Search Results: NaturallyCurly

My natural hair journey started in 2009; for me I honestly wanted to stop relaxing my hair so I did. Fast forward to 2014 when we found out we were expecting our second child, a little girl. We were elated and I was overwhelmed by the fact that I would inevitably have hair to comb. If her hair was anything like mine she would have a lot of hair and it would be very thick. My husband and I had several conversations about what we weren’t going to do to our daughter’s hair. At a very young age my mom started manipulating our hair (my sister and I”> from the time I can remember. I look back at pictures and as a baby, possibly one year old, I have rubber bands and things in my hair. We decided that wasn’t something we wanted to do. When I gave birth to my daughter Ariah on August 13, 2014 it was one of the best days of my life. She came into the world with a head full of hair (the heartburn told me that she would”> and she was perfect.

As she got older her straight hair started to curl up. My son’s hair was totally different, he had straight hair until he was 11 months old. Ariah’s hair on the other hand started curling up at two to three months.

I didn’t have to put much into her hair, fast forward to 6 months I noticed her hair was getting thicker and longer. We would go places and people would say “oh my God her hair.” I have been natural since 2009 but I never wanted to wear my hair curly, I would always straighten it. After having Ariah I wanted to wear my hair curly; I wanted us to match. She inspired me to love myself the way that God made me; she was authentically herself. The way I typically style her hair is free flowing and with a bow. Wild and free just like Ariah.

One day my husband picked my daughter up from daycare like he always does. I walked in the door and immediately said what is going on with her hair? Her hair was styled with a very straight part down the middle (had to have been done with a comb, mind you I don’t have styling products for her hair anywhere but our home”> and two fluff balls. Upon further examination it was determined that [her teacher] had placed two black rubber bands in my child’s hair. You know which ones I’m talking about. They were in so tight her edges were being pulled. I immediately took them down but it took around 15-20 minutes because her hair was being tangled in the rubber bands. My thought was complete shock and anger; who does another person’s child’s hair and doesn’t ask for permission?

I immediately become furious; every time I looked at my child and saw the indent of the ponytails I became angry. I kept trying to understand why she would do that. Granted I don’t style Ariah’s hair every day but to me I still felt like it was inappropriate and not her place to make that decision. In the two years since I’ve had Ariah I’ve heard so many questions about what “we’re” doing with her hair or what my plans are for her hair. I don’t know why that’s any of anyone’s business but what I do with my daughter’s hair is my business. I don’t have to answer to anyone. In fact, my husband knows I’m the one that deals with hair and picking out her clothes. I feel like she’s 2 and if I want to have her wear a fro until she’s ten that’s my prerogative. My husband’s family members were the first to ask me what we’re doing to Ariah’s hair, I kept trying to figure out what was wrong with it. I also had someone I knew that asked me “what, you don’t do protective styling on your hair? Well what about Ariah’s?” No. “Well are you planning on letting her wear a fro for the rest of her life?” If I so choose to.

My husband felt the teacher was out of line but also felt like it wasn’t that big a deal. I however, felt like it’s most definitely a big deal. Here are a few reasons why:

• She didn’t ask for permission
• She assumed it was ok to comb/brush her hair
• She put rubber bands in her hair
• She pulled her hair too tight
• She used a comb and brush that did not belong to us which brings about sanitation issues

What my husband, his family and countless others do not get is the story behind everyone’s natural journey. When I became natural it had nothing to do with anyone but my own preference. After having Ariah she made me want to love myself just the way God made me. I cut off half my hair due to heat damage in order for us to embark on this journey together. My hair was to the middle of my back! I take this very seriously. I don’t want Ariah to not love herself or allow other people to dictate how she feels about herself and her hair. My husband did feel that this was something that should be addressed to the teacher herself. I’m not saying she didn’t have good intentions but that will forever be ingrained in my mind. It’s frustrating when you feel a certain way about something and people tell you it’s not that serious; it is to me.

Has this ever happened to anyone else? If so how did you handle it?

Thank you so much to our reader, Joy Tucker, for submitting this story to us!

Want to pitch your story to NaturallyCurly.com? Shoot us your idea here!

Popular natural hair brand Shea Moisture issued an apology Monday following social media backlash over its latest Facebook ad spot. The ad focuses on personal experiences with hair hate, a concept our community is very familiar with, and notably features a mix of textures and races. The ad opens with a light skinned woman with 3c curls sharing her journey to embracing her natural hair, then cuts to a woman with straight blonde hair, “lots of days spent staring in the mirror like, I don’t know what to do with it,” followed by a woman with red hair sharing that she spent years dying her red hair platinum blonde. The omission of tighter textures and dark skinned women, the brand’s core customer and a group which experiences hair hate in uniquely acute ways, caused a social media maelstrom with accusations of whitewashing and threats to boycott the brand reminiscent of Pepsi’s recent fiasco.

Shea Moisture is getting dragged on their FB page for that new commercial. Yikes pic.twitter.com/8wPFVy83wz

— DarkSkintDostoyevsky (@daniecal”> April 24, 2017

To be clear, no one is mad Shea Moisture is opening their product up. Ppl mad b/c they no longer cater to the the audience that made them — Our Portsmouth (@PTownDenizen”> April 24, 2017

Black women out here getting fired for having 4c hair and shea moisture has the audacity….. pic.twitter.com/CsLCq5vtEA — SeaSea (@CeceTMach”> April 24, 2017

Shea Moisture tell me how you’re gonna run a “stop hair hate” ad, but not feature the type of hair that gets the most hate ?

— Yadii In My Blood (@BlessedZvy”> April 25, 2017

According to PR Newswire, Sundial’s VP of Communications Latraviette Smith-Wilson said her team “flagged the complaints at 11 a.m. EST on Monday. Its in-house comms team responded to the situation to ensure Shea Moisture was part of the conversation. It has not been supported by an outside PR agency.” She explained that “We want our community to understand that in no way did we ever intend to make anyone feel disrespected or [minimize their experience]” and went on to say that “As importantly, we want them to know that we fully acknowledge that our execution on this piece was flawed.” The brand issued a full apology Monday afternoon on all of its social media.

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Wow, okay – so guys, listen, we really f-ed this one up. Please know that our intention was not – and would never be – to disrespect our community, and as such, we are pulling this piece immediately because it does not represent what we intended to communicate. You guys know that we have always stood for inclusion in beauty and have always fought for our community and given them credit for not just building our business but for shifting the beauty landscape. So, the feedback we are seeing here brings to light a very important point. While this campaign included several different videos showing different ethnicities and hair types to demonstrate the breadth and depth of each individual’s hair journey, we must absolutely ensure moving forward that our community is well-represented in each one so that the women who have led this movement never feel that their hair journey is minimized in any way. We are keenly aware of the journey that WOC face – and our work will continue to serve as the inspiration for work like the Perception Institute’s Good Hair Study/Implicit Association Test that suggests that a majority of people, regardless of race and gender, hold some bias towards women of color based on their textured or natural hair. So, you’re right. We are different – and we should know better. Thank you all, as always, for the honest and candid feedback. We hear you. We’re listening. We appreciate you. We count on you. And we’re always here for you. Thank you, #SheaFam, for being there for us, even when we make mistakes. Here’s to growing and building together… A post shared by SheaMoisture (@sheamoisture”> on Apr 24, 2017 at 2:11pm PDT

The controversy continues in the comments section of the apology and the brand is responding directly. Smith-Wilson says “We welcome that level of dialogue, understanding, and engagement, and we’re constantly listening to our consumer community, which means we don’t shy away.”

