Search Results: Sandra

By Sandra · Published May 13, 2019

Your curls don’t want to clump properly, but love being in a lot of small strands? If so, this article is a must read for you! After years of trying to get my curls to clump, the following routine finally helped me with clumping.

1. Comb your curls thoroughly to remove all knots

First of all, start off as usual when washing your hair, then continue by combing your curls when they’re soaking wet and covered with conditioner. Make sure to thoroughly comb them with either your fingers or a comb to get rid of all the knots. This is important, as knots prevent your curls from clumping properly.

2. Stop raking after you have combed your curls

The next step is crucial to get my curls to clump: Rinse out the conditioner you have added to comb your curls and do not rake through your curls anymore –not even to rinse the conditioner.

As far a clumping goes, combing your curls to evenly spread your styler is a no-go. Of course you still have to be able to add styler to all of your curls. My favorite way to make sure all of my curls get covered with styler, is to take some styler into my hands, rub them to spread the styler in both my hands, then put my head upside-down and glide along the “outside” (no raking!”>–from the nape to the ends.

Now repeat the gliding along on the “inside” of your curls, meaning from your face to your curls’ ends. Usually the ends don’t get enough styler and easily get frizzy. To prevent this kind of frizz, I grab all of my hair like I’d put it into a ponytail to provide them with enough styler.

3. Get rid of excess moisture

To get your curls to clump they’re supposed to be as dry as possible when you start blow-drying. I also recommend the following procedure if you prefer letting your curls air-dry, because it will make your curls springier.

Start scrunching with your bare hands, but try not to touch your curls too much in order to keep them from getting frizzy. The easiest way to do this is by cupping about ¼ of your hair, bringing your curls close to your scalp and then squeezing your hands 5-6 times while staying at the same spot – like you were squeezing a lemon. Yes, literally! The more pressure you use when squeezing, the more moisture you’ll get out of your curls, leading to better clumping and less frizz. Repeat this for all of your curls.  (picture 5″>

After scrunching your curls with solely your hands, I recommend plopping for a few minutes to get rid of some additional moisture. If plopping isn’t for you, just skip it!

4. Keep on scrunching…

I usually plop for about 10 minutes and then scrunch again with the old t-shirt I’ve used for plopping. Again, squeeze with a lot of pressure to get rid of as much moisture as possible. I either stop scrunching when my t-shirt is totally wet (it already was a bit wet from plopping”> or when my curls don’t release any more moisture. This is exactly the condition you want them to be in before diffusing your curls – already as dry as possible!

5. Minimize frizz with the right blow-drying technique

If you choose to blow-dry your curls there’s one thing to bear in mind while diffusing: Don’t move your drier whenever it’s turned on. Always turn it off before you move to diffuse another section of your curls. This is the last step to get nice clumps, because turning off your diffuser to move it will prevent your curls from getting frizzy. You’re thinking this doesn’t have anything to do with clumping – you’re right it doesn’t directly, but it certainly has in indirect impact on your clumps: The less frizz you’ve got, the more hair strands stay within one clump thus getting your curls to form bigger clumps!

These already are my 5 steps to get curly hair to clump nicely. They won’t take up a lot of time, because they are only slight adaptations to your usual routine.

Did my tip for nice clumps work for you? I’d love to hear from you – please leave a comment!  To read more of my curly hair journey, visit my blog or follow me on Instagram. 

By Sandra · Published May 3, 2018

First off, let me tell you I’m trying to wash my hair only about every 2-3 days. On non-washing days I love wearing my curls in any kind of (half”> updo.

Cleansing: To Poo or Not to Poo

When I was new to the Curly Girl method I though I needed to stop using any kind of shampoo and only co-wash my hair. Very soon I noticed my curls starting to hang down, losing their volume and looking kind of limp – a result of being over-conditioned. That’s when I decided I still needed a shampoo – the sulfate free Curl Junkie Gentle Cleansing Shampoo. It has ever since been my all-time favorite shampoo. I only use it on my hair close to the scalp and massage it in without bringing it to the ends as they usually lack more moisture than my roots.

My Favorite Moisturizers

After rinsing out the shampoo I use different kinds of conditioners to spoil my hair with enough moisture. Whenever my hair feels dry (I notice it being dry when it has gotten frizzy after my last hair wash”> I use a richer conditioner like the Mop Top Daily Conditioner or the EDEN Bodyworks JojOba Monoi Deep Conditioner. I know you’re supposed to apply a deep conditioner for about 30 minutes, but as my hair usually isn’t lacking a lot of moisture I just leave it in my curls for about 5 minutes. The days on which my hair feels quite moisturized I’m only using the Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion and even wash it out. Yes – I rinse out the leave-in conditioner, because I really can’t deal with leaving in any conditioner causing my curls to stay wet super-long.

