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Charlie White and Partner Do the Curly Crowd Proud in Olympic Ice Dancing
charlie white meryl davis

Meryl Davis and Charlie White wow the Olympic crowd; she with her acrobatics, he with his curly hair.

charlie white

American ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White skated flawlessly to capture the silver medal at the Vancouver Winter Olympics Monday night. Canadians Tessa Virture and Scott Moir won Canada’s first-ever ice-dancing gold medal in a night that showed North America’s rise in the sport.

Whatever color the medal, we here at NaturallyCurly were just dazzled by White’s golden curls.

Curly Fave Shaun White Strikes Gold
shaun white

Shaun White celebrates his gold medal.

Curly favorite — of the famous flaming red waves — Shaun White literally soared above his competition in the men’s halfpipe event at the Vancouver Olympics yesterday, delivering the U.S. its fifth gold medal in 2010, and sealing the snowboarder’s legacy as one of the most dominant Olympians in history.

Twitter Buzzes About NC at Fashion Week

kimwhitemakeup

8:43am, Feb 14 from Web

Happy to see the ladies from @naturallycurly backstage at the @irinashabayeva show last night. Curlies ROCK!!!

MorganFabulous

10:59am, Feb 16 from Web

@naturallycurly Michelle Breyer on fashion week Curls weren’t just on girls, male models sported amazing curls http://ow.ly/17Rx3 -Love it!

Lindsey Jacobellis Has Disappointing Run
Lindsey jacobellis

Jacobellis had a disappointing outcome in Torino, too, when showboating cost her the gold medal.

Her curls are golden, but her performance was not.

Olympian and curly favorite Lindsey Jacobellis suffered a devastating end to her 2010 bid for gold when she hit a gate yesterday, ending her chances for a medal in the sport of snowboard cross at the Vancouver games.

There was some tight jockeying on the upper part of the course with eventual gold medalist Maelle Ricker of Canada. Jacobellis came off the first jump and landed off balance, desperately trying to regain her line but ending up in contact with the gate, an automatic disqualification.

Fall 2010 Fashion Week in New York Coverage
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Hot Products Has a Whole New Meaning this Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentines Day!

(You can also check it out on our YouTube channel!”>

naturallycurly.com

Frieda

naturallycurly.com

GoDaddyGuy

During the Super Bowl on Sunday, we noticed that our logo, Frieda, and the GoDaddy Guy might be secretly sharing some products to make their locks sizzle in similar ways.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we thought we would highlight a few products with sizzle, whose names alone might raise a pulse and set hearts afire . . .


tigi rubber rage

Sex sells, right? We all know that. Evolutionary psychologist Geoffrey Miller says all our acquisitions of personal goods are motivated by the primal desire for procreation, pleasure or both. So why not make it obvious by naming products provocatively?

Tigi is well-known for its fun product names, such as Foxy Curls Conditioner, Some Like it Hot, Sexed Up Tonic, Rubber Rage and Hard Head Hairspray.

“Hair products shouldn’t just make you look good, but they should make you feel good too! We love names that evoke emotion and take you to your “happy place”… wherever that may be!” says Tigi spokeswoman Jamie Buis.

Taking things a step further, Tigi’s After-Party Smoothing Cream not only sports a provocative name, but the product’s packaging is unmistakably phallic.

tigi after party

Other brands, too, know that sex sells: Kevin Murphy offers Motion Lotion, while Liqwd’s Volumizing Catalyst is bound to raise some eyebrows.

There’s a whole line of hair products called Sexy Hair Concepts. When American Idol star Katharine McPhee partnered with company a few years ago, she said, “Who doesn’t want sexy hair?”

And of course, most of us are familiar with the NARS line of cosmetics, which bear provocative names like ‘Orgasm’, ‘Deep Throat’, ‘Striptease,’ and ‘Sex Machine’.

“A trend has emerged for racy brand named cosmetics with many manufacturers opting to give ‘sexy’ names to their beauty products in order to entice the more daring female consumer,” according to Cosmeticsdesign.com.

motion lotion

Nina Sisselman, vice president of creative development for beauty company High Maintenance, says, “If you are in a shop with hundreds of choices in front of you, the name, the package and the color makes a difference.”

So while Frieda and GoDaddy Guy decide which hot products to try out, for your own Valentine’s Day fun, pick up some Kinky Curly and let the sizzlin’ begin!


Enter AG’s Haiku Contest
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Winning the Winter Olympian Hair Battle
Gretchen Bleiler

Gretchen Bleiler

You’re soaring down the ski slopes with your curls flowing out from under your hat, flying back in the wind. As you slide across the finish line, you realize you just may have beat the Olympic record! The crowd holds its breath. You whip off your hat and wait for the announcement… the cameras…the excitement. Good thing your personal stylist is on hand to is on hand to get rid of that flat, hat-crunched look!

Okay, that might not be happening to you soon, but Olympic contenders don’t have personal stylists at the finish line either; it’s just a little fantasy. With the Vancouver Winter Olympics beginning tonight, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of what hard-core contenders really do about “hat head.” In the meantime, we’ve got a few ideas you can use against curls’ nemesis.

Whether you’re going from the car to a conference room or want to revive your tresses before settling down at the lodge, those hats, headbands and even ear muffs leave trace evidence behind. What you can do about it depends on your hair length and how much curl you have.

Says Rocky Plateroti, owner of Artista Hair Colorgroup in Scarsdale, NY, “If you have loose waves like Olympic contender Gretchen Bleiler, it’s easy to bring them back. Cocktail a drop of linseed or silicone oil with a drop of leave-in conditioner, then mix them well between your palms. Bend at the waist and run your hands through your hair. Outdoor air lacks moisture, and doing this adds back the moisture, condition and gloss.”

Guys (or women with short hair and moderate curl or wave”>, can do the same by starting off with smoother hair to begin with. Before you add the hat, advises Plateroti, cocktail a product like Kaaral Cristal Care (a silicone and linseed mixture”>, with leave-in conditioner and a lightweight gel. Comb and smooth it through, then add the hat, which now helps set-in a smoother wave. To loosen it up post-hat, mist-on a spray gloss or anti-frizz like Kaaral Anti-Frizz Shine and run your fingers from front to back, lifting the roots ever so slightly. This works great for a smoother look when wearing a headband-style ear warmer.

What are other ways you can bring your X Game to the battle against helmet head?

Get Game-Ready

White Sands Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner

Olympians work out daily to build strength. To ready yourself for your own winter games, create the perfect styling foundation. “Dry scalp can augment the problem of hat hair,” explains White Sands founder Fernando Salas. “It’s vital to maintain a healthy, daily conditioning routine that combats the effects of winter’s drying cold.” To create fuller, body-infused locks with bounce-back, he advises using White Sands Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner. The shampoo’s ingredient blend includes an anti-static element, while the conditioner soothes scalps and helps prevent chemical dandruff.

