Search Results: NaturallyCurly
Curlies are always looking for ways to alter their curl pattern for looser curls that last for days – without the use of straightening tools or harmful treatments.
You know your hair best, what it needs more of and what it needs less of. Stretching your curls allows them to hold moisture for longer amounts of time too, so the effort you put in will be worth it for days to come!
How to Stretch Your Curls
Step 1: Wash It
- To start, wash your hair as normal
- 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 (Miss Jessies Curly Pudding, Curl Junkie Curl Assurance or Curly Hair Solutions Extenzz“> to wet hair, using a little more than you normally would
- Try not to “mess” hair too much when applying the product – keep it as “flat” to your scalp as possible
- Divide your wet hair (with product”> into sections and begin to twist each section from top to ends.
- Add a duckbill clip at the end of each section (make them smaller for shorter hair and larger for longer hair”>
- If the clips don’t stay, try a smooth elastic to wrap at the end of each section instead
Step 3: Dry It
The best and healthiest llow your sections to air dry, or , use a diffuser if you have less time.
Step 4: Release It
- When your hair is dry , release the clips or bands from each section
- Gently shake each section with your hands/fingers
- Style as usual
- You can opt to add a light hair spray or pomade for added shine , or an extra day, when wearing your curls a bit loser
This routine will create smoother, looser curls that you can wear for 2-3 days.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Tammala Boyd: Hi, I’m Tammala! I’m a country girl at heart, born and raised in South Carolina. I’ve lived in the great state of Tennessee for 4.5 years before a recent move back to SC.NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
TB: I’ve been natural for the past nine years. I wore locs for about five years out of those nine and because of thinning from the traction, I decided to cut them and comb them out…so, here I am! It’s going on five years and I’m LOVING my curls!
NC: What is your current routine?
TB: My current routine consists of cowashing every 1-2 weeks with Tresemmé Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner. I only use shampoo about once a month. While the conditioner is still on my hair, I detangle with a wide tooth comb before rinsing. Afterwards, I apply my hair’s favorite Cantu Leave-in Conditioner and then seal with my personal blend of hair/body butter.NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
TB: I take down my pineapple and dampen my hair with a fine mist of water. Then I finger part my hair down the middle into two sections. Working with one section at a time, I respray the first side starting from about 1-2 inches from the root on down. Next, I take small amounts at a time of my Cantu Leave-in Conditioner and start applying, first concentrating on the edges and then working my way down to the ends. Then I take each section and twist in the direction of my curl pattern. This process makes sure that the entire section is moisturized all the way to the ends (I found this technique on YouTube and it makes all the difference in refreshing my curls”>. I repeat on the opposite side. Then I separate the clumps that I’ve just made, fluff up the curls and run my fingers through the roots to work out any parts.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
TB: My must-haves are Tresemmé Naturals Conditioner, Organix Macadamia Oil Shampoo and Conditioner, Cantu Leave-In Conditioner, a blend of Shea butter, EVOO, grapeseed and coconut oil, and a wide tooth comb.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
TB: I like simplicity. I love my wash-and-gos and after my curls get too old and frizzy or when I’m too lazy, a messy bun is my next favorite. I will also do a side braid or side bun. Nothing special, just simple and quick. I’ve worn a fishtail braid to the side a time or two, thanks to my daughter wanting to see something other than a “plain” braid.NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
TB: I used to sleep on a satin pillow sham religiously, but now I just pull it all up on the top of my head into a pineapple if it’s fresh or into a loose messy bun if my curls are old.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
TB: The reaction that I got when I first went natural is the same as today… “Is that your real hair?” I get lots of looks and stares. I’ve even had to jump into a conversation or two that the people standing behind me are having about MY hair.
NC: Did you big chop or transition? Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?TB: I did a big chop before starting my locs, which consisted of me taking the clippers with a #8 guard and just going for it! FREEDOM!!!
As a kid and as a teen, since my mom didn’t put my first relaxer in until I was almost sixteen, I was a little insecure about my hair. My friends all wore their hair straight or with curls from a curling iron. My hair was in a braid, ponytails or multiple braids. I was able to get my hair shampooed and pressed every now and then, but that wasn’t often. What made it alright for me though, is that where I’m from, NO one else had hair like mine nor did they have as much hair as I did, so it made me feel special at the same time.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
TB: The best thing about being curly is not feeling like I’m a slave to chemicals and their side effects, and most of all, feeling and looking like an individual.
NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?
TB: Having curly hair has made me a much stronger person. I’ve embraced the fact that no, I am not my hair (shout out to India Arie”>, but my hair is an outward expression of who I am. I can walk into a room full of people with my head up, no longer looking down to avoid eye contact. I feel good about me!
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
TB: First, you’d have to be ready to accept change, and you’re going to have to be ready to love yourself unconditionally. It’s a lifestyle change. In doing these things, you will be able to embrace your curls and all that comes with them. ROCK THOSE CURLS, GIRL!
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
TB: Well, my current project is my oldest daughter who is graduating high school in a few months and then going off to college! My upcoming project is going to be ME…getting healthier, losing weight, and starting work on a new CD project.
I’m what my grandma used to call a “jack of all trades” and what my husband calls “a free spirit.” I have done and/or will try some of everything, within reason! But the one thing that I always go back to is singing. It’s my gift.
Most women believe , and even dispense advice, on the fact that hair grows faster with more frequent trims and cuts.
According to John Barrett, a New York City salon owner, “Hair grows a half-inch per month, whether you cut it or not.” However, the rate at which hair grows can also be determined by other factors such as genetics, diet, seasons, weather and even endocrine function such as low thyroid.
“The benefits of regular trims are many and varied,” notes Cunnane Phillips, a trichologist at the Philip Kingsley Clinic in NYC. “They will aid in keeping the ends from splitting and looking frayed, thereby giving the appearance of healthier and longer hair. When ends split and are severely damaged, they can cause breakage and that breakage travels up the hair shaft, which leads to playing catch-up.”
Keeping hair clean and healthy is a top priority, and therefore, regular trims, every four to eight weeks (depending on the hair type and shape”> are necessary for the basic health of your hair.
A good basic hair care routine, including regular trims, can help bring your locks back to life, give them shine and bounce too. Here’s a simple routine to follow for healthy, growing locks:
Healthy Growth Routine
Healthy Diet, Healthy Hair
Find foods rich in vitamins and omega 3 oils, silica, iron and calcium. Green leafy veggies, raw oats, whole grains, raw fruits and organic proteins. Being that hair is composed of mostly protein, and in order to encourage hair growth, adhere to a diet rich in protein. A recommended diet for this purpose includes calves liver, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, and two tablespoons of granulated lecithin. Along with protein, these foods are also high in B vitamins, an important nutrient for hair. Silica is found in the outer coverings of potatoes, green and red peppers and cucumbers. Bean sprouts are also high in silica. And don’t forget the water – and lots of it! Hydrating your body is vital, and leads to healthy curls and waves too.
