Search Results: NaturallyCurly

By NaturallyCurly · Published October 12, 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF GROOVIN MOMS

Fact: Curly hair needs more moisture than other hair types.

We retain moisture from our diet and the products we treat our hair with every time we wash and style. On some of our busier days, we just can’t seem to get every step of the regimen in. If you simply want to make the best of your second day hair by keeping your natural wavy texture moisturized, there is a product for that now.

What is dry conditioner?

Dry conditioner has now arrived to the market of hair care products–not too long after the glorious comeback of dry shampoo. According to professional celebrity stylist Jennifer MacDougall, dry conditioner is perfect for those who get frequent blowouts and want to maintain their style for two to three days before washing again.

“Dry conditioner is the perfect refresher for the ends, especially for someone who has medium to thick hair,” says MacDougall. It’s also a great product for those who want to wear their hair up or in a ponytail. The conditioner helps to add some sheen, revive ponytails, and extends the style of your hair for another day or two. It can also help with flyaways and getting rid of static on dry climate days.

How it works

A dry conditioner product is a suspension of oils and nutrients in a powder-mist/aerosol form, it does just about the same job that your “wet” conditioner does, except this one won’t mess up your locks and style. So, if you’re trying to make the most of that blow out, this is your new best friend. Dry conditioner won’t soak up oil, like dry shampoo, but it will deliver shine and moisture to dry and coarse locks.

For  the days that you’re in a rush, or simply don’t feel like getting your hair wet, dry conditioner can be the “Go to” product you’re looking for.  “Dry conditioner adds shine to ends, separates the strands and revives the hair,” says MacDougall. “Usually dry conditioner contains oils and are aerosol. They help hydrate and add shine and texture to dry hair without wetting the hair.”

Dry conditioner is great for those who like rocking a messy bun look on days old hair. Section your hair into 4 parts, spray the dry conditioner (which is a lightweight, dry mist”> onto each section, twist each section gently or scrunch carefully. This will give your wavy hair a more natural, tousled appearance–even on dirty hair.

“I enjoy dry conditioners as a finish,” says celebrity stylist and Pantene ambassador Danilo. “They enhance and texturize while doing good by your hair at the same time. They are also a great way to get fresh hair to achieve an undone, tousled finish and a great way to give lackluster hair a pump up without a full shampoo, condition, and blowout. You can first use dry shampoo and then dry conditioner on clean or dirty hair.”

But does it work?

There are already a number of dry conditioners out there to try. Here’s what curlies have to say about how dry conditioner have performed on their hair.

Kardashian Beauty Take 2 Dry Conditioner, $14.99; available at Ulta stores

L’Oréal Professionnel Next Day Hair, $25.50; available at drugstores

TIGI Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Conditioner, $8.08; available at Target stores

Suave Professionals Dry Conditioning Spray, $3.39; available at drugstores

“I was hoping that it would do more actual conditioning, but it is perfectly serviceable as a hair de-funkifier. More hair perfume than anything else. I have shoulder length kinky curly hair there doesn’t appear to be any sort of aerosol product that has the reviving and conditioning properties that I need for my hair.” drugstore.com reviewer

Pantene Aqua Light Weightless Conditioning Shake, $6.25; available at soap.com

By NaturallyCurly · Updated May 28, 2024

You found a DIY homemade recipe that is the solution to all of your hair issues. Your favorite natural hair guru shared it on YouTube and now you must try it.

But wait.

Does your local grocery carry those ingredients? Do you have empty containers and all of the various utensils you need? What about the time, patience and money to source all of those supplies?

If not, you can still be a curly mixologist with the subscription box CurlMix.

What is CurlMix?

CurlMix is the first DIY subscription box for curlies and it has everything you need to make natural hair products without any of the fuss!

What do you get?

In your box you receive all of the natural ingredients and tools you need to create a different DIY project each month. The October CurlMix box has everything you need to make a Honey Lemon Mud Wash, which is a great detoxifying cleanser for hair and skin!

How do you buy one?

You can purchase CurlMix once a month, so sign up to their mailing list to be notified when the next CurlMix is available for purchase.

But I want one right now!

We’re giving NaturallyCurly readers the opportunity to win their own CurlMix box, just comment below telling us why you’d like to win! We will chose 2 lucky winners.

And if you don’t win, we’re also offering NaturallyCurly readers a special opportunity to order a CurlMix box today, instead of waiting until November 2nd for the next box. Simply go to this link and type in the password naturallycurly.

This giveaway ends October 10 and is open to U.S. residents only, as per our Terms and Conditions.

*Please make sure you have liked us on Facebook, so that we can notify you if you’ve won.

This post is sponsored by CurlMix.

By NaturallyCurly · Updated May 28, 2024

PHOTO BY MONCHERIE–GETTY IMAGES

Do you remember your mom saying “You’ll catch a cold!” if you have wet hair? While for the most part, catching a cold is just a myth, there are other health risks that can cause unhealthy situations for those who opt to go to sleep with wet hair. According to hair Svenson hair expert Teresa Cruz, going to bed with wet hair can introduce real health issues to some.

It’s just like wearing a wet piece of clothing. It is more prone to bacterial or fungal infection,” says Cruz. 

