Search Results: Nikki Walton
FACT: I’ve found that I experience 80% less shed hair when I finger detangle.
Your fingers are your best tools when it comes to detangling, and they’re free! Here is a short list of the tools I use and the steps I follow to minimize my shed hair.
Tools
- A good, slippery wash out conditioner
- An oil (optional”>
- Your 10 digits
- A spray bottle
- PATIENCE
- Time
My Top Detangling Tips
- Moisturizing shampoos make finger detangling easy because it softens and makes the hair more manageable.
- Adding coconut or olive oil to dry hair the night before washing can aid in the detangling process. These oils provide lots of slip and make the hair soft.
- Part hair into small sections. The smaller the section, the easier it is to detangle.
- Always use a wash out/instant conditioner. Do not be afraid to pile on the conditioner! The more the better.
- Apply conditioner and let stand for at least 5 minutes, then start detangling. Allowing the conditioner to stand gives the hair time to soften and become more manageable.
- Detangle hair from tip to root. Hold hair mid way between tip and root while detangling. Move hand closer to scalp as you detangle ends. Try to refrain from detangling from root to tip. I know this is a bad habit we picked up when our hair was relaxed but this is a no no with naturally curly hair. Always detangle hair in a downward to upward motion. Think the strings of an accordion.
- After rinsing out wash-out conditioner, apply a leave in conditioner for further manageability.
- Knots are somewhat inevitable with curly hair. If you encounter a knot do not yank it out. I know it’s very tempting to just tear it. DON’T. Gently pull out the strands that are in the knot until it is free. You need a lot of patience for this process, so do not wash or detangle your hair when you are pressed for time.
- Keeping your hair stretched in between wash days this will help with the detangling process. Styles that stretch the hair: twists and braids.
- If you can hear your hair tearing, then it means the hair is not wet enough and you are not using enough conditioner. Don’t be afraid to pile on the conditioner because you will rinse it away after the detangling session.
- The only way to retain length is to maintain your ends. Finger detangling helps reduce the amount of breakage and damage to your strands in essence helping you to retain length.
This article was written by Kurlee Belle for CurlyNikki.
If you’ve been natural long enough—you know that shrinkage can be cray! It can rob of you hard earned inches! Personally, my hair shrinks up at least six inches (probably more… I don’t have a tape measurer otherwise I probably would check”>. Some people hate shrinkage, while others don’t mind it at all. When I first went natural I hated it… a lot. Especially because I wanted my hair to look longgg–not be like an afro! Not that anything is wrong with afros at all—just wasn’t my personal preference. Plus, back then being natural wasn’t really accepted. So I just got made fun of and got called Macy Gray and what not all the time *sighs*. But some people love their shrinkage! They love the versatility of it and never fight it. So if you are in that category, then this post isn’t for you (but share it with a friend or something”>!
So there are a few ways I stretch my hair to get rid of some of the shrinkage. If I didn’t do these things, my hair would probably look a lot shorter and poofier.
1. Blow Dry Your Roots
When my hair is at least 90% dry, I pull my hair and then blow-dry the roots with medium heat. I don’t blow-dry them straight, but just enough to stretch my hair a little bit to give it some length. It works wonders! And only takes a couple minutes to do! You can really manipulate your hair with the blow dryer.
2. Put Your Hair In a High Bun
If you are #teamnoheat or just don’t want to use a blow dryer, you can stretch your hair a little bit by putting your hair in a high bun when your hair is almost dry. I wouldn’t do this while it is wet because it could mess up the way your curls dry. I do this when I don’t have access to a blow dryer. I’ll put it in a bun for an hour or so or keep taking it up and down until I get the length I want, lol. Make sure it is tight enough to pull your hair, and loose enough that it won’t make any creases!
3. Use A Lot of Product
Product weights your hair down, so that will help it to be a little longer. This is something you would have to play with to figure out what works best for you. Depending on what product you use and how much, it could make your hair look flaky or flat. So I use just enough to take away the frizz and fro and make my hair lay down a little bit.
4. Wait For Your Hair to Grow
I know some of ya’ll rolled your eyes at this! ‘Cause we are all impatient and hate waiting for our hair to get to our ideal length. And that’s okay because I’ve definitely been there! But don’t worry! The longer your hair gets, the less shrinkage you’ll get! Length can loosen your curls and weighs down your hair. So naturally it’ll stretch.
5. Embrace it!
Instead of fighting it and getting frustrated, accept and embrace it! It is apart of the natural hair journey and it can’t be avoided. Now that my hair is longer and the length weighs it down, I have embraced my shrinkage and don’t mind it at all. It makes my hair look fuller and bigger, which I love! Even though I do stretch it a little bit, I couldn’t even imagine my hair without shrinkage now. I feel like it wouldn’t be me!
This article was written by heygorjess for CurlyNikki.
Have you ever worn your bun so long that your hair started matting up in the center? Can you remember the last time you got a trim? Are you still wearing the same protective style you got installed just in time for Thanksgiving? These are all textbook examples of bad hair decisions. I myself have engaged in all of these at one point in time, and realized just how much I was hindering the health and length of my hair by doing so. If you want to maintain healthy hair and reach your hair length goals, keep these bad hair decisions at a minimum: or better yet, don’t do them at all!
1. Putting Off Wash Day
How long you can go without washing your hair depends on your texture, your hairstyle, and your lifestyle. The main reasons to wash and condition your hair are to eliminate dirt and product buildup, restore moisture, detangle, and strengthen your hair. When you put off wash day, your hair can become much harder to detangle, and you may end up losing more hair than usual. Also, you increase the chances of getting knots that can only be cut out. Don’t put off your wash day for too long because your hair needs to be restored.
2. Neglecting Your Trims
3. Wearing a Protective Style Too Long
It’s really easy to turn a protective style that was meant to be good for your hair into a defective style that does far more harm than good. Any style that keeps your ends protected by tucking them away somehow is considered a “protective style.” This includes box braids, crochet braids, Senegalese twists, Havana twists, kinky twists, buns, weaves, and other extensions. It isn’t recommended to keep a protective style in for more than 6-8 weeks, but many of us have gone much longer. Because the hair hasn’t been properly washed and detangled in so long, this can ultimately cause a tremendous amount of breakage, especially because the hair is in a weakened state. It’s important to moisturize continually while wearing a protective style, to take it out at the right time, and to properly remove them.
