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If you are considering a bold new short style, why not give away your healthy hair to someone in need? The following organizations are accepting hair donations. The organizations below primarily help those who are experiencing hair loss due to illness, injury, skin conditions, or as a result of chemotherapy feel more confident. One organization uses it to help the planet.

Image: Getty

Before you donate your hair, there are a few things you should know.

• Make sure hair is healthy and in good shape.
• Hair must be clean and dry when donated.
• There are length requirements. Hair cannot be used for wigs if they do not meet these requirements. No clippings.
• Hair should be recently cut. Hair that was cut years ago is harder to make into wigs.
• Just because your hair is chemically treated doesn’t mean you can’t donate! Check with each organization to make sure.
• Make sure you follow all guidelines set forth by the organization you have chosen.
• When mailing the donation, make sure you place hair in a Ziploc bag inside of an envelope instead of simply putting hair in the envelope. This helps keep the hair intact and safe.
• Some organizations offer free wigs while others charge recipients on a sliding scale. If this matters to you, make sure you read the company website for further information prior to donating.

Locks of Love

Ponytail donations are used to create hair prosthesis for children in need. They are provided free of charge. This organization is perhaps one of the most well-known on this list.

Dreadlocks of Love

This organization creates loc wigs for Cancer patients of all ages. It will take a variety of locs, including those that have been colored, or that have beads and wires.

Children with Hair Loss

Children with Hair Loss provides no-cost hair replacements to kids who are experiencing medically-related hair loss.

Hair Donation Ottawa

If you are in the Ottawa, Canada area or plan to visit, sign up for a donation event. Registration for 2019 is currently open. Hair Donation Ottawa supplies kids with wigs free of charge, and also contributes to Cancer research.

Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids

This Michigan-based organization gives free of cost wigs to children who have experienced hair loss. It also has a Wellness Center and supportive services to help nurture them through their recovery. Many of the donations come from other children, which is a great way for your little curlies to help others in need.

Wigs for Kids

Beautiful, handmade wigs which are made to look like a child’s own hair are custom made. These empowering hair replacements ensure that no child has to worry about his or her appearance while overcoming illness.

Children with Hair Loss

Children and young adults with hair loss due to a medical condition are given wigs without cost.

Childhood Leukemia Foundation

On the homepage of this foundation’s site is the slogan Hugs-U-wear. What an appropriate way to describe the gift of a wig to a child who needs one.

Hair We Share

Hair We Share provides men, women, and children suffering with hair loss due to a medical condition with wigs free of charge. Recipients are from all across the United States.

Pink Heart Funds

Wigs are given to women and children with hair loss due to a medical reason without cost to them. This organization also offers breast prostheses to women with mastectomies.

Matter of Trust

While other organizations on this list use human hair donations for wigs, Matter of Trust uses it to help clean up the environment. Here, hair, fleece and fur are used to sop up oil spills and keep storm drains clear. Donations can be any length of hair. Besides its hair donation program, it also has eco-education, renewable resources, and other programs to help heal the planet.

Have you donated hair in the past? Let us know which organization you donated to in the comments.

There are so many products to choose from and it can be overwhelming finding what works best for you so we’re here to help you take out the guesswork. Finding a gentle and moisturizing cleanser is key to healthy curls. We asked you to recommend your favorite shampoos to try in 2019, and you cast your votes from a list of the most-loved cleansers, co-washes, dry shampoos, and shampoo bars. This Best of the Best list contains old favorites and new finds with real suds-appeal. What will you try this year?

Shampoo:

DevaCurl Low-Poo Delight

Best for: Wavies and Curlies

DevaCurl Low-Poo Delight’s luxurious, low-lather formula will gently clean your hair and scalp, leaving them feeling fresh and hydrated. Low-Poo Delight will not weigh hair down, so that your curls and waves will retain their bounce and body. It’s made with botanical ingredients like rice protein for stronger hair, lotus flower for shine and elasticity, and chia and flaxseed extracts for definition. When you want to retain moisture in your hair but remove oils and debris from your scalp, this shampoo is a good choice. You only need a small amount of this concentrated, citrus-scented formula to cleanse your entire head.

DevaCurl No-Poo Quick Cleanser

Best for: Curlies

DevaCurl No-Poo Quick Cleanser is a spray shampoo that does not require water. Unlike dry shampoos that remove excess oil from the scalp, this shampoo leaves your roots moisturized and feeling and smelling fresh. Your hair will be soft, defined, and more manageable.

Camille Rose Naturals Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse

Best for: Coilies

If you want a moisturizing shampoo that will not remove hair’s beneficial oils, this is one to try in 2019. It contains a unique blend of ingredients derived from coconuts, such as coconut cleanser, extracts, oils and infused ginger. It sooths your scalp, and leaves your hair silky and full of sheen. Fans of this sweet-smelling, sudsy shampoo like that it lathers well, yet hair remains moisturized.

Dry Shampoo:

Batiste Original Dry Shampoo

Best for: Wavies and Curlies

Get out the gunk with this dry shampoo that has the scents of bergamot (think Earl Grey tea”>, musk, and flowers. Your hair will look and feel cleaner with this vegan, sulfate-free formula. With just a few sprays, your 2nd day and beyond hair is refreshed and left with more volume. Who says your hair routine needs to take a lot of time? This dry shampoo will help you take back your mornings.

Shampoo Bar:

OBIA Naturals Hair Care Neem & Tea Tree Shampoo Bar

Best for Curlies and Coilies

This shampoo bar is winning all the raves and it’s no surprise. It is an undiluted shampoo bar, so it will last a long time. It is the perfect shampoo for travel (no more spilled shampoo on the bottom of your luggage”>. With astringents tea-tree and neem, your scalp will be left clean, refreshed, and flake free. It contains natural ingredients and is vegan and cruelty-free. It will leave your hair well-moisturized, soft, and beautiful. If you have never tried a shampoo bar until now, OBIA Naturals Hair Care Neem & Tea Tree Shampoo Bar is the perfect one to start with.

Have you tried these shampoos? Let us know in the comments. Find more favorites in our Best of the Best list.

It’s an exciting time for textured hair. Never before has there been better open access to all the tools, tips, and tricks of the trade to care for curls. YouTube, in particular, is home to some of the best influencers anywhere. Among them, the following kings of content are making waves. Show them your support and appreciation by liking their videos and subscribing to their channels.

Image:@giofilipinohair

Gio’s Wave

When most people think of male hair YouTube channels, Gio’s Wave is often the first one to come to mind. I first learned about Giovanni Ferrer, A.K.A Gio, from Bianca Renee’s channel. His hair is so long that has its own pillow for sleeping. He makes videos on growing longer, stronger, healthier curls.

Image:@willnotwilly

Willonawhim

Will does tutorials on braided styles, haircare, and some fitness. He welcomes all hair types to his fun, upbeat channel. Even though it’s a men’s channel, ladies can learn from it, too.

Image:@360jeezy

360Jeezy

If you want tips from a pro on perfecting your buzz cut and all the trade secrets to keep your (and your man’s”> hair looking on point, check out 360 Jeezy. With over 2 million subscribers, this prolific content creator is one of the most popular on YouTube.

Image:@grahamsnaturalcurls

GrahamsNaturalCurls

From product reviews to flat ironing and style tips, Graham has you covered. He’s also a Hydratherma Naturals Brand Ambassador.

Image:@mcdonaldterell

Terell McDonald

For the finest in curl defining, straightening, cornrowing, and all things natural-hair related (and more”>, stop by and see Terell.

Image:@curlyguy13

Curly Guy

Curly Guy tries all the newest tools and techniques to inspire. He might be the only male with curls that I’ve seen use hair paint wax (and use it correctly”>. You have to love a video called “Hair Yes, or Hot Mess?”

Image:@kxd.sheldy

Kxdsheldy

I love the creativity of these video topics. Yes, he’s got your standard wash and go routines, hair trimming tips and product reviews, but he also has amazing style tutorials, like a braided curly puff and a rope twist out.

Image:@jibaroboricua

Angel Roma

First, can I say that it is nice to see a Devacut on a guy? I know Angel isn’t the first to have one done, nor will he be the last, but I wish more male YouTubers would film the process. Hopefully, it would inspire more curly males to embrace their texture rather than opting for, say, a buzzcut like my wavy curly spouse does. Besides the Devacut, Angel has videos on routines, products, accessories, and other topics to help other guys create top-notch curls.

Image:@guntherdagreat

Gunther Da Great

If you need some spot-on advice on dreads, curls, and box braids for guys, this is channel for you. He even has best tips for transitioning from dreadlocks to curls.

Image:@afrikanhairgod

AfrikanHairGod

Narada, AKA Afrikan Hair God, showcases a vast array of stunning sets and braided styles in addition to tips on hair health, hair growth, and roller skating. He also delves into some interesting topics ranging from why he hates crochet braids to texturism.

Who are your favorite male YouTubers? Share their channels and links in the comments. For 12 Natural Hair YouTubers to Subscribe to NOW, click here.

The internet is a treasure-trove of tips on caring for curls. There is so much readily-available information that it is easy to confuse subjective guidance with facts. Bad advice can be just as responsible for keeping you from obtaining healthy hair as harsh chemicals and heat styling tools can, so it’s time to debunk a few myths.

Myth #1: You only need to cut your curly hair once (or twice”> a year.

Very few of us can maintain our hair health without at least a few minor trims per year. Even with treating our waves, curls, and coils with the utmost care, environmental stressors such as sunlight, pollution, hard water, and indoor heating and cooling systems can cause dryness, breakage, and frizz. If your hair thrives with one annual haircut, count yourself among the lucky few. However, if you are experiencing problems such as: dry ends that require copious amounts of moisture to curl, a loosening of your curl pattern, hair that refuses to clump, an angry and inflamed scalp, or mats that are impossible to comb through, treat yourself to a trim. Without those dry ends dragging your curls down, they will spring up, and your hair will have more body and look healthier.

If you are transitioning but not ready for the big chop, trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks will be the fastest route to what your hair is meant to be. Nourish your scalp and new growth in tandem with the trims, and you will be amazed at the results when your transition is complete. Your true curl pattern is the one closest to your scalp, not the dry ends that are too damaged to curl.

Image Source: @naturallycurly

Myth #2: You can cut your own hair.

I know this myth likely originated from Curly Girl: The Handbook, where Lorraine Massey provided some techniques for trimming curly hair. In 2001, when the book was first published, there were far fewer stylists trained in cutting curly hair than there are now. At that time, often curly hair experts were the ones who were best able to straighten hair and make it free of frizz. Haircuts on curly hair were the same cuts given to straight-haired clients, and curls were blow-dried and flat-ironed into submission. Many curlies who wanted to embrace (or at the least stop fighting”> their natural texture found themselves having to care for their hair at home or drive hours away to see a Ouidad or Devachan-certified stylist. The times have changed and now there are many more stylists who love and work with hair with texture. While you can trim your bangs, and perhaps snip off a few split ends near your face, you need a stylist’s trained eye for the overall shape of the cut and to remove dry ends and damage that you can’t see. If you need help finding a salon in your area, our Salon Finder has you covered.

Myth #3: You can cleanse your hair with conditioner.

I have often heard YouTubers talk about the “no-poo” method, and state that it is cleaning your hair without shampoo and using conditioner instead. Along these same lines, I have also seen tutorials where curly newbies are running conditioner through their un-shampooed, wet hair and calling this a co-wash. Both are incorrect. Slathering conditioner on wet hair and rinsing it out is moisturizing hair, not washing it. If you want to cleanse your hair, you need to use a shampoo, cleansing conditioner, co-wash, or clarifying treatment. These products contain ingredients that help remove dirt, impurities, and dead skin cells from the scalp, and product build-up from the hair. While you can soak up a bit of excess oil from your scalp by massaging some conditioner into it, gently exfoliating with your fingers, and then rinsing it out, it is a temporary fix that will not replace a good shampoo.

Image Source: Getty Images

Myth #4: You should not be washing your hair more than once a week.

To be fair, for some of us, this is an absolute truth. The thicker, denser and curlier your hair is, the less frequently you need to wash it, and if it is finer or thinner you may need to wash it more often. However, there is no one golden rule when it comes to hair cleansing that applies to every single curly, and if you don’t wash your hair enough it will become flat, greasy, and curls and waves will not clump properly. If you wash it too much, it will be dry and frizzy. Washing your hair when it needs to be washed is key. Click here for some tips.

Myth #5: You can use heat on your hair so long as you don’t stretch it.

Oh, how I wish this myth were true. If it was, I would crank up my hairdryer to high to cut down my diffusing time. Alas, heat always leads to some damage. Now, I know that none of us has all day to wait around for our hair to dry, so if you must use heat, use it as little as possible, and always protect your hair with a heat protectant.

What hair myths have you abandoned since transitioning? Please share them in the comments. Click here for more debunked myths.

I have had so many curl mishaps in the past that my sister keeps a collection of photographs of legendary horrible hairdos to dissuade me should I decide to cut the front of my hair again. That has not stopped me from cutting my own curly bangs courtesy of a YouTube tutorial (below”> by the hilarious Mell. This wasn’t just a few wisps, I actually snipped my way to a whole new look. 

However, I made mistakesin my quest for Natasha Lyonne’s curly bangs and I don’t want you to do the same, so we’re talking to a expert curl stylist about the best ways to cut and style curly bangs. 

How to Cut Bangs on Curly Wavy Hair by Manes by Mell:

Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTq03RkdRro

This is the video tutorial I followed. Bangs were a good decision for my fine curly hair. They instantly refreshed my layered cut, gave life to a section that is both unruly and flat at the same time, and made me feel somewhat edgy. They were a bit uneven, however, and required a quick fix from my hairdresser. I also made the mistake of cutting my hair when it was picked out. I recommend ensuring that your hair is in a styler cast before you break out the scissors.

In order to help you, my curly friend, embark on a successful bangs adventure, I enlisted the help of curly hair expert Evan Joseph of Evan Joseph Salon located in Columbus, Ohio. He is a fan of the fringe because he says that curly hair tends to have a lot of weight in the front, and bangs help relieve that weight. He prefers bangs to be proportionate to the rest of the cut. 

Bang Cutting Mistakes to Avoid

Some mistakes that he sees people make when cutting bangs include the following:

• cutting curly bangs when the hair is wet
• cutting curly bangs in a straight line (as you know curls can shrink to different lengths”>
• starting the bangs too far forward in the front of the hair so that the other hairs fall forward and over the bangs

He suggests starting the bangs where the head starts to curve downward. He also recommends not cutting the hair too short. Cutting just below the brow or longer is optimal. If you want curtain bangs, for example, you will want hair that is even longer than the brow. (Yes, curlies can do the trendy curtain bangs, too.”>

Bangs Need Conditioning & Styling Too

For styling, he likes to ensure that the bangs are well-conditioned, and then he goes in with a styler. Some products he is loving right now are:

• NYC Curls Conditioner
• AG Booost Conditioner
• AG Cloud

This brings up an important point: keep those bangs hydrated if you want good curl definition. Even if you plan to pick and fluff them out, moisturize first before using your styler. In the example styles that Evan provided, you can see the bangs are perfectly moisturized with lots of sheen and bounce.

Try slightly shorter bangs to draw attention to your eyes and brow bone, as shown below:

Image Source: @evanjosephcurls

The image below shows a gorgeous full fringe that just skims the brow.

Image Source: @evanjosephcurls

The pretty, elegant style highlights shiny, bouncy curls.

Image Source: @evanjosephcurls

If you’re rocking this latest copper curls trend, then bangs will help emphasize the beauty of your look. 

Image Source: @evanjosephcurls

The following style with lots of layers and volume and curtain bangs is runway-worthy.

Image Source: @evanjosephcurls

How to Deal with Cowlicks

If you are ready to take the plunge with bangs, I have one last tip for those of you who, like me, have cowlicks in front of their heads. While these can be an asset when you are parting your hair against them (to bump up the volume at your hairline”>, they can also be a challenge because your bangs may have spots where the hair sticks up. To avoid this, I like to run a styling cream through wet bangs using my fingers in order to weigh down the hair, and then scrunch and shingle the bangs. I then create a horizontal line of hair clips across the forehead. This will encourage the bangs to lay evenly, and it also gives me a wave in the front of my hair.

What are your favorite bangs tips? Let us know in the comments.

Read next:25 Photos That Will Make You Want Curly Bangs

 

This article has been updated.

Image source @christinavega_

If you are looking for a way to spice up your curls and coils without damage, hair color wax is the product for you. Unlike other temporary coloring agents, this wax won’t stain your hands, and it rinses clean with just water. It does have a few drawbacks, however. It can be a bit messy and look uneven, particularly when globs of it are scrunched into the hair. Also, there are currently only a few color choices available. Below, I will show you how to mix colors to create some additional shades and to easily apply your creations using a balayage hair color kit.

You Will Need:

• hair color wax
• balayage hair color kit
• squares of foil, optional
• hair clips
• plastic spoons

Color Mixing

From the available colors, you can make any number of additional colors. Here are just a few.

• Color: pastels (here, pink is shown”>
  Mix together 50% primary color and 50% white.
• Color: millennial pink
  Mix together 50% pink and 50% silver.
• Color: rose gold
  Mix together 50% pink, 25% gold, and 25% white.
• Color: red wine
  Mix together 50% red, and 50% purple
• Color: pale blond
  Mix together 33 1/3% gold, 33 1/3% silver, and 33 1/3% white.
• Color: smoky lavender
  Mix together 50% purple, and 50% silver.

Application

While there are a variety of ways to apply the hair color wax, the two methods below are good starting points. From here, you can create different looks from subtle to bold, and everything in between. For both methods below, start with slightly damp or dry hair that has been styled as you would normally wear it. Make sure that your curls are clumped, as the color will emphasize any frizz.

Babylights:

This technique adds dynamic shine your curls by placing color where the light would naturally hit.

1. Using the smaller of the two brushes, gently paint curls around your face from an inch or so from the root all the way down to the ends.
2. When you are finished, rinse the brush thoroughly. With the damp brush, lightly smooth over any uneven areas of color. Gently scrunch the curl.

Multi-dimensional Highlights

For this method of application, prepare your color palette by placing your main color in the middle of the bayalage board. Place lighter and darker complimentary colors on either side of the main color and mix them with main color if desired.

1. Take a square of foil and place it behind the section of hair that you want to place the highlights. If doing an all-over application, start with the hair behind your ears and work your way up. Using a hair clip, clip the foil in place.
2. Paint highlights onto the hair. You can create tonal highlights and lowlights or ombres.
3. Allow the section to dry for 3-4 minutes, and then gently remove the foil. Scrunch the section if needed.
4. Repeat until you are happy with the desired result.

Want to try temporary hair color, but not sure how to apply it or how long it will last? Watch the video below as Laurscurls shows how she applied the hair color wax and tips for styling. Embedded content: https://youtu.be/fCuDZTENMLw

For our hair color wax reviews, click here and here.

Are your highlights letting you down? Chances are, it is because the toner applied over them has faded, revealing unwanted yellow or orange tones. On top of that, bleached hair tends to be a bit frizzier than uncolored curls and coils, and frizzy hair can give off a cast. If you want to banish the brass without damaging your hair, follow the tips below.

Image source Daili Perez

Start with a trim

If your ends are dry, they will pull down the rest of the curl, causing it to lose definition and appear frizzier. It is also difficult to keep parched ends moisturized because extra dry hair is more porous than the healthier parts of the hair shaft. A trim will instantly improve the look and feel of your curls.

Deep condition

Brassy hair needs moisture and a bit of protein to help it look and curl its best. Regular treatments will calm down the frizz, while helping to nourish new hair growth. Some tried-and-true curly community favorites include:

• Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask: strengthen, sooth, and restore in one step with this masque.
• Genedor Beauty Moisture Resuscitate Deep Conditioning Treatment: revive your dry, brittle hair with weekly treatments.
• Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner: saturate every strand with moisture with this beloved masque that smells like summer.

Use Butterfly Pea Flowers

These lovely blue flowers are antioxidant powerhouses. They are used in Chinese medicine to improve the health and elasticity of hair, and to reduce premature graying. When steeped as a tea, or boiled, they create a deep blue liquid that can be mixed with other ingredients to make blue or purple shampoos, conditioning products, and rinses. This is a great option for curlies who are struggling to find blue/purple shampoos and conditioners without sulfates, silicones, and parabens. Just add a little of this magic blue (or purple”> liquid to your favorite products to freshen up those highlights. If you have brassy yellow highlights, use blue, and if you have brassy orange highlights, use purple.

For the blue liquid, you will need:

1. 10 butterfly pea flowers
2. ¾ cup water
3. 1 fine mesh strainer

Variation: for the purple liquid, you will also need 1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar

In a saucepan, boil the butterfly pea flowers and water together until the water is a deep blue (about 15 minutes”>. You will be mixing this liquid with your shampoo, so you may want to remove the flowers after 15 minutes, and then allow the liquid to reduce further until it can be mixed with your products without making them too runny. Once you are done reducing the blue water, turn it off and then allow it to cool. If using, add the apple cider vinegar, and then stir. Use immediately.

Blue or Purple Shampoo Treatment

Mix the blue or purple liquid with a quarter-sized amount of your favorite gentle shampoo. Apply this mixture all over your head, carefully working it into your ends, and then rinse thoroughly.

Blue or Purple Conditioning Treatment

Mix the blue or purple liquid with a quarter-sized amount of your favorite conditioner. Work the conditioner through your hair, using your fingers to detangle. Massage the conditioner into your ends. Let the treatment sit on your hair for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.

Fermented Rice Water and Butterfly Pea Flower Rinse

Use this rinse to help strengthen your hair and give it subtle toning. You will need:

• ½ cup dry rice, rinsed
• 2.5 cups water, divided
• Blue or purple liquid, prepared as directed above
• 1 mason jar
• 1 spray bottle
• 1 funnel

Soak the rice in 2 cups of the water for 1 hour. Drain the rice water into a mason jar, and place that jar into a dark corner of your kitchen. Allow it to sit undisturbed for 2-3 days. When ready to use, mix it with the blue or purple liquid and ½ cup water. Shake or stir to combine, and then pour the mixture through the funnel and into the spray bottle. 

Spray the mixture all over your head, working it into the ends of your hair. Gently massage your scalp. Rinse thoroughly.

How do you bring down the brass? Let us know in the comments. For a great article on keeping your hair from turning brassy click here.

Let’s talk shampoo. On the quest for killer curls, cleansing is every bit as important as hydration, but it gets far less attention. Keeping your hair and scalp clean and free of debris and build-up is required for optimum hair health. Shampoo is a critical part of any curly hair regimen, and if you are looking for a reasonably-priced quality line, Elucence has you covered. I was first introduced to this brand over a year ago by this video. I was looking for a new shampoo because my dry, high porosity curls could not stand up to the arid Southern California air, and I wanted to try removing glycerin from my regimen to see if it made a difference. Also, my wavy-haired husband had decided my expensive shampoo was community property, so I hoped to find something a little less pricey. I saw that Elucence Moisture Benefits shampoo came in both 10 oz. and 1 Liter sizes, so I knew if I liked the product, I could save money by buying the larger bottle.

Well, it was love at first shampoo. It’s peachy scent is wonderful and not too sweet or overpowering. The shampoo lathers beautifully. Its key ingredients are peach extract, Irish moss, ginseng and wheat protein which provide moisture. This is a gentle cleansing shampoo that doesn’t strip hair or leave it frizzy and parched. I like that it leaves my curls bouncy and hydrated, and my scalp refreshed. A lot of gentle shampoos don’t seem to do the job, or they deposit more oil onto the scalp and hair shaft, which leaves my hair limp and lifeless and causes my scalp to flake or break out. With this shampoo, I have been able to wash my hair less frequently and refresh my curls with water and a bit of leave-in and mousse. When I wash, I only need a nickel-sized amount to fully cover my head, as the product is not watery or runny.

If you need a deeper cleaning to remove product build-up, Moisture Benefits probably wouldn’t be the best choice. Instead, I prefer Naturally Curly Editors’ Choice Winner Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo. This stuff will get the gunk out without stripping your hair. Its main ingredients are Pro-vitamin B5, biotin, sage, green tea, chamomile, and salicylic acid. The most limp, lifeless, weighed-down hair is left restored and rejuvenated with just one wash. It will also keep your scalp clean, and help you get rid of flakes and itching. As with any clarifying shampoo, you only need to use it when you are experiencing product build-up, not on every wash day.

Elucence Moisture Benefits and Volume Clarifying Shampoos are the perfect pairing for shiny, healthy hair. They are also proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to look your best. Of course, if you try them, you will likely want to explore the rest of the line.

Do you use either of these shampoos? Let us know what you think in the comments. For a review of Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner, click here.

Source @twobwavy

Because of the snow-tinged frigid winds, dry indoor air, and skull-hugging hats, winter is not a wonderland for wavies. When the temperature dips outside, it is only natural to crank up the heat indoors. This dry heat saps moisture from your hair and skin leading to a dry, flaky scalp and even drier hair that is listless, dull, and flat. The cold air outside causes the same issues, but an increase in moisture in the air may also cause strands to swell and eventually frizz. Follow this how-to to zap your top wavy worries.

Dry, itchy, flaky scalp

If you want to get to the root of your hair woes, start with your scalp. If it is irritated and lacks proper moisture, do the following:

• Use a scalp brush every wash day to exfoliate your scalp and increase circulation. See Cristina’s Wash Day Routine video for more information on using a scalp brush.
• Avoid washing your hair with water that is overly hot because it can lead to additional dryness.
• Massage your scalp bi-weekly with a therapeutic oil or serum. Canviiy ScalpBliss Itch-Calming Organic-Based Serum will relieve the irritation and leave your scalp feeling refreshed.

Dry, limp hair that has lost its waves

Wind up your waves even in the worst weather with these tips:

• Add moisture to your sleeping environment. A humidifier is a great tool to help relieve dryness of your hair and skin. For winter, the warm mist models are best.
• Use a moisturizing masque at least once a week. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque will restore your waves and leave them soft and shiny. For best results, cover your hair with a thermal hair care tool like Thermal Hair Care Posh Hot Head.
• Clarify your waves as appropriate. Clarifying is an important part of any healthy hair regimen but it can be slightly drying if done more frequently than needed. If your hair is looking weighed-down, greasy, and stringy and regular washing doesn’t seem to help, clarify with a gentle clarifying treatment.
• Switch up your products. If you are using products with drying ingredients, or products that are weighing hair down, switch to water-based ones that contain moisturizing ingredients. Briogeo Curl Charisma Definition All the Way Curl Essentials Kit has everything you need to get gorgeous, moisturized, bouncy waves.

Frizzy, puffy hair

In addition to the moisturizing that you need to combat winter dryness, seal your hair with a moisture-rich pomade to increase shine and encourage wave formation.

Hat hair

If you are covering those curls and waves with a hat, try a more hair-friendly option like a loose-fitting head scarf.

Wind-blown waves

While a gentle-breeze can give you a fun, carefree coif, the howling winds of winter can totally wreck your waves. To arrive at your destination looking presentable, wash and condition your hair, or refresh it, and then use your favorite styler to create a cast. Do not break the cast before you leave. Instead, loosely pile your hair on top of your head, cover with a snood, and then with a loosely fitting cap or scarf. When you get where you are going, remove the snood and head covering and shake out and scrunch your waves.

Second-day lifeless hair

Second day (and beyond hair”> is much more difficult to deal with in the winter than it is any other time of the year. Who wants to leave the house with wet hair in sub-zero weather? If you’ve done all the sleep-proofing steps like putting your hair in a pineapple or t-shirt turban and sleeping on a satin pillowcase and your hair still hijacks your morning, refresh by misting your hair with water, and following it up with a conditioning refresher or foam such as Ouidad Curl Recovery Whipped Curls Daily Conditioner & Styling Primer to put the moisture back into your hair. Scrunch, and then allow the product to dry, and you are ready to go.

What are your favorite winter hair care tips? Let us know in the comments. For 20 Best Styling Products for Type 2 Wavy Hair click here.

As a vegan with a sensitive scalp and high-porosity hair, it is always a challenge to find 100% plant-based products that effectively moisturize my curls and keep them intact. I was interested in trying the Canada-based Carina Organics hair care line, because besides being vegan it is:

• Synthetic-free
• Hypoallergenic
• Cruelty-free
• 100% Biodegradable
• Paraben-free
• Soy-free
• Gluten-free
• Dye-free

It also contains a high percentage of certified organic ingredients. If you are interested in learning more about the company and its products, click here. You can also purchase products from the Carina Organics site for the lowest prices online, and they do offer flat rate shipping.
I tried three products in the line with the light floral Sweet Pea scent: the Deep Treatment Conditioner, the Leave-in, and the Alcohol-free Gel. Because my hair releases moisture easily, particularly in the drier winter and late summer months in California, I skipped the shampoo, which contains glycerin, and the daily conditioner. The ingredients in the conditioners I tried include: coconut oil, pine extract, chamomile flower extract, nettle leaf extract, dandelion leaf extract, clover flower extract, apple cider vinegar, olive fruit oil, and pumpkin seed oil. While I was familiar with most of these ingredients and how they worked in my hair, I was curious about pine extract, or pycnogenol. A quick Google search revealed that it can be used to stimulate the scalp to help it produce heartier hair follicles, which leads to longer, stronger hair shafts.

Deep Treatment Conditioner

This conditioner has a light fragrance, has good slip, and does a good job of moisturizing the hair without weighing it down. It washes out cleanly without leaving any residue. My hair was left feeling soft and moisturized with the exception of my ends which are particularly dry right now. Even with massaging the product in, I still had some lingering dryness and frizz. To be fair, I am also well overdue for a trim, so I plan to do another deep conditioning treatment with this product after a trip to the salon.

Leave-in Conditioner

While I tend to prefer cream-based leave-ins over the sprays, I was pleasantly surprised at how moisturized this leave-in left my curls, at least initially. It did not weigh them down. I was particularly fond of the ease of application of this product. I could easily spray this on freshly conditioned curl clumps and work it into the ends.
I will say that I needed to refresh my curls with a few sprays and a little water at the end of the day, however, I am dealing with very dry desert air right now. I suspect at a higher dew-point, even high- porosity hair would stay moisturized all day long.

Alcohol-free Gel

Admittedly, I abandoned gels recently in favor of mousse and volumizing foam. However, I wanted to try a styler from this line, and the only other option was hairspray that contained ethyl alcohol, which I knew would be drying to my hair. The gel ingredients were those that were also in the conditioners with the addition of Acacia Senegal gum extract, which is used as a stabilizer and thickener in many beauty products. On the website, the hold level is described as medium to firm. The texture of the gel is thick, and I imagine this would be a fantastic option for thicker hair with a tight curl pattern. The gel gave my fine textured hair good hold and created a nice gel cast, however, scrunching out the crunch was difficult. If you have a looser curl pattern like mine, I highly recommend diluting this gel, or cocktailing with a light leave-in or serum, and then diffusing to create a cast that is a bit less crunchy. Overall, for good hold with light conditioning properties, this gel is a winner.

What is your favorite Carina Organics product? Let us know in the comments. For more on alcohols, click here.

Rich, vibrant reds and auburns are always in season. Read on for tips on how to rev up the red in your tresses without bleach, peroxide or other damaging chemicals.

Products: 

1.Celeb Luxury Viral Extreme Colorwash:

Add a pop hint of color to your regimen with this co-wash in Extreme Red. This easy to use product will give you all the rich color you want without staining your hands or scalp.

2. Mofajang Haircoloring Material:

The bright red wax is easy to apply and remove (it rinses out with just water”>. To mute the red, rub the color into your curls. With its butter-like texture, it also works as a scrunch-and-go styler.

3. Jerome Russell’s Punky Color

Conditions as it deposits richly pigmented hues onto the hair shaft. Try Fire for a semi-permanent color boost.

4. DPHUE Color Boosting GLOSS+ Deep Conditioning Treatment in Burnt Copper

:

This will give your hair all the moisture it needs while coating each hair strand with bright, shiny color. If you prefer the natural route, many herbs, spices and teas can give you gorgeous temporary color. The following color cocktails will also help keep your curls healthy and shiny.

Natural Solutions: 

1. Rose Hip and Paprika

:

Brew 3 rose hip teabags in 12 oz. water. Let the tea cool and mix with 2 teaspoons red paprika. Using an applicator bottle, apply this mixture all over your hair and let sit for two hours. Carefully rinse out, ensuring that you do not get the mixture in your eyes. You will be left with a nice sheen with subtle red undertones.

2. Hibiscus Flower and Apple Cider Vinegar Paste

:

Mix together 2 teaspoons corn starch or arrowroot powder, 1/2 cup water, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. The corn starch or arrowroot powder should be fully dissolved. To this mixture, add ½ cup finely-ground dried hibiscus flower, and continue to stir until the flower is fully incorporated. Strain though a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Apply the strained paste to your hair, starting with the mid-shafts, then ends, and finally the roots. Allow this mixture to sit on your hair for 1-2 hours, and then rinse thoroughly. Your curls will have more definition (thanks to the hibiscus flower”> and will have subtle red undertones.

3. Henna Paste

:

Perhaps the most well-known method for imparting red into the hair is henna. However, it has its drawbacks. For one, it’s permanent. I mean it will sit on your ends until they are cut off. It will relax your curl pattern as well. But, if you want red tones, and a treatment that will leave your hair with more volume, henna might be something you want to try. Just do a strand test first, and perhaps paint it on a few select curls before committing to your whole head. To avoid relaxing your curl pattern, and to tone down the bright red color of henna, add a tablespoon of amla powder to the mix.

For this mixture you will need ½ cup henna powder, ½ cup hot water, coffee or tea, 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar and several drops of your preferred hair oil (almond, jojoba, argan, etc.”>, and 1 tablespoon amla powder (optional”>. 

In a glass bowl, using a non-metal spoon, mix all ingredients to form a paste. Pain the mixture onto your hair and cover with a plastic cap. Let the henna sit on your hair for up to four hours (the longer you let the mixture sit, the richer the color will be”>.

How do you bring out the red in your hair? Let us know in the comments. For more about henna, click here.

Image source: Instagram, @curly.locks.chronicles

Finding the right products for high porosity hair can be difficult, even for curlies who have fully transitioned. Sometimes, we’re caught off-guard, like when a tried-and-true favorite has had a change of its formula. Other times, we’re swayed by enticing label claims, or the endorsement of an influencer with the same curl pattern, but a completely different porosity type. While switching up your routine as needed can really benefit your hair, wasting money on the wrong products is something we all prefer to avoid. Follow this how-to to shop for products that your curls will love.

• Before you browse, determine what your hair needs. Learning to “read” your hair, in addition to helping you optimize its health, will also save you a lot of time, money, and product. Specifically, pay attention to its protein/moisture balance. High porosity hair loses moisture quickly and tends to be dry, so it requires daily replenishment. However, it needs protein, too, to help strengthen individual strands and reinforce their curl pattern. Some high porosity curlies prefer to add regular protein or intensive moisturizing treatments to their regimen, others do well with products that contain a balance of moisture and protein. Stylers are part of this equation, too, as they contain many of the same ingredients that are found in conditioners.
• Shop from reliable retailers who specialize in hair and beauty, particularly when buying online. In doing so, you avoid the risk of getting expired, used, or even “fake” products. Our shop is an excellent resource because it lets you sort products by brand, product type, and texture type. Here, it’s easy to find editor’s choice products and curly hair community favorites. Click the Sale tab for the best deals online or IRL.
• Ignore label claims and read the product ingredients. While not all ingredients work for every high porosity curly, there are some that tend to be safe bets such as those that are used in gentle, skin-soothing preparations (for example, aloe, chamomile, lemon balm, and apple cider vinegar”>.
• Determine what your hair does and does not like in various weather scenarios, and then avoid those ingredients. It took me two years, for example, to discover that my high porosity hair hates glycerin. It hates it in very dry and humid conditions which I would expect, but also in moderate weather when it should work well. Since I have figured this out, I buy products that do not contain glycerin, or contain very little amounts, and I am consistently much happier with the products I buy.
• Consider your hair’s density when deciding on new products to try. If you have low-density hair, you may want to opt for lighter, water-based stylers and conditioners that do not contain heavy oils and butters. Conversely, if you have high-density hair, your hair may respond to heavier products with more moisturizing properties than their lighter counterparts.
• Pick products that will complement your existing regimen. For example, if you have a moisturizing leave-in that you love, pick a styler that will provide hold vs. moisture.
• Don’t be afraid to try products from different lines. The best regimen is the one that works for you. If you love a brand’s shampoo, but their conditioner doesn’t provide enough moisture for your parched curls, swap it out for something more suitable. Your routine can be as unique as every curl on your head.
• Track down trial sizes when you can. If you love the sample, you can always buy the larger size later. If you hate it, you can give it away or keep it for guests without having parted with too much of your hard-earned money.
• Read product reviews and don’t be afraid to ask questions. As we know, not every hair product works well for every curly. However, if a product has numerous negative ratings due to problems that are not specific to curl pattern and hair porosity, then you might want to steer clear of it and choose something else.

What are your favorite tips for shopping for products for high porosity hair? Let us know in the comments. For 15 Products for high porosity Hair click here.

Image:@hairromance

Do any other type 2 curlies have trouble with their curls easily losing their shape when you try to put them in an updo? When I try to put my hair up, I have very few chances to get it right or else it’s no longer a curly updo. 

Any tips, suggestions, or recommendations on how to style curls that easily lose their shape? One thing I am really struggling is getting bobby pins out if I need to readjust. 

— CurlTalker Curl Dabbler

Many type 2 curlies encounter these issues when styling their hair. This curl type easily loses its shape when stretched or manipulated and tends to frizz. To keep your curls intact while perfecting your updo, follow these tips.

1. Start with well-moisturized, defined curls and waves. Doing this will enable your curls to keep their shape as you style your hair. If you are working with freshly washed hair, use a leave-in and a styler with adequate hold. Gel is a good choice here because it will keep your curls clumped without leaving your hair too slippery for combs, clips, and bobby pins to adhere to. If you have second-day hair, refresh it with your favorite hair refresher or spritz it with water or a combination of water and leave-in to reactivate the product in your hair. Add a small amount of styler if needed. Scrunch your hair, and diffuse or allow it to air-dry. Once the curls have formed, do not scrunch them or pick them out. The gel cast will naturally break up as your style your updo.
2. Optimally, choose tools that will not disrupt your curl pattern. If you find that coated elastic stretches your hair straight and/or makes it frizzy, use a Cuff Puff (a round banana clip”>, or a flexible comb headband. These tools produce an elegant updo with minimal effort. If you’re using the comb headband, just adjust its position on your scalp so the hair is lifted into a messy updo. One extra benefit of using either of these tools is that they are both effective at securing the hair, even if it is in layers so that you can limit your use of bobby pins and clips. You can also put your hair up in a scrunchie, as you would with the pineapple method, and use a headband to keep any shorter pieces in place.
3. Alternately, if you prefer to do an updo using elastics, and you need to use bobby pins to secure any shorter curls, follow these tips to use them correctly:
1. Try to avoid removing or adjusting bobby pins once you’ve placed them. Before placing any pin, hold the hair that you want to pin in position with your fingers. It should be a small section of hair, just enough for the pin to adequately hold without drooping or slipping out. The pin should go in the exact spot that your fingers are in, and not in front of them.
2. Do not open the bobby pins before placing them in your hair. When you do place them, ensure that the grooved side is facing downwards.
3. For an extra-secure pinning, insert one on a diagonal, and then cross it with another pin, also on a diagonal, to form an “x”.
4. If you need to remove a bobby pin from a section, do so carefully, spritz the section with curl refresher, scrunch, and allow the curls to reform before repining.

What are your favorite tips for perfecting your updo? Let us know in the comments. For more on creating waves using gel, click here.

For many of us curlies, there is always that one section of hair with a mind of its own. Maybe it’s that spot at your crown that refuses to curl, or a section at the nape of your neck that you struggle to get a comb through, or a few curls that frizz even in the best weather.

For me, the front of my hair has always required more attention that the rest, partly because my cowlicks are there, and partly because I spent so many years smoothing it with heat and chemicals that when I transitioned, I didn’t know what to do with it. For the longest time, I pinned it flat with a barrette or pulled it back, all the while dreaming of a full head of curls.

It took me a while to understand heatless, curl-encouraging styling for that section. It’s fast and easy, and can be done with just a few items: a wide-toothed comb, your favorite styler, and a few hair clips, such as DevaClips. For the looks shown below, complete the following steps before you begin.

Before You Begin:

• Fully saturate and moisturize your hair.
• Apply your favorite styler all over. I prefer Elucence Volume Designing Foam.
• Scrunch the back and sides.
• If desired, use a microfiber towel to blot excess moisture from these areas.

Note: If you generally use a diffuser to dry your hair, wait until you have applied the hair clips to the front of your hair before doing so.

Style #1: Loose spirals

This carefree look allows your curls to fall softly in front of your face. It’s achieved by using the skip curl method, along with a strategically-placed hair clip to coax the front curls to lay flat at the roots. To do:

• Part your hair as you would normally wear it.
• Using your fingers, choose some small sections of hair in the front and sides of your head, create small curls, shake those curls, and then scrunch (see The Skip Curl Method“>.
• Pin down a few curls in the front with a horizontally placed hair clip.
• Allow the hair to dry, and then fluff and pick out the roots.

Style #2: Volume at the part

This easy style volumizes your roots at the part line, making your hair look fuller. To do:

• Part your hair as you would normally wear it.
• Using hair clips, clip individual curls at the part on a diagonal as shown.
• Allow the hair to dry, and then fluff and pick out the roots.

Style #3: All-over Volume

This fresh-from-the salon look is both voluminous and versatile. You can change it up with the flip of a part. For maximum body, create a side part on the opposite side than you normally would. To do:

• Part your hair as you would normally wear it.
• Using hair clips, clip individual curls at the part line on a diagonal, and then clip additional curls throughout the crown of the head.
• Allow the hair to dry, and then fluff and pick out the roots.

Style #4: Wave

Curly hair is so versatile! This smooth wave was created with one hair clip. To do:

• Part your hair as you would normally wear it.
• Secure a large section of hair in the front of your head with your fingers.
• Using a hair clip, pin the section away from your face, weaving the clip in an out of the hair horizontally.
• Allow the hair to dry, and then flip your head over at gently pick out the roots near the crown of your head.

• Optional: Using the praying hands technique, gently apply a few drops of your favorite oil to your curls to add sheen.

How do you like to style the front of your hair? Let us know in the comments. For more on root clipping, click here.

Those of us with high porosity hair know that finding that perfect hair masque with the right balance of moisturizing and strengthening properties can be a challenge. For the longest time, SheaMoisture High Porosity Moisture Seal Masque was that product for me. And, at a little over a dollar an ounce, it was a bargain. I am not alone in my love of this miracle masque. Comments on this website tout its ability to soften and restore natural high porosity hair, as well as rescue hair that has been damaged by heat and chemicals.

Recently, when it became time to replenish my dwindling supply of my favorite product, I discovered that the name had changed by one word. Seal was now Correct. I worried that the name was not the only change, and immediately compared the label of the new product with the old; and I was happy to see that the formulation was unchanged.

After purchasing the newer product, I was also glad that the scent had not been changed either. It’s a light, fresh fragrance that is not overly strong or lingering. It also does not compete with the scents of the other products used in your regimen.

There are many reasons that I love this masque and prefer it over similar options at twice the cost, including the following:

• It contains ingredients that high porosity hair responds well to, including: shea and cocoa butters to help moisturize and seal hair, cetearyl alcohol to soften hair, monongo seed oil, which has soothing and protecting effects similar to sebum, rice and hydrolyzed soy protein to strengthen hair, hemp seed oil to improve hair’s elasticity, and vinegar to smooth the hair cuticle and promote a healthy sheen.

• It has great slip. It allows me to easily detangle my hair with just my fingers.

• It also works well as a co-wash, without leaving my curls greasy or weighed down.

• It can seal the frizziest parched ends, leaving them looking and feeling healthy.

• It rinses clean without any residue.

• It keeps my curls moisturized in a variety of climates. I’ve used in arid and winter air, and on humid and/or rainy days and the results are always consistent. Because of this, I haven’t had a need to rotate products when seasons change.

• A little product goes a long way.

• It works well with leave-ins and stylers.

• Since I started using it seven months ago, it has made a noticeable improvement in my hair’s strength and length. My curls are hydrated and soft all day. As my hair grows, it tends to knot and tangle more easily, and using this masque cuts down on detangling time. I also lose much less hair in the shower than I normally do.

If you are new to SheaMoisture High Porosity Moisture Correct Masque, I recommend using it after first shampooing your hair, or as a co-wash. It will help to form curl clumps in the shower, which can be maintained with styling products.

What is your favorite SheaMoisture product? Let us know in the comments. For more on conditioning high porosity hair click here.

Admittedly, I’m a big fan of the Elucence line. Several of their products are regular staples in my wash day routine. When my hairdresser recommended volumizing foam for my fine, high-porosity curls, I decided to try Elucence Volume Designing Foam. It is a combination styling mousse, and setting foam, with a light, peachy scent. The consistency is thick enough to cling to individual hairs, yet it is light enough to not weigh down curls and waves.

When trialing the product, I opted to use it in two different ways:

• As a replacement for gel on freshly washed hair.
• As a refresher on dry hair that was misted with water.

Trial 1

• I washed my hair with Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo, and then rinsed.
• I conditioned and detangled with SheaMoisture Mongongo & Hemp Seed Oils High Porosity Moisture-Seal Masque, and then rinsed.
• I applied Elucence Moisture Benefits Conditioner from the ends to the mid-shafts of my hair, and then massaged it in section by section. I checked for any remaining tangles with my fingers.
• I flipped my head over and applied several pumps of foam all over my head, and worked it into the ends.
• Using a Denman brush, I combed through my hair, being careful to not disturb any curl clumps after they formed. I also created a side part, allowing my hair to fall in the direction it prefers.
• Using a microfiber towel, I lightly squeezed excess water from each curl clump by putting the towel underneath it, and scrunching it towards my scalp. I also scrunched my roots.

The curl clumps stayed together beautifully as my hair dried. I noticed that my hair dried faster than it usually does. There was no crunch to scrunch my way out of. I was able to easily style my hair by flipping my head over and lightly picking out the roots. I had loads of volume that lasted me throughout the day. The product had just enough hold to keep my curls intact, but it did not dry them out or weigh them down.

Trial 2

• I took my day two hair out of its pineapple. It was dry and frizzy, and most of the curl definition was lost.
• I lightly misted it with water, focusing on the driest and frizziest sections.
• I flipped my head over and applied several pumps of foam all over my head, starting at the nape of my neck.
• I massaged the product into the ends of my hair.
• Using my fingers, I lightly detangled my hair where it was possible to do so. Since I cannot usually remove small knots without a comb, I left them alone.
• I scrunched all my hair one section at a time. I twisted and shingled any straighter pieces of hair.
• I allowed my hair to air dry. This took about 45 minutes.
• I flipped my head over and lightly picked out my roots.

When my hair dried, it had loads of volume and curl definition. My hair still felt soft, and it was not dry or frizzy. The product is a perfect choice to use as a refresher.

What is your favorite mousse or volumizing foam? Let us know in the comments. Read this article to learn more about mousse.

Menopause, and the years following it, can impact hair health in numerous ways. Many women find their hair to be finer and thinner as a result of menopause-related hormonal fluctuations (estrogen levels drop, while androgen levels increase”>. Hair is kept in the growing phase by estrogen. Androgens are male hormones, and when they increase, they can cause thinning in women that is akin to the beginning stages of male-pattern baldness.

Additionally, hair volume decreases, and the frontal hairline recedes slightly. Individual hairs have less volume, and they generally don’t grow to the length they once did. Also, if your majestic silver strands are coming in, you may find they are more porous than other hairs and tend to break easily. If you have experienced hair changes due to menopause, and you want to grow longer, stronger tresses, follow these steps.

• Schedule a checkup. Not all hair changes in our forties, fifties and beyond are due to hormonal shifts. Sometimes other conditions like adrenal imbalances, hypothyroidism, or vitamin deficiencies are to blame.
• Examine your diet. At any age, a healthy diet has a direct impact on the health of your hair. Eat quality protein, and foods rich in omega 3s, vitamins C, A, and E, iron, zinc, selenium, and biotin. Use a cronometer to ensure you are getting what you need.
• Increase the circulation to your scalp. From aerobics to yoga, to alternative treatments like acupuncture, massage and laser therapy, there are many ways to get the blood flowing to your scalp, and thus nourish your precious roots. Just be sure to follow whatever protocol you choose several times a week.
• Consider your cut. We’re often led to believe that crown volume is what makes hair look its best. To achieve this on thinner hair, most stylists resort to highly layered cuts, stacked bobs, or pixies. While these cuts look great initially, growing them out can be difficult, as ends can look straggly and even see-through. A better cut for thinner hair is predominately one length with a few well-placed layers. While we’ve all been taught to fear the triangle (i.e., all the volume is at the bottom of the hair shaft”>, curly hair that is properly cared for can look great at any length.
• Perfect your curly hair routine. Many of the things that curlies are already doing can help with hair health, including using sulfate-, silicone-, and paraben-free products, keeping hair well-hydrated, avoiding heat and harsh styling methods, and protecting hair from damage while sleeping by using a satin bonnet or pillowcase. There are a few additions to this to help aging hair thrive. They include: rinsing with rice water, adding regular protein treatments, and exfoliating your scalp.
• Ditch the dye. Both peroxide-based dye and bleach can wreak havoc on your curl pattern and cause damaged ends to break. Menopause is the perfect time to embrace your natural hair color. If you want to change it up from time to time, use hair extensions, wigs, and temporary hair color.
• Get trims as needed, not every four to six weeks. Healthy, well-maintained hair does not generally need trimming on a predetermined schedule. Instead, trim your hair when the ends start to become dry or fuzzy. When you do, ask the stylist to dust the ends. This will ensure that you won’t lose excess length.

Have you grown out your hair after menopause? Share your tips for others in the comments. Check out this article to learn about other rinses for healthy hair.

From highlights to ombres, neons to pastels, and every hue in between, color can turn our hair into our best accessory. Unfortunately, it can also relax our curl pattern, particularly when bleach is involved. This lightening step is generally the prerequisite for those bold fashion colors that are all over Instagram right now. While temporary color has been around for ages in many forms, it is often messy at best, and often too subtle to be worth the effort on hair that has not been pre-lightened. That is why I was intrigued by Mofajang Hair Color Wax, a product that promised to deliver intense color in an easy-to-use, water-soluble form. I decided to try it out, and judge it on the following variables:

• First impressions
• Ease of application
• Messiness
• Color quality
• Curl impact
• Ease of removal

Mofajang Hair Color Wax comes in six colors: purple, silver, white, gold, red, blue, and green. I chose purple. Upon opening the jar, I was surprised at the vibrancy of the color, which is a deep, bright purple. The scent is clean and slightly earthy. The texture is less like wax, and more like a thin putty.

For my trial, I started with freshly washed and conditioned hair that was about 80 percent dry. I just used my fingertips at first to paint random curls. Wanting more color, I scrunched the product into the sections of hair that framed my face. I immediately knew this was a mistake as some of my curls became stretched and lost their definition. I rinsed those sections of hair, and then allowed them to dry.

For my second attempt at application, I dipped the first two fingers of each hand into the wax, and then pressed individual curls between those fingertips (kind of like a pared-down praying hands method”>. I was careful not to disturb any curls. I applied the product to the ends of my hair and to a few face-framing curls, as I planned to pick out the roots of my hair when the product dried. I lightly and carefully blotted excess product with a paper towel.

Overall, the application wasn’t messy. The product was thick enough to prevent streaking. It did not rub off on my clothing, or stain my skin. I was able to wash it off my hands with water alone. I did get a bit on my cell phone, but it was easily removed. Wanting to test whether the product would stay on overnight, I put my purple curls in a pineapple. When I awoke, the color was on my hair and not on my pillowcase as I expected.

The color quality is phenomenal. It’s bright, and deeply pigmented. The more you use, the more it shows up on your hair, allowing you to create subtle highlights or bold all-over color. With some scrunching, I was able to also mute the color to create a wine shade on my brown hair.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this product is its curl impact, which is five stars. It helped me retain curl definition throughout the day and overnight. It had the holding power of a pudding or custard and was not sticky or overly stiff when it dried. It did not make my hair frizzy. After three days of my fun purple hair experiment, I rinsed out the product with water, and then co-washed. I was instantly back to brown and considering what color to try next.

Have you tried Mofajang Haircolor Wax? Share your stories in the comments. For the hottest colors of 2018, click here.