Search Results: NaturallyCurly
The year 2015 is here and many have already or are in the process of composing New Year’s Resolution lists. Saving money, eating healthier and exercising will no doubt make the lists. For the devoted curly community, haircare will
Instead of taking the predictable route of haircare resolutions, the following is a list of things not to do—don’ts—when it comes to haircare in the new year.
10. Don’t assume what works for someone else’s hair will work for your hair.
I know I’m guilty of spotting someone with beautiful natural hair, and jotting down the exact products the person used and didn’t achieve the same results. Experiment with products (preferably trial sizes”> to find out what your hair likes.
9. Don’t use excessive heat.
Hot styling tools damage your hair. They can cause dryness, frizz and breakage. Seek out styles that don’t require heat and air-dry or use a bonnet dryer whenever possible. If you do wear straight styles every once in a while, be sure to use low heat and heat styling protection products such as Carol’s Daughter’s Sacred Tiare Anti-Breakage & Anti-Frizz Styling Cream (available at Target stores”>.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice.
You will find that fellow transitioners and natural hair wearers don’t mind sharing their hair stories and journeys. Join a natural hair community.
7. Don’t fall for so-called quick growth remedies/treatments.
On average, barring any health ailments, our hair grows one half an inch a month or 6 inches a year. Some of those so-called quick growth remedies can actually result in hair loss or shedding. Be patient.
6. Don’t sleep on cotton pillow cases or wear cotton or wool scarves.
These materials not only snag hair, but rob the hair and scalp of moisture. Also, during the winter months keep your hair/ends from rubbing against cotton/wool coats and scarves and avoid hats lined with cotton or wool. Opt for silk or satin.
5. Don’t use fine-tooth combs/brushes to detangle.
Always detangle using your hands or fingers first. Using these tools first will result in breakage while using your hands/fingers first will prevent breakage and result in length retention. Also don’t pull at hair knots, if you can not work a knot out with your fingers go ahead and use cutting shears to cut the knot off. For the best detangling experience, try Carol’s Daughter’s Khoret Amen Olive Oil Infusion Kit (now at Target”>.
4. Don’t forget to be gentle with new growth.
The line of demarcation (your relaxed/permed ends and natural new growth”> is very fragile. Always handle your hair gently like you would a silk garment.
3. Don’t hold back on your creativity when it comes to hairstyles.
Browse through hair magazines and/or hit the Internet for style ideas, YouTube, Fotki, etc…. Try our lastest styling must-haves: Hair Milk Alcohol-Free Gel and Black Vanilla Edge Smoother to keep curls, coils and waves moisturized and tamed (both now at Target”>.
2. Don’t overdo it with products.
Piling on products attracts dirt and debris and build-up on your hair and scalp, and actually causes your hair to become dry and brittle. Avoid products with non-soluble waxes, and silicones. Carol’s Daughter offers great silcone- and paraben-free moisturizing products.
1. Don’t be afraid to take the plunge and cut off those relaxed/permed ends.
Of course, never feel rushed or pressured into doing a “big chop” or cutting those last few inches of ends off. Consider the pros and cons of your decision. But, if you are absolutely ready to flaunt your natural tresses go for it.
This post is sponsored by Carol’s Daughter.
Have you been procrastinating? We all do it. Wash day can sometimes feel all too overwhelming and you put it off like hitting snooze on your alarm clock. But hit snooze one too many times and your hair will reward you with dry, undefined curls and coils with no shape or bounce. When NaturallyCurly editors Evelyn and Nikki skipped a few wash days their hair got a little… out of control. They have two different hair types so it took a few different products and techniques to bring them back to the Evelyn and Nikki we know and love, but you can watch how they transform an old ‘do into something fancy and new with the new Design Essentials Coconut and Monoi line.
Evelyn’s routine:
- Evelyn sprayed her hair with Coconut & Monoi Coconut Water Curl Refresher to make her fro more pliable and softened it up for styling
- Next she applied Coconut & Monoi Deep Moisture Milk Creme throughout her hair (starting with the back and sides”>, two strand twisting her hair in small sections
- Set the hair overnight
- Evelyn used Coconut & Monoi Intense Shine Oil Mist to take down her twists for an added boost of shine
- She gently separated the twists, then used a pick to create more volume
Nikki’s routine:
- Nikki used a spray bottle to saturate her hair with water, to moisturize and prep it for styling
- She applied Coconut & Monoi Deep Moisture Milk Souffle in 3-4 sections, two strand twisting her hair 8 medium-sized twists with a bantu knot at the ends
- She sealed the moisture into her hair with Coconut & Monoi Deep Moisture Oil Treatment, a little goes a long way
- Set the hair overnight
- Nikki used Coconut & Monoi Intense Shine Oil Mist to gently unravel her twists for an added boost of shine
- Then she fluffed out her hair and used a wide tooth comb at the roots to give her hair a lift
This article is sponsored by Design Essentials.