4. Rushed Detangling
Detangling is a process that should be done with patience and care. Our curls naturally wrap themselves around each other, so separating them takes time. You do not want to rush your detangling session because you’ll end up ripping out your hair strands. Aim to plan for a day when you know you will have the free time to spend detangling. It may take up to an hour (or longer”>, but in the end, you won’t have a huge wad of hair that came out.
5. Using the Wrong Tools
It could be your Denman, a styling comb that is too small, or a bad hairbrush: just because it’s on the market doesn’t mean it’s right for your hair. Choose tools that don’t snap or snag on your strands, and that make detangling more effective, not harder. Don’t use any hair tools that are too tight, like certain ponytail holders or those stretchy headbands we love to wrap around for a sleek puff. Never sacrifice the health of your hair for style or convenience.
When you’re enthusiastic about hair care and dedicated to a healthy hair journey it can be difficult to be objective about your hair. It’s easy to talk about things that keep the hair healthy like gentle handling, good conditioners, and low manipulation, but if those were the only things that mattered, everyone’s hair would be doing great. In reality, despite meticulous efforts to grow a long, thick head of hair, many women still struggle to maintain length and reach their other hair goals. To get past a length hurdle or stop persistent breakage you have to realize one important thing: Damage is unavoidable. If your hair isn’t making progress that means it’s being damaged faster than it can recover. Many natural women already steer clear of heat and chemical treatments, but mechanical damage is still an issue and it can be difficult to recognize.
Handle with care
Every time you move or touch your hair, the cuticle layers of each strand rub up against each other and cause tiny abrasions, similar to light scratches. Those little abrasions may not affect how your hair looks or feels but they’re always there. If you rub and pull your hair and then follow up with a comb or a brush, you’ve inflicted a lot of stress on your hair at one time. Yes, there are some women who can comb and brush their hair all day without a problem, but those women usually have thick strands and very few (if any”> kinks or coils. Finer strands break more easily than thicker strands, and it seems that many African American women have fine hair. In addition to that, kinky hair is inherently porous which means that kinky hair is automatically more fragile than other types. “Damage prone” is really an understatement when describing African American hair.
The longer the hair, the worse the damage
No matter what your hair type, the longer your hair gets, the more demanding it will be. Shoulder length hair is already about 2 years old so any weaknesses in your hair care routine will begin to show, just like bad eating habits start to catch up with you as you get older. If you hit a plateau in your healthy hair journey, get at least ½ inch cut off by a professional, stop brushing your hair (if you’ve been doing that”>, and apply a reconstructing treatment every week or two. Whatever you do, just don’t make the mistake of thinking you’ve avoided damaging your hair. The only way to avoid damage is not to touch your hair as it grows out of your scalp, and we all know that’s impossible. If you love your hair, you want to style it and show off its beauty. There’s nothing wrong with that. You wouldn’t buy a beautiful new sweater and leave it on the shelf all the time. What fun would that be? Instead, you have to wear it lightly, wash it gently, and get small holes mended as soon as they appear.
How do you retain length?
This post was written by Nicole Hollis for CurlyNikki.
Description of your hair
My hair is generally medium density with coarse texture and normal porosity, “O” texture and is thready, but I have many textures on my head, from L-shaped spongy on the infamous “patch”, to S-shaped at the nape of my neck.
Product in Review: Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor
Product Description
(From aphogee.com”> ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor is a powerful, one step treatment that should be used for home use, between salon visits. This concentrated blend of keratin amino acids, botanical oils, and vitamins does wonders to restore strength and softness to hair that requires a deep, penetrating treatment. It is recommended on tinted, bleached or relaxed hair. ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor helps repair damage caused by chlorine and hard water. Apply on clean hair in shower and rinse to treat brittle hair with cuticle damage and moderate breakage. It soothes irritated scalp and may be applied following each shampooing until the healthy condition of the hair is restored.Product Ingredients
- Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Behenamidopropylamine Behenatem Stearolkonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cocodimonium Hydrolyzed Hair Keratin, Hydrolzed Mucopolysac Charides, Sodium Coco Collagen Amino Acids, Wheat Germ Fatty Acids, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Arachidonic Acid, Squalane, Avocado Oil, Acetimide MEA, Panthenol, Wheat Germ Oil, Jojoba Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sulfur, Amodimethicone, Polyquaternium 10, Linoleamidopropyl PG Dimonium, Chloride Phosphate, Tallowtrimonium Chloride, Nonoxynol 10, Cocoyl Sarcosine, Sorbitol, Fragrance, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.
Gifted or Purchased
Purchased at the local beauty supply store for $8.99 (16 oz”>. 8 oz. bottle was $6.99, so I upped the ante with the extra $2 for twice as much product.
Fragrance
“Medicinal” describes it best. It has that faux-chemical “you know it’s working” smell, but soft and powdery. Not at all harsh or overwhelming. Clean.
Texture
Thick, with lots of slip. A rare combination.
Your experience
Aphogee 2 Minute and I go way back. I stopped using it for a couple of years and, noticing that my ends were a little ragged, I decided to pull it back out before I pulled out the scissors. It’s a quick treat for my hair and easily incorporates into my regular regimen. I shampoo and use deep conditioner as a leave-in, as usual. But I use Aphogee 2 Minute as a deep conditioning treatment in between. I typically leave it on under a heat cap on medium for however long it takes me to peruse the interwebs (15 minutes. The bottle says 5 max, but who can tear herself away from Curlynikki after 5 minutes?!”>. I’ve never had it interact badly with any other products. It can be used sparingly and also eases my detangling session. Used every week for a month with protective styles and I know my hair will be back in fighting shape.
Would you recommend this to a curlfriend?
Yes
How many curls overall (on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the kitties titties!”>
5
This post was originally published on CurlyNikki. This post is not sponsored.
Why do a henna gloss?
A henna gloss is used when you want subtle color change along with deep conditioning. It’s easier to apply because of the wonderful slip provided by the conditioner, much easier to rinse, and leaves your hair smooth and soft, as opposed to crackly and dry after a straight or full strength henna treatment.
