Search Results: Becky Woodford
While many women may think of their hair washing day as just a peaceful, relaxing shower, the reality for many with wavy and curly hair is different.
For those of us with textured hair, Wash Day is the time we take special care of our hair so that it will turn out the best it can be.
While I frequently use the steam from my showers midweek as a DIY curl refresher, I only do a full wash routine two to three times a week depending on how my curls hold up. In order to ensure that I have the best chance at great curls, I have a few go-to essentials that I use every wash day that continuously have given me wonderful results!
Cleanser
For the best possible hair you need to remove any buildup that you may have while not stripping your hair of its natural oils. I have found for my type 2c hair that the best cleanser routine for me is with 1 sulfate free shampoo a week and a co-wash the other Wash Days.
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Sulfate-free shampoo: Jane Carter Solution Renewable Difference Detox Shampoo is my current favorite shampoo for deeply cleansing my scalp once a week because it leaves my strands feeling moisturized but very clean at the same time.
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Co-wash: I have yet to find a co-wash that I love as much as As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner . It leaves my hair nourished and conditioned, especially during the dry winters.
Hair mask
Once a week I like to treat my hair to a nice deep condition, making sure that I retain a good balance of moisture and protein in my strands. Depending on how my hair feels when I wash it with my shampoo, I reach for a protein mask if my hair is feeling too soft or mushy, or I go for a moisture-rich mask if it feels brittle.
- Protein masque: SheaMoisture Anti Breakage Strengthening Masque leaves my wavy hair feeling strong but not stiff, and if my hair is ever feeling damaged from the elements, this is the first treatment I reach for.
- Moisture mask: If its moisture you’re after, Especially Hair Moisture Foundation is the one for you. Packed with ingredients like avocado oil and jojoba oil, it nourishes my scalp and hair while leaving my waves looking voluminous.
Rinse-out conditioner
My rinse-out conditioner is the rock of my entire Wash Day because it will appropriately moisturize my waves while beginning to help define and clump my curls for styling.
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SheaMoisture Superfruit Leave-In or Rinse-Out Conditioner: Since I found this conditioner a few months ago I haven’t been able to stop using it. Aside from it smelling absolutely amazing, it also has the perfect amount of slip and leaves my hair feeling so soft.
Brush
The only time I will ever let a brush near my hair is when it is soaking wet and there is a rinse-out conditioner still in my hair to help with slip. I find that, when I brush my hair at this point I am still able to reform my curl clumps and do not have to worry about frizz or tangles.
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The Wet Brush: This has been my favorite brush that I have found so far because it is able to gently detangle my hair without a ton of breakage.
Leave-In Conditioner
This is the step where I follow the Squish to Condish Method to apply my leave-in conditioner. Keep in mind that this product must be light enough not to weigh wavy hair down but should also be moisturizing enough to keep frizz at bay.
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Yes to Ultra Moisture Coconut and Argan Oil Conditioner: This has been a favorite squish to condish conditioner since I started this method. The yes to brand offers curly girl friendly products that leave your hair perfectly moisturized and still light enough to not look stringy.
What’s in your Wash Day wavy hair stash?
Subscribe to Becky’s YouTube channel The Polished Curl.
Read Your Hair Isn’t Straight and Frizzy–It’s Naturally Wavy
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Are you looking for that perfect last minute stocking stuffer for the curly girl on your list?
Do not fret just yet, we have you covered with this list of accessible and affordable gifts that will make every curly hair-obsessed girl on your list giddy to receive.
DevaCurl DevaTowel Anti-Frizz Microfiber Towel
Microfiber towels are one of the essential tools every curly hair routine needs, and this one is able to remove excessive moisture without over drying the hair or leaving behind frizzy curls.
Donna Black Satin Sleep Cap
Tifara Beauty Flexible Curling Rods
While we would all love to be able to control our own natural curls all the time, the truth is that sometimes it is more convenient to add flexi rods or rollers for definition without the scrunching and curling. These particular rods make a great present to the transitioning or lazy curly girl in your life.
Scunci Effortless Beauty Thermal Twisters
A simple, cheap staple that almost every curly girl needs is a set of scrunchies. These help her keep hair out of her face while working out and at nighttime without causing damage or leaving a dents in her wash-and-go.
Water bottle
You can find a cheap spray bottle in any drugstore but if you want to give a treat try this water bottle that has a super fine mist and continuous spray.
Lila Rose Hair Clips
These beautiful hair accessories don’t only add a little glitz to your hairdo they also hold up curly styles incredibly well.
Wet Brush
This little brush makes detangling curly hair in the shower much less of a painful experience with gentle bristles that will not cause breakage unlike her traditional paddle brush.
Curlmart Gift Certificate
If you’re unsure of the needs of the curly girl in your life you can always give the gift of shopping! With so many holy grail brands to choose from, achieving the best curls possible on a tailored regimen will be easy with a gift card to Curlmart will always be appreciated.
Curlies, what’s on your curly holiday wish list?
Let us know in the comment section below.
If you’re new to embracing your naturally wavy hair –welcome to the community!
You have likely heard about two generic hair categories: straight and curly, when your hair falls into the latter, discovering a unique hair care and styling plan can be a bit of a challenge. Coming from a mindset of hair being treated only one of two ways can keep you from finding its true curl potential because, after all, no two curls, coils, or waves want to be treated the same. If you fall in between straight and curly, you may feel like your only option is to straighten or curl your hair because it feels frizzy or unmanageable when you wear it naturally. Chances are your hair isn’t straight and frizzy, you may be naturally wavy.
