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Curls & Scarves
The Perfect Accessory
I’ll be the first to admit, I’m an accessory nut. Come fall and winter, I’m all over scarves as one of my favorite accessories! The best part about scarves is their versatility, especially for those of us with curls and waves.
Scarves can be worn to keep curls in place when you leave the house, and when you’re off to work. You can then wrap your scarf around your neck as an accessory once you’re in your office, or even use it as a belt. It’s time to be creative, and scarves allow us lots of room for creativity.
Protect Your Curls
Our curls and waves can fare better in colder temperatures, but winter winds and the elements can certainly take a toll on our hair unless we protect it more. Scarves, therefore, are not just a pretty accessory, they also aide in caring for our hair.
Select a scarf (or two or three”> that you like. Don’t purchase or use a scarf just because it “matches” something. Chances are, you’ll use a scarf more if you simply like the fabric, color or pattern.
Rectangle or Square?
Squares are nice, but rectangles are what you need. Square scarves usually only work for “hood” styles where most of the back of your head is wrapped. Rectangle (longer”> scarves are more versatile and give you more room to work them into your hair as well.
Thin or Thick?
For scarves used in your hair, thinner ones tend to do better with shorter hair and thicker, larger ones, tend to do better with longer lengths.
Variety is Key
Keep a few scarves on hand. One won’t always work with your outfit or style of choice. You can probably find 2-4 scarves to keep in your closet.
Don’t be afraid to add a pin or two. You may need a bobby pin or a few to help keep scarves in place. You can use decorative pins with more plain scarves, or plain pins with more decorative scarves.
Wrap it Up!
Depending on your hair length, you may be able to wrap your scarf more than once around your hair – don’t be afraid to try out different looks.
Think of your scarf as a headband. You can tie the scarf under your hair, at the back your neck. Make a bow, loose knot or allow the ends to flow down.
No Scarf?
Not using your scarf for your hair today? Try dressing up a little black dress or a simple sweater. Start scouting local shops and stores for your scarf collection. Pinterest and Etsy also have great finds and inspiration too!
Bita Pourtavoosi
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Bita Pourtavoosi: My name is Bita Pourtavoosi and I live in a small town in Long Island, NY. I am 25 years old, a jewelry designer and have been a workaholic ever since I can remember!
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
BP: It was freshman year of college. I was on vacation in Miami and decided to let my hair go. I put some hair serum and cream in it and let it air dry. I haven’t turned back since then!
NC: What is your current routine?
BP: It all starts in the shower. I use curling shampoo and conditioner. I used to be obsessed with John Frieda Curling shampoo/conditioner but they have stopped making it. Now I use Herbal Essences and it does a great job! I sometimes switch it up with L’Oreal Paris Sulfate-Free products.
After showering I scrunch my hair with my hands to take the excess water out. Then I wrap it up in a towel for 30 to 40 minutes — basically until I feel it’s time to take it off. From there, I style with John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum and then this AMAZING Israeli hair cream called Natural Formula Go Curly. After that I just let it air dry!
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
BP: Blow dryer, hair cream, hair serum, curling shampoo and conditioner, curling iron, and a hair iron just in case!
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
BP: I love wearing my hair down. I love letting my hair loose to do its thing. I don’t like putting it up because I feel that I am damaging the curls. I only put it up when I am working in the studio or at the gym.
NC: What about your hair stylists?
BP: When I get my hair done I get it blown out. I don’t like it ironed because it damages my hair and makes it dull and flat. I have my stylist blow out my hair with large round brushes and she keeps the hair in them until it cools down — this way I get body and volume. Luckily my hair is very “moldable.”
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
BP: People kept thinking that I was using a curling iron! My answer was,”I just didn’t know how to handle my curls until now!”
NC: Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?
BP: I had curly girl insecurities from elementary school to high school. I would constantly try to find ways to straighten my hair or relax it without using harsh products and blow driers. Since I have a lot of hair, it would take too much time!
MORE: ABC’s of Curly Hair
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
BP: It’s unique! I love that I don’t have typical hair. It is the thing I am most proud of.
NC: How do you think having curly hair affects your everyday life?
BP: It has definitely helped my confidence. People are always telling me how much they love my hair and it feels really good! Sometimes you need that boost!. But I’m not gonna lie, it sometimes does get me down because my hair isn’t always manageable. It has its moments and I cross my fingers every time I get out of the shower.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
BP: God gave you curls for a reason — embrace them! You are lucky enough to look exotic and different from everyone else. Enjoy it!
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
BP: I am a jewelry designer — I have my own line called “Bita Pourtavoosi.” I have always been intrigued by how jewelry can make an outfit. It is my love, my drive, my passion, and the excitement in my life! I don’t know what I would do without it. In my free time, I like to paint. I have been painting at a college level since age 5 — it’s in my blood. Unfortunately, I don’t have much free time! I am always in the studio creating a new piece, promoting a new piece or coming up with new ideas.
The beachy wave look is great way to rock the bedhead trend this fall and winter. Even though it’s far from beach season, the look is still in. If you’re looking for a way to get the look as the weather cools off. Take a look at these tips and watch Susonnah’s tutorial for getting beach waves using the new Paul Mitchell Curls line. The style is created without a diffuser, so if you don’t want to step out into the cold with a wet head, try this routine at night, pineapple, loosely braid or bun your curls over night to dry. Then let your beach waves down in the morning!
