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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
Add Some Shine
If your hair seems dull, restore some of that luster with a simple apple cider vinegar rinse to give your curls a natural gloss. Dilute 1/3 vinegar with 2/3 water, add in some essential oils, and apply to your curls.
Clean Your Scalp
Build up on your scalp can attribute to stunted growth, inflammation, or flat, drab curls with no bounce. Apple cider vinegar is great for getting rid of lingering products that may not completely dissolve during a shampoo session.
Condition Your Curls
Brittle, dry hair is a result of not being able to retain moisture in your curls and calls for some emergency tactics. Using apple cider vinegar as a conditioner softens your curls and helps restore your hair’s natural balance.
Stimulate Hair Growth
Thinning edges, bald spots, and strands stuck at one length can be a big bummer when all you want is a head full of thick, beautiful curls. Along with improving your eating habits, you can jumpstart your growing efforts by rinsing with ACV before shampooing.
Say Farewell to Frizz
When you notice your curls are looking a little, um, rougher than usual, reach for the apple cider vinegar to nip that frizz in the bud. Locking in moisture and sealing your cuticles will help keep your curls smooth and manageable.
10 Blood Circulating Foods
Citrus Fruits
When you eat foods that are high in vitamin C like oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits, it removes excess cholesterol to help make the blood thinner. Try regularly eating these tangy, flavorful fruits to help prevent plaque buildup and poor circulation.
Dark chocolate
It’s official, chocolate is good for your hair. Your eyes are not deceiving you. The cocoa in dark chocolate naturally contains flavonoids that can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. Just make sure to eat it in moderation.
Broccoli
Go for this dense, green veggie to really get blood circulating to your scalp. It delivers vitamins to the hair follicle and its oils can give your curls a boost in the shine department. Broccoli is also an excellent source for vitamin C — it even contains more than oranges.
Sunflower Seeds
Opt for the unsalted version of these seeds. They are rich in vitamin E and antioxidants that help reduce the formation of blood clots. You can also try pumpkin seeds if you prefer them.
Ginkgo Biloba
Known to increase blood flow, this herb derives from one of the oldest surviving species of trees. It assists in dilating the blood vessels, which increases blood circulate to the brain, ears, eyes, and legs.
Turmeric
With its deep, yellow-orange hue and mild flavor, this spice invigorates the blood and prevents the formation of blood clots that inhibit blood flow.
Watermelon
Pinkish, reddish foods get their pigment from a natural antioxidant called lycopene. The lycopene in this sweet, seeded fruit contains its blood circulating properties.
Cayenne Pepper
This spicy pepper contains capsaicin, an active ingredient that stimulates digestion and circulation. It increases blood flow and the metabolic rate, raises the body temperature, and prevents platelets from creating blockage.
Goji Berries
This fruit is high in fiber and known for its various healing properties. They help increase the white blood cell count, which is responsible for fighting infection. They also have a high iron and calcium content, which help to normalize blood pressure and regulate healthy blood flow.
Garlic
This powerful and pungent food is a natural antibiotic that fights infections, strengthens the immune system, and keeps plaque from blocking your blood vessels.
Ginger
Fresh ginger is great for lowering blood pressure and dilating the blood vessels. It stimulates the heart, which helps to increase blood flow throughout the entire body.
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
Don’t
Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum”>
If you see mineral oil listed as an ingredient in one of your products, be aware that because it is composed of large molecules, it merely coats the hair and clogs the pores on your scalp.
Don’t
Petrolatum
This ingredient is extremely thick and lubricating but blocks your pores. It is a derivative of crude oil and can contribute to build-up from the accumulation of dirt and residue.
Don’t
Silicone
Typically found in conditioners and serums, silicones can make your hair seem soft and smooth but that’s just on the surface. That layer of product can actually prevent your curls from absorbing products that can moisturize your hair.
Don’t
Castor Oil
Although this oil can be helpful in creating a protective barrier that fights against humidity, it doesn’t penetrate the surface.
