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As curly girls, our hair loses moisture at a faster rate than our straight haired sisters – leaving our tresses more prone to frizz, breakage, and split ends. A good conditioner (or two or three”> is a must in our hair care arsenal, but they’re not one formula fits all. No need to fret though, there are so many varieties from countless brands-there’s a conditioner out there for every curly girl! While some relish the process of trial and error that comes with testing out new products, you can skip all that with this recommendations for the best conditioner for your hair type!
What’s your curl type?
Before you read on, it’s important that you know your hair type. If you don’t, you can take our quick quiz or as a brief summary Type 2 hair consists of loose waves and a few curls, Type 3 hair has more defined spirals and ringlets, and Type 4 hair consists of tighter coils and Afro-textured hair.
Type 2A: MopTop Daily Conditioner
This cone-free conditioner is infused with sea botanicals and honey. It’s made with natural humectants, which work to hydrate hair by increasing the absorption rate through hair layers. It penetrates the hair, which builds up the moisture content and helps prevent split ends.
Type 2B: AG Hair Cosmetics Re:coil Curl Activating Conditioner
With AG’s patented C3 curl-creating complex, this rich conditioner performs on 3 levels: it penetrates the hair shaft to provide moisture and strength, shrinks the cuticle to intesify curls, and improves flexibility and smoothness.
Type 2C: DevaCurl One Condition
This hair type tends to be more resistant to styling and will frizz easily so you need a thick, frizz reducing conditioner to help create defined curls. DevaCurl One Condition ultra creamy daily conditioner provides maximum hydration and is perfect for 2C curls. Bonus: this ultra moisturizing daily conditioner protects color or chemically processed curls as well!
Type 3A: Kinky Curly Knot Today
Leave-In conditioners, like Kinky Curly Knot Today are great for Type 3A curlies! Not only does it make it a cinch to detangle hair, it leaves curls shiny and well moisturized without being weighed down and heavy.
Type 3B: Mixed Chicks Leave In Conditioner
Type 3B curls can also benefit from the hydrating prowess of a leave in conditioner! Mixed Chicks Leave In Conditioner is a great option. It’s lightweight, non-sticky (great smelling”> formula leaves curls soft to the touch, yet defines curls and locks in moisture. It penetrates deep into the hair shaft and conditions locks as it smoothes the follicle. To use, saturate hair from root to ends with Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner and use a t-shirt to get rid of excess moisture.
Type 3C: Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner
This hair type needs extra moisture and tender-loving care since it’s so fragile, so picking the right conditioner is key to its health. Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner has banana extract to help soften your hair while luxurious oils smooth and protect the hair shaft. Hibiscus helps to revitalize the hair (it is known to have excellent anti-oxidant properties”>. Bonus: this rich, thick concoction literally smells bananas, making it a pleasure to use each and every time!
Type 4A: MYHoneyChild Olive You Deep Conditioner
Type 4 hair has fewer cuticle layers than other hair types, which means it has less natural protection from damage. Not only should you contemplate cowashing with a conditioner, you also need a good deep conditioner in your arsenal. One to check out: MYHoneyChild’s Olive You Deep Conditioner (how cute is that name?”>. It is formulated with soy milk, minerals, and amino acids to help rebuild your hair, plus seaweed to soften and oils to increase strength.
Type 4B: Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner
You’ll want a conditioner that provides lots of slip to safely remove all traces of tangles and snarls from your fragile tresses. Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner has the benefit of not only being all natural, organic, silicone, sulfate, and paraben free-it packs serious moisturizing power (thanks to alow vera gel, hemp oil, and honey”> AND it can be used as a leave in!
Type 4C: Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment
Your tresses look best when you utilize a deep conditioning cowash, oils, rich creams, and butters, as well as a nourishing leave in treatment! Jessicurl’s Deep Conditioning Treatment (especially combined with a little bit of heat”> will not only add some serious moisturize to your hair, it will work to strengthen it too!
All Types: Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
All curlies unite! Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner is a product that EVERY curly girl should have in their collection! It’s a dual-purpose, moisture-adjusting product that works to suit your hair’s unique and individual needs. It can be used as a one-minute rinse out to boost moisture levels with essential lipids and proteins, or as a leave-in lotion to provide continuous moisturizing and suppleness to unusually dry hair. Double duty indeed!
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This article was originally published in July 2013 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
Honey has many nutritional and medicinal uses, but did you know it can be beneficial in your beauty routine? Honey is a humectant (which means that it helps to retain moisture”> and an emollient (meaning that it softens and smoothes”>, which “naturally” makes it a great conditioner and moisturizer. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, so using it in your hair care routine can leave your tresses looking shinier, feeling softer, and in an overall more healthy condition. Recent studies have also shown that because of honey’s antibacterial and antioxidant properties, it can also prove beneficial in keeping your scalp healthy and promoting hair growth! There are many things you can do with honey; try out our latest honey deep conditioner recipe called “Honey, You Need to Deep Condition.”
6 Uses For Honey
Hair Growth Scalp Rub
- Mix 9 parts honey with 1 part water in a bowl
- Use your fingers to rub the mixture directly on to your scalp and massage for 2-3 minutes
- Once your scalp has been covered, pull the mixture through your hair, until it covers your hair from root to tip
- Leave the solution on your hair for up to 3 hours, then rinse thoroughly with warm water
- Repeat once a week
Honey is a natural lightener so it serves as a natural method to add subtle highlights or slightly lift your hair color overall. For a more intense affect, combine honey with your favorite conditioner, and add a squeeze of lemon juice. If you’re looking to darken your hair, consider using molasses as a substitute.