I recently called it a “mild henna,” but I’d like to retract that. I started thinking . . . it would be considered a mild henna if I used less henna and more conditioner. My mix was 50/50 . . . so I guess I did more of a “conditioning henna treatment!” Remember that the property in henna that dyes the hair red is the same one that conditions, strengthens, defrizzes and smooths. Mixing in 1 or 2 tablespoons of henna (into a cup or two of conditioner”> will give you very little color change, but you’ll also miss out on the full effects of henna’s conditioning powers . . . so you’ll have to make that call yourself.
This would be a great option for two types of folks:
- Those of you who want to see what the hype is about, without making the color commitment. Just be sure to strand test, and to modify my recipe. You should mix 1-2 tablespoons of henna directly into your conditioner (not allowing for dye release”> and only leave-in for 20-30 minutes. Henna is strong, so ALWAYS strand test… the red will creep up on ya quick!
- Faithful henna-ers that want to experience soft, smooth results upon rinsing. It’s truly amazing! My 50/50 mix left me with similar dye release, color uptake (I was surprised”>, strengthening, and smoothing. I’m impressed.
What you’ll need:
- BAQ Henna (at least 100g”> – I use Jamila henna
- Green tea
- A light, protein-free conditioner – I like Tresemme Naturals
- Optional: honey, unsweetened yogurt (some people use Yogurt in place of the conditioner”>
Instructions
Mix it
- Add 100g Jamila henna to 1.5 cups warm green tea with 2 or 3 tea bags
- Mix in 1 cup of conditioner
Apply it
Apply to damp and detangled hair in sections. Then don a plastic baggy, with cotton balls or tissue rolled up near your ears to catch drippies, and a scarf to cover the ugly mess. Leave in for the desired amount of time. Remember, the shorter (15-30 minutes”>, the less dye uptake… so less red, but also less conditioning. I left mine in overnight, which is why I’m referring to it as a “conditioning henna treatment.” I got the full benefits of henna with the added bonus of a moisturizing deep treatment!Modify my recipe and leave it in for less time if you want only a subtle color change. If you want the full benefits of color and henna’s conditioning powers, leave in for at least 4 hours (I leave mine in overnight”>.
Rinse it
Dunk your head in the tub to wash away most of the mix. Hop in the shower and rinse away the rest using a cheapy, slippery conditioner. It rinses very easily, and you could probably skip the tub dunking.Follow up
Apply a deep treatment, rinse, and style as usual. I did my typical Twist-n-Curl and flat twisted the roots. This new modification (the flat twisting”> has done AMAZING things! My waves/curls are much more consistent.There you have it folks! I hope this is helpful.
If you have questions about henna, check out my Henna Q&A.
This article was originally published in May 2010 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
Why do you henna? What has your experience been like?
I want to try henna for strengthening and color, but I don’t want the ‘loosening’ effect.
Two options:
(1″> You can add amla powder (about 1/4 of your mix or less”> to your henna prior to stirring in liquid. Since amla is slightly acidic, you can simply mix with plain water (rather than tea”>. Your curls will still be on and poppin’. (2″> The ladies of LongHairCommunity often opt for ‘roots only’ treatments to preserve their loosely curled hair and to keep consecutive treatments from darkening things up too much. On your first go ’round, you’ll do a full head treatment (your length from root to tip”> and all subsequent treatments should be roots-only. Your color will be consistent (and not as dark”> and your curls popping because you’re only treating the first inch or so. Once-a-month applications should suffice, unless your hair is on weed status.The process
- Make sure your dry hair is detangled and sectioned off.
- Put on one glove, and use that hand to apply the paste, using the other hand to separate the sections.
- Put on a plastic cap to cover the roots (leaving the length hanging down”>.
- Apply a conditioner and/or oil to the length and put a second bag on to protect the length. Leave it in for 4-8 hours and then rinse and condition as usual. Some ladies use applicator tubes (think cake icing decorators!”> for more precise application.
I want to try henna for the ‘loosening’ effect. I want smoother hair.
The curl loosening effect is by no means universal, nor should it be the purpose of your treatments. The consensus is that ‘s’ shaped waves and curls, as opposed to ‘o’ shaped coils, are more likely to experience this side effect. It will NOT change your hair pattern (4a’s won’t become 3c’s”>, but it may stretch your curls/waves, weighing them down and thus, reducing shrinkage.
If you’re hoping to smooth your situation, I’d recommend doing a few treatments back to back, once a week for a few weeks and then switch to monthly or bi-monthly treatments. Another tip would be to gently wrap (without disturbing or detangling”> the henna’ed sections around your head, smoothing the length as you go, prior to putting on your plastic cap.
Remember, as with everything else, balance is key. Very fine strands that get weighed down too much (whether from product or henna treatments”> can break under that weight. Also, over time, the build-up from frequent treatments can negatively impact the hair (causing dryness and breakage”>. My recommendation is to stick to roots only (see above”> OR a gloss, and keep the treatments spaced at once every 4 weeks. You’ll be good to go! As always, do your research and then proceed, armed with knowledge.
I want to try henna for ALL of the effects EXCEPT the red color!
If it’s the effects you want without the color there really isn’t much you can do. Henna stains red… no matter what you mix it with or how long you leave it in. Cassia is an option, though.
Cassia is similar to henna. Although it’s a different plant altogether, it has some of the same conditioning effects, sans color. Like henna, cassia fortifies the hair shaft, improves overall health, and adds lots of shine. It doesn’t, however, reduce shrinkage or drastically thicken the hair up. It’s effects are far more fleeting- lasting at the most 1-2 weeks. The mixing, application, and rinsing process is a bit less taxing as well. For starters, you don’t have to wear gloves. Also, you only have to leave it in for 30 minutes to get the conditioning effects. Since you’re not worried about dye release, you can mix in everything but the kitchen sink- I used to mix in oils, conditioner, and honey. Some blonde and gray haired ladies use Cassia for the slight yellow tint that it gives off. If you have dark hair, you don’t have to worry about this effect. If you’re a gray hair’ed natural, proceed with caution.
I left cassia for henna for one reason- I wanted bigger hair. You’re going to get improved hair health with both cassia and henna, but henna’s effects will last upwards of 3-4 weeks, depending on how often you wash.
In my honest opinion, Cassia is just a REALLY good conditioning treatment. You could also use Henna + Indigo to achieve glossy black tresses! Check it out HERE.
