Search Results: NaturallyCurly
Products containing a cationic conditioner such as Quaternium 70 (Stearamidopropyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride”> or a polymer such as P/DMAPA Acrylates Copolymer have been proven in independent studies to prevent damage from high-heat styling products like blow dryers and curling or straightening irons when used as part of a leave-in conditioner or styling product.
Some hair can withstand a load of up to 100 grams; can yours? Here’s a quick way to test the strength of your hair.
- Remove or salvage one hair.
- Tape one end to a butter knife, pencil or a ruler.
- To the other end of the hair, tape a thin plastic baggie.
- Over a sink, hold the hair and butter knife in one hand and have a bowl of water and tablespoon ready.
- Start filling the plastic bag, 1 tablespoon at a time. Count how many tablespoons you can add before the hair breaks. 6½ to 6¾ tablespoons is 100 grams (depending on the weight of tape and bag”>.
- Try hairs from different parts of your scalp. Notice where the hair breaks. The weight of the bag will make it likely to break near where the bag is taped, but weak areas are also likely places for breakage. Each tablespoon is about 15 grams.
It has been thought that hair is curly because of the shape of the hair follicle (from which it grows”> or because different halves of the hair fiber grow at different rates. These have not been proven.
Based on more recent research, it appears that curly hair is determined by the chemical composition (proteins”> of cells in the cortex of hair fibers and how the strands of proteins are arranged in the hair’s cortex.
Chlorine and salt can strip hair of essential lubricants that help to seal moisture into the hair shaft. Be sure to wash strands with a conditioning shampoo immediately after a swim in the pool or ocean to remove damaging chemicals from your hair.
By Kurlybella of K is for Kinky
Yes, technically you can eat this homemade hair mask, but it’s really for your hair. Also, I like my avocado without banana! But on my kinky tresses, it sounds like heaven to me.
Add to your kitchen blender:
- 1/2 an organic banana (mash beforehand so that it will blend well without chunks”>
- 1/4 avocado
- 1/4 teaspoon of lecithin
- 1/8 teaspoon of organic honey
- 2 teaspoons of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon wheat germ oil
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
- 1 vitamin E capsule (optional”>
Blend well, making sure the banana is smooth. However, make sure mix is not liquefied or it will run down your neck. For extra conditioning, squeeze in the contents of a vitamin E capsule. Leave in your hair for 15–30 minutes and rinse well.
Why bananas?
Bananas contain tryptophan, a rich amino acid that is extremely beneficial for hair and skin. They are also chock full of potassium, which adds super softening properties to the hair shaft. Along with vitamins A, B, C and E, bananas also contain rich natural oils and carbohydrates. All these great ingredients in a banana hair mask help shore up the natural elasticity of the hair and prevent split ends.
Besides all the softening and beautifying properties, bananas also smell wonderful. The aroma of bananas was found to be the most popular aroma in a study published in 1988. The trend continues.
Spas aren’t the only ones that know about the great beauty benefits of bananas. The Taiwano Indians also use heated extract of banana as a regular scalp treatment.
Why lecithin?
Lecithin is important to healthy hair growth. It also helps to break down fats, is essential to cell membranes, improves brain function and keeps cells from oxidating. It is comprised mostly of B vitamins, such as choline and insitol. You can find lecithin in foods such as egg yolks, or take it as a supplement.
This is an easy homemade hair mask to do in your kitchen, and it’s a great mask to do on your at-home spa days. While giving yourself your pamper treatments, why not treat your hair to a sweet hair treatment too?
Most conditioners are designed to deposit a thin film of conditioning agents on your hair to reduce friction and add softness. These ingredients do not rinse completely away, however, even with the next washing. If you have hard water, it’s even more difficult to remove the residue.
To remove conditioner buildup, use a clarifying shampoo formulated with EDTA that can eliminate product-trapping minerals. For better results, use distilled water when you wash.
Not everybody experiences build-up, but if you do, you can also rotate plant oils and moisturizers like glycerin, honey, pureed banana and aloe vera gel with traditional conditioners. Washing with baking soda or using a diluted vinegar rinse can also help remove conditioner build-up.
Have you ever noticed that your hair sometimes seems to repel itself as though you had rubbed a balloon on your head? The dreaded flyaways.
Conditioner causes this in two ways: too much conditioner and not enough rinsing.