“It’s just like wearing a wet piece of clothing. It is more prone to bacterial or fungal infection,” says Cruz. “It will cause an unnecessary increase of blood flow in the scalp as your body’s way of protecting itself from bacteria. A reaction occurs on the scalp which can lead to a headache.” And while it may not be true for you, there are people more prone to developing infections who may want to reconsider their wet hair habits. While the experts are still unsure of the exact number of people this affects, it is always a safe bet to take the necessary precautions to avoid getting an infection if this is something you are prone to.

According to Natural Healing Magazine, it is also easier for your hair to break when it’s wet. Hair that is rubbed against a pillow at night could suffer more breakage and damage from the friction since “during the night we always crush and sleep on our hair.”

If you happen to live in a place with typically warmer climates, the experts at New Health Advisor say you may not suffer from any of these issues, but if you sleep in a cold room or simply live in a colder temperature, this may still be a concern for you.

If you MUST go to bed with wet hair…

For some curlies, going to bed with wet hair is the only way to achieve the definition you are looking for. Some just find that this works the best for their lifestyle. If you must go to bed with wet hair, here are three options to minimize the damage to your hair.

Diffuse

Instead of going to bed with soaking wet hair, towel dry gently with a damp towel and add your usual styling product. Use a diffuser to dry another 10-20% of your hair afterwards.

Twist

For pretty curls and waves the next morning, apply a light mousse or gel-cream to your damp locks and move the product from roots to tips, split your hair into sections and twist sections gently. Secure the ends of the twists with elastics and allow your hair to dry overnight on a satin or silk pillowcase. Be sure to remove the elastics in the morning and gently shake your hair to release your natural pattern. You can finish with a bit of hair spray or pomade.

Scarf

Another version of this “damp-do” is wrapping your hair with a silk or satin scarf at night instead of twisting and adding elastics. Be sure to tie or secure the scarf loosely so your hair and scalp can breathe.  Again, damp hair is better than dripping wet hair when heading off for a good night’s rest. Be careful, however, and do not use a towel. Your body temperature changes as you sleep, and having a sopping wet scalp can be the cause of headaches for some people. Using a thin, silk scarf that lets your curls breathe is important for scalp and hair health at night.

Our fave YouTubers show us how they prep their hair at night for the healthiest hair possible:

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By NaturallyCurly · Published October 5, 2015

1. Wen by Chaz Dean Fig Re-Moist Hydrating Mask

2. SheaMoisture Tahitian Noni & Monoi Hair & Scalp Weekly Therapy

This moisturizing treatment keeps every hair type in mind. It helps to soothe and provide antioxidant benefits to the scalp to promote healthy hair renewal and growth. Made from certified organic Shea Butter, revitalizing Tahitian Noni and Monoi Oil blended with Keratin, Peptides and Botanical Extracts, all work to repair and protect distressed hair fibers. Hair will appear thicker and fuller over time.

3. Aesop Rose Hair & Scalp Moisturizing Masque

This intensive deep conditioner restores the vitality and luster to all hair types. This hydrating tonic deeply conditions, leaving parched, brittle super soft and well nourished. In addition, your flaky scalp will feel better thanks to Sweet Almond Oil, Glycerin, and Camellia Japonica Seed Oil.

4. Neal`s Yard Rosemary and Cedarwood Hair Treatment and Deep Conditioner

This original, deep conditioner stimulates the scalp and revitalizes hair, adding shine and bounce. It is particularly beneficial for hair affected by over-dyeing, chlorine and harsh weather elements. This treatment contains: Coconut, Cedarwood, Rosemary, Lavender, and Coumarin essentials oils that will work together to blast the dirt out of your pores, leaving you with thicker, longer hair.

5. Mastey HC Formula + B5 Leave-In and leave-in conditioner

This split end ‘mender’ will fortify even the driest hair. Its cuticle smoothing ingredients will give you more defined curls. The formula also provides weightless shine and suppleness. This product can also help to protect the hair from styling heat. It also stimulates the scalp to boost cellular energy production. Vitamins, EFA lipids, protein and minerals provide comprehensive replenishment for a proper moisture balance. Neutralizes trapped ammonia in the hair.

6. Ouidad Mediterranean Bay Leaf Exfoliating Hair & Scalp Treatment

A deep penetrating cream with a light texture and a natural AHA complex of sugar cane, lemon, and apple extracts for gentle enzymatic exfoliation of scalp as well as mild, naturally derived bamboo for manual exfoliation. This multipurpose formula clears product build-up in the scalp and follicles. The fennel seed extract cream increases micro-circulation and oxygen flow to the root for deeper penetration of the nurturing Bay Leaf Oil. If you have concerns with an excessively oily or dry scalp, this treatment is for you.

7. Parnevu Hair Mayonnaise

Provides intense rejuvenating olive oil and egg protein therapy specially formulated over-processed hair. This product works from within the hair shaft to help strength fragile roots, mend split ends, and moisturize dry brittle hair. Parnevu mayonnaise brings hair fibers back into balance and leaves hair silky and shiny. The non-greasy formula leaves hair healthy and silky with added body. This DC will work wonders on your severely damaged or weak hair.

8. ORS Shealicious Moisture Lock Conditioning Treatment and Deep Conditioner

Brittle, heat damaged hair will benefit deeply from this cute deep conditioner. Shealicious gives you a chance to mix and blend your treatment to your own specifications in a convenient one-time use conditioning cup. One side contains a rich Shea Butter conditioner. The second side is filled with a pure essential oil blend that includes Rosemary and Black Currant. Carefully balanced with quality sourced ingredients and teamed alongside avocado extract, this customizable product helps hair bring luster and shine back, stops itchy scalp and restores moisture.

