Search Results: Sabrina Perkins

Curly Summer Series: Summer Head Wraps
Curly Summer Series: Summer Head Wraps
By Sabrina Perkins ·

Head wraps are hot in the curly and coily hair community. Scarves are big business, and with the bohemian style making massive ways in the fashion world, it’s the in vogue thing to do with your hair this summer. There are so many ways to flirt up your curly tresses with head wraps. We have the head wrap fashion look down pat, so let them stare and watch the curly, coily, wavy girls get all the fashion praise!

Head wraps are stylish and a superb way to block out the harmful UV rays that can cause damage to our tresses. Haven’t got your sun hat or even your sun shield spray? Then pull out your scarf and create a look worth feeling good about. They are also great for preventing damaged ends. And let’s not forget about the pesky sand at the beach that gets everywhere! Wearing a multi-colored scarf will add color and flair to your outfit to complete your look, so take a few pointers

Summer Head Wraps

Why Peppermint Oil is a Powerhouse for Your Hair
By Sabrina Perkins ·
peppermint oil for hair

Photo by kazmulka — Getty Images

Peppermint has a long history of being used as a medicinal herb for issues like stomach problems, muscle pains, and even headaches. Peppermint essential oil, botanical name Mentha piperita, is extracted by steam distillation and is an extremely potent essential oil. It blends well with basil, bergamot, cajeput, cedarwood, eucalyptus, lemon, lime, mandarin, marjoram, niaouli, pine, rosemary, spearmint, and thyme.

Peppermint oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, insecticidal, antispasmodic, and carminative properties and the entire plant contains menthol. This fragrant oil is often used in aromatherapy, lozenges, toothpastes, balms, and rubs, because of the methanol and menthone components.

Using peppermint oil

Because peppermint is an essential oil, and a rather potent one at that, using it in its undiluted form is not recommended. Applying peppermint essential oil directly to the skin can be irritating, so we recommend diluting it with a carrier oil such as almond oil or jojoba oil. With its cooling effect and sweet smell, it can be misjudged as safe for everyone but it can trigger side effects in people with sensitivities.

Benefits of peppermint essential oil

This oil contains a host of minerals and nutrients including, calcium, copper, folate, iron, potassium, magnesium, and manganese. It has omega-3, vitamins A, and C, and due to the menthol, menthone and methyl esters in peppermint essential oil it is widely used in cigarettes, chew gum, teas, ice creams, soaps and shampoos. It is widely used to aid with indigestion, dental care, stress, and even respiratory problems.

Benefits of peppermint essential oil for hair

This oil is a powerhouse of nutrients and minerals with some fatty acids and that cooling effect from menthol, which you have probably experienced in shampoo and scalp products. It also has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which help to cool the scalp, eliminate dandruff and fight lice. It is used in hair products to relieve a dry scalp, stimulate hair growth, and give hair a healthy shine.

You can mix your own oil for stimulating scalp massages or give your shampoo or conditioner a boost by adding a few drops of oil to them. These treatments help increase blood circulation to the scalp which contributes to stimulating hair growth. This is one of the reasons you find this oil in products for baldness or hair thinning. There are many hair products that carry this great oil in their formula, but you always have the option of creating your own DIY oil yourself.

How to make your own peppermint oil pre-poo

If you love the feeling of a tingly scalp (and don’t find it irritating”> then you can create your own pre-poo mix to harness the scalp stimulating properties of peppermint. 

What you’ll need:

  • 5 drops of peppermint oil
  • 6 drops of coconut oil

Apply the oil mixture to your scalp for 20-30 minutes before your normal cleansing routine. Be sure to use the pads of your fingers – you don’t want to scratch your scalp at all with your nails. Then rinse your hair and shampoo or co-wash as you normally would. You can learn more about this peppermint oil pre-poo and its benefits here. 

Products with peppermint essential oil

Rice Bran Oil: Natural Sun Protection for Your Hair
By Sabrina Perkins ·
“Learn

IMAGE BY humanmade VIA ISTOCK

Discuss a natural oil today and you’ll discover another one tomorrow. It seems all we do is learn about a multitute of natural oils — but that’s not a bad thing, right? Mother Nature supplies us with innumerable treasures that allow us to stay healthy and beautiful. One of her treasures that should be on your radar is rice bran oil. While it may be new to us in the States, it has been used and loved for years by women in Asia as an anti-aging ingredient.

Made from the bran — the hard outer shell — of the rice kernel, rice bran oil is a great choice for fine hair to give it softness without weight. And one of the best things about this oil is that it is thought to offer protection from the sun. It contains the chemical compound gamma oryzanol, which research has shown to be a UV blocker.

What is Rice Bran Oil?

Rice is one of the world’s most important food crops, and nearly half of the people in the world eat rice as the main part of their diets. According to Rice Knowledge Bank, “Rice provides 21% of global human per capita energy and 15% of per capita protein.” It also provides fiber, minerals, and vitamins. This high nutritive content provides a strong foundation for the oil that is extracted from it.

This golden yellow oil, also known as rice bran extract, is loved for its high smoke point and mild flavor. It is a natural antioxidant and the only place to find oryzanol, an antioxidant that is more effective at fighting off free radicals than vitamin E. Oryzanol is thought to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and liver, and doctors are finding uses for oryzanol in treating menopausal disorders in women. As if that were not enough reason to be impressed by this oil, rice bran oil is also rich in vitamin E, another natural antioxidant that is an important vitamin required for the proper functions of many organs in the body.

Benefits of Rice Bran Oil on Hair

In addition to protecting our hair from sun damage, the ferulic acid and esters present in rice bran oil stimulate hair growth and help to prevent skin aging, according to the Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research.

The oil’s ample supply of vitamin E repairs and builds tissues, so when you apply it to your scalp, it can help reduce inflammation and repair damage to the hair follicles, which in turn can enable healthy hair growth. Vitamin E is also said to have anti-aging properties, and its antioxidants such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have been shown to nourish hair while combatting premature graying.

Celebrity hairstylist to the stars Corey Powell, of Sally Hershberger Los Angeles, swears by rice bran oil and what it can do for our hair. With its high concentration of vitamin E, rice bran oil creates a hard shell barrier around the hair cuticle so the hairs are stronger and less likely to break, she says. Powell also loves that it has barely any odor and is great for all hair types.

How to Use It

There are a few different ways to add this wonder oil to your hair. You can add some to your shampoo or conditioner or use it straight up to seal your ends.

One of the best ways to use rice bran oil is to create a hot oil treatment alone or with other oils to gain maximum benefits for your tresses. Depending upon what your hair needs, you can add some carrier oils and essential oils to the hot oil treatment.

Do your hot oil treatment on freshly washed hair. Combine your carrier oils and you can either stop there or add some essential oils for their therapeutic benefits or just for fragrance. To warm, put your mixtue in a glass container and add to a deep bowl of hot water to warm to desired heat but not too hot as to scald your hands or scalp. Part hair in sections and apply to scalp and hair liberally. Applicator bottles are perfect for this step. Cover hair with a plastic cap and either add a warm towel or sit under a hooded dryer to gain maximum benefit from the hot oil treatment for about 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse (but do not wash”> your hair and style as normal.

Have you tried rice bran oil? Tell us about your experiences in the comments section below. And if you’d like info about another great oil for hair, check out this article about using avocado oil on your hair.

Top 20 Leave-in Conditioners
By Sabrina Perkins ·

Leave-in conditioners can be misunderstood by curlies, coilies, or wavies. A lot of curlies do not know the difference between a moisturizer and a leave-in conditioner. Understanding its place in your hair care routine is not the issue but rather if it is even needed at all or what it is. Do you really need a leave-in conditioner? A leave-in conditioner is not the same as a daily conditioner, also known as a rinse-out conditioner. They are formulated differently. Leave-in conditioners are light and more watery than the daily conditioners because rinse-out conditioners are designed to have specific ingredients that stick to your tresses after rinsing it out. This can lead to buildup if left in.

