Search Results: NaturallyCurly

Curly Pool Party Texture Squad: Sherica
By: Sherica of Shatterproof Glass Dolls

Hey Dolls! My name is Sherica Phillips and I’m the second half of the fabulous duo Shatterproof Glass Dolls.

When Taneica and I created the site, we hoped to spread wisdom to the natural hair community on how to care for and maintain the health of your hair’s natural texture while also encouraging, empowering and motivating women spiritually, mentally and physically. Throw in some fashion and you’ve got a site that pretty much sums up all things Shatterproof!

My sister and I had been natural and perm free our whole life. My new motto is “My hair doesn’t need a relaxer, it’s not stressed!” I’ve been living it my whole life but it just recently became more real to me as I’ve gotten older. When I was growing up in elementary school, middle school, and continuing on to high school, I got a bad rap for being the natural chick in all of my classes. I used to always get “Why don’t you get a perm” or ” Your hair would be so long if you permed it.” Now, instead I hear, ” I love your texture, how long have you been natural,” usually from the same people that told me I was nappy and unattractive! Funny how that works isn’t it? Nevertheless neither me nor my sister ever fell into the temptation of the creamy crack. Whenever I’d feel the least bit weakened from the little girls on the “Just for Me” boxes, my mother would always reassure me of how beautiful I was and how I didn’t need to look like that in order to remain that way.

Our mother was a strong influence in my decision to stay natural. She never, ever made us feel inadequate because of our hair. Growing up, we were always made to feel that our hair, skin, integrity and spirits were beautiful! That’s one of the reasons why I am so honored to be a part of the Texture Squad! It’s an honor and privilege to be in included in the company of beautiful women who have embraced their natural curls and walk tall with complete and utter confidence. I can’t wait to talk curly with all the naturalistas in attendance as well as with fellow bloggers and regulars to our site. It’s gonna be a blast!

Have you sent in your RSVP for the Curly Pool Party? Don’t miss out on this curl-tas-tic event!

Curly Pool Party Texture Squad: Taneica
By: Taneica of Shatterproof Glass Dolls
Taneica of Shatterproof Glass Dolls

My name is Taneica, and I’m one half of the duo that makes up the Shatterproof Glass Dolls!

Shatterproof Glass Dolls is a natural haircare, fashion, entertainment and lifestyle website created to empower women to be their best, brightest and most beautiful selves. We believe in being unapologetically fabulous and having fun doing it! Our mantra is A Shatterproof Glass Doll is a fragile woman who can never be broken beyond repair. We believe that laughing, learning and loving are what life is all about!

I’m so excited to be working with the Texture Squad this year in preparation for the June 2nd Curly Pool Party in Orlando! Though I won’t be in attendance (I’m so screw-faced about it, believe me”>, I will be Twittering all afternoon and Skyping in to enjoy the festivities with all of you bathing beauties!

It’s an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to team up with the gorgeous dolls over at NaturallyCurly and TextureMedia!

As a lifelong natural, it’s so exciting to see all these gorgeous curly coifs popping up all over the place! What’s even more awesome is that we’re finally loving and celebrating our naturally, stunning selves! Woot woot to that!

Have you sent in your RSVP for the Curly Pool Party? Don’t miss out on this curl-tas-tic event!

Real Texture Talk: International Curly Christina

NaturallyCurly: Please, introduce yourself!

Christina George: Hi, my name is Christina, but they call me Kouki. I’m an Egyptian Curly head and proud of it! I’m 18 and in my senior year of high school!

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls or have you always embraced your curls?

CG: I guess it all started like 3 or 4 years ago. When I was about 14. I have never been a big fan of straightening my hair. I did it only for weddings, but now it’s becoming a bit more acceptable to wear your hair natural for a wedding. So, I don’t think I have straightened my hair in 2 years. I started wearing my hair down when I learned how to make it less frizzy and how to take care of it on my own.

NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process for your hair? What methods have you developed to take care of your hair since you are not always able to get the products you want?

CG: After watching like a hundred videos and reading a thousand articles, this is what I came up with: It starts in the shower. I shampoo about once or twice a week. Then, I use conditioner and detangle my hair with the conditioner in it. I part it into 4 sections and using a wide tooth comb, I comb my hair from the ends up to the roots. Then after the shower, I put my hair in a towel or a t-shirt and pat it a little. I put my styling cream on it and put it in a high bun for like 5 minutes so it absorbs the cream. Then I do my way of the “Ouidad rake and shake.” I take the bun down, shake my head a little and then tie a little bun at the end of my hair so it doesn’t pull the curls until its dry. I wear it down and it lasts for about two days.

