot of work to get those beautiful curls. Part of that work is narrowing down the right choices in terms of products. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to decipher what products curlies need to avoid in order to achieve their best hair. While you may know a good deal already about the dangers of sulfates, silicones, and parabens, there are a few unlikely culprits to be on the lookout for in your quest for healthy, gorgeous hair. So, here are a few products curlies need to avoid in general.

Bleach

This is one of the biggest products curlies need to avoid. Many people try to lighten their hair using bleach products, whether looking for a platinum blonde look or looking to strip it of color to apply a wild pigment like hot pink. Applying bleach to the hair is a no-no, especially for naturals! While bleaching kits may be sold in stores, it doesn’t mean they are good for your hair. In fact, they can leave hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Not to mention the fact that many curlies experience the loss of their curl pattern through the use of bleach.

Sunscreen

While sunscreen may be good for your skin on a sunny day at the beach to beat skin cancer, you don’t need to apply it directly to your scalp or your hair. If you use the thick sunscreens intended for your body on your strands and scalp, you could end up clogging your pores, drying out your hair, or weighing it down. A better solution is to opt for products that already have some SPF in them for better protection such as Phyto Plage Protective Sun Veil or Clarins Sun Care Oil Spray.

Lotion

Along the same lines as using sunscreen meant for your body on your scalp or strands, you don’t want to use body lotion on your hair. While it may seem like the ingredients are pretty similar in body lotions and hair conditioners, they are formulated differently. It is best to stick with using only products made for your hair in your hair.

Dry Shampoo

This one is tricky. The way dry shampoo works is that it absorbs excess oils from the roots to make hair appear cleaner. While this may be fine for some people, it can be disastrous to the scalp of others. For instance, if you have an overabundance of natural oil, you should be fine whereas if your scalp is naturally a lacking moisture, this would be an issue. It is best to examine your own scalp and oil levels before stocking up on any sort of dry shampoo.

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Just how much heat does it take to damage your locks? Using hot irons and dryers on a weekly basis will make your hair dry, brittle and damaged. Heat will cause split ends and breakage, which, will have to be cut off in order to assist in restoring your hair back to health. Using too much heat can also eventually change your curl pattern and cause more frizz.

So just what can you do to improve damaged heat-ridden curls and waves?

Step Away from the Hot Tools

The first step is to take a break from the hot tools that you have been using too frequently. If you’ve been using hot tools religiously for a long period you may find this the most challenging step, so if you must use them, make sure you use quality tools like those with a number of heat settings. Look for dryers that have a stronger flow of air, with a lower setting and more power. Use a diffuser on your dryer as well.

Remember to NEVER use “wet to dry” tools of any type as they will do the most damage to your curls. Look for ceramic tools and always use a heat protective spray.

MORE: How to Use Hot Tools on Curls

Shampoo Less, Condition More

The detergents and chemicals in shampoos (and some conditioners”> can be very drying to your already heat-damaged hair. Shampooing 2-3 times a week is more than enough for most, while some curlies can shampoo as little as once a week or less. Use a gentle conditioner on your hair when you shower for the “non shampoo” days. Also, after your shower, don’t “rub” your hair dry, gently twist the water from it or gently blot your hair with a towel or t-shirt.

Go Deep

Deep condition one to two times per week. Depending on the damage to your hair, deep conditioning with a treatment for your hair type is important. Find a masque or treatment that suits your hair type.

At home treatments: You can also follow up with at home treatment by slightly warming olive oil (or your favorite oil mixture”> and applying it to your dry hair. Wrap your hair with plastic wrap and allow the olive oil to help restore the shine and moisture to your curls. After 30-40 mins, gently wash it out and allow your locks to air dry.

Another great treatment: combine a banana, one cup of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil , one egg and 3 drops of lavendar oil – mix them well and coat freshly washed hair. Allow it to sit on your hair for about 40 mins and wash out with cold water. Allow your hair to air dry.