MORE: Honey Hair Lightening: Fact or Fiction?
Oil & Honey Hair Treatment
- Combine honey and extra virgin olive oil in a small, microwaveable dish
- Mix the two ingredients with a spoon and microwave for 15-30 seconds then allow it to cool for 30 seconds
- Use your hands to evenly disperse the honey and olive oil throughout your hair
- Massage it into your scalp and work from your roots to the tip of your hair
- Cover with a shower cap and let it sit for 30 minutes
- Rinse it out, preferably with cold water.
Honey Hair Conditioner
- Combine honey with an equal amount of your regular conditioner
- Rub the two together and use your hands to evenly apply the mixture through your while damp
- Massage it into your scalp and work from your roots to the tip of your hair
- Cover with a shower cap and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it out, preferably with cold water
Honey Glossing Treatment
Honey clarifies the hair as well as conditioning so your hair will look shiny and smooth.- Use raw honey to coat your curls
- Cover with a shower cap for about ten minutes
- Wash your hair as usual
Honey Leave-In
- Combine 1 teaspoon of honey (or more depending on hair length and condition”> with 4 cups of warm water
- After cleansing your hair as normal, pour the mixture through your hair and allow to dry as normal
What is bentonite clay?
Bentonite is an impure clay that usually forms from the weathering of volcanic ash and in the presence of water. There are several types of bentonite, each named after the respective dominant element, like potassium, sodium, calcium, and aluminum.
Clays like bentonite have long been used to help rid the body of toxins and to provide it with nutrients. Sometimes animals turn to eating dirt and clay to help remove poisons from their systems or in times of illness or distress.
Bentonite can be used externally as a poultice, mud pack or in the bath and, in skin care recipes. Good quality bentonite should be a grey or cream color and anything that appears to be “pure white” is suspect. It is often times packaged and distributed in powder form and should have a very fine, velvet-like feel. It is odorless and non-staining.
Bentonite clay is made of aged volcanic ash and is quite unique due to its ability to produce an electrical charge when hydrated. Upon contact with fluid, its electrical components change, giving it the ability to absorb toxins. Bentonite is known for its ability to absorb and remove toxins, heavy metals, impurities and chemicals.
How to use it
When it becomes mixed with water, bentonite clay rapidly swells open like a highly porous sponge, allowing toxins to be drawn into the sponge through electrical attraction and once there, they are bound inside of it. The clay then releases its minerals for the body to use.
Bentonite also helps oxygenate the cells, as it pulls excess hydrogen and allows the cells to replace it with oxygen instead. NEVER let bentonite come in to contact with anything metal, as this will reduce the effectiveness. You can mix it with water, apple cider vinegar, or extra virgin olive oil in a glass or plastic vessel and use plastic utensils to thoroughly mix.
There are many uses for bentonite:
Use Bentonite clay on
- burns
- blemishes
- insect bites
- eczema
- dry hair & scalp
- A paste of bentonite clay and water can be used on the skin for any irritation like blemishes, insect bites, cuts, skin itching or burns. Leave it on until it dries and then wash it off. This can be especially calming to skin suffering from eczema, psoriasis, chicken pox, etc.
- For more severe issues (like burns”>, you can create a poultice by putting a thick layer of clay on the skin and applying a wet gauze or cloth over it, then wrap the area and leave the poultice on, changing every 2 hours.
- For smooth and healthy skin, make a paste of bentonite and water and apply to your face as a mask. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off. This can be done once or twice a week.
- Adding a ¼ cup of bentonite to a bath can serve as a very relaxing and detoxifying bath that soothes and softens the skin.
- Bentonite can be used to clarify AND condition the hair (in one step!”>, by effectively removing product build-up without stripping the hair like shampoo, leaving your hair conditioned and moisturized throughout.
Oils used to be the bad guy, but now they’re all the rage. Every curly and her mama is raving about the benefits of coconut oil. But there is more to the world of oils than coconut and EVOO! Here are a few more oils that your hair (and skin”> will be happy to be introduced to.
7 New oils you haven’t tried yet
Emu Oil
Emu oil is an all-natural oil obtained from the inedible parts of the emu, a flightless bird related to the ostrich. Aboriginal tribes in Australia have been taking advantage of the healing powers of emu oil for ages. Emu oil has an uncanny ability to cause cellular regeneration in the skin, making it excellent for burns and scars and even the effective reduction of wrinkles and the renewing of elasticity in the skin.
Because it is hypoallergenic, antibacterial and rich in beneficial fatty acids, hair can also benefit greatly from regular use of emu oil treatments, and actually experience nearly three times its normal cellular activity. Emu oil can help hair appear livelier, healthier and be more resilient to environmental and hormonal stresses.
Since it is also anti-fungal and antibacterial, emu oil helps to break down buildup and residue at the scalp and roots, which can increase volume and manageability. The moisturizing properties of the oil make it an ideal ingredient for conditioners.
Yarrow Oil
You can tell yarrow oil apart by its deep blue color. Add it to your shampoo and massage the scalp as it is known to regenerate the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
MORE: Foraging for Beauty
Argan Oil
Women in Morocco have been using argan oil for generations to achieve more youthful, healthy skin. It reduces inflammation and redness, improves hydration, and can even been used to treat scars and acne.