What’s your hair type?
There are several different factors that determine your hair type, like how thick your hair is or how tightly or loosely your hair curls. Your unique genes will dictate your hair type, which is why your hair may be completely different to your sibling’s or your mother’s.
First, let’s define a few of these factors so that you can more easily determine your hair type.
Width
Also known as strand thickness, the width of your individual strands may either be fine, coarse, or somewhere in between (normal”>. You can also have more than one type of width throughout your head. To be able to tell the thickness of your hair, hold a strand up to the light to more easily see; if a strand is hard to see then your hair is considered fine.
Curl Pattern
This boils down to how your hair curls. Those with larger, wider ‘s’ shaped curls are in the 2a to 2c wavy hair range. If your curls are corkscrews, they are in the 3a to 3c curly range. Those with tighter coiled patterns fall in the 4a to 4c range.
To be able to care for your hair you need to know where your hair falls in each of these categories. While porosity and thickness both have simple tests to tell curl pattern is not that easy. For that reason it is best to choose your hair products off of the first two tests when you are starting out your curl journey before worrying too much about which curl pattern you have.
Porosity
This is how well your hair absorbs water. While hair that naturally curls tends to have a higher porosity than straighter hair, that is not the case all of the time. The best way to determine the porosity of your own hair is to do a simple test, take a few strands of your hair and put them in a cup of water, let that sit for a few minutes and then check it. If it is floating you have low porosity if it has sunk you have high porosity.
These are just three elements of your hair type, here’s a full list of all of them.
When can you figure out your curl pattern?
This is a common point of confusion among new curlies. Your curl pattern will change over time if the current state of your hair is damaged and unhealthy. If you have used heat styling tools or chemicals like relaxers, texturizers, or bleach to lighten your hair, then your curl pattern will look much looser and less uniform than it would naturally. When you’re transitioning from damaging practices to starting to embrace your natural texture, your hair will grow in at the roots with your natural texture, but the length and ends of your hair will still be looser your natural texture.
Once your hair has grown out and you have trimmed your ends, you will be able to better determine your curl pattern.
Start with porosity and width
It is important to know your hair’s porosity and width in order to choose your products because that will tell you how well your hair can maintain moisture or if it will be weighed down easily.
Here are 3 ways you can figure out your porosity, and this test will help you figure out whether your hair is thick, thin or medium width.
What do type 2, 3 and 4 mean?
Once you have the first two tests down and are ready to dive into curl patterns, use this quick guide to determine which category your quirky, unique texture type may fall into.
Type 2 wavy hair (2a-2c”>
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Many times, people with type 2 waves consider their hair straight until they start caring for it in a curly hair fashion. Type 2 hair is defined by large loose ‘s’ style waves, typically the hair strands fall closely to the head. Wavy patterns also tend to be resistant to styling and can frizz easily.
Type 3 curly hair (3a-3c”>
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Type 3 hair is much more obviously curly compared to type 2 although it can still be manipulated into a straighter style with a blow dryer. Type 3 hair is defined by either a looping s-curl that comes back around itself (instead of fall down like a type 2″> up to tighter corkscrew curls.
Type 4 coily hair (4a-4c”>
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Type 4 hair tends to be tightly coiled curls that are densely packed together, ranging from a tightly coiled ‘s’ type pattern to a sharper ‘z’ curl pattern. Type 4 curls can be more difficult to encourage natural clumping and is usually more prone to breakage if it not well protected from things such as brushing or heat styling tools. This is due to the increased risks of experiencing dryness faster because of the scalp’s natural oils not being able to travel down the unique shape of the strands unlike wavy to curlier patterns.
Here is a full guide to helping you figure out your curl pattern. Most women have two or three curl patterns on their head, so don’t be discouraged if you feel that one single curl pattern doesn’t apply to you. Once you determine the curl pattern your hair seems to fall into you can begin to care for your hair based on educated recommendations for that type. Remember that even if your curl pattern is the exact same as someone else’s, the porosity and/or width of your strands may be different.
Remember, caring for your hair can take a lot of trial and error and it won’t always be perfect on the first go but once you start to work towards healthier hair you will begin to notice it get easier with each attempt.
As I navigate my way through life, I have learned quite a bit along the way, and I most certainly have grown in ways I never would have predicted.
With my 10-year high school reunion quickly approaching, I have been seriously reflecting on what I have done, what I still want to do, and what I would change if I could go back in time. While I know time travel is still a thing of science fiction, learning from my past mistakes is a great way to move towards a better future.
Be true to yourself
Sure, you hear it all the time–but you never hear how people do it because admittedly, it is a pretty hard lesson to learn. For me, it was realizing that everyone is far more centered in their own lives and not mine, especially those who gossip. Being yourself is the best gift you can give yourself because when you are who you are supposed to be, you will find yourself surrounded by people who truly love you for you, and there is no better feeling.
Be patient
Learning to be your authentic self is not something that will happen overnight. I do not have the best handle on it all the time, but it is something I actively work to achieve everyday. If I could go back to see myself in high school, this is the piece of advice I would attempt to drive into my head. All of the fear, judgement, and social isolation I self-implemented just because I was afraid of someone thinking I was “different” was far worse than anything anyone else at school could have done to me.
