Search Results: Desiree Johnson

By Desiree Johnson · Published October 10, 2017

The Windy City is known for its vibrant city life, diverse culture, and amazing fashion that inspires people all over the world. Finding a natural hair salon can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack if you don’t know where to start when you live in the city, but we’ve got you covered. We’ve scoured the city of Chicago to find you Chicagoans the best salons to get your hair braided, cut, and help you achieve your best curls. Check out the top 15 natural hair salons in Chicago below.

Image: Hair Spa Chicago

1. Hair Spa Chicago

Formerly known as “Salon Pressure”, Hair Spa Chicago offers an array of services ranging from colored bundles, blowouts, and texture based hair care. Their salon catalog spans a variety of styles for all hair types that include closures, weaves, and varying curl patterns. The salon also features curly care products to help clients learn more about their natural hair and keep it healthy at home.

Image: Huetiful

2. Huetiful Chicago

Huetiful has been a long standing natural hair salon in Chicago and was founded by Ken Burkeen in 2010. Ken introduces his clients to the “The 4 Healthy Hair Pillars” which is a science-based approach to textured hair care that has been adopted by salons all over the U.S. Huetiful focuses on health hair treatments, Devacuts, extensions/braids, loc maintenance and more!

Image: Natural Beauty Couture

3. Natural Beauty Couture

Rasheeda Bibbs is the stylist and owner of Natural Beauty Couture, a salon dedicated to helping naturalistas with protective styles, transitioning, or the big chop! Rasheeda offers a variety of styles for her clients such as two-strand twists, loc maintenance, scalp treatments, and other healthy hair services. As the “curl whisperer” she has dedicated her career to restoring natural hair with protective styles and teaching her clients to love their hair in all forms.

Image: Twisted Roots Salon Inc.

4. Twisted Roots Salon Inc.

The art of the twist, loc, braid, and textured hair is all an art form for the stylists at Twisted Roots Salon Inc. They strive to meet the needs of their various clientele by making it a business motto and practice that is seenin the delicate care and time invested in each signature hairstyle. Twisted Roots specialized in a variety of loc services such as loc maintenance, extensions, stylings, interlocking, and twist styles. 

Image: @shavonakhan

5. Glo On Natural Hair

Currently located in the South Loop of Chicago, Glo On Natural Hair is owned by Shavon Akhan who has been a natural hair stylist for the past 20 years. Shavon honors and reveres the “sacred cultural artform” of natural hair and desires to educate every one of her clients. The salon specializes in braiding and natural hair styling which offers a variety of options like weaves, cornrows, twists, locs, and intricate braiding like micro braids or tree braids.

Image: Cally’s Curls

6. Curls and Company

Curls and Company isn’t composed of one specialized stylist, but prides itself on housing a collection of creative stylists who are devoted to the craft of hair styling. This salon specializes in dry curl cutting, deva cuts, color, and trains all their staff to tackle any hair texture for all genders. One of the signature services of this salon is conditioning and revitalizing treatments to help restore damaged hair and transition clients into healthy hair practices. 

Image: Natural Hair Bar 

7. Natural Hair Bar

Jacqueline Tarrant is the beauty expert, certified trichologist, and owner of Natural Hair Bar located on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. As the former Director of Education and Product Development Specialist for LOREAL she has developed a unique insight into hair care and product usage that she is able to share with her clients at Natural Hair Bar. She offers a variety of services that focus on hair education like hair loss analysis, hair growth sessions, protective hair styling, and more!

Image: relaxshesnatural_llc

 8. Relax She’s Natural

Deanna Browley is a celebrity stylist and licensed trichologist whose passion for hair styling and education led to the creation of West Loop salon, Relax She’s Natural. This salon focuses on helping customers rediscover how to properly care and maintain healthy hair through styling sessions focusing on services like trichology to help revitalize the scalp and a variety of silk press options. These options give the customers the chance to find and define their wigs, weaves, or natural hair using rod sets, twist outs and microlink installs.

Image: Roe’s Natural Hair Care

9. Roe’s Natural Hair Care

Roe’s Natural Hair Care Salon features a range of services to meet the naturalista looking for braided styles, cuts, color, and more. Roe’s specializes in twisted styles and braids which range in length and size like knotless braids, box braids, ombrebox, and tribal braids. Regardless of gender or age, Roe’s Salon is a one stop shop for everyone to get their hair goals accomplished.

Image: Essence VIP 

10. Essence VIP

Essence VIP is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago and features a variety of salon services like relaxers, press and curling, dreadlocks, weaves, and extensions. The team of amazing hair designers works with each client to help you achieve the best style for your lifestyle and personality. In addition to styling services, the designers are trained to help with scalp treatments to improve disorders like dandruff, eczema, cradle cap, and alopecia.