You can also use argan oil as a hair treatment for deep conditioning or as a pre-styling product-it restores shine to hair and helps mend split ends. It’s packed with twice as much Vitamin E as other oils so it’s also amazing for your nails and cuticles.
MORE: Argan Oil and Ximenia Oil: Ancient Ingredients Made New
Tamanu Oil
Tamanu oil is a nut-based oil with many known uses from reducing inflammation and irritation to helping with hair and skin regeneration, making it a great topical treatment for acne, sunburns, and scarring. Use on thick, dry hair as a moisturizing treatment before or after shampooing. You’ll find that this oil is a little pricey because the Tamanu nut tree only grows in the Polynesian islands, so dilute it in a carrier oil like jojoba.
Avocado Oil
Avocado Oil is rich in essential fatty acids that strengthen the hair and keep it moisturized, and the vitamin E it contains also conditions and moisturizes, while the proteins in avocado oil can fortify your hair.
Applying avocado oil directly into your hair not only keeps the hair strong and beautiful, it is also beneficial if you are experiencing dandruff or scalp psoriasis. Avocado oil acts as a natural sunscreen, and helps to protect your hair and scalp from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a light oil that locks moisture inside the skin so cells have enough water to work efficiently. It can be used to nourish the scalp and hair without leaving the buildup of other oils that weigh the hair down.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Jamaican Black Castor Oil has a traditionally been known as an all-purpose healing oil. Though it can be used to treat dietary ailments as well as to treat various skin disorders, it is now most popularly used in hair care.
As an unrefined form of castor oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil is very rich in nutritive properties. Jamaican Black Castor Oil is processed differently from usual versions of castor oil- it is made by manually roasting and then grinding the castor beans. Then the beans are heated up and the oil extracted from the crushed beans. It’s the unique roasting process that gives Jamaican Black Castor Oil its distinct dark color.
Many people turn to Jamaican Black Castor Oil to aid in hair growth. It has been proven to be extremely effective in this because it increases the blood flow to the scalp while also supplying nutrition to the hair follicles.
Because JBCO is rich in vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids, it is also excellent for treating damaged, dry, and brittle hair by providing intense moisture to the hair and scalp. It also acts as a humectant, so it attracts and locks moisture into the hair shaft.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil can treat and prevent dandruff and dissolves any build-up from hair products or from other sources that has accumulated in the pores of the scalp. In its all natural form, it is also safe to use on eyebrow and eyelashes to thicken their volume as well.
As tempting as it is to want to sink into a hot bath or relax in a steamy shower, particularly with the harsh weather and dropping temperatures outside, using hot water can sometimes dry out our skin and hair. Cold water is actually known to be better for you, and unlike hot water, it does not dry skin and hair, making them prone to damage. Find out why you should consider taking a cold shower from now on!
Beauty Benefits of Cold Water
Sebum
Both our skin and our hair are protected by a layer of natural oil or lubrication called sebum. Hot water can dry up that precious layer of sebum, making our skin dry and hair fragile. Hot water can also lead to the pores becoming clogged if we go out directly after exposure.
Cold water can make our hair look shinier and our skin look healthier. Cold showers are one of the great anti-aging secrets for keeping your skin tight, elastic, vibrant, and radiant looking. They can also lead to stronger hair, which can prevent hair from easily falling out and slow down overall hair loss.
Closes the cuticle
Cold water does keep your hair cuticles closed which makes the hair stronger and prevents dirt from easily accumulating within your scalp. Stronger hair prevents hair from being easily pulled out when you are combing, and it helps in slowing down overall hair loss.
Cold water rinses after shampooing and conditioning help to tighten up the cuticle layer and can be beneficial for those who have problems with oily scalp and hair.
Good for the skin
Bathing your entire body in cold water for 2-4 minutes at the end of your shower will also help to rejuvenate your skin. After opening your pores and washing them out with warm water, you can seal them up naturally with a cold splash! Cold water works to tighten pores, preventing them from getting clogged, and reducing blemishes like acne.Cold water also contributes to detoxification, by squeezing toxins and waste products out of the skin. The cold water also helps to slow down oil production in the skin for a period of time following the rinsing.
Less frizz
The exact same damage that occurs to your skin in a hot shower also happens to your hair. Hot water dries out your hair stripping it of its natural healthy oils. After you wash your hair in warm water, using both your shampoo and conditioner, bathing in cold water helps close cuticles. This helps to support hair strength and even comes with the added benefit of shiny, less frizzy appearing hair (especially important for us curly girls”>.
Cold air
Cold water will keep your hair looking healthier and shinier. As a matter of fact, cool air makes your hair shinier too (that’s why there is a cool air button on your hair dryer”>.
The case for hot water
If the thought of cold showers has you shaking in your boots, fret not! Hot water has its benefits too.
When the hair is heavily soiled with build-up of products or waxy substances, using hot water provides a better clean from the shampoo used. The heat and moisture help to expand the cuticle layer (the opposite of what happens with cold water”> and can help conditioners to penetrate more deeply when applied to hair warmed by hot water.
Split ends occur when the hair shaft splits or frays due to damage, environmental causes, or overuse of heat. Once they develop, the only remedy is a pair of scissors. But there are steps that you can take to prevent and protect your hair from developing those pesky split ends. Treating and protecting your ends will lead to fewer tangles (a curly girls’ ultimate foe”> and ultimately length retention.