- Shampoo with the Paul Mitchell Curls Spring-Loaded Detangling Shampoo, detangling in the shower, with the shampoo still in and then, rinse out.
- Begin to set your waves by twisting wet hair into a bun and secure with a seamless hair band.
- Take down the bun once you are out of the shower and ready to style your hair. Use a small nickel sized amount of the leave-in and let your hair dry for a few minutes.
- Apply Ultimate Wave Creme-Gel in small amounts. Use it sparingly because it has a thick consistency. Smooth it over your hair in sections and then scrunch your curls in your hands up towards your head.
- Air dry, do not use a diffuser. If you do this style at night, you can loosely braid your hair or put it into a bun. In the morning, take out the braids or bun. Drying in the braids or bun will help to enhance your beach waves. Then, you may be able to skip over the next step in which you could use heat to touchup your waves.
- To touch up your beach waves when your hair is dry, use and flat iron or curling rod to create more curls or waves.
- Use a spray on serum to finish.
MORE: Trying Out the New Paul Mitchell Curls Line
How to Get Beach Waves With Paul Mitchell
By: Susonnah
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Get more tips and tricks for your curls, coils and waves on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel.
You’ve been to school to learn all the things you never knew before — like how “i” goes before “e” except after “c” and how two plus two makes four. Now, we’re going to teach you all about curls. So take a seat, read and repeat the ABC’s of Curls!
Click on the hotspots: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, K, M, Q, R, S and Y for more info!
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Analise Kandasammy
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Analise Kandasammy: I am Analise Kandasammy, a social entrepreneur with a caring heart, strategist, change maker, team player, sports lover, arts enthusiast and an avid bookworm. I am originally from Guyana, but I now reside in Trinidad and Tobago. In both countries, my mix is known as a “dougla.”
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
AK: I started to embrace my curls about two years ago, when I realized there were products out there that were meant for me! As any curly girl would tell you, it’s easier to pass the bar exam than find the products which are just suited for your hair type.
I went to NYC, and my aunt (who is also a curly girl”> saw all the products that I was then using in my hair. She was horrified and threw all of them into the trash. True story! She immediately started handing me bottles of Mixed Chicks, Ouidad and Carol’s Daughter. I experimented with the various products and then found a combination that worked for me. Now different products work depending on whether I am in a temperate or tropical climate, but that is another test in itself!
NC: What is your current routine?
AK: Every morning, I wet my hair, even if it’s just to dampen it, and then apply product. I don’t use too much product because it weighs my hair down. Most mornings I use a dollop of the Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner. I comb it through my hair and then scrunch to style. I’ve found the only gel which doesn’t strip my hair is Pantene Curly Hair Series Gel — I use about two dollops of this to define my curls.
On days when my hair frizzes a bit and needs definition, I use Jane Carter Solutions Curl Defining Cream. When I have enough product but my hair looks like it has lost its sheen and gets frizzy, I use Ouidad Botanical Boost — three sprays, scrunching, and I’m ready to go!
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
AK: The Mixed Chicks Paddle Brush is fantastic! It combs through my hair so easily and I’m not forever tugging at knots. And ever since I found Mixed Chicks Shampoo and Conditioner, it is part of my “can’t do without” hair routine. The Ouidad Botanical Boost is a must to revive my hair at the end of the work week.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
AK: I just LOVE to have my hair open and blowing in the wind! It feels most natural this way. Sometimes I pull two strands back and clip them up.
NC: What about your hair stylists?
AK: Finding the right hair stylist who embraced thick curly hair was a struggle. I would be recommended to hair stylist after hair stylist whose best solution for my hair type was either to “relax it” or to “use Matrix.” I refused to do either of the procedures, because to me, it wasn’t helping me find a solution to manage my curly hair. They were essentially telling me the only way to manage my hair was to change its texture.
I was fortunate that my friend, another curly girl, recommended that I try her hair stylist, Dana. When I first went to her, I was skeptical given my past experiences. But she threw all of my apprehension out of the door when she asked me, “Are you happy with your thickness and length?” I said yes, and that was it! She went to work and my hair looked fab! What I love the most about Dana is that she is all about healthy hair — all of her recommendations are based on that foundation.
NC: Did you ever have any insecurities about your curly hair?
AK: I had insecurities about my hair for most of my life. In fact, I’ve only started to embrace my curls for the past two years of my life. Apart from my impatience to manage it when I was a teenager, it was mostly the comments I received from people when I was in my late teens and early 20s that really made me feel like something was wrong with my hair.
My hair is really thick, and I’d always get comments like, “Oh my gosh! Your hair is so big. Why don’t you straighten it?” Or “Why don’t you relax your hair?” Granted I do have a full head of hair, but what is wrong with that, right?
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
AK: Being curly is an aspect of my mixed heritage. I love displaying that for the world to see!
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
AK: I try to convince ladies that their hair can be managed with the discovery of the right products and that they just haven’t found their precise combination of products yet! Then I recommend that they see my hair stylist Dana, who will give them the right advice on how to manage their hair. Sometimes I actively help them research products and give them accounts of other women’s experience if their curly hair is different from mine.