Image: The Healthy Hair Boutique

11. The Healthy Hair Boutique 

The Healthy Hair Boutique is located in downtown Chicago and is known for its signature “Chicago Silk Press” that “moves in motion. The boutique specializes in several healthy hair styles for Black women such as sew-in weaves, relaxers, updo styles, and locs. Each customer will receive a 1-1 consultation for their individual beauty needs and can also purchase bundles, lashes, and extensions

Image: The Curl Whisperer

12. The Curl Whisperer Chicago

The Curl Whisperer Chicago is a salon suite operated by Starresha Martin in the Lincoln Park Area of Chicago. She has been in the industry for over five years specializing in naturally curly hair care. Offering services such as Deva Cutting, Pintura Highlighting, Custom Coloring, Rod sets and Twist Outs. She focuses on client education and helping clients maintain and care for their crown. Naturals love this salon because it offers a more intimate experience. They love the setting, the energy and the location.

Image: Nu Bgin NS

13. Nu Bgin NS Natural Hair and Wellness Center

NubginsNs Natural Hair and Wellness team was founded by Tywanna who is a licensed cosmetologist who has been an industry leader for natural hair professionals. She teaches techniques with creative styles that she has made an integral part of NubginsNs team culture. Customers can select from services like braids, twists, locs, extensions and new stylists can attend natural hair workshops and braiding classes to improve their skills.

Image: @iprotecttresses via @chicagocurlcollective

14. Chicago Curl Collective

Chicago Curl Collective is a Natural  and curly hair boutique salon that specializes in healthy hair care. The Chicago Collective specializes in bridal styling, Deva Cuts and amazing color. The Chicago Curl Collective strives to cater to any and all your hair care needs.

Image: @christianfields_legacyinc

15. Christian Fields Natural Hair Salon

Christian Fields Natural Hair Salon features an array of talented stylists and barbers ready to service all of your natural hair care needs and “stay on the cutting edge” of the latest hair trends.. This upscale salon features styling and cut options for any person looking to get their hair done. Styling services include loc styles, double strand twist, and color for anyone looking to add a little pop to their hair this summer.

By Desiree Johnson · Updated August 31, 2017

The heat can make or break a wedding hairstyle from the tips of your curls to the edges along your forehead. Depending on your location you may have to worry about humidity, heat, dry air, or a combination of all three. These can be a deathly mixture that could ruin your bridal look, but have no fear, we have brides who survived the heat and lived to empower you to rock your natural crown! Curly brides Jeanette, Cassandra, and Ellysia share how they styled their hair on their big day and fought the frizz with some of their go-to products.

Jeanette

“I was back and forth about what I wanted to do with my hair for my wedding. I knew I wanted it to be a reflection of who I am and my husband loves me natural! It was a toss-up between a head wrap or a curly fro!! Since I still have my baby hairs I pitched some Kurly Klips and just blended my natural hair into them! I had to refresh the Klips, so I deep conditioned them with Gabriel Union’s Flawless Hair Repair Masque and sprayed them with Not Your Mother’s Knotty To Nice Conditioning Detangler. I also used Cantu Shea Butter Oil Sheen Deep Conditioning Spray to give them that radiant shine!! My hair was beautiful and held up amazing in the 90-degree weather! I was amazed by how awesome it turned out!”

Image Source: Joe Smedley

Cassandra

“I used Kera Care Leave-In, 100 percent natural Coconut Oil, ORS Edge Control and slicked away. The key to it not sweating out on such a hot day was loads of gel and then making sure it is wrapped until it was bone dry. Whether you prefer using a hair dryer that you sit under or attachment it MUST be dry. It was also essential for me to have a hairdresser on hand to help with any flyaways.”

Image Source: Dan Ward

Ellysia

“I use the hair line by Earthtones Naturals. I wash my hair with their Curl Cleanse Moisturizing and Conditioning Shampoo and then use some of the Curl Condition Intensive Hydrating Deep Treatment as a leave-in. After that, while my hair is soaking wet, I section my hair and apply generous amounts of their Curl Define Curl Enhancing Gelly. It’s vital to ensure my hair is bone dry before I leave the house to avoid any frizzing. I sometimes apply their oil too on day two onwards to keep it fresh”.

Keeping your curls fresh on your wedding day is essential to maintaining your perfect bridal look. Each of these brides not only shampooed, and conditioned the day of their wedding, but took extra care when styling and their curls to prevent frizz. Regardless of whether it’s an updo, protective style, or you’re letting your curls loose, careful maintenance and conditioning is essential when you’re a natural bride.

By Desiree Johnson · Updated June 22, 2017

The glorious thing about curls is that they are not limited to a race, gender, or nationality, they are worldwide and celebrated by curlies everywhere. The wonderfully talented Andrea Lewis who surpasses the triple threat box with actress, writer, producer, and YouTuber attached to her credentials is a Canadian curly who embraces and loves her natural hair. Hailing from Toronto, ON where she began her career in hit tv shows like Degrassi: The Next Generation, this multi-talented woman learned the art of self-love at an early age where curls were widely accepted in her home country. She shares her hair journey, curly girl struggles, and holy grails with the NaturallyCurly community.

Source: @andrealewis

What has your hair taught you about yourself?

“I feel like you create a beauty standard when you’re younger and experiment with it as you get older. I often like to go back to the original me, like how I looked when I was younger with fuller, longer and healthier hair. But I realize I need to learn to be patient and let my hair be what it’s going to be. I apply this to life as well, it’s synonymous.”

What are your holy grails?