By raking in whichever conditioner I choose is the right one, I detangle my curls – starting at the ends moving up to the roots until I can’t feel any more knots. I try not to pull my curls too much, but separate the single hair strands involved in one knot with my fingers. This does take up some time, but it definitely helps prevent hair breakage. If my hair is tangled badly I use the Kinky Curly Knot Today to detangle it (the best product to detangle your curls gently!”>.

How I Get My Curls to “Clump”

As I have some troubles getting nice clumps I completely rinse out the applied conditioner and from then on I don’t ever rake through my curls anymore and I only touch them with my bare hands when I’m applying a product or when they’re completely dry. But getting them to be completely dry takes some more steps along the routine.

At the moment the Mop Top Anti-frizz Gel in medium hold is my favorite styler, because it doesn’t weigh my curls down and still gets them to build nice, non-frizzy clumps. As I need to be careful not to break up any clumps I apply the gel by gliding along the outside of my hair. To make sure all of my curls are covered with the styler I turn my head upside-down and add some more gel by scrunching it in. I try to scrunch only about 5 times as scrunching too often destroys all the hard work on achieving nice clumps – it breaks them up! The purpose of scrunching in the styler is not only to get all curls covered, but also to get excess water out of my curls making it easier to blow-dry them.

The Best Way to Dry

I’ve noticed that starting to blow-dry my curls when they’re still quite wet leads to more frizz as diffusing takes longer. Which is why my next step is also aimed at getting my curls drier before diffusing: I wrap an old t-shirt around my head (plopping”> and leave it this way for about 10 minutes. When I take the t-shirt off my head I still use it to scrunch my curls again (now with the t-shirt, not with my hands”> getting them even drier.

Then I finally start diffusing my curls upside-down until they’re about 80-90% dry. I prefer blow-drying my hair upright for the last 5 minutes as to see what my curls will look like when they’re dry. I always use medium heat and low air to blow-dry my curls with a diffusor to prevent them from getting frizzy.

Extra Volume

If I feel like I need to get more root volume I take about 4 normal bobby pins and put them in my hair right along the parting line. For every bobby pin I take some hair strands from each side of the parting line and put them into the bobby pin. I then wait for my hair to get totally dry, take out the bobby pins and scrunch out the crunch if I’ve used a styler leaving me with a gel cast. Finally I shake up my curls to get some more volume and that’s it.

Read next

5 Must-Know Steps for Making 3A Curls Clump

How to Sleep & Refresh 2nd Day Curly Hair

The Drying Technique That Gives My Curls More Volume

You can follow Sandra’s curly hair love story on her blog, JustCurly.

This article has been updated due to discontinued products.

By Sandra · Published May 5, 2017

Have you ever thought about whether a curly cut was a good idea? If so, this is the time to try it.

Starting off the springtime with a new, shorter haircut will allow you to feel that nice breeze around your neck. Not only is it cooler, but adding layers to your curls also gives you more volume as well–what a great way to set off the summer season!

Get your hairstyles to be spring-ready!

Talking haircuts also leads me to my go-to hairstyles for springtime: time to get your hands on those cute floral accessories! Whether you are going out for the night or attending a festival, flowers in curls are just the perfect match for spring.

So you don’t want to spend money on new accessories? No problem.

Just put your curls into any kind of a half-updo on the warmer days, as they are a great way to keep your curls from falling into your face. This season you should give braiding a try–although some of them may look complicated, these styles can actually be recreated by even beginner curlies. See how I do the pull-through braid and the fishtail braid. 

Get your curls spring-ready with only a few adjustments in your routine

With temperatures getting warmer it’s time to change some products and routines. However, these changes are only slight adjustments, because most products and techniques work all year round.

1. Consider your product arsenal

Wintertime tends to dry curly hair out faster which is why you should use heavy conditioners and moisturizers during those months. To get your curls springtime ready, switch to lighter products that will not weigh down your texture (this is a real struggle for curlies with wavy or only slightly curly hair”>. Personally I cannot go without the following products: 

• Darshana Natural Indian Hair Oil: This oil really helps to keep your curls strong and healthy, exactly what your curls need with all of the temperature changes happening.