If you have wavy hair then it can sometimes feel frustrating when you wake up and your waves have poof! Disappeared. We know the feeling. Or when you apply just a little bit too much curl cream and your luscious waves go totally limp. Or maybe you’ve been looking a little too longingly at curly girls on Instagram – though we never recommend you covet thy neighbor’s curls. Perhaps you just want to change up your look and play up your curls for the day! This tutorial shows you how to turn your waves into bouncy curls with a few tips and tools.
How to Turn Curls into Waves
- Apply a curl enhancing spray to bring out the natural waves. You can do this to dry hair to refresh it mid-week, or on freshly washed hair.
- Ever notice your hair how defined your waves are when they’re wet? Keep that definition by applying a curl defining foam through the ends.
- Flip your head upside down and dry it with a diffuser, while scrunching with your fingers. This will give you volume as well as bring out the curls.
Watch the Video
NaturallyCurly got a preview earlier this month of Living Proof Curl, a new line that includes Curl Conditioning Wash, Curl Detangling Rinse, Curl Defining Styling Cream and Curl Enhancing Styling Mousse. The four products are designed to work with all texture types – from wavy to coily.
Living Proof formulated them with “Curl Memory technology,” an emollient and polymer blend and time-release conditioners designed to repel humidity.
This article is sponsored by Living Proof Curl.
1. Nicole Kidman Embraces Curls for Her Daughter
“The Oscar-winning actress has naturally curly ringlets, but in past years has not appreciated nor shared them. She use to loathed them but has begun to embrace and rock her ringlets for the sake of her three-year-old daughter, Faith, who shares those same ringlets. You see, her daughter Faith prefers her mother to wear her hair like hers and as simple of a request as that…what mother could resist?”… Read the full story
2. My Daughter’s Skin & Hair are Different From Mine…
“As I reflected, I fast-forwarded to my later life. I imagined my boys grown with their own families. I imagined thinking back to this time and this decision. I felt the searing sting of regret when I contemplated the hole in my heart where our third child was supposed to be. I had my answer.”…Read the full story
3. 3 Things a Curly Girl Should Never Do
“If you have ever read about curly hair, more than likely you have come across “The CG Method” – which is short for Curly Girl Method. Are you still wondering what it is and what it does? That is what we are here for!”…Read the full story
4. 5 Foods that Keep Hair from Growing
“Previously we discussed foods that can improve your hair health like avocados, nuts, leafy greens, and other foods that are high in nutritional content. But what about foods that will harm your hair’s health?”…Read the full story
5. Top 6 Curl Defining Methods
“Curl definition is one of the first goals a newly natural tries to reach. These techniques cannot create curls, but only define them so if your texture does not curl while in a moisturized state, no product can yield such results.”…Read the full story
6. Nicki Minaj Shows Off Her Natural Hair
“Recently during a photo shoot at an undisclosed location, Nicki Minaj posted some raw, genuine behind-the-scenes pics on her Instagram. Her face was half-beaten with makeup, revealing a beautiful natural glow. But if that wasn’t shocking enough, the star showcased her natural hair, titling one of pictures ‘No perm. No extensions.’ Ah, we love it!”…Read the full story
7. 5 Reasons You Aren’t Gaining Length
“Growing longer hair should be pretty simple for every woman- right? I mean, the hair just grows out of our heads. It’s not like we have to look at our scalps on a daily basis and say “Yo follicle! Handle your business!” So if you’re having trouble gaining length, you may want to look a little closer at your hair care regimen. Maybe there are specific things that you are doing to cause damage and counteract your hair’s growth. Here are 4 reasons you may not be gaining length”…Read the full story
8. 4 Reasons Castor Oil is Basically Magic
“Castor oil is a vegetable oil that is obtained by pressing the castor plant seed. It is filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, which is great for your hair….” Read the full story
9. My Hair Looks So Good When It’s Wet… Here’s How to Make That Last
“No more frizzy roots, no more randomly stringy ramen noodle curls. I even found that while letting my curls air dry, I didn’t have to pin them back like I normally would to create that elongation in the front (thanks to the fact that it shrinks considerably more than the back half of my hair”>. For all the ladies like me with multiple textures, this is a total game changer.”…Read the full story
10. The Coconut Oil Bleaching Method
“Applied topically or ingested, there are literally dozens of different benefits coconut oil provides. I have been sleeping with coconut oil in my hair as a pre poo treatment twice a week for over two years now and it has left my hair soft, shiny and more manageable.”… Read the full story
650w” src=”https://diana-cdn.naturallycurly.com/Articles/69_RTR4F9AF-1-650w.jpg”>Looking for an edgy take on a classic updo for the holidays? Luckily, getting your hair to mirror Olivia Munn’s for the day may not be as out of reach as it may sound.
Olivia’s messy bun was created from a French braid. The braid runs down the left side of her hairline and added a stunning, structural outline that framed her face well. Her naturally wavy, thick mane certainly helped with the texture of the updo.
Recreate the look
- Start with a small section of hair, braid it along your hairline, and secure with a small elastic.
- Add texture to the rest of your falling hair with a texturizing spray, mousse, or curling wand.
- Using the remaining hair, pull back into a low messy bun (no precision needed”> and secure. Use a pomade on flyaways for a sleeker look.
