Search Results: NaturallyCurly
First, ask yourself these 2 questions:
1. How do I react whenever somebody compliments my waves, curls, and coils?
A. “Oh, thanks” (but you don’t believe them”>
B. “Thanks” (followed by you walking away awkwardly, primping and messing with your hair”>
C. “Thank you! I love them too!” (you continue the conversation with your head held high”>
2. Do I search online and in magazines for every photo of a better style for your curls and waves?
A. True
B. False
What your answers may say about your Curl Confidence:
#1 C- So think of just how many times someone has commented on how beautiful your hair is or how they would love the curls or waves that you already have. How many times have you simply just let the comment go, thinking it’s not true? Too many. The fact is that those comments are things to be proud of and not shrug off so quickly.
#2-Either way, a little research is always good. A little. Would you believe me if I said you don’t need to be online every hour on the hour searching for the newest style or the latest curl miracle you’ve been waiting for all along? Embrace your curls and waves NOW!
Feel the need to straighten your hair every so often to have “options”? Need a ponytail for the beach? That’s fine. But straightening, on occasion, and ponytails to “rid” of the curls, ringlets and waves every day can do damage, in the long run, to your hair, scalp and even your self confidence. Yes, there are some great tools and products out there but have you really tried to accept your natural hair? It doesn’t have to be a lot of work, in fact, allowing your natural locks to show themselves can actually increase your self-confidence and reduce the amount of work and time you spend with your hair.
Try 14 Days of Curly Love!
If you’re ready to embrace what you have, try a two week trial. Start on a day when you can wash and style your hair “all natural.” Use your favorite curl gels, serums, sprays, leave-ins, etc. Check out the CurlTalk chat forum on naturallycurly.com for some good suggestions on your hair type or even home made stylers for your hair, to go even more natural. Yes, that’s possible!
Think of it this as a two week diet for your hair. Try products that will be good to your hair. Look at labels, try avoiding products that have lots of “cones” – ie. dimethicone, etc. Try Shea Butter or Coconut-infused leave-ins and stylers. For looser waves and curls (type 2″>, try using less product or lighter versions. For tighter curls and coils (types 3 and 4″> try cocktailing product.
If it’s been a while, you may want to get a new cut, or just a trim to get your hair back to healthy. Find a stylist that knows curls and texture. Ask him or her questions about how your curls and waves can better frame your face or fit your lifestyle. Here’s our recommended list of curly salons that you can find in your area.
You may want to experiment with some new, or old (just be sure they’re not expired”>, products for a few days. Style your hair with a diffuser or let it dry on it’s own, yes, with no hairdryer. You may want to use a satin pillow case if you’re planning on going to bed with some damp curls and waves. A satin pillow case can help protect curl formation and prevent frizz.
Once you’re at your “natural best,” be sure to become aware of the comments you may start to receive. Don’t be so quick to brush them off. Embrace the kind words and take a look at just how good your locks look!
Take a look at the calendar, has it been more than two weeks? Maybe you can extend your two week trial to three? If , however, you’re finding the two week trial a bit of struggle, don’t give up! It’s only a few more days. Work with different products, give them a chance to adjust to your natural look. And, most importantly, don’t be so hard on yourself. Your curls and waves most likely look a lot better than you’re giving them credit for.
After your two weeks are up, evaluate how you did. Were you too hard on yourself and your hair? Did you listen to others and their comments? You may want to take some time to think about how your trial went and just how much better you feel about your hair, and yourself.
For many women, the journey back to natural is a challenging one. Wouldn’t it have been nice to have a professional hairstylist on call to answer all of your most transitioning dilemmas?
These lucky women did.
For six months NaturallyCurly and Dark and Lovely helped nine women along their natural hair journeys, in whichever stage they were in. We had recent big choppers, long-term transitioners, and even veteran naturals (they still had many questions!”> participate in the Grow Out Diaries, and you can watch their progress on YouTube. These women tried a mystery product for six months leading up to the launch of Dark and Lovely’s brand new line for Anti-Breakage.
We also hosted a Live Google Hangout with Mezei and all 9 of the women last week in New York, you can catch the video here. And you can start your own blog or read about other womens’ experiences on our Grow Out Diaries.
Here are a few of the questions these women had for Softsheen-Carson educator and natural hair afficionado Mezei Jefferson. Chances are you have wondered these questions yourself!
Raquel
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How often should I wash and condition my hair?
You should shampoo and condition as often as needed. If you wearing a wash and go style, it could be daily and if it is a twist out or up do style then it might be weekly or bi weekly.
-
How can afford knots and tangles?
You really cannot avoid tangles, they happen due to natural curl pattern of hair. Keeping your hair moisturized will help with tangles somewhat. Also consistent use of the leave it and hair butter/dress will help with tangles by lubricating the hair shaft.
-
How can I protect/prevent my hair from getting matted while I’m sleeping?
At night you have a couple of options with your hair. 1st is to twist or braid hair nightly with some of the hair butter/dress to retain texture and prevent breakage from the pillow. Just a couple braids or twist will do. 2nd get a satin pillowcase or scarf to wrap up hair at night. This will eliminate the rubbing and the cotton sucking the moisture out of your hair. 3rd is pineapple the hair, this will help prevent losing the curl pattern and tangling at night. To do it bend over and pull all hair up into loose top ponytail and secure with soft scrunchy. Loosen up hair on top so you don’t get indentations
-
How can I reduce frizz and define my curls
Curls get frizzy and undefined when they lose protein and moisture. Deep conditioning hair and a light trim will make curls spring aback to life. Also to retain moisture, use the leave in and the hair dress/hair butter when needed to keep curls well defined.
