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5 Good-Hair-Day Tricks with Apple Cider Vinegar

Although it may not be the best-smelling product in the cabinet, apple cider vinegar has been a staple kitchen ingredient for ages. Thanks to its myriad of uses, it has also been used for industrial, medical, domestic, and cosmetic purposes. The acidic properties in vinegar are highly beneficial to keeping your strands soft, healthy, and in good condition. The abundance of enzymes and minerals make it a great cleaning agent and scalp stimulant. Plenty of curlies are familiar with how to incorporate apple cider vinegar into their regimen with rinses that help remove build-up and clarify hair but there are also some other things that vinegar is good for as well.

5 Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

The Hair Growth Diet: 10 Blood Circulating Foods
Did you know that you could help your curls grow by consuming foods that stimulate your blood circulation? The secret is found in the vitamins and minerals that prevent plaque build-up, safely dilate your blood vessels, and keep your blood clean and thin. If you’re going for length, add these foods to your regular diet, be patient, and see what happens. 

10 Blood Circulating Foods

Is Your Hair Product Not Working? This Might Be Why

Ever feel like you apply product and apply product and apply product… but nothing ever changes? There’s a chance that those products are not actually making their way into your hair shaft, also known as penetration. Some products have properties that do penetrate, and some do not penetrate.

First of all, what’s the difference?

Products that penetrate: contain ingredients that the hair absorbs into the hair shaft

Products that don’t penetrate: contain ingredients that merely coat the outside of the hair shaft

This is why sometimes your hair still feels dry even with a glossy layer of product applied to it. This can give the illusion of shine without actually giving your hair the moisture it needs. When you put in the time and money into applying products to your hair, you want to know that all your efforts are not done in vain. You want to see your products actually working, and we can’t blame you.

Make it your mission to use products with ingredients that your hair absorbs, and don’t waste your time on the ones that don’t penetrate. Which ones are those, you ask? We’ll break it down for you.

Ingredients that Do and Don’t Penetrate

Top 10 Products to Stimulate Hair Growth

When there are issues with getting your hair to grow, it’s important to rectify the situation both internally and externally. A number of factors contribute to reduced hair growth, from your scalp being too dirty or your pores being blocked from build-up.

It is true that nothing but time can make your hair grow, but there are ways to help stimulate hair growth. Check out these options to give your curls extra encouragement.

How to Go Natural, Without the Big Chop

When contemplating returning to your natural hair texture, the idea of cutting off all of your hair may seem super scary, and that makes complete sense. Do you want to embark on this hair journey but don’t want to cut 90-95% of your hair in the meantime? If you have thought long and hard about going on this tremendous journey and feel like it’s the right decision for you, do not be dissuaded just because you think you have to do the big chop.

The big chop is the right choice for some curly girls who have decided to cease relaxing their tresses — but not all. It is not the end all be all of the first steps of your hair. You can do whatever you want to arrive at the same result. If you’re a little (or really”> scared, rest assured that there are other ways to get from point A to point Z. Take a deep breath and relax. You have options! There is no one right way to do this thing! You have a choice and here are alternatives that will help you if you’re on the ledge of taking that natural leap but don’t want to snip off your strands.

5 Big Chop Alternatives

7 Signs You Need a Trim NOW

There are a few ways that your ends can tell you when it’s time for the good ol’ heave-ho. Sometimes all it takes is one look at your lifeless, scraggly ends to get the hint. Other times it can be subtle, leaving you confused about your how to solve your problem.

Luckily, you don’t have to pull your hair out trying to get to the bottom of your hellish hair situation. If you’re experiencing any of these issues and have examined your hair regimen, tried different products, and tweaked your techniques to whip your curls back in shape, maybe you’re just due for a trim.

7 Signs That You Need a Trim

5 Remedies for Itchy Scalp

Anyone who has a dry scalp can agree that it is really hard to keep your hands out of your head. Scratching becomes a way of life and soon you find yourself frustrated and sometimes a little embarrassed. You know that you wash and take immaculate care of your curls, so what’s up with the itching?

A flaky, itchy scalp can be the result of a few different things. It may be due to products that cause buildup or it could be a sign of an allergic reaction. It could be a result of an exposed scalp from wearing braids or cornrows. It could even be a consequence of the changes in weather or excessive sweating. But, before you give up hope of an itch-free life, check out these tips to help you get this hairy situation under control.

