Search Results: NaturallyCurly

By NaturallyCurly · Published November 14, 2011

It’s time for your day to begin. You’ve prepped your clothes and even know which accessories and jewelry you’re going to wear, too. You head out to lunch with some friends, have a fairly easy workload — life is good. A quick check in the mirror before you head out and BAM — there it is!

That little bit of frizz just snuck up on you between setting your curls and the mirror next to the door. Okay, so there’s no time to wash and restyle, but there are a few quick tricks and curly hair styles you can use to hide your frizz and still have one heck of a day!

Start off on the Right Foot

First off, be sure to use products that work for your hair type and help cut down on frizz. Also, look at products that are “seasonal” for your hair type, since warmer and colder temperatures affect each hair type differently. In warmer weather, hair tends to need moisture so it doesn’t suck it out from the humidity (which results in frizz”>. In the winter, protective styles and deep conditioners ensure that the cold, dry weather doesn’t take moisture from your hair (which results in frizz”>.

Don’t forget that “over-washing” is also not good for curls. Keep washing to a minimum and use leave-in conditioners, second day hair products and co-washing to avoid stripping your hair of its essential oils.

Double Braided Updo

Jessica Alba

Keeping frizz at bay once you are out of the shower and are in a rush can be difficult. With no time on your hands to restyle, deep condition, or moisturize, you might be freaking. Braids are one of those curly hair styles that can be your saving grace.

Most of us have been braiding our dolls, moms, best friend’s or our own hair since sixth grade. We’ve become experts, which is why braids are the curly girl’s number one tool in our hairstyle tool kits. They get our hair out of our face and, when needed, make frizz seemingly disappear!

1. Part your hair to the side and French braid each side. To French braid, begin with three strands close to the scalp. As you continue down the side, pick up hair along the way in to each of the three sections. Secure the ends with elastic ties.
2. Apply a smoothing cream like shea butter to the braids to keep flyaways at bay. If your hair is long enough, pull the braids to the back center of your head into a ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure with bobby pins.
3. If your hair is shorter, simply pin the braids where they are, or pull them back into an X formation on the back of your head and pin in place.

The Messy Chignon

Lauren Conrad

The chignon is one of the easiest curly hair styles due to its minimal hands-in-hair time. But did you know that it also hides frizz? By pulling hair back into a chignon, you add a classy look to your arsenal, and a polished one at that!

1. Wavy & Curly (Type 2 & 3″> Pull your hair loosely to the side of your head, or back of your neck, into a ponytail. Twist the ponytail and then wrap the twisted ponytail around the base of the ponytail, like you would a bun. Do not worry about any particular flyaways or stray pieces—these will simply add to the messy look. Secure the chignon as the base of the ponytail with bobby pins.
2. Curly Kinky & Kinky (Type 3C & 4″> Chignons on type 3C and 4 hair are best done when the hair is stretched. This will work best when your hair is in a braid out, twist out or the like. Once the braid out is completed, pull the hair back into a ponytail and secure with a elastic band. Twist the ponytail and finish by wrapping it around the base of your ponytail. Secure with bobby pins.

This look is perfect for hiding frizz because the style itself is “messy.” Don’t worry about flyaways or misplaced pieces — these add to the overall look. You can even opt to pull out some bangs or fringe to frame your face and give it an even more causal (but put together”> look.

Distract With Accessories

Stana Katic

When all else fails, pull out those hair accessories and get to being creative! Our favorite by far are scarves. They can do everything! Don’t believe us? Check out our favorite way to wear a scarf!

The best way to rock a scarf year-round is the same way your grandmother used to — the retro way! This will keep the wind out of your hair, your ears warm and keep the frizz away from onlookers.

1. To begin, part your hair on the side and twist the larger section back. Pin your hair up in the back with bobby pins.
2. Grab your favorite satin scarf and fold it into a triangle. Place one of the corner on your head, facing forward, and hold the other two corners in each of your hands.
3. Pull the scarf back a bit on your head, allowing the twist to show — this hair will be left out of the scarf. Then, pull the two corners in your hands up and tie them, making sure the corner on your head is left in front of the tie that your create with the other two corners.
4. As you make a bow with the two corners, pull the corner point on your head back and allow the knot to hold it in place. Finally, tuck the ends into the two flaps that have been created on either side of the scarf. Use bobby pins to hold the scarf in place in really windy weather.

Final Thoughts

Whichever curly hair styles you choose, you may want to “dress up” a few tendrils with a shiny pomade, too. Pomades are good at hiding frizz and adding shine, and a little goes a long way. You can also keep a small container in your purse or a drawer in your desk at work.

By NaturallyCurly · Published November 11, 2011

No matter how many natural hair blogs are out there or how big of an event the natural hair community puts together, we all know the truth: we are still the minority.

Straight hair is still the leader on the big screen, in advertising, at school and especially at work. While natural hair has become more commonplace, it is still considered a niche market compared to the straight hair market.

But despite cultural perspectives, times are changing! The natural hair market has made a huge dent on the hair care industry – and we aren’t done yet!

First, we praise and promote products using natural hair products and encourage our sisters to educate themselves on what to look for and how to avoid being duped – for your hair and for your peace of mind. This trend has spread over to the straight haired world too, but they just can’t compete with the natural products found in natural hair aisles (which we hear are soon to be coming to stores like Target and Walgreens!”>.

Although a massive amount of advertising tells us that our kinks need to be straightened, we know that natural hair products do just as much for our strands, if not more, than anything those straightening creams could ever do.

One product line that’s separating itself from the onslaught of straight hair creams and sprays is Kynx (www.kynxhaircare.com“>. The Kynx product line is quickly emerging as a leader in top quality hair care for the African American market. Kynx products are exclusively formulated with Monoi De Tahiti, an oil from the Polynesian Islands. This unique formula enhances natural curls by effortlessly strengthening, nourishing and hydrating African hair-types.

