Search Results: Shannon

10 Almond Oil Products Every Curly Girl Needs to Try

Have you tried any almond oil-infused hair products? You should! 

Why? Because the oil, blended from almonds, is a great substance to use on your hair for manageability and nourishment to the hair and scalp, giving curls a natural shine while strengthening them too. It’s the perfect natural oil for those trying to treat damaged hair. I managed to find a whole bunch of natural hair products that include the magic oil–check out some of my top picks below!

EDEN BodyWorks JojOba Monoi Deep Conditioner

For all hair types, this deep conditioner from the natural beauty brand EDEN BodyWorks has been specially made to strengthen and restore moisture thanks to natural moisturizing oils like monoi, jojoba in addition to sweet almond oil, of course.

Mixed Chicks Sulfate Free Shampoo

Perfect for those with coloured and chemically treated hair, this sulfate-free cleanser is mild and friendly on curly hair! It works for both wavy and curly hair without stripping or drying out the hair thanks to the almond oil, aloe vera and avocado.

TGIN Triple Moisture Replenishing Conditioner

Best for dry and damaged hair, this conditioner is great for smoothing the hair after cleansing, it leaves the hair moisturised and easy to manage ready for styling. The Sweet Almond oil helps with the hydration of this product.

Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Sulfate Free Shampoo

Again a perfect shampoo for more sensitive/damaged hair as it doesn’t strip your hair of its natural oils instead infuses your hair with a moisturising formula of Avocado and Almond oils.

Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter

Voted NC’s Best of the Best for natural curly hair, Camille Rose Naturals use almond oil along with honey, aloe, and green tea to make this twisting butter. It is also useful for braid-outs, and wash-and-go styles, particularly for those with dry, thick, curly, and coily hair.

Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil

Perfect for those with weak hair, this mint and almond-infused oil acts as a protein carrier to seal and lock in moisture within your hair shaft. This product is also a great cocktail for styling and stimulating hair growth.

Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque

A popular product from the Cantu line, this deep treatment masque gives the hair intense moisture and strength which is essential for those suffering from dry hair. It has no mineral oil, sulfate, parabens, silicones, or nasties and includes almond oil for replenishing the hair.

As I Am DoubleButter Cream Rich Daily Moisturizer

A product to be used daily! Sure to bring your hair back to health as it contains the almond oil for rehydration. This product should be scrunched into the hair. Also note that a little goes a long way–you want to avoid using it daily because of how easily it can give you product build-up.

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Grow Loc & Braid Butter

From the popular and effective Jamaican Black Castor oil line which is great for restoring the hair, this product is great for those who wear protective styles frequently and want to keep their real hair tangle-free, smooth, and moisturized thanks to the almond oil. For best results, apply a dime-sized amount and evenly distribute damp or dry hair, also great for massaging into the scalp for relief.

Hask Mint Almond Thickening Conditioner

This product is great for thinner, flat curls as it helps to bring volume and softness thanks to its omega fatty acids, vitamin E, magnesium, and the almond oil for shine and nourishment. Mixing and matching some of the above products will definitely improve your hair and scalp’s health. You can also just buy the 100% natural almond oil and apply some to your hair for treatments and sealing.

DIY hot oil treatment

You can also use almond oil or an oil mixture to do a hot oil treatment! How to do a hot oil treatment:

Do you use almond oil?

Tell us if we’ve missed something!

Like us on Facebook @NaturallyCurly and follow Shannon on Instagram @UKCurlyGirl

8 Gorgeous Springtime Updos for Naturally Curly Hair
Spring is here, which means the flowers are blooming and Easter is on its way. It’s also time for that last minute preparation for the summer holidays–low manipulation is probably a good idea this season as it will help your hair become even stronger and able to withstand the summer humidity.

These updos shared by some of our favorite Instagrammers are the perfect way to slay while giving your curls a bit of a break. Girls, gather your bobby pins!

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@thatdynamitechick

If you are good at twisting and braiding your own hair, this will be a great updo for you to try out! The mixture of textures and sizes of twists & braids creates a pretty and impressive look! You can also decorate the style even more by adding some braid beads.

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@curlsandcouture

This updo adds a twist to your usual Bantu Knots! Instead of creating Bantu Knots all over your head, make two on your crown to leave your hair’s natural texture out in the back. You could even Bantu Knot your whole head and then release the back for an even more defined curl.

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@julzjones

Now this is a good excuse to invest in a quality headwrap! Julz compliments this simple updo with a statement headwrap. If you don’t have bangs, you can create a faux fringe by finger curling or using flexi-rods on the front section of your hair. Simply tie the head wrap around your crown and nape, securing with a knot or bow to your liking.

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A post shared by Ashly (@actually_ashly”> on

@actually_ashly

For an elegant pin-up look, perfect for work or a special occasion, try out a roller set and simply create two twists on one side of the hair, pinning them back to create the illusion of short hair on one side and longer voluminous curls on the other. 

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A post shared by Kienya Booker (@kienyabooker”> on

@kienyabooker

This gorgeous jazzed-up curly bun can be recreated by slicking up your edges and forming a large braid in the middle of your hair surrounded by smaller braids on each side. This updo will make a cute pattern and stand out even more on colored hair.

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A post shared by Kamisha (@dr_kami”> on

@dr_kami

The ultimate updo for those who crave a sleek and textured spring look. You can even add hair to the puffs to make them bigger or thicker for those with shorter thin hair. Make sure to add gel and edge control for the sleekness as this is what makes the pinned-back puffs stand out even more.

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A post shared by Gracie D (@gracied_forever”> on

@gracied_forever

One of the simpler styles on the list but very effective, this top knot is a great style for spring. Use a stretch comb headband to control the back section of the hair, this look is best on shorter hair.

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A post shared by A R I E L (@arielvscupcake_”> on

@arielvscupcake_

The crown braid is such a beautiful updo for all hair types and lengths and can be fun to play around with. Try this style on a blowout for a frizz-free and sleek look. If your hair is shorter, extension hair can be added to the style by attaching to the braid and pinning around the head.

