Search Results: NaturallyCurly
Make Your Own Styler
NaturallyCurly community member musica_al uses this recipe to condition and enhance her curls. She uses this all-in-one spray to refresh and revive her mid-day curls. As with all recipes, it’s best to experiment and find out what works for you. For example “in hot weather you can leave out oil and add a bit of honey and/or aloe.”
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 Tbsp conditioner
- 2 tsp salt (epsom works well”>
- 1 Tbsp oil (olive, jojoba, or your favorite”>
- 1/3 cup gel
Directions
- Put all ingredients in a spray bottle, shake well, and refrigerate.
- Spray on wet hair to style or dry hair to refresh or revive hair mid-day.
If you try this recipe out for yourself, be sure to leave a reviewand let other curlies know how it worked for you.
WATCH: DIY Olive Oil Deep ConditionerFor more curly mixology recipes, or to share your own favorite at-home treatments, go to our Recipes section.
Did you ever go around the table on Thanksgiving day and share what you were most thankful for? A variation of that conversation happens in the NaturallyCurly kitchen most days of the week, except we like to dish about products, naturally.
These are the products that changed our lives, made high school easier to bear, and saved us in curly crises.
Products We’re Thankful For
Priscilla
Type 4C
Michelle
Type 3B
I am most thankful for John Paul Mitchell Fast Form.
It is one of the Holy Grail products that I can depend on – winter or summer – to define my curls. I’m on the road a lot and have limited space in my suitcase, so it’s important to bring those products that can give me some predictability with my curls.
I’m not sure if it’s the fact it’s a cream gel or that they put some super magic ingredient into it, but this product gives me predicability – or at least as much predictability as I can get with my Type 3B curls.
Alli
Type 1C
- AG Beach Bomb and OYIN Boing! because they give my Type 1C (!”> waves more wave – GO CURL ENVY!!
- Curl Junkie Smoothing Lotion because my hair soaks it up and feels so soft and lovely – I could use this stuff all the time.
- Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner – again, makes my waves more wavy and my comb just slips through my hair!
- EDEN Bodyworks Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner – when my hair is dry and lifeless, this is my go to!
Devri
Type 3C
Ampro Olive Oil Gel is a definite life saver for my hair. If it’s frizzy or dry and I don’t have time to wash or condition, I just spritz on a little water and then the gel brings my curls back to life. It’s a MUST whenever I’m out of time but need a quick styling!
Nicole
Type 2B
I am most thankful for oil. I would have never thought oil would be something I’d use day in and day out, but it has done miracles to my hair for softness and frizz now that I wear it wavy more often than I straighten in. My favorite is AG The Oil, but I also really like Verb’s Ghost Oil and Amika’s Obliphica Oil Treatment.
Susonnah
Type 2B
Back in high school my CHI hair serum was a lifesaver. Whether I was wearing it straight or wavy (I mostly wore it straight”>, that serum was what held my strands together and made them shiny and frizz free.
Nowadays I have to thank my wide tooth comb and my DevaCurl towel. My waves would be a big poof ball if I didn’t have them.
Nikki
Type 3C
Jamie
Type 3B
This past year I have been most thankful for the L’Oreal EverCurl line! It really did wonders for my curls and brought them back to life! Before trying out the line, I had never used a co-wash and it had been ages since I had used a gel.
I am thankful that the lined opened my eyes to products that my hair was craving!
Crista
Type 1
I’m so thankful for the Ouidad Salon Selectives Scalp Treatment because it truly rejuvenates my hair when it’s feeling tired, over-washed (Type 1″> and boring.
Cristina
Type 2C
Finding Infusium 23’s Leave In Conditioner was the turning point for me and my curly hair. Up until that point I had worn my hair in frizzy ponytails all my life, but Infusium’s liquid formula worked really well to clump my curls without making them crunchy or weighing them down.
If you have curly hair you know good hair days can be elusive, but I can get them almost every time when I pour this all over my wet hair right out of the shower and let it air dry.
Since discovering Infusium 23 in high school, and obviously since working at NaturallyCurly, I’ve found many more products that my 2C waves love. Ouidad Texture Taffy is a standout for me. It has such a weird consistency but don’t be put off, it works miracles on wavy hair!
Lori
Type 2C
I am thankful for HAIR COLOR especially home based hair color as my time is precious dealing with twins and limited time.
But whether I do my own color or have it done at the Salon, my favorite part of having curly hair is being able to create different looks for winter or summer. Plus with curls, it helps give me a change or a makeover.