Try rinsing your hair longer, separating the hair in sections to rinse thoroughly (don’t worry, you won’t remove all the conditioner”> to see if this fixes the problem.
Protein is beneficial for fine hair and for damaged or porous hair, and is used in many deep conditioning treatments. But with so many different types of products that contain protein for hair, which one one do you choose?
- Look for hydrolyzed proteins in rinse-off products. These can penetrate hair and add strength and shine.
- Collagen is helpful in improving hair elasticity.
- Keratin is thought to be strengthening and improves manageability.
- Wheat protein adds strength and helps retain moisture.
- Soy protein and other plant proteins also have moisture-attracting (humectant”> qualities.
- Silk protein tends to soften hair.
Papaya is rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes that help nourish hair, remove unwanted residues, and add shine and softness. Here’s how to get healthy hair with a raw papaya hair treatment.
- Puree half a papaya with some olive oil (amount of oil depends on how dry your hair is”> and a teaspoon of honey.
- Apply to damp hair and leave on as long as you like.
- Rinse, then shampoo out excess oil if necessary.
The Cannes Film Festival is in full swing in Cannes, France. One of the oldest and most prestigious festivals in the industry, celebrities flock to see and be seen.
We’ve sought out the loveliest wavy and curly hairstyles to be seen at the scene, and hope you enjoy them.
Sporting a beach wave look, vast member Alma Zak poses during a photocall for the film “Hearat Shulayim” in competition at the 64th Cannes Film Festival.
Actress Elisabeth Olsen stars in the film “Martha Marcy May Marlene,” which is in competition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. We love her subtle waves.
Cast member Berenice Bejo arrives for the screening of the film “The Artist” by director Michel Hazanavicius, which competes at Cannes this year.
Actress Alexandra Lamy—and her gorgeous curls—arrives on the red carpet for the screening of the film “The Artist.”
“The Tree of Life” star Jessica Chastain—featuring glam waves—appears on the Cannes red carpet.
With the barest of waves in her luscious red locks, Pauline Jacquard stars in the film “L’Apollonide,” by director Bertrand Bonello, in competition at Cannes.
Dina Manzo founded The Project Ladybug Fund, which helps sick children.
The Project Ladybug Fund, founded by Dina Manzo of HGTV’s Dina’s Party, formerly of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” has been enriching the lives of seriously ill pediatric patients and their families since 2007. Through a number of ongoing initiatives including day trips, birthday parties and financial assistance to families in need, the organization has performed miracles for patients in the children’s hospital. In partnership with SHE by SO.CAP.USA Hair Extensions, and as part of Ladybug Month, The Project Ladybug Fund has launched Lucky Locks. From May 1 through June 7, supporters of the cause may visit participating salons to receive a single red hair extension for a donation of $10.
“My work with St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Sloan-Kettering Memorial Hospital and Chicago’s Comer Children’s Hospital is incredibly important to me and without the support of others, none of it would even be possible. I hope women will take part in Lucky Locks and sport a red extension like mine!” says Manzo.
Lucky Locks will allow supporters of The Project Ladybug Fund opportunity to show their commitment to, and raise awareness for, this incredibly deserving cause. With red hair extensions generously provided by SHE Hair Extensions by SO.CAP. USA, supporters may visit a participating salon and receive a single red extension for a donation of just $10, which also includes removal of the extension at a later date. Check here for a list of salons participating in Lucky Locks.
“SHE by SO.CAP.USA Hair Extensions is proud to work with Project Ladybug and the Lucky Locks initiative. We hope that by offering professional salon hair extensions in exchange for a charitable donation, we are providing salon clients with a fun, fashionable and trendy way to show their personal support for such an important cause,” says Ron Cardillo, Sr., President of SHE by SO.CAP.USA Hair Extensions. “Our Lucky Locks red hair extensions will have people asking questions and help raise awareness not only of the fundraiser but of the vital services Project Ladybug provides to young patients.”
Dr. Dennis Morrison will monitor experiments aboard the space shuttle Atlantis.
Houston-based Farouk Systems, in conjunction with NASA, will make history with its participation in the last mission of the NASA space shuttle mission scheduled for late July.