“My holy grails consist of Kinky Curly Knot-Today, Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner, and the Coil Kink and Curl Styling Cream. You want something simple, not 80 products. I like a one-two step process with a balance between the hold and softness. It’s a challenging combination to define but I get this when applying both the Kinky Curly and Mixed Chicks Leave-In conditioners together.” Jane Carter “Untangle Me Weightless Leave-In” Condition from the “Curls To Go” Line is also great for curls on the go and gives me soft curls and a light hold.”

Do you feel the natural hair movement is a trend?

“The Natural Hair Movement has been going on for a long time, but it seems like it’s trendier in the media and with hair companies. They must keep up with the trend of it. For examples, I’d heard of the term co-wash from YouTube years ago and now every company has one as part of their line.”

“It’s interesting because for commercials wearing curly hair was acceptable, but TV and Film featured more straight-haired actresses. Now in prime-time television, it’s starting to become normalized and more people are coming to recognize it and embrace it.”

Source: @andrealewis

What are some curly girl problems you’ve endured along your journey? Had did you overcome it?

“Last year I dyed my hair with box dye from the drug store, which I used to do all the time not noticing the damage it could entail. It taught me that relatively cheaper products that are quick/easy end up costing me more in the end. Curly hair is more fragile than you realize. Whether it’s dyed or straightened, if it was still soft I assumed it was fine. The result was that my curls were damaged, they didn’t sit right and I was in the process of trying to start over with my curl routine.”

“Reclaiming your curls is a process, and just when you think you have it figured out since I’ve been told your hair renews itself every seven years. I’ve also learned that environment changes your hair, which I’ve had to experience living here in Los Angeles. I have to wash my hair more due to the drier climate and I’m constantly learning that my texture requires more washes and I can’t emulate other people.”

Source: @andrealewis

What’s the hair culture like in Canada?

“I grew up in Toronto where curly hair was more accepted. I didn’t grow-up with relaxers, but I experienced heat damage from straightening. In TV, I looked for characters that reflected my hair, which I saw in Sister, Sister or musicians like Kelis who wore their curls out loud and proud.”

Did you ever experience any challenges to wear your curly hair when filming Degrassi in Canada?

“In Degrassi, they worked with whatever I did. I would often film right after I go out of school so I had the freedom to wear my hair as I wanted. They gave all of us actors the freedom to represent the trends and styles that reflected teen culture at the time. As a black actress in Canada, hairdressers can be intimidated by styling your hair, so I usually showed up ready in whatever I felt was going to be accepted.

Are you living outside of the U.S. and want to share your hair journey? If so, submit your story to submissions@naturallycurly.com.

By Desiree Johnson · Published June 6, 2017

iStock.com/LPrijatelj

Why use hemp oil?

Prevent Breakage

Products with hemp oil help maintain the natural texture of hair and prevent water loss by adding moisture to the hair and scalp. For those of us traveling this summer this is very essential for hotter, drier climates because we need that extra moisture for our curls.

Moisturize the Scalp

Who likes dry hair? Nobody. Hemp oil helps prevent water loss from the scalp. Yes, really. It is easily absorbed into the scalp so you are getting deep nourishment with each use. Having drier or brittle hair can make styling much harder in a warm climate, so having a product meant to retain moisture is the best.

Promote Hair Growth

For those of us trying to have long hair goals this summer, hemp oil could be the magic trick you never thought of. The fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6″> help stimulate hair growth. The proteins in hemp help formulate keratin in your hair while improving blood circulation to the scalp.

DIY Hemp Oil Recipes

Here are some DIY cocktails with everyday kitchen ingredients that you can make at home.

Hemp & Banana to Nourish the Scalp and Impart Moisture

Ingredients

• One banana

• 3 tablespoons of hemp seed oil

• Blender

Instructions

1. Put hemp oil and the banana into the blender. Blend till its gets a smooth creamy consistency.

2. Section your hair like you would do for dying.

3. You can apply the mask with your hand or a brush. This depends on your preference.

4. Apply the mask from root to tip and then over with shower cap. Leave this mask on for about 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse your hair.

Avocado and Hemp Oil Mask to Moisturize and Add Shine

Ingredients

• One small ripe avocado

• Few tablespoons of hemp oil

• Yogurt (optional”>

Instructions

1. Mash the avocado and mix in few tbsp. of hemp oil. You can also add yogurt to this mixture if you like.

2. Part your hair in two sections. Brush you hair to remove any tangles.

3. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.

4. Then rinse your hair thoroughly.

The good thing about hemp oil is that is one product that has multiple cosmetic uses. It has been incorporated in body and skin care, and generally to promote overall good health. I think there are few products we can say benefit our body 360, but hemp oil is making a strong case to be the new product sitting on our shelves.

By Desiree Johnson · Updated June 2, 2017

So, I’m a pop culture fanatic. Now, I say this with the defense I don’t buy every and anything that a celebrity puts on the market, but I’m open to trying new things. My favorite actress, Gabrielle Union recently launched her “Flawless Hair Care” line which she’s been promoting for a few months on Instagram. What attracted me to trying out the brand was Union’s all textures, all-inclusive mantra that caters to her diverse fan base.