- Tuck the braid into the bun as you secure it.
Bedazzle it
Modify this hairstyle for the holiday season by adding some jeweled pins to your hair, a metal headband, or a satin ribbon into the braid.
Who this style works for
this messy French braid bun works well for medium to longer length wavy or curly hair. Don’t forget to ask your stylist for their input as well. Refer him or her to this article for guidance on how you want your hair styled for the holidays.
Embracing the messy bun and a French braid may just be another great way to help celebrate a sparkling holiday season!
You know when your curls are in a rut? Your old faithful products aren’t doing the trick and the curls just are not popping like they used to? In times like this, you might want to consider a protein treatment.
If you color treat your hair or use heat styling tools then all the more reason to work a protein treatment into your regimen.
Depending on your hair needs, there are different types of protein treatments that perform different functions. If your hair is fairly healthy then you can treat your curls to a light treatment or protein pack once a month. For moderately damaged hair, choose a deep penetrating treatment twice a month. And if your hair needs some serious TLC then opt for a reconstructor, like the ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment.
How can you tell if you need a reconstructor?
Your hair could use a reconstructor if it:
- Is over-bleached.
- Will not hold color. (use PRIOR to color application”>
- Breaks when combed or brushed.
- Is mushy when wet and brittle after drying.
Directions
Shake well before use! Keep out of eyes. If product gets into the eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water. (The pH of ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment is about that of lemon juice and it will cause similar eye irritation”>.
- Gently cleanse hair with ApHogee Shampoo for Damaged Hair. Rinse thoroughly and towel blot dry.
- Apply enough ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment to thoroughly saturate hair and comb blend for even distribution.
- Leave hair uncovered, DO NOT use a plastic cap. Either sit under medium heat hooded dryer. (Alternatively, a hand dryer may be used, but hair should not be agitated while drying.”>
- Re-wet and gently rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat
- Apply ApHogee Balancing Moisturizer to hair and scalp. Leave in for 2 mins., then rinse thoroughly. Style as usual.
Watch the Video
Have you tried this protein treatment? What did you think?
[prodmod]This post is sponsored by Aphogee.
You’ve been seeing Jamaican Black Castor Oil praised everywhere so you ran out and bought yourself a bottle of the thick, dark magic potion. Now what? What exactly can you do with this oil and why is it so much darker than any other oil you’ve ever tried? In this infographic we show you how to use JBCO to thicken your eyebrows, fade your scars, restore your edges, minimize acne redness, revitalize your scalp, minimize crows feet, decrease joint inflammation and soften your hair. Talk about multi-purpose!
And this is only a handful of the ways you can use JBCO, if your favorite way to use it didn’t make the list, let us know in the comments.
NaturallyCurly community member Nadirah Iman is in the process of developing the natural hair documentary, My Hair My Voice, and we’re thrilled to share her project and her story with you. Iman and her producing partner have spent the last two years working on the documentary and here is what she has learned in the process.
What is the goal of your film?
The goal of My Hair My Voice is to celebrate the artistic expression of Black hair.
As my producing partner, Quenell Jones, and I began conceptualizing and developing this documentary, we wanted to present a new idea about Black hair. We settled on approaching the subject as an Art form.
For example, some methods of “Locing” resemble the process of creating Fiber Art while Afro textured hair has the ability to be manipulated into various styles much like the process of sculpting. My Hair My Voice’s goal is to look beyond the social and political implications of Black hair and open the door for a different perspective, which is to admire the beauty and diversity of Black hair.
In the earlier stages of filming this documentary, we decided to take our audience on the journey with us to completing this film. By posting relevant material to our social media pages like historical and scientific information, Art series pertaining to Black hair, to teaser trailers showcasing the footage that we have filmed thus far; we wanted to build a community around the process of making My Hair My Voice.
Is there anything you’ve learned in the process of making this film that surprised you?
Yes, there have been many discoveries that have been quite interesting and intriguing. One example in particular is how the word Natural is defined within Black communities across parts of America. Thus far we have interviewed over thirty women including hair care professionals from Chicago to New York. In those communities, Natural hair has a different meaning and significance. Another example that I have observed is the controversy over the Number system and its effectiveness within the Natural hair community.
How has making this film affected your own natural hair journey?
Producing My Hair My Voice has made a huge impact on my natural hair journey. During the research and development phase of making this documentary, I was in the early stages of my transition to natural. While educating myself about how to take care of my hair at the different phases of growth, my knowledge of my own hair and Black hair in general accelerated. For example, by researching the scientific aspects of Black hair, I’ve learned how to discern which ingredients in products work best for my hair. Furthermore, since my natural hair journey plays a significant part in this documentary as well as gaining a solid understanding of the history of Black hair and beauty culture; this information has helped me to confront my perceptions of my own hair, which allowed me to appreciate it even more.
Tell us about one of the people you’ve interviewed for the film?
One of the many professionals that we have had the opportunity to interview was Karen Tappin Saunderson, owner of Karen’s Body Beautiful. She gave us the opportunity to tour her production facility and provided insight into her inspiration to producing the product line.