Don’t
Petroleum
This ingredient is extremely thick and lubricating, but it blocks your pores. This ingredient is also a derivative of crude oil and can contribute to an accumulation of dirt and residue, which could then lead to dryness in the long run.
Do
Coconut Oil
Depending on who you talk to, this can be the miracle cure for a lot of your moisturizing products. Unless there are issues with your hair surrounding porosity, this oil helps to soften your curls and assists in retaining moisture.
Do
Avocado Oil
Dry and brittle strands beg for an ingredient that cannot only penetrate the hair shaft but also improve its condition. Avocado oil 
moisturizes and provides nutrients needed to strengthen your hair.
Do
Olive Oil
Loaded with vitamins and minerals, this popular oil used for cooking and beauty gets into the inner layer of your curls and increases elasticity. This means your hair is more supple and less likely to suffer damage from breakage.
Do
Argan Oil
As a great source for vitamin E, this hydrating oil is excellent for treating damaged hair. Unlike products that sit on the surface to make your hair look sleek, argan oil actually restore your hair’s natural luster.
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.
1. Peppermint Oil
With a fresh aroma, this strongly concentrated oil must be diluted before applying the scalp. It penetrates the scalp and stimulates the hair follicle, allowing for more oxygen production that gives your curls the green light to grow.Tip:
Apply it directly to the scalp with a gentle massage and cover for 20 to 30 minutes.Check out this DIY Peppermint Pre-Poo recipe to help stimulate blood circulation to your scalp.
2. Lavender Oil
This sweet smelling product has antibacterial properties that keep the scalp clean and the pores open. It helps to reduce issues that can prevent hair from growing like excessive dandruff.
Tip:
Use this fragrant herb as a rinse by boiling it in water and allowing it to cool. You can also use it as a deep conditioning treatment by infusing it with oil for three or four weeks before using.
Don’t know what to do with the remaining lavender oil? Here are 5 Ways to Use Lavender Oil.
3. Rosemary Oil
Hailed as one of the most effective oils in hair growth, rosemary oil is known for its scalp stimulating properties. It gets the blood circulating in your scalp, which also assists with thinning edges and balding spots.
Tip:
Try diluting this essential oil with jojoba oil and gently massaging it into your scalp.
If you want to use products that have rosemary oil in the formula, check out 8 Herbs for Healthy Hair article.
4. Stinging Nettle
This herb does double duty. Allowing stinging nettle oil to sit in your hair overnight can help combat hair loss and also give your curls a boost in the growth department. The nutrients help regenerate the hair and prevent the overproduction of DHT, a hormone that contribute to hair loss.
Tip:
You can purchase this herb in oil form and leave it on overnight or make a tea and use it as a rinse.
5. Jamaican Black Castor Oil
It can be incredibly frustrating to have a nice, full head of curls with noticeably thinning edges due to heat usage, over-styling, or other types of damage. Now that you know how to treat your hair better, you can make amends by applying Jamaican black castor oil to your trouble zones. As with any remedy, patience is required but if you are persistent about using it, the thickness of your edges will return.
If you are wondering what exactly is castor oil, read about Jamaican Black Castor Oil and 4 Reasons Why Castor Oil is Basically Magic.
6. Aloe Vera
This mega hair growth stimulant is jam-packed with more than 20 minerals and an abundance of vitamins like A, C, and E (just to name a few”>. It helps hair grow by reducing the overproduction of sebum — an oily substance that your scalp secretes. Excessive sebum can slow hair growth by clogging your pores. Because it is an antibacterial, aloe vera works by zapping that oily build-up and allowing your pores to breathe.
Read more about The Science of Aloe Vera and the benefits for your hair.
7. Sage Oil
This oil increases blood circulation to your hair follicle. It also aids in controlling excessive sebum from the scalp. If your curls are limp and your strands aren’t growing, sage oil might be the move for you.
To incorporate sage in your regimen, here is a Herb Infused Hot Oil Hair Treatment to try.