Since it recently hit the Ulta shelves in April, I wanted to be the first to snag my hands on it here in Chicago. I used the online website to help guide my purchases since this line boasts ten different types of products for all hair care users. I used her “get the look” guide to make purchases that best suit my style needs which stated “bold, loose curls.” This was shot in the dark given I have 3B curls and I like my hair springy and kinked up, but I went for it anyway.

First and foremost, I needed shampoo for my curls, and the site recommends the Smoothing Shampoo, which is “safe for natural and relaxed hair of all textures,” can help prevent breakage, provide moisture, and shine. It’s beautiful in my palm to say the least. It’s got a creamy golden hue with some flakes of sparkle and smells like an earth mix of the Argan and Avocado oils within it. I didn’t have to pour a large amount, and the texture did build a rich lather into my hair. It had an even consistency which my curls seemed to appreciate.

When I moved onto the Smoothing Conditioner, I was surprised to find a very thick consistency that mirrored the shampoo with golden, sand tone hues.  It promises to “fortify and tame” frizzy prone and damaged hair. It boasts the same combination of Argan, Avocado, and PeaProtein so the scent is almost identical and was consistent with the branding. I did feel it running through my curls more than I liked when washing it out, but waited to see the overall results. When I finished I was happy with the overall shine of my curls which I attributed to the mixture of oils in both the shampoo and conditioner. It’s probably one of the first conditioners I used from the natural hair care market that left my hair shiny without additional product, so I really appreciated that.

I finally finished off my look after letting it air dry with the Oil Treatment which “is a silicone-free 5-oil blend that nourishes, conditions and prevents breakage while delivering intense hydration.” This smelled like a tropical island in my palm and once again had the colored hues that made me feel like I had gold in my hand. I think this added touch courtesy of Gabrielle is eye-catching for any user and does differentiate from the standard whites/yellow we often see in products regardless of ingredients. Although I didn’t need additional shine, I used the oil’s on my ends and scrunched my curls to give it definition.

One of the side effects of the products was that my curls were much looser and not as defined as I’d like and I’m sure it was because the product was meant to tame/smooth frizzy hair versus being curls specific. The conditioner was not as strong in giving my curls bounce, definition or softness so I did have to recondition them with my regular products post-shower and allowing the product to dry in my hair.

Overall, for the price point which totaled to roughly $65 for three products, I wouldn’t invest again simply because it’s not a curl specific line that caters to my hair in the way that my curls respond to.  At a whopping $20 per product it’s an investment and a risk that any haircare user takes in trying new product out on the market. 

Have you tried Flawless by Gabrielle Union? If so, share your experience with us below.

What’s Next: Find Out My Checklist for Purchasing Natural Hair Products 

By Desiree Johnson · Updated May 31, 2017

A month before graduation, I was dead set on straightening my hair for my big day. Many of you curlies  know what I’m talking about, the pressure to look “polished,” “sharp,” and “professional” for a big event. I think throughout the better part of my life, if there was an important occasion whether it was prom, homecoming, or graduation, I straightened my hair. People even voluntarily straightened it for me, viewing the transformative aspect as a fun hobby or helpful trick to maintain my usually curly tresses. Something changed though, the closer I got to graduation…I realized straightening wasn’t going to happen this time around.

The last time I graduated was in 2012, and this was before I had even sniffed at the idea of loving my natural hair. I’d spent a long part of undergrad flat ironing my hair to a crisp and walking the stage was no exception. My hair was colored, damaged, and I remember washing it knowing I had to commit to straightening it because it smelled burnt when it was wet and no longer had a curl. There were many things I was fortunate for during this era, but I had no pride or self-love in my hair, I just knew I’d accrued damage it felt like there was no going back from. I remember trying to compensate by curling my hair so it at least resembled a little bit of who I was, but flat ironed curls are nowhere near as awesome as the natural ones.

Fast forward to the week of graduation 2017 when I was getting ready for my graduation shoot. I had prepped my hair for perfect straightening treatment starting with the Shea Moisture Raw Butter Deep Treatment Masque to give it good conditioning and adding Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil to add some shine. I thought I’d have my hair curly for one set of photos and straight for the day of to set up two different looks for my big week. Most of us know straightening your hair feels like having an alter ego. You can style it differently, it hangs around your face differently, and people’s reactions to it also varies, I was prepared for all of this. However; I remember getting my pics back from my shoot and thinking…my hair looks awesome; do I really want to straighten it?

I thought about how far I’d come in self-love, care and embracing my natural beauty. That’s not to say I can’t have all of that and still straighten my hair, but the motivation for taking a hot iron to my head lies in some pre-disposed belief this is “professional” or my hair won’t have this “wild” look. I haven’t straightened my hair in over a year and minimize when I do because of the damage, but also because I love my curls. After my fiasco in undergrad, it took a long time to get my hair healthy and why wouldn’t I want to walk the stage with my curls out loud and proud? So, the day of graduation I compromised, because unfortunately the Chicago humidity wasn’t going to let me grad hat stay on with my curls, so I did a slicked down bun and let my hair out later.

