Search Results: Kala G
A scalp massage at a spa will cost anywhere from $30-$70 dollars for 30 minutes, but you can enjoy one for free in the comfort of your own home! All you need are just two ingredients from the kitchen and these easy tips.
Why a scalp massage?
Stimulating the scalp with a massage increases blood circulation in turn promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. There are so many pressure points in the head and neck that massaging this area will also relieve tension and stress.
Some studies also claim that a scalp massage can even increase endorphins and serotonin levels!
What you’ll need: Oil
Oil acts as a conditioner that prevents dandruff. Warming the oil is optional, but not necessary since the oil will melt against your scalp’s body heat. Great options for oil include:
Or try an exfoliating sugar paste
The use of a little organic sugar while massaging exfoliates your scalp, removing excess oil, impurities and dead skin cells while helping to improve cell circulation.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons of organic brown sugar
- >3 drops of an essential oil
When should I massage?
Massage before you cleanse, this is also known as a pre-poo treatment. You can also give yourself a massage the night before you cleanse and leave the oil in overnight by covering it when you sleep and wash it out in the morning for an extra deep conditioning treatment. A scalp massage doesn’t need to be a weekly or monthly treatment, you can give yourself a scalp massage every time you co-wash!
How to give a scalp massage
- Add one teaspoon of oil (add more depending on preference”> in the palms of your hands and rub your hands together.
- Rub your scalp in small circles using all five finger pads.
- Never scratch! Our scalp is skin too, and scratching the surface with your nails can cause damage by disrupting the hair follicles.
Removing oil
Using a good sulfate-free shampoo in the shower should remove any oil from your scalp, I like Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Shampoo.
If you’ve used a heavy oil or too much oil for your massage and it’s left your hair too oily, try applying a baking soda and conditioner mix to your roots and rinse.
Try adding this to your routine to enjoy the many benefits for your scalp — from stimulating growth to relieving stress at the end of the day!
Is a scalp massage a part of your routine?
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1. Start with freshly washed and deep conditioned hair.
This is what my hair looks like damp and completely product-free.
2. Moisturize with a creamy leave-in
I like SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie–it has coconut oil, silk protein, and neem oil for ultra moisturization. If needed, I will add some water to make sure my product spreads out. I use the Rake & Smooth method with my fingers for even application.
3. Apply a styler
On this particular day, I’m using Orignal Moxie Hold up Defining Serum. I use a total of a quarter size amount to give my curls that silky, clumping formation. Remember, rake and smooth the product for even distribution.
4. Seal with a light oil
I buy my coconut oil, and run it under warm water in my application bottle from Sally Beauty Supply if it solidifies. Occasionally I’ll go through individual pieces and twirl them with my finger to
That’s it! It usually takes me 10 minutes to style this. In my eyes, that definitely qualifies as a wash and go! I saved time by making sure I kept my hair detangled. Then, I preserve my hair in a bonnet overnight.
Watch my full tutorial
I cannot live without my iPhone (I work in social media”>, music, Sex and the City re-runs, a pair of Jordan’s, and a good leave-in conditioner.In 2008, after my college stylist explained to me why I didn’t need to relax my hair I decided to “unexpectedly” go on my “natural hair journey” and not relax. I transitioned for a year, trimmed my last bit of relaxer off in 2009 and I’ve never looked back.
Routine and products
I wash my hair weekly and deep condition biweekly. It’s always twisted on blown out hair, I just love the stretched/wild look. Retwisting nightly is a must for me so in the morning I take my twist down, fluff, and go. I can’t live without my Kurlee Belle Banana Nut and Avocado Deep Treatment or Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme. These products keep my curls poppin’! At night I retwist with a simple oil and protect my hair with a satin bonnet. O-M-G I am soooo loving my color right now. I maintain by keeping it moisturized on a daily basis as well as deep conditioning every two weeks. Let me not forget my trims every 3 months. You have to keep those ends in tact. Do I get tired of natural hair? Ummm sometimes! I always switch it up with a protective style or more color. I wouldn’t have it any other way, my hair is more healthy than it’s ever been before.I feel your hair is VERY important when it comes to your personal style. Since I’ve been natural I feel more confident when it comes to my personal style. I find myself taking more risks, styling pieces that I’ve never thought about wearing before. My style has become more “funky” and evolved since I’ve been rocking a fro.
