Search Results: Becky Woodford
My favorite style for Farouk James is a wash and go, air dried. I love the way his natural curls form without any manipulation–it’s at this time he gets the most compliments.
If you’re crazy about curls, chances are you have run across the latest viral sensation, curly kiddo Farouk James. His curls makes many green with curl envy and his classic style make this young gentlemen stand out in the crowd. I was able to get a chance to talk to Farouk’s mother recently and got some insight into the inspiration and care for these awesome curls!
Introduce yourselves!
Hi, my names Bonnie and I’m a mother of three. The two eldest are over the age of 18, so when I’m asked how many children I have, I can honestly answer 1 as Farouk James is the only child. I was a mother at a very young age and I was aware that I having made the choice to have mixed children I had a responsibility, along with teaching them about their culture, but also in maintain and embrace their hair to insure they could stand tall and be confident with who they are. I taught myself to braid, corn row and even though my family hated my Sunday hair regime with my daughter (which included a 2 hour braid and sometimes tears”> I remained determined to continue.
How long have you been embracing your son’s natural curls?
Farouk James was born with dead straight hair but this only lasted for about 2 months; his father had instructed me that his hair must not be cut until he is 3 years old due to his Ghanaian culture. I agreed and respected his preference as it was his first born boy and I knew how much it meant to him, but to be honest I never expected Farouk’s hair to grow so long! I embraced his curls as soon as they sprouted through. I had a lot of time on my hands in his first 2 years of life (I hadn’t began university at the time”>. I love grooming his hair and we very rarely experience tears. In fact, my sister–whose children are white–cry more when their hair is combed! I find the whole hair care experience a positive bonding and nurturing one, second to breast feeding.
Do you have any style inspirations in the curly community?
My favorite style for Farouk James is a wash and go, air dried, I love the way his natural curls form without any manipulation. It’s at this time he gets the most compliments and questions about how I “get his hair like that.” I can answer, “This is his natural style!” and usually leave a look of disbelief on their face. That’s why I love doing his YouTube hair journey videos to show the world that the most natural things are the most beautiful.
Farouk often has ideas of his personal clothing choice. It’s usually between a suit and tie or a superhero outfit, and because I strongly believe in self-expression, he is likely to get his own way within that regard within reason.
Our inspirations include Taren Guy and Mel Burgos of (Rock Yo Rizos“> who recently done a big chop. In the UK, I admire the inspirational talents of Fro Girl Ginny and Rene Daniella (Own By Femme“> and the way they help empower young girls to be themselves…I mainly admire the people who have experienced a struggle and overcome diversity remaining true to themselves. I have had curly hair and for me, it’s pretty easy to maintain. I really respect those with more difficult textures who put in the work to maintain their natural, although I appreciate we don’t all have the time. Our favorite page is Urban Bush Babes for hair care ran by the twin sisters TK and Cipriana Quann–their page is full of love, laughter and hair care.
How do you merge your love of fashion and hair?
I have never followed trends when it comes to hair. Everyone is an individual–a natural hair style is timeless and never goes out of fashion. It’s annoying to hear that the afro is “back in”. It’s insulting to people’s natural hair or any texture to consider them cool or not based upon what one was born with! Of course with clothes it’s a different thing it’s a human design and created–not made by God–so I can accept harsh personal opinions.
It’s annoying to hear that the afro is “back in”. It’s insulting to people’s natural hair or any texture to consider them cool or not based upon what one was born with!
When dressing myself, I always start with my shoes and go from there; with Farouk, dressing can only start from the hair. I have to ask myself “Will that clash with his fro, his curls, the size of his hair and the colour? It’s a very interesting concept to others.
Describe your personal style.
I have a very eclectic style and is always mood reflective. I believe what you wear can attract people or scare them off. So if I have a busy day and I don’t have time to chat I will wear one colour plain colour maybe dark blue, grey or black which I have found works. But I do love socializing general so I wear bright colours always coordinated. I’m also dyslexic which makes colours very important and useful for me so I use them as much as possible.
