Search Results: NaturallyCurly

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 22, 2014

They deliver video tutorials, testimonials, test curly products and report on trends. They’re curl authorities the curly community looks to for insight and ideas. Following and learning from some of their tactics could help in your quest to master your curl pattern.

Most of us spend too much time on the internet, whether it’s scrolling through Pinterest, sharing work on Instagram or keeping our followers up-to-date with our everyday life on Facebook. But for the top texture influencers on social media, spending time on the computer is more than a pastime; it’s a way of life. These curlistas started creating YouTube videos and blogs as hobbies but have spun them into successful careers. With a loyal following in the hundreds of thousands, beauty vloggers and bloggers are winning big on the web. Just look at the numbers: Beauty content on YouTube accounts for more than 700 million videos each month and continues to grow rapidly year after year, reports Pixability’s “Beauty on YouTube” study. As a result, bloggers and vloggers are changing how many curlies discover, use and purchase beauty products. But why?

Texture! went straight to the source to get the answer. These are the social mavens you’re going to want to get to know: Nora of Shalimarcat; Francheska of Hey Fran Hey; Jenell Stewart of Kinky Curly Coily Me; and Alison of Modern Mrs. Huxtable. Here they share their thoughts on how the blogosphere is transforming the texture industry and the importance of authentic, personal connections on the web. 

Why do viewers respond so positively to you?

Jenell Stewart, KinkyCurlyCoilyMe: It’s the phenomenon of, “This girl has hair just like me.” I was able to appeal to an audience of women with a kinkier texture and shorter hair. Additionally, I’m very down-to-earth. I created a platform based not on pretending to be an expert but on promoting my learning experience and explaining myself in a way that people could relate to. I wasn’t authoritative or pompous. I was just me.

One thing that keeps me successful is that I do everything because I’m passionate about it. I communicate with my audience. I call all of my fans my “loves,” and reply to them on social media. As challenging as that can be sometimes, I reply. I think people can really feel that connection with me, and I make myself available so I can meet the women who support me.

Alison, Modern Mrs. Huxtable: It probably sounds cliché, but I just try to genuinely be myself. I also view my subscribers as equally important in the YouTube process—this doesn’t mean that I am “number-crazy” about how many followers I have, but rather that I value my viewers’ comments and messages. I feel that the viewers are a part of every video I create—their input and feedback contribute to the creative process and finished product.

I believe my new purpose in life is to inspire and uplift. I want people to feel elevated, to feel motivated after they have spent time watching my videos. This is as simple as starting every video with a huge smile and warm greeting. People need messages of empowerment, happiness, hope, sunshine and love, so that is the energy that I strive to embody and put out into the universe.

Nora, Shalimarcat: I think it’s because I am an eclectic vlogger: I like to play with styles a lot! I am not a curly-hair-obsessed person, so I occasionally use heat or silicones, and I have nothing against coloring your curls. My motto is do what makes you happy!

Francheska, HeyFranHey: My readers know I’m not in this for any kind of financial gain or any personal fame. I think they understand that everything I put on YouTube is to solve a problem and be helpful. Word-of-mouth has been the most influential tool for me to become so big. I’ve actually never done a sponsored video. I think the key to the growth of my brand is in the integrity. I’m going on three years of being on this social media wave, and that’s been my biggest thing: to keep the integrity of it all.

How do you believe YouTube is changing the beauty industry and the texture community?

Alison: When I went natural in 2009 there were only a handful of brands that I could find in stores. Now, there are whole aisles dedicated to natural haircare. People don’t really understand how huge that is!

There are thousands more natural hair bloggers and vloggers. There are tons of natural hair companies sprouting up every day. Technology and social media are such a huge part of our generation, so it means a lot to see blogs and Instagram and YouTube accounts dedicated to studying, capturing and celebrating natural hair. Natural hair is not necessarily new, but I think the YouTube world allows people to identify and relate to vloggers in a way that makes natural hair seem fresh and trendy. It means a lot for girls to see people on the computer screen who look like them.

Francheska: In reality, we are the people who are closest to the consumers. We have an emotional thread with the clients. We aren’t celebrities or actors who are completely detached from reality. We go to meet-and-greets and connect with our subscribers. We email with them and respond back and forth on Twitter. We have relationships with our viewers, and we’re all on the same playing field.

How are beauty brands embracing the beauty explosion in shaping the blogosphere?

Francheska: They’re definitely responding. Many of the trends in hair are based on what’s popular on YouTube. Now every brand has a natural hair category. They’re paying attention and seeing our influence and rebuilding their brands based on what’s working for us.

Remember when models got mad at celebrities for taking over the cover of magazines and ad campaigns? I almost feel like YouTubers are going to be the new celebrities and start pushing out traditional celebrities.