I started blogging in 2011.
At first it was all about natural hair and fashion because all the questions I would receive on Facebook were around the two. Now people want to know a little less about my hair and more about me so I’ve switched over to fashion & lifestyle. I still hold down Monday Kinks, where I ask questions or update my audience on products. Hard work, hard work, hard work!Blogging is a job in itself. I try to make sure I stay consistent, provide fresh new content, and give my readers what they want (most of the time, lol”>. Over the years I’ve connected with brands and built strong relationships by networking.
Beyond the blog…
Becoming my own boss and designing my own clothing line has always been a goal. So be on the lookout. My advice to others… It takes time, network your butt off, be yourself, stay organized, and most of all ENJOY the moment!Social Media
Blog: www.melissachanel.com Facebook: https://www.
Here in the NaturallyCurly community we talk a lot about caring for our curls, nurturing them, getting them to shine, bounce and last.
However, it is important not to get too caught up in our hairGASP! Yep, I said it. We are so much more than our hair and sometimes it’s okay to let it go. Shameless Maya demonstrated this last year with the world watching. The curly vlogger selflessly planned to donate her curly hair to Locks of Love.
Well this is a concept Emily, a 3 year old girl in Ontario, Canada, already understands. Emily’s hair may not be naturally curly but we could all learn a lesson or two from her. Earlier this year little Emily decided that she wanted to cut her hair and donate it to kids that were living with cancer and had no hair at all. She recognized that there were some that needed the hair more than she did.
I caught up with Emily and her mom, Amy, to follow up on her adventure and the aftermath of her viral video that has inspired countless around the world.
Watch the video
Why did you decide to have your hair cut?
Who cut your hair?“
Uncle Maffew cut my hair.”What was the best part of cutting your hair?
“Ummm….It was so fun to get a haircut like my Dolly. And my Daddy buys me donuts from the store near Uncle Maffews store.”
Was cutting your hair scary?
“I was a little bit scared (Emily was a bit nervous as she had never had a hair cut”>, but I was brave.” (it really helped that Dolly went first”>
Do you like your new hairstyle?
“I like short hair the best and I like long hair the best. It’s getting long again.”
Is your hair longer than Dolly’s now?
“Yeah. My hair keeps growing, but Dolly’s doesn’t.”
Do you think more people should cut their hair and donate it to kids living with cancer? Why?
“Yeah, because if their hair gets too long they can just give it to someone. “
Since the video went viral, Emily and her family have received emails from people all over the world. Some have written about how much they were encouraged as they are going through cancer themselves, others said a kind word to Emily for being brave and generous, and other mom’s have sent them pictures of their little girls doing the same. Her parents have had the pleasure of showing Emily that what she chose to do has inspired others to give what they can.
Just a reminder ladies that life is so much more grand that the curls on our heads. Personally I’m inspired by Emily’s bravery and courage. Not sure cutting my hair off is in my immediate plan, but I’ve definitely been inspired to keep the message of giving going! Let’s dedicate some time each month to do something nice for those who can’t return the favor.
What do you think about Emily’s decision to cut her hair? Would you ever consider doing the same?
MahoganyCurls, or Jess as us long-time followers (including myself”> like to call her, has documented her entire hair journey from her chic BC (big chop”> look to her gorgeous long locks she showcases today.
How did she become so popular and successful on YouTube and her blog? Read on to find out how she reached for the stars and never looked back.
NaturallyCurly: How long have you been natural?
Jess: I have been natural since 2009. I did the big chop a few weeks after my relaxer. I wanted to transition but I couldn’t be patient so I decided to do the BC.
What’s your daily hair routine?
I do not really have a daily routine. It is either in a ponytail or in a twistout.
What are your favorite products?
I am a fan of Shea Moisture products (the entire line”> and Camille Rose Natural products. I also love Paul Mitchell The Conditioner and Eco Styler gel.
What’s your nighttime routine?
Every night I pineapple my hair (a high ponytail”> and sleep on a satin pillowcase.
On your blog you teach women how to love and embrace their hair. In your opinion what is most important when beginning the journey to embracing natural hair?
To me, the most important thing is mentally going natural before you physically do it. You should also focus on your hair and not worry about any negative comments regarding your hair.
