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Before the natural hair movement became “trendy” or the go-to way for styling your curls, coils, and kinks, going “natural” was frowned upon. The struggle for public and personal acceptance to wear our natural hair free of relaxers, straighteners, sleek ponytails or “professional” has been an endeavor many curlies have encountered at some point with regard to their hair. Whether it was being teased by a classmate, bullied, pressured to straighten by family or friends, or looking “appropriate” for an interview, hair discrimination is hard to overcome.
Me personally, I experienced the ongoing pressure of people always wanting to experiment and transform my curly hair straight. Magazines and my peers impressed upon me that straight hair was pretty and I aspired for crimped and bone straight hair that I could never achieve. I was taught that wearing my hair void of a hairband, clip, barrette or something to tame it was letting it be “wild” and primal. I’m happy I was finally able to not only learn how to accept my hair in whatever form it’s in but to not allow other’s opinions influence my own self-worth.
A few of our favorite curlies and influencers share their tips, advice, and experiences overcoming hair discrimination below:
“My tip for all the girls who are trying to go natural, but their family or friends tell them ‘you look better with straight hair’ or ‘how are you going to manage it’ would be: Don’t let those people get to you, the beginning is the hardest part, once you are transiting you will flourish! Your natural hair is part of you! It’s not something we can change it grows out of our head! We have to embrace it and love it!”– Sue Portillo
“You can’t try to justify that straight hair is the only acceptable hairstyle in the work place. I’m tired of ‘taming’ my hair to please someone else. My hair should not affect your work performance.” – Bree Lee
“I straightened my hair out of fear of not getting a job. I felt extremely ashamed after I did this, I could not believe I let this fear hide the real me. I wanted to share my story to inspire women to be proud of every kink, curl and coil you have on your head. If someone thinks your hair is too ‘nappy’ they just need some education on black culture. Please do not change yourself for anyone, remain natural, remain beautiful and most importantly remain true to yourself.”– Dominique Washington
“I used to get taunted for having long hair before it was a ‘popular’ thing. To those who are struggling with their natural hair I say to them. ‘Never be afraid to embrace what was naturally given to you from God.'”– Dawan Pearson
“I don’t think it is fair to bully anyone about their hair. The ignorance regarding hair can be so discouraging! I would encourage anyone in this situation to counteract hair bullying with ultimate confidence! Be proud of your hair. Be strong and courageous in your beauty. You can silence bullying with confidence!”– Lorelle Oliveira
One of the best ways to combat hair discrimination is to find a community that allows you to be open, honest, and receive advice from others who can respect your story. NaturallyCurly,CurlsUnderstood, KinkyCurlyCoilyMe, and CurlyNikki: Natural Hair Care are just a few online resources that provide information on loving your natural hair and having an active community to interact with.
Have you dealt with hair discrimination? How did you overcome it?
The big transition to wearing your natural hair curly and proud is a process. Growing up in a “woke” generation has enabled us the ability to be more expressive with every facet of our bodies, clothing, sexuality, and hair. The beauty of curly hair is that everyone’s transition process is different. How we started to embrace our natural hair, what we used, and how it’s affected our perception of our hair is a significant journey for curlies.
My natural hair journey was inspired by my younger sister . . .
I grew up in an era where wearing your curly hair big, bold and beautiful without a pin, headband, or barrette was unheard-of. Mind you I am 26 and a millennial, but the natural hair movement as I know it, came to me at the age of 22. After a long four years of straightening my hair to no end, living with my sister allowed me to see her natural hair process up close and personal. It was long and expensive. I watched her take meticulous detail in putting this conditioner in her hair that made her curls moisturized and healthy. She finally convinced me to try wearing my hair down and to use her go-to, Kinky-Curly Leave-In Conditioner.
After seeing a hairstylist who informed me not to straighten or color my curly hair anymore for danger it could fall out, I began to research what products would revive my curls. I didn’t feel confident wearing my curls down since they smelled bad and had no bounce. Instead, I would try up-do’s during the day and wear it down around the house with my sister where I felt more comfortable. I began to experiment with other remedies to restore my curls and keep them healthy. I used Mane ‘n Tail to help my hair grow and Garnier Fructis Length and Strength Cream Conditioner to assist with my breakage and split-ends. As my hair grew out, I would visit a stylist bi-monthly to cut the bad ends and google tips and tricks on what could get my curl pattern back. I became obsessed with my hair because I wanted my curls back to normal and to wear it down as my sister did.