5 Remedies for Itchy Scalp

4 Products for Low Porosity Hair

4 Products for Low Porosity Hair

5 Foods That Keep Hair From Growing
Previously we discussed foods that can improve your hair health like avocados, nuts, leafy greens, and other foods that are high in nutritional content. But what about foods that will harm your hair’s health?

Beware of These Foods!

In Defense of the Woman Who Went 5 Years Without Shampoo

Did you see the Today Show’s report on the “no-poo” method?

If you’re a practicing no-poo washer – as many curlies are – then the segment might have gotten your blood boiling.

Eyebrows were raised and dismissive comments made at the notion of skipping shampooing your hair. Not to mention the questions on the lips of all of the reporters. Doesn’t hair start to smell? How do you get your hair clean? What do you do instead of using, you know, shampoo or some other type of soapy, cleansing agent?

Unfortunately the woman who was the focus of the debate wasn’t present to defend her position, Jacquelyn Byers, a blogger who shared that she has been using the no-poo method for five years without shampoo.

Her choice to get rid of shampoo came after years of buying expensive organic and natural products. Similar to others who swear by the method, she began by using baking soda and apple cider vinegar, ingredients typically used for deep cleansing or removing excessive build-up from your hair. Unlike when you’re removing build-up and you combine the ingredients then soak your hair, the no-poo method involves rinsing your hair first with apple cider vinegar and then again with baking soda. The combination aids in maintaining the natural balance of your hair by using an acid followed by a base which doesn’t completely strip your hair of its oils like most shampoos do.

For most of us curlies, there’s no shortage of products when it comes to managing our hair.

We primp and pamper, tend and , at times, attempt to tame — the list goes on. Getting a hair regimen together is a top priority that typically involves a series of incredibly intentional steps like washing, conditioning, detangling, steaming, twisting, braiding, styling and so on. For many of us, it’s an endeavor that requires a clear plan, an abundance of patience and probably a sizeable chunk of time. Like a whole weekend afternoon. But, imagine if you could skip a whole step…kinda. Would you do away with shampoo altogether if it meant your hair might be softer, fuller and healthier?

Recently, there was a segment on the Today Show that focused on one woman’s results with the “no-poo” method.

Jacquelyn Byers was a hot topic with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb and although they shared some information from her original blog post, she wasn’t there in person to shed some light on her no-poo experience as a veteran of the method for five years.

But, Byers was unsatisfied with the results and decided to take it one step further: water only. And she highly recommends it. Although she claims that there are no smells, no dirt or grime and overall improvements in hair health, the reactions from the co-hosts were less than savory.  In fact, before she even got a chance to talk, they were calling the story “nauseating.” And in classic snowball effect, the question of her entire sanitation in general. With tones of disgust, they wondered if she even washed her body. Overreact, much?

But, the two co-hosts were quickly joined by a host of fellow skeptics who commented on various message boards and gave their two cents on what they found to be gross and archaic behavior. The general public response was pretty one-sided. Byers, though, swears by her twice a week rinse and even admits that she gets complimented on how soft and beautiful her hair is by strangers.

What do you think? Would you give the no-poo method a try?

5 Delicious Foods for Hair Growth

We do a lot to take care of our hair.

Just take a look in your bathroom at all the various products you’ve invested in to keep your curls in pristine condition. But, all those things work from the outside in — not the other way around.

Many people forget that you can affect the health of your hair by intentionally improving your eating and intake habits. Learn the ways you can fortify your coils from the inside out to gain moisture, retain length and boost your locks’ natural luster. Luckily, your taste buds will enjoy it too.

5 Foods For Healthy Hair

Geeking Out Over Algebra Blessett

If you’re on the hunt for new ‘dos, new hair inspirations or new tunes, Algebra Blessett might be the woman you have been looking for to get your new year in gear on multiple fronts.

Plus, she has the style, talent and natural hair to prove it. You might remember her 2008 debut album, Purpose, which not only made it onto the Billboard charts but reached the Top 100 and stayed there for about 14 weeks.