Nothing is a failure if you learn from it
It is important to remember that things pass; the issues that seem so overwhelming right now will soon be distant memories. What you will carry with you are the improvements and lessons that you have learned from any self-perceived “failures” or “missteps.”
Every time something in my life goes awry–regardless if it’s a bad hair day, something I sewed falling apart, or even an argument with a friend or family member–if I can take something away from it, then I did not fail. Instead, I look at how I improved myself to be better next time.
Don’t be afraid to try new things
It could be scary to step out of your comfort zone, but you will only get so far if you do not stray into daring new territories. Go ahead, try out a new club at school because, who knows, it may become your new favorite hobby. Sure, you might fail, or you might feel really silly trying new things in front of strangers–remember that everyone has been in the same place as you. You may not love it and you may never want to do it again, but as long as you tried you did not fail, you just learned something new about yourself.
To sum it up
Generally, a big problem for young women is that we tend to be hard on ourselves. Understanding the true meaning of failure is one of the scariest parts of growing up. We are often our own harshest critics, and constantly bringing yourself down is not going to bring you to becoming the best you. Surround yourself with others who will elevate and ignite a drive in you to do and be better. Those who live their lives in negativity will do nothing but put a damper on your dreams. While I have no secrets for my younger self, I do have a few years more experience and I want my younger self to know that I am special, I am important, and I am unique, and I should not be afraid of that. Remember this:
- Even though you are just one young woman in this world, you have a voice that deserves to be heard.
- You have a passion that deserves to be explored.
- You have a life that you deserve to live just the way you choose.
Rarely do I expect to find a haircare line that has multiple products that actually work quite well across the texture spectrum, but Alikay Naturals proved me wrong.
On the search for the next Holy Grail product, I have come across many lines. Rarely do I expect to find a haircare line that has multiple products that actually work quite well across the texture spectrum, but Alikay Naturals proved me wrong. Alikay Naturals has become a household name within the naturally curly, coily and wavy hair community. Recently, I tested some out to see how well they worked for my type 2c hair. Here is what I thought of the following products from the line.
Lemongrass Leave in Conditioner
Since this is the base for my hair care regimen, I’ll start my reviews with the Alikay Naturals leave-in. This liquid is super bright yellow with a lemon-like zest, which is no joke. I am in love with the fact that it smells like fresh lemons without being overpowering. The leave-in is in a spray bottle, however, I do not spray it into my hair. Instead, I spray some into my hands then scrunch into my strands so I can control the amount I use more than nozzle allows.
Featured ingredients:
- silk amino proteins to help rebuild damaged hair cuticles
- aloe vera that moisturizes and heals damaged hair
- lemongrass oil which helps promote shine and volume.
Wake Me Up Curl Refresher
Just like the leave-in, this curl refresher is not lacking in the scent department. This one reminds me of a yummy mango. Like the leave-in, Alikay Naturals’ curl refresher also comes in a spray bottle, and I also prefer spraying some into my hands for more control of the amount I use. In the morning to refresh, I dampen my hair with a spray bottle of water then scrunch in a few sprays of the curl refresher, and go. I find this refresher adds a nice amount of volume to my second day hair, when often times, it can fall flat. The product also controls my frizz all day long.
Dulce Hydrating Curl Lotion
This lotion smells like watermelon jolly ranchers, what more can I say? It is also the lotion that switched me back from using mousse as my primary styler. With ingredients like kokum butter to help increase the elasticity of my waves, in addition to preventing breakage, it is no wonder why this cream is so soothing. I scrunch about three pumps into my hair after applying the leave-in and finish it off with a hard hold gel. I have found that my hair has a beautiful shine and amazing curl definition while also feeling soft and moisturized.
Glazed Argan Oil Silkener
This oil sticks with the trend of the line with its fresh scent. It comes in a pump bottle which I can appreciate because it is not as messy as most oil blends can be. While I cannot apply this heavy oil to wet wavy hair, I enjoy using it for overnight applications or midday if my hair feels drier than normal–in this case, one pump is enough for all of my hair. For the silkener, I like to smooth through with a focus on my ends. I find that if I apply the oil on dry hair, it does not weigh the waves down. It actually leaves them feeling moisturized and not slick.
Watch my review
Subscribe to my channel, The Polished Curl for more wavy girl product recommendations.
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Have you ever gotten hold of a product on accident? Then when using it, you realize you can go a whole day without styling after you use it?
That is how Curl Junkie Curls in a Bottle worked for me.
I had never used a curl serum before this year, and now I cannot believe it took me this long to try one. I purchased Curls in a Bottle on a whim because I was attempting to get the free shipping deal online at CurlMart. While browsing, I came across this ‘silicone-free serum’ that promised to help maintain and enhance my natural wave definition while controlling frizz. I was sold.
Who is the serum intended for?
This serum states that it works well for type 2 and 3 wavy-curly hair. I also liked that it can be used as a standalone product for fine hair. While coarser textures can use the serum as well, in order for it to perform well, I would recommend layering another styling product for the best results.
My Curls in a Bottle review
I was happy this serum did not add weight to my 2c waves. It also played well with my cream and gel cocktail without causing flakes. Since purchasing, I have found multiple uses for it in my personal wavy hair routine.
Before I apply another product in my soaking wet hair, using Curls in a Bottle as a base styler reduces frizz and enhances curl definition for multiple days. It works as a standalone to prevent poofy bed head, too.