Leave-in conditioners typically contain humectants that attract moisture into your strands to make them more flexible and stronger. Its main objective is to keep your tresses moisturized, so a water-based leave-in is essential for it to work properly.

“TreLuxe

TréLuxe Untie the Knot Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner

This gentle, lightweight leave-in was a 2018 Editor’s choice pick for type 2 hair. It has a botanical formula including coconut milk, aloe leaf juice, and olive extract to detangle and moisturize without giving wavies a weighed-down look.

DevaCurl One Condition 

Water, fatty acids, behentrimonium chloride (conditioning agent”>, glycerin, and glycol distearate (increases thickness or viscosity”> come together to make up this 2013 Best of the Best. An ultra-creamy daily leave-in that will provide maximum hydration to your strands with its super-rich consistency.

Elucence Moisture Balance Conditioner

This moisture balancing leave-in has panax ginseng root extract, Irish moss extract, brewer’s yeast extract, gingko biloba extract, and anise fruit extract to give it its dual-purpose formulation. It provides continuous moisturizing suppleness to your dry strands.

Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave-In Conditioner

You get purified water, jojoba oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and vegetable wax in this leave-in conditioner. This will detangle and define your tresses within minutes.

Oyin Handmade Hair Dew 

This leave-in is chock-full with castor seed oil, olive oil, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, and fatty alcohols that make this creamy, conditioning leave-in bring life to your hair. Perfect for second day hair as it wakes your strands up with moisture.

“Kinky-Curly

Kinky-Curly Knot Today

I listed this one first for two reasons. 1″> It is loved by many curlies and was 2013 Best of the Best and 2012 Editor’s Choice. 2″> It does not have water listed but does have mango extract, slippery elm, marshmallow root, lemongrass, and a fatty alcohol. It dissolves tangles, smooths the cuticle, and does not flake up.

Curl Junkie Curls in a Bottle

This product is packed with water, hydroethylcellulose, agave nectar, propylene glycol (humectant”>, and polysorbate 20 (emulsifier”>. A lightweight solution that controls frizz, adds shine, and is great for all hair types. Your curls, coils, and waves will pop!

Jane Carter Revitalizing Leave-in Conditioner

Purified water, extracts from aloe vera, watercress, myrrh, and panthenol make up a revitalizing leave-in that will protect your strands from heat styling and sun damage. It can be used daily as a hydrator, so just mist in the morning and evening. Great for roller setting too.

Curl Junkie Coffee-Coco Curl Creme

Distilled water, fatty alcohols, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, and vegetable glycerin come together to create a superior moisturizing leave-in with the hold of a light styling gel. Add weight to your curls without flaking and buildup.

AG Hair Cosmetics Fast Food 

Water, behentrimonium methosulfate (mild detangler”>, fatty alcohols, amodimethicone (silicone”> and cetrimonium chloride (emulsifying or conditioning agents”> create a nourishing moisturizing leave-in conditioner to restore your dull, lifeless strands. Ultra-light formula helps prevent split ends and adds shine and vitality.

“Mielle

Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner

This thick, sweet-smelling formula was the 2018 Editor’s Choice leave-in conditioner for type 3 hair. Besides ensuring softness and locking in moisture, this product fights frizz by smoothing down the cuticle of each strand of hair, making it ideal for tighter curl patterns.

LuvNaturals Love Me & Leave-In Conditioner

Slippery elm juice, fragaria vesca distillate (strawberry fruit essence”>, behentrimonium methosulfate (detangler”>, fatty alcohol, and slippery elm extract bring love to your tresses by releasing knots, tangles, and shed hairs. It is pH balanced to help cuticles lay flat while sealing in moisture and adding shine.

Living Proof No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner 

Water, emulsifying wax NF, polyfluoroester, ethoxydiglycol oleate (emollient”>, and behentrimonium methosulfate (detangler”> make up revolutionary hydrating treatment that has new anti-frizz technology. Here is an intensively moisturizing formula that restores your thirsty curls and creates an invisible shield onto your hair to lock in moisture-proof smoothness.

SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-In Detangler

This is the 2018 Editor’s Choice leave-in for type 3c hair. Detangle protect & control frizz with this lightweight milky leave-in treatment that softens hair and improves styling manageability without leaving behind product buildup. This restorative formula rehydrates hair detangles and acts as a barrier against heat while reducing frizz.

Giovanni Direct Leave-In 

With water, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, rosemary oil, nettle, and thyme extract, this leave-in will restore the strength and luster back into your tresses. Gain nourishment and moisture, as this builds body back into your hair and works wonders for tangles.

“Camille

Camille Rose Naturals Fresh Curls Fresh Curl Revitalizing Hair Smoother

With a light blend of fruits and oils, this product is a perfect nourisher for after wash day. It can also be applied as a daily refresher to activate sleepy curls on day 2, 3, and etc. The natural ingredients such as avocado oil, castor oil, peach, and guava in this formula promise to keep hair detangled and fresh all week long.

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist

This mist is the 2018 Editor’s Chouce leave-in for type 4 hair. It is a special blend of nourishing silk protein hydrating coconut & neem oils that restore moisture & body while providing curl control for bouncy healthy curls. The coconut oil hydrates and protects hair while reducing breakage and the silk protein smoothes hair for a soft silky feel.

Neutrogena Triple Silk Touch Leave-In Cream 

Water, cyclopentasiloxane (provides slip”>, dimethicone (silicone”>, behenyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, and glycerin bring softness to your tresses in this silk touch leave-in. Gain exceptional manageability with UV filters.

Silk Elements MegaSilk Leave-In Hair Moisturizing Crème 

Gain moisture in this little jar with the water, fatty alcohol, coconut oil, cyclopentasiloxane (provides slip”>, and cetyl esters (lubricant”>. It helps to restore your hair’s natural moisture and balance.

Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner 

Water, glycerin, fatty alcohols, and dimethoicone (silicone”> are the first five ingredients in this lightweight hydrating leave-in. Awesome as a daily conditioner (if you like cones”> and perfect for a styling product.

This article was originally published in 2017 and has been updated in to reflect newly released products and the 2018 Editors’ Choice Award winners.

Best Hairstyles and Products for Type 3 Curly Hair
By Sabrina Perkins ·
“type

PICTURED: MICHELLE (3B”>, JAMIE (3A”>, AND FRAN (3A & 3B”>

Knowing your curl pattern yields insight into hair styling techniques and styling products. If you don’t know your curl pattern yet, take the quiz! And if you have already figured out that you are a Type 3 Curly, here are your next steps to healthy hair.

What is Type 3 hair?

Type 3 curlies are what we would call curly to tight curly. This category tends to be the most defined while also being susceptible to frizz depending on the weather. 3a curlies have a loopy “S” curls that are big and loose. 3B curlies tend to have springier curls that range from ringlets to corkscrews. They also have shrinkage and tend to have a coarser texture. 3C curlies are a combination of curly and coily strands that are tightly coiled and experience the most shrinkage out of the three. They are usually very dense strands and their coils are voluminous and tight.

Porosity & Width

Curl pattern is one part of your hair type, hair porosity and width are two others that will be extremely helpful in learning how to maintain healthy hair. Hair porosity is your hair’s level of ability to retain moisture. There are low, medium, and high porosity levels with either end of the spectrum having their own issues with absorbing or retaining moisture. Hair width refers to the diameter of the individual strands. They can be fine, medium, or coarse, which could aid in styling, especially when it comes to color treating and heat styling. Both factor in for optimal hair health and beauty, but they tend to fall to the wayside of hair typing. The bottom line is there are several dynamics necessary to understand your curls. All require trial and error in product selections, maintenance, hairstyles, color, and cuts, so patience is not only a virtue, it is a necessity for curlies! 

More about porosity: This is Actually More Important Than Your Curl Pattern

More about width: Fine, Normal, and Coarse Hair: Why Width Matters

PICTURED: NIKKI (3C”> AND DEVRI (3C”>

How to Style Type 3 Curls

Not sure what to do with your hair? Here are some styling options.

