Search Results: NaturallyCurly
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Natasha Piette: Hello! My name is Natasha and I am an American student attending the University of Essex, studying for a degree in International Development. I was born and raised in the U.S. and I have a mixture of West African and English roots.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls, or have you always enjoyed and embraced your curls?
NP: I made the decision to embrace my curls right before heading off to college, when I was 17, after over three years of getting it chemically straightened. I was tired of spending hundreds of dollars on something that was damaging to my hair just for what was aesthetically “in” at the time. I didn’t want to have to worry about it in college, especially on a student budget. I figured that I was reaching a point in my life where I could be more carefree and accepting of myself as a naturally curly-haired girl. Plus, my family has always tried to convince me that natural is more beautiful.
NC: What is your current routine/regimen?
NP: I’m still trying to get accustomed to the curly transition. At the moment I am trying to find a solid routine and products that work best for my hair type, but it’s not easy. Hopefully that’s where NaturallyCurly can come in! I’m still searching for the best way to manage my curls. It tends to be mix-and-match when it comes to shampoos, conditioners and creams. My overall routine is quite simple. Wash, moisturize, dry and go!
NP: I begin with washing my hair every other day in the mornings. I pat it dry to begin with, then I wrap my head with a towel and leave it like that until my hair is no longer soaked. I brush my hair out from roots to tips and detangle. When my hair is still damp, I put my hydrating style cream in and let it sink in for a while. Depending on what the weather’s like, I’ll either blow dry my hair or let it dry naturally in the open air. Since English weather tends to be either cold or wet though (surprise!”>, I usually end up blow-drying my curls, combing my fingers through them as I’m drying. Then I’m out the door with umbrella at the ready!
Read More: Return of the Curls Natural Hair Expo
NC: What about your hair stylists?
NP: I’ve rarely been to the hair stylist since starting university. If I do, it’s usually no more than twice a year for either a trim or styling for a special occasion. Preferably my stylists will have experience with thick, textured curly hair and will know how to treat it and make it smooth. I’m not too picky.
NC: What are you favorite hair styles to wear with your curls?
NP: I like to have two small ’70s style braids clipped to each side of my head, to relieve some of the poof of my hair. There’s also nothing like leaving my curly locks untouched and out in the open on a good hair day.
NC: What are your must-have products?
NP: A must-have is any sort of cream that will reduce frizz and produce shine. I never stick with the same product once I’ve finished it off. Right now I’m using Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner and I follow up with their Hydrating Styling Cream. So far, the products I’ve been using are great for helping with the coarse texture of my hair and leaving it relatively smooth. However, sometimes I feel that my curls are slightly lifeless and need a bit of a boost and bounce to keep them lively!
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
NP: I was pleasantly surprised! I had forgotten what my real hair was like and I instantly felt more unique. It was a sudden appreciation of being natural. I felt like a flower that was just beginning to bloom!
NC: Did you big chop or transition?
NP: I had a gradual transition. I waited for about a year for the chemicals to fade away as my hair grew out. Waiting to officially be back to natural often caused some frustrations. My hair would be extremely curly at the roots and then the rest of my hair downward would be straight. Sometimes I just wanted to cut it all off and start from scratch, but I toughed it out. For me, it’s going to be curly for life! I’m never going back to the chemicals.
Read More: Editor’s Picks: Cassidy’s Shampoos for Coily Hair
NC: What do you do at night time for your hair?
NP: At the moment, nothing! I’m looking into some leave-in conditioners to maintain the health of my hair. Any suggestions are more than welcome!
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
NP: The best thing about being curly is being able to play with my curls. I love twirling my springy curls or teasing my hair until it gets to fro style.
NC: What impact has going natural had on your life?
NP: If someone were to have told me years back that going natural with my curls would give me more confidence, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. I used to be self-conscious about my curly hair because I felt like it wasn’t attractive and wasn’t the “in” ‘do. However, embracing my natural curls has boosted my confidence in the classroom as well as at the workplace. I no longer have to hide anything. I’m finally just being me and everyone (to my initial surprise”> loves it!
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
NP: Curly is beautiful. It’s unique. It’s bold. Embrace it. Don’t be afraid to stand out in the crowd and most importantly…be you!
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects. Tell us about your life and what you are up to!
NP: This summer I’ll be working in London at an English language school as an Activity Leader giving students tours around the city with various activities. We’ll be doing anything from museum and gallery visits, to seeing some of the London Olympic 2012 games, to even experiencing some of London’s vibrant nightlife! It’s incredibly exciting and I can’t wait to take London by storm! After that it’s vacation time in Portugal with my family. Then back to student life for my final year at Essex University!
Read More: Best Summer Hair Products
Do you have any hair care recommendations for Natasha?
For curlies whose hair may have a new look from day to day, it’s definitely necessary to change up your products as the weather changes. Maybe you’ve been wondering about how some products might work for your curls because you’ve heard about them over and over again. Tara talks about some how popular curly hair products have fared in her type 3 curls during the summer.
Top Curly Hair Products for Summer
Products in this Video
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Get more tips and tricks for your curls, coils and waves on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel.
Summer is the time to put away the heavy moisturizers and break out the frizz-taming gels. However, some off-the-shelf gels can have ingredients like certain types of alcohol that can dry out your hair and contribute to frizz. If you are looking for a natural gel option, Tara has a great flax seed homemade hair gel recipe you can easily make yourself. You can also find other great homemade hair products in our recipe section.