I have gray hair and I want to henna. Help!
First things first, multiple applications will be necessary for your grays to darken to the color you want. You know, the shade that won’t frighten small children. I have many gray hairs and I’ve been hennaing (with Jamila, Yemen, and Henna for African Hair”> for years. All of my grays are now a rich, auburn color. My pigmented strands are darker, shinier and healthier looking- a rich, shiny black color indoors (with a few red highlights”>, and glows auburn in the sun… like a rinse.
When new grays come in or my roots show, I simply apply a treatment, and after a couple of days, it oxidizes to a nice bronzey red. After another treatment, the roots match the length– auburn.
For new gray ‘henna’ers, the key will be:
- Four hour (or more”> treatments
- Multiple applications (for darker results”>
- Cleansing prior to application. Although I don’t really do this anymore, if you have a lot of grays, this step is crucial. It will remove buildup and sebum, so that the dye can make the best contact with your roots. Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa shampoo or Giovanni’s Tea Tree are both great options.
Also, be sure to do lots of conditioning afterward to keep your hair moisturized, elastic, and supple. If your ends (and length?”> are indeed damaged, and you’re not interested in a Big Chop, you probably want to schedule some micro trims.
This is my Aunt Toney’s wet twist-out (2011″> after using henna once or twice over her gray roots and commercially highlighted red hair. She was transitioning out of commercial dyes.
This is her in a dry twist-out today (summer 2013″>, henna only.
She’s probably 70% gray here. No commercial dye.
You could also use Henna + Indigo to achieve glossy black tresses, instead of red! Check it out HERE.
What is a henna gloss?
A henna gloss is perfect for a subtle color change along with deep conditioning. It’ll temporarily smooth your frizzies, add bulk to fine strands and leave the hair strong, silky and shiny. Henna gives me what I call baby doll hair- thick, glossy strands that are less susceptible to breakage. It’s a little different than a full strength henna treatment because it’s mixed with a moisturizing conditioner, but for the most part, yields all the same benefits with an added moisture boost.
Henna glosses are easier to apply than full strength henna treatments because of the wonderful slip provided by the conditioner, much easier to rinse, and leaves your hair smooth and soft rather than dry and hay-stacky like a full strength henna treatment upon rinsing.
Remember that the property in henna that dyes the hair red, is the same one that conditions, strengthens, defrizzes, and smoothes. So even though you’re using less henna, it will still leave a slight red tint on dark hair (similar to drawing on black paper with an orange crayon”>, and dye your grays red.
It’s a great option for those that find a full strength henna treatment to be too taxing on strands and for those faithful henna’ers that want to experience soft, smooth results upon rinsing. It’s amazing. My gloss mix leaves me with similar dye release, gray coverage, strengthening and smoothing, making the full henna treatments obsolete.
What’s your current henna routine?
I get a bowl, dump enough conditioner in to cover my head and mix in a tablespoon or two of henna powder. I then steep 2 tea bags of black tea in a cup of hot water, let it cool off a bit and then slowly add it to the henna/conditioner mix until it’s only slightly thinned out (I probably only use a 1/4 cup of tea, if that”> and then apply immediately to my dry hair, root to tip (no need for gloves!”>. I’ve begun stirring in a little black tea because of its ability (the caffeine”> to decrease excessive shedding. Works like a charm! I do this routine once a month and leave it on, with a heating cap, for 3-4 hours! Easy application, easy rinse, dope hair.
Got more questions? Ask below and I’ll do my best to answer them all!
Of course, #HennaVets chime in with your advice too!
1. Coconut Oil
The pre-poo-boo! And sometimes I use it mid-week to restore shine and add some lubrication to the ends. I also use it to oil pull and to make my face great. I usually buy Nutiva brand– unrefined and cold pressed.
2. Giovanni Direct Leave-In
I get the bestest, fluffiest, chunkiest twist-outs when I use this on t-shirt dried, barely damp hair. My hair is moisturized but feels as if it has nothing in it! I’m happy I revisited. It’s my HG for twistouts right now. #ForTheFineHairedDivas
3. Henna Sooq’s Red Raj Henna
I mix a little with Aussie Moist or whatever conditioner I have on deck (and sometimes a little green or black tea to get the reduced shedding benefits from the caffeine”> for a quick and efficient henna gloss. It rinses clean and stains brilliantly. That 100g box will last me the entire 3 weeks I’m away from home.
4. Bass Brush
This brush. It’s like the Denman’s (aka SHREDDER”> gentler, sweeter twin. It’s an effective curl clumper and definer, but it can also detangle your situation without completely disrespecting your strands. I use it after finger detangling Gia’s hair to smooth it before wet setting, and I use it on my hair as the last detangling step prior to twisting. It breaks up my natural curl pattern so that it more readily accepts the looser pattern of the two-strand twists. The pins are made from bamboo, they’re ultra smooth and never snag. It’s cheap too! I also use it for blow-outs too. It’s basically a wonder brush.
5. Scalp Massager
Y’all already know. I get my whole, entire life with this thing.
Not pictured is my Aussie Moist (which I need to get more of because I used the last little bit before my NYC trip, yesterday”>. I use it to detangle in the shower, to deep treat, to henna gloss and to co-wash! #MultiPurpose #NShit Using the above products, I only have to shampoo once a month, and when I do, I use Giovanni’s Triple Tea Tree or Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Poo. Because of this, I only pack a 3oz size of shampoo. Finally, my plastic baggies are missing from the photo, as well as my flexi rods, blow dryer (which has an air concentrator and a diffuser”>, satin pillow case, bobby pins and my satin scarf (just in case”>. Still hella stuff, lol, but nothing like the old situation.
Later Gators,
Nik
This post was originally published by CurlyNikki.
A healthy head of hair with a healthy, flake-free scalp is a wonderful thing. So wonderful and desired, in fact, that there is an enormous market that caters solely to it. Walk down any hair product aisle and you’ll be overwhelmed with then number of choices you have for shampoos, conditioners, rinses, sprays, and dyes (to name just a few things.”> You could spend days, and lots of money, trying to figure out just what chemical concoction will work the wonders it promises. If you’d like to break up that routine, try making some of your own products at home. I have found them to be simple, pure, and more effective that many of the things I have bought in stores.