At the end of the day, I felt like myself. I was happy with my hair and knowing it and all the blessings learning about natural hair care has given me is an aspect I carried across the stage with me. I didn’t let the pressure whether internal or external define my beauty on my biggest day. My beauty is mine to claim, mine to define, and mine to love.

By Desiree Johnson · Updated May 26, 2017

Source: @freshlengths

Podcasts have become a growing trend that has hit our ear waves in the past few years. The glorious thing about Podcasts is that there is literally something for everyone. We all know what a drag Wash day can be, but we have found a way to make the time pass faster. Wash day can limit any activity and there is no need to be miserable as your go-to product works miracle on your hair. We have compiled a list of MUST LISTEN podcasts that will ease the strain of a wash day while uplifting, empowering, and provoking a few laughs from you.

My Taught You

Our Curlbox Founder Myleik Teele is back with her “My Taught You,” podcast. These honest, truthful chats led by Teele ventures from the personal, professional and everything in between. She discusses life, love, finances, and interviews women authors, entrepreneurs and artists killin’ the game.

2 Dope Queens

Two heads are better than one in this powerful podcast from comedians Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams. These fearless New Yorkers are unabashed and fearless in their discussions of sex, race, and hair journey’s that will keep you laughing from start to finish.

Other: Mixed Race in America

Exploring the melting pot that is multiracial America, Alex Laughlin interviews people about their experiences being Mixed today. It’s a short five-part miniseries, but don’t let that sway you from getting educated on the lives of men and women who are a part of the fastest growing demographic in the United States. 

The Read

Kid Fury and Crissle are a duo that are literally bringing all those small thoughts, comments, and beliefs you may harbor to life. This charismatic couple discuss pop culture, hot topics of the week, and shade, shade, shade to the point of delight. It’s like E! News, unfiltered. Kid Fury also is just a force of spunk and wit, so he makes listening easy.

GirlBoss Radio

The founder of Nastygal, author of #GirlBoss, and inspiration for the latest Netflix sensation starring Brit Robertson is brought to life on her #GirlBoss radio podcast. This interview podcast is led by Sophia Amoruso who is chatting with upcoming girlbosses who are leading the pack through creative, cultural, and entrepreneurial aspirations. She even gives one-on-one advice to her listeners and problem solves to help them succeed.

Dreams in Drive

Rana Campbell keeps it real by fearlessly discussing what happens when your career plans go awry. She interviews young professionals who took their setbacks and made them fierce comebacks. It’s authentic, vulnerable, and she holds nothing back when interviewing her guests who provide honest stories of tribulation and triumph on their paths to greatness. 

Call Your Girlfriend

For those long distance besties, this is literally up your avenue. BFFS Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman bring the sass, conversation, and chemistry that will have you grabbing the phone to chat up your best friend. From politics to pop culture, like any good friendship, nothing is off limits. That dynamic makes the listeners feel like they’re in on the conversation the whole time versus just listening in.

Another Round

Buzzfeed does dope podcasts…say what? Yes and yes. It’s HILARIOUS because hosts Heben and Tracy keep it real. I mean really real. Bad jokes, race, gender, pop culture, and random tidbits that will stop you dead in your tracks and press replay.

Friends Like Us

This is the group of women you want to be sitting with. As serious as “girl talk” can be, these women of color keep it fresh and funky when discussing hair, feminism, post-racialism, and treatment of Black women by law enforcement. There are plenty of laughs, which keeps the heavy subject matter from killing your daytime mood.

Beat Latino

Para mi gente! Beat Latino is going to introduce you to the extremely diverse world that is Latino music. This bi-lingual podcast will introduce you to new artists who perform traditional, roots music and give you new songs to add to your music library. The host and producer Catalina Maria Johnson collaborates with many journalism heavyweights like Wall Street International Magazine and WBEZ in Chicago to keep you informed while you jam.

Do you listen to podcasts? Share your favorites with us below.

By Desiree Johnson · Updated May 18, 2017

As a lady living in Chicago, I get the opportunity to experience the cold, freezing air that comes off Lake Michigan for the better part of the year. When I go home to my native state of Texas, I usually switch up my hair regimen to accommodate the blistering heat and crazy humidity the sunshine throws my way. Traveling for anyone can be stressful, but even more when you have curly hair because you must pick and choose what makes the travel cut in the suitcase. We all know what makes the cut depends on where you’re going, so here are a few of my favorites I always take.

Like any Texan lady with curls, the heat not only dries my hair out, but makes my frizzies explode around my forehead. I love my baby hairs as much as the next person, but sweating out product is real in the Texan heat. One of the few products that I can once again scoop out and put in a Ziploc bag without having to compress it down into a bottle or bag is the CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste. This product was made to keep my hairs slick, sleek and not looking like I purposely rubbed my head on a balloon. What’s nice about this product is that it also works perfectly for slicking back a ponytail or making a chic bun. It has a wonderful texture that requires at best a fingertips worth of product that won’t make your hands feel like you dipped them in honey.