DIY Flax Seed Gel for Curly Hair
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Get more tips and tricks for your curls, coils and waves on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel.
Loving your natural texture is easy — when your curls and coils cooperate, that is! The summer months can reck havoc on your curlys if you don’t take the extra time to moisturize and strengthen them. We’ve put together three healthy hair tips to help you get your natural texture to a stronger, healthier state.
1. Feed Your Roots
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. You must keep that scalp moisturized, especially in the summer months when the UV rays are beating down on you. Oilve oil is a great moisturizing and nourishing ingredient that your scalp will eat right up. Think of your scalp as the roots of a tree. Where do you water? At the base right? Where do you feed the tree with rich soils? At the base! We can do the same for our beautiful curly hair. Feed the roots. Olive oil tops the ingredients list in MYHoneyChild Olive You Scalp Cleanser. Since olive oil is also rich in vitamin E which is an antioxidant, MYHoneyChild Olive You Scalp Cleanser can help your hair grow strong, long and healthy!
2. Milk Does the Hair Good
As you know, protein is an essential element for strong hair. Using products that contain protein rich ingredients like soy helps to protect your hair. The protein in the soy bonds to your hair and helps keep it strong and smooth.The results are reduced split ends, shinier and longer hair. MYHoneyChild Olive You Deep Conditioner contains soy milk to restore shine and softness while strengthening brittle hair. It is also rich in seaweed, which works wonders on your hair and scalp. Olive You Deep Conditioner is also great for replenishing nourishment to dry, damaged, colored hair and protecting hair from styling heat damage.
3. Pretty As a Rose
Primrose oil is a supplement derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. This plant has been used for centuries by the Native Americans for its health benefits. Today, primrose oil is used to help reverse hair loss. Primrose oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids which supports hair growth. It makes the list of ingredients for MYHoneyChild Olive You Light Conditioner, a deep penetrating daily conditioner that hydrates and coats hair and scalp.
Now you can get the MYHoneyChild Olive You Deluxe Pack from TOO! The Olive you Pack provides great moisture and hydration during the hot summer months.It includes the complete package for cleansing, conditioning and taking it too a deeper level with the best selling moisturizing deep conditioner. The pack includes:
- Olive You Scalp Cleanser
- Olive You Deep Conditioner
- Olive You Light Conditioner
- Only $40 ($54 value!”>
Take a step towards healthier stronger hair with the MYHoneyChild Olive You Deluxe Pack from TOO!
Have you ever searched high and low for the perfect recipe to make your favorite dish, but when you try it, it just doesn’t turn out quite right? Finding the right recipe for happy, healthy curls is like that sometimes. There are so many different hair care products with mountains of ingredients and seems it like half of them are impossible to pronounce! Here are three, simple natural ingredients that can help you get the defined, moisturized, picture perfect curls of your dreams.
- Coconut oil is great for healthy curls, because it has the ability to be absorbed by the hair on a molecular level. It naturally conditions, treats dandruff and dry scalp while also helping hair to retain moisture.
- Silk protein is the perfect ingredient to strengthen and condition hair. Its powerful water retention properties make it the perfect match for thirsty curls.
- Neem oil is rich in vitamin E, fatty acids and emollients, making it superb at soothing dry, itchy scalp and promoting hair growth.
The Curl & Shine Hair Kit
Wouldn’t it be great if this recipe for shiny defined, moisturized curls was wrapped up nicely like a box of brownie mix? Actually, it is! Shea Moisture’s Curl & Shine Hair Kit provides moisture, body and shine to naturally enhance curls.
The kit is a recipe for curly success using coconut oil to hydrate and protect hair against the elements and heat damage, with silk protein to reduce breakage, strengthens hair and create a silky frizz-free finish. To frost that cake, Curl & Shine products also have Neem oil to relieve dry scalp and encourage hair growth while providing brilliant shine.
The kit is ideal for all types of natural hair, as well as transitioning or chemically treated tresses. “We created our Transition & Repair and Curl & Shine hair kits over a year ago for women who were searching for a place to start when transitioning — to help them embrace their natural hair,” says founder & CEO of Shea Moisture Richelieu Dennis. “We specially formulated the products with natural, nourishing ingredients to support hair and scalp health during the grow-out process. We also wanted the products to feel luxurious and smell wonderful; there’s no reason product for transitioning and curly hair shouldn’t be a pleasure to use.”
The Curl & Shine Hair Kit includes:
- Curl & Shine Shampoo: The Curl & Shine Shampoo is a sulfate-free cleanser that moisturizes and defines curls while restoring body and shine. It was named a Best Shampoo in “Natural Homes & Garden.”
- Curl & Style Milk: The Curl & Style Milk is an ideal daily moisturizer and leave-in conditioner that detangles, conditions and gives hair body and shine.
- Hold & Shine Moisture Mist: The Hold & Shine Moisture Mist is hairstyle refresher that revitalizes curls and imparts a high-gloss shine while providing light hold and hydration and minimizing frizz.
- Curl Enhancing Smoothie: The Curl Enhancing Smoothie is for enhancing and defining natural curls while providing light hold, moisture and shine, while reducing frizz. It is ideal for all types of curly hair, including wash-and-go styles, braidouts or twist-outs.
You can also rest assured that these Shea Moisture Curl & Shine products are not tested on animals and are free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, paraffin, DEA, propylene glycol, formaldehyde, mineral oil, artificial color and synthetic fragrances.
You can find this box of moisture, body and shine for your curls at Walgreens stores and Walgreens.com.
