Search Results: gerilynhayes

Image:@thecurlybella

It can take months and years to build the perfect regimen. Until then, it is important to make an intentional effort to pay attention to your hair’s needs over time, especially on wash day. Oftentimes wash day is dreaded, especially if you live an active lifestyle. The focus of wash day should be cleansing and replenishing the hair and scalp, in which both steps can be thwarted if done improperly. Want to know why your hair is dry only hours after washing it? Here’s why.

1. Rubbing your hair

Shampoo commercials and sensual movie scenes make disheveling your hair with shampoo and piling it atop your crown appear to be appealing, but it is actually detrimental to your strands. Tousling your hair not only induces tangles but also further lifts the hair’s cuticle. Shampoo expands the cuticle in order for it to effectively cleanse, so you want to stroke the hair downward to encourage the cuticle to lay flat. When scrubbing your scalp, the hold the ends of the hair taut with one hand and massage the scalp with the other hand. Remember to be gentle, as hair is elastic and prone to break when wet. Read more: Should You Detangle Wet or Dry?…It Depends

2. Co-washing after clarifying

Clarifying is a necessary and co-washing is optional. Clarifying is meant to thoroughly remove all product buildup, excess sebum, and debris from the outdoor elements. Co-washing is meant to refresh the hair with moisture while gently removing some buildup. Both are cleansing methods and should not be done subsequently. If you choose to clarify, then deep conditioning afterwards is important. If you want to co-wash, you do not have to follow up with a deep condition but you certainly can. Read more: You Need to Clarify: Signs that Co-washing is Not Enough

3. Deep conditioning before cleansing

Deep conditioners are to be used after cleansing, not before. Shampoos usually have a pH balance of 8, which is slightly alkaline, enabling the hair shaft to swell and raise the cuticle layers for thorough cleansing. Deep conditioners have a pH balance of 3.5-6 to close the cuticle and seal in moisture. Both have surfactants that function differently. Cleansers attract dirt and oil while conditioner leave a film containing moisturizing properties on the strands. If your cleanser is so harsh that your deep conditioner cannot restore the moisture, then change your cleanser, deep conditioner, or both. Read more: Reverse Shampoo- Conditioner Before You Shampoo

4. Not applying a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer

It is essential to apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer after washing your hair. Although conditioners leave a film on the cuticle, it is not sufficient to maintain moisture. It is important to apply a moisturizer or leave-in conditioner while the hair is damp or wet to trap moisture in the strands. Moisture comes from water, so it is important that there is a trace of water on the hair before applying a moisturizer. Going directly from rinsing off a deep conditioner to applying a styler will certainly leave your hair dry, especially if the styler is not formulated as a 2-in-1 product.

5. Not sealing

This may not be applicable to everyone, but there have been many testimonies and scientific backing for sealing your hair with an oil or butter after applying a moisturizer. This method is commonly known as the LOC method and it creates an extra barrier will also help to reduce moisture depletion after wash day. Read more: My Moisturizer Has Oil in It: Is Sealing Necessary? How do you prevent moisture depletion on wash day?

Image by Vonecia Carswell/Unsplash

Oh, the ever-polarizing coconut oil. What are we naturals going to do with you?

From the moment we fell curls over heels for coconut oil, every curlyhead has had a memorable experience with it. Some of us love it. Some of us detest it. If you are in the pro-coconut oil camp because your hair responds well to this natural ingredient, then we have 8 different ways to incorporate it into your curl routine.

Before you use coconut oil on your hair

No matter your texture, porosity, or curl pattern, you absolutely MUST steam your hair before applying coconut oil for best results. A curly-fav is the Q-Redew Handheld Steamer.

Don’t have a steamer? No problem! Simply hop in the shower to begin the process of lifting your hair strands’ cuticles. When this happens, the surface of your hair strands is ready to receive the moisture that coconut oil provides. This is how you can avoid the buildup and flaking that many curlyheads have experienced with coconut oil and coconut oil-based curly hair products.

Now, let’s take a look at eight ways to use coconut oil.

Below we’ve listed the details on coconut oil usage and application. Check it out!

1. Coconut oil scalp treatment for dandruff

For many curlies, dandruff is a daily annoyance. If you’ve nearly given up, don’t! Simply try coconut oil, a natural solution to dry scalp.

Tip: After sectioning your hair, apply 2-3 droplets of coconut oil directly to your scalp and rub it into affected areas. Let the oil absorb into your scalp for ten minutes, rinse with warm water. This can be a pre-poo treatment or a weekly scalp treatment depending on your needs.

MORE: Mineral Oil vs. Coconut Oil: Which is better?

2. Natural shine enhancer

An all-natural option for shining curls is just an application away. For best results, cocktail the coconut oil with your favorite leave-in conditioner or daily moisturizer.

Tip: To avoid buildup and enhance your curls’ natural sheen, ensure that your curls are clean and product-free before application!