I can use it as a hair refresher. On second day hair, I dampen my waves and smooth the serum over. Then, scrunch for natural formation.
Why my waves love it so much
While some products can have an obvious impact on your hair, this serum is more of a background player. By that, I mean that you may not realize how well it is working until you realize you can go without it the next day.
After a few weeks of using Curls in a Bottle, I has not been quite convinced it did enough to warrant me purchasing again in the future so I decided to go a wash day without using it to see if I noticed a difference. While the difference wasn’t immediate, throughout the day I started to notice that I was getting more frizz than I had been and one of the biggest differences I noticed was the lack of softness of my hair.
This serum from Curl Junkie was able to help keep my hair moisturized and soft under the usual hard hold gel that I like to use, which is no easy feat. It also acts as a workhorse for refreshing my second day hair with minimal effort. I accidentally found a styler that has earned a coveted place in my routine–indefinitely.
When is the last time you found love on accident with a product?
Do tell. Leave us a comment below.
Subscribe to my YouTube channel, The Polished Curl.
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When you start diving into the world of naturally curly hair, you begin to realize the complexity about all the ingredients that you put into your hair.
One popular ingredient that always comes up in the natural hair conversation is glycerin–what’s its deal? There are so many differing opinions and a lot of conflicting research can leave your head spinning. The simple truth about glycerin is that it does not do the same thing for everyone’s hair. Let’s go through the pros and cons of using glycerin products on your curls.
What is glycerin?
Glycerin is a thick, clear liquid that is either naturally derived from plants like coconut or palm oils. It can be synthetically made from petrochemicals–the use of synthetic glycerin is currently under scrutiny on its safety. Glycerin is a water-soluble conditioning alcohol that is extremely hydrophilic, meaning that it attracts water to itself.
The good
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Since it is water soluble, glycerin is safe to use when following the Curly Girl Method.
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Because glycerin is hydrophilic, it attracts moisture into your hair–and retain it.
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Glycerin mixes easily with other ingredients, so it is safe and easy to add into your routine.
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Glycerin helps prevent breakage for those who still brush their textured hair.
The bad
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Vegan naturals should double check that the product only contains vegetable oil-derived glycerin to ensure its purity.
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Glycerin is extremely dependent on humidity–too much might cause over-moisturized hair and low humidity levels can cause frizz.
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Using it alone in its pure form can cause the strands to dry out, so diluting the ingredient down with other ingredients is recommended.
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Because it seep into the cuticle, glycerin may cause issues repelling semi-permanent hair dye.
The takeaway
Glycerin is an ingredient that is useful for most naturally curlies across the spectrum. However, knowing when to use it is important. Humidity should be between 20 to 60%. For those using a semi-permanent hair color, it may be best to stay away from glycerin, as this well prevent over-processing as well. If you have permanent hair color, keep glycerin away the day after your appointment.
If you choose that glycerin is a product, add it into your hair roundup and see what it does for your curls. Make your own spray or leave-in, or find a store-bought product that contain glycerin as a top ingredient.
Have you used glycerin on your curls?
What was your experience? Let us know on Facebook – NaturallyCurly
Some curlies don’t like glycerin–here are product suggestions for them.
If you’ve recently gone natural, figuring out a hair care regimen can be a frustrating experience. Sometimes, we try new products with no luck. But sometimes, that’s also how some of the best product ideas are born.
Inspired by her frustration with struggling to care for her swimmer’s Type 4c hair, a mother wanted to use a single product that could moisturize, condition and detangle and was simple enough for a child to apply. Then, Especially Hair Moisture Foundation was born.
When I was told this product is meant to be “the curly hair wash-and-go solution,” I had to give it a try. Here are the featured ingredients:
- Panthenol is used to draw moisture into the hair shaft for added fullness.
- Avocado Oil is lightweight and contains high amounts of vitamin E to moisturize thirsty strands.
- Jojoba Oil will hydrate your hair deep inside the shaft of the hair.
For coily-curly type 3c to 4c natural hair, the founders recommend using this as a leave-in type product after shampooing or co-washing. Apply the foundation to the hairline and spread it back to ends of your hair. Allow your hair to air dry or style as usual.
For wavy type hair, use this as a deep conditioner treatment; apply to the hairline and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Lightly rinse, then style as usual.
First impression
When I opened this product for the first time, I was taken aback by the strange viscosity of the product because it’s almost like a custard and has more hold than a traditional conditioner or deep conditioner. It didn’t take me long to figure out that smoothing just a small amount of product throughout my hair adds the right amount of slip when conditioning.
Once I applied this product, I let it sit for the rest of my shower–probably around 10 minutes total–and then lightly rinsed it out. By lightly rinsing out I mean I don’t aggressively attempt to remove the product, and don’t mind having some leftover.
My waves felt much softer after the product rinsed out. I was able to run my fingers through my hair without feeling the heaviness. I followed up my deep condition with a diffuser breaking breaking up my hard hold gel for natural definition.
My results were incredibly positive, I was definitely unsure about leaving any of a deep conditioner in my hair but was happily surprised at the lightness that it provided! After getting use to the product a little bit I found that squishing in a little after I was done with my shower was all I needed as a leave in, and a cream for styling my hair as well, making a super simple routine of only having to put gel for hold on top.