Jenell: Beauty brands are realizing that women with multi-ethnic hair are paying attention to ingredients and what products promise and deliver. Consumers take very seriously what a product label says, and if the product’s performance doesn’t match that, then we are vocal. We’ve made our mark by saying we want products that are more moisturizing and conditioning. So you are seeing an influx of co-washes and moisturizing conditioners in the category.

Alison: I think beauty brands know there is now a greater level of power and exposure in the hands of vloggers when it comes to product reviews. A good review plug from a popular YouTuber can mean a huge boom in business, while poor reviews can stifle business or prevent people from trying a product.

Viewers can also start to change the level of trust or credibility that they give a vlogger based on the vlogger’s decision to be sponsored or partner with a beauty brand. There are a lot of politics and layers that go into the relationship between blogging and beauty brands.

How are YouTubers helping to bridge the gap between beauty brands and clients?

Jenell: By watching a YouTube video, you see the step-by-steps and experience live. On my YouTube channel, I have so many videos showing me applying the product from start to finish. Consumers get to see what it looks like, get to hear what it smells like and learn how it works. So even if content is branded, bloggers and vloggers can still offer that same value to a video. Vloggers offer incredible opportunities for companies. It’s phenomenal how many people they will be able to reach and grasp by the engagement vloggers offer in their videos. To the watchers and readers, if the vlogger is genuine and authentic all the time, then there’s definitely a way for the person to do branded content and make it work. There’s also a way to do branded content without talking up something that you don’t really believe in.

Alison: YouTube vloggers bring a more personal and relatable angle to products than national marketing campaigns do. Consumers feel like they are getting advice from a friend or coworker—someone they trust and know—and that type of positive coverage is huge for a beauty brand. It is also really amazing to see YouTube vloggers branch out and become entrepreneurs making their own products—essentially the client becoming the beauty brand. It creates a connection or closeness to the brand when it is a YouTuber the consumer has been watching and supporting for years.

What does the future look like for you and your brand?

Alison: I hope I can continue to grow my fan base and reach more people globally. I would love to have more meet-and-greets in the states as well as overseas. YouTube is a great platform to reach people outside of your immediate geographic location.

I hope that I can continue to build an entrepreneurial base for myself built on my YouTube success. Most importantly I hope that young women and men leave my channel feeling inspired and motivated. If each video I post leaves a viewer with a pocketful of hope, then I have fulfilled my purpose.

Nora: YouTube is becoming more and more important, so I hope to keep my viewers interested in what I do and in what I have to say.

Francheska: I’m such a little hippie. I’m very in the moment. For me, it’s all about the momentum. I try not to limit myself by saying what I’m going to do in the next five years. I don’t know; I could be doing things that I never would have imagined. I never really thought I’d be on YouTube. That was never in my plans, and it turned out. I’m just riding the wave. Every opportunity that comes and feels good, that’s where I’ll be.

Jenell: I’m growing my website. I’m looking to do more speaking engagements and talk with women about healthy hair growth, natural hair and wellness. I look forward to those opportunities.

5 Things To Learn From Texture Influencers

1. Engage Your Audience

Audience engagement is like superior customer service. A successful blogger knows the importance of connecting with followers and always letting them know when they’re appreciated. Although time consuming, replying to emails, comments and messages is essential to building a relationship with your clients, and encourages them to turn to you for texture advice and product recommendations.

2. Solve Problems

Clients want content that delivers a benefit like how to use a product, demonstrates how to create a celebrity-inspired look, or executes a new industry trend. You don’t need a professional studio to deliver powerful imagery and share valuable information. You can create and post your own professional beauty advice without worrying about professional lighting! Make it personal and be sure to always mention your salon name, location and how to book a texture consultation.

3. Stay Relevant

It’s important that you not only produce tips and how-tos to share on your or your salon’s social media outlets or during a consultation, but that you stay relevant to your followers by providing current information. They’ll look to you as being “in the know” and will think of you for special occasion styles, visit your site or pages for what’s trending, and listen when you recommend a new style, an updated finish and product recommendations to help them get the look.

4. Collaborate

Collaborating with popular YouTube personalities, celebrities and brands is a way to instantly introduce yourself to an entirely new network of people. Simply commenting and introducing yourself and your salon-based solutions is a great way to start. Maintaining an authentic voice is crucial and will allow you to increase your own following organically. Keep the emphasis on what you know and experience as a salon professional. Share more about the techniques you use, less about specific brand preferences. Promote yourself as an authority.