In 2012, she was featured on the empowering, laid back track “Black Gold” with award-winning jazz vocalist and instrumentalist, and fellow natural girl Esperanza Spalding. These days the Neo-soul singer, songwriter and guitarist is getting ready to release her sophomore album, Recovery, at the end of January.

For people who have been following her career from background vocalist for R&B heavyweights like Monica and Bilal to frontwoman of her own solo gig, they’ve been able to witness the range of looks and the transition from her super short ‘dos to her curly, kinky twist-outs.

A quick glance at her Instagram shows an array of looks from the sleek straightened look to a cute headwrap situation, but she is a natural girl through and through. Variety is the name of the game when it comes to her style. Sometimes her natural hair is braided or cornrowed, other times it’s cutely tucked away under a hat or scarf.

In the video for “Nobody But You,” the lead single from Recovery, Algebra dons a collection of different looks – long, sleek ponytails, pomp-like top buns, a cute bob, a headwrap and a simple skullcap.

If you aren’t already familiar with this woman or don’t yet consider yourself a fan, it might be time to reconsider. Her natural talent and natural hair make her an artist that curly girls can really get behind.

Erykah Badu, Still High and Faded

We curly, natural girls really love to see one of our own excel onstage, on the big screen, strutting down the catwalk or otherwise making major waves in other industries.

Yes, it’s nice when we visit our tried-and-true beauty websites and can bask in the glory of our likenesses. Our favorite stars and celebrities inspire us and remind us of our own greatness, creativity and coily cuteness.

So imagine our glee when we saw Erykah Badu’s most recent new look – a sleek, towering flat top no doubt influenced by the classic 1990’s film House Party. She had her natural, coily hair cut into a daring new ‘do that really expresses the versatility of her personal style and her boldness as an artist. Her surprise new look was revealed last week on Twitter where she debuted the front and back of her flat top accompanied by a few simple words and a confident, ‘who gon’ check me, boo?’ expression full to the brim of pure audacity. We got a full look of the ‘do on her Facebook page with the caption “Still high and faded…”

The “analog girl in a digital world” has been rocking the natural look for as long as we’ve known known her to be in the spotlight. We’ve loved her headwraps, natural top buns, bodacious ‘fros, sleek low cuts and everything in-between.

Her apparent fearlessness hasn’t just won her throngs of adoring fans and loyal followers, it also helped her to snag a spot in the latest Givenchy ad for the Spring 2014 collection.

The sophisticated, black-and-white image shows her draped in a couture piece sporting an elegant TWA (teeny weeny afro“>. Both images – the Twitter flat top reveal and the polished Givenchy look – display her apparent adaptability and range in appearance that encourages other curly girls to embrace their natural hair.

Which look do you prefer?
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERYKAH BADU’S FACEBOOK & TWITTER
How to Fix Your Worst At-Home Hair Color Mistakes

As natural girls, we are prone to being DIY queens with our need for products and styles that are intentionally created with our hair’s best interest in mind. 

If you’ve ever tried your own do-it-yourself dye job at home you know that you’re playing a game of risk with very sensitive chemicals that could really do a number on your hair, if you aren’t careful during the process.

Whether you are attempting to lighten your tips, boosts your highlights or darken your strands – there are times when things can go completely haywire.

Here are some tips for surviving your DIY disasters.

When Hair Color Goes Wrong

Jessica Chastain as Merida from Brave? We Can Totally See It!

PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY

Over here we like to think we’re all works of art with our unique coils and kinks bouncing off our heads and rarely need anyone else to validate our inarguable fabulousness, right? Right!

Yet as funky and fierce as us curly girls can naturally be, some of us still feel like it’s nice to receive a bit of the princess treatment every once in a while, don’t we? Long, bone-straight hair is lovely too, no doubt, but sometimes we’ve all just seen enough of the typical starlet look to really be moved by it. That’s why this princess holds a special in the hearts of our curly community.

As part of Disney’s “Where Your Destiny Awaits” themed photos, loyal fans of Disney’s wildly-curly Pixar character will get a chance to see a real-life version of the boisterous girl from the acclaimed animated film Brave.

Bold and gutsy curlies of all hair types can all come together to celebrate another fearless girl with hair that really makes waves thanks to famed portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz.