Evelyn
Type 4C
I’m thankful for Kinky Curly Knot Today. For me, it’s the best foundation for predictable, stress-free natural hair styling. It always has slip, it always moisturizes, and it always mixes well with whatever styler I’m using. We test a ton of products here at NaturallyCurly.com, so it’s nice to have at least one constant. The holiest of holy grails. ALL HAIL KNOT TODAY!
Caring for little ones with curls can be quite a chore!
Their highly active play habits combined with their natural curls and kinks can make for some big tangles, at times. Luckily, with the right tools and know-how, these tangled situations can be easy to avoid, and easy to repair.
4 Tear-Free Detangling Tips
Get The Right The Tools
Have a detangler on hand for your little curly ones.
There are lots of them out there, and finding something that nourishes your child’s hair as it repairs is important. Some leave-in conditioners can also be used as detanglers for your child.
A Few to Try
- Mixed Chicks kids Tangle Tamer
- Original Sprout Miracle Detangler
- It’s a Curl! Ring Around the Curlies Leave-In
- Also have a wide-tooth comb at home so you can get the knots and tangles out. Wide-tooth combs help with tangles, and a lot less tears. It’s a good idea to keep one in your tub as part of your child’s night time hair cleaning routine too.
Tackle Tangles Right Away
Use the detangler on your child’s hair when dry, and wet.
If your child arrives home from school or a play date with tangles and knots, use the detangler and some gentle motions of the wide-tooth comb to get the knots out while the hair is dry.
Don’t wait until it’s bath time to work out the knots, they may only get worse as the afternoon and evening progress. Tackle tangles right away. If your child wants to help, let them know what you’re doing and how.
Stand in front of a mirror, if possible, and show them how you are helping care for their curls. Kids love to exercise their independence, why not teach them the tricks of the trade too?
Routines Are Important
Once emergency tangles and knots are dealt with make sure part of your night time hair care routine for your kids is helping prevent tangles too.
- Shampoo hair by working hands through the curls and avoid building up a big lather.
- Use your fingers like a comb to shampoo and condition.
- Use your wide-tooth comb to distribute product and comb through hair when your child is done.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner to help prevent tangles and knots.
For thicker curly kids, leave-in conditioners such as Kinky Curly Tiny Twists or Blended Cutie Soft Curls and Swirls can be a key step in keeping little curls looking their best and may help avoid the possible “poof” effect too.
For little curls with finer strands, a light leave-in (even a combo of water and some conditioner”> can be helpful in avoiding tangled and poofy curls.
Remind your little ones not to run their fingers through their hair too much either (well, if it’s possible…”>. Let them know that fingers in the hair could lead to more comb and bath time and less play time or time with friends.
Sleep Tight
At night, for kids more prone to tangles, you may want to put your child’s curls in a loose pony tail or even braid them.
If your child is active during the day, and still gets lots of tangles, braids and pony tails can be good for those times too. Again, show your child how to make a quick pony-tail, or even a braid, so they can be a part of the process too.
Remember, you’re teaching them skills that, one day, they’ll be able to do all by themselves!
NaturallyCurly user CurlyConundrum shared her recipe for a DIY pre-poo, and it’s so simple we can’t believe we didn’t think of it ourselves! With just two ingredients, you can “deliver a blast of moisture to your scalp and hair.” She finds that it helps to detangle curls, while protecting hair from being stripped of its natural oils.
What You’ll Need
- coconut oil 1 – 2 tbsp (olive oil works too”>
- peppermint oil 5 – 10 drops
Directions
Thirty minutes prior to showering, wet your hands with the mixture and rub it into your scalp and hair from roots to end. You can also leave it on overnight for a conditioning treatment.
If you try this recipe out for yourself, be sure to leave a review and let other curlies know how it worked for you.
WATCH: DIY Olive Oil Deep Conditioner
NaturallyCurly : Please introduce yourself!
Sarah Odon: My name is Sarah. I am 23 years old, and I am from Reunion Island which is a small French island near Madagascar. I have been traveling a lot for the past few years and I am currently working in Dubai!
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
SO: I actually had my hair straight for 3 years doing all sort of permanent treatments such as the Japanese straightening and the Brazilian blowout. Needless to say that these treatments are expensive on the long term and hard to keep up with. So in 2012 I decided to go natural, I cut the remaining straight ends (about 5 inches!!”> and tried to “embrace” my curls even though I truly wanted to go back to straight sometimes.
NC: What’s your current routine?
SO: My routine remains the same but the products change very often as I love to try new products. I usually wash my hair once to twice a week (the night prior I would apply pure coconut oil to all over my hair and sleep with it”>.
I dry it with a synthetic towel. If you want to reduce frizz invest in a synthetic towel, your hair will thank you and surprisingly it’s very affordable.