When you start to grow out your natural texture you will have to re-learn how to care for your new hair. Whether you’re looking to transition or big chop, here are three tips that with help you to create the perfect hair care regimen for your tresses.
1. Conditioner, Conditioner, Conditioner
Your new natural texture is going to be as dry as it is brand new, so you will need to develop a love for conditioner. Choosing conditioners with the right ingredients is key. To keep your new hair healthy, naturally moisturizing ingredients that don’t cause build up are a must.
We recommend Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner. This conditioner, a winner of a Natural Health Beauty Award, moisturizes and helps restore dry, damaged and over-processed hair. It can be used either as a leave-in or rinse out conditioner.
2. Masques and Deep Treatments
Because hair needs more than normal conditioning to keep it growing and strong, you should include a masque or deep treatment at least once in your 3-day routine. Applying a masque or deep treatment once every 3 days will rapidly strengthen hair. Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque is a great choice for deeply nourishing and moisturizing the hair and scalp. It can be used as a leave-in treatment or styling cream. To intensify this treatment, apply the masque and cover with a shower cap. Then run your blow dryer over it or put on a heat cap and let it sit for about 20 – 30 minutes.
3. Scalp Care
Moisturizing cleansers are your friend. Yes, that’s right! You will need a moisturizing shampoo to cleanse your hair and your scalp. Keeping a clean and healthy scalp is key to growing long, strong and healthy hair. For a sulfate-free product that cleanses, softens, moisturizes and helps repair damaged, over-processed hair, use Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo.
In addition, you should also apply natural oils to your hair daily to repair the hair and keep your scalp healthy. Shea Moisture Reconstructive Elixir is a great natural oil-based treatment that intensely hydrates and repairs the hair and scalp while adding sheen. It acts as a sealant to lock moisture into your hair.
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Final Thoughts
“We created our Transition & Repair and Curl & Shine hair kits over a year ago for women who were searching for a place to start when transitioning — to help them embrace their natural hair,” says founder & CEO of Shea Moisture Richelieu Dennis. “We specially formulated the products with natural, nourishing ingredients to support hair and scalp health during the grow-out process. We also wanted the products to feel luxurious and smell wonderful; there’s no reason product for transitioning and curly hair shouldn’t be a pleasure to use.”
SheaMoisture Repair & Transition Hair Kit deeply moisturizes and helps heal and strengthen dry, damaged hair, while providing a protective barrier from environmental elements, heat and styling damage. These all-natural formulations include raw shea butter, which moisturizes and nourishes with fatty acids and vitamins, argan oil, heralded for restoring shine and rebuilding elasticity and sea kelp to detoxify hair follicles and scalp of impurities and residue. It is ideal for transitioning and chemically treated, dry and damaged hair. You may be relived to know that the products are not tested on animals and are free off parabens, sulfates, phthalates, paraffin, DEA, propylene glycol, formaldehyde, mineral oil, artificial color and synthetic fragrances.
You can find the Repair & Transition Hair Kit for $21.99 at Walgreens stores and Walgreens.com.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Kimberly: My name is Kimberly and I write the blog Penny Pincher Fashion.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls, or have you always enjoyed and embraced your curls?
KS: I haven’t always loved having naturally curly hair. It took a long time for me to learn how to style my curls correctly and my methods have changed (as have my curls”> throughout the years.
NC: What is your current hair care routine?
KS: I shower at night, apply an anti-frizz/smoothing cream after showering, twist 1/2-inch sections of hair around my finger and let air dry completely. The less I touch it during the drying process, the better. The next day, all I have to do is tousle a bit at the roots, separate the ringlets with my finger, scrunch and go!
Read More: Best Summer Hair Products
NC: What are you favorite hair styles to wear with your curls?
KS: I mostly wear my hair down when it’s curly, but every now and then I’ll do a loose bun at the nape of my neck and let a few curls fall around my face. It’s my husband’s favorite.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
KS: The biggest challenge for me was finding a product that worked to help separate, define and control frizz. It’s hard to find something that does all this and doesn’t make your curls crunchy. Right now I’m loving Miss Jessie’s Quick Curls, which my friend Grace introduced me to.
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
KS: I don’t bother with wrapping it at night. Sometimes I’ll twist it into a bun to keep the curls from becoming a tangled mess…but, to be honest, some nights I’m too tired and I just fall asleep with it down!
Read More: The CurlTalk Top 20
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
KS: I love the option of having my hair curly or straight. It gives me different looks to play with and my hair holds curl (from a curling iron”> better because of the texture it has.
NC: How has having curly hair impacted your life?
KS: It is awesome in the summertime because I don’t have to fight the humidity if I don’t want to. I can just skip the blowdrying process and rock my natural curls. It is SO much faster getting ready in the morning!
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
KS: My best advice is to find the right product(s”> and process. If you haven’t figured out what works best for your curls yet, try a different technique each time and see what brings the best results. After having two kids, my curls changed and relaxed considerably, so I had to re-learn how to style them. It’s all trial and error until you get it right…don’t give up!
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects. Tell us about your life and what you are up to!
KS: I’ve been enjoying doing collaborative posts with other bloggers lately and have some great sponsored giveaways coming up soon on the blog! I’m also starting to save my pennies for NYFW and am planning to attend the next Lucky FABB conference to be held that same week.
Read More: CurlySuzy’s “Brave” Review
Sometimes its fun to change up your curly look by going straight. Being curly, though, you may be used to having a lot of volume when wearing your hair curly. Straightening your curls may leave you feeling like your hair is flat and lifeless. Tara gives reviews of the hair straightening products she likes to use that also help her maintain some volume.