Leibovitz is known best for her poignant knack for capturing stunning celebrity photos and she does it once again with her ethereal portrayal of fiery-maned actress Jessica Chastain as Merida for Disney’s advertising campaign. The Oscar-nominated actress dons a majestic dress and wields a powerful bow and arrow as her luscious, red locks assist her in effortlessly channeling the Scottish Princess that won over everyone’s heart back in 2012. Jessica embodies Merida’s strength and courage with her nearly-identical unruly cascade of crimson curls as she sits mounted on a regal steed.

As the latest Hollywood it-girl to be honored by receiving the Disney princess treatment, she joins the ranks of established stars and common favorites including Queen Latifah who was photographed as Ursula from The Little Mermaid, Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella and Beyonce as Alice from Alice in Wonderland.

Yet as stunning as Jessica Chastain looks playing the part of Merida, we can’t help but be partial to another Jessica who pulled off the part with aplomb: Jess from Jessicurl! Jess dressed up as Merida for the premiere of Brave after so many curly haired community members had told her her she looked just like Merida. Now you tell us…

Who wore it best?

PHOTO COURTESY OF TERRENCE MCNALLY
Love ‘Em Or Leave ‘Em: 6 Trends From 2013

Much like fashion, hair fads change every season according to the newest or recurring wave of aesthetics gaining traction and popularity right then. Each year the current direction in fashion, music, art and entertainment trends influence the colors, cuts and styles that become popular and sometimes even classic in our culture.

This year, the trend on curly hair was all about shape, volume and color paired with intentional cuts and eclectic styles. Happening hairstyles leaned towards minimalist chic and sophistication with bold statement looks.

It was pase to go against the grain and try to over-manipulate or force your hair to do something too unnatural – that’s why waves, braids and twists were staples. From the runway to college campuses to the streets, these looks were staples of 2013’s hair repertoire:

Top Trends of 2013

Sensitive Skin? These Hair Products Won’t Break You Out

The road to having your hair just the way you want it is paved with a myriad of good-intentioned products.

Along the way there may be encounters with some that put that pep back in your step and the perfect kink back in your coils, but there may also be some bumps in the road before you reach that blissful place of hair nirvana.

Everyone’s hair is completely and entirely unique with a wide spectrum of possible reactions to certain ingredients and chemicals, but some of us may also be dealing with sensitive skin that impacts our options with it comes to using products.

There are many possible irritants found in lots of products that might not bother the average curly haired-bear but for some people the range of dyes, fragrances, parabens, sulfates and other chemicals can lead to unpleasant and uncomfortable skin reactions. Luckily, there are still lots of brands that make products suitable for people with sensitive skin who want to maintain their lovely skin and curly tresses.

Taliah Waajid Enhancing Herbal Conditioner

Creamy, dense and thoroughly moisturizing, this chemical-free conditioner has a great smell and does wonders for softening your hair.

Brigeo Deep Conditioning Mask

Deep damage calls for deep repair and this conditioner uses rosehip oil, aloe vera and essential oils to get the job done to reinvigorate parched curls.

Shea Moisture Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Shampoo

Neem oil helps this gentle cleanser hydrate your hair to bring that silkiness and shine back to your curls and coils .

Essentious Rejuvenate Protein Treatment

Reconstruct and repair your hair with this aloe vera-based product designed to strengthen and restore protein to chemically-damaged curls.

Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding

Although this moisturizer is rich with its blend of botanical oils and saturating oils like shea butter and cocoa butter, it is still light, airy and perfect for rejuvenating dry hair thirsting for penetrative moisture.

Weird Ingredients That Actually Work for Hair

We’ve all been there: staring at ourselves in the mirror with some random, odd, oftentimes natural concoction sitting on our tresses wondering what the hell we were thinking.

As you start rinsing the muck out of your hair, the thunder and lightening start crashing in your brain as you curse yourself for taking advice from that message board or video guru that lead you astray. But, then, right before you lose all hope, the clouds part and you can see the sun shining through. You might just be imagining things, but your hair does feel softer, doesn’t it? And you know what, that little bounce is back in your locks too, isn’t it?

Such is the life of the curly girl on the search for just the right thing to take her hair to the next level. But, there is light at the end of the ingredients list. Sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs before you find the perfectly wacky thing for your ‘do.

Weird Hair Ingredients