Quay
- Can the conditioner be used with heat or as an overnight DC?
The conditioner is designed to work alone and doesn’t require any heat application to penetrate. It can be left on hair overnight, if you feel you need more conditioning.
Lola
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How often is it necessary to wash your hair?
You should shampoo and condition as often as needed. If you wearing a wash and go style, it could be daily and if it is a twist out or up do style, then it might be weekly or bi weekly.
-
Does your curl pattern change over time while transitioning?
No, your curl pattern should not actually change while transitioning. If you notice hair getting curlier it is likely because of hair elasticity. When beginning transitioning your hair is used to the curl being blown out or flat ironed. As you begin to get more natural the curl takes over and your true texture becomes more apparent.
-
What are some hair tips you have while I’m transitioning?
-
Use a leave in conditioner always
-
Be gentle on your relaxed hair when combing, hold hair in hands and start to comb from the ends upward
-
If still wearing hair blown out smooth, use a low heat setting
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Once you have 3-4 inches of new growth start to do flat twist sets to style and use a roller or pin curl on the ends of hair for definition.
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When starting to use products, get a nice trim of ends. That way you maintain healthy hair
-
What can I do to prevent my hair from breaking during my transitioning process?
I already mentioned the trim and at night follow one of these instructions. 1st is to twist or braid hair nightly to retain texture and prevent breakage from the pillow. Just a couple braids or twist will do. 2nd get a satin pillowcase or scarf to wrap up hair at night. This will eliminate the rubbing and the cotton sucking the moisture out of your hair. 3rd is pineapple the hair, this will help prevent losing the curl pattern and tangling at night. To do it bend over and pull all hair up into loose top ponytail and secure with soft scrunchy. Loosen up hair on top so you don’t get indentations. Use the hairbutter/ hairdress
-
What is hair butter and how often should you use it?
The Hair Butter is designed to lubricate the hair so you can comb and manipulate it without excessive breakage. It can be used daily if needed on scalp to moisturize as well as on hair to refresh style. It can also be used to do twist outs and braid out styles.
Lauren
- What is the best way to detangle hair when applying styling products after conditioning? Comb or finger detangling?
Combing is what can cause the most breakage to hair if not done properly. First always remember to mist hair with water first and use finger to part hair in sections to detangle. If your hair gets really tangled, then use a wide tooth comb and start at the end of hair and work up. Apply conditioner or the hair butter to help lubricate hair if needed.
-
Is it better to mix the leave in with the hair dress before applying to hair for moisture?
No, actually it is better to layer the products for maximum effect. First apply the leave in and then apply the hair dress and style to retain moisture.
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What are some tips about keeping up with moisture during the fall and winter months. Any styles recommended?
Tips for winter months are to use a silk scarf or cap inside of your caps and hats so hair doesn’t rub up against the hat and cause moisture loss or breakage. Also wear hair in protective styles like braids or twist. Wash and Go’s are hard on the hair during severely cold times. Use the softening butter to create twist and reapply at night to retain moisture.
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Would it be more beneficial and absorbent to use the leave in on wet hair? Or would it absorb better on dry hair?
Use the leave in on damp hair for better absorption. The softening butter can be used on damp and dry hair.
LaKresha
- What styling tips can you provide for my short hair?
For short hair you can do comb coils or even protective styles like twist outs w/ extensions for a longer fuller look to the hair.
-
Is it better to mix the leave in with the hair dress before applying to hair for moisture?
No, actually it is better to layer the products for maximum effect. First apply the leave in and then apply the hair dress and style to retain moisture.
This article is sponsored by SoftSheen-Carson.
For six months, nine lucky NaturallyCurly community members were selected out of hundreds of applicants to join the exciting Grow Out Diaries challenge. We chose women from every stage of the natural hair journey from transitioners to recent Big Choppers to TWA’s and veteran naturals. The women have been trying one product line formulated to make their natural hair grow long and strong. But here’s the catch: they had no idea who the brand was.
They put their trust in us as they exclusively used these products, all the while wondering who the mystery brand might be and more importantly, what the ingredients were! They’ve been filming and charting their hair growth along the way, so stay tuned for the full reveal.
Today we’re so excited to announce that the mystery brand of our Grow Out Diaries is none other than Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Anti-Breakage!
You know their name, you probably know their packaging, but this is a totally different approach from the brand as you know it. The line includes four products, a cleanser, conditioner, a butter and an end protector.
The women reviewed the mystery products over a six month period and found that their hair had grown longer, felt healthier, and they were experiencing less breakage during this time. You can watch their full reviews and length checks – along with their reactions to finding out who the brand was – on YouTube.
The Tension Release Hair Wash and Strength Restoring Conditioner are sulfate free, silicone free, and paraben free so they’ll cleanse and moisturize without stripping your hair of its natural oils. Just the way we like them. And you won’t find any parabens, mineral oil or petrolatum in the Super Softening Hair Butter or the Root to Tip Mender. So they’ll be a hydrating treat for your breakage-prone strands without the buildup or greasy transfer.
The line launched last night at a fab party in New York City, and the Grow Out Diaries participants were in attendance along with some of our favorite vloggers, bloggers, special guest Marsha Ambrosius, Bites by Bravo TV’s Chef Roblé and tunes by DJ Moma.
The NYC Launch Event
For six months these ladies used this line of products without knowing who created them!! We’re so excited to be at the launch event in #NYC
Mezei Jefferson, head of education at Dark and Lovely with the special guest Marsha Ambrosius
Evelyn, our Social Media Manager and YouTuber Jouelzy.