8. Onion Juice
The smell might be less than pleasant to some (or most”> but this DIY treatment has been used for ages and for a good reason — it works! Thanks to its high sulfur content, it is incredibly effective in stimulating and increasing your blood circulation.
Tip:
Blend or chop onions and then strain the juice. Apply to your hair for 15 min. and then wash thoroughly.
Are you thinking onion juice is weird, well it gets weirder. Check out this list of Weird Hair Ingredients.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
When your scalp is battling build-up, trying to get your curls to grow is an uphill battle. Product build-up, dirt, and grime all contribute to disrupting your scalp’s natural pH levels and effecting growth. Restore balance and stimulate hair growth with an ACV rinse following your shampoo. It will leave your hair soft and give it shine.
Want to know more about the chemistry behind apple cider vinegar and your hair? The CurlChemist gives us The Scoop on Vinegar.
10. Eggs
Eggs are full of all of the major essential vitamins and minerals (except for C”> including zinc, iron and selenium.
Tip:
Try beating an egg and applying it to your hair in order to increase oxygen and blood production to the scalp. This application also assist in healthy cell division. Rinse it out after 20 minutes with cold water (warm water makes it curdle and stick to your hair”> and shampoo.
Give it a few tries in order to gauge results.
Eggs are also a great help for those with high porosity hair. Check out this Rum and Egg Hair Recipe if you have difficulty sustaining moisture in your strands.
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
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
Split Ends
If you’ve got that frayed look going on at the ends, it’s time to break out the scissors and let those bad boys go once and for all. Don’t fret about losing an inch or two after a snip. Breakage is what makes your hair look thinner and shorter, so a little trim will only help in the long run.
Uneven Layers
Unless it is entirely intentional, having a bunch of layers in your hair is not a good thing for your curls. When you see formless, uneven strands it can indicate that you need a trim to get things back in order. Sometimes flyaways and frizz can be common signs that you’re due for a cut.
No Volume or Shape
Does your hair seem like it’s always flat no matter what you do? When you notice that your hair is lacking definition or volume, that’s a sign that your coil structure is suffering. Revive your curls with a quick trim to help bring back that va-va-voom.
Detangling Battles
By now you definitely know the texture of your hair after a good wash and how long it normally takes to detangle your curls and coils. If the process starts to become increasingly difficult and requires smaller sections to detangle, it’s time for a cut.
Knotty Spots
Knots are indicators of weak points in your hair. Although many people experience a few knots along their journey, if you’ve got major tangles hanging onto the ends of your hair, do your curls a favor and just snip ‘em.
Stunted Length Retention
Is your bathroom counter and floor cluttered with little strands of your hair after you’re done doing your ‘do? When your hair is stuck at one length, that’s a pretty clear sign that it wants a little trim. Damaged ends can keep your curls from attaining their full growth potential. Getting rid of the run-down ends can do wonders for your hair’s progress.
Check Your Calendar
Whether or not you want to or feel like it, you should consider trimming your hair about every eight weeks to maintain its health and get rid of damaged hair.
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
Research
There are a number of ways to improve your scalp’s health if you’re feeling itchy. Do some research about your hair type. Pay attention to your scalp and how it reacts to elements like the weather and look up some products that have helped others with their incessant scratching. Information is power and the more you know about your unique curls, the better armed you’ll be to face your itchy opponent.
Check Yourself
Using heavy oils on low porosity strands will just leave you with a layer of oil that will not fully penetrate the cuticle in order to soften and moisturize your hair. Although coconut oil is a staple for many curlies, using lighter oils like grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil may be more effective alternatives for your stubborn strands.
Frankie Says Relax
Stressing out is one way to amp up your hormones and make your body release inflammatory chemicals that can affect your scalp’s ability to maintain its natural moisture balance. This compromises the protective layer of your scalp that keeps you from getting infections and rashes. So, if you’re a nervous nelly with a major itch, it’s time to calm down and get your life together.