MORE: How to Deep Condition Low Porosity Hair

Minimize Products

When trying to restore natural luster and bounce to curls, try to use fewer products in your hair. Some styling products, like gels and cremes, have chemicals and other drying agents which can add to the problem, instead of helping it. Look for alcohol-free gels and gentle, organic products that aide in styling, and don’t contain harmful chemicals. Check out products like Aunt Jackies’s Curls & Coils, Jessicurl, Aubrey Organics and Darcy’s Botanicals. [SHOPNaturallyCurly.com](https://shopnaturallycurly.com”> has a great list and selection of healthy products as well.

When you do use products on your hair, be sure to apply them lightly and gently. Avoid rubbing or combing your hair harshly, especially when wet.

MORE: Get 5 Minute Curls in the Morning

Photo by SunitaV

Of all the things we can do with our curls, changing up your hair color can be one of the best ways to shake things up!

Whether you’re transforming yourself into a bright blonde, violet crowned rockstar, or someone who’s gone a little less gray, coloring your curls has the potential to be a great thing. But if you regularly go DIY with your hair dye, showing off your colorful personality can come at a cost if you aren’t careful about the agents you use.

Certain chemicals found in hair dyes can lead to dry, brittle hair that is more prone to breakage, chemically burned skin, and several months of regrets. Here are the ingredients to watch out for in hair dyes to ensure you stay safe and your hair stays protected.

PPD (paraphenylenediamine”>

This chemical is used to change the color of hair to a darker shade. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding this ingredient since many people have experienced severe allergic reactions to it. Thankfully, the EPA stepped in, and continues to investigate the long-term effects of the use of PPD. The EPA has reported that, “Acute (short-term”> exposure to high levels of p-phenylenediamine may cause severe dermatitis, eye irritation and tearing, asthma, gastritis, renal failure, vertigo, tremors, convulsions, and coma in humans.” Not exactly the most ringing endorsement…

Ammonia

Used to lighten hair by removing color and opening up the hair shaft, ammonia is one of the most important ingredients to avoid in hair dyes. It is incredibly drying to your hair while being harsh and possibly painful to your skin. In fact, most times when people feel a tingling or burning sensation when lifting their hair color, it’s because the ammonia is getting to their scalp. Keep this stuff under the sink for cleaning use only, and DON’T feel the burn.

Ethanol and Isopropyl Alcohol

While you may be tempted to stay away from all alcohols in your curl cocktails, it should be noted that they’re not all created equally. There are alcohols that dry hair out and then there are the uncharitably named fatty alcohols that actually help to moisturize hair and skin. The main bad alcohol you will see in the hair dye you might need to ditch is ethanol alcohol which will dry out your strands and possibly irritate your scalp. Put the prohibition on this ingredient, and read up on the differences in the alcohol family!

Parabens

One of the most contested in terms of concrete evidence, parabens deserve to be on the list of ingredients to avoid in hair dyes if for no other reason than they’ve been tentatively linked to cancer. Neither the FDA nor the EPA have directly stated that parabens cause cancer, but both agencies have agreed that large amounts of parabens can contribute to cancer. You won’t find a Surgeon General’s warning on your hair care anytime soon though. Word from on high is that most products are still safe because the parabens used in them are very low levels. However, because parabens can be found almost every type of self-care product, and people use large amounts of those throughout their lifetime, the worry is that parabens may be accumulating in the body and disrupting normal function. According to esteemed journal The Scientific American, the problem with parabens is that they do not just sit on the skin, but sink below the surface into your system and disrupt hormonal balances. Consulting with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, they report that, “Of greatest concern is that parabens are known to disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity.”

If you’re looking to avoid these chemicals in particular but don’t know where to start, check out our specially curated shop full of ONLY paraben free products!