5 Ways to treat split ends
Deep condition
Dry and brittle hair is more prone to split ends. Deep condition your hair at least once a week to keep it supple and full of moisture.
Cool it
Avoid using heated styling tools as much as possible. When you do choose to use them, start with clean, well moisturized and heat protected hair and use the lowest setting possible.
Finger comb
Your hands are quite adept at feeling out and removing even the smallest knots and tangles, and are far more gentle on your tresses than any comb or brush.
If using a comb, avoid those with teeth set close together. Try the Denman D3 Brush or NaturallyCurly.com’s Shower Comb. Avoid excessive teasing and backcombing when styling your hair as well.
Wear a protective style
Incorporating protective styles into your routine will help protect your ends. Keeping your hair together, tucked away and off of your shoulders will keep them from harshfriction and the environment.
Trim your tips
Examine your ends regularly and snip, snip, snip when necessary. Every so often, visit a professional stylist for a proper trim and shaping.
Protect your hair
Regular cotton sheets can create friction while you sleep and roughing up your cuticle. To combat nighttime damage, sleep wearing a satin bonnet or on a silk pillowcase.
MORE: The Real Satin Bonnet
Seal your ends
After moisturizing your hair, use hair oils and butters to seal in moisture and add shine to dry, damaged curls. Choose the right product based on the thickness of your hair to avoid weighing it down.
Eat for healthy hair
The health of your hair is directly tied to the health of the rest of your body. Make sure you are drinking enough water and eating a healthy diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables.
To start the year with your hair at its healthy best, it is important to make sure your products and routines are in tip top shape. Here are some pointers that will help make sure you start the year with hair that looks and feels healthy.
Start the year with healthy hair
Deep Condition
If you aren’t already deep conditioning regularly, now’s the time to start! In fact, to combat the effects of indoor heating, extra deep conditioning treatment at least once a week is a must.
Use products that hold in moisture, like Bee Mine Bee-U-Ti-Ful Deep Conditioner. Its combination of unrefined shea butter, cupuaca butter, raw honey and organic coconut oil work to rejuvenate dry hair and restore and maintain moisture so that your hair is shiny and healthy.
Wash less
Cutting down on how often you wash and even wet your hair can lead to healthier hair and shorten your morning routine!
Not only is stepping out in the cold with wet hair not a good idea in general, if you live in a super cold climate, exposing your wet tresses to freezing temps could lead to your hair freezing and breaking off! Lower temperatures means less sweating, which means that you don’t need to wash your hair as often.
Once a week with a non-stripping shampoo, like the sulfate-free Design Essentials Curl Cleanser, should suffice to cleanse the hair and scalp.
Experiment
If you are normally a “wash and go” wearer, this the perfect opportunity to experiment and add more protective styles into your repertoire.
Not only do styles like braids, twists and uber chic buns help to keep your ends protected, they really protect your hair from harsh weather conditions much better than wool hats and scarves. Those can actually lead to damage and breakage with prolonged wear.
If you do notice any breakage, a product rich in natural oils and butters, like Jane Carter Solution Nourish and Shine may be just the remedy you need!
Cut down on heat
One of the perks of this time of year is the cooler temperatures (and less sweating!”> which allows you to cut down on the use of heating tools.
Many find that with the right techniques and styling products, straight styles are easier to maintain in the fall and winter months. So even if you’re used to pulling out the flat or curling iron on a daily basis, wait and see if perhaps you can go for more days in between touch ups that require heating tools that can further sap the moisture from your tresses.
Remember to always protect your fragile tresses whenever using heat tools by also using some sort of heat protection, like Carol’s Daughter Macadamia Heat Protection Gloss!
One of the great things about curly hair is that’s it’s so versatile allowing you to wear a wide variety of styles. So the next time you’re looking to change up your look try one of these quick and easy curly hairstyles and celebrate the joys of natural hair!
Easy Curly Hairstyles
Chic and Low Side Bun
- As soon as you get out of the shower, part your hair on one side.
- Using Your fingers, apply a smoothing cream to damp curls. Comb it through with your fingers then allow curls to dry naturally.
- Once your hair is totally dry, finger comb curls to the side (near the nape of your neck by either of your ears”> and hold them in your hands as if you are making a ponytail.
- Loosely wrap an elastic around your ponytail twice. On the third time, only pull your hair halfway through to create a bun.
- Use your fingers to loosen up the bun and to add a bit of volume. You can also add a pretty clip or accessory right behind your ear.
Ride the Wave
- This style starts in the shower. Make sure to use a deep conditioner so that the hair is moisturized before starting. Then evenly distribute a generous amount of smoothing cream through curls once they’re damp.
- Part your hair (down the center or either side, whichever way frames your face shape the best”> and allow curls to air dry. Comb through the curls with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently loosen them into waves.
- Optional: For more drama and volume, gently tease the ends of your hair.
- Finish the look with a light misting of an anti-frizz holding spray to keep flyaways at bay.
Half and Half
- Apply smoothing cream to your wet hair in sections and allow your curls to dry naturally.
- Once it’s completely dry, take the top half of your hair and pull it back into a ponytail. Use a barrette or bobby pins to secure hair down at the back.
- Make sure to give hair a generous spray of anti-frizz hairspray to prevent your curls from getting frizzy.
Romantic Bun
- While your hair is still wet, apply a moisturizing curl cream and blow dry using a diffuser attachment.