Taren916 and her baby bump made an appearance.
Model Wakeema Hollis showing off that ‘fro!
Our participants, such an inspiring group of women.
Our participants with model Wakeema Hollis, face of Dark and Lovely Au Naturale.
Our Email Marketing Manager Nikki with one of our favorite YouTubers Shinestruck.
Evelyn with one of our writers Kala G.
One of our Growth Diaries participants, Tess.
This post is sponsored by Soft Sheen Carson.
Why Cocoa?
Cocoa trees, it’s believed, first grew in South America, and today, cocoa trees can be found throughout the world. Like wine, cocoa varies on taste depending on where it comes from , therefore, you may just notice different flavors in certain favorite chocolates from time to time. And, take the time to appreciate that delicious cup of cocoa or chocolate bar because it takes about 300 to 600 cocoa beans to make just two pounds of chocolate!
So what about cocoa and curls? Cocoa butter is the substance that is obtained from cocoa beans, it’s a by-product of chocolate – and curlies know that cocoa butter is a must for cold weather, frizz and soft skin too!
What will you use cocoa butter for?
Deep Treatment
Use it as a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a week, depending on your hair type. You’ll notice how much softer and easier to manage your hair will become. Cocoa butter won’t weigh your hair down and it will help to moisturize your hair and scalp.
Cocoa Pre-Poo
You can also use it as a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment.
Try it! Put some cocoa butter (found online or in health food stores”> in a cup and melt it in your microwave until it’s a liquid. Apply the oil/liquid to your hair for about 15-20 minutes then shampoo.
Frizz Fighter
You can use cocoa butter as a pomade to help style your hair and keep frizz away as well. Just rub a small amount of cocoa butter in your palms, and smooth over your hair. You can mix a bit of coconut oil or an essential oil with it to give it a scent as well.
Color Gloss
For brunettes who want to add some sheen and a tint of color depth to their hair, a cocoa hair mask may be something to try out too:
Mix a cup of pure aloe gel, 1/2 cup of pure cocoa powder and 1/4 cup of honey, 1 tablespoon of favorite conditioner (I like Suave Coconut“>. Mix the ingredients in a bowl and you’re left with a great smelling chocolate treatment for brunettes.
If you haven’t tried using natural ingredients on your hair, you may be missing out.
Aloe Vera has been used for centuries as a health and beauty aide and has proven, to curls and fragile hair, to be a real BFF.
Here are two easy recipes that you can make at home in either small, or larger batches, depending on your hair’s needs (and length”>. If you make extra you can even store it in your fridge for later.
Moisturizing Detangler Spray
You can add or remove ingredients to suit your hair’s needs.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 1/2 cup aloe vera juice
- 1/2 tsp silk amino acids (binds keratin and strengthens”>
- 1 tsp panthenol (vit B5″> (moisturizer”>
- 1 tsp vegetable glycerin (humectant”>
- 1 tsp guar gum (emulsifier, adds slip”>
- 7 drops rosemary oil (stimulates hair folicles”>
- 7 drops lemongrass oil (anti bacterial and adds fragrance”>
Directions
- Add all items into a blender and mix well for 3-5 minutes.
- Empty into a jar to be stored in the fridge.
- Apply to hair as needed and notice the shine and definition of your curls!
Leave-In Aloe Treat
Ingredients
- 3 oz aloe vera juice
- 2 oz coconut oil
- 5 oz distilled water
- 8 oz light CG conditioner (Suave, Deva, etc.”>
Directions
- Mix all ingredients in a mister/spray bottle and apply to damp or wet hair.
- Allow the product to air dry for best results.
This conditioning treatment will give your curls definition and bounce.
Visit our Facebook page and show us your hair after your aloe vera experience.
You could win a $4,500 AMEX gift card plus 2 Invitations to Mercedes-Benz Fall Fashion Week from TRESemme®.
Has your Instagram feed been getting you down? Does it feel like EVERYONE and their mom is at New York Fashion Week?
We feel you.
That’s why we’re so excited that TRESemme® and Walgreens are ready to send you to September 2014 Mercedes-Benz Fall Fashion Week! Need a new outfit to wear to the shows? They’ve got you covered there too with a $4,500 AMEX gift card.
You can enter to win two VIP invitations to Mercedes-Benz Fall Fashion Week and the AMEX gift card by registering here until March 9.
Click Here to Enter
Extra Entries
For extra entries, purchase and submit your receipt to redeem more entries! One entry per product.
For a taste of what you’re in for, check out TRESemme’s YouTube page for styling advice and behind the scenes coverage of the shows.
See you at Fashion Week!
8 Straightening Products
If you’re going for the beachy waves look, you know you’re gonna have to straighten before you can curl it again (silly, we know, but true”>. Or if you’re just in the mood to try a different look for an event or occasion, you may be considering touching a straightening iron to your curls, coils or waves. It’s your hair, you can do what you want!
Before you do
We’d hate to see you lose your curl. So just be sure to protect your strands from irreparable heat damage with one of these straightening products.
1. Go Hemp
Alterna Hemp Straightening Balm
This is a light lotion which is safe for those who like more frequent blow outs. The lotion is worked through wet hair and aides in keeping moisture without hair becoming oily. It’s also a great product that fights humidity and wet conditions.
Read Reviews
2. Budget Buy
Alberto V05 Hairdressing Leave-in Anti Frizz Shine Creme
Not only is this an easy to find product, but at around $6 it’s affordable and easy to use. It leaves a nice smell in your hair as well and is a great aide for straightening.
Read Reviews
3. Both Ways
Redken Outshine 01 Anti Frizz Polishing Milk
This versatile product works well on curls and blow outs. Just beware to not use too much as it can build up in your hair. When left to air dry, curls are nicely defined and when used for a blow out, hair is shiny and healthy.
Read Reviews
4. Shiny & Straight
Frederic Fekkai Coiff Perfecteur Anti Frizz Silkening Creme
This works better on waves and 3a/b curls for straightening, but leaves hair soft to the touch. It’s a bit more pricey than some other products, at about $25, but does the trick for shiny straight hair.
Read Reviews
5. Stay Straight
Carol’s Daughter Chocolat Smoothing Blow Dry Cream
This cream adds sheen and hold to hard-to-straighten hair. The cocoa extract helps to smooth cuticles and add moisture.
Read Reviews
6. Seal & Protect
CHS Remane Straight
Remane Straight helps to seal the cuticle and protects hair from heat and stretching while fighting humidity.
Read Reviews
7. Straight & Back
Beautiful Textures Reversible Straightening Kit
For Type 3c and 4 curlies and coilies, each time we straighten the terrifying thought creeps into our mind “will my curl come back?” This product lets you go back and forth between natural and straight styles without permanently changing your texture.
Write a Review
8. Cut Down Drying Time
Mixed Chicks Straightening Serum
This serum offers thermal protection from heat and temporarily smoothes and straightens curls and frizzy hair. It also fights humidity and cuts drying time down by almost half! This product gives hair a sleek, shiny look after a blow out.
Read Reviews
Thousands of NaturallyCurly community members have taken the time to share their favorite products, tools and necessities for curly, coily and wavy hair. We have compiled the votes and are excited to announce 2013’s list of holy grail, must-have items that every curly girl should try out.
Favorite Shampoo
SheaMoisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Retention Shampoo
You say: “This is by far the best shampoo I have ever used. Before this product, my expectations of shampoo in general were pretty low. I expected them to clean my hair and that was it. I never knew a shampoo could moisturize and detangle like a conditioner! Well this product DOES. It even lathers really well, even though it’s organic. My favorite product by Shea Moisture.” – curlyfries1989
” src=”https://d28mymtno8c5sd.cloudfront.net/Articles/devacurl-one-condition-1-300×300.jpg” alt=”” width=”300″ height=”300″ />
Our NaturallyCurly Editors have spent countless hours, days and nights testing out hundreds of up and coming and tried and true products, tools and necessities for curly, coily and wavy hair. We duked it out around the table and have come up with our final list of 2014’s winners – we encourage you to check them out, too!
Editors’ Choice 2014
Clarifying Shampoo
Type 2
Brocato Peppermint Scrub Purifying Shampoo
Type 3
MopTop Clarifying Rescue Treatment (Coming Soon!”>
Type 3C
Type 4
Cleansing Conditioner
Type 2
Type 3
L’Oreal Paris EverCurl Hydracharge Cleansing Conditioner
Type 3C
Motions Naturally You Moisturizing Cleanser
Type 4
Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp & Tamanu Moisturizing Co-Wash
Leave-In Conditioner
Type 2
Miss Jessie’s Leave-In Conditioner
Type 3
John Paul Mitchell Systems Full Circle Leave-In
Type 3C
Au Naturale Knot Out Conditioner
Type 4
Deep Conditioner
Type 2
TIGI Reparative Nocturnal Therapy
Type 3
Joico K-Pak Deep-Penetrating Reconstructor
Type 3C
Beautiful Textures Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner
Type 4
Moisturizer
Type 2
Type 2 Editors don’t use a moisturizer
Type 3
Macadamia Natural Oil Reviving Curl Cream
Type 3C
Type 4
Frizz-Fighter
Type 2
Type 3
L’Oreal Paris Frizz Vanisher Cream
Type 3C
Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper
Type 4
Smoothing or Straightening
Type 2
Type 3
Type 3C
Brocato Cloud 9 Blowout Dry Serum
Type 4
Nubian Heritage Honey & Black Seed Heat Protect Leave-In Conditioning Cream
Curl Refresher
Type 2
TIGI Catwalk Session Series Dry Shampoo
Type 3
John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon
Type 3C
Type 4
Styling Tools or Necessities
Type 2
Type 3
Type 3C
Type 4
Retexturizing Tool
Type 2
Amika 5 Piece Titanium Interchangable Curler
Type 3
Amika Tourmaline Clip-Free Curler
Type 3C
Type 4
Hair Growth Product
Type 2
Type 3
Type 3C
Soft Sheen Carson Au Naturale Anti-Breakage Regimen (Coming Soon!”>
Type 4
Mousse or Foam Product
Type 2
Pantene Pro-V No Crunch Curls Whip
Type 3
Samy Curl Constructor Activating Mousse
Type 3C
TIGI Bedhead Candy Fixations Totally Baked
Type 4
The Type 4 Editors don’t use a mousse or foam product
Kids Line
Type 2
Type 3
Type 3C
Type 4
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Kids Line
Shine Spray
Type 2
Frederic Fekkai Glossing Sheer Shine Mist
Type 3
Type 3C
Garnier Triple Nutrition Nutrient Spray
Type 4
Au Naturale Sealing Nectar
Edge Tamer
Type 2
Type 2 Editors don’t use an edge tamer
Type 3
Type 3C
Karen’s Body Beautiful Sleek Strands Edge Control
Type 4
Dry Shampoo
Type 2
Type 3
DevaCurl No Poo Quick Cleanser
Type 3C
Type 3C Editors don’t use dry shampoo
Type 4
Type 4 Editors don’t use dry shampoo
Best Overall Brand
Type 2
Type 3
Type 3C
Type 4
Dearly curly daughter of mine,
I always want you to know that…You are beautiful and strong, and your curls are a special part of your unique beauty. I may not use the terms “princess” or “fairy” a lot, but my daughter is reminded of her natural beauty and great strength daily.