When did you start blogging?
March 2009
How did you become a successful YouTuber?
I started my journey for me. I wanted to document my hair journey with a TWA and see how far I could go. People began to follow and it just grew from there. I really do not know how I became so popular on YouTube, lol.
What do you like most about vlogging?
I like the engagement with my followers and sharing my journey.
What do you want to do beyond YouTube?
I would like to continue to inspire others to embrace their hair.
Do you have any advice for new natural hair bloggers?
I would say stay true to your roots and do not let others tell you that you cannot reach for the stars.
Any upcoming projects/events you’d like to tell us about?
I will be attending an event in Chicago this February and I will be in Birmingham, Alabama this March. You can stay updated on where I’ll be and what I’m doing here.
You can find MahoganyCurls online here:
2. What’s your daily hair routine?
I like to keep my hair “stretched” and moisturized during the week to prevent tangling. I usually style my hair in twistouts or braidouts and at night, I will spray my hair with a light leave-in followed by sealing my hair with a hair butter/cream and banding and/or retwisting my hair to keep it stretched.
3. What are your favorite products?
That’s always a hard question for me! I feel like every year I come across several new brands that become faves. Some of the products that are in heavy rotation for me right now are Alikay Naturals lemongrass leave-in, Alikay Naturals Moisture Rich Hair Parfait, TGIN Moist Collection for Natural Hair, Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter, CURLS passionfruit control paste and CURLS curl souffle. For even more of my favorites, you can visit my “Mae’s Faves” page on my site.
4. Do you ever get tired of curly hair?
I can’t say that I have. This is the most fun I’ve ever had with my hair! Now I will say that there have been times when I didn’t feel like putting in the work to do my hair, however, when I started looking at my wash/styling sessions as my own personal spa/ “me” time, I’ve started enjoying the process even more.5. You constantly encourage, inspire and motivate through your blog and social media. How do you stay so positive and consistent?
Once my platform started growing, I made a promise to myself to always be a source of positivity for my readers/viewers. There is so much negativity around us on a day-to-day basis and I really wanted to strive to provide a positive atmosphere whenever someone is interacting with me on my various social media platforms. When people write to me saying that something I’ve shared has been encouraging or an inspiration to them, I am truly humbled and it encourages me to keep sharing. It’s the online community that helps keep me positive along with my strong support system of my family, my husband, close friends and most importantly, God.
6. When did you start blogging?
I started in the summer of 2009 which was around the time of my big chop. I started blogging late in my transitioning stage and 4 1/2 years later, I’m still enjoying sharing all things natural hair/body care.
7. How did you become a successful blogger?
When I started blogging/vlogging, I had absolutely NO idea what I was doing or even the potential opportunities it could bring. I think that’s what really helped me because I was solely focused on sharing my natural hair journey as far as what was working and wasn’t working for me when it came to hair care. I was also fortunate to build friendships with other bloggers that I looked up to and definitely learned from them as I carved out my own path. It’s a continuous learning experience and there are so many great resources online that have helped me along the way as well.8. What do you like most about blogging/vlogging?
I love the FREEDOM! It’s an amazing feeling to be able to share your thoughts and experiences with basically the world! I also love the continuously growing network of people I’ve been able to come in contact with over the years. I know I’ve grown in so many areas because of the diverse group of people that the world of blogging has brought to me.9. What do you want to do beyond YouTube?
Right now I’m really focused on completing my Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering. That is my priority número uno right now, but I’m looking forward to doing some more traveling to host events in the U.S. and abroad centered on natural beauty/healthy living next year. I had an amazing opportunity to host an event in Trinidad this year for natural hair care and it really gave me the desire to travel more and interact on a one-on-one basis. Writing posts and uploading vids is great but I personally love being able to talk to people face-to-face.
10. Do you have any advice for new natural hair bloggers?
As a new blogger, I would encourage you to stay true to your own unique voice. Don’t get bogged down with keeping track of how many “followers” you have but focus on sharing what you’re passionate about. There are many bloggers out there, but what will make you stand out is being the wonderful YOU that you are : “> There is room for everyone to have their voice heard.