There have been other hair documentaries, what did you feel was missing from the conversation that you wanted to shed light on with your film?
Diversity in the Natural hair community helps define this new movement and how My Hair My Voice wants to contribute to this vibrant conversation is with viewing Black hair culture as an artistic expression.
My Hair My Voice wants to investigate the diversity of hair textures and hairstyles styles, such as the evolution from the Press-N-Curl to the Jheri Curl, the birth of the Afro as a political symbol, the rise of the weave, to the reemergence of the Natural hair movement as a form of self-expression.
You’re currently raising money through your Indiegogo campaign, what will the money raised go towards funding?
For making a contribution to the My Hair My Voice Indiegogo campaign you are supporting career filmmakers who have been developing and researching this feature film for the past two years. To enrich the brevity of our historical section, we will need archival footage and photographs of pioneers like Madame CJ Walker, imagery of Black hair during the civil rights movement, and political figures such as Angela Davis with her iconic Afro. Also, we want original music that would bring life to the originality of the film.
For making a contribution you will help provide travel expenses to places such as Atlanta and Louisiana that have a rich history of Black hair culture.
For aspiring filmmakers or anyone reading this who may want to start a creative endeavor like this one, how did you get started making this film?
For us it started with the evolution of one idea, and with that came the enthusiasm to develop and research it. And lastly, your dedication to the completion of the project, by any means necessary.
You can follow this project at:
www.myhairmyvoice.comhttps://www.facebook.com/
By adding a little creativity of the mind and some good ol’ handcrafted personalization, creating one of these inexpensive gifts for your curlfriends this holiday season will be unexpected and appreciated.
Make it in a mug.
Find a plain mug and decoupage pretty patterned papers or pictures onto it. Go online and look for quotes about beauty, curls, hair, style, etc. Keep in mind your friends’ style and curl type. Look for hints and ideas for their hair type. Type up the quotes that pertain to their style on a plain Word document. Keep them smaller in font and lay them out so 15-20 cover a page. Cut them out in strips and place them in the mug. Layer the typed sheet onto cardstock (to reinforce the slips and make them look a little prettier”> then cut them out and fill the mug.
Or buy one of Keturah Ariel’s coffee mugs (pictured above”> if you don’t feel like doing it yourself.
A hair journal kit.
You and your curl friends are always trying new ideas and techniques. They like certain looks and colors. Why not create a kit with a journal made just for them? Find a plain journal at your local grocery store and decorate the cover with a special photo of the two of you. Inside, include cut outs of pics they like, links to try out for inspiration. Combine photos, drawings, etc. that define their specific curl pattern. (Pinterest, NaturallyCurly, Etsy and even Facebook are great site ideas”>. Attach a pretty ribbon and tie a pen to the end so one is also available. Insert a pouch or pocket where they can store cut-out articles, coupons, and other odds and ends marking significant parts of their hair journey. Sign the cover or leave a note of your own inspiration inside, too!Get knifty – as in, knitting.
If you know how to knit or crochet, it’s a great time of the year to made some hats and headbands for your curlfriends. Knitted headbands (adjustable”> are ideal. Embellish them with floral elements or other fun stitches from your local craft store. If knitting isn’t a skillset of yours, try your hand with a hot glue gun and some fabric flowers. Create a headband–even a coordinating pin–using faux flowers or ribbon to layer into your masterpieces. Your friends will be thrilled to wear your artwork year-round!Journey vision/progress board.
Use a piece of thin chipboard, wood or corkboard. Paint or decorate the board with patterns, words or just a few pretty colors. Find photos of your friend during different stages of her natural hair journey. Pin them to the board with either glue or decorative tacks. Make room for your friend to post future photos of herself as well. A vision board can be a great place for inspiration. You may want to write or paint on a few encouraging words as well.Vintage recipe note cards.
Find a few curly mixologies that suit your friend and create a unique recipe book for them. Use an old album, a recipe file card box or make a mini book to store them in. Type them on vintage note cards or paper. Decorate the album and recipes with drawings, photos, pictures or designs. Leave a personalized message for your friend with a date when the two of you will get together in the curl lab (AKA kitchen!”>,and test some of them out for a day.
Cold weather can make for itchy skin and a dry scalp. Curls can suffer too– from lack of moisture and dried tresses. Knowing how your skin and hair adapt naturally to the cold is helpful. Once you see and feel the changes of the season, begin to make some changes to your hair care routine too.
So, why doesn’t your hair like the cold? Perhaps one of these common reasons.
1. It’s dry out there!
Stay extra hydrated this winter. Curly hair tends to be dry by default, so it needs some extra love once the weather starts cooling down. Start drinking more water. Carry a small spray bottle with you on your commute filled with water and a leave-in conditioner.
2. Goodbye, shine…
Sadly, our hair suffers more when the temps drop and dull hair sets in. Do not wash your hair every day–this will disturb the natural oils in your hair that help promote growth and add natural sheen to your curls. Avoid dyes and fragrances in your product if you notice your hair feeling thinner.
Use a moisturizing cleansing conditioner (co-wash”>. Choose one based on your hair type, porosity, and thickness. For a list of conditioners with reviews from curly members, check the Product Database.
