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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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
There are many reported remedies that supposedly help with the process of growing out your hair. Many people are intent on the idea that there are certain vitamins that are useful for different hair goals, and one of the most popular notions is the idea that fish oil specifically, can aid in hair growth.
There is a lot to consider when adding a new element to your health or haircare routine, so let’s take a closer look.
What is fish oil?
This essential vitamin can be found in either liquid form or soft gels and the several healthy benefits come from the high levels of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Foods like salmon, brussel sprouts, and eggs are naturally filled with this nutrient, but if you are not eating a diet with fish oil regularly, supplememts are a great alternative. Omega-3 fatty acids are not naturally occurring or produced by the human body, so outside sources, such as fish and certain vegetables, are the only way to get them.
What are the benefits of fish oil?
The Omega-3 nutrients found in fish oil can have a ton of health benefits that make it worth adding to your lifestyle. According to Harvard Health, “Omega-3 fatty acids play important roles in brain function, normal growth and development, and inflammation. Deficiencies have been linked to a variety of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, some cancers, mood disorders, arthritis, and more.” The most prominent and researched of this area is the cardiovascular benefit. In fact, the University of Maryland Medical Center claims, “Fish oil has been shown to lower levels of triglycerides (fats in the blood”>, and to lower the risk of death, heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms in people who have already had a heart attack. Fish oil also appears to help prevent and treat atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries”> by slowing the development of plaque and blood clots, which can clog arteries.”
Will fish oil help hair grow?
While taking fish oil for your heart makes sense, let’s get back to the hair growth part. Hair growth is a result of healthy hair. Fish oil won’t make hair grow instantly since hair growth is more complicated than that. However, fish oil can help improve the overall hair cycle balance while also helping to lessen the effects of hair loss. The Omega-3 fatty acids can also aid in making the scalp healthier which will help with growth. All new growth starts with a healthy scalp! It is important to note that healthy hair and thereby hair growth aren’t affected by just one factor. For instance, if you incorporate fish oil into your routine, but don’t give your hair the proper daily care it needs, your hair growth goals might still be unachievable. Adding fish oil is a good start to a well-balanced approach to maintaining the overall health of your hair!
How to add fish oil?
Your hair will get the most benefit from eating 2-3 servings of lean fish a week. The body does a much better job of absorbing any type of nutrient, such as Omeg-3 fatty acids, though the natural course of digestion. If you do not enjoy eating fish, supplements of fish oil are an alternative that will still offer most of the same benefits. You can also apply fish oil directly to your strands for a quick fix, but you will want to mix it with something else to cut the smell, such as olive oil or coconut oil, and wash your hair thoroughly to remove that fishy smell. If you aren’t a fan of the smell or taste, your best bet will inevitably be adding fish oil in the form of a soft gel.
While there’s something to be said for simple-chic ‘dos, sometimes you want your curls to convey a whole lifestyle vibe instead of just a style. And giving them the wet look is a great example.
Imagine: Mermaid vibes all day? We’re here for it. And here’s how to do the “dew” without damage.
First things first, determine what your porosity is!
Depending on whether you have higher or lower porosity, this look might vary in levels of difficulty. Lower porosity hair will have the glossy products sit on top of it much more easily, but if your curls are thirstier, have no fear! You can still look freshly splashed. Give your hair a spritz of real water beforehand so your strands fill up on the appetizers… so to speak.
Are you coily?
As long as you’re not yet loc-ed, this look still isn’t out of reach! Finger coils,roller or braid stretched hair, or even blown out hair can take to the waves with the wet look with no problem! Just grab a heat protectant serum that also touts shine as one of its main qualities, especially if your hair is higher porosity! Smooth n’ Shine and Creme of Nature are a couple of brands that can help you out with offerings on that front.
Once you’ve lain the foundation, you’re going to want to grab a strong hold, high-shine gel to start the look.
How strong should you go?
How strong of a gel you’ll use is going to depend on your hair type AND hair density though! If you’ve got finer and/or wavier hair, look for the products that coilies swear by to give them light definition, like Oyin Handmade’s Shine and Define Serum. If your hair is tighter coiled and/or more dense, reach for something with maximum hold like Ecostyler with Argan Oil.