For those with finer hair you may want to skip leaving any additional product on the hair as it can weigh it down if not careful. For my daughter’s super fine 2a/2b hair I found that using this as a deep conditioner alone and then rinsing out completely was enough moisture for her curls and all I needed on top was a super light gel to keep the curls in place.
Final thoughts
This deep conditioner truly has multiple uses. If used correctly and in the right amount, it can really simplify a wash day for a wavy, curly or coily. It detangles like a dream and leaves hair noticeably moisturized. After being unsure of how exactly a product marketed as a deep conditioner could do so much, I happily realized to never judge a product simply by its name again.
Watch my YouTube videos for more hair product reviews @The Polished Curl
Have you found a nighttime routine that works for your waves? This is how to pineapple short, wavy & curly hair.
Not sure what Type 4c and Type 2a means? Find out here.
As the season changes, so do many of the needs of our wavy and curly textured hair.
With fall just beginning, many of us have started to notice that our summer routine might not be working as well as it once had. The thought of having to go out and buy all new products for every season change can make our wallet silently scream–thankfully, there are some easy ways to bring an end to your summer regimen and swing into fall with minimal effort.
1. End the summer with clarity.
After many trips to the beach or pool–or just the tons of sunscreen–your hair is probably in need of a clarification to get back on track. By removing all the build-up, your head of curls will be ready for the fall season with a clean slate and nothing holding them down.
2. Don’t rinse out all of your rinse-out conditioner.
The ending of summer humidity means your hair can now handle an extra bit of moisture without weighing down your texture. Use your normal conditioner with a protein-packed styler for additional frizz defense and definition.
3. Multiply your normal deep conditioning sessions.
Even though most of us always have a deep conditioner on hand during every season, fall might require a few extra sessions in the month. Just apply heat and oil to your deep conditioning masque, covering your head with a shower cap to help absorption.
4. Use more moisturizing styler and less gel.
Once the air starts becoming drier, your frizz happens from a whole ‘nother source–a lack of moisture. To increase the level of your moisturizing styler with products you already have in your stash, decrease the amount of gel you use on your crown when plopping.
5. Start using a leave-in conditioner as a styler.
If you are finding that you are still having straw feeling hair with the fall weather you can add in a heavier leave in conditioner. A leave-in conditioner can sometimes be too heavy in the more humid summer months so during the fall it can be a necessary part of your routine.
Fall is here and you can rest easy knowing that you don’t have to pay another arm and a leg for completely new hair products. By trying your current product arsenal in new or different ways, you can maintain textured hair that looks and feels healthy as ever.
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One of the most rewarding parts of embarking on a natural hair journey is getting see your unique curl pattern take shape. This also comes with some annoyances.
We are here to show you that does not have to be so. These three annoyances might be the most common that come with embracing your naturally wavy and curly hair.
A cowlick
I was incredibly unlucky to have a cowlick directly in the middle of my forehead as a child, still attempting to wear bangs. They didn’t agree.
A cowlick is often found at the crown of the head but can also be found in the front or back of your head but can appear really wherever. When you have a cowlick and curly hair, the best way to deal with it is by styling your hair while it is wet. Finger curl your hair where your cowlick forms as this can help produce a curl that will look the same as the rest of your curls.
If yours forms right in the front of your head, more control at the roots may be what you need, too. I have found that duckbill clips can help alleviate a cowlick. Letting your hair air dry or using a blow drier should give you the same results with the exception that you may get a little more volume when blow drying. So, let your bangs down and fight the cowlick.
Two hair textures
Many curlies complain of having one curl type on their canopy and a totally different one on the lower layer.
This happens because either some of your hair is damaged and also, simply one size fits all doesn’t work when categorizing your hair type (although it can be a helpful point of reference for styling”>. Blend them together to create the illusion of one texture with CurlFormers.
Another option is to create large loose braids at night and take down the next morning for even definition throughout your entire head. If your hair is on the wavier side, finger curling with a medium or hard hold gel can give you defined ringlets for days–no heat required.
If you rock a wash and go often, metal prong clips will elongate the uneven textures. Apply them to hair that is drying to remove some of your shrinkage.
Wispy baby hairs
The little hairs that frame your face can be frustrating to deal with on a day that you want to pull your hair back into a sleek ponytail.
If you plan on wearing your hair down, grab an unused toothbrush and spritz some hairspray on it. If you prefer a softer look, go apply a light curl cream and dab each strand with your finger to go into place. If your frizz needs a harder hold, dab a bit of gel or edge control to keep the baby hairs exactly where you want them throughout the day.
Interested in starting a Curly Girl Method journey? Check out our guide on How To Follow The Curly Girl Method.
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If your hair is an obsession like mine is, you have likely accumulated quite the product stash throughout your journey.
Do you hold on to all of your products even if you’ve moved on from them? It might be time to get rid of some of them.
A good rule of thumb for your hair products is that the unopened ones are usually good for three years. Once opened, don’t keep a product longer than 18 months.
Decluttering your stash can feel overwhelming. However, there are a few steps you can take to make the process as easy and quick as possible.
1. Label your new products
While you cannot go back in time and label all the products you have now, you can certainly start a new healthy habit.
Write the open date on the bottom in a permanent marker. This makes future decluttering much easier. If you want to go so far as to figure out 18 months from that date, write that date on it as well.
2. Take all your products out
By taking all of your products out and categorizing them on the floor in an open space, you will see exactly how many conditioners you may have in rotation.