When I help her out of a bath or shower, I teach her to become aware of how her curls just pop into place – with very little effort. I do have to add, of course, that they are adorable and frame her little blue eyes to a “T”! You can go anywhere, with a good haircut. Early on, I settled for simply trim. Now that my daughter is a big girl–yes, 6 is big to me–we go to the same stylist, someone who is trained and skilled to work with curly hair. My daughter understands that her hair is important and needs attention and care, just like the rest of her, from a professional who understands.You are not boring, or dry, nor are your curls. Keep them clean and well nourished, just like your body. Feed and moisturize your curls, and your curls will thank you.
Ensuring that a good curl- regime is in place for my daughter has always been important. Taking time to teach her the simple things about caring for her curls isn’t just a valuable lesson, but can be a fun time too!You will never stop learning– keep an open mind. Read labels and learn from others. Listen and make good judgements. Your hair, and body, will be appreciative.
Yes, even at six, my daughter can read basic ingredients on labels. She also knows what is good for her curls, and what isn’t. It’s never too early to introduce young ones to good hair care products and routines. Reminding her that she should always be open to new ideas and opinions, is also important in the learning process as well.Lastly, little curly one, always be true to you. Keep your style, change it up – do what makes you happy – always.
One of the things I remind my daughter is that the words of others aren’t hers – they’re simply just other words. I encourage her to make the most of her curls any time. So if she puts fifty barrettes in her hair – great. If she wants to add a head band and a few hair clips on it too – enjoy. If she chooses two different sized pony tails – love it! She’s free to be who she is and show off her true nature – always.I love you always,
Mom.
“To me beauty is natural, not processed.” To hear these six little words on the lips of what I think we can all agree here is a beautiful man is music to our ears.
Tanya Wright, a natural hair actress who you might know from The Cosby Show, True Blood, and Orange is the New Black, was our NaturallyCurly correspondent for a day on set as she films the final season of our favorite vampire show True Blood.
She got an exclusive interview with friend and co-star Joe Manganiello about his curly hair and what kind of hair he prefers on women. Manganiello plays the werewolf Alcide on True Blood and you might also recognize his face (or six pack”> from the movie Magic Mike. And if you want a six pack of your own, he’s even penned his own fitness book, Evolution.
At NaturallyCurly we work day in and day out to show women the beauty that lies within their natural selves, but often times friends, family and members of the opposite sex can undo all of that with one insensitive joke or a casual remark.
We hear the anecdotes all the time from our readers, “my mom asked if I’m really leaving the house like this” and “my sister says it’s just a phase” or “my best friend said guys won’t like my hair natural.” Of course we all know that going natural is a personal expression of what’s inside (which is what really counts”>, and we don’t make the choice for anyone but ourselves. But it still feels nice to have that decision reaffirmed every once in a while by one of the male species, especially one who’s this easy on the eyes.
So thank you Tanya for the interview, it almost feels like we’re right there with Joe on set (we wish!”>. Try not to get lost in his eyes while you watch this video.
Don’t forget to tune into the seventh and final season of True Blood, which premieres summer 2014 on HBO.
“Wash n go,” the term sounds so simple, but every woman’s wash and go routine is a little bit different! Do you air dry or diffuse? Do you scrunch or are you hands off?
Devri shares her tips and tricks for her best wash and go. Here’s a hint: it involves a rake and scrunch, and these products:
What she used:
- ORS Curls Unleashed No Boundaries Leave In Conditioner
- ORS Curls Unleashed Set It Off Curl Boosting Jelly
If you haven’t tried ORS Curls Unleashed, Devri also reviews her experience with them in this video.
Let us know in the comments, what’s your wash and go secret?This post is sponsored by ORS Curls Unleashed.
There are lots of things that carry over.
Often in day-to-day dealings you might hear or say, “We’ll carry the amount of money due over into the next month”, and “Yes, please carry over the balance”, or “Will this enthusiasm carry over to the following week?” Yup! Lots of things carry over. Regrettably when it comes to hair fashion and trends, some things just have to stay where they are, inside of that moment, that year.
In 2014, we are dismissing passé trends for once — well, maybe not for all but definitely for now. We all remember the colloquial banter of Fox Network’s 1990 sketch comedy “Men on Film”. If you do, we can all agree many of these trends need a united dismissal with a simple “Hated it” to all things soooo 2013.
That’s SO 2013!
Pop Stars Trying Too Hard
Let’s start with the serious stuff first. Miley Cyrus and Bantu knots – Huh?
What can be safely said about this once mildly stylish throw-back fad is that all things don’t work for all people.
Let’s just commit to being different this year – in a different way – in a non-Miley Cyrus with Bantu knots kind of way to be exact.
PHOTO BY UPTOWN MAGAZINE
Enough With The Ombre
Next up, we have the trailblazing Ombre hair — the French-termed hair trend that features darker, more natural hues at the roots with gradually-dyed lightening at the ends.
It’s been the go-to style spot for many A-listers. Agreeably, it has topped the hair charts for a few years now as hip and up-to-the-minute.
Therein lies what we call a combo issue — it’s a solution and a problem at the same time.
The look is exhausted. It needs a minute to regroup. It’s like a really great pair of shoes worn all day, every day. It won’t be great for too much longer; it gets old quick.
Hopefully, it’s out of everyone’s system by now.