Senior Vice President of Technology for Farouk Systems and former NASA scientist Dr. Dennis Morrison will prep, load and post-analyze five experiments aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. The experiments will focus on finding new techniques of making hair conditioner using specific vitamins and plant derivatives.
One student currently enrolled in the CHI Environmental School of Cosmetology at Lone Star College-North Harris will have a chance to assist Dr. Morrison by accompanying him to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During the shuttle flight, the student will complete the identical experiment on Earth as the astronauts perform it in space.
The participating student will submit an essay on the importance of science as it relates to cosmetology. The top five essays submitted will be recognized and the winner announced at a brunch held on June 8, 2011, at the CHI Academy located at Farouk Systems’ headquarters. Houston news personality Kim Davis from “Beyond the Headlines” will serve as master of ceremonies for the event.
“The experiments will have real-world implications for the cosmetology industry,” said Dr. Stephen C. Head, president of Lone Star College-North Harris. “It will no doubt enhance the student’s current curriculum and be an invaluable learning experience. We are honored Farouk Systems has allowed us to take part in this special program.”
Farouk Systems has used NASA to help advance their products in the past, most notably in their CHI straightener line of products.
“The NASA-based technology used in our CHI Ceramic Hairstyling Iron revolutionized the hair care industry,” said Farouk Shami, founder and chairman of Farouk Systems. “We are committed to creating the best products using the most innovative of technologies, and we are proud to share the entire experience with a student from Lone Star College through the CHI Stars Program.”
Do you have the most GORGEOUS hair in the world? We want to see all curl patterns and hair types natural and relaxed!
Huetiful is on the hunt for our next Hair Idol to replace its current models on the box and other marketing materials.
The winner will be flown to Atlanta for a ROCK STAR experience for a photo shoot with celebrity photographer, makeup and hair stylist.
Until June 1, you can send a one-minute video to Heutiful’s website explaining why you should be the next Huetiful Hair Idol. Huetiful wants to see all curl patterns—show off your hair’s personality. The winner will be chosen by public vote.
Huetiful is derived from the word “hues,” which means colors and shades. The Huetiful Hair Steamer has become one of the must-have products for curly girls. It is specifically designed for the unique needs of curly and wavy hair, restoring moisture five times better than deep conditioners alone, opening up the cuticles of your hair to allow any conditioner you choose to penetrate better and work more effectively, bathing your hair with warm ozone-enriched mist to replenish moisture lost from chemical treatments, and reducing breakage and split ends caused by dry hair.
“Huetiful has always had a strong connection to its diverse community. In honor of this connection, we want to publicly open up our search for Huetiful’s Next Hair Idol. We take pride in designing and distributing a product that resolves one of the longest standing beauty care frustrations; effectively restoring moisture and hydrating dry hair” states a Huetiful spokesperson.
Huetiful also sells a line of hair-care products, including Sulfate-Free Shampoo, Conditioner with Moringa Oil and Intense Hydrating Hair Masque.
Take the right steps to endure perfect skin on your wedding day.
All brides want flawless and glowing skin on their wedding day. But in an effort to look and feel especially beautiful, soon-to-be brides often splurge on facial treatments that they haven’t done before, says Mike Sendogan, Clinical Director of LaserTouch Aesthetics, a luxury medspa in SoHo and Midtown Manhattan.
Any facial treatment that you’re trying for the first time should be done a minimum of two weeks before your wedding day to give any unexpected reactions or irritations time to fade. According to LaserTouch Aesthetics, below are four wedding-week facial treatments you should avoid:
1. Botox
Botox takes four to five days to kick in, and you wouldn’t want to discover one day before the wedding that a brow has dropped or elevated unattractively.
2. Chemical Peels
This type of facial is designed to dissolve dead skin cells and reveal brighter skin. It also helps erase fine lines and lighten dark blotches for a more even-toned complexion. Do this at least two weeks before your wedding day because even a gentle chemical peel can cause drying that may be annoying to apply makeup over.
3. Fillers
Lip plumping is popular with brides, but filler in the lips can look swollen initially—which is not very photogenic. All fillers can also cause bruising that may last up to two weeks, so be sure to give yourself time to heal.
4. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion, which uses a machine to buff skin, is also a commonly sought-after pre wedding beauty treatment. Mike suggests not going the week before your wedding day because side effects may include redness, sensitivity, and breakouts. Avoid that stress by consulting with a professional three months before your wedding day to come up with a personalized routine.