• Oyin Handmade Hair Dew: I use this product to add moisture to my curls and then completely rinse it. On warmer days with low humidity this product is already enough to keep my curls well moisturized.

• Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion: This light conditioner is great to add to the mix whenever you feel your curls needing an extra portion of moisture. Since my curls are easily over-conditioned, I usually rinse this out completely or only simply add some to my ends. 

• Kinky-Curly Curling Custard: I love using this styler in spring and summer, because it is amazing at keeping my curls frizz-free for days while at the same time leaving them bouncy and soft.

2. Rethink air drying

The warmer temperatures are perfect to help your curls dry by themselves. Switching drying techniques for spring and summer does not only have a cooling effect on you–it’s also healthy for your texture. If you don’t have enough time to let your curls air dry during the day, try washing them before you go to bed and let them air dry overnight.

If you like the additional volume you get from diffusing your curls too much, just keep on doing it, but try using a lower heat setting to make sure your curls don’t get too hot while diffusing.

What are your spring season must-haves?

Read This is How Ayesha Styles Her Long Wavy Hair

Follow Sandra on Instagram @justcurlies

By Sandra · Published October 3, 2016

Having curly hair can be a struggle sometimes–I’m sure that some curlies have wished they had naturally straight hair at least once.

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My curly hair journey has actually been quite lengthy.

This was because I didn’t even know I had curly hair until I was about eighteen years old. Even after realizing, I still straightened them for a few years before finally starting to accept my true texture in my mid twenties. Learning more about caring for my curls made me love them.

Always embrace your curls–even on your wedding day.

Try to like and embrace your natural curls every day! Of course, there are going to be days that you feel your hair is not perfect–who doesn’t have bad hair days?.

I haven’t straightened my curls once in a few years–not even on my wedding day. Believe it or not, this has been quite the struggle as many hairstylists have recommended straightening my curls or creating an updo to hide them away. In their opinion, either one of these looks were ‘more sophisticated’ or ‘wedding appropriate.’

Are you having a wedding soon?

Be sure to ask a potential stylist what they think before setting up an appointment for a trial hairstyle. On your wedding day especially, you deserve to feel confident and happy.

Love your curls and all your edges!

Your curls are a part of you, which is why it is important to love them. I got a video message (the best wedding present!”> by a famous singer who also said that you should love your curls. I would like to share this wedding surprise–I am sure all the curlies out there will like it.

Isn’t that an awesome wedding present? Remember how important it is to love all of your curls and all your edges!

How did you wear your hair on your wedding day?

Share your story with us on the Naturally Curly Facebook.

Visit my personal blog Just Curly for more details about my wedding hair.

By Sandra · Published July 25, 2016

Having curly hair is a gift. We do not always feel that way–just ask a curly on wash day–but no matter where you are on your own curly hair journey, try to view your curls as a gift and I am sure you won’t regret it.

Embracing my curls has helped me to be at ease with myself. However, I’ll admit that that took quite a while.

For the greater part of my life, I didn’t like my curls. I would have traded them for straight hair–and also less hair–without thinking about it twice. I did not know how to care for my curls, nor did I like their volume.

Growing up, I just wanted to be like everybody else.

Weren’t we all trying to fit in and at the age of 16? I just stayed away from anything that made me feel different, including my hair. I started straightening my curls and although the straightening process itself was quite annoying, I didn’t mind putting my curls through it. That is, until I noticed my hair looking straw-like and then I knew I had to change my way of thinking about my curly hair. Looking back now, I think it’s funny how I feared even that smallest drop of rain…

Actually learning how to wash and style my curls really changed the way I think about them. I realized that my curls are a part of me that I need to accept. I needed to like them. It took a long time to appreciate my curls–the process didn’t happen overnight. It only started once I found the right products and techniques that worked for them.

Having positive thoughts about my curls was a real game changer.

Instead of obsessing over a strand of hair that would not curl properly, I chose to see my curls as something that made me unique and different from everybody else. I like being called The Curly One–there aren’t that many curlies in Switzerland.

We tend to be too hard on ourselves. Think about it–you wouldn’t stare at another curlies’ hair in judgement, would you? You shouldn’t be doing that when it comes to your curls. Instead, stay positive!

What do you like about your curls?

What better question to ask than what you like about your curls? So, think of at least three things you love about your curls and share them in a comment below!

I’ll go first: I really like that my hair is voluminous, I like being referred to as the curly one in a group, and I love how hairstyles stay in place better with curly hair.