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
AK: I am the Co-Founder of The Backpack Project which is a non-profit initiative aimed at promoting health and education among Caribbean students from low income families between the ages of 5 – 18.
I am also a member of Soroptimist International Newtown, Trinidad (part of Soroptimist International, Great Britain and Ireland network”>. We are a worldwide service organization, working to transform the lives of women and girls through education and leadership.
MORE: Real Texture Talk: Ms. Chu
Who would you like to see in Real Texture Talk? Tell us by commenting below.
Founder of CURLS · www.curls.biz
Frizz is the number one complaint I hear from all curlies. Here are my top ten tips for preventing frizz and tackling other curly hair challenges.
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1. Frizz
Frizz is a curly girl’s “public enemy #1.” Our goal is to experience frizz free curls, everyday. Here are few tips to help you eliminate the frizz and revive your curls.
- Dry, moisture deprived curls are prone to frizz. Start off with the on the right foot by using the right products. Cleanse with non-drying, sulfate-free cleansers, no more than twice a week.
- Follow up with a moisture packed rinse off conditioner (vs. a protein based conditioner”>, to lock in the moisture.
- Use cool water to rinse out your conditioner, doing so will seal the cuticle and reduce frizz and increase sheen.
- Seal in the moisture by applying a small amount of a natural oil to your hair and ends, before applying your styler of choice. Doing so will pump up your moisture level and prevent dryness and frizz.
- Blot dry your curls with a microfiber towel. Do not use terry cloth towels, as they create frizz.
- Make sure to add a daily leave in moisturizer into your curly hair care regime. Look for a product loaded with natural moisturizers and oils.
MORE: Get your Frizz Forecast!
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2. Slow growing hair
Contrary to the wide spread myth, curly hair does not grow slower than straight hair…the only difference is the amount of damage and styling faux pas we indulge in. All hair grows on average ½” per month.
- To retain growth, treat your hair like a fine, silk blouse — gently and with great care and attention. Moisturize daily, deep condition weekly, use quality, naturally formulated products, avoid heat styling and trim damaged ends every three months.
- Take a multi-vitamin full of rich minerals and drink eight glasses of water a day.
- Use products formulated with proven growth enhancing ingredients (e.g. MSM, Silica and Lecithin”>
- Give yourself a weekly scalp massage to provide stimulation to the hair follicles.
MORE: Curly Hair Growth Chart
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3. Dry, brittle hair and ends
- Ditch drying shampoos. Use sulfate-free cleansers. Sulfates are harsh detergents that cause the suds factor in your cleanser and results in dry hair. Creamy, sulfate free cleansers will gently cleanse and lightly condition your hair at the same time.
- Stop heat styling altogether. The excess heat further exacerbates the problem.
- Deep treat your hair with a super hydrating, natural deep conditioner. Add heat to the mix so that the conditioner actually penetrates the hair shaft.
- Moisturize daily. Remember, this is key to healthy hair! Seek out liquid moisturizers packed with humectants and natural oils.
- Mix a natural oil of your choice (e.g. pomegranate seed, olive, jojoba, or sunflower oil”> to your styling products for extra moisture. You can purchase natural oils at your local health food store.
MORE: 5 Remedies to Fight Dry, Dull Hair
OR Dry, itchy scalp
With all of our focus on creating frizz free hair, we tend to ignore the health of our scalp. Over shampooing, excessive styling and products can irritate the scalp and cause dryness. My favorite solution for this is to mix three parts of a natural oil (olive oil works great”> with one part pure tea tree oil and apply it directly to your scalp. The freshness of the oils and antiseptic properties go to work immediately. Allow it to stay on your hair overnight, then shampoo and condition the hair the next morning.
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4. Excessive Breakage
- Moisturize daily! This is a very important step you cannot afford to miss. Dry hair leads to breakage, so the way to avoid breakage is to keep your hair moisturized and hydrated. Opt for liquid moisturizers that are formulated with natural oils and ingredients. Ditch products with mineral and/or petrolatum oil in them. Both of these synthetic oils coat the hair and therefore blocks moisture out.
- Restore your hair’s lost keratin. 90% of human hair is made up of a natural protein, keratin which is responsible for the hair’s strength, resistance to wear and tear, elasticity, flexibility and shine. Hair keratin is damaged by straighteners, colors, perms, blow-drying, the sun, pollution, pool chemicals and even everyday brushing. Seek out products that are keratin based to restore strength and elasticity.
- Lubricate your hair and ends, with a natural oil. Pure Monoi de Tahiti oil is my personal favorite. This rare and exotic oil has excellent moisturizing and nourishing properties and is rich in lipids and essential nutrients.
MORE: 10 Hair Breakage Treatment Tips
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5. Different curl patterns on one head
Most curly girls experience MCP (multiple curl personalities”> — loose, perfect curls in one spot, tight and dry tresses in another. The best way to create one seamless head of curls is to use styling techniques to create one curl pattern. My favorite option for this is to do a braid out.
MORE: I Have 3 Different Curl Patterns
How to do a braid out
- Apply your styler of choice to clean, conditioned hair.