When I’m compiling my toiletries I’m always playing the game of what can go, what can stay, and what can I compact into these tiny airplane travel bottles so TSA doesn’t snatch it up? We’ve all had the tears of sadness flow when they take a coveted bottle or jar of your favorite product because it doesn’t meet regulation standards. Sigh. So, I improvise. I NEED nourishment in Texas, and hydration is key so I take a big scoop of the Shea Moisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and scoop it into a giant Ziploc bag. I love that this product is not heavy, oily and can make even my driest curls come back to life. It smells great and unlike other liquid-based products; I can carry it void of a container or bottle. I usually place it in my carry-on so it doesn’t become sludge in my suitcase.

I’m very particular about my leave-in conditioner because as all curly girls know, this is the second-best thing we need at our bedside. What I like about Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-in Conditioner Spray smells like heaven and has a pretty good consistency that moisturizes my ends. It also has a dual action of giving me great shine which is a bonus so I don’t have to bring or pack an oil based product. We all know the less you carry the better. No one wants their entire bathroom taking up their suitcase space.

These are a few of the essentials I pack when going on vacation not only for their versatility, but because they do the job while I’m away from Chicago. While I do use these products in Chicago as well, I don’t use them as frequently because the colder climate requires me to take additional hair care steps to ensure my hair stays hydrated, moisturized and hoping the wind doesn’t tear it apart. A few of my favorites that I use in Chicago are:

• Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Leave-In Treatment
• SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler
• SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque

Whether you’re in cold, windy and dry climates such as Chicago or hot and humid climates such as Texas, these hair products will keep your curls a live and flourishing.

What are your holy grails for every weather condition?

By Desiree Johnson · Updated April 19, 2017

Creating on-the-go curly hairstyles is literally like painting a piece of art and hoping the result is a masterpiece. Curly haired women, men, and children deal with pattern, texture, weather, length, and moisture that all play a role in your hairstyle. Making it look easy and effortless is not a gift, it’s hard work that comes from labor in front of the mirror before the day starts. For me, it’s been a long result of trial and error figuring out how to style my hair and what is easy and convenient. I’m a lady who gets ready in 20 minutes or less and the last thing I want to do is wrestle with my hair. Here a few of my one-step hairstyles that get me out the door with a smile on my face.

1. The slicked back bun

I have been a woman who opposes the middle part, except for this hairstyle. Middle parts don’t do much for my face, but make all the difference when creating this slick bun. I part my hair down the middle and pull it tight behind my ears. I then place my index finger in the middle of my head and wrap the curls around my finger until I have a little ball. I use my left hand to hold the ball while my right hand wraps a hair band to keep it secure. If I have too many loose strands, I’ll start over or tuck them in with bobby pins. Afterwards, I use styling gel to slick down my baby hairs around my forehead and hairline leading towards my ears. It’s very quick, efficient and especially helpful between wash days when I don’t have the extra time to work through my curls.

2. Messy up-do

Creating an up-do is especially hard for me because I cannot braid my hair to save my life. I’ve had to figure out alternate ways to make a cute topknot or bun with hairbands that won’t tear my hair out or cost me time. Remember, I’m all about saving time and I’ve been rocking variations of this hairstyle since high school. What I like about it is that regardless of how textured or loose my curls are, I still get a unique look. I pull my hair up like I would a high ponytail while using coconut oil, gel, or crème to hold it together. I then use a hair band to trick my hair into thinking I’m making a ponytail, but instead of the ponytail, I tuck the hair into the band. You can make the bun as big or small as you want by pulling the ends of your bun. I like to leave my baby hairs out around my forehead, neck, and hairline because it adds some flair to the style instead of me slicking them into my curls.

3. Letting it loose

Wearing my curls down like any other women takes time depending on wash day, weather, curl pattern etc. Like most of you know nothing says va-va-voom with your hair like wearing it down after a wash day and getting the volume and curls you prefer. I have grown to love letting my hair down and fly in the wind and sometimes it comes out exactly how I’d like it to, and other days I flip it and scrunch it up to bring it back to life. I think the biggest key to wearing it down is making sure it’s moisturized and nourished so my curls look the best. We all know that water can give life back to flat, dull, curls so I also will run them through the sink on a bad hair day.

Overall creating the perfect look that’s manageable and easy takes a lot of practice and it’s a series of trial and error. I gain my inspiration from Instagram accounts that are centered on curly hair or news articles with celebrities like Zendaya who proudly rock their curls. Curls are beautiful no matter how you dress them up or dress them down, just be confident in how you wear them.

What is your favorite one and done hairstyle? Share with us the comments below.

By Desiree Johnson · Published March 30, 2017

1. Gabrielle Douglas

2. Simone Manuel

3. Abi Oyeptian

4. Serena Williams

5. Carmelita Jeter

6. Sanya Richard-Ross

7. Mo’ne Davis

8. Misty Copeland

9. Claressa Shields

10. Michelle Carter

Which female athletes inspire you? Share with us in the comments below.

By Desiree Johnson · Published March 29, 2017

Girl bosses have ushered in a new wave of empowerment, feminism, gender equality, and freedom. As we develop the next wave of boss ladies we can be happy that we have a plethora of amazing women to guide our path. Social media has helped the following women not only strengthen their brand, but engage with users to continue to build for their future. Here are 8 strong women who are taking the industry by storm through business, fashion, publishing, and hair care. 