Kynx products proudly encourage women to embrace their exotic, natural beauty and to simply “go with the fro!” — something that this curly seriously loves. Maybe I’ll even make it my new mantra.

Kynx products are clinically proven to strengthen, soften, repair and decrease the dryness of our kinky locks. This is what I mean by saying that our natural hair products do more for us! Kynx not only makes our curls radiate, but it hydrates them in the process!

So here is the real rant of this post: I LOVE natural hair products, and I LOVE that being natural allows me to use them in ways that straight-haired women have yet to discover. And while I hope that  you can one day experience all the glory of natural products – I’m sure glad that I can use and love them now.

Final Thoughts

If you are so inclined, check out Kynx on Facebook and join the convo about what they are doing, what their products do and how you can reap the benefits!

By NaturallyCurly · Published November 10, 2011

Unless you’ve been trained in a professional beauty school, every time your stylist shows you a few quick and easy looks, you try them at home and fail miserably. Been there!

Like most things, practice makes perfect. Chances are that if you’re not trying out the styles you wear just every so often on a regular basis, they are going to be a little more challenging than your normal look. So what quick, easy and totally doable curly hair styles are out there for amateurs like us? Tons!

Luckily, curly girls have the possibility of versatility. Try out different looks and work on the ones that look best on you. Remember, a few loose strands or curls aren’t anything to worry about. In fact, they actually help accentuate a lot of quick curly hair styles!

Chopstick Curls

For longer lengths, try pulling your hair into a bun and securing it with chopsticks. This is a fun and easy way to spice up the usual bun style. Plus, there are so many decorative sticks to choose from, you’ll be able to wear them with every outfit! This look works for any curl type and can be done in minutes.

1. Waves (Type 2″>: You may need to texturize your curls a bit before you start to give your hair some volume. Use a texturizing mousse or creme to start. Then, pull hair into a ponytail, twist into a bun and secure with chopstick in an X formation.
2. Curls (Type 3″> & Kinks (Type 4″>: Pull your hair into a ponytail, smooth some curling serum into your ponytail and start to twist into a bun. Then, secure with chopsticks in an X formation.

Do the Sidesweep

This look also works really well with longer lengths and layers.

1. Waves (Type 2″>: Make a part on the side of your head and pull a small section of the front of your hair over an eyebrow and tuck it behind your ear. Secure it with a pin or decorative clip. For shorter lengths, try parting your hair and finding two smaller sections to wrap towards the back of your head. Clip or pin them securely.
2. Curls (Type 3″> & Kinks (Type 4″>: Try this style after a twist-out. Apply shea butter to your hair and make a deep part on the side. Pull a section of hair out and over an eyebrow, then tuck it behind your ear. Pin the piece back with a clip or bobby pins. To add something extra, you can even hide the pins with a cute headband!

Heat Styling to the Rescue

I’m not talking about grabbing that straighter — we’d never want you to lose those beautiful curls! But when you’re in a rush with hair that needs a little pick me up, a curling iron or wand can come in handy! The trick here is to never leave the heat on your hair for longer than five seconds, and ALWAYS use a heat protectant.

1. Wrap your curls around a medium barrel curling iron for added definition. Allow these pieces to hang loosely around your face and pull a few pieces back to the bottom of your neck.
2. Create a messy “half-up” look by pinning back some pieces and keeping others loose and defined. You can dress the look up by adding some sparkly rhinestone clips or pins at the top of your hair or to the parts secured in the back.

Twist It, Twist It Good

You already know that curling damp hair with your fingers helps form and define better curls, so why not try a twist with dry hair? This works great for any curl type.

1. Use a little pomade to work into your hair and divide into two sections. This will help smooth your hair and keep frizz and flyaways at bay.
2. Twist each large section and pull it to the back your head. Secure the sections with small jaw clips or pins.
3. Pull any hair remaining at the top (if you have shorter layers”> to the back of your head as well and secure.

There are lots of varied updos and buns you can experiment with, and they can give you a different look every time. But don’t forget to play with your natural style and leave your locks down sometimes, too. Your fingers can act as natural coil stylers, but just add a spritz of water or spray gel on your hair and twisting it around your finger once or twice. If you need more definition, do the same finger coil method and use a pin to secure the section or curl down. Let your hair sit like that for a few minutes as you finish up your make up or clean up around the house.

Final Thoughts

The curls have it! We can wear curls so many ways and give our locks lots of looks.

It’s best to play a bit and find your favorite quick and easy curly hair styles. Once you do, you’ll be able to go from work to the gym in minutes, or from housecleaning to a night out on the town with the magic of a few pins and your curl creativity.

You go, girl!

By NaturallyCurly · Published November 9, 2011

Each month, over 11,000 NaturallyCurly.com users just like you hop over to our curly hair blogs and start journaling about everything from transitioning and big chopping to no-pooing and their curltastrophes.

These women’s words inspire us to keep providing a wealth of information about curly hair and being natural, simply by sharing their experiences, their personal challenges, their goals and ultimately, their success.

In honor of our bloggers, we will be publishing a blogger highlight each month and give you the nitty gritty details behind a blogger’s personal story, their journey and everything in between.

Want to be featured on the site? Start a blog of your own and you just might get an email from our content team wanting to interview and feature your story front and center on the site for millions to see!

Freddi’s Curly Hair Challenge

First, I want to say a bit of background information about my curly hair: I’ve never really straightened my hair, but my friends were always ready to pounce on me with their straighteners. Nonetheless, I guess I’ve always been natural, so that wasn’t my problem.

My problem was was that I didn’t look after my hair. I never tried to do anything with it, or try to make it look good. This year, I slowly started paying attention to it, and began noticing some things. After discovering this web site, I thought I wanted to make it the best it can be!

First, I started buying different products and began educating myself about silicones and sulfates. Quite a few times, I had to throw products away due to hidden cones and build up that was making my hair worse.