By Sandra · Published July 19, 2016

There are so many articles explaining how the Curly Girl Method works and why it’s the best way to take care of curly hair. I want this article to focus on something different: my curly hair journey and its struggles–which includes the CG method”>. Then, I want to show you why the CG Method turned out to be perfect for my curls.

I used to believe that I would never like my natural curls.

When I first began embracing my hair, I grew frustrated of them looking great on one day but then look like a huge mess on another day. I had no clue whatsoever as to how they managed to become beautiful one minute and frizzy the other. I felt like I could literally watch my curls turn frizzy.

This is how my curls looked on a bad day:

On a good day, however, they already were quite frizz-free:

So, to GC or not to CG?

After having spent a fortune on different products designed for curly hair, I was about to give up on embracing my curls when a friend told me excitedly about DevaCurl. I had figured that I could give my curls one last chance and ordered the entire product line.

At the same time, I started searching the internet for more information about DevaCurl and came across the term Curly Girl Method. When I first read about it, I couldn’t imagine that discontinuing products with silicones and sulfates in them could really change the appearance of curls that much. I started looking for other curlies who were open to sharing their experience with this regimen–this is also how I discovered NaturallyCurly. I read the threads of users and their pre-CG photos and I was truly impressed. Motivated by some serious curl envy, I started going the Curly Girl Method route in hopes of eliminating my own frizz problems.

After having used the new sulfate and silicone-free products, I was disappointed.

I thought that my curls would look awesome right away but they didn’t! Determined not to give up, and because the online forums said that it could take a few weeks until the results get better, I kept trying. Sure enough, I started noticing some changes after 2 to 3 weeks. My curls were less frizzy and also a bit curlier. Pleased with the small progress, I decided to keep on going and to really quit straightening my curls. In the end, it took my curls a few years to fully overcome the damages of the straightening. Now, my curls are no longer highly porous.

What is your experience with the Curly Girl Method?

Let us know, and follow my blog JustCurly.com.

By Sandra · Published April 4, 2016

Are you tired of always pulling back your curls into a ponytail or a bun? If so, it is time to add some French braids as your go-to hairstyle!

To create this hairstyle, you will need:

• 3 hair ties

• 1 hair donut

• bobby pins

Directions

Start by separating your hair into three sections.

The left and right ones will become French braids; the middle section is created to cover up the middle parting line that would be created if you were to French braid all of your curls.

The left and right section can reach further back the closer they are to your neck, creating a V-shaped section in the center.

Tie together all of the curls from the center section– so they don’t unintentionally become part of the two French braids. It doesn’t need to look neat, you’ll redo this middle section later on.

Start braiding on one side by separating three small, equal sections right next to your parting line. Start braiding by crossing the lower section across the middle one and then crossing the upper section across the middle one (just like you would when you are normally braiding your hair”>.

Add some curls to the braid the next time you cross the lower section across the middle one. Do so until you have added all of the curls in this section to the braid, then finish braiding without adding any more hair to it.

Secure the braid with a small hair tie and repeat the same on the other side of your parting line. When both braids are complete, bring down the curls from the middle section.

Grab all of your curls (including the two braids”> and create a low ponytail. Then remove the hair ties from the braids that are now in the ponytail (so that the ponytail looks like a “normal” one”>.

Grab the donut and create a bun with it. If you’re struggling doing so, watch my YouTube video on creating the perfect bun:

Follow my blog, JustCurly for more type 3 curly tutorials and tips.

By Sandra · Published March 1, 2016

I like to create this 3rd day hairstyle whenever my curls are feeling a bit flat but aren’t too frizzy. 

Pulling your curls back into a ponytail on second or third day curls might be the easiest (and most obvious”> choice of hairstyle. However, it certainly isn’t the only option–why not try a half updo? I’ll show you how (the pictures show my actual third day curls”>:

You will need

• 3 small hair ties

• 5-7 bobby pins

Take a section of the curls that frame your face until your reach your ear and separate it from the rest of your curls.

Start braiding by crossing the top section across the middle one without adding any additional curls to the braid.

Continue by crossing the lower section across the middle one–again, without adding any curls to the braid.

Add a little bit or hair the next time you cross the top section across the middle one.

Continue french braiding until all of the hair you have previously separated from the rest is within the braid.

When there are no more curls to add to the braid, finish without adding any additional curls to it. Always make sure to hold the braid into the direction it will later be in.

If you want your braid to look bigger, pull on it before securing with a small hair tie.

Be careful when pulling on it as not to cause too many short hair strands to stick out.

Fix it with a small hair tie.

