Search Results: Stacey Biro

Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator is a holy grail for many naturalistas in the know. It’s touted as an all-in-one leave-in and styler that defines curls, and makes them soft and shiny. Most of the product reviews I’ve watched or read come from reviewers with tight curls and coils. Enticed by the promise of one product that does it all, I was curious to see if it would work on my looser curl pattern. Specifically, I hoped it would provide me good hold, without drying my hair out.

Before I try any product, I flip over the bottle to see what it’s made of. Curly Magic is full of ingredients that my high-porosity hair loves, like aloe, marshmallow, chamomile, and nettle. I knew from other reviews that the product has a gel consistency. Even though I’d read that a leave-in was not needed with Curly Magic, I worried that skipping this step would leave my curls parched and frizzy. For my trial, I washed my hair with a gentle shampoo, conditioned and detangled with my favorite masque, applied a leave-in, distributed it with a Denman brush, and then applied Curly Magic. I scrunched with a t-shirt, and my curls were instantly defined, and locked into place. When my hair fully dried, it was in crunchy ringlets. I tried to scrunch out the crunch, but my curls still looked like they were in a gel cast. I instantly regretted using the product with a leave-in.

The next day, I decided to try again. In the shower, I saturated my hair and was happy to see that the product rinsed clean without shampoo. I co-washed, just to add a little moisture to my hair, and then applied more Curly Magic in sections, again using the Denman brush. I scrunched my hair with a t-shirt as I had done the previous day. My curls, while still locking in place, were not crunchy this time. After my hair dried, I flipped my head over and picked out the roots. I had lots of volume and definition. While I was expecting some curl elongation, I did not experience it. I had a bit of shrinkage, but that was largely due to applying the product with the Denman brush. My curls held up all day without falling flat.

Since initially trialing the product, I have used it in various ways, including:

• As a spot-styler for rebellious curls that refuse to clump.
• For providing a boost to the bottom layer of my hair, which is slightly longer than the rest.
• As a gel for the skip curl method.

I recommend it for looser curl patterns, like mine. For all-over styling, it works best as a stand-alone product. If you usually need to use a leave-in conditioner because you have dry or high-porosity hair, it is best to co-wash your hair before styling with Curly Magic.

What is your favorite Uncle Funky’s Daughter product? Let us know in the comments. To read an interview with Renee of Uncle Funky’s Daughter click here.

Nothing will bring on the frizz like a rain shower. Many curlies can predict the weather before the clouds roll in, thanks to an increase in the amount of moisture in the air.

Image by iStock

To understand why those raindrops can ruin your best-tressed day, there are four things to take into consideration:

1. The dew point 2. Hair porosity 3. Products 4. Styling

The dew point is the maximum amount of water in its gaseous form that the air can hold. Beyond this point, rain—helped along by the vertical movement of the wind—will occur. Moist air contains high levels of hydrogen, which hair is extremely sensitive to (as water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen”>. Each strand is comprised of several layers, but it’s the middle layer, which is made up of bundles of keratin protein, that is affected. The keratin bundles are secured by chemical bonds of sulfur or hydrogen atoms. Unlike the sulfur atoms, which are permanent, hydrogen atoms are temporary. Hydrogen atoms give hair its shape by reforming bonds with other hydrogen atoms on nearby keratin protein stands. These bonds hold until hair is wet again (that is why healthy curly hair that has been blown straight re-coils in the shower”>.

Both curly and damaged tresses can be the most susceptible to moisture in the air. They can absorb it like a sponge, causing strands to swell, which leads to frizzy, poofy hair that lacks shine and definition. The more porous your hair (regardless of the cause”>, the more you will need to take precautions to minimize frizz. Follow the tips below to look fabulous even as the rain falls.

Check the Frizz Forecast at NaturallyCurly. Syncing your wash day with a rainy day will allow you to adequately moisturize your hair, sealing it off from hydrogen gases. Not only will the Frizz Forecast help you to predict how easy or difficult it will be to manage your tresses based on the humidity, it also provides you with product-type recommendations.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. If you wake up to rain and frizzy hair, starting fresh with a wash and go (if time allows”> might be your best bet. Avoid clarifying, though. Instead, use a gentle co-wash, or the Condition-Cleanse-Condition method. Rinse, and then apply a rich moisturizing conditioner, thoroughly massaging it into the ends of your hair. After rinsing your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner, and the styler of your choice, or seal your hair with the LOC method. If you’re using gel, skip the scrunch out the crunch step. The humidity will break the gel cast, and you’ll find that your curls stay well-defined.

If you are working with second-day or beyond hair, or want to refresh those parched strands, spritz with a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner, and then scrunch and pin curl your hair back to pre-frizz perfection.

Limit humectants. Humectants such as glycerin, propylene glycol, and others draw moisture from the air and into the hair on humid days. While it is usually not necessary to eliminate them completely, you may find that choosing products where humectants are not listed in the top five ingredients (particularly for your stylers and sealers”> will make a big difference in the amount of frizz you experience.

Choose products with ingredients formulated to stand up to moist air. They can keep you well-coiffed, even under the toughest circumstances. These include: polyquats such as PQ-69, butters, oils, and serums.

Finally, if you get caught in the downpour, or if you just want to get up and go on that rainy morning (sans the wash”>, avoid over-manipulation of your hair. While it may be tempting to try to wrestle unruly curls into their best shape, this often leads to more frizz. A carefree style that embraces a little frizz always looks great. Some rainy-day hairstyles include:

Messy bun. It’s always a classic and can take you from work to workout.

Image by iStock/RantaImages

Curly bun with a headband. When your baby hairs won’t cooperate, or when you curly bangs look like a visor, this is the look you need.

Space buns. Not only are space buns super cute, but when you take them down, you’ll have a gorgeous stretched style that lasts.

Image by iStock/izusek

Ponytail. This is the hot look of the season. Slicked back hair with a full pony is chic and works for the cubicle and the club.

Hat. A hat is an accessory that never goes out of style. It’s especially useful for hair that gets puffy in the rain.

Headband. If you have hair that curls well underneath but tends to frizz around the hairline, a headband is a great tool.

Hair pins. Strategically placed hair pins can help secure unruly locks. You can even use them to create waves where you want them. And if you have frizz in the front with curls underneath, this half up/half down style is perfect.

Image by iStock/VladimirFLoyd

Carefree updo. Rejoice in the rain with this style that flaunts those flyaways.

What is your favorite rainy weather tip? Let us know in the comments. For more information on dew points, click here.

Every month more than 1.6 million people visit Reddit.com to give and receive advice, share opinions, and make connections. It’s a great place to find tips for keeping your curls and coils healthy and beautiful. If you are new to Reddit, you will need to create an account by going to Reddit, and then clicking the “Sign Up” button. After creating a profile and verifying your email address you can then subscribe to natural hair communities such as:

– r/naturalhair – r/curlyhair – r/HaircareScience – r/gonenatural

The following are some of the best kept secrets from these forums.

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Chebe powder from Chad

Chebe powder is used by the Basara Arab women of Chad for longer, stronger hair. This powder contains a mix of ingredients including: African shrub, cherry seeds, tree sap, clove, and other herbs to promote hair health.

To use chebe powder:

Mix the powder with enough conditioner to make a paste.

Coat your hair with the paste, and cover with a plastic cap, if desired. Leave the mixture on for 90 minutes. Rinse out.

For optimum hair health, reapply every three to five days.

The Great Detangler by Taliah Waajid

This product is a find. It can be used as a co-wash or a leave-in, has great slip for detangling and can even be applied as a daily moisturizer. Bonus: you can mix it with olive or coconut oil to lock in the moisture, too! Find it here. $$AD$$

The Anthony Dickey method

Famed hairstylist Anthony Dickey has a method for creating moisturized curls and coils using a co-wash and gel. It can be used by all the hair types but is especially beneficial for women with tighter coils. The method’s claim to fame is that it simplifies the wash and go—no twist out or other setting required. He says that tighter curl patterns benefit from doing this method daily.

To do the Anthony Dickey method:

– Thoroughly saturate your hair with water. – Use a generous amount of conditioner to coat your strands, and then detangle with your fingers. – Rinse out the conditioner and then apply a conditioning styling gel. – Shake your head vigorously for a few seconds. Voila! Coils for days.

Wild Growth hair oil

This product contains a blend of oils and herbs that help to promote hair growth. A few drops massaged into the scalp a few times a week is all that’s needed. It can also be used on your brows and lashes.

Tress

Cosmopolitan calls this app the “Instagram for natural hair”. Get ready to be inspired by hairstyles from around the world. When you see a look you like, you can find all the information you need to reproduce it—from salon to products used.

Amla powder

The second powder to make this list, amla, or Indian Gooseberry, is grown in South Asia and parts of Africa. Some of its benefits include helping to reduce male and female pattern baldness and graying hair. If you use colored henna on your hair, it can also help to mute some of the red tones.

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The perfect three-strand twist-out

If you want bouncy, gorgeous curls that last, this twist-out is for you. As its name would imply, three strands are used to create the twists. See a demo and description by Naptural85.

To learn more about the three-strand twist out, join the discussion by clicking here.

You can also find great convos and lots of tips at NaturallyCurly’s own CurlTalk — register today!

Are you ready to usher in the cooler weather with a hot new cut? Get inspiration from these looks that show just how versatile curly hair can be. From fresh and funky, to romantic spirals, curls are shear perfection.

1. Post-modern pixie

Here is a cut that is both trendy and timeless. With the flip of a part or a spritz of styling spray, you can instantly transform the look from romantic to chic.

Image via iStock

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2. Pompadour with a shaved side

Paired with a trendy new color or not, this look screams “Slay”. Every curl pattern would look great clipped into this edgy style.

Image via iStock

3. Short shag

Shorter in back, with longer, face framing curls, this cut is as beautiful as it is easy to maintain. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the return of gingerbread lattes.

Image via iStock

4. Pixie with a short fringe

Pretty curly bangs are the main focus of this cropped cut that never goes out of season.

Image via iStock

5. Layered with a heavy fringe

Heavy, long bangs make great layered cut even better.

Image via iStock

6. Short, tousled shag

This cute cut is all party in the back. Lots of layers allow for movement and texture.

Image via iStock

7. Short, layered shag

Soft curls are in focus thanks to this beautiful cut.

Image via iStock

8. High layers

Short layering brings out the volume for super curly hair. Also known as the afro cut, this style is a classic.

Image via iStock

9. High and medium layers

If you love lots of volume, especially at the crown, give this look a try.

Image via iStock

10. Medium-length high-layered shag

With the right gel, and a good shingling technique you, too, can have these bouncy curls.

Image via iStock

11. Long bob

The long bob, or LOB, is better than ever. It’s the perfect cut for looser curls like those pictured here.

Image via iStock

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12. Classic Devacut

Random layers throughout the hair encourage texture, and allow curls to fall like interlocking puzzle pieces.

13. Angled bob

With soft, face framing curls, and crown volume-enhancing stacking in the back, this flattering cut can suit a variety of textures.

Image via iStock

14. Medium/long shag with a long fringe

This stylish cut will bring out your curls in all their voluminous glory.

Image via iStock

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15. Dramatic shag

Lots of layers make this cut stand out. Perfect for all textures, it’s a look that respects each and every curl.

Image via iStock

16. Devacut with pintura highlights.

Strategically placed highlights and lots of individual layers equals a style for any curl pattern.

Image via iStock

17. Layers with highlights.

This style is perfect for those occasions that call for a little glamour. Multi-dimensional highlights emphasize this gorgeous layered cut. It’s high-volume and high-drama at its best.

Image via iStock

18. Shag with looser curls

Layers give this cut structure and substance, and they make fine hair look fuller.

Image via iStock

19. Long shag with a heavy fringe

This look is one of the hottest trends for Fall. It’s a great cut on its own, or as an updated look when you have longer hair but you don’t want to lose too much length.

Image via iStock

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20. Curly layers

This cut adds movement and dimension to thick, curly hair. A few shorter curls in the front are the perfect solution for when you aren’t sure if you want to commit to a fringe.

Image via iStock

21. Medium layered cut on long hair

Tight curls and coils have star quality, especially when emphasized by a layered cut that allows for lots of volume throughout the hair.

Image via iStock

22. Long with medium layers.

Beautiful curls and color make this cut a stunner.

Image via iStock

23. Medium length with long layers

For a polished look with lovely, defined curls, consider some strategically placed layers throughout that hair as shown here.

Image via iStock

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24. Devacut for waves and curls

The Devachan salon in NYC created this pretty, perfect for Autumn haircut. You can wear this loose and curly, but it is long enough to put into your favorite updos.

25. Long layers

When I asked Rita how she got her hair to fall into Botticelli curls she said “It all starts with the cut.” Indeed. This cut was done at LunaRosa hair salon in Philadelphia.

Image via drwritawrites.com, Ra Hall

26. Cropped chic

Do you need ideas for that big chop? Look no further than this fresh new look from Allure Salon in Baltimore, MD. It’s effortlessly cool, and showcases a gorgeous curl pattern.

What is your favorite cut for Fall? Let us know in the comments. For more info, see 5 of The Most Flattering Haircuts for Curlies.

Pictured: @novanovienovs

Make bath time the best time with these family-friendly shampoos. Kids will love their scents, and you will love how gentle they are!

1. Honey Baby Naturals Honeychild Moisture & Scalp Balance Gentle Shampoo

This shampoo comes in an adorable replica of a honey jar. It’s super gentle, and will leave your child’s hair soft and clean, and her scalp flake-free. It contains skin-soothing ingredients like honey and chamomile.

2. EDEN BodyWorks Kids Coco Shea Berry Natural Detangling Shampoo

Kids Coco Shea Berry Natural Detangling Shampoo will leave your little one’s hair smelling fresh and clean. It even removes product build-up without stripping the hair. It contains shea butter and argania spinosa kernel oil, for bouncy, hydrated curls.

3. SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Extra-Nourishing Shampoo

If you have a kid whose hair hates glycerin, this is the shampoo to use. It contains mango butter for moisture, and carrot oil to nourish and strengthen the hair. Dry, flaky scalps are instantly soothed with orange blossom.

4. Curly Q’s Curlie Cutie Cleansing Cream

Busy babies will appreciate this one-step cream. It cleanses and conditions leaving curls hydrated and springy. It has hair-health promoting ingredients carrot seed oil, horse chestnut, sage leaf and Arnica Montana flower extract. This luxurious cream works on all hair types.

5. It’s a Curl! Peek-a-Boo Tearless Shampoo

Just say no to tears and tangles with this gentle cleansing shampoo. Soothing extracts of lavender, white tea, calendula, and chamomile relieve dry, itchy scalps.

6. Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Girls Heads Up Moisturizing & Softening Shampoo

Perfect for all hair textures, this creamy, moisturizing shampoo will saturate hair with shea butter and coconut and olive oils. This non-drying formula will leave your child’s hair as soft as it is clean.

7. Fairy Tales Curly-Q Hydrating Shampoo

Little princesses and princes will enjoy the pear basil scent of this shampoo. You’ll appreciate how it helps to detangle their tresses and make them more manageable. With quinoa and rice amino acids to help define curls, and murumuru butter to help tame the frizzies, but free of common allergens gluten, nuts, dairy, and soy, Fairy Tales Curly-Q Hydrating Shampoo is a good choice for the whole family

8. Luster’s PCJ Pretty-N-Silky Conditioning Shampoo

For those times that your kid’s hair needs a thorough cleanse, or for that last wash before transitioning to the Curly Girl Method (when you want to remove silicone build-up”>, this conditioning shampoo is the perfect choice. It gets hair super squeaky clean and smelling fresh.

9. Many Ethnicities Kids Gentle Shampoo

This shampoo is the secret for healthy, popping curls. It contains plant-based Acyl Lactylates to leave hair clean but not stripped of moisture.

10. The Mane Choice Juicy Orange Fruit Medley KIDS Shampoo

Make detangling day easier on yourself and your little one with this moisturizing shampoo. Moms love its juicy citrus fragrance and the way this removes buildup without leaving curls stripped. 

11. SheaMoisture Oat Milk & Rice Water Baby Extra Comforting Wash & Shampoo

For a gentle double-duty product that won’t irritate your child’s sensitive skin, this wash and shampoo is the perfect pick. It is hypoallergenic and contains oat milk, rice water and Shea butter for gentle moisture.

12. Taliah Waajid Kinky, Wavy, & Natural for Children Berry Clean 3-in-1 Shampoo

This bottle of chamomile and bilberry bliss will leave those curls and coils soft, defined, and smelling “berry” beautiful. Silk protein will strengthen tresses, helping to make detangling a snap.

13. Mixed Chicks Kids Shampoo

Mixed Chicks Kids shampoo is perfect for all the curl types. It’s gentle cleansing, tear-free formula won’t dry hair out.

Photo by: @ ashleycurlskc

14. Cantu Care for Kids Tear-Free Nourishing Shampoo

Love your Cantu? Now your baby can love it, too, with this nourishing formula that is tear-free, gentle, and full of moisturizing ingredients like coconut, shea butter, and honey.

15. Shea Moisture Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Head-To-Toe Wash & Shampoo

With argan oil, chamomile, and shea butter, even the driest hair and skin is left silky soft and moisturized. This two-in-one shampoo and wash will speed up bath time, leaving you and your little with more time for scrunching—and cuddling.

Which one of these shampoos is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

Read next: 15 Best Conditioners for Curly Kids.

Low humidity can wreak havoc on looser curls, leaving them limp, lifeless and without definition. After much experimentation, I’ve developed what I call the LESS method to create bouncy, hydrated ringlets that last all day.

This simple routine is comprised of the following:

–

Leave-in

–

Encourage

–

Steam

–

Scrunch

Loredana B., who lives in Southern California, has been using this method for several months and credits it with bringing back her 3a curl pattern. “My hair is so curly and soft, and it feels so much healthier,” she says.

For best results, use products that do not contain glycerin (as — in very dry climates — this humectant can take the moisture from your hair and put it into the air. Glycerin has the opposite effect in humid climates.”>.

–

A gentle cleansing shampoo or co-wash.

–

A moisturizing conditioner. I love Curl Junkie’s Curl Rehab for its great slip and detangling capabilities—and it doesn’t weigh hair down.

–

A rich-and-creamy leave-in conditioner like Beauticurls, another Curl Junkie gem.

–

A facial steamer. Any lightweight, portable model will work.

You will also need a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel and, if desired, a wide-toothed comb or Denman Brush.

Before beginning the LESS Method, gently wash your hair, concentrating on the roots. Use your fingertips to massage your scalp. Rinse your hair thoroughly, preferably with your head flipped upside down. Apply your hydrating conditioner an inch from your scalp and work it through to the ends of your hair. Use your fingers to detangle, or you can use a wide-toothed comb. If you have thick and/or high-density hair, you may wish to condition in sections, clipping up each section as you complete it. Allow the conditioner to remain on your hair for several minutes, and then carefully rinse it out with tepid water.

The LESS Method

Leave-in

Apply your leave-in conditioner on soaking wet hair, from the roots to the tips. Use a generous amount (for example, I use a palmful for my hair, which skims my shoulders when wet”>. For longer hair, use more. Your hair must be completely coated with the leave-in conditioner. I recommend using a Denman brush to get every strand. Brush the leave-in through each section, smooth with your fingers, and repeat 2-3 times. At this point, your hair will start to clump.

Encourage

In this step, encourage your curls to form using your preferred technique (shingling, twisting, scrunching etc.”>. If you have any straight pieces remaining, moisten them with water, and coax them into curls.

Steam

Ensure that the steamer carafe is filled with fresh water, turn the steamer on, and allow it to heat up until it starts emitting steam. Steam helps the leave-in conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft, imparting moisture to thirsty strands. It also encourages curl formation, and enables your curls hold their shape without the aid of a styler (which can often weigh hair down or make it look crispy in arid air”>.

Scrunch

Steam one area of your hair at a time by re-positioning the steamer or moving your head (do not lift the steamer and place it over your hair”>. Slowly and carefully scrunch the hair that is being steamed, holding each scrunch for six to seven seconds. Do not rub the hair together or break up the curl clumps.

At this point, your hair will have good definition. Using the t-shirt or towel, carefully scrunch out any excess water. If you use hair clips to lift your roots, apply them. You can now diffuse your hair or let it air dry.

Refreshing Second–or Third-Day Hair

You can use a similar approach to refresh your hair.

–

In a spray bottle, combine one-part leave-in conditioner to three parts water. Shake to combine.

–

Turn on the steamer, allow it to heat while you gently mist your hair. Part or arrange your hair as you would normally wear it.

–

Scrunch and twist pieces of your hair while steaming it.

–

Allow your hair to completing dry before fluffing and picking it out.

If you give the LESS method a try, let us know if it works for you! Share your experiences in the comments section below. And if you’d like more tips, check out this article: How to Moisturize Your Hair in a Very Dry Climate.

Rev up your waves and rewind your curls and coils with the 15 best curl refreshers of the year. These products will provide moisture to your thirsty tresses and leave them shiny and defined. They’ll also make your morning (and evening”> routine much easier.

1. OBIA Naturals Curl Hydration Spray

Bring your curls back to life with this shine-enhancing, detangling spray. Argan and rose oils moisturize your scalp and hair without leaving any residue. This spray was voted Best Refresher for Type 2 wavy and Type 4 coily hair in the 2015 and 2016 Naturally Curly Editors’ Choice Awards. It’s vegan, Curly Girl-approved, and alcohol-free.

2. Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper Beach Mist

Beachy waves? Yes, please. This mist contains elements that are brewed from pink Himalayan sea salt, and even if you live in a dry or extremely humid climate, this product can refresh without causing frizz because it is glycerin-free. High-porosity curlies rejoice!

3. Uncle Funky’s Daughter Defunk Hair Refresher Tonic

Defunked and recoiled, that’s all you want in refreshed hair, right? Uncle Funky’s Daughter has you covered. Use this instead of dry shampoo to refresh your hair and stimulate your scalp. This is the perfect product to use between your workout and a night out on the town.

4. CURLS Aloe & Blueberry Juice Curl Moisturizer

Blueberries are nature’s gift for good hair. They contain a chemical called proanthocyanidin that helps to accelerate hair growth, while reducing hair loss. Aloe helps to smooth hair, while temporarily making it less porous. This moisturizer will give you juicy curls that stay hydrated all day.

5. Jamaican Mango & Lime Pure Naturals Moisture Coconut Leave-In Conditioner & Detangler

If you are looking for a light spray that smells like the tropics, look no further. This light leave-in moisturizes and detangles, so next-day knots are not a problem.

6. Curlfection Next Day Refreshing Mist

With Curlfection Next Day Refreshing Mist UV Protector & Reactivator, there is no need to reapply your moisturizing and styling products every day. It revitalizes the products that are already in your hair, leaving you with bouncy, shiny curls. It can be used on all hair types.

7. Curl Junkie Curl Fuel Curl Enhancing Spray

Curl Junkie Curl Fuel Curl Enhancing Spray will put the moisture back in your hair without weighing it down. It can be used as an all-over refresher, or to tame flyaway ends.

8. Jessicurl Awe Inspiraling Spray – Citrus Lavender 

Curls love Jessicurl Awe Inspiraling Spray. Use a few spritzes whenever you need to freshen your curls and give them a boost. If you want a product that will give your hair a little bit of moisture without weighing it down, this spray is what you need.

9. Ouidad Botanical Boost Curl Energizing & Refreshing Spray

Ouidad Botanical Boost Curl Energizing & Refreshing Spray is a great addition to your haircare collection. It reactivates the products in your hair, and allows you to scrunch, shingle and twist your way back to wash day perfection.

10. TRUE by made beautiful Quench Curl Refresher

This refresher contains coconut, mango seed, and castor oil to help moisturize your curls while adding shine and definition. It can be used on all hair types to prevent frizz and flyaways. It smells great, too.

11. Alikay Naturals Wake Me Up Curl Refresher

Getting second-day curls to re-clump together is a challenge—well, until now. This mango scented refresher makes your second-day curls pop. Wake Me Up contains almond and pomegranate oils, as well as wheat germ protein and silk amino acids for hair that is shiny and strong.

12. Oyin Handmade Greg Juice

Not a fan of oils? No problem This oil-free refresher is made with a mix of vegetable moisturizers and herbal essences. Like a green juice for your curls.

13. AG Hair Curl Trigger Curl Defining Spray

Beach-worthy waves and curls are easier than you think. AG Hair Curl Trigger Curl Defining Spray has anti-humectants to keep the frizzies away. Second-day hair has never looked better.

14. DevaCurl Mist-er Right

Like all DevaCurl products, this spray smells fresh and clean, with lavender and citrus notes. It’s got humectants to draw moisture into dry strands. You can lightly mist all your hair to refresh, or you can target individual curls.

15. DIY

This is the year of do-it-yourself. From hair accessories to products, curlies are not afraid to mix and measure (and hot glue gun”> their way to the perfect style. Making your own curl refresher is super easy and inexpensive. The following hair refresher recipe can be customized according to your needs.

Materials

• 1 fine mist sprayer bottle, for example, Curly Hair Solutions H20 Water Bottle
• a small funnel
• 2 oz. distilled water
• 1 tablespoon leave-in conditioner, for example, Curl Junkie BeautiCurls Leave-in Hair Conditioner
• 1 tablespoon rosewater
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera juice
• 2-3 drops essential oil (optional”>
• 1 teaspoon pure argan oil, for example, SheaMoisture 100% Pure Argan Oil

Method

1. Place the funnel in the open spray bottle.
2. Add the conditioner, rosewater, and aloe vera juice. Add the oils, if using.
3. Fill the rest of the bottle with the distilled water, place the sprayer in the bottle, close, and then shake to combine. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

What is your favorite curl refresher?

Let us know in the comments. For more on refreshing your hair, see How to Refresh 2nd Day Curly Hair.

If you have high porosity hair like me, you know that it can be a challenge to keep it healthy and looking its best. This hair type tends to frizz easily when the humidity is high and become brittle and lifeless when it is low. High porosity strands have a rough and open cuticle structure that allows for easy absorption of moisture into the hair shaft, and release of moisture from it.

High-porosity hair can be:

• determined by genetics,
• caused by cumulative damage from heat, chemicals, and other stressors,
• due to aging, as strands turn silver,
• and found in combination with low and normal porosity hair (for example, in transitioning hair”>.

Regardless of the cause, high-porosity hair is not always synonymous with damaged hair, so keep this in mind as you care for your curls. Below are six things you can’t do if you really want to rock healthy waves, ringlets, and coils.

Photo courtesy of @kopanotheblog

1. You can’t detangle your hair without a pre-poo or conditioner

Dry hair is in its most fragile state and can be easily damaged from detangling.  Therefore, it is important to detangle with care. To do so, make sure to:

1. Apply a pre-poo product or your favorite oil, or saturate your hair with water, and then apply a rich conditioner with good slip.
2. Detangle slowly and carefully, section by section, with your fingers and a wide-toothed comb.
3. Clip each section with a duckbill clip as you complete it.  

2. You can’t use harsh detergents on your hair

Harsh detergents will dry out your hair and make it difficult to detangle. Gentle, moisturizing Curly Girl approved shampoos, cleansing conditioners, and co-washes will cleanse your hair without stripping it like shampoos with harsh detergents will. Even if you are experiencing product build-up, choose a gentle clarifying treatment such as the ones listed here to remove it from your hair.

3. You can’t do without adequate moisture

Adequate moisture is crucial for thirsty curls. Without it, strands become dehydrated and lose their elasticity. Since everyone’s hair is different, know that it may take some experimentation to find the moisture combination that works best for you. At a minimum, there are four moisturizing products that every curly girl and guy need:

• a regular conditioner. Choose Curly Girl approved brands that do not contain silicones. This conditioner should be your holy grail on wash day. It should be easy to emulsify between the palms of your hands yet be rich enough to coat your hair. It should also have enough slip to be used for detangling.
• A deep conditioner or hair masque – Intensive conditioners can be used on an as-needed basis–like when your ends are looking dry and dull– or as part of your regular regimen.  For best results, look for products that contain both protein and moisturizers (more on protein below”>.
• A leave-in conditioner – Choose a product that contains moisturizing properties AND protein A leave-in can be used on freshly washed and conditioned hair or added to water to refresh curls. If a leave-in alone doesn’t give you enough moisture, you might want to use it as the first step in the LOC method. LOC stands for Leave-in-Oil-Cream. It’s a way of applying moisture to hair, and sealing that moisture in.
• A moisturizer – To be used between wash days, to refresh curls and coils, a moisturizer can help to keep hair feeling soft, and it can perk up listless curls.

To moisturize:

1. Spritz dry areas of hair with a curl refresher or water that contains some leave-in or regular conditioner. If your hair requires more moisture, apply a small amount of conditioning milk or cream.
2. Gently massage the moisturizer into the dry sections of your hair.
3. Scrunch or twist areas that have lost definition.

Use the LOC method on freshly shampooed or co-washed hair prior to the application of any styling products.

Photo courtesy of @discocurls

4. You can’t do without extra protein

For healthy hair, you also need protein. For some, a protein treatment or protein-heavy conditioning treatment one or two times a month is a must. For those of us with finer hair, choosing conditioning products that also contain some protein is key. To ensure your favorite conditioner has protein in it, see Ingredients Commonly Used in Hair Care Products: Proteins.

5. You can’t over-manipulate your hair when it is dry

Nothing will ruin your curls and coils like hands in your hair. On wash days, after your hair is completely dry, gently scrunch out the crunch, or flip your head over and lightly pick out your roots. Admire your lovely head of curls, but don’t touch them. Trust me on this. If you are setting your dry hair in a twist out or braids, make sure to use a twisting butter or styling cream to protect it.

6. You can’t expose your hair to heat.

The heat from blow dryers, irons, and even the sun can damage your hair. Many curlies are surprised to find out their curl pattern ends up being completely different from the straighter strands they become accustomed too while using heat. Stay away from hot styling tools, and if you need to use a blow dryer, always do so on the coolest setting, and use a diffuser.

What are your high porosity hair tips? Let us know in the comments!

This article was originally published in 2016 and was updated in 2018 to reflect new recommendations.