9. EverButter Sweet-P Pudding Pre-Treatment

helps to restore and activate your tresses. Sweet-P Pudding is a pre-treatment designed to help prep your hair by strengthening the hair before the process of washing and styling. It also aids in detangling and loosening dead scalp follicles so that your hair and scalp can be vibrant and shiny. The product contains sweet potato in the mixture, giving scalp extra moisturizing and conditioning properties. This pre-treatment also contains natural ingredients including: Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Basil, Mongongo Oil, Curry Leaves and aloe juice work to restore your hair and scalp back to health.

What’s your tried and true deep conditioning treatment?

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By NaturallyCurly · Published October 1, 2015

If you were so bold as to dye your hair purple (or any fantasy color”>, you may have found by now that it does not stay bold forever. With every wash, semi permanent hair dyes fade until you are left with a washed out version of your former glory. Fortunately, it is very simple and easy to touch up your color without going to the salon or creating a mess in your home.

Our Social Media Manager Evelyn has been rocking blue and purple hair since last year and by now she is a pro at refreshing her color. She is rocking an the ombre look with natural, dark roots and purple ends so she chose to touch up the color of her ends. However, if she wanted to color all of her hair purple she would need to bleach her roots first so that the color would show up. Purple or any vibrant color will not show up on naturally dark hair without lightening it first. Here is Evelyn’s routine:

1. Start with clean hair. If you have Type 4 coils like Evelyn then she recommends stretching your hair first, she sleeps with her hair in twists overnight. Stretching your hair helps you see the full length of your hair more easily, ensuring that you do not miss any sections.
2. Divide your hair into sections using clips. This is crucial so that you can apply color to each section and apply the dye without the rest of your hair getting in the way.
3. Put on plastic gloves before you start so as not to stain your hands purple.
4. Apply your color using your fingers to comb the product through your strands, finger detangling as you distribute the color evenly. Evelyn used Bigen Vivid Shades in Royal Purple.
5. Once your section is saturated in color, two strand twist or bun it and clip it again. Then move on to the next section. 
6. When you’ve completed all of the sections, put on a shower cap and let the color sit for 30 minutes.
7. Rinse with cool water, do not shampoo.

Evelyn repeats this process every 6 weeks or so, or whenever her hair color starts to look faded.

This post is sponsored by Bigen. 

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 29, 2015

PHOTO BY JORMALA–GETTY IMAGES

Question:

I think my hair is between a 2B and a 2C. I comb my hair with either a wide-tooth comb or a fine-tooth comb. I wash my hair no more than twice a week. Whenever I comb my hair (which is most days”>, it becomes a poofy triangle on my head. If I don’t comb my hair, it gets extremely knotted and is such a hassle to detangle! What do you recommend I do?

Answer:

While combing hair helps detangle the knots in your hair, there is a risk in combing too frequently. Do it everyday can cause friction, which eventually turns to breakage and weaken it–especially if you do it while your hair is dry and not moisturized. 

However, if you prefer to detangle with a comb instead of your fingers, follow these precautionary rules:

1. Use a leave-in conditioner or treatment that works with your hair type and keep the amount of strokes you comb with, to a minimum. The conditioner will allow the comb to glide through your hair more gently , and lessen the damage to your hair. If you need a slippery leave-in, add Carol’s Daughter Sacred Tiare Combing Creme to help the comb glide through your hair and let you retain smooth, frizz-free curls.
2. Use a wide tooth comb, even on hair that’s not thick or coarse. The NuBone II Finish is anti-static and has thick, sturdy teeth, so it won’t cause unnecessary friction. A wide tooth comb is exposed to less hair at one time and still help to get rid of even the worst knots.

Lastly, you may want to try using a brush that helps your hair dry as you style and detangle. Goody’s QuikStyle brush has microfiber to help dry hair faster as you brush. Again, while you want to keep brushing and combing to a minimum, you should look to protect your curls at the same time. A brush like this can help cut drying time in half while detangling at the same time.

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Watch how 2c vlogger Curly Penny finger detangles her hair:

Have a hair question or want to help our NaturallyCurly.com community out with your answers? Visit our Q&A section!

By NaturallyCurly · Updated May 28, 2024

We recently became aware of a new category of hair product. And if you’re a Product Junkie (like we are”> then this news is very, very exciting.  The product is called a combing creme, or “creme para pentear” as the Brazilians call it (pentear means comb in Portuguese”>. Right now you may be wondering where a combing creme goes in a hair routine, or thinking to yourself “but I don’t comb my hair” – we were too. So we took our questions to Carol’s Daughter, who just released their own line of Combing Cremes inspired by the popular Brazilian product.

How do Brazilian women use combing cremes?

When Lisa Price, Founder of Carol’s Daughter, recently travelled to Brazil she found combing cremes were a staple for Brazilian women, they were “using the combing cremes for extra moisture, for controlling frizz, for battling the humidity that they encounter day in and day out being so close to the beach.” Whether you live near the beach or not, a product that can do all of that is probably sounding pretty appealing right about now. So Carol’s Daughter got to work developing formulas that would work for us, because Lisa knew “we needed amazing detangling, we need moisture of course, we need to battle frizz, we need definition for our curls.”

What is a combing creme?