Get in touch with nature
It’s true, avocados and bananas are delicious and great for the skin but they are also extremely beneficial for your curls, too. These two are jam-packed with moisture and nutrients that really do wonders to rejuvenate your dry scalp. You can add them to your regular diet as well as apply them directly to your scalp for a super hydrating treatment that your hair will thank you for later. Check out this DIY Avocado and Banana hair Mask tutorial!
Moisturize
Dry equals itchy, so keep your scalp clean and moisturized to stop the need to scratch up a storm. A good place to start is by increasing the amount of water you drink everyday. If you already drink a lot, drink more. Also, keep or add deeply moisturizing oils to your hair regimen to keep your scalp from getting too thirsty. Eucalyptus oil and jojoba oil are a great combination for moisturizing and relieving an itchy scalp.
4 Products for Low Porosity Hair
Think of your hair like a sponge. Your curls have the same ability as a sponge: soak in and absorb moisture.
Hair porosity is the factor that affects how much moisture your hair can absorb. It is the cuticle or outer layer of the hair that defines whether hair has high, normal, or low porosity.
The Thing About Low Porosity…
Hair with low porosity has incredibly compact, flat cuticles that make it difficult to absorb moisture.
This tightly bound outer layer is what keeps water and products from deeply penetrating your hair. If you notice that water beads up on your hair before it is absorbed or that your curls maintain dryness no matter what you do, first find out the porosity of your hair and then try reaching for a few of these products that may help alleviate your frustration.
MORE: What is Your Porosity?
Clarifying Shampoo
As if having low porosity hair is not annoying enough, having product build-up on your hair makes it even more difficult for product to absorb.
Using a clarifying shampoo like Giovanni Tea Tree Shampoo helps to cleanse gunk off of your curls and get that outer layer primed for moisture absorption.
Lighter oils
Using heavy oils on low porosity strands will just leave you with a layer of oil that will not fully penetrate the cuticle in order to soften and moisturize your hair.
Although coconut oil is a staple for many curlies, using lighter oils like grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil may be more effective alternatives for your stubborn strands.
Deep Conditioner
Some people swear by heated conditioning while others find it to be too much but either way, deep conditioning is a must for low porosity hair.
You can try Tigi Moisture Maniac Conditioner or go the D.I.Y route and use an herbal alternative like henna, amla, or indigo.
MORE: The 411 on Hair Porosity
Humectants
Another moisture reinforcement is using products with humectants. Humectants like honey and glycerin help to draw moisture from the air and infuse it into the hair.
Differences in weather and humidity can play a part in how effective a particular humectant may be, so experiment and find out what works best for where you live.
Beware of These Foods!
1. Sugar
For your hair’s sake, please step away from the sweets. Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein and we all know how important protein is for your hair. Vitamin E is also essential for healthy hair growth and sugar can lower the level of vitamin E that needs to get to your strands! Don’t fret– this doesn’t mean you have to cut out sugar altogether. It just means that you should reduce your intake. You should consider substituting for natural sources of sugar like fruits or vegetables if you can’t kick the habit.
2. Salt
Extra salt is delicious on fries, popcorn or that bland dish that you got while eating out for lunch. But, it should be used in moderation because excess sodium has been shown to cause hair to shed excessively. Sodium should be limited to less than 2300 mg a day and even less if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or are over the age of 51. If you want to keep your curls full of body, sprinkle with caution.
3. Bleached White Flour
Some people avoid carbs like a plague but mostly because they’re concerned about their hips, and not necessarily their hair. Starchy foods are broken down into sugar and can cause your hair to thin. If you are having a whirlwind love affair with starchy foods like bread, pastas, cakes, and other floury deliciousness, it’s time to consider consumer smaller amount, just for a while.
4. Soft Drinks
It can be hard to give up that lunchtime soda because it compliments your meal and provides a kick of caffeine in order to get through the day, but consider what’s really going on when you pick up that carbonated soft drink. One soda contains an inordinate amount of processed sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and chemical-filled colors that don’t provide any nutrients for your hair– except completely dry out your hair. Even if you’re sipping on water, soda will still contribute to the dehydration of your strands and turn your cute curls into a brittle mess.