We spoke on Tuesday with the company’s Founder and CEO Richelieu Dennis, who was inspired by his grandmother Sofi Tucker to co-found Sundial Brands with his college roommate and his mother, about whether the brand was surprised by the reaction to the ad, “if this were reaction were to the overall campaign I would have been surprised, because I think the overall campaign articulates our message of inclusion  in which we have dozens of different people talking about their need states. In this particular edit there was no representation of 4c or 4b hair types, it didn’t include the diversity that the others did. That was an error on our part, and that’s what lead to this response that we’re seeing.”

When asked what they will take from this outpouring from the community, Dennis said “The important thing is that we understand how precious our community is to us. What we need to do differently is have more conversation and engagement with our community as we’re building and growing the business so they understand where we’re headed and are not feeling disenfranchised. We built this business with the community, for the community, and we’re going to continue doing that. We’re not going to forget this core community.” He hopes that “twenty five years of work won’t be wiped away by one errant Facebook post, which is not at all reflective of who we are as a company. The support of our community is what has enabled us to support women around the globe. There are fifteen thousand women in West Africa who rely on this brand to live above poverty, we wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize that. In no way are we trying to say that we are going to shift our focus from serving women of color when that’s what we’ve championed for 25 years.”

NaturallyCurly at first glance, is a space dedicated to women. Nevertheless, it is a space that men with curly hair can learn a great deal from. After all, men have enough space in this world as it is. So, what’s my take here? Well, maybe that’s why it’s taken me so long to write this article.

This is a huge THANK YOU to everyone at NaturallyCurly for doing what you’re doing.

I have learned more about my hair from the writers and community at this website than any other. I know I’m not the only guy out there who uses this site on a regular basis. The point of this article is to share a few reminders with guys who are new to the site. Last year I was told that curly hair “makes men look weak” by a potential employer at a job interview. To which I responded: It makes me strong. After all, my 17 month old son, Cullen has the exact same curl type. What kind of example would I be setting for him if I had accepted the employer’s comment? My hair looked particularly awesome that day so I also had extra confidence. That wouldn’t have been possible without NaturallyCurly. Your website has helped me to become a more confident man as well as more skilled at managing my curly hair and my son’s curly hair.

I know that there is a decent sized population of curly haired men out there who, having nowhere else to go, get their tips from NaturallyCurly. I am one of them. So here are 3 tips for the male readers out there on embracing your curly hair and how to use this website as a resource.

1. It’s all hair, man.

Hair is hair. Both women and men have it. All that changes are the textures and styles. Texture was given at birth and style is something we choose within the limits of our texture. Methods used to care for curly hair like LOC or Curly Girl Method apply just as much to men’s hair as it does to women. Use it! Do not think for one minute that the Curly Girl Method makes you girly (unless that’s your thing – which it’s cool if it is”>. It’s an excellent way to take care of your locks and keep them healthy. The same applies to most of the information on this site. You can learn a lot here if you keep an open mind.

2. Don’t be afraid.

Have no fear. Yes, this site is feminine. It was built by some very amazing, forward-thinking women primarily for other women with curly hair. If you have a problem with that, I don’t know what else to tell you other than “Deal with it.” Just because you’re here browsing the articles for usable tips to apply to your hair doesn’t necessarily make you feminine, and if you are an effeminate man, you’re probably not worried what other people think anyways. No one here is going to judge you. You’re learning how to take care of what grows out of your head rather than resort to shearing it off. Alexander the Great had curls, why can’t you? Unless we’re talking about an incredibly ornate princess updo (and if you have that, please rock it!”> you can make anything on this site (styles, protective styles, products, DIY recipes, hair care methods, regimens etc.”> work for you (ie. more masculine…because you want your hair the way it’s supposed to be”>. For instance, when making a DIY product, instead of using lavender scented essential oil, try cedar if you want to. It’s all about perspective.

3. You are learning from the masters of curly hair.

Have you just started growing your business cut, buzz cut, or undercut out to realize that you have curly hair? I started growing my curls about 17 years ago when I was in high school and I can tell you I had no idea what I was doing. It did not look cool and I could not make L.A. Looks work for me no matter how hard I tried. Through trial and error, and after many years of blow drying it straight, I found this site. Not only have I learned how to take better care of my hair, but I’ve learned how to make my own hair products. There is a big possibility that the women who run this site have been managing their curls a lot longer than you have. You are learning from the masters.

Overall, this website has made me a more confident man. I feel incredibly welcome here and really enjoy the wealth of information I’ve been taught through reading NaturallyCurly articles. So, I encourage men to not be put off by the fact that this site has been originally geared towards women. There a ton of helpful articles here, so stop on over and build confidence in building your mane.

Thank you so much to our reader, Ryan Gilbert, for submitting this story to us!

Ryan is an activist and singer/songwriter, English teacher, and former museum curator in Seoul. He is also first and foremost, the curly haired dad of a curly haired son.

Want to pitch your story to NaturallyCurly.com? Shoot us your idea here!

This trailblazer of natural, curly, coily hair broke ground for and ushered in the acceptance, practice and proliferation of natural hair care, natural hair care techniques, natural hair care products and the first and largest natural hair care event in the world.

The Queen of Natural Hair Shares Her Story

Taliah Waajid, America’s natural hair care visionary, has been described as the modern Madam C.J. Walker. Like that great and renowned hair care entrepreneur of the late 1800s and early 1900s, Taliah began her journey simply by addressing a personal need.  And in doing so, like Madam Walker, Taliah ended up revolutionizing the hair care industry.

As a girl, all the kids Taliah knew had relaxers but her mother refused to let her do the same.  Because her mother couldn’t do hair at all, the future natural hair professional was forced to teach herself how to do her own hair which was always up for discussion among other children.

“Why is your hair like that?” they asked.  “Why won’t your mom let you have a perm?”

Young Taliah spent hours in her room working on her hair.  She whipped up mixtures of Jergens lotion, Vaseline, water and anything that would allow her to comb through her thick, coily mane. She braided her hair and figured out styles that worked for her. A lot of times she received compliments and hairstyling became her passion. By age 14, Taliah was earning money doing hair for her family and friends and dreamed of working in a salon doing natural hair. That dream was revolutionary in and of itself because salons declined to offer such services.

Taliah was 16, riding a bus in New York with her cousin when she saw a window sign on 125th Street that said “Hair Braiding.” She got off the bus, went into a room in that building and saw several women braiding hair as a throng of customers waited their turn. She approached the owner, Barbara Terry, and told her that she wanted to braid hair. Ms. Terry replied, “Okay, do that lady right there.”  The lady at which Ms. Terry pointed actually let the fledgling stylist do her hair!

Taliah impressed Ms. Terry with her skills and braided customers there for the rest of that day and the next several years. The young stylist hustled hard working at home and in Ms. Terry’s salon.  While at Ms. Terry’s, she learned the foundations of healthy natural hair care and maintenance. She also picked up how to run a professional salon business and practice good customer service—lessons she still uses today to formulate products and respond to her customers’ needs.

Indelible Entrepreneurial Spirit

The natural hair entrepreneur wanted to strike out independently with her own business in a high-end salon, but braiding and natural hair care wasn’t popular then as many salons looked down on and refused to offer such services in their establishments.  Taliah finally found a booth space in a salon next to a corner bar which wasn’t high end at all. Still, she produced such great work that she enjoyed a loyal clientele of upscale customers who continued to travel from as far as New Jersey and Connecticut just to have her style their hair.  The go-getter stylist simultaneously attended beauty school and earned her license in cosmetology. From the moment she began earning money in natural hair care, she knew she would eventually open her own natural hair salon. Taliah did so at a 1500 square foot space in Harlem in which she rented out five other booth spaces and hired a receptionist.