Read More: Help Christina Get a Curly Haircut

NC: What about your hair stylists? Have you learned to do your own hair or found someone who can help you with it?

CG: I do my own hair. I watch a lot of tutorials! I learned almost everything from NaturallyCurly. THANK YOU! Its a bit challenging to find something that works with my hair because there are a lot of tutorials, but really few styles really do work for my curly hair.

NC: What are your favorite hair styles to wear with your curls?

CG: Sometimes I put it in a ponytail or a messy bun, but I usually leave it down.

NC: I know you said it can be difficult to get products, but what are your must-have products and tools?

CG: My conditioner, my wide tooth comb and my oil replacement cream. 
I WOULD DIE WITHOUT THEM! For a “shampoo” I use Herbal Essences Hello Hydration or Sunsilk co-creation with Ouidad. For conditioner I also use Herbal Essences and Sunsilk. For styling cream I use Pantene Oil Replacement.

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural, or have you been relaxer free and curly all your life? How have you dealt with those around you who don’t appreciate curly hair?

CG: My parents, my friends and the people around me, love, like or are okay with my hair. Others, in general, have called me names, and said things like, “Have you been electrocuted?” or “Don’t you have a brush” and stuff like that. I got used to it, so I really don’t care about all those negative comments.

NC: What do you do at night time for your hair?

CG: Nothing much I put it in a high, loose bun and sleep on a silk pillow case.

Read More: Real Texture Talk: Sa Rah Shine’s Model Curls

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

CG: EVERYTHING! It’s my crown and it suits my personality perfectly — wild fun and full of life.

NC: How does having curly hair affect your everyday life, what impact has going natural or being curly had on your life?

CG: It definitely brings attention, both good and bad! I’ve been stopped a few times and asked about my hair.

NC: What changes would you like to see or what do think the curly community here can do to reach out to curlies like you?

CG:  It would be really nice if there were events here and a store that sells curly hair products too. That would be great.

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

CG: God created you in the most beautiful way you can be with your CURLY HAIR  so, love it and be thankful for it, because I think it’s a blessing to have curly hair.

NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects. Tell us about your life and what you are up to! (And anything else you want to share with the NaturallyCurly community!”>

CG: Next year I’m excited that I will be in college. It’s a college for arts. I hope to become a wedding planner. For this summer I’m planning to make jewelry and DIY stuff from the internet so I can wear them in college. I LOVE kids and I go help my mum in her pre-school a lot. I’m thinking of donating my hair, but I can’t find any place here that does that, so I’m going to look harder. I’m CRAZY, I’m funny, I’m creative, and yeah, that’s me!

Also, I want to get a hair cut but I’m not sure what to get because there are no curly hair salons here, so I have to know what I want exactly. Maybe there is a way for me to cut it myself.

Do you have any suggestions about how Christina should cut her hair? 

Forget-Me-Not: Homemade Headbands

Embellished headbands can be a great way to finish off or dress up your look, but sometimes they can be a bit pricey. Take a look at how you can save some cash and still look fab by making your own custom homemade headbands!

Homemade Headbands

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Get more tips and tricks for your curls, coils and waves on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel.

Real Texture Talk: Paloma’s Curly Bob

Naturally Curly: Please, introduce yourself!

Paloma Herman: Hello! So glad to be able to get in the NaturallyCurly mix. My name is Paloma. I am a happy east coast transplant to the Bay Area for five years and counting. My mom is Brazilian, but the curls definitely come from my father’s Jewish side of the family. I am an educator, a lover of home-cooking and an enthusiast of handwritten correspondence. I hope that everyone will one day feel comfortable rocking their own style.

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

PH: Just recently, actually, thanks to NaturallyCurly’s own Cassidy Blackwell, my dear friend and roommate. Two years ago, we took a very memorable trip to Discount Beauty Supply in the Fillmore District, and somewhere between the packs of Kanekalon hair and the wide-tooth combs, I started spouting my hair history and couldn’t stop! I finally articulated the inferiority complex I had growing up, seeing so few curly hair role models and coveting the straight hair of my female friends. I really had no idea how to cut or style curly hair and be excited about it. I also didn’t know I harbored so many feelings about my hair! With Cassidy cheerleading the reclaiming of my curls, and urging me to think of them as a unique asset, right there, at Discount Beauty Supply, I acquired my own curly hair power and haven’t looked back.

Read More: Real Texture Talk: Cassidy’s Coils

NC: What is your current routine/regimen for your curls?