Tara’s Hair Straightening Products
Maintaining Volume
Products in this Video
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Get more tips and tricks for your curls, coils and waves on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel.
NaturallyCurly: Introduce yourself and your event or company.
Keenya Kelly Griffin: Keenya Kelly LLC is an organization created with the purpose of helping inspire and empower individuals to a place of physical health, self-esteem and spirituality by providing events that meet those objectives.
NC: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and how you got started in the hair care business?
KG: I’ve been involved in sales and marketing my entire life, and my father was also starting businesses when I was a child. I got started in the hair care industry because of a personal need. A little over two years ago, I decided to transition to natural. While getting my big chop, I realized I had no idea what to do with my hair, and the more I asked around, the more I realized that most natural women didn’t know either. A friend from church and I decided to have what we thought was going to be a hair party, but in a matter of six weeks it turned into a very large event with 25 vendors and over 400 attendees. I then realized that there was more of a need than we were aware of.
NC: Can you tell me a little bit about your own personal background and the event’s background?
KG: At age 21, I started working heavily in sales and marketing through network marketing. I held weekly business events at a local hotel and large business training conferences around every quarter for about five years. All of this occurred while I was attending the University of Louisville, obtaining my bachelors degree in Communication.
NC: How do you wear your hair? Natural? Curly?
KG: On a typical day, you will find my hair either styled in a twist out or braid out. I usually only straighten my hair once a year for a trim and a length check. My boyfriend adores my hair in frohawks, so I switch it up every once in a while. I LOVE my curly hair since it sets me apart from the average woman on the street. I love being able to maneuver my hair in 100 different ways, without having to always consult a stylist or pay some of the weekly fees I was use to paying.
Read More: Best Summer Hair Products
NC: Can you tell me about your curly hair story?
KG: Growing up, I never knew a woman who wore her hair naturally curly. Me and all of my sisters were accustomed to having our hair relaxed every six to eight weeks and wearing our hair straight. It wasn’t until I moved to Richmond, VA that I began seeing black women wearing their hair in its naturally curly state. I NEVER ever thought about going natural a day in my life until about 3 years ago. All of a sudden I had a desire to see what my hair would look like if I stopped relaxing. I transitioned once, then relaxed. The second time I couldn’t take the transitioning any longer as my hair began to grow into the size of a football helmet. So one day I called a friend and told her I was coming over for the Big Chop. I’ll never forget looking into the mirror and asking myself “what have I done.” I was mortified, but I knew that it was too late, and the journey began.
I wish I could say that it was a smooth transition, but it was not. I had to go through the process of relearning who I was and what defined me as beautiful. I had to relearn everything my mom and stylist had ever told me about caring for my hair and scalp while enduring the ridicule I was receiving from those around me. But as the months went by, the love for myself grew, and I realized that as a result of me breaking out of a “box” the society had placed me in, I indirectly inspired a ton of other women to jump out of their boxes as well.
NC: Let’s talk a bit about the event: when, where, cost to enter, type of vendors, how often…?
KG: Return of the Curls will take place Saturday July 28 from 10am – 7pm at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 North Third Street Richmond, VA 23219. The entry fee is just $15 for the entire event. The type of vendors will range from hair products to jewelry, accessories and such. This event will take place once a year in Richmond, VA but will begin traveling to other cities and states in 2013.
NC: What can attendees expect to see and experience at the event?
KG: Attendees will not only be able to come together with over 1000 other women with curly hair, but women of all races who have the same questions or concerns about caring for their curly hair. They can expect to see Jess with Jessicurl who will be on stage conducting a live styling demonstration. The CURLS styling team will teach on “How to achieve effortless, frizz, free, curls.” Maryjo of Imago Salon, a Richmond favorite, will be on stage conducting a live demonstration. And finally, Nina Ellis-Hervey (“Beautiful Brown Babydol” of YouTube”> will be gracing the stage sharing her hair and weight loss journey along with a host of other on-stage demonstrations and workshops.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience Richmond’s first ever Curly Hair/Fashion Show featuring up and coming models, designers and hair stylists as well as some “surprise” curlies on the runway that evening.
Read More: “The Coiffure Project” Brings Natural Hair To the Art World
NC: How does your event differ from other events happening in the community?
KG: This will be the first event of its kind. Typically, curly women drive or fly to different cities to partake in Curly Hair Expos and Fashion Shows, but this year they will be able to stay in their backyard and experience what they have paid thousands of dollars to experience in the past.
This event is different than anything else in Richmond because it’s an event designed to empower all women to embrace how they were created, to celebrate one another and support local small businesses by investing in their products or services.
NC: Anything else you would like to add?
KG: Its such a blessing to be able to provide our city with the same opportunity that other curlies have in the major cities as well as being able to bring people of all races together in the hair industry when its not really happening anywhere else.
NC: Tell us where we can connect with your brand:
KG: To stay connected with Return of the Curls you can find us at Return of the Curls, Facebook or Twitter. To stay connected with Keenya Kelly you can find me at keenyakelly.com or my Facebook page.
NC: Lastly, What’s your opinion on the texture revolution.
KG: I LOVE the revolution that is taking place right now. More women are saying no to chemically straightening their hair, no to some hot irons that have damaged their curl patterns and taking the time to truly learn more about the curliness that resides on the top of their heads.
NC: Do you see it becoming a bigger trend/movement? In Hollywood? In real life?
I have noticed more women in movies and on television that have textured hair vs the normal straight hair we have been seeing for years and I believe the more the media embraces it, the less we will see women always flat ironing their hair or chemically relaxing.
Read More: Panthenol Hair Products
Do you ever wish you had a curly hair twin who could experience all the product experiment failures and successes for you? Then you could save time and money by just getting the products that work for your curls. Unfortunately, no two curly heads of hair are exactly alike, so even people with the same hair types and textures can experience or be looking for totally different results when it comes to trying out new products. Tara shares reviews of some products that didn’t work the way she expected, but that might actually work for your curls.
More Curly Hair Products
Products with unexpected results
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Get more tips and tricks for your curls, coils and waves on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel.
Shanique before being styled by Monica “Queen” Carruthers of U R Curly. CHANGE IMAGENaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself! Where are you from?
Shanique Patterson: My name is Shanique Patterson and I am a senior at the University of South Florida in Tampa majoring in Biomedical Science. I am from a small town called Fort Pierce, Florida.
NC: Tell us a little about your hair story, please!
SP: My hair started to become terribly weak from relaxers. It was always dry and shedding all the time. With each relaxer, my hair would get weaker and weaker and thinner and thinner. So I decided that I was not going to relax anymore. I wanted my hair to get to be as healthy as possible, and all the shedding caused me to worry a lot. I decided to be natural so that I could stop the damage it was doing to my hair. My last relaxer was September 25, 2011. I tried to transition for awhile, but dealing with the two textures was difficult for me. I had relaxed damaged ends that were shedding alot and thick dry natural hair that was coming in. I decided to cut it so that I could get rid of all the damage and devote my time and energy to the new natural hair that was coming in. I did my big chop on December 20, 2011, and I have been rocking my natural afro every since.
NC: Tell us about your experience as a VIC at the NaturallyCurly Pool Party! What was your experience like? Any highlights?
SP: I really enjoyed being a VIC , and I really enjoyed having my hair styled by Monica Queen from U R CURLY. We discussed my hair type, and she gave me great tips on styling my hair and ways to keep it healthy. The goody bags that we got were great. They were very heavy and filled with several styling products and styling tools from brands that I have always wanted to try. I enjoyed meeting so many new people from the different product lines. A highlight for me was being able to take the before and after pictures. I loved my hair, so I am excited to see how the pictures came out.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls, or have you always enjoyed and embraced your curls?
SP: I started to embrace my curls after my big chop in December.
Read More: Real Texture Talk: VIC Cathy Bryant
Shanique after being styled by Monica “Queen” Carruthers of U R Curly. CHANGE IMAGENC: What is your current routine or regimen?
SR: My current regimen consists of co-washing 3-4 times a week. I clarify at least once a week. I apply a leave in such as Kinky Curly Knot Today or Oyin Handmade Hair Dew. Then I seal with a mix I made of 50 percent Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and 50 percent Carol’s Daughter Hair Elixir. I leave it in an afro puff with a head band or put it in some braids.
NC: What are your favorite hair styles to wear with your curls?
SP: My hair is still fairly short so I still enjoy wearing an afro. I love to shingle my hair to define my curls and I love having my hair braided into a Mohawk with the middle curly.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
SP: My must haves are my Kinky Curly Knot Today, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration, Argan Oil Eco Styler Gel and my heat cap for deep conditioning treatments.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
SP: Being free — not being restricted from doing fun things like swimming because of your hair. Not “needing” to get a relaxer because your new growth is growing in with a different texture than your chemically treated hair, and being able to love your hair as it is and not how others want or expect it to be.
NC: What impact has going natural had on your life?
SP: It has not impacted my everyday life much, because it has made me more confident and happier.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
SP: I would tell them that being natural is a wonderful thing. Textured hair is beautiful and should be celebrated.
NC: Tell us about your life and what you are up to!
SP: I am just starting my senior year in college. I’m looking forward to graduating in the spring and my plan is to attend medical school.
Read More: Community in the World of Natural Curls
If you haven’t already changed out your winter and spring styling products for products that will help your curls beat the summer heat, now is the time. Whether you style with gels, pomades, leave-ins or all three, there are some easily obtainable products you can stock up on for summer. It is good to order your favorite products ahead of time, especially when there are sales. But because you will eventually run out of your holy grail product and will need an easy-to-find back-up, Tara gives us reviews of some of these common curly hair products that work for her curls in the summer.
Curly Hair Products For Summer
Product Reviews
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Get more tips and tricks for your curls, coils and waves on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel.
Cathy before and being styled by OuidadNaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself! Where are you from? Tell us a little about your hair story, please!
Cathy Bryant: I’m Cathy Bryant from Hollywood, Florida. After years of relaxers, I decided to go natural three months ago.
NC: Tell us about your experience as a VIC the NaturallyCurly Pool Party! What was your experience like? What did you enjoy? Any highlights?
CB: I felt very special and honored to attend the NaturallyCurly Pool Party. I enjoyed the personalized experience given to me me by the staff of Naturally Curly. One highlight was the photos taken at the pool.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls, or have you always enjoyed and embraced your curls?
CB: My sister, who has been natural for 3 years, motivated me to go natural.
NC: What is your current routine or regimen?
CB: I didn’t know where to start, but I’ve been using the Beautiful Textures line.
NC: What are you favorite hair styles to wear with your curls?
CB: Well the only hair style I now use involves head bands. I haven’t tried any thing else yet.
Cathy after being styled by OuidadNC: What are your must-have products and tools?
CB: I must have my curl enhancer and some kind of moisturizer.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
CB: The feeling of having healthy hair, the way my hair was as a teenager.
NC: What impact has going natural had on your life?
CB: I live in South Florida. The humidity here is awful. I am a nurse, and by having my hair under control, I feel like the professional person I should be.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
CB: If you want healthy hair, natural hair is the best way to go.
NC: Tell us about your life and what you are up to!
CB: Well I am a nurse of 31 years. I’m originally from New York by way of Pensacola, Florida . I enjoy working here in South Florida. I would love to attend the next NaturallyCurly event. Thank you for the opportunity and I hope to see you again.
LaShelle before being styled by AmikaNaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself! Where are you from?
LaShelle McCoy: My name is LaShelle McCoy. I’m originally from Dayton, Ohio and I am a Tuskegee University Alumni. I currently reside in Merritt Island, FL, where I am a Sustainable Systems Research Scientist at the Kennedy Space Center. I grew up always having a passion for science and hair. As a little girl, I would spend hours in my room doing my baby dolls’ hair while watching sci-fi classics like Star Trek: Next Generation. So my current fixation on hair and my job as a researcher do not come as a surprise to those who grew up around me.
NaturallyCurly: Tell us a little about your hair story, please!
LM: One of my biggest pet peeves is when somebody tells me, “Oh, you have that good hair” (referring to its texture”>. It makes me so mad because my hair isn’t “good” because of its looser curl pattern. It’s “good” because it’s healthy. If you’re reading this and you don’t agree, consider this: my curl pattern does not keep me from getting split ends, breakage, dryness and thinning edges. Those ailments do not discriminate between tighter and looser textured hair.
I first decided to go natural in the summer of 2007 after dealing with bouts of massive hair shed because of scalp infections from dirty hair salons. I was fed up and no longer wanted to be dependent on the “creamy crack” or be at the mercy of some random hair dresser who was not concerned with the health of my hair. I had always had long, healthy, relaxed hair, so big chopping down to a TWA was not an option for me. I transitioned for two years.
During that time, I didn’t know about CurlyNikki, NaturallyCurly or any other curly hair source of information. I transitioned, armed only with the hair care knowledge imparted to me by my mother. My whole regimen consisted of a weekly deep protein treatment, a blow out and a press. My only style was a bun. I BC’d in May 2009 only to find that my hair didn’t look anything like what I had been seeing on YouTube. (I bet the constant flat ironing had something to do with it!”> I struggled with the wash ‘n go looks only to give up and resort to wigs to hide, what I deemed, “ dysfunctional hair.” And then, I found CurlyNikki.com (the day she had Gia!”>. Her website saved my hair and my sanity!
For me, one of the highlights was when a group of eager eyed ladies, with camera in hand, approached me, asking, “Are you Curly Nikki?” This didn’t happen once, but many times!
NC: Tell us about your experience as a VIC at the NaturallyCurly Pool Party! What was your experience like? Any highlights?
LM: I thoroughly enjoyed the pool party! The venue was absolutely beautiful. When I arrived, I was greeted by stylish curlies of all kinds and taken to the VIC cabana. I chatted it up with the other VICs, talking hair care and raving over our huge goodie bags. Carte blanche access to the bar was the cherry on top of the proverbial cake! After taking my “before” pictures, I was taken to the Amika booth and my hair was curled using their clipless iron. The stylist was very understanding when I expressed concerns over the use of high heat and gracefully used a low temperature to curl my hair. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the style came out considering no styling products were used and my hair was in a blown out state. After a while, the heat and humidity turned it into this wild-child look that I really loved! I can embrace frizz.
For me, one of the highlights was when a group of eager eyed ladies, with camera in hand, approached me asking, “Are you CurlyNikki?” This didn’t just happen once, but many times! I asked one lady why she thought I was CurlyNikki, she said it was the hair and the swag! I’m like, “What?! I have CurlyNikki swag? Oh yeah!”
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls or have you always enjoyed and embraced your curls?
LM: I have not always embraced my curls. Besides empowering knowledge gained from blogs and YouTube, a major contributing factor to my developing a love of my hair has been my boyfriend. He would say, “Why do you have to wear those wigs? I like YOUR hair. YOUR hair!” And as if words were not enough, on the days that I would venture out with my natural curls, his eyes would shine and he’d look at it in a way that is hard for me to explain…like he was seeing real beauty, I guess. That is when I fully understood that a woman’s hair is her glory. Not plastic tresses created by man. Not hair cut from a poor women in India or Malaysia and glued, sewn and tied into yours. Your hair is your glory. Don’t get me wrong — I don’t find anything wrong with wearing wigs or weaves. I still love them! But it becomes an issue when you wear them to hide an insecurity or disguise damaged hair. I was wearing them because I thought that it looked better than my own hair. It took me a year to realize that healthy hair will always look better than a $20 half wig from the beauty supply store.
Read More: Real Texture Talk: VIC Sherene Roach
LaShelle after being styled by AmikaNC: What is your current routine or regimen?
LM: My current routine consists of washing and deep conditioning, with heat, once a week. I first use a sulfate based shampoo (currently it’s Jane Carter Solution Moisture Nourishing Shampoo, Aveda Shampure or Sally’s Generic Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo“> to remove the week’s grime. I follow up with a more moisturizing shampoo like Mizani True Textures Curl Balance Moisturizing Shampoo or Karen’s Body Beautiful Ultimate Conditioning Shampoo. Then I DC with one of the following: Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner, Motions Moisturizing Silk Protein Conditioner (with Vatika Oil added”> or Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque (with Vatika Oil added”>. After detangling, I apply a creamy leave-in conditioner (Giovanni Direct Leave-in or Lacio Lacio High Shine Leave-in“> and Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream (BRBC”>. I then put in 12-14 two-strand twists and allow to air dry. And once a month, I do an overnight henna treatment.