Farouk and I often combine styles and when we are together: I start with his hair, my shoe,s and the planned day. If it’s a trip to the park, of course comfort and movability for him is priority. However, Farouk often has other ideas his personal clothing choice. It’s usually between a suit and tie or a superhero outfit and because I strongly believe in self-expression, he is likely to get his own way within that regard within reason. For example, I will not allow a Darth Vader outfit to be worn to church!
What are the pros and cons of having your son be an online sensation?
The pros are definitely to inspire and give others the confidence to embrace their own natural hair and to break the stereotypes that people have about afro hair and even further about white mothers who have mixed kids in that they cannot maintain afro hair.
I haven’t found any cons as of yet for him being online as he doesn’t get any more attention from being there, it has always taken me an hour to get a pint of milk from my local store from being stopped by people asking questions about him. I love when he wears braids during the week as it gives me a break!
Only time can tell what may come from his online popularity. I am vigilant and if is see any negativity which could affect Farouk James then I would obviously reconsider our position about being online.
Only time can tell what may come from his online popularity. I am vigilant and if is see any negativity which could affect Farouk James then I would obviously reconsider our position about being online. And the great thing is if I cut his hair he would no longer be recognized so easily. Farouk is a confident kind loving humble little boy and that’s how I want him to remain.
Favorite product routine?
My first stop for products are natural shea butter–which I have sent to me from Ghana–and organic coconut butter. These are my holy grail of products and I have plans to create a hair product line from them. In the meantime, I’m trying virtually every brand I can to see what works with Farouk’s high density, low porosity mix of type 3c and 4 curls; because his hair is so diverse from the back to the top to the ends, I often have to use different products in places during one session. All reviews will be honestly posted on YouTube and Instagram. Not to say that one product that works for us will work for someone else!
Can’t get enough? Follow Farouk James on Instagram and YouTube.
A mousse is a hair styling product that comes in a foam consistency in an aerosol can. It’s often loved in the wavy and curly hair communities because of its lightweight form and hold.
If you would have asked me a year ago if I was planning on adding a mousse into my styling routine, I might have laughed out loud at that notion because it reminded me of my pre curly girl routine when I had stringy, poofy waves and no definition. What I have realized since then, however, is that it wasn’t the mousse that created my hair troubles, but instead my lack of knowledge and curl care. With this new revelation, there is now a whole world of products that I am ready to explore and start testing out. I encourage other wavy and curly girls to do the same.
Note: Mousse is best applied when hair is wet and can be smoothed from the roots to the ends, then scrunched upward in to help form and hold waves.
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Curlisto Bio-Gel Mousse
A non-aerosol option, this mousse promises to give you the moisture of a mousse but with the hold of a gel. With its botanical extracts and wheat protein it’s also able to add volume and protection to your curls.
Raw Curls Mousse
This mousse has 100% natural/organic ingredients and is best suited for those with finer curls. It adds volume and with its first ingredient being aloe barbadensis leaf extract, it will add softness and shine to all hair.
SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Styling Mousse
Formulated without silicones, this mouse is able to add moisture with ingredients like shea butter and coconut water. It’s formulated to shape and add fullness to lifeless waves.
Chi Magnified Volume Spray Foam
For added volume, this protein rich mousse will protect your strands from thermal heat styling. It has silk molecules to smooth cuticles and improve shine.
Tigi Catwalk Curlesque Strong Mousse
A strong hold mousse that adds strength and elasticity to your curls, this mousse boasts marine notes and fresh botanicals too add indulgence in your routine.
Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Mousse
For those looking for more of a beachy wave look this product will help make waves appear messy while you’re still completely in control.
Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse
Curls that need more moisture can look to a mouse like this, with olive oil and vitamin B complex it nourishes the hair while adding a natural sheen.
SoCozy Behave Styling Mousse Medium Hold
For more definition, a boost in volume and frizz control, this mousse can do it all without the crunch. With ingredients like kiwi fruit extract and rosemary extract this mousse will leave your hair soft and silky.
Elucence Volume Designing Foam
High quality ingredients at drugstore prices, this volumizing mousse ticks all the boxes for a product to add hold and shine to any curls.
Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Mousse
For volume starting at the roots this humidity resistant mousse is where to reach. This mousse comes out as a spray and turns into a mousse to lift and add hold.