I thought that my goal was to have healthy, long, well defined curls, and I really wanted my parents to see that since I live on the other side of the world and will becoming home in four weeks. Mum always had wonderful hair and always looked after it, so I thought that it would be something we could do together.

My rules were simple: no products. I would only use things found in nature, including oils, teas, herbs and a homemade, all-natural conditioner. In addition, I would co-wash often and use an all-natural shampoo. Finally, I would keep a hair dairy and write in it twice a day, morning and night, to track my progress.

What is it that I wanted to improve? Everything, but mostly I wanted to try to have as little frizz as possible, have well-defined curls and see how much length I could get in a short span of four weeks.

So I would like to welcome you to my hair journey!

Week One

I’ve been infusing olive oil with rosemary and using that quiet a bit. Rosemary is great for hair growth, so I thought I’d give it a go. So I pick fresh rosemary, pour olive oil over it, heat it up for 30 seconds, put a lid on it and leave it for a week. I could probably leave it longer, but a week is good for me. I also got some marshmallow root that I’ll be using to rinse my hair. I’ve heard that’s great as well.

To start off, I used a sulfate shampoo. Now I haven’t used sulfate poo in years, but I wanted to start with really clean hair. The next night I made a deep conditioner and left it in for two hours. Then I rinsed it out with water and carefully rinsed with the marshmallow. Note to self: wash the DT with no-poo next time — hair smelled bad after the water and marshmallow!

I then sealed with olive/rosemary oil and let it air dry for a bit. Finally, I put it in a loose pony tail to sleep on it.

Week Two

So these first and second weeks are really me just trying a bunch of different things.

I made an herbal spray to refresh my curls using rosemary, rose petals, lavender and peppermint. I simply poured hot water over it all and let it sit for a bit and strained it. I added a few drops of tea tree oil as well.

I also started to French braid my bangs. I braided it when it was still a bit wet and then went to bed. When I woke up, I undid the braid, sprayed it a bit with water, put some of my marshmallow root conditioner through it and shook it out. I was really impressed. I had volume and nice defined curls and no frizz!

I’m settling in nicely to not using any product. I’m still trying to work out how I should be washing my hair, though. Right now, after I wash my hair, I put some marshmallow conditioner through it, detangle it and spray it and seal it with a bit of olive oil and rose oil. Then I pineapple at night so that I just have to take it out in the morning and see how much work it needs. Normally, I just have to put some water in it and then a bit of conditioner and oil.

Once a week, I make a hot oil treatment, which has been the best so far, and I’m able to get wonderful second and third day hair. I just still have to figure out how to wash it…

Week Three

Beginning of the third week really wasn’t too great. I co-washed and then, of course, we had a fire. I had really good second day hair that day, too! When we got home, I managed to save it, though. I co-washed and just did my normal thing after: put conditioner through it, detangle and seal the ends.

I think that the smoke does something to hair that makes it all dry and straw like. Normally, with this problem, I would use hair cream, but I just added a bit of my rosemary oil, and the next day it was better.

The next day, I rinsed with marshmallow and combined a bit of jojoba oil, newly bought just to try it out, and argan to seal my hair with. When I woke up, I had perfect second day curls! I loved it! So, that day, I made a hot oil treatment and left it in for nine hours! After I washed the oil out, I used a sulfate-free shampoo and rinsed with marshmallow root.

For my hot oil treatment, I used a base of EVOO infused with rosemary, honey, pure argan, jojoba, pumpkin seed oil and tea tree. I couldn’t believe how soft, defined and fizz free I was! The next morning, when I woke up, I just scrunched a bit of argan oil in it to give me some more volume. Although I normally have TONS of volume — the hot oil treatment seemed to have settled my hair quiet a bit.

I also bought myself some omega-3 plus tablets. The tablets also have vitamin E, B6 and B12. All are great for the hair, so I’ve been taking one a day. But, since I just started, its far too early to see if it has any effect.

Week Four

My last week would have to be my worst. It’s been really dry and the weather has been getting colder. So my hair has been showing that. It has been really dry, frizzy and has had no definition, though I didn’t give it any special treatments. I’m at my boyfriends and didn’t take my stuff with me — oh well.

The next thing I want to try is stinging nettle oil. I dont know if i can get the oil, or if it is too expensive for me. If it is, then I think I’m just going to make a rinse and use that. Nettle is supposed to be great for growth and shine and help with scalp problems. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have any scalp problems, but I like to know all the benefits of something new that I’ll be using.

I think I’m going to start to do protective styling when I sleep, as well. I’m thinking braids, or at least I’ll French braid my bangs, because even when I pineapple to sleep, my bangs dont look good. However, when I braid them, it gives me nice definition and volume.

Although my four week run is up, I think im going to keep not using product as a general rule, and just use a little bit of product when I absolutely need it. Any product that I use I’m definitely going to make sure that it’s natural.

That leads me to my next thing: washing my hair. One of my rules was that I wasn’t going to use shampoo, that I was just going to use conditioner to co-wash. I did try this, but I don’t really like it. I don’t think it leaves my hair or scalp clean. I have been using a natural, sulfate-free shampoo that does work wonders, though. I think because I don’t use product that my hair doesn’t need to be cleansed as often, so I’m going to just use the shampoo once every 10 days, or when I need it.

Final Thoughts

I have noticed some new growth, and by that I mean that I have new baby hairs all over my scalp and on my hair line that had thinned last year due to stress, so I’m really happy that my hair line is starting to thicken up!

I’m really happy about how this challenge went and that I can FINALLY love my hair! I’m really exited about growing it out and trying new things with it. Things like twists, braids and different ways of styling my hair — all stuff I had never done before, nor could!

By NaturallyCurly · Published November 8, 2011

The feather hair trend has taken over the hair world since Spring 2011. We have seen them clipped in, sewn in, straightened, curled, hot pink and au natural.

But we haven’t yet seen how to get professional feathers for hair at home, at a minimal cost, besides using clip-ins!