3. Coconut oil deep conditioner

Every curly/kinky/wavy feels her best when she showers her curls in love. What better way to add that tender, loving care to your curls than with a coconut oil-based deep conditioner? To make your own, simply add as much, or as little, coconut oil to your favorite deep conditioner. If you have a coconut oil-based deep conditioner, you’re already ahead of the game!

Tip: Using your finger tips, massage the deep conditioner into damp hair in a circular motion. Deep condition every curly strand for at least 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

4. All-natural detangler

Like most emollients, coconut oil is known for providing amazing slip to all texture types. No matter your porosity or hair strand width, this oil will help you easily detangle your curls, from ends to roots.

Tip: For easy detangling, curlies of a kinds need to wet their curls with good ol’ H2O, apply 2-3 drops of coconut oil to ends of hair strands, and use a wide-toothed comb to complete the process.

Image by Timothy Dykes/Unsplash

5. Frizz fighter

One of the best things about coconut oil is its weight. It’s light enough to absorb easily into your hair strands, and weighty enough to keep your curls from going berserk when humidity strikes.

Tip: For medium and high porosity curlies, gently palm a pea-sized amount of coconut oil over your strands to keep frizz at bay. For low porosity curlies, use about a dime-sized amount.

MORE: DIY Coconut Oil Curl Mask

6. Light-hold styler

From dreamy ringlets to bouncing kinky curls, coconut oil is the perfect addition to any styling product. Cocktail it with your favorite gel or curl cream. Why? So that you’re hair strands can receive constant moisture throughout the day.

Tip: To ensure your style stays put, wet your curls prior to styling. This makes the strands more supple and helps them lock in the oil as the hair dries/sets into your desired style.

7. Seal in moisture

Protecting your hair strands is easy when you use coconut oil as a sealant. According to Evelyn Ngugi, “Sealing ensures that the moisture you put into your hair stays there. Moisture is lost when the cuticle is raised and water leaves the hair.” So, you’ll definitely want to seal those strands!

Tip: Section your curls, and gently finger comb 2-3 drops of coconut oil through your hair. By using your fingers, you’re able to better seal every curl.

MORE: 3 Hair Oils for Healthy Hair

8. Light moisturizer

As mentioned, you can cocktail coconut oil into your favorite moisturizer for amazing results. However, you can also use the oil on its own to add moisture to every curl!

Tip: Remember to steam before applying coconut oil to avoid build up or hardened strands!

Image by Sweet Ice Cream Photography/Unsplash

Does your curly, textured hair like coconut oil? How do you use it?

Photo: @crystalotv

Admittedly, I am a lazy natural. Yet, somehow I am also a curly hair product junkie. When I like something, I go all in. I talk about it, dream about it, and even spread the word that I love this thing. My latest thing is protective styles! Yes, I know – I’m several #BlackGirlMagic-decades late, but I have no shame: I am absolutely pumped about the beauty and ease of maintaining protective styles. At this point, I will find any excuse to get my hair braided #BoxBraids #Fanatic.

One of the key reasons why I decided to get another installation of box braids is for the ease of maintaining them while traveling.

If you are a self-proclaimed lazy natural, and you also like to travel, you should consider getting a protective style. If you are preparing for your first traveling-while-braided experience, you might need a bit of guidance in terms of hair care maintenance. Take note of my recommendations for curly hair products that will keep your braids looking so fresh, so clean, and so neat!

While there are a multitude of protective style-specific products in the market, I wanted to see if curly hair products would be effective on my box braids. The following were! Take note of my favorite curly hair products that I use to maintain my box braids.

TIP: If you prefer to fly versus roadtrip-it to destinations, the following items can be poured and stored in 3 oz travel bottles:

1. Naturally Smitten Black Soap Shampoo 

Girl. I am not kidding when I say that this shampoo saved. my. life. When my scalp was itching beyond belief after a few days post-braid installation, I was nearly driven to tears. Fortunately, I had my Jamaican Black Castor Oil-rich shampoo on hand to help cleanse my scalp and braids. #Fan4Life

2. Groganics On the Spot Itch Relief Scalp Medicine Drops 

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this medicated itch relief and scalp treatment. The back of my neck, you know – where the beady beads are – was on fire for a day and some change. I applied a few other serums that offered temporary relief and are best used overnight. However, this serum is best for daylight hours when you absolutely must leave the house and function. That’s right: this is my new boo, right here. We go together, now.

3. Rich Argan Oil De-Frizz Shine Mist 

Glossy and floss-y is the name of the game, here. I am so with this shine mist. First of all, it smells like angel feathers… whatever angel feathers smell like, it has been bottled. Second of all, if you need your braids to look shiny and new on day 12, spray this shine mist on your roots and the braids themselves.

4. Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-In Conditioner (in a 2 0z. Spray bottle”>

As recommended by so many of you via YouTube and Instagram, it is imperative to not put product after product on your scalp and braids. I took heed, friends… but I was losing moisture!!! So, I reached for this leave-in that was lightweight, smells divine, and that I could use as a root refresher. I especially love it because it is in a spray bottle so the application is easy peasy. Perfecto!

5. Silk pillow cases

Although I do not have a favorite brand, I will forever be indebted to April Bingham for (quite literally”> forcing me to get a silk pillow case. I highly recommend that you pack your pillow case with you. There will be nights where you are simply too tuckered from traveling and/or fun times to wrap those braids. You will be ever so thankful for your silk pillowcase.

6. Toothbrush 

All this I am going to say: Baby hairs.

NOTE: The beauty of this list is that all the curly hair products share moisture-rich ingredients! From argan to coconut oil, these curly hair products will have you and me splashing in moisture while traveling from sea to shining sea!

Bonus Tip: The primary concerns of women with curly, textured hair is dryness. Even when traveling with protective styles, dry scalp and hair is an issue. The solution to this is packing the right travel-friendly curly hair products so that your curls can adjust to the environment. Take it a step further by researching the weather prior to arrival.

Traveling soon? What curly hair products are you taking with you to maintain your protective style? Share in the comments!

As ever, stay braided up!

When Zotos Professional approached NaturallyCurly to tell our community about their new All About Curls collection, I was very excited. Getting a new set of styling products for curly hair is one of my all-time favorite things!

I was elated to receive the entire All About Curls collection and very surprised by the variety of products:

• All About Curls Lo Lather Cleanser
• All About Curls No Lather Cleanser
• All About Curls Daily Cream Conditioner
• All About Curls Divine Treatment
• All About Curls High Definition Gel
• All About Curls Soft Definition Gel
• All About Curls Bouncy Cream
• All About Curls Boosting Foam

However, I felt that this collection was going to be different, and that prompted me to think outside the box with today’s review.

Of course, I wanted to try the products myself, but I also wanted a different perspective on this new collection. That’s why I connected with one of my favorite curly hair influencers Crystal Callazo, better known as @style_dose, to get her take on the new All About Curls collection.

In this exclusive interview, you’ll learn about Crystal, her regimen, and her thoughts on the All About Curls collection. You’ll also get a special in-store and online offer from Zotos Professional, the creators of your soon-to-be-favorite curly collection All About Curls. Keep reading for details!

Hi, Crystal! Will you please tell the NaturallyCurly community a little about yourself?

I’m Crystal known as style_dose on Instagram, where I share all my tips and thoughts on naturally curly hair. Creating social media content is something I enjoy doing during my free time. During the day, I’m a full-time Stylist for Century21 Department Stores.

Watch as @style_dose gets her curls to pop with All About Curls!

I’m a very creative person and love having an outlet to express my creativity, which is why I love blogging…and of course to help all my awesome followers who are struggling with embracing their natural curls!

I recently entered the 30s bracket this past May, so I’m currently out here just trying to live life, gaining as much knowledge as I can and learning from all my experiences, while enjoying it all!

What’s your curl pattern? Can you share the details of your curl texture?

I have a looser spiral curl pattern. Some people may identify it as a cross between 3a and 3b hair. 

Depending on what styler I use, I can have a tighter spiral curl or elongated loose curls. My hair is not thick but more on the finer side. I do tend to have high porosity hair, which is probably because my hair is often color treated. 

Tell us about your styling routine.

I prefer to use gels for styling. After washing and deep conditioning, I like to split my hair into two parts, apply a leave-in conditioner, and then comb it through to make sure the product is evenly distributed. I then flip my head upside down and apply my styler using the scrunching technique. Finally, I let my hair air dry.  

We’re very excited to hear your thoughts about the new All About Curls collection from Zotos Professional. Tell us which item in the new All About Curls collection did you like best and why?

I loved the All About Curls Divine Treatment! Being blonde can dry out your hair, so deep conditioners are a vital part in my hair routine. It helps add moisture to your hair, and All About Curls Divine Treatment did just that!…it gave my hair the perfect dose of moisture.

Will you be adding any of the All About Curls products to your Holy Grail collection?

I could totally see the All About Curls Divine Treatment and the High Definition Gel working their way into my collection!

That’s great to hear! I’m curious about your Type 3 curly hair journey? Have you always embraced your curly hair?

I have not always embraced my curly hair, it’s maybe been a little over 5 years that I finally and truly started embracing it. I used to hate wearing my hair curly, I’d straighten every chance I got. Especially for anything important like holidays, any special occasion, dates, and even interviews. I didn’t have the knowledge to style my curly hair that I do today, and that makes all the difference! 

Your curls are amazing! What tricks or tips have you figured out to make them look so healthy and lustrous?

To keep my hair healthy, I deep condition at least twice a week, consistently! As for styling tips, I learned that applying your styling products onto your hair while it is soaking wet will give you the best results. You’ll have more defined and less frizzy curls! 