As you’re going over your curls, rub the gel in your hands first so you don’t end up with clumps. The amount you use is going to depend on your own hair length, type, and density, but the goal here is to get everything nice and saturated.
Since you don’t want just one wet looking lump though, you’re going to want to scrunch, roll, or twirl your curls from roots to tips in order to get some good definition. Once you’re all gelled, take a deep breath in and hold it while you add some medium-hold hairspray like Eluence’s All Day Hold to set the look. Remember, the gel is for the ‘wetness’! Your spray here is going to be what locks that slick shine in.
A word of caution about the wet look!
This isn’t exactly a style for every day, curl friends. Saturating your hair with gel on the regular is going to weigh down your strands with a lot of layers of buildup that’s going to be less sea goddess and more polluted ocean. Make sure you’re using a clarifying shampoo the next washday, and you’ll be good to go!
Are you ready to have the motion of the ocean in your curls? Tag us @naturallycurly if you try this splashy style!
Ever heard the term “Garbage in, garbage out?” Well curlies, despite the fact that a mystery meat McRib here and there isn’t going to send you into an ashy malnutritious spiral, the phrase still holds very true as far as nutrition and your hair.
Although it’s very possible to have too much of a good thing when it comes to monitoring what you consume, it’s no surprise that with so much emphasis put on eating right for beautiful hair, people have been experimenting just as much with the ingredients in their diet as they have with ingredients in their hair products. And one of the most controversial inclusion concerns as far as healthful meals has been with meat.
So, let’s bottom line it. Does eating meat affect hair growth?
The quick answer to this question is yes; but, as with all nutrition concerns, it’s more complicated than a yes or no answer. Meat is high in protein which is one of the most essential nutrients needed for healthy hair. Your hair is literally made up of a protein after all, even if keratin is a considerably less appetizing one. Hair growth is one of many bodily functions directly impacted by how much protein you can absorb so it’s easy to see why there is so much emphasis put on including it in a complete diet. According to Lisa Caddy, a certified trichologist with Philip Kingsley, a top expert in hair and scalp health from London, eating meat is about more than just the protein. Red meat in particular is essential because it is rich in sources of a substance called ferritin. This stored iron compound helps the body to produce hair cell proteins. “If you have a [ferritin] deficiency, the growth of hair cells can be badly affected … vegans, vegetarians, and those who choose not to eat red meats are most susceptible. This is especially true of menstruating women,” says Caddy, who also asserts that ferritin deficiency is often the most common cause of hair loss in women.
Should vegetarians be concerned?
If you’re a newly minted vegetarian or vegan, you might be pretty concerned right about now. But as your fellow herbivores can tell you, there’s no need! While meat is an important, and readily available source of protein, it’s hardly the only one! Beef, poultry, and seafood have the highest protein concentration, but other sources for this essential nutrient include vegetarian-friendly options like beans, lentils, peanut butter, almonds, edamame, and more. As long as your cooking (or ordering”> techniques are up to par, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or hair-healthy nutrient load if you’re keeping the animal kingdom off of your menu.
Of course that raises the question: Are certain proteins better than others?
When it comes to your overall health, it has been suggested that lean proteins such as salmon and chicken breast are healthier than red meat varieties like steak. And of course, cutting other food types from your diet in favor of all meat, all the time might lead to overconsumption of animal fats, and circulatory issues that will definitely halt hair growth. Then again, the ferritin content we mentioned is higher in red meats…so what’s the answer? As with every aspect of health, balance is the key.
It would be incorrect to say meat is the only thing that affects hair growth, there are other elements as well, such as vitamin D and iron which both help scalp circulation and properly caring for the scalp to encourage follicle health, that also play a role in hair growth.
Remember to take a holistic approach with your curls rather than zeroing in on any one aspect, and you’ll be your best textured self!
It seems like every time you turn around, a new superfood is being praised.
From coconut oil to avocados, the curly hair world has a ton of tried and true natural remedies for those taking a DIY approach, or anyone taking care to read the ingredient lists (hint, that should be everyone”>. It’s kiwi on deck this time around, but do keep this in mind: not everything works for every hair type! Sometimes we have to go through a few different trending ingredients to find what works for us, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Every curly has different needs! And now, for those of us with worries about premature signs of aging hair, it’s kiwi’s turn to shine, and help your curls do the same!
