Search Results: NaturallyCurly

Florida living — wear a hat, simple as that. Unfortunately, it’s SO not as simple as that. Sun + Heat + Sweat + Hat can equal hat-head of disastrous proportions for sure. But for those events that require long stints in the sun, you’re doing your curls (not to mention your face”> a favor by shielding them as much as possible from the drying, color-fading, burning rays. Covering your curls to protect them is in no way a form of accepting defeat and “throwing on a hat” — it’s simply another way to be fabulous while protecting your assets.

Summer Hats

The Fedora style hat has been a big hit lately and translates nicely into a summer go-to. It looks especially adorable with aviator sunglasses for the “just arrived at LAX” look, or with Wayfarers for the “I’m too effortlessly cool to even deal with” look.

If you’ve never been “the hat type,” stop telling yourself that. Seriously. A wide brimmed floppy hat can look cute on almost anyone and when paired with big sunglasses, you’ll get great extra shade for your curls AND face and achieve a pulled together look with very little effort.

Hot Lips

Don’t underestimate the power of statement-making lip color like a classic red. My favorite is Lancome’s Red Stiletto, a blue based red that leans towards the pink reds, or Mac’s Russian Red, which has a coppery undertone”> or a go-anywhere bronze-nude (Yves St. Laurent Pur Shine Natural Pink 24, Nars Turkish Delight or The Multiple in Laguna”>, which can also be used on cheeks and eyelids to complete this look and you’ll be out the door in record time and ready to look hot while you’re, well, actually really hot.

Facial Mists

Keep a refreshing facial mist on hand to cool you off and keep that dewy glow? Do the same thing for your curls! Keep a travel size bottle of Ouidad’s Botanical Boost, Sun Shield, or your own mixture like DevaCurl One Condition milk and refresh and rehydrate throughout the day. I advise clients to keep a small cooler bag (the size of a purse-friendly cosmetic bag”> with the above sprays and their lipstick/gloss and store in the fridge when at home.

You can try out these tips this weekend at the Curly Pool Party! Have you sent in your RSVP for the Curly Pool Party? Don’t miss out on this curl-tas-tic event!

NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Ariel Maxie: My name is Ariel and I’m a senior at UT Austin pursuing a degree in marketing and in African American Studies.

(Ariel recently received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing as well as a Bachelor of Arts in African and African American Studies from UT Austin. Congratulations, Ariel!”>

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

AM: I started to embrace my curls once I got to college. While in high school, I wanted to go natural. However, my mom was still doing my hair, so that wasn’t an option. Throughout my freshman year, I transitioned twice and then did the big chop that summer!

NC: What is your current routine/regimen?

AM: My current routine is pretty simple since I decided to just rock two strand twists until graduation. I usually shampoo and condition my hair with either Creme of Nature or Carol’s Daughter. Then I deep condition my hair for about 30-60 minutes with a heating cap using either Miss Jessie’s or Carol’s Daughter. Afterwards, I detangle with my Kinky-Curly section by section, apply Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia and blow dry my hair out for more length. Lastly, I two-strand twist my hair using either Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercreme or Baby Buttercreme, Jane Carter Twist & Lock, or Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding. I do this routine every 4 weeks and usually co-wash once a week since I workout often.

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

AM: On a curly day, I either do a wash and go or attempt to do a braid out or twist out. Personally, I haven’t liked my wash-and-go’s since my 1st year as a natural because my hair grows unevenly, so I try to stick to braid outs or twist outs when it’s not twisted up.

Read More: Creating a Hair Regimen

NC: What about your hair stylists?

AM: Since going natural, I’ve only made visits to the hair stylist once a year when I get my hair pressed/straightened to get a trim and check my length. Other than that, I do my hair the majority of the time, and get my mom to do it for me when I go home to visit.

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

AM: My favorite hair styles to wear with my curls are two strand twists. I grew up wearing braid extensions and crochet braids, so wearing my hair twisted or braided is always my preference; except now with my own hair as opposed to extra help. In addition to two strand twists, I like fro hawks and braid outs. My hair doesn’t last long with twist outs for some reason, so usually when I go home, I get my mom to cornrow my hair and I’ll wear that for the week and do a braid out on the weekend.

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

AM: My two must-have tools are my wide tooth comb and my Yellow Bird blow dryer (although I probably shouldn’t have this on my list”>. I have a Denman brush, but I don’t use it very often. As for hair products, there are so many that I like! My shampoo and conditioner is usually the Creme of Nature for dry, damaged hair. I also like Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing shampoo and conditioner. My leave in conditioners are Kinky Curly’s Knot Today and the Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia. Deep Conditioners are Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask and Miss Jessie’s Super Sweetback Treatment. My top styling products are Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercreme, Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercreme, Oyin Whipped Pudding and Jane Carter Solution Twist & Lock. I’m a bit of a product junkie, yet consistent with the products I use.