Throughout the week I re-moisturize with Infusim 23 Leave-in and Qhemet Biologics Moringa Tree Conditioning Ghee (MTCG”> and retwist in 6-8 two-strand twists for bed.
NC: What are your favorite hair styles to wear with your curls?
LM: One of my favorite styles is a flexi rod set on blown out hair. It’s the only way I’ve been able to get volume from my fine, low density 3c hair. It comes out perfect every time! Not like a twist n’ curl or twist outs where the quality of the style is dependent on how wet or dry the hair is, how much product you did or didn’t use, how many twists or twist placement….aaahhhh! Too many variables. My flexi rod sets are the bomb. Other than that, my hair is in some sort of an updo 98 percent of the time. I love buns and all sorts of pin-up styles.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
LM: Goodie ouchless barrettes and banana clips, a wide tooth shower comb, Qhemet Biologics BRBC and MTCG, Gold N Hot Heat cap (for deep conditioning”>, henna and a Loc-soc, newly added to the list. I bought it the World Natural Hair Show in April. That thing is brilliant!
The best thing about being a curly is having the ability to be truly unique. No head of hair is the same. Therefore, even if I copy a style from someone else, it’s going to look different with my texture and density. Also, the versatility is amazing!
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
LM: The best thing about being a curly is having the ability to be truly unique. No head of hair is the same. Therefore, even if I copy a style from someone else, it’s going to look different with my texture and density. Also, the versatility is amazing! I can wear it straight, curly, in a ‘fro, twist ‘n curl, braid out, up and down and all around. I can rock a big voluminous Diana Ross look — I never could do that when I was relaxed! I can also get it wet anytime I want, knowing that water only makes it better.
I think that we spend so much time wanting to look and be like everybody else. Being natural can allow us to step outside the pack and stand out to be noticed and in turn, notice other unique things as well.
NC: What impact has being natural had on your life?
LM: Through natural hair meet-ups, I have been able to meet amazing people, some of which, I’ve become friends with and keep in regular contact with. And being able to help others with their hair woes gives me great joy. Please, if you have a question, ask me! I love to talk about hair. Even as a child, I’ve always been into hair and beauty culture, and this natural hair movement allows me to share my excitement and knowledge with others.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
LM: If you, like I did in the past, struggle with accepting your natural hair — if you think it’s not sexy, nappy and hard to manage — or if you think that other people will hate it, I say the following:
First, bump what other people think — they don’t pay your bills!
Second, take the time to learn all you can about your hair. Proper maintenance and hair care practices can make a world of difference on how your hair looks and feels, and it can also make maintenance easier! So many times I hear from other ladies, all this negative verbiage about their hair. Don’t punish your hair by talking bad about it. It’s not your hair’s fault that it’s dull, dry, brittle, hard to comb and not retaining length. It’s your fault. It’s user error (don’t feel bad, we’ve all screwed up a time or two”>. I recommend The Science of Black Hair by Audrey Davis-Sivasothy. It’s a great one stop shop that covers all the basics without having to sift though tons of websites, blogs and forums for good info. Please remember, “good hair” is HEALTHY hair.
Thirdly, stop hiding your hair! How are you going to learn to embrace it when its jammed underneath a cheap wig or a very expensive sew-in? There’s no hands on time. No opportunity for you to learn what it needs and what it takes to make it thrive and look good. If you are still apprehensive, only try new hairstyles and techniques on the weekends.
NC: Tell us about your life and what you are up to!
LM: As I stated before, I’m a scientist at Kennedy Space Center. This summer, I’m thrilled to be a mentor to an intern for the first time. I have an exciting project planned and I hope that my quirkiness and wacky sense of humor won’t ruin him too much! I’m also looking forward to being a bridesmaid for the first time later this summer.
And lastly, I eagerly await my first trip to the continent of Africa. I’ll be meeting up with a college friend and her fellow Peace Corp buddies to travel to Mozambique and South Africa.
I’m so excited! This will be a summer of firsts for me.
Read More: Product Reviews: Curly Hair Serum
Sometimes the right product can help you skip a step in your styling process or curly hair routine. Hair serums and other similar products could become your secret weapons if you know how to use them. Tara shares how she uses these stand-alone products in different ways to style and care for her curls.
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Get more tips and tricks for your curls, coils and waves on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel.
Sherene before being styled by Monica “Queen” Carruthers of U R Curly.NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself! Where are you from?
Sherene Roach: My name is Sherene Roach. I currently reside in Port Orange, Florida, south of Daytona Beach.
NC: Tell us a little about your hair story, please!
SR: My hair story began when I got tired of the long waiting time at the salon and the one-too-many hair nightmares that I had experienced over the years. About five years ago, I decided that I wanted to make a change. I refused to get another chemical treatment on my hair. During my transition, I wore braids, weaves and wigs. In between styles, I would wash and condition my own hair. All was good but I wanted to wear my hair naturally.
