Search Results: Tasha Swearingen

By Tasha Swearingen · Published February 9, 2012

Achieving that sexy look for Valentine’s Day is important for any girl! On any given day, though, curlies, kinkies, and wavies need to go the extra mile to make sure their curls stand out — especially for this romantic holiday. Here are some hot curly hair tips to rock your locks.

1. Shine

Few things are sexier on a full head of curls than shine you can see from a distance. Even if you’re a type 4 with coarse, kinky hair, you can have hair that shines! If you want shiny hair, you’ve got to get to the core of your hair shaft instead of just focusing on the outside or top layer.

Both coconut oil and avocado are good for type 4 kinks when doing a “wash and go.” Type 4s might also find it useful to do a twist out since the sheen from the curl cream used in the twist out will give your hair a shiny boost.

For curlies and wavies, keeping your hair well conditioned will not only add moisture, but also softness and shine. Tip: avoid using hair dyes, as they tend to dry out your hair.

2. Moisture

The best thing for instant moisture is a good old-fashioned deep conditioning treatment! You can precede your deep condition with a hair mask if you’d like; many of them are great for giving extra moisture. After shampooing your hair, apply a good, moisturizing conditioner, then cover your hair with a shower cap and let the conditioner do its thing for about 30 to 40 minutes.

Some curlies find it useful to comb the conditioner through their hair before covering it with a shower cap, while others find that combing their damp hair – even with loads of conditioner – causes breakage. You decide what will be best for your own hair! Some of our favorite deep conditioners are Bee Mine’s Bee-U-Ti-Ful Deep Conditioner for wavies and curlies, while Mop Top’s Deep Conditioner and Mixed Chick’s Deep Conditioner gets fantastic reviews from the curlies and combo type 3/type 4 girls we know.

3. Volume

For some curlies, adding volume is the last thing they want to do to their hair. This is probably true if you’re a 3c or type 4. However, for our wavies and 3a/3bs out there, volume is something with which they may struggle.

To remedy this, try clipping your hair at the roots to give some volume at the top of your head only. Separate the front of your dampened hair into sections about one-inch wide, twist, and clip to your head with duckbill clips. Diffuse your clipped hairs for a little bit, and then remove the clips, flip your head upside down and back, and enjoy!

4. Control

By Tasha Swearingen · Published February 7, 2012

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.

Final Thoughts

By Tasha Swearingen · Published February 3, 2012

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

By Tasha Swearingen · Published February 2, 2012

Valentine’s Day is a romantic holiday and since you’re probably going to want to spend it with your man, you’ll want to look your best! While we can’t help you coordinate all of the details, we can give you some great ideas for some bedroom-ready, wavy hairstyles so you can feel super sexy on this special night.

Wavy Updos

Type 2s have a lot of freedom when it comes to hairstyles, and updos are just one sexy option. In addition, with wavy hair you can pull a few strands out around the hairline and add a sensual element to your ‘do!

Gather your hair together at the back of your head (like you would for a ponytail”>, then wind the hair around itself to form a bun and secure. You can pluck some of the strands out to give a more relaxed, less “school-marm” look to your bun. If you’re going for a well-groomed bun, you’ll want to make sure to brush back the sides (the rest of the hair on your head”> and spritz them with a dab of hair spray.

If you’d prefer a bun that’s most feisty, try sweeping your hair up into a very loose bun and letting some of the hair around your hairline hang down. These looser buns are also easier to let down if you anticipate possibly undoing your bun and shaking all of your hair loose (and trust us, your man will probably love watching you do that!”>.

Wavy Downdos

If you feel more comfortable wearing your hair down, you’re in luck – wavies don’t have to do much to look sexy if they let their waves just flow!

One option is to just let it all hang down with some pulled forward in front of both shoulders. This is a good option for those who might not have a lot of time to fix their hair after, say, arriving home from dinner and heading straight to the boudoir.

If you can catch a minute alone in the bedroom, feel free to add a cute accent to your hair, such as a hairclip. This simple addition can transform your hair from what it looked like all evening to something sexy and enticing in the boudoir!

Alternatively, you can put your hair in a half up/half down style. Brush the top and front of your hair back while letting the bottom of your hair hang down. Secure the hair with a clip, or pull a few strands out around the hairline before securing it.

If you want, feel free to add a little adornment, such as a headband around the top portion of your hair. Go ahead and add a little more interest and a lot more sexy!

By Tasha Swearingen · Published January 25, 2012

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!

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!

By Tasha Swearingen · Published January 24, 2012

Adding volume to curly hair, especially if you’re a type 3 or 4, can be some pretty risky stuff! After all, unless you’re doing something focused and that won’t add height to all of your hair, you could end up with a big poof ball (aka “triangle head””> in the end. On the other hand, the reverse can happen: your hair may be flat and not actually “curl” until a few inches away from the scalp.

The good news is that you can add gentle volume to your hair without looking like a triangle head by clipping those curls! Industry leaders like Devachan and Ouidad have been using this technique for years, and now it is about time you cash in! Don’t worry, it’s cheap!

Learn Your Hair Type

Probably one of the most helpful things you can do for yourself is to learn your hair type. Don’t rely on a stylist to necessarily know your hair type or how to help you work with it. If you don’t know your hair type, we’ve put together a hair type finder to help you figure it out.

Getting to Clipping

Final Thoughts

By Tasha Swearingen · Published January 20, 2012

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

By Tasha Swearingen · Published January 20, 2012

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Hair tattoos may be the next biggest craze in wild hairstyles. People are getting them done for reasons similar to why they’d get a real tattoo, only these are definitely not permanent. With hair tattoos, you can have a design shaven into your hair in honor or memory of someone or just because you feel like it!

Tattoos for the Head

Hair tattoos, as the name would imply, are in the hair. Think of them as something like a stencil etched into the hair to create a design. This design craze seems to be for all age groups. In fact, one of the authors of Mouse for Less let her sons get Mickey Mouse designs on their heads as part of their “hidden Mickey haircuts.” Most hair tattoo designs range from random geometric patterns and mazes to meaningful designs and tribal patterns.

How is it Done?

There’s no doubt that hair tattoos call attention to your head. That being said, you’d better make sure you have it done right if you’re going to choose to get one done! You’ll need to go to a stylist trained in doing this since the designs take time and skills. You don’t necessarily need a “special” stylist to do this, but you definitely want one experienced in hair tattoos. (In other words, we don’t suggest being anyone’s guinea pig!”>

The stylist will start by outlining a design, then he or she will “chip” away into the design while fading it in certain parts to give it depth. Hair tattoos are generally done by men who primarily do men’s hair — but there’s no “rule” that says this is how it must be done.

Who is Getting Hair Tatoos?

Usually guys have hair tattoos, since you have to be willing to have your hair practically all shaven. Some guys also like to compliment their Mohawk with a hair tattoo, and some punk girls with buzz cuts or Mohawks seem to like them as well.

Heck, we think this is an AWESOME way to add some excitement to a TWA or big chop! After all, women took the pants trend from men, and rocked it, so why not do the same with hair tattoos?

Final Thoughts

Are you nervous about taking the plunge to almost all-shaven, but still loving the tatted head look? If so, check out some hair stencils! They’ll give you amazing hair designs — some that you can only get if you do stencils — but they don’t require that you get a buzz cut. What’s more, you don’t have to go to the salons for hair stencils! Just get some stencils (you’ll want some that will work with the contours of your head”>, spray, and you’re done! It’s pretty much like stencils you do on the wall or any other wooden project. You’ll want to do quick bursts of paint, so you can have more control over where it goes, and you can dab at it after you peel the stencil away and want to do touch-ups.

By Tasha Swearingen · Published January 19, 2012

So you’re struggling to keep up with your curly hair but aren’t sure that you want to take on a full-blown regimen to keep them in line. This might make straightening your hair and getting rid of those curls highly tempting. The fact is, there’s pretty much no way to straighten your curls that isn’t in some way damaging to your hair — or your health. Whatever any hair straightening treatments claim, they are pretty insane when you look at the nitty gritty details. Don’t believe us? See for yourself!

Brazilian Blowouts

Of all of the options for straightening your hair, the Brazilian blowout is perhaps the most dangerous one. In spite of its claim to the contrary, it’s been proven that the Brazilian blowout contains formaldehyde. Formaldehyde (you might remember it as that stinky stuff used to preserve a dead frog or pig fetus in biology class”> has been known to cause cancer. If you go with a Brazilian hair straightener, you’ll be subjecting yourself to inhaling those fumes and putting formaldehyde in your hair each time you do.

Even the FDA is concerned. The FDA sent out a warning letter to the makers of the Brazilian blowout regarding the level of formaldehyde in the product. While we don’t necessarily follow everything the FDA says, we trust their concerns about the dangerous levels of the chemicals in this product. In fact, even without their concerns, WE were concerned when we read that stylist and salon owner Mark Garrison said he “could tell the Brazilian Blowout had formaldehyde in it the very first time I used it,” he said. “Eye burn! Throat choke! And the smell was a tell tale giveaway — it smelled like formaldehyde!”

Not to mention, the Brazilian blowout doesn’t come cheap. You can realistically expect to spend a minimum of $250 to $450 or more for a blowout.

Relaxers

While they have been around a lot longer than some other options, such as the Brazilian blowout, hair relaxers aren’t all that safe either. Most whom have ever had a relaxer done can attest to the fact that there are some risks, the most immediate being chemical burns to the scalp and/or hairline.

There are two main varieties of relaxers: lye and no-lye.

Lye relaxers contain sodium hydroxide, mixed with several other ingredients including water and petroleum jelly. They require a minimum of two shampoos afterward, the first to neutralize the pH in your hair; otherwise, the relaxer will keep “cooking” long after you leave the salon, leaving you at great risk of having chunks of your hair fall out.

No-lye relaxers use potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide and guanidine hydroxide in place of lye. These chemicals actually do the same thing as lye, but they are slightly less harmful. Still, they can – and will – strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture. This is the reason why those with relaxed hair have to go to great lengths to put moisture back into their hair.

Final Thoughts

Some hair straightening treatments are a little less dangerous for your hair, but ultimately the best thing for your hair (and health”> is to embrace your curls! If you really want a new look or style, opt for wigs. They are harmless to your curls and give you the freedom to change your style as often as you want!

By Tasha Swearingen · Published January 18, 2012

If you’re ready for a new ‘do but aren’t quite sure you’re ready to do anything permanent, wigs are a great way to test the waters. You can try out different lengths, hair types (go from a type 4 to type 2 in seconds!”>, and colors and see if you’re comfortable sporting a new look.

What Wigs are Made Of

Wigs are generally made of either synthetic hair or human hair. Each kind has different care requirements, so learn about the basic requirements before making your purchase.

Synthetic wigs are made of acrylic fibers. Generally, these are the same kind of “hairs” found on the heads of dolls. Initially, these wigs tend to have more shine, but if you don’t  care for them properly, they’ll go dull quickly.

Human hair wigs are made from human hair, which means you can cut, style, color, heat, and curl the hair just like you would on a person with that hair. You can even get human hair wigs that are “virgin,” meaning they’ve never been processed (for color and texture”> and you’re free to completely customize them.

Why Naturals Love Them

The process of transitioning to natural hair is a long one that takes a lot of dedication. Plus, if we’re being honest, things don’t always look the greatest in the meantime. It might take months before you notice the benefits of changing over to better hair care products. It could take several weeks to a month for your hair to show results of a new moisture-inducing regimen. Maybe you were brave enough to do a big chop and now you have only three inches of hair left. On the other hand, maybe you would consider big chopping because you know it’s really the quickest way to get rid of all of your damaged hair, but you’re scared of being practically bald. These are just a few reasons natural girls love wigs!

Keeping Up With It

If you’re going to sport the wig hair, do it right! A large part of this involves the care and  upkeep of your ‘do. Proper wig care is essential; otherwise, you’re just covering your natural with a ratty mess.

If you go synthetic, use a wig brush or wide-toothed comb ONLY. Most brushes will ruin synthetic hair. Also, brush your wig in sections and spritz each section with some water — to dampen, not soak — just before taking the brush through your hair.

If you use a human hair wig, you can care for it just as you would if that were your own hair on your head. If you aren’t familiar with how to care for the textured hair that you bought, here are some general tips:

1. Straight (Type 1″>: Use a regular brush to comb out tangles beginning with the end and working up to the scalp. Be sure not to tear through tangles. Gently work them out instead.
2. Wavy (Type 2″>: Waves don’t need to be brushed. Simply finger comb and tousle the waves to get the beach look you want. Use light weight products to make sure that the weight of the product doesn’t result in straight strands.
3. Curly (Type 3″>: Do not brush curly hair. Brushing curly hair will tear the curls and disrupt the curl pattern resulting in either uneven curls or lack thereof. Instead, finger comb to get tangles out. Be sure to use a leave-in conditioner if the hair begins to frizz. Don’t worry much about the weight of the product. Curls can hold heavier products, and often times, need the heavier moisture to stay frizz-free.
4. Kinky (Type 4″>: Like with curly hair, kinks do not need to be brushed. Finger comb curls to get rid of tangles. Apply a deep conditioner to add slip as you detangle to ensure that you don’t disrupt the curl pattern and damage the hair.

The Nitty Gritty: Costs & Expenses

You get what you pay for in life and wigs are no exception. Synthetic hair wigs are less expensive, averaging anywhere from $30 to $500. The upside to this is that you can probably afford to purchase several synthetic wigs. Human hair wigs, on the other hand, range from $800 to $3,000 or more.

In addition, you might incur additional costs with the upkeep (coloring, for instance”> of a human hair wig. The advantage of a human hair wig is that it generally lasts far longer than synthetic wigs and carries a smaller chance of accidentally ruining it.

Final Thoughts

Which do you prefer and why: synthetic or natural hair wigs?

By Tasha Swearingen · Published January 11, 2012

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.

Baby Shampoos

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!

By Tasha Swearingen · Published January 10, 2012

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.

Final Thoughts

Make quitting smoking another one of your New Year’s resolutions. Your hair and your body will thank you!

By Tasha Swearingen · Published January 3, 2012

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

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.

By Tasha Swearingen · Published December 30, 2011

New year, new goal, new plans, new style — that’s what New Year’s is all about for most people.

But, a new year may also mean a new ‘do, right? Not necessarily! As we move into 2012, we won’t forget some of our favorite curly hair styles from 2011.

Here, we’ve collected some of our favorite curly hair styles for all curly hair types.

Wavy (Type 2 “> Styles

Lauren Conrad

Let’s face it, Lauren Conrad (or “LC””> can look good in just about any hair style. Whether she’s sporting it straight or wearing it in its natural wave, we just love her hair. She’s pretty much the epitome of type 2 hair, and we love watching what she does with it.

While in previous years she looked great sporting a low bun, this year she seemed to wear it down quite a bit. Whether she was showing off her spring collection or roasting a turkey (as she tweeted a few weeks ago, though we know pretty much no one looks that good while slaving over Thanksgiving dinner!”>, the girl’s hair looks gooood!

To get her hair down look, just part your hair down the center and pull back a little hair from both sides in the front, then secure either right in the middle of the back of your head. Easy!

Carmen Electra

Another type 2 celebrity we love to watch is Carmen Electra. She shows how easy it is to do a wake-up-and-go hairstyle with this side-swept ponytail. LC sported this one for several years too. Not that we were counting!

To get the look, after brushing your hair, pull out any bangs you want to keep in the forefront, then gather the rest of your hair low (near the neck”> to be sure you’re satisfied with the bang/ponytail ratio. When you’re happy, just scoot the pony on over to the side just a bit, still keeping it low. This isn’t the 80s! Secure with a hair elastic.

You can adjust the pony so that it always falls on the front of your shoulder if you’d like.

Curly (Type 3″> Styles

Jennifer Freeman

Many times, type 3 curly girls are in the midst of transitioning, so this is often a harder stage to recommend hairstyles. Still, we found some hot curly hair styles for you girls!

Jennifer Freeman looks just fantastic with her extremely long locks! This year, she often wore it straight (though we won’t begrudge her since we know there are plenty of natural ways to get straight hair as type 3 or 3c”>.

However, we think she looks just fantastic with her tresses flowing down, and this hairstyle requires next to no maintenance. It truly is a wash-and-go look.

That’s the thing about type 3 curlies — they can get away with doing nothing special with their hair and it’ll still look marvelous.

If you’re not sure you want to wear it down so much, try finger-combing your hair, then pull it off to the side gently and wear a pony tail. Alternatively, you can pull it all up together into one ponytail in the back of your head. Either way will still look great going into the New Year!

Kinky (Type 4″> Styles

Corinne Bailey Rae

If types 2 and 3 had any trouble finding great hairstyles, we know those of you with type 4 hair probably have the hardest time finding something that works. Type 4s are the ones usually quick to hit the relaxers, but you don’t have to do that to enjoy your hair!

Corinne Bailey Rae is one celeb who gives us major inspiration for type 4. Her hair is actually a mixture of 3C and 4 (note the tiny, kinky roots followed by a distinct s-curl”>, but she definitely shows us how to do it. As she says herself, just go ahead let your hair down, even with somewhat kinky hair, whether it’s long or short.

To get her look, try bantu knot outs — she is KNOWN for them!

If you’d prefer to wear your hair up, try brushing it up into a high ponytail/poof. Although most other hair types look casual and sporty with a high ponytail, type 4s can make it look professional (since it almost looks like a bun”> or fun!

Final Thoughts

What were your favorite curly hair styles of 2011?

By Tasha Swearingen · Published December 8, 2011

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

Previous 1 of 4 Next

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.

MORE: The Best Vitamin for Hair Growth

Previous 1 of 4 Next

Previous 2 of 4 Next

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.

MORE: Top Five Ingredients for Moisture & More

Previous 2 of 4 Next

Previous 3 of 4 Next

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.

MORE: 4 Essential Vitamins for Healthy Hair

Previous 3 of 4 Next

Previous 4 of 4 Next

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.

MORE: Why Apples are Good for You and Your Hair 

Previous 4 of 4 Next

By Tasha Swearingen · Published December 5, 2011

Winter brings with it some welcome seasonal changes and exciting holidays. As cold and blustery as it gets, though, many Curlies end up with wind-whipped, dry hair. The good news is that you can rectify that at home with these moisturizing homemade hair mask recipes. What’s more, you probably already have everything you need right in your pantry and refrigerator to whip up these irresistible hair masks.

Hair Mask Recipes

Previous 1 of 4 Next

Strawberries and “Cream”

This mask is excellent for those with frizzy hair, especially those with hair types 3, 3C and 4. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 to 10 strawberries
• 1 tablespoon of real mayonnaise  

1. Using a fork, mash the strawberries (in a bowl”> until they are runny and practically a liquid. This step will go much faster if you cut your strawberries into fourths before attempting to mash them. Then, stir in the mayo.
2. Wet your hair just to dampen it, then apply the mask thoroughly to your hair and scalp.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave on for twenty minutes. When the time is up, shampoo the mask out and rinse as usual.

Previous 1 of 4 Next

Previous 2 of 4 Next

Banana Bread Treatment

With a couple of baking ingredients and salt, this homemade hair mask recipe would make banana bread! As you can imagine, it smells so scrumptious, it’ll have your mouth watering for some banana bread — which you can make while you let it set on your hair!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ripe banana 
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons of milk
• 3 tablespoons of honey
• 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

Put all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth. Apply to your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes, then use warm water to rinse. To wash, shampoo hair as usual. This recipe also works well to control the frizzies in hair types 3, 3C and 4.

Previous 2 of 4 Next

Previous 3 of 4 Next

Holy Guacamole

OK, so this isn’t exactly like guacamole, and you probably don’t want to dip nachos in it. However, it’s still a great moisturizer for hair types 2, 3, 3C and 4 — so pretty much all curlies!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• up to 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 

Slice the avocado lengthwise, remove the pit, and scrape out the flesh inside. Place it in a bowl, then add the honey and olive oil. Whip the ingredients together for about a minute and apply to hair from scalp to tips. You can then let it set for about 20 minutes before shampooing the mixture out of your hair.

Previous 3 of 4 Next

Previous 4 of 4 Next

Final Thoughts

Use organic and raw ingredients, such as raw honey, if possible. These ingredients often offer chemical-free nutrition for your body, and your hair is no exception.

If you’re vegan, you can substitute for vegan-friendly ingredients (such as “vegannaise” instead of mayo”>, but the results may not be the same. For recipes that call for mayo, eggs (the primary ingredient in mayo”> are a key ingredient for moisture.

Previous 4 of 4 Next

By Tasha Swearingen · Published November 28, 2011

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!

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!

By Tasha Swearingen · Published November 22, 2011

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.

Final Thoughts

Let us know how you stretch your curls!