5. Promote Yourself

As you increase your texture expertise, be sure you are telling the world about it! If you decide to post YouTube videos or texture tips on a blog, use other forms of social media to get your content out there. Share teasers of your latest YouTube video on Instagram or a sneak peak of a new texture product on Facebook. Even sharing your favorite tips from other texture sources can help position you as a resource for your clients. Just remember to add your professional voice to explain why you are sharing it, and to include a call to action to come for an appointment, consultation, or personal product demo and recommendation.

Influencers

Francheska – HEYFRANHEY 

Francheska of HeyFranHey started her Tumblr after being diagnosed with a health condition. It was her journey to become a healthier person inside and out that propelled her to speak about beauty from a holistic approach. After healing her body through nutrition, fitness and natural/organic products, she wanted to share her knowledge with those willing to listen. 

In addition to making her posts relatable and easy to incorporate in everyday life, Francheska attributes her success to speaking from an honest place and solving a problem. Her advice for people interested in YouTubing is to find out what’s missing in the marketplace and determining: how you can contribute to that open space.

Jenell Stewart – KINKYCURLYCOILYME

After a big chopping in March 2010, Jenell Stewart of KinkyCurlyCoilyMe decided to embrace her natural hair. With no friends or family members who were natural, Stewart found joy in blogging about her journey and created KinkyCurlyCoilyMe as a way to track her progress and share it with others.

The actual name of the website is a derivative of the textures that appear in her own hair. Within the first two years of blogging, Jenell transitioned her blog into a natural haircare site for women in need of hair education and support. Stewart has been featured in Essence and on BlackEnterprise.com, VibeVixen.com, SoloDovePR, CurvyMagazine.com, Essence.com, BlackHairMedia.com, RollingOut.com, JuicyMagOnline.com, NewsDay.com, Examiner.com, TribeCalledCurl.com and CurlyNikki.com. Stewart has also contributed to NaturallyCurly.com.

Whitney – NAPTURAL85

Whitney, known as Naptural85 on YouTube, is a graphic designer, vlogger and blogger. Whitney started her YouTube channel in August 2009 with an upload of her “Natural Hair Journey”—her transition from relaxed to natural hair—which was intended to thank the YouTubers who’d given her the inspiration to go natural. But people told her that they were inspired by her story and encouraged her to upload more. The rest is history! Five years later, Whitney is still sharing her journey and has expanded her channel with daily vlogging videos that chronicle her life as a wife and new mom.

Alison – MODERN MRS. HUXTABLE

In 2013, Alison got her start on YouTube with her channel Modern Mrs. Huxtable, aimed at advocating for positive female role models as well as educating women on the secrets to healthy, long hair. She is dedicated to sharing her results with others and using her background as a university instructor to inform and educate other women on how to reach their personal hair goals. Alison spearheads an initiative to share female empowerment messages and encourage positive, well-rounded depictions of women like that of the iconic Clair Huxtable from The Cosby Show. Alison focuses on uplifting women in areas such as self-esteem development, finding purpose and creating sound value systems.

Gina – HAIRSPIRATION (UK”> 

Gina of Hairspiration has been blogging since 2008. She blogs about natural hair, beauty and lifestyle. She is an advocate of green brands and small business and is currently in the process of “cleaning up” her makeup bag. Gina has been featured on numerous websites, including Essence.com, Ebony.com, Fashion Bomb Daily, Style Pantry, BGLH and Ebony Glam, as well as in Pride, Marie Claire, Grazia, Jones and Blackhair. Based in the UK, Gina has a background in fine arts and has spent the past nine years working at Aveda and other high-end hair salons, where she has gained useful knowledge in hair care, beauty and trends. By day, Gina is currently working as a freelance PR consultant and sometimes columnist.

Sarah – WATERLILY716 

Sarah started her channel to provide education about curly hair basics and to help others learn how to care for and love their natural curls. A-soon-to-be teacher and self-proclaimed hair junkie, Sarah realized several years ago that there weren’t a lot of girls with her looser-curl hair type making videos or sharing advice. From that concept, her channel evolved into what it is today.

Jessica Lewis – MAHOGANYCURLS

Jessica started vlogging on YouTube in March 2009, sharing her natural hair journey with women around the world in hopes of inspiring them to love and embrace their hair. Jessica has been featured on LA Talk Live radio, CurlyNikki.com, NaturallyCurly.com and many other social media platforms and is currently a natural hair blogger for Essence.com. Over the years, Jessica has drawn the attention of many women worldwide.

Shanti and Antoinette – AROUND THE WAY CURLS 

Shanti and Atoinette are the best-friend duo behind Around the Way Curls. The two created a community for women to connect, encourage and inspire one another. Around the Way Curls is an online publication that infuses pop culture and issues of women’s interest with an emphasis on the beauty, originality and spirit of naturally kinky, curly hair. With hair as the catalyst, Shanti and Antoinette work to redefine beauty and to recondition women not only to embrace their natural state of being but to value their individual uniqueness and overall worth.