Think of a combing creme as a BB cream for your hair – BB creams can moisturize and protect the skin, they can be used as a primer for your foundation or worn by themselves. Combing cremes have moisturizing benefits for your hair and works as a base to prime your hair for your styling products, or you can use it on its own for second or third day hair.

The entire Carol’s Daughter range is designed to prep and prime your hair for styling, but it’s important to choose the formula that suits your curl concerns. If your hair feels fragile, fine or frizzy, and you want smoother styles then use the Sacred Tiare Combing Creme. If you’re looking to enhance the definition of your curls, coils or waves then you want the Hair Milk Combing Creme. And if your hair is dry, brittle or dull and you need extra hydration and shine, go with the Black Vanilla.

Do we need to apply a leave-in conditioner after a combing creme? What about a styler?

With the Carol’s Daughter combing cremes, you won’t need to apply a leave-in conditioner afterwards. For styling, feel free to use whatever styling products you like after you’ve applied the combing creme.

Do combing cremes provide hold?

Our combing creme was not created as a styling product but rather as a detangler and conditioner to prep for styling your hair.

So “combing cremes” are not just for combing. How else can we use them?

You don’t have to use a comb to use a combing cream! Many curly girls detangle with their fingers and that works just as well. These cremes really work to loosen your tangles, whether you use a comb or not. Here are a few other ways you can use a combing creme:

1. Apply it as a leave-in moisturizer to dry or damp hair
2. Enhance shine for dull 2nd day hair
3. Reduce frizz in high humidity
4. Mix it with your favorite gel for moisture and hold
5. Refresh your curls, coils or waves for 2nd day, 3rd day and 4th day hair

If you’re curious and want to give combing cremes a try, the Carol’s Daughter collection just launched this month and is available at Target! And if you’ve already tried them let us know what your experience was in the comments!

This article is sponsored by Carol’s Daughter.

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 23, 2015

If you have made the decision to cut sulfates out of your hair and skin regimen, you still have alternative options for cleansing. There are plenty of sulfate-free shampoo products to choose from, or you can take matters into your own hands and make your own. The latter will give you total control over your exposure to chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS”> and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES”>.

If you’re looking for a sulfate-free cleanser that will still leave your hair and scalp feeling clean, try this easy recipe.

What You’ll Need

• ¼ cup of distilled water
•  ¼ cup of castile soap
• 1 tsp. of jojoba oil 
• measuring cup
• whisk/spoon
• plastic bottle
• funnel
• *optional essential oil for fragrance

How to make homemade shampoo

Pour a quarter cup of distilled water into a bowl. Distilled is the best choice for DIY recipes, it is free of any other minerals, contaminants, or gases that other types of water can contain.

Add a quarter cup of castile soap to the distilled water and stir the two ingredients together with a whisk.

You can find castile soap in grocery stores, pharmacies, and online. We used Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap because it’s easy to find in our local groceries, but you can use any brand of castile soap that you can find. Here’s a list of 4 castile soaps we like.

Add one teaspoon of jojoba oil to the mix. Jojoba oil is one of the most common carrier oils and is packed with benefits for your hair and skin, so it is a useful ingredient to keep in your cabinet. 

Use a funnel to pour the contents of the bowl into a plastic bottle. Depending on the size of your bottle you may want to adjust the quantities of this recipe to either make more or less. Just remember to use equal parts of distilled water and castile soap, and a proportional amount of jojoba oil.

Watch the Video

Do you DIY your own cleansers? Share your favorite ingredients below!

For more curly mixology recipes, or to share your own favorite at-home treatments, go to our recipes section.

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 21, 2015

You may have noticed a hashtag trending among the women in your social feeds lately. With over 100,000 images uploaded and 20 million people reached so far, it’s hard to miss the #1 trending hashtag on Instagram and Facebook.

#BornandMade is a new movement that encourages every girl to be who they were truly born and made to be. It was started when Carol’s Daughter teamed up with I Am That Girl, a non-profit co-founded by Emily Greener that inspires girls to love, express, and be exactly who they want to be. You know that’s what we strive to do here every single day so we are so here for this! 

If you are too, then it’s easy to get involved. Simply upload your own photo at BornandMade.com and tell us who you were born and made to be, because “where we’re born, what we were made with — whether those are good or bad things — all play into the people that we ultimately become,” Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter, told Pop Sugar.

Lisa Price and Emily Greener joined forces with a few more of our favorites from Naptural85 to activist and writer Michela Angela Davis and more, and together they’re giving women a powerful platform to showcase their individuality while inspiring others to be who they are. This couldn’t have come at a better time, when there are so many voices telling them who they’re “supposed” to be – what we should wear, how we should talk, what our careers should be, and, of course, “acceptable” ways to wear our hair.

That is why it’s more important than ever before that we help our girls “understand and recognize their power and the right way to use it. It’s imperative to remind them of who they are, and what they are…in the world. If I can help with that, then I’m getting up for a good reason every day,” says Lisa Price.

As daughters, mothers, friends and women who work every day to help other women embrace what they were born with, we couldn’t resist getting in on the movement.

” src=”https://diana-cdn.naturallycurly.com/Articles/aq_cristina-BORNandMADE-1.jpg”>

We shared ours, now we’d love to see yours! Create your own at Bornandmade.com.

This post is sponsored by Carol’s Daughter.