Over the course of that entire year I slowly but surely started to see the bounce in my curls, shine in my hair, and the smell of burnt hair from my straightener slowly disappear. I began to move away from Garnier Fructis and upped my curls game with the John Frieda Dream Curls collection where I used the Shampoo, Conditioner and Defining Gel. I learned from my sister to not use hairspray or products with alcohol and started seeking products that were more natural. When I hit the age of 23, my curls were flourishing and I received compliments on how good my hair looked. I started learning that my hair didn’t look wild, or unkept, it was blossoming. I didn’t need a headband or ten palms of gel to slick it down.
If I could give you five tips for your transition to help you through the process here’s what I suggest:
- Don’t be ashamed! Acknowledging your need to get your hair back healthy is the first step and sometimes a hard one to face. Beating yourself up is no way to start your long curl journey, so take a deep breath and know it’ll be okay.
- Do your research. I cannot stress enough the untapped power and vast net of knowledge that is on social media and the internet. Every curl type and pattern is different so researching what products are best for you to start with is vital.
- Headbands and scarves will be a lifesaver. Whether it’s tying your hair up, locking in moisture, or putting a stylish twist on your outfit, think of these hair accessories as tools to enhance your curls, not hide them.
- Take pictures of your transition. Believe me, I’m the first one to admit getting in front of a camera was the last thing I wanted to do when my curls were lifeless. Now, though there aren’t many, I’m happy for the progress pictures that help me see how far I’ve really come.
- Be patient. Your curls won’t come back overnight. Everyone’s bounce back is different whether you start with the big chop or are visiting the salon regularly to cut dead ends, getting your curls back takes time.
Now at 27, I love my hair. I love it big and curly and I am grateful that I was able to revive it. For those transitioning, doing your research is key. The product aisle can be overwhelming, but if you find yourself wandering around your local drug and beauty supply store, try the travel sizes from different brands. Be bold, be unafraid and know you have a huge curly army behind you!
Further reading about transitioning hair:
Defining “multi-ethnic” beauty can be complicated, as there is no one curl pattern or hair type that multi-ethnic people have. Multi-ethnic people can sometimes feel isolated for not fully fitting into one group or another, and luckily there are more brands than ever before that catering to all curl types and ethnicities and the conversation has shifted on how that could impact the consumer.
I spoke with seven curlies on their perspectives on “multi-ethnic” brands, how they use them, and why it’s important to look past the label in natural hair care.
Having products that appeal to people of different hair textures and diverse backgrounds is not only important for hair care but also for self-esteem.
“Having products that appeal to people of different hair textures and diverse backgrounds is not only important for hair care but also for self-esteem. Brands like SheaMoisture, Mixed Chicks, DevaCurl and Miss Jessie’s give men and women everywhere the opportunity to embrace and accentuate their beauty without having to alter their hair pattern. Personally, I would not try products that I do not culturally identify with, as I have felt ostracized for most of my lifetime by culturally limited brands.
My favorite brand is Shea Moisture because my hair is eternally thirsty and I feel that these products provide intense moisture while defining my curls. I currently apply the African Water Mint & Ginger Detox & Refresh Scalpl Gentle Conditioner to soaking wet hair, add Sacha Inchi Oil Omega 3-6-9 Rescue & Repair Curl Defining Smoothie and lastly I section my hair and brush to add definition.”- Stephanie Espejo
“The first products I tried from Mixed Chicks were the Deep Conditioner and the Leave-In Conditioner. How I use them is simple, I don’t always need to shampoo my hair before restyling so if need be, I’ll use either my Mixed Chicks Shampoo or any sulfate-free drug store shampoo I may have at the time.