Nora – SHALIMARCAT

A medical student and model with a passion for beauty, fitness and health, Nora of Shalimarcat made the decision to embrace her natural texture six years ago after two years of relaxing, blow drying and straightening. Nora was inspired to create her first video when she entered a giveaway on Naptural85’s channel, at the time her favorite YouTuber. Filming was so much fun that she thought, why not create her own channel for wavy hair? At the time, the majority of the channels were geared toward women with tighter texture patterns.

This article was written by Chandler Rollins for Texture!

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 19, 2014

In the salon industry, there are two types of people— those who say they can do textured hair and the select group of stylists that specialize in texture hair. Cesar Ramirez, the newest Mizani celebrity stylist and our cover artist, is definitely a member of the latter. Having grown up amidst hairspray and rollers in his family’s small hair salon, the Puerto Rican curl guru knows his way around a diverse clientele base.

Ramirez has trained with some of the beauty industry’s top stylists, and his a-list looks have been featured on shows including Celebrity Apprentice, All about Aubrey and Lala’s Full Court Life. He also offers his magic to a long list of celebrities (Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, Demi Lovato, Ciara, Adrienne Bailon and Rita Ora”>. But beyond Ramirez’s celebrity work, his unique, artistic approach has graced the runways at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week and have adorned the pages of everything from Vogue and Harper’s Bazar to GQ and Latina Magazine.

Textured hair can be a challenge, but it can also be exciting when you realize the beautiful fabric that you are working with.

With a following of more than 30,000 on Instagram alone (@cesar4styles”>, it comes as no surprise that the inspiration for this shoot came from social media. While researching, Ramirez found that the super-photoshopped hair images on Pinterest weren’t receiving a lot of attention. Instead, it was the shots of everyday clients and selfies of girls with beautiful hair that were trending. “We wanted to create a ‘real’ feel to the collection; that attracted consumers to see what Mizani can do,” Ramirez says.

Mizani products were used on set at the shoot—including the recently released Fiberfyl treatment. “Fiberyfyl is a new strengthening treatment with breakthrough Filloxane technol-ogy; a strand-by-strand restorer that fills in weak areas of the hair,” Ramirez says. “Traditionally, protein treatments are used for strength, which can result in the hair feeling hard or brittle. Fiberfyl maintains the hair’s pliability and softness.” Since models are constantly on set, the hair takes a beating, so using the Fiberfyl system set us up for success.”

With New York City as his backdrop, Ramirez was able to successfully capture the understated cool that every curly girl craves. “Textured hair can be a challenge, but it can also be exciting when you realize the beautiful fabric that you are working with,” he says. “When you successfully achieve the perfect shape and style, it’s so fulfilling.”

This post was written by Chandler Rollins for Texture! 

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 18, 2014

Split ends are pesky little things which lead to breakage, terminal length, and lackluster hair. Here is a quick remedy for trimming yours at home with the eating utensil you probably have from your Chinese takeout the other day.

What you will need:

• 1 chopstick or your finger
• haircutting shears
• clean hair (free of styling product”>

…and patience!

Directions

Begin by combing your hair down, and ridding it of snarls. Take a one-inch section and wrap it around your finger or chopstick and look for the split ends. Then, with your scissors, cut 1/2 inch of the split ends that are sticking up. Unwrap and begin another section. If done correctly, you should feel an immediate smoothness in your hair once you are done.

Prevent split ends after you tend to them by using a good conditioner frequently and avoiding over-shampooing. Use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask weekly (or more frequently, depending on the porosity of your hair”>.

Try this DIY mask after cutting your split ends

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and warm them slightly and add one, ripe avocado.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair, but not the roots; concentrate on the ends and middle of your hair.
3. Twist your hair up into a bun once the mixture is applied and cover your head with a warm towel or shower cap for 30-45 mins.
4. Condition your hair afterwards.
5. Mix 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoons honey and one egg yolk and apply to middle and ends of hair.
6. Allow the mixture to sit on your hair for an hour then wash and condition as usual.

Use these masks 1-2 times a week to lessen your split ends as well as maintain and promote overall healthier hair.

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 16, 2014

If you have not been properly introduced to a diffuser yet and you have curls and waves, now is the time to find out what you have been missing out on.

A diffuser is typically an attachment that fits on the end of a hair dryer. It literally diffuses –spreads– the air around the curl instead of directly on to the hair.

What does a diffuser do?

• Prevents heat damage and help maintain curls in great shape, and free of frizz.
• Allows for more shine to the curl.
• Encourages natural curl shape and body, as well as texture.

