Search Results: Whitney Garcia-Devers
There are many factors that contribute to the health of your hair such as the weather, diet and the amount of manipulation your hair receives. Some of these factors cannot be influenced by external factors, but most can be adjusted through changing your diet. I find that the quickest way I see lasting results for my hair care is by altering my diet and drinking the delicious benefits from a fresh juice recipe. Here are a couple of my faves below!
Photo Courtesy of iStock.com/cj62
Beetroot With An Orange Twist
My mother loved to make this juice for me when I was little. “This is great, especially since you have an iron deficiency” she would always say.
Beetroot improves your blood circulation, which enables your body to transport minerals through your body. Here are the ingredients:
- 66 grams of beetroot
- 2 oranges
- 2 big carrots
Pineapple-Kale juice
This juice is super delicious! The essential ingredient is the kale leaves, which contains vitamin A, C, B6, and calcium. It also contains a high amount of magnesium.
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250 grams of pineapple
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2 celery stalks
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6 large kale leaves
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1 green apple
Red Pleasure
I love this juice, however, it tends to be a bit sour. To combat the sourness, I like to add a tablespoon of honey, after I have successfully juiced the ingredients.
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100 grams of strawberries
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50 grams of raspberries
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50 grams of blackberries
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1 tablespoon of Manuka honey
Onion Juice
You may be a little repulsed by the idea of drinking onion juice, but drinking this can strengthen your hair and provide your follicles the nutrients it needs. This juice is great for those who have damaged hair who searching for an internal cure-all.
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1 onion
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2 big oranges
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2 big carrots
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½ lemon
There are few things that are important to keep in mind when discussing our hair:
1. Your hair is primarily composed of protein, specifically keratin. Consuming protein is one of the essential steps towards the growth of your hair and nails. There are also minerals that are essential for the health of your hair. Potassium, silica, sulfur, and manganese should be part of your diet.
2. Don’t forget also that vitamins A, B, C, E, K, and calcium also improve the health of your hair. Green (leafy”> vegetables are often sources of the vitamins mentioned earlier.
In order to make my juices, I use a slow juicer. Due to the juicing technique of these machines, the minerals, vitamins, and taste are preserved.
So how do you juice for hair health?
We would love to know!
Image: @janibellrosanne
You were probably drawn to this article, because you are either considering to transition your hair or you are already transitioning your hair. The transitioning process is both challenging and rewarding. It is a phase filled with hurdles and achievements. One of the decisions all transitioners must make is whether you will do a big chop or if you will let the relaxed grow out of your hair. The difficulty lies in the fact that both options require a trade-off. When doing a big chop, you will lose your length. On the other hand, your patience will be tested.
Let the Relaxer Grow Out
Personally, I had difficulties with doing a big chop. I was not afraid of losing length; however, I cared too much about the opinions of others. I was following beauty ideals instead of making the right decision for myself. Moreover, I believed that I could not rock short hair. Hence, I decided to let the relaxer grow out of my hair.
I’m not going to lie: letting the hair grow out was frustrating to me. At some point I became quite impatient because I felt that I had bad hair days daily. After my hair grew more than 5 inches, my hair looked quite awkward. It looked like I had been trying to straighten my hair, but got tired along the way. Eventually, I always stuck my hair in a bun and I did not invest much effort in my hair care. There were some things I could have done in order to make the process of growing the relaxer out easier.
Protective Styles
For instance, I should have taken advantage of the length and experimented with protective hairstyling, such as cornrows, box braids and faux locks. There are so many different types of protective styles, I’m sure they would have kept my impatience at bay.
Find a Routine
One advantage of letting the relaxer grow out of your hair is that you will gain loads of knowledge. At some point you will have to find the perfect routine, which will meet the needs of your relaxed strands, as well as your natural roots. Finding the right routine will trigger your creativity in finding ways to define your curls.
Even though the process of letting the relaxer grow out was challenging, I waited for the hair to grow 13 inches before doing a semi-big chop, this way I would retain some length.
Why Big Chop?
Doing a big chop is a big step, but it is the only way to get rid of your relaxed strands quickly. Some of my friends have done a big chop; a few of them shaved their hair. Most of them indicated that they have mostly struggled with getting to know their hair. It was not only challenging to find the right hair care products, it was also difficult to find the right hair care routine. Often the hair is too short for finger coiling but eventually the coiling sponge was invented, which took care of that issue.
Doing a big chop can be overwhelming as well and this is not surprising as your appearance changes quite lot. But doing a big chop enables you to get used to your hair texture much faster. Moreover, you will feel empowered when you see your hair in its natural state. Lastly, in contrast to those who transition their hair, people who do a big chop have better product results.
Which one do you prefer? A big chop or naturally transitioning? Let us know in the comments.