Sure, Taliah experienced setbacks. As she built her business, she got married, had a daughter, got divorced. She didn’t want to raise her child in New York and opted to move to Atlanta where she had to start all over by renting a booth in a salon. She borrowed $900 from her father to participate in the Bronner Brothers International Hair Show, a show that had amazed her on previous visits. Taliah was so excited to have her own booth. In preparation, she provided ten hair models with outfits on loan from the mall and styled their hair. She had them walk through the show passing out cards and drawing attendees to her booth.

It was difficult growing a natural hair business in Atlanta. Taliah gave people cards promoting natural hair care services and they’d return the cards as if she were trying to convert them to a new religion. Folks acted as if she was offering something that was going to kill them. They’d say, “Oh no, natural hair? I can’t do that but it looks nice on you.” Yes, many complimented her hair but had a hard time accepting that it wasn’t styled specifically to attend some grand event.  She often had to explain that the style was simply how she wore her hair.

Taliah often commuted between New York and Atlanta to make ends meet. This satisfied customers she’d left behind in New York even as she built her business in Atlanta. After a while, however, she had to make a clean break from New York. When she was able to reestablish her own salon, she named it Braids, Weaves and Things because she literally had to do braids, weaves and other services to make sure she kept herself and her daughter fed.

Natural Hair: More than an Inspiration, It’s a Profession

In time, Taliah was able to educate customers on the benefits of natural hair. As she consulted with them, she didn’t talk about the negative aspects of relaxers but rather shared all the benefits of chemical-free hair. With each new visit to her shop, seeing her natural hair grow and their natural hair thrive helped change their minds. Also, Janet Jackson’s braids in the 1993 movie Poetic Justice influenced many.  Braiding, conditioning and going natural became more accepted.

She knew natural hair would grow in popularity because it freed people from applying potentially dangerous, scalp-penetrating chemicals to their bodies. Taliah began to see other stylists respond to the demand for braiding as well as the hair loss and receding hairlines resulting from poor application. Recognizing the need to properly train stylists, she designed and administered workshops and seminars to teach stylists the benefits and techniques of natural hair care. These workshops which initially taught braiding and twisting grew into three-day, quarterly seminars offering 30 different techniques. The seminars also incorporated newer styles, marketing tips and tutorials on how to build and promote professional natural hair care businesses.  These symposiums now take place once a year and have trained thousands of stylists worldwide.

In 1996, Taliah developed Black Earth Products, the very first complete line of hair care products ever to address natural hair, braids and locs style and maintenance needs. This line arose from her clients wanting to know what products to use at home to recreate and maintain their natural looks when such choices didn’t exist in the marketplace. As time went on, she developed four more lines answering the need for options for women’s styles, children’s hair, men’s hair, curly hair and those who want to maintain the health of their natural hair as they wear protective styles.

The World Natural Hair Show

The World Natural Hair Show was born out of the desire to create an all-natural show free of relaxers and chemicals. Having attended so many other shows, Taliah noticed a lack of natural hair solutions. She also wanted a platform where stylists and consumers could learn about natural hair, products, and techniques. She’s since updated the show’s name to World Natural Hair and Healthy Lifestyle Event to reflect her customers’ tendency to go natural with their hair as well as their overall wellness. The 20th annual event is this April 22-23.

Throughout the past 25 years, Taliah has always been inspired by choice:  the choice to proudly wear her hair natural, the choice of styling options, and the choice of techniques and products to fulfill natural hair care needs.  Because of her many contributions to changing the way women love themselves, their beauty and their ability to celebrate their natural look, no woman is restrained to chemically-treated styles or those requiring heat application.

Taliah is thrilled by how the industry has adjusted to this awakening in natural beauty. She is excited to see so many female manufacturers follow her lead to give naturalistas options which never existed before. She is motivated to uplift and support women in whatever way she can and is pumped to amplify the message her parents taught her of appreciating her own beauty and worth. She continues to respond to customer needs and innovate within the natural hair movement. Again, like Madame C.J. Walker she sees what a blessing her personal journey has been and how many lives have been improved.  She is still working hard today to do more.

Have questions to ask this leader of the natural hair industry?

Great! Share your thoughts and ask questions below.

Remember to subscribe to the NaturallyCurly newsletter today for more curl-centric content!

We can’t wait to see you at The World Natural Hair Show in Atlanta, Georgia!

When it comes to keeping hair up and out of the way, two popular options have always been the bun and the ponytail.

There are different types of hair ties that all serve the same basic function of keeping hair pulled back and away from your face. When choosing a hair tie, make sure that whatever ties you choose will not tug at or pull your hair, which causes hair breakage. Among the different types of hair ties, there are two main designs of hair ties: either elastic based or non-elastic based. From your oversized scrunchies for sleeping to your thin headbands for working out, the following are some options to choose from when attempting your next low-maintenance protective style. 

Telephone wire ties

These ties are typically made without elastic and can create tension by being wrapped repeatedly around a section of hair. While they offer less hold than elastic bands, these hair ties won’t tug at your roots while wearing and are easier to remove. Use a twist tie at night to pineapple and preserve your curl pattern. Here’s how:

Cotton-wrapped elastics

The most commonly used type of hair ties, these are elastic bands wrapped in cotton. Offering great hold without tugging at hair when you remove them, a cotton hair tie is available in a wide variety of colors and affordable, found in most drugstores.

Scrunchies

Oversized and a bit of a throwback to previous decades, scrunchies are large fabric hair ties with elastic cores. They are great for a loose hold that won’t damage hair, especially while sleeping or exercising. The scrunchie of today has evolved their bands to include fashionable braided and thinner options that the standard scrunchies of the past did not.

Bungee bands

While the appearance of these hair ties may seem scary at first, bungee bands are a popular choice because these elastic bands open up with hooks at each end. While you might think they are potentially more damaging for hair and harder to use, they are actually safer than traditional elastics. This type of hair tie is also reliable for tucking away your ends for a longer time frame than the options above. Here’s how to make a bungee band at home:

What type of hair tie do you use?

Let us know in the comment section below.

Read 9 Ways to Sleep with Curls

Austin’s annual SXSW festival is quickly approaching, and we’re thrilled to be the media sponsor for the Quintessential Naturals Tour hosted by Natural Partners in Crime. The NaturallyCurly team will be at the event with a fun social experience, along with an interactive panel and activations from some amazing brands and influencers. I spoke to Sabrina Boissiere, founder of Natural Partners in Crime and the event’s producer about what attendees can expect at the first stop of the tour.

I wanted to put together a well-rounded tour that encompassed hair care brands, influencers, and local businesses. As an event producer for over 5 years in the natural community, I’ve been to a lot of events and tours and I’ve seen the excitement. Being a New Yorker you always have amazing events, and Atlanta and Dallas, but living in other cities you often get missed.

The thought process behind Quintessential Naturals was encompassing what the word “quintessential” means, and that is representing the most perfect or typical example of quality or class. So top of the line brands, top of the line influencers, amazing businesses and brands that are local that you can showcase at your event.