Jonathan Antin offers blowout tips.During the recent Tribeca Film Festival, Conair set up a Style Studio in the Arts and Cinema Lounge to offer celebrities quick touch ups before their red carpet debuts. On hand to assist with blow outs was blow out pro and celebrity hairdresser Jonathan Antin, and he graciously shared his tips for the perfect bouncy blow out.
Tips for a Bouncy Blow Out from Jonathan Antin:
- Start Fresh For an extra voluminous bouncy blowout, begin by towel drying clean, wet hair. Be certain that hair is rinsed VERY thoroughly.
- Detangle Use a wide-toothed comb to untangle hair.
- Cool Shots With a professional-quality dryer that has a cool shot button, dry hair upside down. Follow by smoothing out ends with a round brush on a low, warm setting. Engage the cool shot button every 15-20 seconds.
- Ionic Technology A professional quality dryer with ionic technology is key because the AC motors featured in these dryers dry hair faster, minimizing damage and frizz.
- Section When hair is completely dry, divide hair into 2-inch sections.
- Round Brush Begin at the top of the head, toward forehead and work backwards. Wrap hair around a round brush with a medium-sized barrel so that the section is rolled toward the back of the head.
- Hot-Cool Using high heat and a concentrator nozzle to pinpoint airflow, dry hair from root to end for 8 seconds, then freeze into place using the cool shot button for 5 seconds. This technique is similar to hot rolling and gets volume, separation and definition. If hair is excessively curly, you can dry hair from mid-shaft to end to minimize styling time.
- Reduce Frizz When finished with the top of head, dry hair on sides and back, pointing the dryer downward. This avoids getting frizz and fly-aways.
- Define and Separate Dab a pea-sized amount of styling cream into your hands, and smooth it into the ends of hair to define and separate tresses.
- Finish Finish hair with a light hold flexible hairspray.
When hair is exposed to 200 hours of ultraviolet (UV”> radiation in sunlight, the cuticle edges begin to fuse as the cuticle “shrinks” dramatically. After 400 hours, porosity continues to increase with further cuticle damage, and after 1200 hours, the cuticle becomes rigid, brittle, and may crack, leading to even further increases in porosity. Very long hair accumulates the most UV damage at the ends. So make the most of hats, shade, and scarves to keep your hair healthy year-round. Give hair as much after-sun care as you give your skin.
NaturallyCurly’s longtime curly kids hair blogger Cozy Friedman has introduced a super sweet new book just for moms of girls: Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girls’ Hair: The Cutest Cuts and Sweetest Hairstyles to Do at Home.
The beautiful book—which speaks to every hair type and texture—is packed with color photos and step-by-steps. Every parent of girls will be thrilled to have this amazing reference guide for fancy dos as well as everyday looks. The book empowers parents to help their daughters feel confident with who they are and how they look.
Friedman, founder of the wildly popular New York City salon Cozy’s Cuts for Kids, has long been considered an authority about children’s hair. The book—co-authored by Sheryl Berk— allows parents to enjoy some of Friedman’s salon secrets at home.
Please enjoy our conversation with Friedman.
NaturallyCurly: What inspired you to deal with kid’s hair?
Cozy Friedman
Cozy Friedman: A friend of mine was telling me about a terrible experience she’d had taking her nephew to an “adult” salon for a haircut. He was terrified, started crying, and ended up being asked to leave! When I asked her why she wouldn’t have taken him to a place for kids, I was struck by her response —there was no such place. It kind of seemed like a no-brainer from there—parents were in need of a place that they could take their kids for a haircut where they would feel welcome, not like a nuisance. I was so sure that this was so desperately needed, that I quit my job and went to barber school. The rest is history!
NC: Why this book and why now?
CF: After so many years of seeing parents come into my salon with their kids, perplexed by all kinds of “hair horrors,” I knew that I wanted to create a guide that could help parents everywhere, not just the ones that were here in NYC where our salons are. I want “Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girls’ Hair” to serve as a how-to for parents everywhere, who often feel overwhelmed and stressed by all things related to their kids’ hair.
NC: What has been the most beneficial and inspiring part of the work you are doing?