After that I detangle with a wide comb brush (but if I am feeling lazy I would use a normal brush”> and then it usually goes in this order:
1. Cream or leave-in : because I put a good quantity of leave-in I always look for products that have good quality/price ratio. The ones I found good are:
- Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-in
- One ‘n Only Argan Oil Curl Cream
- Curls Goddess Curl Gel
2. Mousse : I put a small quantity of mousse because it usually contains alcohol and can really dry your hair, but I find that it can also give a nice definition to the curl when you “crunch” it to your hair.
3. Serum: the final touch that makes all the difference in my opinion. The serum will leave my hair shiny and with no frizz (which I hate so much by the way!”>. One or two pumps and you are good to go!
After that I let it air dry, I never never never use a blow dryer and even in winter (call me crazy!”> I also used to let it air dry.
NC: From start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
SO: On a working day my job requires that I tie back my hair in low bun so I don’t have to worry about 2nd nor 3rd hair day. Otherwise I just co-wash my hair with conditioner and repeat the routine above.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear?
SO: High buns definitely ! it’s so easy to make and very versatile. Messy for a beach day, very high for a sweaty work out at the gym or a clean version for a diner out. In warm countries such as here in Dubai, it’s very convenient as temperatures can reach the 110 degrees.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
SO: I could survive without all the products I have been using, but without a leave-in conditioner it would be very difficult!
NC: What about your hair stylist?
SO: As I travel often I’ve never had a fix hairdresser that I go all the time to. Actually I only go to hairdressers 2 or 3 times a year for trimming my hair or for a blow dry when I have a special event.
As I don’t do anything complicated to my hair I always try to look for school hairdresser in the city I am in, that’s my tip for girls on budget!
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
SO: I used to do the pineapple routine but I think my hair is too long for that now so I just sleep with a very high bun or braid it. My next purchase will be a satin pillow case to keep the hair frizz free.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
SO: Only positive! Most of the people like my hair curly rather than straight. They think it suits my personality and my mixed origins better. So my change was very well accepted and encouraged. It’s great to receive compliments because every time I am thinking of going back to straight I try to remember all the positive comments I received.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
SO: I think having a big curly head makes me stand out more and people tend to remember me more easily. Now that I think of it, I realize that I have almost never received a compliment about my hair when it was straight and now that it’s curly there is always someone asking whether it is my natural hair or telling me how they love it!
NC: How do you think having curly hair has impacted your everyday life?
SO: I used to not like my curly hair at all but I think that when trying to embrace it and live with it, and you receive positive feedback, it makes you realize that sometimes you put yourself down for nothing. It actually gave me back a bit of self confidence and taught me to turn a challenge into an advantage. And this can be applied to everything about us, not only hair !
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
SO: I might not be the right person to speak about embracing your curls because it took me a while to do so, but what worked for me was to find a good routine that my hair responded well too and as I said before, I always kept in the back of my mind all the positive comments that I received from people (especially strangers because they have no reason to lie to me”> and tell myself that my curls are not that bad and somewhere in the world, some people wish they had it.
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects.
SO: In terms of hairstyle, I would like to go for a lighter color such as caramel or golden brown, maybe even highlights but I am fearing the dye damage so maybe I would wait a little bit before that.
NC: Where can we find you on the web?
SO: You can follow me on Instagram, there is not much hair picture but from time to time you can sneak peak on how my hair is doing! Sarah97435
Kala, or KG, is the Editor and Chief of TheKGLifestyle.com. She’s from San Diego, but now resides in Detroit, MI and she LOVES sharing her story to inspire and encourage women to embrace themselves and their natural hair. You may recognize her as a regular contributor here on NaturallyCurly, and the winner of our Fashion Week contest where she won a trip to NYC!
1. How long have you been natural?
My last relaxer was applied 12 years ago. I transitioned without knowing it because I flat ironed my hair constantly. I started transitioning from heat damage in 2009 and cut the remainder of my damage off last year (2012″>.
2. What’s your daily hair routine?
I wash my hair once a week into a wash n go (most times”>. I also try to deep condition every week, especially in the dry winter months. I fluff my wash n go in the mornings and rock it out each and every week!
3. What are your favorite products?
I absolutely love Ouidad’s Climate Control Gel right now. Also a fan of pretty much anything Shea Moisture makes and obsessed with TGIN’s Honey Miracle Hair Mask. You can check out my other favorites here.
4. What’s your nighttime routine?
I moisturize by patting a thick creamy water based leave-in onto my wash n go/fro and seal with coconut oil. I pineapple my hair and sleep on a satin pillowcase. 5 minute night-time routine tops!