Grab This Gold-Medal Idea

Celebrity stylist Kimmi Hendrix, who has styled for the Access Hollywood team, Jennifer Hudson, Gayle King and Shaun Robinson, will soon (hot scoop!”> open a namesake salon in Brooklyn, NY. She says moisture depletion is curls’ worst winter adversary. “Always use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner,” stresses Hendrix. “Don’t over-shampoo your hair! Also, during winter, let your hair air dry. Outdoor elements are already drying, so avoid adding blow drying to the mix.”

UnCrush Your Curl

Near Vancouver, at Good Hair Day salon in Whistler, British Columbia, Joan Novak (who skis, snowboards —and blogs about it—, knows that half-pipe snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler’s trademark “Crippler 540” involves 1½ aerial rotations and a back flip. When you pull off your toque (hat”> for your close up, she says, make a simpler move by misting on Bumble & bumble Reactivating Mist into the areas that need to be reset. “You can also pick up the pieces that have been sprayed, work the mist through to the ends and give your hair a twist to encourage your curl to dry in a perfectly formed bundle with no frizz,” she says. “Voila….off to Apres, looking fabulous.”

Throw Down a Hat Trick

Going from the lodge to the slopes and back to a cozy fire requires planning. Completely dry your hair before you slip on your hat—if hair’s still damp, it’ll take on a hat line as it dries. For longer locks, these styling tricks are winners. Section your hair off into 2 or 3 ponytails, then loosely twist them around and secure with a soft hair band. “Before twisting ponys, mist on a dry shampoo to help the hair easily restyle,” suggests Philip Pelusi, owner of namesake salons in Pittsburgh and creator of Tela Beauty Organics. “Once you remove your hat or helmet, untwist each pony and shake it loose. Or, wrap the front of your hair up into a twist and leave the back down. Once you go hats-off, simply release the front. This helps preserve the front that cameras see most—by pulling it upward, you maintain some volume at the root. If needed, apply a bit more dry shampoo to refresh and revive curl.” (Try Tela Beauty Organics by Philip Pelusi Dry Shampoo: You can also use it to piece and separate individual curls, giving them soft and resin-free control.”>

Banish the Band

Headbands and earmuffs leave lines behind. If you have wave or curl, mist dry shampoo onto dry hair and tousle through with your fingers tips. Focusing on the indents, lightly scrunch to help move the product thru the hair. Or, says Richard Zuccero of IT&LY Hairfashion, warm your hands with a small amount of IT&LY Hairfashion Purity Design Pure Water Drops and smooth those lines. The combo of warmth from your hands and the high level of hydration from the drops helps remove telltale lines.

6 Tips for Looking (and Feeling!) Sexier Than Ever This Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air: time for chocolates, candlelit dinners, and a stolen kiss. Yes, that most romantic of days is on the horizon again—Valentine’s Day. But if you are like most people, chances are that carpool drop-offs, client meetings, and that laundry list a mile long have left you feeling anything but romantic. New York-based image consultant Marla Tomazin says that’s exactly why February 14th is the perfect chance to give your look, and your confidence, a little boost.

“We spend so much time being caught up in the everyday rat race that we often forget to take the time to make ourselves and our partners feel special,” says Tomazin, who has been an image consultant for twenty years after earlier experience in the fashion industry. “That’s why Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to put a little extra effort into how you look. If you can create an outfit that makes you feel romantic and sexy, that will translate into how you feel as well.”

Tomazin says that the trick to looking romantic for this special day is simple: Just shake things up a bit. She says that straying from your usual wardrobe, whether through vibrant new colors or special accessories and styling, will make you look and feel sexier.

  1. Get dressed from the inside out. Before celebrating Valentine’s Day, take a few minutes to relax and focus on your inner beauty. After all, it’s hard to feel sexy when you are frazzled from rushing around. Tomazin suggests planning ahead so that you can take your time getting ready and calming your inner self in order to enjoy pampering yourself before your big night out. Clear your calendar and send the kids off to the sitter a little early. Not only will you feel more confident, you’ll look more refreshed and ready to enjoy your Valentine’s Day, on the inside and out.
  2. Focus on the first layer. Before deciding on the perfect outfit, spend some extra time getting ready by layering on your favorite perfume and body lotion. Choose a fun new nail polish color, and finish off the “look” with a matching bra and pair of panties that you feel great in. Tomazin says that focusing on the details of your foundation will make you feel great and put together—and it will show.
  3. Opt for not-so-basic black. Many of us love to wear black: It’s slimming, sophisticated, and sexy. Because of this, most people have a lot of black in their closets already. This Valentine’s Day, try to opt for something a little different from what you would normally wear in your favorite shade: Try a shirt with a lower neckline, a pencil skirt with a ruffled hemline, or a tailored jacket in a sexy silk or satin. Wearing something out of the norm will make you feel beautiful, and as a bonus, you’ll still be able to wear it for many other occasions.
  4. Wrap yourself in winter white. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to wear winter white. Whether you choose a dress, pantsuit, or a top and skirt combination, Tomazin says to choose your accessories carefully. Pearls or crystal jewelry make a great pairing with this wintry hue, as does a simple metallic or neutral color shoe and handbag. (And if you’re wearing a skirt or dress, be sure to opt for nude stockings!”> You will look glamorous and feel beautiful: Be prepared to get second looks!
  5. See red. Red is a bold, sexy color that is often admired, and yet few people dare to wear it. Try incorporating a little red into your Valentine’s Day ensemble and tone down the accessories to balance its boldness. Wear a simple black strappy shoe, simple earrings, and choose a small black handbag. If red is not a color you feel comfortable in, Tomazin suggests trying something in a pink or purple hue. Play around with different combinations before your big night out—mixing a beautiful purple or pink top with a simple black skirt or a skinny black pant—to find the one that makes you feel beautiful.
  6. Shake things up a bit. Looking great and feeling special on Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to bust your budget. There are plenty of tricks to make your look extra special that can be done without spending a dime. For example, Tomazin says that styling your hair in soft curls or a sleek up-do creates a romantic look and costs you no more than a little extra time! Try a daring new shade of nail polish or a darker eye shadow to create a sexy, smoky look for your eye. Consider a trip to your favorite department store to visit a makeup artist—a service most stores offer for free! The trick is to just do something different. No matter what you do, getting out of your everyday routine will make you feel extra special, and that’s all that matters!

“Looking great on Valentine’s Day all comes down to how you feel,” concludes Tomazin. “If you feel confident, relaxed, and happy, it will show—no matter what your outfit looks like. Take some time out of your busy schedule to pamper yourself when Valentine’s Day rolls around this year. Your positive vibe and sexy attitude will be contagious. It just may be the best gift you give yourself, and your partner, this year.”

Romantic Looks for Valentine’s Day

According to celebrity hairstylist Philip Pelusi, loose curls, sweeping waves and long flowing hair appear romantic and are perfect for a special Valentine’s Day hairstyle. Here are Philip’s step-by-step tips for achieving the look:

1. Shampoo and condition

Use a strengthening and weightless moisturizing formula to leave hair in top condition but full of body. Try P2 by Philip Pelusi Longevity Shampoo and Longevity Conditioner to strengthen, detangle and condition hair.

2. Add volume

Apply a volume-and-curl-boosting product (like P2 by Philip Pelusi reCurl“> and comb through with a wide-toothed comb. If you have natural waves and curls, gently push them into place and either air dry or blow dry with a diffuser. If hair is straight, follow the same instructions, but gently scrunch hair with your fingers while diffusing.

3. Curl

The trick to keeping this look sexy and romantic is to curl the hair in opposite directions. Roll some curls going forward and others going back, and tousle the curls with fingers using a product that gives that “just from the beach sexy hair texture.” Try P2 by Philip Pelusi BeachComber to create soft texture that has an unbelievable citrus scent.

Healthy Hair Tips

Is this chilly winter weather drying you out?! No time to run to the salon? Well, guess what…you have a secret weapon to heal dry hair in your kitchen cupboard! Olive oil and mayonnaise aren’t just good for cooking, they’re an excellent moisturizing treatment for your hair and scalp. Here are fabulous tricks from stylists Josh Rosebrook and Robear Landeros at LA-based salon The Parlour on 3rd.

Olive Oil Moisturizing Treatment

from The Parlour on 3rd Master Stylist Josh Rosebrook

  1. Take 1/4 cup olive oil and pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds.
  2. Part your hair into four sections and apply the warm olive oil to your scalp, section by section. Make sure to work the olive oil from the scalp to the ends of your hair.
  3. Put a plastic cap on your hair and let the olive oil work its magic for 30 minutes.
  4. Remove the cap. Shampoo, condition, and style your hair as usual.

Healthy Hair Mask

from The Parlour on 3rd Stylist Robear Landeros

  • The easiest, cheapest, and most effective hair mask secret known to stylists is mayonnaise. Who would have thought? Mayo is composed of egg yolk, lemon juice and vinegar, which can strengthen and moisturize your hair. Avoid commercial brands. Stick with organic for best results. Place a plastic bag over your hair after you apply. Leave it on for 30 minutes. If you don’t mind smelling like a ham sandwich, the end result is worth it!

White Sands Creates Innovative Hair Solutions

White Sands founder Fernando Salas has a simple philosophy toward product development.

“I am unwilling to come up with anything that’s currently out there in the marketplace,” says Salas, a veteran stylist. “There’s something new and exciting about every (White Sands”> product.

Whether it’s a unique curly hair mousse or a revolutionary hair repair product, this pioneering spirit is at the core of all 24 White Sands’ products.

This innovation can be seen in the company’s latest product, Orchid Oil . It restores moisture, shine, elasticity and softness to hair that has become damaged from chemical treatments and thermal stress.

White Sands’ interest in orchids for hair was inspired by studies that have shown the orchid’s mysterious capacity for longevity, beauty, and its versatility to adjust to different environments with vibrant color. Orchid oil is very lightweight, and unlike most other oils it does not affect the hair’s ability to perform when styling.

White Sands is a company with humble beginnings and big aspirations. The family-owned corporation was founded 10 years ago by the Salas Family with only $1,500.

Orchids Oil

Salas had worked as a stylist for the past four decades. He began cutting hair while attending high school in Southern California. Later he worked for some of the beauty industry’s largest companies, including Clairol and Helene Curtis. After taking some time off, he found it difficult to find work at the same level.

But he wanted an outlet for ideas, so he enlisted the help of a chemist who had done research and development for some of the industry’s largest companies. The chemist was willing to work at no charge.

In 1999, Salas participated in a trade show using a spray he developed. His work was met with applause as well as huge demand for the hair spray, which didn’t even have a name yet. At one point, he was offered $200 for a bottle of the spray. Based on this enthusiastic response, “I was forced to start the company,” he jokes.

Run by the family of five—Fernando, Patricia, Aarron, Noel and his wife Kelly—they began by filling products from gallons into bottles one at a time in Salas’ garage.

Although the company has come a long way since those days, Salas still develops his product one at a time, each based on a specific need or trend.

When it comes to texture, Salas takes the philosophy that the stylist is like a painter. Before they can create their image, they need to prepare the canvas.

“The hair is our canvas.,” he says.

With this in mind, he created ER Fusion, Porosity The Fix and The Cure 24/7.

ER Fusion is an intensive reconstructive hair treatment which restores hair back to its youthful condition for up to 30 days. The product creates a clear micro shield to seal in color and softness, while weightless quaternaries balance and self-adjust color in the hair. A complex set of amino cystines repair damage while lemon grass extracts enhance color with a high gloss.

Salas calls Porosity The Fix“make-up for hair.” Porosity acts as foundation and concealer to temporarily fill in the blemishes found in each strand, creating the impression of flawless hair.

ER Fusion

The Cure 24/7 is a leave in reconstructive treatment with visible results within minutes after application. The treatment that can be done day or night, wet or dry, repairing damaged hair fibers and making tresses stronger, smoother and shinier.

“It deals with the complexion of the hair itself,” Salas says. “It’s like putting brand new plaster on the wall. It’s like you have new hair.”

After the canvas has been prepared, White Sands has products that help you achieve the texture you want. Curls are of special interest to Salas because that is his hair type.

White Sands Curl Up in Silk Mousse is designed to create the ropey curls that are hot right now, without crunch.

“The molecules are engineered to help curls clump together,” he says.

Many people with curly hair tend to use heavier products to weigh their hair down. Salas believes in cocktailing products to get the look you want.

“I look at product application as a way to address different needs, whether it be calming down the hair or boosting volume,” Salas says.

Salas is a believer that with the right products and a little bit of effort, waves, curls and kinks can look beautiful. But he believes it’s more than just about making it look pretty.

“It’s identity expression,” he says. “The goal is more about how to get your to look like you want to be seen.”

Help Salons Help Haiti
ruth roche/pureology salon

Rare by Ruth Roche/Pureology Salon

From February 2 – 6, join Rare by Ruth Roche/Pureology Salon for a fund-raising event benefiting Global Green USA’s Haiti rebuilding efforts. 100% of the donations will go to Global Green USA’s efforts to help sustainably rebuild healthier, energy efficient, disaster resistant housing, schools and other structures in Haiti in the months ahead.

For a $25 donation, guests will receive a 15–minute Pureology Hydrating Scalp Massage—this intense conditioning treatment delivers long-lasting hydration, while natural ingredients restore dehydrated hair and maximize colour retention.

Participating guests will receive a complimentary petite-size Pureology EssentialRepair ColourMax or EssentialRepair InstantRepair.

To book your appointment, call 212-343-9133 and mention the Haiti fundraiser.

Curly Guys/Gals Tell All

We asked prominent stylists to tell us about their hair and what it was like growing up with curly hair.

Diane Da Costa

Diane Da Costa,

textured hair expert, Mizani multi-textured expert /creative consultant and author of “Textured Tresses”

Q: What type of texture do you have?

A: If you look on the Mizani Natural Curl Key, my hair is a combination of Type V to Type VI – very curly and coiled. I have a loose afro with medium-size coils.

Q: How did having textured hair affect you growing up? How did you feel about your hair growing up and how has that changed since you became involved in the beauty industry?

A: My entire family has natural textured hair—from loose waves to coily hair. I was very comfortable with natural hair, but always wanted my hair longer and smoother as my hair was a thick and voluminous shoulder-length soft curly-afro hair. My sisters had mid-back length, long smooth wavy and spirally curly hair. So, growing up, I was somewhat envious of their hair. And my mother didn’t know how to style my hair — it was more difficult, so she made my older sister do it. She finally made me start styling my own hair when I was about 9 years old. That’s how I started in the business as a child.

When I was about 11 years old, I went for a relaxer at the salon so I could be more like my sisters with long and wavy hair. However my hair was relaxed straight.That meant I still had a lot of work to do with my hair, blow drying, roller setting, hot curling etc.

texture

When I got in the industry, that completely changed. I got off all my relaxers, went natural and grew out my natural hair. It was at that point that I started experimenting with all the natural, curly styles and sets my mother would do to my sisters and tried on my hair when we were children. I love my hair for all its curls and versatility. Now with all the styling products and with the ceramic tools we have today, I am able to wear my hair blown straight without any chemicals or worn naturally curly with enhancing products. In the last two to three years, I’ve enjoyed wearing my hair straight in the fall and the winter. All I have to do is wrap it, dry, blow it out slightly with MIzani ThermaSmooth System and ceramic iron. Because I live in New York and I don’t have a texturizer, I wear my hair curly with enhancing products from about April to October.

Q: What do you think are the biggest/most important/most interesting developments in the world of hair texture today?

A: It’s amazing that everyone has embraced curly hair in all fashions and forms. Taylor Swift’s long curly waves are going to be the next big look for the spring. She’s taking the music and entertainment industry by storm, and everyone’s going to want her look, whether there are using irons, sets or extensions to complete the look.

It’s also quite amazing that there in the last 10 years that so many small, independent companies have been able to develop and manufacture hair care products for naturally curly hair, with natural and organic ingredients for all hair textures. And every salon brand now has a curly line incorporated in their overall product line-up with some natural ingredients included. Twenty years ago there were only about three, there were a handful of products available. Even Mizani, the multi-textured professional brand known for relaxers and treatments, has created True Textures Curl Defining System, which launches this month.

Q: What type of products/tools and what amount of time do you spend on your hair on “curly” days and on “straight” days?

A: On curly days, I’ll shampoo and condition my hair and apply a light leave-in cream on my entire head. Then I comb through it with a wide-toothed comb. After I apply a enhancing cream/gel on my entire head, I’ll go through the hair with my fingers and finger stretch with some products, section by section. This technique, the Mizani True Textures Free Hand Styling Technique, is part of the new techniques that I have created for the True Textures Styling Collection and Techniques, which includes six styling and three cutting techniques. After, I’ll air dry or diffuse to define the curls. Sometimes, I’ll place a turban towel on my hair and let the curls set in the towel while I get dress or finish up house chores, then I’ll finger comb with a styling cream or gloss for more vibrancy. All this takes about 10 minutes.

When I wear my hair straight, I’ll have it straightened with a wrap set, blow dry and ceramic iron in the salon after a weekly shampoo and conditioning treatment. On a daily basis, if I have to refresh the style with the ceramic iron. It takes me about 20-25 minutes, including apply a gloss or styling cream and comb-out.

Q: Any other comments/observations on curly/textured hair?

A: Curly/textured hair is the most versatile, and provides the most options, whether you keep it completely natural or use a texturizer.

Kevin Murphy

Kevin Murphy

Stylist, “Texture Master” and creator of the Kevin Murphy line of products

Q: What type of texture do you have? Describe your hair.

A: I have salt-and-pepper curly hair.

Q: How did having textured hair affect you growing up? How did you feel about your hair growing up and how has that changed since you became involved in the beauty industry?

A: My hair was always really big, and I always felt like a boof head. I was never able to get the style I wanted without a lot of maintenance until I began to make my own hair products, which began in my kitchen at home. I could never get the right texture for my hair and once I made what I needed, a light went on in my head and I thought hmmmm there could be something in this.

Q: What do you think are the biggest/most important/most interesting developments in the world of hair texture today?

A: When I was young you just had to go with your texture, and there really were no products or tools that helped you get what you needed. You just had to suffer looking really goofy. Now there are so many products and great styling tools. If you aren’t happy with your texture you can just go and get a product or a tool and get the hair you want (with a little work, that is”>.

Q: What type of products/tools and what amount of time do you spend on your hair on “curly” days and on “straight” days?

A: I don’t really have straight days, but I do spend a bit of time with a “Doo Rag.” I apply a moisture cream first and have to flatten my hair with the doo rag and wait. If I try to blow my hair dry, I look like a Bee Gee. From start to finish my hair can take up to 30 minutes, but it’s more of a waiting game.

Q: Any other comments/observations on curly/textured hair?

A: My thing with my curly hair is it has a little temper tantrum every couple of day. You have to get the right thing in at the right time otherwise it’s all over. Straight hair really looks the same every day. Even after being a hairdresser for over 30 years, I just can’t roll out of bed, if I didn’t have my own range of products dedicated to texture I’d be screwed.

Nick Arrojo

Nick Arrojo

Q: What type of texture do you have? Describe your hair.

A: I have fine, curly hair. In the past I’ve worn it long, but nowadays I go for a short, cropped men’s style.

Q: How did having textured hair affect you growing up? How did you feel about your hair growing up and how has that changed since you became involved in the beauty industry?

A: I didn’t like my curly hair at all as a teenager. It was very different from most of my friends and infuriatingly difficult to manage. Most of the time, I tried to straighten it as best I could, but the results were often disastrous—especially when it rained! Since becoming a professional, I’ve learned to love my curly hair, and I encourage all clients with natural texture to wear it natural. It’s a lot better to work with your natural texture than to try to fight against it.

Q: What do you think are the biggest/most important/most interesting developments in the world of hair texture today?

A: The best thing about modern-day curly hair is how acceptable it has become in our culture to the point where it is actually revered by many. I think that’s a great leap forward for naturally textured tresses. It’s also great to see a lot of products on the market that work really well with curly hair, helping it be what it should be: bouncy, voluptuous and unique. I’ve had clients tell me the ARROJO curl crème has changed their hairstyling life. That’s got to be a good thing.

Q: What type of products/tools and what amount of time do you spend on your hair with curly vs. straight hair?

A: Right now my hair is so short that I only use one product: texture paste. I only spend two minutes working a little paste through for extra texture and definition.

Q: Any other comments/observations on curly/textured hair?

A: You should love and embrace your natural texture. It truly is unique and wonderful.

Michael Crispel

Michael Crispel

KMS California artistic team member from Earth Salon in Toronto

Q: What type of texture do you have? Describe your hair.

A: I have thick and coarse curly hair.

Q: How did having textured hair affect you growing up?

A: I was the FRO child in school and was singled out as the ethnic kid.

Q: How did you feel about your hair growing up and how has that changed since you became involved in the beauty industry?

A: As a child I wanted flat hair that was smooth so I would blend in but as I became a hair stylist I learned to embrace my hair with all the salon products that gave me so many options, from long to short textured—making my hair the most versatile of anyone in the salon.

Q: What do you think are the biggest/most important/most interesting developments in the world of hair texture today?

A: Curly products have come a long way. In the ’70s and ’80s, it was gel or mousse at best for a natural look. But now we can give hair nutrition and style in the same products.

Q: What type of products/tools and what amount of time do you spend on your hair on “curly” days and on “straight” days?

A: KMS California Curl up Control Cream, with a diffuser, for curly days and Silk Sheen Therapy Plus or straight days

Q: Any other comments/observations on curly/textured hair?

A: We curly people are the most diverse hair type in the world, and the most afraid so for all the hair salons do your home work know your clients and products and proceed with caution!

Lorraine Massey

Lorraine Massey

Q: What type of texture do you have? Describe your hair.

A: I have predominantly corkscrew curls. But when it’s ultra humid, the mood ring personality of my curls can change on a whim and become “bottiscrew,” which is a mix of corkscrew and Botticelli! After pulling a curl strand to its actual length and releasing it, its spring-back factor can be as much as 6 inches! That’s why it’s a disaster when you cut curly hair wet. Anything wet expands, and when it dries, it contracts. It’s like a transformer.

Q: How did having textured hair affect you growing up? How did you feel about your hair growing up and how has that changed since you became involved in the beauty industry?

A: I was so young when I figured out “this is it!” me, my curls and I till death do we part! But I was not happy about it until later in life. We curlies are not born loving our hair. We have to learn to love it and if we are lucky to find a curl sponsor who will encourage us on our unavoidably curly path—that is priceless! As a child, the teasing and name calling didn’t help either with comments like “with hair like that you don’t notice her ankles”!

Q: What do you think are the biggest/most important/most interesting developments in the world of hair texture today?

A: The Devafuser is truly unique and efficient in its design and makes so much “logiCURL” sense! I don’t think there are any other developments at the moment—just regurgitated sameness but packaged differently. It’s all geared to make you feel you are not quite good enough to really have and love what you are born with!

Q: What type of products/tools and what amount of time do you spend on your hair on “curly” days and on “straight” days?

A: Frizz and curly hair is still severely misunderstood! Unruly is a word I hear all the time in the media, and I do not like it! As they say in text book, “unruly children are looking for consistency.” Same goes for curls! When your consistent in your approach, you get consistency back. I started to love my curls the day i stopped shampooing! So no shampoo equals no sulfates. Add superior conditioners and alcohol and silicone free gels. Love me as I am and do not disturb curls in progress.

The only straight I do is talk straight or straight to bed (but always curly to rise”>. I am a 100 percnet committed Curly Girl, and I spend such little time on my curls because fuss equals frizz. For me it’s about truly radiCurl simplicity.

Q: Any other comments/observations on curly/textured hair?

A: When the word “texturized” is applied to natural textured hair, it really concerns me since curly hair is nothing but texture naturally, and with what I have observed over the last 10 years by committing to the natural selection, is what can happen naturally in the hair is far more beautiful than anything I can manufacture, “ManuFracture” or impose upon! It’s very humbling and goes against all we in the hair biz have been trained to do!

Ouidad

Ouidad

Q: What type of texture do you have? Describe your hair.

A: I have a combination of tight and loose curls. When I was younger my hair was so thick that if I ran my hands through it, I would lose any rings I had on my fingers.

Q: How did texture hair affect you growing up? How did you feel about your hair growing up and how has that changed since you became in the beauty industry?

A: I grew up in Beirut, Lebanon where everyone has beautiful curly hair of all shapes and sizes and color. It was the norm! When I came to the United States, people would make fun of my sister’s and my curls and no one knew how to work with curls or how to handle them.

This motivated me to be the pioneer of the curly hair industry by establishing the first salon dedicated to curly hair and creating the first product line specifically for curls. Since I started my curly hair crusade 25 years ago, the curly hair segment has grown tremendously and a lot more attention is paid to it.

Q: What do you think are the biggest/most important/most interesting developments in the world of texture today?

A: Today texture is celebrated—it’s big, it’s beautiful, it’s sexy. It has a language of its own and it’s sought after in all aspects of fashion, beauty and design.

Q: What type of products/tools, and what amount of time do you spend on your hair on “curly” days and on “straight” days?

A: What’s a “straight” day? I only have one kind of day with my hair—CURLY! It takes 5 minutes to do my hair, and it lasts for two to three days. I use a range of my products and my Double Detangler both as a comb and as a styling tool for my hair. The sky’s the limit with my Double Detangler—it gives me the opportunity to create any type of curl or wave pattern.

Q: Any other comments/observations on curly/textured hair?

A: I believe textured/curly hair is regal and the most beautiful hair in the world. It has so much dimension and plays up the features of its owner.

Dickey

Dickey

Q: What are the different textures of hair and how can you determine which texture you have? Once you do, how can you figure out how to best care for your texture?

A: Texture can easily be broken down by kinky, curly wavy or straight. To really confuse you, most people have multiple textures on on head of hair, but there is still a dominant kinky, curly, wavy or straight. Women who have the most problem identifying with their hair texture are ones that have found it to be a problem- the kinkys and the curlys. Because of the lack of info or knowledge on how to deal with those textures until recently, women often end up chemically altering and thermally manipulating their hair, some from the earliest age of 7 for the next 30 years and are just now trying to rediscover their natural texture. The best way to familiarize yourself with your texture is by gently feeling the root area (if in fact you’re relaxed”> or gently caressing your natural texture while wet. Go to the mirror and look at these textures that come to life when wet and soft. Add conditioner to wet hair to see even more definition in your true texture. The first line of defense for any texture is to make sure you’re using an appropriate cleanser. Using a non suds, sulfate free cleanser such as Daily Cleansing Cream will ensure you’re hair is left clean and hydrated, without stripping hair of its natural oils. This helps hair to retain its softness and pliability, which unleashes its optimal potential, unlike conventional shampoos that prevent those textures from looking their best and make it difficult for you to recognized your true texture. Using a non suds cleanser helps your conditioner work more effectively and be the super softening conditioning treatment that you always hoped your conditioner to be. Unfortunately, those conventional shampoos made it difficult for that to happen. Your conditioner spent most of its time dealing with the damaging effects of the shampoo rather than hydrating to its fullest potential. Try using Hair Rules Quench ultra rich conditioner. This thick, concentrated conditioner, hydrates, moisturizes and softens the dryest, parched, hard hair. Do you see the common theme here? Moisture. Every texture needs it. For finer textures,this is where conditioning becomes optional, using as a treatment or a light weight conditioner such as Hair Rules Nourishment Leave In conditioner. Similar to a light moisturizer on your skin before makeup, this leave in conditioner will hydrate without weighing the hair down. Now here’s where all of this affords you to use more light-weight styling products. The hair is hydrated, in its fullest potential allowing your styling products to work better without heavy, sticky, hard, waxy results. A new generation of styling products that have a dual purpose leaving hair both conditioned and perfectly defined, will help you maximize your hair texture. The first rule in dealing with texture is, with kinky being the more severe in curl pattern and most fragile of all textures, the care of this texture is not from the standpoint of maintaing a straight style (which you can usually wear 4-5 days without touching water.”> Wash and wear results can be achieved every day, for kinky/curly textures, but don’t go longer than three days before repeating your wash and wear style. This will help your curl pattern stay detangled and hydrated so it doesn’t dry out, become brittle and break off. The second rule is to get a proper hair cut every 3 months, with the ends being adequately cut when straight. You can’t cut what you can’t see on hair that is tightly wound (with shrinkage and a ziz-zag pattern.”> The timing of these hair cuts is more essential than anything. Hair grows 1/4 inch to a 1/2 inch a month. If over a period of three months, you’ve gained an inch and a half, the idea is that you’re only cutting 1/4 or less of an inch. This means you’ve gained length! Taking all of this in to account when caring for your texture will help you achieve salon results at home, helping you to love and honor your hair.

Q: What was your inspiration behind creating the Hair Rules product line? The Hair Rules salon?

A: Built on a heritage of beauty, education and community, Hair Rules New York is the FIRST and ONLY multi-textural salon in the U.S., offering the healthiest approach to hair care and styling as a means toward evolving mindset, changing perceptions and influencing practice. Our goal is to help our clients re-discover their natural texture, embrace the versatility it offers, and wear it however they choose- but via healthy, responsible methods. We offer an elite team of stylists and colorists, all trained in the safe and healthy approach to hair care, color, texturizers, relaxers and styling methods. At Hair Rules, we understand that while all hair textures are not created equal, they should be treated equally. The brand came first, delivering top notch, truthful results, while the salon was created as a platform for education and sharing the truth.

Q: It seems as though women with “non-straight” hair have a complicated relationship with their hair type and texture. Why do you think this is?

A: The many faces of the beauty industry, be it hairdressers that started out in beauty school learning how to process hair and not deal with it in its natural state to the mass market manufacturers of beauty products that market products based on ethnicity rather than the texture specific approach that should be taken, have confused the consumer. The Hair Rules approach to beauty is a truthful approach, designed to offer the healthiest approach to hair care and styling as a means toward evolving mindset, changing perceptions and influencing practice.

Q: What do you tell women who are trying to embrace their natural texture but are apprehensive about how they will be perceived?

A: This is a natural evolution. Once you plant the seed and expand perceptions of beauty, women will move in a more positive, comfortable direction when they start to see images of themselves portrayed more beautifully in media. We can only influence women and build their trust from a truthful, honest approach. Truth allows you to feel comfortable in your skin.

Your Favorite Botanicals

Many manufacturers tout the natural ingredients in their products, and, of course, who doesn’t like natural ingredients? But what exactly does grape seed do for the hair? What are the benefits? We’ve put together a handy primer of some of the hottest natural ingredients on the market right now, with information about what they’ll do for your hair.

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Açaí

The açaí berry’s vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, EFAs and chemical constituents are said to deeply moisturize hair, add luster, and enrich hair color; açaí also helps eliminate frizz. The Surya Henna line

Florestas Natural Hair Care

Herbal Essences Color Me Happy Shampoo with Acai Berries & Satin

Miraculous Açaí

Acanthe Extract

Acanthus (Acanthus mollis L.”> is a perennial plant that is know for its softening, emollient and protective qualities. It is a key ingredient in Rene Furterer’s new Acanthe Perfect Curls line. René Furterer Acanthe Perfect Curls Acanthus: From the Seaside to Vibrant Curly Hair

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera smooths, controls without stiffness, and is used as a treatment for hair loss because it stimulates new hair production and can even fight against Alopecia. It’s great against frizz. Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Aloe Fix Hair Styling Gel

Kinky-Curly Curling Custard

Aubrey Organics Mandarin Magic Ginkgo Leaf & Ginseng Root Hair Moisturizing Jelly

Relax with Aloe Vera

Argan Oil

Argan oil (or Moroccan oil”> softenn and protects hair. This oil provide intense conditioning and promises to eliminate frizz and promote and hair growth to all hair types. Cibu Ancient Serum Ancient Botanical Ingredients Made New

Avocado

Avocado is used in hot-oil treatments and for deep, hair conditioning. Its pulp can be whipped smooth and massaged into hair for a quick and easy softening, conditioning and moisturizing mask. MYHoneyChild Olive You Deep Conditioner

Darcy’s Botanicals Avocado & Honey Twisting Cream

HPO Spa Hair Conditioner

Luscious Avocado

Chocolate/Cacao

Cacao is a nourishing treat—adding shine, vibrancy and improving the general health to skin and hair. Chocolate and cocoa butter products provide both a delightful chocolatey aroma and the benefits of antioxidants. Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Daily Hair Conditioner