- Divide the hair into four sections. Create four braids in each of the four sections.
- Wrap the hair in a silk scarf, and allow your hair to air dry overnight.
- Remove the braids, apply a smoothing cream to the edges, shake and go!
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6. Curly hair style rut
Curly hair is the most beautiful texture. With that said, styling curly hair can become routine and boring. Tis the season to shake things up! Create a new look for the season. Research curly hair styles on the internet for inspiration, and try a new do for the New Year.
MORE: Curly Hairstyle Gallery
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7. Limp, lifeless curls
The only thing worse than limp, lifeless curls are FRIZZY, limp, lifeless curls. Here are a few tips to help you avoid this curly girl conundrum.
- Check your styling product ingredients. Ditch products loaded with synthetic oils, as they coat the hair shaft and weigh down curls. Look for products formulated with natural oils.
- Don’t over-condition. While curly girls intuitively get the need to condition, over-conditioning will yield the opposite results than desired.
- Choose styling products created for your hair type. Fine curlies should avoid heavy creams. Light lotions and gels are the best styling options for this hair type.
MORE: Rescue Over-Conditioned Hair
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8. Bedhead
Simplify your morning routine by waking up to tangle free hair. Make sure your hair is fully dry, before going to bed, to avoid waking up to a matted, tangled mess. Cotton pillowcases can also create dry, matted hair, so opt for a satin pillowcase instead.
MORE: Easy Hairstyles for Hassle-Free Mornings
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9. Selecting a Curly Hair Stylist
Selecting a stylist to cut and care for your curly hair can be a daunting experience. Make sure to ask get 2-3 referrals from friends and ask the right questions of your potential stylist. Most importantly, make sure your stylist asks you the right questions before he or she begins.
MORE: Salon Finder Tool
5 Important Questions Stylists Should Ask Their Curly Clients
- Is your hair natural? If your hair has been color treated and/or if the texture has been relaxed, you must tell your stylist. Natural hair is much stronger and resilient. Chemically altered hair requires more intensive care.
- How much do you want to cut off? As curly hair dries, it shrinks. One inch cut off of curly hair becomes 2” with shrinkage. The last thing you want is to leave the salon with a cut significantly shorter than desired. Any stylist with experience cutting textured tresses will know this.
- How much time do you want to spend styling your hair daily? A stylist that understands your busy lifestyle will not send you home with a style that requires a full beauty team to recreate!
- What products do you use to cleanse, condition and style your curly hair? If you use silicone-based stylers, the stylist should begin with using a clarifying cleanser followed up with a deep treatment.
- Do you primarily wear your hair curly or straight? Your hair cut and style options should be based solely on this information.
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10. Select the right products for your hair type
With all of the new curly hair products that that have entered the market, selecting the right products for your hair type can seem overwhelming. How do you find the right products for your specific hair type without breaking the bank?
MORE: What’s Your Texture Type?
- Research brands online that match your hair care philosophy. If natural and organic hair care is most important, find companies that align with your natural hair regime.
- Get a basic understanding of what your hair type is…wavy, curly, or kinky coily. Once you find curly hair brands that interest you visit their website and social marketing sites to see what hair type they mostly cater to.
- Ask questions: Email the customer service representatives of each company and send them questions you have and pictures of your hair for assistance.
- Last but not least, try freebies first! After you narrow down your search, request free samples of each of the products that meet your hair care needs. Trial before purchasing always makes for a satisfied curly girl.
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Caring for your curls takes dedication and knowledge of the do’s and don’ts of how to keep them healthy and beautiful. If caring for your curls has you stumped, look no further. We took all the guess work out of basic curly hair care with these 10 Curl Commandments.
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Wash and go’s may be your favorite curly go-to style, but as the weather turns cooler, you might be discouraged from wearing them. Don’t let the cold keep you from wash and go’s! Read on for tips on how to do a wash and go that won’t force you to step out into the cold with wet curls. Watch as CurlySuzy demonstrates and reviews the new Paul Mitchell Curls Line on her curls.
- Wash your hair with Paul Mitchell Curls Spring Loaded Detangling Shampoo. Then, wrap your hair with a microfiber towel for about five minutes
- Comb your hair with a wide toothed comb, to smooth your hair and reduce any frizz
- Apply Full Circle Leave-in Treatment in sections, smoothing it over the top and bottom layers of your hair.
- Smooth and scrunch Twirl Around Crunch-Free Curl Definer through your hair in sections.
- Use a microfiber towel to scrunch the product into your hair and to activate your curls.
- Let your hair air dry for 30 minutes and then diffuse on low or medium heat with a diffuser attachment until it’s almost dry. Diffuse by scooping sections of curls up towards your head.
- Gently scrunch your curls in your hands a little bit once they are dry.
Paul Mitchell Curls Line Review
By: CurlySuzy 2C/3A
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Get more tips and tricks for your curls, coils and waves on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel.
The twist and curl has become such a popular style among type 4 Coilies. With a twist and curl you can produce anything from defined frizz-free curls to a fluffy, curly fro. For tips on how to achieve your ideal twist and curl look, read on and watch as Evelyn tests out the new Paul Mitchell Curls line on a twist and curl of her own.