- Loosely gather your curls and secure them in a ponytail.
- Twist curls into a bun and pin down the ends with bobby pins. For more control, try putting the ponytail into a two strand twist before coiling it into a bun.
- Allow any curls near your hairline to fall out as wispy tendrils.
And if all else fails…
Headband to the Rescue!
- To give your curls definition, apply a styling gel while they’re damp and then use a diffuser to speed up the drying process.
- Use your fingers to to comb the top section of your hair back into a half updo and secure it with a barette or clip.
- Slip on a headband and your push hair back away from your hairline. Be careful not to touch your curls too much as this could cause them to frizz!
- Finish the look with a final spritz of an anti-humidity hairspray to tame any flyaways.
Recommended Products
Smoothing cream
Darcy’s Botanicals Sweet Cocoa Bean Curl Smoothing Cream
Anti-frizz holding spray
Moisturizing curl cream
Styling gel
Ah… the joys of motherhood. Along with the rewards of seeing your progeny blossom and grow, you get to learn a whole new level of multitasking, because no matter how much you love your bundle(s”> of joy, they are perhaps the biggest time sucks known to (wo”>man.
Every curly girl knows that one of the most time consuming parts of her beauty regimen are her tresses. So how does a busy mom juggle taking care of her wunderkind and keep her curls (and the wee bits’”> looking fab? Here are a few tips and tricks!
Tips for Busy Moms
1. Know your texture
First and foremost, know and embrace your natural texture. Don’t waste time trying to turn your hair into something it’s not. While it may be in your feminine nature to want to explore and experiment with different styles and products, once you find a look, technique and regimen that’s tried and true for you, stick to it!
If you haven’t found just the right products for your regimen, look to curlies with similar textures and ask what they use. NaturallyCurly.com and YouTube have countless resources to help you find your holy grails.
2. Moisturize
The secret to great curls is moisture! Use a nourishing, non drying shampoo (I love Clear Ultra Shea Shampoo“>. I also like to further flex my multitasking muscle in the shower by choosing a conditioner that not only covers the basics (slip for detangling, moisturizing, and residue/buildup free”>, but also smells fantastic!
The right scent can turn the shower into a mini spa escape. I love the sweet peachy scent of Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner. Try coating your tresses in conditioner and covering it with a shower cap or damp towel. Take your time scrub-a-dubbing, maybe even take a moment to shave your legs (another luxury”>, while the steam from the shower helps the conditioner penetrate the hair shaft.
3. Detangle
Another method I like to utilize to make the most of my shower time, is dry detangling my hair the night before I plan on washing. Using my fingers, or a wide tooth comb, and a light oil (I prefer coconut oil or Mizani’s Supreme Oil“>, I work through small sections of hair to gently detangle them and put in two strand twists. The next day, I enter the shower with the twists still in place, this way it is easier to concentrate the shampoo on my scalp, and my hair remains untangled through the washing process.
After working the shampoo over my scalp, I remove the twists, section by section, and work the shampoo through to the ends. After thoroughly rinsing, I then use conditioner, and often times, because I saved time by detangling beforehand, I splurge and apply a deep conditioner (I’m obsessed with Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment“> to give my tresses a little extra TLC.
4. Wash and go
If you’re like me and prefer the ease of a wash and go hair style, once you exit the sanctuary of the shower, slather your still wet tresses in a creamy styling product (I like Nubian Heritage’s Honey & Black Seed Heat Protect Leave In Conditioning Cream“>, and while your head is flipped, wrap your hair with an old t-shirt or a cloth specially made for curls-like Curls Like Us Curl Cloths, to help it dry.
MORE: Simple Wash and Go Hair
5. Versatile products
Another simple way to save time (and valuable counter/cabinet space”> is to look for products that work for multiple members of your household. As a mommy to 3 girls, all with different hair textures, I know that this can be a bit daunting, but it’s well worth it in the long run.
Some products that I have found to be tried and true for all textures are:
- Eden Body Works Hair Milk (in either Peppermint Tea Tree Oil or Jojoba Monoi“>
- Kinky Curly Knot Today
- Shea Moisture Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
- Camille Rose Naturals Aloe Whipped Butter Gel
I find that each of these products work for all of us, it’s just a matter of how we use them and the results we’re trying to achieve.
Just remember, the less stressed and frazzled you are, the better it is for you and your little ones. So make sure to take full advantage of those precious moments of “me time”, to relax, rejuvenate, and pamper. A happy you leads to a happy house and having a well maintained head of waves, curls, coils, or kinks is just one simple way to get there!
There were so many styles and trends at the 2012 Annual Taliah Waajid Natural Hair Show. Enjoy this collection of fabulous natural hairstyles from the show!
MORE: Fall 2012 Fro Fashion Week Trends
Natural hairstyles
At the Huetiful Booth
Right on the heels of the opening of the brand new Huetiful Salon in downtown Atlanta, Huetiful founder and CEO Ken Burkeen (along with his staff”> set up one of the most eye catching booths at the Talia Waajid World Natural Hair Show. With the lights and steam coming from the various models of Huetiful’s beautiful steam machines, the booth looked like a curly girl’s dream of a science experiment.