Curlies, the only thing you should worry about when home-coloring your hair is whether you’ll have to change your wardrobe to match. Avoiding these ingredients will give you added peace of mind about the health of your hair and your health overall, so take a deep breath and take the plunge!

Many curlies prefer wearing their hair short over long (the maintenance!”>, but as many curlies with shorter hair know, sometimes you get that long hair itch.

If you’re feeling the need to change up your look for an event – or just for fun – and need instant length, there are plenty of extension options for wavy hair. When your hair is in need of extra length or added volume, extensions are a great way to change things up. If you have Type 2, wavy type hair, you may have some questions about finding the best extensions for wavy hair. Since your hair type is somewhere in between straight and curly, it can be confusing to navigate this area. Here are a few tips on finding the best extensions for wavy hair.

Choose between curly or straight

The truth of the matter is that you will have a difficult time finding extensions that perfectly match your waves. Most women are left with the option of straight hair pieces or curled hair pieces. With curly extensions, you can add volume and body, but you may need to step up on the curling of your natural hair to get an even look. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to use a curling wand! You can create pin curls with bobby pins, braid your hair for a more elongated wave, or use heatless curlers like flexi rods or Curlformers. With a straight piece, you will need to curl the straight hair if you want it to match your wave pattern. Or you can use one of the wavy extensions below!

Consider the quality

Hair extensions made from human curly hair can be harder to come by than a straighter piece. To get the look of curls, many times it is naturally straight hair that is then chemically treated to get the curl. If you choose this type of extension, you should be careful not to straighten it with a heat tool since you may have a harder time getting the curl shape back. Straight pieces that have been curled will also have the tendency to become drier faster which is something else you should think about. A straight piece will generally allow you to curl it and straighten it without the damage factor showing signs as quickly.

Match your color

You don’t want the demarcation between your hair and the extension to be obvious, so it’s important to choose a color that blends with your own color. A great way to solve for this is to talk to your stylist about coloring the extensions. They will be able to help you with this matter as long as you buy extensions made of human hair since it can be difficult to color match or dye synthetic hair. The color doesn’t have to be an exact match, but it should be relatively close to look natural.

Get them done by a professional

While there are plenty of options to add extensions yourself, it may be best to leave it to the professionals. When working with clip-ins, you may be able to manage that on your own, but a more extensive process such as glued-in extensions really require an expert hand. If you improperly install extensions, you may end up damaging your real hair which is something everyone wants to avoid. Let the pros take care of it so you don’t have to worry!

When it comes to choosing the right brand, the best bet is to find a brand that offers a lot of variety. Here are 3 brands you can turn to for your extensions needs.

1. ONYC

They use 100% human hair in various patterns and lengths. This brand offers several options for wavy extensions from a beachy wave to a full type 2B/2C wavy texture.

2. Indique

Indique Hair offers several collections with sources from India and South East Asia. The Collection and texture above is the PURE Wavy, which is Indian wavy hair that is completely natural and untouched.

3. Remy Clips

Offering options for a variety of textures, this brand uses hair that has the cuticle attached. It comes in a body wave which is looser and a deep wave with a tighter pattern.

When choosing the right extensions to add some extra length or texture to your wavy hair, these tips will steer you in the right direction.

Have you found a wavy clip in that matches your curl pattern?

Make sure to share your favorite brands below in the comments for the other wavies on the hunt.

No matter your hair type, hair length, or hair style every curlista is going to need some certain accessories in her life. But if you’re just starting on your curl journey, you might not know what they are yet! Before you go hitting up those product sales, make sure you have these must-haves on hand.

Microfiber Towels

Hate the frizz and breakage of a normal terrycloth towel, but love not having to reach into your closet for a tee-shirt every time you want to dry your hair? A microfiber towel will dry hair faster while creating less frizz-causing friction thanks to the closely woven and extra-absorbent material. Try out Aquis! Their microfiber line includes not only towels in various sizes, but also turbans you can wrap your hair in to dry or plop. Options are always great.