3. Split ends and brittleness
Dryer hair leads to split ends, ultimately leading to breakage. Set aside 30-45 minutes for a weekly deep conditioning treatment. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer. Rinse out product thoroughly with a sulfate-free shampoo or cleansing conditioner.
Look for products containing humectants for your curls during the winter. Puddings, creams and butters are great options. Experiment and find out just how much of the product your tresses can handle without being weighed down, but still moisturized. These types of products are usually heavier in consistency than other stylers.
If you haven’t tried a curl refresher before, you may also want to during this season as well. They are especially helpful for revitalizing second-day hair and beyond without cleansing or conditioning.
4. Dress up without flattening down
Hats are a cute way to protect your curls from the elements of the climate. A lot of curlies like cowl neck sweaters and jackets which add like oversized hoods. The trick is to wear your nighttime satin/silk bonnet underneath to keep the fabric from tugging your hair or adding frizz if you choose to take it off during the day. Or, tuck your hair under the hat by bunning it.
What you’ll need
Watch the video
To maintain
- At night I lightly mist my hair with a coconut oil and water mixture
- Then wrapped my hair with a silk scarf to keep my hairstyle as neat as possible and to eliminate frizz
- In the morning, I fluff the pompadour and re-pin areas that are loose to keep this style looking polished, chic and beautiful for up to a week.
This article was written by NappturallyChicJere. You can follow her on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
High school is a roller coaster, which at times, seems to have more downs than ups, and other times more ups than downs. I found myself starting my junior year in a completely new setting with few friends. For those of you who have never been ‘the new kid’ take this piece of advice: confidence is key.
I walked in on my first day in a new high school with a smile on my face and curls in my hair. The amount of compliments that I got about my hair from strangers was astonishing.
“Oh my gosh is this your natural hair?” When I answer yes I usually get a ‘lucky’ or ‘I’m so jealous’.
When I was in middle school I woke up an hour earlier than I should’ve every day so I could hide something that I’ve come to love. I straightened my hair because that was what all the other girls did. I didn’t realize that having curly hair was a characteristic that set me apart from the teenage girl crowd. It wasn’t until my freshman year of high school that I started wearing my hair naturally. I felt different, like I had finally found the answer to the most important question to me. Who am I? I’m Hayley; yes the one with the curly hair.
Every girl feels that they should look their best going in to their first day of school, and I did that with curly hair. I wasn’t afraid of what people would think of my curls because I love them. I do stand out, but that doesn’t matter because I’ve accepted the fact that I’m different.
After every shower I have a short process to make my curls shiny and not frizzy. First off I comb through it and get all of the tangles out, then I run through it with an oil of my choice (Argon, Moroccan, Monoi, Keratin, or Macadamia”>, and lastly I scrunch sections of my hair with mousse or styling cream. I then let it air dry to get pretty curls.
It took me a while to find hairstyles that I could use at school, but I eventually found a few I wear often. I try to keep it simple because less is more. I usually wear my hair with a headband, pinned back by a few bobby pins, or half up half down. I like using a headband because I can coordinate it with my outfit or add a pop of color if I’m only wearing neutrals. It also keeps the hair out of my face and is easy to do with my hair in a pony tail or down. I usually pin my hair back when I have a test that day. This hairstyle keeps the hair out of my eyes and you can get creative with it, such as braiding, twisting, etc. Lastly, and my favorite, half up, half down. Its simplicity makes me confident that my curls look the best they can.
High School is a time in your life to figure out who you are. Don’t hide your curls because everyone has straight hair or you’re afraid of what others would think. Be your natural self, a curly girl.
This article was written by Hayley Sureck.
The United Kingdom is a diverse country and with that brings an exciting and beautiful multitude of waves, curls, spirals, and coils.
The British curly hair market has recently boomed in response to the increasing number of people embracing their natural textures, and it has lead to a wide range of products designed for wavies, curlies and coilies’ specific needs!
CurlMart ships internationally so you can always order your favorite curly products, but if you’d like to walk into your local store and pick up shampoo or conditioner, then this list is for you.
Illustration by NikisGroove
Lush “Curly Wurly” Shampoo
Curly Wurly is an invigorating yet tropical cleansing experience from one of the UK’s largest vegetarian friendly retailers.
This shampoo contains delicious all-natural ingredients which include desiccated coconut pieces, fresh papaya, free range eggs, coconut oil, jojoba oil and cocoa butter.
Best for: Wavy and curly hair types 2-3. Perfect for use as a once per month clarifier due to the ammounium laureth sulphate in the ingredients.
Available in: Lush stores
Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo
Holland & Barrett’s own brand of hair care features this ultra nourishing gentle sulphate-free shampoo. This organic shampoo is made from all-natural ingredients and cleanses without stripping the hairs natural oils.
This gentle cleanser is enriched with Moroccan argan oil, aloe vera juice, patchouli oil and also vanilla fruit extract. It contains no silicones, sulfates, mineral oil or parabens.
Best for: All curl types, especially those with dry hair.