Carol’s Daughter Hair Balm

DevaCurl Heaven in Hair

Treat Your Hair and Skin to Chocolate

Grape Seed

Grape seed extract is sometimes used to treat hair loss and to stimulate hair growth. It’s also used to combat dryness. Grape seed extract is a very strong antioxidant. Curl Junkie BeautiCurls Leave-in Hair Conditioner

Blended Beauty Curl Quenching Conditioner

MOP C-Curl Curl Enhancing Shampoo

Grape Seed Extract: Conditioner Extraordinaire

Jojoba

Jojoba is most beneficial to dry, damaged hair, sealing the hair and scalp to prevent moisture loss. This maintains moisture balance, essential for healthy hair. Jojoba extract is also said to remove buildup. Aubrey Organics 100% Organic Jojoba Oil

Darcy’s Botanicals Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Conditioning Oil

HPO Butter Drops

The Beauty of Jojoba

Horsetail

If applied topically on hair, horsetail is known to help strengthen and restore shine in your hair. Horsetail adds silica to the hair, which can help prevent hair loss. Oyin Handmade Frank Juice

Aubrey Organics Island Naturals Replenishing Conditioner

Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment

Horsetail: the Mineral-Rich Herb

Monoi Tiare

The combination of Tiare and Tahitian coconut oil produces a hypoallergenic elixer that seals the scalp, hair cuticle and skin, preventing dryness and protecting the skin and hair against salt water and sun damage. Oyin Handmade Frank Juice

Aubrey Organics Island Naturals Replenishing Conditioner

Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment

Monoi Tiare: the Tropical Elixer

Macadamia Nut

Macadamia oil is a moisturizer and emollient that reduces wrinkles and dryness without being heavy or greasy. It has a superb reputation for healing scars, sunburn, wounds and irritations. Macadamia Hair Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque

Ojon Ultra Hydrating Shampoo

Macadamia Nut Oil for Hair and Skin Care

Murumuru

Murumuru coats coarse curls, making them more supple and manageable. Products that contain murumuru moisturize the hair with lasting hydration, controlling frizz and defining curls. Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner

DevaCurl Heaven in Hair

Blended Beauty Curl Styling Lotion

The New Kid on the Curly Hair Block

Pomegranate

Pomegranate oil is preferred for hot oil treatments, pre-shampoo soothing and general conditioning for textured hair. It enhances the appearance and feel of hair, helps with detangling and moisturizes the hair shaft. CURLS Quenched Curls Moisturizer

Curl Junkie Coffee-Coco Curl Creme

Super Food and Beauty Bonanza

Seaweed

Seaweed is an emollient that feeds the shafts and ducts of the scalp to help improve the health of the hair. The black, lustrous hair of the Japanese is partly attributed to their diet of sea vegetables such as arame, which is high in minerals. Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment

Curlisto Repair Styling Cream

Aubrey Organics Blue Green Algae Hair Rescue Conditioning Mask

Calming Nourishment from the Sea

Shea Butter

Shea butter is high in unsaponifiables, giving UV protection that enables our hair to retain its natural vibrancy and softness. Shea is a good hot oil treatment for most hair types, trating split-ends and damaged hair. Shea Organic Certified Organic Shea Butter

MYHoneyChild Organic Shea Butter Hair Paste

Carol’s Daughter Tui Jojoba & Shea Butter Sheen

Shea Butter: Healing Magic

Sunflower

Sunflower oil contains vitamin A, D, and E, plus protein and zinc for skin and hair. Protein is beneficial for most hair types, vitamin E is a great antioxidant and zinc is protective against the sun’s rays. Jane Carter Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo

Darcy’s Botanicals Vanilla Delight Daily Leave-In Conditioner

CURLS Curl Soufflé

Sunflower: the Bright and Clean Choice

Tanmanu

Tamanu oil acts as an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic and is particularly useful in protective and healing formulas. It is recommended for skin disorders, scalp burns, and recovering from hair loss.

Shea Terra Organics Tamanu Oil

Aveda Be Curly Shampoo

John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor

The Benefits of Tamanu
Curls and Waves Are Winners at the Grammys

The hair styles at last night’s 52nd Annual Grammy Awards were all over the map, especially styles featuring curly hair — some of the red-carpet attendees wore controlled waves, while others let it all fly free. Still others, such as curly girl favorite Taylor Smith, changed ‘dos mid-show, going from updo to un-do, beautifully!

Check out our photo gallery featuring curly haired celebrities from last night’s festivities:

Colbie Caillat
Jennifer Lopez
Katy Perry
Miley Cyrus
Nicole Kidman
Taylor Swift
Simone Johnson
moroccanoil
Jennifer Lopez’ 70’s-inspired hair was designed by stylist Robert Vetica. Volume and texture were the hallmarks of the all-one-length, below the shoulder look.

Vetica started by applying Moroccanoil Treatment on wet hair and blow-dried it smooth, creating a middle part using a large round brush for volume. He then used a 1″ curling iron, curling each section, and dragging the curled spirals down. He started in the back, working towards the front of the head and lifting her hair away from the face.

After the curled hair set, Vetica finger-brushed the look and applied Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream to hold the set and add additional texture. Finally he brushed out the hair, then backcombed underneath for maximum fullness and volume. Vetica finished with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray for free-moving, shine-enhancing hold.

Why We Love Our Curls

It’s February, the love month. We asked our community why you love your curls, waves and kinks. Your funny, honest, touching and poetic replies beautifully express that affection:


PartyHair

They are a part of my dad’s legacy to me – my curls come from my dad. I miss him greatly and love that I alone among my siblings have these curls that connect me to him.


Hakim Nuraldin

Because they’re mine.


Cynaminbear

I love my curls! They separate me from all the boring straight haired women, they define me. Wild, unpredictable, unconventional.


MysticSpiral

It balances out my body, you can’t have a big head, big eyes, big nose, big mouth, big boobs, big hips, and have flat hair!


alisons79

It took me 26 years to not only accept but also come to love them.

It wasn’t until I found this site that I was able to learn how to make them look great. Up until then, I never wanted to wear it curly because it never looked good curly. Once I learned how to take care of and style it curly so that it looked good that way, it wasn’t even a choice at that point!

My curls are a part of who I am. I look at pictures of myself when I would style my hair straight and it doesn’t look good to me anymore.


janka

I love my Curls because they are me. They define who I am and in this time of straight-ironed hair (like since the mid 90s”> I like to be different. I like to stand out and not be coerced into following the crowd. Noone can talk me into straightening my hair & I am proud of it. Besides, curls are FEMININE, theres a romance about curly flowing hair. Long live CURLS!


curlybeauty

I’m in love with my curls because they’re bouncy & beautiful. They’re wild and unpredictable, just like me!


Curlyminx

I now love my curls. It took 29 years to find this site and the last 1+ years to learn how to properly care for my hair. I love the way they bounce. I love the way they look different; the way I won’t be missed in a crowd. I love how other people think my hair looks good even when I’m feeling like a giant frizz ball (post-NC of course!!! I didn’t get compliments before I found this site”>.

And on a personal note – my most favorite person LOVES curly hair and is my biggest curly supporter.


mrscurlylady

They are HEALTHY, shiny, soft, bouncy, time consuming, and they frizz. My curls are an extension of my personality/self expression (of me”>. They show who I am, with all my faults, imperfections (frizz”>, and the great qualities I possess (good hair days”>.

It has taken me sometime to come to terms with my hair and I love it. My curls are as unique as I am, and they are cherished.


jeepcurlygurl

I love my curly hair. It took awhile to love and accept it (thank goodness for NC.com!”>, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Big curly hair suits me, it makes me happy, it draws attention and makes me stand out. I don’t want to look like everyone else!

I plan on being that crazy old lady with big, long, curly, grey hair and a bunch of cats.


Guyanese.Princess

I love my curls because it’s apart of who I am. Oddly enough people may not remember my name but remember me as the tall girl with curly hair.

I love more than just my own curls. I love curls period. I love how they come in many different sizes, lengths, textures, colors, etc.

Curly hair catches my eye more than straight or wavy hair. When I see people on TV or on the street with curly hair, I stare (well try not to stare too hard lol”> in awe at the curls and more often the fullness/thickness of the hair.


kenzallan1212

There are days when I love my wurls, but there are an equally large number of days when I hate them. Its definitely an up-hill battle.

I also think wavies have the best (and worst”> of both worlds. I can straighten my hair pretty easily, so I can rock my natural waves one day, and have a straighter style the next day. But, it seems that wavies as a whole have a hard time getting consistent results….we have to fight for every bit of curl we can get.

I like having wavy hair, and I’m not sure what I would do if my hair went back to straight, but there are definitely days that I would kill to have it be consistent, at the very least.


curls2grow

I love how care-free and natural curly hair looks. I am a graying curly girl, and I like that I look different from most women who are letting their gray grow in. IRL, I see mostly straight haired women (chemically or flat-ironed”> growing gray.


laynesavedtheday

I love my curls because they are an extension of myself. Hating my hair is like hating anything else about myself – wrong. It doesn’t hurt that my hair is beautiful in my eyes, but even if it wasn’t I would rock it like the best of them!


bergasaurus

I hated my hair until I was 15 and got a perm – we didn’t know my hair was naturally curly at the time, until it grew out and stayed curly. I’ve loved my hair ever since then. Before then my hair was ugly and unruly and would stick up or wave in weird places because I was trying to style it like straight or slightly wavy hair. My mother always made me keep it short because longer hair was horrible. Post-perm I ended up growing my curly hair out to mid-back/waist length for a few years. Loved it and I still miss having hair that long.


generosityt

I love my curls because they have character and they do not look like anybody else hair. They’re also a characteristic of the region I come from (North Africa”>. I love my curls because they help me get the look I want within a few minutes, if I want to look edgy I can, if I want to look fun I can, if I want to look sexy I can without any extra money, time, or effort, a barrett, a pin, or a flower is all it takes to change from one look to another.

But most of all, I like them because they keep me warm in the cold, it’s my mane!


KurlyKae

I want to love my curls. Sometimes I do, but often it’s a struggle. It’s an ongoing process, anyway.


kasden

I love my curls because they’re mesmerizing! I find people just get lost staring at them…daydreaming. I love to see the looks on their faces…I wonder what they’re thinking!


afrosheenqueen

They allow me to be myself.


plink

I love my curls because they are the first part of my body that I became proud of. At a very late age.


bridgete2010

I love my curls because they are unique to me, they are my beautiful follicle-fingerprint…


MirCurls

I like the sensual quality of curling forms–how they seem to be alive and twine around my finger. I like them best when they’re clean and fresh and unfrizzy. I love them cause my husband loves them… a lot. He hardly says anything about my hair when I straighten it. When it’s curly, he often makes some sweet comment about how pretty they are, even when I ‘ve just woken up and they’re crazy all over the place and crushed-fuzzy.


Why do YOU love your curls, waves and kinks? Tell us in the comments section below!

Curly Hair Product Spotlight: Squeaky Gourmet

Maureen Jeanson wants to make something perfectly clear about her book, “Squeaky Gourmet.” It’s not another fad diet.

“It’s a wellness tool,” says the curly mother of five. “I want people to pick it up and become healthy.”

squeaky gourmet

Maureen Jeanson, left, before her weight loss, and after.

It’s a subject the New Hampshire diet and fitness expert knows a lot about. She says she has struggled with weight most of her life.

“I was a chubby little girl who grew into a chubby teenager who became a chubby adult,” says Jeanson, who began dieting when she was 12.

Six years ago, she was conversing with friends on an online mothering forum, and they all vowed to lose weight.

Jeanson lost 100 pounds. But more importantly, she was able to maintain the loss. While losing the weight, she went back and completed her degree in holistic medicine from the Australasian College of Health Science and earned fitness certifications from the International Sports Science Association, the American College of Sports Medicine and the U.S. Navy. She has worked as a fitness specialist for the Navy and runs her own online fitness community.

“I thought, if a mom of five can do it and 18-year-old sailors can do it, then I figured I’d give everyone tips so more people can benefit,” she says.

Obesity-related diseases are the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the States. But too often, people over think it, Jeanson says. Her goal was to simplify the process because she believes “it’s not that difficult.”

” ‘Squeaky Gourmet’ was born,” she says of the book, which she wrote with Jamie Wilson, a passionate cook.

Jeanson describes “Squeaky Gourmet” as a book that educates people about how to eat right. No food groups are eliminated. She says it’s about lifestyle changes that people can stick to long term rather than a short-term fix, and understanding more about food and fitness.

“We’re inundated with commercials all about low carb and low fat, but most people don’t even know what they should be eating,” she says. “I don’t say eat this for this meal and eat this for that meal.”

The book contains healthy recipes that the entire family will eat, like Simple Mexican Pasta, Stewpendous Chicken and Biscotti Protein Bars. It also includes tips on how to save time and how to prepare food for the week ahead of time.

“Hunger is our worst enemy,” she says. “But preparedness helps complete the full fitness journey.”