1. Nettle Hair Tonic
Rich in iron, a rinse made with nettles can help combat hair loss/promote hair growth. Drinking nettle tea may also help battle hair loss, as iron can help with circulation to the scalp, in turn fueling hair growth. Nettles will also help with an imbalance of sebum (the oil that your pores produce”> which can make a difference if you suffer from dandruff or dry scalp. For something that is such a pain to even brush up against, it’s a wonderful herb when fully utilized!
You will need:
- A large (gloved”> handful of fresh nettle leaves or 5 tablespoons of dried nettle
- 2 cups of fresh water
- A few drops of your favorite essential oil
- A bottle for storing
Directions
If using fresh nettle, place in a pot and cover with 2 cups of water and bring to boil, then let simmer for 10 minutes. Cool, then strain the liquid, add in a few drops of your favorite essential oil and store in the fridge for up to 6 months. If using dried nettle, bring water to a boil and then pour over the herb, letting it steep for 20 minutes before cooling, straining, and adding your essential oil. To use, pour over your hair in the shower and massage or comb in, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse.
2. Horsetail Hair Tonic
Horsetail naturally contains silica, which is actually more useful than just for filling those annoying little packets that come with so many products these days. As a natural substance, silica can help keep hair growing strong, and prevent it from falling out/thinning.
You will need:
- A handful of fresh horsetail
- Fresh water
Directions
Bring a pot of water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and add the horsetail. Steep for 20 minutes, and then strain the liquid. After shampooing pour the cooled liquid over your hair and wrap your head in a warm towel for 20 minutes, then rinse.
This article was written by Everyday Roots for CurlyNikki.
If bantu knot outs or twist outs just don’t work for you, then here is a technique that just may be your new go-to. Whether you’re looking for a protective style for your daughters or a heatless stretching technique, African threading is a versatile technique that is fairly simple to learn. Watch the tutorials below to see how you can try this technique yourself.
Nadine writes:
In [CurlyNikki’s] recent interview with Kimberly Elise, she mentioned my GirlsLoveYourCurls YouTube channel, which she credited with teaching her the African Threading technique she uses to stretch her hair. As a result, I got a lot of traffic, and messages, many of which were people saying they had never heard of this technique.
How to do African Threading
African Threaded Bantu Buns
African Threaded Ponytail Plait
Tina’s Threading Tutorial
This article was written by Nadine and Tina Munzu for CurlyNikki.
Tell us about yourself and your hair journey.
My name is Stacie Wade and I live in Los Angeles. I started a natural hair blog called Tight Strands, which celebrates the beauty of natural hair.
How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls?
I have been natural for about 15 years. This past summer involved me ditching my pressed pixie-cut, and opting for wash and go’s and roller sets. My first undocumented attempts of managing my natural hair were…ummm…WACK! I couldn’t stand it. I used Kinky-Curly products and wasn’t a fan of the results. My curls felt coarse and dry. My hair was thick, short and silent-It didn’t do or say ANYTHING! I looked and felt like Arnold from the 1980’s hit TV show ‘Different Strokes.’ I began to seriously question my decision of wearing wash and go’s!
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
I didn’t have a heartfelt reason changing my look. I just felt like rocking a fro!
I took the long route to transition out of my perm, and primarily wore wigs and weaves. I was much younger when I transitioned and didn’t have the confidence to chop it off! However, my hair would have been much healthier had I big chopped. My prolonged wear of wigs and weaves made my hair drier and more difficult to manage during style changes.
How would you describe your hair?
I’m a type 4, kinky-coily girl. The crown of my head is probably in the 4B range. The sides and the back are a texture that hasn’t been invented yet.
What do you love most about your hair?
I am in love with the health, texture and shape/cut of my natural hair. My hair is healthier now than it was when I wore a press n’ curl. It fits my personality and lifestyle of creative expression.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
I remember when this guy told me that he couldn’t “figure me out.” My style was “intriguing,” and “different.” For the record, he was Black! It’s like really…me being natural is something to “figure out?” On the other hand, I love when women approach me to ask about products, regimens, etc. They get excited about starting their own natural hair journey. It’s unfortunate that many of us have to be coached on how to be ourselves and wear natural hair. The hardest part of my journey was figuring out which products work best for me!
What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’?
Wash and go’s!
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural’? Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Ha! My family looks at me like I’m crazy. I remember when my uncle Charles (lol”> asked, “What are you finna do to your hair?” I said “This is how I wear it uncle.” His response: “Oh.” That’s the gist of my family’s reaction!
What is your hair regimen (including fav products”>?
I ALWAYS pre-poo with castor oil, rosemary and/or coconut oil before cleansing.
I love SheaMoisture, Soul Ingredient’s Heavenly Hair products and LRC’s Shake & Go leave in conditioner.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
As for YouTube, I enjoy watching KashTV, Shameless Maya, and Mo Knows Hair. I love reading CurlyNikki and my natural hair blog, Tight Strands.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Here’s my advice if you’re in the valley with trying to keep a positive self-image, maintain your natural hair and develop a personal style:
-DO NOT compare yourself to other naturals. I remember finding a picture, getting my products, trying the style and WHOMP, WHOMP, WHOMP…epic fail! I expected my coil-out, twist-out, and all the other outs to look like the photo, given the similarities in hair type. That approach doesn’t work since our tresses are usually made up of several different textures. -DO NOT feel like you have to GO BIG with accessories. After my fro was cut my mother asked, “Baby, do you need me to buy you some bigger earrings?” But I wanted to get comfortable with my look and branch out slowly. Overcompensating with a lot of “stuff” is not good in any area of life! I switch up between all sizes and types of accessories. Sometimes I wear none at all.Whether you wear a tapered fro, or bald head, just do you! Nothing beats the best accessory of all… self-confidence.
Where can people find you for more information?
Please visit http://www.tightstrands.com
Instagram: @tightstrands
FB and Twitter: tightstrands
This article was originally published on CurlyNikki.
Whether neatly patted down with every strand in place or finger-combed and slightly “undone”, the Afro will forever be a natural hair fave around these parts! Yes, I love my updos, twists and buns but I just adore the funkiness and downright FUN of wild-ish hair.