With winter fast approaching comes a change in climate and fashion. Clip-ins don’t stay in place with the wind, and hot pink just isn’t as cool and funky when darker colors take precedent. So what’s a hip gal to do with her desire for feathered tresses?

To help you on your feathered quest, in steps Feather Hair Extensions, the newest and hottest place to buy real feathers for hair online. Feather Hair Extensions provides you with real feathers in a variety of colors, and provides an easy, step-by-step at-home installation guide to save you money and a trek to the salon. In fact, Feather Hair Extensions is probably the same place your stylist gets her feathers!

Because the company provides natural hair feathers, you can wash, curl and flat iron them just like regular hair! And if you take good care of them, they can stay in for up to two months!

So, my hippie-channeling friends, are you looking for an inexpensive, at-home, professional and fashionable way to keep your tresses feathered, rather than tossing the trend all together? Then, look no further – we’re here to help!

At-home, Professional Hair Feather Installation

Purchasing feathers for hair is simple enough. Head over to the Feather Hair Extensions site and look for bonded feather hair extensions, which can last you a couple of months at only $13!

Worried about the at-home installation? Don’t! Once you purchase the extension tools, a loop and bead set and pliers totally another $13, it is a cinch!

Follow these simple steps and you’ll be feathered-hair perfected and ready in no time.

1. Place feather extension bead onto your loop tool.
2. Part out the location where you want your hair feathers to sit and grab about ten strands of hair. Thread hair through the loop tool. Remember that the feather stem and your strands of hair have to fit through the bead.
3. Slide the bead off of the loop tool and onto your hair and hold the bead in place very close to your scalp.
4. Place stems of hair feathers into bead and clamp down to flatten bead around feather stems.
5. Gently tug on your feathers to ensure that they do not slide off – they shouldn’t! If the feathers are sliding, clamp harder to assure a tighter bead fit.
6. If needed, trim off excess feather stem above bead so it doesn’t poke scalp.

Final Thoughts

Sitting at home in the cold, depressed not about the weather, but about the lack of flair in your hair? Get up off that chair and pull yourself out of that bad mood with your own feathers for hair.

By NaturallyCurly · Published November 3, 2011

You’re all set for a great day. Your hair has never looked better, your curls are shiny and beautiful. Then you walk out your door only to discover the TV weather forecaster was wrong again!

Windy weather and storms can ruin a perfectly good curl day. But if you’re prepared, you can still have a great day, hair and all.

Hydration is key on windy days, no matter your hair type. In fact, for those curlies with convertible cars, these curly hair tips are probably something you’ve already been using whenever it’s a “tops down” kind of day.

Prep & Styles for Windy Days

1. Deep condition! Make a point of treating your curls to a deep conditioning treatment once a week, especially during the dryer, colder winter months.
2. Keep hydrating! Hydrate your curls after each shower with a leave-in conditioner. Be sure to evenly spread your leave-in throughout your hair. For type 2 waves, try a leave-in spray that is lighter and won’t weigh down your waves. For type 3 and 4 curls and kinks, use a heavier leave-in that will lock in moisture and expand your curl pattern.
3. Stay clear of heat tools. Wind is drying enough, don’t add more damage by using a blow dryer or flat iron on your hair. If you must, be sure to use a heat protectant like Mixed Chicks Straightening Serum. 
4. Once hair is dry and prepped, keep it in place with a strong hold pomade like Kinky-Curly Gloss Pomade. You may also opt to use a few small bobby pins to pin pieces down towards your neck or behind your ears. There is no need to pull your curls back too tightly as the bobby pin will hold the strand in place if you secure it properly. Try making an X with two pins to ensure a strong hold.

After you get the prep work out of the way, ensure that your curls stay in place with these curly hair tips for steering clear of wind-blown kinks!

1. Wrap them up! Find a fun headband and wrap your curls in it. There are lots of great headbands that can dress up your dull gym clothes or boring black suit.
2. Braid it back and out! What’s great about braids is that you can take them out later and extend your hairstyle with a braid out! You can wear braids while getting to work, shopping or at the gym. Then you can take them out later for a different look while protecting your curls the whole time.
3. Get the curls out of your face! Depending on your hair’s length, try pinning part of your hair back behind your head or neck and leaving the other part down. With the hair framing your face out of the way and tucked safely back, you can still enjoy a semi-down curly look even on the windiest of days!
4. Accessorize and hold! Grab your favorite barrette or clip and create a unique updo style that will hold up in the wind. This is perfect for work styles as the accessories will allow you to dress up the ‘do as needed. Just be sure that you are using the accessories in a way that will ensure a strong hold. You wouldn’t want to lose on of these because of a strong gust!

Final Thoughts

Windy City, ladies: how do YOU deal with curly hair conundrums when the wind speed starts to pick up? Hats can’t be the only options!

By NaturallyCurly · Published November 2, 2011

We’ve waited long enough! With Occupy Wall Street movements springing up all over the country, we’ve had a hard time paying attention solely to the protestors arguments. I mean, have you SEEN their hair? Curly hair is rocking the Occupy movements from New York City to Chicago and Miami to Austin! Sadly, we aren’t there and could only scrounge up the photos below, but we think they will give you a pretty good look at curlies doing big things!

The Naturally Curly Movement

They are the 60%!

Locs and passion go hand in hand! »

Long waves and protesting — with hair ties for the “just in case.”  »

Rocking the Afro, this guy’s curls are beautiful! »

Draped in pride, dreadlocks are an American staple! »

CurlyNikki poses with a fan who recognized her out at the protest! »

Hey, even curlies need to take breaks! »

Help Us Expand the Gallery!

• Participating in the protest? Bring your camera and snap some curly hair shots. Then email them to content@naturallycurly.com and we’ll post them for everyone to enjoy.

By NaturallyCurly · Published November 2, 2011

We know it isn’t a fad and we know that we all talk about it everyday, all day, but we also know that not everyone else does! Being natural haired women is a whole other ball game compared to our straight-haired sisters, and to them, talking about hair all the time is just, well, not normal.