5. How did you get your hair color, how do you maintain it?
I applied the color in my hair myself using the Shea Moisture Hair Color System in Dark Golden Blonde. I don’t touch up my roots because I like the “ombre type” look. I definitely deep condition more now than I did before I used color. I also don’t go a night without moisturizing my hair. Moisture is SO important for color treated hair!
6. Do you ever get tired of curly hair?
Girl yes, there are times I just put my hair in a bun every day of the week. I also, get frustrated with shedding (even though it’s natural”> and detangling. But I appreciate those good hair days. I wouldn’t trade my curly hair for anything because I love the versatility.
7. When did you start blogging?
I started blogging originally to document my experience in Sudan teaching English for a year. Eventually I started blogging about my hair journey, fashion and anything else I decided to write about that interested me. My hardest obstacle in blogging has been consistency. Keeping myself accountable with a calendar has really helped!
8. How did you become a successful blogger?
I started vlogging about my hair journey as well and some of my videos got really popular. The more followers I had the more views and hits I received. I also made sure to develop positive relationships with brands and as they shared my content my channel grew.
9. What do you like most about blogging?
I love how connected I feel when I post. I get an immediate response from my viewers. They don’t hold back on the feedback and are so positive about what I’ve posted. It makes my day when I hear that something I posted made a positive impact on someone’s life. It’s the best feeling in the world! Plus, I get to dress up and get glamed up! What more could a girly girl ask for?
10. What do you want to do beyond YouTube or your blog?
I absolutely love thrifted fashions so I’m working on an online vintage store called TheLastFind.com. I also am developing a non-profit organization with an international emphasis; a life-long dream of mine.
11. Do you have any advice for new natural hair bloggers?
Don’t be so hard on yourself! Just be you. People are attracted to authenticity and it’s okay to share things about yourself that you might initially think are boring. Believe me someone out there can relate. The beauty is that we live in an age now where you can actually connect with that person! Have fun!
You can find Kala on her blog TheKGLifestyle and her YouTube channel. And connect with Kala on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!
Refresh Your Curls
Do you style your hair upside down? Or cocktail your cream with your serum?
Every curly journey is one of trial and error, but when you finally find the routine that works for you it’s magic. It’s not just about the products that you use, but also the way you apply them. In this video Jamie shares her secret to second day curls.
You can see how shapeless they were looking on day two, but with a few quick steps she transformed her curls and was ready to start the day.
- Step 1: Mix one pump of curl cream with two pumps of shine serum, like Luster’s Smoothing & Defrizzing Creme and Define & Shine Serum
- Step 2: Apply evenly throughout your hair
- Step 3: Spritz with water to encourage curls to form
- Step 4: Flip your head forward and scrunch the curls for added volume
- Step 5: Twist any loose or unformed curls using your fingers
- Step 6: Finish with a defining spray like Luster’s Curl Moisturizing & Defining Spray
Then style as usual! Jamie likes to twist her hair up and out of her face with bobby pins.
Watch the Video
Coconite Cassia Bars
Shampoo can sometimes be a dirty word in the curly hair community. The mere mention of it can stir up negative emotions in the minds of many curlies. But this DIY hair mask may be the antidote to your hair cleansing woes. It’s cute, it’s natural, and it’s oh so healthy! What more could a girl ask for?
This recipe comes to us from NaturallyCurly community member Lola Zabeth. Thank you Lola for your informative ingredients list and your detailed directions!
If you try this recipe out at home, be sure to review it for other curlies to learn from your experience here.
What You’ll Need
- 5 oz bentonite clay powder; draws out toxins, dirt, product build-up, and improves combability, defines curls
- 2 oz unrefined melted cocoa butter; hydrating and high in vitamin E with emollient (smoothing”> properties
- 2 oz extra virgin olive oil; penetrates the strands increasing strength and elasticity
- 1 oz pure cocoa powder; antioxidants protect against free radicals
- 2 tbs cassia obovata; conditions scalp and thickens the strands
- 1/2 cup hot coconut water
Directions
- Melt cocoa butter using a double boiler, or improvised double boiler method
- Pour melted cocoa butter into bowl (non-metallic”>, and combine with remaining ingredients
- Mix thoroughly with a spoon (non-metallic”>
- Pour mixture into tart or dessert mold (non-metallic”>
- Place in freezer to set for 2 hours
To Apply
- Place bars in a heat resistant bowl (non-metallic”>
- Add 1/2 cup hot coconut water
- Let the bars sit for 5 minutes, then mash with a spoon (non-metallic”>
- Mix for even consistency
- Once mixture is cool, apply to dry hair and scalp and leave on for 30 minutes (plastic gloves will make the process less messy”>
- Rinse well and moisturize generously
For more curly mixology recipes, or to share your own favorite at-home treatments, go to our Recipes section.
Throughout the year we remind ourselves of the many things for which we are grateful. For example, the support of our tight knit curly community! Then there are the products that have altered our curly hair journeys for the better. Those desert island products for which we are eternally grateful.
Here are the top eight curly and wavy hair products we found most curlies to be most grateful for year-round:
8 Curly Stylers For Which We Are Eternally Grateful
1. Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel
Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel, $18. This “no flake, no mess” gel has an amazing, natural scent to it and leaves curls smooth and shiny. It’s “no frizz” promise is sure to please all curlies. Best of all, it’s a great year round product too!
2. TRESemme’ Curl Defining Spray Gel
TRESemme’ Curl Defining Spray Gel gives lots of what it promises – definition. Its light spray allows curls to keep their shape and hold all day too. For under $5 this product is a definite “grateful must- have.”
3. Biosilk Glazing Gel
Biosilk Glazing Gel, $14.50, is gentle for most curl-types, doesn’t let hair down and doesn’t build up. It keeps hair soft , defines curls and adds definition. This light gel is a great product to layer with other products, or use alone.
4. Pantene Curly Hairspray
Pantene Curly Hairspray in Satin Hold doesn’t leave hair sticky or crunchy. Its pleasant scent and affordable $4.00 price tag are perfect for just about any curl/wave type.
5. Samy Big Curls Creme
Samy Big Curls Creme, $5.00, is a citrus scented , light weight creme that works to hydrate and lift as well as define. It tames the frizzies and can even be used with other products, but does wonders on its own too.
6. Tigi Catwalk Curlesque Curls Rock Amplifier
Tigi Catwalk Curlesque Curls Rock Amplifier, $17.00, is a creamy lotion that truly gets curls into shape. A little goes a long way. Paired with a leave-in conditioner, this product is one many curlies are grateful for year-round.
7. Kinky Curly Curling Custard
Kinky Curly Curling Custard, $17, another “Holy Grail” staple for many curlies and all-around outstanding product. Its natural ingredients allow hair to remain smooth and shiny while also “clumping” hair into beautiful ringlets.
8. Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, $10.00, is a rich, creamy nourishing leave in for curlies. This product can be paired with a light weight gel, or used alone. Curls are left natural looking, but soft, and smelling great. The aloe, vitamin E and coconut oil keep curls well nourished all day – and we are very grateful for that!
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Wolfgang Lisborg: Good morning and afternoon to everyone my name is Wolfgang Lisborg. I’m from Denmark, Europe 21 a fashion/portrait photographer who loves natural hair. Some goals of mine are to become a natural hair model and be a voice for the males since not many guys speak on natural hair.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
WL: Back when I use to live with my aunt, I always thought about growing out my hair. My aunt is a hairstylist and whenever my hair would seem to grow to a somewhat fro, she would always have the barber in the salon cut my hair. Now, every one of her clients would always say “your nephew has such good hair.” I never really understood what they meant but, it had me wanting to grow my hair out more. Moving to North Carolina I lived with my uncle, now he was more generous on the hair journey I was attempting to have. His only issue was if it look out of order it was getting cut off ASAP. Trying countless things with gel I realized it made my hair to flaky. I later moved in with my father up in Brockton, Massachusetts. School up there was very interesting because, it seemed the more hair a guy had the more respect they had. Already having a somewhat good amount of hair it gave me more of a drive to continue growing it out. As the school year went along I soon began to really embrace my hair a lot because, it showed off my character which many people seemed to enjoy. Making it an even more cool to have hair since they accepted quite well.
NC: What’s your current routine?
WL: Honestly, I’m doing a moisturizing phase where I’m just washing it adding coconut oil for shine/moisture.
My process for this crazy mane is actually quite simple. Since my hair acts thirsty beyond belief I’ve begun using “Cococare Coconut Oil” for moisture. With all this hair I primarily use a great deal of conditioner and brush through it with a vent brush. Brushing it backwards I put it in a ponytail(to me bunnytail”>. If I happen to decide to go for a blowout look I’ll do a method I’ve recently started doing, it’s called the “banding method”. After, my hair is in a ponytail(bunnytail”> I continue to brush it and band it a half an inch until it reaches the end. When it’s completely dry I then take off my bands and now my hair has a blowout look without receiving heat damage.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
WL: Hairstyles that are my absolute favorite are: French Braids, Stretched out hair, Wet curls, and tight two strand twists.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
WL: Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Conditioner, Garnier Fructis Leave-In-Conditioner, Vidal Sassoon Shampoo/Conditioner, Vidal Sassoon Combing Creme this is by far the sweetest thing you could put in your hair when it’s wet, Tresemme Shampoo/Conditioner, Coconut Oil, a vent brush, and a bunch of thick hair bands.
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
WL: Before going to sleep after taking a shower I’ll brush my hair back and leave it in a ponytail or band it up. When doing so, I’ll sometimes have a wave on for waves or just use my African scarf and a bandanna for my hair for not to frizz up. And sometimes if I feel that I’m pulling my hair back to much I just allow my hair to stay out.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
WL: It wasn’t too much of a reaction of being natural really, it was the texture of my hair that shocked everyone and myself. Apparently, I have a sleek type hair with an extremely tight spiral curl pattern that surprised everyone. I myself didn’t know I had sleek hair until I got it flat ironed correctly two weeks ago.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
WL: That’s a funny question, the best thing about being a curly fry to me is it shows off character from within the person. Because, having a big curly fur ball on your head brings confidence to the person. The bigger the hair the harder they stare you know.
NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?
WL: Having curly hair has definitely impacted my life very hard. It’s more than just hair to me honestly, it’s more of an extension of my culture. From back in the racial times having natural hair was looked at as a low-class type look. And, people would submit to the society and alter themselves forgetting their culture and beauty within themselves as an individual. That’s why whenever I wear my hair out I do it proudly because, natural hair isn’t a trend it’s who you are and your growth as in individual.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
WL: To anyone whose trying to grow your hair out, don’t do it because your friend may look awesome with it. When going natural make it your journey not a journey to be like someone else. Because, everyone has a different character and I’m pretty sure your character will work well with your hair. In addition to all of that you represent a culture that has a unique beauty don’t waste it embrace it.
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
WL: So far I’m part of this African Student Union project for African Night at UNCG November 9th, on top of that a friend of mine doing a short film on African tribal culture that he has me helping him out with at UNCG as well. A major project I want to accomplish is to be natural hair model by getting my hair on every major natural hair blog and Instagrams.
Want to see more photos of Wolfgang? You can find him on Instagram
Zoie’s Detangling Routine
Detangling natural hair is not always fun.
Not only is detangling a difficult process all on its own, but add an active child into the mix and you’ve got your hands full.
So the right products and routine can make a world of difference for both you and your kiddos. Follow this family on wash day as Zoie goes from bath time to styling without shedding a tear.
How does Mom do it? What advice does she have for other mothers? And will the Just For Me Hair Milk products pass the #5fingertest?
Watch the Video
Hate Flaxseed Gel? Try this
Years of curly expertise have taught us that there is no universal curly hair product. What works for your Type 3c, fine, porous hair won’t necessarily work for the next Type 3c, fine, porous curly girl.
There are so many factors that make your curls unique! So while many curlies wax poetic about the wonders of flaxseed gel, it just doesn’t work for others.
When NaturallyCurly user madalemon read The Curly Girl Handbook she decided to give flaxseed gel a try, but she didn’t like the look or feel that it gave to her hair.
“I experimented and came up with this styling cream. It leaves my hair shiny, soft, defined, and frizz free. I love it! It also doesnt expire like flax seed gel, which is great! This makes a rather small batch, about 1/2 to 1 cup.” Thank you madalemon for your recipe!
MORE: Flaxseed Gel vs. Aloe Vera Gel
What You’ll Need:
- 6 tbsp of your favorite moisturizing conditioner
- 12 tbsp aloe vera gel
- 2 pinches cinnamon
- 1/2 tea spoon of your favorite oil (I used EVOO”>
- 2 tea spoons blue agave nectar
- Your favorite essential oils (I used tea tree and jasmine”>
Directions
Mix all ingredients until the consistency is lighter than a gel but slightly thicker than your average styling cream. Store in a jar or tub for later use.
About the Ingredients:
- Conditioner adds moisture and works as a nice base for the product
- Aloe vera gel seals moisture, adds hold, defines, strengthens damaged hair and fights frizz
- Cinnamon prevents breakage, reduces fallout, adds a pleasant scent
- Essential oils moisturize and strengthen hair
- Agave nectar adds light hold, prevents frizz, moisturizes, strengthens and adds shine
For more curly mixology recipes, or to share your own favorite at-home treatments, go to our Recipes section.
Braided Bun Tutorial
We know you love fishtail braids and sock buns (it only takes a second on Pinterest to confirm this”> so we’re pretty confident that you’re going to love this braid bun blend. Now this look may be modeled on shiny straight hair, but we personally think this style would look even more whimsical on curly hair with a few loose tendrils and ringlets. Plus, curls make for full, textured braids that actually stay in place!
Mario Russo, owner & lead stylist of Salon Mario Russo in Boston shared his step-by-step instructions for this new look on your curly locks.
Begin by detangling wet hair using a wide-tooth comb, then air dry for as long as possible. To save time and cut down on frizz, blow dry hair with a diffuser attachment.
Step 1
Part hair slightly off to the side and begin to French braid the hair starting from the temple of the side with less hair. Continue to braid hair all the way around your head until you reach the spot just beneath the ear on the other side. Once you have reached this point, tie the end of the braid with a clear elastic.
Step 2
Take the side of the hair that has not yet been braided, and form a loose twist over the ear. This is the ear that’s opposite the side of the head where you started your braid.
Step 3
Begin to twist the loose curls and the end of the braid around each other to form a very loose side bun. Secure with bobby pins.
Step 4
The look should be very whimsical and loosely secured. Fasten your bun with bobby pins and finish with shine hairspray like MoroccanOil Luminous Hairspray.
The finished look
We’re filing this one away for holiday party inspiration…
If you try this look out yourself, be sure to tag us @NaturallyCurly on Instagram so we can see and share it!
Every Halloween as I search for a costume, I always feel the need to straighten my hair or buy a wig in order for my costume to be a success. That, or I have to be Donna Summer, a bush or my grandmother’s wool ball. After all, a curly vampire is not something you come across every day. This year, I asked myself WHY?
MORE: 10 Curly Costume Ideas
Happy Hafroween
Transform Your Favorite Conditioner
Ever get the feeling that despite all of the store bought products out there, you can do better? We get you, and Curly Mixology is the answer. You can transform your favorite conditioner with two ingredients in what has come to be known in the curly community as SMT (Snowymoon’s Moisture Treatment”>. Snowymoon is a member of The Long Hair Community who submitted her favorite recipe and curlies have been using it ever since.
What You’ll Need:
- 4 parts conditioner (Snowymoon likes VO5-Sun Kissed Raspberry”>
- 1 part honey
- 1 part clear aloe vera gel (such as Fruit of the Earth“>
- optional oil (such as coconut”>
Directions:
- Mix all of the ingredients
- Heat in microwave for 10-15 seconds (just to warm”>
- Mix the ingredients again
- Apply to clean, wet hair in sections
- Leave on for 60 minutes with a shower cap on
What Curlies Say:
“I finger detangled each section–no comb. Detangling was a breeze! … As I rinsed it from my hair the next morning, I could see that my hair was plump and moisturized. I also noted that the treatment had absorbed well overnight.” – What the Kink
“I added about a teaspoon of coconut oil (optional”> … This has worked wonders for my hair and I already have all the ingredients at home! I also like to use Lustrasilk shea/mango cholesterol too. HTH.” – curlykey, Type 3b
“I helped it dry a little by lightly diffusing (mostly because I was afraid of having oil still in my hair”> and, boy, was I surprised to see my curls completely revitalized! They are soft, shiny and bouncy! This recipe is definitely a hit for me and I hope someone else will have similar results!” – cheeks1206, Type 3a
For more curly mixology recipes, or to share your own favorite at-home treatments, go to our Recipes section.
Curly Bridal Inspiration
The Look
It’s so rare to find curly hair inspiration on the runway, so we were thrilled when we spotted Badgley Mischka’s Bridal collection for 2014. As always, Badgley Mischka Bride was inspired by the classic femme fatales of Hollywood — Bette, Joan, Rita, Ava, Grace — but fused with the nonchalance and ease of the French Riviera in the 1930’s.
While the models may not be naturally curly, but we still love seeing glamorous curly styles in the mainstream.
The Inspiration
Celebrity and runway stylist Felix Fischer for Moroccanoil created innovative bridal looks influenced by 70’s textures and the angular bob shapes of the 20’s.
If you’re loving this mashup, be sure to bring a photo in to your hairstylist because we’re not sure “70’s texture in a 20’s bob” would do the trick!
The Cut
The beautifully romantic looks emphasized small, volumized curls made modern by strong angles and lines of precision bobs. Cut shorter and higher in back, longer and on sides and top, the looks featured deep asymmetrical side part.
How to Get it
Fischer used a 7/8” curling iron, “starting on the side part, and created small curls. I staggered and overlapped each alternate row and pinned them.” However, if you were blessed with curls you can skip this step altogether! It pays to be curly.
Last Touches
If you’re looking for that gorgeous volume, then we give you permission (just this once”> to very gently brush your hair out. Fischer used a Moroccanoil Classic Boar Bristle Brush for volume. The bristles “lift up the hair to make it airier and give it more height and volume.” To keep your hair from falling, set the look with an overall spray of hairspray like Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong. And for a little bit of added glamour, try misting Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray on top of the hair. That’s what helped to reflect the lights of the runway at the show.
Photos Courtesy Of Badgley Mischka Fall 2014 Bridal Presentation
Hair by Felix Fischer for Moroccanoil
Photos by David Webber for Moroccanoil
Honey Deep Conditioner
NaturallyCurly user curly-spirally uses this homemade deep conditioner to hydrate her curls. Our Curl Chemist Tonya McKay does not recommend using honey on your hair by itself, but one great way to obtain the beneficial properties of honey at home is “to combine honey with other oils, or to add just a small amount of it to your existing conditioner.”
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
- Mix honey with olive oil
- Heat in microwave oven to melt
- Apply to wet or dry hair
- Cover head with a very warm towel for 30 minutes
- Wash out with shampoo
What Curlies Say:
“I use this all the time and it works great! It is one of my staple conditioners.” – NaturalG, Type 4c
“This recipe is awesome! My curls look amazing! I added vitamin E to it too but that’s my only modification.” – Samanthabatoul, Type 3b
“Great recipe! Did this today and modified some things, instead of using 1 tablespoons of honey and olive oil I used 2 tablespoons just to make sure it got everywhere, massaged everywhere. I’d recommend using a very hot (not scorching hot”> towel and leave for a nice hour. And instead of just shampooing out, I mixed my coconut-hibiscus Shea moisture shampoo and conditioner together and then conditioned again. Left my hair awesome and soft, not to mention it’s so easy to do. Give 4 out of 5 stars.” – smithnant Type 3b
Do your curls love honey? Then you might like these 6 Honey Hair Treatments!
Have you tried this recipe before? Let us know if it worked for you.For more curly mixology recipes, or to share your own favorite at-home treatments, go to our Recipes section.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!Vrushali Patil: My name is Vrushali. I am 23 years old and a pilot by profession. I completed my flight training in Sydney, Australia and did my schooling in India, Mumbai. I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation. My hobbies are painting and craft work.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
VP: I had a chemical relaxing treatment done in the year 2008, which permanently straightened my hair. Because of the harmful chemicals that were used, I started facing problems like hair loss, scalp itching, and dandruff. I decided that it was the first and last time I would try the treatment on my hair. One and a half year later, I got my beautiful curls back and I haven’t straightened them since. I love my curls, I feel confident, and I appreciate this natural gift more than I ever did before.
NC: What’s your current routine?
VP: I don’t have any specific preference of product for my hair. I keep switching between Dove, L’Oreal and Garnier. My hair care routine consist of mostly natural products. I oil my hair after every 2 days and I consume 5-6 almonds, 4-5 dates, sometimes beetroot, and fruits like oranges, all of which are good for skin and hair quality.
NC: From start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
VP: I oil my hair every 2nd or 3rd day in the morning two hours before washing my hair. I have started using olive oil, sweet almond oil and castor oil and I can definitely feel the difference (you can also add coconut oil to reduce the viscosity”>. I take 2 teaspoons of each oil, mix them well and gently apply the mixture to my scalp. Then I apply the oil from my roots the ends of my hair. Two hours later, I shampoo and condition my hair. I squeeze the excess water from my hair after rinsing and while my hair is still damp, I apply Kerastase Nutritive Oleo Curl, a curl definition cream for thick and curly hair. It give my curls a nice bouncy look and leaves my hair soft for the rest of the day. I let my hair air dry.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear?
VP: I love to put all my hair on one side to give a more voluminous and bouncy look. And if I am traveling or attending formal meetings, I simply tie my curls back with a banana clip.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
VP: As I mentioned before, I don’t use any specific brand of shampoo or other products. There are many products available in the market to help us keep our curls intact throughout the day, so that is not an issue anymore. The most important issue for us naturally curly girls is the tangling of our hair, which leads to breakage, frizziness, hair loss, etc. I believe that this can be brought under control by oil massage, natural hair spa therapies, consuming good diet and minerals. You’d be surprised to see how things fall into place for your beautiful curly hair.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
VP: Everyone around me loved my hair. My friends and colleagues would come and touch my hair and play with the curls. I am often asked one common question: “Have you permed your hair?!” And I would proudly say ‘NO.’ It is hard for people to believe that someone can have such perfect curls naturally! I am sure the answer to this question is only known by naturally curly girls like us.
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
VP: Before going to bed, I comb my hair gently and get rid of all the tangles. Then I tie a plait. This prevents my hair tangling while I am sleeping.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
VP: Naturally curly hair is a unique gift from God that few of us are blessed with and we must cherish it. It makes us stand out in the crowd, so go out there and flaunt them, girls!