5. Alcohol
If you want to keep a full head of hair, it might be in your best interest to reduce your alcohol intake starting…now. Excessive drinking reduces the amount of zinc, folic acid, vitamin B, and vitamin C in your body. What does that mean for your curls? It weakens your hair, makes it difficult to grow, and contributes to hair loss if you’re overindulging with the loose juice. No one is saying you can’t turn up with the girls on the weekends or enjoy a much-deserved post-work cocktail, but constant consumption can definitely take a toll if you aren’t mindful of your intake.
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?
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
Kale & Spinach
Spinach and Kale are incredibly nutritious and beneficial veggies to add to your regular diet.
Because these powerhouse greens are high in vitamin C, vitamin K and calcium, they help to strengthen your hair.
Plus, thanks to their high water content, they provide your hair with moisture and contribute to its overall appearance.
We Recommend:
Creamy Kale & Spinach Coconut Linguine
PHOTO COURTESY OF FOODESS
Sweet Potatoes
Rich in vitamin A, sweet potatoes are excellent for cell growth thanks to its high beta-carotene content.
Without enough vitamin A, our curls can really become dried out and brittle.
Bonus: the antioxidants in them also fight aging, your skin will thank you as well.
We Recommend
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TARTTART
Lentils
Protein is an important component for hair growth because without enough protein for keratin (which gives our hair its structure”>, strands become weaker and hair growth slows down immensely.
Lentils are a great source of iron-rich protein and can assist in maintaining steady lengthening of your curls over time.
We Recommend
Slow Cooker Lentil & Pumpkin Chili
PHOTO COURTESY OF HEALTHY DELICIOUS
Avocado
There are myriad DIY treatments that include avocado as an ingredient due to its awesome moisturizing properties, but you can do your hair a favor by doing more than just putting it on your hair.
Eating avocados is great for your curls because they’re loaded with vitamin E, vitamin C, B6 and other nutrients including antioxidants that protect against cell damage.
We Recommend
Stuffed Avocados
PHOTO COURTESY OF SIX SISTERS’ STUFF
Aloe Vera Juice
We all know good old H20 is the chief source for moisture but sipping on aloe vera juice is also great for preventing parched hair.
It is helpful for bringing thickness back to thinning hair, reducing dandruff from excessive dryness and also stimulates hair growth.
We Recommend
Aloe Vera Orange Juice
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSALIE’S RECIPES
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.
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
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
1. Don’t Freak Out
First things first — remain calm! Panicking about your situation will truly only make things worse.
Take a deep breath, stop agonizing at your hair in the mirror and collect yourself. This can be fixed! Assess the damage and start to think critically about what you can do to correct this issue. It’s not the end of the world and although it may feel like a major disaster, you will survive.
PHOTO COURTESY OF EVELYNFROMTHEINTERNETS
2. Step Away From the Bleach
You first thought to remove or at least lift the heinous coloring from your hair might be bleach, but that’s a no-no. Your hair is already gone through enough processing and adding bleach on top of your dye will only make it more dry, more brittle and will eat away at your underlying color.
Resisting this knee-jerk reaction will save you from another tragic fiasco.
PHOTO COURTESY OF EVELYNFROMTHEINTERNETS
3. Act Fast
You don’t have to throw your whole DIY philosophy out of the window just because this dye job didn’t quite work out.
The weird hues, whether it’s orangey, greenish or some other unintentionally unflattering shade, can be helped a little with at-home treatment that acts fast. Baking soda is good at stripping unwanted color from your hair due it’s mild bleaching properties but should be combined with a thick cleaning agent like dish detergent [great for removing unwanted oils] or dandruff shampoo. Don’t go overboard on the baking soda, though, just double up on the number of times you’re washing. Aim for 3 or 4 times to start.