- Do a deep treatment to prepare your hair before shampooing.
- Wash your hair in sections to reduce tangling and re-twist each section after washing. Massage Curls Spring Loaded Detangling Shampoo into your scalp and smooth through the length of your hair, then rinse.
- Smooth the Full Circle Leave-in Treatment through your hair, working in sections.
- Apply Twirl Around Crunch-Free Curl Definer to your hair in sections. Divide the section you are working with into more manageable sections, and then two-strand twist these smaller sections.
- Wrap the end of each twist around a curler. Use bobby pins to pin down your roots if they are puffy.
- Tie a satin scarf around the edge of of your hair to keep your edges smooth.
- Let your hair dry overnight or sit under the dryer.
- When your hair is completely dry, remove the curlers and undo the twists. Then, separate the twists, fluffing at your roots to shape your hair and hide the parts.
Twist & Curl Tutorial w/ Paul Mitchell CURLS line
By: Evelyn 4B/4C
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Get more tips and tricks for your curls, coils and waves on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Bobi: My name is Emily, but my mom calls me Bobi and it has kind of stuck! I’m fifteen years old and I love to sing, play guitar and piano and read. I’ve been a naturally curly girl all my life.
NaturallyCurly: Why did you start Bobi Curls?
Bobi: I wanted to start Bobi Curls because I thought that it would help me and many other curly girls to become more confident with our curly hair and to love the hair that God has given us.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls, or have you always enjoyed and embraced your curls?
Bobi: I have not always enjoyed my hair. When I was little, I would always wish that I had straight hair, or at least wavy hair like the Disney princess, Sleeping Beauty! I only started loving my hair when my mom did the big chop. She fell in love with her hair immediately and was obsessed with it! We began hunting for good natural products and reading curly girl books. When I saw my mom loving her hair, I began to appreciate mine.
MORE: Real Texture Talk: Ms. Chu
NC: What is your current routine?
Bobi: Every couple of days, I do a wash and go, and once a week, I use a cleansing conditioner to clean my hair.
NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
Bobi: I use a cleansing conditioner first (As I Am Cleansing Conditioner“>, and then a regular conditioner (Tresemme Conditioner“>. I finger comb my hair, rinse with cold water, put some leave-in conditioner on my hair (Tresemme Conditioner or Kinky-Curly Knot Today“>, then a styling cream (SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie“> Finally I scrunch my ends with some Kinky-Curly Curling Custard. I do all of this when my hair is soaking wet.
NC: What do you do for your hair at night?Bobi: I pineapple my hair at night.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
Bobi: I love SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie…it is definitely one of my favorite products! It keeps my hair nice and frizz-free. I also love Kinky-Curly Curling Custard. It is the only “gel” I will use. I don’t really use any tools on my hair aside from ponytail holders and hair pins.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
Bobi: Unfortunately, I do messy-buns almost everyday! I like them because, in the mornings, I don’t want my hair in my face while I’m doing schoolwork (I’m homeschooled”> and/or my chores. When I style my hair for church, or if I’m going out I do pretty much anything! I love styling my hair! I guess my favorite hairstyles would be braiding my hair, either in one single braid or a side braid. I do fishtails, figure-eight braids, rope braids, etc.
MORE: Real Texture Talk: Penny Gabrielsen
NC: Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?
Bobi: Of course, I’ve been insecure about my hair. Before my mom started homeschooling me, I would always watch the girls in my class with straight hair. They would play with their hair without having to worry about it getting huge and poofy! I was so jealous!
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
Bobi: Being a curly girl is fun! You can do so much more with your hair, and if you know how to take care of it, it is the easiest thing to do!
NC: Does having curly hair affect your everyday life?
Bobi: I think it has made me more confident. You can’t have huge, curly hair and not be confident!
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
Bobi: I would tell them that their hair is a gift from God and that it’s their crowning glory! It’s a part of them and they shouldn’t be ashamed of it or insecure about it.
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects. Tell us about your life and what you are up to!
Bobi: Well, in my personal life I’m doing a lot of school! I’m also going to Haiti for the seventh time in March for a friend’s wedding and a mission trip. I’m also still getting the hang of having a blog, Facebook, Twitter, AND Instagram for Bobi Curls! It’s very time consuming and I’m very thankful that my mom helps me!
MORE: Real Texture Talk: Alessandra Christiani
Looking for an easy wash and go and the products to help you get it done? KalaG demonstrates how to style type 3 curly hair with products from the new Paul Mitchell Curls line. Follow these instructions and watch the video for great tips on how to style your curls!
Wash & Detangle
- Prepare to wash by sectioning off your hair into four or more sections and clipping back sections with alligator clips.
- Release a section and rinse with lukewarm water. Massage the shampoo into your scalp and smooth through the length of your hair detangling with the shampoo still in your hair. Rinse with cool water and repeat the process on each of the four sections.
Condition
- Divide hair into sections again. Start with one section and apply the Full Circle Leave-in Treatment from your ends raking and smoothing to distribute it evenly throughout your hair.
Style
- Apply Paul Mitchell Curls Twirl Around Crunch-Free Curl Definer in sections, smoothing and raking through your curls.