Ken graciously took a moment to speak with me about Huetiful and their unique approach to hair and hair care. As a salon, Huetiful only offers “healthy hair treatments.” In fact, their stylists don’t even wear gloves when applying the revolutionary nanoSMOOTHING system (don’t worry, we’ll get back to that later”>. Ken explained that the four pillars of hair care are Cleansing, Hydrating, Conditioning, and Strengthening, and all the services provided at the salon provide those tenants to their clients.
MORE: Hairstyle Tutorials From the 2012 World Natural Hair Show
The four signature services offered at the salon are a Basic Hydrating Conditioning Treatment, a Strengthening Conditioning Treatment, the Curl Elongating (or Loosening”> Treatment, and the new nanoSMOOTHING Treatment.
All the treatments include an invigorating scalp massage, a clarifying cleansing treatment based specifically on your needs, steam therapy with the Professional Huetiful Hair Steamer, as well as a smooth finish and trim–all of this in addition to your treatment of choice.
Ken was very careful to point out that they do not over book at this salon! Not only do they guarantee a quick turnaround time (no wasting hours of your day under the dryer”>, but they offer personalized, one on one service, by limiting the number of clients in the salon at any given time.
I was particularly intrigued by the nanoSMOOTHING system. Ken explained that it was a way to expand on the versatility of curly, natural hair by not only smoothing out and defrizzing your natural texture and making it more manageable, but also by making straightening a breeze. The system’s amino acid based formula works to temporarily elongate the bonds of the hair so that when heat is applied it creates a reaction that infuses essential hair proteins inside the hair and rebuilds the hair from the inside out.
The amazing thing is that the system is not chemical! Unlike relaxers and keratin systems, the Smoothing System does not use any harsh or permanent chemicals. Because the active molecules in the patented system are so small, the Huetiful nanoSMOOTHING System does not have to rely on harsh chemicals to ensure penetration of the smoothing treatment. It can be used on transitioning hair as well as color treated hair and the effects can last up to 12 weeks, but with no long term or permanent effects since it doesn’t break the hair bonds.
Right now, in addition to the new salon in Atlanta, there are salons that offer Huetiful services in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. Don’t live close to one of these areas? Don’t fret! You can order your own personal steamer and enjoy the Huetiful Experience at home!
I had the chance to meet the lovely creator of the U R Curly line, Monica Carruthers, at the 2012 Taliah Waajid World Natural Hair Show. When asked why she developed the line, the veteran stylist with 21 years of experience, shared that the development of U R Curly started with her own personal natural hair journey. When she started going natural 10 years ago, Monica found that the market for hair care products suited to her unique needs was lacking. As a result, she set about creating the kinds of product she and her clients needed, and U R Curly was born!
MORE: Hairstyle Tutorials From the 2012 World Natural Hair Show
The Secret Ingredient
Anyone that has had a chance to try her products is familiar with the unique cooling and tingling sensation you feel when you apply them. This pleasant effect is due to the menthol used in the shampoo and conditioner. This is an ingredient commonly used in skin care products, but is more unusual in hair care, so I asked Monica why it was included in the U R Curly line. Her response? “The sensation of the menthol on the scalp lets you know that the products are working!” Another uncommon ingredient I was curious about was the Quinoa used in the conditioner. Monica explained that her research showed that it was an excellent source of amino acids and protein and so it served as the perfect companion to the soy protein in the shampoo.
MORE: U R Curly Products Promote Growth & Help Educate
Styling Tips
Another question “tingling” in my brain, was about the proper way to use the Tight and Loose Curl Enhancers. Boy am I glad that I asked, because her answer was an epiphany! I mistakenly thought that the Loose Curl Enhancer was for curly girls with a looser curl pattern while the Tight Curl Enhancer was for those with tighter coils. In fact, both styling products utilize the same ingredients. However, the Tight Curl Enhancer is more concentrated to offer a “tighter” hold, while the Loose Curl Enhancer offers a “looser” hold, making both of them invaluable tools in any curly girl’s arsenal. And at the line’s budget friendly prices (each product retails at about $9-$10″> and easy availability, you can try all four products available now.
The wash and go can seem like one of the quickest and simplest natural hairstyles, but sometimes its hard to perfect a wash and go that works for your curls. If you love how this simple style looks on other curlies, but can’t seem to master the look on your own curls, get started with these tips from the Taliah Waajid World Natural Hair Show to create a fabulous, frizz-tamed wash and go. Modify them to meet the needs of your curls by paying attention to how your curls react to using different products, using more or less product and using different drying methods. With these tips and a little experimentation, you can discover the secret to getting springy ringlets without sacrificing volume.
MORE: Hairstyle Tutorials From the 2012 World Natural Hair Show
How to Master a Wash and Go
For 3b to 4a curls
- Start with clean hair using either a moisturizing shampoo or co-wash. Don’t forget to use a good conditioner!
- Apply a cream to help smooth and define your curls while hair is still soaking wet. This will also help to eliminate frizz.
- Flip your hair over and gently shake your tresses to separate your curls and add volume and allow to air dry. You can also try plopping or using a diffuser at the roots of your hair on a low speed and low temperature. For maximum volume, diffuse at your roots while your hair is flipped over.
- Once your hair is about half dry, lightly coat your hands in a curl defining gel or pudding. Concentrating on the top layers of your hair, and wherever you have the most problems with dryness and frizz, twirl individual curls around your fingers in order to define their shape.
- Finish with your favorite hair spray, and you and your beautiful curls are good to go!