During the cooler/cold weather, SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is my favorite! Having hair products that target the multi-ethnic community is a blessing. Natural hair care has come a long way. For years, curly hair was frowned upon so companies hesitated to create products targeting ‘multi-ethnic hair,’ making it harder for curly heads to really learn to accept and take care of their hair the way they should. Generic hair lotions are not enough to care for a head full of curls. The ingredients in generic lotions are not always the healthiest or moisturizing and that’s why I prefer to use “multi-ethnic” hair products.”- Brandi Harrell
“I’ve tried a variety of multicultural brands and one that always worked for me from the beginning of my journey was SheaMoisture. I always loved that they catered to a variety of different hair needs. When I first decided to transition from relaxed hair to natural not many people understood why, many believed I didn’t have the hair type ‘that wasn’t meant to be relaxed’ or ‘needed to be relaxed.’ Shea Moisture products helped me to fall in love with my hair, just the way it grows out of my scalp. I mostly use their conditioners and treatment masques depending on what my hair needs at the time.”- Sephora Gabourel
“My motto these days, is power to the curl! I am not a hair product snob, but I am someone who tends to stick with products that bring my curls to life. I love products that are multi-ethnic because as a biracial woman, it really allows my hair in supporting its own tress-duo identity. I used to try to control my curls with heavy gels and chemical heavy products, but within the past year, I did a big chop and decided to start fresh. On top of that, I stocked my beauty shelf with products that truly embraced my locks and helped bring the big bounce back. For example, DevaCurl has been a hair life saver. My favorite is DevaCurl’s B’Leave In Miracle Curl Plumper. I love how it defines and makes my hair feel soft, as opposed to crunch and stiff like other heavy products.”- Jasmine Banks
“I always have products from SheaMoisture at home because I can rely on it. It helped me so many times in the beginning of my natural hair journey. I’ve already tried various products from this brand. There’s a lot of choice in terms of hair type and hair care, but I trust them and I’m loyal to them. I use SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie and shine milk as my curling cream. It’s the last part of my wash and go or twist out routine. I love it, my hair loves it and it smells so good and make my hair feel super good too. This product is a must, and when it’s almost gone I always go buy more. The most important thing about this brand is its efficiency and the amazing scent of the products.” -Yoya
“I’ve been riding the curl struggle bus for quite some time due to bad highlights, over-straightening, and using the wrong products. I recently made a HUGE chop, so my hair is much happier! It still has a long way to go to get to where my curls were before all the bad habits, but I’ve found that patience really is key. My current routine is: 1″> apply Deva Curl Ultra Defining Gel then Mixed Chicks Coil, Kink, and Curl Styling Cream after washing; 2″> air dry for a little (usually use this time to do my makeup”>; 3″> dry on low heat upside down; and 4″> apply Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. These products leave my curls soft and bouncy, and smelling delicious!”- Vanessa Suggs
If you’re a multi-ethnic curly, what role have brands that cater to a range of curl types meant for you? Do you feel it’s important to culturally identify with a brand, or do you shop by hair concern? Weigh in in the comments below.
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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.
Many of us curlies know the stress and finesse that comes when shopping for your token curly hair care products. As the industry is evolving and growing and new items hit the shelves, you can easily replace a curl staple of your hair care with something new. For those of us who are champions of our token brand, moving outside our comfort zone is hard and we have to take careful steps to putting new products in our curly hair.
Will it work? Am I wasting my money? These two questions are common feelings I ask myself when shopping because I’m pretty intent on always sticking to what I know will work. In the spirit of the new month I decided to take on a challenge and let my type A personality put my hair care in someone else’s hands…my boyfriend. He is a wonderful man who not only loves my curly hair, but understands the importance of the natural hair movement, so needless to say he was pretty confident he could do this.
Now, my partner and I do not live together so I knew my proposition to give him $25 and buy my curly hair products would be a risk. While he’s aware of my enthusiam for curly hair care and has seen my work in NaturallyCurly, we’ve been dating less than three months and he hasn’t seen my curl routine up close and personal. We haven’t had a vacation or weekend getaway which requires him to see the curly cocktail I put in my hair. He hasn’t gotten to spend a Sunday where I’m deep conditioning with a cap on or the struggle of a detangle session mid-week.
I decided to take a chance to see what products he thinks it takes to style my hair. The only parameters I gave him was not to use my staple company since I need to use products/brands I’m not familiar with.I will say his choices were impressive, some I was familiar with via social media, others I hadn’t heard of. After a lengthy trip to our local Target where I was patiently hiding in between shelves of books, we checked out and I looked in the bag.
Surprisingly he chose an interesting mix: Shea Moisture’s Raw Shea & Cupuacu Frizz Defense Hair Masque ($12.99″>, the Travel size Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream ($2.99″>, and Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Cream ($8.99″>. He spent exactly what I gave with a little fluctuation for tax, but I was very impressed. Shea Moisture products aren’t a stranger to my hair, but the other two were, so here’s my curl take on the products.
