Search Results: Susonnah Gonzalez

Curly hair routines require quite an effort, so it’s no wonder you want to take all the necessary steps to guarantee great wash-day results. It can be quite confusing to decide what temperature you should wash your natural crown. Many believe that washing hair with cold water is always the best option for curly hair, but parts of this belief come from myths.

Let’s first dive into common myths surrounding washing hair with cold water:

1. Cold water is a great cleanser

Many claim that cold water is an excellent detoxifier as it successfully remove dirt, debris, and excess oil from your scalp. This is not true. The truth is that it is more difficult for cold water to remove dirt and excess oils from your strands. The higher the temperature of water, the faster water molecules will move around. Consequently, the dirt on your strand will dissolve. Here is where the magic starts: the high temperature will bond the water and your shampoo/cleanser, as well as the dirt and your shampoo/cleanser. This will prevent the dirt from re-attaching to your strands.

2. Cold water combats frizz

Curlies tend to believe that cold water helps prevent frizz, because cold water closes the cuticles of your strands. As a result, moisture would not leave the strands. However, in fact, cold water does not close the cuticles. But your hair products do! Moreover, weather circumstances and your hair porosity are real contributors to frizzy hair. Hence, washing your hair with cold hair will not necessarily give you a frizz-free week.

So are there any benefits of washing the hair with cold water?

Yes. On the other hand, there are plus sides to washing with cold water. Hot water elevates the cuticle of your strands. As a consequence, moisture leaves the strands quickly. As a result, your hair can look dry. Too much hot water will cause the hair to lose its strength in the long run. Since cold water doesn’t elevate the cuticles as much, washing with cold air will help you retain some moisture and strength.

If you have curly hair, you have probably come in contact with a diffuser. Curly women are familiar with it: it’s that funky, funnel-shaped device that looks like it should be in your mechanic’s garage rather than with your beauty appliances. But for as long as diffusers have been around, so have the questions surrounding them. If you can’t get the hang of using a diffuser, read on for a stylist’s advice that will have you styling like a pro in no time. If you have never used a diffuser on your hair before, check out these directions for using a hair diffuser. If you have questions that need some clarity, Cindy Herrera, stylist and curl specialist at Ystylo Cindy Salon in Austin, Texas, has the answers right here.

Why Do I Need a Hair Diffuser?

Herrera recommends using a diffuser if your hair does not dry quickly. If you find yourself walking out the door in the morning with a wet head, then a hair diffuser might be the perfect solution. It will not only dry your hair, but your curls will form faster than if you let them air dry. Length is an important factor as well. The diffuser works best on shorter bobs, or those with medium length.

Remember, a diffuser only enhances your natural hair type. If you have straight hair and want curls, a diffuser won’t get the job done; you might want to turn to a curling iron. But if you have natural curls that are in need of shape and bounce, then a diffuser is right for you.

Herrera also highlights the fact that a hair diffuser may be unnecessary if your hair dries well. “I definitely have some clients who will walk in with natural hair that they air dried, and didn’t have to use a diffuser. How you put the product in your hair is going to determine the outcome of the curl, whether you use the diffuser or not.”

Applying Hair Product Correctly

The manner in which you apply hair product does indeed affect the result. The proper application of hair product goes back to how you care for it in the shower. As you rinse conditioner out of your hair, try combing your hair back with a wide-toothed comb. When you get out of the shower, blot the hair dry and flip your hair forward. Herrera suggests applying product to your hair by scrunching it into your curls from bottom to top.

If you have a lot of hair, try applying product by different sections. Dividing the hair into three sections is a great option. This will ensure that an equal amount of product is distributed throughout your hair. “You want to hear your hair squish on the top, the sides, and in the back,” Herrera says. “When you hear that, you know you have enough product in the hair.” Of course, Herrera recognizes that how much product you need is also dependent on the weather. “Every day is different for curly hair.”

What Products Should I Use?

Many women ask the question of what type of product is best for their hair. The answer is not simple; it really depends on your hair type. Mousse is great for girls with waves, but it definitely won’t hold tight curls. There are curl lotions, pomades, curl creams and custards that will match your hair type.

An easy rule to follow is to correlate the consistency of the product with the thickness of your curls. If you have finer hair, go for a thinner hair product. If you have thicker hair, go for a thicker product. “I like curl creams,” says Herrera, “but it’s whatever floats your boat; I personally like a softer curl, so I use Kevin Murphy or Miss Jessie’s Quick Curls. If you have finer waves, use a foam mousse rather than a mousse from an aerosol type can.”

Why Does My Hair Get Frizzy?

Herrera gets this question all the time, as many of her clients will complain of the same result. How dry your hair is when you diffuse will determine whether or not you will have frizz. The drier your hair, the more prone to frizz your hair will be.

“If you hair is frizzy, your hair is too dry, or you didn’t put enough product in the hair,” says Herrera. She recommends diffusing the hair when it is still very wet. Herrera also suggests eliminating the towel process if you can. If your hair is sopping wet, blot dry in a downward motion, and use a microfiber towel. Do not wrap your head in a towel, and do not shake up your hair with the towel, as this will result in frizz.

“Gently squeeze out the excess water from midshaft to end,” suggests Herrera. it is equally important to use the medium setting on your hair dryer. Using fast, high heat will disrupt the curls and create frizz.

Which Diffuser Should I Use?

There are several different types of diffusers out there, and recently the curly community has seen more creativity in diffuser design. The funnel-shaped finger diffuser is the most common type of diffuser and can be found virtually anywhere. The Director Styling Finger Diffuser is perfect if you’re looking for a traditional hair diffuser. If you’re interested in the latest innovations, check out the DevaCurl DevaFuser! Its design resembles a hand, so you get the perfect spirals that fingers can give. If you’re always on the go, try investing in the Hot Sock diffuser. This lightweight diffuser is simple, and perfect for traveling, and it’s designed to diffuse air while also shaping curls.

How Can I Make My Curls Last?

If your curls go limp the day after you diffuse, Herrera suggests reactivating the curls by wetting them. “Rather than restyling it, mist your hair with water. There’s no need to add more product; your hair should have product in it already.”

The product in your hair may feel like it has evaporated into thin air, but it is still present. Misting the hair will bring that product out again. If necessary, quickly run over your curls with the diffuser while the hair is moist.

Overall, Herrera can’t stress enough the importance of devoting time to your hair. “The more time you spend on your hair, the more you can get out of it. If you follow the instructions properly, the style can last for two or three days,” says Herrera.

What are your favorite tips for diffusing? Share them with us in the comments below! This article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.

Image by iStock

Hair rinses have many purposes. They can soften, strengthen, cleanse or lighten hair, depending on the ingredients. Not everyone finds them necessary, but if your hair hasn’t been itself lately, try one of these hair rinses. All of these rinses are homemade, so you don’t have to break the bank to get the results you want.  If you’ve never done a hair rinse before, here are some tips for getting maximum results.

Tips

• Shampoo and condition your hair before your hair rinse
• Pour the hair rinse over your hair and catch it in a bowl so you can repeat
• Let the rinse sit in your hair for about a minute
• Rinse out your hair one last time with cold water

Now that you’ve got the basics down on how to do a hair rinse, following are some easy recipes you can make at home.

For thin, weak hair

Are you shedding a little more than usual? Try a black tea hair rinse to thicken your hair and tighten your pores. The tannins found in caffeinated black tea are known to thicken the hair strands, giving you a fuller mane. Black tea also works to rid the pores of excess oils, which in turn makes your pores tighter, and blocks dirt from entering. Cleaner hair equals stronger hair. For a black tea hair rinse, you will need:

• 4 bags of black tea leaves
• cups of water

Steps: Bring the water to a boil. Take the water off the stove, and pour it into a bowl. Steep the four bags of tea for about an hour. When the water is lukewarm, pour the tea over your hair, then tie your hair up and cover with a shower cap. After another hour, rinse out the tea with cool water.

Read More:Do a Hair Rinse With Apple Cider & Vinegar

Image by iStock/John Sommer

For product buildup:

Having textured hair means having to maintain it with lots of products. Over time, the accumulation of these hair products can cause what we call “build-up.” You might have build-up if your hair is unusually dull, or if there’s an annoying residue on your scalp and hair. To remedy this, rinse your hair with an apple cider rinse. Simply combine the ingredients at room temperature, and pour them over your hair in the shower. You will need:

– 2 cups of water – 1 cup of apple cider vinegar

Note: Do not use this rinse if you have colored hair. And don’t worry, the smell will go away once you rinse your hair, and you’ll be left with nothing but shiny, product-free hair. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, or if you don’t want to buy any, try this simple baking soda rinse.

– 1 tablespoon of baking soda – 1 cup of water

You can increase the amount of rinse by doubling or tripling the recipe, but the basic idea is the same. Mix the ingredients and pour them over your head!

Image by iStock/PeopleImages

For softer hair

If you need a basic hair rinse to add to your regimen, the chamomile tea rinse might be your best bet. The chamomile is one of the best conditioning herbs out there, and it’s gentle enough to use on your hair once a week. All you need is:

– 4 bags of chamomile tea – 4 cups of water

Boil the water and set aside in a bowl. Steep the tea bags for an hour, and use when it has cooled to about room temperature. Pour it over your hair, and massage into your strands, repeating about three times. Rinse out the tea after about five minutes, and towel dry.

All of these hair rinses are versatile. No matter which one you choose, all of them can be used for softer, shinier hair. If you have a hair rinse that you swear by, let us know!

So, do your curls, coils or waves have a favorite hair rinse? Share with us in the comments below! And if you’d like further reading, check out Use Hair Rinses When Going Shampoo-Free or Lemongrass Hair Rinse Recipe.

This article was originally published in 2017 and has been updated.

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When you first get the ring you’re overjoyed…ecstatic at the thought of being with one person for the rest of your life. That’s until you start getting asked questions like “where is it going to be held?” “Are you inviting so and so?” “Have you booked your caterer yet?” Suddenly the fun of being engaged is gone and the stress begins to sink in. You suddenly see the wedding date looming over you and there’s still so much left to plan! The couple of months before your big day, being a bride are nothing but meetings, phone calls, and deadlines…almost like a second job!

Brides want everything to run smoothly with no surprises, and unfortunately there always seems to be something that you inevitably have no control over. No matter how much you prepare, something or someone is always out of place. Well, Curlywave from StyleNook is here to prove that your hair doesn’t have to be as frantic as you are. Many short-haired curlies always feel limited to extensions for their big day, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Curlywave used only two products to achieve her super defined, short and curly style. Find out how she achieved her style below.

Products

• SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
• AG Re: Coil Curl Activator 

Directions

1. Wet hair completely
2. Tilt head down so wet hair is dangling.
3.  Take a dollop of Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie cream and work through each ringlet, twirling product in your hair with your fingers.
4. Add in a heavier secondary product (I use a small amount of AG Curl Activator Recoil Cream”> and twirl in product with fingers, defining the curls.
5. Use a diffuser to dry hair. Tilt head upside-down so the curls can dry with volume and definition. Dry until hair is about 70-80% dry, and then let air dry (try not to touch!”>

What are your tips for short, curly-haired brides? [prodmod]

If there is a product I cannot live without as someone with fine and wavy hair, it’s actually hair oil.

Wavy hair can be temperamental and random. We often assume that we have to stay away from natural carrier oils because our hair tends to get greasy and oily on its own anyway. But that’s not true at all–however, it is important to make a distinction between the oils that are effective for waves and oils that are best left for naturally thicker, coarser hair Types 3 and 4. Here are some of the best hair oils for waves and the best ways to use them.

1. Rose Oil | Best for: Scalp Oil

This luxurious oil can be used on its own or in a shampoo. It’s perfect for moisturizing the scalp, but also light enough to be used for wavy hair. The moisturizing properties of rose oil make it a great cure for brittle, dry hair and skin. Rose oil also reduces inflammation, so massage it into your scalp if you’re suffering from itchy, inflamed pores, dandruff, or psoriasis. Rose oil is commonly used in aromatherapy and is known for its calming effect. Add a few drops into your shampoo and breathe it in as you massage it into your scalp. The one drawback to using rose oil is that it can be pretty pricey. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, try making your own rose oil mixture.

• Try: Now Foods Rose Oil (1 mL, $11.50″> at most natural grocery stores

2. Coconut Oil | Best for: Pre-Poo

Coconut oil is beneficial for all types of hair, and is packed with vitamin E essential vitamins to help naturally dry hair keep moisture–a natural anti-humectant. Because of its naturally thick consistency, it’s not the best idea to use coconut oil as a styling agent. Instead, use it once a week as a deep conditioner or prior to shampooing your scalp as a “pre-poo” so your hair stays hydrated.

1. Scoop 3 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil into a microwave safe bowl.
2. Microwave on high for 30 seconds.
3. Smooth the melted oil over the top of your head and ends (if you have an oily scalp, keep coconut oil away from the roots and focus instead on the ends”>.
4. Comb through with a wide tooth comb and cover with a shower cap.
5. Soak your hair in the oil for an hour (it will thicken as it cools”> then rinse.

3. Almond Oil | Best as: Sealant

Almonds are super foods that are not only beneficial for your body but your hair. Sweet almond oil has multiple uses–Because it is lightweight in nature it won’t weigh down wavy hair that’s already so prone to falling flat. It shouldn’t be used as your only moisturizer but as a sealant instead. After generously applying your leave-in, seal with a light layer of almond oil. Massaging a dab of almond oil into your scalp can also increase shine, reduce hair loss, promote healthy follicles and strengthen hair strands. As I said–it’s a superfood or in this case, a super oil.

• Try: Now Foods Sweet Almond Oil (4 oz., $3.58″> at most natural grocery stores

4. Argan Oil | Best as: Heat Protectant

Argan oil contains beneficial vitamins such as vitamin E and F and protects against UV rays. But perhaps my favorite thing about argan oil is its versatility. It works to fight frizz and increase shine in your daily regimen, but it can also smooth out your hair when it meets heat. Rub it on your ends before a blow out and watch your waves smooth out. If you don’t want to blow dry your hair, simply smooth it over your styled waves to prevent frizz.

• Try: Now Foods Argan Oil (4 oz., $12.22″> at most natural grocery stores

How do you use oils to nourish your wavy hair?

Styling curly hair can be quite a challenge as humidity, frizz, and dryness present obstacles for even the most experienced of curlies. Curly hair has such personality that it’s often difficult to perfect a hairstyling technique when the behavior of curls can vary from day to day. Check out these ten tips that will make styling curly hair much easier.

1. Wash before styling

Before styling your hair, it is important to wash out all the leftover product, spray or serum that might be in your hair. Prior to styling, start with a clean, freshly washed head of hair–a clean canvas to apply new product and create your fresh style. Use a sulfate-free cleanser to wash out all the excess build-up and product.

2. Use a leave-in conditioner

The key to a frizz free style is moisture. Moisturizing the hair will not only help its overall health, but it will keep your frizz at bay. Before styling your hair, be sure to spray or coat your hair with a leave-in conditioner. It acts as a prep for your hairstyle, and gives your hair that extra moisture that it craves.

3. Check the forecast, first

It’s important to change up your regimen during different seasons. If it’s humid and hot outside, I stay away from products with glycerin in them, and instead stick to anti-humectants. Check out Frizz Forecast to find out what the weather has in store for your hair, and what products to use. It’s a great tool that has saved my waves too many times.

4. Section your curls

Several curlies complain that their hair turns out differently in different areas of the hair. Is it curlier in certain sections more than others? The problem lies in product application. Section your hair with clips to ensure even product applciation. The smaller the sections, the better. This way you can give each section of your hair the proper attention it needs, and ensure that each section gets an even amount of product.

5. Soaking wet hair is best

Many stylists recommend applying hair product when the hair is very wet. Hair product usually reacts better to wet hair because the hair soaks up the product. You will notice more defined curls. Often, too much time has passed between the time that I am out of the shower and ready for hairstyling. Use a moisturizing hair lotion or spray to add a little hydration to the drying parts.

6. Dilute product if you feel crunch

Is your hair crunchy after styling? This could be the result of too much product in your hair, or perhaps the ingredients in the styler you use is too heavy for your hair type. If you think the product might be too strong, add a little bit of water to the product to dilute it. Most of the time, crunch is the result of too much product. Depending on your hair’s thickness, the amount directed on the bottle is usually very accurate.

7. Air dry

On especially humid days, adding heat to your regimen can be a recipe for frizz. Air dry your curls as often as you can. Your hair will thank you, and you will notice a difference over time in the way your hair dries. Natural air drying is usually the better way to go.

8. Don’t touch your hair

Remember, your hair is delicate when it is drying. Be careful not to over-manipulate it or you might end up with frizzy curls. Don’t touch your hair with your hands until it’s completely dry. Then you can fix it however you want to.

9.  Seal with light oils

Did you hair dry crunchy? Usually a touch of oil is enough to get the crunch out and leave your hair soft. If your hair is hard from too much gel, use a lighter oil, like marula or argan oils, and rub through your hands. Evenly distribute the oil over your hair by grabbing your hair as if you’re styling a ponytail, and smoothing it over from root to tip. Do this once your hair has dried.

10. Use a curl refresher

To keep your curls bouncy and fresh, spray them with a mix of leave-in conditioner and water. Curls can experience less bounciness on the second or third day after washing. Mist them back into life! A quick spray of leave-in conditioner and water will reactivate the product in your hair, reviving your curls in a matter of minutes.

This article was originally published in 2011 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.

Gina McCauley is a lawyer turned blogger who started WhatAboutOurDaughters.com; a blog that began as a way to encourage black women to use their buying power to stop purveying destructive images of black women in the media. During her efforts as a blogger, Gina attended several conferences to learn more about the blogosphere and tech industry. Recognizing the lack of diversity that existed in these conferences, she founded Blogging While Brown, the Black Social Media Summit, and chairs the Black Weblog Awards.

ESSENCE magazine named Ms. McCauley one of the 25 Most Influential African Americans, right after then-senator Barack Obama

Blogging has been integral to the spreading of information and personal stories for the natural hair movement, and Gina is leading the charge for more diversity inclusion in the blogging and tech industry. She is what we like to call a  “#CurlBoss.” In 2007, ESSENCE magazine named Ms. McCauley one of the 25 Most Influential African Americans, right after then-senator Barack Obama. That same year she won the Black Weblog Award Judges’ Award for “Blog of the Year”. In 2009, she was the Sonya Sanchez keynote speaker at the Kentucky Women’s Writers’ Conference. In 2010, she was selected to The Root 100, The Root’s list of emerging and established leaders in the African-American community. Most recently, Gina was featured on the cover of Black Enterprise Magazine’s technology issue.

We were fortunate to have Gina do our own #CurlBoss tag, in which she shared her tricks for being a “cyber crusading warrior princess” and full time lawyer. Here are a few of her answers, and for the full interview watch the video below!

What are three qualities you need to be a #CurlBoss?

Confidence, vision, and action.

What is your advice to your twenty-year-old self? 

Girl, just chill out. Life is not that serious. Take LOTS more risks, your bones will heal a lot quicker in your twenties. Have more fun! You’ll figure it out later.

What tips do you have for women interested in starting a business? 

You need to be around people who are doing what you want to become. In retrospect, it would be nice to have a business plan, but sometimes you just need to act on what it is the universe is speaking to you to do. But you definitely need to have a plan, and you do need to understand your industry and your sector.

What do you like to splurge on? 

I absolutely splurge on travel. I believe in seeing the world. I believe one of the greatest things you can do, especially if you’re young is go to other countries and see how other people operate in the world. It will give you amazing perspective.

How do you know you’ve made it?

You’re always gonna have new goals and new places that you wanna go, new things you want to accomplish. I think probably somebody who is in their late thirties, instead of making it, it’s more how do I live a life that’s meaningful, well balanced, and that I enjoy?

Watch the full interview

If you want to learn more tips for being a blogger and building your brand, check out the 2015 Blogging While Brown Conference (June 19th-20th”>.  NaturallyCurly.com will be there on June 19^th for our panel “From Niche to Mainstream: Why Your Blog Matters.” Come say hi!

The results are in! Thousands of our loyal community members weighed in on their favorite hair products and we are thrilled to present the results to you. Check out the voted “best of the best” curly hair products, from cleansers to stylers, tools and necessities:

See the page of winners: Best of the Best 2014

Favorite Shampoo

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo

You say: “This stuff revived my hair! It moisturizes my hair even better than some conditioners have that I’ve used in the past! Not only does it keep the moisture in my hair but it gently cleanses my fine 3c curls. I highly recommend this product.” 

Favorite Shampoo Bar

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bar

You say: “The SheaMoisture African Black Soap will thoroughly cleanse and soothe irritation, while hydrating and balancing an oily scalp. If you are managing conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or sebborheic dermatitis, this soap will remove flakes without stripping your hair.”

Favorite Dry Shampoo

Batiste Dry Shampoo

You say: “I’ve tried a bunch of dry shampoos and nothing comes close to Batiste! It actually makes my hair FEELING, in addition to looking, clean. It’s like magic in a bottle! More expensive brands make my hair feel heavy and sticky and just gross. I’ve tried so many of them but always return to Batiste.”

Favorite Cleansing Conditioner

As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner

You say: “This co wash is hands down the best I’ve ever tried. It cleansed & softened my hair as soon as it was massaged in, making it easy to detangle. I didn’t feel the need to deep condition after using this, that’s how moisturized my hair was.”

Favorite Daily Conditioner

DevaCurl One Condition

You say: “This is the one product I can’t live without. Conditioner, cleanser, styling aid… It does it all. I have been using it exclusively for 9 years. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I can’t recommend it enough.”

Favorite Leave-In Conditioner

Kinky-Curly Knot Today

You say: “Holy Grail product. I use it as a leave-in, and put it in a spray bottle with water to revive my hair in the mornings. It gives the moisture I need without leaving tons of residue or weight. Not too heavy or overwhelming.”

Favorite Deep Conditioner

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque

You say: “When I first began my curly transition, I immediately when to this product because of the price. I have never been so happy with a deep treatment in all of my curly days. It’s amazing and I recommend it for transitioning curly girls!”

Favorite Styling Gel

ECO Styler Olive Oil Gel

You say: “Love this gel for my 4A hair. It’s the best for doing my wash and go and doesn’t leave my hair stiff at all. I’m usually able to get at least 4 days out of a wash and go with this. I also like using this to tame any fly aways.”

Favorite Styling Cream

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

You say: “Gotta give an A+ to my #1 favorite natural hair care product from my favorite hair care line, the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus/Curl & Shine collection. It is sooo very moisturizing, defines curls excellently, a little goes an extremely long way, and it works well with others (lol”>!!!!”

Favorite Curl Pudding Custard or Butter

Kinky-Curly Curling Custard

You say: “I love this stuff. I wish i could buy it in bulk. I have 4a hair and my wash-n-god never had movement before. My hair would curl but did not move in the wind or shake. Using this product it will. -Alyson Pink”

Favorite Styling Mousse or Foam Product

Jane Carter Solution Wrap & Roll

You say: “I love JCS wrap & roll! My twist outs has never been more defined. The light foam has the perfect hold to keep the frizz factor at a minimum, for me, thats something short of a miracle. It has a light earthy fragrance which smells great. I would definitely recommend and will definitely be repurchasing.”

Favorite Oil Product

Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

You say: “This is great oil. My hair simply loves it. I am in the process of going to natural and this is a great deep conditioner and sealant for my hair.”

Favorite Transitioning Product

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Transitioning Milk

You say: “This is my holy grail product. I love it. My hair loves it. I have very dry, brittle, and coarse hair and it takes away it all. It melts onto your hair and gives it ultimate shine! NOT just for transitioning hair… I’ve been natural for close to one year and love it!”

Favorite Finishing Product

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Reconstructive Finishing Elixir

You say: “I simply adore this product! I use it in my L.C.O. (liquid, creme, oil”> method. I mixed a small amount of the elixir with water & spritz my hair. Then I use the Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Transitioning Milk as my creme. Lastly, I finish up with the elixir as my sealant. My hair never so moisturized!”

Favorite Wavy Hair Product

DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel

You say: “This is my favorite gel of Deva. This one just has the extra hold that my hair needs. My hair is thick, super coarse, tends to frizz, 2C/3A. I have been LOVING my curls!”

Favorite Curly Hair Product

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Favorite Coily Hair Product

Kinky-Curly Knot Today

You say: “I love this product for my 4a hair. I use it after I shampoo and condition my hair. I use it for two-strand twists and its awesome. Makes my hair super soft. Great product.”

Favorite Edge Control Gel

CURLS Passion Fruit Control Paste

You say: “I’m 4b/c and I love this product. I use it to smooth out my edges and take down my twist out. It reduces frizz and it smells really yummy. Definitely a stable and the ingredients are natural. There is no going wrong with this one :”>”

Favorite Frizz Fighter

Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper Original

You say: “I’ve been trying to find my Holy Grail routine for years and this product is now my number one. I have 3A type hair with low porosity and this product works like magic for my type of curls. It’s so incredibly light weight and leaves my tresses shiny, smooth, and FRIZZ FREE!”

Favorite Second Day Product

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist

Favorite Product to Cocktail

Kinky-Curly Knot Today

Favorite Styling Tool

Denman D3 Brush

Favorite Straightening/Smoothing Product

As part of our month of Curly Q’s, we’re celebrating the brand new facelift to our Q&A section. Q&A is a section of the site where you can pose questions about hair care, transitioning, or styling and get answers from our community. Want to know how to straighten your hair safely? Is your shampoo not giving you the results you wanted? Ask our community about their experience, or, help a curly out and provide an answer.

Watch the Video

Watch our editors explain each new feature:

1. Ask an Editor

This feature allows you to send your question to one of our editors. Simply click on “Ask,” type in your question, and select one of our editors from the drop down. You can see which editors have your hair type, making it easier to get answers for your specific hair.

2. Pop a Question

If you feel a question was overlooked, simply click into the question, and click “Pop.” Your question will be moved to the top of the page so more people can see it.

3. Question Wizard

When creating a question, type your question, hit next, and a list of related questions will pop up. See if the answers address your question before you even publish it!

4. Upload Feature

Is your question or answer very visual? Upload an image or video to your post so you can provide more context and get better answers. Often, a question is easier to answer if there are pictures of your hair attached.

5. New Points System

Now you can earn points for being active and answering many questions. As you earn more points, you will receive special recognition out on Q&A and possibly even be a featured guest!

6. Ask Featured Guests

NaturallyCurly.com is now bringing in bloggers, Youtubers, and other curly experts to help you with your hair questions. These special guests will be responding to questions directly to the community, so stay tuned to see who we will bring next!

7. How to use Q&A

In case you need a refresher course, click on “How to Use Q&A.” This link is located on the right hand side underneath our Q&A logo and will show you how to use all the features.

Have fun exploring!

If you’re reading this article, then I commend you for thinking about going completely product free. It’s a challenge that many men and women are taking after looking at the long list of ingredients on the back of their shampoo bottles. The fact is, no matter how amazing those celebrities look in commercials, store bought shampoos are full of processed ingredients that are doing more harm to your hair than good. 

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Going product free

7 Things to Avoid

Here in Texas, we have to be ready for all types of weather. One minute it can be sunny and humid, the next minute it’s rainy and cold. If there’s precipitation involved, forget it! The hours we spend styling our hair goes down the drain. But you don’t have to let the weather get you down…be prepared! Use the Frizz Forecast to check the weather and see how your curls will react. Then take the proper precautions. Here are some tips to protect your hair from the elements…wind, snow, rain, humidity and dry air.

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Windy, Dry Weather

Apart from causing relentless tangles and annoying knots, wind can also cause split ends. When the wind rubs your hair strands together, brittle or dry hair will break. It’s not worth trying to untangle your hair with your fingers…that will only lead to more breakage, and in the end, do more harm than good. The key to battling the wind and protecting your hair from breakage is to moisturize. Whether you have wavy, curly or coily hair, moisture is going to be your best friend.

MORE: Quick & Easy Curly Hair Tips for Windy Days

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Windy, Dry Weather

Preventative Measures

• Curly and Coily Hair: Deep condition your hair on a regular basis to keep it moisturized. This may sound like a no-brainer, but a well deep conditioned head of hair is going to fare much better in the wind than dry locks. Try using the Garnier Fructis Deep Conditioning Masque once a week during the colder, windy days.
• Wavy Hair: After you get out of the shower, apply a leave-in treatment to your waves to ensure well-moisturized locks. Try using the Paul Mitchell Full Circle Leave-in. I’ve been using it lately and I really like it.
• Curly, Wavy, Coily Hair: Try to creatively use hair accessories to hold your hair during windy days. Bandanas, scarves and hair ties can be a lifesaver when you have to venture out into the wind.

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Windy, Dry Weather

Styling tips

• Curly Hair: Add a touch of gel to your cream based hair product. I sometimes do this and it’s very effective. It doesn’t matter what brand or type of gel you use. Just use a small amount that won’t negatively affect your hair product but aid you by giving you a firm hold.
• Coily Hair: Use a strong pomade that’s a little heavier than your normal product. You want something that will hold your curls in place and at the same time moisturize them. Something like Darcy’s Botanicals Organic Pomade should do the trick.
• Wavy Hair: After you apply your product, secure your strands with a firm hold hair spray. I usually wouldn’t recommend this, as strong hair sprays render crunchy, untouchable curls. However, in this case, you need the extra strength in your hair spray to keep your hair from being too tangled.

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Snowy, Cold Weather

The majority of the damage here doesn’t come from the cold. According to an article by YouBeauty.com, the damaging part about winter comes from going in between cold and warm environments. When your hair suddenly goes from a cold outside environment to a warm and toasty heated house it gathers static electricity. The cold air from outside causes the cuticle layer on your hair to lift, and when you go inside, the dry air indoors will suck out the moisture.

MORE: Curly Hair Care for Cold Weather

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Snowy, Cold Weather

Preventative Measures

• Curly Hair: Try using glycerin free shampoo. Glycerin can be helpful in certain weather, but in the cold, it will likely draw the moisture away from your hair.
• Coily Hair: Start co-washing for the dryer, colder months. You’ll need to supplement the moisture that’s being drawn from your hair with extra conditioner. Try using a product like Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner.
• Wavy Hair: Deep condition your hair every week. The cold, dry weather will create limp waves, so counter it by adding a deep conditioner to your regimen for voluminous bouncy waves.

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Snowy, Cold Weather

Styling Tips

• Curly Hair: Use a lighter gel that will hold your curls in place when the static strikes. Something such as Mop Top Anti-Frizz Gel will work wonders in the cold weather.
• Coily Hair: Try to stay away from products high in protein. Products with a lot of protein will yield dry and brittle curls in very dry, cold weather. Instead, take a look at these protein free products that will prevent build up and make your coily hair look fabulous.

•  Wavy Hair: Use mousse with a strong hold. Mousse is perfect for the winter months because it’s lighter than cream based products but will help hold your hair when there’s static.

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Rainy, Humid Weather

When it’s raining or humid outside, curly hair absorbs the water from the air and expands. That causes the shaft to lose its curl pattern and turn into a frizzy mess. It may sound contradictory, but the solution to this problem is to add more moisture to your hair. Why? Because there’s not enough moisture in your hair to combat the moisture on the outside. So what’s our advice? You guessed it! Moisturize.

MORE: Curly Hair Care for Rainy Days

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Rainy, Humid Weather

Preventive Measures

• Curly Hair: Stay away from humectants. Products high in humectants might work against you in rainy weather and cause you to retain outside moisture. Instead, use a sulfate-free cleanser that won’t dry up your hair.
• Coily Hair: To keep your hair moisturized during the rainy, humid days, you want to use moisturizing shampoos and a leave-in conditioner. Try Jessicurl’s extra moisturizing conditioner and Mixed Chick’s leave in conditioner, and like your curly haired friends, stay away from humectants.
• Wavy Hair: In wet, humid weather you want to use a moisturizing shampoo as well as conditioner. One of my favorite product lines is SheaMoisture. It’s in the name for a reason — these shampoos and conditioners are created to give you the moisture your waves need to repel outside rain.

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Rainy, Humid Weather

Styling Tips

• Curly Hair: Try using a humidity gel, such as Ouidad’s Climate Control, which prevents your curls from expanding in the rainy weather. She recommends applying the product evenly using the rake and shake method. Smooth the product over your hands and rake them through your hair, top to bottom. When you get to the bottom, shake your hair loose to create curls.
• Coily Hair: Use a protective style such as twists or braids to minimize the frizz during rainy weather. Apply a smoothing serum to your twists and you’ll be better protected from humidity. Bottom line: you want to use a serum that will lock the moisture in and keep the rain out.
• Wavy Hair: Stay away from the diffuser on days like these, but don’t go out with wet hair either. Instead, let your hair dry overnight using a no-heat method such as the sock-bun. In the morning, smooth nothing but serum over your waves to protect from frizz.

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The transition from student to career girl is a difficult one for most girls. You’re suddenly plunged into a world of desk sitting from 9-5, when not too long ago you were constantly on your feet walking from class to class. Not only is your schedule different, but the days of waking up and throwing on your college hoodie are over. Now you’re expected to look professional from head to toe. What’s a girl to do? Whether you just started your first job, you need some help dressing for your next interview or you just want to try out a new look, here are some tips for giving yourself a career-ready makeover.

Professional Curls, Coils and Waves

Most ladies are under the impression that textured hair is unprofessional. This is false. Frizzy, unkempt and un-styled hair is unprofessional — not because it’s textured, but because it shows that you put little to no effort into your hair. The same could be said for straight hair. So how do you get perfectly styled curls that convey your confidence? The key is caring for your curls with a well devised regimen.

• Add a leave in conditioner to your regimen: Leave-in conditioner can reduce frizz and add moisture and can help you get a clean, polished appearance.
• Reactivate your styling agent in the morning: You don’t need to wash your hair every morning to get that freshly styled look. Instead, use a mist of water or a spray such as Kinky-Curly Perfectly Polished to get first-day-looking curls on the second day.
• Add a finishing product to your regimen: To ensure that your hair looks neat and professional, apply a finishing product after styling. If you have wavy or curly hair, often a light serum is enough. However, if you’re hair is coily, try the Original Moxie Hair Shine Pomade.
• When all else fails, pull the hair away from your face: Most employers would agree that hair hanging in your face is the most unprofessional look you can wear to the office. If you’re having a bad hair day, remedy it by taking the strands closest to your face and pinning them behind your head. Get creative with a curly updo or a coily updo to make an old twist out look fabulous and professional.

Read More: The Politics of Hair

Makeup for the Office

A good rule of thumb for appropriate office makeup is to keep it simple. You don’t want anything flashy that screams “I’m going clubbing right after this.” You want to look gorgeous, but not unecessarily glamorous. As with the hair, a well done face shows that you sacrificed time to look presentable. For those sales driven jobs that require face time with prospective clients, looking presentable is even more important.

1. Cover up blemishes: Use a long lasting foundation that can cover up blemishes for the entire work day.
2. Finish with light powder: Cover a shiny nose with a light layer of powder.
3. Use a rosy blush: A rosy or natural-looking blush will help you look energized and ready for the day. It will look the most natural if its close to the natural warmer tones in your skin.
4. Stick to neutral eye shadows: Use brown, beige or pearl eye shadows that will help you look awake, but won’t draw too much attention to your eyes.
5. Use natural-looking lip color: Stay away from glossy reds or purples that are too conspicuous. Go for colors that almost almost match your actual lip color.
6. Don’t forget the eyebrows! It may seem unnecessary, but clean, well groomed eyebrows show attention to detail that employers appreciate.

Read about the outfit for this look on page 3… Read More: How to Create Professional Hairstyles

Professional Attire

For some reason, people believe the phrase “professional attire” is synonymous with “boring.” But looking presentable doesn’t mean sticking to white button up blouses and gray slacks. You can still be unique and dress professionally. Take a look at this professional outfit – it’s stylish, colorful, and fit for the office. Next time you’re out shopping, look for these items to help you complete your career outfit makeover.

• Pencil Skirts: A solid black pencil skirt is a great fall back solution when you’re running out of fresh ideas, but colored pencil skirts are great for adding some fun to plain tops.
• Scarves: Tie them around the neck or drape them down your chest for a sophisticated look. If you can’t get away from monochromatic office look, throw in a multicolored scarf for a splash of color.
• Shoes: High heels are often the preferred office shoe because they’re professional and stylish. However, there’s nothing wrong with sporting comfortable flats or one inch heels. Look for pointy toed black flats – they’re the easiest way to look professional and be comfortable.
• Blazers: It’s good to always have a black blazer on hand, but next time you’re at the store, try looking for a blazer that really adds to an outfit. When paired with the right shoes, colored or pattern blazers can really pull an outfit together.

“Edgy” is a broad, ambiguous term that is thrown around a lot by fashionistas and designers alike. The definition has become muddled as more and more people use it, but at its core it simply means “pushing the envelope.” There can be edgy art, edgy film, and even edgy literature. Edgy fashion can be described as alternative, exotic, theatrical or dark. But I’m not interested in wearing larger than life shoulder pads or cotton candy hair dos. I’m interested in an edgy style that can be worn walking down the street, not the runway. Here are some tips for getting an “edgy” look that you can sport for a night on the town.

The Hair

Exaggerate the Volume

There are several ways to achieve voluminous hair, but for this style, we want to really exaggerate the level of volume. Remember, edgy means pushing the envelope, so take whatever level of volume you’re comfortable with and raise it just a bit. When combined with a sleek outfit, big hair can be quite sexy. Here’s how you can get a sexy, full head of hair:

1. After washing and conditioning your hair, spray root lifter onto the roots of your hair and comb it through the crown of your head.
2. Apply your favorite product and diffuse your hair until it is about 50 percent dry.
3. With your hair still damp, turn your head upside down and blow dry your hair without the diffuser until it’s completely dry. This will give you volume on the sides of your face, not the top of your head.
4.  To get volume on the top, section your hair into two layers: top and bottom. Clip a small portion of the top aside. Back brush the bottom layer, brushing from the middle of your hair to the top of your head.
5. Use a curling iron to wrap random pieces of hair all over.
6. Mist on a hair spray or lightly apply mousse; you don’t want to weigh it down with heavy spray or gel.

Design Addict Mom has the perfect example of how a big, textured head of hair can be daring and sexy.

See The Makeup for this look on the next page…

Read More: How to do a Curlformers Mini Makeover

The Makeup

Dark and Dramatic

For this look, you want to aim for something dark and striking. It doesn’t necessarily have to be black; you can create a smokey look using any color of eye shadow. All you need is a dark color as your base. It can be dark green, purple, blue, or even burgundy.

1. Take a light, cream colored shadow and apply it over your lids up to your brow.
2. Use the main color, preferably a dark, shimmery one, and blend it from the lash line across the eye lid.
3. Color from the corner of your eye to the outer edge of your eye, making a half moon shape. Be sure to blend your shadow well so that it makes a smooth transition.
4. Apply a light layer of this same color to the bottom of your eyes.
5. Apply black eye liner as you normally would, smudging the bottom.
6. Apply a thick, black mascara to your lashes.

To complete this makeup look, you must use light neutral colors on your face to create contrast. Use nude lip gloss and light blush. You want to direct attention to your eyes, not your lips.

See The Outfit for this look on the next page…

Read More: End of Summer Hair Makeover

The Outfit

Be Bold

Remember, an edgy style incorporates elements of fashion that you’re slightly uncomfortable with. For a fun night out on the town, be daring. Wear something you usually wouldn’t wear, not because it’s tacky, but because it’s bold. Have a top that’s a little sexier than you’re used to? Wear it! Here are some tips for arranging an edgy outfit:

• Mix up patterns and textures: try combining a leopard skirt with a lacy top
• Leather leggings: very bold, and quite forgotten, leather is a great material that always looks good and stands out
• High boots: boots are the most classic shoes worn with an edgy outfit — the higher, the more dramatic
• Booties: booties are the more modern, alternative to high boots. Try pairing these with lacy tights for a really sexy look
• Black pencil skirts: they go great with everything, and will create a contrast to your big hair

For more inspiration, visit Edgyness.blogspot.com! This blog post has great examples of edgy cocktail dresses that can be worn off the runway.

Read More: 2012 Fall Fashion Week Trends

How would you give yourself an edgy makeover? 

It’s important for ladies with textured hair to watch the amount of heat that they apply to it. Too much ironing and blow drying can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and unattractive to say the least. But you don’t have to sacrifice style to be all natural. Here are some great no-heat styling methods for wavy hair that will enhance your waves.

1. Overnight Braids

Braiding your hair will give you crimped looking waves that have a “I just got back from the beach” look. It’s incredibly simple and effortless. All you need are rubber bands and your favorite product.

• Wash and condition your hair before braiding.
• Apply a lightweight mousse that won’t weigh down your waves.
• Braid your hair when it is about 80% dry.
• Grab pieces of hair in 1 inch segments (the smaller the segments, the thinner your waves”>.
• Braid each piece, securing it with a small hair tie.
• Sleep on it and release the hair ties when you wake up.
• Ruffle your hair and spritz it with water to reactivate the mousse.

If you don’t know how to braid hair, here’s a video tutorial by Expert Village on how to do a fishtail braid.

Read More: 3 Tips for Drying Wavy Hair

2. Sock Bun Technique

This particular method of styling is all the rage for some wavies. It’s incredibly easy and it yields curly spirals that look like they took hours of effort.

• Take a stretchy dress sock and cut off the tip where your toes would go.
• Roll the sock to make a “sock donut.”
• Pull your hair up into a pony tail on top of your head (it’s very important that it sits at the top of your head”>.
• Spray your ponytail with water so that it’s damp.
• Pull your hair through the sock donut and roll your hair over the donut so that you create a bun.
• Sleep on it and when you wake up, remove the sock from your hair.
• Ruffle your curls and apply a strong hold hair spray.

Credit for the sock bun goes to Loepsie on YouTube. You can watch her video here!

Read More: 4 Hair Oils for Wavy Hair

3. Mini Buns Technique

Here’s another awesome no-heat styling method that utilizes the power of molding. Lucky for wavies, our hair molds easily into whatever shapes we want. Here’s how you can get tousled waves using hair spray and bobby pins.

• Wash and condition your hair as normal.
• Spray your hair with a styling agent such as Jessicurl Gelebration Spray.
• Segment your hair into about 6 segments. The smaller the segment, the more waves and curls your hair will have.
• Twist each piece of hair into mini buns and secure with bobby pins.
• After about 30 minutes, release the mini buns for beautiful waves!

For images on how to do this styling method, visit Alma’s blog, Honey Lushy.

Read More: 4 Tips for Detangling Wavy Hair

4. Tried and True Wavy Bun

Several wavies, including myself, have found this to be their go-to styling method when in a bind. It’s easy, effective and it takes no time at all. If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to style your hair, this is the perfect method for you. All you need is a hair tie, water and your favorite product.

• Apply your favorite product to your damp hair.
• On your way out of the house, twist your hair up into a bun at the top of your head and secure it with a hair tie.
• Once you get to work or school, release the hair tie and let your waves fall.
• Tousle your hair with your fingers and you’re done!
• Optional: smooth serum over your hair once it’s completely dry to prevent frizz.

It’s important that your hair is damp for this method. Your damp hair will mold into the shape of the bun so that by the time you get to work or school, they will have dried into awesome waves.

Read More: Wavy Beginner’s Guide: Keep Your Wavy Hairstyle in Place

Let’s face it, our hair would be a mess without the tools we need to help care for it. Personally, my hair would look like a disheveled lion’s mane in the morning if I didn’t at least have a comb. If your hair isn’t quite looking the way you would like it to, it might be time to invest in these tools for wavy or curly hair.

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5 Hair Tools

In continuation of NaturallyCurly’s holiday hair collection, I have provided yet another easy updo that you can rock at your next holiday event. This is a low updo, as contradicting as that sounds. You will still pull the hair up, but the bun is low and close to the nape of the neck. For this hairstyle, all you need is a brush, hair elastic, and preferably dry hair. This hairstyle is tough to do if you have short to medium length hair, and  works best with long wavy hair.

MORE: Curly Holiday Updos or Kinky Holiday Updos

End of Year Elegance

1. Start by smoothing out your waves with a brush.
2. Tie your hair into a low bun with a hair elastic. On the second loop around, don’t pull your hair all the way through. Only pull it halfway through to create a bun with hair hanging out.
3. Right above the hair elastic, use your fingers to divide your hair into two to create a hole. The hole must be big enough for your bun to fit through.

4. Push your bun through the hole, and then pull it through on the other side.
5. You can leave it as such, and tease the hair hanging out or coat it with mousse to give it a good texture. Or if you want a more sleek look, you can secure the hair that is sticking out with a bobby pin.

This updo is more on the casual elegant side. However, you can always make it more elegant and sleek by working with wet hair and smoothing gel over it.

If you prefer the messy updo look, leave out the step in which you smooth it with a brush and instead scrunch your waves. Scrunch with hair product and then proceed to styling. Pull a few loose strands out here and there for an effortless look.

Final Thoughts

The great thing about this holiday hair style is that it is very simple and you can have fun with it and experiment with different looks. A nice holiday headband made out of ribbons, bows, or even bells can add a festive touch to it as well! Happy hairstyling!