- Diffuse or air dry your hair to finish. Diffuse with medium or low heat. Flip your head over while diffusing for more volume. Diffuse right-side-up, scooping sections of your curls up toward your head with the diffuser. Stop when hair is at least halfway dry.
How To Style Curls with Paul Mitchell Curls
By: KalaG 3B/3C
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Get more tips and tricks for your curls, coils and waves on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel.
Want some tips on how to get a fabulous, frizz-free, wavy wash and go? Susonnah demonstrates from start to finish how to style wavy hair with products from the new Paul Mitchell Curls line. Follow these instructions and watch the video for great tips on how to style your waves!
- Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo (or co-wash to cut back on frizz”> first or get it very wet.
- Divide your hair into two sections and apply a nickel-sized amount of the Paul Mitchell Curls Full Circle Leave-In Treatment to each section. Adjust the amount for longer or thicker waves, but don’t add too much since the product is thick.
- Scrunch the leave-in into your hair to promote curl and wave formation. Make sure to let it air dry for about five minutes before styling.
- Apply Paul Mitchell Curls Twirl Around Crunch-Free Curl Definer in 2-3 sections in a nickel-sized amounts for each section and scrunching it in.
- Let your hair air dry for about five minutes before diffusing on low heat. Scoop and scrunch your hair up towards your head with the diffuser in sections as you dry it. Stop when your hair is only slightly damp. Finish with a blast of cold air to seal and add shine.
- Smooth your favorite hair serum over your waves to further seal in the moisture and block frizz. Allow your hair to finish air drying the rest of the way.
MORE: Paul Mitchell Launches New Curly Line!
Styling Wavy Hair with Paul Mitchell Products
By: Susonnah Gonzales 2A/2B
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Get more tips and tricks for your curls, coils and waves on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Ms. Chu: I am Ms. Chu, a New York based DJ, fashionista and hair guru.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls, or have you always enjoyed and embraced your curls?
Ms. Chu: I had toyed with the idea of going natural on several occasions. I made a few attempts at growing my relaxer out, but always fell back into the habit of relaxing my hair. After experiencing a really bad relaxer that left my hair shedding terribly, I decided that it was time for me to embrace my natural hair. That was about three years ago. Today I am totally in love with my curls.NC: What is your current routine?
Ms. Chu: I keep my routine rather simple. I wash, condition and rod set my hair once per week. My daily routine consists of a teaspoon of Moroccan oil that I use to separate, fluff and refresh my curls.
NC: From start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
Ms. Chu: I wash my hair with Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo. I deep condition by sitting under a hooded dryer for twenty minutes with a Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask. Once the mask has been rinsed out, I condition my hair with Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner, rinse, and finally apply an ample amount of Avlon KeraCare Natural Textures Leave-In Conditioner. Then I begin parting my hair into small sections and rolling it on Jheri curl rod rollers. Once my entire head has rollers, I sit under the dryer for forty-five minutes to an hour. After the hair has dried, I remove the rollers and separate and fluff the curls for a full curly look.
Read More: Moroccanoil Hair Products
Ms. Chu: I sleep with a satin bonnet on.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
Ms. Chu: I enjoy wearing rod sets and twist-outs. When I’m feeling extra lazy, I just rock a ponytail with an afro puff. I also consider myself a weave queen, so during the colder months, I wear protective styles utilizing wigs and weaves.NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
Ms. Chu: I can’t live without Moroccanoil products! Moroccan oil is a miracle — it keeps my frizz to a minimum.NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
Ms. Chu: I received mixed reviews. Women who were already natural embraced me and helped me celebrate my natural hair. Relaxed women would sometimes ridicule me and ask me why I chopped all my hair off, etc. My husband openly hated my hair for about a month. Once I became more comfortable with styling my hair, my husband began to appreciate it more.
NC: Did you big chop or transition, and for how long?
Ms. Chu: I did both. I transitioned with a weave for about a year, and then I decided that I was fed up with the weave and the two textures, so I did a big chop. Initially, I experienced a love-hate relationship with my hair. I felt free at first, but after about a month I thought to myself, “Why in the world did you cut all your hair off?!” Then the insecurities would quickly pass and I’d go right back to loving my new, natural hair!
Read More: Best Hair Oils for Curly Hair
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
Ms. Chu: Being curly gives me the styling versatility that I need. It’s also healthier than damaging and burning scalp and hair with a relaxer. I also enjoy having the option to wear my hair curly or straight.NC: Does having curly hair affect your everyday life?
Ms. Chu: I thought that going natural would give me carefree styling options. Shortly after cutting my hair, I realized that being natural would require more work than I expected. Once I found a signature, go-to style, I was able to get out of the house faster in the morning. But it was really tough at first.NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
Ms. Chu: If you are thinking about going natural…just do it! It’s one of the most uplifting and invigorating things that you will experience. It may not be easy to find that signature style or the perfect routine right away, but be patient with your curls. Love your hair and your hair will love you back!NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects. Tell us about your life and what you are up to!
Ms. Chu: I will be performing at several venues around NYC. I also have an internet radio show called Beauty and the Beats, which airs on Mondays from 8PM-10PM EST on sikmixxradio.com! Tune in and you are guaranteed to dance! Read More: Real Texture Talk: Alessandra Christiani
If you missed the CurlyNikki Motions Chicago meetup, catch up on all that went down with this detailed gallery of the event!