PH: In general, I like to keep things low-maintenance, so I don’t fuss too much with my hair. I usually shower at night, so I “pineapple” my hair before bed, then refresh my curls in the morning with a leave-in conditioner, shaking my hair out left, right, up and down for great curl distribution. I try to use a deep conditioner every few weeks and whenever I remember. I also use a steamer.

NC: What about your hair stylists?

PH: I cannot gush enough about Marie and her crew of curly-positive, personable and talented stylists at MaduSalon! Cassidy asked me to be a hair model last spring at one of her events, which took place at this salon, and I had the great fortune of meeting Marie for a cut and style, along with hours of engaging, hilarious conversation. I had never felt particularly comfortable in such a space, as I was not ever sure of what I wanted to do with my hair but thought that I should know. Marie instantly put me at ease and swooped in with her expertise to steer me in a direction that worked for me. I needed that — specific advice from an expert.

Read More: Curly Forget-me-Not: How to Clip Roots for Volume

NC: What made you decide get a bob?

PH: The curly bob was Marie and Cassidy’s idea, and before I had time to ask questions, I was already on the way to my new bob. During my most recent appointment, I took a seat in the chair, and they both turned to me and said something to the tune of, “Leave this haircut up to us. We know exactly what we want for you!” And I loved it! I completely trusted their knowledge of what would make my curls look their best, and Marie narrated the process so I could understand her techniques.

NC: What do you like most about being a curly and having a curly bob?

PH: I now appreciate how unique and beautiful curly hair is – we really stand out in a crowd! I wanted to make sure that the bob would require minimal attention, so when my stylist confirmed that with a few tips, I could essentially roll out of bed, use a few products, and start the day, I was sold. I love the texture to my hair and really feel like it complements my fashion well.

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

PH: I have used Jessicurl products since first embracing my curls and I love them all, particularly Confident Coils. I also don’t travel without my Jane Carter Solution Curl Defining Cream. I’m currently on the lookout for a daily moisturizer for my regimen. I am lucky enough to live with Cassidy, who is constantly introducing me to new brands and testing different gels, conditioners, and shampoos on my hair.

Read More: Steam Caps or Heat Caps?

What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

I would say, love what your genes gave you! More and more these days, women with stick-straight hair have shared their envy about my hair, and after all of those years of desiring their straight hair, I realized how helpful it has been to fully accept my curls and work with the hair I was given.

Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!

I work on the administrative side at a small, private school that I love. There is so much excitement in the spring at a school, so I’m pacing myself for tying up final projects, spending time with the 8th graders before they graduate (and hopefully imparting some wisdom to them about the high school transition”>, and celebrating another year finished successfully. Then, I will want a vacation away! I am also wrestling with the question of grad school in coming years. I’m always looking for ways to spice up my life, so I signed up for a pottery class that starts today! I’m grateful to live in this city where you’re encouraged from all angles to explore new interests.

Read More: 3 Natural Hair Blogs We Love to Follow

Natural’s Night Out in NYC
Naturals Night Out flyer

Returning to NYC for a second year, Natural’s Night Out (NNO”> celebrates natural hair and the beauty of men and women of all shades. Chicandkinky.com created Natural’s Night Out to help women of all shades reinvent the love for natural hair.

When

Hundreds of women will convene at NNO taking place on Sunday June 10th, 2012 from 12 p.m. -8 p.m.

Where

The Midtown Loft & Terrace is located at 267 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10016 in the heart of the city. We hope you can join chicandkinky.com and top industry leaders and other inspiring individuals in the natural hair community for this one day empowering event that promises to give attendees the tools and information so they can have confidence in wearing their natural hair.

NaturallyCurly will be on location to record all of the action and cover the event online for those who can’t be there.

Who

Natural’s Night Out attendees will gain inspiration from an astronomical line up of some of the most influential people, including Ylorie Anderson of EDENS Body Works, Celebrity Hair Artist, Nedjetti Harvey, Curly Celebrity Stylist, Tameeka McNeil Johnson and many more. Additional Panelist and guests can be found on www.ChicandKinky.com.

Why

According to luxurychicmedia, “Natural’s Night Out is the perfect opportunity for women who are looking for new ways to reinvent and create styles and care for their natural hair and establish long lasting relationships with other naturals. Natural hair will always be in, but one thing that’s always in style are memorable moments with other naturalistas.”