MORE: Top 10 Curl-Defining Products
Not that they ever went anywhere, but after taking a eight year hiatus, Carol’s Daughter was one of the most popular booths at the Taliah Waajid World Natural Hair Show — no surprise to curly girls in the know! The brand’s products have long been staples in most women’s cabinets since the company’s inception. But with the newly revamped Hair Milk line and the success of the brand’s Transitioning Movement website (not to mention a long list of celebrity supporters and spokes models”>, Carol’s Daughter has become a mainstream smash hit. Yet unlike other brands that rocket through the stratosphere and ultimately lose touch with the consumer that propelled them there, the brains behind Carol’s Daughter have kept their ears to the street and continue to produce quality products for natural and relaxed consumers alike.
MORE: Fall 2012 World Natural Hair Show Recap
That was the point emphasized by Kenisha, a member of Carol’s Daughter’s marketing team. She was rocking a beautiful wash and go when I met her at the company’s booth on Saturday, so I was quite surprised to find out that she actually has a relaxer. That was yet another demonstration of how the tables have turned — instead of trying to diminish texture, we see women trying to create and encourage it. She explained that the lines within the brand that are popular among naturals (such as the Monoi line, which features bamboo water extract and pro B vitamin to promote strength”> are actually great for all types and textures of hair. In fact, one of her go to products is the new Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser from the Hair Milk line. She loves how it cleans her hair and scalp without leaving a residue.
Speaking of Hair Milk, its revamp was the topic of conversation when I got the chance to talk with Lisa Price. When asked why she decided to overhaul the line, she said that it was because of the feedback she was getting from the consumer. The new packaging, a new and improved scent throughout the line and an added formula for the popular staple are proof that when you talk, she’s listening. Count that as another reason to respect the lady behind the beloved brand.
MORE: World Natural Hair Show 2012 Trends
There were SO MANY trends at the World Natural Hair Show this weekend! But even in the variety, what stood out the most was that so many styles were really a combination of the most popular trends, making each style very personal and unique to the wearer. There were locs in bold, bright colors and twisted up in intricate up do’s. There were twists, knots, and braids combined with shaved sides and short cuts. It was a great display of how to incorporate current trends in to your personal style and really make them your own…
MORE: Fall 2012 World Natural Hair Show Recap
Hair Trends: Taliah Waajid 15th Annual World Natural Hair Show
MORE: Fall 2012 World Natural Hair Show: Stylist Spotlight
Hair Trends: Taliah Waajid 15th Annual World Natural Hair Show
If I had to sum up my wonderful weekend at the Taliah Waajid World Natural Hair Show this weekend into one overall theme, I am pleased to say that the dominant message was one of accepting and being proud of not just your hair, but of who you are. It was a great demonstration of how the natural hair movement has evolved — it is not just a social rebellion against long enforced notions of Eurocentric beauty and ideals. Who knew that one’s choice in how to wear, style, care for and maintain their hair would be a catalyst towards self-acceptance and self-respect, as well as a lead to a push towards better health and education? This weekend was proof that the trend towards natural hair in the African American community is not just a fad, but evidence of a lifestyle and cultural change that has taken hold within the community and shows no signs of letting up.
MORE: Natural Hair: A Trend or a Growing Movement?
Design Essentials stylist, Alicia gives Stacia Jackson a consultation. »
My wash and go: I’m taking notes while talking with a stylist. »
Even the security staff for the event were natural! »
The show was a product junky’s veritable paradise. There were well established hair care companies including Design Essentials and Crème of Nature, that are wisely expanding their line ups to include products to suit our unique needs; natural and curly girl favorites like Carol’s Daughter, Hair Rules and Karen’s Body Beautiful; as well as up and coming brands including U R Curly, Oyin Handmade and My Honey Child. Regardless of the size or popularity of the brand, one thing was the same with each representative I spoke to: It’s not about hair envy or striving to achieve the texture on the next girls’ head, but knowing your own tresses, taking care of them and feeling confident and capable of maintaining your own personal sense of style.
MORE: Bronner Bros International Hair Show Recap
This is obviously a message that is resonating in the natural hair community, at least among those in attendance at the show. As I reflected on the first full day and looked back at all the pictures taken, it was nearly impossible to pinpoint a dominant trend or style. So thinking that perhaps my singular scope was limited and thus not conducive to ascertaining the prevailing trends, I posed the question the next day to all of the brand representatives, vendors and exhibitors I met. Once again, there was a consensus: the trend is no trend. Women, men and children have embraced a sense of pride and individuality that has emboldened them to express themselves in a manner that is intimately personal and unique. No two styles were alike. There were loc’s, twists, braids, up do’s, twist outs, afros and wash and go’s as far as the eye could see. There were bold colors and cuts, intricate mélanges of twists, knots and braids-combined with pompadours, puffs and more.
As much as I was impressed with the vast array of creative expressions, I was even more taken with the number of women I saw sporting wash and go’s. In my opinion, that hairstyle is the ultimate sign of acceptance of your hair in its natural state and texture. There’s no attempt to stretch the strands or alter the curl pattern. It is simply a take-me-as-I-am approach to hair care. But perhaps I’m biased, as that’s definitely my go to style. I prefer to see it as a statement of self-acceptance and not at all indicative of laziness on my part, because I really like my hair just like it grows out of my head.