Diffusers

If you regularly use a blow dryer to dry your curls, your strands are at risk for some serious damage. Heat can leave hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage, but in some situations you can’t wait around for your hair to air dry. With a diffuser, the heat isn’t applied directly to hair so you get the benefits of heat to quickly dry your hair and add volume, but without the damaging temperatures directly on your strands. While there are a lot of diffusers out there, one that was designed specifically for curly hair by curly hair specialists is the DevaCurl DevaFuser. It offers a full 360 degrees of airflow to give you healthy, happy, highly defined curls!

Bobby Pins

There’s a reason so much curly girl humor revolves around losing bobby pins—they’re essential! In fact, some styles are literally impossible to achieve without the use of these little friends. Whether you’re putting your hair into an elegant updo or just looking to keep things in place, they are the perfect curly tool. Best of all, they let you get a great hold without them being visible underneath your style! Check out this variety size pack from Donna to make sure you’ve got the pin length to suit your curl length at all times!

Combs

We wondered whether or not to even put this on the list, but for every 10 curlies that knows ‘comb’ is always on the list, there are at least three that aren’t quite sure where to start. Fingers and detangling brushes can only go so far, so this is less of an accessory and more of a necessity. Tangles are a fact of life for curly hair, and no matter how simple your everyday styles may be, a good wide-toothed comb is still a must to have on hand. With a comb like the NuBone II Finish Pro Detangler Comb, you get an easy, pain-free way to take on tangles without leading to strand breakage or hair loss.

Headbands

headband”>

Headbands are one of the most versatile hair accessories for curly hair—especially now that we have these great fabric options! Use these during your workouts to keep hair in place while soaking up sweat, keep your hair out of your face at the beach, or just add a touch of style to your look. Bonus, if you’re a colored curly, these are a great stylish way to hide your roots while you’re between appointments. There are tons of styles to choose from for this style staple, but to best protect your curls, try out these satin-lined Loza Tam offerings!

Head Wraps

When you want a versatile accessory you can use for several purposes, what can we say—issa wrap! These multifunctional fabric pieces can be used to wrap your hair at night, to lock in a deep conditioning treatment, and for those days when you want to pay homage to your ‘hair’itage. While there are lots of options out there, you want to choose hair wraps that are either silk, satin, or lined with either fabric to avoid adding friction and frizz to your strands. Smooth fabrics, silk especially, are also great for keeping coil’s natural or added moisture in place. Ruby Sampson has several colorful wraps in various sizes to chose from if you really want to make your hair look like the gift it truly is!

If you’re just starting out on your curl journey, have you made sure you have these essentials on hand?

If you’re a coily girl who loves a sleek style, you already know how much your edges factor into your hairdo’s equation.

But when it comes to perfecting this part of your hair, you might be in need of a few tips for laying edges! Hey, that’s what we’re here for. We’ve found that these tips can be serious style savers.

Never skip the spray

Your coils need moisture! Not only is dry hair harder to style and manipulate, your edges are already the most fragile hairs on your head! Make sure you spritz these strands with water to start off on the right hydrated track. Any spray bottle will do the job, but we’re big fans of the Curly Hair Solutions H2O Water Bottle because it sprays a fine, even mist that’s perfect for re-wetting your dry curls and coils.

You have gel options

Many naturalistas swear by gel for laying their edges because it gives great hold, but the potential for curl “crunch,” product build up, and the drying effects of some gels can be a little daunting. If you’ve got damaged hair, or if you know your hair doesn’t like certain alcohols like laurel, cetyl, behenyl, cetearyl, and stearyl, the classics in the Ampro or Moco de Gorila families aren’t the only choices out there. There are plenty of gentle gels from brands like Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Flaxseed Recipes Tame My Edges Smoothing Gel and Shea Moisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Edge Treatment to get the same effects without the ingredients you don’t want to play with!

You can go with lighter products!