A friend told me about a salon that did nautral hair, so I tried it out. I got a blowout and it looked nice but I didn’t realize the damage it had done to my hair. I remember combing my hair and watching long strands of my hair fall out. I stopped going there and had a friend put braids in it until I figured out what to do with it. While she was braiding at my hair, she saw so much damage. I was talking to her about my hair dilemma and she said that she was going to a salon that had a cosmetologist that specializes in natural hair. Well, once burnt, twice shy — and yet, she convined me to see the cosmetologist. I was impressed. She educated me about natural hair and gave me some very good advice. She didn’t try to sell me anything. She just told me how to care for my hair. Since I have been seeing her, my hair has gotten healthy and stronger. Recently, I have started to wear my natural hair with pride because it is healthy and it reflects who I am uniquely. I love it!
NC: Tell us about your experience as a VIC at the NaturallyCurly Pool Party! What was your experience like? Any highlights?
SR: I enjoyed being a VIC at NaturallyCurly Pool Party. It was fun and I was able to meet with fellow curlies and admire the different looks that they wore. The highlight for me was when Ms. Monica “Queen” Carruthers styled my hair. It was an awesome experience. I loved my look and others did too.
Read More: Real Texture Talk: Claire Aviles
Sherene after being styled by Monica “Queen” Carruthers of U R Curly.NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls or have you always enjoyed and embraced your curls?
SR: I only recently started embracing my curls, because before, I was unable to style and care for my natural hair properly.
SR: I wash and condition my hair weekly. Then I twist it and let it air dry. To twist, I use Design Essentials Natural Defining Cream Gel or Natural Curl Stretching Cream. Because I like the feel and look that I got from using U R Curly Tight Curl Enhancer, I will be using that product as well. I also apply a daily conditioner (I use Design Essentials Natural Daily Moisturizing Lotion“> and I see my stylist for deep conditioning and styling.
NC: What are your favorite hair styles to wear with your curls?
SR: Twists.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
SR: The Design Essentials Natural line, the U R Curly line and the PhytoSpecific line.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
SR: Being unique and feeling good about how you look.
NC: What impact has going natural had on your life?
SR: At first, I thought that it was going to be a big deal but it wasn’t. Going natural actually boosted my confidence.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
SR: Be patient and know that with proper care, your hair will be glorious.
NC: Tell us about your life and what you are up to!
SR: I currently work in a pediatric office and I am planning to attend school for Oriental medicine.
Read More: How to Detangle the Worst Knots
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NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Claire Aviles: My name is Claire. I’m twenty, a junior at Boston College and currently working as an editorial intern at NaturallyCurly!
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls, or have you always enjoyed and embraced your curls?
CA: I went through a bout of straightening my hair but I quickly grew tired of it. It just took too much time out of my day! I started wearing my hair curly before my freshman year in high school and around the same time, I discovered NaturallyCurly. Now I’m a proud type 3A and I check my “Frizz Forecast” almost daily. I love my curly hair!
NC: What is your current routine and regimen?
CA: My hair care routine is very low-key. I’ve found that too much product only weighs my curls down, so I try to keep it simple. I switch up my shampoo and conditioner periodically. Right now I’m trying Elucence’s Volume Clarifying Shampoo and Moisture Balancing Conditioner. I also switch between Paul Mitchell The Cream and Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, especially during the summer. Both products keep my hair smooth and soft.
CA: I usually wash and condition my hair at night. I comb my hair with a wide-tooth comb in the shower, while my conditioner is still in and then rinse. After patting the excess water out of my hair, I’ll use my fingers to comb a leave-in product into my curls. I almost always let my hair air dry.
Read More: Real Texture Talk: Anya Grant
NC: What about your hair stylists?
CA: I’m a college student, so I admittedly don’t spend much on getting my hair styled. When I need a trim, I go to my mom. After cutting hair for her nine siblings, she’s a pro! When it’s time to “refresh” my layers or get a big chop (Locks of Love, anyone?”> I go to see John Hebert at Vitali Salon in Austin, TX.
NC: What are you favorite hair styles to wear with your curls?
CA: I usually wear my hair curly and down or in a loose chignon. My sister, a fellow curlygirl, just taught me how to do a fishtail braid, so I’ve been trying that out. I love the way my hair falls after I undo the braid.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
CA: Although I use my fingers for most of my styling, I would be lost without a good wide-tooth comb! I always have clips on hand to keep my hair out of my face. They’re especially important on windy days in Boston. Products are more difficult, because I like to try new ones periodically. My go-to is the Pantene Nature Fusion Line. I use the Moisture Balance Shampoo and Conditioner.
Read More: NaturallyCurly.com Product Staff Picks
NC: What do you do at night time for your hair?
CA: I leave my hair down most of the time but if it’s really hot, I’ll pile my hair on the top of my head in a bun. I’m always careful to use a scrunchie — I don’t want my curls to break!
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
CA: It’s easy and beautiful! I get more compliments on my curls than I ever did when I straightened my hair. I also love that it’s incredibly versatile. Although I usually choose to wear it natural, it can also be styled easily.
NC: How do you think having curly hair has impacted your everyday life?
CA: Being curly has really simplified my daily routine. Instead of spending an hour on my hair in the morning, I spend five minutes and then use the rest of the hour to drink coffee and start the daily crossword.
NC: What would you tell others to encouraging them to embrace their curls?
CA: Once you try it, you will never turn back! But you can’t expect to love your hair in a week. It takes time to find the hair care routine and products that suit you.
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects. Tell us about your life and what you are up to!
CA: When I’m not at the NaturallyCurly office, I’m working in book publishing or writing my own material. I’m looking forward to returning to Boston in the fall and then studying abroad in the UK.