Whether you have never tried a mousse or still make them a part of your routine every day, these mousses are a great option to add lightweight hold to your waves!
When searching for the best oil for your hair, one you are certain to run across is argan oil. This oil is not just a one trick pony–there are a multitude of beauty uses from this single product because of the benefits this oil brings! It is high in vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Therefore, argan oil is amazing to use not just on hair, but your skin as well.
Argan oil has been considered a miracle worker for a long time in Morocco; it has since found vast popularity in hair and beauty products all around the world.
Argan oil comes from the argan nut which only grows in southwestern Morocco, the original way to gather this amazing oil is to crack the nut open between two rocks and extract the raw argan kernels that are then hand ground and cold pressed into the oil. This oil has been considered a miracle worker for a long time in Morocco and has since found its popularity in products all around the world.
Products that use the awesome argan oil
Karen’s Body Beautiful Hold It Hair Gel W/ Argan Oil
This gel promises to define your hair and because of the argan oil they included it gives flexibility and no crunchy feeling that you get from many drying gels. A natural finish with added frizz protection make this gel a definite to take a look at if you want to try out an argan oil product.
Curl Junkie Beauticurls Argan & Olive Oil Daily Hair Conditioner
This moisturizing daily conditioner is perfect for not only your rinse out but also can be utilized as your leave in for the day because of it’s amazing ingredients. It is filled with moisturizing oils that seal without weighing your curls down.
AG Hair The Oil Extra Virgin Argan Miracle
This serum will add all the softness and shine you could want to your hair. Because argan oil is a lightweight moisturizer this serum will not only work for thicker hair but also for those with finer hair as well!
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4 reasons to use argan oil
Let’s go over some of the benefits this oil will provide you and your hair!
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Moisturizing to your scalp: If you want healthy hair you have to start with the scalp, many times this area gets over looked. Rubbing a little argan oil on your scalp will add moisture and luster to your scalp and hair follicles to increase overall hair health.
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Great natural deep conditioner: Used alone or easily added into your favorite deep conditioner this oil will penetrate into your hair cuticle and help give it back and hold onto the moisture it wants and deserves.
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Perfect frizz tamer: If you’re off to a dinner right after work you may be looking for a product to refresh your hair after a full day and argan oil is the perfect go to, it will smooth down the frizz without adding weight.
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Awesome hair sealant: This oil is a perfect way to top off the benefits of any of your favorite products because it is lightweight enough. In addition, the vitamin E will add shine and softness to your hair’s elasticity (bounciness”>.
Next time you are thinking of adding a new oil to your product line up look no further than the super oil from the argan nut! What are your favorite ways to utilize argan oil?
Do you have a question for our NaturallyCurly community? Post it here in our ASK section.
Trying to find the perfect hair products is a hard enough challenge for naturally wavy-textured hair. But when you have to worry about how your sensitive skin will react, it can make the search even more difficult. Here’s a question by one of our NaturallyCurly community members, Surbhz94:
Question
I’ve been using sulfate/silicone-free shampoo and conditioner for my 2b hair for a while now–specifically, the Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle products. It’s been working really well for me; however, my dermatologist recommended that I start using oil-free hair products to avoid excessive breakouts on my face! Does anyone have any oil-free recommendations?
Answer
Here are 3 of my tips for people who have sensitive skin.
1. Use an oil-free line
The term “oil-free” is not exactly a common search term for people looking in curly hair care lines; in fact, most talk up the many oils in their products to moisturize and repair your naturally wavy and curly hair.
After doing some research, I have found that a good oil-free option in Living Proof. Their full haircare line is sulfate, silicone, and oil-free. This brand uses their patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA”> for all of the care and hair benefits you would normally get out of an oil.
2. Keep your hair out of your face
One of the simplest ways to keep your skin safe from your hair products is to keep your hair off of your face. Avoid hairstyles like bangs, as they tend to sit on your forehead and can cause any products that you put on your hair to transfer onto your skin, which is bad for acne prone skin. Don’t forget to “pineapple” your hair while working out or running errands to avoid sweat and dirt to make contact with your acne prone skin. Create a loose bun on top of your head, as this can help you keep your curls for the next day while still making sure that no strands find their way onto your face.