Waves, curls and kinks need extra attention, mostly because they need extra moisture, and because once we all figure out how to treat our textured strands correctly, they kind of rock. Thus, we want to spread our newfound love and obsession with the world – and get and spread more advice about how to rock the perfect curls everyday, all day.

Curlies’ dedication to spreading the natural haired word paid off yesterday as #CurlyHairGirls began trending on Twitter! Now, we wish we had a screen shot to share with you, but we can guestimate that sometime on October 30, the hashtag started trending and that 10 hours ago – it was still doing so!

As of this morning, November 2, there is no #CurlyHair anything trending, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t excited that it was!

In honor of the event, we gathered some of our favorite #CurlyHairGirls tweets from the past two days!

#CurlyHairGirls & Twitter

#CURLYHAIRGIRLS is a trending topic? What’s up with curly hair? My hair is naturally curly like @shakira & I <3 it!

#CurlyHairGirls have the best hair and that’s that!! #fact

#CURLYHAIRGIRLS is trending!! Heck yes! My hair is large and in charge!! LOL! yessssss! We gotta stick together

#curlyhairgirls is trending but only on twitter. In the real world, straight hair rules. And I have naturally curly hair so I can say this.

#curlyhairgirls dont care if their edges r a lil curly…. AT LEAST WE HAVE EDGES!

#curlyhairgirls HAVE THE MOST OPTIONS

I’m not quite sure why #curlyhairgirls is trending, but YAAAY! Even if we spend most of our life straightening those curls away…..

#CurlyHairGirls are the best thing since sliced bread!

#curlyhairgirls steal my heart, idk why

I love the Curly Hair Girls trending topic. Us #curlyhairgirls tend to be forgotten lol

#curlyhairgirls rock! Always stand out in the crowd.

#CurlyHairGirls —- The best! Most exotic, Wild, and unique per girl! You can straighten any hair but a pretty natural curl isn’t fakable

#CurlyHairGirls‘ are the best! Myself included. You get the best of both worlds people!

someone asked me earlier what did you do to your hair ?? and i was like i had a shower and then ……. I did nothing #CURLYHAIRGIRLS

Just because I am one of these #curlyhairgirls, no I will not straighten my hair, and no I do not have a perm, and yes it is natural.

I didn’t know people loved #curlyhairgirls so much, if they only knew how hard it is to manage

This is the first time i’m part of a trending topic…..GIVI IT UP 4 #curlyhairgirls!!!

I see #CurlyHairGirls is trending on twitter. I honestly wish I had naturally wringlet curly hair, all you curly haired females are blessed

Final Thoughts

Curlies, hop on the #curlyhairgirls train and get the topic trending again! Let us know how you feel about the tweets above, and then tweet your own!

By NaturallyCurly · Published October 28, 2011

Kerry Howley.

While our hair never defines us, we all know that it is truly a huge part of who we are as women. Whether you have waist-long waves or just big-chopped, your hair is YOUR hair.

You take the extra time to deep condition, find the perfect stylist to not ruin the pattern when you get it trimmed, avoid heat styling at all costs, use protective styles during bad weather — the list goes on. With as much attention as we give our curls, it’s safe to say that we have a long-lasting love affair with them.

Except when they fall out.

All it takes is a clogged shower drain, a stray loose hair on your shirt, or in your food, and we cringe. No matter if the hair is ours (it better be!”>, we still find disgust and disdain in hair that is no longer on our heads. From intense love affair to good riddance, our curly strands never stood a chance.

In walks, then, Kelly Howley, a recent graduate from Middlesex University in London, who has taken what you once loved and is making you rethink your sudden aversion.

“I’m interested in how materials can affect us. We have emotional response to materials,” says Howley. “Hair is something we take of, but when it’s in the shower plug, it’s something horrible.”

The jewellery and accessories graduate decided to play upon our emotions and see if she could take the discarded and make it beautiful again.

Howley makes hair necklaces. That’s right, hair necklaces! Howley used her senior project to create a collection she calls “Attraction/Aversion,” winning her the Museum of Domestic Architecture’s Arthur Silver Award for graduate innovation and excellence, and multiple appearances on NBC, the Discovery Channel, and a spot in the Louvre.

“Like wood or metal, hair is just a material,” Howley says.

Naturally,we had to get the down low on her hairy project, and on her own hair, which is “very curly,” as she says.

Getting to Know Kerry Howley

One of Howley’s many natural hair necklaces.

What is your personal hair story? Do you usually wear your hair straight or curly?

I never straighten it. I don’t really see the point when I can wake up in the morning and put some mousse in my hair and it looks fine. When I straighten it, individual hairs will be straight, but the rest will puff out into a great big Afro. I look like a dandelion. So I don’t even try!

What is your curly hair routine?

I use shampoo once or twice a week, but usually only conditioner. I never brush my hair unless in the shower, and then it is only with my fingers. [Out of the shower], I just tip upside down and put in a mousse. It seems to curl differently every day anyway.

Any particular products you like?

Yes! I don’t know if you have this over there, but Umberto Giovanni. Its all really good, especially their mousse. It doesn’t make my hair crunchy, which is hard to find with a mousse.

How did you become interested in creating necklaces of human hair?

I got my bachelors from Middlesex University in London in Jewellery and Accessories. I’m interested in how materials can affect us. We have emotional responses to materials. Hair is something that we take care of, but when it’s in the shower plug, its something horrible. But it’s just a material, like wood or metal. I like trying to make a discarded item beautiful.

What type of hair do you use?

I started with my friend’s mom who has very long Japanese hair. She agreed to cut some of it off for me to work with. Finer hair is harder, so Asian hair is pretty thick. I’ve also worked with my own hair, which is quite thick. Really fine, blonde hair just breaks.

What are people’s reactions to your pieces?

I’ve had great reactions! They say that it’s disgusting but beautiful. They don’t know how they feel about it and that’s exactly what I wanted – to take something people don’t like and have them see it differently.