If you have fine or less dense coils and curls, you might find any gel to be a bit much for your strands. But there’s no need to be weighted down on a constant basis. Hair milks and hair butters can both be excellent options for sleeking your edges back if you’re looking for something a little lighter. A few butter options include Alikay Naturals’ Moisture Rich Hair Parfait as well as AG Hair Smoothing Balm, which helps lay edges down while offering hydration. On the other side of the ‘dairy aisle’ in milks, you have products like Carol’s Daughter’s Hair Milk Nourishing & Conditioning Styling Foam and SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk which both offer a medium hold that isn’t as heavy on strands. Keep in mind that milks and butters are meant to provide lighter hold—so if you’re in a humid, sweaty, or other edge fluffing environment, you’re not going to get the same results as gels.

Issa Wrap

Coily styles take time! You have to let your edges set in order to get them lain down properly.

Wrap your edges in a silk or satin scarf and allow them to get used to their new position. This will allow your product to dry dry and locking in both the moisturizing properties in the products you used and the pattern you’ve styled your edges in. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes so make sure you’re styling it up in the first part of your morning routine, then unwrap before you step out the door to reveal beautiful edges that last all day!

What are your favorite edge techniques? Share the love below, and tag us @naturallycurly if you want your pictures to say 1,000 words!

If you are struggling with hair growth, you have probably found yourself in an internet hole of information, reading about and discerning what reported solutions actually work. Recently, we have been hearing the natural herb ginkgo biloba being linked to hair. And while this herb has many proven health benefits, whether or not it aids in hair growth is greatly contested. Here are a few things you should know about ginkgo biloba before you

So what is it?

For centuries the herb ginkgo biloba has been used for cooking, drinking, and as a healing salve. There have been several studies about how this herb interacts with the body, and thus affects our hair. One of the most notable ways it aids the human body is by improving blood flow and circulation. The more blood flow and circulation the scalp has, the easier it is to for the follicle to become stimulated. Once the follicle is stimulated by the circulation, hair growth can take place. Essentially, the herb cannot directly cause hair growth, but it does promote stimulation, which can create a healthier environment for better and faster growth. This is one of the reasons it is one of the best-selling herbal supplements in the U.S. and Europe.

Essentially, the herb cannot directly cause hair growth, but it does promote stimulation

Where’s the Proof?

The connection between circulation and hair growth is nothing new and there are many reports to back this up. According to a study performed by Massachusetts General Hospital, the increase in blood flow is directly related to healthy and shinier hair. Using a protein, which stimulates blood vessel growth in skin, the researchers treated the hair follicles of mice. Their findings show a total increase in hair volume by an astounding 70% with hair being thicker and more new growth occurring. Another study cited on the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, reports that ginkgo biloba is a recognized blood flow simulator. The study was conducted on cerebral blood flow and patients in the study showed signs of increased blood flow across the board. With circulation of blood being such an important factor for not only creating new growth, but also better growth, it makes sense to add a blood flow simulator such as ginkgo biloba to your diet.

How to add it to your regimen

Before you add ginkgo biloba for hair growth to your diet, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Check with your doctor – You should always check with your doctor before adding new supplements, even if they are over-the-counter. There may be reactions to current medications or health conditions.
2. Start small – If you are new to ginkgo, you may want to start with a lower dosage, after your doctor approves it. A great way to start adding this herb into your routine is by making an herbal tea out of it. You can find it in individual supplement form, or as an ingredient in hair supplements like the Mielle Organics Adult Healthy Hair Formula Vitamin. If you do choose to take the supplement in pill form, make sure you drink plenty of water and take it with food. This allows it to absorb easier, as well as protects your stomach from irritation.
3. Apply it topically – Several brands have incorporated ginkgo biloba into their products for years. Try Taliah Waajid Curls, Waves & Naturals Hairline Help 2-in-1 as an easy option for adding the herb directly to your strands.

Do you take any supplements for hair health? Share below!