Sophia Amoruso

We can’t talk about #girlbosses without paying homage to one of the original women who coined the term for our generation, Sophia Amoruso. This New York Times Bestselling author of GirlBoss, sparked the movement in 2014 which enables women to connect across digital, social and experiential platforms. Sophia encourages women to share knowledge about career, entrepreneurship and personal finance by using her social media platforms to promote conversation – even at her own expense. Her innate honesty about her trials and tribulations, even in the face of criticism from the industry, makes her the ultimate girl boss. Learning to embrace your failures is one thing, but sharing them with your network to help teach how to overcome those uncomfortable spaces, paves a realistic journey towards success.

Karen Civil

How does one make themselves into a brand? Look no further than #girlboss Karen Civil. This media maven, author, and brand curator used the internet to create the career she wanted. The former Diplomat Records employee started KarenCivil.com in 2008 where she interviewed artists like Nicki Minaj and Drake before they got their big break. Civil broke the male-dominated arena of Hip-Hop when she became the social media manager for Beats by Dre in Los Angeles. She used that platform to build her lifestyle website LivingCivil.com and partner with major companies like Carol’s Daughter and Covergirl. As a girlboss she’s made a household name for herself on social media through speaking engagements, philanthropy, and her upcoming conference-cruise this October.

Yael Aflalo

Yael Aflalo wants you to #jointhereformation. Created in 2009, Reformation uses sustainable fabrics and vintage garments to make conventional fashion. The brand was formed after Aflalo was challenged about fashion’s impact on the environment and re-launched Reformation as an e-commerce business in 2012. Aflalo’s advocates to be socially responsible in all aspects of her business from her staff to social media where she showcases a blend of professionalism, feminism and social justice. As a young entrepreneur, she combines her eco-friendly business with the message she is literally saving the world through fashion. Creating a business that reflects your personal interest and passion while still challenging you is vital to the growth of your brand and Aflalo is an excellent example you don’t have to compromise any of those attributes to be successful.

Karrueche Tran

Model and actress Karrueche Tran has taken her #girlboss status to the next level since breaking away from her infamous ex. Tran popped onto the scene back in 2012 where she started as a personal stylist at Nordstrom and then transitioned into magazines for her high-profile fashion. In the five years she’s been in the spotlight, she’s shown the power of turning a negative situation truly positive by using her platform to build her career. This #girlboss won an Emmy award for her digital series The Bay, collaborated with ColourPoP for her Kaepop collection, and just landed a role in the TNT series Claws. What makes Tran a #girlboss is her perseverance to bettering herself and being diligent in her career pursuits outside of social media hate, intense media scrutiny, and public perception that still attempts to link her to the past. Rising above and balancing your path is key for all girlbosses in their career pursuits.

Myleik Teele

Myleik Teele changed the hair game as the founder of curlBOX. The monthly subscription service has partnerships with brands like Carol’s Daughter and Shea Moisture in addition to major companies like Target and Walmart. The San Francisco alum used her talent for building brands like Calvin Klein cosmetics, American Idol, and Nike to create a hair sampling box that has garnered a following of over 300k on Instagram. Myleik showcases strength and empowers her followers through encouraging Instagram posts and interviewing fellow boss women on her podcast #mytaughtyou series.  Her latest venture curlBOX:body expands her business to promoting self-love and fitness. Myleik exemplifies how using your experience working for other people can truly help mold and influence how you develop and create your own brand. Learning from others is the best way to figure out the tips, tricks and best ways to make your ventures work.

These girlbosses used innovative and tactical methods to not only build successful brands, but build brands that resonated with millions of women all over the world. Their dedication to engaging with their customers through social media has given them an alternative way to promoting, building, and changing their brands which is continuously changing the way these entrepreneurs do business. Real girlbosses thrive and survive and use their boss savvy skills to continue to change the game and make it work no matter the struggles or endeavors. We salute you!

By Desiree Johnson · Published March 28, 2017

The month of March is all about women. The pioneers, leaders and trailblazers who deserve to be celebrated for their past and continuing contributions for women today. For all my ladies rocking their natural curls, we have many wonderful women to thank for their innovation, dedication and hustle to perfect the art of natural hair. Natural hair is a revolution and has secured its place on the shelves of Sally Beauty, Target, Wal-Mart and Sephora alike as more people find new ways to make embracing the natural, more easily. When you’re running those creams, serums, oils and gels through your crown and making your way out the door this month, there’s a few boss women I want you to keep in mind.

Design by @cuur | Photo via @exquisitemo

Monique Rodriguez, Mielle Organics

In 2014, Monique Rodriguez brought Mielle Organics onto the scene which now has reached 87 countries around the world and has expanded to hair oils, shampoos, conditioners and vitamins. Rodriguez first love was helping people as a registered nurse by day, but by night she was creating hair products in her kitchen which she would share with friends, family and post online via YouTube. Her hair struggle, like so many of us came from the lack of available products on the market for restoring her healthy curls after heat damage from straightening.  As she grew in popularity, Rodriguez hit gold with her first mass distributed product, an  Advanced Hair Formula used to support healthy hair, skin, nails and immune system.  One of the largest factors to Rodriguez’s brand growth was her desire to be authentic with her social media audience and be open to feedback which she attributes to the upward success.