Stylist Frédérique of I Go by Frankie never fails with her effortless cloud of kinks to match her super eclectic fashion. When she throws a side part in that Afro… *swoon*. LOVE a side part!
We can’t get enough of Afroista! Her larger-than-life, untamed Afro makes me wanna do a little dance every time I see it. Trust… photos do this mane no justice! A stunner in person. GAAAH!
Regular followers of her blog may be used to a beautifully defined twist-out or high puff from our June Natural Fashionista Cynthia so this was a switch. Whether it was a twist-out-turned-Afro or what, I don’t care. Hey, with natural hair, sometimes, accidental styles are the best kind!
It seems Solange’s wedding day do caused a bit of a stir as far as the standards of “bridal hair”. Ugh! Welp, as stated in my last post, I think she looks beautiful! Who says you have to wear a sleek, carefully pinned up style for your nuptials? In true Solo fashion, this screams “I’m gonna be me!” This Afro is tastefully done and complements her fashion for the day. DO YOU BOO!
And then there’s lil ole me! I almost never aim for a perfectly defined twist-out or braid-out. If I do get a defined look goin’, I’m not bothered if humidity grabs hold and turns it into chunky Afro epicness! Blow out, twist sections, leave for 15 minutes or so. Separate, shake and go!
A Word on Afro Care
Couple things. If you decide to wear your natural hair in an Afro, it’s a good idea to loosely twist the hair at night in medium to large sections to keep the hair from tangling. Also, cold weather is upon us, depending on where you reside. While rocking a ‘Fro is fine if you wanna, make sure you’re taking good care of those ends. Loose hair exposed to the elements, especially our hair which is already prone to dryness, is vulnerable. Protective styles after moisturizing and sealing your hair may be your best bet this season. Today, I’m just showing some love for the ‘Fro! 
Here’s a tutorial!
How about you?! Are you a ‘Fro rocker, a defined style kinda girl or do you prefer to keep your hair “tamed” with updos and such? Share your thoughts below chicas!
This article was written by LuvtoBNatural for CurlyNikki.
Thicken up the strands you already have to create the illusion of bigger hair, because genetics already determined how many follicles you were gifted.
Get your protein
Hair is made up of protein and a break down of the protein structure will cause hair to thin. Incorporating more protein into one’s diet as well as adding strengthening protein products (hydrolyzed protein”> to your hair will help to fill in any gaps/spaces that may be in the hair shaft, causing it to appear thicker. Note: Don’t overdo the protein products though because if your hair is not sufficiently “soft AND strong” (protein-moisture balance”> you will end up with a whole other set of problems.Fake it with henna
Henna and cassia both mimic protein treatments and coat the hair shaft, causing the hair strand to appear thicker. Both of these treatments (especially henna”> may loosen your curl pattern overtime, so it’s important to take steps (adding Amla powder, spacing treatments and/or doing just your roots”> to prevent this if it’s not a desired effect. I know this works because I used henna/cassia treatments to re-thicken areas of my hair that thinned a bit due to medication.
Dry styling
Styling on dry hair is a great option for allowing your hair to appear fuller.Castor oil for thicker hair
Applying Castor oil is always the suggestion when someone asks “what can I do to thicken my hair.” I know for a fact it works on hair that was once thick since I’ve used to re-thicken my edges. However, I do not know for sure if it works on “genetically” fine hair. The theory behind Castor oil is that “when rubbed on the scalp, castor oil has restorative properties that not only keep the scalp moisturized, but also help thin hair grow thicker and keep hair from falling out. The Omega-9 fatty acids in castor oil helps to regenerate new hair growth within just a few months.” SourceThe only issue with these “solutions” is that they are temporary so they need to be constantly repeated in order to maintain the benefits.
CurlyNikki Says:
Henna works to build up my puny strands. My strands go from wispy/see-through, to baby doll strands (coarser, fortified and shiny as hell”> after a few treatments. If you decide to embark on a henna journey do your research first! Styling on dry hair is another trick I lean on in the cooler months. Works like a charm! Share your tips below!
What’s your take on hair thickness? Have you had any success with hair thickening remedies?
This post was written by The Hodge Podge Files for CurlyNikki.
Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey.
My name is Tori. I am a Jamaican-born natural currently residing in Dallas, TX
How long have you been natural?
I have a little over 4 years of natural hair growth. I transitioned for a year and a half, then big chopped in January 2012.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
My initial goal was to have healthier relaxed hair. However, I fell in love with new growth and I was also diagnosed with Alopecia Areata.
How would you describe your hair?
According to the hair typing system, my hair would be a type 4, with looser textures in the front and back sections.
What do you love most about your hair?
I love everything to be honest- the thickness, versatility, shape, etc.
What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
Braidouts were my go-to hairstyle during my transition and is currently still my favorite hairstyle. I also did puffs/ponytails and occasional buns during my transition. Nowadays, if I am not rocking a braidout/twistout, my hair would be in jumbo twists/braids (secured in a ponytail/bun”> or in a loose ponytail.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products”>?
I shampoo and deep condition my hair weekly (or every two weeks if life gets busy”>. I do special conditioning treatments as needed (sometimes monthly or every couple months”>. Special conditioning treatments include protein treatments, clay mixes, etc. I moisturize my hair once or twice a week. I will occasionally co-wash if my hair needs a midweek refresher. I do love Shea Moisture and Camille Rose Naturals products, particularly the Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter and several of the Shea moisture shampoos and conditioners. I also love Tresemme Naturals conditioners.
[prodmod]Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Your hair journey is YOUR journey. Don’t get too discouraged by what others are doing with their hair versus what you are doing with yours. Enjoy the process and be patient. Over time you will accomplish your hair goals.
Where can people find you for more information?
Instagram: @bonafidestyle
Youtube: www.youtube.com/thebonafidestyle
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bonafidestyle
Twitter and Blog: coming soon
This post was written by Global Couture LLC for CurlyNikki.
#1 When your co workers or random people ask if they can touch it.
Sigh…I’m sure we have all been there. Whether short, long, big or small, people are intrigued by natural hair. They want to put their hands all over it and run their fingers through it. Or they do the “polite pet” on top of your head as if you were the featured animal at the national zoo. It happens to me all the time; on the metro, at work, in restaurants and while I’m out shopping.