11. Any upcoming projects/events you’d like to tell us about?
A few months ago, I reopened my site for Natural Chica shirts. I was fortunate to have worked with Andrea Pippins of Fly this year for an official logo design for the Natural Chica brand and I was too excited to be able to put them on shirts this year! You can check them out at http://naturalchica.
You can connect with NikkiMae on YouTube, Natural Chica, and Instagram!
Dry curly hair is the WORST! But olive oil can be your best friend when it comes to preventing natural Type 4 hair from getting dry and crunchy? Whether it’s a pre-poo treatment or the secret ingredient in your whipped shea butter, olive oil could be your ticket to healthier looking and feeling hair.
Olive Oil for Natural Hair
1. Whipped Shea Butter
A store bought or homemade whipped shea butter is a Type 4 curly’s best friend. It’s a super moisturizing leave-in for twist out and braid out. Remember that a little goes a long way and to rinse well or clarify to prevent build up on your wash days. Here’s a simple recipe with olive oil that will give your butter that whipped effect:
Ingredients
- raw shea butter – 4 ounces
- coconut oil – 4 ounces
- extra virgin olive oil – 3 ounces
- essential fragrance oil – a few drops
2. Olive Oil Pre-Poo Treatment
Just straight up olive oil! The best way to apply olive oil as a pre-treatment is to put your oil in a bottle with a narrow spout or concentrator. Apply the oil to your scalp and rub it in with your finger pads. With some additional oil in your palms work the oil into your hair concentrating on the ends. Cover with a plastic cap for a bit (30 minutes”>, rinse well and start your washing routine for softer hair.
3. Protein Treatment
In this recipe the olive oil helps to smooth and the mixture onto the hair and to condition. Although the lime juice is optional for curlies, it is a great ingredient to make your coils pop! Try it!
Ingredients
- 2 whole eggs whipped
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tbsp of lime juice
4. Deep Conditioning
If your hair feels dry after a wash try deep conditioning with some olive oil and honey. Apply this recipe to freshly washed hair, rinse and style.
Ingredients:
- honey
- olive oil
Combine half a cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, warm in a microwave for 30 seconds and apply to your hair. Rinse out with conditioner and style as usual.
5. Aloe Vera & Olive Oil & Water Hydrating Mix
Need a refresher? Water is a great moisturizer but a little olive oil concoction may work even better! Add 1 part olive oil, to 5 parts water and some aloe vera juice to your liking. Shake your spray bottle and spritz when you need a twist out refresher. Make sure to refrigerate your spritz if you added aloe vera juice!
How often do you wash your hair? How do you make a wash n go last a week?
I frequently get these types of questions in the comment section of my videos as well as in person. If you’re a BUSY curly girl like me it’s not ideal to spend hours multiple times a week to maintain a hairstyle. On average I wash n go once every five to seven days. The process takes about 1-2 hours depending on if it’s time to deep condition and a little more if I diffuse instead of air dry. Take a look at my process from start to finish!
Day by Day Curly Routine
This is my hair on Day 1. It’s taken me awhile to find products that love my hair for a week-long wash n go, so don’t be discouraged by the trial and error process! Here are the products and techniques that work for me and my Type 3C curls.
Wash Day
I usually co-wash with a silicone-free conditioner like Tresemme Naturals or V05 Moisture Milks Conditioner. After rinsing I finger detangle with the same silicone-free conditioner and rinse very slightly.
Applying Leave-Ins
I add my leave-ins straight out of the shower to my four sections of hair. Right now I’m loving Qhemet Biologics Alma & Olive Heavy Cream or Original Moxie’s Lux Locks. My hair likes a creamy leave-in that helps define my curls as well as moisturize. I apply my styler next (I like Olive-Oil Eco-Styler, but any alcohol-free gel or styler will do”> and smooth it out section by section. I seal with jojoba oil or coconut oil next and move on to the next section until I’m done!
” src=”https://www.beautycon.com/curlreading/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DiffusingDay1-1.jpg”>Diffuse vs Air Dry:
I diffuse on high force with medium heat for about 5-10 minutes (if I can”>. If possible I air dry my hair until completely dry. I’ve noticed my curls are less frizzy and even slightly more defined and shiny when I air dry. But some wash days it’s just not possible. When it’s cold outside I diffuse until my hair is 80% if I must go outside. In this Day 1 picture my hair was diffused for only 5 minutes and air dried the rest of the way. My curls were poppin’!