MORE: Hairstyle How To’s From Curly Nikki’s Chicago Meetup
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Hairstyle Tutorials
During CurlyNikki’s Chicago Meetup, Motions Global Ambassador and Celebrity Stylist Ursula Stephen showed off some of the hottest natural ‘dos on three of CurlyNikki community members. Stephen is the hairstylist of choice for many of today’s high profile celebrities, including R&B recording superstar Rihanna, platinum recording artist Keyshia Cole, Michelle Williams (of Destiny’s Child”> and America’s Next Top Model Winner, Saleisha Stowers.
Carla
- Begin by prepping the hair with Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion.
- Next, wrap small sections of hair around Strawllers using the larger size at the base of the neck and decreasing in size as you move up to the crown.
- Once dry, pull and separate the curls with fingers while using the Motions Shine Enhancing Pomade mixed with the Motions Radiating Gloss.
- Once the desired shape and volume is achieved, set the look with Motions Hold & Shine Styling Spray.
Rachel
- Double-strand twist damp hair (in small sections”> using the Motions Define My Curls Crème.
- Once dry, use fingers to vigorously separate the twist while fluffing the hair at the same time.
- To get Rachel’s shape, use pins to bring up the sides and create a personalized, faux-hawk.
MORE: Hairstyle Tutorials From the 2012 World Natural Hair Show
Brittany
- Double-strand twist damp hair using the Motions Hydrate My Curls Crème (customize by choosing your own section-size”>.
- Once dry, carefully separate the twist to keep the curl pattern visible.
- Set the look with Motions Radiating Gloss.
18th Century Curls
The Eighteenth century is often referred to as a century of women, when manners and ediquette were at their peak. Women of most classes were taught about fashion and culture, a new movement was arriving and they were delighted.
Along with this movement came some very unique hairstyles, and they varied with those of artistocratic families as well as periods of history throughout the century.
Today, researchers and historians rely on the paintings and bookplates that were made and depicted women in the 18th century. From these we gain a visual idea of what women looked like, how they wore their hair and dressed.
MORE: Did Ancient Egyptians Use Hair Gel?
Thomas Gainsborough, “Chalk Study of a Lady”
Big Curls
Most of the paintings by Boucher, Gautier and Patera show women with hair styles with endearing names like secret, butterfly and sentimental. Most of these hair styles and cuts were swept back and off of their faces. Many women wanted curly hair, as per the style of Marie Antionette. Darker colors, such as Marie’s, were preferred as well.
Height was also in! The bigger the better (odd how the number eight of the 18th century somewhat relates to the eight of the 1980‘s!”> The trends of royalty, and women in royal families, spread quickly. A little forecasting on today’s society?
MORE: Hairstyles from the 2012 World Natural Hair Show
Nicolas de Largilliere, “Portrait of a Lady, Half length, Wearing a White Dress…”
Stylists & Their Tools
Women curled their hair with bone combs and curling irons consisting of hot rods of metal warmed by fire. They also used handmade iron pins to keep hair in place. Women of the court, or those who were affluent, had personal hairdressers (coiffeurs”> who would work for hours to prepare hair, and sometimes head dress, for the women.
MORE: Home Styling Tips for Curly Hair
Elisabeth Louise Vigee-Lebrun, “Madame Vigee-Lebrun and Her Daughter Jeanne-Lucie Louise”
The Birth of the Pouf
If women wanted more height in their hair they would use pieces of wool, hemp or even wire to create “bigger” effects. In the late 18th century, the style called “pouf” became even more popular and pieces of cork and fabric were bent into the base of the hair to allow piles of waves and curls to the top. At times, the height of the “pouf” and hair was 1.5-2 times the length of the face of the woman!
MORE: Fall Flavors for Your Curls
Thomas Gainsborough, “Portrait of Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire”
Powdered Hair Colors
Powder was used by men and women in hair, but mostly for color and cleanliness. King Henry had noticed it had helped his greying hairs and soon it too caught on as a trend to enhance color and keep hair less “greasy.” Powders were not only white but they were also found to be violet, brown, orange and blue.
MORE: Demi-Permanent Hair Color
Joshua Reynolds, “Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire and her Daughter Lady Georgiana Cavendish,1784”
Big Wigs
Wigs were mostly worn by men. However, some women who wanted longer hair, more body or curl had partial pieces of hair woven into their own. The hair was usually from another women’s hair and heavily powdered in starch and wheat flour.
MORE: Add Pumpkin to Your Beauty Routine
Maurice Quentin de La Tour, “Francois Marie Arouet de Voltaire”
Natural Beauty
Women of the 18th century embraced LOTS of texture in their time. They made for some of the most unique hairstyles of any period in history. Their paintings and sculptures also leave us with a sense of knowing how they embraced and acknowledged beauty.
MORE: Real Texture Talk: Alessandra Christiani
Antonio Canova, “Cupid and Psyche” detail
Curly Fairy Costume
It’s Halloween season, and you still may not quite have figured out that perfect costume, for your or your children. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time to create your own. You can even use your own curls as part of the costume!