Natural’s Night Out will feature:

  • Express Manicures by Ginger + Liz
  • Mini Massages by Grae Therapy
  • Cocktails by GIVEN and FRAGOLI
  • Cupcakes by BcakeNY

Natural’s Night Out is sponsored by: Design Essentials, Beautiful Textures, Curls Unleashed, CURLS, Curl Max, EDENS Body Works, Jane Carter Solutions

About ChicandKinky.com

ChicandKinky.com was created in 2009 to celebrate the increase of natural hair and beauty in women of all shades. It was designed to merge the elevation of natural hair and a fabulous lifestyle. Accepting your hair for each kink, coil and curl is the ideal goal at Chicandkinky.com.

Final Thoughts

This is an event you don’t want to miss! Get your tickets now!

So, who is ready to book their tickets and travel accommodations for this event? 

Real Texture Talk: Cassidy’s Coils
Cassidy BlackwellCassidy Blackwell

NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Cassidy Blackwell: Hey Hey!  My name is Cassidy and I am a P-R-O-U-D naturalista!  I’m also  the Marketing & PR Associate/Global Editor of TextureMedia.

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls or have you always enjoyed/embraced your curls?

CB: It’s been about 2 years for me since I really started loving my teeny-weeny coils (named Lola”>.  It was truly love at first sight- I haven’t looked back since!

NC: What is your current routine/regimen?

CB: I rarely stray from wash’n’gos and I like to my routine very very simple.  I wash and style my hair about every 2-3 days and make sure to sleep every single night with a sleep cap.

NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?

CB: I will cleanse with a gentle shampoo or a cleansing creme then condition with a moisture rich conditioner.  If needed, I’ll detangle with the Ouidad Double Detangler (with the conditioner in!”>.  Then I’ll follow with some sort of styling product.  I’ve been really into products that act as a leave-in and styler all in one bottle.  As I said, I like to keep it simple and the more I can cut down to just a single product, the better for me!  Then I SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE my hair to fluff and set my coils and VOILA I’m done!

Read More: Coily Beginner’s Guide: Hair Washing Routine

Cassidy Blackwell

NC: What about your hair stylists?

CB: I absolutely ADORE my hair stylist, Miss Marie Cesar of Madusalon in San Francisco.  Since I wear almost wash’n’gos exclusively, she’s worked with me to give me some cool cuts with great volume that give my hair a lot of shape and style.  She knows her way around a head of all types of curls like nobody’s business.  I came to her with an idea of color and she totally rocked it giving me a coppery-cinnamon hue with golden highlights.  I’ve never gotten more compliments on my hair!

NC: What are you favorite hair styles to wear with your curls?

CB: Wash’n’Go!  I also liked having one side shaved down into a full-on fade.  That was a fierce look!

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

CB: My Ouidad Double Detangler, my fingers, Huetiful Steamer, and styling cremes and gels that allow me to set my coils quickly and easily.  Scrunchies and a sleep cap for when I lay my head down at night.  As for products, gosh, this is a difficult one because as a blogger, I end up trying any and everything!  It’s awesome, because there’s so much great stuff out there on the market for curls these days.  It’s a problem, because products have since taken up most of the available real estate in my home.  These things should start paying rent!

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural or have you been relaxer free all your life?

CB: I doubted it.  My family doubted it.  But then I did the damn thing and everyone’s been singing Lola’s praises since!

NC: Did you big chop or transition?

CB: I transitioned for about a year before chopping the relaxer off. Since I did the transition in braids, it was pretty simple for me to just let my hair grow and not think about it too much.  The big chop was done first by me when I got a bit scissor happy, and then I high-tailed it to a salon so they could fix my mess.

Read More: Transitioning to Natural Hair the Easy Way

Cassidy Blackwell

NC: What do you do at night time for your hair?

CB: I pineapple!  Well, because of my length and asymmetrical cut, I do a variation of pineappling using a couple of scrunchies secured around the base of the longest parts of my hair.  Then I place a sleep cap on top.

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

CB: THAT IT’S AWESOME.  And distinctive.  I love that my hair is uniquely me and one-of-a-kind!

NC: How do you think having curly hair has impacted your everyday life?

CB: To be able to fluff my hair and go in the mornings certainly makes my beauty regimen simpler.

NC: What would you tell others to encouraging them to embrace their curls?

CB: JUST DO IT!  Your hair is gorgeous as is.  Just figure out the right products and routine and you’ll be looking fly in no time!

NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects. Tell us about your life and what you are up to!

CB: Currently I’m in the midst of planning NaturallyCurly’s 2nd ANNUAL POOL PARTY!  It’s going down in Orlando on June 2nd and trust us, you wont want to miss it!

