Search Results: Cassadie Blackwell

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published October 22, 2012

This past Saturday, almost 500 fabulous naturalistas from all over the Midwest gathered for the first ever CurlyNikki Chicago Meet Up.  Sponsored by top hair care brand Motions, all attendees received a goodie bag filled with products from the new natural hair care called Naturally You!  Attendees also received a deluxe gift set of Strawllers, a unique hair tool that creates perfect spiral curls on all textures of hair.  (Even NaturallyCurly’s own Michelle Breyer tried them out and rocked a Strawller-do to the event!”>  Motions’ Celebrity Stylist Ursula Stephen, who has worked on starlettes such as Rhianna, demonstrated three signature styles on models, showing how to use the new products to create two-strand twists, Strawllers sets and up-do’s.

CurlyNikki, rocking a 4-day-old wash’n’go, was a-glow in the midst of sharing this special experience of meeting her Chicagoland fans with her St. Louis-based family who joined for the event.  As always, Gia a.k.a. “Boogie” was in the mix cheesing for the camera and generally being adorable for her adoring fans.

Check out some of our favorite snaps from the event!

CurlyNikki Chicago Meet Up

sponsored by Motions

NaturallyCurly’s own Michelle Breyer and Motion’s Karen Smith

Motions Global Ambassador Ursula Stephen styles a model

Stylish attendees line up outside of Japonais

Attendee, Erica, checks out her Motions goodie bag!

CurlyNikki’s awesome mustard blazer and perfect curls

Jon and Nikki take a selfie

Rockin the leather, red lips and bouffant for fall

A side-swept style with big hoops for an easy, but chic look

An attendee laughs with a friend

CurlyNikki welcomes the crowd

CurlyNikki and Ursula Stephen share a smile

An event volunteer, Shera, and CurlyNikki MeanMug for the camera

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published September 1, 2012

Every stylist has had a curly-haired client ask for a smooth blow-out in order to look professional at a work conference or to make a good impression at a job interview.

“I find that clients with curly hair believe that they’re taken more seriously if their hair is straight,” explains Morgan Wilheite, creative director at Ouidad. Having frizzy and unruly hair at a business meeting can be the equivalent of showing up wearing a tank top and shorts, so curlies either straighten their hair or slick it back into a ponytail.

But curls and briefcases need not be mutually exclusive. By getting a curl-specific cut and color and using the skills, tools and care routines you need to maintain it, your curls will be workplace-ready. “Professional curly hair is all about maintenance and how you present it,” says Marie France, owner of Madusalon in San Francisco. “Dry hair tied back in a ponytail is not professional; it just shows lack of attention. What says ‘professional’ is moisture. It’s a cut, it’s style, it’s care.”

The Foundation: A Good Cut

Whether you plan on wearing your hair loose or pinned up in a style, your hair must be cut in a way that enhances your texture, not works against it. The cutting of textured hair presents a unique opportunity not only to create volume, shape and dimension, but also to control the curl. “The key is to make sure the hair is cut in a way that is conducive to the curl pattern, especially if the client plans on wearing her hair curly,” explains Rafe Hardy, artistic creative director at Sexy Hair Concepts. “If you’re cutting waves, for example, don’t cut the hair in the middle of the S-pattern, because that’s when it will kick out. Make sure to cut at the beginning of the wave so that it naturally curves under.”

Executing a proper curly hair cut using techniques you wouldn’t use on straight hair presents an opportunity for you to develop and demonstrate an expertise in texture. “Stylists who specialize in curly cuts tend to have a cult following,” Hardy notes. “If you can build up a business that includes people with textured hair, you’ll be sure to gain influence in this specific curly niche.”

Read More: Texture! Behind the Cover

9-to-5 Styling + Care

Once your curls are clipped into shape, the next step is determining a maintenance routine and some workday styling options. “When a client is in your chair, this is the opportunity to show her results and teach her how to achieve them on her own,” explains Hardy. “More than with any other client, styling curly hair should be about education. Show these clients how to diffuse their curls and scrunch in product so that they can take the good curl care habits home with them.”

For the client, the benefits of a good session with her stylist are both immediate and long-lasting. “My hair used to be dry and frizzy so I always pulled it back at work because I didn’t know how to give it the attention it needs,” confides one salon client, Paloma Herman, who became loyal to a salon once she found a stylist who specializes in textured hair. Co-director of admissions at the San Francisco School, Herman says this was the first stylist who’d ever given her a cut that was “intentional and mature.” She adds, “The stylist showed me how to maintain it with only a couple of products. Since then, I’ve been much more comfortable with wearing my curls loose in the office.”

Salon client Bianca Ummat, a Resident MD in Washington, DC, interacts with patients on a daily basis and, to prevent a health hazard, needs to have her hair pulled back from her face. Still, she wants style. “I like to switch it up,” Bianca says. “I do loose buns, ponytails and braids to keep my curls from being in the way.” To secure curls away from the face, Wilheite advises using pins as opposed to ponytail holders. “A slick ponytail is a very severe look and potentially damaging to curls,” she says. “Instead, use larger bobby pins to pull pieces back and secure pieces section by section for a professional style that is also gentle on curls.” For longer curls from loose to tight, Wilheite suggests an on-trend high bun, again using bobby pins to secure the hair around the base.

For tighter curls that have the tendency to shrink up to 80 percent of their length, Product Specialist and Celebrity Stylist Felicia Leatherwood suggests styles allowing the back section of the hair to remain loose while the front sections are pulled away from the face in a half ponytail or bouffant, or sweeping just one side back and securing with a pin. “This allows your clients and colleagues to focus on the face, eyes and smile, not the hair,” says Leatherwood, who offers chemical-free solutions to her ethnic clients who struggle with trying to wear their natural hair at the office.

Read More: Texture!

Some Like it Straight

Even with the right curly cut and maintenance routine available to them, many curly-haired professionals prefer to wear their hair straight. “That’s the beauty of curls,” says Hardy. “They’re so versatile. One day they can be full and voluminous, and the next they can be sleek and straight.”

Consult with your stylist to determine how to incorporate a straight look into a curly styling routine.

Some options:

1. Schedule a blow-out as part of your regular visit so you can leave with sleek hair and wear it straight for a few days.
2. Find a blow-out bar so you can walk in for a professional blow-out at your convenience between cuts.
3. Use a professional smoothing treatment to reduce frizz while allowing you to easily toggle between straight and curly styles. “There are many women who do not have a preference for work between straight or curly,” says Hardy. “They just love having the option to do both!”

Read More: Texture!

Put Your Best Curl Forward

Your looks can be almost as important as your PowerPoint presentation for navigating your career path. Professional curly hair is about mitigating the hair’s tendency to be unkempt, which means keeping frizz, dryness and flyaways in check by promoting the hair’s health and hydration. It’s important to take the extra step for your curls, such as deep conditioning before an interview, or even style and diffuse them before a presentation.

“Your clients’ curls represent their personality, so you really want them looking their best,” encourages Wilheite. “Curls show off a distinctive personality and self-confidence, which is critical in business.” By starting with a proper cut, style and color to enhance texture and you can ensure that you look great on every rung of the career ladder — from the interview to the boardroom. “I used to think of my hair as something that detracted from my professional appearance,” says Paloma Herman. “Now that I know how to take care of my curls, they’ve become an asset.”

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published July 18, 2012

Styled with Curl Junkie Repair Me! Reconstructive Hair Treatment

Contrary to popular belief, just because I’ve got coily hair doesn’t mean I’ve got coarse hair. In fact, my strands are the exact opposite: super fine! As a result, I rely on protein hair treatments including conditioners, moisturizers and stylers to fortify and nourish my strands leaving me with plump, defined curls. I like to deep condition with a protein conditioner and a super deep treatment once a month. Some of my favorite stylers pack a protein punch too! Here’s a round up of my favorites!

Curl Junkie Repair Me! Reconstructive Hair Treatment

Thick, creamy and protein rich, Repair Me is everything I love in a protein conditioner! Because it is infused with keratin amino acids, this heavy-duty protein conditioner is my go-to for my once-a-month super deep treatments.

Read More: All About Proteins

Styled with Darcy’s Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Moisturizing Conditioner

Darcy’s Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Moisturizing Conditioner

I had heard the buzz about Darcy’s Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Moisturizing Conditioner for years before giving it a whirl myself, but once I did I immediately saw what everyone was talking about! With amazing slip and an even more amazing smell, this is a great daily conditioner and can even be used for detangling.

MYHoney Child Olive You

I did a video review of MYHoney Child Olive You that you can watch right here.

Read More: Editor’s Picks: Cassidy’s Shampoos for Coily Hair

Styled with Hair Rules Curly Whip

Aubrey Organics Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner

Aubrey Organics Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner is the one protein conditioner that I can get on the ground, so when I’m traveling and in need of a protein fix, I always hit up my local health food store to grab this one!

Hair Rules Curly Whip

How do I love  Hair Rules Curly Whip? Let me count the ways! First of all, it’s a 3-in-1 styler meaning you can just use it with out a leave in or a sealer and BAM your curls are ready to go! It’s a gel creme which means that it has the moisture of a cream and the hold of a gel, PLUS it’s enriched with protein which helps to clump my curls together for amazing definition.

Read More: Zwitterionic Surfactants: A Milder Alternative?

What are your favorite protein-rich products for coily hair?

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published July 9, 2012

Keeping your curls off your neck in the heat is essential to keeping cool in the summer time. Essence Music Festival attendees had beautifully creative braided and twisted styles to keep their hair up and off their shoulders. Here are a few favorites.

The Shape Shifter

I first saw this gorgeous braided updo on Day 2 of the festival and ran into her again on Day 3 with the front twists taken out. I loved how this ‘do has almost an infinite amount of styles within a style. If you braid up the back and leave the front loose, you can twist, roll, bouffant, and bantu knot your heart out! The possibilities are endless. Hats off to Dr. Kari Williams of Mahogany Hair Revolution for creating this fabulous style!

View from the back.

View from the side on with a twisted top piece.

With the front twists let loose. Gorgeous.

Twisted Up, Up, and Away!

This is a similar style that uses a combination of flat twists and two strand twists instead of braids. The flat twists begin at the nape of the neck and bottom of the edges and continue up towards the crown of the hair where they are then two strand twisted. To get her two strand twists to coil, she applies a bit of gel and twirls around her finger for definition.

View from the back

Coiled two strand twists on top

View from the side

Final thoughts

If you’re rocking braids as a protective style this summer, be sure to check out this interview with Dr. Kari Williams where she explains how to keep braids hydrated in healthy. More more coverage from Essence Music Festival, visit here!

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published July 6, 2012

On Thursday July 5th, over 500 curlies from all around the country gathered in New Orleans for a natural hair celebration hosted by CurlyNikki.  Sponsored by leading natural hair care brand MIZANI the event featured four live styling vignettes in which MIZANI styling technicians showed attendees how to use MIZANI products to style and care for all types and textures of natural hair.  “I’ve never been to a natural hair meet up before and this one is blowing me away!”, gushed one attendee.

Highlights from the Event

• CurlyNikki’s daughter Gia joining her on the microphone to welcome attendees.
• Learning how perfect bantu knots and twists while seeing more intricate styles, such as a stylized Senagalese Twist updo at the MIZANI vignettes.
• Having a chance to chat with popular bloggers Gabrielle of StrawberriCurls and Lexi Felder of Curls, Coils, & Kinks.
• MIZANI Director of Education Veronique Morrison encouraging attendees to be accepting of ALL naturals whether they wear their hair loose, in braids or straightened.  
•  Dishing out 10 fabulous MIZANI giftbags to winners who Tweeted and posted event images for their chance to win.
• Watching hundreds of attendees break out into “The Wobble” (and YES we have video!”>
• Chatting it up with four-year old Adia, a proud wearer of her natural curls!

An attendee and a MIZANI stylist chat about “age-appropriate” cuts.  (The lesson, if you want it ROCK IT!”>

MIZANI models with bantu knots and a twist updo

CurlyNikki and Gia welcome the crowd

A MIZANI stylist demonstrates how to do a comb roll bantu knot

Natural hair: even beautiful from a birdseye view!

A MIZANI model shows off her amazing updo…

Senagalese Twists braided and wrapped around each other.

MIZANI’s Director of Education Veronique Morrison explains the MIZANI curl key to an attendee

Veronique and CurlyNikki

NaturallyCurly’s Cassidy and Curly Nikki

Event volunteer Olivia and CurlyNikki share a smile

Cassidy and Gabrielle of StrawberriCurls

See the full gallery on Facebook »

Click here to Learn More about MIZANI and the products featured

Final Thoughts

A truly successful event, the CurlyNikki + MIZANI New Orleans meet up provided a great venue for natural hair newbies and veterans alike to not only come together, but also learn new natural hair styling tips and techniques from experts. “This is a great event because people here are really asking questions because they want to KNOW,” explained MIZANI’s Veronique Morrison.  “They want the knowledge and support to really care for their hair well and that’s why we’re happy to be here!”

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published June 12, 2012

It’s no secret that curlies are a conditioner-obsessed bunch, but the truth is that I am very much fond of my shampoos because I like to keep it clean but not too clean, with my curls. I find that my coils look and feel their best when they’ve retained a bit of their natural oils. If I’m rocking a silicone-free regimen, I find that I can get away with using gentle no-poos so as not to strip my hair. But I also like to keep a good clarifying shampoo in the mix for those times when I need to get my coilies scrubbed down, squeaky clean and free of all product build up. Here’s a round up of some of my favorite cleansers.

Mop Top Gentle Shampoo

I’ve never felt a shampoo with such a silky texture. It’s like you can feel the slip in this shampoo immediately when you put it on your hands. I love the super-sudsy lather that comes with this sulfate-free shampoo. Enriched with proteins and humectants, this is one of my favorites for summertime!

Mop Top Gentle Shampoo

Bobeam Poo Bar Cheris Hibiscus

This has been one of my favorite cleansers for years now! I love that you can easily smooth the bar on to your coils and it leaves you with a moisture-rich lather. As a frequent traveler, I also love that I can pack this in my suitcase without worrying about TSA agents getting on my case. Not to mention it lasts for a long time and is totally reasonably priced!

Bobeam Poo Bar Cheris Hibiscus

Avlon Natural Textures KeraCare Cleansing Cream

This product made me a believer that you don’t need an actual shampoo to cleanse your curls. I love the moisture-rich lather that I can work though my curls and onto my scalp. I’ve even been able to get so much slip with this cleanser that I’ve detanlged with it! This is truly an excellent cleansing product that rids your strands of build-up without drying out your hair.

Avlon Natural Textures KeraCare Cleansing Cream

Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo

There are a lot of curlies out there who break into hives just by hearing the S-word. Yes, SULFATES. The fact of the matter is that I believe that sulfates do have their time and place in a curly gal’s beauty regimen and can be an important part of keeping your hair and scalp healthy. I like shampoo to remove product build up or chlorine from swimming.

Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo

What are your go-to shampoos for the summer?

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published March 16, 2012

Diffuser with rubberized components for a smoother finish.

When you’re the creator of a super awesome curly line of hair products, people expect you to have the best of the best hair gear. That’s what Jess McGuinty of Jessicurl found out at America’s Beauty Show. When she was doing a live styling demonstration of her product line on the Texture Pavilion stage, someone made a comment that she should have a better blow dryer and diffuser. “I’ve been using the same dryer for literally eight years,” Jess said. “and it’s always worked for me, so I never really thought about changing it up!”

Since we were at a show geared towards showcasing the latest and greatest hair products, Jess set out on a hunt for a new Jessicurl diffuser! After sifting through the hundreds of dryers and surfacing several compelling options including some over $200 (think: the same kind Justin Bieber uses to dry his signature swoop“>, she settled on an ionic dryer with a rubberized diffuser. “I had heard that ionic dryers help reduce frizz,” explained Jess, “and I’ve noticed that over time, the plastic on my existing diffuser has gotten a little bit rougher, so I thought a super smooth diffusing attachment would be the best.”

In an effort to practice due diligence, Jess stopped to chat with the vendor about the dryer and see if there were any other special features about the diffuser. When she asked if the smoother diffuser and ionic technology worked to eliminate frizz, the vendor curtly responded “Well, it doesn’t matter because anytime you add heat while drying you cause frizz.” As a woman who has made a living from reducing frizz, she was seriously taken aback from this statement and realized that frizz doesn’t come from what kind of diffuser you use, but rather how you use your hair diffuser.

How to Use a Hair Diffuser

Jess’ trusty Revlon blowdryer with diffusing attachment

I asked Jess to give us a play by play on how she uses her diffuser daily to create her perfect red ringlets:

“I blow dry using a diffuser on the end of my blow dryer. I use high heat and it takes about 10-15  minutes. When I begin blow-drying I also scrunch the hair to get it to form spirals. I alternate between hanging my head upside down, hanging it over to the left and hanging it over to the right. Once the spirals are formed, I don’t scrunch anymore. Instead, I let the curls fall into the cup of the diffuser and gently push up to get the hair and scalp. Leave the diffuser in one place for about 20 seconds, then move to another section of the hair. Leaning over while blow-drying and scrunching encourages the curls to separate from one another resulting in fabulous curl definition. It also really helps with volume at the roots.

After a few minutes, I stop touching it all together and just move the hair dryer around to get it to continue drying. I’m still alternating between upside down, left and right. I then flip my head up to normal and arrange any curls that look weird. I let it continue air-drying for the next hour or so, then scrunch out any crunch I may have. The result is frizz-free curls that last until I go to bed!”

The moral of the diffusing story: it’s all about technique, not necessarily the most expensive or fanciest tools.  “The diffuser I’ve had for eight year works,” said Jess. “Not to mention, it matches my colors, so why change up a good thing?”

Final thoughts

Be sure to check out Jessicurl’s ultra hydrating and frizz busting products!

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published March 15, 2012

Post-pin curl voluminously wavy texture

We saw a ton of pin curls popping up all over the show floor at this year’s America’s Beauty Show, so we asked Anthony Dickey of Hair Rules what pin curls would do for us curlies. His response? Not a whole lot. Not a whole lot to the existing curl pattern that is, but pin curls offer a safe and easy way to create a vintage-style, refined, textured coif.

“I’m really inspired by the 1970’s, which I think back on as a very inclusive time in texture,” explained Dickey. “I love Halston-esque, Bianca Jagger glam. Styles from this era provide a sophisticated interpretation of texture that work for almost any hair type!”

We had NaturallyCurly’s own Michelle Breyer test out pin curls so that Dickey could show us all how to get the look at home!

How to Do Pin Curls

Michelle with her finished pin curl set.

1. Prep the hair. Wash and condition hair using Hair Rules Cleanser and Conditioner.
2. Lightly dry. Do a light blow dry to partially straighten the hair.
3. Curl it up. Use a flat iron, rather than a curling iron, to create a traditional pin curl set on a 1″ section. Create a ribbon curl and then roll the section into a cylindrical shape and secure at the scalp. With a flat iron, you can both smooth and shape, reducing the amount of heat needed to create the finished style.
4. Repeat! Repeat until the entire head is shaped and pinned.
5. Set the curls. Let the pin curls sit for as long as you like. You can even sleep on the set!
6. Release the pins. Gently remove the pins and use fingers to smooth the hair into place.
7. Complete the look. Finish with hairspray, and voila, a sleek and elegant spin on a textured ‘do!

Final thoughts

Pin curls are great because they will work on any hair texture. Starting from naturally textured hair offers a great base for setting and holding a style. Be sure to check out Hair Rules’ Lift Volumizing Dry Shampoo for volume and lift when creating this style!

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published March 12, 2012

Compare the shrunken and hydrophobic left curls with the hydrated ringlets on the right.

Our world is filled with all types of phobias from arachnophobia (fear of spiders”> to germophobia (fear of germs”>. But did you know that curly hair suffers from a unique type of phobia called hydrophobia?  I didn’t either, but at America’s Beauty Show, Curly Hair Solutions’ Jonathan Torch gave me one of the most insightful lessons on curly hair behavior I’ve ever had surrounding this concept of hydrophobia.

“Hydro” = water and “phobia”= fear of.  Put that together and you’ve got “fear of water”.  CHS’ Torch argues that curly hair  is naturally  hydrophobic, or repellent of water, while at the same time needing more moisture than other curl types to thrive.  The key to maintaining a healthy and beautiful head of curls is overcoming curly hair’s intrinsic hydrophobia. Hair further down the length of the shaft is normally more porous, so the majority of your “squeezing” work should be done at the root where newer hair has a stronger lipid barrier for moisture to break through. Torch uses a unique method that employs a simple nylon root brush to effectively squeeze water into the shaft of the hair through the cuticle layer. I was able to get a step-by-step how to from his demonstration on the Texture Pavilion Mainstage at this year’s ABS.

How to Squeeze Water In

Here’s Curly Hair Solution’s easy technique for getting saturated moisture from root to tip for curl enhancement and elongation.

Curly Hair Solution’s Root Brush works through model’s curls.

1. Cleanse and Condition – make sure your curls are clean and conditioned.  Keep hair wet. After all, we’re trying to get water inside your strands!
2. Detangle twice – Prep hair with a light leave in and use a wide tooth comb to get out any large tangles.  Switch to a smaller comb to further break down any lurking snarls. Really focus on detangling. This will make sure you minimize any damage during the next step.
3. Product Time! – For this technique, use a styling product geared towards elongation and definition like Curly Hair Solutions Extenzz liberally throughout the hair.
4. Get to the root of it –  Using the Curly Hair Solutions Root Brush, brush through small sections of hair.  Work your way from tip to root and make sure to take your time to prevent breakage.  It is this special brush and technique that  both “squeezes” the water into your strands for ultimate moisture and elongates your curl pattern for superb definition.
5. High and dry –  Let your hair air dry as normal.

Voila!  Shiny, healthy and most importantly MOISTURIZED curls.  Fear of water, be gone!

Final thoughts

For more information or to check out demonstration videos of the Curly Hair Solutions Root Brush, visit their website. Stay tuned for more of our curl findings from this years ABS! Check out our list of the hottest trends from the show here!

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published March 8, 2012

We love heading off to beauty shows to get a sneak peek at the latest and greatest in beauty trends and techniques. This past weekend’s America’s Beauty Show in Chicago was no different. We sifted through the old news of feather extensions and Brazilian treatments to scoop the up and coming spring hair trends. Here’s a round up of our favorites from this year’s ABS:

Cropped Curls

Above the shoulder ringlets made a bold statement on the show floor in a variety of different styles from blunt bobs to loose, asymmetrical layers.

A Clairol stylist on the P&G stage rocks a chin-length curly bob

ARROJO stylist Abbey’s curls in a loose, face-framing cut

Shoulder length blond bob gives a volumetric shape

Undershaves

Sure, it’s an aggressive statement to make, but we love aggressive-ESPECIALLY on curlies! Undershaves, or shaving a bottom section of the head, were seen in all different textures, hues, and styles.

Comb coils top off this MyDNA model’s undershave

Candy-colored pink and black accents are the perfect juxtapositions for this undershave cut

ABS attendee tops off her undershave with a mane of loose waves

Coppertones

Step aside highlights, move on over balayage! Saturated, rich, all-over coppertoned hues are back in a major way as a force to be reckoned with!

Multi-textural styling compliment this rich reddish-brown color

Beautiful bold red on an ABS attendee

The aquamarine dress sets off the shimmering red of this Aquage model

Big Braids

Regal braids reigned supreme on the show floor of ABS.  We loved how they were popping up in a variety of innovative placements

Thick braids wind their way beneath a Farouk models’ textured pony-puff

Before topping off Miss Universe with her regal crown, Farouk Platform Artist Anna Cantu secures a five-braid updo

A big goddess braid peeks out beneath a mop of curly ringlets

Vintage Waves

Evoking the soft, feminine glamour of the 1940’s and 1970’s, undulating, stylized waves were a hit on models and attendees alike.

Rippling platinum waves on the TIGI stage

Bold red lips and strong black liner compliment this head-to-toe vintage look

A Hair Rules model’s waves are set on large rollers for a 70’s-era ‘do

Pin Curls for Days!

Speaking of the 1940’s, we saw pin curls EVERYWHERE, which meant everyone was trying to get a dose of traditional texture.

A model makes her way across the floor with her pincurl set

A stylist carefully arranges pincurls into a low bun and a bouffant for a gorgeous textured updo

NC.com’s Michelle Breyer gets a pin curl set from Dickey of Hair Rules.

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published October 12, 2011

While surfing the web for the latest and greatest in curly beauty, we discovered a clever little “doughnut” hair tool used to make perfectly shaped, full, structured buns. We loved how easy this thing made bun styling, but also just how easy it would be to make on our own. So, we did!  Here’s how you can make your own “doughnut” to style your own curly bun.

How to Make & Style Your Doughnut

1. Sock It to Me. Cut the feet off of a pair of socks to leave an open tube.
2. Roll Your Doughnut. Roll the tubes down leaving a hole in the center like a doughnut. If you want a smaller doughnut, use just one tube. For a larger doughnut, use two or three depending on your preference
3. Pull it Together. Pull your hair into a ponytail where you’d like your curly bun to be placed. Pull the ponytail through the center of the doughnut so that the doughnut now rests at the base of the ponytail

What You Need

• 1-2 socks
• Super glue
• Scissors
• Ponytail holder
• Bobby pins
• Scissors

4. Secure and Finish. Fold the hair over the doughnut and secure with bobby pins around the base. For a messier look, leave ends curly and free. For a sleeker finish, tuck ends all the way beneath the doughnut bun to hide them.

For hold, shine, and a frizz free finish, prep the hair with a leave-in conditioner, use a gel to hold hair in place and finish with a serum for high-impact gloss.

Final Thoughts

We loved the final look so much, and how easy it was to create, that we grabbed another curly staffer to try it out on her hair, this time doing a low, side-swept bun for a different look. All in all this is a great way to create an elegant curly bun quickly, easily, and cheaply.

For those of you with thinner hair, this style makes it look like you have way more hair than you do! It is a win all around!

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published October 10, 2011

Last week, I had the honor of traveling to the US Virgin Islands for two #naturalhair events on the islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix. These events, geared at bringing together and educating the natural community of islands, were the first of their kind on the islands. Organized by Denise Benjamin of MissNaturalista.com, the events brought out over 200 naturals from all over the islands to hear an inspiring and educational program featuring Felicia Leatherwood’s Loving Your Hair with Natural Care Workshop, BlackOnyx77, and myself.

It was a truly special experience and I loved connecting with the St. Thomian and Crucian naturals! I saw so many gorgeous naturally curly hairstyles with true island flair while on this trip. Here are a few special curly hairstyles and memories from this Caribbean adventure.

Miss Naturalista Presents I AM BEAUTIFUL

St. Thomas and St. Croix

Gorgeous silver twists in a ponytail give a regal look.

Me taking a moment to soak in the beauty of Magen’s Bay – voted one of the best beaches in the world!

Brooklyn-native Sandra’s gorgeous loc updo in dramatic profile.

A curly bartender serves up local nibbles. A great natural do’ with a distinctive, angular cut. Goddess braids pulled back with a fresh flower.

Pinned up sides are an easy way to create a bouffant style.

Felicia Leatherwood walks the audience through her “Curl Key” to understanding hair textures.

The striking beauty of a room filled with multiple textures at the St. Thomas event.

A young St. Thomian shows off her adorable afro-puff. Portrait of Rochelle (BlackOnyx/Alikay Naturals”> at our digs on St. Croix. Two Crucians pose for a picture at the St. Croix event.

Bursts of aquamarine hues set off these naturals in true tropical style.

A fierce platinum, asymmetrical mohawk.

Kim’s coils blow in the wind on the runway in St. Croix.

Petra of Nat’ral Xpressions displays her long, healthy locs. Kim and Zahra show off their big, textured hair! The huge event poster set on an island hillside.

Check out NaturalSelectionBlog.com the full event gallery and wrap up video post!

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published October 10, 2011

Shelley’s pre-chemo curls.

Many women who trek over to NaturallyCurly for the first time as full-grown women are experiencing curly hair for the first times in their lives. These women come from the scary, and often empowering experience of breast cancer. Chemotherapy doesn’t just have a tendency to steal your locks, but also your original hair texture. Even women who were naturally curly before chemo often experience chemo curls.

Chemo curls refer to the change in texture from what your originally had to the type of curl that forms after chemotherapy. For some women, their natural texture eventually comes back. For others, not so much. In order to get an inside look at life through chemo hair loss and then regaining a different type of curl, I spoke with Shelley Barnes of Washington D.C. to learn and share her breast cancer hair story.

Shelley’s Chemo Curls Story

Shelley was first diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2008, when she was just 25 years old. The lump was removed by lumpectomy and 33 rounds of radiation without any additional chemotherapy, “which was good because I had a huge fear of losing my hair,” explained Shelley.

Shelley after shaving off her hair.

In 2010, however, another lump was found in her other breast and doctors determined that chemotherapy was necessary as a measure to prevent yet another re-occurrence.

“I was really afraid because everything you see on TV is so dramatic,” said Shelley of her nervousness leading up to her four rounds of chemotherapy.

After two rounds, her hair began to fall out around the hairline. With very thick, shoulder length hair that had been worn natural since 2003, Shelley became weary of even combing her hair because with every stroke, she would pull out 50 strands in one section. At first, she decided to just clip her hair short and wear wigs, but in 2010 she finally decided to just shave it all clean.

“That was the scariest part,” said Shelley, “Just seeing yourself totally bald.”

Regrowing and Relearning

Shelley’s hair has since grown back, and like many patients who undergo and recover from chemotherapy, her hair texture has drastically changed.

“At first it started to grow back straight and I was afraid it wasn’t going to be curly because I really love my curly hair,” she explained. The texture is now smoother, silkier and darker. It holds moisture better and has a looser curl. Her first big lesson in caring for her new texture was that it cannot take as much heat as her pre-chemo hair.

“I pressed my hair and afterwards noticed a lot of heat damage after using the same settings I used to use,” explained Shelley. “After a few protein treatments my hair bounced back, but I now know that I can only use low settings when heat styling.”

Shelley has also found that her product regimen had to be adjusted to her new chemo curls.

“I can’t do heavy butters or products any more because they weigh down my hair.”

Shelley’s new products include SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner and vitamin E oil on the scalp to stimulate growth.

Final Thoughts

Shelley’s hair is now in a bob and she remains confident that it will all grow back.  Her advice to others struggling with chemo curls: “It’s hard to tell someone going through the process that it will grow, but I promise it will.  It just takes time and patience.”

To learn more about Shelley’s story, check out her blog The Frolicking Champion.

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published September 23, 2011

We all know about perms — the curling process that uses chemicals and cylindrical rods to permanently curl a head of hair. But have you ever heard of perming your LASHES? We hadn’t either. That is until we took a trip to Salon Sovay, a boutique salon located here in Austin, TX, where the owner, Sovay Reeder, is one of the few estheticians who executes this unique process to create the perfect curl for your lashes.

An eyelash perm lasts for about two to three months and requires zero upkeep. Combining the process with lash tinting — permanent lash dyeing — creates a fully-mascara-ed look that requires no maintenance.

“Women should look as beautiful as possible with as little maintenance as possible,” explained Sovay, who intentionally keeps the price points of the process low in order to make it easily accessible.

How Lash Perming is Done

Before shot of Margie’s Lash Perm and Tint. Lashes free and clear of all make up

We got to watch an eyelash perm in action over at Salon Sovay (thanks to Margie for letting us snap pictures of her process!”> Here’s how it works:

1. Cleanse and Protect: Make sure the lash and eye area is totally free and clean of eye make-up. Strips of tape are placed beneath the eye to protect the delicate undereye skin from any drips.
2. Set the Stage: Select the size of the perm rods and use tweezers and glue to apply lashes to the rods.
3. Perm Away: Apply the perm solution. Leave on fine lashes for 10 minutes, coarse lashes for 15 minutes.
4. Neutralize: Set the protein bonds of the lashes in a new shape by neutralizing.

And voila — perfectly, curled lashes without a curler or mascara!

Final Thoughts

Final permed and tinted lashes! Absolutely gorgeous!

A combination eyelash perm and tint produces beautiful results leaving you mascare free for months on end! The best lashes for the process are those that are not too curled already and are lighter in natural shade.

Lash Perming is a chemical process and because of its proximity to your eyes should absolutely be done ONLY by a professional.

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published September 20, 2011

This past weekend marked the huge, Austin City Limits music festival that brings over 200,000 attendees together to check out the best in music. This year’s festival brought names such as Kanye West, Stevie Wonder, Arcade Fire, Fleet Foxes, Skrillex and TV on the Radio to the stage for the three-day celebration. Since ACL is practically in the backyard of the NaturallyCurly offices, we were there to check out both the music on stage and the curls in the crowd. Here’s a round up of some of the best curly hair from the festival!

Attendee rocks loose waves and a sun-sheilding hat.

A lil curly guy jazzes up his curls with fun temporary color.

Photog Ashleigh Reddy rocks her curls while shooting Cee Lo.

Bright hues + Big Curls = the perfect ACL combo.

Striking red curls were an attention grabber all weekend long!

A curly bob keeps your curls tight and your neck cooled.

A half ponytail stylishly keeps a cool curl-free face.

Two-strand twists and cornrows keeps curl maintenance to a minimum.

A flower pin adds flair to her sun-streaked waves.

How to Get the Best Fest-i-Curls

• Go into the festival with lots of moisture in your curls by deep conditioning before the festival and wearing a good leave-in on the day of.
• For longer, looser curls, bring a hair tie to pull your curls into a loose bun and keep them from hanging in your face when you’re dancing up a storm.
• Bring along a misting fan to keep your skin and curls hydrated and refreshed.
• Your curls look best when you leave them alone. Rather then spending all of the time styling, just let your curls fly free for big, funky festival hair!

A top knot keeps his curls protected from sun, rain and lots of dancing.

A flower-chain headband brings a taste of Woodstock to ACL.

A blonde TWA: the perfect summer style!

Curls on the Stage

But the curls weren’t just for the crowds. We spotted some fierce textured hair on stage as well!

Stevie Wonder's back up dancer rocks a big curly fro-hawk.

Cee Lo's DJ steals the stage with a gold onesie and topped with big hair don't care!

Another curly on the Cee Lo stage, this one behind the drum kit.

TV on the Radio's keyboardist rocks out with a chunky, textured fro.

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published August 25, 2011

NYC Pool Party attendees.

This summer, NaturallyCurly had the pleasure of setting up shop and hobnobbing with curlies on both the East and West Coasts. The 3,000 miles between the two coasts has created a difference in not only general social vibes, fashions, and styles, but also the natural hair communities. Let’s take a peek at the two cities we’ve visited – New York and Los Angeles – and see how they measure up when it comes to curly hair!

Finding Where the Naturals Are

On the LA rooftop at the Grow Out Challenge Celebration.

With a population of over 8 million people, NYC comes in as the largest city in the country. Los Angeles pulls in at 2nd place with just under 4 million in habitants. However, Los Angeles is 35% larger than NYC in terms of square mileage, and with a less dense and smaller total population, chances are you’ll see fewer curlies roaming about.

Packed with natural-focused salons and stores, Brooklyn holds down the fort as the natural habitat for curly hair on the East Coast.  Everywhere we looked there was a TWA or a BAA or some sort of beautiful lock ‘updo!

On the other hand, LA’s natural community is spread wide and far, from the Valley and Beverly Hills to Compton and Downtown.

“The scene is so spread out in LA and not as big as other cities,” explains Angel of KisforKinky.  “You could go days and not see a fro or lock here depending on what part of LA you are in.”

NY or LA: Climatic Differences

Curlies escape from the NYC heat in the pool.

The two cities couldn’t be more different in terms of climate. Our visit to NYC turned out to be over the hottest weekend the city had on record in over 25 years, with Central Park topping out at 105 degrees! Thank goodness we hosted a pool party to cool things down from the hot and humid summer temperatures! Our Frizz Forecast expertly guided us through how to manage our curls in the drying and frizz-prone climate.

LA naturals enjoy the downtown skyline.

Meanwhile on the Left Coast in LA, summer brings with it sunny skies, coastal breezes and highs of 85 that are never too hot.  The Frizz Forecast was smiling for the entire weekend we were there!

In fact, the Kim Coles Grow Out Challenge Celebration was hosted at a penthouse that had lots of patio space and an open layout for everyone – and their curls – to enjoy the weather!

In Their Words

We caught up with a couple of NYC and LA hair bloggers to see what they had to say about their respective cities.

Chai of Back To Curly in Brooklyn says:

Chai and Sheena of SociologyofSheena hang poolside.

• Three words to describe the NYC #naturalhair scene: Spontaneous, thriving, contagious.
• Your favorite style to rock out on the town: the sixth day twist out that develops a mind of its own and loves the wind more than I do.
• On the popular perception of #naturalhair beyond the core community: It can certainly be a bit mesmerizing to those outside the “inner circle,” who are curious. But I think that’s what fuels this movement, women are finally acting on their curiosity rather than ignoring something so beautiful.

Elle of Quest for the Perfect Curl in Los Angeles says:

West Coast bloggers represent. Photo by Nikia Phoenix

• Three Words to describe the LA #naturalhair scene: Fierce, voluminous, original
• Your favorite style to rock on the town: A HUGE fluffed out wash and go! The bigger the better — you can’t miss me.
• On the popular perception of #naturalhair beyond the core community: I think there is a lot of love for natural hair in the LA area. Perhaps it’s just the particular population, but I see a ton of naturals, and get lots of compliments on my hair from all kinds of people. There are still a lot of weaves out here, so I think a lot of people like the “realness” of natural hair.
• Since you’re from the east coast, any big difference between the two that you notice? I see a lot of naturals on the east too when I visit, but the look is generally more tamed. Whether it’s because they are new naturals and growing their hair out I’m not sure, but I see more TWAs and shorter hair on the east, and out here it’s like, big, in your face, hair. I’m always seeing some natural while I’m out shopping and I’ll casually stalk her to look at her hair for a little. I’m a creepster, whatever.

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published August 11, 2011

CurlyNikki, on right, rocking her prepped curls.

Making sure that you and your curls are looking their best is the key to going out on the town with confidence! This Saturday, August 13, is the Kim Coles Grow Out Challenge Celebration where West Coast curlies will be stepping out, and they are sure to look their best.

For most curlies, getting ready can start a few days to an entire week before a big event. Use these curly hair tips to prep your curls ahead of time to save yourself time — and stress — on the day of the big event.

Confidence in Their Own Words

I caught up with the starlets of the weekend to ask what they’re doing to get ready for Saturday’s big celebration. Here’s what they had to say.

Jess from Jessicurl, on the left, with friends at NaturallyCurly’s NYC Pool Party.

“I really like to do my own make up before going out,” explained Kim Coles. “Sure there’s lots of times where you can get an artist to do your make up for you, but I really enjoy doing it myself. I like to take the time to choose the colors, apply my lashes, and so on. I find that it really centers me before a big event — and it’s fun!”