MORE: World Natural Hair Show 2012 Recap
Sherena King: 3 years natural; Prefers Twist Outs; Go to product is Miss Jessie’s Sweet Back Deep Treatment. »
One of the lovely models and a representative from the massive Talia Waajid booth, sporting quite a creative, Parisian inspired updo! »
Miss Kaia Woodard, daughter of one of the many awesome volunteers at the show, Daree Allen, welcomed the attendees of the show! »
After spending the weekend at the Taliah Waajid World Natural Hair Show and seeing all of the beautiful styles, receiving valuable education from all of the professionals and seeing all of the products and resources readily available to us all, the wash and go might still be my style of choice, but I’m definitely inspired and equipped to add some more variety into my repertoire!
I had the privilege of attending a class hosted by Design Essentials at the Bronner Bros Hair Show 2012. While the session was designed mainly for professional hairstylists, I was surprised at how much I learned as just a regular old hair care enthusiast and curly girl.
The class was led by Atlanta based hair stylist Deshonica Kerrie (who used her own clients as natural hair models”> and several other natural hair specialists from around the country: Yolanda Moses from Winston Salem, NC, Antecia Thomas from Pensacola, FL, Cyd Charisse Lomax from the DC area and Ketlie Hyacinthe from NY.
Deshonica demontrated different tools and techniques to be used for a variety of styles for many different hair textures. She used a combination of flexirods and two strand twists to bring added dimension and beautiful volume to a TWA and Curlformers to give a women with 3C curls more uniform and defined curls. Finally, she masterfully used the concentrator attachment with a handheld blowdryer to bring lift and height to the roots, before executing an elegant up ‘do.
MORE: Curly Hair Tips from Tamika Fletcher
Lead stylist, Deshonica Kerrie styles model’s hair using twist outs and flexi rods to achieve her look »
Design Essentials model with Curlformers hairstyle in progress »
Deshonica Kerrie styles model with an updo and demonstrates how to use a blow dryer with concentrator attachment to add volume to roots »
Design Essentials complete line of products were highlighted, particularly products from the Natural line, including some of Deshonica’s favorites: the Strengthening Therapy Cleansing Sulfate Free Shampoo, the Natural Curl Stretching Cream, the Daily Moisturizing Lotion, the Twist and Set Setting Lotion and the Curl Enhancing Mousse are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the extensive line Design Essentials have to offer to women with hair of all textures. They really seem to have whatever you need to achieve whatever look you desire!
Models with completed styles »
Tips from the Design Essentials Naturalist Class
- Do not underestimate the resource that is YouTube!
- A silk bonnet is a must have for maintaining any style.
- Make sure to communicate with your stylist in order to find out the best way to maintain a look.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with layering products in order to find the perfect cocktail for your tresses.
- Botanical oils are a great additive for steam treatments.
- Make sure that your fingers are adequately lubricated with oil when removing twists, bantu knots, etc. to ensure maximum shine and definition.
- Speaking of steam treatments: A plastic cap and the steam from the shower can be the perfect substitute for a steam machine when doing at home deep treatments.
I left the class feeling better educated on how to take care of my hair and maintain my routine wash-and-go, and completely motivated, inspired and equipped to step out of my box and try something new!
Have you tried Design Essentials? What has been your experience? Do you have a favorite product? What is your go to style and favorite tool to achieve it?
Want more from the Bronner Bros International Hair Show 2012?
Dr. Benjamin and world renowned hairstylist, Elgin Charles.There was a huge focus on health and fitness at this year’s Bronner Bros International Hair Show, culminating in a competition featuring hair stylists creating the most versatile ‘dos to accommodate an active lifestyle. US Surgeon General, Dr. Regina M. Benjamin was also in attendance to encourage women to get out and be active, and not allow their hair woes to hinder them.
Dr. Benjamin discussed the impact the trend towards “natural” has had on health care in this country. It has introduced a shift in focus from treating sickness and disease, to prevention and maintaining wellness. In line with that, she stated that there should now be more emphasis on what a person can do as opposed to what they shouldn’t be doing. For example, there should be less attention paid to actual weight loss and more to just being healthy and all that that entails. In regards to finding ways to be motivated to stay active, she recommended finding activities that are fun and that you find enjoyable (she suggested dancing, and my personal favorite, Zumba”>. One thing that has not changed, however, is the importance of the ABC’s: Take an Aspirin a day, be mindful of your Blood Pressure, keep your Cholesterol down and DO NOT SMOKE!
When asked about the adverse effects of sulfates in hair care products, Dr. Benjamin stated that, from a medical standpoint, they were totally safe. However, Mr. Charles indicated that they often times have a drying effect on the scalp, and can exacerbate conditions such as dandruff and eczema. He also recommend that curly natural girls refrain from washing their hair more than once a week and to make sure that they occasionally use a gentle clarifying shampoo in order to remove product buildup and thoroughly cleanse the scalp.
Still trying to make the connection between your hair and your fitness or exercise regimen? With all that we go through to take care of and maintain our hair, do you really look forward to a regular workout session, where you sweat out all of your hard work? That’s why communication with your hairdresser is so essential. Together, you can come up with styles, products and regimens that are easy to maintain at home. Dr. Benjamin also brought attention to the importance of the salon as the home base of a lot of communities. It’s at the hair dresser that we learn the latest gossip and discuss current events, so why not use that venue as a way to disseminate relevant news about health and fitness through our neighborhoods?
Do you find yourself refraining from exercising because you don’t want to mess up your hair? Are you able to maintain and active lifestyle? What are your tricks to maintaining your curls, coils and waves after you work up a sweat?
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