How it works

Diffusers like the Spilo Styling Diffuser usually have prong-like fingers that work into the hair and help separate each curl. They also allow drying without a ton of heat damage. Some diffusers like the Hot Sock are also shaped like socks and are soft and are made simply to allow air to again, move and spread around the head rather than directly onto the hair shaft.

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Who it works best for

Because curly hair has the opposite properties of straight hair, diffusers work better for by not allowing as much moisture to be absorbed in such a fast amount of time. Yes, using a diffuser will take more time than simply blow drying your hair with a blow dryer. However, your hair will love you for it since it will be in better shape–and, it is quicker than air drying! Hair blown with a diffuser is usually softer and less frizzy. You can also add some volume to your hair by using the diffuser as you flip your hair over.

How to use a diffuser

1. Apply your usual or favorite moisturizing, curl defining product like Ossat’s Moisture Mist to lightly towel-dried or air dried hair.
2. Use a low or cooler setting when you diffuse for best results–the cooler the air=the less frizz and more shine.
3. Start at your scalp and work in a circular motion to help spread the air.
4. Gently place pieces of your hair on the diffuser as you move about. Dry hair only about 60 to 80 percent unless you are in a rush.
5. Finish by spraying your hair with a setting styler like the Design Essentials Setting Lotion. And remember, DO NOT touch your curls! The more your fingers work themselves into your curls, the more frizz you will see.

Watch this tutorial by TheSparklelicious

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 12, 2014

I recently had an interesting conversation with a female entrepreneur who has a line for natural hair. She was frustrated at the difficulty she was having getting her products into the beauty stores that cater to the ethnic haircare audience – stores that traditionally have been Korean owned. In some cases, the store owners seemed totally oblivious to the natural hair movement. And if they were aware – largely due to plummeting sales of relaxers – they viewed this as a passing trend.

It’s not the first time I’ve heard this complaint. In fact, as the natural hair industry has exploded, there has been a greater divide between the traditional distribution network for black haircare products and the consumers who are buying these products. So I read with much interest an article this week in the New York Times about the small but growing number of black women who have opened beauty supply stores in an industry dominated by Korean owners. The article points out that these Korean Americans were pioneers who saw a void in the market, and provided haircare products in areas where they weren’t previously available.

“A lot of people think these people were taking it away from black owners, but that’s not the case,” said Lori Tharps, a co-author of the book “Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America.”

But it’s encouraging to see a surge in new stores owned by women with a true passion for the industry fueled by their own natural hair journeys.

During NaturallyCurly’s 16-year history, one of the things that has excited me most has been working among a group of creative entrepreneurs with passion and guts who have created innovative brands, become natural hair stylists and opened beauty stores to cater to other women with hair like them. Many of our CurlTalkers have gone on to start their own blogs and YouTube channels, amplifying this conversation to the extent that what some dismissed as a trend has become an unstoppable force.

Barriers exist for these entrepreneurs. The Times article points out that black business owners may not be able to cut the same types of deals with wholesalers as Korean retailers. But if you look at the success of the homegrown haircare companies that are now giving some of the largest brands a run for their money, it is not an insurmountable obstacle.

“Younger, natural-haired black consumers – ‘naturalistas’ as some call them – are more aware than ever of where their dollars go and what goes in their hair.” Says the Times.

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 9, 2014

As curly girls, many of us have been tormented by advertising with models who have impossibly shiny, smooth hair cascading down their backs. Questions may have crossed your mind “why doesn’t my hair look like that?”  and “what can I do to my hair to make it shine that way?”

But rather than despair over these open-ended questions (and quite likely, the work of Photoshop”>, we prefer to look at the facts. Here is what really makes your hair shine.

What makes your hair smooth and shiny?

Human hair consists largely of keratin protein, linked in long chains running the length of the hair shaft. These chains are cross-linked, like the rails of a ladder bound by the rungs. This cortex of your hair determines its strength, elasticity and texture.

The cortex is surrounded by keratin protein “plates” forming the cuticle of the hair shaft, which protects the cortex and is responsible for hair’s smoothness and shine and can affect the appearance of your hair color. These plates overlap in one direction, from the root to the tip of your hair shaft.

Feel for yourself

If you extend one hair from your scalp pinch it with two fingertips in the center and slide towards the root, it will feel rough. If you slide towards the tip of the hair shaft, in the direction of the plates, it will feel smooth. Cleansing, styling, heat and chemical processes can damage the cuticle layer, which may then lead to cortex damage and hair breakage.

The secret to shinier hair is to make sure the cuticle layer stays smooth and in tact.

Want shinier hair?