PHOTO BY AWK0FUZZIES
Hair Chalk? Snore.
Further down the list of “Not again in 2014” is the fun (last”> Summer trend of hair chalk.
“Who” and “why” are the outstanding questions here. Unless, of course, you were hailed by torrential rains in a thunderstorm.
Or you can live without the texture of dry, matted hair. Can we say, “Hated it”, please?! And leave it as an (un”>pleasant memory.
PHOTO BY HELLOGIGGLES.COM
Drop Dead, Bed Head
You wake up. You leap out of bed. Jump into some clothes. Maybe attend to some basic hygiene stuff and then YOU LEAVE YOUR HOUSE WITHOUT COMBING YOUR HAIR!
The bed-head look by using hair straighteners to give your hair an effortless style or volumising products to give your hair extra oomph is NOT extra oomph, it’s Messy Hair but apparently that was a hit in 2013. Beyonce is the only one who can wake up like this.
The messy hair scheme is supposed to be daring. You can improvise as much as you like with this hairstyle, as the only requirement is that it looks as minimalistic as possible. Well, 2014 is daring people NOT to do this.
PHOTO BY THE HAIR STYLER
Send the Undercut to the Underworld
You know when your parents tell you you’re making a bad decision that’s going to be permanent?
Well, that’s us telling YOU this right now.
This style might not be permanent, but growing the other half of your hair out is a tedious process that may require years of dedication to this fad.
And we know that committing to something for such a long time isn’t the easiest thing for us to do. Better just stay away from the razor unless you plan on big chopping.
PHOTO BY MATILDE STOLFA
Miss Us With The Mullets
When Rihanna showed off her daring jet black mullet mohawk towards the end of summer, we immediately thought, “Only Rih can pull that off. Only Rih.”
Unfortunately, ladies everywhere were pinning a snapshot of the pop singer and showing their stylists in hopes of trying the bold cut themselves.
This haircut should come with a warning label saying, Channel your inner Joe Dirt at your own risk.
PHOTO BY JANEINTHELOOP
YouTube is one of our favorite sources for wavy, curly, and coily hair inspiration. Each year a handful of new successful vloggers emerges and gives us their own unique spin on things we might have–or have not–known before. Here are the YouTubers we are most definitely subscribing to in 2014.
1. Jaleesa Moses
Lees, as online followers call her, is absolutely breathtaking.
Her vlog preaches the importance of naturally enhancing every aspect of our lives. Her how-to videos are fun to watch and even easier to follow. Lees is one to keep your eye out for this year!
PHOTO BY SAYTHELEES
2. Bianca Alexa
You may recognize her on YouTube as SimplyBiancaAlexa and on Tumblr as Bumblebee7.
We adore her accent as she explains her simple wash-n-go techniques and other tips for keeping her 3C curls beautiful and strong.
PHOTO BY BUMBLEBEE7
3. Emily Grace
Emily’s young, fun personality and comedic twist on her beauty and hair channel provide us with a midday dose of refreshment.
Her friends and sister often costar in her videos, and she gives great lessons on maintaining her long, wavy hair.
PHOTO BY EMILY GRACE 26
4. Naturally Bubbly
Layan has flawless 3B curls and a beautiful story to tell.
This life coach offers helpful hair and beauty advice while also encouraging us to constantly smile.
PHOTO BY LAYAN BUBBLY
5. Much More Than Beauty
Estefani is the Dominican curly dominating the world of long-haired type 3s out there.
But she has a little something to offer everyone — makeup tutorials, hair tips, and fashion inspiration. Even better, she has a Spanish YouTube channel as well, appropriately titled Mucho Mas Que Belleza.
PHOTO BY MUCH MORE THAN BEAUTY
6. Im Shine Struck
Another Dominican we’re loving! This curly gives thoughtful and sincere reviews on both hair and make-up products.
Her tutorials on loc extensions and the banding method definitely got us hooked.
PHOTO BY SHINESTRUCK
7. Naturally Curious
This type 4 beauty is “inspired by art, life, style, beauty…” according to her Tumblr.
Her high quality YouTube videos give us equal inspiration on how to maintain tightly coiled hair and creative ways to jazz up our own personal style, too.
PHOTO BY NATURALLY CURIOUS
8. Ariel Sansaricq
Also known as Faintly Masculine, Ariel has a great sense of style and takes wonderful photos.
Her photogenic face makes it extremely easy to watch her videos and follow her big chop haircare advice.
PHOTO BY FAINTLY MASCULINE
9. Maiedae
Savannah is a fabulous homemaker with a great eye for hair, interior design, and beauty.
Not to mention–she’s pregnant and sharing the journey with all of her subscribers! We love her vivacious red curls and her helpful words of wisdom for crafty curlies like us.
PHOTO BY MAIEDAE
10. Mocha Kid
Riley of Mocha Kid Magazine is probably the youngest natural-haired vlogger out there.
And she’s so friggin’ adorable! We can’t get enough of her lovable giggle, perfect coils, and charming videos.
PHOTO BY CHRISTIN SHOOTS PEOPLE
11. Duchess Gabrielle
Gabrielle provides reviews on natural hair, skin, and beauty products.
And she actually showcases easy homemade recipes from an ingredient standpoint, which is rare. Her encouragement to live life all-around more healthily gives us more hope to do the same, each time we watch her.
PHOTO BY MY NATURAL HAIR GROWTH
12. Kouki
Kouki Collier offer tips from a fun, well rounded perspective towards type 4 naturalistas.
An added bonus for more reasons that one, Kouki also includes videos with her curly-haired boyfriend, so there are awesome tutorials for men on her channel, too! In the beginning of January she debuted a fro-licious take on the undercut.
