Search Results: Nikki Walton

By Nikki Walton · Published July 21, 2015

These are the ten most common natural hair “struggles” we deal with on a daily basis and hear from our community. We say “struggles” because we’ve confessed before to being so over that term when describing our natural hair, but we know that many women feel this is the best way to describe their challenges. Maybe you’re lucky and have only experienced one (or none!”> of these but the point is, in your darkest moments it is important to realize that natural hair care has its ups and downs (just like everything in life”> and during those downs, know that everyone else has them too (yes, even YouTubers”>.

Kanisha writes:

When it comes to being natural, there are just some things you’ll have to endure. There will be good days and bad days, hair setbacks and successes, but when it all boils down, healthy, fabulous hair is well worth the investment. You’ve probably experienced one or more of these hair problems but take heart: you’re not alone!

1. Tangles

No matter how much coconut oil I apply (which is a very effective detangler, by the way”> or how much I stretch my hair, it still decides to tangle up on itself. I’ve discovered that finger detangling every night is the only way to ensure that by the end of the week, I’m not stuck with a hot tangled mess to decipher for 2+ hours.

2. Single stranded knots

Some things just come with the territory of being natural and SSKs (single stranded knots”> are certainly one of them. Stretching the hair helps but every now and then you’ll probably still find a few. They’re pesky little things but be comforted by the fact that you aren’t suffering alone.

RELATED: How Do I Avoid Fairy Knots?

3. Boredom

Every now and then, you’ll get the itch- and that itch probably means you’re bored with your hair and ready for a change. Be careful that responding to that itch doesn’t result in some reckless haircut or dye job.

4. Shedding

From hair balls to tiny clusters of curls all over the floor, it seems like our natural hair just wants to be everywhere. But hey, that’s what hair stoppers and vacuum cleaners are for.

5. Hair envy

If you’ve never once thought, “I wish I had her hair!” then applause for you. It’s totally normal to have felt like you wanted to trade your curls in for someone else’s before. When it’s all said and done, we all have to learn to love what grows from our own scalps (it’s beautiful”>.

6. Product junkie-ism

I mean… who doesn’t love products? Experimenting with products is one of the best parts about being natural, but be careful that you aren’t compromising the health of your hair in the process.

7. Frustration

Natural hair… can’t live with it, can’t live without it. Your hair may drive you insane sometimes but just imagine if you woke up and it was permanently straight? #alwaysbethankful.

8. People just don’t understand

Not everyone is going to love your hair. They may think you just hopped on the bandwagon and are still waiting for the day when you hop off. You could spend the next 30 minutes of your day trying to explain it to them… or go home and detangle.

9. The quest for moisture

To be honest, I don’t think it’s even scientifically possible for my hair to go into moisture overload. After co-washing, deep conditioning, drenching my hair in aloe vera juice, and doing the LOC/LCO/LOCO method, my hair might still feel dry the next day. Sigh.

10. Shrinkage

Had to save the best for last!

What did we forget?!  Share your struggle below!

This article was written by Kanisha Parks of BlackNaps.org for CurlyNikki.

By Nikki Walton · Published July 16, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Really Ree

MC Wonders says:

John Frieda has a new product out called 7 Day Volume In-Shower Treatment. They claim this rinse-out gel will create fullness that lasts 3-5 shampoos. The marketing claim about this new technology/approach to volume is hard to resist, but based on the ingredients, do you think it’s even possible or would I be rinsing money straight down the drain and unnecessarily adding a step to my already long shower routine?

Beauty Brains responds:

This question is similar to the one we answered about L’Oreal’s hair thickening products but Frieda uses different technology and has different claims so I think this is worth a look. Let’s start by looking some of the key claims and what they mean.

What are the claims?

In case you didn’t realize, John Frieda is owned by Kao, a very large Japanese cosmetic company. They’re not as large as Procter & Gamble or Unilever but they’re certainly big enough that they’ve done their homework and you know they’ve researched their products and have solid claim support. So let’s look at what they say about this volumizing product.

• Texturally transforms fine hair – Ok, so it somehow changes the texture of your hair. Is that really meaningful? Not really, any ingredient that can deposit on the hair and change the way it feels could be said to change the texture.
• [leaves hair] full even after multiple washes. – Is this an important claim? It depends on quantification. HOW MUCH fuller does it make your hair? There’s a bit of weasel wording here because it’s only claiming to “LEAVE” hair full. That sounds like it just doesn’t take away any volume. It’s not even directly claiming to add volume. And HOW MANY washes does it last through? Multiple could mean 2 which is not a very compelling claim. If multiple means 20, that’s a different story.
• This lightweight semi-permanent treatment establishes a base for volumized styling, enabling her to achieve a look previously viewed unattainable.  – “Establishes a base for volumized styling” doesn’t mean much at all. The idea of being able to “achieve a look previously viewed unattainable” sounds like puffery to me.
• The treatment works by penetrating into each fiber and amplifying each hair strand for lift that lasts through multiple washes.  We talked about this in Episode 79.
•  Volume that outlasts your shampoo.  – That seems to be setting the bar fairly low. It’s just another way of saying it lasts through more than 1 shampooing, I guess.

How does the product work?

Looking at the ingredient list you’ll see several standard styling polymers like POLYQUATERNIUM-37 and VP/VA COPOLYMER. These are used in many, many hair styling products. But there is one ingredient that’s not quite as commonly used and that’s Polyimide-1.

Ingredients

• WATER, ISODECYL NEOPENTANOATE, PVP, POLYQUATERNIUM-37, VP/VA COPOLYMER, CETYL ALCOHOL, POLYIMIDE-1, BENZYL ALCOHOL, HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE, FRAGRANCE, SILICONE QUATERNIUM-18, TRIDECETH-6, MALIC ACID, TRIDECETH-12, GLYCINE, STEARTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, GLYCERIN, HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN PG-PROPYL SILANETRIOL, ALCOHOL DENAT., AMP-ISOSTEAROYL HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN, HYDROLYZED KERATIN, METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE, METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE, GREEN 3.

Polyimide-1 is the official INCI name but it’s short hand for it’s much longer, more descriptive chemical name: ”isobutylene/dimethylaminopropyl maleimide/ethoxylated maleimide/maleic acid copolymer.” You’ll also hear it referred to by its tradename which is Aquaflex XL-30.

This material is an amphoteric polymer (which means it can have either a positive or negative charge, depending on the pH.”> According to Aqualon it has “unique film properties that has demonstrated benefit in curling, volume boosting and durable hold on hair, and tightening on skin.

In addition, in hair care, when used with typical thickeners, Aquaflex XL-30 polymer provides synergistic high-humidity curl retention.”

It’s known for giving hair the power of long-lasting curl, body and texture without a heavy after-feel. So this is an effective polymer but it’s not technology that’s exclusive to Frieda. We’ve seen this used in other brands, although not very many mainstream products. Here are a few examples:

• Orlando Pita Volumizing and Thickening Hair Mist
• Samy Fat Hair “0” Calories Amplifying Mousse
• Bosley Volumizing & Thickening Nourishing Leave-in
• Jessicurl products

A variety of brands use this technology in a number of different product formats. A “mist,” mousse, leave in liquid, etc. Price points vary. 

Let’s take a look at how the product is used

The instructions tell you to first shampoo and condition your hair and then while you’re still in the shower apply a generous amount of this product and let it sit on your hair for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing.

Now here’s the important part: next you have to blow dry your hair. Why is that so important? Because the heat of the blowdryer essentially melts the polymer and distributes it more evenly across the hair shaft. It also helps it bond to the hair better. Also the blowdry stop creates more volume in your hair. So if you’re not a fan of blowdrying this product is probably not for you.

Why is that so important? Because the heat of the blowdryer essentially melts the polymer and distributes it more evenly across the hair shaft.

Finally the instructions say to “Allow 2-3 washes before your next treatment.” “Allow” is strange language. So it sounds like this lasts 2-3 washings. That may be 7 days for some people but only a day or two for others!

So far everything you said is rather theoretical so let’s take a look and see if there is any proof of how this product works.

Is there any proof the product really works?

It would be really unusual to find any published data on a product like this. There’s no patented technology that would show up in the technical literature and there’s nothing that unique about it that the company would really want to crow about. So we have to look to some of the supplier literature to see if they have published anything about this. We did find a couple of pieces of information that help explain the volumizing affects and how well it lasts through shampoos. 

Proof it provides volume but not washability

The first is an article that’s really more about methods of measuring hair volume but polyamide-1 is one of the ingredients they screened. This study helps provide a data point but it’s more about showing how difficult it is to measure hair volume in a meaningful way.

So essentially all this means is that if you put this stuff on hair and shape the hair to give it more volume then the ingredient will help maintain that hair shape and therefore maintain your volume. There’s no evidence it works by getting inside the hair, rather it appears to work as a traditional styling agent. Of course traditional styling agents just wash out so what’s more interesting about this technology is that it stays in your hair. Let’s talk about that.

Will it last through multiple washings?

We couldn’t find any published data proving the durability of this polymer but there are two other data points that help make the case. First there’s the information in the supplier literature that talks about it lasting through multiple washings. Even though the company doesn’t provide their data, we know Aqualon is a reliable source so it’s reasonable to assume they’ve got something to back this up.

The reason I’m not too concerned about this is very simple. The claim itself isn’t very impactful. Here’s what I mean by that. If they claimed that the product tripled the volume of the hair and maintained 100% of that increase for a week then I would be impressed and would to see very specific data. But all they’re really saying is it gives you some fullness and it lasts up to seven days depending on how often you shampoo. For that to be true all they really have to prove is that some residue remains on your hair through a couple of shampoo cycles. And in fact we found a patent that demonstrates these kinds of compositions can last through 5 shampoo cycles.

They did a test where they applied the product and then shampooed the tresses every day for 5 days and showed residual effect (smoothness and shine”>. Of course, these are very small effects and they’re measured on tresses which allow you to take very small measurements. This doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be able to perceive this stuff is still on your hair after 5 washes. 

Interestingly this patent shows these compositions can also give hair LESS volume if flat ironed.

So what’s the bottom line here?

John Frieda is using a polymer that can bind to the hair and increase volume to SOME extent. Plus, the technology can stay on your hair though multiple shampoos. It’s not unreasonably priced (about $8 or $9″> so if this benefit appeals to you there’s no reason not to try it. If you don’t like the way it feels you can quickly wash it out. I think this is one of those products where individual results will vary greatly. If you have the type of hair that’s very sensitive to having a residue on it and that residue can give you the texture that you get from that residue gives you the type of volume feel that you like then you’ll really like this product.

But for some people that residue won’t be sufficient to really have much of an impact on their volume. Unfortunately there’s no way to predict how well this will work for any given individual, but the good news is the product’s not that expensive so just give it a try.

Have you tried this product? Did it give you more volume?

References:

Measurements of hair volume by laser stereometry, JSCC March 2009 issue.

http://www.google.com/patents/WO2012075274A1?cl=en

This article was originally published on The Beauty Brains and shared on CurlyNikki.

By Nikki Walton · Published July 10, 2015

Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey.

My name is Tanaja Spiller, everyone calls me MJ. I currently live in Huntsville, Alabama. I am a graduate from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. My family lived in Anniston, Alabama for a couple of years and then Germany until I was 6. For the remainder of my childhood, I lived in Montgomery, Alabama.

How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls?

I have been natural all of my life. My mom never allowed me to get a perm after seeing what it did to my older sister’s hair. My mother easily managed my hair by keeping it braided. She was very creative with the different braided hairstyles she would give me! As I got older, my mom felt that I was outgrowing braids and she started to hot comb my hair. The first time I experienced the process, I was so upset and I just wanted my braids back. I went to school that morning with straight hair and by the time I came back home, a combination of the Alabama heat and my sweat had ravished my hair. I heard so many jokes and laughs, at my expense, that I went home and washed my hair (without my mom’s permission”>. I begged her to braid my hair. So at 14 years old, I wasn’t embracing my curls in the slightest bit.

How would you describe your hair?

I’ve had a lot of different hair styles over the years, all natural, and all pretty manageable. I started off with the press out which lasted from the age of 14 to 22.

I came to a point where I wanted change and lots of it, so I got my hair cut into a Mohawk. When I grew bored of the Mohawk, I decided to cut off all my hair. Through all of these styles my hair was very easy for me to manage because I educated myself on everything my hair needed and the best methods to keep it healthy. My hair’s curl pattern was very tight but my hair was not coarse. It has a silky texture that makes it easy to manipulate. When my hair was at a much longer length, I often used twist outs to stretch my hair. 

What do you love most about your hair?

What I love most about my hair is the uniqueness of it. It has been easy for me to wear different hairstyles and manipulate my hair to do just what I need it to. 

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!

The most memorable parts of my hair journey are the two times that I initially got my hair cut into new styles. Each time I was nervous with sweaty palms and anxious to see the finished product. At times, I would get funny looks from people and questions of why I would cut my hair into a Mohawk. It was a little hard to deal with at first, but I loved my hairstyle and I wouldn’t change that decision at all. As for the low cut, if I had a dollar for every time someone says to me, “You really have the right face for that” or “Not everyone can pull that off, it looks nice on you” I WOULD BE RICH! Not to be boastful, but I hear that ALL the time. On top of that, this hair style is VERY low maintenance. So I can say that the adjustment to this part of my hair journey has been very easy.

if I had a dollar for every time someone says to me, “You really have the right face for that” or “Not everyone can pull that off, it looks nice on you” I WOULD BE RICH!

What are (or were”> some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’?

I never had to transition but when my hair was longer, I enjoyed doing Bantu Knot outs, two-strand twist outs, and flat twist outs. Now, I MUST have a brush and a durag to achieve my desired style, waves!

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural’? Any memorable reactions from family or others?

My experiences as a natural have been pretty amazing. I always get asked questions about my hair and I love to answer them. My most memorable moment would have to be my mother saying, “I put so much time into your hair and then you grew up and cut it all off.” Her saying this always makes me laugh because my mother REALLY loved my hair, probably more than I did. However, I know that she loves my short hair as well.

What is your hair regimen?

When my hair was longer, must have products were: My spray bottle, doo-grow mega thick grow leave in conditioner, SheaMoisture Thickening Growth Milk, Olive oil, Shea Butter. I would mostly cowash with an Organix conditioner of my choice and only use shampoo about once a month. After shampooing, I would deep condition with Shea Moisture Anti-Breakage Masque. 

At the short length: SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Cantu Daily Oil Moisturizer, Coconut Oil, and Kemi Oil. I only wash with conditioner, HerbalEssences curl conditioner. No shampoo. When needed, I apply the same deep conditioner to my hair and I just brush and wear my durag to achieve my waves.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?

Sunshine Abuwi is my biggest inspiration on YouTube.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

Being a true natural in today’s society is becoming harder and harder thanks to the rules society tries to put on us. Those things will only be limitations to people that allow them to be. Stay true to who you are and never be transformed by this world. Let your light shine for itself and those that are meant to see you shine will. Your hair does not define you, you do.

Where can people find you for more information?

I can be found on Instagram at Mary_Jaine.

This article was originally published on Global Couture and shared on CurlyNikki.

By Nikki Walton · Published July 7, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Yolanda Renee

Faux locs have been trending for a while now. I think it’s safe to say it’s no longer a “trend”…it has become a protective style that a lot of naturalistas want and install often. For those that don’t know what faux locs are, they are just that…fake locs. If you have the faux locs itch, you are probably stalking YouTube trying to find the best tutorial. Well look no further curlfriend…you found it. I finally did this style on my natural hair and of course I recorded the entire process. I have you covered on how to prep your hair, the best technique to have a lasting style, how to maintain your real hair & more.

Prepping your natural hair

It is very important that you have a very strict wash day before your install. Protective styling will halt your ability to properly hydrate your strands so it’s better to start on hydrated hair. The day before I washed my hair, I did a protein treatment, and sealed in the moisture using the L.O.C. Method (leave in, oil, cream”>. The brand of choice to keep my hair healthy underneath is Crème of Nature. I used their Argan Oil from Morocco collection. Prior to moisturizing my hair I used the Aphogee trio to strengthen my strands. To prep my hair for the faux locs install I did two strand twists on freshly washed & moisturized hair. Of course it dried over night. And don’t forget to oil your scalp. I used Crème of Nature’s 100% Pure Argan Oil.

Faux loc install

The next day was “go time”. The installation process is confusing to write out so I rather you watch the actual tutorial, below. However, I do want to touch on a few things. First, I chose to do two strand twists on my natural hair, install sloppy box braids, and then wrap them with kinky hair. In my opinion this is the best practice to:

1. Protect your hair from damage. The two strand twists makes your strands stronger to handle the braiding hair.
2. Installing the box braids first assists with longevity of the style. I did trial & error before finding the right technique for me. Trying it on loose hair made the locs very flimsy and they were not secure. I tried twists too and wrapped them with the kinky hair and again, they were unraveling before my eyes. They would last a week tops. So finally I did the box braids which was a hit. My locs are slightly stiff and heavy but I have piece of mind that they will not unravel and my hair is protected to the fullest. Yes it took time, but I rather take my time to keep my natural hair! Lol!

Maintenance

For bedtime I use my Florbella Boutique Satin Bonnet to protect my hair. This is a trusted brand and she’s a black woman that hand makes her products. I’ve showcased my bonnet in tons of tutorials and I always brag about how it fits my big fro perfectly. I’ve stressed so much that it will grow with your hair no matter how thick and long it gets. Well this is the perfect time to stress that again. All of my locs fit perfectly in this bonnet. I was actually blown away. A real satin bonnet is so beneficial in preserving this style. It will also keep your hair moisturized.

A lot of people tend to think a protective style means you get a vacation from caring for your hair. Nope. Adding moisture and sealing it is still important. Of course you are limited but you have to do what you can. I like to focus more on my scalp, roots and new growth. Spray water, rose water, a cocktail, etc on your scalp every few days (as needed”> to freshen it up and add moisture. Add your favorite oil and do a quick scalp massage. The rose water will help keep it clean as well. It has a pleasant fragrance too! Mmmmm! You can even use a hand held steamer, www.qredew.com. That’s all the maintenance you need; so you do get a mini vacay. Lol!

I think I’ve covered the basics. I hope you found this post helpful. Keep scrolling to see the actual tutorial. There are tons of tips inside too! Feel free to share this with your curlfriends. Remember, support black businesses that can style your hair in faux locs but I want you to save money too. Get creative and try these yourself! XO

Watch

This article was written by Yolanda Renee of Etc. Blog Mag and shared on CurlyNikki.

By Nikki Walton · Published July 6, 2015

PHOTO CREDIT CHRISETTE MICHELE

When I first went natural, I thought my TWA was the worst thing in the world. I only rocked protective hairstyles in hopes of growing out my hair. Instead, using protective hair styles turned out to be the easiest way to neglect my hair. After realizing the damage, I finally gained some confidence to rock my TWA.

When I first went natural, I thought my TWA was the worst thing in the world.

Own your teenie weenie afro (TWA”> this summer. The summer is the perfect time to stray away from the protective hairstyles and give your hair a break. If some of you are still afraid of flaunting your TWA and continue using protective hairstyles to hide it, I urge you to be brave this summer! After all, your TWA is beautiful no matter how short it is. In time, the length will come. I also urge you to strive for healthy hair more than you do for lengthy hair. Instead of finding styles that will stretch your hair, focus more on length retention by deep conditioning and moisturizing.

We can already tell this summer is going to be a hot one, so give your TWA some fresh air and sun this summer!

Check out some naturalistas rocking their fabulous TWA’s in a few YouTube tutorials below:

Sport a wash and go too! Check out Paville Aldridge.

Check Out Mee Mahrii Finger Shingling routine.

Define your curls using Carmen, from My Natural Sista’s routine.

Quick Finger coils by Toliahli.

Remember ladies, you make your hair, your hair doesn’t make you! With that being said, your TWA will look as good as you let it. Throw on some earrings and arch those brows!

How do you rock your TWA?!

This article was written by Chelsea Satine of BlackNaps and published on CurlyNikki.

By Nikki Walton · Published July 3, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Natasha Leeds

Key Tips

• Rinse your hair with tap water before you get in the pool.
• Don’t wear a swim cap if it pulls too tightly or rips out your hair at the hairline.
• Always shampoo after you swim, chlorine does not rinse out.

Before taking a dip…

1. Always rinse your hair in the shower before getting in the pool. If your hair is “filled up” with clean tap water it won’t be able to absorb as much chlorinated pool water. There’s usually a shower right near the pool that you can use to rinse your hair before and after diving in.
2. Apply a thorough coating of a silicone serum to your dripping wet hair. The serum will help protect your hair from the force of the water. Choose an inexpensive serum like John Frieda Frizz-Ease Original Serum, $7.50.
3. (Optional”> Put on a swim cap. Many swim caps are so tight that they pull your hair out when you take them on and off. Try a Speedo Silicone Swim Cap, $7.99. If a swim cap causes you to lose hair, don’t use it. Just let your strands hang free instead.
4. After you swim, rinse your hair with tap water again. It’s best to wear a hat if you plan to stay in the sun after you exit the pool.
5. Always shampoo your hair after you’re done swimming for the day. It’s important to use a shampoo that gets rid of chlorine and mineral build up. If your regular shampoo contains EDTA or Phytic Acid it will provide thorough enough cleansing. If your regular shampoo doesn’t contain EDTA or Phytic Acid, buy UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo, $15.21 for a pack of 4 ($4.99 each MSRP”> for pool days.
6. Continue with your usual shampoo and condition routine. You must take the time to condition your hair every time you shampoo it, even if you swim every day.
7. When you style your hair it would be best to avoid direct or high heat. Try to limit your use of heat to a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment or a bonnet dryer on low.

Are you a swimmer? What’s your hair care regimen?

Follow Natasha Leeds (pictured above”> here:

Stylish Lee and Instagram

This was written by Nicole Hollis of Hair Liberty for CurlyNikki.

By Nikki Walton · Published July 1, 2015

We all want to care for our hair as best as possible. We buy all the right products, stick to a healthy regimen, and pay attention to our hair’s needs. But sometimes, we get accustomed to practices that harm our hair instead of nurturing it. If we do these things consistently, they turn into  habits which can lead to major damage to our curls in the long run. Here are five bad hair habits to break!

1. Hands in Hair Syndrome

Once we have mastered the art of keeping our hair moisturized and soft, we have the tendency to always want our hands to feel just how soft and moisturized our hair is. This causes a major problem. When touching your hair so often, your fingertips are removing your hair’s moisture. Also, although you may not be able to see it, your fingertips and under your nails carry dirt that is placed into your hair when you touch it.

RELATED: 5 Ways to Treat Hands In Hair Syndrome

2. Frustrated Detangling

We all know to be gentle with our natural hair, but some days, being gentle with ANYTHING is the furthest from our mind. When you realize that you’re having a hard day or have just stepped away from a frustrating situation, take a moment to do something that will ease your stress. Read your favorite quote, call your grandmother, watch a little bit of TV, or call your best friend. If you’re in a rush, take at least 30 seconds to take a few deep breaths before you lay a hand on your hair. Your hair will thank you later.

3. Going to bed without protection

We all know that we should be sleeping with our satin bonnet on or on a satin pillow case. This doesn’t mean that we all do it. Once or twice after a long day or long night of partying won’t do you any harm, but once it becomes a habit, your hair is in a lot of trouble. Cotton pillows absorb moisture. Therefore, when you consistently go to bed without your satin bonnet or pillow case, you’re losing tons of moisture you’d otherwise be retaining!

RELATED: How to Sleep Without Ruining Your Curls

4. Caring more about length than health

If you’re one of those people that absolutely loves long hair, it’s normal to feel like the most important goal for your hair is length. (Hint: if you clicked on this article, this might be you”>. If you think about it, healthy hair grows. For your hair to achieve length, your hair must primarily achieve health. Therefore, if you dedicate yourself to healthy hair, long hair will come without you even monitoring it.

5. Comparing your hair to others

We all have a hair crush. One thing you must remember when drooling over your hair crush is to admire their hair, not compare it to yours. Comparing your hair to others can make you discouraged about your hair and you may start to neglect it or over-manipulate it trying to achieve a particular look. Next thing you know, you’re not deep conditioning as often or have started slacking on daily moisturizing. Therefore, the number one rule of a hair crush is to NOT COMPARE!

Did we miss any? Share your tips below!

This article was written by Roneice Wright of Global Couture and published on CurlyNikki.

By Nikki Walton · Published July 1, 2015

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a big chopper & why?

I became a transitioner because I come from a family that really cherishes long hair. My hair had always touched my stomach, until I decided to bleach it for an ombre effect. I would straighten my hair every single day and I got a perm because I wanted to try it out; neither of these helped my hair. My hair gradually got shorter and shorter. I didn’t realize it starting to touch my shoulders until people asked me, “why did I cut my hair?” I was definitely a transitioner. I was not ready to be practically bald, I knew I wouldn’t have confidence in myself.

How would you describe your hair?

My hair has a lot of volume and is very thick. I would say I have a 3b curl pattern. It doesn’t take too much to moisturize my hair.

What do you love most about your hair?

I love how versatile it is. It takes really well to being straightened but honestly I don’t care for that anymore.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?

The most memorable part was when I washed my hair and didn’t have to put perm rods at the ends of my hair because it naturally curled on its own. It has definitely been difficult because I was the only natural in my family. Everyone around me kept telling me to straighten my hair and I just wouldn’t give in.

What are (or were”> some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’?

Some of my favorite transitioning styles were braid outs, I think they definitely saved my life. Perm rod and flexi rod sets gave me wand curls without the wand. I definitely still do perm rod sets on my hair. 

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural’? Any memorable reactions from family or others?

When I straightened my hair for the first time for a length check everyone in my family was shocked, as well as friends. My hair has never been so thick and healthy before.

What is your hair regimen?

After I wash my hair, I take a spray bottle filled with 1 part conditioner and 2 part water and spray my whole head damp after detangling it. Then I section my hair in four parts. In each part I use the Shea Moisture Hair Mask and Curl Cream to the mid shaft and ends of my hair for ultimate moisture. After, I apply olive oil to all my hair and some Vaseline Cocoa Butter to my ends. I complete the whole process with Bedhead’s Curl Cream to define my curls. And then I’m done.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTubers, or blogs?

I watch a lot of naturals on YouTube such as NaturalNeiicey, SunKissAlba, Andreaschoice, BerryBeautiful, SayriaJade, Leahallyannah, Glamtwinz334, Muchmorethanbeauty, and Lanasummer. I created my own Youtube channel to help others with natural hair and makeup tutorials.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

Do not give up! Honestly, it’s difficult at first going natural because everyone is so accustomed to straight hair, but trust me, it is going to pay off in the long run. Don’t think about the process, think about the outcome and how beautiful and radiant your hair is going to be. Love your natural self.

Where can people find you for more information?

You can find me on Instagram @Royal.t.e.e and on YouTube @Royal.t.e.e  

How is your dating life as a natural? Has it been a positive or negative experience?

I’ve definitely have gotten a lot more attention being a natural because my hair is so big in general. I would say it’s a positive experience because the guys I’ve dated loved that my hair was real and not a weave. Plus it’s a conversation starter.

This interview was conduced by Global Couture and published by CurlyNikki.

By Nikki Walton · Published June 26, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Ezinne

What has my hair told me it likes?

• Shampoo once a week, co-wash at least twice a week and more frequently in the summer.
• Loves henna! So now I henna once a month.
• Deep condition – Basically whenever I wash, I DC, so I never need to, I just do.
• Finger detangle! – My hair has taught me if I keep a comb away, my hair will stay! =D I finger detangle my hair wet with lots of conditioner. Even with dry detangling I use my fingers so I can feel the tangles and separate them, instead of ripping through them. I use a comb sometimes, but very seldom.
• Shea butter – My hair loves Shea butter, especially when it is in an Afro or going to be twisted, it keeps my hair highly moisturized, soft, and sets twist-outs beautifully.
• Trim away Single Strand knots – I learned that I only get SSK’s (single strand knots”> on my tighter, coarser textures, so I check them often for SSK’s and snip! Snip! Snip!
• Protective Styling -My hair loves to be twisted! Flat twists are my fave right now until my hair grows a little more and I can wear more 2 strand twist styles.

• Where’s my Satin bonnet?! – Don’t forget to protect your hair as you sleep, or even under hats.

I guess that’s the reggie my hair created for itself in a nutshell! 

FIY for growing your TWA

When growing out your TWA, you will need a low manipulation, high care regimen in order to grow your hair to its fullest potential. Pay attention to what you use and how your hair responds to it, this will help you to learn what your hair likes and what kinds of products it likes as well. Remember that the ends are the oldest parts of your hair, so pay special attention to keeping your ends healthy, that way you retain all or most of your length; Breakage and needing to trim often will greatly slow your growing process. Make sure your hair stays moisturized and if you are protective styling, make sure it is a style that won’t cause any damage to your hair/hairline.

If you are a new natural, take some time to play with your hair and learn what it likes and needs, as all hair is different.

Don’t expect something that works for everyone to work for you, it may not, but you will find something that will :”> Remember that just because your hair is short now, this little TWA will be your ends once your hair grows out so don’t go crazy dying, frying or not taking care of your hair just because it’s a TWA, trust me, you’ll pay for it later (obviously speaking from experience =x”>. 

Good luck listening to it and creating your own TWA reggie!

Follow Ezinne (pictured”> here:

Instagram and Ezylivin

This post was written by Naeeri of Your Africa is Showing for CurlyNikki.

By Nikki Walton · Published June 19, 2015

Tell me about yourself!

My name is Tatiana Lugo. I am from the Dominican Republic. I currently live in the state of Delaware.  I’m a mother of three beautiful children, a plus size model and a student pursuing a career in Liberal Arts.

What was your journey like?

Growing up was very difficult for me because I had curly hair.  In the Dominican Republic that was consider “bad hair”.  If your hair was curly you were not able to fit into society, get a good job or even go to an expensive restaurant without people staring at you.  Having curly hair made you feel like you came from another planet. My sisters and I all had to use chemicals on our hair to get rid of our tresses. This was the normal thing to do.  We felt like we had to comply, even thought it meant damaging our hair and scalp, not to mention the nasty smell.

Last year, my employer laid me off of my corporate job.  On many occasions my managers would give me written notice for coming to work with my hair in its natural texture.  I really felt like I was the problem, so I stopped wearing my hair naturally curly.  To fit in and keep my managers happy, I straightened my hair before I went to work everyday for more than ten years.  I wanted to cut off my hair and just be bald.  So, once I left that job, to be honest, I felt free.   I could be me and let my hair down naturally, even if that meant having no money. I’m happy, and it feels awesome.

How long have you been transitioning?

I have been transitioning since May of 2014, and I tell you it feels like I am born again.  My journey has been interesting; I do a lot of research on natural products, styles and how to live naturally.  I’m a little of a product junky, but I think all naturals divas should be.  I have creams, gels, custards, leave-in conditioners, and DIY products; I love them all. When my curls came to the light I was ecstatic!   YAYYYY I haven’t seeing you guys in more than 25 years!  (Yes, I was literally talking to my hair; I still do.”>

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?

My family thought I was going through another one of my life phases, (like when I turned 30″>.  But once they realized how delighted I was and the real beauty of my naturally curly hair, they were happy for me. 

Describe your hair

My hair is coarse, type 3C, thick and highly porous. It has its own attitude and it reacts better with natural products, especially those from my kitchen. 

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair?

The craziest thing I’ve done to my hair was to bleach my tresses (WHY,WHY, WHY did I do such a thing?”>  Next thing you know I went from Rapunzel to a chicken that came out of a hot tub, not nice!!!

What’s your biggest hair related regret?

My biggest regret is that my hair was controlling my self-esteem and my love for myself.  I was letting others define me and judge me for the way my hair looked.  I didn’t like myself, all because of my hair.  I am a beautiful woman and my hair is a part of who I am.  The texture of my hair is not the definition of being incompetent, it is who I am and it makes me unique.

What’s your current hair routine?

My current hair routine is:  I co-wash every 3 days, when I come out of the shower I apply a leave-in conditioner, moisturizer and custard to avoid frizz.   My favorite products are KinkyCurly Knot Today leave-in conditioner and custard. Love them.  However, when my pockets are tight, I use my favorite DIY gel, flax seed with aloe vera, and for my leave-in product I use coconut and olive oil.  After all of this, I diffuse my hair to at least 80%.  My hair is very thick and it can take up to 24 hours to dry.

What’s your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?

My favorite hairstyle is the popular “wash and go” because I admire my curls.  I get all of my inspirations from NaturallyCurly. I like how you can find a solution for your problems and share your thoughts.

Who is your curl crush?

My curls crush is SunKissAlba and you Nikki of course; thank you so much I really admire you.

How do you maintain your hair at night?

To go to sleep I keep my curls in a pineapple bun with a satin wrap (because I don’t have a silk pillow case”>.  Although, my boyfriend hates this. But it’s my body.  To retained length I use castor oil and coconut oil every night before I put my hair up.  I also get a Deva cut every 6 months, which I love.

What’s the best thing about being natural?

The best thing about being a natural diva is that I no longer have to please others by putting nasty chemicals on my hair, and I realize that “ me” is not bad at all.  On the contrary, I am gorgeous. I’m so proud of myself for being brave and loving myself for who I am.  This has been more than a curly hair journey, I feel like it is more of a psychological journey to find “me”.  It took me more than 25 years, but I did it, and it has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life.

This interview was originally published on CurlyNikki.

By Nikki Walton · Published June 16, 2015

If you are currently transitioning, then you know how difficult it can be to maintain two different textures. Detangling becomes a bit more challenging so when it comes to styling, you really want to keep it simple. Sticking to styles that are easy to do will decrease manipulation of the two textures and therefore lessen the chances of breakage and shedding.

If you’ve had trouble styling or simply want to discover a few styles to implement in your transitioning regimen that are easy to achieve but also fabulous, we’ve got you covered! These styles will help blend your textures and get you through the week. Plus, we made it easy for you: all of these styles start with the letter B, just like Black Naps. (See what we did there?”> As always, make the style your own and have fun with it!

1. Braidouts.

Braidouts are one of the easiest and simplest ways to blend your two textures and come out with a dope style. You can do multiple braids for a more defined look like NaturalNeiicey does in the video below, or just do two for a “big hair” result. Either way, make sure you rod the ends of your braids with flexi rods or perm rods. This will give your hair a curl so your style won’t have straight, scraggly ends. Fluff it up to add an extra boost of fabulousness!

2. Buns.

Some days you just won’t feel like dealing with your hair at all. Maybe you don’t have the time to spend on an intricate style, you just want something simple, or want to salvage a bad hair day. This is when buns come in! There are a million and three ways to do buns: they can be done on old hair, freshly washed hair, or with added extensions. You can make it fancy but a simple, classic bun like this throwback from SmartistaBeauty will never go out of style.

3. Blowouts.

It may seem like too much for transitioning hair to handle, but blowouts are actually a great way to stretch transitioning hair when done properly! They prepare the hair for virtually any style, including all of the styles mentioned in this post. Plus, when you begin with a blowout, you’ll be able to style hair that is pretty much all one pattern. Be sure to use a heat protectant and blow dry the hair cautiously, using a modified tension method that RenieceHairTV demonstrates. This method will keep your hair from drying out at the ends and also get your roots straight. (Video begins at 1:15″>.

4. Bantu Knots.

This is yet another great way to blend textures and come out with an incredible style. Bantu knots result in beautiful corkscrew curls that can be transformed into updos, frohawks, or other styles if you desire. When styling these, be sure to detangle properly like TiffanyNicholsDesign and not to install them too tightly. Take your time when unraveling in order to ensure a frizz-free style that is sure to impress.

5. Box Braids.

Long-term protective styling is a great alternative to daily/weekly styling when transitioning. Getting yourself a set of box braids will give you a much needed break when necessary or even keep you from doing the big chop if tempted. Moisturize them every 2-3 days to keep your scalp from becoming dry, and to preserve the style for 4-6 weeks. Upon takedown, remove any shed hair before washing and take your time with detangling to prevent breakage. You can install these yourself like JourneytoWaistLength or go to a trusted stylist.

This article was written by Kanisha Parks for CurlyNikki.

By Nikki Walton · Published June 15, 2015

Read more: Dr. Kari Williams Talks About Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda, Dr. Bronner’s, and Shampoo

Here are simple steps to making your cleanser more moisturizing and less drying:

• Dilute your shampoo with water. If you think the lather makes your hair tangle, then diluting your shampoo will reduce the amount of suds.
• Add oils to increase the amount of slip to the product and potentially enable you to detangle.
• Add humectants like vegetable glycerin, aloe vera juice, castor oil, or honey to make the shampoo more moisturizing. 

What You Need

• 100% Pure African Black Soap
• Castor oil
• Vegetable glycerin
• Almond oil
• Tea tree oil or peppermint oil

Directions

1. Fill up a pot with 3-4 cups of water and boil it.
2. Cut the African black soap into fine bits.
3. Transfer the soap into a glass mixing bowl.
4. Pour the hot water over the finely chopped African black soap, stir it with a whisk, and mash with a spoon.
5. Add castor oil, vegetable glycerin, almond oil, and tee tree oil or peppermint oil. The amount is based on preference.
6. Tightly cover the bowl with saran wrap and allow it to sit for 2-3 days, allowing the soap to dissolve.
7. Remove the saran wrap and mix to ensure that there are no soap chunks left.
8. Place the funnel over the bottle opening and pour the soap mixture in.

Watch

Follow April Bee here:

YouTube and Instagram

What are your favorite gentle DIY cleansers?

By Nikki Walton · Published June 8, 2015

Many of us naturals have struggled with the way our hair should be worn in the workplace, but what about head wraps and turbans? Is there an appropriate way to wear them or should they even be allowed in the office at all? I’ll be the first to admit that I was against this whole idea of head wraps in the office, unless it carried a religious meaning. Actually, I wasn’t even really excited, at first, to be writing this article since I had such a strong opinion about it being prohibited.

The reason behind my initial opinion was it would just make things a bit more complicated and open the door for other articles of clothing to be considered, cultural or otherwise. If workplaces started permitting head wraps and turbans, would that then mean people could wear hats and beanies too? Hats are for fashion/style (and covering bad hair days”> and a lot of people wear turbans and head wraps as a fashionable piece as well, not just for cultural purposes. What about hair bonnets and scarves or dramatic fascinators? Yes, these were all the questions that went through my mind.

I decided that I needed opinions from others though so I could try and keep an objective viewpoint. I posed the question in my group chat and the response was 50/50. Two of my friends were for head wraps/turbans in the office and the other two were against it. The two who were for it pretty much gave the same reasons I did above. They agreed that if it wasn’t a cultural obligation, they should not be allowed. One of the two who were in favor said she feels that black/brown people should get some leeway. She admitted that this was a bias reason but also said that it’s not hurting anyone or stopping/slowing down work production so who cares? My other friend feels that Corporate America disparages any and all things Black, therefor banning head wraps in the office. I was still holding on strong to my opinion at this time and then that same friend sent me a text suggesting I include the fact that in the 1800’s, black and multiracial women were ordered to wear head wraps so that we wouldn’t ‘tempt’ white men. I thought that was an interesting fact and, although I didn’t fully understand it, I was intrigued. My friend being the factual person she is, followed up with an article from Black Girl Long Hair (BGLH”>. The article, was interesting and very enlightening. I never knew that during those times, there was such a “law” in place, BUT the fact I loved the most was that they wanted us to keep our hair in head wraps because we were getting too much attention with our creative and fabulous hairstyles, but that didn’t stop us! We started tying the wraps in elaborate ways which gained even more attention than our hair and in the end, we were STILL fabulous. Can’t stop us!

This now brings me to my revised opinion on head wraps/turbans in the workplace. Although I still believe this could open up a new can of worms, I am all for it! After reading that article, I think head wraps show a sense of pride and beauty and how resourceful we can be. Being able to wear our natural hair or rock a beautiful wrap is something to be proud of and feel confident in, in and out of the workplace. It’s expressive and keeps the spirit of those beautiful women before us alive.

Wearing these may ruffle some feathers, but who cares! “Well behaved women seldom make history.” – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

What do you think ladies?

This post was written by  GlobalCouture for CurlyNikki.

By Nikki Walton · Published June 2, 2015

As many of you know, constant bunning can cause more harm than good if done haphazardly or without good techniques. It can be murder on your edges and crown and result in some nasty detangling sessions if done improperly. So, if healthy length retention is your goal, it’s important to establish a strong regimen. I have decided to put together a list of bunning steps and techniques that I’ve found give me the biggest bang for my buck.

BUILD A BUNNING REGIMEN

• Start with clean and well-conditioned hair. A dirty scalp can clog pores and cause “the itchies.” Dirty hair can collect lint and dirt that cause knots and tangles, resulting in breakage. Dry and/or weak hair is more susceptible to damage and breakage. So, wash, condition/detangle and deep condition (moisturizing or protein, as needed”> weekly or every two weeks.
• Apply a leave-in conditioner and/or moisturizer.
• If desired, massage scalp with a stimulating oil such as Wild Growth Hair Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil or an essential oil mix like the one I shared here.
• Seal hair using an oil, butter or follow the L.O.C. Method.
• Stretch curls, kinks and coils with twists, braids, Bantu knots or lightly blow-out to reduce tangles and single-strand knots. Stretching also makes it easier to thoroughly re-moisturize hair, when needed.
• Bun hair after it dries fully. Bunning wet can cause mildew and/or result in over-conditioned/weak hair if the hair can’t dry.
• Wear buns in different styles and positions. This reduces repeated tension on the same areas and alleviates boredom! Don’t forget, you can wear your bun high, low, to the side, to the other side, make multi-buns, roll, tuck, braid, twist, pin-curl and/or add extra hair too!! Check out YouTube, other hair blogs and myStyle Library for oodles of ideas!

• Don’t pull hair too tightly!! Your edges and nape will thank you! Plus, a loose, messy bun can be fun, relaxed, sophisticated and sexy !
• Use hair-friendly tools to secure your buns. There are a lots of options available and you don’t have to choose just one! Hair bungees, ouchless/metal-free hair elastics, silicone ponytail holders, banana clips and/or comfort flex barrettes are all great tools. You can also go the homemade route! Try cutting the leg of a pair of opaque tights into a 1-2 inch loop to make a DIY ponytail holder!
• Be careful with bobby and hair pins! Don’t stab your scalp and use as few pins as needed to secure your style. Your scalp/head shouldn’t be sore or hurt while or wearing a bun or after releasing it. If it is, those are signs that the scalp is being traumatized and/or the style is too tight.
• If you are using a gel for hold, ensure that it is free of drying alcohols. Not sure which alcohols are drying? Check out Skills Notes: Product Ingredients!
• Smooth the surface of hair leading to the bun lightly with a firm, natural bristle brush or a fine-tooth comb laid flat on its side. Yes!! I said a fine-tooth comb!! I just learned about this from watching this video by my girlMyHairFetish, where she demonstrates how this enemy of natural-haired women everywhere is converted from foe to friend!

• Don’t brush/comb through to your scalp/roots. Simply smooth the top surface of the hair and tie edges down with a silk or satin scarf for 10-15 minutes to set.
• Release bun and re-moisturize and seal as needed between wash sessions. For some, this may be every day, for others it may be a few times a week and for others still, it may not be at all between wash sessions. This is entirely dependent upon your hair’s needs. The important thing is to make certain that your hair doesn’t become dry and brittle.
• Wear a silk/satin scarf or bonnet at night and/or sleep on a silk/satin pillowcase.
• Wear hair bunned for a minimum of 5-6 days a week.

BONUS BUNNING TIPS

Feeling bored and ho-hom? Don’t forget to accessorize! Dress up buns with cute accessories like bows, headbands, flowers (my fave!”>, broaches, hair sticks, hair forks, snoods, etc. Just make certain that your accessories are gentle and don’t snag or dry hair.

Ends looking and feeling jacked? Get a trim or do it yourself because, who wants to retain ratchet looking length?

Do you have any essential tips for retaining length while bunning it? Share in the comments below!

originally written by Shelli of Hairscapades for CurlyNikki.

By Nikki Walton · Published May 28, 2015

It was only in 2014 that I discovered my love for whipped butter. This gem has multiple purposes and who doesn’t love a product that can be used for both your hair and skin!

For Natural Hair: It helps to seal in moisture, provides shine and lustre to the hair and helps tame frizz and fly-aways. Due to the ingredients, it helps to make the hair soft and supple therefore reduces friction on the hair strands which helps to reduce tangles and knots. It also is great on the scalp!

For the skin: The whip helps to seal in moisture in the skin, especially when used after a shower or bath. It helps to sooth irritated skin, generates new skin cells and can help fade light stretch marks on the body. The butter leaves the skin feeling smooth without being greasy as it gets absorbed easily.

Recipe (this makes 9.4 oz”>

• 2.5 oz Unrefined Cocoa Butter 
• 4.5 oz Unrefined Shea Butter 
• 1.0 oz Unrefined Mango Butter 
• 2.5 oz Virgin Coconut Oil 
• 1.5 oz Grapeseed Oil 
• 1.5 oz Almond Oil 
• 0.1 oz Glycerin
• 3 capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz”> 
• Peppermint oil

Mixing

1. In a heat proof bowl melt the cocoa butter in a double broiler (roughly 5-7 min.”> on low heat until it’s nearly fully melted. Then add the shea & mango butter to the bowl, the melted cocoa will help to melt the Shea and Mango butter. 
2. Take the butters off the heat and add roughly half of the carrier oils and stir. 1 oz of virgin coconut oil, 1 oz grapeseed oil, 1 oz of almond oil. (I like the add the oils in stages”>
3. Place the bowl in your freezer for 15 minutes or your fridge for 20 min. until the butter has hardened a little around the edges. 
4. Take it out and whip for a few minutes before adding the three capsules of vitamin E oil, 0.1 oz glycerin and 10 drops of peppermint essential Oil and then whip for 10 alternating between high and medium speed. Remember to scrape the sides of the bowl while whipping. 
5. Return the mix back to the fridge for 5 minutes. 
6. Take out the butter add the remaining oils – 1.5 oz virgin coconut oil, 0.5 oz almond & grapeseed oil and whip for the final 5 min. 
7. I like to use my whipped butter piping bag to transfer everything into containers but you can use a spatula or sandwich bag by cutting a small hole in the bag to squeeze out the whipped butter and you are done!

Have fun and let us know what you think!

This article was written by MaiCurls of GlobalCouture for CurlyNikki.

By Nikki Walton · Published May 21, 2015

Yesterday, I decided to whip up some hair and body butter for me and CharBaby. Lately, peppermint has been my favorite essential oil to use in my spray bottles, butters and even by itself on the inside of my wrists as a “perfume,” it smells so yummy to me!

Ingredients

In this pudding I used:

• 5 big chunks of Shea Butter
• 1 ounce Cocoa Butter 
• 1 teaspoon Manuka Honey 
• 2 teaspoons of coconut oil (optional, you can replace this with something else.”>
• 8 drops of vegetable glycerin 
• 3 drops of jojoba oil 
• Essential peppermint oil (add to your liking or replace with a different EO.”>

Fun fact about peppermint oil: This oil is antiseptic in nature. When massaged on the scalp it helps to remove dandruff and lice in addition to its usual cooling effect. When applied on the skin, peppermint oil keeps pimples at bay and keeps the skin healthy and blemish-free. (source”>

Directions

What I did:

Step 1

1. Melt cocoa butter and Manuka honey together in a glass bowl over boiling hot water. Melting this way takes a bit longer but it helps save the benefits of the honey and butter from being scorched away in a hot pan or microwave.

Fun Fact about Manuka Honey: The benefits of Manuka honey come from it’s increased antibacterial potency. Since honey is has a low pH of around 4.5 it is said to be pH balanced and helps to maintain the optimum pH of the skin. (source”>

Step 2

2. When the two ingredients are melted down (stir to encourage melting”> add the shea butter and jojoba oil. Stir until melted, turn the fire off and let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 3

3. Remove bowl from the hot water and place into the freezer until you notice the oil is solidifying (this may take 30 minutes to an hour”>. Don’t let the oil freeze all the way just allow the shell to harden, the middle should be soft and even a bit “liqudy.” Remove from the freezer, scrap the sides of the bowl with a baking scraper and then use your hand mixer to whip up the butter. You will have to stop and scrap in between mixing, it helps with the process.

Step 4

4. Once you start to see the texture change, add your peppermint EO, vegetable glycerin and coconut oil. Continue mixing until smooth and fluffy! Once you are done use a jar to store your pudding and enjoy when ready.

xoxo,

Alex

By Nikki Walton · Published May 21, 2015

When it comes to my hair, I am the ultimate kitchenista. I just cannot justify buying a thirty dollar bottle of magic-protein-potion when I have a dozen eggs in the fridge. I have made a few hair masks in my time, some of which I just threw together out of experimentation, others I stole from hair blogs, magazines and the ideas from my girlfriends. Here are three of my favorite homemade hair masks to date:

1. Honey, Eggs, Oil and Cheap Conditioner

This mask is always my very first suggestion to anyone looking for a quick protein fix. It is easy to whip up and all of the ingredients are most likely in your kitchen.

When you mix this mask, you’ll use the whole egg- yolk and all.  The yolk is where all the magic is because it strengthens hair follicles and prevents hair loss. Other nutrients include vitamin A which prevents breakage, vitamin B12 for hair growth and other fatty acids that give hair that natural shine.

The recipe:

• 1 egg ( 2 eggs if your hair is longer”>
• 2-3 Tablespoons honey
• 2-3 Tablespoons of oil (any oil will do, pick your favorite kind”>
• Cheap conditioner

The conditioner is there for added moisture and consistency, so pick a moisture based conditioner, and add enough to make the mask consistent, you don’t want it to be a rinse.

2. Avocado, Banana, Olive Oil and Mayonnaise

It took me a while to add avocado and bananas to my hair. For some reason, the thought of them sitting on my head for hours at a time was just not appealing. The thing is, once you get all the ingredients in a blender and create the smooth paste, the ‘eww, that’s gross’ anxiety all goes away.

Bananas are a natural source of biotin, so the next time you head out to buy a six dollar bottle of biotin pills you might want to skip to the produce isle and get some bananas for fifty two cents! Avocados, much like eggs, are a very rich source of vitamin A and antioxidants all great for hair, especially if damaged. Another cool little fact is that it acts as a natural sunscreen and even though we never think about it, in the summer time, our hair gets a beating from direct sunlight. The mayonnaise restores moisture to the strands, does a little protein work and is just overall a great addition to any mask.

The recipe

• 1/4th Avocado
• Half a Banana
• 2- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2-3 Tablespoons Mayo

3. Greek Yogurt & Honey

I hope you have some extra Chobani on chill because this mask is totally awesome. Greek yogurt, or really any yogurt is a great for hair because it restores moisture and strengthens the hair all in one shot. The enzymes in yogurt are also known to relieve an itchy scalp and combat dandruff. Though yogurt doesn’t need much help, if you add a little honey, you will increase the natural shine and luster of the hair. The mix for this mask is so simple a caveman can do it, just combine:

• enough yogurt to cover your hair in its entirety 
• mix in two tablespoons of honey, voila!

Have you done a hair mask lately, share some of your favorite recipes?

This post was written by Emily CottonTop for CurlyNikki.

By Nikki Walton · Published May 20, 2015

PHOTO @BARONESSCOUNTESS

We’ve all been there: you set out to execute a flawless style, you have the perfect combination of products and the best tools, you make preparations regarding how much drying time you’ll need, etc., and yet- the style just doesn’t turn out right. Other times, your hair seems like it just wants to behave badly and the scissors start to look pretty good. Exasperation with the state of your hair may mean change could be good or even imminent.

Let’s face it- as awesome as it is to be natural, dealing with natural hair can be frustrating, time consuming, and unpredictable at times, especially when you’re in a time crunch or just ready for something different.

When you experience a bad hair day, or think you’re ready for a change such as a cut of some sort or maybe a little color, the first thing to do is always assess the situation and go from there. Here are a few solutions that will help you weigh your options!

1. Salvage the style

If your hair style turned out poorly in the morning or frizzed up beyond your liking throughout the day, don’t panic before trying to save the style. Times like these, it’s good to have a few styles that are easy to do and will work no matter what. Check out these videos from ItsMyRayeRaye and Traeh who showcase styles for long and short hair, respectively.

2. Trim your ends

3. Protective style

4. Try something new

5. Big chop #2,3, 4?

What do you do when your hair isn’t acting right? Let us know!

This article was written by Kanisha Parks of BlackNaps.org for CurlyNikki.