Take a look at what this tangy tropical treatment can do for you!
Preventing Early Graying
One of the biggest benefits of kiwi for hair is that it can help prevent premature color loss and graying. Kiwi flesh contains copper, one of the trace elements our bodies need to function properly. While graying is an inevitable, and beautiful, part of maturing curls, graying at an early age can be indicative of not getting enough of those smaller concentrations of metals and minerals in your diet. Slice some kiwifruit into your breakfast smoothie and get your pennies’ worth!
Fighting Hair Loss
Nothing encourages growth like getting all your fruits and veggies, right? Right. Kiwi can help you with hair loss and slow growth because it’s packed with essential vitamins, such as vitamins C and E, as important trace minerals like zinc, magnesium, and phosphorous—all of which work together to fight hair loss. How, you ask? It’s all on the inside. These nutrients are known to stimulate blood circulation, which is essential for a healthy scalp and hair growth (as well as life in general”>. Think of it as a way to massage your scalp from the inside! And as we know, the healthier your scalp is, the less likely you are to lose strands at an accelerated rate. In fact, having the right amount of vitamin C in your diet specifically can make a difference in a major way! According to Progressive Health, “When you have enough vitamin C in your system, you will have the nutrients you need to help produce collagen, which is necessary for healthy skin, bones, ligaments, muscles and blood tissues.” We’re not arguing with that.
Combating Dryness
So you’re eating kiwi. Great! They’re delicious. But what if you’re looking for a more topical solution? Grab your juicer, you can do that too! Because kiwifruit is acidic (that’s the vitamin C”>, you’ll want to keep metals away from your mixture, so break out the plastic juicers and wooden forks. And unless you feel like being the bees’ best friends the rest of the day, you’ll want to make sure any DIY treatment with kiwi is a rinse-out one. Just because we all want to save them doesn’t mean they can’t be a little distracting after all. Strain (and eat!”> any chunky bits with a cheesecloth, funnel the juice into a spray bottle, and use as a moisture boosting pre-poo!
If you aren’t interested in a DIY approach, you can still get in on the action. You can opt for hair care products that have kiwi as part of their formula such as Creme of Nature’s Kiwi & Citrus Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo, or ORS’ Curls Unleashed Sage & Kiwi Intense Hair Conditioner, to add it to your washing and conditioning routine. You can even get it in styling products like SoCozy Behave Medium Hold Peachy-Keen Styling Mousse!
Are you ready to try this fuzzy powerhouse in your curls? Have you already? Let us know in the comments!
Get What You Deserve: A 1-Year Supply of FORM!
Tired of spending hours scouring retail shelves for products made for your texture? Disappointed by leave-ins and cleansers and stylers that do literally nothing for your curls?
Get the moisture, softness, strength, and hydration you deserve with a year supply of FORM!
From October 23rd to December 22nd, NaturallyCurly and FORM will be accepting entries from those of you that want to WIN a 1-year supply of 5 FORM products! This giveaway will award 1 lucky Grand Prize Winner with a curl and texture consultation to determine which FORM products are most suitable to their curls. ($700 value”>
50 Runners Up will receive 1 full-size bottle of Multitask 3-in-1 Leave-In Lotion. ($32 value”>
The giveaway closes on Friday, December 22, 2017.
How to Enter the Giveaway:
Use the FORM Beauty Giveaway email entry (see form below”> for a chance to WIN!
Thanks for entering the giveaway! If you already follow @NaturallyCurly on Twitter or Instagram, you won’t get an extra entry. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, as per our Terms and Conditions.
Photo Courtesy of Leilani Lealaimatafao. Instagram: leilaniorange
As curlies, we all know that using heat tools is playing with fire.
Almost literally at that. When used the right way, higher temperatures can help with deep conditioning to open up the cuticle for better penetration and help set your style when you’re ready to change things up. But when used the wrong way, it can lead to brittle, breakable strands lightening the load of your curls by having them fall off your head completely.