Available in: Holland & Barrett stores
Dr Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Conditioner
This blend of bioactive and organic ingredients penetrates deep into the hair, leaving curls deliciously nourished, moisturised and helps to prevent protein loss.
Contains no silicones, sulfates, mineral oil or parabens and is perfect for all curl types.
Ingredients include organic coconut oil, Aloe Vera Juice, Papaya extract, cocoa seed extract, vitamin e and vitamin c.
Best for: All hair types, but especially those with dry or damaged hair.
Available in: Holland & Barrett, both online and in stores.
Palmers Olive Oil Cleansing Conditioner
This cleansing conditioner cleans curls whilst maintaining the hairs moisture and stimulating the scalp with peppermint oil.
Ingredients include Olive oil, keratin, sage leaf extract and vitamin E for soft and nourished curls with no harsh detergents.
Best for: Type 3-4 curls.
Available in: Feelunique, Wilkinsons, Superdrug and Curly Emporium.
Garnier Ultimate Blend “The Sleek Restorer” Conditioner
The Garnier Ultimate Blends product range was allegedly developed as a solution to common problems that British women face with their hair.
This silicone, mineral oil, sulfate and paraben free conditioner has a rich creamy consistency and deliciously smells like a Bounty bar! The sleek restorer is ideal for smoothing curls and reducing frizz. Perfect for all curl types!
Enriched with coconut oil and cocoa butter.
Best for: All curl types.
Available in: Superdug, Feelunique and all supermarkets.
Vatika Naturals Egg Protein Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
The perfect protein treatment for those with damaged, chemically treated and fragile curls. The balance of protein and moisture will help to rejuvenate, soften and strengthen the hair when used regularly.
Enriched with honey, hydrogenated castor oil, olive oil, marrow root and egg powder. Silicone, Mineral Oil, Sulfate and Paraben free.
Best for: Damaged, chemically treated curls.
Available in: Wilkinsons and Superdrug.
Mixed Roots Curl Control Leave In
This caramel scented leave in is perfect for a mixture of textures, from wavy to kinky. Designed to be used as part of a system, this leave in conditioner is formulated to infuse moisture and strength within the hair strand after washing, whilst helping to define curls and reduce frizz.
The ingredients include hydrolized wheat protein, silk amino acids, safflower seed oil and jojoba seed oil.
Best for: All curl types.
Available in: select Sainsbury’s stores, Pak Cosmetics and Beauty By Zara.
Tigi Catwalk Curlesque Curl Amplifier
This curl defining cream is a known favourite in curly girl world. The Curl Amplifier provides hold for natural curl patterns, fights frizz, infuses shine and provides thermal and environmental protection.
Ingredients include jojoba seed oil, sunflower oil and provitamin B5. *Does contain silicones*
Best for: Wavy and curly hair types 2-3.
Available in: Most salons as well as FeelUnique, LookFantastic and BeautyBay.
Boots Essentials Curl Crème
Cheap, cheerful and also available in all Boots stores! This crème is designed to provide hold for natural curls as well as smoothing away frizz, defining curls and providing shine.
The ingredients, whilst not being all natural, do boast frizz-control, anti-humectant and UV protection properties.
Best for: Type 3 curls.
Available in: Boots
Hair Xpertise Argan Oil
This is a cheaper version of the widely loved Moroccan Oil….however surprisingly, this also contains less artificial additives such as fragrances and colorants.
Similarly, the ingredients include argan oil and silicones, making this oil perfect as a serum for heat styling and can also provide curl definition and shine.
Best for: Types 2-3.
Available in: Superdrug and Sainsburys.
Big Hair Whipped Butter
Big Hair’s Whipped Butter is a firm favourite of all-natural loving curlies. This butter is 100% natural and non greasy, perfect for those with thick and/or dry hair. It seals in moisture, infuses nutrients into the hair and also reduces frizz.
There are only 5 ingredients: Avocado Butter, Shea Butter Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E, Sweet Orange Oil. It contains no artificial ingredients.
Whipped Butter can also double up as a body butter!
Best for: Thick and/or dry hair
Available in: Curly Emporium and Big Hair’s Website
Superdrug Coconut Oil
This curly girl staple is suitable for all hair types with a wide variety of uses, from pre-poos to sealing. It also only costs £2.99 for 125ml. This oil is solid at room temperature with a delicate coconut fragrance. The only ingredients are coconut oil, parfum and coumarin.
Best for: All hair types.
Available in: Superdrug, where they are regularly on offer (3 for the price of 2″>….perfect for stocking up!
Did your UK curl products make the list? Let us know what we missed in the comments.
This article was written by The Curly Cockney. You can also follow her on YouTube and Facebook.
Hair color–lightening, bleaching–is always a matter of chemistry. Many women use hair color to give them a newer, fresher look, while others are simply covering some greys and roots. It’s estimated that over 1/3 of women over the age of 18 color or lighten their hair frequently. There is a growing trend of men as well, who are also using more hair color more now than ever.
Quick history lesson
The first commercial hair color was invented in 1909 by French chemist, Eugene Schueller. Since then, dozens of chemists have reformulated colors and lighteners to enhance natural colors and help rid of unwanted greys.