This might make you feel better about throwing some of them out. This also makes putting your products back easier and can keep you organized so you know exactly where to go when you need it.
3. Check for expiration dates
Along with the 18 month rule, there are some products that will already have an expiration date on the bottom based on their brand’s protocol.
This happens a lot more with natural hair products since they may not use as many preservatives in them. Does the product’s scent seem off? This can be a good indicator that it is ready to be thrown out.
4. Declutter on a frequent schedule
This may sound even more daunting, but try to declutter your product stash every 6 months.
Donate your unused ones or offer them to friends or family. By not having to throw the items away when they go bad, you will not feel as if you have wasted money on products. Next time, your decluttering process will be easier as well.
5. Shop your stash
Instead of buying a new hair product the moment you hear about it, go back to your own stash and check to see if you have any products that compare.
Since you have been decluttering your stash, all your products will still be usable. If you see one you want to give another chance, you can do so without worrying. Shopping your stash will not only help your wallet but also make your next six month decluttering session even quicker than the last.
Which product do you you have too much of?
I’d love to know. Stop by my YouTube channel, The Polished Curl.
Follow NaturallyCurly on Instagram, @NaturallyCurly for more curly hair tips!
As wavies and curlies, we tend to play the game of keeping hair clumps out of the drain on wash day.
Why does curly hair shed “more”?
Since we don’t brush our hair daily, many hair strands that fall out naturally throughout the day get caught up in other curls and therefore, it does not come out until it is time to wash and detangle. This is because the average person loses between 50-100 strands a day so if you don’t wash or brush until 3rd day hair you may be getting rid of around 300 strands! According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this is what is known as hair shedding.
While some hair shedding should not be cause for concern, there can be a time when looking down at your drain becomes worrisome. There are different factors in life that can cause what is known as excessive shedding. First, know the difference between this and hair loss.
What’s the difference between hair shedding and hair loss?
Hair shedding
Hair shedding is a normal body function where some of the hair strands fall out to make room for new hair growth, you can lose between 50 to 100 strands a day–and sometimes even up to 150–and this is still considered normal, according to WebMD. You will grow back new hair to take the place of the hair that you are shedding. Hair shedding can also be seasonal, meaning you lose less hair in the summer months and start losing more hair in the fall and winter months. One common cause of excessive shedding is childbirth. Many mothers lose hair after giving birth, but not to fear as this pattern usually only lasts for a few months and then reverts to its normal rate. Other causes of excessive shedding are quick weight loss, stress, sickness or surgery, in which case it is best to see your doctor.
Hair loss
Hair loss is when the fallen hair fails to grow back. If you have hair loss you will start to notice either a bald spot or the look of your hair actually thinning as no new hair is growing in to replace the hair that you are losing. Hair loss can vary, some may lose hair gradually and slowly start to notice thinning at the top, while others may actually experience clumps of hair falling out. Hair loss can be caused by factors such as a poor diet, tight hair styles, stress, genetics, or a combination of these things. The good news: most hair loss issues can be treated. Consult with your medical doctor for professional advice. While there is no way to prevent normal hair shedding, there are ways to improve our hair’s health and further prevent true hair loss by caring for ourselves from the inside out–this includes making sure our diet contains enough protein and iron, in addition to making sure we thoroughly cleanse the scalp on wash day. Also, don’t forget to be gentle when creating a braided hairstyle or updo. Now you can wash your hair in peace knowing that although your hair shedding may clog your drain, it’s probably nothing more than your body making room for even more hair. If your hair loss exceeds the normal patterns that we have described here, be sure to seek the advice of a doctor to determine the cause and best course of treatment.Follow us on Instagram @NaturallyCurly & my personal page, @ThePolishedCurl for more wavy + curly hair advice!
Summer is here–with that, there’s a whole new hair game to master.
For my waves, it seems that every season I have to drop what I was previously doing that worked so well and move on to a new routine in order to combat whatever comes with it. Summer = humidity. The solution to this problem is a diffuser.
Summer = humidity. The solution to this problem is a diffuser.
While many in the curly community try to avoid using heat on their hair, during the summer months it can become unavoidable. We also know it can be annoying (and even dangerous“> to wet hair constantly. So what to do to beat this summertime foe? Grab your favorite blow dryer and take a look at some of the best options to use to diffuse your hair.
Xtava Black Orchid Diffuser
This is a classic bowl type diffuser. My hair sits inside the diffuser while air is gently directed around it. This minimizes frizz and drying time. The large bowl on this diffuser is great for those with longer hair who are looking to add volume to their wash and go.
Collapsible Diffuser by The Curly Co.
For those lacking the bathroom space to store a huge diffuser, here’s an option. Don’t let the size of this diffuser fool you, either–it fights frizz and boosts the body of my hair just as well as the rest of them. With a flat top, this diffuser is best suited for wavies with shorter cuts.
Hot Sock Diffuser
A traditional bowl diffuser, this hot sock diffuser can give results more like a blow dryer, while still helping to reduce frizz and flyaways.
DevaCurl DevaFuser
This is a completely different take on the finger diffuser. It has fingers that reach out to get 360-degree air flow all through my waves, and can get up by your roots to add volume and can also lift the ends to “scrunch” your hair for maximum curl definition.
Softhood Hair Dryer Attachment
If you prefer to use curlformers or rollers with your curls, this softhood can make the drying process faster and more convenient. Use it for deep conditioning treatments with a cap, too.