Repeat steps 1 through 8 on the other side of the parting line.

Pick up both braids and start twisting them around until both braids are interlocked.

Then hide the ends–with the hair ties–underneath the rest of the braids.

Secure the braids with some bobby pins.

You’re all done!

Visit my blog Just Curly for more curly hair tips and tutorials.

By Sandra · Published January 20, 2016

Take it from my experience:

Brushing your curls when they are dry will leave you with big, poofy, frizzy hair that most likely doesn’t look curl like it’s supposed to anymore. This is exactly what I have been doing for most of my life. Being the only curly in my family, I didn’t even know I had curly hair–I always figured I just had big waves. That is, until the day I found out that I am not supposed to brush my hair when it’s dry.

Like many curlies, I don’t have the best memories of people brushing my curls.

I remember all too well the countless times I desperately tried not to break out in tears while all kinds of hairdressers brushed my curls–I would have rather gone to the dentist than to the hairdresser!

Of course, we also need to comb our hair. However, most of us only do so when our curls are soaking wet and covered with conditioner. And even then, I recommend not using a brush. Let me explain why.

Your fingers are more precise

When you comb your curls using your bare fingers, they will be stopped by the knots in your curls. This way, you notice the knots being there and you will thus be able to more gently untie any knots (see how I do it in the video below”>.

A brush hurts more (and snags on knots”>

When you are using a comb, you will feel a pain caused by every single knot on your scalp. The comb pulls on your curls until the knot is resolved, with the pulling causing your scalp to hurt. Every time your scalp hurts during brushing/combing you have pulled on your hair too much. Pulling on your curls can cause quite some damage.

Wondering why you have so many short hair strands?

This could not only be caused by an imbalance in moisture and protein, but it might also be an effect of pulling on your curls too much. So if you are prone to breakage, try to always comb your curls as gently as possible by only using your bare fingers.

Don’t buy into the industry claims

Of course, the beauty industry does not usually agree with me on this. It will instead tell you to buy that brush “specifically designed for curly hair”. However, in my opinion you definitely don’t have to buy an overpriced brush. Save your money and use your fingers instead.

I’m interested in hearing your own experiences!

What memories do you have of people brushing your curls? Or maybe you have also managed to break a brush before? Please leave a comment below!

By Sandra · Published November 20, 2015

Plopping my curls is a step of my routine that I wouldn’t want to miss, as it really helps me to achieve nicely curled and frizz-free hair. Recently, I have discovered that plopping my curls with the right kind of towel leaves me with even better results than when I used my old t-shirt to plop.

Rather than wrapping the towel around your hair like a turban, I recommend plopping your curls instead. This will enhance your definition, as opposed to the turban-technique, which elongates your curls.

Remember: Absolutely keep your curls away from terry cloth towels!

Terry cloth leaves you with frizzy, undefined curls. You can either use a microfiber towel or a cotton one. My favorite towel right now is the cotton Frizz Eliminating Towel by Hair Remedie. Not only is it big enough to completely wrap around all of my curls, but it absorbs moisture quickly.

Basically, it can be used just like you would use any other towel to plop your curls. The tricky part is to make sure the towel stays in place during the whole time of plopping. I use a big hair tie to fix it in the back of my head.

Watch the video to see how I plopped my curls with the Hair Remedie Frizz Eliminating Towel:

I would love to hear from you! Do you have any questions on plopping curly hair? Have you figured out an easier way to get rid of excess moisture before drying your curls?

By Sandra · Published October 15, 2015

I have been struggling with clipping my roots for several years. I have bought different clips that were specifically designed for clipping, but they still did not increase my root volume–most of then just lay flat. But I finally found a trick that worked for me! I am going to show you my simple step-by-step routine that is quick, easy, and will help you increase your curly hair’s volume from the roots out.

• What I use: bobby pins

Style Prep

Before you start clipping your roots, blow dry your curls until they are about 80-90% dry. If you prefer to air dry, clip your roots while your curls are still wet and leave them in during your entire drying time.

To clip your roots, you need about 5 normal bobby pins: Start putting one of them in your curls at the front of your parting line: make sure you take hair from both sides of the parting line and then add the first bobby pin.

Repeat with one more bobby pin further back your parting line (grab hair from both sides of your parting line”>.

Continue adding more bobby pins to each side of your parting line to increase the volume right around your face. Don’t worry about it looking too voluminous at this point, as the top will flatten down after you take them out.

Finish clipping by adding one last bobby pin right where your parting line ends.

I like to add this last bobby pin to my curls the other way round, with the opening to the front.

To achieve your best possible result, leave the bobby pins in for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Finish clipping by carefully removing the bobby pins from your curls.

This is crucial to protect your curls from turning too frizzy. I usually do this by pulling the bobby pins out between two fingers that are holding back my curls.

Scrunch a bit for even definition. Shake your curls and go!

Watch the video

By Sandra · Published September 29, 2015

Taking care of your curls and following the Curly Girl Method at the same time isn’t as hard as it might seem at first. There is a variety of great products on the market available to follow the CG Method without breaking the budget or going out of your way to find them. You can train your hair by gradually switching to the Curly Girl Method. Is your routine still missing a silicone and sulfate-free product? These are my current Holy Grails:

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Pre-poo: Darshana Natural Hair Oil

Add a little bit of the Darshana Natural Hair Oil to your curls at least 30 minutes before you wash your curls. I love the additional shine this great GC-friendly hair oil gives me!

Shampoo: Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Gentle Cleansing Shampoo

When following the CG-method you have to use a non-lathering shampoo, like the Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Gentle Cleansing Shampoo. This shampoo will get rid of any residue I might still have in my curls without damaging it, so there is no need to use any silicones afterwards.

Conditioner: Mop Top Daily Conditioner

I love how the Mop Top conditioner gives my curls just the right amount of moisture without over-conditioning them. Like the name says, I use it daily–or at least every time I wash my curls.

Detangler: Kinky Curly Knot Today

Are you struggling with detangling your curls? If so, you definitely have to give the Kinky Curly Knot Today a chance. Not only does it reduce my detangling time, but it also makes it less painful and much easier to get knots out.

Leave-in: Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion

If you are looking for a great conditioner to revive your second day curls, this is it. I usually mix my Smoothing Lotion with some water and scrunch a bit into my hair before heading out. This works great on on second (or sometimes even third”> days. It is also a great refresher, as it does not weigh my curls down.

Styler: Kinky Curly Curling Custard

Although this styling custard can be somewhat difficult to apply, because if you are using too much of it, your curls will take forever to dry (seriously!”>. However, it is one of my favorite CG-friendly styling products as it clumps my curls while reducing frizz at the same time. Give this product a try, once you have figured out the right amount for your hair, it’s a real lifesaver.

Gel: Mop Top Anti-Frizz Gel (medium hold”>

If you are looking for an easier GC-friendly styling product, I can strongly recommend you the Mop Top anti-frizz gel, which is super easy to apply. Just make sure to scrunch out the crunch as soon as your curls are completely dry.

Did I miss any of your favorite CG-friendly products?

If so, leave a comment, I am always looking for great new products to try. Follow me online @JustCurlies and visit my blog, Just Curly.

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By Sandra · Published August 7, 2015

Being asked to participate in your friend’s wedding as a bridesmaid is a wonderful honor. But oftentimes, this also means wearing the same dress and a similar hairstyle to the other bridesmaids. While it is fun playing dress up for your friend’s big day, this may also get to be challenging if you find yourself to be the only curly haired bridesmaid and you have a dress code to still adhere to.

To help answer this question, I put together three different hairstyles (each comes with a tutorial”> that allow you to wear your hair in its natural state while looking elegant at the same time. Each of those three hairstyles is quite simple and you’ll be able to style your curls this way yourself – there’s no need to see a hairstylist and spending money on getting an appropriate bridesmaid hairstyle!

1. The elegant half-updo

Wearing your curls in a half-updo is the simplest form of a hairstyle. If you’re going for a half-updo, I recommend using a crystal hair clip to make this hairstyle look even more elegant.

You’ll need:

• 1 crystal hair clip

Doing a half-updo on a hot summer day might not be a very appealing idea. To still be able to wear most of your curls down, I suggest you to do a one-sided hairstyle (this way you won’t have any curls lying on your neck causing you additional heat”>.

You’ll need:

• 5-6 bobby pins

• 1 floral or crystal hair clip

Again, depending on the wedding style, wear a crystal hair clip to make it look more appropriate for the occasion.

1. Bring all of your curls to one side.

2. To make sure your curls stay to one side, twist your curls like shown in the above picture and fix it with some bobby pins.

3. To fix your curls to one side, I recommend using several bobby pins. Put them in from the top to the bottom, this way they will best stay in your hairstyle.

4. Once you’ve fixed your curls to one side, grab a small section from right next to your parting line. To prevent frizz, make sure you only take whole clumps of curls.