I remember sitting on a chair on a Sunday evening, my mother was blow drying my hair and I was tired due to the heat, but also hurt, because I was not showing the real me. For twelve years I had been sacrificing at least a day in the week to have straight hair. However, at the age of 15 years I started to develop the desire to go natural. That Sunday when I was 18 years old I got the confidence to say no to relaxers. Everything seemed so easy. I would have curly hair within a year and then I would be able to enjoy every single day to the fullest. Little did I know that I was underestimating the transitioning process. Now that I’m natural, these are the 5 things I wish I knew before I transitioned.
1. Transitioning requires a change of mindset
Before starting the transitioning process, I was not aware of my lack of self-love and self-acceptance at the time. My mother had been relaxing my hair since I was 6 years old. I was raised with the belief that straight hair was more beautiful than my curly hair. Within the Latin community, my hair was described as ‘pelo malo’ (bad hair”> or ‘pelo duro’ (harsh hair”>. Even though, I wanted to transition, I was having major conflicting thoughts and desires, which was no surprise as I was raised with a certain belief and was entering a lifestyle that conflicts with this belief. As the transitioning process proceeded I got to know that the beliefs I was raised with were not always in line with reality.
2. Your environment will not always be supportive
I expected that I would receive some support. I did receive support from a handful of friends but unfortunately, not everyone was as supportive as I wished. I was continuously advised to use a relaxer. Others recommended me to stick my hair in a bun and some told me to accept that I do not have beautiful curls. Luckily, some friends were able to give me great haircare advice. Looking back I really think that if my determination was not as strong as it was, I would probably give up and go for the relaxer again.
3. Invest more in protective styling
I did not do a big chop, instead I decided to let the relaxer grow out my hair. Looking back to the transitioning process, I think that protective hairstyling would have been a great solution. I would have had fewer bad hair days and I would have had more fun during the transitioning process. I would probably be focusing less on the negative aspects and enjoy my fashionable hairdos.
4. Not every hair product is worth the investment
I often bought products because of the promises communicated on their packaging. However, most brands have a great marketing department who know what customers want to hear. After buying the products I often felt disappointmented. I also underestimated the strength of relaxers, I should have known that once hair is relaxed it loses its texture. Instead, I should have focused on deep-conditioning and moisturizing my hair. Now I know that purchasing products that moisturize your strands and deep conditioners are the types of products that are worth the investment.
5. Eventually, a semi-big chop is neccessary
After two years of transitioning, I cut the remaining relaxed strands and finished the transitioning process. At the beginning of my natural hair journey I did not do a big chop because I did not think I could rock short hair the way others do. It does not suit me. After, the big chop my curls reached my chin (when not stretched”>. Finally I did not have to face the frustrations of having straight ends. I postponed cutting my hair because I did not want to lose my length. However, cutting these ends led to the beginning of the second phase of my natural hair journey: getting to know my hair.
The transitioning process is a long journey filled with hurdles, moments of self-acceptance and moments in which you will acquire new knowledge. It is a beautiful, valuable journey, which you should enjoy while keeping in mind what hurdles you may face.
Are you currently transitioning? What are your biggest struggles? What has helped you most during your tranisition? Let us know in the comments.
Read next:
Image by iStock/Kiuikson
The afro pick is making a major comeback. Many women are afraid to grab one, in fear of breakage and frizz; however, despite the possibility of a little frizz, there are ways you can achieve the illusion of fuller and thicker hair, while reducing frizz on a wash and go or twist out, all while using an afro pick! Here’s a technique by @Bwatuwant showing how she gets her amazing volume.
1. Start with washed, 100% dry hair. Select your preferred, frizz-free areas that need more volume.
There are certain spots where women prefer their hair not be frizzy. To avoid this unwanted frizz, do not pick the areas of hair around the temples (baby hairs”>. Instead, separate your hair by using sectioning clips.
2. Grab your desired hair pick
There are two types of afro picks: plastic and metal ones. Some curlies prefer the metal ones, because of the thickness of their hair. However, using the plastic ones might be more comfortable, because the teeth of the pick are softer, and won’t snag on your curls.
3. Lower your head, and pick from the roots
When picking your curls, you should not comb your hair from roots to ends. Only comb from the roots, as far as two to three centimeters down. Consequently, your roots will frizz a little, but this will result in more volume.
4. Shake your hair, and pick around your crown area
The last step consists of adding some volume to the areas you missed when holding your head down. Add the desired amount of volume, and you are done!
How do you add volume to your hair? Don’t forget to share your favorite techniques with us in the comments below!
This article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
It’s nearly time for me to pack my bags and go on a well-deserved holiday to Indonesia! While most are concerned with bringing the right swimsuits and enough spending money, I am more concerned with bringing my holy grail hair care products.