Which updo makes your Easter and springtime list?

Give your curls a break this spring with some of the above styles.

Follow us on Instagram @NaturallyCurly and Shannon @UKcurlygirl

The Soothing Ingredient Natural Hair Brands Can’t Get Enough Of

I first came across aloe vera when beginning my natural hair journey; transitioning affected my scalp a lot during the first few months as I got used to the change in products and routine (on an already sensitive scalp, no less”>. When researching natural remedies that calm an itchy scalp, I came across this ingredient being recommended highly by many and once I tried it, I was hooked. Read on to find out more about the benefits of aloe vera for natural hair.

Aloe vera: the characteristics

You have most likely seen the aloe plant before with its thick leaves and small sharp spikes. Inside the leaves is a gel-like substance that is used in beauty products, juices, and natural medicines. Aloe vera is grown wildly in tropical climates worldwide; its cool consistency is a great survival tool for calming down any skin irritations–hence why aloe vera gels are used to soothe sunburns. Aloe vera juice is also very popular in China as a way to naturally cleanse the body.

For hair growth

You can buy and grow the plant yourself to extract the gel substance, or you can buy the gel and juice in your local health stores.

The main cause of your natural hair not growing is due to the pores and hair follicles on your scalp being clogged by dead skin and product build-up. Aloe Vera contains enzymes that actually remove the dead cells from the scalp allowing for your hair to grow freely! The enzymes also help to give your scalp a boost in stimulation and balance out the hair’s pH to help retain moisture. It’s like a magic natural ingredient for replenishing the scalp!

Aloe vera products for growth

For moisturizing dry hair

Along with scalp repairing enzymes, aloe vera is also packed with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to help nourish the skin and hair. Buying the ingredient in a liquid form is a great way to get moisture into the hair whilst wet. I love using aloe vera as a sealant especially during the summer months!

DIY fans: make your own conditioner by cutting the aloe leaf from the stem upwards and use a spoon to remove all of the gel inside, soften up the gel and simply apply to the length of the hair. Go the extra mile by leaving a thick layer on your hair for 20 minutes under heat, washing your hair afterwards as a pre-wash treatment.

Aloe vera products for moisture

For an irritated scalp

Probably one of the best uses you will get out of aloe vera is its ability to rid the scalp of bacteria, fungus, and irritation. The cooling sensation and moisture of aloe vera can soothe and treat sunburn and dry skin on the scalp. Simply massage the gel or liquid form directly onto the scalp before washing or throughout the day when you feel any irritation.

Aloe vera products for the scalp

For natural hairstyles

Aloe vera can be used as a styling product to add shine to the hair once conditioned. I like to seal after a wash-and-go with aloe vera in the summer to protect and add a glisten to my curls! You can also use the gel form for definition, but test if it will works better alone or cocktailed with your favorite leave-in/styler. The ingredient works great as a detangler, thanks to its liquid texture you can mix it well with water and oils, apply some of the Aloe juice in a spray bottle and spritz the hair section by section before detangling.

Aloe vera products for styling

How do you use aloe vera?

Read The Science of Aloe Vera Gel

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Follow Shannon on Instagram @

Where to Get Your Afro Textured Hair Braided in London

Last week I got box braids installed for the first time ever. The style is one I have been wanting for over a year now, especially after seeing so many beautiful naturalistas with them like my girl crush Zoe Kravitz in the film Dope… *heart eyes*.

However, finding someone you can trust with your hair can also be a struggle in order to achieve exactly what we are looking for.

Thanks to my social media following, I managed to find a great London-area hair braider through a post asking my followers for recommendations for stylists and braiders who can install a protective style for you this winter, including faux locs, crochet braids, box braids, twists, and more.

Remember that you will typically spend hours with whomever is doing your hair–my install took six. Many of these braiders offer services in their homes too, so do your research and speak to them about their experience before scheduling your appointment.

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Radiant Salon London (@radiantlondonsalon“>

Radiant Salon is a very popular salon for afro-textured hair in South London. Radiant is highly recommended and trusted when it comes to protective styles like braids and weaves. View their services menu here.

Boombastic Braids (@boombasticbraids“>

Boombastic Braids is an affordable braid stylist who comes to your door with hair included to save you the additional trouble.

NiaKnowsHair @niaknowshair

NiaKnowsHair is an amazing naturalista turned blogger who has caught the eye of thousands with her amazing protective style crochet braids tutorials on Instagram and YouTube.

Devine Rootz (@devinerootz“>

You will find braids on braids on this North London-based salon’s Instagram page, which doubles for inspiration when choosing a winter style for your curls. Visit the salon website here for prices.

Silonesensei (@silonesensei“>

My amazing braider shares before and after pictures and posts video clips of the process after all of her client’s appointments.

Hair by Ebony B (@hairbyebonyb“>

Hair by Ebony B is a salon based in the north of London and specializing in all types of braids, twists and locs for special occasions. View their price list here.

Joy Darling (@joydarlinginnit“>

Joy Darling is an independent braider and stylist specializing in all hair types, Joy is not afraid to experiment with styles and color. Bring in pictures of your inspiration and she will make it happen.

Where to find a hair braider who specializes in Afro-textured hair

Use our Salon Finder and enter your city to find salons and stylists reviewed by fellow NaturallyCurly community members. Here’s a list of salons in London. You can also visit NoScrunchie.com which is a directory of salons/stylists in the UK! Just search for braids and your location and you will receive a bunch of choices catered to you.

Do you have any suggestions? Leave them in the comments below for others in the NaturallyCurly community to find!

Follow me on Instagram @UKCurlyGirl and read where to get a curly haircut in London here.

Are You Following This UK Curly Instagrammer Yet?

Shoutout to all the curlies from the United Kingdom representing on Instagram!

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Are you following one of these beauties yet?

@UKCurlyGirl

Shannon has proved to be a big inspiration to transitioning curly girls who yearned to go from damaged to healthy hair thanks to her many tutorial and advice videos. Shannon truly wants you to embrace your real curls through their ups and downs.