PHOTO BY KOUKII
13. Naptural Nicole
A bright smile and chic style are two of the many reasons we love Naptural Nicole.
A lot of her videos offer tips on keeping natural hair healthy with protective styling like braids, weaves, and wigs.
PHOTO BY NAPTURAL NICOLE
14. AskPRoy
This fierce author offers up lifestyle advice and motivating help for both newly naturals and seasoned vets.
She’s encouraging and has tons of useful info in her videos that cater to the coily world.
PHOTO BY ASKPROY
15. The Girl In The Dress
This chic, young fashionista proclaims more than her love of dresses and lipstick on her YouTube channel.
She also shows type 3 curlies how to easily manage their hair and create looser, wavy styles with ease.
PHOTO BY LARAH23
Her name says it all. She gives honest and knowledgeable tips on hair, skin, and fashion.
Her bold personality and artistic flair is spilled all over her channel. She even shows us how to create a DIY cheetah print shirt. Of course we’re following her!
PHOTO BY THE SMARTISTA
17. A Vintage Vanity
We absolutely adore A Vintage Vanity’s rockabilly retro glam channel.
Her quirky fashion finds and versatile hair tutorials speak to the Wanda Jackson in us.
PHOTO BY A VINTAGE VANITY
Dry air and heating systems can undo all of the good moisturizing and conditioning we do to our curls. How dare they!
Luckily, we have a few tricks up our sleeve to thwart the damaging effects of winter dryness. The first step is to know your curl type, the second step is to treat them accordingly!
Beautiful Winter Curls
1. Fill in the “Holes”
Because curly hair is very porous, conditioner helps to fill the “holes” and lock in moisture.
Type 2 Waves
Use a daily conditioning treatment when you shower. Apply a light leave-in afterwards such as a spray leave-in or light creme. Treat your curls to a deep conditioning treatment once a week.
Type 3 Curls
Leave your daily conditioner in your hair an extra 5-8 minutes while you shower. Apply a leave-in conditioner, or leave your daily conditioner in your hair. Deep condition 1-2 times per week, depending on your exposure to the elements and curl type.
Type 4 Coils
Leave your daily conditioner on an extra 5-10 minutes in the shower. Apply a heavy-handed amount of leave-in conditioner afterwards (cremes work best”> and use a deep conditioner treatment twice a week.
2. Ban Brushes & Combs
While styling, these products are a no-no. In your shower, however, all curl types can use a wide-tooth comb to go through their curls for detangling purposes.
Type 3 and Type 4
Comb through with conditioner applied to the hair, and keep it sopping wet.
3. Lock It In
After your leave-in, it’s time to lock in the curl pattern. Keep hair as wet as possible and create 3-5 sections (depending on hair length”> to apply curling gels or cremes.
Type 2 Waves
Apply a non-alcohol based curling spray gel to your curls or waves.
Type 3 Curls
Apply a non-alcohol based curl gel. Be generous, and keep your hair wet. If you need to, keep a water bottle handy and mist your curls as you apply the gel to any drying areas.
Type 4 Coils
Apply a curl creme or gel generously and finger twist curls into place as you apply.
4. Pay Attention to Your Ends
The ends and tips of our hair can be especially exposed during winter months. Make sure they receive extra moisturizing when you shower and style.
Type 2 Waves
Apply conditioner to the ends of your hair in the shower and leave on for 3-5 more minutes.
Type 3 Curls
Apply extra conditioner , or a deep conditioning treatment to ends for a few extra minutes while showering.
Type 4 Coils
Apply deep conditioner or shea butter to ends of your curls while showering and don’t rinse out all of the treatment.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHINESTRUCK
5. If You MUST Dry Your Hair…
For all hair types, it’s best to stay away from blow-drying and heat tools. However, if you absolutely have to use them make sure to cut down on drying time and use them as little as possible. When you do dry your curls, make sure you use:
Type 2 Waves
A paper towel or cotton t-shirt.
Type 3 Curls and Type 4 Coils
Micro fiber towel or old pillowcase. You need something smooth and absorbent that won’t cause frizz. Steer clear of terry cloth and textured towels.
Be sure to blot and not rub your curls as you dry.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOVEAESTHETICS
6. Refresh Throughout the Day
All curls and waves can benefit from a mid-day and evening “spritz” of refreshing spray. You can find sprays in drug stores or even make your own. Here is a popular refreshening spray made with lavender essential oil that can be used on any curl type:
- Boil 2 quarts of water and simmer for one hour
- Remove from heat and add 5 drops of pure lavender essential oil, and stir.
- Allow it to cool and pour into spray bottles.
- Bring a mini-spray bottle in your purse or keep one at work. It’s a great way to freshen up your locks throughout the day.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEAFTV
7. Good Night
Sleep with a satin pillowcase.
All curls can benefit from this as curls and waves won’t dry so quickly, as they would with a cotton case. You may opt for to wrap your curls in a silk or satin bonnet or scarf instead.
Either way, curls will be more defined and less frizzy.
8. Cover Up
While venturing into the great outdoors, and the dry, cold elements, be sure to cover your curls with a crocheted hat or loose scarf.
Don’t allow curls to be “pressed” down onto your scalp. Attempt to pile curls up and not flatten them.
MORE: Stop Winter Hat Head, Once & For All
We all have an at-home hair color horror story.
There was the time I tried to go a pretty shade of caramel but ended up a strange shade of brass. When I tried to cover up my mistake with dark brown I inadvertently ended up with Marilyn Manson-black hair. Take my word for it, at-home coloring can be a tricky business.