I mean, I guess I can understand, but if you don’t like it, do you just say no? What if it’s your co worker you see every day? Will that make things awkward? Though more and more naturals are popping up, natural hair is still attention grabbing and if you have or are used to seeing straight hair, it can make you wonder. I used to get really annoyed but now, not as much. People are curious and I can understand that BUT instead of asking to “pet” us, I would prefer it if everyone just kept their curiosity, and hands, to themselves. Have you ever been asked? What was your response?
#2 When your products leave white balls in your hair.
Sometimes you try mixing new products for your wash and go and they leave little white balls or residue on your hair and you have no time to wash it out. OMG!! This happened to me twice and both times I was in a rush to go somewhere. Ladies, never EVER experiment with mixing new hair products right before you have some place to be. Trust me on this. The first time this happened to me I was getting ready for a date with a guy who I was really interested in and excited to see. It was our second date and we were going to catch a movie and grab a few drinks afterwards. I decided to wash my hair right before the date and just wear a wash and go. For some reason, I decided to mix two products that I’ve never mixed before and immediately little white balls started to form and cover my hair. I thought they would eventually disappear so I continued to apply to the rest of my head. Talk about a mess! It looked as if I hadn’t washed my hair in months. Then I get an “On my way!” text from him. Panic set in. I plugged in my diffuser thinking maybe once it’s fully dry the white balls would go away, wrong! Still there. Another text comes through, “Downstairs”. Damn’t. Nothing more I could do. My white balls and I were headed out the door to go on a date. To this day I’m not sure if he noticed and just didn’t say anything. Maybe it’s the very reason we aren’t together today. Lol!! The second time it happened I was in a rush to get to work. I was smart this time though y’all. I called in sick. Hey, you use yours for actual sick days and I use mine for bad hair days.
#3 When you’re sitting in the front row and you’re politely asked to move or lower your hair.
Yep, you guessed it. I got asked to “lower” my hair by an older gentleman behind me in the movie theater. I get it. You pay your almost $20 to see a film so you don’t want some big ‘ol ‘fro obstructing your view. So instead of getting upset, I just slid down in my seat. Since that day, I don’t even bother sitting anywhere but the back row if I’m rocking a fro or a puff.
#4 When you find little curls and coils all over the floor in your house.
In the shower, on the bathroom floor, kitchen, living room, bedroom. It’s a wonder how I still have any hair left on my head! I’m not sure if this is what comes along with the natural hair territory or if I’m constantly shedding winter fur like a bear, except all year long. Thank God for brooms and vacuum cleaners or else I would never have company over.
#5 When you tell someone your regimen and the next time they see you they say “I did what you told me to do but it didn’t work.”
This is why I now preface the sentence by saying “Well, what works for MY hair is…” No two curls are alike friends! I used to feel bad when my regimen didn’t work out for people I shared it with but then I realized it’s because it’s MY regimen. I can share my regimen with you but I can’t promise that you’re hair will react the same. #knowyourhair #learnyourhair
#6 When your boyfriend or friends ask you to go out an hour before time and your hair isn’t done.
You’ve been sitting comfortably on the couch or in bed all day watching Love and Hip Hop and eating pizza, and all of a sudden your phone starts blowing up. Yes, you want to go out but your old twist out or wash and go is sitting on top of your head like a bird’s nest. You can’t just get up and go. Do you text them back “nah” or do you try and tackle the beast in efforts to get out and have some fun? I personally need at least a 3 day notice before I go anywhere. I know, I know. Seems a bit extreme, right? Well, maybe it is but it takes about that long for my hair to look perfect. Third day hair is the best hair for me and don’t we all want to look and feel our best when we go out with friends or our main squeeze? As much as I would like to consider myself spontaneous, that’s just not the case. If this hair is not right, it’s highly likely will be responding “nah” and tuning back in to Stevie J and Joseline.
#7 When your hair isn’t short but it isn’t long, otherwise known as The Awkward Stage.
I think most naturals will experience the awkward or in between stage at some point. During this stage, your hair probably hangs right over your ear, so it’s not quite full afro status, but it’s also not a twa. You can achieve a twist out but you can’t quite rock a puff. I know, I know. It’s like a rite of passage in a sense. My advice during this awkwardness is to just hang in there and be patient. Length and better days are coming!
This post was written by GlobalCouture on CurlyNikki.
Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey.
I’m Alexandria, 23, and I’m currently living & working in Louisiana! My hair journey began in 2010 while in beauty school. One of my already natural classmates inspired me to transition and eventually big chop.
How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls?
I have been natural for 4 years! I really started to fall in love with my curls in the weeks after going fully natural.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
I was motivated to transition because my hair would not “grow” past my shoulders with a relaxer. I needed a big change and going natural was my answer. I transitioned for 4 months before big chopping! I couldn’t stand the two textures and honestly, I didn’t feel like dealing with the straight hair anymore. I was ready, so I cut my own hair!
How would you describe your hair?
I really think my hair has a mind of its own. Literally. It’s wild, unruly, stubborn, SUPER THICK & highly porous, but I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
What do you love most about your hair?
I love that my hair has taught me the meaning of the word PATIENCE. I’ve been forced to calm down and learn how to detangle!! I love the health of my hair now versus 2 years ago when I was trying any and everything to find a style. I love the thickness and curl pattern. I love that my hair commands attention. Being natural is the best thing I’ve done for my hair.
I love that my hair has taught me the meaning of the word PATIENCE.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part of my journey was figuring out what to do with my new natural do. I spent countless hours watching other naturals on YOUTUBE! I had tried everything from color, to straightening, even weaves. I did have a few hiccups along the way with color damage and an unsolicited second big chop in 2012. Another memory is when I helped my mom go natural too! Overall, my journey has been both difficult and easy at times, but totally worth it.
What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
While I was transitioning, I wore my hair in braidouts ALL the time.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
I experienced a mix of negative and positive reactions from family and outsiders. The most issues came from me deciding to big chop instead of grow my hair out. My hair wasn’t really embraced by family until it was longer. Sad, but true. I was a little insecure during that time because of it.
What is your hair regimen?
My current regimen consists of a weekly co-wash and deep condition, a bi-weekly protein treatment, a monthly clarifying and cleanse, and nightly moisturizing routine.
What are your favorite products?