CF: When I see the relief spread across parents’ faces and kids actually leave my salons happy, it’s a huge reward. Hair can be seriously traumatizing for kids, and in turn for parents—I’ve seen parents get just as upset as their little ones who are in tears, petrified about their first haircut. Providing a “safe haven” for parents and kids through our salons and a go-to resource through “Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girls Hair” is endlessly inspiring.
NC: Your So Cozy line of products has been a huge hit. Do you see yourself expanding your line, and if so, how?
CF: Right now, most of my focus is on my new book, but they’ll definitely be new and exciting things to come from the So Cozy brand over the next year or so.
NC: Do you see another book in your future? If so, do you think it will be more styles or focus specifically on hair types?
CF: I am already being asked by people to do a follow-up book! Perhaps a smaller guide with all style ideas, or a series of books—one for each hair type. Or, maybe even a book for boys, we’ll see!
NC: If you could tell moms of curly girls everywhere one thing, what would it be?
CF: When it comes to parents dealing with their child’s hair, it can be seriously traumatizing, so the one thing I would tell all parents is to stay patient. I have really curly hair, and when I was growing up, no one ever told me that you’re not supposed to brush curly hair, because it turns into a giant “frizzball.” That’s why I included a section in my new book about hair texture and type, as a kind of guide for confused parents. If you take the time to learn what works and what doesn’t work for your child, everyone will be happy! One other thing—many people with curly hair wish that their hair was straight because they don’t know how to manage it so the curls end up looking frizzy. Take the time to understand curly hair and teach your child to embrace her curls, rather than trying to disguise them by blowing hair straight. The day I embraced my curly hair was one of the best days of my life!
From weaves to microbraids to straight as straight gets, Kim Coles has done it all. We’ve gathered these pictures from her career throughout the years – and even a few before she went pro. Now, she’s all natural, and we love her even more for it.
This is how it all began. Kim Coles in school uniform with her natural texture.
Maybe not natural, but promoting the curls early on.
True ’80s style – blown-out and big.
Glam and sexy – with a 3b weave.
Cutting up during a photo shoot in a 3c weave.
Microbraids, a curling iron, and personality as big as her smile.
Braided on top, braids let loose in the back. Again with the big smile! Yay!
Braids worn loose in the back and acting coy on the BET Awards carpet.
Microbraids and hair extensions can’t keep the real Kim Coles from shining through.
Microbraids and loose curls as big as her personality.
Extensions? Maybe. Kim Coles gets cozy with the flat-iron.
Super-sleek Kim during her straight hair phase.
We can’t resist Kim Coles, no matter what!
Kim Coles threw down the gauntlet and challenged herself to go natural! We couldn’t be happier, and think she looks more beautiful than ever. Her natural curls definitely suit her vibrant personality as well.
Says Kim, “I chopped off 20 years of hair that came in a bag and I’m embracing the hair that grows on my head… My new nickname is Kim Coils!”
So pretty in pink. Love that hair!
Natural. Short and sweet.
Kim Coles and Aubrey O’Day spoof Madonna and Britney by sharing a smooch.
Kim Coles and Aubrey O’Day post-smooch.
Kim Coles and Aubrey O’Day at the 2011 Logo NewNowNext Awards.
Kim Coles at OK! Magazine & Step Up Women’s Network Women Of Music Celebration.
Kim Coles looking glam and fab and rockin’ her natural curls at the Women Of Music Celebration.
Kim Coles on the carpet at the USA Network and NAACP Reception Honoring The 42nd Annual NAACP Nominees.
Kim Coles and Vanessa Bell Calloway at the USA Network and NAACP Reception Honoring The 42nd Annual NAACP Nominees.
Kim Coles with with Nikki Watson, aka CurlyNikki, and Nikki’s adorable baby!
Kim Coles with her former teacher from Brooklyn Technical High School.
Kim Coles – natural and with a lot of heart to boot.
Kim Coles today. Way to go natural – love those sweet curls! (Extra points for the fuzzy earrings.”> Thanks, Kim, for showing us how beautiful natural curls can be!
Want to watch Kim Coles do her big chop?
Read our other Kim Coles articles:
Announcing the Kim Coles Grow Out Challenge
Kim Coles is in Control of her Natural Hair
Creating Your Regimen for the Kim Coles Grow-Out Challenge
Actress and Comedian Kim Coles Discusses her First Monthiversary with Natural Hair