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A photo posted by Davina (@thelondoncurls”> on

@TheLondonCurls

This London-based beaut big chopped her curls last year for a great cause and charity close to her heart. With her ‘keep it real’ personality, Davina is the curly girl next door. She also just moved to Dubai, so expect a lot of travel posts and hair updates from overseas.

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@HairIsSimba 

Simone lives up to her Instagram name due to her love of lions–and that gorgeous big mane! She is a natural hair model and influencer who posts encouraging words and stunning magazine editorial-esque selfies.

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@FroGirlGinny 

This cutie rocks her ‘fro with pride and posts amazing pictures of her adventures around the world while hosting her own natural hair meetups. Get ready for endless hair piks, lip singing and ultimate #hairgoals.

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A photo posted by Gina Knight (@naturalbelle”> on

@Naturalbelle 

Gina’s clean Instagram profile is a daily pleasure to watch. Not only will you meet the cutest little girl–her daughter, Freya, the entrepreneur posts product reviews and pictures of different wigs from her own small business.

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@Curlture 

This dynamic comedic duo will definitely brighten up your day. Jay and Tri are a hilarious tag team of queens who flaunt their natural hair selfies as well as keep you up to date with trends and current affairs.

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@NiaKnowsHair 

Protective styles queen! Nia can transform your natural hair to box braids, twists and crotchet braids and even posts the install on Instagram. Her easy to follow tutorials will encourage you to try a creative protective style this season, too.

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@NaturallyZeZe 

Her smile and inspirational words will brighten up your day! Zeze is an East African curly living in London and her curl definition is immaculate. She also transitioned to natural hair right before our eyes–see her blossom through her beautiful selfies.

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@Solelysentials 

This UK girl serves us the ultimate turban goals, high street fashion and fro love! Her page is flooded with flawless selfies as well as handy wash day step-by-step tutorials for the lazy natural.

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A photo posted by GG. (@honeyblondegigi”> on

@HoneyBlongeGigi 

For all the coloured curlies, Gigi’s hair is so healthy and gorgeous! Her posts give great inspiration to keep your curls healthy with great product recommendations to help prevent dryness and breakage especially for those with blonde curls.

Are you a UK curly girl?

Drop your Instagram name in the comment section below!

This Simple Hack Will Make Your Hairline Fuller In Minutes

While it isn’t talked about much, many naturally curlies suffer from a thinning hairline. For those who love to rock sleek updos and ponytails, this can pose a problem.

A thinning hairline is usually due to years of tight styles (braids, buns, twists, etc.”> harshly pulling at the hair follicles. For some, this may also be a sign of hair fall or a scalp or skin issue that should be taken up with a trichologist immediately. 

If you have been embarrassed to wear certain styles, fear no more: there is a simple and quick fix to make your hairline appear thicker in just a couple of minutes.

What you need & how to do it

1. Use an eye pencil or brush with a powder or eyeshadow that closely matches your hairline. With short and light sweeps in the direction that your hair grows, continue across your forehead until the sparse areas no longer stand out.

2. Dab some edge control across your edges to blend the powder in. Do not use a product that will require your hair to be wettened.

3. Smooth in with a bristle brush similarly to how you would smooth down your baby hairs.

Who this hack is made for

This method is safe for natural hair as it is not a permanent color and won’t affect your hair’s original texture. Note that this is not a long-term fix–the makeup eventually wipes off. You can get away with rocking this style for the whole day.

At night, you may want to save your pillows by rubbing coconut oil into the hairline and gently removing the makeup with a microfiber cloth. Alternatively, you can simply co-wash your hair and the color will fade.

Check out these quick and easy tutorials for a step-by-step tutorial of the popular hairline hack:

Read: 2 Easy Hacks For Hiding Your Bald Spot

The Fall Natural Guide to Naturally Curly Hair

And just like that, Summer ’16 is over!

Fall is slowly creeping upon us, which means colder weather and shorter days. Now it’s time to adjust your haircare routine if you want to keep those curls healthy throughout the season.

Fall is the perfect time for you to begin taking extra care of your hair. During this season you curls are more likely to be prone to dryness from the change in temperature, use this opportunity to retain your length and focus on growing your hair (if that’s a goal of yours”>.

Pre-poo

Since I suffer from dry and itchy scalp during the colder months, I go the extra mile to prevent and manage it. Pre-pooing with a hot oil treatment is a great way to help moisturise the scalp and rid of dry flakes and dandruff.

I like to create a mix using olive oil, 2 drops of peppermint oil and coconut oil and warm it for 30 to 60 seconds in the microwave. Then, massage it directly into your scalp. I do this for 5 to 10 minutes and then go forward with my wash routine. 

  • Product Recommendation: Root 2 Tip Grow It Long Serum (available on the company’s website in the UK”>

During the week, I apply this oil blend to the dry parts of my scalp. It contains Rosemary, which helps to soothe the itching and other amazing oils that stimulate the scalp to help it grow.

Cleanse

Due to the brittle, colder months, I have to use a sulfate-free cleanser and co-wash weekly in place of a shampoo. This is to give my hair as much moisture as possible:

I have found that apple cider vinegar (ACV”> and peppermint oil are the best combination for my hair because they cleanse my dry scalp and soothe it at the same time.

Thanks to the peppermint oil, this product refreshes and cleanses my scalp without drying out my curls. I also use The Curl Cleanser as a detangler because of its amazing slip and is moisturising properties.

Deep Conditioning

The next step is my Holy Grail and favourite part of wash day, deep conditioning! I like to use products that contain natural moisturisers like coconut oil, shea butter, castor oil and so on. During the winter I make sure that I keep up with weekly treatments and go the extra mile by adding heat during process.

This bonnet is a must-have for those who like to use heat for treatments. It uses beads that can be warmed up in the microwave for a better deep conditioning experience. Place the cap over your head while deep conditioning to allow your treatment to penetrate into the hair follicles and soften the hair.

Styling

Natural hair has a lot of room for diversity during the winter, and I definitely take advantage of this! I enjoy doing twist-outs and braid-outs to seal much-needed moisture into my curls while giving them a break.

When wearing protective styles I use the LOC method: I apply water, coconut oil then a hair cream or butter to my hair.

  • Product Recommendation: Big Hair Moisture Me Whipped Butter (available on the company’s website in the UK”> 

I have found that my most moisturised twist and braid-outs are when using this all-natural product. It comes in a big enough tub to last me the whole autumn and winter; it is a great addition to your LOC method as the cream option.

How does your fall routine differ from your summer hair routine?

Let me know! Follow me on Instagram @UKCURLYGIRL

[prodmod]

The Downside to DIY Treatments…
When starting my natural hair journey, I decided to throw away all heat tools and only use products with natural ingredients.

diy hair product

Early in my journey I often saw DIY hair treatments being recommended by other naturalistas as a great way to cater to my hair’s needs while maintaining more control over the ingredients that entered it. However, it’s not always as simple as pie. Below are some of the advantages, as well as some of the disadvantages that come with being an avid DIYer.

The good

You have more control

This can be great if you don’t have local access to a certain hair product and want to make a dupe. It is also a good way to avoid ingredients that you are allergic to or chemicals that disagree with your hair. 

It’s more affordable

Let’s be honest, a lot of the best hair products on the market can be a bit pricey. Using a DIY treatment is going to save you a lot of money! The price of the ingredients won’t even reach the $20 or so you would pay for your product. You also get great value for money as you can reuse the ingredients (especially oils”> for more than one treatment.

You are helping the environment

When making a DIY product, you can store it in a eco-friendly jar unlike some product containers. You will also be able to live more sustainably and clear up much needed space in your cupboard.

You get to experiment

DIY-ing allows you to create, concoct and learn about the ingredients that work well for you and the ones that don’t. If one batch doesn’t work for you, you can tweak the recipe and create a new product next time. When you purchase a product off the shelves you are committed to finishing the entire bottle, or risk it going to waste if you don’t like it.
photo courtesy of nitimongkolchai – Getty Images

The bad

You might make a mess

Have you ever had bits of banana or avocado stuck in your scalp and hair? It’s not fun at all. This is sometimes the consequence of DIY hair treatments. You may never be able to achieve the consistency that the recipe calls for. This also goes for DIY protein treatments using egg and mayonnaise. (When using egg as a DIY treatment, do not rinse it out with hot water, as you may end up with a ready-to-eat egg in your hair!”>

Your hair might smell

A lot of the popular DIY ingredients–apple cider vinegar, avocado, mayonnaise–to include in your DIY treatments can have strong odours that linger. If a certain recipe calls for a strongly scented ingredient, dilute it with water or mix with another ingredient like peppermint or jojoba oil to balance it.

It can be time-consuming

From buying individual ingredients, chopping and blending the ingredients, measuring and mixing the oils, to boiling the flaxseeds — — the DIY process can be a lengthy one! Sometimes on a long wash day, we want to avoid anything additionally tiresome. To cut down on time, consider making a large batch on a designated day and storing it in the refrigerator rather than making the treatment each time you use it.

Preserving is a hassle

Many of our favorite natural hair products include preservatives to keep them shelf stable and safe to use for longer. DIY treatments typically do not last as long as their store-bought counterparts. Think of a banana or avocado, which can quickly oxidize in less than an hour.

Which do I do?

Personally, I haven’t found the time to  experiment with DIY treatments although I know they have some amazing benefits. While I do like making my own hot oil treatments, I don’t always have the time to mess with fruits and veggies–no pun intended.

Do you prefer DIY treatments over store-bought product?

Follow me on Instagram @UKCurlyGirl & NaturallyCurly @NaturallyCurly

5 Brazilian Ingredients That Are A Must In Every Natural Hair Guru’s Stash
With the Olympics trending worldwide, why not take some time to explore what this year’s host, Brazil, has to offer to the world of natural hair ingredients?
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF NIKI KOBI

Acai

Acai (pronounced ah-SIGH-ee”> is known as a beauty superfruit due to its strong antioxidant properties. It is actually a small berry that’s grown in Brazil and known as the beauty berry.

  • With high amounts of  vitamins A, B, C and E and magnesium content, your roots will stay strong and healthy.
  • If you suffer from hair loss, the zinc and folic acid in Acai can prevent hair loss and encourage hair growth.
  • Acai’s ability to naturally prevent frizz makes it a common ingredient in smoothing products.

Try: SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex Conditioner

Andiroba

Andiroba grows from one of the largest trees in the Amazon rainforest, growing up to 40 meters tall.

  • It is often used for scalp massages in salons.
  • The oil extracted from the tree’s seeds is particularly effective for those who suffer from eczema or dry scalp. It is naturally rich in fatty acids, which prevent dryness and replenish moisture.
  • Andiroba can deeply penetrate the hair shaft and act as a sealant, making it another frizz fighting ingredient.

Try: Lush Brazilliant Shampoo Bar

Pitanga

Also known as the Brazil Cherry, this small red fruit grows from the Pitanga tree.

  • Pitanga oil works wonders for those who overproduce sebum on the scalp. This makes it a common ingredient choice for products that combat greasy hair.

Try: EKOS Pitanga Shampoo

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALASDAIR THOMPSON – GETTY IMAGES 

Brazil Nut

Brazil nuts are birthed from a tree only found in South America, and of course the country of Brazil. Brazil nut oil is extracted from the nuts and is found in many beauty, skincare and hair products. Here’s why:

  • Emollient properties make this an ideal ingredient for dry skin, and is often used as a massage oil to soothe and moisturize the skin.
  • The nuts are nutrient-rich and offer amazing benefits for your hair. Selenium is a trace mineral found in Brazil nuts that can improve conditions for hair growth and length retention.
  • Brazil nut oil is known to provide hair with a natural sheen because of its omega-3 fatty acid content.

Try: NuNAAT Deep Conditioning Hair Cream with Brazil Nut

Pracaxi

Pracaxi oil stems from the Pracaxi trees found in Northern Brazil.

  • It contains organic acids and antibacterial properties used for centuries to heal wounds, spots and psoriasis.
  • Due to its high level of lignoceric acid, this oil also is an amazing moisturizer for the hair and can be combined with other oils to create the ultimate hair moisturizer.

Try: Shea Butter Cottage Pracaxi Oil

Turns out, Brazil is the birthplace of many of the ingredients found in popular hair products.

Do any of your products contain these super ingredients? Let us know on NaturallyCurly’s Facebook.

8 Hair & Skin Products Brazilian Women Swear By

Brazilians are known for long, shiny hair and healthy, clear skin. The Amazon rainforest is partially located in the country and is home to many natural ingredients found in our beauty products, so it’s no surprise Brazil has home-grown gems filled with organic and natural ingredients. Check out the ones we have found below!

Natura Brasil – Ekos – Cacau Shower cream

Natura Brasil is one of the biggest retail beauty brands in Brazil; they pride themselves in using natural ingredients similar to The Body Shop’s ethos from forest supply chains. They make a great range of products from shampoos to hand balm!

This shower gel is full of Omega 9 and cocoa butter, great for smoothing the skin whilst cleansing. It is also known for its luxurious consistency and relaxing smell. You will feel truly pampered in the shower with this product.

Nunaat Brazilian Keratin Intense Hair Mask

This is a brand you may be familiar with as it is popular in many afro hair shops and even retail stores around the world. Brazilians take healthy hair seriously and often keep up with their weekly treatments to keep the hair strong and moisturized which is needed in their warm climate. This hair mask will completely soften the hair and make it easier to manage! It is great for those who suffer from damaged curls.

Novex Brazilian Keratin Deep Hair Care Treatment

Another amazing hair brand from Brazil is Novex, and as you will see below they have an amazing range of hair repairing products you will have come across in your local hair stores. The most noticeable thing about the Novex range is the size of the products! They come in huge tubs perfect for those with thicker and longer hair. This product will give your hair noticeable improvement to its health and replenish its protein, you can use it weekly until you feel your hair is back to health. It uses Brazilian Keratin and is rich with Vitamin E.

Novex ARGAN OIL Extra Deep Hair Care Cream

Again from the Novex brand we have the Deep conditioning mask from their Argan Oil line, which restores moisture and shine. This conditioner is enriched with pure Argan Oil and Vitamin E, great for those who may suffer from dead ends, dryness and need a weekly dose of moisture.

Tododia Body Lotion Nutrition & Radiance

Introducing Tododia a product from the Brazilian Natura brand. This body lotion nutrition comes in gorgeous packaging with a handy pump for easy body application. This lotion includes natural ingredients staying true to the ‘nutrition’ in its name you will find Shea butter, Olus oil and coconut oil included. This product can be found on Natura Brasil.

Surya Brasil Henna Cream

Henna is a great natural way to semi-permanently color hair causing it less damage! ‘Surya Brasil’ is a brand that makes hair coloring and treatment products using natural, organic and vegan ingredients from Brazil. According to reviews this Henna cream is strong enough to cover grays and doesn’t stain the skin like how you would assume most Henna does! The henna cream is non-toxic and is available in 15 different shades.

Matte Bronzer

Brazil also is home to the make up brand ‘Hot MakeUp’ which is popular amongst beauty guru’s and used by professionals, bloggers and celebrities in and around the country. The brand uses quality ingredients and is designed for all skin types! The matte bronzer is one of the newer products in the brand and proven popular to give you that Brazilian glow!

Amazonia Preciosa Brazil Nut Hair Mask

Giving you a taste of Brazil, this product sounds like your hairs dream! Enriched with the native Brazil nut seed oil, aloe vera juice, Babacu seed oil and more this is sure to give your hair what it needs more, natural and organic nutrients! This hair mask is to be used twice a week with a heated cap! And is perfect for those with dry hair.

Brazil is full of curly hair products, check out this list for a few of our favorites. 

As you can see Brazil is home to many great products that will transform your hair and skin! Have you tried any of the above?

WATCH: Sleek Bun + Middle Part Tutorial

I have been loving this sleek bun hairstyle for the past few months because it is a great solution when I do not have time to wash my hair and it can’t be worn out anymore.

This style is inspired by the classic Kim Kardashian middle part (with a curly hair twist”> and is so easy to do!

You will need:

Step 1

Create a middle part with your fingers, or use a comb for even finer definition and dampen your hair with some water.

Step 2

Add some of your favorite leave-in conditioner to the ends and roots of your hair as this makes it easier to style and tame any frizz. Note: you may find some flakes from the gel if you do not apply it on top of your leave-in conditioner or moisturizing cream beforehand.

Step 3

Use the Denman brush to brush your hair back into a bun.

Step 4

Apply Ecostyler Gel to the sides of your hair and sleek with the bristle brush followed by your finger until smooth.

You are done! If you would prefer, you can go the extra mile and apply some edge control and create smooth, flat baby hairs (or define the ones you already have”>.

Maintaining a 2nd + 3rd day bun

After putting in that work and having the sleekest bun you have ever had, you will want to keep it for as long as possible. To maintain the style, simply tie a satin scarf around your sleek edges and sleep on a satin pillowcase.

The next day, your hairline should still be reasonably sleek–if needed, you can add a bit more of the gel with a toothbrush or the pads of your fingers.

Watch my full tutorial here

What curly hairstyles do you create when in-between washes?

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All the Naturals in England Are Loving This Brand (And It Ships Overseas)
Hey, NaturallyCurly world. I want to present to you all a new UK natural curly hair brand that naturals here in England are loving (including myself”>. It is available for overseas shipping, too!

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Trepadora stands for ‘Climbing Plant’ in Spanish. It is a rainforest botanical-inspired brand that is registered by the British Vegan Society. The line does not contain parabens, mineral oils, sulphates and silicones, which is something I always look for.

My first impression

The one thing that stood out to me the most with this product line is the stunning packaging–I have never seen hair products packaged in this way. Every product from the line has the exact same oxygen-protected bottle, meaning your curls get the full benefits of the product. It is similar to a spray deodorant bottle and has a pump like a hair mousse would. I can tell a lot of thought has gone into the packaging, as even the design and feel is luxurious. 

My review:

Overall, I was so happy with my results and all in all am impressed with the brand. I would have to say that my hair felt a bit too crunchy and a bit dry but this is when you have to improvize and add your own flavor to give your hair what it’s missing. I would recommend adding some oil or butter if you need extra moisture.

Hibiscus Pink Cleansing Clay-Wash

This is different to what I am used to using because it’s intended for wavy and tightly coiled hair. Infused with organic Peruvian Inca Inchi oil that grows in the Amazon rainforest, Trepadora sources directly from Peru.

This is supposed to be used on dry hair, which made me a bit disappointed at first. My hair is so thick, I have to do some kind of washing or styling to make it an easier process.

To follow the instructions and apply to my thicker hair, I sectioned it off and applied the product directly to my scalp. The product itself is pink which I found really cute and different–it also was a quite thick creamy texture, nothing like clay, which was great for me.

This product however wasn’t a favorite of mine–I personally do not like to use clay to wash my hair. For a lot of curlies that do, this product is a great natural alternative to deep conditioning.

Coconut Almond Smoothing Conditioner

After rinsing out the clay-wash I then followed up with the conditioner which I really enjoyed using. This product is 98% natural and is meant to smooth and restore the hair. The directions say to apply the product generously, but I realized that there wasn’t much of the product left after one use. What I loved was its slip and the smoothness of my hair when finger detangling. It was also moisturizing. 

Papaya Slip Taming Potion

After rinsing out the conditioner, I went in with the taming potion to style. It has a really strong papaya scent, which I’ll admit, was too overbearing at first. However, once my hair fully dried, I couldn’t smell it as much.

This product is intended to provide anti-frizz and anti-humidity benefits. It gave me amazing definition and moisture, which was surprising. The product’s slip is amazing–it was so easy to apply to my hair in sections and my curls stayed defined and Instagram-ready for up to 3 days. The downside is that it did leave my hair a bit crunchy, though.

Inca Radiance Smoothing Elixir

I received a sample size of the 100% natural product to repair the hair. This product is a great mix of oils including sweet almond, coconut, jojoba, and vitamin E. The scent is nice and the texture is slippery, making it easy to apply to my hair once it is dry. I used this to seal after applying the Taming Potion. This broke the seal and made my hair shiny and soft. The Taming Potion and Smoothing Elixir work perfectly together for a 10 out of 10 wash and go!

Have you tried any products from the Trepadora line? Find them on the line’s website.

What do you wash your hair with? Some curlies use clay as an alternative to shampoo.

Like NaturallyCurly on Facebook + Follow me on Instagram @UKCurlyGirl

How to Make Your Hair Laser Appointment As Painless As Possible
photo courtesy of AleksandarNakic – Getty Images

It’s bikini season! Time to get smooth summer ready skin (which includes removing unwanted hair”>. Laser hair removal is a method of hair removal whereby a laser is used to penetrate deep into the hair follicle using its energy to destroy it. After the second session of laser treatment your hair will be reduced up to 70% eventually leading to lighter and finer hair ending with hair no longer growing in the area.

However like a lot of hair removal methods it can be quite painful but here are some ways to make your next laser hair removal appointment go as smoothly as possible!

Schedule a consultation

Do your research and read reviews from different laser removal clinics before getting your treatment done. Schedule a consultation with the professional who will be performing your treatment beforehand. Together you and them can discuss the process, your hair and skin type, what you will need to do to prepare and work out the best plan for pain relief if any is needed.

Plan ahead of vacation

Ideally, it is best to start your laser hair removal sessions before summer as it puts your skin at less risk from burns or pigmentation issues caused by the sun. Remember to plan ahead; if you are going on holiday anytime soon, give yourself enough time to heal so there is no room for irritation or damage to your skin.

Choose to use a numbing cream

This can be used and provided by the specialist before your treatment to protect the surrounding tissue and reduce a chance of pain. The cream works as an anaesthetic and stops pain signals before they start. As an alternative, you can use a cool patch or ice from the grocery store to numb the area before your session. This will control your sensitivity level.

Treat smaller areas at a time

The quicker the treatment, the easier the appointment will be. The laser can treat an area approximately the size of a quarter every second and kills many hairs at the same time. Larger areas like your legs may take up to an hour to treat, so be prepared to feel some temporary discomfort. Small areas of hair such as the upper lip can be treated in less than a minute; if you have sensitive skin, you may have to stick to laser hair removal in smaller areas.

Let your hair grow out

It is very important that you let the hair grow out beforehand but then shave the hair in the area on the day of your appointment. Extra hairs above the surface of the skin can cause additional sensitivity during treatment. Then, singed hair and lead to skin burns. The laser targets the hairs, roots on. Waxing or plucking beforehand will remove the roots causing the laser treatment to be ineffective a big no no!

Here’s to smooth summer ready skin!

Transitioning: Expectation Vs. Reality (Featuring Style Feen)
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When many of us decided to embark on our natural hair journeys, we often have an image of how long it will take and how we expect our hair to look every step of the way. However, in reality, it isn’t always as easy as it can appear on the blogs and popular Instagram pages. Hortencia (AKA @StyleFeen“> expressed to me the expectations (and realities”> she had throughout her personal natural hair journey.

Hortencia’s naturally curly hair journey started after realizing her hair was severely heat damaged and wanting back her natural curls.

Day 1

When I decided to get my hair cut really short, I was at my breaking point. I’d had it with heat damage and ugly hair. I was expecting my hair to look great and stylish right after like something out of a magazine. In reality, it looked nothing like that.

Don’t get me wrong, my hairstylist did an amazing job. Still, I hated how short my hair was. I also didn’t like how my curls laid down with the haircut I was given.

I knew that was part of the process of getting my curls back–cutting my hair super short would be supposed to be a fresh start! I reminded myself that I had to suffer a little to gain a lot; in the end all I could tell myself was that my hair was going to grow back.

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Month 1

I was determined not to fall into the temptation of bleach and figured I’d just try out a bunch of new products that I thought would help my hair look it’s best and my curls would pop back and I would have the perfect curls and volume I had always dreamed of having.

I bleached my hair twice by two great and highly recommend colourist on two separate occasions. Yes it’s true, you can have color without damaging your hair too much, but not for my hair. After bleaching, my curl pattern was evidently much looser. Sometimes you want to change things up, but forget there’s damage, my advice is buy a wig, braid your hair or change up your hair part. I dyed my hair back to brown and decided to stay away from bleach.

Month 6

After having color in my hair, I realized that it was causing damage to my curls so I decided I was going to get the exact curl-by-curl haircut as my curly inspiration @Curly.Edgy to get my curls back on track.

Since every curly hair pattern is different, I didn’t get the exact haircut as my curly inspiration, but I got damn close! I got a variation that shaped my curls to my face, which I adore. This haircut was a real eye opener to new and less tamed styles. I got exactly what I needed and it helped me love my curls even more.

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Year 1

After a year I wanted my hair to have its curl back.

In reality my hair has reached my goal. I am now so in love with my hair! It has the perfect shape and is in great health. My transitioning journey was filled with ups and downs but totally worth every minute.

How did your natural hair journey differ from how you expected it to be?

Stay tuned for more Transitioning: Expectations Vs. Reality stories this month!

We Uncover The Mexican Secret To Beautiful Hair
ILLUSTRATION BY NIKI'S GROOVE FOR NATURALLYCURLY

Every day, more of us curly girls are starting to embrace our natural hair around the world! Mexico is just one of the countries where the hair care industry is at an all-time high. Women have found great ways of caring for this type of hair and other beauty uses with natural, locally-grown resources.

Tepezcohuite is the perfect natural clarifying remedy for unclogging your pores; its most common use in hair products is the prevention of hair loss.

What is Tepezcohuite?

Pronounced as ‘Tep-ez-co-heety’, this root bark is an age-old nontoxic and organic ingredient derived from bark of the Mexican “Skin Tree.” It is heavily found in Chiapas, Mexico, and other tropical climates of South America.

The leafy Tepezcohuite tree grows up to 8 meters tall. It was used in the ancient Mayan civilization as an anti-aging and skin healing product and is classified as a part of Mexico’s national heritage due to its ability to treat burns with its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anaesthetic properties, according to Plantas Medicinales. It also naturally cures anxiety and stress-induced insomnia when steeped in water for a nighttime tea recipe.

It now is being used in many beauty products due to its healing properties. The people of Mexico often use the bark in powder form for anti-aging creams and skin problems like psoriasis. In the past Tepezcohuite was also used to help with toothaches. In history, Tepezcohuite saved the skin of some of the 5,000 burn victims of a 1984 gas explosion near San Juan and a large earthquake in Mexico that happened in 1985.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDEVA–GETTY IMAGES
THE HAIR BENEFITS

Thanks to this plant’s many natural healing properties, it has amazing benefits for both hair and skin! Many people use directly on their scalp to improve their hair’s overall health. This bark stimulates blood circulation, providing the scalp with nutrients that frees the hair follicles from the chance of fungal, dandruff, and general scalp issues.

Not dealing with your scalp buildup leads to hair loss, stunting of growth, and room for bacterial and fungal infections. Tepezcohuite is the perfect natural clarifying remedy for unclogging your pores; its most common use in hair products is the prevention of hair loss.

HOW TO USE IT

When the bark is in liquid form through a somewhat simple melting process, it can be ingested to reap the benefits for healthy hair, skin, and body. 10-20 grams of the root bark will give you the best results if used in a daily beauty and hair regimen.

Sold on the benefits of Tepezcohuite? Here is how you can get a hold of the magic ingredient. There are more products from Mexico and around South America steadily becoming available to the rest of the world, online and in certain beauty supply stores.

Get Tepezcohuite benefits with these products

Tepezcohuite is available to buy in powder form that you can then add to skin care products, shampoos and deep treatments for extra power and aid in healing the scalp:

What’s your secret to beautiful hair? Share with us below!

The Psychology Behind A Woman Chopping Her Hair Off
A breakup or other traumatic experience are common times for us women to cut their hair as we see it is the one thing we can take immediate control of; we all know it is often a struggle to adjust our feelings and move on right away.

“The Big Chop” is a nickname most women in the natural hair community will be familiar with. It is done to cut off all of your relaxed or damaged hair, leaving you with natural hair only, either a buzzed cut or a small afro, ear length curls or a full shaved head of hair. Often a drastic decision driven by emotions, those who have big chopped share that it is a really liberating experience. This fresh start is an option for those who don’t wish to transition.

The Psychology Behind A Woman Chopping Her Hair Off

This is true for a lot of women: we often relate a new look with a new start in life, which can be for many reasons. You can even take it way back to the Holy Bible. A writer for And They Lived Happily Ever After states, “Samson, the biblical figure who lost his power when Delilah cut off his hair, should have been written as a woman.”

Our natural hair represents our self-acceptance. Along with making ourselves happy, our hair can also be a way of attracting a potential partner. The hours we spend getting our hair perfect for date night or girls’ night out is a reflection of our confidence. When we decide to chop our hair off, it is us choosing to make a sacrifice and careless attitude to what men think or our partners think.

The emotional shedding process

A breakup or other traumatic experience are common times for us women to cut their hair as we see it is the one thing we can take immediate control of; we all know it is often a struggle to adjust our feelings and move on right away. In a soppy way, our hair is a window to our souls–it carries many memories often related to the bonding process we have with the maternal figures in our lives as well.

Some natural hair bloggers and vloggers have taken part in the Big Chop as part of a public shedding process. For example, Shameless Maya had doing the Big Chop on her bucket list and was going through a divorce when she decided to film it and start over.

The London Curls is another natural hair blogger who recorded her Big Chop and selflessly donated to Age UK, a charity that became close to her heart after the passing of her grandparents.

Starting over

While my natural hair journey had a lot to do with a frustration of having damaged ends and putting my trust in a good hairdresser, funny enough, I was going through a break up at the time as well. It was a great time for me to start over. When I did it, I felt like a new woman and it made me feel more confident with myself.

The next time someone tells you “It’s just hair!”

Tell them yes, they are right. However, there is often an emotional reason behind any hair choice we choose to make and that is the beauty of us being women! No one can take that strength away from us.

What motivated you to Big Chop?

Share below.

7 Hair Tools That Will Make Your Next Wash & Style Much Easier

We all need a little help when it comes to taking care of our natural hair and sometimes our pair of hands is just not enough. These hair tools will make a huge difference to your hair styling routine.

Kiloline Pro Gloves

If you have been curling your hair with heat tools for years, you no doubt have memories of burning yourself. With this, you won’t have to use a tea towel or an old winter glove to protect your hands from the heat. These gloves serve the same purpose but are made to protect against flat irons and curling wands. It fits all sizes and can be used on your left or right hand, and is designed with heat resistant material. At only about $5 on Amazon, it’s a good investment for protection during heat styling.

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Banggood Perfect Silicon Heat Resistant Proof Mat

Another must have for those who use heat tools, this silicone mat is resistant to the temperature of your curling wand or flat iron. This means no more burn marks on your carpet or bathroom surfaces, taking away the anxiety of thinking that you’ve left the tools on after you’ve left home. It also has a snap fastener making it easy to roll up and put away when not in use. Another affordable buy from Amazon that is under $5.

Studio Dry Hair Drying Gloves

Made from micro-weave fibre, these fluffy gloves are designed to dry your hair faster and more effectively. These high quality gloves can be used over and over again–just hang to dry after each use. To use, put on the gloves and squeeze the excess water out from your hair. You will be left with dried but moisturized curls, as they do not remove product. You’ll also notice less frizz than if you had used a terry cloth towel. It may be bit on the pricey side, but worth the extra coins and time saved styling at just under $25.

Hair Catcher Bathroom Tub Strainer

This is a personal problem I have every single washday–having to pull out strands of hair from the drain and prevent the bath tub and sink from clogging up. Curly and afro textured hair is a nightmare to pull out of the drain due to the tangling. This tool will be well appreciated for those hair types! It is also made from plastic, meaning that the hair catcher won’t rust and is long lasting, costing under $5.

 

Plastic Massage Brush Comb

Perfect for those whose scalps are in need of stimulation, this tool gets right to the roots. It also easily gets rid of dead skin cells and dirt that your fingers can’t get, too!  Constant use of the massage brush can reduce hair loss caused from clogged pores. This brush comb is cheerful to your budget at less than $5 and can be bought at most beauty supply stores.

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CWK Straight Plates

A tool that you probably have seen a lot on Instagram if you are a fan of natural hair pages! This is a new and at first strange looking way to stretch and style your curls with no damage or heat! It is made of plastic plates that you leave your hair in–similar to rollers–and once dry, your hair will form a straightened texture. If you are against using heat on your hair, this is the perfect alternative for you! It costs $38.99 for the New SSS Rubber Stretch Plates.

Sprangz

A hair tool that elongates your curls! Great for those with really tight curly hair. Sprangz work by adding weight to the hair. Simply wash and style then attach the ‘Weightz’ tool to the ends of the hair to elongate the curl. It’s a simpler technique than the old school way of having to attach hair bands all the way down your hair.

Have you tried any of the above hair tools?

Let us know which ones have helped your hair styling routine.
Obia Naturals: The Philosophy Behind The Brand

If this science-based natural hair product line is one you haven’t become familiar with yet, shame on you. Obia Naturals is a natural hair product line you’ll try–and fall in love with. It’s currently available for purchase online in CurlMart and has recently been used in tutorials by popular natural hair influencers @heycurlie and @actuallyashly.

Obia Naturals is a line of science-based products promoting healthy hair by balancing the pH level using non-toxic vegan ingredients and only the highest quality of herbs and essential oils.

Its maintenance for managing natural hair is what the brand strives to serve.

This hair care line is named after and created by Obia Ewah. She is based in the United States and of Nigerian descent. The chemist holds degrees in Chemistry and Biology, which is why her products are very focused on the science of hair and what is important for health and learning why certain routines may not be working for you.

Along with her passion for cosmetic chemistry came the urge for Obia to change her own lifestyle due to sickness.

As a result of starting her natural hair journey, Obia began experimenting at home and making her own hair products as a hobby. Years later in 2012, Ewah’s formulations turned into products that can be used for not only her but also others with natural, transitioning or relaxed hair.

It is great as a consumer when you come across a brand that you feel you can trust and Obia is a great example; she has the right experience and knowledge along with being extremely personable. On Obia’s own YouTube channel, she uses the products on her own hair with step-by-step tutorials. Below is a list of products I recommend.

2016 Winner of the NaturallyCurly Best Of The Best Awards, this shampoo bar is made up of Coconut, shea butter, rosemary essential oil, castor bean, & more to give you an invigorating scalp cleanse without stripping moisture.

This is a stand-out product from Obia’s wash and go routine you can see how easy it is to detangle with once applied directly to the hair as if the shampoo was a conditioner. If you are in need of a moisturising shampoo and like to use shampoo bars this is definitely one to go for.

This deep conditioner is infused with Rice oil, Babassu seed oil, pro-vitamin B5 and avocado oil all perfect natural ingredients that will leave you with soft, super-moisturised curls. And while some deep conditioners often end up making your hair feel dry or hard (due to protein overload”>, the Obia Naturals Babassu Deep Conditioner is protein free so it will restore your natural hair’s moisture balance.

For the twist out lovers, this product has given flawless results as seen in a tutorial from @actuallyashly and is the perfect butter to keep your twist out in tact.

The butter is made up of all things moisturizing. From the beloved shea butter, mango butter, tucma butter, aloe vera and more! You can use this butter on dry and wet hair. Use a small amount evenly to each section of the hair when twisting.

Have you tried Obia Naturals?

If so, let us know what your favourite product from the line is!

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