Read More: Coily Manifesto: I LOVE My Stylist

You Asked for it: Announcing Texture Only Offers!
Bun

By now you’ve seen the banners and gotten the email. Everywhere you look on NaturallyCurly it’s TOO! TOO! TOO! But you’ve still been left wondering, “What in the world is all this TOO! business and how do I get in on the action?”

Well never you fear my dear curlies, the wait is over and as of today, TOO! is launched, ready and open for the public!

Exclusive Offers Just For Curlies

Texture Only Offers (TOO!”> will be dishing up goodies once reserved for an inner circle of curlies. As a member of TOO!, you’ll receive weekly emails serving up not-to-be-missed offers from some of your favorite curly brands including:

  • Customized product bundles
  • Limited edition product releases
  • VIP access to curly events
  • Unique packages from top salons and stylists

Get excited, curlies: the first offer should already be in your inbox! You’re now an official Texture Only Insider! Make sure to visit TOO! to make sure you stay in the loop on all of the exciting and exclusive offers!

People Calls Beyonce World’s Most Beautiful Woman

The votes are in: Beyonce is named People’s Most Beautiful Woman for 2012. In People’s latest issue which pays tribute to all things beautiful, Beyonce tops the list beating out other candidates such as Sofia Vergara, Charlize Theron, Christina Hendricks, Lilly Collins and Kate Middleton.

Since Beyonce gave birth to Blue Ivy a few months past (commonly known as Baby Blue”> fans and admirers have given Beyonce ample amounts praise and support. The icon dishes to magazines and often simply through her Tumblr that Baby Blue has changed everything.

“I feel more beautiful than I’ve ever felt because I’ve given birth.” Beyonce dished to People. “I have never felt so connected, never felt like I had such a sense of purpose on this earth.”

According to People Magazine, Beyonce’s extensive resume, which includes 16 Grammys, only accompanies her role model actions as a wife and mother, all of which places her at the top of the list for their year’s Most Beautiful Woman.

For the natural hair community, Beyonce’s win can often still feel like a miss. No woman topping People’s list this year has naturally textured hair, perhaps with the exception of Lilly Collins who rocks laid-back type 2 waves. For the most part, however,celebrity status still has most women straightening their curls and coils, or hiding them under expensive weaves and wigs.

Despite the lack of star-status curls, coils and waves, People did reach out to real women this time around and nominated four Most Beautiful non-starlettes, representing women from all walks of life. And, as goes hand-in-hand with what we know our audience demographic is, the Real Beauty at Every Age winners in the 20s and 50s categories rocked natural coils and waves.

At least we know that the Texture Revolution is taking hold in the real world, away from the cameras, stages and attempts to appease the major cultural/societal ideas of beauty.

In the end, Beyonce is beautiful, and her accomplishments do deserve to place her at the top of this list. What do you think? 

Curly Trends: Celebrity Big Chops
short haircuts on celebrities

With the rise of celebs like Anne Hathaway, Evan Rachel Wood and Willow Smith going into salons for drastic super short hair cuts, Butterfly Studio Salon stylist Harmonie Redman has some tips for those considering taking the plunge and chopping it all off.

According to Redman, any woman or girl who decides to chop their long locks for a pixie cut or even a short buzz cut is someone with extreme confidence. And for those of you considering going natural, or who are getting tired of the double textures and want to get rid of your transitioning locks, this is the perfect time to shed your longer, damaged hair and go for the Big Chop — and do it in style!

This new super short trend can be simple to style as long as you follow these basic rules of good hair care.

  1. Be sure to continue using the shampoo and conditioning regime prescribed by your stylist, or Curly Girl methods which involve co-washing and sulfate-free products. For dry or curly hair, try Shu Uemura’s Moisture Velvet Shampoo. For oily hair, try the Kerastase Volumactive or Bain Age Recharge shampoos.
  2. Opt for a cut with texture such as a razor cut or disconnected layering to give a modern edge to your look and be sure that you find a stylist who knows who to work with your texture.
  3. When it comes to styling your new hair, have fun and experiment with mousse, wax and styling creams! I like to use the Shu Uemura Extreme Urushi for extra shine, hold and volume before styling with a blow dryer or letting it dry naturally. The Shu Uemura Yokan Craft Texturizing Melt is a great texturizer for finishing a short look.
  4. A day to night transformation could be as simple as adding a slick of gel and a side part to your already cute tousled daytime pixie, pair this look with some serious red lips and a killer pair of earrings for a sexy summer evening style.
  5. This is a great time to play with fun, trendy hair color since the commitment to your shade is minimal!

So, go for it girl! The time to experiment with short cuts and a Big Chop is now!

Curly Hair Parody: Stuff Curlies Say

You all know the history behind the “Sh*t whoever says” parody videos that blasted across YouTube a few months, so there is no real need to explain the reference. First, we found the “Stuff White Girls Say to Black Girls,” then there was “Stuff Naturals Say,” and then there was “Stuff Relaxed Girls Say to Naturals,” but now Jessicurl has produced a video sounding off about what curlies say — and we say that it is about time!

Start digging for your diffusers now, curlies. This video, you won’t want to miss!

Scrunch, Scrunch…

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Watch more tips, how-tos and product review videos on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel!

Our Favorite Bantu Knot Outs
QuincieGrant

Tons of NaturallyCurly users just like you upload their successful wavy, curly and coily hairstyles to our photo gallery on the daily! Not to mention, most of the women adding their photos also share their styling tips, tricks and routines. So to make sure that those of you not perusing our photo galleries and checking up on the latest community-driven trends get a chance to copy their styles, we are pulling our favorites out and sending them your way!

Want to be featured? Upload your photo!

My Bantu Knot Out

Submitted by: QuincieGrant

Deep conditioned with Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Smoothie and I used hair pudding from organic (root stimulator”>.I did small bantu knots instead of the big ones people usually do.

freennatural7

My Bantu Knot Out Blow Dried 4b Hair

Submitted by: freennatural7

I blow dried my 4b hair using the tension method then applied One n Only Argan Oil Styling Cream to do my bantu knots. The next morning, I applied oil to my hands before I took down my bantu knots. This is the result.

LeeLee182

My Bangin’ Bantu Knot Out!

Submitted by: LeeLee182

I love curly hair, whether it is loose curls, tight curls or a mixture of both! I wanted to try something different from my traditional wash-n-go, so I thought I would give bantu knots a try to see how the knot out would look. This is the result and as you can tell from the picture, I’m a big goof and quite pleased with myself haha.

More Bantu Knots by The Community

Of course, not every curly who uploads her photo gives us an explanation of her techniques — and that is totally fine. Whether they give us the deets or just share their photo and give us inspiration, we’re drooling over their hair outcomes!

Halle Berry Grows a Curly Bob
Halle Berry with a curly bobXclusivePix.com

In the wake of Anne Hathaway cutting off all her tresses and pushing back her wedding to let it grow out — to which many of you said, “Um, get extensions!” — Halle Berry’s famous cropped cut just grew overnight!

According to the Daily Mail, Halle Berry stepped out to dinner with her fiance and a head full of curls! Her new extensions form a type of curly bob and frame her face in a way that fans haven’t seen since the 90s.

Despite the fact that we all know those curls aren’t real, we can’t help but be excited that she chose curly extensions over straight. At a time in which the Texture Revolution is truly taking off, it’s uplifting to see celebrities who have the gamut of choices on which to splurge, dishing out their dough on hair that we sport on a daily basis.

No longer do we want the styles that the celebrities have — they want the styles we have too!

And, in case you haven’t noticed, extensions, wigs and weaves have seriously gotten REAL, as in, it is difficult to tell if they aren’t natural. From Beyonce to Rihanna, and now Halle Berry, fake hair has been taking on a natural look, not excluding waves, curls and coils. Despite how celebrities treat their natural texture, many are dropping more money than most of us make in a year on getting the hairstyles that we naturally attain.

Maybe it’s a tactic to hop on board with the growing texture movement, or perhaps it is just another hairstyle to rock in between now and next week’s pastel purple dye job. Either way, it sure is fun to finally see celebrities with textured hair, whether it’s theirs or not. In time, we have the feeling these famous ladies will drop the wigs, weaves and extensions and join #teamnatural.

Dish, curlies: what do you think of Halle’s new look? 

The Fly Cut: Haute Natural Hair Care at Half-Off
The WilliamsThe Williams’ Sisters, founders of The Fly Cut. Photo by Jennifer Cooper.

Birthed during a conversation about the question that haunts all women of color — “Where do you get your hair done?” — The Fly Cut (TFC”> makes it possible for consumers to experience 5-star salon services without paying full price. Genius!

The Fly Cut is the first and only daily deal website selling discounted vouchers to hair salons specializing in African-American and ethnic hair. On TFC, members can find inside information about each salon, including its specialty (natural/curly, weaves, braids, blow-outs, etc.”> along with available services, star stylists and top treatments. The site will offer tips from acclaimed beauty experts, information on current hair trends and product reviews.