5. Bring this section back to where you’ve fixed the twisted section and also secure it with some bobby pins.

6. Add a floral or a crystal clip to turn it into a perfect bridesmaid hairstyle!

3. The styled-up ponytail

Do you love wearing your curls in a ponytail? If so, this hairstyle is an easy way to style up your usual ponytail and make it wedding-ready by adding a cute head band and by covering your hair tie.

You’ll need:

• 1 head band

• 1 hair tie

• 1 bobby pin

How did you wear your curly hair to your friend’s wedding?

By Sandra · Published August 4, 2015

Do you struggle to get the perfect braid on your curly hair? I know how you feel. My following 3 tips will help you getting better braids next time. They will look nicer and be a lot easier to create.

1. Skip the styler

It might be rather weird not to add any kind of styling product to your curls after washing them. The first time I didn’t add styler to my curls before doing a hairstyle, I was totally worried my curls would look like one huge frizz ball–impossible to tame into any kind of hairstyle. To my surprise, they were not frizzy or unmanageable at all. In fact, it was a lot easier to braid my curls.

And even better: Your curls will hold the braid a lot better this way. Adding styler somehow makes your curls slippery and thus they will fall out of a braided style more easily, especially if you have a layered curly haircut.

Make sure your curls are well moisturized, in order to prevent the frizz or poofiness. Below is my ‘before’ braiding my curls:

I did not use any kind of styler–instead, I just deep conditioned them prior to taking this.

2. Add whole clumps of curls to the braid

If you French or Dutch braid, this is important. Remember, every time you touch your curls they become a bit frizzier. Adding only whole clumps to your braid means you do not have to touch your curls a lot. This is crucial to get a nice looking braid, especially if you went styler-free.

3. Pull on your braids so they appear wider

This rule does not only apply to curlies, but to everyone who enjoys wearing braids, really. Pull your braids to make them look fuller. Below, I show you what a difference it really makes:

Before

After

Follow me on blog JustCurly.com for more curly tips, hairstyle tutorials and product reviews.

By Sandra · Published July 21, 2015

PHOTOS: @JUSTCURLIES

Regular deep conditioning is a crucial part of having healthy, frizz-free, shiny curls.

How often you should deep condition your own hair greatly depends on your curls’ texture and porosity. I have found that my naturally curly hair needs more deep conditioning. Here are my tips on deep conditioning 3a curls with medium porosity. I deep condition my curls about every other week, especially during the warmer summer months, as I want to be careful not to over-condition them. 

I deep condition my curls about every other week

While I don’t mark the day down on a calendar that I have deep conditioned on, I can feel when my curls need some extra moisture. Especially if you notice your curls feeling drier than usual, it’s time to deep condition.

Signs it’s time to deep condition

• My curls are less shiny than they usually are.

• The ends of my hair do not properly clump and even look a little frizzy.

• My curls are more tangled than usual and I cannot explain why. Not just because I have not washed them for several days, or even because I was at the beach.

This is what my curls look like after adding a good deep conditioning treatment:

My deep conditioning routine

My deep conditioning routine starts the same as my regular conditioning: I wash my hair with shampoo and then detangle my curls with Kinky Curly Knot Today. As soon as I have combed through my curls and washed out my detangler, I apply a generous amount of deep conditioner. When I deep condition, I just replace my usual conditioner.

I apply the deep conditioner to my fine curls by combing it in. I use quite a lot (see the photo below”> to make sure all of my curls are fully saturated from root to tip. Then, I leave the product in my curls for about 10 to 15 minutes before I thoroughly rinse it out.

I make sure I rinse all of the deep conditioner thoroughly so my curls are not limp and weighed down, then I style my curls as usual.

If regular deep conditioning does nothing for your 3a curls, should consider adding some heat and also adding some oil to seal in the moisture. This is especially important if your waves or curls are highly porous.

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My favorite deep conditioners

I have tried a few different deep conditioners, but the following four seem to work best for my curls.

• MopTop Deep Conditioner

• Macadamia Nourishing Moisture Masque

• Eden Bodywork JojOba Monoi Deep Conditioner

• Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Treatment

Which deep conditioner do you like most? Follow me on my blog JustCurly.com for more curly tips, hairstyle tutorials and product reviews.

By Sandra · Updated July 1, 2015

I’ve been wanting to try incorporating a hair oil into my regimen for a long time.