Thanks for chatting with us today. Before we go, what words of curl wisdom do you have for new curlistas?

You have to keep in mind that it won’t happen overnight. Patience and consistency are key!

Also, you’ll have a lot of trial and error. What works for one curly girl may not work for you. Do not be discouraged, instead experiment with different products and techniques to find out what works best for you! In the end, the results make it all worth it!

Style Dose is so cool! I really enjoyed learning about her journey, and am glad that she liked the new All About Curls collection from Zotos Professional.

Are You Ready for a Discount?

? OUR GIFT TO YOU: Get a discount on new All About Curls products at Sally Beauty stores and on Sally Beauty.com! Enter 555209 at checkout to get $2 off ?

What About Type 4 Curls?

Oops! I almost forgot to tell you: I too liked the collection! If you’ve been keeping up with me @gerilynhayes on Instagram, you know that I keep my hair in protective styles every quarter of the year. But there’s always a brief period when I wear my hair in its natural Type 4c coily state.

Only a few weeks ago, I needed to take down my faux locs. Typically, I use clarifying shampoos post-takedown, but I wanted to try something a little different so, I used the All About Curls No Lather Cleanser while unraveling and unbraiding the extensions. I loved the scent, and its body lotion-like consistency that made me feel like I was treating my hair strands to a super nourishing experience. Once I removed all the extensions, I washed the cleanser our my natural hair and conditioned with the Daily Cream Conditioner.

After patting my curls dry with a microfiber towel, I touched them to see if they were soft or felt crunchy. I was surprised that not only were they super soft, but they were also incredibly defined! Seeing that definition just from the cleanser and conditioner alone got me thinking: I wonder what the gel will do? Although I had to get my hair wet again, I wanted to see what would happen.

Just like Style Dose mentioned in her words of wisdom, my soaking wet curls popped as I used my fingers to evenly distribute the All About Curls Soft Definition Gel from the ends of my hair to the roots. I loved that I used about a quarter-sized amount. My coils were actually shining (and, no, I didn’t have to use hair oil”>!

United We Curl!

Overall, I like that this collection worked from my coils and for Crystal’s curls. I think it’s collections like these that really can give curlies of all patterns and textures the bounce, shine, and moisture we’re looking for. I definitely have the Soft Definition Gel in my Holy Grail collection and am looking forward to my new protective style takedown routine using the cleanser and conditioner.

Don’t just take my word for it. Try it for yourself!

? Here’s a $2-off coupon code for you to use when you go to Sally Beauty stores or click over to Sally Beauty.com today: enter 555209 at checkout! ?‍♀️

You’ll love the brand new All About Curls collection from Zotos Professional! The full collection has something for everyone, including:

• All About Curls Lo Lather Cleanser
• All About Curls No Lather Cleanser
• All About Curls Daily Cream Conditioner
• All About Curls Divine Treatment
• All About Curls High Definition Gel
• All About Curls Soft Definition Gel
• All About Curls Bouncy Cream
• All About Curls Boosting Foam

I can’t wait to hear what you all think about this incredible collection that curlies everywhere will be raving about.

As ever, stay curly!

This post is sponsored by Zotos Professional.

If you love beauty, you’ll love Essence Beauty Carnival.

Every curly woman needs to attend Beauty Carnival in 2019. It’s a treat for us all.

Take note of the 5 things you can expect at Beauty Carnival 2019:

Beauty Stage Live

Listen and learn from your all-time favorite beauty gurus. Each will show you how to enhance your beauty routine.

Museum of Black Beauty

Take a walk through time at the Museum of Black Beauty. Learn about iconic Black hairstyles, hair trends that have shaped culture, and much more.

Glow-Up Stations

Treat yourself to a full-scale glow-up. Relax your mind, body, and soul with therapeutic treatments. Shine now!

Meet and Greets

Curlies everywhere love to connect. When we see a fellow curlista, wearing her curly crown, in all its glory, we go out of our way to give her a compliment.

We also love seeing our curl friends make waves in the beauty industry. Meet these amazing women who encourage us to be our best selves.

See who’s who at this year’s Beauty Carnival:

• Iman
• Yandy Smith
• Jackie Aina
• Misa Hylton
• Whitney White
• Shani Crowe
• Felicia Walker
• Courtney Danielle
• A’Lelia Bundles
• Julee Wilson

Essence Marketplace

Everything you need to enhance your beauty routine can be found in the exclusive Essence Marketplace. Get the best in hair and skin care, beauty, and so much more.

Will We See You There, Curl Friend?

Beauty Carnival takes place in New York from April 27 and April 28, and in New Orleans at Essence Fest from July 5 to July 7.

You don’t want to miss this event. Get your ticket to Beauty Carnival right now.

YES! It’s another year of curly hair goodness brought to you from us here at NaturallyCurly! This year’s Best of the Best – Leaders in Curl 2019 Awards are super exciting because we learned so much about what you, the NaturallyCurly Community, laud as the BEST hair products in the marketplace.

