Search Results: Tasha Swearingen
About three months ago, I offered to help my best friend do something fun with her hair. As she pulled her super-thick waves out from their daily bun, she brushed her dry waves. Yes, BRUSH them! As she did this, she told me one reason she hated her hair so much: it poofs every time she brushes it.
I think the shock on my face must have been obvious because she started giggling with a tinge of embarrassment. Of course, I wasn’t shocked that her waves poof when she brushes them. I was shocked that she was somehow amazed and distraught at this fact. I probably sputtered out something like, “Well, of course it poofs — you’re brushing it! Dry, no less!”
“Well…you must get through your hair!” she replied.
“Not like that, you don’t! You detangle it,…but you should’ve done that when you finished washing it and maybe with some conditioner still on it.”
“No one’s ever told me that before. I’ve just always hated my hair.”
“You mean…no one’s ever told you not to brush through your waves or anything about detangling it, deep conditioning it, and so on?”
“Nope.”
“Oh, honey….”
Some of you are amazed she’d gone all this time without knowing how to deal with her waves, while others can totally relate to her responses. Did you know that curls and coils aren’t the only hair types you need to handle with care? No matter your hair type, you need to be careful with it! So, what’s a wavy gal to do?
1. Cleansing
Whether you’re doing without shampoo or using one regularly, you need to cleanse your waves regularly. Use a lightweight, gentle shampoo that is strong enough to get rid of any product build-up, but that won’t weigh down or stretch your waves.
Have a look through The Best Products for Wavy Hair and choose one that gets great reviews from fellow wavies!
2. Drying
Image Source: @crownaffairhq
As with any type of curly hair, wavy hair is prone to frizz and damage when wet. To take some of the water off your hair, use a microfiber towel or hair glove rather than a terrycloth towel, which can be rough on your hair.
Another option is to upcycle your old t-shirts and use them to dry your waves!
3. Brush vs. Comb
Not all brush types are disastrous for wavy hair, but you do have to be careful. Avoid paddle brushes and any with stiff bristles. Vented brushes are usually fine for waves, as long as you’re gentle and only use them when your hair is wet.
Alternatively, you can avoid brushes altogether and stick with a wide-toothed comb. These will work nicely when your hair is damp, but you may even be able to get away with delicately using it on dry hair as well without causing it to poof.
Image Source: @sabrinawithlove
In my experience, this depends on how wavy the hair is. I’ve seen and combed wavy hair ranging from barely-there waves (2a) to a curly (2c) with wide-toothed combs on dry hair. Combing through seemed to have the least impact on the 2a and 2b hair types that weren’t overly thick, while the thick 2c, borderline 3a wavy hair I’ve dealt with didn’t handle it too well.
If you’re hearing these tips for the first time, please take them to heart and put them into practice. Your wavy hair will stop being a source of frustration and become a source of wavy, curvy hair pride!
Have you been able to share some valuable textured hair care knowledge with a friend? How have you benefited from a friend sharing their knowledge with you?
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We’ve all had an itch that takes a while to go away, and our scalps are no different. After noticing your fingers constantly making their way to your head, your mother, an aunt, or grandmother may have commented, “Oh, that means your hair is growing!”
Well, it’s true that your hair was growing, but an itchy scalp is not a sign of hair growth. Itchiness can actually signify that your scalp is not at its healthiest, which can negatively impact hair growth. Whether it lasts days or weeks, the cause of an itchy scalp can usually be tracked down. You have to put on your detective hat to figure it out.
Causes of an itchy scalp
A common cause of itchy scalp is seborrheic dermatitis, aka, dandruff, says Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, professor of dermatology at Oregon Health and Science University.
“Often, people complain that their scalp is dry when in reality, it is actually inflamed,” Schwarzenberger says.
Other culprits for itchy scalp include psoriasis, allergy to hair dyes or products, fungal infections, and even head lice.
“Scalp itch can also be a cause of an underlying condition, including diabetes mellitus, liver and kidney disease, as well as some types of cancer,” Schwarzenberger adds.
The first line of defense
If you don’t already have a skin condition diagnosed by a dermatologist or trichologist, trying different hair products and natural remedies is a good starting point.
One of the most effective initial treatments for an itchy scalp is a thorough shampoo scrub to remove loose and scaly skin, says Dr. Josh Axe, D.N.M., C.N.S., D.C, founder of Ancient Nutrition. After trying that, a popular natural remedy to try is tea tree oil.
“What’s great about tea tree oil is that it provides antioxidant benefits and is antimicrobial, which means it has the ability to fight bacteria, viruses, and fungus,” Axe says.
As with all essential oils, make sure to dilute the tea tree oil by either adding it to your shampoo or mixing it with carrier oil.
Here are five more natural ways to combat itchiness and dandruff.
When the itch doesn’t go away
If experimenting with different products and natural remedies doesn’t solve the issue, you can try an over-the-counter medicated shampoo.
“There are many good products available, with active ingredients that include selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, and ketoconazole,” Schwarzenberger says. “Tar shampoos may treat seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis, but some dislike the smell. But people with white hair should avoid using tar shampoos, as it can cause hair to yellow.”
It may be allergies
If you’ve found that allergy is the problem, particularly if there is an associated rash around the neck and or face, Schwarzenberger says to try fragrance-free or “low allergen” hair products. Topical steroids are also an option but require a prescription.
“You should see your dermatologist if your scalp does not improve with the use of medication shampoo or if it is associated with hair loss or skin lesions in the scalp or surrounding skin,” Schwarzenberger says.
Interested in more ideas for alleviating an itchy scalp? Check out this list of detergents that might cause a dry, itchy scalp.
If you’ve been hanging out at NaturallyCurly for any amount of time, you know that we love our natural curls and have no intention of doing away with them! For some of our curly readers, amazing curls with no frizz is still a dream they’ve not yet realized. They can admire our curls, but they can’t seem to get past the frizz themselves.
For those of you still stuck on the frizz boat, the skip curl method may be just what you need!
What Is the Skip Curl Method?
The skip curl method is a technique of handling curly, wavy and coily hair while it is still wet that allows you to control your hair, define your curls and prevent frizz. The technique works best with type 3 curlies, but type 4s can also use it to control particularly coarse sections of their hair. Additionally, type 2s may find that the technique gives their waves some added spiral action.
Jonathan Torch of Curly Hair Solutions and the inventor of this method, says that the best way to overcome frizz is to prepare the hair before letting it dry naturally. Torch says that the key is to remove any tangles and loose hairs prior to letting the hair dry; otherwise, those tangles stay trapped in your hair and result in frizz when the hair dries.
How to Do the Skip Curl Method
The skip curl method takes time and a little bit of practice, but the results last for at least a couple of days, depending on your hair type. Torch suggests using Curly Hair Solutions’ Curl Keeper, his own low-pH product that provides slip for your curls while detangling your wet hair. This product gets rave reviews by our very own curly reviewers, and consistently holds a 4 out of 5 star rating across the board for all hair types.
Curl Keeper Alternatives
- Jessicurl Rockin’ Ringlets
- Ouidad Climate Control Gel
- Tigi Catwalk Curlesque Curls Rock Amplifier
- Curl Junkie Curls in a Bottle
Step 1. Apply Styler
Apply Curl Keeper (or a maximum hold gel”> to wet hair and then finger comb it through your hair to remove all tangles. Choose a small section of the hair to begin, comb it through one last time to be sure it’s 100 percent tangle-free.
Step 2. Twist Around Your Finger
Begin twisting the hair around your finger from root to end. It’s important to twist in the direction that your curls naturally twist; otherwise, you’ll be working “against the grain,” which can result in frizz and defeat the purpose.
Step 3. Skip Rope
Gently slide your finger out of the twist, hold on to the end, and literally “skip” the hair around a little, sort of like you’re swinging a jump rope. Then, just drop the curl and start on another section. Once you’ve done this to a few sections, you can scrunch those sections together to intensify the curl.
Toss your hair upside down when you’re finished, shake and sit back upright. This will help add some volume to your hair. You can then just let your hair air dry – no dryer or diffuser necessary!
You can watch curl expert and the inventor of this technique, Jonathan Torch, practice this technique himself in this video – it’s an oldie but a goodie.
So you’ve applied this product that’s supposed to help control your curls and tame your frizzies. You read the label and followed the directions explicitly – or so you thought.
Either way, the results weren’t quite what you were expecting. Could this be a bad product for your hair type? Or could the solution be as simple as making sure your hair was wet enough or wasn’t too wet for the product to work?
The Dilemma
Almost all of us have experienced this at one point or another. On our quest to get the perfect curls without midday frump or frizz, we apply a product on our hair that promises to keep our curls in check. The bottle said apply to wet hair, but did that mean soaking wet or towel-dried/damp hair?
Type 2s tend to have thinner hair that holds in moisture a lot longer than our coily type 4 counterparts. So the question then becomes, at what point can we apply these products that are meant for a wet application? Should we do it as soon as we get out of the shower, or after our hair has had a chance to dry some?
The Solution
If you’re adding a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to your hair, scrunching it into soaking wet hair and then patting any excess drips with a microfiber towel can actually have amazing results!
However, wavechaser, one of our CurlTalk users, recently shared the results of her experiment, which was to see if the amount of water in her hair made a difference. In her own words, “Who knew scrunching into damp hair would help so much!” For type 2 wavies, applying product to damp hair can be much more beneficial than applying product to completely wet hair.
Overall, it depends on how porous and coarse your hair is. The more porous it is, the drier your hair can be when your apply product. The less porous it is, the better products will work when applied to wet hair. The opposite is true for how coarse your hair is. If your curls are very coarse, apply products to wet hair. If your hair is fine, apply products to damp hair.
And, always remember wavies, DO YOU!
Kinky coils tend to break or split when you run a brush through them. You know you need to get through the tangles, but it can be a challenge when almost any brush results in puffball frizz.
In fact, if you’re a kinky, you’re probably in the habit of finger-combing your hair and avoiding the brush altogether. Thanks to Denman brushes, however, you can rest your fingers and pick up a brush again, confident that this brush was made with your hair in mind!
What’s So Great About Them?
Some of our CurlTalk users say that with most brushes, they end up with a poofy mess. For this reason, they’ve sworn off brushes completely. If they do have one that they can trust, it can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to get through their coils.
With a Denman brush, however, CurlTalkers brag that styling time has gone down to as little as 20 minutes for type 4 hair, and that the brushes leave hair with clearly defined curls, a shiny luster – partly due to the brush’s distributing abilities – and no tangles! The bottom line is that these brushes are amazing for type 4s, and we’re not just reading that on the package label; we’re hearing it from coily ladies who have bought and used one!
Additionally, type 4s tend to experience a lot of shedding. Denman brushes are excellent at getting all of that shedding OUT of your hair.
https://diana-cdn.naturallycurly.com/general/2PLhv2MASFYv1527017693.jpgVarieties
If you’re thinking about buying a Denman, you might be overwhelmed when you see the varieties available in your local beauty supply store. We’ve done the homework for you on the styling brushes and can explain the different types and why you’d choose one over another.
The Classic Styling Brush
The Classic Styling brushes like the popular D3 are the most commonly used brushes for styling. Bristles are nylon and are set in a “pin” style, which means they have some space between them. The bristles sit on a half-rubber shaped pad, which is great for smoothing the hair. This style comes in small, medium, large, and heavyweight.
The Freeflow Volumizing Brush
The Freeflow Volumizing brush is very similar to the classic brushes, only they are skinnier and much lighter. Also, the nylon pins are more spread out than in the Classic brushes.
The Freeflow Vent Brush
The Freeflow Vent brushes are similar to the Volumizing brushes, except they do not contain rubber padding. Instead, the area underneath the pins is hollow, allowing heat to flow through if you need a quick dry or are diffusing.
The rest of the Denman brushes include the Thermoceramic, Bristle Radial, and the Squargonimic brushes. For specific styling, they also have the Headhugger Hot Curl, Grooming, and Curling brushes, as well as large paddle brushes. However, these brushes probably won’t work well for type 4s as they are likely to cause frizz in coily hair.
Cost
As with anything, you have to pay for quality. The Deman styling brushes are a bit more expensive than generic brushes, ranging in price from about $13 to $19. However, CurlTalkers swear that the investment is well worth it. In addition to being amazing for kinks, these brushes reportedly last a long time.
Have you used a Denman brush? How did it work for your hair?
This article was originally published in 2013, the photos and links have since been updated.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which gives us the opportunity to celebrate some of the bravest women in our lives. Oftentimes when someone goes through a tough time, all we want to do is help them and ease the pain. With cancer, this is particularly difficult because the right words are so hard to find. So let us do for you what we do best with some advice on one of the beautiful and complicated effects of battling cancer: chemo curls.
It’s common for those undergoing cancer treatments to experience chemo hair loss throughout the course of their treatment. Near the end or after finishing treatment, patients usually start re-growing their hair, oftentimes in a completely new texture. Some straighties even start to grow back curly hair due to the damage done to their hair shaft from the chemo. Finishing chemo is a joyous time for both patients and their family members. Don’t let a new hair texture get you down! Instead, stay flexible and adjust your hair care routine to accommodate your re-growth.
What Are “Chemo Curls”?
When women start growing in a mass of curls following chemo, they start referring to their new hair as “chemo curls.” Chemo curls can be new and exciting if you’ve always wanted curly hair. They can also be a big pain if you’ve never had curls, never wanted curls, and are fighting the urge to press your hair between the plates of a flat iron.
So what causes you to start growing curly hair following chemo?
When chemotherapy enters the body, its intention is to attack the cancer cells. However, it also attacks the cells responsible for hair growth. Since chemo damages the hair shaft, most chemo patients lose hair quickly. Due to the amount of chemo that remains in the body when one finishes treatment, it takes a while for hair to grow back. When it does grow back, it’s usually quite different from the hair you once had because of the damage that’s done to the cells that determine hair texture. Many patients do find that hair eventually returns to its pre-chemo state or close to it. So if you’re dealing with a completely different hair texture, know that it’s possible that they may not permanent.
How to care for chemo curls
If you’re a new curly, we have some tips for you! Even though your curls may only be temporary, they can be very enjoyable if you know how to care for them properly.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
One thing you may not realize after a life with straight hair is the need to keep your curly locks thoroughly moisturized. This involves practices such as deep conditioning, using leave-in conditioners and occasional oil treatments or hair masks.
If you’re new to the task of shopping for curly products, this list of our favorites, as chosen by the NaturallyCurly editors, is a great place to start.
Avoid brushes
Straight hair, after being windblown, can usually tolerate a quick brush-through. Curly hair, on the other hand, despises brushing! Once your hair has been washed, apply a leave-in and a styler, then air-dry and leave it alone. Many curlies opt to use a gel following leave-in conditioner. Choose a lightweight gel that will give you the control you need throughout the day, but won’t weigh it down. Here are a few of our favorite gels for curly hair.
Detangle
This is something you’ll probably carry over from caring for your straight hair. However, detangling is very important in curly hair. Failing to do so can lead to immediate frizz (that culminates in a huge rat’s nest”> and breakage that will ultimately damage your hair’s newfound curl pattern. Many curlies detangle in the shower with a wide tooth comb when their hair is fully saturated with conditioner, this provides your hair with enough “slip” to comb or run your fingers through your hair without snagging on knots.
Curly Support
Congratulations on your new curly locks! To get started on caring properly for your gorgeous hair, start off with determining your curl type. NaturallyCurly is overflowing with type-specific content that will help you navigate this new time of your life. If you have specific questions for the NaturallyCurly community, head on over to CurlTalk, where you now have the largest haircare community at your fingertips. Enjoy!
We want to hear from you! What are some ways you’ve learned to cope with curls that didn’t turn up until after chemotherapy?
Want More?
If you’re ready for more curly hair tips, head on over to the Beginner’s Guide to Wearing Your Hair Curly.
Read about curly hair icon Ouidad’s fight against breast cancer.
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This post was originally published in 2012 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
Mustard seed oil has a rich, tangy taste that is used by chefs to boost many dishes — especially Indian-inspired dishes. This invigorating oil not only accents foods, but you can also use mustard oil for hair growth.
Mustard oil & hair growth
The method of massaging the scalp with mustard oil dates back as far as 4,000 years ago with the practice of Indian scalp massages. Massaging the scalp can help firm the skin and strengthen muscles in the head. This practice started in ancient India as a method for keeping long hair healthy. In the 1970s, this practice became well-known in the UK and has since spread to other parts of the world.
Read more: How to Give a Scalp Massage
What’s in it?
Mustard seed oil is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and beta carotene. Beta carotene converts to vitamin A, which is excellent in stimulating hair growth. The oil also has a lot of fatty acides, iron, calcium, and some magnesium. Thus, it conditions and helps encourage hair growth in all hair types.
2 ways to use it
You can find mustard oil in Indian grocery stores or on Amazon. Once you have it, it is very easy to incorporate into your regimen.
DIY deep treatment
On dry hair, massage mustard oil into your hair and scalp, then cover it with a shower cap. You’ll want to leave this on for around three hours, so make sure you have plenty of time at home. After three hours, shampoo the mixture out, then condition as usual. Some CurlyNikki forum users leave it on overnight, then shampoo and do a deep condition (leaving it on for an hour”> the following day.
Mustard oil pre-poo
If you don’t have that kind of time, you can also just leave it on for about 10 minutes, using a blow dryer to generate heat and help the hair absorb the oils, then shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Do this at least once a week, but as much as three to four times a week if you’re suffering from hair loss issues.
Yes, it does smell like mustard, but for both of these treatments using shampoo and conditioning afterward will get rid of any odor.
Have you used mustard oil for hair growth, and does it work?
If your hair is growing dryer as the weather turns cooler, then it is time to boost your moisture with a deep conditioning treatment. If you cannot get enough of all things pumpkin spice right now, then you will be happy to know that pumpkin has amazing benefits for your hair too!
Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A, C and potassium. Vitamin A is an antioxidant and is excellent for the scalp. Vitamin C helps for overall hair health and growth. In addition, potassium can promote re-growth of hair.
“Pumpkin hair masks are good for all hair types,” says Mo from Modern Rosies and creator of Madd Science Cosmetics. “But they are especially helpful for dry or damaged hair.” Mo also suggests adding about 1/8 cup of apple cider vinegar if you’re concerned about over-moisturizing your hair.
These measurements will vary depending on your hair length and density, if you have very long hair or very dense hair you may want to increase these amounts. Just be sure to stick to the same general ratios.
What you’ll need:
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree – or raw pumpkin, if you prefer
- 2 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil – it is one of the few oils that truly soaks into your hair
- 2 tablespoons honey – it is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts water or moisture to your hair
There is little to no significant difference between using raw pumpkin and canned pumpkin for this. If you prefer to use raw pumpkin (or have a spare that you want to put to good use”>, follow these steps to prepare your pumpkin:
- Cut a medium-sized pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds. Chop the pumpkin into smaller chunks and place the chunks in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Spray the pumpkin chunks with cooking oil, cover, and heat on high for approximately 15 minutes.
- Measure 1/4 cup of your freshly cooked pumpkin and use it in the recipe in place of canned pumpkin.
Directions
- Mix all three of the ingredients together in a bowl until fully incorporated
- Apply the mixture throughout your detangled, cleansed hair
- Cover with a shower cap, and let the mixture sit on your hair for 15 minutes
- Rinse with cool water and style as usual
Watch the Video
Quick Tips
- A few drops of peppermint oil will create a sensational fragrance for your hair as well as a soothing feel on your scalp.
- If you have any allergies to pumpkin or other squash foods, do a test run on a small section of your hair before applying the homemade hair mask to your entire head.
- Vegans may substitute agave nectar or vegetable glycerin for the honey
To see more of our videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel The Twist!
We curlies put a lot of time and effort into achieving that perfect balance between looking good and keeping our hair healthy. Over time, however, products can cause unhealthy, growth-stunting build-up. In addition, you have undoubtedly experienced breakage at some point–a common problem for those with naturally dry hair. If you have trepidation about adding something else to your hair while trying to remove product build-up or prevent breakage, consider making your own hair rinse. This way you will know exactly what’s in it.
Why Rinse?
The fact is, rinsing your hair with more than just water can have many benefits! For one thing, rinsing your hair with a light, acidic product, such as apple cider vinegar, can help balance your hair’s pH after washing to remove product build-up. Additionally, it will cut down on the amount of shedding you’ll experience. This is especially true during the drier winter or summer months. There are varieties of hair rinse recipes. Start researching which natural ingredients will combat your specific hair problems, and go from there.
Tea Rinse
Try a tea rinse–it is both simple and economical. It’s great for itchy, inflamed scalps and can help maintain hair color, too. Some people use tea rinses for alopecia and other hair related complications from chronic illness. Simply make tea as usual and then let it cool down before pouring over your hair. After the rinse, put on a shower cap and then wrap your head with a towel for at least an hour. Try one of these easy DIY tea recipes:
Beer Rinse
Yes, beer! Surprisingly, rinsing your hair with a flat beer about once a month can give your hair some added body, bring out your hair’s natural shine, and enhance elasticity in your curls. Hops contain oils that pair well to combat weak, damaged curly hair. Watch this DIY beer rinse and see just how easy it is to do one at home.
Coffee Rinse
Coffee beans provide extra shine to darker hues (specifically brunette, redheads, and black hair”> and also promotes hair growth by stimulating the scalp. Read this simple DIY “latte” rinse with coffee for healthier, stronger curls that bounce. For this rinse, focus on coating your roots, massage it in, let sit, and then rinse out and follow up with your favorite co-wash and moisturizer.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
To soften your curls and blast product build-up from your scalp, rinse your hair with a ACV and distilled water mix. After doing your usual shampoo and conditioning regimen, pour the ACV into your hair and let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much your scalp needs to be clarified. Rinse with cool water and scrub well to get the vinegar scent out.
Vodka Rinse
If you have frizzy hair, vodka will be your new best friend. It has a low pH level and is naturally acidic. When added to conditioner vodka can help maintain and lower a high pH level found in the hair. Try it for yourself with this DIY recipe. It also works for certain skin issues and can prevent hair loss, too.
Have you tried other recipes for homemade hair rinses?
This article was originally published in July 2012 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
Managing your curly hair can be a challenging task in and of itself, what with its individual curl pattern, porosity, width and so on. Add to that formula your face shape and you have a unique set of factors to cater your haircut to.
Round faces present themselves as full on all edges. Cheeks and jaw lines tend to look “puffy” with the wrong hair style. The good news is that even curly girls can achieve a look that is perfect with a round face. You just have to make sure you choose curly hair styles suitable for your unique shape.Short Curly Hair Styles
Some will argue that short curly hair styles are not the best choice for round-shaped faces. Depending on where the hairline ends, short curly hair styles can actually accentuate your round shape and add width to your face—something you are not likely to want to do.
However, if you don’t have the patience to grow your hair long, you can still make your hair style work. Choose a style that keeps the ends of your hair above your jaw line, creating an illusion of a longer face. Keep the emphasis on moving your hair upward, instead of outward (such as an inverted bob”>. In this picture of Halle Berry, the volume is at the top of her hair, specifically near the crown, which adds length to her round face.
Medium Curly Hair Styles
If you have a medium length of hair, there are a couple of curly hair styles that can accentuate the natural beauty of your face without drawing attention to its curved shape. Go for volume—off the scalp and outward somewhat—if you prefer wearing tighter curls. With a little bit of mousse or gel to scrunch your hair after you have combed it out, this hair style is ready-to-go straight out of the shower.
For a softer look, opt for larger curls and let them lay gently on your shoulders. You won’t need as much volume as you would for tighter curls since the larger curls add some length by themselves.
Alternatively, you can create the look of longer hair by wearing your hair in a side-swept ponytail. The off-balance look will definitely work in your favor and give you some of the advantages of longer curly hair.
Long Curly Hair Styles
Long hair gives you the largest choice of curly hair styles for round faces. In addition, long locks will help your round shaped face with what it always does best: keep you looking youthful. Keep the forehead free of bangs (aside from perhaps a few wisps”>, and use a definitive part when styling your hair. Your long locks will instantly add length to your face since the vertical shape of your hair competes with the width from your face—and the hair will dominate every time.
With length on your side, you can even get away with wearing your hair pulled back and down for a more formal look. Another option that works for both formal and casual looks is to add some subtle layers. The layers will help to highlight your naturally curly and beautiful hair, while wearing it down and in front of your shoulders will create the look of a more narrow face.
This article was originally published in July 2011 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
When you buy new furniture, applying Scotch Guard will keep spills and liquid from soaking into it. Having low porosity hair is equivalent to having Scotch Guard on your hair, as low porosity doesn’t absorb moisture the way high porosity hair does.
This makes it difficult to apply products like deep conditioner to low porosity hair. These simple methods will help your hair accept the products and treatments it needs to stay moisturized.
MORE: The 411 on Hair Porosity
Deep Condition Low Porosity Hair
Hot Oils
Porosity is one element of your hair type, and the products that work for your hair will vary based on your texture as well as the porosity (fine, thick, coarse, etc.”>. For instance, some curlies with medium-textured, low porosity hair find that they need to stay away from deep conditioning treatments that are heavy on the protein. On the other hand, curlies with fine low porosity hair report doing well with hot oil treatments.
Hot oil treatments tend to be loaded with protein and make a great choice for deep conditioning fine hair that is low in porosity. Some good oils for low porosity hair include:
- grapeseed oil
- jojoba oil
- argan oil
Bring on the Heat!
Yes, really! Most of what you’ll read here on NaturallyCurly.com will tell you to stay away from the heat as it can damage your hair. That’s true for flat irons and curling irons, but it’s not the same for the times when you need to deep condition. Heat causes the cuticles of your hair to open up, which allows your deep conditioner to penetrate the cuticles of your hair.
If you have a dryer you can set at low to medium and sit under, you’re at an advantage. Simply apply your deep conditioner, cover your head with a shower cap, and then sit under the dryer for about 25 minutes. You can also cover it with a shower cap and have your curlfriend hold the dryer for you. If your bestie has low porosity hair as well, take turns holding the dryer for each other. If you don’t have a dryer to sit under, don’t despair! All you need to do is apply your deep conditioner, cover it with a shower cap, and then wrap it with a towel to use your body heat.MORE: How to Dry Low and High Porosity Hair
Head Into the Kitchen
If you’ve been at NaturallyCurly.com for more than 10 minutes, you’ve probably figured out by now that we’re big fans of getting double use out of what we have in the kitchen! Deep conditioning low porosity hair is no exception.
If your hair responds well to protein, whip two eggs with 3 tablespoons of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of honey, and a few pumps of your favorite conditioner. Feel free to add essential oils for a nice fragrance. Apply a generous amount to your wet hair, let it set for about 20-30 minutes, then shampoo out the mixture.
If you don’t have all of these ingredients on hand (or simply don’t feel up to “cooking” for your hair”>, try adding some honey and coconut oil to whatever good conditioner you already have. Cover with a heating cap or shower cap wrapped in a towel (remember, you need heat!”> and leave it on for about 30 minutes before shampooing.
Get Herbal
Herbs and spices aren’t just for cooking! Many ayurvedic hair treatments rely on herbs and powders such as henna, amla, and indigo. Some low porosity girls find that while their hair won’t hold onto conditioners, it will happily accept powders and herbs!
Water it Down
The next time you buy conditioner, make sure it has “water” as the first or second ingredient. Low porosity curlies often find that water-based products, such as Oyin Handmade’s Juice & Berries, work best for deep conditioning (as a bonus benefit, it smells amazing too”>.
If your favorite conditioner doesn’t contain water as the top two ingredients but you love it overall, just dilute it by adding some water to it. Pour excess into a separate container if you need to make room for the water.
By adding the excess to a small container, you can even make a travel bottle of deep conditioner for yourself!
MORE: The 411 on Hair Porosity
According to our market research, the average curly spends over $30 per month on hair products – just imagine what Product Junkies must spend! With all of the money being spent, it is a valid concern to wonder whether these products are working on our hair. Do they make a difference? And how can you measure the effects?
Is Your Product Working
Set Your Goal
Before you can determine whether or not a product is working, you will first need to figure out what you would like to achieve with it. Is your hair in desperate need of protein? Are you hoping to boost your growth? Do you want to decrease breakage? Determining what you need your new products to do is the first step in figuring out if they’re working for you.
Choosing Wisely
Once you’ve decided on a goal, choose your products wisely. This will save you money, time and frustration. If what your products you’re using are effective, then you will feel less compelled to buy every product you come across. Visit the CurlTalk forums, where it is highly likely that someone else has already researched products for the same reason you are.
One of the most useful features on CurlMart is the reviews! We’ve read numerous times from readers that these reviews have helped prevent wasted money. The reviewers include their hairtype along with their review, so find the ones with the same type as you and see what they’re saying!
Measuring Growth
After you’ve chosen your products and have given them a try, it is time to see if they’re helping you reach your goals. If you were hoping to improve your hair growth, measure the length of your hair with a tape measure or by marking a piece of string before you start using your product, to give you a baseline for measurements. Then, measure your growth again every few weeks.
You can also use a hair growth chart to do this. After two to three months, if you are unsatisfied with your progress, it might be time to move onto something else.
MORE: The Curly Mistake You’re Probably Making: Give Products Time
Measure Your Protein
In order to measure whether your hair is getting enough protein, give yourself a strand test. Gently pull on a strand of hair. If it bounces back nicely, your protein levels are likely sufficient. If it breaks off easily, then your hair is lacking protein.
If increasing protein is your goal, conduct this test before and after using a new product regularly.
Trial One New Product
Been online shopping? Did a big box of new products just arrive? It can be tempting to revamp your entire routine at once, but if you truly want to measure the effectiveness of one product, this is not the way. Keep the rest of your regimen consistent and simply compare and contrast your hair with the addition of one new product.Were you shedding a lot of hair before trying your new product? How’s the hair loss going several weeks later? If you were aiming to add some life and bounce to your barely-there curls, how does your hair look several weeks later?
Second Opinion
Sometimes, we don’t see things that others see–or we do see things we want to see that others just aren’t seeing (dreaming, perhaps!”>. Try asking those you see on a daily basis what their opinion is. Even better, ask people you only see every few months if they can tell a difference. You can also take photographs of your hair pre-product and post-product.
” src=”https://www.beautycon.com/curlreading/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/curly-woman-holding-clock-1.jpg”>Don’t Forget
Regardless of how you decide to measure a product’s effectiveness, remember that products take time to produce a noticeable difference. In addition, keep in mind that sometimes it takes a combination of products or regimens to get your desired results. If you’re serious about testing your products, remember to set realistic goals, make smart purchases, and measure your results.
You may think that you can only do a braid out on freshly washed hair, but that’s not true! You can actually do it on hair that you haven’t washed in days. So if you’ve been waiting until your next wash to do a braid out, wait no longer — get things together and get ready to do a braid out today!
What to do
Things you’ll need
- Curl Cream
- Water in a spray bottle (since you’ve not washed your hair in days”>
- Misting Spray
- Section your hair into about six sections. Divide it in half, then divide each half into a top, middle and bottom section. Plan to make medium-size braids and section your hair accordingly.
- Lightly spritz one section with water.
- Apply a small amount of curl cream then braid that section.
- Repeat for each section, then wrap your hair in a silk wrap or head cap (or whatever you usually wrap it in when doing braid outs and twist outs”>.
- After a day (or even two”>, remove the cap and begin unbraiding your hair.
- Spritz your hair with the misting spray, gently maneuvering your hands throughout the hair for good coverage.
- Massage your scalp while at the same time lifting your hair at the roots.
If needed, you can also lift your hair with a pick or wide-toothed comb. Wear your hair as is or style as desired (clips, headbands, pins, etc.”>. For more tips and to see how JamieeStarr101 does her braid outs on six day old hair, check out this video!
MORE: Braid Out Hairstyle Gallery
Braid Out on 6 Day Old Hair
Last week, I took my girls for a haircut with my stylist. They were excited as it was the first time I let someone other than myself cut their hair! As I sat in a chair behind my stylist, talking with her and my girls together, one of my daughters was immensely fascinated with my hair. So fascinated, in fact, that she kept trying to touch my hair. Oddly enough, my girls took turns at playing in my hair! As they did this, I kept chastising them with “Please don’t touch my hair! You’re going to make it frizz!”
Avoiding the frizzies is one good reason you shouldn’t touch your hair too much, but it’s not the only reason. Did you know you could damage your hair by touching it too much? Having your hands in your hair too much can lead to a bad habit known as hands-in-hair-syndrome (HIHS”>.
Frizz Control
Probably one of the worst effects of toying with your curls is that you actually ruin their look. When my daughters had their hands in my hair, I hadn’t done anything much to it that morning besides wash it and coat it with my favorite leave-in conditioner. So it was pretty much “naked” in the sense that it wasn’t protected. As it was, it was beginning to frizz a little, but we weren’t going anywhere else so I didn’t really mind. However, the fact that it had no gel in it or anything meant it was especially susceptible to frizzing. If you don’t typically use any styling products and you have a hard time keeping your hands out of your hair, you’re practically asking for frizzies!
In addition to keeping their own hands at bay, many curlies find themselves dodging the hands of others. While it’s extremely rude for people to put their hands in your hair without even asking, some people do it anyway before you can stop them. Others have at least a twinge of decency and will ask before touching, but when you say “No,” they may act offended. Oh well, they’ll just have to be offended if that’s how they choose to feel. Of course, you’re under no obligation to explain to people why you don’t want them touching your hair.
More Harm Than Help
With your hands in your hair, it’s tempting to being playing with and twisting your curls. This may seem like a harmless habit, but it’s not! In fact, you can cause your curls to break off, with damage worse than split ends. Do you ever have your hands in your hair, twist it, and notice that you pull your hands away with a few strands wrapped around it? If so, you’ve already experienced this kind of breakage.
How to Treat HIHS
If you find yourself always touching twirling and running your hand through your curls whenever they’re free, there are a few things you can do to help keep your hands from destroying your curls.
A lot of times, the danger is when you are sitting at home watching television or reading or any other activity that doesn’t require two hands. You may find yourself absentmindedly twirling and tugging on your curls. One way to avoid this is to whip your curls into a loose braid or bun so that it’s out of the way. You can do a hairstyle like this if you struggle with putting your hands in your hair during the day, or you can just put it up when you get home. If you pineapple your hair at night you can go ahead and do so right when you come home to avoid touching your hair before bed.
Don’t be afraid to go as far as picking up a new hobby to protect your precious curls. If you are interested in DIY and crafty things, you could take up knitting or crocheting that you can work on while you need something to keep your hands busy. The result will be great homemade gifts and happy undisturbed curls!
Set aside limited time to play with your hair, try new hairstyles and bond with your texture. Seriously! Especially if you have just recently embraced your texture, your curls are something new to you, and when you put your hands in it, you’re getting to know it. When you’re deliberate about knowing your curls, you may still want to touch them a lot because you just like the way they feel, but they won’t be so new to you. Then, when some of their “newness” is gone, you may be less likely to touch your curls so often.
Whenever you do touch your curls, however, be very gently with them. Remember that you could be damaging them if you’re not careful.
Do you have a hard time keeping your hands out of your hair? Are you a reformed hands-in-hair curly? Tell us how you overcame the habit and help your fellow curlies in the process!
Among all of your curly friends, you’re definitely the hair aficionado. You know all about curly hair, from distinguishing between different hair types to using the lingo such as no-poo, co-wash, ACV and twist-out correctly. You follow the best curly-haired blogs, and you have made a name for yourself on Facebook groups devoted to those with curly hair. Bottom line: curly hair is more than just what sits on top of your head. For you, it’s truly a passion, and you love educating and helping others with curly hair. If this describes you, try making some money from all of your knowledge!
One thing we curlies are always looking for (unless we’ve found one already”> is a stylist who really KNOWS curly hair. We’re not very interested in stylists who THINK they can handle what we bring but who would turn us into a triangle head. That said, we curlies would LOVE to have more in-the-know curly hair stylists available!
A good stylist does more than just cut and shape hair, though. This means that in addition to knowing how to work curly hair, you need to be able to know — based on a woman’s personality, shape of her face, the clothing she wears, etc. — whether or not a particular style will suit her.
Unfortunately, because so many stylists simply aren’t familiar with working with curly hair, curlies (especially coilies”> have to teach themselves how to care for their hair. With all that you’ve done to research how to best care for your hair, you’d be a great asset in the world of hairstyling! But how do you become a curly hair stylist yourself?
Where Do I Start?
You probably have a string of questions about how to become a stylist. A good starting place to go for the answers is the Beauty School FAQ at Beauty School Advisor. There are detailed answers to common questions you might have about Beauty School.
After getting some of your burning questions answered, you should start to research cosmetology schools in your area. To find out what schools are in your area, you can do a quick search on Beauty School Advisor. From there, you will have a good place to start in further researching each school. You can use this resource to look at what some schools have to offer and what kind of training you can get there. Does the school pride itself in offering courses on how to be a nail tech or esthetician as well as a stylist? That could be a plus if you are interesting in taking on multiple specializations. Make sure that the school offers what you want to specialize in and that it is accredited.
How Long Does it Take?
Most beauty-school programs last the length of a regular school year: nine months to a year. While this may seem like a long time if you were expecting to receive a license in a few months, keep in mind that a lot of the time spent in school will be hands-on. You won’t just sit and read from or be lectured from a textbook all that time! This is meant to prepare you to become a licensed stylist. Beauty School Advisor has a list of each state’s licensing information so that you can find out what the requirements are in your state.
What Does it Cost?
You may be concerned about how you will pay for school. The good news is that you may be able to get federal student aid if your school accepts it. You can find a list of helpful links about financial aid on that handy BeautySchool FAQ page under “How do people pay for it?” If you’re hoping to be able use Pell Grants or Stafford Loans (both very common for higher education”>, you’ll need to fill out a FAFSA and include your school’s code on the form.
What’s Next?
Once you’ve completed training and have a license, you may need to enroll in some extra courses that offer specific training. You can do another search on Beauty School Advisor to find schools for specific specializations, such as facialist schools, esthetician schools, electrolysis and even just general continuing education schools. Keep in mind that even after you become licensed, you should to continue to build on your knowledge to give yourself a competitive edge. Attend as many hair shows, workshops and hair events as you can. Doing so will give you guidance, keep you updated on the latest products, help you learn new techniques and provide the opportunity to network which can produce some amazing job leads!
How Much Can I Make?
Typically, a stylist makes around $26,000 annually. Salaries for stylists can be greater or less than that average amount depending on several factors, including location, whether you work for yourself of for a corporation and the types or variety of services you can provide (this is where those extra classes can help”>. Invest in every learning opportunity to hone your craft and you will be able to make your passion into something you get to work with everyday and get paid for it!
Do you want to turn your passion for curly hair into something more?
Hair butters (particularly, shea butter”> are like a godsend to a coily girl! Not only do they add moisture to dry hair, they’ll also moisturize and protect your scalp. Call it a two-for-one deal, but several coily girls have shared that they don’t know what they’d do without their hair butter! As with many products for our hair, there are pros as well as cons to using mass-produced hair butters. Did you know that you could make your own homemade hair butter and control not only what goes into it but also the quantity of each ingredient? Why not try making your own hair butter?
Butter…for Hair?
Probably the most well known ingredient in most hair butters is shea butter. What is shea butter? It’s a fat that comes from the shea tree and that is great for moisturizing. For that reason, you’ll find it in many cosmetics and hair-care products, as well as body lotions and hand creams. Additionally, it can soothe wounds and help cover unsightly scars. Oddly enough, it’s also edible and is an ingredient in some African foods and sometimes chocolate!
Thankfully, making hair butter is nowhere near as time-consuming and strenuous as making real butter! When purchasing hair butter isn’t an option (or preferred”>, try making your own with this recipe.
Basic Shea Hair Butter Recipe
For this recipe, you’ll need a double boiler as well as a rubber spatula to scrape the shea butter and coconut oil out well. Use about one cup of each and pour them into a double boiler, then let them melt slightly. Once they’ve melted some (but not completely”>, let the mixture solidify and then pour the mixture into a mixing bowl. At this point, you can add in any essential oils you might like for scent, such as peppermint, lavender or tea tree. If you do add any essential oils, use just a few drops of each. This is optional, though some curlies have found benefits from specific oils. Blend the mixture together until it’s very smooth (some curlies prefer to actually whip it”>, then use a spatula to transfer your hair butter into a mason jar with a lid.
This recipe is what we like to call a “basic” recipe. That’s because some curlies prefer to use olive oil instead of coconut oil, whereas others like adding in some cornstarch to thicken the mixture some. Still others like adding in about a teaspoon of jojoba oil. Whatever the case, you really have a lot of freedom to add whatever great oils you’ve found work well with your hair to this basic recipe.
Do have a recipe for a moisturizing hair butter that your curls love?
Hair serums and pomades are great for conditioning your curls and giving them an extra boost of strength. They can also keep the frizz at bay, make your curls easier to comb through and add some great shine! The best products, though, can cost you a pretty penny. Here are some great homemade pomade recipes you can make yourself to save some pennies!
The Bees Knees
This homemade pomade from Organic Authority uses beeswax and jojoba oil as its base. You’ll need a mason jar, which you’ll place in a double boiler by adding water around the jar until it reaches the middle of the jar. Gently drop in a 1/2 lb of chopped beeswax. Turn up the heat until the water boils, then remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 tbsp jojoba oil. Add in 1 tbsp arrowroot powder, and then stir in a few drops of peppermint oil. Let the mixture cool and then pour it into whatever container you will use to store your pomade.
Tropical Triple Ingredient Balm
Beeswax is a common base for hair balms. Nearly any balm you find will use this as a main ingredient. This recipe is super easy and only requires three ingredients: beeswax, coconut oil and olive oil. Just melt all of the ingredients together over low heat, then remove from heat and pour into a mason jar. Once the mixture solidifies, it’s ready for use!
Milky Massage
If you need a super quick balm, go to the fridge and grab some milk! Yes, milk! For this recipe, all you need to do is wash your hair as usual, then massage and rinse it with milk. You’ll want to let it sit on your hair for about 20 minutes (good time to shave!”>, then rinse with warm water. As a result, you’ll have softer, shinier hair!
Want More?
Final Thoughts
Pomades and serums are excellent for hair, but the cost to keep up can be brutal, especially on college students and young adults. Do you know of a way to make a store-bought serum last longer or work better by adding in your own ingredients?
Have you tried your own serum or pomade recipe that you’d like to share? Tell us about it!
If you’ve been natural for any amount of time, you’ve probably already realized the need for something to strengthen and condition your hair. You may have tried various hot oil treatments and other conditioning regimens before shampooing your hair. Depending on your hair type, these can actually cause more damage than simply doing without. However, you can make your own pre-poo recipes and get exactly what you need for your hair!
EVOO My!
Since those tiny packets of hot oil treatments only provide so much oil and force you to come back buying more, consider making your own. In addition to using better oil, your homemade version can be much more cost effective! For this treatment, you can use either some EVOO (extra virgin olive oil”> or coconut oil, which will liquefy when warmed. To warm the oil, you can either microwave it (but watch closely to be sure it doesn’t boil”> or heat it up in a double boiler. Then begin massaging the oil into your scalp, working your way down so that all of your hair receives the treatment. You can use wide-toothed comb to distribute the oil if your hair tends to break off when finger combing like mine does!
Next, cover your hair with a shower cap and wrap. You can also wrap this with a towel to keep it extra warm. You can periodically comb through your hair while it’s under wraps, but this isn’t necessary. After about an hour, remove the towel (if you used one”> and the cap, then shampoo and condition as usual. You should notice a remarkable difference in the softness of your hair!
Co-Washing Pre-Poo
If you’re a fan of co-washing, you’re gonna love this pre-poo treatment from Curly Bronzed! She’s combined conditioning ingredients with pre-poo methods for an all-in-one mixture you can use for co-washing. Boil1/2 cup purified water and then stir in 1 tbsp organic flax seeds. After it simmers for about a half hour, let it cool. In a double boiler, combine 3 tbsps melted shea butter, 1 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tbsp aloe vera gel, 1 tbsp castor oil and 2 tbsp glycerin. Melt 1/2 tbsp raw honey (still in the double boiler”>. At this point, you’ll combine the two mixtures you’ve created, let the mixture cool and you’ll be good to go!
The neat thing about Curly Bronzed’s method is that, while it does take a little longer to put together than some other more simple pre-poo treatments, it works as both a pre-poo treatment and a conditioner — which is perfect for you no-poo curlies!
Want More?
Final Thoughts
Pre-poo treatments are great for softening your hair before you shampoo it. What has your experience been with using conventional hot oil treatments and other pre-poo concoctions?
Have you ever tried making your own pre-poo recipes? If so, how did it turn out and more importantly, would you do it again? Do you have any tips to add to the recipes we found? If so, tell us about it!