Why diffuse in the summertime?
With these five options, you are able to dry your curls quickly and without so much frizz. It is important to remember when using heat on your hair to use deep conditioning treatments weekly to minimize the amount of damage you are inflicting on your hair. Also when blow drying your hair, remember to keep the heat setting at cool/warm, this is more than enough to dry your hair without as much damage.
Although adding a heat tool to a curly hair routine can be a little nerve racking, during the humid months this addition can make all the difference in getting the style that you want. Explore all your options for your diffuser and make sure to treat your hair to some extra treatments and you can make it through this summer with your curls intact!
Follow Becky on Instagram @ThePolishedCurl
There are multiple different ways to go about protecting your hair from the heat of the sun that are simple to implement before heading outside. Once the beautiful weather starts calling us outside, it has become ingrained in us to slather on sunscreen to keep our skin protected and many times we forget that our hair is not exempt from the potentially damaging sun rays.
Coconut Oil
On days when you are spending all day in the sun, you can turn this time into a deep conditioning opportunity, as well.
If you are going to the beach or the pool, soak your curls with water and then slather on some coconut oil prior to heading out the door. By soaking your hair with your tap water at home, you are locking in much needed moisture and should help to keep out some of the chlorine or salt water that is prone to drying out hair.
Coconut oil has a natural SPF of 10, so along with the deep conditioning treatment, you are also keeping your hair safe from the sun’s rays.
If you are going to be out in the sun, smoothe coconut oil over your strands, especially the canopy (top layer”> which is has the highest exposure to the sun’s rays and is most likely to be damaged by the elements. If you experience frizz or hair that won’t curl as much at the canopy and framing your face, this could be why.
3 more ways to protect your hair from sun damage
Coconut oil can help block UV rays, but for an even more effective protection it is best to create an actual barrier between your hair and the sun. There are also products formulated specifically to block the sun’s rays and repair the damage they can can cause – check out these sun-blocking tips.
Barriers
The first option you can go with is to add a barrier between your hair and the sun. Options include a brimmed summer hat, or a scarf to wrap your hair with. This works best if you are going to spend a day out shopping or at a park. This option is great because it not only protects your hair but also will protect your scalp from the potential of being sunburnt.
DIY Sunscreen
If wearing a hat isn’t really your style, there are other ways to protect your hair. Sunscreen is an effective option to keep the sun’s rays from damaging your hair. The simplest way to include spf into your hair routine is just to use the same sunscreen you use for your face in your hair. If rubbing skin sunscreen onto your hair doesn’t sound appealing either, make yourself a protective hair mist with these three ingredients:
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1 cup water
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2 teaspoons sunscreen
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3 to 4 drops rosemary oil
Mix these ingredients together in a spray bottle and toss in your beach bag. Next time you are heading out, coat the mix over your hair for added UV protection. It is not heavy so fine hair won’t be weighed down by it. Don’t forget to reapply if you are going in and out of water as it will wash out.
Post-sun reparative mask
If your hair is still feeling a little fried after spending time out in the sun, there are plenty of options for you to treat your hair to an after-sun reparative treatment. When you get home from the beach or pool, cleanse your hair from any chlorine or salt that may be left over and give one of these a try:
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Redken Color Extend Sun After-Sun Mask instantly detangles and revitalizes sun damaged and fried hair and with mango seed oil it will help deeply moisturize your hair.
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Davines Su Pak Nourishing Replenishing Mask contains a mix of essential oils and extracts that is able to restore residual damage from sun, sea or pool.
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Rene Furterer Sun Care Repairing After Sun Mask for Dry Hair uses palm butter to soften your hair and make detangling a breeze for dry, sun damaged hair.
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Christophe Beverly Hills Restorative Hair Mask not only helps restore damaged hair but also contains sunscreen to protect against UV and freed radical damage.
This summer, don’t be afraid to embrace the sun with confidence knowing that you can truly be protected from head to toe.
It is not just women with stick straight hair that are making their way to the salon for this chemical process. Many naturally curlies and wavies are seeking perms as a solution to enhance their natural texture.
Even if you were too young to remember or not even born yet, when you hear the word perm it takes you back to one decade, the 80s.
Tight, uniform and frizzy curls made for big hair on women and men alike. But while these are not the kind of perms making a comeback today, with advancements in the way perms are done many different styles and shapes of curls can be accomplished and they are causing many people to flock to salons to have some texture added into their hair.What is a perm, anyway?
A perm is a procedure that involves setting hair in waves or curls with rods and then using a chemical bonding process to hold the curl pattern for months at a time. Since this altered texture is considered permanent and requires chemicals, there is some damage involved. However, there can be a minimized amount sustained by frequent deep conditioning treatments, switching to sulfate free shampoos, and other healthy hair regimen practices.
Upkeep of a perm is much like that of coloring your hair, you will need to have your roots touched up every so often to keep up with your growing hair and may want to have your entire head redone every 6 months to refresh the curl. The regular trips to the salon come with a price tag (which varies depending on where you go”> so be sure you want to commit to this recurring bill before you take the plunge. It is not just women with stick straight hair that are making their way to the salon for the procedure. Many with naturally curly or wavy hair are also seeking it out to enhance their natural texture and make their waves appear evenly.
Is a perm for me?