Tell me about your work appearing in the Louvre. It’s typography, correct?

It’s typography made form human hair on a poster. I was commissioned by a typography company is New York to make it. The men that worked there shaved their heads and sent their hair to me in the post. That’s the thing about doing this – hair is so personal. I can’t make something until someone commissions it.

What’s next for you? Any new projects you are working on?

I graduated in July and I’m applying for a program that commissions five artists a year to do whatever they want. Its perfect for me, but I don’t know if I’ll get in. Smaller scale, I’m going to create items that can be more easily displayed in the home, in shadow boxes. Also, because I have to be commissioned for human hair pieces, and because there is such an emotional investment there, I’m going to start making decorative things from animal fiber instead. People seem to not care when it’s horse hair rather than human hair.

Final Thoughts

You can find Howley’s work on her website and if you want anything, she is open to commissions.

By NaturallyCurly · Published October 27, 2011

Chemotherapy is a pretty scary process, but it’s one of the only treatments currently known to fight and beat cancer. The side effects from chemo are pages long and range from minor skin irritation and hair loss to deadly infection. While chemo hair loss may actually be  a sign that the treatment is working, it’s still a difficult process to go through.

A chemo hair loss support group will introduce you to people just like you who are suffering from the side effects of chemotherapy. Chemo has emotional as well as physical consequences, and a support group can give you the TLC you need.

What Support Groups Can Do

A positive outlook

It’s okay to feel how you feel, your life validates that. But when things are difficult and you feel like there’s nowhere to turn, a support group can give you a positive outlook on a difficult situation. Expressing your feelings in a support group is a form of catharsis that can help you accept what you can’t control.

Support groups near you

Whether it’s support for something physical like chemo hair loss or something more emotional, there’s a chemo support group for every woman of every age. Several websites include a variety of different support groups including those for different types of cancer, as well as special classes on health, nutrition, or physical activity including yoga and meditation. For more information, visit the Breastcancer.org discussion boards.

Share your support group experiences with us and all the other curlies going through the chemotherapy process!

By NaturallyCurly · Published October 24, 2011

Olivia Wilde radiated red carpet glamour at the October 20th premiere of “In Time” in Westwood, California with hair by celebrity hairstylist David Babaii. David created a loose Bohemian chic wave to compliment her stunning ombre hair color.

How He Got The Look

1. To start, he applied a dime-sized amount of Couture Colour Pequi Oil to her clean, damp hair, massaging into her tresses for maximum shine.
2. David then rough dried her hair with his fingers to add texture during the blow drying stage.
3. To create her gorgeous waves, he divided the hair into four parts: top, sides and back leaving the nape area free. Starting at the nape area, he took 1-2 inch sections, combing the hair before starting (varied sizes create more texture and movement”>.
4. Using a curling iron, he wrapped these sections around the inside of the barrel, holding for 10 seconds. He then clipped each completed curl and proceeded to the next.
5. After completing the entire head, David removed the clips and allowed the curls to relax and fall naturally into place.
6. He then used his fingers to arrange, separate and style her waves, while sweeping her fringe to the side. He finished her style with IT&LY Hairfashion’s Purity Design Pure Definition Hairspray which has memory hold for a long-lasting, flexible finish.

Final Thoughts

You tell us and we’ll get the info! What curly celebrity look are you dying to achieve, but just can’t figure out?

By NaturallyCurly · Published October 17, 2011

Getting back into the swing of things is always hard when fall rolls around, so why not have create an effortless hairstyle as you make the trek back to the office? For an easy fall look, Nicole Pascaul, master stylist at Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon in LA, suggests working braids for a painless yet trendy look.

Nicole began her career at Warren-Tricomi Los Angeles where she was exposed to Hollywood’s up-and-coming. Because of her innate talent and dedication to the beauty and movement of hair, her expertise for cutting and styling led her to Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon in LA where she makes her home today. Nicole’s fashion-forward eye and her “more about you, less about me” credo enables her to intuitively bring out the beauty she see’s within each person who sits in her chair. 

The messy French, mini braids, and waterfall braids will get your interweaving affair taken care of, but Nicole recommends the undone fish tail braid for this fall’s laidback look. This braid emulates bohemian chic, as opposed to traditional “school girl.“

Nicole’s Quick Grown-Up Braid Fix

Product Recommendations

• Keep your locks second-day beautiful: AG Curl Trigger Curl Defining Spray
• Create the perfect messy look while holding it in place: Curlisto Unruly Paste

1. Section it out. Divide second-day or bed-head hair into two sections down the middle of your head. Don’t worry if some hair feathers out or does not reach. This will create an undone feel.
2. Start criss-crossing. Take a thin strand of hair from the outer edge of the right section, crossing it over to combine with the inside edge of the left section.
3. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Repeat with the other side; take a thin strand of hair from the outer edge of the left section, crossing it over to combine with the right section. 
4. A happy ending. Repeat until braid reaches the desired length, or you reach the ends of your hair. Secure with a simple hair elastic or a playful accessory.
5. Dirty it up (optional”>. To add a more tousled, undone edge, lightly coat your fingers with a matte pomade or spray wax. This will help “dirty up” the hair as you work and create a perfect finish.

You Tell Us!

What fall hairstyles are you using for work, school and play?

By NaturallyCurly · Published October 14, 2011

Cast member Enisha Brewster arrives at the premiere of the film “Footloose” in Los Angeles rocking her natural kinks!

A remake of the 1984 classic, “Footlose” premiered on October 3rd in Los Angeles, and is set to be released nationwide today. In honor of the release of the movie, we got down to the bottom of the beautiful Enisha Brewster and Andie Macdowell’s curly hairstyles at the movie premier where they flaunted their natural locks on the red carpet and represented for curly girls everywhere.