But at-home hair coloring just got a little bit easier.
Color at Home with Madison Reed
Up until now we’ve had two choices: take a risk with box dye, or pay the steep price for salon quality color.
As a consumer, you have to wonder why there aren’t better options out there? Amy Errett did.
“We stood in over 60 women’s bathrooms, watching them color their hair at home with a variety of different products. We took a look at what was the current state of the products out there and the various challenges these women had.”
With that insight Amy set out to transform the at-home hair color experience in Madison Reed, from the way you buy the product – online, delivered straight to your door – all the way to after-care products which contain keratin, ginseng root and argan oil.
What’s the difference between at-home hair color and the salon?
You probably know that your natural hair is not all one shade, so that one-dimensional color (ie my Marilyn Manson hair”> is one of the telltale signs of an at-home dye job.
“When you go to a salon, you trust that they know what they’re doing and they mix a number of colors together for you,” Amy explains, “so what we’ve done is translate that methodology into our multi tonal colors.”
That one color solution is usually the biggest difference between what you get at a salon and what you can achieve at home.
Will it harm my curls?
Our curly community is a well-informed, ingredient label-reading group of women. So we asked Amy about the ingredients they put in Madison Reed color and more importantly, what they left out.
“We’re free of ammonia, resorcinol, and parabens. In over half our shades there is no PPD, and the rest of them will be totally PPD free this year. I don’t believe anyone else has that combination.”
Low chemical profile? Check. Reparative nutrients? Check.
You’ll notice the difference straight away, “it’s subtle but once you’ve experienced it it’s real: because there’s no ammonia there’s not that ‘open your window’ kind of chemical smell.”
Top tip for salon color at home?
It’s all in how you apply it.
Amy says that “many people when they color their hair color it the exact same way, they saturate their hair with color from the roots to the ends,” ok, we admit to being guilty of this too.
Your application will depend on whether you’re coloring your hair for the first time, or if you already had colored hair.
“On the second time what we tell you is to color your roots first, wait 15 minutes, and then color the rest of your hair, pulling it from mid length down.”
“If you keep on coloring the parts that have color you will have bands and it will look super saturated in places and not saturated in others.” Why didn’t anyone tell us this before!
You can have Madison Reed determine a match for your current hair color, or help you identify a new color you’ve seen in a photo or magazine with the help of their online, professional colorists. And once you’ve picked your perfect shade? They’ll deliver it to your door for $29.95 including shipping.
Had I known about multi-tonal colors and the danger of oversaturation I would have avoided many a bad dye job. So we’re happy to welcome a new face to the at-home color scene!
This post is sponsored by Madison Reed
Not only will this styling technique result in a good hair day, but stretching your curls allows them to hold moisture for longer amounts of time too.
The following routine can be used by curl types from looser Type 2A waves to tighter Type 3B ringlets – just switch up the products to suit your exact hair type.
The effort you put in during styling will be well worth your time spent for days to come!
Step 1
Comb through your wet hair in the shower and apply product to it while in the shower.
Add a product that emulsifies hair like a pudding or creme/lotion.
We like:
- Miss Jessies Curly Pudding
- Curl Junkie Curl Assurance
- AG Cosmetics The Oil Extra Virgin Argan Miracle
- Curly Hair Solutions Extenzz
Use a little more than you normally would to wet hair. Try not to “mess” hair too much when applying the product – keep it as “flat” to your scalp as possible.
Step 2
Divide your wet hair (with product”> into sections and begin to twist each section from top to ends.
At the end of each section (make them smaller for shorter hair and larger for longer hair”>, add a duckbill clip. If the clips don’t stay, try a smooth elastic to wrap at the end of each section instead.
Step 3
Allow your sections to air dry, or use a diffuser if you have less time.
Optional:If you choose not to use the clips, try diffusing your hair just a little (15-20%”> then tying it back in a short ponytail or bun. You can sleep with your hair tied up, if you need to, then let it down in the morning to find looser curls and waves.
Step 4
When your hair is dry , release the clips or bands from each section and gently shake each section with your hands/fingers. Style as usual. You’ll find you’ll have smoother, looser curls that you can wear for 2-3 days.
Optional: You can opt to add a light hair spray or pomade for added shine , or an extra day, when wearing your curls a bit looser.
We like:- Oyin Sugar Berries Pomade
- Curls Unleashed Second Chance Curl Refresher
- Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Blossom Moisture Mist
MORE: DIY Spray Mist for Second-Day Curls
PHOTO CREDIT: Type 2C Blogger, NOELLES FAVORITE THINGS
For many curly haired women, you wash your hair, you dutifully go through each step of your styling routine, and then, if you’re lucky, you have a good curly hair day.
Day two and day three aren’t quite so easy.
You have less control, your curls may have flattened overnight when you slept on them or you may have developed a halo of frizz throughout the day.
What’s a curly girl to do? Refresh her curls, that’s what. We’re lucky to have plenty of choice among hair product lines formulated just for us now (5 years ago that wasn’t the case!”> but if you prefer to go au naturale, we have just the recipe for you.
This do-it-yourself mixture will revive your curls, as well as providing the healing benefits of essential oils.
What You’ll Need
- water
- jojoba oil
- tea tree oil
- lavender essential oil
- peppermint essential oil
Directions
- Mix 1/2 cup of water 1/4 teaspoon jojoba oil, two drops of tea tree oil, and one drop each of lavender and peppermint essential oils.
- Shake to combine (you’ll have to re-shake it before each use, because the jojoba oil tends to float”>.
- Mist all over your hair.
Learn more curly recipes like this one on our Curly Mixology page.