My curls are really picky, and there are few ingredients and techniques that make my hair happy. For instance, many curlies swear by the LOC or LCO method, and although it is regarded as one of the best methods for curl definition, this method does not work for my finicky hair!
On the flip side, the picky nature of my curls enables me to avoid purchasing the wrong hair care products. It took me a couple of years to find products that would fulfill every need of my natural crown. When going on holidays, I always bring a leave-in conditioner, a cream and a jelly with me. Although sealing a style with oil doesn’t quite work for me, jellies are the perfect alternative.
These are the three holy grail hair care products I never leave home without:
Leave-in: Strengthen, Grow & Restore Smoothie by SheaMoisture
Not only do I love the fragrance, but I also was able to see proof of the benefits advertised on the packaging. My hair grew stronger due to the powerful combination of its main ingredients – Shea butter and Castor oil. One additional plus was that my nails also benefited from the product as well. Ever since I started using this leave-in conditioner, they are less brittle and have grown longer.
Cream: Almond Jai Twisting Butter by Camille Rose Naturals
On vacation, my hair will often be exposed to the sun, and it will also endure the consequences of swimming in the sea and pool frequently. In drying conditions like this it is important for me to be sure to moisturize my curls and nourish my scalp. This butter is the perfect solution, as it softens and moisturizes the hair.
Jelly: Curl Maker by Camille Rose Naturals
I have been using this product since 2015 and I am still in love with it! The Curl Maker is a great sealant and provides fabulous definition. Be sure to finger-detangle your hair while applying the product. In doing so, it will coat all of your strands, and your curls will be more defined.
Do you feel like your curls are picky? Let us know which holy grails work for you in the comments below!
Image:@myriannascimentoo
Preferences with regard to curly hair product and care differ around the world. Some curly hair products are very popular in certain countries; however, they are often not sold worldwide. Moreover, the demand for certain hair care products is often triggered, because of social media and online reviews.
We have searched the web to identify the most popular products in five different countries: The United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, Dominican Republic and the Netherlands. We even found shops, which sell natural hair products in these countries.
The United Kingdom
The most popular hair care products in the UK are Boucleme, SheaMoisture, and Cantu.
Boucleme is a British hair care brand. Their product range consists of 0% sulphates, silicones, mineral oils, petroleum, propylene glycol, PEGs, parabens, and artificial fragrances and colours. Also, the brand has a beautiful initiative: for every 300ml bottle sold they will plant a tree. This way you will contribute to making the planet a greener place.
SheaMoisture is one of the most popular hair care products in the UK. The brand aims to offer sulfate free products, without parabens and other types of chemicals, which your curls may dislike. It’s safe to say that around 2011 the brand did not cross the UK borders. As soon as ‘the curly revolution’ grew, the demand of the brands products increased.
Cantu…you either hate it, or you love it. Many seem to love it and happily recommend these products via instagram and blogs. Cantu has expanded its offerings the last couple of years and when we read the reviews, we see that the brand mostly receives positive reviews.
There are many (online”> shops, that sell Curly Hair Products.
Brazil
If you search #Cachos on Instagram, you will see that Brazilian curlies are rocking their curls too. This triggered our curiosity about the hair care products used by UK curlies. What do these curlies do to rock their curls? We found out that Novex and nuNAAT are popular brands in Brazil.
Novex hair care is a Brazilian company, which aim to provide hair products for women from different ethnicities.They offer great hair care products and the sizes of their products are often huge.
nuNAAT believes that with the right combination of natural ingredients, everyone can have beautiful hair. One of the most popular products of nuNaat is the is probably the Brazilian Keratin Mask. This product is not suitable for all curlies, if your does not lack protein, than it is better to avoid using this product. If you have high porosity hair, than this product may be the solution you have been looking for.
We have searched for shops, which sell natural hair products in two of the biggest cities of Brazil: Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro:
São Paulo
- Ludovicus Total Beauty Supply
- Sephora
- Drogaria Iguatemi Shopping Market
Rio de Janeiro
Mexico
Many Mexican beauties are rocking their curls too! The favorite haircare products of our fellow curlies from Mexico are SheaMoisture, Bouncecurl and Kerastase.
Bouncecurl is founded by Merian a few years ago. In the meantime, the products are being sold in many countries across the globe. The aim of Bouncecurl is to encourage all curlies to embrace their curly hair.
We found the following store, which sells natural hair care products.
Netherlands
The Favorite hair care products of many Dutch curlies are SheaMoisture, Cantu and KinkyCurly. SheaMoisture and Cantu have been described earlier in the article. But KinkyCurly has not been explained yet.
The natural products of KinkyCurly are formulated to add moisture to your strands, while protecting it. Besides, the products do not consist of silicons, parabenes, alcohol, mineral oils etcetera.