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 18, 2015

Coconut oil is one of the most popular oils in hair care, and there’s a scientific reason for it. Coconut is “able to have this powerful effect on the hair is because of its linear structure and low molecular weight, which allows it to actually penetrate into the cortex,” according to DrWalkerWellness. While most oils act as sealants and sit on top of the hair cuticle to lock moisture in, coconut can actually penetrate your hair’s cortex to moisturize your hair. 

That is why new brand MultiEthnic included coconut oil in the top 5 ingredients of its Coconut Silk Curl Definer (while leaving out sulfates, silicones and parabens”>. They base many of their formulations on the ingredients found in ancient, natural remedies that women with curly hair gravitate towards today.

If you’d like to try the Coconut Silk Curl Definer for yourself, enter our giveaway below.

Giveaway

5 lucky winners will win their own Coconut Silk Curl Definer, all you have to do is comment below telling us why you’d like to win!

This giveaway ends September 25 and is open to U.S. residents only, as per our Terms and Conditions.

*Please make sure you have liked us on Facebook, so that we can notify you if you’ve won.

This post is sponsored by Jirano.

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 14, 2015

DevaCurl products have been mainstays in the bathroom cabinets of curly girls since its launch in 2002, but the line wasn’t completely meeting the needs of those with tighter textures.

“We heard from our consumers that they needed more – more moisture benefits, more strength benefits,” says Shari Harbinger, VP of Education for DevaCurl. So this year DevaCurl introduced three new products formulated to suit the needs of tighter, coily-haired women:  SuperCream, No-Poo Decadence and One Condition Decadence. SuperCream came out in July and several of our editors have been using it since then, but the No-Poo and One Condition products just launched this month and we’ve been testing it and discussing our experiences here in the office, and it’s only right to share!

Here is what three of our editors, with curl patterns ranging from Type 3c-Type 4a, think of all three of the new products. For a reference of what their hair looks like, you can see Amanda’s 4a coils in action here, Devri’s 3c curl pattern here, and Evelyn’s colorful 4b coils here.

Note: This post is not sponsored by DevaCurl.

No-Poo Decadence

“I was amazed at how this shampoo had no lather but still gave me a fresh cleanse. It wasn’t a squeaky clean, either–I didn’t feel like the natural oils in my scalp were being stripped away with a Brillo pad at all (which is what a lot of shampoos make me feel afterward”>. The Decadence shampoo almost made me feel like I could have used it on my entire head as a 2-in-1 conditioner and shampoo. It was moisturizing and removed my styling product from the last wash out of my scalp, allowing for more natural volume and lift that lasted for days. The scent is a bit heavy, but overall, I would use this again.” – Devri, Type 3c

One Condition Decadence 

“I love a thick, moisturizing rinse-out conditioner. And while this is thick, it isn’t heavy–so I never once felt like it was weighing my curls down. The ingredients penetrated every inch of my hair from root to tip. It almost felt like my longtime deep conditioner holy grail Eden Bodyworks Jojoba, as far as consistency goes. I also didn’t mind the scent at all, and I have a pretty sensitive nose. I love that this conditioner contains strengthening/softening Quinoa and olive oil. This conditioner didn’t require me to seal with an oil afterward like I typically do on wash day. After a couple of uses, my wash-and-gos were so soft and bouncy. My curls were instantly revitalized and my 2nd and 3rd day hair never lost definition.” – Devri, Type 3c

“Decadence is right! This conditioner is thick enough to double as my deep treatment, but not so thick that I can’t work it through my hair. Easily able to finger detangle my hair, both on wet freshly washed hair and dry, dirty hair if I feel like doing my wash day routine in reverse. It smells like cologne which I wasn’t expecting. Not a fan of the fragrance. A little goes a long way, and my hair’s fairly short, so $22 for 12 oz is okay. When I rinse it out, my hair is so soft I don’t need a leave-in, which is great because the Supercream is so moisturizing, it doubles as a leave-in anyway. A+!” – Evelyn, Type 4b

SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler

“My hat goes off to DevaCurl, because this DevaCurl Supercream styler is perfection. Oftentimes I struggle to find stylers with moisturizing benefits and holding properties that do not leave my hair crunchy. My biggest deal breaker with any styler is lack of spreadability. When a styler is not formulated with a lot of lubricating properties, then my hair tends to drag and even tangle and I did not do all of that detangling for nothing. The cetearyl alcohol, coconut oil, and glycerin gives this styler plenty of slip and leaves your hair buttery soft with a lightweight hold and no crunch. My hair has maintained its wash and go definition for 5-6 days with this styler, which is impressive, especially with my 4a a coils in hot and humid Texas.” – Amanda, Type 4a

“It’s definitely a two-in-one product! No leave-in conditioner necessary. I never thought I’d utter those words, but it’s true. The Supercream moisturizes and defines. It has enough hold for easy 4-day hair. Amazing slip, but that tricks me into using way too much per section. Use too much, and I have slight dust flakes. I’ve been able to fix it with a couple drops of oil though. It’s pretty pricy, like add my leave-in and styler together and it’s still cheaper than this pricy. Overall, this product does what Deva promised it would!

Overall: My hair may be color-treated/damaged but this is still a TON of moisture! I don’t need both the cleanser and the conditioner. I’d just go with one and then the Supercream.” – Evelyn, Type 4b

“My hair usually shrinks quickly after washing–it’s big with some frizz at the top of my crown on most days. With Supercream I have noticed defined, soft, and shiny curls that haven’t lost their definition or gotten frizzy all day long. My hair may look elongated when I get to work, but usually halfway through the day my curls usually shrink up and my hair takes on a rounded, short shape. But after using Supercream, my curls look healthily elongated, enhanced, and super defined all day long. I actually notice the length of my curls more and my hair still appears as if they’re wet and fresh out of a wash, even though they are 100% dry.