A curly fairy, tree or flower nymph are easy costumes, and curls always fit in perfectly. You may already have a picture in mind of the perfect fairy. If not, Google some images and notice just how many show up with waves and curls! Tree and flower nymphs are just as easy to find. The costumes are fun, creative, bright and simple to assemble.
MORE: How to Make a Curly Lioness Costume
Curly Fairy Costume
The costume consists of a basic tulle tutu or skirt (you can buy one or easily make one from layers of fabric”>, a sparkly tank (with some layers underneath”>, bright tights (even legwarmers to match and keep you warm!”>, ballet flats (the glittery ones are great”> or glittery boots. You can even add some shiny wings and jewelry such as rings, earrings or bracelets on both arms. Pin flowers, like baby’s breath or some greenery to your hair and costume for a more tree and flower nymph look.
MORE: 7 Days To Healthier Hair
Makeup
Use your own make up to add some sparkle around your eyes or even draw a pretty design or flower on your cheeks. Any kind of ethereal-looking makeup will do. Of course, no fairy or nymph is complete without a wand or twig! Most of these items you can find at local dollar stores, Target, etc. Now it’s time to work your curl magic!
MORE: 4 Easy Fall Braid Hairstyles
Hair Care
Care for your hair (or your child’s”>, as you normally would. Once dry, use a curling iron and select just a few sections to make some larger more “loopy” curly or make some curls tighter, depending on your length and the look you may want to achieve.
MORE: 7 Books for Curly Kids
Hair Products
There are lots of colorful hair products out there for Halloween. Be careful to choose products that will wash out easily and don’t “over do it” by using too many of these dyes and sprays. If you want to avoid the sprays and dyes all together, there are some fun hair pieces you can purchase at local dollar stores, Walmart and Target, which contain bright strands and braid of hair that can be clipped to the top of your hair. Try using one or two to add some “fairy color” to your curls.
MORE: How to Get Pastel Hair Color with Chalk
Accessories
Of course fairies and nymphs also need lots of little bows and ribbons in their curls too! Try making your own from ribbon around your house. Add a few little sparkly gems and tie them into your hair (or your child’s”>. Place mismatched ribbons, clips and sparkly bows on a few curls around your head to finish your perfect fairy, or nymph, Halloween costume.
MORE: Top 10 Curly Hair Halloween Costumes for Kids
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Alessandra Christiani: My name is Alessandra Christiani. I am a sophomore at Boston College and I am studying accounting and finance.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls, or have you always enjoyed and embraced your curls?
AC: I actually had poker-straight hair until I was fourteen. I hated the change in my hair and I fought it until my senior year of high school when I realized that I should just play up my natural 2B waves!NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
AC: I switch up my shampoo and conditioner, although I love Pantene. I co-wash every night, and only use shampoo twice a week. While in the shower, I comb through my hair before rinsing out my conditioner. Instead of drying my hair with a towel, I use a T-shirt to eliminate frizziness. I also use Garnier Fructis Leave-In Conditioning Cream to smooth my hair. When my hair is partially dry, I scrunch my curls using Garnier Fructis Extra Strong Curl Scrunch Gel to further define my curls. I usually sleep on my partially wet hair, and wake up ready to start my day.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?AC: I typically wear my hair down, although I frequently sport a half up, half down look. Usually, I braid the front pieces of my hair back into a clip or a full ponytail. I love experimenting with a variety of braids, including French, Dutch, fishtail, and mermaid braids.
Read More: 3 Tips for Washing Wavy Hair
NC: What about your hair stylists?
AC: Whenever I need a haircut, I fly home and make an appointment at the Paul Mitchell School. Although it tends to take a bit of time, I get a salon-quality hair cut for less than $15. The stylists know how to work with my coarse, thick, curly hair.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
AC: My go-to tools are definitely my clips, my comb to detangle my hair, as well as my Conair wand, for the days I want to perfect my spirals with a little heat. My favorite product is definitely the Garnier Fructis Curl Scrunch Gel. This product is a recent discovery that defines my curls and eliminates frizz, even in windy weather.NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
AC: Everyone, my family included, was surprised that I actually had curly hair! I get many complements on my unique hair and am told it looks better natural than straight.NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
AC: At night, I usually tie my semi-wet curls up in a ponytail. I am always extra careful to keep the ponytail loose to avoid unattractive marks on my hair in the morning.
Read More: No-Frizz Styling Tips for Wavy Hair
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
AC: I love how unique my hair is. It is a look that is hard to achieve using heat and other tools. Although it takes a lot of time to work with my hair, it handles styling well.NC: Does having curly hair affect your everyday life?
AC: Having curly hair has simplified my life. I roll out of bed with hair I am comfortable and confidence with. I never use a brush, so that is one less thing to do in the morning!NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
AC: Don’t try to fight them! Experiment with various hairstyles, daily routines and products until you feel confident with your appearance when you leave in the morning. Also, never fear asking others for advice — I have had random people in the grocery store ask what I do for my hair!NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects. Tell us about your life and what you are up to!
AC: I work as a marketing director for a start-up company called Jebbit. I am very passionate about business, and I also allot time to service groups on campus. Read More: Real Texture Talk: Penny Gabrielsen