I picked the 5 locations because realistically I wanted to make sure I hit some top markets: Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Philly, and Miami. SXSW is a machine in itself but it had never had an official natural hair event. I started working with mvmt50 which is a black tech organization, and they said they want to partner with you and do something at SXSW because there are so many amazing naturalistas that come to this event. They said NaturallyCurly has been someone they’ve worked with for the last few years, and that you come out support the community, you’re a digital media house and it’d be great for me to align myself with you as well, so that became a perfect marriage.

The first stop, SXSW, is a very unique event in that it’s at a historical museum the George Washington Carver, we will have an amazing panel, the theater space, and we have different types of activations where people get to experience these brands on a different level instead of just going to a table and buying things.

I’ve never been to SXSW before, I know it’s a machine and we already have 1200 RSVPs so we’re gonna have a lot of bodies there. When I reached out to brands I wanted to make sure that whoever came on board had a lot to offer, so when I reached out to SheaMoisture I was really fingers crossed that they would come on board. They understood the vision that I had and they’re about exclusive inclusivity. So basically they have something for everyone. They’re always on the cutting edge of having great products, and this is their 25^th anniversary so I’ve been working with Rich and the team to showcase some of the things they’re going to be dropping this year.

Throughout the tour we have a charity component, which I’m really big on. I really wanted to focus on something really tangible, so we’re working with food banks at each stop. That’s important because it’s something they can physically bring and hand over to give to people in their community. There are people who are struggling to feed their families and pay their bills, it’s unfortunate but it’s the reality of this country. We’re truly honored to be working with the Central Texas Food Bank as the charity selected for the SXSW stop. As a leader in the fight against hunger for nearly 35 years, CTFB’s mission is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in ending hunger. SheaMoisture upped the ante by saying that whoever brings two or more cans will get product from SheaMoisture. That’s an amazing thing that they’re willing to do.

There are so many amazing businesses and brands that I haven’t even tapped into for some of these cities so I’m excited to see what the vendors have to offer – from beauty to skincare to makeup and of course hair brands, jewelry, accessories, just really showing the communities their own businesses. I think a lot of times we tend to shop outside of our communities because we don’t know any better, but this will give attendees a chance to support their community and hopefully, if things work out they will become consumers of these brands.

That’s my goal when creating these events.

When

Saturday, March 11, 1-5pm 

Where

George Washington Carver Museum

1165 Angelina St.

Austin TX 78702

Tickets

You can register for free here

We can’t wait to see the natural hair community in person! Our Co-Founder Michelle Breyer will be speaking on a panel with influencer Rene Danielle, Founder and CEO of Mielle Organics Monique Rodriguez, Founder of KinkyCurlyCoilyMe Janelle B. Stweart, and moderated by Tonya Rapley, Founder of My Fab Finance.  

Forget true love – we all know the best part of Valentine’s Day is the candy. Cover it in chocolate, and we’re about it! But before you get swept up in all the lovey dovey advertising this month, don’t forget the most important relationship you have – the one with yourself! Here is a great way to treat yourself with a Valentine’s Day Treat for your curls, and two recipes for your sweet tooth!

Valentines Treats For Curls

While we may say the best part of this special day is the open celebration of love, it is really about the chocolate for most of us. Did you know chocolate is actually beneficial for you? It’s true! Eating chocolate in moderation, particularly dark chocolate which is higher in antioxidants, has been proven to offer health benefits such as lower blood pressure, lower risk for heart disease, protection for skin against premature aging caused by the sun, and more. The reason for this sweet treat packing such a punch is because of the high amounts of cocoa used in dark chocolate mixtures. While eating dark chocolate might be a great way to get health benefits while satisfying your sweet tooth, using chocolate in your hair will also give your strands a boost.

Chocolate hair masks are great for restoring moisture to dry hair and can be used by nearly all hair types. If you have normal to dry hair, applying a chocolate mask can be a sweet treat to give your curls a boost. For those with oily hair, you can still enjoy some of the same perks by only applying the treatment to the ends up to about midway without applying it to the scalp.

To create a sweet treat for your strands to show yourself some Valentine’s Day love, you will need a few basic ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

Dark Chocolate

• About 3 squares of dark chocolate, preferably with a high cocoa concentration for better results. Do not use milk or white chocolate because it lacks the cocoa powerhouse and won’t offer much if any results.

Yogurt

• ½ a cup of plain, unflavored yogurt. This will help keep the mask smooth and easy to apply. For a thicker option, you can use Greek yogurt.

Honey

• 5 tablespoons of honey. Honey will help the concoction stick to your strands without sliding off.

1. Melt the chocolate in a bowl in the microwave or a small pan on the stovetop on low heat. Make sure you completely melt the chocolate without making it too hot to safely apply to your hair.
2. Once the chocolate is melted, remove from heat and add your yogurt and honey.
3. Stir until well blended.
4. Apply to hair while mask is still warm. Be careful to make sure it is not too hot!
5. One you have coated your hair, wrap it in saran wrap. This keeps it from being messy and ensures your strands get all the nutrients of the cocoa.
6. After 30 minutes to an hour, remove the saran wrap.
7. Wash and condition as usual.

A Little Something Sweet to Eat

Why should your curls get all the love? We invited Chef Evelyn to whip up two delicious ways to treat yourself: one for the no-bake crew and another for those who don’t mind a little whisking.

The Strawberry Balsamic Ice Cream Sundae is a grown and sexy take on a classic dessert. Up your flavor palate with two surprising additions: balsamic vinegar and black pepper. Trust us.

The Chocolate Almond Cake with Fresh Berries is one of those desserts that looks impressive without any of the fuss. Bonus: since the recipe calls for almond flour, it’s gluten free!

Watch our collaboration with Chef Evelyn and follow along. Below are the recipes – pin ‘em! Print ‘em! You could share with your Valentine if you wanted to, but…zero judgment if you keep these sweets all to yourself.

Directions

1. Thirty minutes to an hour beforehand, combine the strawberries, balsamic vinegar, coconut sugar, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside at room temperature.
2. Place a serving of the strawberries in a bowl with a scoop of ice cream on top and dust lightly with orange zest.
3. Optional: garnish with a cookie or two. Or three.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 310 F and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Slowly melt the chocolate and butter over a double-boiler.
3. In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, or by hand, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture, the cocoa powder, almond and vanilla extract, espresso powder, and sugar until combined.
4. Add the almond flour and whisk until combined.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, adding each egg after the first has been incorporated into the mixture.
6. Pour the mixture into the spring form pan. Make sure the mixture is level and smooth on top.
7. Bake for about 50 minutes.
8. The cake will rise a bit and then fall back on itself once it cools. The baking time varies slightly depending on your oven, but the cake should be very moist in the center and dense once it cools. Cool before serving.
9. Top with the berries. Make it cute!
10. Dust with powdered sugar.

Follow @ChefEvelyn on Instagram and Snapchat to see what she’s cooking up next!

To see more videos from us, follow NaturallyCurly on YouTube. 

Most of us would try anything if we were told it was simple and would help make us beautiful. Beauty sleep is one of the most common ways to simple beauty, but what if we could make that sleep even better? No, we’re not talking about melatonin or lavender oil on your feet. We’re talking about the pillowcase you sleep on. You’ve probably heard of women sleeping on silk pillowcases to banish frizz, but we have a cheaper and effective alternative: satin.

Satin is made by weaving together fibers of many different materials from silk to polyester. It has a shiny, silky side on the front and a “dull” side on the back because the silk is laid on top of the other materials. Silk, on the other hand, is not a mixture of fabrics. Silk is made from what is produced from silk worms and takes an incredibly large amount of the animal proteins to make a small amount of silk fabric. This is why real silk pillowcases can range from $70 to a few thousand while satin pillowcases can start around $10. Satin pillowcases are just as great because the part of them that actually touches your hair is mostly silk, so it offers the same benefits for a much lower price.