Get Enisha’s Twist-Out

Enisha rocked a fabulous twist-out with some playful bangs. This look is perfect for those with types 3 or 4 hair looking for a fun variation of a traditional twist-out. Since this is a fuller style, around 8-10 medium sized twists should give you volume that Enisha has achieved.

1. Start with clean hair and use a good leave-in conditioner for your foundation. Kinky Curly Knot Today is an excellent option because it has great slip for detangling and allows for a smoother twist-out.
2. Apply a good moisturizing product like Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Butter or Bee Mine Bee Hold Curly Butter to each section of hair from root to tip.  It’s important not to neglect the ends because fuzzy ends will ruin a great style!

3. Proceed with two-strand twists, remembering to leave a section across the front for the bangs. Make sure the twists are smooth and try not to borrow from one section to the other so you end up with a well defined twist out.
4. Once the twists are complete, you can add a small bit of oil to seal the moisture in. Darcy’s Botanicals Coconut & Hibiscus Conditioning Oil is a great sealer to add shine to the finished twists. Then, air dry or use a hooded dryer to set the twists.
5. To finish the look, add a bit of oil to your hands and carefully untwist each section. A neat tip is to gently pull the twist straight out and allow the sections to virtually create themselves. This will help avoid creating any additional frizz.

Get Andie’s Diffused Coifs

Cast member Andie MacDowell arrives at the premiere of the film “Footloose” in Los Angeles showcasing her voluminous curls in all their glory.

Andie showed up with pumped up curls, throwing their volume and bounce in the face of straighties who’s hair just can’t get these twists!

This look works best for type 3 curlies, but wavies can get the look too with a little extra effort.

1. Begin by shampooing with a water-soluble product such as Deva Low-Poo. Avoid their No-Poo formula which will be too heavy for your curls and will weigh the look down, possibly eliminating the pattern altogether.
2. Finger through a conditioner, leaving it on for at least five minutes. Apply a leave-in once you get out of the shower.
3. Be sure to towel-dry hair with a microfiber towel. This will help to eliminate frizz from the get-go and will not disturb the curl pattern like terry cloth towels do.
4. After you apply the leave-in, apply a holding gel or mousse like Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper to lock in moisture and define curls.
5. For volume at the roots, clip in about four to six duck bill clips at the roots of your part. Allow hair to air dry, or diffuse it, and then remove the clips. The clips will ensure that gravity doesn’t detract from your volume.
6. Once dry, if needed, touch up curls that have gone a little flat with a curling iron. Be sure to only leave the iron on the hair for a maximum amount of 10 seconds, preferably less. Use hairspray to keep the curls in place and frizz-free throughout the night.

Final Thoughts

Want to get second or third day hair from these curly hairstyles? A satin pillowcase will be your best friend as it allows the curls to remain intact while you sleep and won’t rob your hair of its moisture like cotton. No satin pillowcase? Pull your hair up in a satin scrunchy in a “pineapple”, a high, loose ponytail, and don your satin wrap or bonnet.

By NaturallyCurly · Published October 6, 2011

We fear that the drops of water left by Mother Nature will turn our hair into a frizzy mess. Luckily, these easy curly hair care tips will give you the look you want even on the wettest of days.

Curly Care for Rainy Days

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Begin with a good cut

Layers are always a good suggestion when it comes to curls. Long layers work best and don’t keep curls too short. Visit your salon every six to eight weeks for a trim to keep your curls looking their best.

Frequent visits also help with split ends. If you’re trying to grow your curls out a bit, you can just have a quick trim to keep curls healthy.

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Use a good leave-in conditioner

After washing your hair, be sure to use a good leave-in conditioner, especially for rainy days ahead. A leave-in will help smooth the cuticle and define each curl to help reduce frizz.

Any product that promises moisture for your hair, however, will also attract moisture from the elements, like rain and humidity. Therefore, be sure to also use a good, hard hold gel when styling your curls on rainy days.

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Use your fingers to shape your curls

After applying a generous amount of gel, use your fingers to shape your curls into place. This will help to keep them more defined when you head outdoors. When you are done styling, allow your curls to dry naturally. If you plan on sleeping with damp hair be sure to use a satin pillowcase to help keep the curls’ pattern and definition.

Most importantly, don’t touch your hair any more! Working your fingers through your curls should be kept to a minimum. If you have less time to prep, use a hair diffuser to keep your curls defined. Try to use a cooler setting and don’t over-dry your curls. 

MORE: Keep Your Hands Out of Your Curls

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Finish up with a pomade

Once curls are dry be sure to also use pomade for rainy days. Pomades will help act as a shield for curls and protect them from the rain.

You can use any pomade sparingly and, best of all, it’ll help add shine to your curls too! Some curlies even use a little coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil as part of their curly hair care to keep their locks shiny and smooth when the rain begins to fall.

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By NaturallyCurly · Published October 4, 2011

Cold weather isn’t everyone’s favorite type of weather and it can make for itchy skin and a dry scalp. Curls can suffer too, especially from lack of moisture leading to dried tresses. Knowing how your skin and hair adapt, or don’t, to the cold is helpful. Once you see and feel the changes of the season, begin to make some changes to your curly hair care routine too.

Curly Hair Care Tips

1. Stay hydrated

When cold weather starts, it get even drier, so it’s important to start drinking more water. Carry a water bottle with you to work, school or when you visit friends. You’ll see and feel a difference in your hair and skin when you start getting more hydration.

2. Shampoo for your hair type

If you have thicker, coarser curls try to not wash them every day. You don’t want to wash away or disturb the natural oils in your hair that help promote growth and protect your tresses. If you have more sensitive skin or thinner curls, try to avoid shampoos and conditioners with lots of dyes and fragrances. Using a moisturizing conditioner as an alternate to shampoo is also an option. There are lots of great conditioners out there to try for all curl types.

Revitalize your Curls!