” src=”https://www.beautycon.com/curlreading/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Day2PineappleMaintenance-1.jpg”>Pineappling
I pineapple my hair EVERY night to make sure my curls aren’t flat or lifeless in the morning. Just a simple high ponytail using a loose ouchless scrunchie can make a world of a difference in extending the life of your style.
Maintenance
Morning and nightly maintenance is crucial to maintaining this style. It’s not difficult and doesn’t require much time but it’s definitely a requirement. I use a quarter sized amount of a creamy moisturizer (water is the 1st ingredient”> to put some life back into my curls. Patting my hair with product on my palms works great for me and doesn’t disrupt my curls too much. I also feel my curls thanking me for the moisture. Another option is misting your hair with water too. For me, water is a little too drying. For morning and nightly maintenance I use Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie or Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream and seal with jojoba or coconut oil.
Day 3
Around Day 3, depending on the weather, my curls can get pretty stiff and need a little more moisture to revive its shape and bounce. I use the Q-Redew mid-week for about 1 minute in the morning. Like I mentioned misting or spraying my hair with water is a little too much moisture for my hair. The steam from the Q-Redew is always just what the hair doctor ordered for my stiff curls.
Day 4
This is my hair at the end of Day 4. I love how it grows with volume as the days go by.
” src=”https://www.beautycon.com/curlreading/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Day5MorningMantainence-1.jpg”>Day 5
By day 5 my hair is usually at it’s max frizz factor. To reduce frizz I make sure to maintain by sealing with an oil. I’ve grown to love some amount of frizz as it helps me achieve the big hair I love.
On this day I used Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie and jojoba oil to seal in the moisture for the day.
Day 6
High Pony! It’s wash day for me! I try to style my hair in an updo if time permits. If not I put my curls into a pony tail. If I’m feeling saucy I’ll tie my edges down with a satin scarf after applying a little water and Eco-Styler gel to them.
Using a gel or strong hold product to define your curls? You are more than likely to experience “crunchy” hair if so. Crunchy hair is stiff and lifeless and not exactly what we envision when it we style our hair. Here are some tips on how you can “scrunch out the crunch” or SOTC, giving you defined curls that move!
SOTC
SOTC is not just scrunching
SOTC is different from “scrunching.” Scrunching your hair from tip to root, lifting the hair while your hair is wet and product has just been applied, can “help” define your curls and give body. But scrunching throughout your drying time keeps your curls from being well defined altogether.
Never SOTC when your hair is wet or even slightly damp. Doing this will send an army of frizzies and leaves curls less defined.
” src=”https://www.beautycon.com/curlreading/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/100454841-1.jpg”>No crunch?
If the product you used to style your curly tresses isn’t a gel or a product that gives your curls a strong hold, you may not have any crunch to scrunch. If your hair density is high you’ll need products that claim to give your curls maximum curl definition, like Kinky-Curly Curling Custard.
Smooth Application
Getting your curls to look consistent requires that you apply your product consistently. Make sure to smooth the gel or product through your hair evenly. Having crunchy sections and not-so-crunchy sections all over your head is a no-go.
MORE: How to Apply Hair Gel
” src=”https://www.beautycon.com/curlreading/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/81989662-1.jpg”>Oil Attacks Frizz
Once your hair is COMPLETELY dry it’s time to scrunch! Some gels (including alcohol-free gels”> can leave hair looking dry.
If you have frizzy hair after scrunching, try scrunching with an oil. Jojoba and coconut are two light oils that work perfectly for scrunching. Drop a dime sized amount of oil in the palm of your hand and rub your hands together.
Your Technique
With oily hands, scrunch from the tips to the roots of your hair by grabbing sections of your hair and squeezing. You should feel and maybe hear a very slight crunch. That is a sign that you are releasing some of the hold that the gel or product had on your curls. The definition will be a little less defined, giving your hair life!
You can also pat and lift your hair with the oil to give you more or less volume. Smoothing is not recommended as this can cause unnecessary frizz.
Depending on weather conditions like the dew point and wind your hair may experience more of less frizz after scrunching. Find a happy medium for your tresses. SOTC is a great way to sport great looking, flexible and bouncy curls!