As for her hair, Kim says, “For optimal loveliness for the event on Saturday, I’ll be doing my hair on Thursday!”

CurlyNikki’s signature twist’n’curl is always prepped well in advance for an event. “I try to do my hair at least a week ahead of time,” said Nikki. But for the Grow Out Challenge Celebration, I did my dry styling four days in advance, and I’ll take it out on Saturday, as close to the event as possible, to make sure its on point for the entire night!”

How to Prep Your Curls

Product Recommendations

• Jessicurl Cleansing Cream
• Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment
• Jessicurl Too Shea Conditioner
• Jessicurl Confident Coils Solutions

I’ve found that my hair rarely looks its best when I do it the day of the event. For the Grow Out Challenge Celebration, I started prepping my hair four days in advance.

Here are some curly hair tips I’m going to follow while using the Jessicurl Confidence Collection for the Grow Out Challenge Celebration this Saturday!

Start on Wednesday – 3 Days Before the Event

1. Wash your locks. Wash using Jessicurl Cleansing Cream focusing on the scalp area. Rinse out.
2. Deep condition. Do a deep treatment for 20 minutes under a hooded dryer with a shower cap using Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment. Then, hop back in the shower and rinse out.

Evenly distributing the conditioner for maximum curl hydration.

3. Towel dry, sans terry cloth. Using a t-shirt towel, soak up the excess moisture to remove droplets.
4. Mix your products. For styling, I made a cocktail of Jessicurl Too Shea Conditioner and Confident Coils Solution. The Too Shea acts like a moisturizing leave-in and the Confident Coils defines my curls. I mix about a dime size dollop of each product in my palm and smooth the mixture onto each section. Then, I use my wide tooth detangling comb to rake the product through each section and repeat all over my head.
5. Add more product! Once the product cocktail is applied all over, I use a little bit more of the Confident Coils to go back through and refine the coils using my fingers. The product has a lot of slip and I immediately start seeing beautiful little ribbon curls forming. I love it!
6. And you’re on your way.Pin my bangs off my face — I hate having a product-y forehead — and go on my merry way for the day while my hair dries!

It may look silly, but the scrunchie method works!

7. Wednesday night, stretch curls with scrunchies. The reason I don’t like my hair to be styled on the day of an event is because my hair often dries in this awkward flat-on-top shape that I just can’t stand. I look like a toadstool. So, at night, I take three scrunchies — cloth covered bright ones that were quite popular in 1992 — and place one around each section. Put on a sleep cap and hit the sheets.
8. Thursday morning, fluff your locks! My hair is returning to its ideal fluff levels! After taking the scrunchies out, I use a bit of moisturizer and my fingers to pull my hair back into shape. I repeat my scrunchie sleep routine and morning fluff everyday until the big event. By the time Saturday rolls around my coils should be super defined and fluffy, with a lot of movement!

If you want to see the final product of how all our hairstyles turn out, be sure to check back on Monday for pictures of the event and a recap!

Final thoughts

What curly hair tips do you use to make sure your hair looks great for special events?

By Cassadie Blackwell · Published July 25, 2011

On Saturday, July 23, almost 300 curlies from all over the East Coast (and some from as far as Atlanta”>, came out in full force for theNaturallyCurly & Natural Selection Curly Pool Party.

As temperatures rose above 100 degrees in New York City, the Curly Pool Party, hosted at the Grace Hotel offered not only respite from the oppressive heat, but a first-of-its-kind, hands-on experience for textured haired attendees to gather poolside and learn about summer hair and skin care.

“That was by far the best #naturalhair event I’ve ever been to,” exclaimed one attendee on Twitter after the party.

Leading up to the event, there was one thing on everyone’s mind: sure there’s a pool, but will they swim? Did they ever! As soon as the doors opened, attendees were in their suits, hopping in the pool and splashing around with big smiles on their faces!

Stylists from Ouidad, Jane Carter, and Hair Rules were on hand with conditioners, creams, gels and diffusers to style attendees’ hair after getting out of the pool and to offer up some swimming-specific styling tips.

Shea Moisture offered a unique spa bar with deep treatments, body scrubs and massage oils alongside the steam room, sauna, and shower space.

The result: a unique opportunity for hands-on interaction with new hair and skin products in a fun environment!

Attendees, which included over 30 local curly bloggers and vloggers, all received an impressive gift bag that included summertime product favorites from the sponsors, including:

• Hair Rules Aloe Grapefruit Purifying Shampoo and Nourishment Leave In Conditioner
• Ouidad Climate Control Gel and Sun Shield
• Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Shampoo, Curl Enhancing Smoothie, and Hair Milk
• Jane Carter Curl Defining Cream and Leave In Conditioner

While attendees arrived looking dressed to impress, by the end of the party, it was clear that wet curls paired with a swimsuit were the most fashionable outfits of the evening.

Highlights From the Pool Party

1. Attendees singing in the shower to the killer mixing of DJ Christian Jae.
2. Getting up close and personal with sponsors who attended the event: Jane Carter, Dickey from Hair Rules, Sondriel from Ouidad, and Rich Dennis of Shea Moisture.
3. Announcing the new Global Editor of NaturallyCurly.com: Cassidy Blackwell of Natural Selection.
4. Seeing all of the beautiful heads of curls floating around the pool!

We would like to send a huge thanks to all of our sponsors and to all of the attendees for coming out and swimming with us! In the end, there are two things for sure: swimming and curls are a natural combination, and you can be sure we’ll be doing more events!

For a full gallery of pictures, visit theNaturallyCurly Facebook Page.

Photos courtesy of Weatherbee Photography.