If the idea that adding chemicals to alter your hair’s texture for perfect, effortless waves or curls seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you are hoping to get a perm in order to avoid all of the common curly hair concerns you have now, like styling, moisturizing and detangling, then I urge you to think twice. Styling a perm is similar to styling naturally curly and wavy hair, in that it requires striking a balance of moisture and strength, and finding the right amount of hold to get the most curl definition out of the curls.
There will always be damage associated with permanently altering the structure of your hair using chemicals, and damage is likely to make your hair care even more difficult, rather than easier. Curly, coily and coarse hair can struggle to retain moisture even in its virgin state, so take care when considering a potentially damaging permanent treatment. If you color treat your hair or if your hair is already in a fragile or dry state, then your stylist will most likely advise against a perm.
That being said, there are women who feel that their hair and lifestyle benefits from getting perms. To find out if you are one of them, it is absolutely essential that you have a consultation with a professional stylist first. Erika Brown, salon owner and cosmetologist behind the blog, Confessions of a Cosmetologist, says “make sure to be COMPLETELY honest during your perm consultation! This means speaking up about home dye jobs, current medications, and even if you’re on your cycle! All of these are indicators of how much your hair will suffer or if the perm will even take.”
In the end, a perm is an option that can be considered, but not without reviewing the risks that can be brought on by the treatment. It is important to remember that even with this treatment, you will need to maintain proper care for your curls.
So you’ve finally done it, you took the plunge and dyed you hair your favorite shade of blue–now what?
How can you care for your color to make sure it’s not looking dull and lifeless after your first few washes? Luckily for us, that and curl care go hand in hand.
Use a sulfate-free co-wash.
Vivid fantasy colors are finicky and can easily be stripped by using harsh shampoos so your best choice would to be to use a cleansing co-wash.Seal with cold water.
Rinsing with scorching hot water while washing your hair will open your hair cuticles; this will cause your new color to fade much more quickly.Don’t wash hair every day.
As is routine for most curlies already, don’t wash your hair every day. If you are someone who likes to wash your hair daily try out a dry shampoo, this won’t strip your color and can help clean your hair.
Moisturize!
Use a deep conditioner to keep your hair happy, coloring your hair can be hard on it so a deep conditioner is great to keep the colors bright and your hair healthy. A great time to do this is when in the shower, use your favorite deep conditioner, such as SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque and put your hair up in a shower cap, then you can use your hot water on yourself and keep your hair protected.Use a conditioner glaze to boost.
You need is your favorite silicone-free conditioner and a dye that doesn’t need to develop (brands that you don’t have to mix two products together before using”> like Bigen Vivid Shades Semi-Permanent Hair Color. Mix these two products together and use that in place of your conditioner, you can let it sit for as long or as little as you like, keeping in mind the longer you leave it the more color you are allowing to deposit. If DIY isn’t your cup of tea, look for a color depositing conditioner options like oVertone.Now you have the knowhow to rock your bold, vivid color as long as you want…
without spending an arm and a leg having to have your color touched up once a month or more.
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When you have pieces of hair that don’t want to follow the rest of your curl pattern, it is important to find ways to quickly and easily enhance definition for your desired style. I’ve found one easy way to fix a stray straight piece of hair or two with finger curling.
1. Wash and condition your hair as normal and apply products.
2. Find any curls that need additional definition.
3. Begin twisting the curl clump around itself.
For more of my wavy-curly hair tutorials, follow me @ThePolishedCurl
Pomades is a styling product that is sometimes overlooked and misunderstood.
A pomade is perfect for adding flyaway and edge control, moisture and shine and enhances natural wave and curl definition. Here’s how to create even waves using a pomade:
- Begin by smoothing the pomade between your hands to warm the product up and make it easier to work with.
- Section out your hair and begin to smooth your pomade through your hair.
- Twist each section. Once you are ready, carefully take them apart.
- Separate for desired volume and definition. Use your fingers or an afro pik to fluff.
This video goes over one of the most well-loved styles to use your pomade with, the twist out.
There are many different types of pomades to look at when making your decision on which is right for your hair, take a look below to help find your perfect match. Find these in the textured hair care section of your local drugstore.
Carol’s Daughter Hair Balm Nourishing Liquid Pomade
This pomade comes in a bottle rather than a tub like most pomades, but don’t let that fool you. It still packs just as much of a frizz control punch. This product has no silicones, parabens, petroleum, mineral oil or artificial colors and has sweet almond oil and shea butter to help you retain moisture.
Giovanni Wicked Texture The Definition of Pomade
If you are looking for serious flyaway control, look no further than this pomade. This product boasts many certified organic products and is made in the USA. It also includes marshmallow extract to help keep your hair moisturized.
Avlon KeraCare Styling Wax Stick
This on-the-go wax stick has the convenience of being able to apply directly from the stick to your hair without having to dirty your hands and being sold in a stick form makes it easy to toss in your bag. Be careful about leaving it out in hot weather though as it may end up melting on you.
CurlFriends Pomade, Seduce
A product to use on both wet and dry hair depending on your need. This pomade can define your curls without leaving them crunch. It can be used to refresh second day hair. It contains no alcohol so it won’t leave your hair dried out after use.
Cantu Shea Butter Hair Dressing Pomade
This product takes the phrase “less is more” to heart. With only four ingredients, this pomade will condition your hair while adding hard hold to styles. It uses pure shea butter to help prevent frizz and add shine and manageability to your hair.
