Search Results: Tasha Swearingen
Sexy men are good eye candy and sexy, curly men are just plain hot! While male celebrities may not have to go through quite as much work as to keep our curls looking good as we do, we appreciate them just the same. Whatever it is they do or have done to their hair, it definitely pays off, and we get to reap the visual benefits!
Adrian Grenier
You may remember him from “The Devil Wears Prada” or more recently from the new “90210.” Wherever you can remember him from, we are SO JEALOUS of his perfect type 3 curls! You just know they’d be gorgeous if he let them grow out even more. What’s more, I bet he spends hardly time at all getting those curls to look like that. Ah, the life of a man.
Joe Nichols
Recently nominated at the CMC 2012 Music Awards in Australia as the “International Artist of the Year,” Joe Nichols is just plain sexy, and we’re quite sure he knows it! He has insanely perfect type 2 waves that are sure to make you wavies envious.
Lenny Kravitz
Don’t think we weren’t going to include some sexy kinkies! Lenny Kravitz has had various hairstyles over the years, and these days he’s sporting it a little shorter. Still, we totally love when he grows it out a little, especially in those dreads! He is hot, his voice is sultry and his hair is perfection. I bet I could give him some homemade product advice, show him how to apply it and become best curl friends. Or get married. Whichever.
Gabriel Aubry
Another type 2 hot one, Gabriel Aubry’s half-smirk, half-serious smile makes us melt! His smoking good looks and those soft curls framing his face in such a way that he seems deep thought makes it hard to look away. On the other hand, maybe it’s just that we can’t think of anything but dreamy deep thoughts when we stare into his eyes. Either way, I’d kill to run my hands through those curls, if he’d let me, of course!
Redfoo
Known for rocking the beat with his nephew Sky Blu, together forming the duo “LMFAO,” Redfoo definitely knows how to work the ‘fro! Looking past the, well, kind of over-the-top tacky outfits and colossal glasses he is always sporting, I’m completely falling for his ‘fro!
Brody Jenner
Brody’s sexy celebrity curls just make us swoon! We can’t tell if it’s those beautiful brown eyes of his or that pouty mouth he has when he smiles that captures us, but his curls are totally in control. I love how he can keep his hair short and still have curl definition. Toss that cropped curly ‘do advice over here, Brody!
Adrian Grenier
Joe Nichols
Lenny Kravitz
Gabriel Aubry
Redfoo
Brody Jenner
Sex appeal isn’t just about what your body looks like, it’s also about your personality and how you carry yourself. To help boost your confidence, you should take care of what you have, whether that’s stick-straight hair or kinky coils! Your man will find your self-assurance highly attractive! Try out some of these hot and sexy curly hairstyles before your steamy night!
Curly Updos
Natural curls are sexy! There’s no doubt about it. So you might be wondering why we’d suggest hiding all of those curls in an updo. Just keepin’ it real. If you wanna be sexy and comfortable, choose a hairstyle that’ll let you focus more on what’s going on in the room and less on messing up your hair.
If you want, you can go for a sophisticated, polished bun. While your hair is damp, use a wide toothed comb to get through it, then start combing your hair back while tipping your head back. Grab your hair right into the center of your head, then wind it around itself in a bun.
If you are going for the sexy schoolteacher look, secure it tight with bobby pins and spray any loose ends with a light hairspray. However, if you want something that’ll let you shake it out while you’re being sexy later, avoid the hairspray and don’t make a super tight bun.
Check out some more ideas for curly updos.
Ponytails
If you’re thinking ponytails are for “innocent” looks, think again! Try putting your hair into two low-ponytails and adding a sexy, dominating outfit and see what happens! If you want a little more bounce to your hair than a bun will give, but still want the convenience of having it kept back, try a sexy ponytail! You can wear ponytails low and near the neck for a more “serious” look, or way up high (think “cheerleader””> for a fun, sassy look!
You can also go for a more relaxed look by gathering your hair into a ponytail, and then, before you make that last sweep of your hair through the ponytail holder, release the band to hold the hair in place. This gives you the convenience of having your hair up in a bun while still looking relaxed and comfortable!
Check out some more ideas for simple and sexy ponytails.
Free Flowing
For some of you, putting your hair up is anything but sexy. Some girls don’t feel like they’re themselves unless they can just shake it all out (or attempt to hide behind their hair”>. In addition, many men want to actually SEE their girl’s hair, maybe even run their fingers through it (type 3 curlies are now squealing at the thought of insta-frizz!”>.Whatever the reason, you can feel confident wearing your hair down. Heck, you can even stand in front of the mirror and practice your “sexy poses” until you find one you like.
Tip: If you keep your head close to the end of the bed, you don’t have to worry about rolling around on your loose hair; just pull your hair out from under you and let it hang over the side of the bed!
Want More?
What do men want from your hair? Find out which six hairstyles men find super sexy!
Final Thoughts
So come on, curlies, who’s doing what? Which of our sexy curly hairstyles do you think will look best on you, and why?
Curly hair “down there” is so annoying! It’s often coarse and thick even if the hair on top of your head isn’t. A curly batch of hair down there isn’t the most attractive feature on your body, and not something you want to be worrying about on Valentine’s Day! So what can you do about it and how can you get rid of it before that special day?
Shaving
Shaving is probably the quickest and easiest way to get rid of pubic hair, but it doesn’t last for long. If you opt to shave your hair, you’ll probably want to do it the morning of Valentine’s Day (the later, the better”> to keep the area down there smooth for your romantic evening. Make sure you use a hypoallergenic soap (baby shampoos and other “tear free” formulas are good for this”> so you don’t give yourself an insane rash or cause severe itching! Original Sprout’s Children’s Natural Shampoo is a good no-tear and sulfate-free option, and it’s extremely gentle — plus, our reviewers give it a 5-star rating!
The most convenient way to shave hair down there is to sit on the side of a bathtub. You can probably shave the top and some of it in the shower, but in order to see all of it, you’ll practically need to be a contortionist! Dampen the hair with some water, and then add a touch of a gentle shampoo – enough to work up a decent lather – and go to town! With a razor, you can decide how much hair you want to leave, or get rid of it all.
If it’s been awhile, it may take awhile to get all of it. A quick way to get the bulk of the hair would be to use an electric shaver with a spring-release, pop-up trimmer on the backside. If your man doesn’t mind sharing, his electric shaver probably has this feature! The hair you shave will rinse right out when you’re done. Some men more than just “don’t mind;” they want to assist with all of your shaving needs! If this describes your man, have fun with it and enjoy the bonding time! Just go over the area with the pop-up trimmer to get rid of the majority of the hair, and then go back over it with a razor and gentle shampoo for precision.
Waxing
Yep, you can do the same stuff you might have done to your eyebrows on pubic hair. However, we’re obliged to warn you: this isn’t for the weak or for those with a low pain tolerance. It also isn’t as private as shaving at home, since you’ll need to go to a salon to have it done (unless you’re comfortable waxing yourself”>.
With waxing (also known as “bikini waxing””>, you can choose from a variety of styles. The differences lie in just how much hair you have removed. A “regular bikini wax” will trim just the hair outside of a bikini, and a “full bikini wax” removes the same hair but goes in a little further than a regular goes. “French bikini waxes” remove all of the hair from the front and sides, whereas a “Brazilian bikini wax” takes off hair on the front, sides and around to your bottom (you can opt to have a “happy trail” or “landing strip” left in place”>. Finally, a “Hollywood bikini wax” gets ALL of it gone; you’ll have no pubic hair left whatsoever.
Want More?
Naturally rid yourself of your UNWANTED naturally curlies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hesitant about getting rid of the hair down there, you can also work at just softening it so you’re not ashamed! Just as the hair on your head gets hard and dry, the same goes for the hair down there. Each time you shower or bathe, use a mild shampoo and follow with a gentle conditioner to keep that hair soft. You can also use a hydrating lotion (apply it so that the hair goes downward”> after each shower.
After you’ve made your special dinner reservations and have picked out a nice gift for your cutie, you might be thinking about how you’ll present yourself at the end of the evening. Pick out your curly hairstyle now and let that be one last thing to worry about on that special day!
Type 3 Curls
Long & Loose
You may be self-conscious about things “hanging down” in the bedroom, but your hair shouldn’t be one of the things that worries you! Long, loose curlies are just plain sexy. Many men love seeing their girl with her hair down, and perfect type 3 curls are a great option for this!
Upswept
If you’d like something sexy yet practical – without having to worry about your hair getting caught or snagged on something – try a sexy curly updo. You can even accent it with some cute hair accessories like clips or wraps.
Gather your hair together at the back of your head like you’re going to put it in a ponytail. Wind it around itself, and then secure it in a bun with the ends touching the top of your head. Pull at some of the strands, to spread it out and add some bounce, and then accessorize the part of your hair that isn’t in the bun. Tiny butterfly clips are cute, though they may be a little uncomfortable if you’re planning to lie down. Alternatively, you may find that flat metal clips are more comfortable. You can even add some bling and sparkle to them for a cute accent! The owner of the Glitterize Blog suggests adding tiny red or clear rhinestones for Valentine’s Day, which adds an adorable touch!
Type 4 Kinks
Let it Flow
To give yourself some larger, more developed curls for wearing your hair down, try doing a twist out! Keep the curls you get immediately when you take the twists out. To do a twist out, apply a curling cream, such as Blended Cutie’s Down & Out Styles cream, to dampened hair. Separate your hair into two-inch sections and then divide each section into two strands, which you’ll simply twist around each other. Secure at the ends and let your hair air dry (a hooded dryer or a blow dryer set to low heat works as well”>.
To get some more ideas, check out the twist out pictures some of our readers sent to us!
Pull it Back
If your type 4 hair is on the longer side, you might prefer to wear a hairstyle that’s pulled away from your face. If that’s the case, try pulling it back in a simple ponytail! A ponytail really makes your face stand out, so be confident and put on a big grin – make your man want to come into the room!
You’re finally hitting puberty and are becoming a woman! Welcome to a world of bodily changes that’ll be different from anything you’ve had up until now. In addition to the changes you might have been expecting, there’s one more thing that could change that you might have never expected: your hair!
That’s right, the hair you were born with and have had for the past decade or more will often start to change around the pre-pubescent stages of life.
Straighties often become wavies and some curlies turn to kinkies! Don’t worry though, this is a GREAT thing! We promise.
What Changes Can I Expect?
Do you remember when you had super fine hair when you were younger? It may have even been stringy, yet soft most of the time. In many cases, there were actually signs this might happen when you were an infant and toddler — not that you’d remember that far back! If your hair had a little curl at the ends when you were a toddler, you probably kept those “baby curls” as you got older (unless you sported an above-the-shoulder ‘do all these years”>.
Once you hit puberty (around ages 10-12″>, it’s very possible that your straight/mostly straight hair will go wavy, which will require a new hair care routine. Some of the straighties-turned-wavies I know have had to adapt to NOT brushing their hair after it dries; otherwise, it gets poofy. First rule of curly hair care — put that brush DOWN!
My own daughters always had straight hair that curled at the ends until they turned about 10. Suddenly, we started noticing some major waves when they got out of the shower. It took some getting used to, but now they really like their curls. They especially like putting their hair in bantu knots!
Others I know, including myself, were former wavies and turned into kinkies. As a child, I didn’t have to put much effort into caring for my hair; as long as I kept moisture in it, it was manageable. Somewhere around puberty, though, my waves turned into an afro. While as a child I had some soft curls and waves at the hairline, that quickly turned into a big puffball of bangs as I hit the teen years. I experimented with tons of different hair care products (from the infamous Pink Lotion to “S-Curl” for Jherri curls. Um, yeah. I have nothing more to say about that other than, “Remember, it was the 90s.””>. Pretty much the only thing I could think to do with my puffball bangs was to go sky-high with hairspray. Again, let me remind you of the decade (the 90s”>!
Why Does this Happen?
Consider it a gift! Okay, maybe “gift” isn’t exactly the term you’d use, especially if you’re still trying to figure out what to do with your new texture. DolphinCurls, a user on our CurlTalk forums, said that she didn’t like it at first, but once she learned how to handle her curls, she came to love them!
“My hair was straight until I hit puberty and then it went crazy. It started off wavy and then got curlier. I have waves and ringlets, especially underneath. I hated my new waves and curls at first, which was ironic since I grew up wanting curls and waves. But I discovered this site (CurlTalk“> and learned how to work with my waves and curls and now I love my hair!”
Physiologically speaking, a few specific hormones have been identified as having an effect on the way your hair changes. These are thyroxine, triiodothyronine, androgen, and insulin. Hormones are responsible for all of the changes in your body during puberty (and later in life”>, including changes in hair texture.
Will it Happen Again?!
Well, the answer to that is, “It depends!”
Do you plan to have babies? Pregnancy (and the breastfeeding that follows”> can absolutely change your hair texture. Again, it’s hormones! The good news is, your hair tends to grow faster during pregnancy, so if you struggle with hair growth, this could change once you get pregnant!
In addition to pregnancy, menopause (which happens much later in life, usually when you’re in your late 40s to early 50s”> brings on some hormonal changes that very well may change your hair – again! Welcome to womanhood!
Want More?
Join the CurlTalk convo: Did your hair go curly at puberty?
Final Thoughts
If you’re finding that your hair texture is changing during puberty, try to stay positive about it! Don’t dwell on what you used to have. Instead, learn to care for your new curls and you may end up loving it!
Looks like the saying, “Watch what you wish for,” is true here; if you wish for straight or curly hair as a kid, you just might get that once you hit adolescence!
Constantly putting your hands in your hair, also know as “hand in hair syndrome,” is something with which many naturals are familiar. Hair twirling, pulling, and twisting may all seem like normal things, but did you know those things could actually make your hair fall out if you do them too much? Resist the urge to twirl your hair now and prevent frizz or even bald spots later on.
Why Your Hands are in Your Hair
Hand in hair syndrome (HIHS”> seems to be a big problem among naturals. V.key2010, a regular poster on the CurlyNikki forums, says she has her hands in her hair so much, she doesn’t notice it anymore.
“Even when I have twists, or even a twist-out, I’ll play with my hair throughout the day.” she says. “Sometimes I don’t even notice!”
Other CurlyNikki users have shared that having their hands in their hair has caused breakage as well as oily spots on keyboards and papers.
Still, the question remains: why would someone want to keep her hands in her hair all day? Not surprisingly, many of the worst offenders are those who have done a big chop. For some, it’s as if they need to be sure that at least some hair is still there after chopping most of it off (this applies to those who big chop and have about two inches of hair left”>. They may also feel the need to monitor hair growth and make sure its coming in at a decent speed. Others are just so fascinated with the growth and new curls, they can’t resist the urge to run their fingers through them!
Hand in hair syndrome is also a problem among women who are transitioning to natural hair. Transitioning is often a long process lasting anywhere from several months to several years. During that time, naturals want to feel how their hair is changing with their newly-developed hair care routines that no longer damage the hair.
Why It’s So Bad
Besides encouraging frizz, pulling, twisting, and twirling hair constantly can actually lead to or be symptomatic of a condition known as trichotillomania, an anxious disorder that presents itself as incessant hair pulling. This condition can also be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
How You Can Stop
Fortunately, if you have hand in hair syndrome, there is hope for you!
- Wear a wig: Some with HIHS have found the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” to be true. By covering their hair, they are less tempted to tug and twist it.
- Flat twists: Putting your hair in flat twists will bind the hair to your scalp similar to tight braids. If you have your hair in flat twists, you can’t run your fingers through it.
- French braids: If you’re not keen on having several twists in your hair, try having your hair done in a French braid. You won’t be able to run your fingers through your hair, yet it will still be easy for you to take out and wash if you need to wash it every couple of days.
Want More?
Other people tend to have their hands in our hair, too. Get the why behind natural hair fascination!
Final Thoughts
Do you have hands in hair syndrome, or have you overcome it? Why are you touching it all the time, or how did you stop? I see a New Year’s resolution in the making!
Believe it or not, using shampoos can actually cause more harm to your hair than simply going without it. We tend to think of shampoo as this helpful product that ensures our hair stays clean. However, regardless of what kind of shampoo you’re using (and we hope that by now you’re at least using a sulfate-free one!”>, you’re smathering it all into your hair, preventing your hair from being completely natural.
The funny thing is that it tends to have a domino effect where the use of one product requires, in turn, the use of a another product. We’ll use shampoo to wash our hair, but really it tends to dry it out so then we need conditioner, and every so often, deep conditioner. We also might find that we need gels and hairsprays to tame the hair (that suddenly poofed out after we applied the conditioner. Or, even using the conditioner isn’t enough and now need a leave-in conditioner.”> Either way, it’s cyclical and we tend to need multiple products.
So, to get the cycle, we say start at the beginning. Have you ever thought about cutting out the shampoo completely? If so, what are your options to cleanse your hair?
Baby Shampoos
Oddly enough, something that’s “tear-free” and “gentle” for your baby’s skin (and eyes”> is one of the worst things you can put in your adult hair. You’d think that since it’s baby shampoo, it would be free of harmful chemicals, but actually the opposite is true.
In addition to sulfates, baby shampoos are among the most drying agents you could put in your hair. Babies naturally produce more oils on their scalp, so their hair tends to always be oilier than an adult. Using baby shampoo eliminates this problem for babies. For adults, though, you could be putting your hair through the wringer. At least you don’t have to worry about it burning your eyes while you’re in the shower!
Low-Poos
If the thought of cutting out shampoo completely leaves you a little unsure, consider going the “low-poo” way. This method involves using a very small amount of shampoo once every several days. Even then, you’d only use what you absolutely MUST use. For some low-poo options, consider using DevaCurl’s Low-Poo, which is specifically for curlies who fall between 2 and 3b. For you 3cs and 4/4as, SheaMoisture’s Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo gets stellar reviews, mostly from type 4 and 4a curlies. This gentle, low-poo will give your hair the moisture it’s been drained of, without leaving a thick layer of residue behind or leaving your hair feeling like straw.
Homemade Options
Of course, you can also go all-natural on your quest to drastically decrease the amount of shampoo you use. Consider making a homemade lemon and cucumber “shampoothie.” Alison and Jaye from Loving it Raw share their shampoothie (a term coined by Jaye”> recipe with which Jaye has had great results. Alison, the curly, has had the best results going no-poo with the occasional vinegar rinse (she mixes up to 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into hot water, then rubs that into her hair and rinses”>.
Want More?
Even Amanda Seyfried knows the importance of co-washing. See what she has to say!
Final Thoughts
Whether your decide to cut shampoo out all together, go the low-poo route, or create your own rinses for occasional use, remember that co-washing is always a great alternative! Co-washing simply involves using conditioner as a shampoo. Simply apply the conditioner and finger it through the hair, rubbing the strands a bit to allow for a cleanse.
While the change from normal shampooing to none, or any of these other methods, can take a small toll of your hair, in a couple weeks, you will begin to see the amazing results. Many curlies have been shampoo free for months, even years, so take the time to try it out and watch your curls bounce and shine!
We’re sure you know all about the health hazards cigarettes pose. Aside from the harm to your lungs from the direct smoke, cigarettes are loaded with chemicals, including arsenic, formaldehyde, ammonia and acetone, just to name a few. Nothing with those chemicals in it can be good for your body. Not surprisingly, this chemical cocktail produces strong odors, which just plain stink.
Since cigarettes are so harmful to your body, what about your hair? Can the damage cigarettes cause to your skin and lungs also be affecting your scalp and hair?
Cigarettes and Skin
Ever notice how someone who’s been smoking for years seems to look so much older than they really are? That’s because cigarettes wreak havoc on your skin and do damage that’s irreversible. After years of smoking, blood vessels in the top layer of your skin start to narrow, so your skin doesn’t get the oxygen it needs. Also, since smoking damages the fibers that keep your skin tight and intact, long-term smokers tend to have premature wrinkling.
With all of this damage to your skin, your scalp is no exception. Since cigarettes affect your circulation, they cut off moisture to your scalp, resulting in hair that is more dry and more prone to breakage and thinning.
How This Affects Your Curls
For us curlies, moisture is HUGE. Keeping our hair moist can mean the difference between a frizzed-out ‘fro and gorgeous curls. We spend so much time and effort working at keeping our natural curls beautiful; it seems silly to undo all this work for the temporary pleasure cigarettes can bring. Not to mention, if you’re using good hair care products, they probably smell good too! But you’re killing that smell by fumigating your hair in cigarette smoke.
You might think that if you’re not a smoker, you’re in the clear. Think again. Second-hand smoke leaves behind nicotine residue that settles on nearby smokers and third-hand smoke (what’s left in an area where someone recently smoked”> also leaves behind residue that settles on surfaces of walls, carpets and you. If you enter a car or room where someone was just smoking, then you’re exposing yourself to nicotine residue since the cigarettes coat those areas with their harmful chemicals.
Want More?
Smoking causes wrinkles, but can you get rid of them (hint: this will include quitting!”>?
Final Thoughts
Make quitting smoking another one of your New Year’s resolutions. Your hair and your body will thank you!
This applies to you, we swear!So you thought you came here for curly hair care advice and now we’re throwing some chemistry at you? Don’t worry, we promise you’ll actually be able to understand the information we give you. As it turns out, not all chemistry is boring and some of it is even important to know right now, especially for us curlies!
What is the pH Scale?
Relax! We promised you’d understand the information we give you here, remember?
The pH scale (the same one you learned about in chemistry, by the way”> is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The scale goes from zero to 14, with zero being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline (or “basic””>. The middle ground (around seven”> is neutral. If a substance falls above or below seven, the acidic or alkaline level increases exponentially. For instance, something that ranks a three on the pH scale would be 10 times more acidic than something that ranks a four, and 100 times more acidic than something that ranks a five.
Pure water ranks a seven on the pH scale. Water that ranks lower than a seven would be more acidic while water that is higher than a seven is more alkaline. (See, we told you this wouldn’t be too complicated!”>
What Does This Have to Do With My Curly Hair?
Great question! Typically, hair has a pH level of somewhere between 4.5 and 5.5. This means that hair by itself, with no products added, is generally more acidic than water. Hair care products that are more acidic than water are optimal for your hair. Because these products are more acidic than water, they’ll generally get the dirt, oils, and scum off of your hair. Baby shampoo and other gentle or mild shampoos tend to be closer to neutral.
On the other hand, products that are far more alkaline than hair (peroxide, ammonia, bleach”> tend to dry out your hair. Hair dyes, perms, and relaxers definitely fall into this group. These types of products are a nightmare for any curly girl — especially for you type 3s and 4s. You’re probably already familiar with the results of this. It’s called frizz.
The pH in Hair Care Products & Why it Matters
Sometimes curly hair care products list the pH level on the bottle. While listing the pH level is rare, it’s not always accurate anyway. The best way to determine the pH of anything is to perform a litmus test. You just might be surprised at how your hair care products rank.
If you find out your products are too alkaline, replace them with some low pH products.
You may also have to reverse some damage from alkaline hair products. Ouidad’s Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo is a great shampoo choice for improving hair that’s been dried out. For a conditioner, try Mop Top Daily Conditioner, which continues to receive stellar reviews and is for all hair types.
Want More?
Need to adjust the pH in your curly hair care products? Check out what the actual brands use to adjust their pH balance — and become an expert!
Final Thoughts
If you’re using products that turn out to be pretty alkaline, but can’t run right out and purchase something better, consider adding something acidic (such as lemon juice”> to tone the pH down some or something basic (like baking soda”> to neutralize your products.
Most of us know that fruits and veggies are good for us to eat. What you might not have realized, though, is that they’re more than just good for your body; they’re good for your hair as well!
Whether you’re eating these fruits and veggies or mixing up homemade hair mask recipes with them, it’s a good idea to consider adding some of these fruits and veggies to your grocery list.
Fruits & Veggies
Citrus Fruit
Fruits such as berries, cherries, oranges, and lemons are loaded with vitamin C. You’re probably aware of the immune system benefits of vitamin C when you’re sick, but did you know it can also help your hair?
Vitamin C and other antioxidants in these fruits help the scalp and aid in hair growth — something that typically poses a challenge to hair types 3C and 4.
In addition, you can squeeze the juice of one lemon and mix it with some aloe vera for a penetrating, moisturizing, dandruff-reducing hair mask. Just leave the mixture on for about 45 minutes, then shampoo the mixture out.
Avocados
You’ve more than likely heard of people using avocados for facial masks, but you can also use avocados in a hair mask. Just mash and mix with some olive oil, apply, and wash out. If you’re not so inclined to mixing up masks, but love avocado or even guacamole, you can at least eat this vegetable knowing that it’s beneficial for your hair.
All of the oils in this vegetable come together to provide moisture for your hair, which is something almost all curlies need. Hair types 3, 3C and 4 will benefit in particular.
Carrots
Carrots (and even carrot juice, either manufactured or homemade”> are loaded with beta carotene. Once you ingest the carrots, your body converts the beta carotene into vitamin A.
According to Nadege at Relaxed Hair Health, vitamin A helps your scalp produce sebum (a natural oil our scalps produce”>, which will help keep your hair from drying out. While this will benefit any curlies, it’s most likely to benefit those with hair types 3C and 4, since they may have the kinkiest, driest hair due to oils not being able to move down the curl pattern.
Apples
While an apple a day may keep the doctor away, apples can actually bring back hair that’s been lost. Vitamins A, E and B are present in apples. Vitamin E is a nutrient-rich vitamin that contains healing properties for both the skin and hair. Vitamin B will help give your curly hair that nice luster and shine you’ve been missing. Hair types 3C and 4 are more likely to need this, but hair types 2 and 3 could also benefit.
A natural hair journal is a log of the condition of your hair and scalp. You can log your entries daily or every other day, depending on your needs and the changes in your hair.
Why Keep a Hair Journal?
Curlies who are transitioning to natural hair often like to keep track of the changes in their hair during the transition. By doing so, they’re able to keep note of the way their hair has changed throughout the transition. In addition, keeping a natural hair journal can show you that you really are making progress in your journey, even when months later, it seems as though you aren’t.
Journals are also useful when you try something, LOVE the results — and then can’t remember what regimen you used a year later. If it’s in your journal, you’ll know exactly what you did and what you thought about it.
How Do I Keep One?
Start with either a basic journal (found in the office supplies section of stores such as Target and Wal-Mart”>, or something more fancy and pretty. You could also start out with one made with a plain white or foam cover and decorate it if you’re feeling craft.
Alternatively, you could start with a scrapbook album if you’re a scrapbooker. Just glue some photographs to your scrapbook paper, jot down some notes and glue them next to the photo, then slide the paper into the album sleeve. Photos are useful if you feel that you’re having a hard time describing the changes.
You could also keep a video journal or vlog. Just mount your camera on a tripod and record yourself daily or every couple of days, preferably sitting in the same location and with the same amount of lighting on your hair so you don’t mistake changes in lighting for changes in hair texture. A video diary will give you the most descriptive log of your journey.
What Information Should I Include?
You’ll want to include the condition of your hair and scalp in your natural hair journal, as well as any products you use through the process. Keep track of the dates you did things to your hair, as well as any individuals who helped you style your hair. Everything matters, down to the weather outside, so don’t forget to keep track of it all!
Want More?
You can keep a natural hair blog right here on NaturallyCurly! Head over to our blog section, start your journal today and share it with all of your friends!
Final Thoughts
Not only is a video diary useful for you years down the road, but it can help other naturals on their hair journey as well! Upload your videos to YouTube and let us know they’re there. We can help you promote, and spread natural hair cheer!
Why stretch your curls? Stretching your curls allows your hair to hold in moisture for longer periods and makes it easier to manage.
Curly Girls who like to “wash and go” often notice that their hair looks and feels different, depending on elements out of their control, such as weather and wind. If it’s a very windy day, not only will your hair dry faster but you’ll also notice a more “blown around” look. Since your hair is blowing around so much, you’ll probably also notice more tangles and knots.
Stretching your curls eliminates this problem and is most noticeable and beneficial for curlies with type 4 hair, though 3c girls might benefit as well.
What Supplies Do I Need?
It depends on how you want to stretch those curls. If you’re looking to do it relatively quickly — say, so you can get out of the house in the morning — you’ll need a blow dryer with a hair diffuser. If you have more time and can wait, you’ll only need your hands and some bobby pins.
How Do I Do It?
With a blow dryer and diffuser:
- Wash and towel dry your hair as usual. Consider applying an emulsifier, such as Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding after towel drying. This product is for use with curlies looking to give their hair some stretch, while keeping it free of the “crunch” you get with hairspray and gel.
- Using a diffuser attachment, hold onto your hair about an inch or so away from the ends and begin drying. Pull GENTLY (you don’t want to break any ends”> as you do this. Once you’ve done all of your hair this way, remove the diffuser and finish drying, again scrunching and gently stretching the curls in the process.
Without a blow dryer and diffuser:
If you’d prefer not to use the dryer or don’t have time for one, you can also twist out your curls or braid them to give them some stretch.
- For the twist out, section off about a 1 and a half inch section of your hair and apply any hair crème you usually use. You will then gently separate your hair into two strands, and then twist that hair all the way down to the end and secure (you may not need anything to secure it if you have super thick hair”>. You can leave them like this (for a “twist out,””> or you can turn these into Bantu knots.
- To do the Bantu knots, wind the twist around itself in sort of a “bun” shape near the scalp and pin it down or tuck the very end of the twist “into” the knot so that it is secure. Repeat for the rest of your hair, then let it air dry for several hours. If you’re going to let it dry overnight, wrap your hair in a silk scarf or satin hair wrap to protect the knots and for your own comfort.
Want More?
Love to wash and go, but can’t figure out how not to freeze death with wet hair in the winter? We’ve got your wash and go hair for winter solution!
Final Thoughts
Let us know how you stretch your curls!
One of the biggest challenges for girls with square shaped faces is finding curly hair styles that don’t make their face look even squarer.
Avoid a “boxy” look by choosing a cut that softens the edges of your face. You can also hide sides of your face either with bangs, or with your style. Fortunate, curls, by their nature, practically do this on their own.
Short Curly Hair Styles
Curlies with short hair will probably have the most luck here. The key to rounding out the edges of a square face lies in rounding out the face as a whole, which is something short curly hair styles generally do.
The wrong style can make your face look like one huge square. Choose curly hair styles that gives you some “oomph” near the top of your head. If you can create the look of an overall circle for the top half of your face (from around the bottom of your ears on up”>, you will be well on your way to rocking your curls!
Larger curls work well for this. Be careful though: adding too much body to the top of your head with nothing at all near your chin can make your head look top-heavy. You can avoid this by adding accessories, such as a necklace or earrings that dangle down past the bottom of your hair.
Medium Curly Hair Styles
Having hair that extends past the jaw line is a huge help for square shaped faces. In fact, the length alone can give the look of having a more oval face. Here, Jessica Simpson gives her face a rounded look by hanging her curls on her shoulders. The medium length draws the eyes to her cheeks and eyes instead of to protruding edges.
In addition, the extra body from her curls (something all of us curlies know a lot about!”> rounds out the vertical edges of her face. The curls also let her hide her face somewhat, which is perfect for someone with high, defined cheekbones.
Long Curly Hair Styles
Long hair is an asset in the styling world, and curlies with square faces are no exception. Not only can you style long hair almost any way you like, you can also just “wash and go” if needed. After washing with your favorite shampoo, just towel dry, add a good leave-in conditioner, comb through with either a wide tooth comb or your fingers, and you’re done!
This works particularly well if you have thick, curly hair. If you choose to pull your hair up in a ponytail, pull some bangs forward to take away from the sharp edges that an updo will highlight. Depending on your hair texture, you may also need to add some type of hardening product (gel, mousse, etc.”> to lock in the curl and prevent frizz, especially with thick hair.
An oblong shaped face (also known as the “rectangular” face”> is one that is longer than it is wide. As a result, it’s important to avoid curly hair styles that add even more length to your face. Ideally, your style should either give your more width or help your face look evenly proportioned.
Luckily, no matter what style we prefer to sport, curly girls have volume on our side, which can help to counter the lack of width in an oblong face.
Short Curly Hair Styles
If you don’t have long hair, or simply prefer not to deal with a longer mane, you will do well to choose curly hair styles that protrude at the sides. Feel free to style your hair in such a way that you will have some bangs, since this will help disguise the length. In addition, a simple wash, rinse, scrunch (with some mousse or a gel“> routine is fabulous for short haired curlies on the go who don’t have time to fuss with their hair.
A few layers can also work well for shorter styles. Choose this type of hair style if you are afraid your curls might “poof” too much if encouraged to flow out to the sides.
An inverted bob on a curly girl will accomplish the same thing. The inverted bob is tapered around the edges to keep it close to your neckline. The hairstyle gives your bob more height and fullness at the top rather than in the back or on the sides.
Medium Curly Hair Styles
With medium length hair, you don’t want to focus too much on adding height. While long and high hair may have been popular in the 80s, it definitely won’t work for you today! Instead, focus on adding some width and let your long tresses just rest softly across your collarbone area. Alternatively, feel free to add a small cap, such as a beanie, to add height without giving your hair too much volume.
For a more formal look, pull your locks into a loose bun (either in the middle or off to the side”> and let a few ringlets softly outline your face.
Long Curly Hair Styles
Long haired curlies get all the luck! Long curly hair hair styles work wonderfully with rectangular faces. With a long face, long locks blend nicely and make the face and hair both appear proportioned. Wearing it down works for a casual affair.
For some long haired curlies, the mere thought of just letting it all hang down is frightening. You know who you are! Feel free to pull your hair up into a loose ponytail, giving yourself a little bump at the crown. This is also a great hair style for working out, or just plain lounging around the house.
You can also simply pull the top layer of your hair up while leaving the middle and back down for a fancier look. Long rings will instantly create a romantic look, or a great wedding hair style.
