Search Results: Rocio Mora

By Rocio Mora · Published December 21, 2016

Are you looking for a new, unique updo for the holidays? You are in luck–I’ll show you three simple hairstyles that are perfect for the season.

What you need for each hairstyle:

• A hair tie (seriously, that’s it!”>

1. The 1-Minute Updo

1. Set aside curls that frame your face as your bangs and put the rest of your hair up in a ponytail.
2. Gently pull the hair tie about an inch or two so your ponytail hangs loosely.
3. Create a pocket by poking a hole through the hair and tucking the rest of your curls in that hole.
4. Secure the pocket with bobby pins, if necessary.

2. Coiled Twists

1. Separate two sections that frame your face and put the rest in a ponytail.
2. Braid each side section–it helps to braid towards the back, that way it won’t look lumpy when we wrap those pieces around your ponytail.
3. Secure each braid with a little bobby pin so it doesn’t come undone.
4. Take each braid and wrap them around the ponytail and secure them with a bobbypin.
5. With the hair in the pony, begin to twist each section tightly.
6. Right when you can’t twist anymore, take the very end and pin it around the ponytail. Toward the end, the twist will sort of curl on its own.
7. Repeat these steps with more sections of hair and pin the ends around the ponytail at random places. If any coils feel loose, pin those down!

3. Hair Bow

1. Gather all of your hair into a pineapple at the top of your head–the higher the ponytail, the prettier the bow!
2. Take some pieces of hair and wrap it around the ponytail to hide the hair tie.
3. Split the ponytail in two sections and take some hair from the center of the part–this will serve as the center of your bow.
4. With the ponytail separated into two, grab the first section and begin rolling the ends back but towards the center of the ponytail.
5. Once you’ve reached the center, pin the roll with a few bobby pins to secure it in place.
6. Do the same for the other side!
7. Take that piece hanging from the ponytail and pull it back above the bow and bobby pin it right behind the bow! If you have pieces hanging, wrap them around the ponytail and pin it down, too! Give your edges a few spritzes of shine spray and smooth them down with a soft brush. I used an old tooth brush! This is my favorite of styles! Who doesn’t love a pretty bow during the holidays!

Watch my tutorial

If you recreate any of these looks, don’t forget to post your picture on Instagram with the hashtag #naturallycurly so we can see it! Or upload it to our photo section, Style Nook. Happy Holidays!

By Rocio Mora · Published November 4, 2016

Don’t underestimate the elegance of your natural curls.

Find some headpieces, a few bobby pins, and have your favorite hairspray on hand. Sit down in front of your mirror, taking your time getting to know the beauty of your hair. The best thing about having curly hair when it comes to formal hairstyles is that you could easily hide any ‘mistakes’ within another curl. I have got eight hairstyles that will dress up your curls on your special day. 

Don’t over think it

How to dress up a chignon

High buns can save any curly hairstyle

Trending: Half-up, half-down styles

Need an easier updo? Do a faux roll

Another (elegant”> twist

Which of these formal styles would you rock on your special day?

Let us know in a comment below. Watch my video and subscribe to my channel for a more in-depth tutorial on how to achieve each hairstyle:

By Rocio Mora · Published May 19, 2016

Whether from heat or over manipulation, there are a few ways to find out if your curly hair is truly damaged.

Photo by VladimirFLoyd — Getty Images

Sometime the hair doesn’t always look damaged, but there are a few things you can look out for that will help distinguish the difference between healthy and unhealthy hair. Here are 7 ways to tell if your naturally curly hair is damaged.

SPLIT ENDS

• Do your curl crushes brag about going a year between trims or a proper hair cut?

They maintain healthy hair all year around. If you notice that your ends begin to split almost immediately after a trim, your hair could be fragile and break off easily. The minimum amount of time before an average person will notice their hair splitting is one to two months after a trim.

TEXTURE

• Have you ever run your finger over a strand of hair? Does it feel a bit bumpy or smooth?