You can protect hair by making sure the cuticle layer stays smooth and in tact. Reduce the effect of cuticle damage, by using oils, silicones (if you use silicones”> or other lubricants which reduce pulling friction when styling. These also temporarily smooth a roughened cuticle, which makes it reflect light and transmit color better.

Moisturizers or humectants attract and retain water molecules. Using a moisturizer like the ApHogee Balancing Moisturizer is important because to be at its most elastic and strongest, hair should contain 5-6% water by weight. Hair with less loses elasticity and suppleness, and will react when exposed to outside humidity.

Trying to figure out when to use an oil, a moisturizer or a protein? Simply put:

• Oils lubricate and shine
• Moisturizers elasticize
• Protein repairs structural damage

Many “one step” products combine all three of these classes of compounds in one convenient formula, at varied ratios, to achieve different results.

For the most serious breakage problems, the longest lasting treatment is a “two-step” process, where the protein alone is applied to the hair first, for maximum bonding. Then the softness and shine from the moisturizers and oils are added in a second step. Try the ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment if you’re looking for an at-home protein treatment. It’s a little more work, but this type of treatment may last up to six weeks, as opposed to only a few shampooings. For a quick, easy option try the ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor.

Written by Walt Winslow, General Manager KAB Brands & R&D Chemist. This article is sponsored by Aphogee.

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 8, 2014

Our Q&A Section allows our dedicated curly community members to post, ask, and answer questions all things hair related. Be sure to stop by to engage with others like you and earn points while doing so! One member recently asked this:

Question

“I am trying to get my type 3 curls back to normal in time for my interview in a few days. I went diving yesterday, HELP!”

Answer

If you are a diver or spend a lot of time in the sea or pool water, you want to practice a 3 part care method: before, during and after your fun.

Before

• Cool your hair cuticles with room temperature tap water.
• Run a leave-in conditioner through your hair. Find one that has a light formula like Jane Carter’s Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner. You may use olive oil or coconut oil, too.

During

• Braid your hair with your leave-in saturating the hair. If your hair is shorter and cannot be braided, use a fabric tie to keep hair out of your face and in one neat place under your hood or behind your mask. You may also opt for a fabric diving cap as well–do not forget, the sun can cause damage for curly and wavy hair, as well.

After

• Rinse your hair with fresh water (keep an extra water bottle in your cooler”>.
• Use a gentle clarifying shampoo like Moptop’s Gentle Clarifying Shampoo once you are ready to shower.
• Condition and style as usual and allow your hair to air dry. For hold and definition try a styler like the Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk. 
• Use a deep conditioning treatment like Ouidad’s Hair Treatment, or use the DIY hair mask below for about 30 minutes, a few days in a row. You should start noticing a major difference in your hair health within 8-10 days.

Almond Milk and Coconut Oil Hair Restoration Mask

• 3 tablespoons almond milk
• 1 egg white
• 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil

Mix all the ingredients well in a bowl and gently apply it on your hair with brush. If applied overnight, it is the best remedy for those with dry hair. Wash off with cold water and mild shampoo. Use it 2-3 times a week and if your hair is badly damaged a daily use for 8 to 10 days improves your hair condition. You can continue using it twice a week until you get the required results.

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Have a wavy, curly, or coily Q?

We want you to have your healthiest, happiest hair possible! If you have any questions, feel free to visit our Q&A Section for helpful advice from curlies like you!

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 2, 2014

Sage essential oil delivers when it comes to cleansing and purifying the hair and skin follicles. For hair, one of its most cherished traits is its ability to slow down and lessen the chance of hair loss. Here are 10 cleansing and clarifying shampoos infused with sage, which deliver many benefits to the scalp.

10 Sage Products

By NaturallyCurly · Published August 26, 2014

If you have a busy work week ahead or a painful 8am class (we’ve been there”> then it can be hard to carve out time in the morning for styling your curls. For these mornings we recommend using a curl refresher product because it can be the easiest way to lock in some hydration and definition for the busy day ahead. They can be applied to dry hair so this is the key to that elusive second day hair.

Here we highlight 14 of the top curl refreshers, accompanied with curly community reviews from our Product Database. Did yours make the cut?

14 Curl Refreshers For Busy Days

By NaturallyCurly · Published August 18, 2014

Avoid a disastrous first day of school by mastering a couple of easy, 2-minute hair styles. Your son may want to rock a faux hawk, or your daughter may be after a cool new twist on her pixie cut for a touch of grade-school glam.

What You’ll Need

• Organic gel (see suggestions below”>

• Fine-tooth comb

• Medium-hold finishing spray

Directions

1. Apply a few drops of gel along the fine-tooth comb
2. Move the comb from hairline/scalp to the crown of the head, gently moving upward.
3. Hold the style with finishing spray so it can last throughout the school day.