My curls are also softer than ever. I just got my hair colored two days ago, but I can say this styler has helped restore the natural sheen and life back into my curls. Its consistency is that of a cream-gel, with a bit of hold but not too much. I haven’t experienced any flaky cast that sometimes comes with a styling cream or gel.” – Devri, Type 3c

The verdict

These products are packed with moisture and caused our editors to use terms like “impressive,” “TON of moisture,” “perfection” and “A+!” But at more than $20 per bottle, you’d be spending upwards of $70 if you went out and bought all three – which is no small consideration. Luckily, the reviewers pointed out that the no-poo is so moisturizing you could skip your conditioner, and the conditioner is so effective you don’t need a leave-in, and the styler is practically a leave-in and curl definer in one – so instead of buying two or three products you can splurge on just one.

Which of these products are you most excited to try?

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 9, 2015

Do you wear the same style most days of the week? We all have our go-to favorites, whether it’s a wash and go our a twist out, or the gym day ponytail. But if you’re looking for something new to make you fall back in love with your curls and all of their versatility, then we have five heatless ways to change up your look. If your mornings are often rushed, then try the two-minute top knot that always looks polished. Or if you want to totally alter your curl pattern without any fear of heat damage, then try the fluffy flexi curls. Keep reading for more easy, heatless styles!

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Style 1 – Retro Updo

We know how easy it can be to fall into a wash and go rut, but the word “updo” is often mistaken for being difficult or reserved for professionals. This simple updo creates the illusion of bangs without ever touching the scissors. Once you have your faux bangs pinned in place, simply throw the rest of your hair up into a ponytail and add a headband. It doesn’t get any easier than that, ladies (unless you do Style #3!”>.

1. Apply Coil Moisturizing Souffle for definition and softness.
2. Two strand twist hair and allow to dry
3. Once dry, unravel twists and section out the bang area. Then put the rest of your hair into a high loose ponytail.
4. Roll the ends of your bangs and pin to create a bouffant and wrap a colorful headband around the crown of your head for a retro look.

5. Style 2 – Fluffy Flexi Curls

Whether you have loose waves or tight coils, it can be fun to switch your curl pattern up for a few days – especially when it’s heatless. Flexi rods are a heat-free way to experiment with new styles without fear of damage. You can also use them to create a more uniform curl when your hair has multiple curl patterns or you are transitioning.

1. Create 15-20 sections in your hair and apply 10-in-1 Styles Gelee for a firm hold. For a softer curl use Coil Moisturizing Souffle.
2. Add a flexi rod to each section.
3. Once dry or next day, unravel your flexi rods slowly with Sheen Sealing Nectar on your fingers to keep them frizz-free and silky.
4. Gently separate the sections and fluff with your fingers or an Afro pic for volume.

Style 3 – Top Knot

On rainy or humid days, you can pretty much count on most of the NaturallyCurly office to show up with their hair in a top knot. It just might be the quickest, easiest hairstyle you can do, and with a very high success rate – it’s almost failproof! Top knots look great on curly, coily and wavy hair because you can play with your texture to create volume or loosen the top knot for a more undone look. If you only have 2 minutes to get ready in the morning, this is your go-to style.

1. Moisturize with Coil Moisturizing Souffle for definition and softness.
2. Pull hair up into a high puff and secure with a hair tie.
3. Add some Sheen Sealing Nectar to your baby hairs for a sleek finish.

Style 4 – Twisted Updo

Here is another updo that anyone can achieve. It will give you the look of an intricate, Pinterest worthy updo without the stress of “it doesn’t look like the photo.” That’s because you’re not striving for perfection with this one, it’s one of those styles that will look different every time you do it! And once you’re done rocking this updo, take it down and you have a twist out. Just fluff and separate the twists with your fingers and you’re ready to go.

1. Create chunky two-strand twists with Curl Defining Creme Glaze for elongation and softness.
2. Flat twist your bangs and pin the ends behind your ear.
3. Combine your twists into chunkier twists and pin up the ends to your nape.

Style 5 – Ninja Bun

The ninja bun is one of the breakout trends of 2015, we’ve been seeing it on every hair type from straight fine hair to coarse coily hair – and it always looks laid back and cool. Of course many women have been wearing this half up bun look for years, but the style has definitely seen a resurgence in our Instagram feeds. If you’re looking for an easy hairstyle for rushed mornings before school, give this one a try.

1. Shampoo your hair with the No-Soak Shampoo.
2. Part hair in half and create a bantu knot on your bangs.
3. Moisturize the back half of your hair with the Slick Slip leave-in.

Giveaway

You can win all of the products used for these styles if you enter the Flawless No Heat Styles Giveaway here. 

This post is sponsored by Soft Sheen Carson.

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 8, 2015

Coconut, monoi, almond and avocado – these are a few of our favorite ingredients! They translate to one thing for us: Moisture. And that seems to be what you think too, judging by your reviews of the Design Essentials products.

Our reader NioshiChanel and Carnecia.Arm reviewed the Curl Refresher and had this to say:

If you could use a little more moisture in your life (and really, what curly doesn’t?”> then this is your lucky day. We’re giving away 3 sets of Design Essential moisturizing prize packages, just comment below to enter!