The founders of The Fly Cut are the Williams’ sisters starting with former beauty editor (Elle, Glamour, Lucky, Teen People, Essence”> and best selling author (“It Chicks,” “The Color Of Beauty””> Tia Williams; corporate entertainment lawyer, Devon Williams and veteran online editor Lauren Williams. Together, they are offering a guide to each woman to find a salon fitting her specific hair needs: an inexpensive blow-out (Dominicana steelo”>, a flawless weave, highlights that won’t cause damage, the perfect precision cut or the stylist to aid in the transition from relaxed to natural. The list goes on!

Like the Daily Candy for hair salons, The Fly Cut is a personal referral service on a grand scale, with a renowned beauty guru at its helm to vet and recruit the best salons. All TFC’s deals will be announced and promoted on Tia’s re-launched, award-winning blog for women of color, Shake Your Beauty.

The Fly Cut offers a guide to each woman to find a salon

fitting her specific hair needs: an inexpensive blow-out, a flawless weave, highlights that won’t

cause damage, the perfect precision cut or the stylist to

aid in the transition from

relaxed to natural.

“Trying out hot new services at fab salons is part of a beauty editor’s job,” says Tia Williams. “I wanted to give that access to the masses – but at prices everyone can afford. We may have less money in our pockets these days, but why should our hair suffer?”

TFC’s first deal will be from the wildly popular Miss Jessie’s Salon in Soho (their cult-favorite haircare line is sold in Target stores”>. Members can buy half-off vouchers to the salon’s new CurlBar, the first go-to hotspot for fast, affordable curly and straight services. TFC will also offer a discounted gift certificate, valued at $100, that can be applied to any service at the salon.

The Fly Cut launches in April 2012 in New York City (including Harlem, Brooklyn and Queens”> with plans for expansion to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area by the end of summer 2012 followed by other major cities such as Houston, Atlanta and Chicago by Fall 2012.

Check it out, curlies. Document your experience and we’ll feature it on the site!

Six Funniest Hair-Related Someecards
The higher the hair Someecard

I don’t know if you are have been noticing the surplus of Someecards recently, but the company that has been around since LONG before Facebook Timeline was even a debate. The cards are known for being sarcastic, a bit controversial and for just being dang honest. We’re talking the REAL #truth here.

So what are their opinions on hair? Well, we’ve rounded up the top six funniest Someecards about hair.

Scroll through, and enjoy. After all, the tighter your curl and the bigger your hair, according to Someecards, the closer you are to nirvana.

Your new haircut Someecard

What? With as much as textured hair shrinks and hides highlights and color, most curlies can cut their tresses inches without many people noticing — especially the significant other. #truth

I wish I had your hair Someecard

Whether a stranger on the street stops us to praise our waves, curls and coils, or if we are just dishing our stress to a straight hair friend, sometimes the grass is greener on the other side! #truth

If you cut your hair Someecard

Reminiscent of the CurlyNikki post about a woman whose husband gave her a “straighten it or I’m leaving” ultimatum? Yea, well, at least according to e-card #2, he won’t notice if you cut it anyway!

Besides, I think all #teamnatural is on the “If you ever say something like that to me, I’m dumping YOU” team anyway. #truth

Bad hair days Someecard

It happens. It is inevitable. Bad second-day hair, a lifeless twist-out, frizz that ‘fros in abnormal directions? Been there, done that. At least it makes for a good story right? And a good product testing spree? #truth

A-Rod Someecard

Men having highlights is so the 90s, people. If you want to look like you keep your hair up, guys, then trim it, grow it out, deep condition with us, but please — no highlights! Channeling Justin Timberlake circa 1998 is NOT the look you want. #truth

Matrix Mixes Hair Color with Local Philanthropy
Matrix Color-a-thon poster

Salons, stylists and citizens in Austin, TX came together for a great cause on March 9, when they all participated in the first ever Matrix Color-A-Thon to raise needed funds for the Bastrop Pregnancy Resource Center. The city of Bastrop, TX was devastated this past fall by raging wildfires. Hundreds of families had to be relocated and lost everything in the flames. The Bastrop Pregnancy Resource Center provides information on pregnancy and adoption, along with counseling and essential items like baby food and diapers, in a loving and non-judgmental environment for women of all ages.

According to Matrix Assistant Manager on Color Sam Goodman, the participating salons — Best Lil’ Hair House in Texas and LeAnn’s Salon of Bastrop and Heavenly Hair Salon and Spa of Elgin — almost doubled the initial event goal, raising a whopping $3,372 for the Center.