Designed by @cuur | Photo via @miss_jessies

Miko and Titi Branch, Miss Jessie’s

Designed by @cuur | Photo via @officialkinkycurly

Shelley Davis, Kinky-Curly

Kinky-Curly founder Shelley Davis is one of the original natural hair care pioneers who brought her astounding brand to shelves in 2003. Creating Kinky-Curly happened by chance after misplaced luggage inspired a family member to create a homemade brew of herbs and plants that left Davis’ hair better and healthier than it had ever been. Her job at a major television network allowed her the free time to research ingredients and enroll in an online cosmetic chemistry course to bring Kinky-Curly to life. The brand emerged as a leading provider for natural hair care and flew off the shelves due to word of mouth advertising. Davis told The Network Journal that when the company’s growth required better organization to balance consumer needs, they “solved this problem by utilizing the many online apps available for small businesses – apps such as Mad Mimi to handle our email newsletters and Evernote and Basecamp to manage and organize information.”  Kinky-Curly’s cult following inspired expansion to custards, hair spritz, brushes, and a children’s line.

As the natural hair game evolves and transforms in the coming generation, we can always look to the women who paved the way to embrace our natural beauty and build a legacy worth remembering. Trailblazing does not come from shortcuts and easy roads, it is built as these four women show by using your passion, culture and knowledge to forge your own path. Real women just like you and me revolutionized the beauty game for the better.

Who else do you feel helped change the natural hair game?

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By Desiree Johnson · Updated August 13, 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF ECLECTIC VIBEZ

Mayonnaise, honey, rubber cement, chewing gum, candle wax, and even toothpaste–all of these things have been rumored to help start locs. One of the top choices is actually a product that was intended for use on hair: hair gel. Hair gel is often used to begin the locking process and then maintain them throughout the journey. This is, however, a risk in striving for your healthiest locs possible.

Dreadlocks.com says “Many products on the market that mention they work for dreadlocks are actually intended to add shine and fragrance and to make [locs] look neater but  don’t acually help the dreading process at all. The majority of these shine waxes are made with petroleum as the primary ingredient.” While petroleum-based products are OK for re-twisting every 4 to 6 weeks, it is not recommended using one in the beginning of the locking phase.

Most hair gels contain ingredients that tend to work against a healthy locking journey

According to Curl Chemist Tonya, most hair gels work by containing these holding agents:

• PVP (poly N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone”> forms clear films and is water soluble. It absorbs water readily, which in humid weather makes it sticky or tacky to the touch, can cause frizz, and give a dull appearance to the hair. In dry weather, it can become brittle and flaky.
• PVA (polyvinyl acetate”> resists absorption of water in high humidity but is not substantive to hair.
• Polyquaternium-4: is a  film-former on the hair and has been found to be substantive to hair. It is very stiff due to its molecular structure and causes flaky build-up.
• Polyquaternium-11: is copolymer of VP/DMAEMA is less susceptible to humidity. It is not water soluble–this can lead to some build-up over time that resists washes.

5 reasons NOT to use gel on locs

Dryness

They are drying to your scalp and prevent your hair from growing. Hair gel is typically made with the kind of alcohols and other synthetic ingredients that not only clog pores, but dry your scalp. Look into shampoos made with peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree extracts if you notice your scalp feeling itchier after starting the locking process. These ingredients in shampoos will also blast out the dirt from your pores, encouraging growth at a faster rate.

Buildup

All of the product and elemental build-up (that gel draws to your scalp”> causes you to have to wash your locs more frequently. Depending on the individual, this may or may not negatively impact the form and hold of what you’ve taken so long to create.

Flaking

Hair gel causes small white flakes, especially when used frequently for hair styling purposes. In locs, the flakes are tough to wash completely out and can be a painstakingly long process, according to Lockology.

Stiffness

If you want locs that actually move, don’t use a gel. When used for twisting, the hair becomes unnaturally hard and stiff. Over time, hair gel dries out the hair. Most people use gel to make the outer layer of their locs appear smoother, but using a butter or cream is the gentlest option for healthy locs.

Breakage

Breakage happens when using a drying hair gel on a regular basis. As mentioned previously, do research and invest in a good quality loc butter for re-twisting and maintaining smooth, fuzz-free locs that don’t have randoms sticking out all over the place (AKA breaking strands”>.

Try one of these safer alternatives for re-twisting:

• Darcy’s Botanicals Avocado & Wild Plum Twisting Cream (Glycerin Free”> contains soothing organic aloe juice, invigorating nettle leaf, wild plum, and lemon peel for amazing nutrition to the hair and scalp.
• MyHoneyChild Honey Love Loc is made with natural holding agent raw honey, moisturizing coconut butter, and aloe vera jelly for smoothness.
• Original Moxie Lux Locks Styling Pomade includes Ucuuba butter, high in the necessary fatty acids and vitamins for a healthy scalp, along with castor and olive oils to seal in moisture and promote hair growth.

Which product do you use on your locs to re-twist?