If there is an obvious difference in smoothness on a single strand of hair from root to ends, chances are you have gaps in your hair strand which is a significant sign of breakage. While protein treatments help to temporarily fill in the gaps, sometimes the problem can be fixed internally with proper nutrition and effective hair vitamins.

POROSITY

• While I have mentioned before the importance of knowing your hair’s porosity levels, it is more important to identify whether your hair is damaged or not.

Hair that is highly porous means the cuticle layer is damaged, so your curls aren’t able to properly absorb and maintain moisture. The end result is hair that is dry and brittle. There are a few things you can try to actually tighten the cuticle, along with using products formulated to give you the effect of closing it.

MATTING HAIR

• If you find yourself taking much longer than normal to detangle even when your hair is soaking wet with a slippery conditioner, this could be a sign that your curls are damaged.

This is because the cuticle is lifted in damaged hair, making it harder for each individual strand to slide past each other when combing or detangling.

LOSS & BREAKAGE

• If you notice a lot of hair falling out when detangling, while combing or brushing, there is a high chance your curls are damaged.

Next time you brush your hair, take a look at the strands that your tool has collected. If you notice a root bulb, it could be improper nutrition and an unhealthy scalp. If there is no bulb, chances are your hair has been broken off which signifies weak or damaged hair.

POPPING & SNAPPING

• Healthy hair, when wet, actually stretches if it is gently pulled. Elasticity in each hair strand is normal.

However, if it stretches a bit too much and then snaps or pops, your curls lack protein. On the other hand, if your hair pops right away when you attempt to stretch it, your curls could be too dry and lacking moisture. These are two minor yet important elements in unhealthy or damaged hair.

DULLNESS

• A lack of shine could be a direct cause of improper styling techniques or excessive heat styling.

Another reason why your hair might be looking a little dull could be because of chemical damage like using relaxers or boxed hair dyes that are too strong for your curls.

These are just a few ways to tell if your curls are damaged. Have any other tips to contribute so the rest of us can tell if our own curls are damaged? Let us know in a comment below!

By Rocio Mora · Published March 16, 2016

In the naturally curly community, there are several DIY hair masks you’ve heard of floating around the internet–from deep conditioners to protein treatments to moisture masks. Do you know the proper way to apply these at home treatments to get the best results on your curls? Follow along!

1. Ensure that your hair is clean!

Most DIY treatments work best when applied on clean hair. Why? You won’t have to deal with any product build-up–your strands will be free of any previous products applied, therefore allowing your curls to absorb the nutrients as much as possible. You can choose to either co-wash or clarify as long as your hair is clean.

2. Apply your mask to hair in sections.

When working with DIY treatments and masks, it’s easier to apply the treatment only when hair has been separated into different sections because you’ll have less knots to work with at a time. I have fine hair, low density, and a small head. For me, four equal sections work. I secure each section with a durable clip to keep the rest of my hair out of the way when applying the treatment.

3. Wear a t-shirt you don’t mind getting dirty.

There’s a huge chance that things will get messy. Sure, you could probably scoop some of the treatment into a squeeze bottle, but more often than not, you’ll make a mess. It’s best to wear a shirt that you don’t mind getting dirty. I like to apply my DIY treatments using my fingers because it’s the easiest way to detect any knots that need gentle detangling. You can also feel where your hair is most dry or brittle and pay extra attention to those areas when smoothing on the treatment.

4. Start from the roots and work your way down.

While we are looking to achieve healthy and stronger hair, the area at the root is the strongest because it is what is growing directly from your head. Focusing on that area first will ensure that it remains the strongest and will be least likely to break. If you are applying a deep conditioner, start from the bottom and work your way up since it is usually the ends that need the most moisture. Take your time in applying any deep treatment, ensuring that you are thoroughly coating each section and every strand. No curl left behind! After you are done with one section, clip it up and move on to the next.

5. Leave it in for up to 45 minutes so it actually works.

If you are using a hard protein treatment like a DIY gelatin treatment, the duration will be much less since your hair will harden. One thing I like to do is cover my hair with a plastic bag to help trap the heat rising from my head. The heat assists with opening the hair cuticle, which allows for further penetration of the treatment. Another way of indirect heat would be to sit under a hooded dryer.

6. Rinse the treatment out with lukewarm water.

It might be best to work with one section at a time to ensure that you are getting all of the treatment out. Don’t forget to massage your scalp to lift any treatment that has been sitting on the scalp; you don’t want to risk clogging your hair follicles! Rinse your hair until the water runs clear. Most treatments don’t need to be followed with any cleanser or conditioner. Hard protein treatments should always be followed with a deep conditioner to ensure that moisture is replenished!

Do you have any extra tips on applying an at home hair mask?

Subscribe to my YouTube channel, RisasRizos & follow me on Instagram @RisasRizos 

By Rocio Mora · Updated February 4, 2016

If you’re transitioning from damaged hair to healthy curls, you might value the importance of rapid hair growth remedies. I’ve got an unlikely one with a secret ingredient that’s packed with benefits for a healthy scalp and healthy hair.

The main ingredient: Cinnamon

Not only does it help with rapid hair growth, but cinnamon is also a huge factor in preventing hair loss. This powerful remedy stimulates circulation to the scalp by improving blood flow. It’s also packed with essential nutrients that your body–and hair follicle–needs for proper function. Applying cinnamon mixed with other scalp strengthening ingredients will ensure that your new growth curls will be strong, less prone to breakage and growing at a faster pace.

The hair & scalp benefits of cinnamon

• antibacterial
• antifungal
• antiseptic
• anti-inflammatory.

Another fun benefit of cinnamon

Cinnamon has been rumored to naturally lighten your hair. In many cases, you cannot see a difference unless you step out in the sun. Personally, I have never seen a change in my hair color.

Do a patch test, first

It is important that you test a small area first before committing to applying this DIY cinnamon paste to your entire scalp, as with any homemade beauty recipe. Unfortunately, most people who have sensitive skin won’t be able to tolerate cinnamon application to the scalp.

The ingredients you will need to make this cinnamon paste is:

• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of Warm extra virgin olive oil

Mix all of the ingredients together to create a dark brown paste like treatment.

Apply to your scalp in areas that are most prone to breakage or where your hair seems less dense. If you have been experiencing thinning edges or bald patches, focus on applying some of the treatment in those areas. I have fine, low density curls and the area in which my curls are least dense would be the very top of my head and areas surround my face so I make sure to focus there. I then apply the treatment along parts in the different sections of my hair or rather anywhere that I can find a deep part. Once you finish applying the treatment, let it sit for about 20 minutes and wash it out thoroughly with a good cleanser and then afterwards a conditioner.

Try this out around once a week or before the next few washes. Do you have a personal favorite remedy or treatment that helps with hair growth? Let us know in a comment section below. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, RisasRizos!

By Rocio Mora · Published January 7, 2016

Deep conditioning is the secret to keeping your curls moisturized–unfortunately, many curl girls know little about the benefits of deep conditioning or how to use a deep conditioner.

WHAT DOES A DEEP CONDITIONER DO?

A deep conditioner a more concentrated version of your regular daily conditioner, with absorbent properties to help attract and retain moisture to your curls. This happens for however long you have the deep conditioner in your hair. Why is that such a big deal, you ask? It replenishes moisture from within the hair strand by opening the cuticle, penetrating the hair shaft, and smoothing the cuticle closed leaving your curls shiny, moisturized and soft to the touch.

DO YOU HAVE FRIZZY HAIR?

Since deep conditioners help to replenish the moisture, it is the key to overcoming frizz problems–frizz is usually caused by lack of moisture. Dry hair can also leave your curls prone to breakage so the best way to keep your curls not only frizz free but also stronger and healthier is by regular deep conditioning treatments.

ARE YOUR CURLS MULTI-TEXTURED?

• If you have tighter or dryer curls, consider deep conditioning once a week for at least 30 minutes 
• If you have looser curls or waves, deep condition once every 2 weeks or monthly for about 15-30 minutes

My hair has a mixture of type 3 curls; the hair at the very back of my head likes to get dry pretty quickly, so I try to deep condition about once a week. Remember, the tighter your curl is, the harder it is for the sebum (the natural oils your scalp produces”> to reach the ends of your hair which means your curls will more than likely be drier than a wavy hair pattern. If you have tighter or dryer curls, you might feel it’s necessary to deep condition once a week or even more than that.

If you have a looser curl pattern and don’t think it’s necessary to deep condition that often, you might go longer between treatments. If you ask a few people how long they like to keep the deep conditioner in their hair, you’ll get a multitude of responses. Most store bought deep conditioners for curly hair suggest 15 to 30 minutes; others would say overnight.

WHAT DOES ADDING HEAT DO TO YOUR DEEP CONDITIONER?

• Benefit from the steam of a hot shower or a handheld steamer like Q-Redew
• Try the baggy method so your deep conditioner penetrates even deeper

I personally don’t like to leave it in my hair over night because my curls, although become incredible soft, aren’t as defined and my scalp begins to itch. To each their own, but keep in mind that experts say the maximum penetration your curls will get from a deep conditioner is 30 minutes. I think the longest I’ve kept a deep conditioner in my hair was for 1 hour while exercising because of the added heat. Indirect heat will help to open the cuticle. While it isn’t necessary, it definitely helps. Consider deep conditioning in the shower with hot water, allowing the steam to open the cuticle.

There are other forms of indirect heat, like a handheld steamer, a hooded dryer, or the baggy method (which is my favorite”>: I apply the deep conditioner thoroughly and put my hair up into a series of little buns and tie a plastic bag around my hair to trap the heat exuding from my scalp. Then, I put a hot towel on top of that bag and tie a second bag onto my head to trap the extra heat. While it may look silly, I always get the best results this way.

Top deep conditioners

• Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner
• Ouidad Curl Recovery Melt-Down Extreme Repair Mask
• EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Hair Masque
• SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque

What are some of your tips for deep conditioning?

Follow me @RisasRizos for more curly hair advice!

By Rocio Mora · Published December 3, 2015

I recently cut my hair and already, I am missing its length.

One of my subscribers asked me if I have ever tried the Inversion Method for rapid hair growth and I had no clue what she was talking about. After a looking into it, I was intrigued.

Here’s how it works

• Invert your head for a few minutes for faster rate of hair growth
• Do this method for 7 days straight, then wait a month before trying it again

Basically, the concept behind the Inversion Method is that when you invert your head for a few minutes, you are allowing all of the blood to rush to your head. The idea is that all of the nutrients beneficial for healthy hair will reach the scalp a lot faster, promoting hair growth at a much more rapid pace.

A simple scalp massage already stimulates blood flow to the area to promote hair growth, so inverting your head afterwards is said to boost the results to one inch in one week. Since there have been several success stories, I was really hoping this would work for my curls.

How I did the Inversion Method

• Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil and massaged my scalp for 4 minutes straight
• Lay down and hang my head on the edge of the bed

While there are a few different ways to do this method, I chose to go with the most common. As instructed, I massaged my scalp for a solid four minutes first. Since I typically use Jamaican Black Castor Oil for the amazing scalp and hair benefits, I decided to include it in my massage for this method. After the four minutes were completed, it was time to invert. I did this a few different ways.

At times I would just flip my head down past my knees and just let the upper half of my body hang, while other times I would lay on my bed and allow for my head to hang over the edge. 

It is important to state that when the 4 minutes were up, I really had to get up slowly so as to not feel woozy. With that being said, I don’t recommend anyone who was pregnant or suffers from migraines or regular headaches to attempt this method. No sense in the risk.

Did it work for me?

Unfortunately, I didn’t really see much difference other than the top left side of my head having grown a little over an inch. I am not quite convinced that the growth came from the inversion method, though. It is recommended to do this method for 7 days straight and once the week has passed, wait a month before trying it again so that your body doesn’t get used to the method. Do I plan on trying this again next month? Probably not.

The first two or three days were filled with hope and excitement, thinking that I’d come out of this week looking like Rapunzel.

It gave me a headache at times and by day 4 though, I grew tired… sleepy. On one night I went to bed and forgot, then quickly got up and went through the steps. Mind you, I recorded the process so I had to set up the camera and lights, too.

For me it was just way too much work for not a lot of change.

Have you ever tried the Inversion Method? What were your results like?

By Rocio Mora · Published October 30, 2015

The temperatures are dropping–which means it’s time to switch up a few things when it comes to hair maintenance. Here are my top 7 tips for protecting your curls in the fall and winter months.

1. Pre-Poo Treatment: It helps with ensuring that your hair restores the moisture that has been lost due to constant temperature changes; alternating between the cold outside and the warmth inside. Also, a pre-poo treatment restores the oils lost after washing and even helps unwind tangles!

2. Deep Condition: I probably sound like a broken record but it is imperative in the fall and winter to maintain the moisture your dry curls will need! Two of my favorite deep conditioners are SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque and the DevaCurl Heaven in Hair Intensive Moisture Treatment.

3. Finger Detangle: Since your curls will be extra fragile this season, use your fingers to detangle, comb, and rake in products. This will allow you to feel for knots and gently pull apart the tangles, especially with the help of a little conditioner!

4. Avoid Wash and Go’s: If you can, wash and style your hair the day before and reactivate the products the next day with a water in a spray bottle and a little oil. After you have gotten your hair to be a bit moist, you can add a curl defining cream or product (not too much”> and by the time you are ready to hit the door, your hair will be nearly dry.

5. LOC Method: For some, changing up the order in which they use their products is best during the colder months. Do you want the best moisture retention? Try using a leave-in conditioner first, follow with an oil, and seal with a styling cream.

6. Avoid humectants: In the summer, you love humectants because they pull moisture from the air and draw it into your thirsty curls. But whenever you use those same products in the winter, the opposite happens. Remember, they draw the moisture from your hair and release it into the dry air.

7. Protective Styles: This is the time when your hair is fragile and mostly prone to breakage. The best way to keep your hair strong and healthy in the winter is to hibernate your hair. Putting your hair up in a protective style will save your ends from latching onto certain fabrics and breaking! It’s also a great way to help retain length.

BONUS!

Speaking of retaining length…Don’t you think it would make more sense to retain the length of hair that was 100% healthy? Why not take advantage of this time to get a trim? Cutting off damaged ends will help you:

• get better styling results
• have less knotting
• an easier detangling session.

Those healthy ends will furthermore be protected in the fall and winter. What are some of your favorite ways to protect your naturally curly hair in the cooler months? Share it in a comment below!

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By Rocio Mora · Published October 25, 2015

Achieving the perfect ponytail on my fine, curly hair can be a bit tricky.

I used to suffer with frizz while trying to make the ponytail voluminous. Sometimes I’d have little to no definition in my curls and my ponytail looked pretty boring. I have found a way to keep the volume and definition without dealing with frizz.

The best way to keep the definition in your curls is by working with second or third day curls or, in my case, styling my hair on day one and not touching my hair until it was 100% dry. After my hair dried, I scrunched to release the cast and then had a bit more volume that I could work with.

Styling Milk + Edge Control + Light Hairspray

1. I took a small amount of SheaMoisture Yucca & Plantain Anti Breakage Styling Milk because it helps with moisture and slicking my hair back. You can use any leave-in conditioner you favor most to smooth down the hair that will be pulled back.

2. Have lots of flyaways? Use some edge control. I like SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Edge Treatment to keep my edges healthy and strong. If you don’t have edge control lying around, try a light hairspray. 

3. I gather all of my hair at the crown of my head to give my ponytail some height.

4. I take a hair tie and wrap it twice. I don’t like for the ponytail to be too tight because my edges would be prone to breaking (no curly girl wants that!”> Depending on the size of your hair tie, you might have to wrap it a third time. Just remember that if it feels too tight–it probably is.

5. Use a soft bristle brush if you want a sleeker look to smooth the hair. Personally, I like my ponytail with some texture. Since I don’t smooth my hair down with a brush for a sleek look, I always end up with bumps in my hair. All I do to get rid of the bumps is tuck them underneath hair that is flat to hide them away! For a bit more volume, I gently pull or tug on my curls at the top of my ponytail.

That is all there is to it!

My curls are always left defined, frizz free and filled with volume which was usually difficult for me to achieve before on my fine curly hair.

Watch my tutorial

How do you keep your curly ponytail frizz free? I’d love to know!

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By Rocio Mora · Published September 3, 2015

If you are looking for an ultimate curly girl guide, why not follow my 10 curl commandments filled with tips that every curly girl should be aware of!

1. Lay Off the Heat

2. Say No To the Poo

Shampoos contain sodium lauryl sulfate that, although cleans effectively, can be too harsh on curly hair–it strips your strands of everything including the natural oils your scalp produces. Opt for a sulfate-free shampooinstead. A few curly community favorites are the Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo, Bee Mine Botanical Shampoo and DevaCurl DevaCare Low-Poo.

3. Deep Condition and Moisturize

The natural oils your scalp produces, sebum, can take longer to reach the ends of your curls, depending on how tightly they spiral. In order to keep your ends and the rest of your hair moisturized, do regular deep conditioning treatments at least once a month. If you haven’t incorporated a deep conditioner (or as curlies call it, “DC””> into your routine, try the ever-popular SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque, Ouidad Curl Recovery Melt-Down Extreme Repair Mask or EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Hair Masque.

4. Burn the Towel

Towels have large fibers that can latch onto your curls and soak up your moisture. This can create friction, frizz and possibly breakage. Instead of using a towel, use a cotton t-shirt instead.

5. Style When Wet and Don’t Touch ‘Til Dry

It’s much easier to apply products on curly hair when it’s damp or wet. After styling your hair, do not touch it again until it is 100% dry to avoid frizz.

6. Throw Out Brushes

Brushing out your curls, especially when they are dry, can cause damage and breakage. Instead of using a brush, opt for a wide toothed comb or your fingers and detangle when your hair is saturated with conditioner in the shower.

7. Don’t Forget the Diffuser

If you don’t have time to air dry, make sure that your blow dryer setting is at low speed and low heat. Always use a diffuser to evenly distribute the heat. Otherwise you are blowing hot air to one section at a time. Using a diffuser might even help encourage a defined curl pattern.

8. Dry Cut

For most curly girls, it’s difficult to get a dry cut because there are not enough stylists experienced in cutting naturally curly. Curly hair has a spring factor which means it can stretch so you will not get the same shape cutting your hair wet or straightened. A dry cut can help ensure your haircut is even. The most popular method of dry cutting curls is known as the Deva Cut. You can look for Deva-certified stylists and read reviews in our Salons section.

9. Pineapple

Rocking a pineapple to sleep on a satin pillowcase will ensure your style is maintained overnight and sleeping on a satin pillowcase will help keep most of that moisture in your hair. There are many different ways to pineapple your hair, but the general idea is to gather all of your curls on top of your head and tie them loosely with a scrunchie or scarf. In the morning, take down your pineapple and spot treat any out of shape curls.

10. Don’t Covet Other Curls

You can admire your Curlfriend’s curls from afar as inspiration, but ultimately you should love and embrace the curls you were given. It all starts with self-love!

Watch my video

Here is my English version. I also have a Spanish version–click here to watch it!

Let me know if there is another curl commandment that I left out.

By Rocio Mora · Published August 12, 2015

Search and Destroy Method

Método de Buscar y Destruir

By Rocio Mora · Published August 10, 2015

SheaMoisture is widely known for what it can do for your hair, but not many know that it has products for your skin, face, baby–even boyfriend, too.

Through tons of shameless product junkie trial and error, I have found staple pieces to contribute to my everyday routines. Here are my top 10 favorite Shea Moisture products of all time. Remember, they are available at your local Target, Walgreens, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ulta, and online at Shop.NaturallyCurly.com.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen Growth and Restore Shampoo

Yucca and Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Conditioner 

Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque 

Lavender and Wild Orchid Hand and Body Scrub

Superfruit Complex Soap

Coconut and Hibiscus Kids Extra Moisturizing Detangler 

Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie 

Olive and Green Tea Body Butter

Yucca and Plantain Anti-Breakage Root Lifting Styler

Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen Grow and Restore Edge Treatment

What’s on your Shea Moisture wish list? Let me know!

By Rocio Mora · Published February 23, 2015

There’s nothing quite like frizz to ruin a good hair day. Luckily there are a few easy tips and tricks that you can do to smooth frizz in your regular routine.

1. If you already have frizz and want to spot treat it, apply a light oil like jojoba oil, which won’t weigh your hair down.
2. When washing and conditioning the hair, once all of the product has been removed I like to give my hair a final rinse with cold water, I find that it helps lock in my moisture.
3. After I’m done washing my hair, I wrap my wet hair up in a t-shirt — not a towel! A microfiber towel works too, but you probably have an old t-shirt lying around the house that would work.
4. When drying your hair with the t-shirt, don’t rub your hair with the t-shirt, don’t cause friction between your curls because that will lead to frizz. Instead, I blot and gently scrunch my hair. 
5. To style the hair, apply your styler and then do not touch! Let your hair dry 110% before you start to touch it, whether you’re scrunching them for soft, touchable hold or releasing the cast of your styling product. Wait until they’re dry.
6. If you do all of this and you’re still experiencing frizz, then maybe your curls still aren’t getting the moisture they need. To quench their thirst use a deep conditioner like DevaCurl’s Heaven in Hair or SheaMoisture’s Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque.
7. And if all of the above does not work and your hair is always frizzy, then it may be time to get a trim. If you recently had a trim and just want to maintain your ends, then perhaps try the Search & Destroy Method. 

Watch the Video

By Rocio Mora · Published February 12, 2015

Finding the right products for your curls can seem daunting. I spend far too much time squatting in the hair aisle reading labels, 2nd and 3rd guessing whether the purchase will be worth it. I even watch full video tutorials and reviews on my phone in said aisle before fully committing to the purchase. So here is my review on a far too familiar line for those of you who have never tried DevaCurl and might just be squatting in a store, reading labels, and debating on your own purchase.

The Dynamic Duo

No Poo

This Zero Lathering Conditioning Cleanser has done the best job at leaving my scalp invigoratingly clean but won’t strip my hair of its natural oils. While my curls are clean, the No-Poo works well at conditioning and maintaining moisture.

One Condition

This conditioner does not contain silicones, so instead of just sitting on the hair shaft, it is penetrated and leaves my curls hydrated. I love the One Condition because I can use it as a co-washer, conditioner, or leave-In. It’s also lightweight, which makes it easy to wash out of my hair so I don’t get product buildup often.

The Distant Cousins

Low Poo

Because the No-Poo and One Condition work so well together, I always feel I get an adequate wash for my curls to stay clean, healthy and moisturized. I still experiment with other conditioners and stylers which may take a little more time washing out of my curls. If I do experience product build-up, I grab the Low Poo. It’s mild lathering and, in my opinion, mild clarifying. While it gets the job done, I’ve noticed that overusing it can dry out my hair so I always condition well after cleansing.

No Poo Quick Cleanser 

The Stylers

Light Defining Gel

Shine Spray

The Best For Last

The Heaven In Hair Intensive Moisture Treatment

This is by far the best deep conditioner I have used in my hair. It leaves my curls feeling hydrated, which is especially important for the most stubborn areas [of my hair] that are prone to dryness. The treatment has a thin paste like texture that expands when rubbed together and feels ultra smooth when raking it in my hair.

I don’t need to slather on too much of this treatment to get the job done either. A scoop is all I need, which says a lot for a small 8oz container. It truly is heaven in my hair.

Watch my video

Have you tried any of these products? Let me know how they work for your curls! If there’s anything you have tried from this line that I have not mentioned, throw out a suggestion. The product junkie in me would love to try it!

By Rocio Mora · Published February 11, 2015

If you feel as though you have been shedding a lot recently, then it might be time to take a look at your shower routine. Finger detangling is the gentlest, most effective way to detangle your hair. It may take you a little longer than using your wide tooth comb, but because your fingers can actually feel the knots and pull them apart with greater sensitivity, it is the safest way to deal with tangles. A pre-poo is the second method I use to help retain my length and reduce breakage in the shower. A pre-poo is a treatment that you apply to the hair before you shampoo. In this tutorial I will be using coconut oil as a pre-poo, make sure you buy unrefined Utilizing both of these methods will help you reach your healthy hair goals. Here is how:

1. Before cleansing, divide the hair in half. Tie one side up into a bun just to get it out of the way.

2. Now take the loose half and divide that into two, tying up the top half in a bun. It should look like this:

3. Take a small amount of coconut oil and warm it between your fingers, and gently apply it to the length of your hair. Beginning at the bottom, start detangling and work your way up towards the root.

4. Once you have fully detangled your first section, divide it into two and twist it, just to separate it from the hair you haven’t detangled yet.

Repeat this process until you have detangled and twisted all of your hair. Now you are fully detangled and have applied your coconut oil pre-poo throughout your hair. It should look like this:

5. Pin up twists, cover with a plastic bag. Layer the bag with a hot towel and tie another bag with a hot towel for about a half hour.

6. Take your twists down. Now you are ready to wash.

Watch how I do it

How do you detangle your curly hair? Do you use a pre-poo on wash day?

By Rocio Mora · Published January 22, 2015

If you have been experiencing a lot of breakage lately or are trying to recover from heat damage, try this DIY protein treatment. It contains a special ingredient called Hydrolyzed Protein which coats the hair shaft and repairs damage on the outer layers. Hydrolyzed protein is also the main ingredient in the ApHogee Protein Treatment, so this is my homemade version. Although this treatment was shared with naturally curly heads in mind, it is beneficial to all hair types!

If you’re looking to repair your curls, improve your hair health or rebuild elasticity, this recipe is for you. Do this once every other month, and always deep condition after your treatment.

What you’ll need

• 1 packet of unflavored gelatin – I use Knox brand
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar – I use Bragg
• deep conditioner – I use SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
• *optional – applicator bottle & wide tooth comb

Directions

1. In a bowl mix 1 packet of unflavored gelatin with 1 cup of hot water. Mix well until the gelatin has dissolved. 
2. Add the teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and continue to mix.
3. Store the mixture in the fridge. If you’re using an applicator bottle, pour it into the bottle before storing in the fridge.
4. Wash your hair while the mixture is cooling in the fridge.  
5. Then apply the treatment evenly to your freshly washed hair in sections (I do 4 sections”>. Once it’s applied the hair is going to become stiff, so work quickly.
6. Comb through the hair with your wide tooth comb if you want to make sure it is evenly coated, and then don’t touch the hair. Repeat with all 4 sections.
7. Leave the treatment for 10 minutes or in until it has dried and hardened. You can use a diffuser or hooded dryer to aid in the drying process.
8. Rinse the hair, wait until the hair has softened from water and then gently massage the treatment out of your hair with your fingers.
9. Apply your favorite deep conditioner, this is an important step so don’t skip this.

Watch the Video

By Rocio Mora · Published January 6, 2015

Naturally curly hair is completely versatile when it comes to styling! I created this soft retro curl updo to temporarily loosen my texture without any heat damage, with the help of some Curlformers.

Before you start

How to use Curlformers

1. Section some hair from the back of your head and tie the rest up to stay out of the way.
2. Insert the rod that comes with the Curlformers through one end and push it all the way through until the hook is outside the other end of the Curlformer.
3. Twist a small section of hair at the scalp.
4. Place the hair into the wand’s hook, keeping the open side up.
5. Pinch the rubber opening of the Curlformer and gently pull the wand and hair through.
6. Repeat this step all around your head and let your hair dry 100% before removing the Curlformers.
7. Once your hair is dry, pinch the rubber ends and gently slide the Curlformers off. This leaves your curls shiny bouncy and soft to the touch without using any heat!

Styling

Watch my tutorial

This post was not sponsored by Curlformers.