Shea Moisture’s Raw Shea Cupuacu Frizz Defense Hair Masque: I’ve actually had this in my hand many times, and always put it down because I already had my signature hair masque. My oh my am I happy this came across my path. The amazing scent of Passiflora and Pistachio left an intoxicating smell on my hair on top of taming the frizz in my hair for the week. It was extremely thick like any deep conditioner, but I was very satisfied with the softness of my hair and smoothness on my curls.
Cantu Leave-In Conditioner Repair Treatment: This 2 oz. portion was so small I side-eyed my boyfriend at first, but once he explained how he thought a mini version was a better investment so I could try it out, I understood. This repairing cream is very thick and I didn’t need much at all to spread throughout my curls. It left a great amount of moisture and shine to my hair which I haven’t seen in many leave-in conditioners, so I appreciated a new effect on my hair.
Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme- Hello heavy product. I knew by the 16 oz. bottle this was going to have more weight in my curls. It wasn’t my favorite only because my dry curls didn’t absorb the product and it sat on top without giving me much definition. I do plan to try again with wet curls to see if it gives me a different hold and feel, but $8.99 I do think it is a generous portion and is good for curl separation.
When I asked my boyfriend why he chose these specific products he told me a few things. 1″> He was looking for products that were curl/wave/texture specific in the title to help wittle down options, 2″> With $25 he wanted to at least bring a minimum of two quality products though he realized how expensive natural hair care is 3″> He looked for items that weren’t fully stock on the shelf so he assumed other people were also using them. Overall, I was very happy with his choices even if they all won’t be my go-to’s, I can incorporate them into my curly routine on occassion.
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!”
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.”
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.
One of the perks of summertime is getting to experiment with your curly look while you’re on vacation. The oh so bright sun offers us the creativity to find new hairstyles to prevent heat damage and the boldness to rock a new look. Here are some of our favorite hairstyles curly girls are sporting through the sunshine months that we’re loving.
Pineapple
This is one style every curly girl can do no matter the season. Whether rocking it high, low or to the side, this is a manageable, frizz free look that showcases the beauty of your curls. Hot summer nights make this an ideal hairstyle to keep your hair off your neck and accent with a fun head wrap or accessory.
Color
My oh my can we get a hip hip hooray for all the bold, vibrant curls this summer? Summer is the perfect time to experiment with bright hues of bold, deep purples, highlights, and everything in between. You can go for a drastic look and color your entire head or have subtle traces of color on your tips. The key with color is proper conditioning and maintenance so you don’t leave your hair damaged afterward. The perfect thing about this season is that whether on vacation or heading to a festival there is no such thing as too much color.
Braids
We’ve been preaching all summer about protective styles and they are truly the best way to keep your curls protected while you’re on the go plus help with hair growth. Box braids, feed in braids, crown braids, and can all give a regal style that transforms your day-to-day look. They allow you some versatility with your hair and effectively hide your ends from potentially harmful effects of regular styling, manipulation, and the environment.
Buns
Whether you wear it super high or go for a romantic look wearing it low, you can never go wrong with styling your hair a bun. These double buns are fun and great for these hot summer days when you don’t have much time to style your hair. Rocking a high bun is excellent for a playful look and helps keep your hair off your neck.
Summer is not over yet, so there is still time to rock many of these hairstyles before the cold weather sets in. The seasons always allow us to be versatile with our hair and experimenting with new looks never gets old with curls. It’s trial and error, but as long as you’re confident, you can’t lose.
In a recent marketing campaign, Suave, the classic drugstore hair brand, went undercover as a luxury, premium hair care line (Evaus, Suave spelled backwards”> to test theory if expensive beauty brands work better than inexpensive beauty brands. The brand specifically targeted millennial beauty influencers to give them an opportunity to try this new line of hair products. According to Suave, 7 out of 10 women think expensive brands work better than inexpensive brands.
Data shows that millennial women, in particular, are looking for quality and value. In fact, 92% of millennial women agree that they would buy a lower priced hair care product as long as quality was not sacrificed*. “The truth is, many millennials are still playing financial catch-up and they don’t want to overspend. Products and services that are high quality and with an affordable price tag are the perfect hybrid for them,” says Farnoosh Tarobi, a millennial finance expert.