3. Put your hair up at night
Even if you are good about keeping your hair away from your sensitive skin during the day, you won’t be able to control your motions while you are sleeping, so make sure it is up and out of the way. Change your pillowcase frequently–since you sleep on it every night, you can be sure that some amount of product is ending up on the case. This helps to make sure that natural oil and dirt don’t transfer onto your face and cause a sudden breakout.
picture courtesy of @aviasparkleicious
Most curlies and wavies alike can agree that SheaMoisture is a holy grail brand, and I am no different. Whenever I see a new SheaMoisture product on the shelves, I can’t stop myself from picking it up. Recently, I found the styling products from their new Peace Rose Oil Complex line at Target and immediately added them to my growing collection.
The Peace Rose Complex line boasts the ability to hydrate and define dry, brittle hair. It is, of course, free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, and mineral oil.
Featured ingredients
Peace Rose Oil Complex: a blend of Alpine, Damask and Musk Rose Oils that nourish and silken dry hair
Date Palm Extract: imparts a moisturizing, protective layer that smooths hair cuticles
Camellia Leaf Extract: natural antioxidants properties deliver essential benefits to improves hairs softness and luster
NOURISH & SILKEN STYLING GEL-CREAM
I was most excited about this product. I absolutely love hair creams but I have not been able to find one that has enough hold that I can use it without pairing with a gel. For a product to claim to be both a gel and a cream, I wasn’t sure what to expect from it. Was it going to have the moisture of a cream or the hold of a gel? This product claims to define beautiful, crunch-free waves and curls with and from my experience, it does.
How I applied it
1. I used a little less than a palm full to smooth through the hair while hair is soaking wet after the shower.
2. I scrunched the product into my hair.
3. I used an additional quarter amount of product to scrunch into ends of hair.
4. I diffused my waves on low settings till it was 80% dry.
5. I let my hair air dry completely and scrunched out any crunch.
My review
It is an amazing styling product! Although I did have a small amount of crunch in my waves after my hair was completely dry, I was easily able to scrunch it out and have soft, bouncy waves that were moisturized but held all day. I would not have expected to have found one product to be able to do so much but this is a product that could quickly move into holy grail status.
NOURISH & SILKEN HOLD MIST
At first I had thought this was more like SheaMoisture’s traditional moisture sprays, but it turns out this is more of a hair spray for curls! It claims to boost shine and provide medium hold with movement. Normally I associate a hairspray with the crispy hard hold product that makes you feel like you’re going to suffocate when you spray it in a small room. I was very interested to give this mist a try.
How I applied it
1. I sprayed three times on the top of my head on dry hair that was limp or falling out.
2. I flipped my hair over and sprayed 3 to 4 more times on the underside.
3. I fluffed my hair at the roots to encourage volume.
My review
I like that this spray also has a bit of hold to it so that, just like with the gel cream, I get two products in one. I didn’t experience any crispy or crunchy feeling afterward, which was a big plus. The product gave me the ability to tame a lot of my frizz and flyaways, too.
All in all, I am very excited about this new line from SheaMoisture!
I can’t wait to get my hands on their shampoo and conditioner as well. One thing to note about these product is they are very fragrant like roses, so if you are sensitive at all, this may be one line that you should open up and smell in-store before purchasing. Also, a big plus to this line is it is part of the community commerce line so 10% of the sales go to community commerce programs!
To me, Shea Moisture has done it again and provided a line that any curl type will enjoy pampering their hair with.
Just like all other heads of curly hair, we need to add moisture to ensure the best definition. That’s why I am constantly on the search for a good deep conditioner. When I tried out Every Strands Shea and Coconut Deep Moisture Masque (at Sally Beauty“> I was both nervous and excited. For me, shea butter is often a no-go when it comes to hair products; but my hair loves coconut oil, so I wanted to tried it.
When caring for my naturally wavy hair, the last thing I’m looking to do is weigh them down with heavy moisturizers.