5 Everyday Hairstyles

From bobby pins to tube socks, AndreasChoice shares her five favorite everyday styles that are easy, breezy, and fun. These go-to styles are quick, frizz friendly, and great for those days when the weather is not cooperating.

Curly Updos w/ Accessories

Curly girls always look great with updos! Whether pining for the perfect wedding look, a night out, or just to run errands, a quick updo will get you on your way to looking fabulous and moving fast. Accessories are key to the sassy updo, so Bianca Renee shows us how to rock several updos that can completely change with your choice of accessories.

A Flawless Wash & Go

The wash and go is one of the most popular, misunderstood, highly beautiful hairstyles for a type 3 curly. There are several ways to achieve a wash and go. Everyone wants to rock one but many steer clear of them because they fear it is only for certain hair types. Not so curlies! Wavies, coilies and curlies alike garner exceptional wash and go styles. BeautyByLee shares her simple and stunning take on the ever popular style.

Halo Updo

Type 3 curlies love to protective style as much as the type 4’s because the object is to protect your strands regardless of your curl, wave, or coil type! The lovely SunKissAlba shares this super easy and elegant halo updo. No braiding or technical hands necessary for this style. If you can twist then you can create this style with ease. All you need are your fingers, your toned arms (there is a ton of twisting”>, and a host of bobby pins (which every curly girl already has”>. This look can be spiced up with flowers, sparkling hair pins, or a headband. Apply a satin or silk scarf at night for the style to keep.

Heatless Waves: Summer Braid Out

Sara or better known as Waterlily716 has gorgeous type 3 curls that shine and radiate healthiness. We love her tutorials and her simple, yet effective tips that allow you to master some really great styles. As I mentioned before, type 3 curlies can rock the very same styles as type 4’s, so sit back and watch a great video on her braid out that’s perfect for the summer!

Type 3 Products

Each year our editors vote on their favorite products for their hair type in the NaturallyCurly Editors’ Choice awards. We give Type 3 and 3C their own categories as there can be a marked difference in the types of products they reach for. The products that perform well on your hair will also be greatly impacted by your porosity, but this list is a good jumping off point if you’re looking for new products. Here are some of our Type 3 and 3c Editors’ Choice winners from over the years, and you can find this year’s full list of Editors’ Choice winners here.

Shampoo

Clarifying Shampoo

Shampoo Bar

Dry Shampoo

Cleansing Conditioner

Daily Conditioner

Leave-in Conditioner

Deep Conditioner

Treatment

Moisturizer

Styling Cream

Styling Gel

Cream Gel

Frizz Fighter

  • TYPE 3c – None

Refresher

Hair Oil

 Share your favorite style and product for Type 3 curls below!

If you don’t know your curl pattern yet, take the quiz!

This article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated due to discontinued products.

45 Head Wrap Styles for the Long, Short, and Loc’d
By Sabrina Perkins ·

Head wraps have really grown in style variety and popularity. There are scarves of countless colors and prints that can be found in. I love how timeless they look, especially in the colder months! It is all about expressing yourself to the world with all eyes on you. Now, there are plenty of styles and tutorials out there, but we have compiled the best of the best that show variety in scarves, styles, creativity, and ease.

4 Quick Head Wrap Styles

Gotta love the basics, and starting with basic head wraps styles that most women wear with a bold flair is The London Curls. She shows us how to master the most popular styles that we see everywhere and wonder, “how the heck did she do that?” She shares perfect protective styles like the vintage bow, the faux sleek bun, and the Nefertiti inspired braided turban along with more that will get you ready for any day of the week.

10 Different Ways

Nadira037 creates ten looks will have everyone thinking it took hours to master. Proper placement is essential for the look. Gorgeous for special occasions and each look can dress up or dress down for any style.

Nefertiti Head Wrap

Everyone loves this style. Chrissiethecreator takes her time showing you how she molds this signature look. Love the body of this look? Well, the secret is the underscarf! A what? An underscarf will give you the body and shape of this amazing look. It just makes sense and when you see the finished product, you know why it is necessary and brings the look together. Great for shorter hair although can be done on longer hair too. Sheer perfection!

12 Styles, 7 Minutes

12, yes 12 head wraps that are so funky and fun. MOAMNETWORK never disappoints with her styles. She’s got styles that are perfect for all hair lengths. You will walk away with at least three or four looks you will be sure to rock this weekend or even today! From vintage to the glam, she makes sure to showcase a style that everyone will appreciate and love.

3 Quick Styles

I like simple. I like quick. I like beautiful and artistic too, so if you are a fan of all of those as well then you are going to love Toni Daley’s amazingly simple, quick, beautiful, and artistic head wrap that will get you out the door, off to class, or even out for the evening within a matter of minutes!

Intricate Wrapunzel Braided Tichel

This tutorial is not for the faint at heart or rather the beginner at head wraps. This intricate and beautifully done head wrap will take some time and skill but Andrea-Yonatan Grinberg walks and talks you through it with ease. The colors, the braids, the simple beauty of them are so unique. You will fall in love immediately with this look. Once you’ve done this you can conquer the world!

8 Easy Head Wraps

DXLYN shares eight  styles that will be favorites, so just sit patiently and learn a few tips before being dazzled with her skills. I am loving her head scarf patterns! Check out Where to Find the Hottest Head Scarves!

3 Scarves, 1 Style

BorderHammer shows us her super chic bohemian wrap. Gotta love her use of prints and how she makes it look so easy to recreate. Want a new look? Look no further than.

Head Wrap for Short Natural Hair

You like the front bun, the back bun, the side bun but your hair is just not quite long enough for proper rocking? No sweat lovelies. Let those tresses grow at its own pace and take a gander at what Curlisle has got to offer you. She has several styles that will compliment any look, whether you are going to work, the grocery store, or out on a date. 

Loc Head Wrap

Got locs? Got long, unapologetically gorgeous locs? Well, then you are in need of this video that I Mina shares on how to get them super high in a head wrap like a pro. Her hair is amazing and beautiful and there is so much of it so she shares the perfect way to get them up and out of the way in a stylish head wrap perfect for any occasion you have planned. I love the finished look and you will too.

Easy Turban

You all know I love the quick, ultra easy styles, so I had to share Mlle. CafeAuLait’s easy scarf turban style that is great for those days getting kind of close to (or past”> wash day. Got a long, rectangular scarf? You are already ready for this simple look. Create a faux bun and your hair is completely covered and you are ready for your accessories and getting out the door!

What’s your favorite head wrap style?  

Read next

25 Magical Photos That Will Make You Want to Wear a Head Wrap The History of Headwraps: Then, There, and Now 3 NaturallyCurly Editors Show 3 Ways to Style a Headwrap
7 Butters for Your Softest Hair Ever
By Sabrina Perkins ·
Natural butters are universal in their abilities to better the health of our natural hair; they also have their own unique properties that give them varied assets. One of those properties is their fatty acids. Fatty acids are molecules that consist of long chains of lipid-carboxylic acids that can be found in fats, oils, and cell membranes. They come from animal and vegetable fats and oils and are created when fats are broken down. They are major sources of energy and most diets contain a great deal of them. Fatty acids are made up of good fats and are significant for our bodies. We love butters and one of the reasons is for their fatty acids but do you know what each fatty acid brings to your favorite butter? Shea, Tucuma, Mango, Kokum, Murumuru, Ucuuba, and Cocoa butter are the most popular natural butters we seem to never get enough of. This is what each of them can do for you.

The Benefits of Soybean Oil for Your Hair
By Sabrina Perkins ·
“soybean

Photo by Amarita — Getty Images

The soybean or Glycine max is an annual herbaceous plant in the legume or bean family. It originated from southeastern Asia and was domesticated more than 3,000 years ago. This highly popular plant has edible seeds and is now one of the world’s most important legume crops. It is grown in diverse climates worldwide and has been a dietary staple in Asian countries for at least 5,000 years. With it being the most widely used vegetable oil in the world it is highly cultivated and utilized. 

Its physical properties are one of the reasons it is a favorite oil to use alone or in an oil blend. It has a light color with a mild flavor. When used with other oils it will not negate those oil flavors, aroma, or texture. Widely used and commonly called vegetable oil, soybean oil is inexpensive, has a high smoke point, and an abundance of good fatty acids.

“soybean

Benefits of soybean oil for your hair

There may be controversy on whether to consume soybeans in all its various forms, but there is nothing but good things to say about applying the oil to your hair. Soybean oil’s main asset to hair is moisture retention. This carrier oil is full of good fatty acids, manganese, and vitamins. As if that is not good enough, the lipids in the oil helps hair treatments to absorb better into your hair. A non-greasy carrier oil that will improve moisture retention and shine. Only a dab is needed so it will last a long time and is great for all hair types.

There is a high vitamin E content in soybean oil so it will fight off free radicals while also being a helpful antioxidant for the scalp. This non-greasy oil is great for sealing your hair and ends and for usage as a base oil for essential oils. Soybean oil is great as a hot oil treatment, pre-poo, and adding to conditioners. Simply warm up 1/3 cup of soybean oil and apply to hair and scalp evenly. To use as an oil rinse, cover with a plastic cap, leave in for 30 min., and then rinse out with warm water. Shampooing is not necessary. You can also use soybean oil in your LOC or LCO method to combat dry hair.

We have a few products that use the moisturizing oil to help retain moisture in your hair.

Products with soybean oil

12 Best Hair Dryers for Every Budget
By Sabrina Perkins ·

You may think that once you’ve tried one hair dryer, you’ve tried them all. But you’d be surprised by the variation among this common hair styling tool. Whether you’re looking for a drugstore find at a low price, a specialized diffuser for curly hair, or high end a tourmaline ionic ceramic tool, this list will show you how to stretch your dollar and still look like a diva – without damaging the health of your hair. Here are the best blow dryers we found from $16 to $500 and everything in between.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published and has been updated due to discontinued products and reader feedback.

12 Best Hair Dryers

Benefits of Macadamia Oil for Your Hair
By Sabrina Perkins ·
“macadamia

Getty Images

Macadamia oil is cold pressed from the nuts of the macadamia nut tree, which is predominately found in Hawaii where the nut is actually allowed to fall from the tree and then husked.  The oil is a pale yellow, almost colorless, refined vegetable oil that is light, non-greasy and easily absorbed into the skin and hair shaft. It has a slight nutty flavor and is one of the highest sources of essential fatty acids. 

According to the USDA nutrient database, macadamia nut oil has calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium, and even copper. As for fatty acids, it contains high concentrations of palmitic, stearic, palmitoleic, oleic, and linoleic with palmitoleic and oleic acids. What does this laundry list of components add up to? It totals a favorite oil for skin and hair because of its high fatty acid and nutrient composition.

Read more: You Need These Good Fats for Healthy Hair

How does macadamia oil help your hair and scalp?

Macadamia oil is used in cosmetics and skin care because it is nutritive, reconstructive, and hydrating. Squalene is a naturally occurring antioxidant in Macadamia oil that helps to reduce the oxidative stress on our skin and scalp by preventing loss of moisture. The fatty acid content is the real winner for skin and hair. Those fatty acids help to add shine, strengthen, and nourish the hair follicles, which in turn fight off hair loss and brittle strands.

Read more: 4 Acids That are Great for Your Hair

Macadamia oil is great for calming the hair of frizz, tangles, and dullness. This lightweight, non-greasy nutty oil adds shine and vitality to your strands while coating your ends and keeping your scalp moisturized. An overall beauty oil for scalp, skin and hair, macadamia oil has been a staple for years because it can produce positive results. From hot oil treatments to scalp massages, this oil is here to stay as a favorite with its potent composition and lightweight nature.

Beauty and hair brands have been loving and utilizing the powers of this natural oil for years. Several curly, coily, and wavy girl friendly products have macadamia oil in their ingredient list to help moisturize, add shine, and healthier strands. There are a lot of products with macadamia emblazoned on the front of their packaging, but I’ve specifically chosen the products that contain macadamia oil in its top six ingredients on the label. Read here to see why the top six are so important.

Products with macadamia nut oil

DIY your own macadamia mix

Here are a couple of hair recipes using macadamia nut oil for our DIY curlies.

Macadamia Oil + Tea Tree Oil + Aloe Deep Repair Hair Mask
  • ¼ cup of macadamia oil
  • Drop (or two”> of tea tree oil
  • Drop (or two”> of aloe vera gel

Mix ingredients in a ramekin and apply to cleansed and towel dried hair. Pour in the palm of your hand and rub to hands together to warm slightly. Apply to hair making sure to coat all strands and either use fingers or a wide-tooth comb to fully distribute throughout hair. Leave on (under a plastic cap is optional”> for 15 min. and then rinse with warm water before styling as usual.

Macadamia + Avocado conditioner for dry hair
  • 1 tbsp. macadamia oil
  • 2 peeled avocados
  • ½ tsp. favorite oil (fragrance”>
  • Blender

Place avocados, macadamia oil, and your favorite oil into blender and blend until mixture is uniform.  Apply to wet but not cleansed hair and rub mixture into scalp and strands. Use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to ensure mixture is evenly distributed. Leave in for 15-30 min. before washing with shampoo and styling as usual.

Have you tried macadamia nut oil?

If You Want Your Edges Back, Stop Doing This
By Sabrina Perkins ·

Any woman can experience thinning, breaking, or balding edges. It is not just women who are relaxed, wear weave, or are older. There are numerous reasons why your hairline can thin. Hair loss is not confined to men; women actually make up 40% of Americans suffering from hair loss, according to American Hair Loss. Thinning edges can be upsetting and embarrassing, and many of us are haunted by pictures of super models with bare edges. So it is no wonder so many women are desperate for answers.

The Causes of Thinning Edges

Prevention attributes the main causes of hair loss to pregnancy, postpartum, drastic weight loss, stress, hereditary, hypothyroidism, chronic illnesses like lupus, iron deficiency anemia, hormone imbalances like polycystic ovarian syndrome, scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and excessive tight styling.

Many women, whether natural or relaxed, are experiencing thinning edges due to excessive styling and/or bad styling habits. First off, do not feel like you are alone. This can happen to anyone and may happen regardless of doing everything right. Sometimes we see the problem occurring before it gets too bad and we curtail whatever the problem is.

Do not make the problem worse!

I must start off with this because I know this can be an embarrassing situation to find yourself in – everyone can see when you have thinning edges if you do not cover it up. Well, covering it up may worsen the thinning, so forget the embarrassment and concentrate on regrowing your edges rather than hiding the problem. You are not the first person with this problem and unfortunately you will not be the last.

Start:

Scalp massages

Scalp massages stimulate the skin and encourage the blood vessels to increase blood flow and boost circulation to the scalp and hair follicles. This increased circulation brings more nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles and may aid in hair growth. Which oils to use is less important than the actual act of massaging, and this can be done without oil, as the purpose is to encourage circulation.

Scalp stimulating oils and treatments

Rubbing the thinning areas with oil or oil mixture treatments can also aid in re-growing hair in those areas. These treatments will reduce the damage on your edges by repairing the follicles and encourage hair growth. According to Livestrong, rubbing your scalp with vitamin E is a great way to stimulate growth.

There are other ways to repair your edges with essential oil, carrier oils, and protein treatments. “Try a light protein treatment mixed with moisturizer and massage it into your scalp to stimulate the growth,” says celebrity hairstylist and SheaMoisture Beauty Ambassador Diane C. Bailey. “The SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque is great. You can warm it up a little bit and massage it into your scalp. Also, black castor oil is an emollient that coats the hair and scalp and it has vitamin E which helps to replenish the skin.”

Use healthy or natural products around or near your hairline

Try and keep facial cleansers, moisturizers and makeup away from your hairline, as they may cause more damage to the fragile area you are trying to regrow hair. Some acne treatments advise not applying the product to your hairline so check the back of the bottle.

Take hair supplements (consult a physician”>

At the very least a daily multi-vitamin will aid in hair growth, but many swear by taking hair, skin, and nail vitamins or biotin.  There is no supplement that will give you instant hair growth but many have claimed hair vitamins or biotin will encourage hair growth. Wondering if biotin and castor oil really work? Read what Sister Scientist has to say. Always consult your primary care physician before trying a new supplement and increase your water intake to combat a potential increase in acne.

Sleeping on a satin pillowcase

Start sleeping on a satin pillowcase instead of a cotton one because the cotton pillowcase will absorb the natural oils and moisture right out of your hair. The friction between your hair and cotton pillowcase can lead to breakage. Your edges need those oils and moisture when they are thinning, so pamper them with the right nighttime treatments.

Stop:

Wearing tight and/or protective styles

It very well may have been these styles like braids,weaves or even tight ponytails that caused this problem. Of course we want our style to last (especially if we spent a ton of money on the installation”>, but the tighter the style, the more tension you are applying to your scalp and those fragile edges cannot tolerate it. Face the facts: you know when the style is too tight and often overlook it when trying to regrow your edges.

Using glues, adhesives, or wig caps

These glues, adhesives, and wig caps are not allowing your scalp to breathe, and yes it needs air! Some women are even experiencing allergic reactions to the glues and adhesives, which do not always appear immediately. If you are trying to regrow your edges, I suggest you steer clear of them.

Wearing tight satin caps with non-satin borders

If your satin bonnet or cap is too tight or is not satin around the edge you are doing more harm than good. Just sleep on the satin pillowcase or wear the satin bonnet inside out to keep your edges from rubbing against thread from the bonnet. Bonnets or caps that are too tight around your edges are not a good idea either for obvious reasons.

No brushes, no edge control

Back away from the brush, gels for your edges, or accentuating baby hair. Keep the baby hair for your baby and leave your edges alone.

If you’re experiencing hair loss or thinning and in need of more resources, check out the following articles:

Look for these Anti-Hair Loss Ingredients in Your Products

Learn more on What You Need to Know About Temporary and Permanent Hair Loss

Have your tried this? Use Ginger for Your Thinning Edges

Top 30 Sulfate-Free Shampoos
By Sabrina Perkins ·

Many curlies and coilies tend to steer clear of sulfates or a specific classification of foaming agents, which are also known as surfactants. They are the main components within most shampoos (besides water”> and they actually cleanse the hair. They are great at removing dirt and toxins, but they are extremely drying especially to naturals and curlies. The bottom line is they tend to be too harsh on curly, coily, and wavy hair. They strip the hair of its natural oils and can create a mass of tangles, and we all know our hair needs those oils.

Many naturals and curlies have put down the shampoo all together (like for the Curly Girl Method”>, but there are so many sulfate-free shampoos available that the use of shampoo does not have to be discontinued. Here are our Top 30 sulfate free shampoos for gentle cleansing!

“30SulfateFreeShampoos”

1. AG Hair Care Curl Revive Sulfate-Free Hydrating Shampoo

Cleansing and hydrating hair without stripping it of natural oils is hard to do but with C3 complex, AG Hair will do just that. Stimulating hair from the exterior to deeply penetrate the interior, this lavish shampoo is here to change how you wash your hair forever.

2. ApHogee Keratin & Green Tea Shampoo

ApHogee’s protein blend repairs minor damage and imparts body, while the Green Tea Extract and their exclusive PropHytamine Complex enlivens hair and soothes the scalp.

3. Briogeo Rosarco Reparative Shampoo

This creamy shampoo contains a unique complex of nutrient-rich argan, rosehip, and coconut oils for superior nourishment and repair. Coconut-derived cleansers, not sulfates, cleanse the hair without stripping it of its natural oils.

4.Carol’s Daughter Rhassoul Clay Sulfate-Free Shampoo

“This balancing cleanser is made to gently draw out sweat and impurities, without stripping your hair’s natural moisture—so managing your daily to-do list is a breeze.”-Carol’s Daughter

5. Curl Girl Clean Curls Sulfate Free Moisturizing Shampoo

“Clean Curls Moisturizing Shampoo gives your curls exactly what they need. Pumped up with a luxurious Brazilian blend of Shea Butter, Tea Tree, Babassu and Pumpkin Seed oils to quench the thirst of needy curls.”-Curl Girl

6. Creme of Nature Sulfate-Free Moisture & Shine Shampoo

This sulfate-free formula hydrates hair and adds Exotic Shine™, while gently cleansing without harsh moisture stripping agents.

7. Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Shampoo

This is the perfect cleanser for hair that is lacking strength and moisture and the combination of avocado and almond allows hair to be moisturized while cleansing and detangling knotted hair strands.

8. The Doux Sucka Free Moisturizing Shampoo

Safe for color-treated and chemically treated hair, this moisturizing shampoo also protects hair from heat and sun damage. With the perfect combination of shea butter, sea silk and hibiscus, this salon-quality shampoo will leave your curls feeling clean and soft.

9. EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Moisture Shampoo

This is a sulfate free, mild cleanser that restores moisture to hair. It is made without sulfates and contains no mineral oils, dyes, or parabens, and is cruelty free.

10. Every Strand Argan Oil with Macadamia Hydrating Shampoo

Here is a sulfate free shampoo that is enriched with argan Oil and macadamia oil to both cleanse and hydrate the hair.

11. Flawless by Gabrielle Union Moisturizing Shampoo

This ultra-creamy, sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo can be used to quench rough, thirsty, & dry hair while gently cleansing away product buildup, excess oils and residue in a lather that won’t strip hair of natural oils.

12. Genedor Beauty Superfruit Antioxidant Shampoo

Cleanse hair in a gentle and effective way using this sulfate free shampoo, featuring a nourishing blend of honey, proteins, goji, acai, mulberry, etc,.

13. Girl+Hair Moisturizing Sulfate-Free Cleanser

This gentle cleanser is a sulfate, alcohol and paraben free shampoo created with shea butter to cleanse natural hair underneath hair extensions and deliver ultimate moisture. It includes tea tree,neem oil, & a special revitalizing blend of botanical extracts that invigorate the scalp while washing away build-up.

14. Hairfinity Gentle Cleanse Shampoo

Relax with the scent of sea salt, hibiscus, and essential oils as you gently cleanse, refresh and remove product buildup with this hydrating shampoo that won’t strip hair of it’s natural moisture.

15. Honey Baby Naturals Honeychild Shampoo

This sulfate-free shampoo cleanses the hair and scalp while protecting and restoring the natural moisture balance.

16. Jane Carter Solution Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo

Jane Carter’s hydrating shampoo infuses moisture while cleansing your scalp. This sulfate-free shampoo uses humectants that help your hair hold more moisture with an added hint of peppermint to wake up your scalp.

17. Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo

This exclusive blend of mandarin orange extract will clean your hair and scalp of dulling buildup while sea kelp will help maintain proper moisture balance.

18. Many Ethnicities Invigorating Shampoo

Utilizing a unique combination of hydrolyzed pea protein, proprietary and sulfate-free lactylate-blended surfactants, argan oil, avocado oil and algae extract, Many Ethnicities Invigorating Shampoo delivers all of the performance without the use of any sulfates.

19. Mielle Babassu Conditioning Shampoo

Mielle Organics Babassu Conditioning Shampoo is a sulfate-free, color safe cleanser for dry and curly hair types that contains gentle botanically derived surfactants and rich moisturizing agents to soften, moisturize and strengthen the hair.

20. Mixed Chicks Sulfate Free Shampoo

Mixed Chicks Sulfate Free Shampoo cleanses hair without stripping or removing your natural oils.

21. OBIA Naturals Coconut Shea Shampoo Bar

This intensely moisturizing shampoo will leave your hair soft, conditioned, and hydrated. Shea butter deeply moisturizes hair and scalp, while coconut oil protects hair from heat and chemical damage.

22. ORS Curls Unleashed Rosemary & Coconut Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Rosemary & Coconut Sulfate-Free Shampoo is the ultimate shampoo experience and features lemon balm, rosemary and hops to deep clean the hair.

23. SASHAPURE Healing Shampoo

An optimal blend of hand‐picked, certified organic, wild‐crafted ingredients restores hair’s strength and elasticity for miraculous shine and smoother, healthier, more resilient hair.

24. SheaMoisture Baobab & Tea Tree Oils Low Porosity Protein-Free Shampoo

Infused with fast-absorbing Baobab and Tea Tree Oils & enriched with certified organic shea butter to boost scalp health and deliver nourishing hydration beyond the outer cuticle layer, this sulfate free shampoo is perfect for cleansing low-porosity hair.

25. SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Shampoo

This rich shampoo cleanses and hydrates hair weightlessly & has certified organic shea butter and coconut water blended with a fusion of dragon rruit, lychee berry and green apple extracts to nourish and energize lifeless hair.

26. tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo

This unique formula is enriched with aloe vera to gently cleanse your hair without stripping your strands of their natural oils, and Pro Vitamin B5 to reduce breakage and increase moisture retention.

27. Noughty Hair Care to the Rescue Shampoo

Fortified with 97% natural ingredients, To The Rescue Shampoo cleanses and moisturizes hair to fix damage caused by a plethora of hair styling techniques and treatments. Its silicone-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free formula revives hair without additional damage.

28. TRUE by Made Beautiful Moisturizing Shampoo

This gentle cleanser nourishes, replenishes moisture and provides true hydration leaving hair soft and manageable. Free of sulfates and parabens, shea butter and coconut penetrates hair to nourish & a unique blend of honey and mango provide ultimate moisture.

29. Twisted Sista Luxurious Clarifying Shampoo

It works to provide clean hair and scalp without over-drying or stripping hair of its natural moisture. Avocado, Coconut, and Almond Oils add moisture and hydration to your natural texture.

30. U R Curly Soya Shampoo

Whether you wear your hair long or short, the friendly ingredients found within this weightless shampoo, will clean and moisturize your hair leaving it smooth and soft to the touch.

This article was originally published in 2014 and has been updated based on reader feedback.

You Asked For It, 15 Dominican Products You Should Try Right Now
By Sabrina Perkins ·

To say Dominican products are popular is a gross understatement. We know you are excited about them because you asked for more recommendations and you love their unique quality that other products just don’t measure up to. What is the bottom line? Dominican women are the stress test for hair products because they are of African, European, Spanish, and indigenous ancestry all in different proportions and combinations. When you couple that with a tropical paradise that gets extremely hot, you have to master hair care to keep your tresses amazing. 

They have perfected hair care techniques and products over hundreds of years by using the natural ingredients in their country like avocado, cinnamon, coconut, oregano, and rosemary.  Their products were created to satisfy the diverse needs for textured hair. Their shampoos, rinses, and emergency repair treatments are all formulated without the harsh chemicals that can harm their hair. These products are perfect for curlies and that means we had to share 15 that can do wonders for your curls, coils, and waves.

“crece

Shampoos

Apretol Shampoo Canela y Romero

This cinnamon and rosemary shampoo helps to strengthen your strands while cleanly deeply in your hair, scalp, and pores. It is made with panthenol, vitamins A and B5, natural proteins, cinnamon, and rosemary extract.

Silicon Mix Hair Shampoo Hidratante 

Strengthen your hair while you cleanse. This Dominican shampoo is formulated for dry and damaged strands, as it contains keratin to strengthen and ceramides to soften. The silicones help to detangle and the conditioning agents protect and replenish your hair’s natural moisture.

Crece Pelo Shampoo Fitoterapeutico Natural 

Gain capillary growth with the natural plants in this innovative formulated shampoo. 100% active natural extracts that enhances your hair’s health, shine, and softness.

“dominican

Conditioners

Star Lacio Lacio High Shine Leave-in Hair Conditioner 

If extra shine is your goal, then this concentrated silk protein conditioner is your go to. Gain shine, softness, and revive your over processed, porous, or dry strands. It is an intensive hair treatment that claims to restore split ends.

Dominican Hair Product Naturals Key Aloe Vera and Avocado Treatment Conditioner 

This leave-in conditioner will strengthen, smooth, and detangle your strands with the remarkable wonders of aloe vera and avocado. It fights frizz and formulated for heat styling.

Dominican Magic Hair Follicle Anti-Aging Conditioner 

Made with botanicals that concentrate on repair, this anti-aging conditioner will condition your dry, over-processed and color-treated strands. This conditioner utilizes the power of coconut, rosemary, aloe vera, and jojoba for restoration and preventing premature hair loss.

Dominican Magic Deep Fortifying Conditioner 

This conditioner is prepared with natural extracts from fruits, plants, and vegetables so their essential nutrients and vitamins to pummel your hair’s dry, damaged, color-treated, and over-processed areas.  This conditioner will revert your limp, dry, or even oily hair back to its natural healthy state.

Hair Treatments

Halka  Baba de Caracol Intensive Treatment 

With the gift of snail slime, this intensive hair treatment will strengthen and protect your hair from the harmful UV rays. It will repair and improve the appearance of your hair and it has an intoxicating smell.

Toque Magico Emergencia – Deep Intensive Hair Treatment 

Lost your hair’s shine? Well, get it back with the power of this deep intensive hair treatment that restores your hair’s health that has been robbed by chemical processing like color and straighteners. Formulated with vitamins, minerals, proteins, and oils to assure maximum results.

La Plancha Deep Heat Leave-In 

Straighten your hair the right way. This leave-in conditioner provides full protection so your hair retains its luster and moisture during the heating process and not at the expense of your tresses. Get ultra-smooth and hydrated straight styles with this formula specifically created for ceramic irons.

Dominican Hair Product Placenta de Ovejo 

This product uses the power of the placenta.Sheep placenta actually or more accurately put, purified hormone-free sheep placenta. This is formulated with quaternized panthenol and other highly concentrated nutrients in this formula that will leave your hair completely restored, conditioned, and with exceptional softness and shine.

Silicon Mix Intensive Hair Deep Treatment 

If you are not afraid of mineral oil then you will love this intensive hair treatment that restores the health of your hair while adding shine and softness. Great for damaged and weak hair and hugely popular in Dominican homes.

Silicon Mix Bambu Nutritive Hair Treatment

Bamboo extract is the powerhouse in this hair treatment that has vitamins A, E, F, and H. Nourish and regenerate your strands with a touch of silicone for smoothness and adding a shiny finish. The bamboo extract will prevent split ends and hair breakage.

Crecepelo Tratamiento Fitoterapeutico Natural 

This is a treatment for capillary growth with natural plants and an innovative formula that claims 100% natural extracts. Its nutrients bring shine, health, beauty, and flexibility to your hair while encouraging your hair’s growth.

Crece Pelo Capillary Hair Growth Natural Dropper

A favorite and for good reason, as this extra deep conditioning repairer protects and strengthens the hair strands while preventing hair loss. The natural elements in the formula stimulate hair growth.

Which are your favorites?

This article was originally published in 2015 and has been updated for relevance and clarity.
This Is Why Your Hair Feels Dry (Even When You Moisturize Daily)
By Sabrina Perkins ·
Keeping hair moisturized every single day can be challenging. As we see our summer fade away and fall take over, the moisture challenge may become greater due to the change in temperature. Outside of changing products for each new season, there are other ways to keep hair fully moisturized and healthy year-round. NaturallyCurly reader Mkd94 went to Curly Q&A to ask for help with keeping her hair moisturized as she transitions. 

Question

Why does my hair still feel dry after moisturizing daily?

I’ve been transitioning for a little over a year. Every time I wash, condition and moisturize my hair I notice that it still feels dry. I use water every day to moisturize my hair and either coconut or olive oil to seal.

Answer

There can be a few reasons as to why your hair remains dry even though you moisturize daily. Here are a few reasons you are experiencing dryness and how to fix it.

Are you deep conditioning?

You did not specify if you were using a deep conditioner on wash day and that can be a simple fix to a recurring problem. Deep conditioners fortify the hair with moisture or protein by penetrating the hair shaft. Many experiencing dry hair regularly may just be in need of a deep conditioning treatment, and the best way to stave off dryness and damage is to deep condition on every wash day.

It may be time to clarify

Often when we feel our hair is coated, dull, or just not feeling moisturized, it has to do with product buildup that needs to be removed. While we may be washing diligently weekly or whenever needed, if you are not using a clarifying shampoo from time to time, you may be creating the problem. A clarifying shampoo will remove all the pollutants, dirt, and products that often get left behind with just a shampoo or cleansing conditioner. Many ingredients like silicones or heavier oils will just sit on the hair, and if not removed, all your efforts of moisturizing will be in vain.

It may be time to try new products

I know you love water and coconut oil, but your hair may need more moisture. Products for curly hair should maintain and impart moisture on and between wash days. Their formulas contain herbal mixes, butters, and oils that not only help with hydration, but will also tame frizz and seal in the moisture. Oyin Hair Dew Daily Hair Quenching Lotion works great for refreshing my coils. Check out the 7 Best Moisturizers for Fine Curly Hair and The 15 Best Moisturizing Products for Coarse, Dry Hair.

Does your washday need tweaking?

Wash day is essential to combatting dryness. Make sure to fully detangle your hair before or after you cleanse. Cleanse to thoroughly remove all the buildup, deep condition, and apply your styler. Take your time on wash day and know that if some products are not working, it may be time to try others.

LOC or LCO method?

Something as simple as how you layer your products can be the cause for not giving your hair the required moisture you feel it needs. Many opt for the LOC (liquid+oil+cream”> method to moisturize, but there is also the LCO method that many prefer. Honestly, either method is moisturizing as long as water is applied first. Try both methods to determine which one you prefer and that may offer some help.

How do you combat unrelenting dryness?

10 Loc Myths You Probably Fell For
By Sabrina Perkins ·

Many forget that locs are a part of the natural hair family. They have been around for thousands of years in African and Asian ethnic groups, and while becoming more popular by the day, they still get neglected. Many have little to no knowledge about locs and hold onto outdated and ignorant perceptions of them. There seems to be incorrect information surrounding their maintenance and the only way to dispel myths is to give clear, accurate knowledge. To shed some light on the top ten myths surrounding loc maintenance, I spoke to eight-year veteran loctician, Lawrence at Fly Guys Locs, in Stone Mountain, GA. 

1. Dirt makes your locs grow faster or better

I truly wish this myth would just die! Not washing your locs is the best way to ruin them. Simple truth: if you don’t wash your hair it will stink. Also, clean hair will lock faster than dirty hair, as the conditioners, moisturizers, and buildup can prevent locking.

2. Do not use conditioner

Many feel that using conditioners will make it harder for the hair to lock. Of course this way of thinking makes sense from the first myth, but it doesn’t mean steer clear of all conditioners. Since shampoos lift dirt, toxins, and buildup along with the necessary oils our hair needs, we need to condition the hair to soften and replenish it. Unfortunately, many hairstylists don’t want to add conditioner in fear that it will disturb a style or loosen locs, but conditioner is necessary.

3. Only certain curl patterns can lock

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Fly Guy Locs shared some of the history of locs on how the Scottish, Mongolian, and Egyptians have worn locs for hundreds of years. Although each texture is different and coily curl patterns tend to lock faster, all hair is capable of locking.

4. You can use regular hair grease

There shouldn’t be any bad alcohol-based or petroleum-based products in our hair. According to Fly Guy Locs, “These are dangerous products to put into hair. Petroleum products are not meant for the body…period. Petroleum is basically used to lubricate machinery…It’s like putting saran wrap over your body. Nothing goes in and nothing comes out.”

It seems that many still want a sleek look where hair is laying down and glistening in the sun. Everyone’s hair cannot do this. Using grease and petroleum will only clog up the hair and your scalp, and bad alcohols will strip the outer membranes of the hair.

5. Locs are maintenance free

There is a structure and a foundation to locs and they need steady upkeep just like any hairstyle or texture requires. Your hair should be washed weekly just like your loose natural hair. It’s important to have a nightly routine as you would with loose natural hair. Healthy hair means maintenance and that goes for loose hair and locs.

 

Photo by loctician @brown_eyed_b_

6. Every cosmetologist is a loctician

Fly Guy Locs was quick to say, “Don’t ever go to anyone who cannot tell you what they are doing and why they are doing it. I’ve had people sit in my chair with honey in their hair…super glue in their hair because someone told them it was natural.”

Locticians must inquire about your regimen and lifestyle: diet, water intake, and what products and hair accessories you are using. It makes a world of difference for them properly caring for your locs. If they are not asking then they cannot correctly assess each individual client. Question everything. Everyone needs to be a little more responsible, including the clients so ask questions and know what you are getting yourself into before hiring a loctician. Unfortunately, most of Fly Guy Loc’s work is repair jobs or rehabilitation work rather than starter locs.

7. Expect your locs to be sleek

Locs are not meant to look like straight hair. You should not be going to a loctician weekly getting them retwisted every time you see new growth. You will only end up over twisting and end up with broken off locs. Too much retwisting, especially if the hair is not moisturized, will lead to thinning locs.

8. Reduce frizz with scissors

This is not the way to deal with frizz or new growth. Using scissors to cut frizz only creates thinning in the middle of the loc. You must train your hair or to grow a certain way, and cutting will only alter the consistency of your locs. There are two positive ways to handle frizz:

  • Palm rolling the frizz to train the hair to mend to the loc
  • Take the frizz and wrap it around the loc and allow frizz to mend to the loc

9. There is an ugly stage in locs

Not so if you have a decent stylist who will show you what to do to avoid that so-called ugly stage. If you find you are having a lot of frizz the right stylist will ask you a few questions like: What are you doing at home? How are you sleepy with locs? The two of you will find what’s wrong and fix it. It just takes practice.

10. Locs are highly resilient to anything

Lawrence feels we need to leave it up to the professionals, as many are damaging their tresses expecting to get the color like the model on the box. “10 out of 10 times the model on boxed hair used salon-quality products from a professional,” he says. Sometimes you just need to go to the professional for color to avoid over processing your hair, which then leads to dry and damaged locs.

What loc myths have you heard? How do you care for your locs? 

This article has been updated. 
4 Reasons Slip is EVERYTHING for a Curly Girl
By Sabrina Perkins ·

What is slip?

Slip refers to how lubricated a product makes your hair feel after applying. This term is primarily used to describe hair products (i.e. daily conditioner, deep conditioner, or leave-in conditioner”>, which are usually applied during washing and detangling. The more slip a product has, the easier it is to run your fingers, a wide-tooth comb, or brush through your mane. If you have curly, wavy, or coily hair then you know this to be true because we tend to deal with tangles, snarls, and knots more than our straighter-haired lovelies. 

Why do curly girls love slip?

Our coils bend, curl, and twirl around one another and create knots. You have to manipulate your strands in order to remove these knots and that can create damage from over-manipulation if not done properly. According to The Natural Haven, the way to do that is to coat the trouble spots (knots, snarls, tangles”> with either a hair conditioner that may have oil, silicones, or even mineral oil to help release the knot from your hair. These ingredients reduce the friction and help the tangles to be removed without breakage. Aside from the obvious, slip has even greater ways of helping your hair, routine, and even time-management! Check out the top four reasons why slip is important for the curlier textured divas.

1. Save time on wash day 

Wash days tend to be rather long for those with curlier textures, and when people surpass the TWA (teeny weeny afro”> or shoulder-length stage they begin to notice more fairy knots, tangles, and snarls. It is a pain to deal with on wash day, as you are not just cleansing your strands and scalp but detangling your hair too. Although slip is not essential for a product to be effective at conditioning, I have noticed it can have a noticeable impact on your hair care routine.

Detangling is the act of removing the knots from your curls, and for some it can take hours. That is why so many incorporate pre-pooing and oil rinsing into their regimen because the slip can make the process smoother and quicker. With the right product you find your detangling sessions minimized by anywhere from 25% to 50%. Not sure which ingredients to look for? Read more about Ingredients for the Slip Addicted Naturalista.

2. Cut down on breakage

No one should be tugging at their hair to remove knots and snarls, and if you are not using products with a lot of slip you might find yourself doing just that…tugging. That causes breakage! The best way to deal with a knot is to slather it with some good conditioner and rub the knot between your thumb and index to release it. This will greatly reduce breakage from the tension of detangling and releasing the shed hair from being entwined with the other hair. We all have shed hairs that must be removed and the easiest way to do so without yanking out non-shed hairs is to coat the hair and then comb or brush them out easily.

Related: The Slip Awards: 6 Products with the Best Slip

3. Save products – and money

Natural hair products are not cheap! So you can appreciate saving a penny or two when it comes to your regimen. A great conditioner with amazing slip will not require a generous application. No worries, there are cheaper ones and you do not have to break the bank to have them, but dumping a whole bottle of conditioner on your hair just to get rid of tangles means it does not have enough slip to do the job.

Yes, we will go through tons of conditioner as curlies, but that does not mean you need to go through an entire bottle or even half a bottle during wash day just to detangle. If you are doing so, then it is time to find another product. When you have great slip you use less product and you leave more pennies in your wallet.

4. Unlock your wash and go 

Many naturals steer clear of the wash and go style for fear of the dreaded fairy knots, tangles, and ever-lasting wash days. I am here to tell you that if you have the right products to detangle properly, quickly, and effortlessly, you will be more apt to rock that wash and go, and any hairstyle choose. 

Which product gives you the most slip?

5 Easy Shower Hacks to Help You Lose Less Hair
By Sabrina Perkins ·

Cleaning out the drain is high on the list of worst chores in life. Especially when you have (and lose”> a lot of hair. We like to find small ways to put off this loathsome activity. Most of your hair breakage happens on wash day, so if you want to lose less hair then start with your shower habits.

Get a Shower Mirror

A fog-free shower mirror is a great asset to your hair care shower routine. Most of us have grown up not using one so we manage to care for our hair without it. We fumble around blindly parting our hair and feeling to ensure we have everything out and everything in. It is a pain but it is so much a part of the routine that we do not realize how it can be easier. With a shower mirror that is fog-free you can see your parts. You see if all is rinsed out and all the conditioner is covering all of your head. The parts do not have to be perfect but it is helpful to have some organization so that when you detangle your roots you do not accidentally grab a section that is put away. How does that aid in hair loss? Well, seeing your tangles in the shower and working them through will be easier than the several you missed by the time you got out. If you are like me then you get tired and get to yanking. More sight means more control over working out those tangles.

Rinse with Tea

Tea rinses for hair shedding are becoming increasingly popular as curlies find them easy to create, master, and very beneficial at stopping some hair shedding in its tracks. All you have to do is steep the tea and allow it to cool before pouring over your hair and scalp after cleansing and conditioning your hair in the shower. Then, massage your scalp before continuing your hair routine, as there is no need to rinse it out.

Black tea, made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis bush, is a favorite for tea rinses as it contains more caffeine than a cup of coffee. Caffeine blocks Dihydrotestosterone (DHT”>, which is the hormone responsible for hair loss. Green tea is another popular tea rinse that will stimulate hair growth and there are others teas like chamomile for brightening hair or nettle tea for helping with scalp issues like dandruff and psoriasis. Tea rinses are easy ways to fight off hair shedding or hair loss and even stimulate your hair follicles.

Use Croc Clips

Most of us have parted ways with the rat tail combs but many are still using hair care accessories that are not doing their hair any favors. Scrunchies are out! Rubber bands are out! Even ouchless hair bands are really not that ouchless as I still get hair tangled up in them. The solution? Colortrak Tools The Croc Clips that will not slip, snag, or yank your tresses while you part your hair in the shower.

The Goody Ouchless Flex barrette is my favorite barrette. I have never yanked my hair out with them and they are amazing in the shower. Using the correct tools in the shower will leave little room for yanking out hair and incurring hair loss at your own hands.

Pre-poo

A pre-poo or oil treatment applied to hair prior to shampooing is one of the best ways to decrease hair loss and fight tangles without spending hours at a time in the shower. Wet hair is more elastic than dry hair so it is manipulate it when dry. Yes, the shed hair needs to be removed either way but as most of the tangles or shed hairs are broken down by the oil, you will have less of them to reckon with when your hair is soaking wet and more susceptible to breakage.

Read more: DIY Olive Oil Pre-Poo

Rinse with cool, not hot water

Steamy showers feel oh so good. The steam is great for imparting moisture into our strands but putting hot water on our strands is not doing our curls any favors. The hot water dehydrates your strands just like our skin, and dry brittle hair is more prone to breakage and ultimately hair loss says Dr. Ryan Welter, a hair transplant surgeon in Boston. “Not only are you washing your hair’s protective oils down the drain, but the heat throws your scalp’s pores into overdrive to keep up with oil production, which can damage the root and lead to additional shedding.” You don’t have to take a cold shower, but opt for a warm one and try to rinse your hair with cool water.

How do you prevent breakage in the shower?

Why Slippery Elm Is Your Natural Curl Detangler
By Sabrina Perkins ·

slippery elm

It may have a strange name but it is a powerhouse of goodness and a great natural detangler for your tresses.

What is slippery elm?

Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva“> is a small tree native to eastern Canada and eastern and central United States. Most commonly found in the Appalachian Mountains, it has a reddish brown truck with grayish white bark on the branches. The inner bark is where you will find its medicinal value, which is collected in spring from the bole of larger branches, dried, and powdered.

For centuries Native Americans have used slippery elm as an herbal remedy for wounds, boils, ulcers, burns, and skin inflammations. The University of Maryland Medical Center has also been used orally to relieve coughs, diarrhea, sore throats, and stomach issues. Drugs.com says it was not just used for medicinal purposes by the Native Americans, as it was also useful for building canoes, baskets, and shelter. 

How to buy slippery elm

Slippery elm is made into a powdered bark that’s sold in two forms: a coarse powder for use as poultices and a fine powder for making a mucilaginous drink. The powdered form turns into a very slippery gel when mixed with water to make mucilage. Mucilage is a thick, glutinous substance related to the natural guns and is usually comprised of proteins, polysaccharides, carbohydrates, hexose, pentose, and methylpentose. 

Benefits of slippery elm for hair

  • Calcium help to strengthen the body and hair.
  • Amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, encourage the growth of strong, healthy hair. They create red blood cells, which in turn deliver nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. 
  • Iodine is important in a properly functioning thyroid gland, and an iodine deficiency is a common cause of hair loss among women. According to the University of Michigan Health Systems, hypothyroidism cause by iodine deficiency may result in dry, coarse hair.

This slippery substance is highly effective in hair care, especially for curlies, as it is an amazing natural detangler. With the high content of procyanidins, nutrients, fatty acids (oleic acid and palmitic acid“>, and plant sterols, this wonder is an asset to our tresses. With the aid of water, slippery elm can move between hair fibers, where the slimy consistency makes the strands more slippery. Once in between the hair strands, mucilage temporarily weakens strand cohesion and allows the strands to glide effortlessly pass each other. This allows for easier separation and removal of shed hairs.

How to use slippery elm on hair

Slippery elm is great as a water-based leave-in conditioner, moisturizing hair cream, and a detangling spray. With the procyanidins, slippery elm improves the strength of hair and makes it tensile. The inner bark is great for treating dry, dull, and damaged strands. It is used for removing dandruff, making hair smoother, and adding volume. If you are really into DIY then you would love these recipes below:

Slippery Elm & Marshmallow Root Leave-In For Fine Hair

Combine the distilled water, slippery elm, and marshmallow root, and boil on low to medium heat for 15 min. Allow to cool and strain herbs. Fill 1/3 of spray bottle with distilled water and add strained herb mixture. Add aloe vera gel to the oils and shake well.

DIY Leave-In Detangling Spray with Marshmallow Root & Slippery Elm

Product recommendations

If you’re not the DIY type, you can always purchase ready-made products with slippery elm in it. 

Have you used slippery elm on your hair?

 

This article has been updated.