Product suggestions

Use something that’s light and kid-friendly. Here are some of our suggestions:

• Curlisto Kids Spray Mousse
• SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Kids Curling Butter Cream
• Monkey Brains Kids Pomade
• Fuzzy Duck Anti Frizz Gel
• Curly Q’s Gel-les’c
• Ouidad Krly Kids Pump and Go Spray Gel

By NaturallyCurly · Published August 15, 2014

Summer vacation is coming to an end. School’s about to start, and you want to enjoy your last free weekend becoming one with nature, a bonfire, and your closest friends. But what does this mean for your normal beauty routine?

The following 10 products won’t waste extra space, energy, or time…and can be packed into a pretty glamping bag and not worry about sacrificing your health or beauty.

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Off! Sweat Resistant Insect Repellent

found here

Don’t leave your tent without it! Find a sweat-proof bug spray and apply every few hours as needed to keep pesky mosquitoes away from your luscious skin.

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Joico Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo

found here

Because you may not have a shower in your tent or cabin. A dry shampoo is quick, and doesn’t leave any residue so you can style immediately afterwards.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF DEADFIX

A hat, headwrap, or beanie

Loosely pile your hair up on your head and tuck them in a hat or scarf to keep the UV rays away from damaging them or fading your color.

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Goody Ouchless Elastics

found here

Keep your hair up and out of the way while you’re enjoying the sun (and sweating profusely”>.

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Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes

found here

Use them to remove dirt and oil from your face. The coconut and aloe also help soothe sunburns, so pack some if you’re outside for a long time away from the campsite.

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Estee Lauder Compact Mirror

found here

It’s cute, inexpensive, and tiny enough to tote around in your hiking backpack. 

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Ouidad Climate Control Frizz & Flyaway Fighter

found here 

Help your hair fight off humidity-causing frizz and still maintain moisture with this lightweight, effective spray-gel.

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Evian Facial Spray

found here

It may be days until you feel real air conditioning, so but bring along a refreshing mister like this one by Evian or try cooling gel packs on the back of your neck. Store them in your cooler.

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Design Essentials Diamond Oil Sheen Spray

If your hair is becoming duller because of the climate, shake this stuff up and add some quick shine to your curls without weighing it down.

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BSB Culmine Glo & Go Tinted Sunscreen

found here

An absolute must. You don’t want to put yourself at higher risk for skin cancer and aging, do you?

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Up & Up Dryer Sheets

found here

Bring a few for your outdoors battle with frizz. Just rub a sheet on the top of your head to combat those flyaways caused by humidity.

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Davines Natural Tech De Stress Be-Phase Shelter

found here

This misting spray contains wheat proteins which plays two roles–hair strengthener and skin moisturizer.

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Sugar Lip Treatment

found here It adds just the right amount of color without making it so obvious. This tinted lip balm also adds shine and protects your lips from sun damage (with its SPF 15″>.

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Miss Jessie’s Night Cap

No matter where you are laying your head, a satin or silk bonnet is always a must for avoiding hair breakage and dryness.

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Degree Clinical Protection Deoderant

found here

Let’s face it, you will need something strong if you’re gonna be staying outdoors. Degree Clinical Protection has a fresh scent that gives the illusion of a clean shower.

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By NaturallyCurly · Published August 13, 2014

Thinking of changing up your color this season? Well neutrals are in–brown, to be exact. In fact, subtle changes and high/low lights can be just enough to add a pop of color without looking like a snow cone. Here are 10 current trends for altering your natural hair color beautifully.

Shades of Brown Hair Color

By NaturallyCurly · Published August 13, 2014

Tried something new in the world of hair color? Didn’t turn out the way you had hoped? Not to fear, brassy hair color can be fixed. Yes, you may need your stylist’s help with this one, but there are ways around it at home, too.

1. Tone, Tone, Tone

On boxes, brands also call them demi-permanent or glaze. it will counteract that unwanted color. Toner takes the “tone” down of your current shade. However, remember, if the base color of your hair is also brassy, this may not work and a toner is only a temporary fix.

2. Add Low Lights

One process may help darken some of the pieces that were too brassy. Unless you have some experience, it may be best to ask your stylist for some help with low lights, or toner.

3. Purple Products

Violet and purple-toned shampoos like Redken Blonde Idol, Pantene Expressions Color Enhancing Conditioner and Clairol Shimmer Lights help balance out the orange-yellow colors in brassy wavy and curly hair.

4. Tricks of the Trade

Gradually change the hue. Don’t lighten too much, too soon. And stay within 2 shades of your natural color.

Add cooler tones for highlighting. Dark hair turns orange-y whenever it’s highlighted at home, since dark hair usually has red/orange undertones anyway.

Try a color refreshing gloss. This will make your time in between salon touch-ups last longer. John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss can be found in most drugstores.

By NaturallyCurly · Published August 7, 2014

Lisa Price is well known in the curly community for the organic hair products she cooked up in her kitchen back in the 80’s, and the great success she has had with her brand Carol’s Daughter. We are very lucky to have her sharing her expertise on Curly Q&A this month, and below is a question we received from NaturallyCurly member Geedreamz. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to talk to Lisa by posting your questions on Curly Q&A!

Question:

My roots are curly and coily but the rest of my hair is wavy.

This post is sponsored by Carol’s Daughter.

By NaturallyCurly · Published July 31, 2014

Would you drink spoiled milk? No. That pretty much goes without saying, right? If we see an expiration date on our food, we throw it away. This can’t always be said for hair and beauty products–many of us are guilty of not paying attention to those expiration dates, although they are equally important.

Cool, dry storages allow for 3 years of shelf life.

For the most part, we know that our shampoo and conditioner bottles are usually kept in our showers or bathroom cabinets–where they are far from cool and dry. Keep that in mind when trying to hold on to your Holy Grails. They may need to be replaced.

Date the bottle when you buy it.

With a permanent marker, write the date on the bottle when you start using it. Once open, the shelf life can decrease as much as 50%. With the bottle constantly being opened and closed, it’s also getting exposed to bacteria in the shower and bathroom.

Notice a sudden change? Contact the company

If you’re uncertain as to why after just a short period of time (a few weeks to 2 months”> a product has changed its smell, color, or consistency, contact the manufacturer directly–they may be able to answer your question or even possibly replace your product. Although using an expired product shouldn’t cause you harm, its main ingredients are likely ineffective and won’t work as they were originally meant to.

Wash your styling tools & brushes.

If they are maintained and cleaned, they can usually last up to five years. Brushes, combs, and makeup brushes should be washed with a gentle shampoo or soap regularly. Wipe down heat tools with a warm, damp cloth at least once a month–unplugged, of course.

Makeup shelf life:

• eyeshadow: 2 years
• blush: 2 years
• bronzer: 2 years
• eyeliner pencil (kept sharpened”>: up to 2 years
• eyeliner (liquid”> 3-6 months
• concealer (liquid”>: 1 year
• foundation (cream”>: 12-18 months
• lipstick: 1 year
• lip gloss: 18-24 months
• mascara: 3-4 months

By NaturallyCurly · Published July 31, 2014

Ginseng is a wonderful homeopathic and medicinal herb, with super powers that go beyond teas and recently have entered the world of beauty care as well.

The ginseng plant flourishes in Siberia, Northern China, as well as parts of Korea and Vietnam. This nutritious herb belongs to the 11 species of slow growing perennial plants. Its fleshy roots and leaves carry potent medicinal properties derive.

Here are the top 5 beauty benefits of Ginseng:

1. Combats hair loss

A healthy immune system allows the body to fight off illness and infections. Taking ginseng (capsules or teas”> helps with blood circulation and optimum oxygen adsorption by the blood. In turn, ginseng improves the internal flow of the immune system and helps prevent hair loss.

2. Fights aging

Ginseng has been acting as an anti aging treatment for many years. It promotes the body’s natural metabolism, stimulating and activating the skin to stay firm, and young. Ginseng helps in the production of natural collagen, making your skin firmer. It also rids skin of free radicals.

3. Tones the skin

Try this recipe for a homemade ginseng toner that will keep your skin fresh, firm and clean:

4. Tightens complexion

Ginseng plant leaves contain lots of rich vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants which are great for skin , and overall health. Ginseng tea is particularly helpful for rehydrating and refining skin.

5. Treats under eye circles

Try making this mask to rid the lines and dark circles around your eyes:

Mix ginseng powder with milk or honey to form a paste. If you need to thicken the paste, add some egg white or oat flour.

Spread the paste around your eye area and allow to dry for 5-10 minutes.

Wash off and remove with warm water and splash your face with cold water before your finish.

Hair products infused with ginseng:

• Frederic Fekkai Curl Enhancing Lotion
• Ginseng Miracle Wonder 8 Hair & Body Oil
• Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Volumizing Conditioner

By NaturallyCurly · Published July 29, 2014

Susonnah has fine, wavy hair so she usually stays away from products with the word “balm” in the name. But she says this balm melts away in your hands like butter, leaving you with a weightless formula that she uses to smooth flyaways and tame frizz.

Scrolling through the reviews of our curly community, it looks like curlies from Type 2c to Type 4c felt that the light formula gave them soft curls and helped with frizz. Many also said a little goes a long way. You can read all of the reviews here.

Watch the Video

This post is sponsored by AG Hair Cosmetics.