Today’s chemical processes may still not be considered safe, and coloring and lightening hair will always take a toll on hair’s natural shine and body. But using a deep conditioning system and maintaining a healthy hair routine aids in making color last and keeping hair looking it’s best.
So, how does it work?
Normally, bleach is used to lighten hair. It reacts with the melanin (the part responsible for the color tones in your natural hair”> in the hair, and removes the color in an irreversible chemical reaction. The bleach oxidizes the melanin molecule. Although the melanin is still present, the oxidized molecule is colorless.
Hair bleach tends to leave a yellowish tint on the hair at first. The yellow color is the natural color of keratin, the structural protein in hair. Bleach also reacts more readily with the dark eumelanin pigment than with the pheomelanin (longer polymers”>, so some gold or red residual color may remain after lightening.
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common lightening agents found in hair color. The peroxide is used in an alkaline solution, which opens the hair shaft to allow the peroxide to react with the melanin. Hydrogen peroxide reacts with melanin, breaking their double bonds and eliminating their ability to absorb light. Because pheomelanin is more stable than eumelanin, hair that is in the process of being bleached often begins taking on an orange-red hue.
In addition to hydrogen peroxide, commercial bleaching products will usually have persulfate salts to help speed up the process, and stabilizers to help prevent the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide also weakens the cell membrane complex by oxidizing bonds between cuticle cells, disulfide bonds in the cortical matrix, and other areas rich in amino acids. This makes the hair brittle and weak. Hydrogen peroxide also can damage a lipid on the surface of the hair called 18-MEA. As a result, bleached hair will also frequently feel dry.
It is most important to keep bleached (lightened”> hair extremely moisturized after a color/bleach treatment. Deep conditioning with natural products like coconut and jojoba oils will keep hair healthy and looking it’s best.
[prodmod]Try one of these products specially formulated to work with color-treated hair:
Many curly and wavy haired girls would agree that frizz is a fierce foe. If you want to defeat the enemy then it’s going to require you get cool, or rather cold, and if that doesn’t work then you may need to change up a few of your habits. Here are seven cool ways to beat frizz once and for all.
1. Cool It
Rinse your hair in cool water (turn the faucet down as cold as you can bear”> to lock in moisture and prevent that unwanted frizz. Taking cold showers aren’t as relaxing as our hour long warm ones but the results are enough to convince you. Not only do they prevent frizz, they also keep your hair color from fading if you’ve dyed it. Likewise, blow-drying your hair on a cooler setting for the last minute of your process will contain the frizz resulting in a beautiful shine. Score!
2. Refrigerate Before Use
Store your leave-in conditioner in the refrigerator between uses as an alternative to taking those not-so-awesome cold showers. If you want stronger, shinier strands but are not willing to give up your hot shower, then this is the next best thing. It will work in the same way to seal the cuticle in the final step of your hair care routine.
3. Co-llaborate
Don’t worry co-washing doesn’t mean having someone else wash your hair for you (talk about awkward”>. It simply means cleansing your hair with only conditioner rather than shampoo. This treatment hydrates dry hair making it shiny and healthy. You can also create your own cowash by cocktailing your conditioner with your shampoo (read here for an easy recipe”>. For some naturally curly girls, co-washing is all they do.
4. Conditioning, Not the Hair Product. Exercise.
Ladies, your hair can still look great and smell awesome when you are working out. Before you hit the gym make sure to distribute leave in conditioner or styling cream in your hair. After doing so just put your hair in a bun and go work out. This will keep the moisture in your hair.
5. The Curl Diet
Did you know that eating fruits and vegetables keeps your hair healthy? Well now you do! Asparagus contains folic acid, which is great for reviving thick hair and quickening hair growth. For those of you who lose hair easily, Garbanzo Beans will limit the loss and protect your hair from damage. Lentils contain a fair amount of iron which gives curls that bouncy look. Avocados consist of vitamins B and E, which will make your scalp healthier along with your curls! If you are experiencing frizz and no amount of product is making a dent, it might be time to take a look at your diet.
6. Quit Heat
Having curly or wavy hair isn’t easy at times. For some girls (including myself”> if we let our hair air dry it will end up extremely frizzy, but if we try to tame the curls/ waves with a straightener our hair fries. For those of you who do not have these problems, I am jealous. However, there are solutions to this dilemma. This heatless wave trick has saved me so much time and I recommend it to every curly girl!
7. The Nighttime Frizz Fighter
Let’s face it; morning hair for curly and wavy girls can sometimes resemble a lion’s mane. This trick will turn your role of ‘king of the jungle’ to the queen of curly hair. Sleeping with a high ponytail will ward off the frizz and the unnecessary craziness. I recommend using a scrunchie or a thick, elastic headband to tie your hair up with. These products are less likely to break your hair and won’t leave a crease. With this trick you’ll be able to start your day without having to tame your mane. Bow down.
This article was written by Hayley Sureck.
Without conditioner, where would we be in our naturally curly lives? Seriously…
Textured hair LOVES moisture. And we need it.