In the video Suave shot for the campaign, the influencers shared their opinions on the new hair line, saying things like, “these were game-changing,” “I instantly fell in love with these products,” and “they left my hair so strong and healthy.” Once the brand revealed to the women they were, in fact, using Suave the whole time they were shocked by the results that a drugstore brand could offer high-quality results.
In my experience, a pretty bottle doesn’t always equal quality product. I recently had the chance to try out a celebrity line of hair products that not only had sleek packaging, but it represented an actress who I love. I was disappointed that despite top-notch marketing which is what initially got my attention, the product itself was lackluster for my curls. I remember when I bought it at Ulta, I spent an upwards of $60 for three products and left feeling like there was no way this wouldn’t be worth all my hard-earned money. This is one of the reasons I’ve always been an advocate for trying out sample sizes that I can purchase at a drug store or Target so there is less of a risk of wasting my money.
The other issue is that drug store brands get a bad rap since the idea that “you get what you pay for,” is often applied to matching price with quality. Just like my $60 splurge giving me the false notion of a quality investment, customers perceive paying less for a product to give them bad results. Suave takes this idea and flips it by makes consumers question how they spend their money and what influences their purchase. Here’s my question to you- Do you buy based on packaging?
We want to hear YOUR take. Would you have fallen for this Suave experiment? Sound off in the comments.
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Taliah Waajid has been changing the haircare game for over 25 years as she revolutionizes stigmas on beauty with her line Natural Hair in addition to founding the World Natural Hair Show. Her journey to natural hair care began at the age of 14 when she started her first natural hair care business and in 1988 opening her first natural hair care salon in Harlem, New York. As a beauty industry veteran, she prides herself on adapting to change and representing a brand that reflects her culture. This beauty Titan shares some of her best tips for protective styles on-the-go and when traveling with some of her favorite products.
When traveling there are many protective styles to wear and braids have become an easy, versatile way for vacation. Waajid shares in an exclusive interview with NaturallyCurly, “Braids offer the styling versatility of being worn loose, pulled into an updo or accessorized with a beautiful scarf or headband. For those who don’t care to wear braids, textured weaves are also a fantastic option because they don’t require heat styling.” One of the most common questions in regard to braids is what is the best type of hair to use, Waajid recommends Kanekalon hair, she says, “Lighter, softer synthetic hair often used for extensions—lasts longer and is more durable. For weaves, it is best to use high-quality human hair.”
Prepping for vacation goes beyond deciding what clothes to pack. When traveling you want a protective style that will hold for the duration of your trip. Many curlies ask, how far in advance should you schedule to get your hair done? Waajid says, “It is recommended that you have your style installed about four days to a week before your departure.” Even when your hair is in a protective style it’s important to cleanse your hair and maintain a healthy hair regimen. If you’re not sure what to do or use on your trip, no need to worry Waajid shares her protective styling routine, “Prior to protective style installation, you’ll want to cleanse your hair by shampooing with Protective Styles Thick and FullTM Bamboo and Coconut Milk Moisturizing Mint Shampoo. Then deep condition your hair with a hot oil treatment using Protective Styles Gro Hair GroTM Bamboo and Coconut Milk Growth Oil. Follow your hot oil treatment with an application of Protective Styles Intense MoistureTM Bamboo and Coconut Milk Strengthening Leave-In Conditioner to your hair strands.”
Now when you’re on vacation, maintaining a protective style requires the right product, patience, and time. Waajid shares her recommended night time routine for braids and weave, “For braids, at night, simply apply Protective Styles Healthy Hair Under ThereTM Bamboo, Avocado, and Peppermint Conditioning & Restoring Serum to nourish your hair underneath your braids, then tie down your braids before bedtime. For a textured weave style, also use Healthy Hair Under ThereTM on your hair underneath your weave style. To maintain the weave curl pattern, apply Protective Styles Gro Hair GroTM Bamboo and Coconut Milk Growth Oil to sections of the weave and place sections in twists. Tie your hair up for bedtime and untwist and go in the morning.”
Once you are ready to take down your hair it’s essential to “Trim your hair after it is taken out of a protective style and repeat the cleansing and oil treatment process,” says Waajid.
Protective hairstyles are so unique, versatile and fun! When wearing these styles, you have to make sure you care for your hair and scalp to maintain a healthy hair regimen. Be sure your scalps are clean, your ends stay hydrated, conditioned and moisturized! The more you care for your protective style, the longer it will last.