If you’re finding that your heating wrongs aren’t making anything right, it might be a good time to consider going without them for a bit.
Obviously using heat post-wash, has the potential for a drying effect—yes, even when you’re not using an actual blowdryer. Chicago-based hairstylist, Anna Jackson, told DailyMakeover “Heat rapidly dries out hair, and if your hair is already colored or just naturally dry, then you will have to trim your hair more often and use masque conditioners to help keep the moisture in. Hot tools can also make hair look crispy and create split ends if overused.”
No thanks to all of that.
If you’re ready to start saving time on heat styling, saving money on split end treatments, and saving your curls’ integrity, the alternatives couldn’t be easier!
Take air drying for example. When we say some curl methods are quick, natural, and easy, we can’t get much more into those pluses than we do with this. If you have time, ie, not before bed or work, wring your curls out once your last rinse is done, and either leave them be, or put them in detangled twists depending on your personal curl concentration. Check out how NaturallyCurly’s own Amanda does it!
If you have high porosity or chemically lightened hair, and you’re worried that air drying is going to introduce more frizz in your life, you’re not wrong to! But before you reach for the dryer again, try investing in microfiber towels or turbans! Not only are they better for your hair than your typical terrycloth, they also absorb water even faster. Bonus, you won’t have to worry about getting your cute graphic tees all soggy. Try out DevaCurl’s Anti-Frizz Microfiber Towel if you’re a toussler with time to sit and air out, or the Aquis Essentials Turban if you’re more into multitasking while the excess water soaks on up! If you’re a coily that needs to twist those locks immediately to prevent knotting, consider patting or turbaning those twists after they’re formed to help the core of those twists dry a little faster.
Don’t think you can quit?
If your curls aren’t color treated, or otherwise fragile, heat tools don’t necessarily have to be the enemy. But that doesn’t mean you can just put your hair on blast! Use medium heat instead of instantly flipping the switch to the highest setting, and focus on drying and straightening your roots rather than giving all your attention to the older, weaker strands. Make sure you’re up on your deep conditioning, leave-in, and heat protectant game to keep those curls healthy!
Are you ready to take the heat off your hair? Let us know in the comments if you have, or even if you can’t!
We all know that achieving healthy and beautiful hair is not an overnight process and is affected by several factors – some of which we have control over. One of those factors that we can control is our diet. Most discourse about hair health focuses on hair products and regimen, but what we consume is actually just as important. We often forget to acknowledge how our diet contributes to our hair health, and how our addiction to sugar specifically, can negatively impact hair growth. Sugar may make life sweeter, but too much artificial or added sugars may be affecting your hair journey.
So, how do sugar and hair growth relate to one another? It has become an accepted concept in the beauty industry that too much sugar is bad for your skin. It can leave your skin prone to breakouts, premature aging, and discoloration. Research has found these effects for your skin and they are widely accepted now, but the relationship between sugar and our hair is not as commonly understood. Sugar has been proven to have negative impacts on the scalp and hair, but the good thing is, you have complete control over how much you consume. Not only that, but changing your eating habits can help your curls reach their full potential directly AND indirectly! April went over the disciplinary aspects of cutting out sugars, and the unexpected bonus effects mindful shopping and consuming will have on your hair.
We have all heard of a sugar rush. This rush gets the name from the way humans have blood sugar spikes after consuming sugar faster than the body can metabolize it, which causes insulin and steroid levels to rise rapidly. Inflammation is also a result of a blood sugar spike.
“When inflammation is constantly driven by high glycemic and high sugar diets, it messes with the immune system and that is where the high sugar diets are coming more into play with hair health,” Dr. Apple Bodemer, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, told The Today Show. This process creates a rise in insulin and androgens which bind with follicles to cause hair loss.
When inflammation is constantly driven by high glycemic and high sugar diets, it messes with the immune system and that is where the high sugar diets are coming more into play with hair health
According to Dr. Batra’s, a homeopathy clinic that specializes in hair loss, “One study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Risk found that women with some markers of insulin resistance have a greater risk for androgenic alopecia (AGA”>, or female pattern baldness.”