This past year, I’ve been taking very good care of my Type 4c, super dense, low-porosity curls with my trusted standbys. However, you know I love to switch it up, especially between wearing protective styles. I’ve learned a few things along this lengthy journey, and am excited to share which products I’ve update my regimen with this year.

Still not sure about your hair type? Has it changed? Take our quiz!

WASH & TREAT ROUTINE

Step 1: Cleanse and condition scalp, braids, and twists with Sashapure Healing Shampoo and Bounce Curl Pure Silk Moisturizing Shampoo
After wearing my protective styles for more than two weeks, I need to cleanse both my scalp and my braids or twists. I reach for both of these cleansers, starting with the Sashapure Healing Shampoo for a gentle scalp cleanse. To seal moisture into the natural hair in my protective style, I cleanse with Bounce Curl Pure Silk Moisturizing Shampoo. Both are fantastic delivering moisture to my oftentimes dry strands and scalp.

Step 2: Condition Strands With Rinse-Out and Leave-In Conditioner
Even when your hair is in a protective style, you’ll want to condition the exposed, newly grown natural hair at the base of the braid or twist. I love using both a rinse-out and leave-in conditioner. My favorites are Reshma Beauty Henna Coconut Smoothing Sulfate-Free Conditioner and Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner and Detangler. Both smell delightful and keep my strands in tip-top shape!

Step 3: Treat Your Scalp with Groganics DHT Blocker System On the Spot Itch Relief Scalp Medicine Drops and Hair Gro-n-Wild Intensive Growth Treatment.

The reason I’m an advocate for all things Groganics is because of its ability to keep my scalp soothed when wearing braids, faux locs, and Havana Twists. It’s also a great go-to if hair loss is a concern for any curly. Since protective styles can pull on sensitive areas of your scalp (read: your edges”>, it’s best to use a growth treatment that will help ensure health and growth.

STYLING ROUTINE

When my curls are out of a protective style, or even when I’m taking them down, I like to reach for moisturizers than double as stylers. My number ones have been (and potentially always will be”> Flora & Curl Flower Garden Hair Styling Butter for its amazing slip and fast absorption into coarse coils, and Design Essentials Coconut & Monoi Deep Moisture Balm for it’s all-natural properties and delivery on shine! I’m also a huge fan of The Spriggle, a cool three-pronged hair pik that gives my Afro amazing volume!!

See if your favorites made it into the Editors’ Choice 2019 Awards winner’s circle!

Tell us all about your favorites and what you’re using in your regimen for Type 4c hair!

Many women feel limited to stretched styles, because they cannot achieve second-day hair with a wash and go. Well, it does not have to be that way. Your natural hair journey should be all about doing what works for you, and sometimes (or a lot of times”> that means tailoring steps in your regimen to suit your needs. There are a few ways I have modified my pineapple process — from putting it up at night, to taking it down in the morning for a weeklong wash and go. A few of the most important tweaks I’ve made in my process have been discovering what not to do.

What NOT to do

Here are five things I don’t do when I pineapple. Watch my video tutorial afterwards to see my secret weapon (hint, I do it in the car”>.

Use a hair tie

Using a hair tie to secure your pineapple can create an impression after removing it in the morning. This may work for looser curl patterns, but it does not work for my afro-textured hair. Type 4 has the best hold memory out of the hair textures, so with that in mind, I coif my hair into a pineapple using only a satin bonnet and scarf. Forgo all hair ties and scrunchies, especially on short and medium lengths, as you may be pulling the hair, creating loss of curl definition.

Use an afro pick

Using an afro pick or comb creates great volume, but it can also cause frizz, which can shorten the longevity of your style. If you live in a climate with high humidity and high dew points, you can rely on the weather to do its job. Your hair will likely lift and naturally fall throughout the day.

Fluff

This does nothing but create frizz. Since I have low- to medium-density hair, the only styles that I fluff are stretched styles because my scalp is more exposed. With a wash and go, I embrace the shrinkage. The pineapple will naturally create more height, and driving with the windows down is another way to achieve more volume.

Spritz

Spritzing does nothing but cause tangles, frizz, and shrinkage with my coils. The way that my hair responds to spritzing with water is equivalent to walking outside when it is drizzling. It contracts and becomes slightly matted. I reserve spritzing my hair for when I am twisting and braiding for a style the next day. If you are moisturizing your hair daily, you should consider changing your moisturizer or leave-in conditioner. Here are my suggestions:

• Obia Natural Hair Care Curl Moisture Cream
• Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Moisturizer

Aspire for perfect hair

I wish the back of my hair was perfectly round, but it is not, and I have accepted that. There is a difference between not wanting to look a hot mess, which is relative, and striving for perfect hair. I do not rush back to the shower if my hair begins to frizz on second or third day hair. Accept that your hair is unique like your fingerprint and embrace that. Now, if you are tired of experiencing frizzy, matted hair with your pineapple, check out my tutorial below.

Watch how I take down my pineapple

Have any tips to share for taking down your pineapple? Share them with us below!

This article was originally posted in 2015 and has been updated for clarity and grammar.

Hi, Naturalistas of the world!

We wanted to let you know that if you’re a fan of coconut oil, our friends at Coconut Restore have everything you need to give your curls hydration, moisture, and nourishment.

Watch as NaturallyCurly editor Alexandra Wilson styles her beautiful curls with the collection while incorporating coconut oil into her date night prep routine! She also shows you two very quick and easy beauty hacks using coconut oil that you’ll want to try today.

Feeling that coconut oil glow, yet? Well, you can get your own! These are the natural hair products that you’ll want to incorporate into your coconut oil-based regimen:

• Creme Conditioning Cleanser
• Texture & Volume Spray
• Coconut Cocktail Curl Mousse
• Triple Butter Moisture Cream
• Moisture & Shine Mist
• Coconut Cashmere Hair Softening Tonic

All of these natural hair products and more are available in SHOP NaturallyCurly, so why wait? Try them now!

As ever, stay curly!

No matter the time of day or what we’re searching for, there’s a reason why we “follow” people on social media.

Whether they are the funniest YouTube star of the last decade or the most glamorous reality television star you’ve ever seen rocking a full-on Afro, our favorite influencers give us plenty of reasons to double-tap their posts. It’s the most efficient way to say, “I love what you’re doing, sis. Keep shining!”

You see, we love influencers here at NaturallyCurly for the same reasons you do:

• They inspire us to achieve our goals, one day at a time.
• They encourage us to live our best lives and aspire to greatness.
• They give us natural hair care and beauty tips that actually work!
• They brighten our days with their positive posts and stories.
• They help us all to feel connected through their community leadership.

For these reasons, I’m so thrilled to share this ORS Curls Unleashed video with you because our favorite natural hair influencers tell us why every community member is so important and why Texture on the Runway is pivotal for change. Listen to VH1 Love & Hip-Hop reality TV star Amara La Negra and YouTube sensation Evelyn from the Internets and many more influencers chat with me about their experiences within our natural hair community.

Watch the Influencers Chat with me on CurlTalk TV!

If you can’t tell from the video, these influencers are truly immaculate and worthy of every like, share, and follow from you. Not only for their amazing talents but because they are genuinely focused on the success of every Naturalista while she walks along her curl journey. I just love that about these women!

So, I want to share a few natural hair products with you from ORS Curls Unleashed that you can find in your local Sally Beauty to help you along your curl journey! Each item is formulated with curl-loving emollients such as shea and cocoa butter, and nature’s most effective humectant honey!

Put these items on your “I’ve got to try this” list:

• Curls Unleashed Leave-In Conditioner
• Curls Unleashed Curl Boosting Jelly
• Curls Unleashed Leave-In Conditioning Crème
• Curls Unleashed Take Command Curl Defining Crème

If you’ve given these products a shot, go ahead and leave a review of your own in the comments section. That way, your fellow community members can get a good idea of how these natural hair products will work for your texture and curl pattern!

We’re excited to bring you this super cool CurlTalk TV and post thanks to our friends at ORS Namaste-Curls Unleashed.

As ever, stay curly!

It’s Giveaway Season!

Keep reading for details!

Enter the Coconut Restore Falling for You Giveaway!

Yes, yes, you can WIN every styler we used on Mélat’s curls — and much more — when you tell me why you’ve fallen for a new curly style, cut, and/or color for fall. All you have to do is add a comment below, and you could be one of three lucky winners who will receive these incredible prizes:

• Creme Conditioning Cleanser
• Texture & Volume Spray
• Coconut Cocktail Curl Mousse
• Triple Butter Moisture Cream
• Moisture & Shine Mist
• Coconut Cashmere Hair Softening Tonic

THIS GIVEAWAY BEGINS ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2018, AND ENDS ON OCTOBER 31, 2018!

Oh, the sights and sounds of fall are here!

You’ve been contemplating so many new looks for the season that your head is spinning. So what if you went ahead with your plan to get that super cute cut, shape, and color for fall? How are you going to maintain it? How are you going to style it?

That’s where Coconut Restore comes in! For the past year, you’ve been using their amazing deep conditioner and leave-in and maintaining your scalp health with their refined coconut oil. Now, you’re ready to up the ante with their brand new collection of stylers that will help you keep your brand new fall color.

Keep reading to enter the Coconut Restore giveaway!

What I’ve loved the most about this collection is its ability to give all curlies the big, voluminous curls we all desire. Yes, even me – your Type 4C curl friend. I’ve been able to rock my afro all day, every day in between my protective styles without worrying that my ends would dry out. I’ve been using the shampoo and conditioner to cleanse and prime my hair after taking my protective styles out, and adding the new Texture & Volume Spray to my roots for a supercharged second-day big afro! I love it!

There’s even more to love if you dye your curls. We asked multifaceted singer-songwriter Mélat to use the new Coconut Restore stylers, and well… I’ll just let her photos speak for themselves. Take a look at how marvelous Mélat’s curls look in your new fall guide to the cutest, knockout ninja bun you’ve seen this year! 

Talk about a force of nature! Mélat is rockin’ those curls thanks to Coconut Restore. What’s even better about this is that you can WIN all the new stylers! Scroll down for details.

Want more curly hair #inspo? You know what to do: Follow @NaturallyCurly and @coconutrestore to try beautiful hairstyles that will stop onlookers in their tracks.

This post is sponsored by Coconut Restore.

If you’re like me, you want to get your hair fall-ready right now. So go to SHOP NaturallyCurly to get the Coconut Restore stylers that are keeping all us curlies cute as a button.

As ever, stay curly!

Photography: Brio Photography | Hairstylist: Hazel Beauty, Inc. | Makeup: Ultraviolent

Some of the cutest hairstyles I’ve seen come from simple styling techniques and effective moisturizing products.

This is so important for every curly, but especially for curl friends with Type 4 kinky curls. 

No matter where you typically shop for hair care products, you can almost always trust that your neighborhood store will have the products you need waiting on a fluorescent-lit shelf next to hair grease and creamy cocoa butter body soaps.

You know what I’m talking about, my friend!

And those of us with kinky, coily curls are always on the lookout for these things when we’re shopping at discount stores like Dollar General:

• Products catered to our kinky natural hair
• Good quality ingredients that nourish and moisturize
• Value, because we like the best bang for our hard-earned bucks

Fortunately, you can get all of those things and much more thanks to our friends at African Pride. Here’s what they have on offer for you at your neighborhood store:

• Moisture Miracle Coconut Oil & Baobab Oil Leave-In Cream
• Moisture Miracle Coconut Milk & Honey Leave-In Conditioner Spray
• Moisture Miracle Shea Butter & Flaxseed Oil Curling Cream

These amazing products work wonders for those of us with kinky hair, and I can prove it! Watch as your favorite influencers @ohwendyoh, @donedo, and @iamtraeh style their hair with African Pride Moisture Miracle stylers.

I am loving the life that these ladies are giving me.

Aren’t you? If I can learn how to flat twist, I’m definitely going to follow Traeh’s lead and do a flat braid out.

I love ?love ?love ?these styles that have me #feelingmypride with our partner African Pride!

As ever, stay curly!

Hi, NaturallyCurlistas of the world!

It’s time to make a few adjustments to your curl regimen. Why? As you know, winter is coming.

Photo — Tiki Giorgadze

Yet as we transition from excessive summer heat to the brisk, cold winds of winter, we need to ramp up our regimens with fall-friendly curl mists, scalp treatments, and more.

Photo — Eye for Ebony

So, don’t make like an autumn leaf and crunch! Stuff your online cart with these five amazing products your hair needs to make it through the fall season.

Photo — Becca Tapert

Get the best fall-friendly items of the season:

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Freshen up for fall with these 5 curly hair essentials!

Jane Carter Curls To Go! Mist Me Over

FACT: The best thing for all curls is water ?

When this water-based hydrating mist is spritzed onto your curls, you will notice a softness and sheen that wasn’t there before. Why? Well, this mist is formulated with emollient shea butter, hair growth-stimulating sage and nettle, and soothing rosemary. It’s precisely the type of curl-rejuvenating product you need for those second-day hairstyles and for general maintenance as temperatures drop.

Ready to get this mist into your life? Great! If you’re one of the first 40 curlistas to purchase it, you’ll receive a FREE 8 oz. bottle of Jane Carter Solution Curls to Go Un-Tangle Me! You’d better get it while supplies last, friend.

Q-Redew

When we curlies think about a “lifesaver” we most likely think about the ultimate detangling, hydration, and elongation tool:Q-Redew! This handheld steamer is the perfect fall-friendly product because, as mentioned, your hair needs water to survive and thrive. What you’ll love most about the steamer, in addition to how quickly it works for your hair, are the results you’ll get!

If you order your new Q-Redew handheld hair steamer right away, you might be among the first 30 purchasers, and you’ll receive a free Q-Redew storage bag. That means you can safely store your precious new must-have tool in your fall travel bag!

Twisted Sista Curl Perfection Crème Gel

No matter the season, every curly girl wants beautifully defined curls that aren’t weighed down by styling product. That’s why you need Twisted Sista Curl Perfection Creme Gel. It’s a lightweight formula that adds moisture to your strands while helping you maintain your desired curl shape and style. This gel also contains strand-strengthening keratin, a protein known for its ability to reconstruct the inner layers of the hair.

This gel also plays well with the Twisted Sista Intensive Leave-In Conditioner, the hydrating product that the first 50 people who buy the Crème Gel will receive for free!

Hairfinity Candilocks Chewable Hair Vitamins

Taking care of your curls, from the inside out, is essential for every one of us. I can attest to the merits of Hairfinity hair vitamin capsules because I’ve taken them every day for the past year, and they’ve been working wonders on my hair and scalp. So, when I tried vegan-friendly Hairfinity Candilocks Chewable Hair Vitamins I was so excited to tell you about them!

First of all, they taste like gooey, dewey cherry gumdrops (except healthy”>. Second, they’re very good for you because their key ingredients are biotin and horsetail to promote healthier, stronger, longer hair. Third, when you’re among the first 50 shoppers to buy these chewable hair vitamins, you will receive a Hairfinity scalp stimulator with your purchase! Get your vitamins today and tell me what you think about them in the comments section.

SASHAPURE Hair, Scalp & Skin Elixir

What I love the most about fall is the slower pace of life. To me, it’s as if the season causes everyone and everything to just kind of mellow out. When this happens, I like to treat myself to at-home spa days that include scalp massages and pampering my skin. The best formula I’ve found to help me have the greatest fall spa days ever is the certified-organic SASHAPURE Hair, Scalp & Skin Elixir.

I apply a few drops of the elixir to my hairline and all over my scalp. Then I gently massage each section with a hand-held scalp massager to stimulate hair growth and strengthen hair strands. Because the elixir contains wild-crafted ingredients, I also use it on my skin to replenish moisture and soothe my skin after a long day. If you suffer from skin inflammation, redness or if you want to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars, or wrinkles, I highly recommend this amazing elixir. When you buy it, you could be one of the first 40 shoppers and you will receive a free Sashapure Healing Shampoo, which I use in my fall and winter regimens!

Photo — Jessica To’oto’o

Getting your curls prepared for fall doesn’t have to be a drag. In fact, all you have to do is stock up on these reliable, fall-friendly products on SHOP NaturallyCurly today. With all the free swag you get with some of the purchases, you’ll pat yourself on the back for being so diligent about your curls’ health!

Photo — Joanna Nix

This post is sponsored by Jane Carter, Q-Redew, Twisted Sista, Hairfinity, and Sashapure. Here’s hoping you have a gentle transition from summer to fall.

As ever, stay curly!

Photo — Hannah Grace

If you’ve ever found yourself frantically searching in your kitchen cabinet for bottles of aloe vera, honey ?or ?coconut oil, then you’re most likely one of these types of naturalistas:

• Didn’t Replenish That Tub of Conditioner Connie
• Why Won’t My Curls Stay Hydrated Holly
• Breakage is My Middle Name Natalie
• In Search of a Moisture Miracle Molly

Don’t worry, friend. You’re not alone.

In fact, you can win the African Pride Moisture Miracle Giveaway – keep reading for details!

Admittedly, I’ve taken on several of these nicknames throughout my curl journey. It’s no fun being in a curly drought! Luckily for you, there’s a brand new collection from African Pride that I absolutely must tell you all about. It’s called Moisture Miracle, and it truly lives up to its name!

Since arriving on my doorstep, I’ve been consistently using the African Pride Moisture Miracle Coconut Milk & Honey Leave-In Conditioner and Strengthen & Protect 5 Essential Oils from this collection for about three months. These two products help me care for my curls so easily! Both products saved my hair from being super dried out during my beach vacation, and they smell so lovely that I want to take them everywhere I go from now on.

I absolutely ?love ?this collection! And I know that you will, too.

Another favorite of naturalistas everywhere have been using to care for and style their hair is the Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo. It’s one of the most raved about products in the collection due to its unique texture, ingredients, and effectiveness. Watch the video to learn more about it and the complementary products in the collection.

Here’s what comes in the African Pride Moisture Miracle collection that you’re going to be raving about for months to come:

Care & Style

• Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo
• Honey & Coconut Oil Shampoo
• Moroccan Clay & Shea Butter Heat-Activated Masque
• Honey, Chocolate & Coconut Oil Conditioner
• Coconut Oil & Baobab Oil Leave-In Cream
• Coconut Milk & Honey Leave-In Conditioner Spray
• Strengthen & Protect 5 Essential Oils
• Shea Butter & Flaxseed Oil Curling Cream

Of course, I could go on and on about how much I love every item in this collection, but I’d rather give you other perspectives. So take a few moments to learn more about Moisture Miracle with some of my all-time favorite influencers: @iamtraeh, @ohwendyoh, and @donedo!

I’ve been so excited to share this video and all these reviews with you because I want you to be one of the first people to try this collection. That’s right, friend. I want you to WIN the entire African Pride Moisture Miracle collection today!

African Pride Moisture Miracle Giveaway

All you have to do is enter your email address in the form below. It’s really just that simple!

Enter to win!