Do you have a protective style this Summer? Share what products you’re using below.
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.
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.”
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.”
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
Summer is upon us, and you know what that means…time to pull out those beautiful head wraps that add style to any outfit, on top of protecting your hair. It’s a two for one package, we cannot get enough of. Whether you’re wearing it to help maintain your curls by keeping them strong, healthy, and beautiful or representing your culture, or even wanting to add some flair to your fashion, we’ve got the top 10 headwraps to purchases that are unique and timeless!
Diva Headwraps– Charmaine (Shahimah”> Idris, founded Diva Headwraps with a deep love for her country South Africa where women used to wear a ‘doek’ (from the Afrikaans language meaning headscarf, fabric, kerchief”>. She learned how to make batiks while living in Asia and now offers head wraps, bandanas, clutches and t-shirts for the adventurous, bold, confident, and sassy woman.
Pretty AnntoiNet’s- Founded in 2008, Pretty AnntoiNet’s prides itself on “silk hair lingerie” whose products are created from the passion of silk with natural fibers. Linda Antoinette Nelson tests each individual wrap that can work with long, short, medium, straight, and curly hair in a variety of prints and colors.
Ebonnet by Eboni Curls– This natural hair enthusiast jumped from YouTube in 2011 to creating her own over-sized double satin drawstring “Ebonnet” to protect your hair at night. The company seeks to inspire women to embrace curly hair and also offers scrunchies, pillowcases, headbands, and turbans.
Wrapper Delights– After going natural and getting “the big chop”, Tara was inspired to create Wrapper Delights to protect her hair during her transition. She sources her fabric from Africa and creates handmade head wraps that ship worldwide with over 50 unique designs for any occasion.
Grass Fields– Handmade premium, unique clothing, and accessories based in the U.K. that offers African fashion sourced from Cameroon, Nigeria, and Benin. Grass Fields serves women sizes S-4XL and ships worldwide.
Zuvaa– Kelechi Anyadiegwu, founded Zuvaa (which means “sunshine” in the Shona language from Zimbabwe”> in 2013. Zuvaa is an online marketplace that was created to fill a void in the fashion industry to offer trendy and modern African-inspired pieces. Zuvaa works directly with emerging fashion designers to shine a light on African fashion that offers men, womens and kids clothing, head wraps, and home designs.
The Wrap.Life– This New York company by Nnenna Stella ships thousands of handmade HeadWraps to international users who love the color, texture, and versatility of these products. The Wrap. Life offers several different textures of HeadWraps outside of the traditional satin such as denim, hand printed and true African.
Fanmdjanm– Are you ready for high fashion head wraps? These handmade scarves coming from Harlem, New York represent “strong women” and offers solid, day and evening head wraps for any occasion. Founded by Haitian Kreyol in 2014, these luxurious wraps even have a zero waste policy and reuse recycled fabrics!
Constant Covering– Local owner and entrepreneur Shawn Clarke makes Head Wrapping easier than ever with pre-tied, original satin lined headwrap accessories. Her vision to create ready-to-wear versatility for her customers is a great way to start protecting your hair, especially if you don’t have the time or patience to wrap your curls.
Aso Dara: “Aṣọ Dára” originates from the Yoruba language and translates roughly to “good cloth”. Aṣọ Dára was started by a group of siblings who decided to put their talents and passions together to create a lifestyle brand that reflects the genius, precision, and diverse beauty of Pan-African ideals and culture. They offer unique bold printed head wraps, headbands and chokers.
Whether you’re looking for protection, fashion, or a combination of both, all of these brands offer something to be explored and enjoyed, especially for the Summer. Headwraps are becoming a curl staple to keep in your arsenal when wanting to moisturize and nourish your hair and having versatility and options is key when shopping. Make sure to educate yourself on what would be best for your curls and there are plenty of blogs, websites, and vloggers with how-tos on wrapping.
Do you wear head wraps? Share your favorite ways to style them below.
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
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One banana
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3 tablespoons of hemp seed oil
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Blender
Instructions
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Put hemp oil and the banana into the blender. Blend till its gets a smooth creamy consistency.
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Section your hair like you would do for dying.
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You can apply the mask with your hand or a brush. This depends on your preference.