Consuming too much sugar will leave you with thinning hair and may be why you aren’t experiencing any new growth.
If you are wondering how sugar relates to growth, aside from thinning hair, it is important to note a few things. Excessive sugar consumption can throw off the chemicals inside your body that create hair growth. Remember, healthy hair capable of growing starts with the foods you eat. It should also be noted that there are healthy sugars that are preferred over artificial ones. Any whole food, such as fruits, that have naturally occurring sugar are actually good for your health and hair since they aren’t processed. The goal is to avoid artificial sugars, as well as foods or drinks that add extra sugar to the recipe. Gerilyn detailed the hidden sugar issue a little further, and it’s a real eye-opener!
The goal is to avoid artificial sugars, as well as foods or drinks that add extra sugar to the recipe.
So, the next time that sweet tooth starts talking, try to satisfy it with a bowl of fruit instead of strawberry syrup on top of ice cream! Here at NaturallyCurly headquarters, a handful of our editors and staff are doing the exact same thing in our No Sugar Challenge.Alex detailed the expected results!.
But don’t think restricting sweetners and starches means you’ll starve!
Lauren hooked us all up with a list of recipies that are both filling AND compliant in our 2-week challenge! Devri also went into what to expect when you’re expecting those sugar withdrawals, and how best to keep your head up in all the sweet sweet madness (and among the friends and family that can and will wave pastries in your face”>.
Have you tried cutting artifical sugars from your diet? Let us know in the comments.
While new looks are always fun to try out, there is a reason some have remained staples. If you’re rocking box braids right now you may be looking for ways to change them up or just get them off your neck, and this DIY high bun with box braids is a protective style anyone can do.
This style is perfect for a day-time professional look at the office, a dinner date after work, or a night out with friends, which makes it a go-to for many natural women. If you regularly wear your hair in box braids, you probably know the few setbacks that come with these long braids, like whipping your face when you go for a run, making your neck too warm, or rubbing against your clothes or seat and causing your braids to frizz. Switching up your style into a high bun box braid however, can alleviate these setbacks in an instant. Its simple application and intricate look has made this look a classic for generations, with curly and natural women rocking the style for all sorts of occasions.
Since the weather and an active lifestyle can make wearing long hair more difficult, you might be searching for an alternative to wearing your braids down. This DIY high bun with box braids is just what you, and your sweaty neck have been searching for. Follow these 5 simple steps to achieve your own classic high bun with box braids look.
Step 1. Hang your box braids over your head and gather them into a ponytail where you want your bun to be. For a higher bun, you want to place your gathered hair as near to the top of your crown as you can, depending on your preference of placement.
Step 2. Once you have the base of the ponytail where you want your bun to sit, secure your hair into a ponytail with a hair tie. If your braids are thick or you want a way to do this without taking on damage, a good trick is to use a bandanna or scarf in place of a hair tie to secure your ponytail.
Step 3. Begin twisting the braids to wrap them around the ponytail. Make sure you pulled up on the braids gently before this step or check now to make sure you don’t have any braids that aren’t flat against your head below the bun. Keep twisting the braids until they are wrapped all the way around.
Step 4. Tuck the ends of the braids under the bun and secure them either by tucking them into the hair tie or with the use of bobby pins.
Step 5. Adjust the bun to the position and shape you desire. Make sure you secure any loose areas with bobby pins to keep it in place.
And that’s all there is to it! With these 5 simple steps, creating a DIY high bun with box braids is fast and easy. To see this look created in minutes, watch the full tutorial!
“Painters from the Renaissance to the Pre-Raphaelites celebrated curly hair. It’s soft and sensual.”
— New York City hairstylist MenelaosFebruary 2004 In Style
From People.com, January 2002:
Reader Meghan says of this Chelsea Clinton photo from People.com, ‘I really don’t like her hair like this. I know people who say that it makes her look more sophisticated and that makes me mad…does that mean that she looked childish with curly hair???’ We agree, Meghan! Shame on you, Chelsea! And shame on People.com for intimating Chelsea is hipper and more attractive with straight hair. The caption People ran: ‘CHIC CHELSEA: A barely recognizable Chelsea Clinton shows off her straight coif and hip look …’