Using a regular conditioning treatment (or conditioner”> within your shower routine can help improve your hair’s appearance, shine, bounce, and volume. Without conditioning treatments, hair can break, becoming more damaged and prone to the dreaded frizz halo. This also makes conditioners great detanglers for textured hair types.
So how exactly does it work?
The outer layer of our hair–known as a coating called sebum–protects the cuticle by keeping bacteria out and preventing water loss. With this, hair remains full of shine and luster throughout the day.
When we have mistreated our hair via heat styling tools, overdoing it on product, color, bleach, or relaxing, the sebum is removed, thus increasing the risk of damage to our hair. Here’s where our friend conditioner comes to the rescue. Because shampoo can remove the layers of protective coating from the cuticles that are much needed, conditioner helps to replenish the oily coating by clinging to areas that are dry and in need of protection.
Cationic Surfactants
Most hair conditioners are made of only a few ingredients but the cationic surfactants do most of the work.
At one end of every cationic surfactant molecule is a positive charge that binds to the negative charge of a hair strand. The attraction is so strong that the surfactants completely surround the strand and cover the cuticle flakes, protecting and coating them.
Silicones, panthenol, detergents
- Conditioners that contain silicones may not just coat the hair but will also help to give the illusion that hair is healthier by leaving it with more shine.
- Some conditioner ingredients are able to penetrate the cuticle, entering the cortex. An example of one is panthenol, not only readily binds to the hair shaft, it is able to enter the hair and increase hair strength.
- Better conditioners will not contain detergents (which would have adverse effects on our hair”> and will use quality ingredients.
Some top conditioner picks for curls
As I Am Naturally Coconut CoWash Conditioner, WEN Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner, SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Cleanser, DevaCurl No Poo and Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk.
[prodmod]
You love your curls, your ends are trimmed, your hair’s as healthy as it’s ever been, but the season’s changing and you’re in the mood to try… something. When Tiffany was feeling like no matter what she did her hair looked “dull and bland” she decided to try dying her hair jet black. If you’re considering going darker for the winter, watch Tiffany’s video to see how she did it at home for less than $4.
Why did you want to color your hair?
I wanted to color my hair because it was looking very dull and the grey hairs didn’t help. Grey hairs at a young age is common in my family and I was seeing them a whole lot. So I thought to myself, “It’s time!”
Why did you choose Bigen?
My sister-in-law suggested I use Bigen as she is a user of the product herself. Having natural hair, I wanted to use a product that wouldn’t damage my hair, or change its curl pattern. Since Bigen is ammonia free, I thought I’d give it a try. It was quick and easy to use.
How did you choose the right color? Did the color turn out the way you thought it would?
I knew I wanted jet black hair. So finding the color was quite easy for me. As far as how it turned out, JB1 Jet Black was perfect for me and I was very happy with it!
[prodmod]Since this is a temporary color, how long did it last for you?
Honestly, it lasted for me longer than I expected and I think that’s because I chose a dark color on already dark hair. It lasted about 3 1/2 months or so.
Hair color can get messy! How do you keep from getting dye all over the place? And how do you clean up afterwards?
Well Bigen comes in a power form, so I just poured the powder into a plastic bowl and poured in the appropriate amount of water and stirred until it became a dark paste. I used gloves and made sure to follow the instructions which explain the process, so it was actually very easy and mess-free for me.
Did your hair feel dry or damaged from adding color to it?
No, honestly, I was so afraid to color my hair in the first place because I was afraid of my hair getting damaged along with feeling and looking dry. So I made sure to keep my hair moisturized which is a normal routine for me anyway. Especially with any kind of color or chemically treated hair, maintaining moisture is a must! I didn’t experience a change in my curls whatsoever and my hair wasn’t damaged after using Bigen.
Curly haired women often have to buy more than one bottle to color all of their hair, how many did it take to saturate all of your hair?
I used two bottles, just because I wanted to make sure it took the first time around and with having thick hair two bottles was more than enough.
Do you have any other tips from your experience that you want to share with someone who’s dying their hair at home for the first time?
Always make sure to do your research and make sure to follow the instructions for any product you put in your hair. If your unsure or hesitant, test a small section of your hair to see how your hair takes to a product instead of going all in at once. This way if you don’t like it, your whole head of hair is not affected.
Watch the Video
To see more of Tiffany, you can follow her on
Instagram: @NaturallyTN
Twitter: www.twitter.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/
This post was sponsored by Bigen, but Tiffany was not paid to try this product and these are her own opinions.
It’s one thing to practice trial and error on our own heads of hair. We may feel the thrill of trying a new product or have the patience to perfect a new hairstyle, but when it comes to our little ones – not so much.
We obviously love curly hair and want to raise our curly kiddos to love their curls too, and one of the big benefits of having curly hair is the freedom to style it curly, straight, coily and everything in between. Sometimes we get curious questions from the mommies in our community about how to straighten their curly kiddos’ hair and feel confident that those curls will come right back. The African Pride Dream Kids system is a kit of products that help you do just that. Watch the video to see how it worked on three different curl patterns.
Watch the Video
[prodmod]This post is sponsored by African Pride Dream Kids.
