Search Results: Shellie Reneé
So, I’ve shared before that, when it comes to natural hair—and hair-length retention—tips, in many ways, I’m a total non-conformist. One example is the “Don’t you dare apply heat to your hair” rule many people adhere to. While I get how that may work for some, it was actually while I was saturating my hair with moisture that I was getting more tangles and seeing more breakage.
After a little trial-and-error, what I discovered was when I blow out my hair on wash day (which for me is pretty much twice a month) and then put it into some sort of protective style, or I simply braid it at night (to keep it stretched) and then take it out in the morning, my hair has grown more than it ever has (and shoot, I am a high porosity kind of gal). That’s why I am of the personal belief that it’s not so much that heat is not our friend; it’s simply that we need to learn how to apply it correctly.
Image Source: @lizzys_curlycare
Since this is the fall season and, due to a lack of outdoor heat, you might want to rock a blowout more than usual, I wanted to share with you some ways to use a blow dryer on your hair in such a way that it will not damage your hair; how you can keep it stretched without overdoing the dryer process.
Are you ready to become allies, rather than enemies, with your blow dryer?
1. Choose the right dryer.
I promise you, if more of us paid attention to this particular tip alone, we’d be a lot less anxious about wearing blowouts more often. Using the kind of blow dryers that have limited temperature options, aren’t made out of either tourmaline or ceramic and don’t have at least a couple of different attachments is the kind of dryer that will fry your hair—if not immediately, after a few uses, for sure. That’s why, before purchasing a hair dryer, it’s a good idea to do some thorough research to see which one will truly work best for you. PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross debuted her high-performing blow-dryer in 2023, which features 4 unique attachments to help shape, smooth, and stretch your curls, coils, and waves.
2. Deep condition your hair.
Image Source: @gkccouture
There’s no way around the fact that blow-drying your hair is going to take a bit of a toll on your natural locks. One way it does this is by zapping out the moisture that your hair needs in order to remain moisturized and frizzless. Something that you can do to stay a step ahead of the dry heat that comes from your dryer is to deep condition your hair. I don’t mean for five minutes either. Once you apply the conditioner to your freshly washed hair, let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it. Then use a detangling comb to get as many kinks and tangles out of your hair as you can. Trust me, the more “pre-work” that you do to your hair before drying it, the less damage your dryer will be able to do.
3. Remove as much dampness as possible.
Image Source: @megan.cynth
One mistake that I used to make quite a bit was running the dryer through my hair after only briefly towel-drying it. Do. Not. Do. This. You are only setting yourself and your hair up for it to fry, especially if you place your dryer in a high setting. Instead, use a T-shirt to get as much excess water out of your hair as possible. Then, give your hair time to air dry between 60-80 percent. Just make sure that you apply a leave-in conditioner so that your hair will still be manageable once it loses some of the moisture that came from washing it.
4. Use a creamy thermal heat protectant.
The next step that is an absolute must is to put on a thermal heat protectant. This is such a necessary step because, when your hair is dry, your cuticles are open. When the heat hits them, that makes them far more susceptible to heat damage. Applying a thermal heat protectant to your tresses smooths your cuticles so that less damage occurs. Just make sure you use a spray only if you’ve got fine hair. Heat protectants in the form of cream are far better for hair that is thick or is a type 4 in texture.
5. Apply oils after, not during.
It’s always a good idea to seal your ends, too. Not only because they are the oldest parts of your hair but also because you want to ensure they get enough moisture so they do not split once the heat hits them. Just make sure that, as far as the sealing process goes, you apply the oil to your hair while you’re applying your leave-in conditioner.
Let it sit for 10 minutes, and then use your hair dryer. Oh, and try to avoid adding more oil to your hair as you are drying your hair. Why? Well, oil and heat are the perfect storm for fried hair or, at the very least, extremely frizzy hair. If you want a little more sheen that oil tends to provide, add a little more once your blowout is completely done.
6. Blow dry, downwards, in sections.
Image Source: @krystal.beautylounge
Now that we’ve gotten a little of prepping out of the way, to achieve the perfect blowout, technique has to be factored in too. Make sure to section your hair into 4-6 pieces, just so that it will be easier to blow it dry without tangling it up. If you opt not to use an attachment, use a round brush and start at the bottom of your hair, working your way up to the roots. Use your hands to roll your hair up and pull it straight, kind of simultaneously. Also, make sure to dry downward as much as possible. When you blow your hair backward, that can sometimes go against the cuticles of your hair and cause damage. I
7. Don’t overdo it.
One more thing. Sometimes, even when our hair is prepped just right and we’re using our blow dryer just like we should, we still end up wrecking our hair. How? By mistaking our dryer for a flat iron. What I mean by that is while some blow dryers are pretty impressive, none of them are really designed to make your hair bone straight. But if you forget this and keep passing through your hair over and over and over again, the combo of the heat and tension can also end up damaging your hair. So, if you want a long straight look, get a professional to flat iron your hair. But if you simply want length and texture, rock your blowout—and trust that no more than three passes with your dryer is all that you need.
Which of these techniques do you plan to use in the future?
I’m pretty much thinking that all of us can name at least one hair pet peeve that we’ve got. Me personally? I think it would have to be that while the left side of my head has hair that is super thick and grows pretty fast, my right side is somewhat thinner and likes to trail about an inch behind. When I tell you that, it annoys me to no end; words cannot express it! But what I’ve also come to accept is I’m not a rare person in this case. As you’re about to see, most of us have to endure this hair-triggering issue. The way to work through it is to know some hacks that can help the thinner side to get thicker and perhaps even “catch up”—even if it’s just a little bit.
1. Accept that it’s completely normal.
The first thing you’ve got to do is fully accept that, while having one side of your hair that’s weaker and thinner than the other can be annoying as all get out, it is also completely normal. The reality is that while our bodies’ left and right sides are similar, they aren’t identical. If you look closely, you might notice that one eye is wider, one breast is bigger, or one of your feet is larger than the other. So yeah, if both sides of your hair aren’t the same, it’s just following suit with the rest of your body from head to toe. I get that this fact doesn’t make things any less annoying, especially if you’re currently trying to grow your hair out. But I’m hoping knowing that you’re not alone can give you a little peace of mind.
2. Don’t always put tension on the thinner side.
Ok, now that you’re aware that Mother Nature (and sometimes even genetics) is a significant part of the reason why one side of your hair may be thinner than the other, let’s look at some other things that you might be doing that could be making matters “worse.” One is if you are always styling your hair the same way. Like if your ponytail is always leaning to one side, your part is constantly on the same side, or if you’re always brushing or combing your hair on one side too. The constant pressure and friction can, over time, either make your thinner side much weaker or the thicker side can become more damaged over time. Switching up your regular styling routine is sometimes a good idea. Giving your preferred styling side a break can give your hair follicles time to strengthen so that that side of your hair can appear stronger and thicker again.
3. Switch up sleep positions.
I already know that one of the reasons why the right side of my hair is thinner (and grows slower) than the left is that I prefer to sleep on my right side. Since I sleep around 7-8 hours a night, the blood vessels on the right side of my body are being compressed. The less blood flow, the less blood circulation reaches my scalp and hair follicles. And, when my scalp and follicles aren’t getting the nutrients they need, that can impede my hair growth. The same thing applies to you. We’ve all got a favorite sleep position, but if you’re serious about trying to get the thinner side to thicken up a bit, you might want to occasionally switch your position. If you can’t imagine doing that, I have another tip that might help. This brings me to my next point.
4. Massage the thinner side more often.
A scalp massage ain’t never hurt nobody. It should become a part of our self-care routine for several reasons. Scalp massages can reduce emotional tension, decrease headaches, improve your sleep quality, and, hands down, do wonders for your hair. Scalp massages increase blood circulation to your scalp, strengthen your hair’s roots, and help to evenly distribute your hair’s natural oils (so that your tresses receive more moisture as they experience less breakage)—all of this ultimately leads to a stronger head of hair, on both sides; especially if you massage your scalp with some warmed up Jamaican black castor oil (the warmth also increases blood circulation and the oil itself is loaded with nutrients) and a portable scalp massager.
5. Put the shears down.
In theory, you would think that if you cut the shorter and thinner side of your hair, all would be right with the world, right? WRONG. All this will ultimately keep you from ever seeing any real inches. So, what do you do when one side is noticeably shorter and thinner? Doing an initial cut—hopefully more like a trim—just to even everything up is fine. But after that, try to spend more time babying the thinner side so that your follicles can get stronger, that side of your hair can get thicker, and hopefully, there will be a little more progress, lengthwise. And how long should you wait before cutting/trimming again? So long as your ends are in good shape, try to give it at least three months. While that might seem like a long time at first, if you intentionally care for the thinner side, you might see enough growth that you won’t have to do anything super drastic with your shears.
Image Source: @wavescurlswhatever
6. Give it time.
Patience is a virtue, and truer words could not have been spoken than when nurturing the thinner side of your hair. I’ll be honest and say that when it came to my right side “evening out,” it took a good nine months or so before I could see some real progress—but I did indeed see some. So, if you want your thinner side to get thicker, take these tips to heart, develop a consistent hair care routine, and give it some time. I bet your hair will get healthier and stronger if you do—on both sides of your head. #wink.
Please share your tips and tricks with us in the comments!
Listen, I don’t care how healthy your hair and scalp are. If you’re a stickler for baby hairs with every style, you want your hair to be as sleek as possible every week or your go-to protective style is always—emphasis on always—a wig or weave, it’s going to start putting stress and strain on your edges. Not only because your edges are possibly the most fragile parts of your hair but also because hair follicles aren’t designed to deal with constant manipulation. This can result is a thinning hairline or losing your edges altogether.
Most of us know this in theory. Still, there comes a point in time when we’ve all had some part of our edges that was a little thinning than we would like. If that’s how things currently are for you, you’re freaking out a bit, but you know that you don’t want to do any more damage; I want to share with you some natural things that I have tried to treat a tiny thinning spot that came from texturizing my hair too much (yep, chemicals can wreak havoc too).
Although it takes several weeks to notice any real improvement (all good things come in time, y’all), if you make these a part of your daily regimen, I will be shocked if your edges don’t come back into full effect again.
1. Use Saw Palmetto
If you’ve heard of, saw palmetto before but you’ve never been quite sure what it is, it’s a tiny berry that has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans for many years. Saw palmetto treats everything from bladder infections and prostate cancer to low libido. Something else that the properties in saw palmetto can do is restore hair loss.
It does this by blocking something that is known as 5-alpha-reductase (an enzyme that converts testosterone into the hair loss molecule DHT). The best way to get the benefits of saw palmetto (when it comes to your hair) is to make a pomade or use a hair oil.
Saw Palmetto Instructions
All you need to do is combine one teaspoon of pure Aloe Vera gel to two teaspoons of ground saw palmetto powder. Apply it to your thinning edges, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat this once a week for best results.
2. Eat Foods That Are Rich in Zinc.
To get a full head of hair back, you’ll need to pamper your follicles with a healthy diet; aside from protein and iron, you need to consume plenty of zinc. That’s because zinc is a mineral that is essential to tissue growth and repair, including when it comes to your scalp. You can get more zinc into your system by taking a supplement. Or you can eat foods high in zinc, including eggs, legumes (chickpeas, lentils, etc.), whole grains, cashews, Greek yogurt, oysters, and lamb.
3. Restrict Certain Foods From Your Diet.
No matter what you put onto your hair (including your edges), if your diet is poor, you will fight a pretty uphill battle. Stay on top of the hair healing process by nixing certain foods that don’t do it well. Some that top the list include vegetables, soy, and corn oil (trans fats trigger inflammation), sugar and processed foods (they’ve got a tendency to throw hormone levels way off), and caffeine (it can lead to dehydration).
4. Perform Weekly Rosemary Oil Massages
Rosemary oil is dope because it does everything from increasing blood circulation and improving brain function to pain relief, stress reduction, and a natural bug repellant. Something that I adore about this particular oil is the fact that it is also a tremendous hair-loss treatment. This is something that I’ve applied to the thinning spot on the right side of my head (right next to where my edges technically are).
Gently massaging the oil onto that area 2-3 times a week (for about five minutes or so), also prevents DHT from attacking my hair follicles. Word on the street is it’s also awesome when it comes to treating androgenetic alopecia (a male form of pattern baldness that also affects many women). Some research says that rosemary oil is just as effective yet more gentle than the main ingredient in Rogaine (minoxidil).
5. Drink Bone Broth.
Your hair is made up of protein, so you need a consistent amount of it in your system. One way to do that is to consume bone broth. It’s loaded with protein, collagen, and other minerals your hair follicles need to thrive. You can purchase some at your local grocery store. Or, if you’d prefer to make some of your own, click here for a meat and vegan recipe.
6. Decrease Friction
Friction is not your hair’s—especially your edges’—friend. But you know what? If your hairbrush is the only thing that comes to mind that causes it, let me add a few more things to that list. Protective styles, cotton scarves, wool hats—anything that keeps rubbing on your edges and dries it out can thin out your edges.
Image Source: @hauseofcurls
Now, this doesn’t mean you have to go without the styling options you love; just be proactive about properly caring for your hair underneath it. Use protective styles as a temporary styling option. Wrap your hair up in silk or satin scarves (they don’t dry your hair out, plus they are gentler on your hair). Avoid hats that are too tight, and also make sure that there is a band inside of it made out of satin material; that will protect your edges better while producing less friction.
7. Let.The. Baby Hair. Go.
When I think of two women who are still keeping baby hairs alive, TLC’s Chili and Lori Harvey immediately come to mind. Although sometimes the look is cute, don’t let them convince you that gels, mousses and forcefully brushing tiny hairs around the perimeter of your face are not going to damage your edges at some point and just think how much better off you are by not losing them in the first place?
Laying them down every once in a while is cool, but they’re called “baby hairs” for a reason. It’s OK to let your natural and product-free hairline shine through. That’s the best way to keep your edges from thinning; the best way to keep them flourishing and super-healthy!
Are you looking to improve your thininghair line this season? Shop our scalp and edge control products during our Black Friday sale!
A couple of days ago, I decided to rock a blowout. After spending almost all of the summer season in some really cute medium-sized box braids, y’all couldn’t tell me that those braids didn’t help my hair to grow, mostly because I am a self-professed constant-hands-in-hair kind of person and my braids kept me from manipulating my tresses. Anyway, as I looked at the length that I had accumulated, I knew that now, more than ever, it was a good time to keep going on the hair-growing tip.
Before getting into all of the reasons why the fall season is a great time to capitalize on gaining a few inches of hair growth, let me say that if you sported a short coif to combat the summer heat but now you’re on the fence about whether or not to grow your hair out, I am a firm believer that autumn is one of the best times to do it. No doubt about it—the cool air and holiday season make it the perfect time to do so. Here’s why.
Image Source: @sinasemedo
1. All-day deep conditioning is a cinch to do
It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Chebe powder. Something that I noticed has made a huge difference in the health of my hair is mixing some Chebe with my deep conditioner, putting on a plastic bag (and then a scarf), and letting the conditioner penetrate my hair overnight. Talk about having some beautifully soft-yet-strong hair! If you want to avoid the sounds of the bag crinkling throughout the night, you can also deep condition your hair during the day.
Wash and apply your favorite deep conditioner, put on a plastic bag, and wrap your hair up in your favorite “scarf style.” Daytime fall weather is (typically) the ideal temperature to not worry about catching a cold. Plus, since you’ll probably be sporting scarves and hats more often, it’s a great time to give your tresses the moisture that they need without anyone having to know that deep conditioning is what you’re doing.
2. You can cover your hair up more often
Image Source: @anniegoukcurlygirl
If most of us were to admit what the leading cause of our own hair breakage was, we’d probably have to say it’s how much we manipulate it. Well, as it gets cooler, use this as an opportunity to wear more scarves, hats, wigs, and weaves. You’ll be super-stylish, and your hair won’t have to deal with the stress of your hands constantly playing with it. Just make sure that you keep your hair super moisturized underneath; constantly covering your hair up can dry it out if you are not careful.
3. Protective styles are ideal
Image Source: @sodazzling
Honestly, there’s not ever a time of year when protective styles aren’t ideal. But I find the holiday season to be when it’s fun to take risks. Why not try a new color, go with a funkier look, and investigate what protective styles will be big in the upcoming year? Since our hair tends to grow about ½” a month, a protective style during the fall and winter could easily earn you three new inches come springtime.
4. The more nutrients, the healthier the follicles
C’mon. One of the best things about fall is all of the good food that’s in season and all of the home cooking that we get to enjoy right around the holidays. The key is to prepare them healthily and to enjoy foods without overdoing them. If you want to provide your hair follicles with the nutrients that they need to increase blood circulation, moisturize your scalp, and trigger hair growth, make sure to eat the following in-season fruits ‘n veggies—sweet potatoes, apples, red grapes, arugula, cabbage, figs, persimmons, pears, winter squash and, of course, pumpkins.
5. The more hair you have, the warmer your head will be
For years, I rocked a TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) all year round. And while I certainly have no regrets, I must admit that it’s a lot warmer this fall, all thanks to the extra inches on top of my head. In times past, I had to rely on a hat to get through the chilly days. Now, my curly hair has me covered. Literally.
6. You’ll be in a “resolutions” state of mind
Other than our birthdays, there’s no greater time for self-evaluation than the end of the year. As you’re reflecting on all of the things you want to do differently and the goals that you want to achieve, why not put “growing out my hair” on your resolution list? If you put a plan in place and remain consistent, you might be amazed by what your hair looks like this time next year—full, healthy, and long. All thanks to the choices that you made this fall.
What are some of your favorite reasons for growing out your hair in the Fall? Let us know in the comments below!
Wow. Is it just me, or does it seem like this is the time of the year, like clockwork, when we gasp at the thought that another holiday season is much closer than we think? Not that I’m exactly complaining or anything because I don’t know about you, but my absolute favorite time of the year is the fall season. Cooler weather. Colorful leaves. Layered clothing. Apple cider. Comfort food galore. Yes, I could definitely go on and on.
I must admit, though, that it wasn’t until a few years ago that my hair started getting (almost”> as excited about the change in seasons as the rest of me does. That’s because, just like it’s a good idea to use this time to winterize your home and budget for Christmas, it’s also wise to come up with a “fall hair prep plan” — you know, proven things that can get your hair ready for the inclement weather that is sure to come.
If you agree with where I’m coming from and you’d like a few pointers on how to get your hair prepared for the turn of a new season, here are ten things that I do that I think can put a smile on you — and your hair’s — face.
1. Get a Good (Professional) Trim
I’ll be the first one who is all about dusting ends from the comfort, convenience and no cost of your own house. Still, as you are preparing to get into some chilly weather, ice, sleet and snow (and possibly a holiday-themed party or two), I definitely recommend that you get your hair trimmed by a professional stylist. Unless you plan on wearing a protective style (and yes, wigs and weaves count), there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll be styling your hair more often, so you want to make sure that your ends are in good shape, not just to reduce frizz and split ends, but so your styles can last longer too.
2. Invest in a Satin-Lined Hat
Image Source: @imanitaylorgood
At this point, I can’t even tell you how many brims and golf caps I have. What I will say is a lot of them are made out of wool and I used to make the grave mistake of not making sure they were lined with satin before putting them on. The reason why this is so important is because fabrics like wool can really dry your hair out. And since cold air has a way of lifting our cuticles and zapping them of moisture, well, you don’t want to look up, come spring, to dry and brittle hair that results in you having to lose a few inches. There are many great brands on the market that sell satin-lined beanies, head scarves, and fall hats, like Grace Eleyae, Yanibest, and KINApparel which are specially formulated for your curls, coils, and waves.
3. Eat Some Collagen
I bet you already know that your hair is made up of keratin protein. Since collagen is also a protein, it probably makes sense why I would say that you need to get — and keep — some of it in your system. There are a few reasons why this can be super helpful during the fall. For one thing, whenever you eat collagen, it breaks down into amino acids. This is a good thing because it helps your body to produce even more protein.
Collagen also helps to keep your hair follicles healthy, reduce thinning, slow greying, and encourage long and strong healthy hair growth — all of which are great benefits when your hair is dealing with colder weather. While there are collagen supplements that you can take (that you can easily find at your local vitamin store), there are also foods that are loaded with collagen. Some include egg whites, citrus fruit, red and yellow veggies (like red peppers, red cabbage, yellow peppers, and squash), berries, garlic, fish, and even white tea.
4. Eat Some Omegas-3s
While we’re on the topic of diet, make sure to get some omega-3s into your system as well. It’s a type of fatty acid that your body actually cannot produce on its own. What makes it so beneficial, hair-wise, is it helps to prevent hair follicle inflammation while also increasing blood circulation to your scalp so that your hair follicles can receive the nutrients that they need. Not only that, but omega-3s are amazing when it comes to moisturizing your hair from the inside out. This is also something that comes in supplement form. However, foods that are high in omega-3s include salmon, tuna, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, spinach, and Brussels sprouts.
5. Put Some Oil into Your Conditioner
Speaking of moisturizing your hair, while I’m a huge fan of deep conditioning, on the wash days when I don’t have a couple of hours to let the conditioner penetrate my hair, a hack that works wonderfully is adding some oil to my conditioner. If you put a tablespoon or two of argan oil (it deeply penetrates your hair), jojoba oil (it brings relief to dry hair), sweet almond oil (it helps to restore hair loss), olive oil (it reduces frizzing) and grapeseed (it fights dandruff and scalp inflammation), not only will your hair receive even more moisture and sheen, it will gain the properties from those oils to keep your hair healthy all fall (and winter).
6. Apply Serums with Care
Image Source: @starsaidso
There are a lot of women I know who will wear their natural curls in the warmer months and then straighten their hair once the fall season arrives. If you’re able to raise your hand in this particular class, be careful when it comes to applying hair serum. While it’s good for your hair when it comes to protecting it from outer elements, controlling frizz, maintaining straightness, promoting shine, and reducing tangles, if you get into the habit of constantly piling the serum on, it can have adverse effects like not being able to hold your style or drying your hair out.
This is why it’s so important to find one that particularly fits your hair type, that you don’t apply it to your scalp (that could lead to unnecessary build-up and scalp irritation) and that you don’t rely on it as a hair growth remedy. Even though some serums market themselves as hair growth serums, more than anything, they are styling solutions that should be treated as nothing more than that. In other words, a little serum (a quarter in your hand when styling) goes a long way.
7. Keep Heat Out of It As Much As Possible (Including on Wash Day)
OK, on the heels of what I just said, this point might sound a little crazy, but still, hear me out. As far as blow drying and flat ironing go, because the fall weather isn’t as humid as the summer, you should be able to use less heat because you won’t encounter as much shrinkage. However, when you do opt to style your hair this way, make sure that you apply some thermal heat protectant every time. Also, you must go with a spray protectant if your hair is fine and a cream one if it’s thick to receive the best protection possible.
However, when it comes to this particular point, what I want to stress is that you avoid using hot water on your wash days. Because your hair is porous, you want to keep water warm; otherwise, hot water can dehydrate your hair and scalp. Not only that, but it can actually “trigger” frizz — and no one wants any of that. So, no matter how great hot water may feel after coming in from the brisk cold weather, warm is always the temperature to go with when washing your hair.
8. Invest in a Humidifier
If you don’t already have a humidifier in your house (especially your bedroom), this is the time of year to get yourself one. While all kinds of moisturizers help to put moisture into the air, if you get one that produces a cool mist, it can reduce the temperature of the air in your house, while a warm mist can keep your home a little warmer. As far as health benefits go, humidifiers (especially during the cooler months) are able to reduce the amount of viruses and bacteria that lurk in the air, ease asthma symptoms, keep your skin moist, reduce snoring, and yes, it’s great for your hair too. That’s because, just like it moisturizes your skin, a humidifier can help to hydrate your scalp as well as your tresses, which is a great foundation for healthy hair.
9. Steam Your Hair
Whether you’d prefer not to buy a humidifier or you’re simply looking for a way to give your hair even more moisture, another way to do that is by steaming your locks. Steaming simply gives your hair back some of the moisture that it may have lost due to the environment or from how you choose to style your hair.
Since steamers are also proven to increase moisture, give your natural curls more definition (for longer), strengthen your hair, and make it easier for your favorite products to penetrate your hair’s shaft, it’s a must-do, at least 1-2 times a month (more than that could put too much moisture in your hair which weaken your hair over time); especially around this time of year.
By the way, when it comes to the steaming process, you can purchase a steamer like the Q-Redew pictured above and follow a steaming tutorial on the YouTube video here. You can also steam your hair at home without a steamer by following the tutorial below.
10. “Baby” Your Ends
If you’re someone who feels like, no matter what you do, you can’t seem to gain inches, or your hair has been at a plateau for months (or even years) on end, it can’t be stressed enough that if you see hair on your head, it is indeed growing. The problem is that you are losing length at your ends at about the speed that you are gaining it at your roots. That’s why it’s so important to baby your ends, really, all year round. And what are some of the signs that your ends need trimming, more deep conditioning, sealing (check out “How to Seal Your Hair for Protective Styles) or a break from some of the styling choices that may leave it vulnerable to inclement weather?
If your ends are dry and brittle; you feel a lot of fairy knots; your hair tangles up a ton whenever you attempt to style it; your ends won’t hold any curl; they snap off easily; you notice split ends (this definitely means that you need to trim your hair, by the way; there is no product that totally restores them”>, or the texture of your ends feels different from the rest of your hair shaft. If any of this is the case, make sure to give your ends some extra tender loving care. As a matter of fact, since fall is upon us, take a couple of hours to inspect your ends and “baby” them now. It’s a proactive step that could keep your hair in great shape (and give you a few more inches) until spring rolls back around again.
If you’re someone who loves shopping for accessories, as you’re out looking for a new pair of boots or metallic footwear (which is really big this fall season, by the way), don’t forget to also pick up a few fall-themed hair accessories too.
Although I’m pretty much a scarf and hat girl, I must admit that since I now have some extra length on my head, as I was compiling a list of 2023 fall and winter hair accessories, a few caught my eye. I think it’s because this year, there is such a wide variety that complements so many different personalities and style preferences. Plus, whether it’s at a store like Target or hopping online on Etsy, you are sure to find most of these at a super affordable cost too.
So, are you ready to adorn your natural curls in some of the most adorable ways? If so, we got you.
1. Ribbons
Image Source: @curlieswithjulia
Balletcore reigns supreme and ribbons continue to be a staple accessory to wear with any hairstyle this season. Textured ribbons are what sets one apart from the other with different fashionistas leaning into fabrics like tulle, silk, and velvet to add dimension and personality to their ribbon.
2. Puffy Headbands
Image Source: @loefflerrandall
Puffy headbands bring back all the glamour of the ’90s with vibrant colors and jeweled accents like pearls or beads. These can be easily added to any hairstyle and you should lean into the oversized look as they take front and center stage. You always want to keep the focus on your head and try to wear styles like a bun or updo that allows it to shine.
3. Claw-Clip updos
’90s nostalgia is reigning over all fashion and beauty trends this season so it was expected that the claw-clip would come back into the fold eventually. If you have thicker curls and coils you may be hesitant to try this fall accessory, but there have been upgrades and improvements so these adapt better to all hair types. It’s a versatile hair accessory that you can use to create an updo or a half-up/down look regardless of the texture.
4. Vintage Bows
Image Source: @dorkdujour
Vintage bows have been making a comeback as fashionistas lean into their preppier side with a dose of flair. Bows have been seen everywhere from people wearing long braids and ponytails to headbands.
5. Brooches
Image Source: @tanginikiavierira
Another cool fall hair accessory is brooch-like barrettes that show sparkle, flair, and a bit of old-school vibes. Brooches have been seen in updos, and braids, or used as accents to jazz up an everyday look regardless of your texture. These will be a fun accessory to lean into during the holiday season.
6. Bejeweled Embellishment
Image Source: @ghdhair
We love to see a little sparkle and pop of crystal adorned throughout our curls and this has been a popular look all over social media and fashion runways. Embellishments not only add sparkle to your hair but also can be placed in different places around the base or nape of the neck depending on your hairstyle. They can be as large or minimal as you’d prefer and should be evenly distributed around your hair.
7. ’90s Scrunchies
Image source: @sojazzaye
For curlies, scrunchies aren’t a new fall accessory, but the style and support they bring change with each season. We’re all too familiar with how the elasticity can support a variety of styles and can also be used to create ponytails. ’90s scrunchies have a retro and nostalgic look and pattern that can add a big pop of color to your hairstyle.
8. Minimal Barrettes
Image source: @evandracurls
Nothing remains more chic than a minimal barette that adds a bit of detail and dimension to your curls, coils, and waves. Keeping it simple is the name of the game with this accessory because you want to use it in a sleek hairdo or updo that allows it to shine.
9. Metal Hair Jewelry
Image source: @kon.sen.suss
Wehter it’s a gold band or silver bangle, hair jewelry has never been an easier way to take your simple hairstyle from drab to fab. These add a a futuristic look to any hairstyle and also can help accent a low bun or messy topknot.
10. Thick Headbands
Image Source: @daniellejinadu
Thick headbands can often be associated with athleisure or athletic looks because they support style and function regardless of how you are wearing your hair. These are very easy and functional fall accessories that can go with braids, an updo, or wearing your hair down. Don’t save them just for the gym, use them to upgrade your daily look.
What are your favorite fall accessories? Share them with us in the comments!
Before this past March, the last time I had braids in my hair, I was a teenager. I decided to get some now because I’ve been rockin’ some short variation for most of my adulthood and I’m ready to get some length to my locks. But if you’ve ever tried to grow out your hair before, you can personally attest to the fact that there is more than one “awkward phase”’ that will make you want to forget your long-term goal and go back to whatever ‘” you had in the first place with the absolute quickness!
Aside from how long I have to sit in the chair to get my box braids done (typically around seven hours for the size and length that I like), I’m feelin’ everything about making this protective style decision. Come to think of it, the only thing that drives me crazy are these flakes that I tend to get; ones that I always have, mind you (because my scalp is naturally dry and sometimes dandruff creeps up), but is so much harder to manage when you’ve got a billion-and-one braids in their way.
If you can relate to where I’m coming from, I’ll share with you some hacks that have helped to reduce the appearance of my flakes while still keeping my braids looking pretty darn good.
Image Source: @amaka.ae
Before the braids:
Deep condition your hair. Ever since you can remember, you probably knew it was essential to condition your hair. But, it’s even more crucial to deep condition it, no less than a couple of times a month. By applying a thicker conditioner (something along the lines of a hair mask) and letting it sit for 30-60 minutes before rinsing it out, not only do you help to protect your tresses from experiencing heat damage, but it also helps to replace any proteins (and moisture) your hair may have lost. When prepping your hair for braids, deep conditioning will give your hair softness and strength and your scalp the extra pampering needed while your braids are in a protective style for the next several weeks.
Exfoliate your scalp. If you struggle with dandruff, two main things cause it. One is a type of yeast called Malassezia. The second reason is connected to it. When the yeast irritates your scalp, it causes the cells on your scalp to grow at an accelerated rate, which leads to a lot of itchy and sometimes sticky flakes. Something that will help to reduce this is massaging your scalp with a mixture of baking soda and a few drops of lavender oil. The granules in the baking soda will remove the flakes, plus baking soda will help to restore the pH balance on your scalp so that the yeast has a more difficult time surviving. Lavender oil will also keep the dandruff at bay while soothing your scalp. Exfoliate your scalp on newly washed hair about 2-3 days before your braiding appointment.
Image Source: @black_hair_court
Once your braids are in:
Create a witch hazel and tea tree oil hair spray. Hands down, one of my favorite treatments for an irritated scalp or scalp flakes is witch hazel. Because it’s a natural astringent with anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel can cleanse and soothe your scalp without drying it out. If you add a few drops of tea tree oil to it, its antifungal properties will keep bacteria, yeast and fungi from developing. You can apply the combo with a few cotton balls. I like to pour it into a spray bottle, pull my braids apart, and spray the solution directly onto my scalp several times a week. It’s cooling and super effective.
Dab some jojoba oil onto your dry spots. Our scalp naturally produces sebum (a type of oil). If you’ve got flakes because your scalp doesn’t get enough sebum to it, jojoba oil mimics sebum in many ways. Not only that, but it’s the kind of oil that is rich in antioxidants so that your scalp and hair remain nice and healthy.
Or apply peppermint oil with a few Q-tips. This is another awesome scalp tip. Not only does peppermint oil feel super refreshing (thanks to the menthol that’s in it) with a scent that makes me smell like a piece of candy, but its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties fight off dandruff (even lice”>. Peppermint oil is also able to absorb excess oil while still keeping your scalp moisturized in the process. If you want to apply the oil without making the roots of your hair all frizzy in the process, all you need to do is dip a couple of Q-tips of the oil and rub it along the parts of your hair. You’ll immediately feel relief.
Watch some YouTube how-to-shampoo videos. You probably wouldn’t wait a month (or more”> to wash your hair if you didn’t have braids in them, so it’s not a good idea to do it now. If you’re worried about washing them because a lot of water on braids (especially box braids) can make them feel heavy or you think that doing so will make your braids frizz up (which is the absolute worst), the YouTube world has videos that can provide you will all kinds of helpful shampooing and conditioning tips.
Keep product use to a minimum. One of the best things about having braids is there isn’t much of a need for hair products like gels, mousses, and sprays (except for maybe where your baby hair goes). But if for some reason, there’s a style you want to try that requires one of these, just so your scalp doesn’t end up with a ton of build-up, make sure to apply the “less is more” principle. Towards the end of your braid run, your scalp—and even the appearance of your braids—will thank you.
Consume a dandruff-fighting diet. Did you know that a part of how to manage your dandruff flakes is by watching what you eat? Certain types of foods that are able to keep your dandruff under control, including ones that are high in zinc (spinach, almonds, dark chocolate), protein (lean meats, quinoa, peas), iron (broccoli, pumpkin seeds, red meat) and omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, basil).
Try some Creme of Nature Argan Oil Apple Cider Clarifying Rinse. I tend to make sure my scalp is clean more than worrying about washing my entire head every couple of weeks. This is a rinse that contains apple cider it’s also great for restoring pH balance and removing build-up, tea tree oil, and even shea butter, it comes with a handy nozzle that makes it easy to apply, and it’s formulated for natural hair, locs and extensions (including braid extensions).
Don’t keep braids in for longer than eight weeks. Braids are super-convenient and (to me) one of the best ways to grow out your natural hair. But even too much of a good thing can cause problems. No matter how well you take care of your hair, there is bound to be some sweat and oil build-up that can only be fully removed by taking your braids out. When should you do that? I’d say after eight or ten weeks, it should be your absolute max. Once you remove them, if you do the first two things I mentioned again, any remaining flakes should go away, and your scalp will be refreshed and restored. Awesome!
Check out these braided hairstyles as well!
One of the best things about the change in seasons is all of the new foods that you’re able to eat—foods that aren’t quite as good as they are during their own particular harvest time. When you choose to wait until foods are in season, they have optimal amounts of nutrients, plus, as a bonus, they are typically a lot more affordable as well.
Before you head out to your local grocery store—or even better, your local farmers market—take out a moment to check out some of the best that the fall season has to offer. Foods that are good for your health and, even better, great for your hair.
1. Sweet Potatoes
Image Source: @Getty Images
Aside from pumpkins (which I will get to before this article is over), sweet potatoes are probably the most popular food associated with the fall season. Not only are they delicious, they are considered to be “a perfect food” too. That’s thanks to all of its beta-carotene (a plant pigment that changes into Vitamin A), how its magnesium is able to reduce stress levels, the choline in them that reduces inflammation in your system, its antimicrobial properties, and its high amounts of vitamins C and E too.
As far as your hair goes, the Vitamin C in sweet potatoes helps to increase the levels of collagen in your system—the more of it you have, the stronger and more elastic your hair will become. As far as Vitamin E goes, its antioxidants will keep free radicals from damaging your hair follicles as it provides nutrients to your hair and scalp in the process.
Get all of the goodness that this veggie has to offer by trying DONNA’S RECIPE Sweet Potato Pie Extra Creamy Leave-In Conditioner.
2. Pears
Image Source: @Getty Images
When a perfect is perfectly ripe, there aren’t too many things that are much better than it. In fact, pears are so delicious that it’s kind of amazin’ that they’re also really good for our health. Pears are high in fiber, a great source of antioxidants, loaded with potassium, and even contain electrolytes (if you’re looking for a snack that will replenish you after working out). Due to all of the fiber in pears, they are able to keep your cholesterol low and even help to keep you from being diagnosed with diabetes too.
Since pears have antioxidants, your hair is able to benefit from them because the antioxidants help to reduce dryness by conditioning your hair strands. Pears are also able to moisturize the cells that make up your hair so that breakage is less of an issue.
Check out how prickly pear can bring new life into your tresses with The Mane Choice prickly pear paradise overnight mask.
3. Fennel
Image Source: @Getty Images
If you’re wondering what exactly fennel is, it’s a veggie that is similar to celery and has a licorice-like taste to it. Every bulb contains 73 calories, is high in fiber, vitamins A, B6, C, K, folate, copper, zinc, calcium, and selenium. Add fennel to your diet in order to lower your blood pressure, improve your eye health, and relieve menopause-related symptoms as it helps to keep your skin fresh and youthful-looking as well.
Use fennel for your hair so that the zinc in it will help to keep the oil glands in your hair follicles working properly. As a bonus, zinc will also keep the tissue on your scalp healthy while significantly reducing your chances of experiencing hair loss.
Improve the quality of your scalp by using this fennel-sweet essential oil.
4. Cranberries
Image Source: @Getty Images
Cranberries are a low-calorie food that is made up of 87 percent water and contains a good amount of fiber. Other things that cranberries have in them are vitamins C, E, and K, along with manganese and copper. Some health benefits of cranberries include the antioxidants and polyphenols in them that fight the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bodily inflammation. They also have the ability to keep your heart strong. Plus, their anti-microbial properties can fight gum disease and strengthen your immune system too.
Cranberries are great for your hair because the copper that’s in these little berries can help to slow down premature greying. Cranberries also contain antioxidants and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that will reduce any irritation that could result in you having an itchy scalp.
You can improve your scalp hydration and decrease frizz with this Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Ultra Rich Shampoo.
5. Parsnips
Image Source: @Getty Images
Parsnips are a root vegetable that has fiber, protein, folate, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, vitamins B6, C, E, and K, calcium, iron, and zinc. They reduce oxidative stress due to their high amount of antioxidants. They also support weight loss due to their fiber content. Some of the parsnips’ other health benefits include the fact that their folic acid reduces birth defects in growing babies, their manganese improves enzyme production and, their potassium increases brain health as well. Some other perks of parsnips are their iron can keep anemia at bay, their Vitamin K can keep your sex hormones balanced and, the Vitamin C in them will help to prevent loose and wrinkly skin from occurring.
Thanks to the phosphorus in parsnips, blood circulation in your scalp will increase. Thanks to the niacin in parsnips, your hair follicles will get stronger over time too.
Take care of your hair from the inside out by snacking on some baked parsnip fries. You can learn how to make them below:
6. Spaghetti Squash
Image Source: @Getty Images
Spaghetti squash is a nutrient-dense food. What that basically means is that it’s low in calories while being loaded with vitamins and minerals in the process. Spaghetti squash contains fiber, protein, vitamins B6 and C, manganese, potassium, niacin, and more. It’s packed with antioxidants too. If you’re looking for a food that is great for your digestive health, supports weight loss, and contains enough calcium to keep your teeth and bones in great shape, those are other reasons to eat more of it this fall.
Since manganese promotes tissue health and, also has omega-3 and omega-6 fats to keep your skin and hair moisturized from the inside out, I’m pretty sure you can see why I just had to add spaghetti squash to this list.
Another way to treat your hair from the inside out is by learning more about making spaghetti squash noodles which you can view below:
7. Pumpkin
Image Source: @Getty Images
There is absolutely no way that I could write an article on foods that are in season this fall and leave pumpkin off of the list! After all, I’m pretty sure you’ll be having a slice of pumpkin pie, or pumpkin bread or you’ll be sipping a pumpkin spice latte before the autumn season is over. As you’re consuming these things, you’ll be happy to know that pumpkins are high in vitamins A, B2, C, and E, along with potassium, copper, manganese, and fiber. You also might be surprised to know that it’s quite the aphrodisiac (men love the smell of pumpkin essential when it’s mixed with lavender essential oil). Not only that but the antioxidants in pumpkins are able to fight off chronic diseases, the Vitamin A can give your immune system a boost, and some of its other compounds are great for your skin.
Pumpkin is great for your hair because its potassium is able to trigger hair regrowth, its zinc will keep your hair cells healthy and strong and, all of its nutrients combined make pumpkin a wonderful conditioner for super dry hair. Just one more reason to pick up at least a couple of pumpkins before wintertime comes.
Oh, I didn’t forget. You can use the Girl + Hair strengthening oil which contains pumpkin seed oil for thicker and stronger hair.
Enjoy all of the goodness of fall, y’all!
Disclaimer: All products featured on NaturallyCurly.com are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The fascinating thing about the fall season is, that just like you can use it as the time to get your body into the shape that you want to, you can also take this time to focus on restoring your hair. If you want to protect your locks from the bitter cold and harsh winds, you can put your hair into a protective style, wrap it up in a scarf, or rock a satin-lined hat. And, if this is the year that you want to accomplish some real hair length, December through March is the ideal time to pamper your hair and scalp. As far as pampering goes, one way to give your head some TLC is to give your hair and scalp weekly hot oil treatments. You can also seal your locks with oil or use oil as an ingredient in your deep conditioner or pre-poo.
Since there are literally dozens of different oils that you can apply—and also since we are already well into the fall season—we thought we’d help you narrow down your options by providing you with a list of five oils that are absolutely essential when it comes to your fall hair care routine.
1. Bhringraj Oil
Although Bhringraj oil isn’t the kind that you hear about every day, it is quite popular in Ayurveda therapy as well as medical science. Health-wise, it’s the kind of oil that helps to lower blood sugar levels, treat urinary tract infections, detoxify the liver, and, thanks to the high amount of magnesium that’s in it, Bhringraj oil has been known to reduce the discomfort of headaches and promote sound sleep too.
But what this oil really has the best reputation for is all that it can do for our skin and especially our hair. The Vitamin E that’s in it aids in soothing dry and/or inflamed skin. The oil overall helps to treat dandruff and dry scalp, reduce hair fall, increase blood circulation, add sheen, promote hair growth, and even prevent premature greying.
How to use it: If you want to make your own batch of Bhringraj oil from scratch, click here.
2. Olive Oil
Personally, I’d be close to shocked if you didn’t already have at least one bottle of olive oil in your kitchen pantry. Good thing too because olive oil is loaded with oleic acid which works to reduce body inflammation throughout our system. Some other cool things about olive oil include the fact that it is packed with antioxidants, helps to protect us from getting heart disease, reduces the chances of us getting type 2 diabetes, contains anti-cancer properties, and contains antibacterial properties as well.
Hair-wise, the antioxidants in the oil keep our scalps from getting too dry while preventing our hair follicles from experiencing too much cell damage. Another wonderful thing about olive oil is it helps to deeply penetrate our hair shaft, making it an ideal ingredient for deep conditioning and/or sealing our hair (especially the ends).
How to use it: If you really want to protect your hair from fall’s chill, apply a hair mask of olive oil and honey. The honey will work as a humectant and pull moisture from the air into your hair. All you need to do is mix four tablespoons of virgin olive oil with two tablespoons of honey. Heat the combo up in the microwave for 15 seconds and apply it to freshly washed hair. Let it sit for 60 minutes, then rinse in warm and then cold water. Style as usual.
3. Rosemary Oil
Out of all the oils on this list, if there’s one that you should definitely have in your possession, it’s rosemary oil. As far as physical benefits go, it’s the kind of oil that relieves pain, improves brain function, increases blood circulation, reduces stress, and can even help to kill the bacteria that cause food poisoning.
The reason why rosemary is an ultimate go-to for our hair is that not only does it contain anti-inflammatory properties, but it also helps to heal hair follicles and encourage nerve growth; this means that it’s a great oil for increasing hair growth and even treating hair loss.
How to use it: Treat yourself to a soothing massage by mixing four teaspoons of sweet almond oil (it stimulates hair growth and reduces hair fall”> with 10 drops of rosemary oil and three drops of lavender oil (lavender oil will soothe scalp inflammation while providing a calming effect”>. You can warm the oil up or apply it at room temperature. Massage your scalp for 5-10 minutes. Let the oil sit for 20 minutes and then rinse the oil out.
4. Clary Sage Oil and Lavender Oil Blend
Clary sage oil is good to use, not only because of its antibacterial properties but also because it works as an antidepressant, reduces menstrual cramps, and relieves stress. If you apply it to your hair and scalp, it can also treat dandruff, coat and protect your hair shaft from environmental damage, and encourage hair growth.
How to use it: Clary sage oil is especially powerful if you apply a few drops of lavender oil to it. Lavender oil also contains antibacterial properties, making the combination great at keeping your scalp fungus-free. Plus, lavender oil also has properties that will help to relax you as well. The less stressed you are, the less prone you are to damaged hair follicles and ultimately hair loss.
5. Horsetail Plant Extract Oil
The benefits of horsetail oil are very similar to that of tea tree oil. The properties in it work as an astringent, plus it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial benefits. This particular oil also works as a diuretic and coagulant. Since horsetail oil is able to do so much, some people use it to treat dry and brittle fingernails while others use it to reduce heavy menstrual flow, stop nose bleeds, and even soothe frostbite. Not only that, but many individuals sing the praises of horsetail oil because it can also help to prevent kidney stones as well as control incontinence.
Something that horsetail oil contains is silica (also known as silicon dioxide). It’s a compound that stimulates hair growth, strengthens our hair shaft, and adds a sheen to our hair’s appearance. Two other ingredients in this particular oil are selenium and cysteine; these also help to promote hair growth.
How to use it: One YouTuber uses horsetail as a pre-poo. You can learn more about how by going here.
So, if you’ve been looking for the kind of oil that will protect your hair from all that Mother Nature brings during the fall, one or a combination of these five oils will definitely keep your hair in great condition…just in time for winter.
Just recently, I took out some medium-length twists that I had for about five weeks. While I’m aware that they could’ve easily lasted for 3-4 more weeks (easily) I’m someone who likes to switch my hair up a bit. Anyway, while they were still in, about a month after getting them, someone asked me how I was able to keep them so fresh-looking. The answers that I gave her are the ones that I’m about to share with you now.
If you happen to be someone who either currently has some braids or twists in your hair (mostly the kind that come with extensions) or you’re considering getting some and you want to make them last for the standard 6-8 weeks, here are eight things that you can do to keep them looking, just about as good as they did the first day that you got ‘em.
1. Use Some Rosewater Spray
As I just mentioned, I recently took out some twists. While I adored the way they looked, sometimes the brand of hair that my stylist uses can irritate the crap outta my scalp. Something that brings quite a bit of relief to it, though, is rosewater. Since it’s considered to be a mild astringent, rosewater helps to calm the itching and prevent dandruff flakes. Plus, it contains anti-inflammatory properties if you happen to be someone who struggles with scalp eczema or psoriasis. Rosewater is also awesome because it contains vitamins A, B3, C and E — all of which are directly attributed to healthy hair growth.
You can either purchase the kind of rosewater that comes with a spray nozzle or you can make some of your own. For tips on how to do that, check out Maryam Hampton’s YouTube video on it below. Hands down, it’s one of the best ways to soothe your scalp and condition your hair at the same time.
2. Apply a Tea Tree Oil and Grapeseed Oil Blend to Your Scalp
While there are all kinds of opinions about whether or not it’s a good idea to oil your scalp when you’ve got a protective style in, personally, I’m all for it; especially since you’ve got all of those parts in your hair anyway. Besides, if your scalp is well-nourished, that will help you to not scratch as much which means that it will be easier for your protective style to stay intact.
As far as a great oil to use, one that I’m a fan of is a blend of tea tree oil and grapeseed oil. Tea tree oil is great because it’s got antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal properties. All of these work together in order to calm an itchy scalp, increase blood flow to your scalp, prevent the excess of sebum production (which can cause all kinds of buildup”>, balance the pH of your scalp and stimulate hair growth too. Grapeseed oil is beneficial because it is full of antioxidants, can deeply moisturize your hair and scalp and, since it’s not a “heavy” oil, you don’t have to worry about it caking up (like sometimes coconut oil can do if you don’t rub it all the way in”>.
3. Go Easy on the Edge Control
As your protective style gets older, that makes it easier for some of the hair around your forehead and temple to get looser. While it can be cute to use that as an opportunity to turn them into baby hairs, if you’re not careful, edge control can start to create a lot of buildup. Moral to the story here is, when it comes to laying your edges down, applying the “less is more” approach is best. Oh, and if you’re wondering which edge controls are best for your edges, check out our article, “The Top 10 Edge Controls to Keep Your Edges Laid”. It’s got some great recommendations.
4. Spray with Oil Sheen or Apply a Leave-in Conditioner
I don’t know what it is that makes some of us so comfortable with our protective styles that we don’t think that the style itself and our natural hair that’s underneath it won’t get dry. And since dry hair is never a good thing (especially if you’ve got a curly texture that is type 4), it’s always a good idea to keep some oil sheen or leave-in conditioner on tap. Not only can it bring moisture back to your hair, it can also keep your style looking fresh and new for longer as well. Just make sure that you go with a mist and not a cream. You want to get the benefits of moisturizing without creating a lot of buildup that creams (and mousses) can provide in the process.
5. Clip Fly-Aways (Carefully)
As time goes by, it’s not uncommon for some of the fly-aways from the extensions that were used to make your protective style look longer to get a little bit out of hand. This is where a sharp pair of shears and you taking your time while standing in the mirror comes in. Simply take a braid or twist, look at where they fly-aways are and cut them off in an upward motion. Just make sure that you don’t cut the braid or twist off in the process or that you cut your own hair.
And just how can you tell the difference between what’s yours and what’s the extension? In my experience, the textures are usually totally different because the extensions will either be very loose waves or bone straight. Also, resist the urge to use a lighter to burn the strays. You significantly increase your chances of singeing your own hair in the process which is super counterproductive since you are probably wearing a protective style to gain some inches in the first place.
6. “Touch Up” Your Hairline
I once watched a YouTube video where a woman was saying that her hack for keeping her box braids in for a longer period of time is to tie her roots into knots. Y’all, please don’t do that because all that’s going to do is turn your natural hair into a tangled mess; it could damage your hair follicles too. Instead, just got the front two rows of your hairstyle redone. You’ll be amazed by how it can automatically “freshen up” your look, how cheap of a hack it is and how it can definitely buy you 2-3 more weeks of time if you just can’t bear to part with your look just yet.
7. Wrap Your Hair Up at Night
Remember what I said about fly-aways? While I sometimes prefer to do absolutely nothing but go to bed whenever I have a protective style, I must admit that if I’m serious about extending its “shelf life”, it really is best to wrap it up in a silk or satin scarf or bonnet. For one thing, doing this helps to keep the friction of your bedding from causing more fly-aways to occur. Also, if you want to keep moisture in your hair longer, this is another reason why wrapping your hair up is such a good idea. (By the way, if your braids or twists are super long, putting your hair up in a pineapple can make resting so much easier.)
8. KEEP YOUR HANDS OUT OF IT
I mean, you got your braids or twists for the convenience of not having to “deal with” your hair every day, right? So, why in the world do you keep putting your hands all up in it? Messing with anything, over and over again, is going to mess it up at some point. And when it comes to braids and twists, it can loosen them up, cause your natural hair to “peek out” and add extra weight to your hair follicles which could actually weaken them. So, in the spirit of respecting the time and money that you put into getting your style in the first place, try and leave it alone as much as possible. Switching up your look every 2-3 days is fine but anything beyond that can be counterproductive. Unless you’ve got the time and money to get your hair redone every month. But hey, if that was the case, I doubt you would’ve read this all the way through. Right? Exactly.
What steps do you use to help add longevity to your protective styles? Let us know in the comments!
Sometimes I like to tiptoe out into cyberspace to see what some of the latest trends are. When it comes to hair, specifically, I’ve noticed that ponytails are getting a lot of shout-outs right now. Not just any ponytail, though — the super sleek ones.
Thing is, we curly girls know that whenever our hair is chemically-processed straight, achieving this kind of look is absolutely no problem. It’s when we want to make this look happen without permanently altering our natural texture that things can get a bit — pardon the pun — hairy.
That said, if you’d like to rock your own super sleek ponytail every once in a while and you’re wondering how to do it without damaging your tresses in the process, here are a few tips that can hopefully make that pretty easy for you.
1. Start with the right styling tools
Any good hairstyle is going to need some great styling tools. When it comes to a sleek ponytail, you need a wide-tooth comb, a soft bristle brush, an old toothbrush, a satin scarf (silk ones will sometimes stick to your hair after you apply product to it), an elastic hair tie and a fine-tooth comb too (for precision). Also, don’t forget about hair gel, mousse and/or pomade. Oh, and some edge control (check out our article “How to Make Your Own Edge Control”, “5 DIY Edge Control Recipes For Curly Hair” and “How to Lay Down Your Edges the All-Natural Way”). When it comes to whatever product that you choose, just make sure to go with something that results in as little residue as possible once it dries. Remember, it’s going to be hard to remove “white stuff” from your hair once your ponytail is set.
2. Be open to implementing a side part
The more parts that you have in your hair, the easier it will be for your hair to dry (whether you’re choosing to create your ponytail while it’s wet or you’re waiting for the product to dry completely). Plus, there is something that’s both sophisticated and sexy about a sleek ponytail that has a side part to it. For accuracy’s sake, go with a fine-tooth comb to make this happen.
3. Use gel on freshly washed hair. Pomade on towel-dry hair.
As far as product goes, my recommendation would be to apply gel on hair that’s just been washed and is still damp. If you’re trying to make this look happen on mostly dry hair, go with a pomade instead. Gel on wet hair because your tresses are most cooperative when they’re wet (which makes it easier to mold). Plus, gel tends to “set into hair” better when it’s wet (or at least damp). Pomade is great on towel-dried hair because although it is activated by water, a little bit goes a really long way. If you’re wondering what the perks of going with a pomade are, I personally don’t know anything that can tame curly hair and hold a style quite like it does. Plus, it creates a really sleek look along with a level of shine that’s pretty unmatched as well. If you’d like to use a gel that contains no alcohol (alcohol can be drying over time), Sheamoisture Daily Hydration Styling Gel 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Hydrating, Alcohol-Free Hair, Rolda Black Styling Hair Gel Extra Strong Hold and Giovanni LA Natural Styling Gel are good options. There are a few more listed in our article, “6 Best Alcohol-Free Gels for Wavy Curly Hair”. If you need a little bit of assistance as far as pomades go, check out our article, “10 of the Best Pomades for Thick and Curly Hair”.
4. Sleek your hair down in sections and then secure with a ponytail holder
Now that you know what kind of product to use to get this kind of ponytail, it’s really important that you don’t forget this particular point (especially if your hair is really curly or super thick). While it might initially seem easier to just plop a pile of gel or pomade onto your hair and comb it in, that really isn’t going to give you the end result that you’re after. Your best bet is to part your hair into sections, apply some product, comb or brush your hair into place and then “rinse and repeat” with another section. My recommendation would be to put your side part in and then part your hair horizontally in semi-small sections, so that you can distribute your product evenly and get each section of your hair nice and smooth. Then secure your ponytail with a ponytail holder.
5. Focus on your edges and nape
It doesn’t matter how great your ponytail looks if your edges and nape aren’t laid down as flat as possible. So, once you’ve got your ponytail done, it’s time to use your old toothbrush, your fine-tooth comb and some edge control to hone in on these areas of your hair. Actually, this part of the styling process can be a lot of fun because you can even put some tiny design in if you would like. Just make sure that after you’ve finished this part that you use a satin scarf to tie around your edges and nape for about 15-20 minutes, so that your ponytail can really get smooth and sleek (another tip is, if you want to use heat, this would be the time. Turn it on to medium and move the blower around your head. It will help the product to dry even faster!).
6. Tie your hair down at night and…
Unless you only plan on wearing your sleek ponytail for a day or so, this tip doesn’t matter much. But if you want to make it last for a week or more, it is an absolute must that you tie it down when you’re about to go to bed, when you’re about to get into the shower and also if you’re planning on working out. You need to do it at night, so that your ponytail isn’t messed up by you tossing and turning all night long. You need to do it before washing and exercising, so that the humidity won’t cause some of your hair to rise up. Honestly, when it comes to maintaining your sleek ponytail, your scarf should be considered to be its very best friend.
7. Keep some mousse on hand
So, what about if you need to do some touching up? Mousse can be super beneficial, mostly because it’s specifically designed to reduce humidity and hold a hairstyle. Plus, it dries faster than gel. Just make sure to keep in mind that “less is more”. In fact, if you want to some tips for how to avoid product build-up, a naturalista offers up some good insights here.
Enjoy your ponytail!
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Dry hair. It really is the worst, isn’t it? And unfortunately, when you’ve got naturally curly hair, it’s something that you typically have to battle with more than those with straighter textures.Why does my curly hair look dry?
Curly hair can look and feel dry because it is more challenging for the natural oils from our scalp to travel down the shaft and coat all of our strands. We typically need to use leave-in moisturizers, oils and deep conditioners more than people with straight hair do. Aside from moisturizing our hair there are other things that can reduce our shine and sheen levels too. Extreme weather. Using harsh hair products. Not tying our hair up at night. Applying too much heat. Not sealing our hair. Relaxing and color-treating too much. And that’s just for starters. The good news is you don’t have to settle for hair that looks dull and dry. You also don’t have to apply a ton of products (like silicone, for example), just to get the shininess that you’re after either. There are simple and natural things that you can do to get your hair to where you want it to be. I’ve tried all of the following things — and can vouch for every single one.1. Clarify your hair
If you’re a big fan of hair products, you definitely need to make it a point and practice to clarify your hair about once a month. “Clarifying” is simply removing any build-up that will not only make it difficult to style your hair but can make your locks look really dull and lifeless over time too. As far as what you should clarify your hair with, probably the only time when I will shout out a shampoo that contains sulfates is now; that’s because the drying agents in them can help to strip all of the “gunk”. However, a much kinder hair option is apple cider vinegar. It will get rid of build-up while still letting your hair retain moisture. An apple cider rinse can also help to soothe your scalp, restore your hair’s pH balance and reduce hair shedding. I’m a big fan of it. Have been for years. Anyway, for more details, check out our article, “Do a Hair Rinse with Apple Cider & Vinegar”.2. Eat more antioxidants
You might’ve heard that antioxidants help to boost your immunity and that would absolutely be the case. As far as your hair is concerned, consuming them is beneficial because they strengthen the blood vessels that provide nourishment to your hair follicles. Antioxidants also help your system to produce collagen, so that your hair has more elasticity. And yes, the properties in antioxidants have also been known to make your hair shine more when you consume them on a consistent basis. Some of the foods that are high in antioxidants include green veggies, berries, citrus fruit, dark chocolate, pecans, sweet potatoes and tomatoes.3. DIY a honey and olive oil mask
Honey is a wonderful hair ingredient because it acts as a humectant; this means that it pulls moisture from the air and puts it into your hair. Since honey’s also categorized as being an emollient, it is literally able to smooth your hair follicles which can give your hair more sheen and shine overall. As far as olive oil goes, thanks to the vitamins E and K and fatty acids that it contains, it’s the type of oil that will make your tresses easier to detangle while also adding moisture, softness and shine. So, if you’re looking for a hair mask that will up your hair’s sheen, add two teaspoons of honey to a half cup of extra virgin olive oil. Let it sit on your clean damp hair for 20 minutes and rinse. You will immediately see an improvement.4. Take a probiotic
It might surprise you that a probiotic can be good for your hair, especially since so much talk about it has mostly to do with how it is good for your gut. However, a probiotic is great for your hair’s health because the “good bacteria” that’s in it will help to reduce scalp inflammation which can help to prevent hair loss. It can also help to decrease cortisol levels (that can increase hair thinning) and it can even stimulate your hair growth phase. As far as shine and sheen go, probiotics are awesome because they help to bring balance to your body’s pH levels which can cause shiny hair to happen.5. Rinse with cool water
I’ll be the first to raise my hand and say that very few things feel more therapeutic than really warm water running down my scalp. Still, as much as I’ve tried to fight it, my hair has proven that cooler temperatures are best. That’s because, not only is hot water pretty drying, cooler water is better at sealing the cuticles of your hair. And when your cuticles are nice and smooth, your hair appears to have more sheen. I’ll admit that it takes some getting used to but it’s well worth it in the long run.6. Apply some aloe vera gel
If you’re someone who likes to use gel in order to give your curls more definition, but you’d prefer to go with something that has as few chemicals as possible, aloe vera gel is just what you’ve been looking for. First of all, since aloe vera is a plant that is loaded with vitamins A, C, E and antioxidants, it definitely will help to strengthen your hair whenever you apply it. As for some other bonuses, it’s also the kind of gel that will help to soothe an itchy scalp, strengthen your strands and make your curls look shinier. To get the best results, apply it when your hair is damp. And please don’t feel like you have to pile it on. A little bit of gel goes a pretty long way.7. Make a vegetable glycerin spritz
If you’re wearing your hair in its natural state and you’re looking for a bit of a pick-me-up, make a hair spritz that has vegetable glycerin as its base ingredient. It’s another humectant that will reduce frizz (frizzy hair oftentimes looks like dry hair). Vegetable glycerin will also help to keep your hair hydrated, reduce damage and help to prevent split ends. The key here is to not overdo it. Meaning, if you constantly apply it to your locks, that can make it sticky (I’ve learned from up close and personal experience!). You can check out a video that features pros and cons of it for natural hair here. You can check out another that features a homemade spritz recipe here.8. Make your own sheen spray too
Women within the Black community know what oil sheen is. And if anything was going to make our hair shine, almost with a glow, that would have to be it! Well, if you’d prefer to make some of your own, all you need is — one cup of rose water (it will soften your hair); a half cup of avocado oil (it reduces dandruff and breakage); a tablespoon of rosemary oil (it strengthens your hair while adding sheen), and 5-7 drops of cedarwood oil (it reduces frizz). Putting all of these ingredients into a spray bottle and shaking before using will give your hair the shine and sheen that you want while keeping your hair healthy in the process. Brilliant. Literally.
Image Source: @naturallycurly
There’s not nearly enough time to get into all of the things that makes summertime so awesome. Warm weather. Vacations. Beautiful sunsets. Countless scoops of ice cream and glasses of sweet tea. That’s just for starters. Not to say that the summer season doesn’t come with its own set of challenges too. Take your hair, for example. Hours out in the sun, salt and chlorine water, dry or humid hair—all of these things can take a real toll on your locks; in some ways, especially if yours happens to have a natural curly texture to it. That doesn’t mean that you should spend all summer underneath a big brim hat. It simply means that there are proactive steps that you should take in order to get your tresses prepped for what the summer season has to offer. You ready?1. Get a fresh trim
You’ve probably heard that if you want to keep your hair nice and healthy, you should trim your hair every 4-6 weeks. Eh. The actual truth is if you want to maintain the length that you currently have, that time window is best. As far as trimming your hair for the sake of its health, every 8-10 week is pretty good. But if you’ve noticed that you’ve got straggly ends, your curls are tangling up or frizzy or your hair doesn’t have a lot of definition—all of these are clear signs that you should start off the summer season with a good trim (if not a full-on haircut).2. Use a frizz-fighting shampoo
With summertime comes frizzy hair, mostly due to the high amount of humidity that’s in the air. One thing that you can do to keep the frizziness at bay is to apply a little serum to your locks after styling your look. Another thing that can (significantly) help is to shampoo your hair with a frizz-fighting shampoo; preferably one that is sulfate-free and contains keratin and collagen in it.3. Create a leave-in conditioner
The sun and saltwater from the ocean (because you are gonna go to the beach, right?) is enough to cause all kinds of breakage to your curls by Labor Day. Prevent this from becoming an issue by applying a leave-in conditioner to your hair (yes, even if you’ve deep-conditioned it on your wash day). You can purchase some at your local beauty supply store or you can make some at home. One of my favorite recipes consists of combining three tablespoons of jojoba oil, three tablespoons of sweet almond oil, two tablespoons of rosewater, 1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin and 15 drops of rosemary oil. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray your hair with it every day before heading out.4. DIY a sunscreen for your hair too
Just like your skin needs to be protected from UV rays, so does your hair. If you apply its own kind of sunscreen to it, it’ll keep elasticity in your curls. It will also prevent them from drying out and, if your hair is color-treated, it will keep the color in longer too. A DIY sunscreen (in spray form) is really easy to make. Just fill up an 8 oz. spray bottle up 6 oz. with distilled water. Then add a tablespoon of non-nano zinc oxide and a tablespoon of argan oil and—voila! You’ve got your very own hair sunscreen.
Image Source: @themariaantoinnette
5. Reduce the heat (even more)
Your hair is gonna be getting all of the heat that it needs (and then some) thanks to the summer heat. That said, not only are air-dried curls naturally sexy, they will keep your hair from over-drying and breaking off too. If for some reason, you can’t imagine not using a hair dryer or flat iron, summer is a perfect time of the year to rock a protective style. That’s another way to keep the heat off of your locks.6. Drink infused water
Your hair not only needs moisture coming from the outside but the inside too. If you’re not a huge fan of plain water, give your taste buds a kick by drinking some DIY infused water instead. Not only will your body (and hair) get the H2O that it needs, the fruits, veggies and/or herbs that are added to the water will provide you with extra nutrients too. Click here for some delicious recipes. Keep some “coverage” in your bag. Remember my mentioning big rimmed hats at the top of this? I’m all for you having a couple of ‘em in your accessories collection. But when it comes to coming up with other ways to protect your hair from the heat, scarves are super cute (based on the kind and what outfit you’re wearing with yours, they can even be sexy)and they’re a lot easier to carry around. In fact, I recently watched Naptural 85 premiere a video featuring five different ways to tie a scarf around your head. It’s just one more way to get—and keep—your curls summer fresh and ready. Pardon the pun but…very cool. Have any additional tips to share with your fellow curly girls? Let us know in the comments below!
Image Source: @syeda_bombom
See, I’m the kind of person who thinks that protective hairstyles are cute. So, when it comes to the reasons why we should consider them, at least from time to time, looking good is enough of one for me. But if you’re also looking for a way to save time, reduce the chances of your hair experiencing damage and/or you want to gain some extra inches of healthy hair, these are some more reasons to put your hair into some box braids, some passion twists or even a killer weave or wig. And once you do decide to go with a protective style of choice, if you want to keep your style looking fresh for as long as possible, here are some tips to definitely keep in mind.1. Have a professional style your hair in the first place.
Now, I’ll be the first to say that, back when I was in college, some of the best braided styles I ever had were from women who taught themselves how to braid in order to make ends meet. So, if you happen to know someone who, may not have a license, but can work wonders on their own, that is the exception to this rule. But overall, when you’re looking for a way to make your protective style—whether it’s braids, twists or even a weave—last longer, it really is a good idea to see a professional. They are trained in how to not only do protective styles well but how to offer tips on how you can properly style your hair that’s underneath it too. By the way, this also goes for wigs. While you might be able to install yours on your own (you can check out some videos on how to do it properly here, here, here, here and here), if you want your wig to look (and lay) as naturally as possible, it’s a good idea to have a professional stylist cut it for you so that it doesn’t look so straight-out-of-the-box wiggy (if you know what I mean).2. Wash your scalp only.
Speaking of wigs, when it comes to them, many women cornrow their own hair before putting on a wig cap. Well, when it comes to this particular tip, it won’t really matter if you mess up your cornrows while you wash your hair (since you’ll be putting a wig cap on top of your braids anyway). But if you’ve got a braided or twisted style that you want to look as frizz-free as possible, I suggest focusing less on your hair and more on cleansing your scalp. That cool thing about this recommendation is there are all sorts of scalp treatments on the market that can help to clean your scalp. Plus, thanks to the nozzle that’s on top of the bottle, you won’t have to worry about messing up your hair in the process. Some of those scalp cleansing products include African Pride Black Castor Miracle Braid & Scalp Cleansing Rinse, Taliah Waajid Protective Style Dry Gel Shampoo and Girl+Hair Moisturizing Sulfate-Free Cleanser.3. Create a DIY moisturizing scalp spray.
Whether your hair is in braids or twists or you’ve got it cornrowed underneath your wig cap, it’s always a good idea to have a moisturizing scalp spray on tap. Not only can it help to keep your scalp (and also your hair follicles) nice and moisturized, it can significantly reduce the amount of itchiness that a protective style can sometimes cause; itching that can result in you constantly having your hands in your hair. Not only can this cause you to mess up your protective style, it can sometimes put too much pressure on your tresses which can ultimately lead to breakage as well. A DIY video that shows you how to combine Aloe vera juice, tea tree oil and Jamaican black castor oil together in order to make a wonderful scalp spray can be found here.4. Invest in some mousse.
When it comes to braids and twists specifically, while some people think that using hair shears to trim fly-aways is the best idea, if you’re not careful, you could end up cutting off more of your natural hair than you realize. That’s why, I actually think it’s better to keep the trimming down to a minimum and to invest into some hair mousse instead. One what is water-based is not only better for your hair, but it will reduce the amount of flaking and residue that you see too. Some that protective style wearers love includeDesign Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse,Lottabody Wrap Me Foaming Mousse and Shea Moisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Mousse. You can watch a video on how to properly apply mousse to your braids (and twists) here.5. Get some professional in-between touch-ups.
This has got to be one of the most underestimated reasons for why people’s protective styles do not last as long as they would like. Say that you got some microbraids done and, due to the time that it took to put them in (not to mention how much they cost), you can’t see yourself taking your braids out before 6-8 weeks. Still, you can’t exactly control how fast your hair grows and, after about week four or five, your hairline is not looking as “clean” as you would like. A simple solution is to have your stylist braid the first few rows of your front and sides. It will make your braids look brand new again without you having to spend a lot of time and money in the process. In fact, seeing a professional, in-between visits, to touch up any protective style (including a weave) can have your hair looking just like new, even if it’s a few weeks old. Oh, and speaking of looking like new, never forget the power of edge control. Laying down your edges just right is another way to keep your protective style looking on point (check out our article “The Top 10 Edge Controls to Slay” for some of the best ones that are on the market right now).6. Wrap your hair up at night.
I recently read a tweet that said something along the lines of, “We need to see more shows with Black women going to bed and having sex with their bonnets on.” Indeed. Maybe that would help more of us to regularly wrap our hair up at night. Remember, a third of your 24-day, on average, is spent tossing back and for in your bed as you sleep. That’s a lot of time to totally mess your hairdo up (not to mention dry it out). If you’ve got your hair in braids or twists, consider putting them up in a pineapple. If you’ve got a wig that you can’t simply take off at night, this video and this video can walk you through what to do. As for weaves, this video and this video will hook you up.7. Keep your hands out of it.
Remember, the whole point in having a protective style is so you can leave your hair alone. This doesn’t just mean that you won’t have to put your hair into a new ‘do every day; it also means that, for the most part, you won’t mess with your hair period. Aside from maybe using a little edge control, pulling your hair up into a ponytail or bun or patting on your head if/when it itches, do your best to keep your fingers from getting all in your protective style. It can mess it up over time but, more importantly, the pulling and tugging could end up damaging the hair that you have underneath it. And you definitely don’t want that to happen—do you? What are your tips and tricks for making protective styles last? Share them with us in the comments!
Image Source: @curlybeviie
Back when I was in my 20s, there was no telling what color my hair was going to be on a week-to-week basis. Call it being creative. Call it being semi-indecisive. Call it not knowing a lot of what I know now. Personally, I think it’s a little bit of all of the above.
Anyway, these days, while I do still like color, I tend to prefer jet black the most (more on that in just a sec). If I do want to lighten things up a bit, I opt for hair wax instead of permanent dye. I think it’s because, with age comes wisdom and, not only do I care more about my health than I used to (more on that in a moment too), but I’ve been trying to get some length retention happening up in here and, let me tell you—if you want your hair to grow long and healthy, hair dye can be a real culprit.
That’s why I decided to write this. It’s not that I’m knocking bright, rich and even dark hues. Not at all. But I do think that sometimes, we can be so focused on our hair being any and every color but what we were born with, that we end up overlooking the benefits and blessings that come with being intentionally au naturel too. So, why should you consider going without dye? At least some of the time?
1. Permanent hair dyes come with their own risks.
Let’s start with the health risks first since, to me, I believe that is what’s most important. When I was growing up, my hairstylist used to say that no one should get a relaxer if they are under 12 or pregnant. When I asked why, she said that the chemicals can seep into your hair follicles and cause health issues. Even then, I was like, “Umm, if it can potentially harm kids and pregnant women, how is anyone else exempt?” Same thing with hair dye. Not only can hair dye potentially cause allergic reactions and hair loss (because it aids in weakening your hair shaft and, if you lighten your locks, that can result in dry brittle tresses), but it’s linked to breast cancer risk—especially among Black women—too. That’s why going with something more natural alternative like henna or yes, hair wax is the wiser option if your overall health and well-being is your main concern.
2. Hair dye can sometimes be (high”> maintenance.
If you get your hair color-treated at a salon (which is your best bet if you want the color distributed evenly and your hair to remain as healthy as possible”>, it’s usually not the cheapest and you’ve got to return to keep your roots on point. If you go with dye and developer at home, if you don’t do it right, you could end up with a hue that you absolutely didn’t want. If you go with a box color, let me tell you—you can be asking for all kinds of drama including super dry hair and breakage. Plus, the amount of extra deep conditioning that you’ll need to do so that you can maintain your inches can be exhausting (especially as you’re trying to find the balance between conditioning your hair and protein-treating it). Yes, color can be amazing. But if you think that it’s a low-maintenance hair styling option, typically, you’ve got another thing coming. On a few levels.
3. The hue you were born with is beautiful too.
When I decided to totally nix texturizers, while it took me a little bit of time to get used to my genuine hair texture, once I did, I asked myself, “Why didn’t I go totally natural a long time ago?”. A similar thing happened when I dyed my hair less too. My natural color, while it’s not bright or bold, is just as beautiful and, when I let my natural hue shine, my hair is far healthier too which is a huge bonus.
So again, while I’m not saying that you should never dye your hair or that there is something wrong with hair color, what I am pointing out is, if you’re color-treating your hair so much that you forgot what your actual hair color looks like, take a risk, let your dye grow out and take a look. Your health will thank you. The condition of your hair will thank you. And, you actually might end up loving it more than you actually ever thought that you could—or would.
What are your tips and tricks for coloring your hair? Share them with us in the comments!
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There’s one thing that I personally don’t think is discussed enough. It’s that, although there’s no question that working out is good for our mind, body and spirit, all of that sweating can be drying for the scalp and cause itching and irritation after a workout. I don’t know about you but when sweat gets to the point that the roots of my hair become damp, sometimes that can cause my scalp to get really itchy and feel super irritating. And here’s the thing — I don’t always have the time to create an entire wash day in order to get rid of either issue. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in this. That’s why I thought it would be a good idea to create a bit of a hack list that consists of things that you can do for your scalp to stop the itch – without scratching.Problem: Excessive Sweating
If when you work out, you sweat more than just a little bit, it’s going to affect you from head to toe. And the more your scalp encounters sweat, the more irritated it’s (probably) going to become. That doesn’t mean that you should reduce your workouts. It just means that you need to find a sweaty scalp workaround.Solution: Apply Dry Shampoo Before Exercising and Wear a Headband
If you’ve never tried dry shampoo before, there’s no time like the present. It helps to absorb sweat and oil. It neutralizes that odor that may come from sweat. It also helps to keep your scalp and hair healthy. All you need to do is apply some of it to the roots of your hair before exercising. Then put a headband around your hairline. That will help to absorb even more sweat from your hair and scalp and keep sweat from running into your eyes (which is also super irritating!). Read next: The Dos and Don’ts of Using Dry ShampooProblem: Greasy Scalp
Your scalp creates sebum. That said, whenever you sweat, it helps to spread the sebum, along with any oil, dirt and debris that was already on your hair to all parts of your scalp. And yes, that can make your scalp — and hair — greasy.Solution: Clarify Your Scalp
For this one, you’re going to have to rinse your hair. The key is to do it in a way that clarifies your scalp and one of the best ways to do that is to apply an apple cider vinegar rinse to it. The properties in apple cider vinegar will help to restore your scalp’s pH levels; reduce fungal and bacterial growth; exfoliate your scalp; increase blood circulation to your hair follicles, and the anti-inflammatory properties in it can reduce dandruff flakes too.Problem: Aggravated Dandruff
Speaking of a greasy scalp, the more you sweat, the more oil your scalp tends to produce and that can actually create more dandruff flakes. A big part of the reason is because sweat creates a moist environment that dandruff likes to thrive in. Check out: How To Tell If You Have Dandruff Or Dry Scalp, According To TrichologistsSolution: Spritz Your Scalp with an Essential Oil Blend
The main thing that you should focus on here is doing what will make it more difficult for dandruff to flare up. One way to do that is to spritz your scalp with a combination of peppermint, rosemary and cedarwood essential oils.- Peppermint is awesome because it contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Plus, the menthol in it will provide a cooling sensation to your scalp.
- Rosemary is good because it’s an antifungal agent and since dandruff comes from the yeast-like fungus Malassezia, your scalp can only benefit from having some of this oil on it.
- Cedarwood has both anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties that help to remove dandruff; less dandruff, less itching.
Problem: Product Buildup and Sweat
If you’re someone who uses some type of hair product on a daily basis, but you don’t wash your hair every day (or even every other day”>, there’s a pretty good chance that when you work out, the sweat is going to combine with it and create a film that can irritate your scalp and cause some major itching.Solution: Rinse with Micellar Water
If you’re used to rinsing your hair after every workout session or you’ve currently got a protective style like braids or twists that you don’t mind getting wet, try rinsing your hair out with some micellar water. It’s the kind of water that’s specifically designed to remove product build-up, restore the pH balance of your hair and it even adds some shine and movement to your locks. After giving it a shot, you may ask yourself where it’s been all of your life.Problem: Itchy Scalp
Whenever you sweat, there’s sodium, urea and lactate that comes out of it. When it’s on your scalp, these properties can be drying and cause your scalp to itch. As much as you may want to, you should avoid scratching because that could irritate your scalp and even create small sores. Besides, there are other options.Solution: Take an Antihistamine or Apply Aloe Vera Gel
One way to combat this issue is to take an antihistamine prior to exercising. Another thing that you can do is rub some Aloe vera onto your scalp — before and after working out. Aloe vera is great because the antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C and E and amino acids will all help to soothe your scalp, relieve itching and help to make your hair follicles stronger in the process. It’s a way to calm your scalp and help your hair to thrive in the process. Awesome!
Image:@briciaemilyn
Just like it’s important to make certain adjustments to our skincare regimen, each and every time that the seasons change, we actually need to do the same thing when it comes to how we take care of our hair. Now that we are fully into fall, I wanted to take a moment to share with you some of the grave mistakes that I’ve made in the past when it comes to my naturally curly tresses, just so that you don’t have to repeat them.
You’ve probably heard before that we each grow anywhere between ¼” and ½” each month. If you want to make sure that you get to retain all of your length during autumn, here are eight mistakes that you should definitely avoid at ALL costs.
Not being hydrated enough.
You would think with all of the inclement weather that the fall and winter seasons tend to bring that our hair wouldn’t lack for moisture. Well, that’s partially true. Sure, rain can lead to humidity, but as temperatures drop, cooler air can pull water from the air. Plus, since it is significantly colder outdoors during this time, a lot of us prefer to remain inside. Without a humidifier or switching over to an iconic blow dryer to dry our hair, our locks can end up dry and brittle. One way to get a leg up on this is to stay hydrated. Yes, this should include drinking more water, but during autumn time, there’s also nothing like a cup of warm herbal tea too. As far as the kinds of teas that are perfect for maintaining hair health, check out our article “7 Herbal Teas That Your Hair Will Absolutely Love!”
Not sealing your ends.
When it comes to length retention, one of the biggest mistakes that I used to make was not taking good care of my ends. If your hair seems to be plateauing as it relates to hair growth, this very well could be why. One way to “baby your ends” is to seal them on wash day. But another thing that I also do is oil the ends of my hair before turning in every night. One of my personal favorite products is Jamaican Mango & Lime Black Castor Oil in Rosemary. It’s light enough to where my hair doesn’t feel heavy. Plus, rosemary relieves dry scalp, stimulates hair follicles and increases shine too.
Sleeping in flannel.
I don’t know about you, but I absolutely adore cuddling up in my bed with a good book or movie on a cool fall day (or night”>. Although I like how flannel sheets or pajamas feel on my body, they are something that can zap all of the moisture out of my hair. If you’ve got some flannel in your linen and PJ collections, my advice would be to wear flannel bottoms but a different kind of top. And, as far as your bedding goes, keep the sheets but make sure you lay your head down on a satin pillowcase or that you wrap your hair up in a silk or satin scarf. This will give you the best of both worlds. Literally.
Using too much protein.
When you’re on the journey to grow strong and healthy natural hair, one of the toughest things to do is find a balance between how much moisture and how much protein your hair needs. As far as protein is concerned, signs that you need more of it, is if your hair feels “gummy” (you know, mushy”>, if it has lost some of its elasticity, if you naturallly have high porosity hair or if you happen to color-treat your hair a lot. All of these are indications that you need to protein-treat your hair about every 4-6 weeks. That said, if you are thinking that all of the extra styling that you’re doing warrants extra protein, avoid the temptation to over-treat. That can result in your hair receiving too much and feeling super-dry and brittle as a direct result.
Not deep DEEP conditioning.
Again, since you tend to be indoors more often during this time of year, and there is usually “dry heat” that’s inside, although it’s important to deep condition your hair year-round, it is absolutely imperative that you do it during the fall (and the winter”>. I’m not talking about that run-some-conditioner-through-your-hair-for-five-minutes-and-rinse type of conditioning either. I’m talking about setting aside at least 30 minutes to let your favorite kind of deep conditioner penetrate your hair shaft and then adding a leave-in conditioner once your rinse it out. If you do this every wash day, you’ll be amazed by how soft and manageable your hair will be, no matter what is going on indoors—or out.
Forgetting to remove all of that extra build-up.
You’ve probably got all kinds of extra-special functions that are coming up. With that, there will probably be more gels, mousses, edge controls and other styling products in your hair than ever. If you don’t make sure to clarify your hair (which basically means to get rid of product build-up”>, not only could the build-up weigh your hair down and leave flakes, it can also cause bacteria to multiply, it could irritate your scalp, and it could also clog up your hair follicles too. So definitely make sure that on your wash days, you give your hair a clarifying rinse by either applying some apple cider vinegar or giving your natural curls some extra definition by applying a mixture of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. You can learn more about the clay/vinegar combo by watching this video.
Eating too much sugar.
As you start to ease into the holiday season, you’re gonna have access to even more sugary foods and drinks. While I’m certainly not one to discourage you from indulging in some hot chocolate or a slice of your auntie’s sweet potato pie, make sure to remember that moderation is key. Overdoing it, as far as sugar is concerned, will not only cause you to pack on the pounds and do a real number when it comes to your energy levels and metabolism, it can wreak havoc on your hair too. How? Well, the long short of it is, when we eat a lot of sugar, it causes our blood sugar levels to increase. Not only does that damage our hair follicles over time, it can lead to moderate hair loss as well. So, enjoy your goodies. Just keep everything in balance, OK? Your hair will certainly thank you for doing so.
Not being careful with scarves and hats.
Hats and scarves are cute in the fall. They can also wear your hair out. Between the drying that comes from the materials, the tension that comes from how they sit on your head, and wearing them so much that your hair doesn’t get a chance to rest and breathe—just make sure that your scarves are made out of silk or satin and that your hats are lined with satin too. Also, make sure that at least sometimes you put your hair into a protective style like braids or twists, just so that your ends won’t dry out or snag on your wool hats or the collars of your wool clothing. That way, come springtime, you’ll have a couple of inches to show for all of the fall hair care that you invest into your locks now. Happy Fall, y’all!
Image Source: Ariel Skelley/Getty Images
Have you been trying to fight the shrinkage and keep your natural hair voluminous, healthy and full – even on the most humid of days? I’ll be honest. My favorite times of the year to wear my natural hair all-the-way-out is the spring and the fall. The temperatures are mild and the humidity levels aren’t super ridiculous, so my hair doesn’t shrink up or frizz out as much as it does the rest of the time. Still, that doesn’t mean that when it’s blazing outside (or when it’s snowing; some of us forget that wintertime can get pretty humid too”> that I won’t rock a blowout. I just have to find some creative workarounds so that I won’t have big-and-glorious hair when I step out of the door and then three steps away from a TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro”> about an hour-and-a-half later.
If you just read all of that and found yourself shaking your head because you totally can relate, I’ve got some suggestions for you.
For the record, I’m pretty sure that you’ve heard of some of these before, but the key is to apply a little trial and error with the tips and handle your hair with care in the process. If you’re determined to figure out what works best for you, I’m confident that you will.
1. Experiment with bentonite clay
If you pay attention to hair trends, you’ve probably heard about the bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar hair definition combo. I’ve tried it a few times and yep, it works. Not only does it define natural curls, it elongates them too! Plus, if you add some hydrogenated castor oil, melted shea butter, coconut oil or olive oil to the mixture, it is a great way to have longer curls that won’t shrink up (as much”> due to the moisture to the hair. (If you’ve never tried this DIY product before, click here, here andhere for some tips and cool visual results.”>
2. Or try some silicone or beeswax
In the never-ending effort to keep shrinkage at bay, a grave mistake that a lot of us make is using the wrong kind of hair products—the ones that actually attract humidity instead of repelling it. So which ones are no-nos? Glycerin, hydrolyzed wheat protein, any form of glycol, flax seeds, mango butter and products that contain honey definitely top the list because they are all humectants (they pull moisture from the air”>. What’s an ingredient that doesn’t draw humidity in? Silicone or beeswax. Both have the kind of properties that will seal your hair, reduce frizz and yes, help to prevent shrinkage.
3. Try an anti-frizz serum
Something that lots of professional stylists believe that all of us should have in our possession is one (or 10″> bottles of an anti-frizz serum (because frizz is usually the result of humidity”>. It works well because it’s another product that will effectively seal your hair so that humidity isn’t able to get to it (as much”>. What are some good ones to try? Top-rated serums include Mizani Thermastrength Heat Protecting Serum, Curls Cashmere + Cavia Hair Serum and Lubricity Labs S-Total Finish Perfecting Serum.
Image:@powerfluffgirl
4. Try an elongating styler
Aunt Jackie’s Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel or the Long Aid Naturals Manuka Honey & Coconut Shrink Away Elongating Curl Cream.
Something that we naturalistas have that we didn’t 15-20 years ago is YouTube. I can personally vouch for the fact that if you’re looking for tips on how to take care of your naturally curly hair, there is a wealth of knowledge on there. Anyway, there’s a totally self-professed quirky naturalista who goes by the name Star Puppy, whose channel I find to be cute, memorable and entertaining. On one video, she broke down a way that she handles her own hair shrinkage; it’s with the help of Aunt Jackie’s curling gel. If you want to try a new product, but you’d like to see if/ how it worked for someone else, click here for her very detailed review (it seemed to go well for her, by the way”>.
5. Break the cast
If you use gel for a wash-n-go, make sure to “break the cast.” If you’re going for a wash-n-go look, applying some gel (even if it’s just Aloe Vera gel”> to your hair while it’s wet is a great way to give your curls a good amount of definition. But if after it dries, your hair appears shorter, a good thing to do is to break the cast (the hardness that the gel has caused”> of your hair with a little bit of oil. Two that hold up pretty well in humidity are sweet almond oil and grapeseed oil. As a bonus, they both are light, so your hair won’t feel greasy to the touch. All you have to do is pour a little bit into your hands, rub your hands together and then gently rub your hands down your hair from root to tip like this:
6. Blow your roots
Although you should be careful about how much heat that you apply to your hair, if you’re using a good dryer, you apply a heat protectant (a creamy one is better than a spray if your hair is both curly and thick”> and you set it on cool, you should be fine. As far as avoiding shrinkage goes, make sure that you’re intentional about blow drying your roots. The “straighter” they are, the longer your hair will look and the less shrinkage that you will have throughout the day. Speaking of blow drying, if you want a longer look without straightening your curls in the process, a diffuser is definitely what you should attach to your dryer. Use it after your hair had air-dried halfway in order to get the best results.
7. Test out some natural stretching techniques
If you absolutely do not want to apply heat to your hair, pretty much ever, there are some natural stretching methods that you can try. For the sake of time and space, I’ll hyperlink them—banding, threading and stretch plates are what immediately come to mind. All work on even the tightest of curls and will give your hair at least a few inches.
8. Braid your hair (or pineapple it”> at night
Whether you want your blowout to last longer or you want to stretch out your natural texture a bit, something that can help you to achieve that is if you braid your hair up at night. I’m not saying that it needs to be perfectly parted small braids. In fact, I think it’s best if your hair is finger-parted (so that you’ll decrease the amount of tension you put on your hair”> and that the braids are on the bigger side. The goal is to do something that will keep your hair from shrinking up and/or matting as you rest. Or, if you’re in a rush, pulling your hair up in a pineapple can help to achieve this too. Just make sure that once you’re done with either route that you wrap your hair up with a silk or satin scarf. That way, when you wake up, your hair will be stretched out a pretty good amount, even if you sweated some. And your hair will be ready to take on a full day of humidity!
Read next: 13 Photos of Shrinkage You Need to See