Wash and Dry
Keeping hair cleansed with a gentle shampoo 1-3 times per week (depending on hair type”> is important. The scalp should be cleansed of residue and build up, exfoliated so that good circulation continues as well. Hair should be nourished with moisturizing conditioners and leave – ins as needed too. Be sure the water you use isn’t too warm or too cold so that you can get more shine from your wash. As per drying, when possible, air drying curls is always best. Allow your products to go to work and air dry curls and waves. However, if you need to get the job done faster, a diffuser is the second best option – not allowing too much heat to be directed to the scalp or hair roots. MORE: Does Hair Build Tolerance to Products?
Environment, Seasons & Weather
Take note of the seasonal changes as well as those that come with a change in the weather from time to time. Rain and humidity, extreme cold and heat can make for changes in our bodies, hence, our hair. Protect your hair from the sun, chlorine, salt and other harmful exposures by using hats, scarves and safe hair products (ie oils and leave in treatments”>.MORE: Spring Curl Care Kit
Trim It
Regular trims can help avoid with split ends – which can lead to cutting off more than you hoped. Be sure to speak to your stylist about how often your hair type needs to be cut, in order to keep a certain length, or, eventually, grow into a new one.
Sleep Well
Try using a satin or silk pillowcase or scarf to avoid hair damage and breakage. Hair can catch and pull on cotton pillowcases. Also try pulling hair up, with a lose elastic, while you sleep so it doesn’t risk breakage.MORE: How to Pineapple
April is NaturallyCurly’s month of Curly Myth Busters. Don’t be April fooled by these common curly hair myths!
Myth or Fact:
Does hair build ‘tolerance’ to products?
It is a common belief that hair and skin grow tolerant, and in some ways immune, to the topical products we place on them daily. Some believe that the solution is to switch products regularly to reactivate our curls and the way they react to products.
The Verdict
“Hair can’t tell the difference between brands or build up tolerance to any product,” says London-based hair and scalp expert Philip Kingsley.
And since hair isn’t actually “living,” it can’t really build a tolerance or an immunity to products you use. However, there are certain factors such as product build-up and the weather, changes in eating and exercise habits, living conditions, and even, stress, can make for changes in how products react when you use them.
“Dry, humid or wet weather can change the way your hair feels and behaves, and an accumulation of chemicals on the follicle and hair shaft (if you color, relax or use thermal styling tools”> may make it seem like your shampoo and conditioner aren’t doing their job,” says NY dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD.What to do now? First off, and most important, you must use products that don’t strip your hair of it’s natural pH balance. According to Essensuals Hairstylist Joanna Barrientos, a natural pH balance for hair is a 5-5.5. When your hair becomes brittle or too dry, products will react differently. Keeping hair moisturized and healthy is vital.
Use a gentle, clarifying shampoo to exfoliate once a week so you rid of product build up and massage your scalp well too. “If you do this occasionally, you can go back to the shampoo and conditioner you loved and will likely see restored results,” states Dr. Peredo.
Next, pay attention to changes in your working and living enviormnents as well as changes in the weather and seasons. When the warmer weather is upon us, you should take into consideration the humidity and sweat your body produces. During cooler months and colder temperatures, there’s more dry heat in our surroundings and a need to give our hair more moisture and assistance in replenishing natural oils.
If you have any chemical processing done to your hair, you should also consider these as factors for using products and possibly noting changes. “Coloring, highlighting, relaxing and perming all affect the fundamental properties of your hair, says Gray. If you’ve had one of these chemical processes, you may need to add deep-conditioning treatments, including masks, to keep your hair in tip-top shape,” says hair expert, John Gray.
Maintaining a healthy diet and getting the necessary amount of water, rest and regular activity, in addition to these suggestions will aide in keeping your hair looking it’s best.
Simple Scalp Scrub
Basic Scalp Scrub
This recipe by NaturallyCurly user Kinky-Crimpy punches above its weight with lots of benefits for its two ingredients. It removes excess oil and impurities, removes dead skin cells and improves circulation.
What you’ll need
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2-3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
That’s it!
Directions
- Mix ingredients in a small bowl
- Add enough sugar to make a thin paste
- Do not heat the oil as this will melt the sugar
- Wet hair in shower
- Apply a heaping scoop of the scrub to your scalp, separating hair to reach entire scalp
- Scrub the scalp with the mixture in circular motions for 5 minutes
- Rinse well, then shampoo and condition hair as normal
Jonathan Pillot and curly twins Stephanie and Suzanne Jones created Project Curly and the Curly Monologues, which of course resonates with us here at NaturallyCurly. We got to ask them all about the experience so far!
NaturallyCurly: Tell us a little bit about Project Curly!
Jonathan Pillot: I created Project Curly as a community-based platform for people (primarily women”> to self-express about how curly hair has affected their lives in any and all respects, regardless of race, age, nationality, ethnicity, etc. It was clear to me intuitively and then confirmed by conversations with curly females, that almost all of them had alot to say on this subject, and there is power in sharing stories and feeling the bond and the similarities within the context of one’s own personal experience. Connecting the individual to the general. I felt that this could be a wonderful media vehicle in a variety of platforms, from web to film/television to live events, as well as a platform for brands. It is in alignment with two professional missions: to “entertain and elevate” as well as to create content and projects that give voice to others, so that we listen, and they are heard.
Suzanne Jones: It’s a multi-platform initiative created to celebrate all things curly—whether curly hair or “curly” thinking—as in creating and living beyond the straight and narrow. It started when Jonathan Pillot created a short video piece with women of all ages and races sharing stories of their curly hair and then organized a couple of “flash mobs” for curly-haired people to meet and greet.
NaturallyCurly: What inspired the Curly Monologues?
Suzanne: The initial inspiration was to bring the curly video concept into a live show environment with real people telling their stories to an audience, somewhat in the vein of “The Vagina Monologues.” Jonathan then partnered with my sister Stephanie and I, who, as The Jones Twins, are performers, writers and producers who, among other things, create and curate theatrical projects. We partnered to create a live cabaret/real storytelling event featuring established professional performers here in NYC doing curly-inspired performances as well as real people telling their personal stories around their curly hair. The hope is to unite all types of people around the concept of celebrating difference and sharing experiences. And to entertain and uplift!
Stephanie Jones: It wasn’t hard to get behind the Curly Monologues idea, as a performer/producer of live events I thought it was a brilliant concept! The whole experience has been fab.
Jonathan: When I shot the initial interviews for the sizzle piece, I was looking in the eyes of each woman/girl and sensed that real stories, authentically told, could really work in a live event/”theater” format. I thought of theatrical pieces like “Love Letters” and “Love, Loss and What I Wore” and “The Vagina Monologues” and decided to thread out this notion to get feedback, spread the brand messaging, and see what might be possible, not just in one venue, but across cities and, possibly, countries.
NaturallyCurly: What has been the most memorable story you’ve heard at the Curly Monologues?