1. Reduce Wrinkles

With pillowcases of cotton or other materials, there is always friction when moving. This friction causes wrinkles while you sleep! With satin pillowcases, the skin is able to move without friction and you wake up without lines on your face from your pillow in the short term and without fine lines and wrinkles in the long term.

2. Shiny Hair

While you are sleeping, your hair goes through a lot. From the tossing and turning that can tug on strands to the way cotton pillowcases rob hair of moisture, satin pillowcases allow hair to move easily without damage. Looking to fight the morning case of the frizzies? A satin pillowcase may be the answer!

3. Reduce Hair Breakage

The same way cotton pillowcases rob hair of moisture, they may also cause breakage. The friction of cotton pillowcases weakens strands over time and leads to hair that is more prone to breakage.

4. Prevent Hair Loss

When hair is dry and brittle, it is prone to breakage. This breakage can lead to eventual hair loss. With a satin pillowcase, you can keep hair healthy and avoid the loss of precious strands.

5. Protect Brows & Lashes

When you are sleeping, you can lose hairs from your eyebrows and eyelashes from the harshness of the fabrics your face encounters while sleeping. With a satin pillowcase, there will be easier movement and less friction so you can wake up as beautiful as you were when you went to bed.

6. Get Your Glow On

Skin needs to breathe. With pillowcases made of rougher fabrics such as cotton, wool, or flannel, skin has a harder time breathing and staying cool. The warm, stagnant element of these materials can’t compare to satin. With satin pillowcases, skin can breathe more which helps with minimizing pores, reducing irritation and redness, and increasing firmness.

We know that for some, nothing compares to natural, 100% silk pillowcases. For others, however, a cheaper option that offers the same benefits is a great way to go. What do you think? Have you ever used a silk or satin pillowcase? What advice do you have when using it? Comment below, we’d love to hear it!

Want more?

If you have problems with your hair matting overnight, check out these tips & tricks.

Don’t know what to do once you wake up? Here’s how to sleep & refresh 2nd day hair.

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Hair loss is a sad fact of life for many people. When that hair loss is caused by a life-threatening illness such as cancer or a chronic medical condition, it can make the hair loss feel like a devastating blow. When most of us cut our hair, we don’t think about how that hair could change someone else’s life for the better.

While donating your hair after a haircut is a great way to make a lasting difference, it can seem confusing to know where to start. They all have different requirements for the length and condition of your hair, so while you may not be eligible for one organization that does not rule you out for hair donation entirely. With our list of five places to donate hair, you can easily share your unwanted locks with someone in need!

Before you donate your hair, there are a few things you should know.

• Make sure hair is healthy and in good shape.
• Hair must be clean and dry when donated.
• There are length requirements. Hair cannot be used for wigs if they do not meet these requirements. No clippings.
• Hair should be recently cut. Hair that was cut years ago is harder to make into wigs.
• Just because your hair is chemically treated doesn’t mean you can’t donate! Check with each organization to make sure.
• Make sure you follow all guidelines set forth by the organization you have chosen.
• When mailing the donation, make sure you place hair in a Ziploc bag inside of an envelope instead of simply putting hair in the envelope. This helps keep the hair intact and safe.
• Some organizations offer free wigs while others charge recipients on a sliding scale. If this matters to you, make sure you read the company website for further information prior to donating.

5 Places to Donate Hair

1. Locks of Love

Minimum length: 10 inches or more.

• Colored/chemically treated/permed hair acceptable? Yes. No bleached hair or dreadlocks.
• Gray hair friendly? Yes.
• Address: Locks of Love 234 Southern Blvd West Palm Beach FL 33405-2701

2. Pantene Beautiful Lengths

• Minimum length: 8 inches or more.
• Colored/chemically treated/permed hair acceptable? No.
• Gray hair friendly? Less than 5% gray is allowed.
• Address: Pantene Beautiful Lengths Attn: 192-123 806 SE 18th Ave Grand Rapids MN 55744

3. Children with Hair Loss

• Minimum length: 8 inches or more.
• Colored/chemically treated/permed acceptable? If in good condition, they will accept the donation.
• Gray hair friendly? Yes.
• Address: Children With Hair Loss 12776 Dixie Hwy S. Rockwood MI 48179

4. Wigs for Kids

• Minimum length: 12 inches or more.
• Colored/chemically treated/permed acceptable? No.
• Gray friendly? No.
• Address: Wigs for Kids Hair Donation 24231 Center Ridge Rd. Westlake OH 44145

5. Wigs 4 Kids

• Minimum length: 10 inches or more.
• Colored/chemically treated/permed acceptable? No.
• Gray friendly? No.
• Address: Wigs 4 Kids 30126 Harper Ave St. Clair Shores MI 48082

If you know of an organization that we left off the list, please share it below!

Whether wash day was yesterday or you’re going on 5 day hair, these are perfect ways to get your hair up and out of your face, while accentuating the gorgeous curls your mama gave you. If you’re on the search for styles that will keep your hair out of your face for work or school, then we have cute options that won’t compromise your style. Most of these can double as protective styles, so remember to add lots of your favorite moisturizer to your curls before putting them away!

First, what does “type 3” hair mean?

Knowing your curl pattern can be helpful for determining styles that work well on your hair type. Type 2 is wavy, type 3 is curly, and type 4 is coily. If your curl pattern is in the type 3 category, there are three subcategories. Type 3A has springy curls that are large in circumference and can be easily straightened or retexturized. Type 3B has smaller, more dense curls and can be coarse. Type 3C tends to be smaller and tighter curls, often called corkscrew curls, and is typically denser than other types. Check out our guide to see which curl pattern closely resembles yours. And remember, most women have at least 2-3 different curl patterns on their head.

How to rock a curly updo

Don’t Hide!

The point of an updo is not to hide your beautiful curls or make them look straight. Embrace your natural texture with every updo style you try out. In fact, for women with especially dense curls, a full updo may not be the best choice for your hair. A nice side part keeping hair off to one side but still hanging loose may be an ideal updo for you. Not comfortable with a full updo? You don’t have to be! Experiment with how much of an updo you want by leaving tendrils for a loose laid-back updo.

Don’t Force It!

Not every hair type can pull off an updo and it doesn’t make your hair any less beautiful. A great option for hair that isn’t long enough to create an updo is to use braiding hair. You can incorporate a classy side wrapped braid or a professional braided bun. 

Don’t Conform!

In the workplace, you should try to meet your company’s appearance standards for obvious reasons. However, if your naturally curly hair is under attack simply because it may be different than other hair types in the office, you should consult your HR department. Workplace discrimination based on hair type is a sadly common thing and should not go unreported. Wear your curls in a way that makes you feel confident and take on the workday with grace!

8 everyday updos

Here are a few of our favorite updos for type 3 hair. The styles don’t stop here though, as we know that curls are so versatile that the styling options are endless.