The prize

3 lucky winners will win sets of:

• Coconut & Monoi Curl Enhancing Dual Hydration Milk
• Coconut & Monoi Coconut Water Curl Refresher
• Almond and Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Shampoo
• Almond and Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner
• Natural Defining Creme Gel

When

September 8-10

How to enter

Comment below telling us which product you are most excited to try!

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, as per our Terms and Conditions.

*Please make sure you have liked us on Facebook, so that we can notify you if you’ve won.

This article is sponsored by Design Essentials.

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 4, 2015

Summer is a knotty time for curly girls. The sun has been drying out our hair, we’ve been active outside in the wind and water, and we may have slacked a little (or a lot”> on our moisturizing routine when we went on vacation.

Nikki’s been feeling the summer dryness, so when we got the Krave Citrus Hibiscus Untangle in the office she wanted to give it a try. Its blend of aloe vera juice and organic oils, like castor and neem seed oils, can be used as both a leave-in and a detangler. Just spray Untangle throughout damp hair and detangle with either your fingers or a wide tooth comb. 

Giveaway

5 lucky winners will win their own Untangle, all you have to do is comment below telling us why you’d like to win!

Want to try it now? Use the code KRAVE15 for 10% off when you buy it online.

This giveaway ends September 10 and is open to U.S. residents only, as per our Terms and Conditions.

*Please make sure you have liked us on Facebook, so that we can notify you if you’ve won.

This post is sponsored by Krave. 

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 1, 2015

PICTURED: KAI FRIAS ROCKING LIVED IN HIGHLIGHTS

Fall tends to bring about some of the best hair colors due to its rich, elegant, and natural hues. It’s easy to find a color that will work for your hair and skin tone with a fall pallette. Naturally curly and wavy hair have the added benefit of being able to soak up color a little more easier than straight hair. And their texture serves as the perfect platform for showcasing dimension and drama! This fall, these are the hair color trends you’ll be seeing all over your Instagram and Pinterest feeds.

PHOTO COURTESY OF: ERICK ORELLANA

Bronde

We know the name sounds silly, but we’re here to report the trends and this bronde trend isn’t going anywhere this fall. It’s on the lips of stylists and celebrities and the translation is a soft mix of brunette and blonde. Regardless of the name, the color effect is a perfect transition from summer highlights into darker fall hues.

PICTURED: AQUAYLA GADSDEN

Color Blocked Roots

The color blocked roots trend can be seen in the drastic, darkened roots paired with a high shine color on the length. The vibrant pink and purple above is one version, but you can also achieve the look with more natural colors like black and blonde or dark brown and beachy brunette.

PICTURED: ANA YANSI

Single Process Brunette

Taking roots and length all together into one uniformly, stylish blackish-brunette gives waves and curls a lot of depth and shows off their texture. Your hairstylist will know what you mean when you request a single process color.

PICTURED: KAI FRIAS

Lived In Highlights

For those who don’t always have a stylist touch-up in the budget or schedule; allow your color to grow out as low lights within your natural hue.

PICTURED: ALANNA DOHERTY

Burnt Auburn

If you have some natural red or auburn in your hair color, deepen the look with burnt auburn for something richer. This look adds dimension, especially for naturally darker curls.

PICTURED: STEPHILAREINE

Sand Art

Also called “candy dip dye” hair color, this uses summery bright pastels for more flair in the cooler seasons. We recommend you go to a stylist for this look because it will require bleaching and re-coloring the hair in strategically placed sections. If you’d like to try the look temporarily, there’s always the easy at-home methods of using cream eyeshadow or liquid chalk.

Ready to color your hair?

If you are looking to change to a new shade or two for the 2015 fall season, start by considering these steps:

1. Select shades you want to experiment with and have multiple reference photos ready to show your stylist. Visuals are best for color, as they give you and your stylist an easy place to start and communicate with one another about the look you’d like to achieve.

2. Discuss your options with your stylist and find out which one–or two, or three–may be right for you this season. Consider adding high or low lights to your hair to avoid going too dark or too bright too soon.

3. Ask your stylist about the upkeep for maintaining your new hue. Also, do not forget that you may need your roots touched up every 4-7 weeks, depending on your growth and the color(s”> you have selected.

4. Update your product arsenal with cleansers, conditioners, and styling products that are color-safe and healthy.

Which of these colors are you tempted to try?

By NaturallyCurly · Published August 30, 2015

Over 5000 years ago ancient tribes and writings used and noted that ginger brought about flavor to food as well as healthy benefits as a medicinal plant…

You may already love the scent and taste of ginger in foods and drinks. Ginger has some amazing properties to it that also benefit your body–specifically hair and skin. It contains great levels of antiseptic and antioxidant properties that is used to soothe digestive problems, a sore throat, and even minor burns and scrapes. When applied to your skin, ginger extract can bring more of a natural glow by lessening inflammation and clearing up blemishes. For hair, ginger naturally stimulates growth by promoting blood circulation to the scalp. Ginger also contains natural zinc so it provides moisture to your hair and scalp as well.

Read more: How To Use Ginger For Your Thinning Edges

Hair growth stimulator

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil

Mix these together and apply directly to the scalp. Massage in gently and allow the mixture to sit for about 1/2 hour. If you feel a warming sensation, it is completely normal. Follow by shampooing and conditioning as usual.