4. Clarify, Clarify, Clarify
If you’ve gone too dark, taking action quickly is incredibly important. The pigment is already sticking to your strands but you can help lift some color with a thorough shampoo session with an intentionally clarifying product and very warm to hot water. If you have any color removal product, now is the time to use it. Keep in mind that permanent black dye is nearly impossible to remove and will require professional assistance..
PICTURED: CURLS PURE CURL CLARIFYING SHAMPOO, ELUCENCE VOLUME CLARIFYING SHAMPOO, KINKY CURLY COME CLEAN SHAMPOO
5. Consult a Professional
Look, you tried your best and it didn’t work out. Sure you saved a few dollars, but the results were clearly not worth it. Research some beauty shops, dig deep down into those pockets, put your ego on the shelf for a second and take yourself to get the look you really wanted done right. Sure, they might be using the same brand of dye you just tried and seemingly doing the same exact thing you are doing, but please believe they are called professionals for a reason. Let them help you.
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
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
Topknots
This year, the topknot was our bad hair day savior. In fact, this hairstyle is so easy some might say we abused it a little in the NaturallyCurly office. It’s just so convenient and cute, plus it works for almost every curl type!
Don’t believe us? Watch Evelyn’s tutorial for a Messy White Girl Bun.
PHOTO WEHEARTIT, ORIGINAL SOURCE UNKNOWN
Pastels
From cotton candy pink to lovely lavender, pretty colors were a popular trend that took cute to dangerously high levels this year. The trend even has a few of us on the NaturallyCurly considering a bold color job in 2014.
For blondes, you can easily make the switch with either permanent or temporary hair dye like Manic Panic. But for darker hair you will need to first lighten your hair (as white as possible for a true color”> before you add the pastel.
One temporary solution is to try hair chalk or eyeshadow! Watch our video for a full tutorial.
PHOTO MILLIEONHERWORLD
Braids & Twists
Everyone remembers wearing braids as a girl, but this year braids and twists paired with waves and curls gave this romantic look a modern update. If you have long wavy hair and want to try a similar braided style, check out Cristina’s festival hairstyle video.
PHOTO JOHN FREIDA
Wet Hair
Sleek locks have always been a shampoo-ad staple, but this year extra doses of high shine and lots of gleam gave hair an almost-wet, super moisturized look on the runways.
This one works for glossy makeup’d models with high cheekbones on the runways – but in real life this trend just looks like you didn’t dry your hair before you left the house. And for curlies, permanently wet hair tends to look a little on the crunchy side.
PHOTO FASHIONISING
Pompadours
It’d be hard to deny that Janelle Monae probably had hand in this trend, but this year the pomp was a hot look for loads of celebs whether they had short hair like Miley Cyrus or coily hair like YouTuber NaturallyCurious. Watch her full tutorial for this look here.
PHOTO NATURALLYCURIOUS
Beachy Waves
Long, loose waves are just an everyday reality for some curly girls but this year waves stepped their game up with vintage styles, vampy side sweeps and luscious, relaxed curlicues.
We love the sexy hair stylings of the NastyGal online store, so we were pretty excited when their hairstylist released a step-by-step tutorial for how he achieves them! This works best for our Type 2 Wavy sisters.
PHOTO NASTYGAL
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.
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
Beer
Believe it or not, this party staple has more than just once function. Instead of simply drinking it, some have tried using it on their hair rinse after shampooing, citing the brew as a good source of protein that coats damaged hair.
Onion Juice
If you can get past the strong, sulfurous smell then this is the ingredient you need to help with thinning and greying hair. Studies have actually shown that helps in regenerating hair follicles and is helpful in treating fungal infections which can sometimes cause hair loss.
Molasses
This thick, sweet syrup is often found in the kitchen cabinet but can be used to help increase moisture in hair just like a conditioner.
Tea
It’s true, you can drink tea for hair growth but you can also use it on your hair. Pick the type according to your own color – black tea for dark hair, chamomile for lighter hair – and allow it to sit. You can deepen, boost or brighten your hair color with some fresh-brewed tea that compliments your natural color. It also softens your curls.