1. Add a Scarf

What you’ll need:

• scarf or headwrap

2. Bantu Knot Out Mohawk

What you’ll need:

• gel — Nia Knows Hair loves IC Hair Polisher Styling Gel and Eco Styler Gel
• 3 hair bands
• bobby pins
• soft bristle brush
• afro pick
• one crocodile clip

3. Loose Low Bun

What you’ll need:

• hair band
• bobby pins

 4. Donut Bun

What you’ll need:

• hair tie
• bun donut

5. Twist Out

What you’ll need:

• moisturizer — Mini Marley loves SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Jane Carter Solution Nourish and Shine
• light hold gel — Mini Marley recommends DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel
• water in spray bottle
• Denman Brush
• scarf
• Ecostyler Gel
• optional: shine serum — Mini Marley uses Design Essentials Natural Coconut & Monoi Deep Moisture Oil Treatment

6. High Bun with Twist

What you’ll need:

• gel
• 1 satin strip
• bobby pins
• hair band

7. French Braid Bun

8. Corporate Puff

What you’ll need:

• elastic head band
• water in spray bottle
• moisturizer
• hard brush
• Ecostyler Gel
• scarf
• optional: toothbrush

Want more?

Learn 10 tips on how to “winterize” your hair.

Here are some of the best styles and products for your Type 3 hair.

For more informative articles like this, sign up for our newsletter!

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From miracle products to old wives tales, there is a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to hair growth. Let’s debunk the top 3 myths we always hear about hair growth.

Myth 1: Haircuts Help Hair Grow

One of the biggest myths about hair growth is the notion that cutting hair will make it grow faster. The truth is that hair growth is dependent on the follicle at the scalp rather than the hair at the bottom of strands. Cutting your hair will not make it grow faster. However, hair that is trimmed regularly will look fuller and healthier without nagging split ends and dead hair at the bottom.

Myth 2: Hair Loss Only Happens to Men

Another one of the common myths about hair growth is that hair loss only happens to older men. Hair loss can happen to both sexes at any age. Women can experience hair loss in a more gradual way with hair becoming thinner over time, especially during menopause. To combat this concern, there are a few steps you can take.

• Make sure you care for the hair you have, not the hair you want. Hair care needs to be tailored to your hair in its current state.
• Watch out for breakage. Breakage can happen from wearing hair too tight, brushing tangles without a conditioner and the right brush, and excessive heat being applied to hair.
• Consult your doctor or a certified alopecia specialist at the first sign of thinning hair or hair loss.

Myth 3: Washing Hair Too Much Leads to Hair Loss

When most people wash their hair, a few strands will end up lost down the drain. However, this doesn’t mean washing your hair is a bad idea. A little bit of hair loss is normal with each wash since you are thoroughly scrubbing your scalp. If you do not properly clean your scalp in an attempt to keep all of your strands intact, you run the risk of accumulating oil, grime, and dead skin cells. When these elements combine to create buildup from improper cleansing, you end with less hair growth because your scalp is the bed of growth. Hair can’t grow with an unhealthy scalp.

When it comes to beauty products, the market has exploded with options based more in botanicals over the years. With a move away from harmful chemicals and additives, the beauty industry continues to find new and exciting uses for naturally occurring ingredients. As a favorite for many reasons, the benefits of hemp oil make it an ideal choice for inclusion in your beauty routine. Hemp oil is extracted from the cannabis plant. While cannabis is known for marijuana, hemp oil is extracted from the seeds which are free from the agents that offer mind-altering states. Hemp oil is, in most cases, a safe and natural ingredient that can be used for many purposes.

1. Hemp Oil Restores Skin

One of the leading benefits of hemp oil is the way it nourishes skin. With a high content of essential nutrients, such as omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, this powerhouse is great for combating a range of skin concerns. It is a natural emollient and moisturizer ideal for a range of skin types and concerns. Use hemp oil for dry, tired skin to give it a boost. Skin dehydrated? Hemp oil can help increase water retention and elasticity for a younger, suppler appearance. It can even be an effective way to calm eczema and inflammation.

2. Hemp Oil Heals Hair

Another one of the top benefits of hemp oil is its ability to heal dry, damaged hair. The lipids found in this potent extract are rich in proteins and fatty acids. Many hair care products already use hemp oil in their formulas for the incredible moisturizing and healing it offers. A common use for hemp oil is the treatment of psoriasis. This condition of the scalp can be created by a lack of nutrients and hemp oil can help provide those nutrients. If hair is dry and brittle, hemp oil is a great conditioner to give hair the nutrients it needs.

A common use for hemp oil is the treatment of psoriasis. 

3. Hemp Oil for Other Purposes

Hemp oil is an overall powerhouse for your health. Aside from the benefits to skin and hair when applied directly, hemp oil when worked into a diet has a variety of benefits. Fatty acids and lipids are the key to good health in several different ways. With hemp oil being packed with these elements, the benefits are numerous. Here are a few non-beauty benefits of hemp oil:

• Lowers cholesterol
• Maintain hormonal balances
• Helps moderate blood sugar
• Prevent varicose veins
• Prevent the growth of free radicals

Have you used hemp oil in your regimen? Share your thoughts below!

We don’t typically talk about straightening our hair, but we know that versatility is one of the top reasons curlies love their hair.  Unfortunately, a common way of flattening our strands is by sticking them between a straightener or using hot air and brushing them out. Applying heat is our enemy… it’s easily one of the most damaging routines for hair. While heat may make hair straight and temporarily sleek, it also strips it of its natural moisture. Hair that is over-heated can become so dry and brittle, that it leads to loss of curl pattern, increased breakage and, in some cases, loss of entire strands.

While many believe that heat damage is caused by repeated use of heat tools, the truth is that just one use can cause permanent damage. But have no fear! We have compiled 4 methods for efficient no-heat straightening. Note that most of these methods work best for Type 2’s and 3’s. You may not get the stick straight results that you do with a flat iron, but at least your curls will bounce back damage-free afterwards!

The Wrap Method

When hair is still wet and freshly combed, split it into sections and pin them individually against your head, ensuring they are flat and tangle-free. When finished pinning, put a head wrap or scarf around your head to ensure the hair stays in place and secure it with bobby pins. To avoid frizz, use a silk scarf to eliminate any friction between the hair and material. As Natalie says in her tutorial, make sure you allow yourself at least 6 hours to let your hair fully dry before taking it down and revealing sleek, straight hair!

The Elastic Method

The toughest part about this method is finding your all your lost hair ties that you swore grew legs and ran off. When you do find them and your hair is wet, comb out any tangles and apply a frizz-free product. Put your hair in a ponytail low enough to avoid any pulling. Then, start sectioning the ponytail with additional hair ties in small increments of about an inch apart. Make sure you use soft hair elastic ties to avoid hair breakage. Note: this method is similar to “banding,” which is how you can stretch Type 4 hair to make it longer. This same “banding” method works to actually straighten Type 2 and 3 hair.

The Curler Method

While using curlers for straightening hair may seem counterintuitive, it can actually help flatten hair while you sleep. For this to work, make sure you use large, wide curlers and roll them very tightly so no curl is allowed in the hair. Start by spraying hair with straightening spray and make sure hair stays wet throughout the process for the best results. We love Beauty With MJ’s tutorial on this!

Cool Blow Dry

Avoiding heat doesn’t mean you have to give up on your blow dryer altogether. You can use it on the cool setting while sectioning and continuously brushing hair with a vented brush to get a straight look. Start by using a product such as Carol’s Daughter Chocolat Smoothing Blow Dry Cream, Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum or Twisted Sista Frizz Control Straightening Blow Dry Cream. This method may take a little longer than using heat, but it’s much safer for achieving straight hair.

What’s next?

Our next question is, “Can You Straighten Curly Hair with a Steamer?“

Our friends at Cantu have helped wavies go straight and back to wavy again!

For more inspirational articles like this, sign up for our newsletter!

Some women feel their most feminine with a cropped pixie, while others love the feeling of long hair flowing down their back. If length is your hair goal right now, then there are a few tried and true methods and suggestions to keep in mind. It is important to keep in mind that there are no guaranteed quick fixes to stimulate hair growth. The key to hair growth is maintaining a healthy head of hair, as well as a healthy scalp. Long hair is a long-term commitment, but the good news is all of these habits are as good for your body as they are for your hair.

Tip 1. Eat Right!

When it comes to how to stimulate hair growth, there is no denying the impact of nutrition. Many people think hair care is only about what is on the outside. The truth is the inside matters much more. If you are eating a diet void of the necessary nutrient your hair needs, you will have unhealthy hair. Unhealthy hair struggles to increase length.

• It is recommended to eat foods rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients stimulate hair growth by providing strands the protein and keratin they need to stay healthy and strong.
• Avoid excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and alcohol. They can leave hair unhealthy and impede growth.
• Stay away from fad diets. The sudden change in eating habits can impact strands for the worst.

Tip 2. Stay Hydrated!

Water is your friend. People who do not drink water daily are at risk for dehydration. This can impact your hair and scalp. When you are dehydrated, cell growth stops meaning hair simply won’t grow.

• Make sure you drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
• If you are performing activities that make you sweat, up your intake of H2O.
• Avoid carbonated beverages, coffee, sugary drinks, and sports drinks. They can actually dehydrate you further.

Tip 3. Get Your Beauty Rest!

We all know sleep is essential to our health and beauty rest has a huge impact on our skin in particular. Did you know lack of beauty sleep also affects your strands? Sleep helps our bodies regulate stress and hormones. Without proper sleep, our stress levels rise and hormones go haywire. These factors can disrupt hair growth by affecting the growth cycle.

• Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
• Avoid sleeping in on weekends. This can disrupt your natural sleep cycle the rest of the week.

Tip 4. Proper Hair Care

Caring for your hair on the inside doesn’t mean you can avoid proper care on the outside. Hair still needs to washed and conditioned regularly to keep the scalp clean and moisturized. Here are a few other tips to keep in mind to stimulate hair growth.

Regularly treat your scalp with a scalp treatment. Make sure you massage the scalp while applying to aid in cell turnover.

Get regular haircuts. Trimmed hair tends to be healthier than hair with split ends.

Never brush hair when it is wet without using a conditioner. This keeps hair fortified against breakage and damage that may impede growth.

Avoid hairstyles that are very tight as they can weaken strands and make it harder for them to grow.

Embracing your natural hair can be a beautiful and eye-opening journey. Through the process of going natural, many women develop the confidence to take on the world on their own terms. Women who choose to wear their hair natural will have that decision challenged by family, friends, strangers, and colleagues. The natural hair movement has made great progress in recent years, but unfortunately we still experience push back in every stage of our academic and professional careers.

When wearing natural hair at work, there is a fine line between looking like yourself and meeting the sometimes stifling appearance standards of your company. In some companies these standards are explicitly stated in workplace policies, but in many they are made clear through disparaging or ignorant comments from coworkers or managers.

Too many stories in the news today highlight the struggles of natural hair in the workplace. While you may think this type of discrimination only happens in the corporate world, we continue to see it happen again and again in workplaces of all industries. In fact, an employee at the hip clothing store, Zara, was harassed for her natural hairstyles. When Cree Ballah showed up for her shift with her natural hair in neatly styled braids pulled back into a ponytail she was told by managers that her hair did not meet the appearance standards of their company.  According to reports from Yahoo.com, “They took me outside of the store and they said, ‘We’re not trying to offend you, but we’re going for a clean professional look with Zara and the hairstyle you have now is not the look for Zara,’” Ballah said. While the company admits they have no official policy in place about work appropriate hair, they decided her hair was somehow offensive and inappropriate.

We’re not trying to offend you, but we’re going for a clean professional look with Zara and the hairstyle you have now is not the look for Zara

Sadly, this experience is one shared by many women in the workplace. When it comes to natural hair at work, many bosses are setting standards of appearance that are not included in any handbook or employee policy guidelines given when hired. They are making it up as they go along and natural hair curlies are the ones paying the price.

This experience is one that begins at an early age for many women with natural hair. Recently making headlines was the story of Kemirah Jn-Marie, a 15-year-old cheerleader in Texas. She was told by her coach that her hair was a distraction. Yahoo.com reported that the only requirements for hair was that is it pulled back in a ponytail. Jn-Marie had her hair in braids and pulled back into a ponytail. She was told she would not be allowed to cheer with her team with her hair in braids. This story is a prime example of young women being taught that their natural hair is a no-win situation. Once they leave school, the workplace becomes the next battlefield over natural hair.

Much like Jn-Marie and Ballah, another young lady with natural hair was made to feel like her natural hair is inappropriate and a distraction. According to BBC News, one woman was told explicitly by her boss to wear a weave to work because her natural hair was unprofessional. This woman, who preferred to stay anonymous, represents a growing trend in the culture surrounding natural hair. She was deeply offended but followed the requests of her boss to make things easier.

Another young lady named Madison, an intern just entering the workforce, was told by her boss, Angela Green, that her hair was too distracting for the workplace. An article in theroot.com reports that Green, an on-air news anchor, told Madison to “straighten it out just to please everybody.” The comment has created an online debate on whether or not Greene should have encouraged Madison to change her hair. While some people claim it is important to fit in at work and since Madison would be on camera her appearance was fair game, others are appalled by the idea that Green would suggest such a thing. Green admits to having naturally curly hair that she treats to keep it straight in an attempt to look more professional.

At NaturallyCurly, we’ve been working for 18 years to improve the naturally curly experience for the 60% of the population who have textured hair. Yes, there are many more products on the market than when we first started, but we know this is an area that still needs more progress. While most workplaces require women to keep hair “neat and professional,” that definition is subjective and means different things to different individuals. For a woman with straight, fine hair, that may mean tied back in a ponytail. For women embracing their natural hair, it could be braids or twists hanging above their shoulders. The issue is that the people deciding what is acceptable are usually not a part of the natural hair community and are measuring what is “professional” based on their own hair type. The bottom line is that if you work in a company without a clear appearance policy, it might be best to test the waters and see what hairstyles are acceptable. On the flip side, if you ever feel like there are two different sets of rules regarding appearance or like you are being discriminated against, you need to reach out to your HR department immediately. Your hair is beautiful the way it grows out of your head so don’t ever let any boss or co-worker convince you otherwise!

Share your experiences in the comments below.

What’s next?

Read why this court says natural hair discrimination at work is not a form of racial discrimination. 

Why are so many schools discriminating against natural hair?

If you’re on the job hunt, here are 5 professional hairstyles to nail that job interview.

Next time someone insults your hair, do this. 

Like what you see? For more articles like this, sign up for our newsletter!

Curlies are picky about what we put in our hair, so it’s only natural to be even more careful about products when it comes to our curly kiddos! Luckily, today’s market offers a large selection of products for little ones that are natural and kind to their locks.

Here are a few natural hair products for kids that are easy to find and even easier to use. You may need to experiment with different products at first to find what works best for your child, so here’s our secret: buy the travel-sized product to test these out before you commit!

Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk

This isn’t specifically a children’s line, but the Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk products are easy to apply, comb through and wash out. The Leave-In Moisturizer doesn’t leave residue or buildup, so curly kids will have frizz-free, nourished curls with lots of shine. Plus, you could always steal some of theirs when you run out.

Pros: sulfate free, paraben free, protein free, alcohol free, petroleum free, mineral oil free, artificial color free

Curly Q’s

If you like CURLS for your hair, then you might want to try Curly Q’s, their natural hair line for kids. They contain the same natural oils as your favorite CURLS products but are specially formulated for sensitive young scalps. Start with the Curly Q’s Cleansing Cream and Conditioner, then detangle with the Curl Moisturizer/Detangler. You and your child will also love how these products smell!

Pros: sulfate free, paraben free, petroleum free, mineral oil free, artificial color free

Honey Baby Naturals

Honey Baby Naturals is one of our absolute favorites for kids. This line includes a gentle Shampoo, Softening Conditioner, leave-in conditioner, and Shea butter styling cream. The not-so-secret ingredient in these products is honey, which not only moisturizes hair, but your baby’s sensitive scalp as well. You will feel so great about using these products during bath time!

Pros: sulfate free, paraben free, mineral oil free, artificial color free, cruelty free

Blended Cutie

Sound familiar? That’s because it is. Blended Cutie is created by the same botanical-loving minds behind Blended Beauty. All of their products are formulated with naturally derived ingredients to nourish and protect those precious little locks. They even break down their kids products into corkscrew curls, spiral curls, afro curls, cupid curls, and big curls and waves.

Pros: paraben free, silicone free, sulfate free

Tiny Twirls

If you’re a fan of the Kinky-Curly line, then take a look at their Tiny Twirls products for kids. Some stores even carry these with the adult products as well. Their Daily Moisturizer is great for kids on the go who need some extra moisture, but it’s lightweight and won’t leave an oily film on hair. Their Detangling Conditioner is also safe, natural and great for kids with tangles, knots, and dry hair.

Pros: organic, fragrance free, cruelty free

Original Sprout

Original Sprout Leave-In Conditioner is all-natural and helps strengthen your kiddo’s delicate strands while keeping them tangle-free. You’ll love how soft it leaves your child’s hair that you may even try it on your own (It’s okay, we won’t tell anyone”>! After conditioning, use the Natural Styling Balm for all your child’s cute hairdos.

Pros: organic, formaldehyde free, paraben free, silicone free, sulfate free, artificial color free, mineral oil free, cruelty free

…or DIY!

Lastly, try making a refreshing spray for your child with some distilled water and drops of lavender oil from your local health food store. This spray can be used to refresh curls and even keep frizz down. Plus, the pleasant fragrance is natural, light and calming for your child. When looking for natural hair products for kids, making your own can be a fun and easy option!

I’m sure at some point, you’ve visited your parents at their house and they’ve pulled out the old, dusty childhood photo albums that you’ve been hoping would stay neatly tucked away for centuries. When you start going through them, have you ever noticed the difference in your kid curls verses the curls you have now? If you spend a little more time and look a little closer, you’ll notice that your curls have actually had an evolution of their own over the years. Your baby, too, will have this crazy rollercoaster of a curl experience.

What causes hair to curl?

Naturally curly hair is determined genetically. The gene for curly hair is said to have incomplete dominance over that for straight, so an individual inheriting one straight and one curly gene may have a mix of the two, resulting in wavy hair.

As a child grows, the size of the hair, by diameter, changes and grows as well. Therefore, babies may start off with fine, straight hair, or even thick, lush locks, and after just a few months or a year, their “inherited” curls may begin to pop up! Just like adults, changes in growth cause changes in our baby’s skin and hair as well. However, babies grow at such an extremely rapid rate, physical changes happen daily. By the time kids grow to be adolescents, major growth changes slow down, resulting in an “evening out” of physical attributes. The hair’s curl pattern will continue to change as we age, along with the changes in hormones that all men and women undergo.

Can you tell if a baby’s hair will be curly?

It is impossible to tell which genes your baby will inherit. You’ve probably heard the old wives’ tale that says that heartburn during pregnancy signifies a thick head of potentially curly hair. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Medical Institutions actually surveyed a group of mothers and found that 82 percent of those who had moderate to severe heartburn during pregnancy gave birth to a baby with an average or above-average crop of hair, while most of the women who didn’t have heartburn had a baby with little to no hair.

This heartburn theory may explain whether or not your baby will be born with thick curls, but this will not necessarily be his or her hair in their teen years and adulthood.

If you have a little kiddo with curls, it’s hard to step away from the cute clips and headbands. After all, they’re just so adorable and your very best friends gave them to you at your baby shower! However, it’s best to wait until your little prince or princess is a bit older, with stronger hair. Pulling hair into braids and ponytails can result in major damage to your baby’s strands, as well as irritated skin and scalp.

Your little one may have lots of little cowlicks or funky natural mohawks. This is usually due to the fact that the chemical bonds, creating the hair texture, are still being formed. Therefore, let your wild child – aka, baby – wear their hair au natural. Try to avoid putting products or clips into your baby’s hair to guide it into submission. But don’t worry; by year one, your child’s hair will mostly likely be more self-contained.

Enjoy the many stages of baby and toddler hair. Just remember that as your child grows and changes, so does his or her hair. Embrace these moments and remember to take lots of photos! After all, you know it will be fun to pull out the albums in 30 years just as your parents did for you.

As a conscience community, many of us curlies and naturals strive to find products that are better for us and our families. Understanding just how the organic certification process works may help us better comprehend why it may be worth going out of our way to find and even spend more on our beauty products.

What does “organic” mean?

Organic, in a nutshell, is a product made using all-natural ingredients and free from pesticides or harmful chemicals. However, the issue is much more complicated than that simple definition.

Organic agriculture produces various products that help to preserve the natural environment while avoiding synthetic materials such as pesticides. Organic farms also support animal health and welfare and do not use genetically modified ingredients. In 1990 the US created the Organic Foods Production Act, setting up standards for the production and handling of organic agricultural products.

So, who can be certified?

According to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, any farm or handling facility can be certified organic by any entity–or certifying agent–that is accredited by the USDA. The USDA certifying agents work throughout the US, and around the world, ensuring products and meet the organic standards. By being certified as an organic farm or handling facility, it means these places have met the qualifications to sell, label and represent organic products.

Farms and handling facilities that receive less than $5,000.00 in gross annual organic sales do not have to be certified and are considered “exempt” by the USDA. Note that these businesses may not use the USDA organic seal on any of their products.

What is considered before a brand becomes certified organic?

• A history of the substances applied to the land and products for the past 3 years

• A detailed description of the operation and products

• A written organic system plan

• In-depth inspection of the facility or farm and operation

• Certifying agent reviews the inspection, paperwork and plan to see if they meet the credentials then issues the certificate.

Once a farm or facility receives certification they may use the organic USDA seal for their products. There is an annual recertification process as well. Also, farms and facilities applying for certification can typically spend anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars on fees for for the certification process. The fees vary depending on the size of the facility and types of products. Currently there are over 25,000 farmers and businesses that have been certified organic, and of course more who annually apply for organic certification.

What about beauty products?

It is important to note that just because a product uses natural ingredients does not necessarily make it organic. Many products, especially beauty, body, and hair care products, use natural ingredients, such as honey or shea butter, and combine it with chemical compounds. Unlike food that is strictly regulated by the USDA for organic standards of conduct, the beauty industry has no official body governing the truth of a company claiming their product is organic.

Unlike food that is strictly regulated by the USDA for organic standards of conduct, the beauty industry has no official body governing the truth of a company claiming their product is organic.