Color & Giving Back

Prior to the event, clients were invited to book appointments for a free hair color service, selecting from a menu that included Matrix color glossing, face-framing highlights and grey blending, in exchange for a donation to the Pregnancy Resource Center. Eight volunteer colorists from the three salons, along with Matrix educators Leticia Ysassi, Jessica Viesca and Liz Muniz serviced more than 90 clients throughout the day.

Victims of the devastating Bastrop fire were invited to receive free color services, but according to Goodman, many were moved to make donations anyway because of their strong support for the cause.

NaturallyCurly.com editor, Tracey Wallace, even made the drive out to Bastrop to partake in the event, having her hair colored and getting to experience the first ever Color-A-Thon in history!

Haute Hues

Chairs of Change is an initiative, launched by Matrix in January 2011, that empowers, inspires, and rewards hairstylists who are making an impact on their own lives, their communities and in the world.

All of the stylists at the Color-A-Thon used Matrix haircolor — including SOCOLOR and Color Sync – the highest performing and most in-demand color among salon professionals in the U.S. Matrix provided the color and backbar supplies for the event, along with refreshments, decorations and the Design Pulse styling products that were available for clients to use in the blow dry and styling room after their color services.

In addition, a massage therapist from Heavenly Hair Salon and Spa was on hand offering free massages, and volunteers from the Pregnancy Resource Center helped out by serving food and providing information. To add to the fun, each guest contributing more than $25 was automatically entered into one of five raffles. Prizes included gift certificates to each of the participating salons plus two fabulous make-up and fragrance gift baskets.

The success of the Color-A-Thon was largely thanks to Matrix Territory Manager Garrett Rossero who organized the three salons and laid all the ground work for a great event.

Continuing to Do Local

The Color-A-Thon was part of an ongoing series of Chairs of Change events nationwide.  Chairs of Change is an initiative, launched by Matrix in January 2011, that empowers, inspires, and rewards hairstylists who are making an impact on their own lives, their communities and in the world.

According to Goodman, at least 15 percent of the Color-A-Thon participants were walk-ins who normally could not afford a professional color service. Many more were introduced to Matrix products and techniques for the first time.

“This event was a great way to demonstrate the power and expertise of professional colorists,” said Goodman. “But even more important, it was a moving demonstration of support — starting with the hairdressers — for a community and for an important cause!”

Coloring, Curls and Cuddles

Quick & Easy Wavy Styles: Up, Up and Away
Bun

Wavy hair isn’t always the easiest to manage. Other hair types might look down to the wavy as an easy to straighten texture type that doesn’t really fit in with the rest of the curly world. But, wrong they are!

Wavy hair is just as difficult as tighter coils and as many who are on one side of the fence rather than the other often say, it could be even harder.

Heavy oils straighten out our waves, no-poos don’t do us justice and too many deep conditioning treatments can leave our hair in a desperate cry for DRIER times. And, one of the biggest wavy girl problems? Second-day hair is hard, and I mean near difficult, to achieve.

No worries, though, wavies. We’ve got you covered. When second-day hair failure has your down, look to CurlySuzy for hairstyle tips and ideas, or just look at her cool and casual wavy work ‘do that you can totally steal.

Second-Day Updo

Because second-day hair failure is almost always a result of too much frizz on the top layer, simply pull the top layer back and let your bottom, still magnificently wavy layer reign.

Achieving this look is easy, simply pull the top layer of your hair back, exposing the curls underneath and ensuring that all frizzy pieces are held back. Clip the layer you pulled back up with a jaw clip. By strategically placing the jaw clip on the underside of your top layer, you can hide the clip and create a fountain updo.

For the front pieces, be sure to leave out one or two face framing waves. If your second-day hair is too frizzy for this, try rewetting the wave and simply using your finger to enhance and recreate the curl. Do not add additional product as this will weigh the wave down.

Finish with hairspray and you are good to go! Happy styling, wavies!

Curly Beginner’s Guide: Deep Conditioning the Lazy Girl Way

If you are new the curly hair world, or if you’re just tired of spending hours upon hours on those curls, you need an easier, faster and yet still effective way to hydrate your curls without spending a whole afternoon in your bathroom. No problem! Deep conditioning is a must for women with type 3 curls. It is recommended that you deep condition at least once a month, but ideally at once a week. Deep conditioning can take up a large chunk of time, though. Check out one YouTuber’s lazy girl way to hydrate her curls, decrease frizz and look fabulous — in the quickest way possible!

Deep Conditioning for the Girl on the Go

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Watch more how to, tips, styling and review videos on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel.