Search Results: Susonnah Gonzalez

Holiday Hair: Wavy Two-Layer Bun
Holiday Hair: Wavy Two-Layer Bun
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·
Bun

This holiday season, NaturallyCurly wants to make your social life easier by giving you ideas for all sorts of cute, fun and unique holiday hair for your formal gatherings. We all have them: Christmas banquets, end of semester ceremonies, and countless holiday parties from friends and family. At your next party, try an updo that is perfect for wavy hair — the two-layered bun.

MORE: Curly Holiday Updos or Kinky Holiday Updos

Double the Bun, Double the Fun

  1. Start with wet or dry hair. If your hair is more on the 2b to 3 side, I recommend styling with wet hair to make sure your waves stay in place. If your hair is dry, mist with water and comb through so that the hair is smooth. Divide the hair into two layers, top and bottom.
  2. Secure the top half in a ponytail, and then twist that top half into a bun. The wetter your hair, the easier it will be to style.
  3. Take the bottom layer of hair and spray with hair spray or coat in mousse. Then twist it into a thin tail. Take that tail and twist it up and over the top bun.
  1. Wrap the bottom tail around the bun and secure it with a bobby pin. Spray the bun with hair spray to secure it for your holiday event and you’re set!

If you have a lot of hair hanging over the bun, you can tease it or scrunch the leftover to give it extra texture. For this particular style, I wouldn’t use any heavy products, such as cream, because this will weigh the bun down. Instead, try a light mousse or even hair spray.

If you don’t like your hair to be slicked back as I do, try pulling some strands of hair out from the front of your head. Coat these strands with hair product and twist with your fingers. They should look like holiday ribbons draping the sides of your face!

Want More?

Not just that holiday party that has your stressed, but your rushed winter mornings, too? Never fear, quick & easy hairstyles for hassle-free mornings is here!

Final Thoughts

For an extra kick to your holiday hair, try to make a hair piece out of holly and pin it to the side of your head. A bow at the bottom of your bun would also look very festive, and it will add an extra element to this simple updo.

Thanksgiving Hair Recipes for Healthy Curls
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·

This Thanksgiving, try making your own hair treatments with these easy Thanksgiving hair recipes. There are many benefits to using fresh fruits and vegetables to create your own hair treatments, and Thanksgiving is one of the best seasons for variety. Transform your usual Thanksgiving ingredients into moisturizing, beneficial hair treatments!

Thanksgiving Hair Recipes

Quick & Easy Curly Updos for Formal Events
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·
Bun

If you plan on attending a formal affair, you’re probably planning a big, fancy hairstyle will cost you time and money. Why pay big bucks on a hairstyle that you can get at home? You’ve already got one thing going for you: beautiful naturally curly hair. Now all you need is an idea for a quick and easy curly updos that you can rock at that formal affair.

Curly Half Updo

For this hairstyle, all you’ll need is a comb, hair spray, a hair clip and hair serum. It’s fantastically easy and elegant enough for your next formal event. Style your hair when it is already dry to make it easier to tease your hair.

  1. Divide your hair into two parts, top and bottom. They do not have to be equal, and I actually prefer more hair on the bottom than on the top.
  2. Use your comb to comb through the top portion of your hair. Comb it without combing through to your scalp. You want to smooth it out before you tease it.
  3. Using the comb, tease the top portion of your hair by combing it backwards. Once you have a nice bump, secure the top of your hair with a hair clip.
  4. Mist your bump with hairspray for a good hold that will last through your event.
  5. Type 2 (Wavy”>: For this style to look elegant, try to stay away from gels that will make your hair crunchy. Instead, use a light, foamy product that will dry quickly to mold your waves. Apply this product to the bottom of your hair and you’re good to go!
  6. Type 3 (Curly”> Use a humidity-fighting product combined with a strong hold styler that will secure your curls for the night, and be sure to seal your bottom curls with a frizz-fighting serum.
  7. Type 4 (Kinky”> Teasing can be damaging for kinky hair, so if you’re hesitant about teasing, simply tap your hair with the comb, as opposed to backward combing. Secure it with hairspray, and then seal your bottom curls with a good serum or your favorite hair butter.

Two Braid Quick-Do

Jessica Alba

This formal curly updo will only take about eight to ten minutes to complete, assuming of course that you have everything you need on hand. All you need are bobby pins and your favorite hair product and you’re good to go. If you’d like to add an extra elegant feature, insert flowers, feathers, or any favorite hair accessory into the side of your hair. You’ll have everyone thinking you went to a salon!

  1. Part your hair in two. Divide each side of your hair into one inch sections. You will have more or less sections depending on how thick your hair is.
  2. Take one section and twist your hair by simply twirling it with your fingers.
  3. Using the comb, tease the top portion of your hair by combing it backwards. Once you have a nice bump, secure the top of your hair with a hair clip.
  4. Grab three twists at a time and make braids out of each section. Grab your bobby pin and pin your braids down towards the bottom of your neck. Repeat for the other section.
  5. Type 2 (Wavy”>: Your hair might be harder to keep in twisted braids, so apply a good amount of mousse and hair spray to each twist before pinning your braids together.
  6. Type 3 (Curly”>: Your hair is likely to spring out of the braid, so do this style when your hair is wet, making sure to coat your braids in product.
  7. Type 4 (Kinky”>: Use a good moisturizer cream before braiding your hair so that your hair can remain frizz free during your formal affair.

Easy Elegant Mane

Anne Hathaway

This curly updo resembles a lion’s mane, but it’s not rugged by any means. All you will need is a head band (decorate yours with gems or flowers if you wish”>, bobby pins, a comb and your hair product. This style will take only 5 minutes to do, but it’s chic and stylish. The front part of your hair should be slick, and the back full of amazing texture.

  1. Place the headband on your head and note where the front ends and the back part of your hair begins. Take off the head band and pull the front part of your hair over your face. They should look like long bangs.
  2. You can style your hair when it’s wet, but if it’s dry, simply rewet the front part of your hair. Comb it through to make sure it is nice and slick.
  3. Coat the front of your hair with gel, making sure to comb through so it is smooth.
  4. Slick the front part back so that your forehead is exposed, and use the headband to secure it back.
  5. Type 2 (Wavy”>: Now that the front part of your hair is slick, the back of it should be wavy. Enhance your waves by applying product, scrunching your hair, and then drying it with a quick blast of heat. Ruffle your hair with your fingers and you’re set!
  6. Type 3 (Curly”>: Apply curly cream to the back part of your hair (the part behind the hair band”> and diffuse on low heat. Make sure you twist your hair with the diffuser to create excellent volume.
  7. Type 4 (Kinky”>: Try using bobby pins as well as a hair band to secure your curls. Use a comb and lightly pull your curls to get an awesome poof in the back. This will create a great combination of textures.

Want More?

Catch more quick & easy hairstyles for use with headbands and start putting your accessories to good use!

Quick & Easy Curly Hair Styles to Make You Look Thinner
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·
Bun

Diet and exercise aren’t the only paths to a thin appearance. Fashion and style are great ways to create the illusion of looking slimmer, and some curly hair styles can work wonders. Try a couple of these quick and easy styles to shed some pounds around the face and appear thinner! Experiment with caution, though; every face is different and will have different needs.

Voluminous Roots

Voluminous tresses can make your face look smaller, but beware! If your head is very round, you want to stay away from building too much volume around the face. It’s best to keep the volume at the top of your head so that your face is elongated.

  1. Wavy (Type 2″>: Use a good mousse or light cream to style your hair. Apply and scrunch your waves to your heart’s content. While your hair is still wet, apply root-lifting spray directly to your roots. Hold a hair dryer straight over your head, and blast your scalp with medium heat for no more than a minute. With your other hand, comb through your scalp with your fingers and ruffle the top of your hair to create volume. For maximum volume, you can try using a roller to lift the roots, however, a roller brush might disrupt your waves.
  2. Curly (Type 3″>: Use your favorite curl cream to style your hair. Try to stay away from a triangle shape hair-do by using the curling iron to create loose curls around your neck. Loose curls will make your hair look thinner. Apply root-lifting spray to your scalp. Using a diffuser, diffuse the top of your hair. Scoop your hair into the diffuser and twist it into the top of your head for ultimate lift.
  3. Kinky (Type 4″>: Apply styling agent to your hair and style. Be sure to apply a sealant and anti-frizz serum to the bottom of your hair as well. Try using hair rods or even crayons, and take different strands of hair from the top of your head and wrap them around the rods. Leave your hair in the rods as you complete your other morning tasks (make coffee, apply makeup, etc.”>. Once you’re done, unwrap the hair from the rods and seal with oil.

Messy Updo

A messy updo is as easy as pie because it does not need to be perfect. However, it is important to stick to these guidelines in order to execute a style that will make your face look thinner.

  1. DO NOT pull your hair tightly back. This will put the spotlight entirely on your face and will make your face look wider.
  2. DO NOT line up strands with your chin. This will give unwanted volume to the sides of your face. You do, however, want to have strands that fall below the chin or just above it. An updo is also a great way to elongate the neck.
  1. Wrap your hair into a bun, securing it with a chopstick or hair elastic. 
  2. Pull several strands out from your head, and twist them around your face. Hair that falls around the face, below the chin, gives the appearance of a longer face. Hair that falls above the chin will accentuate the cheekbones and make your face look thinner.
  3. Wavy (Type 2″> Smooth hair product onto each strand and twist with your finger. Twist enough so that the strands fall either below or above the chin.
  4. Curly (Type 3″> Try curling the strands with a curling iron, and be sure to apply product to the curls after they have been styled.
  5. Kinky (Type 4″> Try twisting your hair strands with your fingers, and smooth hair butter onto the strands for a firm hold and to add moisture.

Long Layers & Wisps

Long layers of waves or curls are the best way to make your face appear thinner. Wisps also work great to highlight cheekbones and elongate the neck. Next time you go in for a haircut, consider adding layers or wisps if you wish to slim your face down.

If you don’t have time to make it to the salon, try styling your hair in a half ponytail, making sure to pull some strands out in front of the face. The half ponytail gives the illusion of two separate layers of hair.

However, you do not want to completely expose the sides of your face because this might make your face look wider. Instead, pull strands around your face that will work to accentuate the cheekbones (much like wisps would”>. If you want to avoid the half ponytail, try using bobby pins to pin strands of hair in different places. This will also create the illusion of layers.

Pixie Cut

When it comes to making the face look slimmer, the pixie cut is dangerous territory. If the pixie cut is too short, it could make your face appear wider. If you have a sharp jaw and high cheekbones, however, a short pixie cut, or even a big chop, could work wonders!

Removing hair from your head will make you look much thinner and will draw attention to your cheekbones. However, if you have a round face shape, you want to stay away from really short pixies. Instead, try a pixie cut with volume at the top of the head, which will elongate your face.  Once you have your pixie cut, styling is quick and effortless.

  1. Wavy (Type 2″>: Sweep bangs to the side so that they fall just slightly below the cheekbones, which will accent your jaw and cheekbones.
  2. Curly (Type 3″>: Spike it with thick, custard-like hair product to maintain firm hold.
  3. Kinky (Type 4″>: Try using gel, or a styling agent of your preference, to style the hair upwards. Or use pins to pin the hair upwards.

Want More?

Get more quick & easy styles for that special night with that special someone!

Tips for Choosing Cruelty-Free Products
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·
Bun

Shopping for cruelty-free products can be rewarding, but often overwhelming. Several companies label their product as “cruelty-free” when, in fact, animal testing or animal cruelty is involved in the production. So how do you know when a product is truly animal friendly?

What Does Cruelty-Free Mean?

This seems to be where the standards of companies differ from the standards of consumers. According to the Group for the Education of Animal Related Issues, in order for a product to truly be “cruelty-free” it must:

  1. Not have been tested on animals
  2. Not contain ingredients that were tested on animals
  3. Not contain animal ingredients

Unfortunately, although many companies do not always meet these standards, they still place a “cruelty-free” label on their product anyway. Products wear labels that read, “This Product was not Tested on Animals” when in actuality the ingredients themselves were tested on animals.

Keep in mind that a “cruelty-free” company does not necessarily employ a cruelty-free supplier.

Common Animal Ingredients

  • Amino acids
  • Beeswax
  • Benzoic Acid
  • Collagen
  • Lanolin
  • Stearic Acid
  • Triglyceride

Check the Ingredients

A product that is truly animal friendly will not use ingredients from animals. However, many companies do, in fact, use animals ingredients given that they are usually cheaper and more accessible than synthetic or vegetable-derived ingredients. Before purchasing a product that claims to be “cruelty-free,” read over the ingredients to be sure of its contents.

Look for the Leaping Bunny

There are no laws that govern the labeling of cruelty-free products, so exercise caution when shopping. Companies can put “cruelty-free” on their products in order to appeal to the masses without having to meet any standards. This is because there are no laws that enforce a company to meet real cruelty-free standards.

The CCIC is a group of eight animal protection groups that came together to create the Leaping Bunny logo. They are one of the most trusted organizations fighting for animal rights. If you see the Leaping Bunny, it means that no animal testing was conducted by the company or its supplier.However, the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC”> completes in-depth, on-site audits before certifying a company as being “cruelty-free.”

Final thoughts

In the end, do your research before investing in any product that claims to be “cruelty-free.” Investigate the ingredients, the manufacturer, and the supplier of your products.

It isn’t an easy task, but it sure is a worthwhile one, and with a little knowledge, our furry friends will be safer in the coming tomorrows.

Hair Etiquette: The Wet Hair Look
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·
Bun

Letting the hair air dry is one of the healthiest options for women with naturally curly and wavy hair. For many, the slightest amount of heat from a blow dryer or a curling iron can disrupt the curl pattern or cause frizz. However, letting the hair air dry might entail leaving the house with a head of wet hair, which is considered improper by some. So when is it okay to go out with wet hair? CurlTalk users provide the answers, as well as various opinions on the matter.

Where Are You Headed?

Many CurlTalk users agreed that it depends on where you’re going. The bottom line is that wet hair is viewed by many as unprofessional because several people equate wet hair with unfinished hair. Going into work with wet hair might give off the impression that you are not ready for work, or that you did not have time in the morning to dry your hair. Employers, therefore, might assume that you put little effort into getting ready for work. However, most agreed that it is perfectly acceptable to go out with wet hair if you are going to class (if you’re a student”> or if you are simply running errands. Most likely, everyone around you will be too busy to notice or care.

Traveling out of the country? Don’t forget that hair etiquette differs culturally. Going out with wet hair is most likely unacceptable in very conservative countries. If you’re unsure of what to do, a good tip is to observe the native women or to simply ask the locals!

It Depends on your Profession

What is your job like? If you are debating whether or not to go into work with wet/damp hair, a good question to ask yourself is “What will I be doing today?” If your job involves interacting with clients or attending meetings, then it’s essential to look your best. As one CurlTalk member, kristie911, put it, “I wouldn’t want to see my dentist or doctor or CPA come walking in with wet hair.”

If the bulk of your day is spent tucked away in a cubicle or in an office, you could probably get away with the wet hair look. It all depends on how much interaction you get as a professional. One CurlTalk user suggested that it also depends on the field of work you are in.

Logy wrote: “Even though I work in a corporation setting, my specialty is more on the creative end. People might give me a little more leeway: ‘Well, she’s a designer—sometimes they’re a little quirky.’ I might not be judged as much as someone in other professions.”

The Generation Gap

As apparent from the CurlTalk discussions, the difference in opinion might be related to age. Older and more traditional generations probably view it as highly unacceptable to walk out the door with wet hair. Keep in mind that, conventionally, women were supposed to be presentable at all times (even when going to the grocery store”>. Of course, the definition of presentable has changed over time, and to many women it meant having their hair done, nails polished, and pearls worn around the neck. CurlTalk member multicultcurly highlighted a very interesting point:

“I think most people in their 50s and above didn’t wear their hair naturally. They always styled it with rollers and curling irons, which would demand dry hair for a finished look.”

So before going out with wet hair, first ask yourself: where am I going? What am I doing? And who am I going to see today?

Curly Hair Care for Swimming & Summer Humidity
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·
Summer Curly Care?

The summer heat provides the perfect weather for lounging by the pool, but it can also wreak havoc on your curls. Our hair is exposed to all sorts of elements during the summer: chlorine, UV rays and salt water, not to mention the hair’s worst enemy—humidity.

So what can you do to protect your hair from these elements? Curly hair Guru Anna Craig, CurlStylist writer and owner of Trashy Roots Salon in Round Rock, Texas, offers these curly hair care tips for summertime.

Swimming

The sun and the chlorine from the swimming pool create dry, thirsty curls by stripping the hair of its natural oils. All of the chemicals in your neighborhood pool have a negative effect on your hair—especially if it is chemically treated or colored. If your hair is blond or light brown, the chlorine can even turn your hair green!

“We have some little girls come into the salon from the swim team whose hair is dried from all the chlorine,” says Craig.

Before and After You Swim

Before swimming, wet your hair and condition it. Your hair will absorb the conditioner and prevent chlorine from being absorbed into the hair shaft.

Cover your head. If you’re an athletic swimmer, or if you plan to swim every day this summer, protect your hair with a swim cap. It’s unhealthy to wash your hair every single day, so just avoid the process by covering your head.

If your hair feels extra sticky after a dip in the pool, Craig recommends giving your curls a beer rinse to wash out all the chlorine. The malt and hops from the beer are known to repair damaged hair.

Use a leave-in conditioner before or after your dip in the pool. Moisture is the key to protecting your curls from the drying effects of chlorine, so help your curls retain the moisture by utilizing a leave-in.

Shower Tips for Post-Pool Hair

Wash your hair right away. Don’t wait until the next day. Craig recommends washing your hair as soon as possible to prevent chlorine from staying in your curls.

Do NOT use clarifying shampoo. According to Craig, clarifying shampoo has a tendency to strip your curls of everything, including those natural oils that curls need in the summer. Clarifying shampoos will simply result in drier, frizzy locks.

Use a regular moisturizing or hydrating shampoo. In the summer, your hair needs all the moisture it can get. Craig recommends investing in hydrating shampoos that will reinvigorate your parched curls.

Shampoo with warm water. When shampooing your hair after a dip in the pool, Craig suggests using warm water to trigger the opening of the pores in order to rinse all that chlorine out. Shampooing with cold water will close the cuticle and trap the chlorine in your hair shaft. However, after shampooing and conditioning, you can finish with a cool water rinse to prevent frizz and enhance shine.

Tips for Summer Styling

“A humid day is a day to go curly, not a day to straighten your hair. You’re kind of fighting it,” says Craig. Too often summer days are humid and hot—a nightmare for freshly styled hair. Craig recommends rocking your natural texture instead of fighting it. “You don’t want to do too much to your hair. If you’re swimming a lot, or going out in the heat too much, you are probably damaging your hair,” says Craig. Her suggestion: keep your curly hair care regimen simple.

Avoid heat as much as possible. With endless UV rays pounding against your hair and skin, it’s beneficial to keep the use of blow outs, hot irons and curling irons to a minimum.

Use a light gel. If your hair is naturally wavy, Craig recommends using a light gel or mousse to get those beach waves. Light gel or mousse will provide enough hold but still allow your waves to flow with the breeze.

Make a conditioner/gel cocktail. Craig urges kinky haired clients to supply their hair with enough moisture this summer. Try making a curly cocktail by combining conditioner and gel. You’ll get the moisture you need from the conditioner plus the hold you need from the gel.

Curly Hair Care Products

Invest in good quality products. There are plenty of product lines available that are designed to protect your hair from the summer elements. Craig and her staff at Trashy Roots use the Milkshake Sun and More line. It provides the hydration and protection that hair needs from UV rays and chlorine.

Don’t forget to deep condition. Craig recommends using deep conditioning treatments twice a week in the summer. If you’re constantly exposed to the sun, or if you frequent the pool, supply your hair with that extra moisture it needs.

Special thanks to Anna Craig for all her advice and tips! If you are a stylist yourself, check out Anna Craig’s Trash Talk blog for advice.

Stylists Fight Domestic Violence By Going Purple
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·
purple ribbon

Purple is in this May, with a series of purple-themed events to kick off National Go Purple Awareness Month. Campaigns such as Rock the Purple and Pretty in Purple are working to raise awareness for the prevention of domestic abuse and dating violence.

Rock the Purple

Rock the Purple is a Purple Ribbon Council Concert for a Cause sponsored by participating Hard Rock Cafés. The event started a year ago in 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona, and is scheduled for three cities this year. The concert is open to the public and will be accepting donations to support children who have lost a parent to domestic violence and to support the Purple Ribbon Council’s prevention and empowerment projects. Local bands, musicians, and stylists will be in attendance, with stylists working to create a “sea of purple” by offering purple SO.CAP International hair extensions.

“Purple Ribbon Council is going into the heart of communities to engage everyday people in awareness,” says Donna Bartos, founder of the Purple Ribbon Council. “May is our National Go Purple Awareness month, we have designed events that will help raise money needed for our prevention and outreach work, as well as mobilize new ambassadors for the cause.”

Pretty in Purple

Through the Pretty in Purple campaign, salons across the country can participate in the effort to raise awareness and dollars benefiting the Council’s Purple Ribbon Fund for Children. Pretty in Purple is a grassroots campaign that rallies stylists and salon professionals to help break the silence, break the cycle, and save lives.

Domestic violence kills an average of four women every day, leaving thousands of children without parents. One in three teens are also abused each year as a result of dating violence.

Stylists can work to change these statistics. Stylists and spa professionals are some of the most trusted people in a community; sometimes, the salon is a safe haven for the victims of unhealthy relationships. Salon and spa professionals can help clients in a non-threatening environment by raising awareness and bringing hope, healing, and happiness to children who are orphaned due to domestic homicide.

Purple Ribbon Fund for Children

Fundraising for the Purple Ribbon Fund for Children gives stylists the opportunity to provide financial assistance, supportive care, grief support and advocacy to these children. The efforts don’t stop at fundraising; stylists can also raise awareness and educate their clients on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to domestic violence.

“As the father of two daughters and brother to two sisters, it’s important to me to spread awareness,” says Patrick Mclvor, National Ambassador and Spokesperson/Matrix Artistic Director. “There are many women who don’t know where to turn for help. The special relationship we as salon professionals have with our guests and clients gives us the unique opportunity to help raise awareness and break the silence and cycle to cut out domestic abuse.”

To find out how you and your salon can work for change, visit the Pretty in Purple website.

OSHA Warning Issued For Brazilian Keratin Treatment Hazard
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·
OSHA

The U.S. Department of Labor recently issued a Hazard Alert for Brazilian keratin treatment products.

There has been a lot of controversy (and confusion”> lately over the recent Hazard Alert issued by the Department of Labor, but we’ve got the full scoop for you. After years of skepticism towards Brazilian keratin treatment products and the presence of formaldehyde, the Department of Labor recently issued a Hazard Alert that warns the public on the dangers of formaldehyde. This is perhaps where the different interpretations arise. Many consumers and stylists believe that this Hazard Alert is a ban on formaldehyde containing contents, however, the disclaimer at the bottom of the page provides some clarification. It reads:

The Hazard Alert

“This Hazard Alert is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations.” — U.S. Department of Labor

So there you have it. No ban has been issued just yet, but what this new document does achieve is national awareness of the problem. Even better, this new alert establishes recommendations and information on safety standards that stylists must adhere to. The hazard alert was released by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration—a branch of the U.S Department of Labor. Overall, the document emphasizes the importance of keeping a safe working environment, and it urges stylists and salon owners to exercise caution with products. And while employee safety is the main concern of this hazard alert, how dangerous is it for clients to be exposed to formaldehyde?

Whether or not you are a stylist, formaldehyde is a hazard whenever it is inhaled into the lungs or if it gets into the eyes. Every time a hot flat iron touches hair that has any form of formaldehyde, the chemical is released into the air as a gas and both the client and the stylist can breathe it in. This can cause irritation in the lungs, throat, nose and eyes. More information on formaldehyde can be found in the alert that OSHA issued.

Hazard Alert in a Nutshell

So what exactly does the Hazard Alert say? Here it is in a nutshell:

1. OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has been investigating the presence of formaldehyde in the air of salons after receiving multiple complaints from stylists. What they found was that certain products labeled as “formaldehyde free” did in fact release formaldehyde into the air at levels above what OSHA allows. These products were not only falsely labeled, but they failed to provide any warnings, and formaldehyde did not appear on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS”>. Two of these smoothing treatments are the Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution and Brazilian Blowout Professional Brazilian Blowout Solution.

Note: Good Housekeeping recently published their own investigation in which they tested four salon brand products: Brazilian Blowout, Marcia Teixeira, Keratin Complex by Coppola, and Global Keratin Light Wave. Their researchers found that ALL four brands released formaldehyde into the air at levels that exceeded the acceptable amount regulated by OSHA.

OSHA

Watch for other names for formaldehyde that distributors use.

A Chemical By Any Other Name

2. There are many names for formaldehyde that distributors use in order to label the product as “formaldehyde free.” If you see any of the following ingredients on your hair products, you should exercise caution before using them: methylene glycol, formalin, methylene oxide, paraform, formic aldehyde, methanal, oxomethane, oxymethylene, or CAS Number 50-00-0.

3. Every stylist should have a Material Safety Data Sheet for every product that contains an ingredient that is hazardous to the health. Essentially, every employee should be informed of the dangers of a particular product and should receive proper training on how to handle said products. Also, the Hazard Alert admits that not all Material Safety Data Sheets have all their ingredients listed, but if stylists experience health problems that they suspect to be the result of formaldehyde, they should report it to their employers. “Formaldehyde must be listed if it is in the product at 0.1% or more (as a gas or in solution”> or if the product releases formaldehyde above 0.1 parts of formaldehyde per million parts of air.” (U.S Department of Labor”>

4. If stylists decide to use products that release formaldehyde, they must install air ventilation systems, use lower heat settings on blow dryers and flat irons, offer stylists respirators, post signs that warn clients of the presence of formaldehyde, and educate the employees that might come into contact with the product.

Essentially, the alert doesn’t “ban” the use of formaldehyde, but it does set up some restrictions. Outside the U.S, however, several countries are taking measures to completely remove dangerous keratin treatments from the market. According to Europa Affairs, the following countries have banned specific keratin treatments:

1. France: Hair treatment product by BHOME, SOCAP Professionnel Paris, Nanokeratin system

2. Germany: Four different keratin treatments by Coppola

3. Ireland: Coppola, Global Keratin, and Marcia Teixeira

4. Portugal: Alter Ego

5. The Netherlands: Chenice

Unfortunately, the list doesn’t stop there. On October 26, 2010, Health Canada issued an advisory stating that the Brazilian Blowout contains 12% formaldehyde and should not be used. Since then, Health Canada has been working to stop distribution of the solution.

Will the United States follow their lead? What are your thoughts?

Your Hair Is Uniquely You – Have Confidence in Your Curls!
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·
Curly Hair

Embrace your texture! It’s all about you!

“Hair brings one’s self-image into focus; it is vanity’s proving ground. Hair is terribly personal, a tangle of mysterious prejudices.” –Shana Alexander

It’s not just what grows on your head; hair is a representation of the self, and an element of the persona. What Alexander says rings true especially for the curly community. Hair should be personal, and whether it’s intended or not, hair says volumes for the kind of person you are. So, what kind of person do you have to be to wear curly hair? Whether you’re transitioning to natural hair, or deciding if curls are right for you, our CurlTalk users have some words of wisdom to share.

Do you…….?

Prefer Convenience

Emily Kleinsorge has naturally wavy hair and is the owner of Lucy Skyrocket Salon in Austin, Texas. Kleinsorge has been styling hair since she was in college. After realizing her passion for hair and beauty, she abandoned her job at a software company to pursue a career as a hairstylist. Her natural talent shone through, and she was awarded a scholarship for the Aveda Institute in Houston. Kleinsorge is especially passionate about curly hair, and sought specific training at the Devachan Salon in New York City, home of the Original Curly Girl, Lorraine Massey. Now in her fourth year as a professional stylist, Kleinsorge’s experience has showed her that sometimes going natural is the best option, especially in humid environments.

“Living in Austin, if you especially have curly hair, it is always going to prevail. You might as well do what you can to work with your natural texture. People act like it’s more difficult, but in the long run it’s easier because you’re not fighting what your hair wants to do,” says Kleinsorge. Bottom line: fighting your natural texture is not an easy task. Hair dryers, flat irons, and curling irons are sometimes more work than they are worth.

Embrace Texture

In the past, so much of the media pressured women (and men”> to wear straight hair, regardless of their natural texture. Kleinsorge believes that the plight for curly representation in the media is improving, making it easier for women to go natural if they desire.

“Things are changing for the better. Celebrities are wearing curly hair,” says Kleinsorge. She believes texture is making a big comeback, and the emergence of more and more products is evidence of that. Kleinsorge has noticed these changes taking place in her own salon, and says, “…even coloring is working towards bringing out natural hair, and even the keratin treatments are now being marketed to not completely straighten the hair.” The desire to maintain natural tresses is indeed apparent from the many keratin treatments on the market that promise not to alter the client’s natural texture. Many women are rejecting keratin treatments if it results in pin-straight, lifeless locks.

Are you…..?

Laid Back

Kleinsorge agrees that natural curls are not for everyone. It’s largely a matter of preference, but if you plan to rock your natural curls, she recommends approaching it with a laid back attitude. Hair is not always going to be perfect; it has as much personality and mood swings as people do. Accepting that some days are going to be worse than others will put you at an advantage in rocking natural curls and help you accept your hair’s texture. A laid-back curly girl is much easier going and doesn’t stress over looking absolutely perfect. With an easygoing nature, she accepts what her hair is. Take this CurlTalk user as an example:

“I wore my hair curly because I knew that was the way my hair was made – the way it was intended to look.”

-CurlTalk User: wavynwild16

Curly Hair

Do what makes you – and your hair – happy.

Accepting

“You have to be able to accept what you have been naturally given and stop trying to change it according to what society says is beautiful. I guess you come to the point where you stop caring about what everyone else thinks and you do what makes you happy or makes you the best you possible.”

–CurlTalk User: pprMACHEheart

What this curly gal says is very important for not just curly girls, but everyone! Happiness should be found within yourself, and not in what others have to say about you—with or without curly hair.

Unique

Don’t forget that hair should always match your personality. It takes individuality for curly girls to embrace their unique hair and wear it proudly. This CurlTalk user’s comment envelops the individuality and personality that come with natural curls:

“When I wear it natural, I feel more comfortable – more me. It’s not perfect, neither am I. It never turns out the same each time I style it, it’s unique and kind of quirky and weird sometimes – just like me.” -CurlTalk User: aislin

Confident

“It takes the right attitude to rock curly hair. If you are constantly criticizing your curls and not confident with them, then why would anyone else find it fabulous? I have always worn my hair curly, and while I certainly have days that I long for it to be different, I walk around and own the style I have.”

-CurlTalk User: CurlyHairedFarmer

Confidence is key, especially with curls. If you have natural curls but don’t think you can pull off the look, it’s probably because you don’t feel confident enough to do so. You should always wear what makes you feel confident.

Adventurous

Kleinsorge agreed that curly girls have an adventurous side. Perhaps it’s because so many girls who wear their natural hair tend to be more open to chance, or maybe it’s because adventurous women stray away from the conventional? In any case, Kleinsorge says that if you want to rock natural hair, you can’t always play it safe. Finding your style is a process that takes time and is a matter of trial and error.

“With hair or fashion, you have to take risks. Sometimes you have to lose some to win some,” says Kleinsorge.

So if you’re thinking about dropping the flat iron and plunging into the world of natural hair, there’s lots of advice for you from the CurlTalk Community. Rocking your wavy, curly, or kinky hair can (and should”> be fun and rewarding with the right products, advice and attitude!

Thanks to Emily Kleinsorge and all the CurlTalk users for their lovely advice!

Blow Drying Your Hair for More Volume
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·
blow drying hair

Need an easy way to increase volume? Follow these tips for bigger hair!

Blow drying the hair can be the easiest way for ladies with thin hair to get desired volume. Sam Villa, founding partner of the Sam Villa brand and Redken education artistic director, shares a hot blow drying tip to create MEGA volume. Here are three simple steps to achieve volume that you can try at home!

1. Begin by blow drying the hair without any product in it. Take the blow dryer nozzle off and blast the hair dry till it’s about 80% dry. It is important to use your hands during this first process. This will cause the cuticle to be slightly rough, which in turn creates volume.

2. Using your hands, apply Redken Aerate 08 Bodifying Cream-Mousse into your hair and smooth it out from front to back, scalp to the ends.

3. Finish your hair by drying with a small round brush, such as the Sam Villa Signature Series Small Round Brush. Using a round brush will create desired volume and movement.

If you’re hair is still not voluminous enough, try Villa’s trick for creating the illusion of volume.

“A simple little trick for making fine hair look even fuller is to tuck hair behind the ear. Essentially, you are taking the hair that’s the least dense and tucking it into a fuller section giving the illusion of thicker hair,” explains Villa.

The New Japzilian Hair Treatment
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·
Japzilian Smoothing Treatment

The new Japzilian smoothing treatment from California comes from the Joseph Martin Salon in Beverly Hills.

In the late 1990s, the Japanese hair straightening technique emerged as a way to permanently straighten hair. This method of straightening is also known as Thermal Reconditioning, and it combines the use of chemicals and heat to re-texturize the hair. Then the Brazilian Keratin Treatment made its way into salons worldwide as a revolutionary treatment utilizing proteins to deep condition hair while also smoothing the texture. Hair straightening techniques continue to evolve today, but perhaps none as innovative as the new Japzilian treatment.

The Japzilian is an ingenious marriage between the Brazilian Keratin Treatment and the Japanese Hair Straightening system. Combining the most advantageous qualities of both treatments, the Japzilian strives to give better results than either treatment could alone. The treatment was concocted in the Joseph Martin Salon in Beverly Hills, where G-San, a stylist and Artistic Color Director for the Joseph Martin Salon, had the idea for the Japzilian. G-San is the salon’s straightening expert, and has been styling hair for more than 14 years. The Japzilian is exclusively offered at the North Rodeo Drive location, where G-San works and has been whipping up the treatment for about eight months.

“Basically it’s a Japanese straight perm that is layered with keratin treatment. It gives fullness, body and shine to any type of hair—curly, fine, or ethnic,” says James Kendall, son of owner Joseph Kendall. Kendall has been styling hair for 25 years, and serves as the artistic director of the salon. Although the exact ingredients cannot be shared, Kendall assures that the treatment is simple. G-San has essentially combined his favorite Japanese straightening perm, Innosys, with his favorite keratin complex, Coppola.

“It’s a very interesting concept,” says Kendall, “He layers them on top of each other. And it only takes three and a half to four hours.” This is considerably shorter than the amount of time it takes to complete a Japanese straightening perm, which is roughly six hours. Although the name is funky and reptilian sounding, the results are anything but. The effects of the Japzilian are smooth, shiny locks that last up to five months longer than a normal Brazilian Keratin Treatment.

Japzilian Smoothing Treatment

“We haven’t heard one negative thing about it,” says Kendall of the Joseph Martin Salon.

“It will smooth the hair out, and it makes the texture of the hair feel better. A lot of people lack keratin in the hair,” says Kendall, who stressed how the quality of hair is improved after the treatment.

But the question of texture arises: How does the Japzilian affect one’s natural texture? With the use of the natural protein keratin, the Japzilian claims to create uniformity in texture and deep condition the hair to reduce frizz. Creating uniformity in the hair texture is a tricky task that G-San carefully executes. First, he examines the hair’s texture in different areas of the head. Depending on which area needs the most work, G-San will decide what area to start with and give it extra attention throughout the procedure. No one spot will be curlier than the other.

But with the promise to soften natural ringlets, it’s easy to be skeptical about what’s actually in the Japzilian treatment. After so many Brazilian Keratin Treatments were exposed for their use of formaldehyde, many stylists and consumers alike are now leery of keratin treatments.

“A lot of people are nervous about formaldehyde,” says James Kendall. “This is why he came up with this concept. He didn’t want to work with formaldehyde, so he combined the two for a completely safe treatment that gives bounce and still keeps the quality of the hair.” Kendall assured me that G-San is very knowledgeable and a trustworthy stylist. “He is so meticulous and he has trained the staff. The concept is amazing. No smells, which makes everyone happy.”

But is the Japzilian for everyone? So far, G-San has received nothing but praise for his creation. “They absolutely love it. We haven’t heard one negative thing about it,” says Kendall. “He’s found a way to manipulate the hair so that it works for everyone.” The results are spectacular, and for some the Japzilian is a relief. The natural keratin proteins and the elements of the Japanese straightening perm work to produce smooth hair that is ready for all occasions.

“Anyone that wants to just wake up and go should really look into the Japzilian,” says Kendall, whose wife invested in the treatment. Kendall’s wife, who is the mother of three children, doesn’t exactly have much time in the morning for styling her hair, so the Japzilian was the perfect solution. “My wife has one and she gets up, ruffles her hair and it looks like it’s just been done.”

So far, the Japzilian is only offered in Beverly Hills, but it’s an interesting concept that will likely be adopted by stylists across the nation.

“It’s a new time in the hair business. We’re so advanced now,” says Kendall, who urges women to take care of their hair, and insists that the Japzilian provides both the look and feel of healthy hair. “It’s a way to look well taken care of,” and Kendall cannot stress enough how important hair is to our lives. “Hair tells a story about the woman.”

To schedule an appointment for a Japzilian, simply call 310-274-0100.

10 Shortcuts to Styling Curly Hair
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·
shortcuts for curly hair

Running late? Pull your hair into an updo!

Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of the every day, it’s easy for us ladies to feel like we are neglecting our hair. Here are 10 quick tips on styling curly hair when you’re rushing out the door.

1. Pull It Up

If you’re in an extra hurry, sometimes pulling the hair into a ponytail or updo is the best option. A cute chignon is a great way to look fashionable and chic when you are crunched for time. Secure it with chopsticks or a flirty hair clip, let some of your curls hang loose, and you’ve got a fun hairstyle in a matter of minutes.

Another great option is to invest in hair pieces that you can attach to your ponytail. Hair pieces are easy because they require no styling whatsoever, and they can cover the curls that you didn’t have time to style.

2. Let It Go!

Perhaps the ponytail doesn’t suit you, or you prefer your hair to be loose and flowing. In that case, try pulling your hair up into a bun on your way to work and then release it once you arrive at your destination. Many times we wake up in the morning with bed hair that simply needs a quick run through with the fingers in order to set it in place. Pulling the hair up in a bun will help literally pull it together so that your hair will be manageable and ready to go once you release it.

3. Style Your Hair At Night

Mornings are sometimes the most hectic. Kids are screaming for breakfast and the alarm clock is buzzing incessantly, but the hair still cries for attention. Try styling your hair at night to make mornings less frenzied. Perhaps your hair is too disheveled in the morning even after styling? In that case, try misting your hair with water when you first wake up. This will reactivate the product that you put in your hair last night. Your curls will wake up and be ready to go.

4. Nocturnal Twisting

A great way to shape your hair is to do a twist out or braid it. Braids and twist outs maximize the amount of curl or wave in your hair and are relatively easy to do. What’s the catch? Twist outs and braids take time to properly shape the hair. However, the amount of time you spend sleeping is just the amount of time you need for a braid or twist out. While you sleep, your hair will be shaping itself for a brand new day. In the morning, simply pull the bands out of your hair and watch your gorgeous curls unravel. Mornings are now effortless.

5. Sleep on a Satin Scarf

If you decide to style your hair at night, you might be faced with bed hair in the morning. Cotton pillow cases are generally rough on the hair, causing frizz and breakage. The solution is to wrap your hair in a satin scarf or sleep on a satin pillowcase. Sleeping on satin will make your hair much more manageable in the morning and decrease the time you spend on it. With a satin scarf or pillowcase, you can style the hair at night and wake up with less frizz.

shortcuts for curly hair

Styling just a portion of your locks can be a big timesaver on busy mornings.

6. Style the Top of Your Hair

When you’re in an extra hurry, a great shortcut to styling hair is to only style the top. The top layer of your hair gets the most attention, so giving it your attention in the morning is crucial. When you’re in a hurry, forget dividing your hair into four or more layers. Instead, focus on the top. If you use a curling iron, diffuser, or if you simply apply product, style the top and forget the rest. It will save you loads of time in the morning and you can move on to the rest of your day.

7. Use One Product

Lengthy hair regimens take time. If you’re short on time in the morning, you probably can’t afford a hair regimen that consists of three to four hair products. One shortcut to consider is cutting your regimen down to one trusty hair product. Using only one product on your hair (pomade, mousse, gel or lotion”> will save you time in the morning. Applying one product to the hair takes at most ten minutes, and it will decrease the amount of product buildup in your hair.

8. Make a Curly Cocktail at Night

Does your curly hair have multiple needs? The best and easiest way to address all of them is to make a curly cocktail. Sometimes one product just won’t do the job, so cutting your regimen down to one product isn’t always the solution. To decrease the amount of time you spend on your hair in the morning (while still striving for quality results”>, make a curly cocktail at night so that in the morning all you need to do is apply it and go. Mix a conditioner with a styling agent to reduce frizz, or gel and pomade for extra hold.

9. Pack Your Styling Agent

When you’re short on time, sometimes the best solution is to simply pack your hair product for later usage. If styling your curly hair requires multiple steps, you can reduce the time it takes to style it by packing away your styling agent. I will use my hair regimen as an example: I wash my hair, apply leave in, mousse, and then finish it off with serum. I can save a good amount of time in the morning by packing my serum and applying it later, for example during a bathroom break. It seems simple, but it can make a world of difference during the morning rush.

10. Raise the Volume

Blow drying the hair can take a lot of time in the morning. If you strive for volume that can only be achieved with a hair dryer, a trick to reduce the amount of time you spend in the morning is to dry your hair upside down. The bottom layer of your hair takes the most time to dry, so why not target it? Bend over and let your hair hang loose, then aim the hair dryer at the bottom of your hair, working the heat through it with your fingers. In a matter of minutes your hair will be voluminous, dry and ready for the day.

I Tried AG’s Curl Trigger and Got Waves and Ringlets!
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·

I was on a search for hair products that would enhance my natural wave, and a co-worker recommended AG’s Curl Trigger—a hair spray that pledges to pump waves and curls into even the most thin waves. I decided to give it a try. After all, I know AG is one of the most trusted brands around the office.

I am a college student with virtually no time on my hands; I work two jobs and have class every day. I literally tried Curl Trigger on a whim. It had been sitting in my cabinet for a week or so until one morning when I was running late for class. I couldn’t walk out the door with my hair sopping wet and no product—birds might mistake my head of frizz for a nest and chase me through campus. Just as I was about to grab my trusty knit cap to cover my head, I remembered the Curl Trigger and decided to try it. I would carry my knit cap in my backpack… just in case.

Curl Trigger waves

AG’s Curl Trigger gave me some wave!

Curl trigger waves

Check out the back!

By the end of the day, I noticed my hair had dried quite nicely; my waves were voluminous and I had a couple of ringlets here and there. I was really impressed that a light spray could have such an impact on my hair, giving my naturally lifeless hair a nice smooth wave. I didn’t need my knit cap!

The instructions on Curl Trigger’s bottle recommend diffusing your hair with the spray. Having just bought a diffuser for my hair dryer, I was curious about how the two might work together. The results were light and bouncy waves with extra twists.

Here are step-by-step instructions of how I did it:

1. After showering, lightly spray a leave-in conditioner into your hair to combat natural frizz.

2. Part your hair into sections. My hair is thin, so I only part it into two sections.

3. Aim the Curl Trigger bottle at a downward angle, and spray two to three times, depending on the thickness of your hair.

4. Aim the Curl Trigger bottle at an upward angle to spray the ends of your hair.

5. Be sure to scrunch the spray into your hair to maximize the desired wave/curl.

6. To use the diffuser, set your hair dryer on a medium low setting.

7. Scoop up your hair into the diffuser and twist.

8. Do this until your hair is about 80-90% dry.

9. Rub in your favorite serum in order to seal in the moisture and prevent frizz.

10. To reactivate your curls on the second day, simply mist your hair with water or lightly spray it with more Curl Trigger!

Check out my video now!

10 Healthy Hair Tips for Perfect Curls
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·
loose curls

Want to be a girl with perfect curls? Follow our tips for hair success!

Perfect curls are not obtained by chance. It takes preparation, special care and healthy hair habits. Follow these 10 healthy hair tips and you too can have perfect curls.

1. Eat healthy

A girl with perfect curls is definitely conscious of what she eats. What you put into your body not only affects your body’s appearance, but your hair’s as well. It’s a simple habit, but one difficult to take on. Curly girls seldom grab fast food, and instead cook with salmon, carrots, walnuts, eggs, beans and green leafy vegetables. All these foods are rich in vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids, which improve hair strength, shine, and overall health.

2. Find a good product and stick with it

The perfect curly girl knows what product works best on her hair, season by season. Furthermore, she makes it a priority to always have her product in stock. Curls are like people: they are full of personality, and it takes time to know them. Take time to find your favorite products and then commit to them. If you stick to one product, you are more likely to perfect its application and get perfect curls. (Tip: Girls with perfect curls usually stick to natural hair products.”>

3. Let conditioner sit in

When using your daily conditioner, don’t be in a rush to rinse it out. Girls with perfect girls have a habit of leaving conditioner in their hair for more than three minutes; this time will allow the conditioner to penetrate the outer hair strand, leaving your hair softer. Some curly girls leave their daily conditioner in for even longer!

4. Take vitamins

Curls need vitamins just as much as the body does. In fact, hair benefits from just about every vitamin in the book. Some vitamins are easier to get than others, such as vitamin C and D. These vitamins are largely fortified in foods, and are found in many vegetables and fruits. However, we largely overlook the intake of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. All of these vitamins are especially vital to healthy hair, and aid in maintaining a moisturized scalp. If you find it difficult incorporating all of these vitamins into your diet, try taking a daily vitamin supplement.

5. Don’t forget to deep condition

A perfect curly girl never goes a week without deep conditioning. Ask any girl with perfect curls and she will tell you that deep conditioning is a fundamental ritual. It’s that time of the week when your hair is thirsty and needs some extra conditioning. Daily conditioners are important, but deep conditioners penetrate your hair’s many layers and give your roots the moisture they crave. Girls with perfect curls will probably insist that one of the most important healthy hair tips is deep conditioning to avoid dry, frizzy hair.

kinky curls

Make it a habit to always have a small bottle of hair product on hand for touch-ups.

6. Blot your hair dry

The way your hair dries has a direct impact on how frizzy your hair will be. Girls with perfect curls make it a habit to gently blot the hair dry with a towel, if they dry it at all. Some curly girls prefer to let their hair air dry completely without the aid of a towel. Both methods involve limited touch by a rough towel. Roughly shuffling your hair around in a towel can result in frizzy hair. Girls with perfect curls avoid this.

7. Cut your hair regularly

Perfect curly girls make regular visits to the salon to have their hair trimmed and properly kept up. The length of time that one can go without having the hair trimmed is dependent on the hair length. Most stylists will suggest that you come in for another haircut after six to eight weeks. Girls with perfect curls usually make another appointment before they even leave the salon. This way they can ensure their hair will be trimmed on time.

8. Always have hair products on hand

Sound obsessive? For perfect curls it isn’t! Girls with perfect curls make it a habit to carry a small travel-size bottle of their product with them at all times. It’s a small form of hair insurance. You never know when a bottle of serum can come in handy, especially during humid weather. The fact is, our hair changes throughout the day, and having product on hand will help ensure that the style is maintained.

9. Hands off

As hard as it may be, girls with perfect curls rarely touch their hair throughout the day. Pulling the hair and twisting it is damaging to the cuticle, not to mention destructive to the curl shape. Also, your fingers will do one of two things: they will steal your hair’s oils or they will add more oil, making your hair greasy. Girls with perfect girls are more safe than sorry. They don’t touch their curls unless they’re styling them.

10. Take the time

Perfect curls do not sprout overnight. Ask any girl with perfect curls and she will tell you that she has a regimen that takes time. Whether you take time before bed or wake up extra early is up to you. Your curls deserve time for maintenance, styling, and loving.

Can you be a girl with perfect curls? Follow these healthy hair tips and find out for yourself.

Bored with Your Curly Hair?
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·

If you’re the type of person who falls into routine, it’s easy to get bored with your hairstyle. Day after day, you style your hair the exact same way because it’s familiar and easy, but you look in the mirror and secretly wish for something different. Countless women become bored and feel frustrated when it comes to change, but don’t worry! Here are some simple tips to spice up your hair and easily change things up.

Special shout-out to the NaturallyCurly.com community members who provided these photos!

Ideas for Curly Hair

How to Save Money on Hair Care Products
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·
Save your dollars

Save that hard-earned money!

Perhaps you’re running low on cash this month, and you feel the need to cut back on your hair care products. Before running to the nearest dollar store for a hair gel with questionable origins, stop and consider all these tips for saving money on hair products. You don’t have to sacrifice on the quality of hair products because of a tight budget.

Tip #1. Buy in Liters

If you have a favorite product that you consistently use, buy it in bulk. What seems like an expensive purchase at the moment will actually save you money in the future. Be sure to buy products you know, love and trust. You wouldn’t buy a gallon of a mysterious deep conditioner just because you want to try it.

Tip #2. Look for BOGO Deals

Buy-one-get-one deals are unabashedly awesome. You are essentially getting a product for 50% off. If you see these deals on products you do not need at the moment, look ahead! You might need them in the near future.

Tip #3. Don’t be afraid to give out your e-mail

And get more spam, are you kidding me? Actually, giving your email address to your most trusted hair care companies can be advantageous for you. Signing up for newsletters will not only increase your awareness of new products but also of great deals! Many companies send out weekly coupons that you can use to save big. Coupons can be a girl’s best friend.

Check the grocery store

Time for the grocery store?

Tip #4. Participate in Product Swap Boards

Swap boards are great places to buy high-quality products for a reasonable price. Basically you can buy and trade hair products with consumers like yourself. If you have a perfectly good hair product that you don’t use, try selling it on a swap board. Simply post a thread giving the details of your product and wait to see who responds. If you’re looking for a good deal, CurlTalk is a great place to start.

Tip #5. Spend Selectively

If you have an elaborate hair regimen that involves deep conditioner, daily leave-in, the works, a great tip would be to cut back on one particular product. If you can’t live without your $50 deep conditioner, try switching over to an inexpensive shampoo and conditioner.

Tip #6. Look in Unlikely Places

The grocery store might be the last place you look for hair products, but if you’re trying to save money, it should be your first. Big department stores such as Target, Walmart, and other various multipurpose stores usually have the best prices for products. Grocery stores usually have big brand names at discounted prices, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality for a good price.

Tip #7 Save Unwanted Hair Products

Recycling hair products within your own household is a great way to stretch your dollar. Perhaps you have pomade that you are not satisfied with. Don’t forget that hair behaves differently during different seasons! Your hair might react wonderfully to that same pomade in the summer. Save that pomade and use it later. While some do, many hair products don’t expire, so check for expiration dates and, if possible, store away hair products until you are ready to use them again.

Talk to your stylist

Your stylist may be able to help you find a discount

Tip #8 Don’t Overdo It

Many of us are guilty of lathering our hair with too much shampoo. Perhaps we love the feeling of running our fingers through fluffy suds, or maybe we think that the more suds we have, the cleaner our hair. In reality, too much shampoo dries the hair and damages it. Not to mention this habit is downright wasteful. The same goes for conditioner. Many of us use a palm full of conditioner for our hair because we can’t resist that soft, slippery feeling of our wet locks. In truth, depending on how much hair you have, a dime-size amount of conditioner can have the same effect. A little goes a long way. By reducing the amount of shampoo and conditioner you use in your hair, you not only improve its condition, but you save product and save money.

Tip #9 Talk to Your Stylist

Next time you go to the salon, ask about their hair products. Many salons offer discounted hair products to their customers—all you have to do is ask. These products are likely to be of high quality and in large amounts if they’re used in the salon, which means you get more for your money. If your salon doesn’t offer discounted hair products, ask your stylist about good, inexpensive hair products that you can invest in.

Tip #10 Experiment with Cocktails

Many curly-haired women find that one product is never enough to do the job. A cocktail of hair products is often the solution. If you’re doing inventory and find that you have several products that don’t work, try mixing some together to see the results! Again, you don’t have to throw away a hair product if it doesn’t work. Extra measures can be taken to save your products and essentially save you money. Get creative, and play with different hair products before throwing them out.

Leela James, Janelle Monae and Other Inspirational Curly Celebrities
By Susonnah Gonzalez ·

Do you ever pass someone on the street who has a bold hairstyle and you suddenly wish you could be as daring to try it? Or perhaps you merely turn on your T.V. and notice a celebrity who rocks your hair type and you feel inspired to perfect your regimen? From wavy to curly to kinky hair, there’s bound to be a muse out there for you that will inspire your next hairstyle. Who’s your muse?

Marion Cotillard

Want to go short but keep your waves? Marion Cotillard might be the perfect model for your next trip to the salon.

Solange Knowles

She took a big step in going for a big chop. Still, Solange Knowles rocks her natural curls with this awesome and unique pixie.


Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is graceful, glamorous, and curly. Who wouldn’t want to be all three?

Rihanna

Rihanna’s hair underwent a bold color change, but is combined with a soft, natural looking curl.


Leela James

Look no further for your curl muse. Leela James’s hair is enough to inspire anyone to be bold and naturally beautiful.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker set a great example of how short curls can be fun, flirty, and sexy. A great style for women with type 3 hair.


Evangeline Lilly

Evangeline Lilly’s loose tresses seem simple enough to imitate. They’re simple but gorgeous.

Janelle Monae

If you have a desire to be unique, just look at Janelle Monae. She’s unique, edgy, and admirable.