Length retention spritz

Battle split ends and enhance hair growth with this hair spritz that will leave a great scent and help your locks grow to their true potential. This DIY spray will also add moisture and help rejuvenate curls and waves.

• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (liquid form”>
• 1/2 cup cucumber pulp
• 1 teaspoon basil oil
• 2/3 cup water

Simply pour the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well. Use this spray for when your hair looks a bit dull or you notice frizziness on top. The oils used help enhance the benefits of the ginger combo and will bring your locks back to their best.

Edge massage oil

You can also create a massage oil with ginger to help with thinning edges. Simply mix equal parts ginger oil and jojoba, olive, or avocado oil (depending on your personal preference and hair type”>, massage gently into your scalp and around the edges in small, circular motions. Regular usage of this oil blend will promote growth in thinning areas. Be sure to use a gentle massage and motion as you apply.

Where to find ginger

You may purchase ginger at your local grocery, health food or Whole Foods market. Depending on what consistency you like, you may use ginger oil or freshly ground ginger for these recipes.

If you’re not the do-it-yourself type, there are already a number of popular products on the market that you may not have realized contain ginger, like the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Cream Rinse, Rasa Namaste Hair & Body Oil, or The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo.

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By NaturallyCurly · Published August 28, 2015

I recently had the chance to attend the Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show, where tens of thousands of beauty professionals gather to learn about the latest innovations in the beauty industry each year. If you’ve never been to a beauty show, their over the top productions and live hair cuts (often while dancing”> are awe inspiring, to say the least.

One such amazing cut I saw was by Robert Cromeans, an industry legend and the Global Artistic Director for John Paul Mitchell Systems. He put a hat on a model’s huge afro and cut around the rim, and when he took the hat off she had this super fly tapered cut. It was crazy! I noticed that among the straight-haired models we so often see, 70% off the models at Paul Mitchell had texture from coily to curly to wavy hair. So when I got a chance to speak to John Paul Dejoria, the Co-founder of Paul Mitchell, I had a major fangirl moment.

As a curly girl, I love that you have different versions of your MarulaOil – a lighter oil for fine hair and a heavier one for coilier hair. How did you decide to target your products by texture type instead of race, color or ethnicity?

When I was first coming out with my products everyone said, oh you need an ethnic line. But I looked around and decided we all live in this one world. It doesn’t make sense to divide the people. There’s no need to separate them. So I have one line that includes everyone.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL MITCHELL

What sets Marula apart from other oils? Why is it worthy to carry the Paul Mitchell name?

There are 50% more antioxidants and maleic acids. That’s way more than argan oil. When you get those other oils, your product is 10% oil, 90% perfume and other stuff. With us, it’s mostly Marula. Cold pressed. And that’s in all the products – the shampoo, the masque, all have MarulaOil in them. We’re also coming out with two stylers – a finishing serum and two stylers.

Related: The Benefits of Marula Oil, and How to Use It

What’s your best advice to curly girls to get their best results and love their curls?

Remember to use a wide tooth comb for God’s sake! And try Marula. It will out-perform anything else you’re using, I’m telling you.

What inspires you?

Being able to do things that will inspire millions and change people’s lives in some way. For instance, I just came out with this new line called Aubío. It’s plant based and it works to cure symptoms from all elements of the herpes simplex virus – cold sores, shingles, anything. You start feeling like you might get a cold sore, you put the Aubío on each hour and by the end of the day, it doesn’t even come out. That’s something the majority of the world needs, and I made sure that it’s sold at a price point people can afford. It was just released a couple weeks ago.

Anything else you’d like the NaturallyCurly community to know?

The world is not as bad a place as you think. It’s surprising, but it’s becoming better every day. Also, try Marula.

By NaturallyCurly · Published August 27, 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

We already published your guide to the ultimate Hair Growth Diet, but as you know a diet can be just as much about what you don’t eat. The good news is, the foods that hurt your hair growth goals are foods that your general health would benefit from cutting down on too.

“Any foods that would make you breakout, such as those filled with sugars and grease are going to cause a buildup on your scalp that’s going to affect the way your hair feels, looks and grows. Anything that irritates your skin (think ice cream”> will bother your scalp, which can damage your hair follicle. A damaged hair follicle will either grow weak hair or not grow hair at all” explains Carla Rivas, hairstylist and co-founder of the all-natural hair growth vitamin Hair La Vie.

So if you have been staring longingly at your hairspiration’s long curls, then you might want to leave these food groups off of your next grocery list.

1. Sweet Treats

Sugary foods like your favorite candies or cupcakes cause your insulin level to rise, which also causes anincrease in androgen (a male hormone”> in your body. This hormone is known for causing hair follicles to shrink or become irritated. This leads to hair thinning and hair loss.

2. Greasy Foods

The grease form fatty meats like fried chicken and french fries can cause more secretion on the scalp. Also, a lot of the time after eating greasy foods people touch their face and hair without washing their hands. This causes both acne and damage to the hair. You need a clean, debris free scalp or your hair will not grow healthy and your follicle could be damaged.

3. Salty Foods

Think potato chips and canned/frozen meals. Consuming a lot of salty meals and snacks will dry your hair out and leave it weak, lifeless and breaking.

4. Low Protein, Filler Foods

Starches like pasta and a lot of cereals which can be low in protein will leave your hair limp and unhealthy. That bounce and shine most ladies want is not possible without a healthy dose of protein.