Co-Wash:
I alternate between the Hello Hydration Conditioner, As I Am Coconut Co-wash, and Shea Moisture Curl & Shine Conditioner.
Deep Conditioner:
I LOVE SheaMoisture Deep Treatment Masque or Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Deep Conditioner.
Protein Treatment:
When I need something strong, I use the Palmers Coconut protein pack. On light protein days I use a protein deep conditioner such as Creme of Nature Argan oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment or ORS olive oil Replenishing Pak.
Clarifying and Cleansing:
I love Proclaim’s Coconut Oil Shampoo to cleanse my scalp as well as a good old Apple Cider Vinegar rinse.
Nightly Moisture:
I moisturize my hair and ends with Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier and seal with Sweet Almond oil.
I’m not married to any product and my regimen changes ALL the time, these are just in my current rotation. Whew. Hope that helps.
[prodmod]
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
OMG, where do I start. I have soooooo many natural hair crushes I can’t even name! Lol I’m a HUGE fan of Naptural85. She has been THE biggest influence on my journey because our hair is similar in curl pattern and texture and her videos are so helpful! I also love MiniMarley, MsDanti1, MsVaughnTV, iknowlee, MahoganyCurls, My Natural Sistas, NaturallyGG, CurlyFarah, SupaNaturalTammy, EClark6, and NapturalElenore. I love reading about other people’s hair journeys, so I’m a regular at sites such as CurlyNikki, Black Girl Long Hair and Global Couture!
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Don’t give up on your hair. Natural hair is a huge learning experience and an ever changing journey. Take some time to learn your hair and ASK QUESTIONS. Be Patient, your hair is growing. Don’t style your hair while you’re angry. Oh, and DO YOUR RESEARCH on potential stylists. Make sure they know the difference between a CUT and a TRIM and practice SAFE HANDLING of your precious tresses. Trust me, your hair will thank you.
Where can people find you for more information?
This post was written by Global Couture for CurlyNikki.
We all have to regularly cleanse and condition our hair. We know we need to do it, but sometimes you just don’t feel like it! I personally don’t mind a few hours of doing my hair… I look at it as ‘me time.’ Yet, there really are times (although rare”> that I want wash day to be quick, but still effective. So, here are 3 often forgotten tips that I have found get the job done efficiently.
1. The Night-Before Pre-Poo
Pre-pooing is basically, applying a natural oil, conditioner or both, to your hair prior to washing it, to get it ready for the manipulation that is to follow. When you pre-poo the evening before you wash, it allows that pre-poo concoction (whatever it is”> to really soak into your strands, making the wash process much easier. I have literally applied my pre-poo to tangled hair, gone to bed and when I got up the next morning to wash my hair, the tangles melted away under the shower stream. I’m currently using coconut oil mixed with Aubrey Organics GPB or another conditioner.
2. Smooth While You Shampoo
Detangling your hair before, during and after washing is not only way too much manipulation (especially for fine strands”>, it’s unnecessary and wastes a lot of time. You can lightly finger detangle your hair while applying your pre-poo, but save the real detangling for after washing. If you wash your hair without bunching it up on your head, working in a downward, smoothing motion, it shouldn’t be very tangled. You can then either finger detangle your conditioner saturated hair under the shower stream, or wait to detangle on damp hair before styling.
3. Wash Day Isn’t Just for Washing
While we want wash day to be easy, we also want it to be effective. Washing our hair isn’t just about cleaning it. It’s also the time for us to get true moisture into our strands. How you do this, will depend on your hair’s porosity levels. So, one person may follow the LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream”> method while another may follow the LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil”> or LCOC (Liquid, Conditioner, Oil, Cream”> method. It’s up to you to figure out the combination of product layering that works best for locking moisture into your hair but universally, we all start with water!
Natural hair can be unpredictable in that you never know what you will get. This can be good and bad. In addition to the routine hair therapy, i.e., regular trims, deep conditioning, and henna treatments, these are the day to day tips to having a good hair day every day.
1. Always start out on detangled hair
Freshly shampooed and thoroughly detangled hair will always give you the best results. Twisting or braiding hair that is already matted and tangled will only produce more knots and tangles.
2. More product, more problems!
This is one time when less is more. Excessive amounts of product will only lead to weighing down your tresses and ultimately product build up. You can always apply additional product if necessary but applying too much initially can only be rectified by re-shampooing.
Quick application tips:
- Start off with a quarter size portion – adjust based on texture and desired style
- Apply in sections – sections are easier to deal with
3. Placement strategy
I always receive my best results when my twists or braids are calculated. They do not need to be carefully parted or measured as if you were laying tile floor, however, merely throwing them in haphazardly will result in a less polished look. Even when you want a sexy, messy look, placement makes a huge difference.
4. Seal those ends
Skipping this step will give your ends cause to fray and only make more work for you later. Healthy ends will yield an overall healthy appearance and hair will be more manageable.
*Oils add shine not moisture, however, they do a great job at trapping the existing moisture in. I seal with shea butter and coconut oil.
5. Tie your hair up for a smooth finish
Aside from the obvious damage caused by friction between your hair and cotton pillowcases, the satin scarf will keep things in place. It is not just to achieve smooth edges, it also keeps your mane in check. It reduces friction causing dryness and reduces frizz when you release your twists or braids.
The cardinal sin when it comes to styling is to unravel hair prior to it being 95-98% dry.
6. Pineapple
If you are unable or unwilling ☺ to retwist or rebraid at night, the pineapple will do the trick. By gently placing the hair high on top of the head, you will be able to preserves the curl pattern and maintain your look.
*Secure the hair with a satin scrunchie or loose band.
7. Don’t over separate
After releasing your twists or braids (with oils on your fingers”>, unravel the areas that you want more volume the most. Too much separation will lead to excessive frizz.
*If you are rocking a wash and go, resist the urge to touch your hair after styling.
8. Retwist or Rebraid
If pineappling is not your thing, retwisting or rebraiding at night is a good way to rejuvenate and restore your look, as well as providing more definition.
9. Let twists or braids dry completely
The cardinal sin when it comes to styling is to unravel hair prior to it being 95-98% dry. Hair needs time to set and interrupting the process will result in a bad day all day.
This post was written by CurlyChics for CurlyNikki.