A few years ago, Moroccanoil was very popular where I live in Switzerland, but when I checked the ingredients list I noticed there were silicones in it. I follow the Curly Girl method in my hair routine so this ruled out Moroccanoil for me, and at that point I mistakenly assumed that all oils contained silicones and I ruled out all hair oils from my product search. Obviously I was wrong about hair oils and silicones – the two do not always go hand in hand.

When I heard about a new natural hair oil called Darshana Natural Indian Hair Oil — a hair oil that does not contain any silicones or sulfates — I was excited to try it. I still can’t believe how much shinier my curls were after only using a few drops of it.  Oils are more expensive than other hair products, but in my opinion this is absolutely worth the initial investment. See for yourselves, try it and let me know what you think.

When trying a new product, I always worry about frizz.

I worry about the product creating more frizz, or whether it will break up my clumps and leave my curls hanging down with no volume. As it turned out, this oil had no negative impact on my curls whatsoever. I think it is important to address the cost of this product, at $18 for two ounces the price is considerably higher than what you spend on other hair products. However, do keep in mind that you really only need a small amount of it, just a few drops every time you wash your curls. Unlike conditioner, this oil will last for a very long time! If the price tag scares you, I am giving away 4 bottles on my blog. So you have a chance of winning one and trying before you buy!

How I used it

I used the oil at least 30 minutes before washing my hair by applying it on my dry curls as a pre-poo. To get even better results, I recommend leaving it in overnight.

1. I took a small amount of the oil and used my fingers to massage it onto my scalp.

2. I also applied it to my curls from the roots all the way to the ends. A little goes a long way, so I only lightly coated my hair with it.

3. I pulled back my curls for the time being. If you’re planning on leaving the oil in overnight, you can also do a pineapple and cover your pillow with a satin pillowcase.

To see how this product worked for other curlies with different curl patterns, you can read more reviews of Darshana Hair Oil in NaturallyCurly’s product review section. Have fun trying it and let me know what you think about it by commenting below. I am looking forward to hearing from you all!

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By Sandra · Published June 22, 2015

This year’s festival season has already started. Are you still looking for a cute festival hairstyle that works with your curls? In this article I will show you a hairstyle that not only looks good but also is perfect for withstanding warm weather and a lot of dancing. Side note: I promise, this hairstyle looks harder than it actually is! If you can’t Dutch braid that’s not at all a problem, you can also go for a French braid, which will create a similar look.

To make braiding easier, I strongly recommend that you first wash your curls, but not add any styling products to it. This way your curls are going to stay in the braids a lot better thus enabling this hairstyle to last longer! I’ve never thought it really made a difference until I tried it  and I noticed a huge improvement in the way my curls behaved.

You will need

• 2 small hair ties

• some bobby pins

• (real”> flowers

Step-by-step tutorial

1. Take a small section of curls from the side of your parting line with more hair leaving out a small section at the front.

2. Split the chosen section into three smaller sections.

3. Start Dutch braiding by crossing the front section underneath the middle one.

4. Continue braiding by crossing the back section underneath the middle one.

5. Now, start adding more curls to your braid by first adding the section you’ve left out in Step 1 (the one right at the front”> to the front section. Then cross the front section (now including the previously left out one”> underneath the middle section.

6. Continue to always add a little bit of hair when crossing a section underneath until your braid reaches your ear.

7. Then fix your Dutch braid with a small hair tie (I used a rubber one, which I later cut apart”>.

8. Now, part all of your curls into three section: To better know where each section ends, I like to put one to the right side of my face, the other one to the left side, and the third section consists of all the curls in the back.

9. Now start braiding the three sections by crossing the section opposite your Dutch braid underneath the middle section.

10. Then, cross the section with your Dutch braid in it underneath the middle one. Make sure your braid is quite tight (especially if you would like to add some flowers to the braid later on”>.

11. Continue braiding this way. As soon as you feel like it’s easier to braid with the braid in front, move it to the front and finish braiding it. Be careful: if you bring it to your front you’ll need to cross the sections across each other!

12. Secure the end of your braid with a hair tie.

13. Cut the hair tie you tied the Dutch braid with. Make sure all of your curls are secure in either one of the braids. If you feel like some of them are a bit loose, secure them with bobby pins to make sure your hairstyle holds up.

14. You could stop here, but since it’s a hairstyle for a festival, I suggest you add some flowers to it. Just cut a few nice flowers from your garden or a park, wildflowers work perfectly for this. Cut their stems short (about 1 inch”> and stick them into your braid. It’s easiest to place them in the braid where you crossed two sections.

Follow me on blog JustCurly.com for more curly hair tutorials.