• DevaCurl Mist-er Right
• Curl Junkie Enhancing Spray
• Kinky Curly Spiral Spritz
• Jessicurl Awe Inspiraling Spray

3. Deep-condition

Some good ones to try: Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment, DevaCurl Heaven in Hair or Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner. Read the directions to your deep-conditioner carefully. You’ll want to set aside 30 to 45 minutes for the product to sit in your hair. Cover your hair and sit under a dryer, if you can, to help intensify the effects of the conditioner. Be sure to rinse the product out to avoid build-up or flaking later.

4. Get rid of summer products!

When the cold weather sets in, you may also want to make some changes to the products you normally use for spring and summer months. Get rid of anything you no longer use or won’t be using over the next two to three months. Make space for new items you’ll need for the upcoming cold weather season. It’s best to look for products that have lots of humectants for your curls during cold, winter months. Puddings, creams and butters are all great options for cold weather curly hair care. You may have to experiment and see just how much of the product your tresses will need. Since these are heavier products, you may need to transition into them over a few weeks. You may also want to keep a refresher product on hand during the winter months as well. There are a number of wonderful curl mists and freshening sprays that can help revive curls from the drying conditions of cold winter months.

5. Dress up your curls

Lastly, remember to “dress up” your curls with a cute hat, or some other type of protection during the winter season. A lot of curlies like cowl neck sweaters and jackets that have over-sized hoods. There are also a number of cute crocheted/knitted hats that work well with curls as they don’t press or flatten hair as they’re worn. You may opt to loosely wrap a scarf around your curls as well.

Final Thoughts

What new curly hair routines are you going to do when colder, drier weather hits?

By NaturallyCurly · Published October 4, 2011

Breast cancer is a scary subject. First, there are the daunting one in eight women affected statistics, then the death rate (which is thankfully lowering in the U.S., but sadly increasing worldwide”>, and finally, the intense battle against the cancer itself.

The fight can be even more overwhelming as women start losing what they’ve cherished for so long — their hair. Over once the chemo stops, however, the hair battle still isn’t won. Only 34 percent of post-chemotherapy patients find that their straight hair grows back curly.

Because straight hair care and curly hair care are drastically different, women face a radical new change in their lifestyle including new products, new techniques and, new frustration.

Caring for Chemo Curls

Curls of any type are beautiful and frustration can easily be put at ease with a few simple tricks and tips to get your chemo curls pre-chemo fabulous! The line of special curly hair care products from Curly Hair Solutions can help.

Chemo Curls Product Recommendations

• Shampoo: Curly Hair Solutions Silk Shampoo or Treatment Shampoo
• Detangler: Curly Hair Solutions Slip Detangler
• Holding product: Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper

1. Treatment Shampoo and Silk Shampoo: Both are perfectly pH balanced and gentle enough for everyday use. Both cleanse the hair without stripping away essential oils or creating product build up. Because of curl pattern, essential oils from your head have a harder time making it down the hair shaft than they did when your hair was straight. Keeping these oils in your hair is essential to good curly hair care. Product buildup also weighs your curls down, causing them to loose shine.
2. Slip Detangler: This light, leave-in spray softens hair and adds moisture without adding weight, making detangling your hair easier than ever. Because those essential oils have a hard time making it down the hair shaft, curly hair has a tendency to be more dry. Using a leave-in conditioner as part of your daily curly hair care to make sure your hair stays frizz free, soft and shiny!
3. Curl Keeper: Use this water-based and chemical free signature styling product to eliminate frizz and define ringlets no matter what your curl type. Distribute Curl Keeper on wet hair from roots to ends, allowing the water to distribute the product evenly. Once it has totally dried, Curl Keeper won’t give your hair the look or feel of having products in it, so feel free to use generous amounts to control unwanted frizz.

Final Thoughts

Learning to control and style your curly hair takes patience and practice. What curly hair tips do you wish you had known from the very beginning? Help our chemo-curly sisters out!

By NaturallyCurly · Published October 3, 2011

Taylor Swift has dominated the music industry since 2006, and the singer hasn’t looked back. She has won multiple music awards, has stepped out as an actress on CSI and Saturday Night Live, has been featured in a number of Cover Girl advertisements and has a line that will soon appear in Wal-Mart. Seriously, this girl is going full speed ahead, and sea is clear of icebergs.

Her newest endeavor, and a trend among pop stars in general, is the release of her new fragrance “Wonderstruck,” which premiered last week during “The X Factor.”

For Taylor, the release of the fragrance is very much related to her work, and what her music inspires.

“Wearing perfume is such a unique way to create memories. Like songs, a scent can take you back and allow you to relive a moment in time.”

The name of the fragrance is taken from a lyric in her new song, “Enchanted.”

“I wrote the lyric, ‘I’m wonderstruck, blushing all the way home,’ for the song ‘Enchanted’ about the first time you meet someone. A fragrance can help shape someone’s first impression and memory of you. It’s exiting to think that Wonderstruck will play a role in creating those memories.”

Check out Taylor’s Wonderstruck commercial below!

Taylor’s Final Thoughts

“I share personal life experiences through my music, and my fragrance will allow me to share these experiences with my fans in a completely different and new way.  Falling in love is a moment every girl daydreams about and Wonderstruck represents that magical feeling of promise and hope and intrigue. It was fascinating to learn that you could layer so many different scents to create a beautiful end result.”

By NaturallyCurly · Published September 28, 2011

NaturallyCurly’s own New York City natural hair fashionista, Taren had the chance to hop backstage at the Catwalk by TIGI for “Duru Olowu” fashion show during New York’s Fashion Week. She got up close and personal with natural hair stylists and even met Solange Knowles! Follow her through the event and get your scoop on Fashion Week NYC 2011.

Backstage at Catwalk by TIGI for “Duru Olowu”

Backstage Photo Gallery

Stylists rock their wavy hair. »

Pops of color are hot for hair! »

High ponies and neon streaks are in. »

Chaos backstage.  »

Makeup artists go natural, too! »

Prepping for big curls. »

Finishing up the looks.  »

Red is THE color of the season. »

The final looks. »