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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
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One small ripe avocado
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Few tablespoons of hemp oil
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Yogurt (optional”>
Instructions
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Mash the avocado and mix in few tbsp. of hemp oil. You can also add yogurt to this mixture if you like.
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Part your hair in two sections. Brush you hair to remove any tangles.
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Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.
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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.
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
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.
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.
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?
Finding “the one” can be a long and perilous journey, you know that special something we’re talking about. It’s the perfect mix of hydration, moisture, consistency, smell, and price point that sends shivers of excitement from the tips of your curls to the root of your scalp. The hunt for your holy grails one can be elusive, frustrating, and like any good relationship, takes A LOT of work. We all have found that one special product we cannot live without, but I have two! Here’s a little peak at my journey to finding the perfect products for me.
My journey has been a perilous one that really didn’t come into fruition until I was in my early 20’s. Yes, my curls did not get the proper hydration or TLC for a very long time. Blame it on the fact the natural hair movement in itself is a new revolution that’s openly being talked about outside of minority cultures. My younger sister first introduced me to Kinky Curly and I fell in love with the smell and the life it brought to my curls. What made this one stand out was the marshmallow root which literally makes my hair smell like candy and I liked it. As I experimented and progressed by incorporating more products into my hair regimen I realized I needed more, because in the world of a curly girl, finding a hit on your first run into the curl world is never really enough.
Then after many years of letting Target have my money, I finally found my holy grail when I ran across Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner. It’s alcohol-free, lightweight and literally makes my hair look like it was styled by a professional. The two things that first caught my attention is that it was animal-cruelty free. Second, I’m a bi-racial curly and it was created by two mixed women who understand my hair struggles. Being that I’m Black and Mexican my hair is thick, curly, and depending on the day- looking like I ran my head through a tumbleweed. Mixed Chicks brings my hair definition and moisture that makes me look forward to wash day each week. The two key ingredients, Amodimethicone and Infusium 23 provide a high level of conditioning and doesn’t leave me with greasy curl or heavy curls. I’ve been using this product for roughly a year now and while I experiment with other products to help with frizziness or hydration, I don’t use other Leave-In Conditioners, I’ve found the one!
At 26, I found my holy grails late in life, it’s a reminder that love has no expiration date. These products are special because of their ability to make me feel confident and encourages me to embrace my curls.
What products do you love and can’t live without? Share your holy grails with us below.
Exercising is a great way to challenge your mind and body, but you and I both understand the struggle of styling our hair after an intense workout. Our hair is soaking wet and usually a frizz disaster! Don’t let your hair stop you from meeting your goals this summer. If you’ve been wondering, how do you maintain your curls and save time styling after your workout? Have no fear, we are here to answer all your questions on how to stay fit and keep your hair fierce!
Try a protective style
First, let’s talk styles. One of the easiest ways to style your hair while exercising is a ponytail or bun. When tying your hair back, be sure to grab a hair tie that doesn’t pull your hair such as these. Protective styles like twists or braids are also great options to style your hair during a workout. One of the pros of protective styles is the amount of time you save by not having to wash and style your hair each time you exercise. You can easily do a quick braided updo or twist out and be out the door!
Wrap your hair
Whether you’re a beginner or veteran natural, I’m sure you know the benefits of investing in a silk scarf, it’s everything! Before you work out, be sure to wrap your hair. Whether it’s in a pineapple or simply just wrapped around your edges and hair tied up, wrapping your hair is essential to maintaining your curls and keeping any hair products from dripping down on your face.
Co-wash more
If you’re working out more than once a week and don’t want to have a wash day each time after you exercise, you can do a co-wash to supplement shampooing without interfering with wash days. We all know how vital it is to keep our hair moisturized between wash days, and we don’t want gym life getting in the way of that. One of the most important parts of your post-shower routine will be applying a great leave-in conditioner to help refresh and style the curls.
Take a mini blow dryer
Another great tool to keep in your post-gym regimen is a mini blow dryer, set on cool, to help speed up the process of styling and reducing frizz. If you’re wearing twists or braids, be sure your hair is complete dry before styling.The keys to success lies in preparation, so don’t forget to wrap your hair, keep a mini blow dryer in your gym bag and bring an extra hair tie, believe me your curls will thank you in the long run. Don’t let the fear of ruining your curls keep you from getting your Beyoncé on!
How do you refresh your hair after an intense workout? Share with us in the comments below.
