Search Results: Stacy Pulliam

Staying fit is a must for most of us, but what about our hair getting messed up?

A lot of times we get these questions and concerns from fellow curlies:

“You know l would work out more but I can’t go to work with my head looking a mess.”

“How do I keep my blowout straight while I sweat?”

“I don’t want my hair to smell bad.”

I wish there was a simple answer to keeping your hair sweat-free, your rod set in tact, and your silk press straight and bouncy, but there isn’t one. Summyr Sheppard, certified personal trainer and health coach, chimed in on what she does to keep her hair and body looking great.

Preparation is key. No plan = busted hair.

If you know you sweat like the Atlantic Ocean, save that blowout for a special occasion, or get a sew-in. Also know that prior to getting a sew-in, your scalp will need to be cleansed and properly dried quite often. When sweat gets trapped in those braids you inviting bacteria in; not to mention, your stylist has to wear a mask, have a few cans of air freshener, and incense to take down your 10 week style. You tried it. “In order to maintain your hair post workout there are a few tips you should follow pre workout,” Summyr says.

1. Your scarf is always an essential wear during your workout to help maintain your your style. But, if by chance you forget your scarf and you still want a fresh wash-and-go look with laid edges, carry a light gel. Take a small amount in your hands and rub on the front of your hair. Proceed to sculpt out some edges or leave as is — your choice!
2. Pull curls up in a pineapple and tie a scarf around your edges.
3. Let your hair fully dry before taking the scarf off.
4. Once they dry completely, your edges should still be laid for the gods.
5. Take down your pineapple, shake it out, apply an oil of your choice to add back some moisture and shine.
6. Twist your hair into one big bun slight leaving the ends out as another option.
7. Secure your hair with a scrunchie so it doesn’t leave a harsh crease.
8. Tie a scarf around your edges again.
9. Let it fully dry after the workout.

Now your hair may be stretched quite a bit, but this is a good thing!

“In some cases you may need to dampen the hair and apply a small amount of styler that was used previously all over hair to give it a more refreshed look,” says Summyr. “A great refresher product is Bounce Curl Light Crème Gel, then add a small amount of oil like Moisture Love Seal With a Kiss Finishing Oil, for added moisture and shine.”

To sum it up

Never neglect your workout for your hair, your curliest will definitely bounce back into place if you follow these tips!

Follow Summyr Sheppard on Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube and Instagram @summyrtyme for more tips.

“Baby girl, I love your hair.”

“Princess, your hair looks so pretty.”

Every little and big girl lights up when her father takes notice of her crown and glory. I want to say thank you to all of the fathers and husbands that bring a smile to all the curly girls in the world. You know I love a personal story almost more than I love my curly pudding and creamy leave-in, so here it goes.

I spoke with Devri Velazquez, Content Editor for naturallycurly.com, who shared with me how her father’s support and encouragement led her to be the amazing unique individual that she is:

My father tells me all the time that he loves my afro and my curly natural hair. He always has supported my hairstyle choices since I was a child, even when his wife (my mother”> has scolded me for my ‘fro. My dad has definitely laid the foundation down when it comes to me making a choice in all of my forms of personal expression, from my clothes to my tattoos, to my hair. Thankfully I haven’t gotten negative remarks about my natural hair while dating or from friends or the community — I always get compliments so that helps my confidence. I wouldn’t worry or think twice about someone who didn’t “approve” of something that grows out of my hair.

–@DevriVelazquez

Growing up, my superhero dad, Daniel Gant, always encouraged my siblings and me to rock our natural hair. “Wearing natural hair promotes self-awareness and pride. I wanted my children to embrace their culture and be proud of their heritage. I love that my daughters now encourage their children to do the same.”

There is always the dad that tells you that you have the freedom of choice, just not when it comes to your hair. Vernon C Lindsay, father of three beautiful children and husband to Gabriella Lindsay, sets the foundation of self-love:

My daughter is 6 years old and the only choice that she has is to embrace her natural hair. There are no alternatives that I would consider or support at this point in her life. I believe that it is important for fathers to encourage their daughters to embrace their natural beauty from an early age. When we neglect to tell them they are beautiful just the way they are, this decision has the potential to raise girls who become women with low self esteem. It is my goal to teach my daughter from a young age that she should love herself, just the way she was created by God, and it begins with her natural curly hair.

-Gabriella Lindsay

Raphael James, News Reporter for WCSC-TV Live 5 in Charleston SC, wanted to bond with his baby girl and decided to take on hair duties for the day:

One day as a surprise to my wife I decided, I’ll do baby girl’s hair! How hard could it be right? Daddy Daughter bonding time. After finding the brush, the comb and a bucket full of grease I went at it.  A couple hours later the picture you see was the result.  It wasn’t pretty but we had fun and baby girl didn’t seem to mind.  Good thing we didn’t have to run any errands that day! I always tell Nia that her hair is fabulous any way she decides to wear it. The diversity of styles that can be created are endless. She wears her hair like a crown, fitting for the princess that she is.

Happy Father’s Day!

It is important that we share the positive stories that shine a light on all of the amazing fathers who support their children’s individuality — especially when it comes to natural hair. For those of you whose fathers and husbands haven’t come around yet, don’t give up win them over with “Love, peace, and hair grease!”

See and share your inspiring and uplifting articles and pictures on the NaturallyCurly Facebook.

Read How My Dad Taught Me About Self-Love 

I can not tell you how much I hate the two words “good hair.”

I mean, detest, absolutely abhor, despise. You get the picture.

I hear that simple yet complex phrase at least four times a week, and one would think with the ever evolving natural hair movement that we would be able to escape a mental slavery that only one type of hair is “good hair.”

As a stylist it is my job to educate clients on their hair type.

There is such a diverse mixture of curl patterns and hair types. I must say that NaturallyCurly does an amazing job at providing diversity for every curl type. Now, we all know that most people want what they don’t have. I, for instance, would love a round tight tosh and a flat firm midriff; but I also like to eat cake, bread, and pie all day without any repercussions (y’all know I had to throw that in”>.

Some things we can work towards, like having a healthy body, eating right, and taking care of our beautiful hair and skin.

There are also things that we were blessed with and we can not change them if remaining ‘natural’ is the ultimate goal. You can not take your 4c hair that shrinks up ever so gracefully and turn it into the curl pattern of 3a hair. But please do not get it twisted, both patterns are beautiful, they are just different.  

When did being different become a bad thing?

We have taken the beauty of individuality and let society tell us that if you don’t look like this picture you are not attractive. Who said that your curls aren’t long thick ringlets you weren’t smiled upon when God created you.

This is a curl intervention.

We have to stop letting the same people that wake up, brush their teeth, take a bath, eat, work, and sleep, define what beauty should look like.

Once you make a conscious decision to accept who you are and what you look like, then you can work on how to bring out the beauty in your hair and body that God intended for you to put on display. Embrace your diverse curls, kinks, waves, and wear them proudly. If you want to color your hair pink, paint it up. Want to rock your locs? Do the dog-on thang. Feeling like you just don’t want to be bothered, shave it all off — go diva! For those whose motto is “where there is a weave there is a way”, I say, strut all 20 inches with pride. At the end of the day love your hair and encourage those around you to fall in love with theirs.

When people tell me, “If I had ‘good hair’ like you I would be too happy,” my response is, “all hair that is growing is good hair. When it starts falling out, that’s when we have a problem we need to address.

At the end of the day I can’t claim that my hair type is better than any other because my daughters, mother, sisters, nieces, friends, and some clients don’t have my hair type. If I were to define my hair as “good hair” I would be saying that my babies and the people that I love so dearly had ‘bad hair.’ I have made a conscious effort to stop perpetuating this lie and I encourage you to do the same.

Jatia Sanchez, Makeup Artist at Looks By Lady Amour, says the media needs to help us take a stand. “I think it’s important to depict diversity in the media because it’s vital for people to see positive realistic representations of themselves. It’s hard to be confident and see yourself as beautiful when most of the people that are promoted as the beauty standard look nothing like you. Media is one of the strongest forms of communication we have as a society. Unfortunately it’s often used to promote stereotypes instead of being used as a tool to educate ourselves on the differences of others.”

Look in the mirror, your good hair is staring back at you.

Read Stacy’s latest, Dear Single Mothers: YOU Have the Hardest Job, But Don’t Give Up

photos by Lisa-Marie Lovett, makeup by Jatia Sanchez, wardrobe by Tametria Campbell

Jeannell Darden, CEO and owner of Moisture Love, figured she would base her company on what curly girls need — lots of lush, hydrating, and conditioning ingredients. And honestly, what head of curly hair doesn’t love moisture? Let’s take a look behind the brand, Moisture Love.

I’ve always had a passion for beauty and entrepreneurship; with my mom being a cosmetologist and my dad being a minister and real estate developer, it was in my blood.

Growing up as the oldest of 4 kids, I had a lot of chores; one [of them was] to ensure that I did mine and my sister’s hair before church on Sundays. At first I hated it, then I learned to love it and decided that I, too, wanted to be a cosmetologist. But I would own a salon.

In high school just 2 weeks after my mom relaxed my hair, I colored it and it broke off. It continued to do so well into my college career. After about 3 years of fighting with broken hair, I decided it was time to release the vanities that I had with my beauty, so I cut it off and embraced my curls.

It was a real struggle to find products back in 2005, so I decided to create my own.

Moisture Love is an evolution of my first brand, Coco Curls. My focus was and always has been moisture and healthy hair. A few years into that brand as the market was changing we realized the industry needed something more than just natural products. It had become an over-saturated market, and consumers are searching for more.

I discovered that curly women had 2 main problems: finding products with the right amount of moisture and learning to love themselves and their hair for what it is.

I wanted my brand to be the resource that helps women confidently embrace their curls, and we aim to do that by solving those primary problems through education and amazing products that deliver. Hence the name Moisture Love, and I call that #ahigherlove!

I used my education [as a Georgia Tech Engineer] and industry expertise to formulate a proprietary Hydralure Technology (TM”> that infuses hydration into the hair on a cellular level for deeper long lasting moisture penetration. This technology is present in all of our liquid-based products.

While the industry is geared toward co-washes and butters, I want people to think of their moisture process different.

[This line] works amazing on all hair types. We’ve recently garnered a lot of praise from women with the tightest textures that rave about how our collection adds an impeccable amount of hydration. My technology infuses hydration on a cellular level and it starts when you’re shampooing because that is when your cuticles are the most open. The Gentle Embrace Hydration Shampoo slips hydration under the cuticle while they are open. This is the first layer of hydration and it builds with the Deep Indulgence Replenishing Conditioner, Kindred Spirits Moisture and Style Cream is all sealed in with the Seal with a Kiss Finishing Oil. 

I go out of my way to source the highest quality products. Having natural or plant based products is void, if the ingredients are of poor quality. I test every ingredient before using it in production and if it’s not right we scrap it! Think of your hair products like your food. When you’re preparing a special dish that you want to be a show stopper, you make sure everything is fresh and the best quality you can find. The same goes for your ingredients.

Want to see growth in your curls? Jeannell says it’s all about the love you are giving your hair.

Here are 3 of her top tips:

• Embrace your own texture, don’t try to manipulate your hair to be like your friends or your favorite blogger. When you show love, you sow love, and when you sow love, love grows. FYI: my dad, Vinson Baker, Sr. wrote this for me!
• Moisture is important, but so is protein don’t avoid it. Your hair needs the protein to build strength and structure, this aids in preventing breakage.
• Cleanse your scalp and your hair. Build up is not your friend. It may appear like it’s growing but it will eventually begin to break, which is the antithesis to growth retention.

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner? What inspires you?

We want to hear about your story. Leave us a comment below for a chance to get featured.

Follow the NaturallyCurly FB page to see what we’re talking about now.

Do you ever catch yourself daydreaming about moving somewhere outside of the country you live in and starting over? Gabriella Lindsay is a wife, mother, blogger, author, freelance writer, vlogger, and fitness fanatic who decided to make that someday today. Eight months ago, the Lindsay family — Vernon, Gabriella, and their 3 children — traded their Chicago home for a home in Mexico where their amazing journey began.

We literally could no longer wait for ‘someday’; we had to start living the life we had always wanted, now.

We knew that by moving to Mexico, we would be able to provide the type of lifestyle we wanted for our children at a fraction of the cost while simultaneously building our own businesses and dreams. From our experience, Mexican culture is very family-oriented and while folks here are extremely hard working, there is also a very good work-life balance.

We were hopeful that vlogging our journey would serve as a source of encouragement to others out there.

We wanted to show that it is possible to live the life of your dreams and that sometimes, jumping before the net appears is okay! We left the states with some savings but [not] a steady income. We put our faith in God and the universe that we would find a way to design and live the life of our dreams. Additionally, there are many widely held misconceptions about living in Mexico which we hoped to dispel by sharing our story. Lastly, we wanted to share the experience of a young black family living abroad as a means to promote the importance of travel and exploration in the black community.

We want our family to have the opportunity to grow and develop in a positive way.

We are hopeful that the children will gain fluency in Spanish (which they’re already picking up a whole lot”> and will gain insight and understanding of different cultures. As a husband and wife, we are excited to have more time to grow closer as a couple by working together and spending more intentional time with one another and our children.  When we lived in the states we were very busy, working, trying to make ends meet. I was an assistant principal at a private social justice school for lower income youth in Chicago, and my husband holds a Phd in Policy Studies in Urban Education. In Mexico, although in some ways we work harder than we did in the states, we are now working on building our own dreams… rather than the dreams of others.

Our experience has been that our hair is embraced with a bit of curiosity.

Many people here hold the misconception that Loc’d hair is also dirty. We are asked how do you wash it? How do you make it ‘do that’? It is not common to see Mexican nationals in Mazatlán with loc’d hair. I think because it is different, people are curious. My daughter’s hair is a source of beauty to many. Her classmates and teachers call her chinita (which means curly haired little girl”> and many women express the sentiment that they wish their hair had her texture. Similarly, women ask me if my hair is natural or if I perm it curly. I receive compliments as well, although people are less quick to reach out and grab mine or my husband’s hair.

Always be your most genuine self. There is no need to pretend to be someone else or to live up to other’s expectations or standards. 

You were put on this earth to make a difference and the only way you will be able to answer that call is by living in your truth. The dreams and goals that others have for you might be shiny, but the dreams you have and goals you set for yourself are the only ones truly worth their weight in gold. I try to live by this motto that is also, in part, the title of my book: Live a life by design: faithfully, intentionally, and tenaciously. Indeed, it is the surest way to feel free!

Are you a curly powerhouse on a personal mission?

Share your story below and we might feature you. Like us on Facebook!

What comes to mind when you think of the hardest job in the world?

Most would probably give jobs that are labor intensive — maybe a rocket scientist, or brain surgeon. I would argue it is being a mom.

Now part of my answer is partially due to me being a mother, but the other part is being surrounded by so many mothers.  Whether you have a close or distant relationship with your mom, I hope you can take the time to reflect on past, current, and future times that you have had with her.  I am fortunate in that I have an amazing relationship with my mother. I am also extremely blessed to be the mother of 8 very beautiful, unique, precocious, loving individuals. This job called Motherhood is more like a lifetime career, and I am even starting to wonder if God gives mothers a different heart.

My journey began before I was even old enough to conceive.

I remember daydreaming about being a mother. “Stacy, I need you to stop daydreaming and copy the sentences off the board,” my 3rd grade teacher would tell me.

I would literally be sitting in class coming up with names for my 10 children. All I wanted to do when I grew up was be a wife, mother, baker, dress designer, and hairstylist (I have to say that achieving 4 out of 5 isn’t bad”>. At the age of 19 I was blessed to give birth to Nadyiah; I was a single mom until I married her dad 1 year later. I was scared and excited all at the same time.

Do I really have what it takes to be a mother? I would ask myself. Well, life has a way of showing you, ‘Ready or not, here we go!’ My ex-husband has a daughter Kelsey that I took in as my own, although her mom is very active and had custody. She is now 21 years old.

Fast forward to today: I have birthed 3 more children and recently married an amazing man who brought 3 more children into my life. I went from being a divorced mother of 4 for 4 years to now a happily married mother of 8. The word that has remained consistent is mother.

I want to encourage the mothers who are single with children, because I had moments of “can I really do this alone?” There were nights that I can remember crying myself to sleep; sure I had hopes of being married again, but who was going to want me?  It is not until I changed my perspective on my current situation and realized with or without a husband God has granted me the ability to be an awesome Mother.  My prayer shifted from “Lord please, please, please send my husband” to “Lord I will love you no matter what happens. Please grant me the patience and wisdom to raise my children.” I was blessed to be able to draw strength not only from God but also other encouraging mothers in my circle.

About 4 months later I met my husband through, believe it or not, the Tinder app! I honestly just wanted some company at the movies and that was it. And guess what? That company became my husband 6 months later.

My husband said that one of the things that impressed him the most was that I had a deep rooted love for God and my children. Funny story: there were times when he would ask to take me to lunch or dinner — we weren’t even dating at the time — and I would say, “You didn’t ask if my kids were hungry?” He asked that 2 more times until his question changed to, “I just got paid today, do you and the kids need anything?”

Now he was pulling on the mom in me. What single mother doesn’t want a husband that says, “I want your children to be my children. I want your bills to be my bills. I want all of you.”

For every single mom out there…

I want you to know that every mother has a different journey. I am living proof that God will grace you on your journey. Put your children first and do not compromise for anyone. If your journey is marriage so be it. If your journey is to be a single mom so be it. No matter which road is yours to follow, follow it with an open heart and be led with wisdom. Being a mother isn’t the easiest job in the world but it is extremely rewarding.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Are you one of the curly girls who are still shampooing your hair everyday? If you are this is PSA urging and begging you to stop.

Your curls are suffering, you may be depriving them of the moisture they need to perform at their best.

Most of the clients I see always say things like, “After the first day, my hair just won’t do anything.” I know I sound like a broken record but for the love of natural curls and everything sacred, just change your products already. Your curls are not performing well because you are not giving them what they need to survive.  This is what your curls would say to you if they had a voice.

First, please change your shampoo!

I understand your shampoo says “for curly hair,” and it’s sulfate-free, and no animals were harmed in the process of making it… but it’s not working for you for a reason. Above all, it is also important to make sure your hair is being nurtured.

When looking for shampoo, conditioner and styling products, please make sure they are in line with Safe Cosmetics regulations. In doing this you will rid yourself of harmful carcinogens including parabens, mineral oil, petroleum, and urea. I like Surface Curls or Urbanbella Non Lather Cleanser.

Curly, wavy, and kinky hair are dry by nature because when your natural oils, like sebum, slide down your hair they have to take the scenic route, whereas with straight hair the sebum can slide directly down the shaft. Have you ever noticed that when your hair is straightened it gets oily more quickly? Because your sebum has to travel all around your curl it takes longer to get the oil it is in a constant state of dryness by you shampooing it daily.

Taper off shampooing

Gradually taper off to shampooing every 2 days, the next week try 3 days, and before you know it you may be able to go 5 to 8 days. There is no magic number–I always tell my clients once you make it to 3 days your scalp will tell you when you need to shampoo. I have curly hair and my scalp gets very tender to the touch while it itches badly. I know if my scalp itches on day 2 or 3 it doesn’t like the product I’ve used or something is going on with my allergies, typically I’m able to make it to 4 to 5 days.

As an expert, I would rather you only use a daily non-lather cleanser if you have a job that calls for sweaty, dirty hair. If you don’t, gradually break away from the daily oil-stripping shampoo routine.

Apply a great leave-in on wash day

Moisturizing between shampoos is very important, but making sure that your initial application of a great leave-in and styling product can eliminate having to reapply product daily. I have type 3b hair and I am able to wet my hands while in the shower and scrunch my hair and my product reactivates beautifully (I use Surface Hair, Curls Firm Hold Mousse“>. The Mousse that I use has great oil properties you can actually see and feel the oil as you apply the mousse. If you are wearing protective styles or you set your hair make sure your butters and creams have the right balance of oils such as Original Moxie Shape Shifter and Lux Locks, as well as MyHoneyChild Buttery Soy and type 3 hair cream. Keep those curls hydrated and moisturized.

“What do I do if I work out or have a job that requires sweating?”

Some of us have jobs where our hair gets dirty or we sweat heavily during our SheWoman workouts — I am all for keeping that body looking great! This just means we need to clean our scalp and hair more often. My suggestion for the women that fall in this category: non-lather cleansers that really moisturize as they clean like Original Moxie Get Clean No Foam Shampoo. This amazing shampoo has wild harvested yucca root and soap nuts to remove dirt and excess oil, and it won’t mess with your scalp’s natural balance. Get Clean shampoo also addresses scalp issues such as dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis. As an expert, I would rather you only use a daily non-lather cleanser if you fall into one of the above categories; if you don’t then gradually break away from the daily oil-stripping shampoo routine.

Do you shampoo everyday?

Follow us on Facebook to see what we’re talking about right now.

Read This is My Checklist for Purchasing Natural Hair Products

I am a sucker for amazing products. As a licensed stylist, natural hair educator, and owner of Georgia-based salon, DyeVerCity, I am always researching products. To me, ingredients and performance speak volumes. I don’t care how great your ads look or how many followers you have–if your product cannot deliver healthy hair, I am not impressed. This leads me into my Behind The Brand Series in which I give you an in-depth look into brands that top the charts in the curly hair world. First up: Original Moxie.

Meet Original Moxie Founder and CEO, Rachel E. Blistein.

She came up with Original Moxie as a solution to a problem that plagued the natural hair market. “In 2009, I was a recent transplant from Maryland to Michigan and had just begun to transition from relaxing my hair to wearing it curly,” she says. “My first experience of a Northern winter sucked what little moisture remained out of my straw-like hair and left me totally frustrated and unhappy with how I looked.

I began tinkering with my own natural concoctions and started with what I knew, which were natural and botanical remedies–I was a landscape architect at the time. As I shared what I was doing with friends and family, I was shocked to realize that I wasn’t alone. This mindset led me to research the science of hair and the chemistry of hair products so that I could create specific solutions for the hair challenges that came my way.  In time, this problem-solving mindset grew into the diagnostic approach that encompasses and shapes the brand.”

What sets Original Moxie apart from others?

“Chiefly, I think it’s our personal approach and the level of detail we bring to everything from product formulation to hair typing,” states Blistein. “We recognize that hair is complex and, therefore, that understanding it goes beyond curl pattern to include density, texture, moisture levels, porosity, etc. We take this in-depth approach further and apply it to hair styling and cutting methods to create a holistic and comprehensive hair care system.”

What are your top tips for hair growth?

1. Start with your scalp–healthy hair growth and a healthy scalp go hand in hand. Do a quick test for suppleness and health by pushing firmly but gently on all the sides of your head. Ideally the skin will slide easily over the skull and you are able to see the front of your scalp move when you push on the back. If you feel tightness in certain areas, simply address it by performing regular scalp massages. We have a product that’s great for that called Scalp Therapy, but even your bare fingers will help to stimulate blood flow and release the natural oils stored under the surface of your skin.
2. Stay away from restrictive styles that tightly bind the hair. Give your hair a rest in between hair extensions, braids or ponytails, and use non-snagging tools to hold them in place. We see so much breakage around the edges and mid-shaft (the two areas most impacted by styling”>.  Unlike split ends, neither can be easily remedied with a light trim.
3. Choose the right moisturizer. Everyone’s hair is different–just because a product works for your favorite Youtuber doesn’t mean it will work for you. Here is a quick test to determine if your products are getting inside your hair or just sitting on the outside: wet a section of your hair with water a day or two after you style it. If you see or feel a white or brown residue coming off of the hair, your product is not fully moisturizing your hair. When hair is deeply moisturized, it is more elastic and resistant to breakage. Bonus: your hair will also look more defined and shinier!

How important are the ingredients the brand uses?

“We manufacture everything in-house. We go so far as to create our own essential oil blends and herbal infusions so that we can fully customize each product. Whenever possible, we source organic and sustainably grown materials so that our products are as non-toxic and environmentally sound as possible.”

Which hair types do Original Moxie work best for?

“Does everyone answer ‘all hair types’ to this question?” jokes Blistein. “Just kidding! I think we are most popular with Naturals who have high moisture needs or who struggle with definition.”

Writer Stacy is the owner of Augusta, GA-based curly hair salon, DyeVerCity. Follow her on Instagram @DyeVerCity.

Editor’s Note: this article is not sponsored.

Love your curls but bored with the color options?

” src=”https://diana-cdn.naturallycurly.com/Articles/M6_image1-6.jpg”>

Or perhaps you are afraid you won’t be natural anymore after you color.

There is so much discussion about if you color are you still considered to be ‘natural’ and my answer is that it depends on what your definition and hair goals are. Let’s break this down.

Color application is a chemical that alters the bonds in your hair strands. For example, the lighter or blonder you go, the straighter your curls will become. With that being said, your hair is chemically processed once you apply color or lightener to the hair. Therefore if you don’t want any chemicals in your hair then simply opt out of a color service. For the rest of us that are ready to explore some vibrant pinks, purples, and everything in between, let me introduce you to a color specialist that will take you to Candy Color World. Meet Leysa Carrillo, a stylist at Atelier by Square Salon in Las Vegas, NV.

What are your favorite color trends for curly girls this season?

• Sugar Plum (above”>: This technique with a lot of movement can work on loose curls better, showing the  multiples all the multiple colors.
• Pink Flower (below”>: Ombre technique for those with tighter curls, a darker interior transitioning to a lighter ends.

What are your favorite brands for conditioning colored curls?

“My favorite lines are Pulpriot and Joico,” says Carrillo. “I love the consistency, both of them condition and have great shine. They don’t smell chemically they have beautiful scents. I hate when colors look dull the older they get, but these lines fade amazingly.”

Is it challenging to color naturally curly hair?

“Yes, it is another world. You have to always check the elasticity of the curls. No heat with the color process since the curly hair cuticles are already open. With the right knowledge and products, you can get  soft, healthy curls after a curl service.”

What is your favorite technique when coloring natural curls?

“I make sure I ask if they wear their hair curly all the time, or alternate, that will determine what technique I use–curly hair is always thirsty for moisture, my clients have to do regular deep-conditioning treatments before coloring appointments.”

Are ingredients in the color line important to you?

“Yes, always! Various types of alcohols, which can also dry the hair, are present in most hair color. Check out the official ingredient list for a hair color formula.”

How important is product maintenance on curls that have been colored?

“Choosing the right professional products is extremely important it maintains the integrity and  healthiness of the hair. Be sure to always break your hair up in sections when shampooing, conditioning, and applying styling product. By sectioning the hair in small sections it allows you to coat every strand and ensure definition when styling. If you quickly apply a product all over, you may miss certain areas and your curls may not be as defined.”

To sum it up

Make sure you read and research and find a professional that is use to working with curly hair. I would recommend the Surface Curls hair care line because it has vitacolor complex to protect your color investment. Happy spring and summer coloring!

” src=”https://diana-cdn.naturallycurly.com/Articles/sw_image1-5.jpg”>

You can book an appointment with stylist Leysa Carrillo here. 

Stacy is the owner of Augusta, GA-based curly hair salon, DyeVerCity. Follow her on Instagram @DyeVerCity.

Read Should You Brush Your Curly Hair? A Stylist Explains

To brush or not to brush–that is the question.

I must say that one of the top 5 questions I get asked is, “Should I brush my curls?” The answer is: yes and no. It’s not so much should you brush, as it is when should you brush your curls.

Let’s explore when and how to brush your type 3 to type 4 natural hair.

Great hair starts with your shampoo and conditioner.

At the shampoo bowl you want to brush and detangle your hair using a brush with a handle (I use the Tangle Teezer”>. When you are just coming out of a protective style like braids, a sew-in, two-strand twists, it is best to brush your hair before any water hits it. If your hair is extremely matted and tangled, make sure to finger comb first, then use the tangle teezer to get rid of the remaining excess hair.

Section your hair in about 6 to 8 random sections individually held by gator clips. Gently go through the ends first. Parting hair into sections makes it more manageable, especially for those with a lot of hair to work with.  It also helps to avoid creating new tangles while working. Make sure to always support longer hair by holding it as though you were about to ponytail it.

Once you have worked your way through the ends proceed with the hair closest to the scalp and detangle. If you notice a lot of matting it is important not to yank your hair–be patient and pick at the knots to loosen them. The best bet for working out knots or tangles is with a wide toothed comb or even your fingers depending on your hair. Do not use a spray bottle with water; in my opinion, it can sometimes lead to a bigger mess.

Once water hits the hair some knots become rebellious and it may take longer to work through them which is why I suggest detangling before shampooing..

After detangling:

Start with a great moisturizing shampoo (I like Moisture Love Gentle Embrace Hydration Shampoo because it allows you to finger detangle while you are shampooing”>. Work with your hair in sections instead of piling everything on top of your head and going in for the kill. This way you will get better results in the end and not to mention, a cleaner scalp.

Next, condition with Moisture Love Deep Indulgence Replenishing Conditioner. Apply the conditioner according to its directions, using your Tangle Teezer to get small tangles that were left behind. If your hair is really parched, doing a 10 to 20-minute steam treatment is excellent. After you rinse your conditioner in cool water, apply your leave-in.

Your last step in this process is your leave-in. For type 3 to 4 hair I absolutely love to cocktail Obia Curl Hydration Spray, Surface Protein Cream, and Darcy’s Botanicals Curl Detangling Milk (it smells like sweet cream vanilla cookies”>. Oftentimes I lift and mist the hair with OCH (4 to 6 sprays”>, mix the SPC with DB; I spray 5 to 12 sprays of the SPC  in my hand (the number of sprays depends on your hair’s specific length and thickness”>.

Then, add about a quarter to half dollar size of DB to emulsify, starting at the scalp with light tapping motions while working your way to the ends. Brush through your hair with the Tangle Teezer, sectioning hair according to your preferred final style.

When most women brush their hair, they start at the crown or the roots and work their way down. You should brush in reverse by starting at the back of neck and working your way up to help distribute natural oils more evenly and avoid damaging hair at the crown.

During the styling process:

Make sure that you are using products with great moisture content. Type 3 to 4 hair tends to be more fragile due to the tightness in the curl pattern as well as the texture of the hair. Two of my favorite pre-stylers–moisturizers that come before a styling product–are Original Moxie Shape Shifter and Moisture Love Kindred Spirits Moisture & Styling Cream. Both products are a liquid cream base and an amazing foundation to most all natural styles. I like to apply the creams in small sections, brushing through the hair for even distribution and curl definition.

If you are wearing a shampoo and go style I suggest only brushing the hair with initial product application. Honestly, if you have a great curl defining product, you should be able to reactivate your curls with morning shower steam and wet hands with a squish and shake of your curls right before you get out the shower. Don’t sleep on wet curls! Brushing your curls daily is not necessary but you can finger comb damp hair to decrease the amount of tangles you get on shampoo day.

When it’s OK to safely brush dry type 3-4 hair…

• if you have a roller/rod set
• if you have a Bantu set
• if you are wearing a large braid or twist set
• if your hair is stretched and dried

Aside from knowing when to brush, having the right brush is crucial. Some brushes are better for certain aspects of hair brushing than others.  For example, you should never try to detangle hair with a paddle brush. Wide-toothed combs are for detangling, paddle brushes are for dry brushing. You should also avoid paddle brushes with plastic prongs. Opt for options made of natural animal bristles for the best results.

Happy brushing!

“

Do you brush your curly hair?

Some curlies brush while detangling. Let us know your preferred method below and on Facebook.

Stacy is the owner of Augusta, GA-based curly hair salon, DyeVerCity. Follow her on Instagram @DyeVerCity.

As a multi-textural hairstylist, the number one question I get is, “What do I use to make my hair grow?” My first response is the question, What does your diet look like?

A lot of people, in my experience, are not conscious of their daily meals. Some of us–admittedly, including myself–consume food that we know will have a negative impact on our hair, skin, and body. Yes, a million times over, your personal care products are super important–but what you eat and drink can be larger piece of the hair growth puzzle.

Derona King, Personal Wellness Designer with Zilphy’s Garden, promotes health and wellness and educates people on the benefits of plant-based nutrition. She has an undergraduate degree in Political Science, graduate studies in Biblical Counseling, certification from the Institute on Nutritional Leadership, thirty-five years of marriage and family, and fifty plus years of life experience to the nutritional wellness community.

Below, Derona gives me insight on how food impacts our hair, and so much more.

There is no doubt eating fresh fruit and vegetables are an essential aspect to keeping healthy hair. Unfortunately, many of our food sources are loaded with chemicals and pesticides which can wreak havoc on our endocrine system. A disrupted endocrine system obstructs hair growth.

Why I chose this natural wellness journey for my family

Our family’s journey toward nutritional wellness has been a series of trial and error, sometimes much more error than trial.

All three of our children were diagnosed with skin allergies. My eldest, who is also now my business partner, developed serious atopic dermatitis before her first birthday, my second developed psoriasis, and my youngest developed eczema. My husband and I turned to our medical doctors and dermatologist for their treatment.

For the decade or so that we sought their help, not one of our traditional doctors mentioned our children’s skin conditions were a result of damaging immune responses associated with what they were eating. Just as we were finding answers to healing our children’s skin conditions with the right foods, I began experiencing symptoms of menopause. It did not take long to discover that a whole-foods, plant-based nutrition approach was what I needed to make it through that period of life.

While it is true that topical hair care products can tame frizzies, accentuate curl patterns, straighten, shine, add volume and bounce, even stimulate hair growth, hair health starts on the inside. Nutrient deficiency can result in thinning, shedding, dry, brittle hair, and can even promote premature greying of the hair.

The foods that are good for everyone’s hair

There is no doubt eating fresh fruit and vegetables are an essential aspect to keeping healthy hair. Unfortunately, many of our food sources are loaded with chemicals and pesticides which can wreak havoc on our endocrine system. A disrupted endocrine system obstructs hair growth.

In addition to organic dark leafy-green vegetables for iron and calcium, and fruits high in vitamin C, Zilphy’s Garden recommends other organic whole foods, that include protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and zinc for hair health.

[quote] In addition to organic dark leafy-green vegetables for iron and calcium, and fruits high in vitamin C, Zilphy’s Garden recommends other organic whole foods, that include protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and zinc for hair health.[/quote]

For protein look for grass-fed meats, as well as collagen and amino acid rich bone-broth. For omega 3 fatty acids, eat wild caught fatty fish like salmon or tuna, and be sure to include omega 3 rich organic cold pressed coconut oil in your diet (and of course, coconut oil is great on your hair, as well”>. Zinc is vital for healthy hair. Our go-to food for zinc is pumpkin seeds.

As a promoter of plant-based nutrition our all time favorite food for healthy hair growth is pea-sprouts. Pea sprouts are an amazing source of phytonutrients and have been scientifically proven to stimulate hair growth. Many products that promote hair growth now boast pea sprout extract as an ingredient.

But, I prefer to eat my sprouts. You can juice sprouts, add them to a smoothie or a stir fry, even substitute them for lettuce on a sandwich. My personal way to enjoy the slightly nutty, crunchy pea sprout is to toss them in a salad. You can add some grilled salmon to make this a “hair-raising”  good meal.

ZG Healing Salad Recipe

• 10 to 12-oz. Organic Baby Spinach Greens or Organic Raw Kale (washed tried and stems removed”>
• a generous handful Organic Pea Sprouts
• ¼ of a small red onion
• 1-2 tbs. raw pumpkin seeds
• 1 sliced fresh Georgia peach

Healing Salad Dressing

• 1 large clove of fresh garlic, minced
• juice from a whole lemon
• ½ teaspoon of lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 4 tablespoons of EVOO
• 1-2 tsps of raw honey
• ¼ tsp Himalayan sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper to taste

Blend all ingredients together in a glass jar and drizzle over salad.

Read this article to learn more about Zilphy’s Garden “hair healing salad” recipe, and follow my exploits to use plant-based nutrition to heal my own hair. Don’t forget to toss in the pea sprouts!

To sum it up

Making wise nutritional choices can lead to show stopping curls, but most importantly  well balanced meals can lead to a healthier, happier you.

Visit Derona King at Zilphy and like her on Facebook to learn more ways to use plant-based nutrition to restore your nutritional heritage and heal your body.

 

Be honest: do you have a healthy diet for your hair?

Share your favorite recipe with us on Facebook.

Stacy is the owner of Augusta, GA-based curly hair salon, DyeVerCity. Follow her on Instagram @DyeVerCity.

For more helpful articles like this, sign up for our newsletter!

There are so many hair and body products to choose from, many of which over promise only to underdeliver.

If you are a product junkie, under your bathroom sink is probably stashed with formulas guaranteeing to keep the frizz down, curls poppin’, and your skin hydrated. I spoke to four amazing women, all of which are at the top of the beauty chain, who offered up real insight on how to keep our curly tresses and radiant skin both safe and beautiful.

Sara Schmidt, Outreach and Organizing Manager at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, is working hard to make sure that all personal care products have stricter guidelines before they are available to the public for retail.

Did you know that the laws that regulations for personal care products are severely outdated? “The Food and Drug Administration (FDA”> is the federal agency with authority over personal care products and cosmetics,” Schmidt explains. “However, current legislation is over 75 years old, and does not give the FDA much authority at all to actually regulate the industry. As a result, the industry ‘self-regulates’ the ingredients used in personal care products.”

While this may sound alarming, there are product lines that focus specifically on the science of their formulations.

Keneesha Hudson, Founder and creator of Urbanbella, lets us know that her brand is all about performance.

“Urbanbella is a beauty brand that is known for offering our high-performing curly hair products,” Keneesha emphasizes. “During our twelve years in the natural hair market, our focus has been on educating women on how to manage their naturally textured hair. Urbanbella delivers both healthy ingredients and superior performance for textured hair. There are a lot of products on the market that really do well with ingredients and smell great, but very few of them make hair easy to work with…We style our clients with our own line and have only used Urbanbella products for 6 of our 11 years as salon. We know that if it works the way we intended, it is because it has been tested in our salon for usually a year before it is for sale.”

How hard is it to formulate a brand that is all-natural?

When I posed the question, Keneesha replied, “formulating and Product Development is a challenge when ingredients are critical for you. It definitely means formulating in house since most companies approach formulating with more traditional ingredients. The other challenge is getting the consumer to understand that all products are not created equal. Urbanbella’s focus is to bring more education and light around that.  It makes me think of my eggs, they cost ten bucks for a dozen. I understand why and I don’t compare my $10 eggs to $2 eggs because the brands have communicated the difference to me. This is what we are working to overcome this year. We want the consumer to be aware that our products don’t compromise their well-being.”

Although formulating may be a strenuous task, it can be done…and who would know any better than the following women?

Kiran Stordalen and Nicole Rechelbacher are co-owners of Intelligent Nutrients, a company that was founded by Aveda founder, Horst Rechelbacher, AKA the “the father of Safe Cosmetics.”

Kiran’s thoughts on the Safe Cosmetics Act: “Everything we put in and on our bodies must be nutritious and safe. That is our guiding mission, and we think IN is very different because of our science, ingredients, process and solutions for beauty that are safe for you and the planet.

As a curly girl who cares about what I put on my body as well as how great my curls look and feel, Intelligent Nutrients assures me that they are the crème de la crème of personal care products.

Kiran and Nicole go on record stating, “Intelligent Nutrients is an environmental company. We make non-toxic, certified organic beauty and lifestyle products that work for you and the planet. Our message is saving the planet and ourselves. Truth matters, so we list every single ingredient on our packaging. Our third-party certification seals let you know that products are verified as 65-100% certified organic, cruelty-free and made with renewable energy.”

Nicole further explains, “we actually do not use the word ‘natural’ in any of our messaging or education. Technically, ‘natural’ can mean many things to different people; it does not communicate the whole story. We focus on safe and certified organic, and will always turn to nature for solutions that perform beautifully. In terms of connecting to the planet and tapping into plant resources and science, that is never a fad. The key is to do it wisely, as sustainable as possible and keep improving.”

How to be sure that what you are using will keep your curls and body safe and sexy

“The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has many tools for consumers, including the Red List of Chemicals of Concern,” says Sara Schmidt. “We suggest consumers start by reading labels to become familiar with ingredients. There are smartphone apps, such as Healthy Living and Think Dirty, which allow consumers to get a rating of the safety of many products. We also suggest consumers look for the Made Safe seal, which means the product is certified as non-toxic.”

Want more?

Stacy is the owner of Augusta, GA-based curly hair salon, DyeVerCity. Follow her on Instagram @DyeVerCity.

Read Uplifting Words for All Aspiring Entrepreneurs.

For more helpful articles like this, sign up for our newsletter!