What this masque is made of:
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Shea Butter absorbs quickly, hydrates and refreshes dry hair, and repairs damage
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Coconut Oil strengthens hair, increases manageability, adds body and shine
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Essential facts- no parabens, no sulfates, no DEA
My first impressions (and how I applied it”>
When I first opened the package the first thing I noticed was a very nice floral coconut scent.
I ran it through my soaking wet hair and noticed a really nice slip to the product. It wasn’t just running through my hair, but instead really staying on my strands and coating them. I let it sit in my hair for 5 minutes while I was in the shower, then rinsed it fully out. After rinsing out the masque, my hair instantly became moisturized and more manageable.
My problem in the past with masques
While I have used many masques that are able to leave your hair feeling pretty nice after the shower, the problems usually come once it’s time to style after deep conditioning. This time, I applied my normal products after my shower and diffused as normal. I noticed a wonderful surprise–my hair was not weighed down in the slightest but instead had great definition and was incredibly soft.
For the rest of the day, I caught myself touching my curls and noticing how soft even my ends felt. I also saw little to no frizz I had forming throughout the day, thanks to the Every Strands.
Surprise! It’s a clarifying shampoo, too
The next use I found for this product was using it prior to doing a clarifying shampoo. Since I am prone to build-up, I tend to do this about once a month. But because leaves my hair feeling like straw, I like to deep condition beforehand to protect some of my scalp’s natural oils. Once again, I let the Every Strands sit in my hair for 5 minutes and followed with a clarifying shampoo. While doing this still stripped my hair–as is my intention–my hair was less frizzy afterwards and didn’t feel as much like straw as it normally does after clarifying.
Did this masque work?
I really enjoyed this masque. I felt like it was able to give me everything that I am looking for in my deep conditioning without making my hair look weighed down when styling.
What do you look for in your deep conditioners?
Most days, I like for my curls to be clearly defined and well-polished.
There are some days however, that I like to embrace my waves and go for a messier, beachy look. On those days, I reach for my Ouidad Texture Taffy. The texture taffy is what I would describe as a mix between a styling cream and a finishing paste that will give you a messy style that is still put together. Not only do I like to use this as a first day product but it also can do wonders for second day hair. I wasn’t looking for this product when I picked it up; I was actually planning on picking up one of Ouidad’s more popular gels.
The texture taffy is what I would describe as a mix between a styling cream and a finishing paste that will give you a messy style–that is still put together.
First impressions
- has a true taffy texture
- has great ingredients (algae extract and aloe leaf juice”>
I found this sitting on the shelf and knew I had to try it. When I opened this for the first time and felt its odd and true taffy texture, I was pretty put-off. but after trying it out on my hair I realized that its unappealing texture was an easy part to get past to enjoy the benefits. This product is made with algae extract and aloe barbadensis leaf juice, leaving hair feeling soft–never stringy or crunchy.
How I used it
- on 1st day hair as a gel replacement
- on 2nd day hair with a curl spray
- scrunch in after applying a leave-in conditioner and cream
I find this product has multiple uses, which is a big plus in my collection. When using it for first day hair I enjoy using it in place of a gel. I find that it gives the hold needed to keep frizz away but gives beachy curls that look cute and in style. After adding my leave-in conditioner and my cream, I scrunch this into my hair before it has had the chance to dry too much. For success in using this product, I find that rubbing it between my hands and warming it up before scrunching it into your hair will make the product more malleable and leave you needing less product to get better results.
This product is also awesome for second day hair. Although it may seem a little scary to add something so stringy and sticky feeling to dry hair it actually can produce a beautiful effect in your curls. I have found it best to get your hair wet with a curl spray like the Ouidad Botanical Boost or Raw Curls Anti-Frizz Spray and then again rub between your hands to warm up and scrunch in. When using this product at second day hair, it is a must to really work this product in for it not to leave a sticky feeling at all.
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Final thoughts
In the end, I would say this is a great product–even for the price. Not only does a little go a long way, but it has multiple uses, too. This product has now found its way to being a staple in my hair care routine and something I feel with a little practice a lot of people could learn to love as well. If you are looking for something to give you fun beachy waves look no further than Ouidad Texture Taffy.
Still unsure of how to apply this product?
Feel free to check out my review and demo on how I apply it for both first and second day hair:
