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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?
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
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.
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?
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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!
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.
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:
- Polvo Tepezcohuite Auxiliar En Quemaduras, $9.99
- Nuance Salma Hayek Intense Hydration Hair Mask, $19.99 (also available at Walgreens”>
- ASDM Beverly Hills Tepezcohuite Serum, $23.43
What’s your secret to beautiful hair? Share with us below!
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.
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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It feels great to bond with those who can relate to your natural hair journey in person and not just online.
TAKE COOL PICTURES WITH OTHER CURLY GIRLS
Some of the best group pictures are created at hair events, so make sure you jump in every photo opp. Wear something cute and that will stand out from the crowd, and show off your natural curls–I have made the mistake before of trying a new style for an event, and then being the only one in the pictures without my natural curls on show!
FIND YOUR HAIR TWIN
With so many varieties of races, backgrounds, curl patterns and hairstyles, you are bound to spot someone with similar hair to yours. Hound them and find out how they deal with their hair; you may learn about some new products or techniques to try.
SPOT YOURSELF ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Want to grow your following? This is the best way to do so! Posting a selfie with other popular curlies can encourage their audience to learn about you–just make sure you’re tagged in their pic! Most event pics always make it to the big natural hair Instagram pages like @mixxxedchicks @healthy_hair_journey and @berrycurly
GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR NETWORKING
You can ask the bloggers questions in person (we don’t bite, well most don’t! lol”>. They can give you the push in the right direction to start your own blog or YouTube channel. When I went to SunKissAlba’s meet and greet, she gave me some great advice that helped me with my own journey.
DISCOUNT ON PRODUCTS
Most hair events are sponsored by some of your favorite brands! With a bunch of vendors, be sure to do the rounds and look out for any special samples and discounts. (Tip: Bring cash as most do not accept cards”>.
ENJOY THE SUMMER
Here in the UK/London, most natural hair events take place from May-August, which means you can get a great day out of it! Attend a park meetup and enjoy the company, beauty, and weather. Last year I had a great time tanning and posing with fellow curlies.
CREATE A COMMUNITY
It feels great to bond with those who can relate to your unique natural hair journey. Events can bring us all together–so try to keep the community growing by creating more meetups and connections!
OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL
Paris, London & New York seem to be the top natural hair cities and all have some great events this year! When I travel, I always give a shoutout on social media that I will be in town to meet up with curlies in the area.
SOME UPCOMING EVENTS
I hope to attend these.
Have you attended a natural hair event or meetup yet?
If your curls are high porosity, consider swapping your cleansing conditioner out for a conditioning shampoo.
Men’s Hair Blog says when shopping for a conditioning shampoo you want to pay attention to the ingredients label. Look for essential oils, they will help soften and moisturise dry hair. Try one of these popular conditioning shampoos in 2016 and see if you have softer curls by the end.
[prodmod]Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo
Key Ingredients: coconut oil (rich in vitamins and fatty acids that strengthen and condition the hair”>, panthenol (a humectant that gives slip for easy detangling”>
Where to buy
This product is ideal for
Those with type 2 curls that are naturally coarse and dry
Karen’s Body Beautiful Ultimate Conditioning Shampoo
Key Ingredients: aloe vera juice (doubles for giving your hair nourishment and balancing out your scalp’s PH balance”>
Where to buy
CurlMart, Beauty By Zara (UK”>
This product is ideal for
Thick type 3 or 4 hair, relaxed or color treated hairNow Foods Citrus Moisture Shampoo
Key Ingredients: aloe vera juice (packed with essential vitamins and minerals that restore hair health”>, coconut oil (a natural moisturiser”>
Where to buy
Amazon (US”>, Amazon (UK”>
This product is ideal for
Finer hair and curl patterns type 2 and 3
SheaMoisture Tahitian Noni & Monoi Smooth & Repair Conditioning Shampoo
Key Ingredients: shea butter (packed with essential vitamins for the scalp and an deep penetrating moisturiser”>, monoi oil (made from soaking the tiare flower in coconut oil, taken from the Polynesians who used it as a hair softener”>Where to buy
Curlmart, Beautybyzara (UK”>
This product is ideal for
Frizzy hair and curl types 3 and 4
Giovanni ‘Smooth As Silk’ Deep Moisture Shampoo
Key Ingredients: aloe vera leaf juice (natural moisturiser that restores and strengthens hair”>, yrus malus (apple”> fruit extract (a natural conditioning agent”>
Where to buy
Amazon (US”>, Holland & Barrett (UK”>
This product is ideal for
Looser wavy and curl patternsKinky Curly Come Clean Moisturising Shampoo
Key Ingredients: organic sea kelp (great for balancing hair’s moisture levels”>
Where to buy
Curlmart, Beauty By Zara (UK”>
This product is ideal for
Dry and damaged type 4 curls
Eden BodyWorks JojOba Monoi Moisturizing Shampoo
Key Ingredients: vitamin e (conditioning oil rich in fatty acids that helps to restore damage from UV rays and heat”>, coconut oil (natural moisturiser”>
Where to buy
Curlmart, Beauty By Zara (UK”>, Amazon (UK”>
This product is ideal for
Type 3 curlsOGX Moisture + Vitamin B5 Shampoo
Key Ingredients: vitamin B5 and ProVitamin B (nourish the inner layer of every strand with moisture, while rebuilding damaged areas to give dull hair a healthy sheen”>
Where to buy
This product is ideal for
Damaged and finer/wavy curls
Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing System Conditioning Dry Shampoo
Key Ingredients: monoi oil (all-natural hair softener”>, aloe vera (provdes better slip for detangling”>
Where to buy
This product is ideal for
Dry, chemically or environmentally damaged hair
Dermorganic Daily Conditioning Shampoo
Key Ingredients: argan oil (natural conditioner, frizz tamer, aids in keeping hair healthy and shiny”>, grapeseed oil (locks in moisture”>Where to buy
This product is ideal for
Type 3 low/normal porosity curls
[prodmod]Do you use a conditioning shampoo instead of a cleansing conditioner?
Defining my curls is a technique that I am still trying to perfect (but I have some useful tips for you”>. You too can take your curly wash-and-go to the next level if you simply follow these steps. To get definition, make sure your product is reaching every single strand of your hair with moisture, hold, and distribution.
I believe that having a great curly cut and shape will greatly help with maintaining curl definition. It will shape your face and have your curls finished–no straggly ends!
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If I want great definition, I’ll wash my hair first. The water from the shower pouring down on your hair from root to tip will train your curls to fall in place with less frizz ready for styling. Condition your hair whilst it is soaking wet! This makes it easier for the hair to retain moisture; the soaked hair will already be somewhat defined, your conditioner and styler will then only enhance it.
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When applying my leave-in conditioner, I do so in smaller sections. This way, I am sure to not miss any strands. Dry and tangled hair equals frizz, which will prevent definition.
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To set, I use a small amount of curl cream or gel and smooth each section of hair from root to tip one with the praying hands method.
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Once my whole hair has been styled, I like to finger curl any sections that need extra help for definition. I have very straight hair near my edges so during this time, I give them some extra styling TLC.
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Finally, I leave the hair completely alone to air dry to prevent any friction or frizz. No touching! (If you’re in a rush, use a diffuser attachment”>.
Watch my wash/cleanse video
Watch my video on how to have defined twists
What defining technique works best for your curls?
Have you ever wondered why your hair seems to have changed in length, condition or texture over the years?
Throughout this thing called life we manage to go through many different hair cycles that depend on age, hormones and external factors. Notice at birth, most are born with very soft, shiny and thin hair–or even none–but this quickly changes as you grow. In fact, many curly girls were born with straight hair! Here is a brief cycle of how your hair changes over the years.
Childhood
A newborn baby usually has very thin and soft hair but this will always change after a few years. Many curlies have been born with straight hair that ‘magically’ became curly years later this happens as throughout childhood the diameter of the hair follicle begins to thicken which causes a change in the hair’s shape and texture.
Adolescence to Early Adulthood
There are muscles at the base of every hair follicle and as we go through different stages of our lives like puberty, hormone changes, and medication usage, they grow and change shape. This directly affects your hair follicles–this is similar to the different changes we have with our skin whilst growing up.
We all have a growth phase of the hair and this can happen for 3-4 years until a new hair forms and begins to grow. The hair that you currently see is actually dead hair! This means that every 3-4 years it could be possible for your hair texture to completely change!
Adulthood
According to healthy aging expert Sharon Basaraba, when we transition into the later stages of life our hair begins to lose colour and turns grey. Hair turns grey when the melanin stops being produced, this typically happens to women past their 30’s but external factors such as stress can affect your aging process meaning earlier hair loss and turning grey. Along with the loss of colour, aging may make your hair become coarser as the keratin in the hair begins to breakdown.
Later Adulthood (Menopause”>
As women, we all naturally go through ‘the change’ as we age. Menopause can have a huge effect on the hair as your oestrogen declines, according to Dr. Nicola Finley, M.D. You may experience hair thinning and hair loss along with a dry scalp due to a lack of moisture. At this stage in life, it is even more important to keep your hair and scalp moisturised.
How has your hair changed throughout your life?
Pictured: Jessica Pettway (@jfashiongirl87“> & daughter, Kai Lee (@kaileecurls“>
When you think of garlic, you think of that wonderful herb added to many of your favorite meals or the smell you love to hate! Aside from this, did you know that garlic is a great natural ingredient to use for hair and scalp care? If you don’t wash properly and enough, your scalp can suffer by becoming greasy, dry, or flaky scalp with clogged pores.
Many curlies and naturals opt for products and hair care methods that include 100% natural ingredients. Garlic is a great one to introduce to your routine as it contains vitamin C, sulphur, copper and essential minerals that promote hair growth. The garlic stimulates blood flow to the scalp resulting in growth and protects it from any toxins and bacteria.
The smell of garlic may put you off even trying its amazing benefits but there are ways around this! Many of the ready-made garlic hair products are unscented and if you go the DIY route adding some ginger to the mixture can also tame the smell.
Garlic in your products
Some of your favorite shampoos may already have a garlic additive included, like these two great garlic-based shampoos that are curly hair friendly:
DIY garlic recipes
Instead of buying a garlic shampoo you can also simply add some garlic juice to your existing products. As frequent use of garlic can dry out the scalp try adding the juice to some honey and use as a scalp treatment for moisture.
If you would prefer to take the DIY route you can use a crushed garlic clove and apply it directly onto the scalp then follow up with massaging in olive oil, leave this on the hair for 30 to 60 minutes or sleep overnight before rinsing out. You can try the DIY garlic hair shedding scalp clarifying recipe below.
If you haven’t found a solution for your scalp problems or are suffering from hair loss give garlic a chance! It may be the magic ingredient you have been missing.
Garlic scalp stimulator
If shedding and clogged pores are a concern for you, this homemade recipe has been proven to work. Warning: Although it is effective, the smell might be off putting!
What you’ll need
- 1 tbsp of aloe gel
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 1 tbsp of garlic juice
- 2 egg yolks
- 3 tbsp of chamomile (tea bag content is fine to use”>
- 24 fluid oz of water
Directions
- Peel garlic and use a garlic press to squeeze the juice out
- Mix in honey and place the bowl in the fridge
- Boil water with chamomile tea for about 30 minutes, stir occasionally
- When tea is done, take the bowl with honey and garlic juice out of the fridge
- Stir an egg yolk into the garlic juice and honey mix
- Add aloe gel to the garlic honey mix
How to use it
- Gently rub all of the garlic honey mix into your scalp
- Wrap a towel around your head
- Keep the towel on for 20 minutes and wash once with a neutral shampoo
- Rub in the second egg yolk and wash off using only warm water
- To finish off, wash your hair off with the previously prepared chamomile tea
You may or may not be too familiar with this all natural oil, but it has some amazing healing benefits for your hair and body. Get to know more about pimento oil, which can be found in your local grocery and natural foods store.
Where it comes from
According to WWW Chem, Pimento oil is extracted from the Pimento tree, a native to the Caribbean and South America. It was first discovered in the 1500s in Jamaica and is also known as allspice in some countries due to its aroma described as a mixture of spices.
How it looks & smells
Pimento oil has a yellow-brown colour with a scent similar to clove oil. Nowadays it is used widely in hair and skin care products due to its medicinal properties. Note: this oil can cause irritation if used in high dosages or concentration, so always mix with a carrier oil when applying topically. Pregnant women should avoid using this oil due to its potency.
The topical benefits
- Hair growth: Pimento extract is an amazing natural oil for hair growth and is included in many scalp oils and products for growth. The oil, when massaged into the scalp stimulates the hair follicles, which then removes the toxins that will stunt hair growth. After using hair products including the oil for about 2 months you should see a difference.
- Alopecia: Many sufferers have turned to using products with pimento oil due to it being a strong antioxidant. Oxidation can lead to tissue damage and pimento oil fights against this and repairs the damage already done so can help to heal alopecia and hair loss.
- Natural pain reliever: If you are a lover of natural medication pimento oil is a great alternative to painkillers. Pimento extract helps to relieve pain externally due to its warming properties, which can help with chest pain, arthritis, bruises, aches and pains.
- Calms the mind and body: When steamed and taken in as a scent like lavender, pimento oil gives of a soothing freshness for the mind and body. It is a tonic for the nervous system and can treat nervousness, depression and fatigue.
- Dry scalp: If you suffer with scalp problems like dandruff, irritation and dry skin pimento oils antiseptic properties help to cleanse the scalp and rid of these problems.
How to use pimento oil
Apply the oil directly to your scalp as a pre-shampoo treatment to loosen up any dirt and product build-up. Gently massage it for a couple of minutes and then rinse and use your shampoo and conditioner as usual.
[prodmod]Try: Sunny Isle Jamaican Strong Roots Organic Pimento Oil with Black Castor Oil, $9.99 (rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Shop.NaturallyCurly.com“>
Do you use pimento oil?
How I keep my hair from tangling is really thanks to my night routine. I detangle my hair after washing and then will style and go about my day, when it gets to night-time I must make sure I take the following steps to ensure my hair won’t get tangled or matted throughout the week.
SLEEP STYLING
When I have worn my hair in a wash and go that day, before bed I will put my hair into a pineapple (high loose ponytail”>. This keeps your hair out of the way whilst sleeping and is great for keeping your curls defined as they won’t be squashed whilst you sleep.
SATIN
Sleeping with your hair in a pineapple is pointless if you don’t pair this with either a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase. This has been the best thing I have ever done to my hair. It prevents the dryness and tangles you naturally get whilst sleeping. I use my satin pillowcase and satin scrunchie for my pineapple.
MOISTURE
Another essential tip for preventing tangles is moisture! I make sure my hair stays moisturised at night-time. I add some coconut oil (shea butter in the winter months”> to my ends whilst my hair is in the pineapple. This keeps the hair moisturised and helps to make your curls even fresher in the morning.
PROTECTIVE STYLING
Throughout the week (usually on day 3 hair”> I’ll feel that I can no long wear my wash and go. At night, I braid my hair in 4 plaits (or twists”> then add coconut oil. This is a great way to lightly detangle your hair so that it is manageable for the rest of the week. I then cover the braids in a satin bonnet whilst still sleeping on my satin pillowcase. This is just to protect the braids from frizz and keep the protective style super moisturised and defined.
PRODUCTS
Along with these techniques I also have a few products that help with tangles.
- Satin pillowcase: I love my satin pillowcase as it protects my curls as I move around a lot in my sleep, which means I would usually wake up in horror finding my scarf or bonnet not on my head! With the pillowcase you won’t have this problem.
- Satin bonnet: This a great way to protect your hair even further than the pillowcase. You can purchase these at most beauty and hair supply stores. They are great for holding in moisture throughout the night.
- Coconut oil: I like to make sure I moisturise and detangle my ends with some coconut oil at nights.
- Shea butter: In the really cold months I like to apply this also to my ends at night as it is thicker and works as an intensive moisturiser throughout the night leaving the hair so soft.
- Kinky Curly Knot Today: My favourite detangler due to its amazing slip. If you have a lot of tangles you may want to refresh your hair. This is great to use before doing your braids or twists if you find the coconut oil isn’t helping to tangle just spritz your hair lightly with water and apply some of the detangler to your fingers and finger detangle any knots.
These steps are crucial to keeping my hair under control throughout the night shift! I would recommend satin or silk accessories for everyone, as they will keep your hair from knotting, drying out and frizzing in the night.
What do you do to keep your hair from tangling at night?
I like to wash my hair every week. By wash, I do not mean co-wash. I use a moisturizing sulfate-free shampoo or natural cleanser once a week to free my hair from product build-up and soothe my scalp. In between washes I may co-wash to refresh my wash and go so it can last longer. The following are my steps (video included”> to my weekly wash routine!
STEP 1 PRE-CLEANSE: Scalp massage
I like to give myself a scalp massage before washing my hair as I have a very sensitive scalp that can get itchy and dry. Massaging my scalp weekly also promotes hair growth especially when done with a hydrating oil.
STEP 2 CLEANSE: Section hair, dampen roots, apply shampoo
I recently have changed my cleansing technique due to dry hair and skin irritation. I now wash my hair before I get into the shower and rinse out. I can see exactly what I’m doing in the mirror instead of relying on just your hands to do the work. Since I have thick roots, looking in the mirror helps me deeply cleanse my scalp and catch any parts I wouldn’t usually get to. I section my hair into 4 twists, dampen the roots and apply shampoo. Then, I massage the shampoo well into my scalp before getting into the shower and rinsing with cool water.
looking in the mirror helps me deeply cleanse my scalp and catch any parts I wouldn’t usually get to
STEP 3 DEEP CONDITION: Detangle, steam treatment
While my hair’s still wet and completely cleansed, I apply a deep conditioner or treatment depending on what I feel my hair needs. I apply this generously in sections whilst finger detangling. I like to detangle while my hair is soaked in product since it’s easier to glide my fingers through the curls and unknot my hair. Once my hair is coated in the treatment, I cover it with two plastic bags to keep in the heat and leave in for around 20-30 minutes before rinsing out.
STEP 4 STYLE: Moisturize, apply styling gel
Time to style! I keep it simple with my wash and go styling, I simply section the hair while it is still wet using a moisturizing leave-in. I saturate my curls, working the leave-in through. I apply a lot of product on my washday since I don’t apply product daily. This usually keeps my hair moisturised for the next 3 days. Next, I add a small amount of styling gel or crème to the sections.
STEP 5 DRYING: Diffuse, define, go!
In the winter I have to use a diffuser especially if I have somewhere to go, the cold weather in the UK and wet hair usually result in a flu! I avoid this by diffusing. I use a cool setting to avoid frizz. This results in a fresh scalp and clean, defined curls. This is my weekly routine. However, I usually switch my cleansing and treatment products monthly.
Watch my video
How does your cleansing routine differ from mine?
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel, UK Curly Girl.
The flesh of avocado is often used for deep conditioning treatments particularly effective on dry, thick, and coarse curly to coily hair. If “doing it yourself” isn’t your thing, try one of these store-bought deep conditioners with avocado oil or butter.
Burt’s Bees Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment
This is a pre-shampoo treatment made with natural ingredients like Avocado, Olive oil and Almond oil. They penetrate deep into the hair shaft, instead of leaving an oily film on the hair’s surface. You will be left with shiny and healthy-looking hair. This treatment is especially good for those who colour and heat style their hair as it helps to treat the damage.
Lush R&B Hair Treatment
This natural conditioner is made especially for curly hair; it is infused with organic avocado butter to hydrate the hair and restore health. The mix of butters and oils give it a thick consistency that you can soak your entire hair in. The jojoba and extra virgin coconut oil combination helps to moisturize, calm, and balance the scalp’s natural oil production. The results are in truly healthy hair from the inside out.
Lavera Mango & Avocado Colour & Shine Treatment
The name sounds like something you would enjoy eating. This organic extract treatment is best used on hair that has been color-treated with full or partial highlights. It also is great for those with damage from colour as both the mango and avocado give deep care and shine to your strands.
Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak
One of the many hair repair masques from the Khiehl’s brand, this one contains avocado oil mixed in with haircare essentials like olive and fruit oils. This mask is perfect for undernourished tresses and heat damage as it strengthens along with moisturises. Using this treatment consistently will improve hair’s appearance as well as protect it from sun exposure and other external abuses.
Toque Magico Emergencia Volume Control And Softening Deep Acting Mask
This Dominican classic is a favourite for some curly hair transitioners and acts as a deep treatment mask for dry hair. The first three ingredients are Water, Avocado Oil and Olive oil, which screams out moisture! It acts as a frizz controller and softens the hair.
Bear Fruit Hair Banana Avocado Conditioner
This all-natural deep conditioners first ingredient is Avocado oil. Followed in the top 5 ingredients by banana, this conditioner serves moisture retention and is nourishing for dry hair. You can soak your curls in this conditioner for hours and let the added coconut oil, palm fruit oil and Shea butter work its magic.
Universal La Bomba Ultra Conditioning Deep Treatment With Avocado Cream
Another Dominican treatment made from special oils, vitamins and proteins to strengthen and nourish the hair. This product is especially useful for curlies with chemical damage and over exposure to the sun. This works best when applied on washed hair and sat under a dryer/heated cap for 10-20 minutes.
Garnier Fructis Fortifying Deep Conditioner – Sleek & Shine 3 Minute Masque
It’s specially created to smooth dry, unmanageable hair and contains an innovative combination of apricot and avocado oils, and vitamins B3 and B6. It is a 3-minute, rinseable masque that helps tame frizz. It intensely moisturizes to smooth even the most unruly hair.
Beauty Formulas Avocado Treatment Wax
This product contains protein so will help to strengthen the hair especially good for those with major damage and weak curls. It contains pure avocado oil to help with the repair and great for giving your hair added shine. It has a thick consistency and can be used on the hair for 10-15 minutes wrapped in a warm towel or shower cap (no dry direct heat”>.
Giovanni 2chic ‘Avocado & Olive Oil Ultra-Moist Deep Moisture Mask
From the natural curly hair popular brand Giovanni, this Avocado-infused moisture mask mixes with olive oil to give ultimate moisturising results! The rich formula with Aloe Vera, Shea Butter and Fruit oil helps to improve the hair’s dry and rough exterior along with repairing extreme damage like breakage and split ends.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask
This cruelty free and natural-derived brand is a popular in the naturally curly community. The mask is made up of Avocado mixed with keratin protein, rosehip oil, aloe and argan oils. Along with essentials and vitamins that promote health and hair growth. This mask is also great for those with lifeless and dry hair caused by colour, chemicals, heat and climate.
All of the above deep conditioners including avocado butter and oil stress the hydration that they will give to your curls! I personally highly recommend adding Avocado (oil or butter”> to your list of essential ingredients to look out for in products if you suffer from dry, damaged, coarse or color-treated curls. Want a daily conditioner that contains nutritional avocado? Refer to this list for our suggestions.
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In this tutorial I will be showing you how I create finger coils that match a perm rod set by using just my hands. If you’re not for using a lot of hair tools, this is perfect for you.
Styling Time
This will take you 30 to 45 minutes depending on your hair length and how fast you are at coiling.
Products Used
- SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil ‘Leave-In’
- Hydratherma Naturals ‘Aloe Curl Enhancing Twisting Cream’
- Coconut Oil
Steps
Begin with freshly washed hair that is still wet (that is the key to this routine”>.
Section your hair into 2 halves and apply your leave-in conditioner generously. I do this whilst finger detangling.
Section your hair in 4 parts–2 up top, 2 on the bottom.
To create a perfect finger coil, apply a palm full of the cream and start on a tiny section of hair from the roots.
Twirl the section around your finger down to the end.
Repeat this step all over.
Leave your coils alone and air dry. You may also diffuse them on a cool heat setting to speed up the process.
Apply coconut oil to your fingertips and begin to carefully separate your coils to add frizz-free volume.
That’s it–cute coils with no heat styling tools and a fuss-free styling routine! This look is versatile for everyday wear and perfect for special occasions. Depending on your preferences and styling maintenance, your finger coils will last for days without needing a touch-up.
Watch my full video tutorial
Get yourself familiar with the new beauty trend, sugaring! Unfortunately it doesn’t involve you being able to eat the sugar but it is a great alternative to waxing. This natural hair removing method however isn’t anywhere near new, the technique of sugaring started in Persia back in 1900 BC! It is a well known Middle Eastern natural beauty secret that is affordable and earth friendly.
What is sugaring?
Sugaring involves a mixture that consists of melted sugar and honey as a wax alternative. A common modified recipe uses sugar, lemon and hot water. Apply the mixture to the area of hair and rip off as usual. The greatest thing about the sugar and honey is that they do not stick to the skin like hot wax does, instead it grabs your hair follicles from the roots and pulls them out instead of breaking them halfway, which can causes pain and ingrown hairs.
After a few sugaring sessions, the hair’s follicle will begin to diminish as it can extract the hair in its earliest growth phase. What does this mean for you? That there is a great chance of no more hair in those stubborn areas! This is even something that you can do at home. It is inexpensive and uses only 3 simple ingredients (that you will have already lying around the house”>. Laser hair removal who?
Is it better than usual waxing and laser hair removal?
Sugaring is the better alternative to waxing as the ready-made wax you buy or is used in salons contains strong chemicals, fragrances, dyes and preservatives. The wax is also usually warmed up which causes swelling when applied to the skin and if you have sensitive skin this can cause burning and scarring. Sugaring avoids this as sugar cannot stick onto skin cells as they are wet and sugar paste is water soluble, Perfect!
Waxing is a fear of many due to the possible pain you go through when the it is being ripped off. Sugaring makes the removal of the most painful areas such as bikini line, upper lip and chest much more bearable–this is due to less heat, which reduces the chance of skin irritation.
Do it yourself
Many beauty salons are starting to learn the practice of sugaring and offer this service. It is also something that you can master on your own at home.
- Tip: Make sure that the area you will be removing hair from is well exfoliated and not oily. After removing the hair avoid the Gym, exfoliation, sauna and hot water on the area for at least 48 hours.
Here is a great tutorial on how sugaring is done properly
Would you try the sugaring technique?
Silicones have created such a huge debate amongst the naturally curly hair community. These ingredients tend to get a bad rap when used in hair and skincare products because some silicones block all moisture out of the hair cuticles, causing dry, brittle or sticky curls. However, there is one silicone in particular that can be beneficial to hair during the summer months. It acts as a heat protectant and works wonders for frizz-prone, textured hair, and you may recognize the name, “dimethicone.”
Dimethicone’s pretty popular, actually
You will find Dimethicone in a large range of beauty and hair products usually within the first five ingredients after water. This is due to its slick lubricating coat that helps with detangling hair and smoothing any imperfections on the skin. Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer, meaning that it is “a molecule made up of several smaller units bonded together” says Dr. Frank Lipman. It provides curls with sleekness and shine, and is mostly used in conditioners, stylers, and detanglers.
This ingredient coats the hair strands creating a barrier against the humidity. As we all know, humidity and a high dew point cause curly hair to have more frizz, especially in the summertime. This is due to the larger number of water molecules in the air. These molecules create a bond on the hair causing the hair to fold back on itself at a greater rate, which we experience as frizz.
It blocks humidity and prevents frizz.
Dimethicone coats the hair strands, creating a barrier against the humidity. Humidity affects curly hair in the summer time due to the higher number of water molecules in the air. Its bond on the hair causes the hair to fold back on itself at a greater rate (commonly known as a frizz halo”>.
If your hair frizzes and poofs up quickly outside in the heat, try a hair serum or heat protector that contains Dimethicone to reduce shrinkage and frizz. This works by sealing moisture in and out of the hair shaft, preventing frizzies from sticking out of the hair.
Still, many curlies avoid it
Since Dimethicone is not water soluble, your scalp is prone to more build-up that sometimes cannot be rinsed away easily. Dimethicone sticks to hair strands, and to remove them you have to use a shampoo with sulfates or a cleanser/no-poo with the ingredient ‘Cocamidopropyl betaine’ in it.
Many curlies avoid both silicones and sulfates in their curly hair regimen, but not all silicones across the board are non water soluble. One way to enjoy the benefits of Dimethicone without resorting to the use of sulfates is to use products that contain the ingredient ‘Dimethicone Copolyol’ –this type of silicone is water-soluble and will give you less build-up and can be rinsed out with the water washing method.
Popular curly hair products (with Dimethicone”>
Many of the Holy Grail hair products that are often reviewed and praised in the curly hair community actually contain Dimethicone, you may even find the common ingredient on the labels of your favorite products:
- Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment, $13 at Walgreens
- Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner, $26 in Curlmart
- Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner, $20 in Curlmart
- Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves Fortifying Cream Conditioner, $3 at Walmart
Here is a list of water soluble and non soluble silicones, so you can decide for yourself if your hair products require the use of a sulfate cleanser or not.
Water Soluble Silicones
- Dimethicone Copolyol
- Lauryl Methicone Copolyol
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein (Hydroxypropyl Polysiloxane”>
- Any silicone with PEG as a prefix
Non Soluble (not water soluble”>
- Trimethylsilyl Amodimethicone
- Dimethicone
- Phenyl Trimethicone
- Cetearyl Methicone
- Dimethiconol
- Amodimethicone
- Stearyl Dimethicone
- Cyclomethicone
- Cetyl Dimethicone
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Behenoxy Dimethicone
- Stearoxy Dimethicone
Do you avoid products that contain Dimethicone? Or do you find that they help reduce your frizz?
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