NC: Did you big chop or transition?

AM: I actually had two transitions before I did the big chop. During my first semester of college, I didn’t get a relaxer. Instead, my hair always had a clip or in braid extensions. However, during winter break, I got a relaxer and then cut my hair in a shorter look before restarting my transition. The second time, I transitioned for about 6 or 7 months.

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

AM: When I first went natural, a lot of people didn’t know until about a month or so later because I got a sew-in the day after I did my big chop. However, after the sew-in and the braids I wore after the sew-in, I recut my hair and immediately received mixed reactions. A lot of people thought it was great and admired my bold move to rock my hair that short, while I had a few family members who thought I looked sick with my hair that short. However, my hair has grown on the naysayers over these nearly 3 years as a natural.

Read More: President Obama Makes a Hair Connection

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

AM: At night time, I sleep on a satin pillowcase. That’s usually as far as I get with a night time routine; however, when I’m not being lazy, I wear a satin bonnet or a satin scarf.

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

AM: The best thing about being curly is the fact that I don’t fear rain messing up my hair anymore. Also, I feel that it makes me stand out more and further express my personality.

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

AM: The way that curly hair has impacted my everyday life is that I feel more comfortable in my skin. This confidence has helped me so much especially when dealing with some of the haters.

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

AM: I say, just do what makes you happy. Don’t let other people’s words get to you. Also, transitioning can be a beast sometimes when it comes to dealing with two textures, but stay strong and be patient.

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

AM: Right now, I wouldn’t say that I have any current projects, unless preparing for graduation counts! When I’m not working at TextureMedia or in class and organization meetings, I’m trying to figure out what to do with my life once I walk across the stage.

(Ariel is now a Brand Public Relations Intern at The Richards Group.”>

Read More: Forget-Me-Not: Twisted Boho Hairstyles

After talking with clients on my last trip to Virginia, we decided it was time to give the curly hair world a new word for bangs!

Traditionally, when a client comes in and needs a little change, a stylist like myself  might suggest long bangs. Unfortunately, the word bangs scares just about everyone! Then I have to describe what kind of bangs I’m talking about, which is usually met with “Okay, I’ll try it.” To minimize the time it takes to talk about the bangs we recommend, we decided to refer to long curly bangs that sweep to the side as “The Sweep.”

So far, all my clients are loving “The Sweep,” and I’m hoping it will “sweep” the nation and ease the frustration of clients when they want a little change. Hopefully it will be also be able to close the door on a lot of bad curly bang memories from the 80s!

How to Cut “The Sweep”

What do you think of when you hear “curly bangs”?

I’m a Florida baby. Before I moved to Illinois last year, I never even saw snow fall from the sky! EVER. Imagine my shock, confusion and utter surprise when I experienced my first northern winter and my hair freaked out. I couldn’t figure out what was going on with my hair! Not only was my hair perpetually dry no matter what I tried, but I was experiencing apocalyptic size dandruff flakes, even with daily scalp oiling! I headed back to Florida for Thanksgiving and my fabulous, healthy hair returned almost immediately! That’s when I realized that the hot, muggy, moist air weather that I had been belly aching about for as long as I could remember was my hair’s salvation!

Here’s the thing about Florida’s humidity: It sucks…terribly. You can take the longest shower of your life, wash your hair until it squeaks, put on your freshest outfit directly out of the dryer and still feel absolutely sweaty and stank as soon as you step out of the door. As soon as the hot, moist, air hits you, your clothes will immediately cling to your body like Saran Wrap to a glass bowl. Not sexy. Oh, and if you have leather car seats, sitting down in a skirt or shorts is NEVER pleasant in 90 plus degree weather.

However, humidity can be what separates good hair days from bad ones for me. The words humidity and hair in the same sentence can make some dolls cringe, but I find that when I layer my hair with a water based product, seal with an oil and then finish with a glycerin laden product like Juices and Berries from Oyin, my hair looks it’s best! After researching which product may be helping me maintain moisture, I found out that the glycerin in Juices and Berries works as a sort of atmospheric vacuum, sucking moisture out of the humid air and into my thirsty hair! I can never turn down a product that makes my chronically dry hair moist and happy!

Make sure you and your curls join us in Orlando for the Curly Pool Party! Have you sent in your RSVP for the Curly Pool Party? 

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!

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!

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? 

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

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

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? 

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

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

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

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!

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? 

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!

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…

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.

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.

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!

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? 

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.

“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!