Stephanie: All of the stories are memorable. So many authentic and passionate people have flocked to this event and amazingly creative people have taken to the stage! Our last theme was Growing Up Curly. We had storytellers of all ages, and a variety of performances. There was a beautiful story a young woman told of a grandmother who made her French braid her curly hair out of sight. She demonstrated this onstage, asking other Curlies to come onstage with her and take turns doing her hair. Another amazing presentation was by a mother, a brilliant writer by the way, whose greatest wish for her young daughter is for her to embrace her natural hair. In her story she told hilarious vignettes of all the research she’s done shopping in the hair care aisle, and how it inspired her to reach back into the archive of history and also examine pop culture to try to inspire her child to be proud of what she looks like. So powerful and so creative. We keep finding that talking about embracing your inner curly is really the story of the search for self.
Suzanne: One young lady, an actress, wrote and performed a hilarious and heartfelt piece from the perspective of her little girl self, wondering what life would be like without her kinky, curly hair and then realizing it wouldn’t be as much fun. Another great story was told and performed by a woman who, as an adolescent with a head of “unruly” blonde locks, was called “Witchiepoo” by her classmates. She decided to embrace her unusualness later in her life as a performer/musician/songwriter and ended her performance playing a ukulele and juggling oranges–Free to be herself!
Jonathan: There are two: one woman talking about how her father clearly must have wanted daughters with straight hair, not curly hair, and how he used to say things like, “can’t you do something with that hair?!” as if it was something she should be ashamed of. That had a huge effect on her life, and her saying how it took her another 35 years to be in synch with her hair. The other was an African-American woman who after hearing the stories of white girls with curly hair, remarked that she never knew that white girls had suffered any similar experiences to hers. That showed me the power of storytelling and the bridging and connecting of people.
NaturallyCurly: How and when did you start embracing your own curls?
Stephanie: For me it was not until my 20s that I started learning to care for my curls, and even now I’m still learning. At the same time, that age is when I also started embracing myself as I was, and stopped looking to fit in so much, accepting my own unique traits in general. But in my childhood, products for our hair, hair like my twin sister and mine, just didn’t exist. So we either braided it up, used things that were too heavy, greasy, or oily, or cut it short and tried not to get the pyramid look. The cuts were not always successful! Many a school picture can attest to that. One year when we were in our teens we even made a trip to NYC from our home in the Midwest to visit a certain hair salon and guess what: that short hair cut was a disaster. So I didn’t always feel attractive with this hair, until I learned how to make it look beautiful with the right haircare. It didn’t help living in an area where almost nobody had curly hair!! Being the only biracial girls in a white suburban neighborhood/school environment, and trying to use products that the kids around us were using just didn’t work! I mean washing too often with Herbal Essence shampoo wasn’t working. My twin sis and I are writer/performers and did our Curly Monologue performance about this, living curly in a straight and narrow world. So I felt more powerful and curly goddess-like as I grew older and started figuring out how to get rid of the frizzy look, I have to admit.
Suzanne: Definitely not until adulthood as my sister and I hardly ever wore our long curly hair out growing up! Then I started experimenting with short hair—though it had to be cut often or would grow into a shapeless bush. Now, I LOVE all the natural bush/afro styles that people are wearing. I kept experimenting until finding a flattering length, which is definitely longer. Now, even though in the workplace–and in general–sleek, smooth hair is the norm and the standard, I love and wear my hair naturally curly—and long–because it is who I am and how I feel my natural best.
NaturallyCurly: Any Holy Grail products?
Stephanie: I try different ones all the time. I don’t rely on just one brand. After a while, if I see that my hair stops responding to certain products in the way I liked, I try something else. It can be hit or miss. Today I tried Ouidad Moisture Lock Define and Shine cream and my hair actually looks great. I’m loving it today.
Suzanne: The products for curly hair are getting better and better, thankfully!! I LOVE Miss Jesse’s Curly Pudding (it smells good too”>, any type of Moroccan oil, and recently, since working on Project Curly —Ouidad whose products are FANTASTIC. My hair just laps up anything Ouidad now, haha.
NaturallyCurly: How do you think having curly hair has impacted your life?
Stephanie: Hair has a big hold over us as women. Not feeling cute is a big deal. So finding the right way to take care of this hair is something I have to always think about it, and I work it into my schedule even, what with kids, family, work. So now with The Curly Monologues, hearing other women’s funny stories or painful struggles and seeing the creative ways we all have of living with and glorifying in our curly hair has been so impactful. It makes me wonder if folks with textured haired actually have an extra creative gene or something!
Suzanne: Well, as a woman of both African and European descent, my curly hair is an expression of who I am, literally. It is a symbol of that mix and it often helps create connections with people, strangers who start conversations (sometimes in other languages besides English”> with me or ask me about myself. I guess you could say my curly locks have helped me bridge cultures and communities because this type of hair is globally prevalent. And since I have a deep love of people of all types and stripes, it literally helps me travel between worlds, communities. Also, curly hair is fun, sassy, never boring—a way I HOPE I come across!
NaturallyCurly: What is your goal for the Curly Monologues?
Stephanie: Bring women together across the globe by sharing something we all have in common. Curly /textured hair is present in so many cultures, from Africa to Asia, Mediterranean, Middle East as well as here in the West. The Curly Monologues shows have had a cross-section of participants and audience, presenters of Italian, Puerto Rican, French, and Jewish descent, biracial, African-American and Afro-Caribbean women. The amazing thing is hearing women say “wow, I never knew she had the same issues that I had about my hair. I thought it was only my people that felt that way”, and so on. The Curly Monologues is really a way of connecting women to each other, discovering things in common, and then creating a space for everyone to feel great about being who you are. We want to celebrate each other through a highly creative and entertaining experience.
Suzanne: We have presented two shows so far in New York and they have both been hits, the second one building on the first. We would like to keep expanding it here in New York but also across the country and the globe. We want to create a live event template that invites ALL types of people to hear and share stories and art around the concept of curly, especially as a metaphor for a free way of thinking and being: to naturally express who one is as an individual, curly, straight or whatever.
Jonathan: To expand it both here in NYC and to other geographical locations, to grow it in terms of finding the best manifestation of what is possible (in the style of the storytelling, the format for the productions, etc.”>, so that we can reach the most people and create commercially viable opportunities, as part of the overall Project Curly.
NaturallyCurly: Any upcoming projects?
Jonathan: Two feature films in the works, a women’s sensuality portal, and CrazyRebelMisfit, which is another community-based multiplatform brand that celebrates out-of-the-box thinking and ideas.
Suzanne: Definitely continuing to collaborate with Jonathan on the Curly Project, here in New York, across the globe and across all media! Also, Stephanie and I, in our Jones Twins mode are recording a musical memoir – a musical tale of our lives as twins and bi-racial sisters growing up in a black family in a white community told through “opposing” musical styles; it’s called “The Jones Twins do Bebop Muzak”. Another project: Getting my own little girl to embrace her beautiful big curly/coily hair (not easy–but possible!”>
Stephanie: Do longer form documentary film for Project Curly and to take The Curly Monologues live event on the road! Go to other cities around the country and across the globe and spread the message of Project Curly. Basically, we’d find a space with a stage and microphone and put the call out to women (men too”> to come with something creative to say through story, song, and performance about embracing your curliciousness , inner or outer, because Curly is a state of mind. So far the Curly Monologue productions have been amazing and transformative. It’s an instant community and great way for people to come together.
NaturallyCurly: Where can our readers find you?
http://vimeopro.com/betterdays/the-curly-project
NaturallyCurly hit the streets, cameras in hand, to welcome all of the gorgeous curlies, coilies and wavies to our fine city of Austin for SXSW Music Festival. There were far more gorgeous curls than we could ever capture, but these are the ones we were able to stop in the streets and ask for a photo. You can find more street style curls on our Pinterest and Facebook pages, and always feel free to upload your own to our Facebook!
Curly Street Style
Curlfriends
Flowy Curls
Stunning Hairstyle
Big Havana Twists with Marley Hair
Long Locs
It’s Jirod Greene of the band Suite 709!
Super Long Curls!
Locs Piled High
Head Wrap
Big Hair Don’t Care
Boho Waves & Headband
Stretched Hair
Pattern on Pattern
Lady Locs
Mother Daughter Curls
Lianne La Havas
We were so excited to see natural singer Lianne La Havas perform at the Nikon Warner Sound showcase.
Jesse Boykins III
We ran into Jesse Boykins III at SXSW. We love his music, and his hair!
Long Curls
Solange!
Queen of style herself, Solange in concert at SXSW.
Bandana Headband
Messy Bun
Love the Shape
Love the Hair & Makeup
Short Curls
Love the Color
Pinned to the side
Giant Bantu Knots
Asymmetrical Curly Cut
Curls at Fader Fort
Solange… Again
We love her so much, we saw her twice!
Curly Topknot
Curls on the Go
Faux Hawk
Curly Bangs & Bun
It’s time to transition from the dry, dull days of winter to the warmer, humid spring weather. Spring brings the rain, more sun, higher temperatures, and more time spent outdoors, and with the change of conditions our curls need new and different products.
You may even find that your curls themselves change with the seasons, so you may need to experiment a little with your Holy Grail products, as well as new ones. This list is a great place for Type 3 Curlies to start their Spring Curl Care Kit shopping.
Spring Curl Kit
Leave In Conditioner
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
This is a year-round favorite, but this product is especially beneficial when applied to dry ends in the spring. The ends of our hair is exposed to the elements when we venture outdoors again, and this leave in provides much needed protection.
Gel
Curl Junkie Curls in a Bottle and Curls Gel from LA Looks
Both of these gels work wonders to just-showered hair. Apply gel to soaking wet hair and apply liberal amounts to each section of hair. The best practice is to air dry your curls, and these gels work best when hair is allowed to dry on its own time. If you don’t have the luxury of air drying, diffuse your curls on a cool setting.
Finishing Product
MOP Glisten Shine Pomade
Use a little bit of this pomade on your finger tips to work through and define your curls. With the increased humidity of spring you might experience frizz, so add some of this to flyaways and ends that need a little extra shine too. I like to keep one in my office drawer for mid day touch ups!
Spring-Only Product
Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper
This is another product that is very seasonal for my curls, it works in warm weather only for me. Use Curl Keeper on very wet hair, and using a large amount of product will give really good definition. Air dry your curls after using this product for great shine and bounce, even without a pomade or finishing product. The large bottle is economical as a bathroom staple, but the smaller bottle fits into a purse or carry on when traveling.
Spritz & Spray
DevaCurl’s Mist-er Right and Jessicurl Awe Inspiraling Spray
Both of these products are great curl misters, and you can use them any time of day or night for a quick refresh. These products are also useful for 2nd day curls. Load up on these for spring as curlies go through these products in the warmer weather.
Last Minute Fix
Homemade coconut spray is a fantastic DIY recipe to wake up your curls and get them in shape for spring.
What you’ll need:
2 oz purified water
2 tbsp coconut oil
few drops lavender oil or essential oil
Combine all ingredients. Mix well and spray into wet or dry hair for a quick pick me up or just a treat for softer curls.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Tesa Cambor: My name is Tesa Cambor. I currently reside in Atlanta, GA.NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
TC: I first decided to return to my natural roots in July 2011 after my 5-year-old daughter insisted on having her hair straightened like mine. We were at the beauty supply store and I was about to purchase an at home relaxer application when my daughter pointed at a kiddy relaxer.
With all the childhood innocence in the world she asked, “Mommy, can I have my hair straight like yours? Your hair is prettier than mine.” I asked why she thought that my hair was prettier than hers, and she responded, “Because it’s straight, and all my friends get to wear their hair straight.” I tried to explain to my daughter that she was beautiful just the way God had made her and that she should love and embrace her curls just the way they are and not try to change them. Needless to say, out of the mouths of babes sometimes a fountain of knowledge can be found. My daughter said, “But Mommy, you don’t love and embrace your hair just the way God made it.” I knew what needed to be done—I couldn’t teach her to love herself if I didn’t first love myself.NC: What is your current routine?
TC: My regimen is very simple. I co-wash my hair every week, sometimes every two weeks if I’m rocking a protective style. If I have buildup or if I need a thorough cleansing after having a protective style, I do an apple cider vinegar rinse and gently massage my scalp until it’s clean, followed by regular conditioning. I deep condition my hair once a month if need be, or I’ll do a hot oil treatment.NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
TC: I rarely have my hands in my hair because I usually rock a protective hairstyle. On the rare occasion that my hair is out, I like to start with freshly co-washed hair. I love to mix my own leave-in conditioners because my hair is naturally frizzy, and store-bought conditioners don’t give me the look I want.
MORE: Real Texture Talk: Ashley Witherspoon
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
TC: Paul Mitchell The Conditioner, Aloe Vera Gel, and Vitamin E oil.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
TC: I have a less-is-more thing going on with my hair. I love simple hairstyles like two strand twists, braids, or flat twists. When I’m feeling like I want to stand out or look super chic I love to rock a fro-hawk, but for the majority of the time in the fall/winter I wear twists and a nice crocheted hat. In the spring/summer I love to let my hair out so that it can do its own thing.
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
TC: I sleep on a satin pillowcase because almost everything I try to put on my head either falls off or it smashes my hair to the point of no return when I am rocking a wash & go.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
TC: The reaction I got was horrible. I had hair that was about three inches past my bra strap when I cut it, so everyone thought I had lost my mind. My hair wasn’t damaged and falling out. I just wanted to be a good role model for my very impressionable daughter, and I tried to explain that but no one understood my logic. My mom asked if had I lost my mind, my daughter cried (go figure”> and my 1-year-old son started calling me daddy, lol.
NC: Did you big chop or transition? For how long?TC: I transitioned for 5 months, but I just couldn’t handle the two textures. In a fit of anger, I chopped it all off.
MORE: Real Texture Talk: Diana Martha
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
TC: I love being a curly girl because I feel like it sets me apart from everyone else. I love attention and I love the fact that my curly hair draws people to me.
NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?
TC: Having curly hair helps me set the standard for what I call beautiful. It allows me to express myself differently everyday, according to how I feel, and I absolutely love that!
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
TC: The hair you were BLESSED with is all your own! It sets you apart. It’s like a fingerprint…no two heads of hair are exactly alike. Embrace the beautiful woman you were created to be.
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
TC: I am developing my own hair product line called “Hair Food.” It’s all-natural and helps with the overall health of all hair textures. It will be launched in the Fall 2013, so keep a look out! You can also follow me on Instagram @bellariccio
We asked three of NaturallyCurly’s favorite hair personalities—all different hair types—to help us understand some of the most common hair myths out there.
3 Curly Hair Myths
Evelyn Ngugi, Type 4 Expert
Myth #1: Curly hair is easier than straight hair
Evelyn says: True AND False
Let me explain. Some people will always be high maintenance, regardless of their hair texture or curl pattern. I know ladies who spend more time on their relaxed hair than I spend detangling my entire afro!
Personally I’m extremely simple, I only use 4 products total and I like simple styles (afro puff, anyone?”>.
Caring for highly textured hair is more time-consuming in one sitting. I may spend a whole hour detangling my hair, but once I style I won’t have to even think about my hair for a week.
Curly Suzy, Type 3 Product Guru
Myth #1: Curly hair is easier than straight hair
Curly Suzy says: The answer is FALSE for me
My curls are the most difficult when I wake up. There is almost always no hope for second-day hair.
I admit I have had fantasies of waking up in the morning and my hair does not look like I stuck my finger in an electrical socket. I know that will never happen and I have gotten use to setting my alarm clock a little earlier to get my curls ready for the day. So, I have had to accept that I have to manage my hair on a daily basis. Most days I co-wash and then use a product lineup that will ensure curl definition and protection from frizz. It is time consuming, but I am use to it. Even though I wake up to hair that is seriously scary I do like my curls once they have been conditioned and styled.
Alyssa Hawkins, Type 2 Wavy Blogger
Myth #1: Curly hair is easier than straight hair
Alyssa says: Half true
For me, my natural waves take a lot less time than straightening my hair. However, until you really know how to take care of your curls and embrace them, they can be harder to deal with. Mastering the art of second-day hair is something that also makes my waves much easier to do with. Second-day hair and finding products takes a lot of trial and error time, but once you have it figured out, you will find yourself saving so much time in the morning.
Evelyn Ngugi, Type 4 Expert
Myth #2: Does weather really matter?
Evelyn says: True!
Weather will dictate what your hair can do and how it will feel. The more coily and textured your hair is, the more fragile it is. Each bend or spiral in your hair is a point of potential breakage—and I got A LOT of spirals.
But remember that everybody is different: my hair absolutely LOVES the humidity of Austin, Texas, in the summer. All that moisture in the air makes my fro super soft and curl up in millions of cute coils. Some types of afros hate the moisture in the air and get frizzy.
One thing I think we all have in common is battling the dry, cold winter months. The wind whipping against your ‘fro may result in brittle hair. The moisture has been sucked out of it, and there’s no moisture in the air to bring it back. Solution? A phrase we like to use called “sealing the hair.” It’s when you properly moisturize the hair inside while getting ready and lock in that moisture (water”> with an oil. Since water and oil don’t mix, the oil will lay on the surface of the hair, protecting it from wind and keeping the water from escaping! You can also keep your hair in protective styles or wear hats to protect your fro.
Curly Suzy, Type 3 Product Guru
Myth #2: Does weather really matter?
Curly Suzy says: Yes so true!
Curls are fragile and very sensitive to weather changes. My hair can tell you if it is about to rain or if it is so dry you need to water your plants. Both of these types of weather are a challenge and I have to be ready to combat my curls against these elements.
Humidity in small doses can be great for my curls. I get some extra volume and my curls are plumper. But too much humidity and things start getting out of control. The expansion rate of my curls far exceeds what I want, and frizz is a huge problem.
On the other end of the weather spectrum is very dry air. This situation calls for a lot of deep conditioning and really limiting the use of shampoo. I also air dry my curls and use a diffuser on my hair dryer for only a few minutes to get my curls dry before I go to work. My curls can become brittle and flat in very dry weather, so I have to treat them well.
Alyssa Hawkins, Type 2 Wavy Blogger
Myth #2: Does weather really matter?
Alyssa says: Yes times a million!
During the humid times of the year (which in Texas is often”> I don’t have to add much product to my hair to hold my wave, but I need a lot of anti-frizz product. I, as a human being, hate the humidity, but my hair really loves it. It’s annoying.
In the winter months, I need the exact opposite of my humid days. I don’t have the humidity holding my waves in place so I have to use products with a stronger hold, and I’m not looking for something to tame my frizz when it’s colder. The weather completely changes my hair and what products I need to be using. I need a bathroom for spring/summer and one for fall/winter, as well.
Evelyn Ngugi, Type 4 Expert
Myth #3: Curly hair is 2x longer than it appears
Evelyn says: True. And make that 5x for me.
Think of my curl pattern like a tiny little Slinky. The springy toy looks short and small, but have you ever stretched it out? It’ll go on for days!The term we use for this phenomenon is shrinkage. Some people have a lot of shrinkage, some don’t. I have tons! And I love it! It makes my hair so versatile because I can rock different lengths throughout the week. I can wear my hair small and unstretched, I can stretch it out a little bit, or do a blow out for maximum length!
I will always be an advocate for loving your shrinkage, but if for some reason you don’t like it and you want people to see more of your true length, try twist outs and braid outs.
Curly Suzy, Type 3 Product Guru
Myth #3: Curly hair is 2 times longer when it is straight
Curly Suzy says: Almost true
When my hair is wet after I detangle it in the shower with a wide-toothed comb, it is longer but not quite twice as long. I do not have as much shrinkage as hair types 3 and 4. I find that I can get more of a wavy look if I use a heavier styling cream that does not activate my curls. If I want more of a curly look, I use a mousse and dry my hair with a diffuser. This style makes my hair look slightly shorter than the wavy style.
Alyssa Hawkins, Type 2 Wavy Blogger
Myth #3: Curly hair is 2 times longer when it is straight
Alyssa says: Not for me
Alyssa’s straight hair isn’t much longer than her curly hair.
This is one particular aspect of my hair that I really enjoy. When I get my DevaCurl Cut I know that I can straighten my hair and it will be about the same length.
When my hair is straight, it’s maybe an inch longer, but that’s about all I can get out of it.
Waves are just that; waves. They’re not the spiral curls or the kinky curls so when you see wavy hair, that’s about how long it is when straightened. With waves, what you see is (almost”> what you get!
Starting at SXSW
Did you know that over 14,000 conversations happen each week around curly hair? THIS movement was created and run by a community, let YOUR voices be heard and your hair seen! You can do your part by joining the conversation to empower the curl community!
Witness the Revolution At SXSW
Throughout the week we will be meeting with naturally social superstars, aspiring natural hair bloggers and vloggers, curly musicians and NaturallyCurly community members, and sharing what we learn here on NaturallyCurly.com, as well as our Facebook page and Twitter.
- SXSW Blogger Meet Up!
Meet NaturallyCurly, Chescaleigh, natural hair influencers, bloggers and vloggers at SXSW
Where: Upper Decks Austin, 301 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX 78704When: Saturday March 9, 8:00-10:00PM
What: Join NaturallyCurly and @Chescaleigh (aka Chescalocs from YouTube”> for a curl happy hour: drinks, appetizers and curl talk. NaturallyCurly.com is hosting an exclusive happy hour for influencers in the industry. Come out and meet key hair influencers to talk curls, coils, waves, and the naturally curly blog world.- Blacks in Tech Naturally Social Panel at SXSW
Naturally Social: Growing Your Hair, Growing Your Audience & Growing Your Brand
Where: BiT House at the Hilton-Garden Inn
When: Sunday March 10, 3:30-4:30PM
What: “Join us as we examine how the natural hair movement has grown in recent years, largely in part to the social media savvy of natural hair bloggers and brands. Hear from natural hair superstars including Carol’s Daughter, Curl Box founder Myliek Teele and Afrobella, and learn how you can incorporate their social media strategies and avoid their missteps to help grow your online audience and brand.” Must have a SXSW badge to enter the panel
- Witness the Curl Revolution
NaturallyCurly and TIGI are taking over SXSW
Where: The intersection of 6th Street and Trinity Street (outside the Thirsty Nickel”>
When: Friday, March 15th at 6:00PM
Want more information? Email Events@naturallycurly.com
-
“The Warner Sound Captured By Nikon”
Official Haircare Partner TIGI is sponsoring a 3-day Live Music Residency at SXSW
Where: The Belmont, 305 W 6th St Austin
When: March 13-16
What: Join NaturallyCurly at the TIGI Dry Styling Bar to have your curls styled and photographed to be featured on NaturallyCurly.com. As well as seeing performances by The Flaming Lips, Paramore, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Tegan And Sara, Alt-j, Fitz & The Tantrums, Lianne La Havas, Atlas Genius, Icona Pop, and many more. Admission based on capacity.
Not attending SXSW? Participate Online!
Take part in the Curl Revolution today by following @NaturallyCurly on Twitter and the hashtags: #CurlRevolution #SXSW
We asked NaturallyCurly readers what the biggest mistake a stylist has ever made cutting their curls, and we got an earful! The full article can be found in the latest edition of Texture!
If you’d like to share your own horror stories, or simply like to know you’re not alone in your stylist struggles, join the conversation on CurlTalk.
7 Worst Curly Cut Mistakes
1. Cutting too short!
You said:
“Cutting off 6 inches when I only asked for a quarter of an inch. :'(“
“Cut my hair as short as my straight haired sisters. I was probably 10 and I cried a lot. Now I only let curly haired stylists cut my hair.”
“I said trim then she went Edward scissor hands on me.”
“Definitely cutting too much off and telling me that she’s the stylist, so she knows what’s best for my hair!”
“I had a stylist literally argue with me over shrinkage because she cut off more than I asked and I was upset. She was so adamant it just could not possibly shrink that much. “
2. Thinning and razor cutting
You said:
“Razor cut. Killed all my curls, it took three months to get them back”
“When I was in still in High School I went in for a trim and he convinced my mom and I he would do a great razor and thinning. Cut my hair 4 inches shorter did the razor and thinning, when I wore my hair curly I had literally a giant ball of frizz on top of my head. *shivers*”
“Using a razor. I will never let that happen again.”
3. Blow drying mistakes
You said:
“Using a big brush on my hair and trying to blow dry without a diffuser.”“Having me drop me head so she could blow-dry my hair upside down then had me flip it back quick. It was HUGE!!”
“Running her fingers through it while blow drying it. I finally asked her to stop”
“Trying to blow out hair with a tiny round brush”
4. Cutting the hair wet
You said:
“Cutting my hair wet and ending up making it way too short. i was left with layers that started about eye level – took forever to grow back out” – CurlTalk user sKorpio1190
“The biggest mistake stylists make cutting curly hair is cutting it wet…you might as well place a blindfold on yourself while cutting as you’ll get the same result.” – Andee Hoos
“I hate when they refuse to cut my hair dry (and curly”>.”
5. Brushing curly hair
You said:
“The biggest mistake is combing my hair while dry and curly.”
“She used a fine toothed comb on my wet hair.”
“Almost every stylist I’ve gone to dries my hair while RUNNING THEIR FINGERS THROUGH IT! This is one of the top curly no-nos! It creates so much frizz that halfway through they start to act uncomfortable and say ‘how about we just blow this out?'”
6. Straightening hair before cutting it
You said:
“I had one tell me that I had to have my hair straightened to cut my hair ..BIG mistake. Now, I don’t let anyone touch it.”
“I hate when they insist on straightening my hair first! “
“Well how much time do I have? Okay, I’ll just share one story then lol: The stylist stretching each curl straight before cutting it. Ended up w/a strange, asymmetrical hair ‘shelf’ on one side because of that.” – CurlTalk user Korkscrew
MORE: Tips for Cutting Curly Hair Your Stylist Can’t Live Without
7. Not listening
You said:
“Not listening to my goals for my hair.”
“To me the worst is when they don’t listen. If I go to the doctor and say a certain medication doesn’t work for me I wouldn’t expect them to prescribe it to me. When I go to a stylist I respect that they went to school to learn how to cut hair, but I expect when I say things like “Don’t thin out, cut too short, style straight, etc.” that they are going to respect my requests and cut my hair accordingly.” – CurlTalk user Cristy_amk
“The worst mistake I’ve come across is when they claim to know your curls better than you do. (I’ve had this hair for nearly 50 years. I think I know what it does”>.”
MORE: How to Get What You Need from a Stylist
Regardless of your ethnicity, texture, curl pattern or length, Strawllers long, simple-to-use hair rollers can help you create defined, elegant looking curls. This is a fun way to mix up your curl pattern for a special occasion, or just when you feel like a change!
- Start with clean hair.
- Separate hair into 1/4″ to 1″ sections. The curl will be tighter if the section is smaller.
- Prepare hair for the Strawllers by folding the ends with the end of paper. Depending on your hair texture, use gel to ensure best results and longer-lasting curls.
- Starting at the bottom and rolling upward towards the scalp, wrap sections lengthwise around the roller to form natural spirals.
- Secure by pinning the inside of the curl lengthwise against the scalp and dry hair completely under a hooded dryer.
- Gently unwind each roller. Apply Strawllers finishing shine and use fingers to gently separate and arrange curls.
Looking for MORE ways to change your curl pattern? Read the digital version of Texture!
Texture!, a special collaboration between MODERN SALON and TextureMedia Inc., interviews Jonathan Torch Founder of Curly Hair Institute and stylist for Curly Hair Solutions. Is YOUR hairstylist following these curly cutting rules?
What are your top techniques for cutting and styling curlies:
JT: Our curl-cutting systems transfer excess bulk from unflattering facial features, while enhancing flattering features not only for face shapes but for head shapes as well. We cut curly hair only while the hair is very wet and 100 percent detangled.
What are your must-have texture products:
JT: Curly Hair Solutions’ Curl Keeper provides complete style control between shampoos; day two of Curl Keeper could look better than day one once you understand how to reactivate it.
How did you acquire your “texpertise”:
JT: I got interested in curly hair when I discovered an effective method to cut curly hair and, later, in teaching clients how to control their curls and frizz. Curl style success became a balance of curl control and cutting. Every day brings unique curl situations in our salon; the variety of curls, along with the various ways of responding to them, has kept my interest and enthusiasm as a hair stylist for the past 30 years.
What is your best advice for working with texture:
JT: Take your time. Play with the hair before you wet it, and study what is happening when you work with the curls. No two curls are the same, and no two clients are the same. You have to customize and not use a standard one-cut-fits-all. Once the hair is wet, play with each curl. You will soon recognize patterns that belong, or hairs that do not. My most important tip is to learn how to use products correctly. Curly Hair Solutions works every time, on every curl. However, there can be a large learning curve in using products that might take both the stylist and client lots of practice to perfect.
What textured looks are you loving for spring:
JT: With most curly hair styles it is easier to wear hair longer. The curl has to be long enough for a ringlet to form, but remember that curly hair shrinks as it dries, creating a spring. This spring is very exciting, because big hair is so popular right now. So, volume is the way to go and it’s so easy to achieve. The current trend is sexy messy.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Ashley Witherspoon: Hey! My name is Ashley. I just turned 22 and I’m a student at The City College of New York. I’m a girly tomboy who loves sports and video games, but who also loves being pampered! I’m half-Trini but I love Spanish and Asian culture…I’m taking Japanese at the moment and I’m semi-fluent in Spanish. I’m also a small group leader in an awesome club called Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
AW: I first went “natural” when I was seven, but I didn’t start the process of “being natural” until my sophomore year in college. I had no idea that my hair was this curly! I started trying out different products, watching YouTube gurus and reading forums which helped me take care of my hair in a way that worked for me (and for my wallet”>.
NC: What is your current routine?
AW: On a wash day, I start off with SheaMoisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Shampoo and then follow up with SheaMoisture Deep Treatment Masque, which I leave on for 1-2 hours (or sometimes overnight”>. Then I rinse and detangle with a Denman D3 brush. Then I use the SheaMoisture Curl & Style Milk and make sure my hair is completely detangled. I finger comb with SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, making sure to stretch and scrunch it in. Finally I smooth on my oil concoction (EVOO, almond and grapeseed with 2 MSM capsules”> and finish with SheaMoisture Curling Soufflé. I flip my hair over and put on a satin cap to define my curls (10 minutes”> and then let it air dry. It sounds complicated, but after a while it comes naturally!NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
AW: When I wake up, I spritz my hair with a conditioner+water mix and decide, based on the weather, what to do with my hair. If it’s really cold or really hot, I’ll put my hair in a protective style. If I’m leaving my curls out, I put on my oil immediately after spritzing my hair, followed by the SheaMoisture Curl Defining Pudding and Curling Soufflé. I really like the clump and scrunch method.
MORE: Real Texture Talk: Brianna DeBoise
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
AW: I’m in love with the SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus line. I’ve tried other brands and products, but nothing works as well for me as this line of products! It’s also completely natural, which is a great bonus.
I also can’t live without my modified Denman brush! The definition is ridiculous and it is immensely helpful in the detangling process. My satin bonnet, pillowcase and scarf have also become staples that I can’t live without.
Raw shea butter, EVOO, and water are also some of the best basics for my hair. When I’m in between products and don’t have the time (or money”> to stock up, they’re definitely clutch!
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
AW: I usually leave my curls loose or put my hair in a bun, which keeps my hair out of the way while stretching. It’s a functional hairstyle!
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
AW: I spritz my hair with conditioner+water and use a little bit of oil, focused at my ends. I either pineapple my hair, put it in cornrows, or pull it into a bun. Then I put on my satin bonnet and secure it with a satin scarf.
NC: What about your hair stylists?
AW: Pily is the best! I love her and the ladies that work in her shop. Dominican salons sometimes get a bad rap, but she actually takes the time to make sure my hair is getting what it needs and works with me so that I’m happy (and my hair is too”>. She has a genuine passion for hair, curly or straight!
MORE: Real Texture Talk: Marisol Correa
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
AW: The freedom and versatility! I can do so much with my hair…I can straighten it, leave it out, braid it, pull it back, whatever! Another cool thing is that I don’t really have to worry about the weather. If it’s raining, so what? Snowing? Don’t care. Beach days? Heck yeah! I don’t have to worry about spending a whole lot on my hair for a little water to ruin it. I love that fact that my hair is unique and flexible.
NC: How do you thing having curly hair impacts your life?
AW: It definitely takes more time, but it’s worth it. It also shows me how to be more appreciative of other textures. I get stopped or asked about my hair a few times a week and it boosts my confidence like you wouldn’t believe. It’s great to know that there are people who embrace themselves just as much as you embrace yourself. I feel more confident now than three years ago when I felt like I had to straighten my hair to feel pretty. Not anymore! I love curls!
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
AW: No amount of flexi rods and flat irons can make you any more beautiful than you already are! Be creative. Learn what works for you, tweak other people’s methods and read labels!! Nothing sucks more than spending a fortune on products that don’t work for you. Your curls are more than just a hairstyle. People recognize you for them, so love them! Don’t let any one discourage you towards or away from being natural. I was born with straight hair so I have just as much right to straighten it! I know there are some hair haters out there who try to school other naturals and curlies about the process, but it is a personal and beautiful thing. Natural doesn’t necessarily mean sticking to your curl pattern, it means stick to natural products. If you want to straighten or braid or even use weave, go for it! If you want to stick with what God gave you, that’s awesome too. This is YOUR journey so lead it the way that’s best for YOU!
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
AW: I’m a part of an awesome movement called the Price of Life which is fighting to end sex trafficking and human/labor slavery. This year, the focus is on NYC…my chapter of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship is launching a week-long campaign in October and I am part of the leadership team! I can’t wait! I’m also starting to take my hobby of photography more seriously and plan on doing so photography/short films and videos starting this summer. Last but definitely not least, I’m going to work on getting my hair back to waist length, bouncy and full of life! It’s definitely going to be a long road but an exciting one.
Red Carpet Survival Kit
Red Carpet Curls
We asked celebrity hairstylists what is in their Red Carpet survival kits, and they shared their top curly secrets! Whether you’re preparing for prom, a wedding or a night out dancing you’ll want to know these tips to keep your curls in place all night long.
Deep Condition
When: The Week of the Event
“Healthy hair is the foundation of successful styling, so I suggest maintaining your hair’s health using Curlisto Deep Therapy Masque; this weekly deep conditioning treatment will seal in moisture in the hair shaft and help with damage brought on my heat styling tools.” Christo, owner of Christo Fifth Avenue salon in New York
Shampoo and Condition
When: The Day Before
When prepping hair for a special event, “day old hair works best. So shampoo and condition the day before.” – Diane Da Costa, World renowned hair stylist and authorPaul Perez at Sally Hershberger Los Angeles agrees, “fresh clean hair causes too many fly aways and won’t allow for proper hold during styling.”
Styling Products
When: The Day Before the Event
“The key to a long-lasting hairstyle is to select the correct product for your hair texture. Start with the right styling products on wet, freshly washed hair according to your texture.” – Christo, owner of Christo Fifth Avenue salon
Wavy Hair (Type 2A-2C”>: Christo would use Curlisto Bio-Gel Mousse, an alcohol free mousse that is infused with pathenol and wheat protein to prevent dryness
Loose to Medium Curls (3A-3B”>: Cocktail quarter-size Structura Lotion with dime-size Control I Gel or Control II Gel
Tight to Coily Curls (3C-4B”>: Christo uses Natural Coils Defining Lotion as this contains natural conditioning agents, perfect to hydrate hair while styling.
Conditioner Sheets
When: The Day of the Event
Dickey, founder of Hair Rules and celebrity stylist to clients including Sarah Jessica Parker, Minnie Driver, Alicia Keys, Kelis, says that “prepping your hair is the most fundamental step to a flawless updo. The foundation should be that your hair looks amazing down before you put it up.”
One tip we’d never heard before is to use conditioner sheets! Diane Da Costa, World renowned hair stylist and author, uses them on hair before applying hold and styling products.
Travel Size Hairspray
Travel size hair sprays are perfect for touch ups and can fit into your purse. Find them in the travel toiletries section of the drugstore for one dollar.
Lipgloss
This one serves double duty, as you’ll likely need to touch up your makeup during the night: “Lip gloss! It is perfect for last minute fly-aways.” – Motions Global Ambassador and celebrity stylist Ursula Stephen
Stockings
“For a nice full bun, cut the leg of a pair of stockings and roll into a donut. Pull hair through the hole of the ‘donut’ and brush hair over to cover the stocking pinning hair and tucking under to create a large, full bun.” – Christo, owner of Christo Fifth Avenue salon
Toothbrush
Ursula Stephen keeps a toothbrush in her Red Carpet Survival Kit. They help lightly tame flyaways without altering the style you’ve so carefully created.
Hair Pins
“I love buns hair pins for ballerinas, they are really strong.” – Dickey, founder of Hair Rules and celebrity stylist
Magnetic Wristband
“I keep a magnetic band on my wrist that hold hair pins. Very cool.” – Diane Da Costa, World renowned hair stylist and author
Dry Shampoo
We asked Motions Global Ambassador and celebrity stylist Ursula Stephen which hair product she brings with her to an event. To which she responded “dry shampoo! Its a life saver!”
Most people assume that curly hair is thick hair, curl pattern is only one element of your hair type. There are fine haired curlies out there who know know all too well the struggles of achieving fuller volume in their hair. We are constantly fluffing to hide our scalp, and our twists and braids always look sparse. While there is no easy way to turn fine strands into coarse ones, or add more strands to our heads, there are some simple masks to help give body and temporary thickness to the hair we do have.
5 DIY Treatments for Volume
Henna
As a natural you have probably heard a lot about henna and its ability to thicken the hair. Many women have avoided trying henna because of the rumors of it being time consuming and messy. However there is a way to get the benefits of henna without all the added drama by doing a henna gloss. The gloss combines the benefits of henna whilst the conditioner and oils moisturize the hair to prevent dryness and aid in rinsing.
DIY Henna Gloss
-
Add warm water to 100g of henna powder slowly whilst mixing until it forms a paste that is still thick in consistency
- Set the paste aside in a warm place for 6 hours
-
Add a cup of conditioner to your paste and mix it thoroughly
-
Apply it to sections of your hair from root to tip
- Cover with a shower cap and allow it to sit for as long as you wish
-
Rinse the gloss and style as usual
Beer
Beer has long since been used by women to promote thicker shinier hair. When used as a rinse it leaves a residue on the hair strands giving them the appearance of thickness. Beer also causes the hair strands to swell slightly making it thicker.
DIY Beer Rinse
- Purchase a traditionally brewed beer made from hops as it has more nutrients than most commercial beers
- Open the bottle and allow it to go flat
- Pour the beer over freshly washed hair making sure it is evenly distributed
- Do not rinse the beer simply style as usual
Castor Oil
Castor oil has been raved about for a while in the natural hair community for its ability to help with the regrowth of hair. Women who once had bald spots and thin edges were able to fill in those areas in a matter of months. Also scalp massages have also been proven to stimulate the scalp follicles and cause hair to grow. Whilst your fine hair may not be due to breakage every strand counts and you will want to keep as many of them on your head as possible.
DIY Hot Castor Oil Massage
- Heat half a cup of castor oil
- Transfer it to an applicator bottle
- Apply the oil to your scalp
- Massage your scalp with the pads of your fingers
- Repeat every other day to see results
Gelatin
Hair is made out of keratin which is a protein, and over time that protein can decrease due to damage to the hair.
Gelatin contains a lot of keratin so it can be used to help to fill those gaps in the hair and coat it temporarily, giving it the appearance of being thicker.
DIY Gelatin Hair Mask
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin to 1 cup of warm water
- Mix until it is fully dissolved
- Apply the mix to freshly washed hair
- Let it sit for 15 minutes
- Rinse and style as usual
Avocado
Avocados are one of the few fruits that contain oils that have the ability to penetrate the hair shaft. This helps to moisturize the hair from the inside out making it strong. The hope is that with continuous use your hair will become stronger, there will be less shedding and breakage and your hair will appear thicker overall.
DIY Avocado Mask
- Peel and mash one avocado
- Smear it over freshly cleansed hair ensuring that it is evenly distributed
- Wait 30 minutes
- Rinse your hair and style it as usual
OR try an avocado hot oil treatment
- Heat a ½ cup of avocado oil
- Pour it over your hair
- Massage the scalp
- Rinse the oils and cleanse the hair then style as usual
This February, NaturallyCurly is celebrating a full month of Curly Mixology! Each day we’ll feature one recipe for you to treat your curls to in the comfort of your own kitchen. Tweet us your favorite recipes with hashtag #CurlyMixology or share them on our Facebook page!
Lemon and Cucumber Shampoothie
Lemon and Cucumber Shampoothie
NaturallyCurly user SammySingally loves this shampoothie because “the cucumber acts as a conditioning agent, and the lemon as a cleansing agent, so the two together are like a two in one homemade hair shampoo!”
What you’ll need
- 1 lemon, peeled
- 1 cucumber, peeled
- Olive oil (optional”>
- Rosemary oil (optional”>
Directions
- Blend the lemon in a blender, add optional oil
- Pour the blended lemon through a strainer (to avoid hard-to-remove pieces”>
- Blend lemon and cucumber together
- Pour mixture over hair
- Massage well
- Rinse thoroughly
FOLLOW US