The following shops sell natural hair care products in the Netherlands:
Online
Shops
- Yari
- MeGorgeous
- Kruidvat
- Trekpleister
- Afro Indian Market
Dominican Republic
The favorite hair care products of many Dominican Curlies are SheaMoisture, KinkyCurly and Mielle.
Mielle Cosmetics offers 100% natural hair care products, which are tested and proven toxic-free. The brand believes that non-toxic ingredients will result in healthier hair and skin.
We have found a great webshop in the Dominican Republic, which is Afroliterd.com!
Did not we mention your country? Let us know where you come from and what your favorite hair care products are!
Who wants to wake up early and return to work after an amazing vacation? Not many of us!
Luckily, there are many hair care products with scents that will immediately give you wonderful flashbacks to those sunny days. These products are also effective at keeping your hair moisturized during summer months – which we can all appreciate.
1. Aloe Berry Styling Gel by Alikay Naturals
The LOC or LCO method works for many; but since every curly head is different, some prefer a different route. Replacing the oil with a jelly is great alternative. This gel is especially effective for coilies to achieve more definition and long-lasting results.
2. Blueberry Bliss Twist-N-Shout cream by CURLS
This product will give you terrific braid-out and twist out results. Craving some moisture and definition? Definitely give this a try!
3. Almond Jai Twisting Butter
We love this product as a moisturizing sealant. Divide your hair into sections and finger detangle your hair while applying the product. This way, the styler will completely coat all of your strands.
4. Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque by SheaMoisture
Due to seawater and exposure to the sun, your hair may be feeling dry and brittle. A deep conditioner will help you restore the strength of your strands, while also moisturizing them.
5. Mango & Shea Butter Ultra-Moisturizing Shampoo by Creme of Nature
Many curlies find they have the best luck when they use a gentle shampoo like this biweekly to retain the natural oils in their hair. We recommend a pre-poo before shampooing for the best results.
6. Mango & Shea Butter Ultra-Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner
When applying this product, do not forget to finger-detangle your strands for the best results. If you notice that your hair is dry and brittle you may want to try this product.
7. Cleanse Me Co-Wash by Lottabody
Cleansers have the ability to remove dirt while also moisturizing your hair. When you want to give your hair a break from the potential drying effects of shampoos, you can cleanse your hair with a co-wash.
8. Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme by EDEN BodyWorks
The name says it all! This product is perfect for defining your curls. The main ingredients are coconut and shea butter, and the aroma will transport you to a tropical paradise.
9. Moisturize Me Curl & Style Milk by Lottabody
Try applying this product prior to applying the Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme by EDEN BodyWorks. Seal the hair with a jelly and enjoy the results!
10. Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Smoothie
Jamaican black castor oil is perfect for dry hair because it works to hydrate the hair and scalp. This shea butter blend moisturizes the hair, which results in more definition and less frizz.
What are your favorite tropical products? Leave a comment and let us know!
Photo courtesy: @WhitneyFromTheBlog
### 2. Roller sets
These are a great technique for guaranteed bouncy curls! These were my favorite hair tools during the transitioning process. I always used flexi-rods, since these matched my curly hair type. But different types of roller sets work better for different hair types, so make sure to pick the right tool for you!
Photo courtesy of @Modelesque_Nic
### 3. Hair wrap When in doubt, hair wrap! This is probably the easiest style for transitioning. There is low effort needed and the results are always unique. Hair wrapping looks different every time, so here’s some inspiration for ways to tie yours!
Photo courtesy of @WhitneyFromTheBlog
### 4. High puff Updos look great on all curly hair, and the high puff is your simplest option. This style requires that you slick back your roots and edges and let your more textured edges curl freely, which is perfect to mask the line where your hair is transitioning.
Photo courtesy of @Modelesque_Nic
### 5. Faux-hawk This is probably one of my favorite hairstyles at the moment and it is easy to achieve. I’m no longer transitioning, so my faux-hawk has consistent curls all the way through. But during your transition if you use a roller set, you can easily achieve the same results. This article explains how you can fake a mohawk!
Photo courtesy of @Modelesque_Nic
### 6. Twists Twists are protective hairstyling and a guaranteed success! The advantage of protective hairstyling is that you will protect your hair from breakage. Moreover, it provides you some time advantage during the mornings. There are so many different varieties of twists, including Marley, Havana, Senegalese, and more, so make sure to read about them all and pick your favorite!
Photo courtesy of@Laurenlewiss_
### 7. 2 stitch braids w/curly ends This fun hairstyle is a twist on your basic braids to give you some extra length. You can add a few accessories like gold string and cuffs like NaturallyCurly Managing Editor Alexandra did!
Photo courtesy of@Hairby_Tara
### 8. Faux locs Always wanted locs but afraid to commit? This is your chance! Now, you can wear faux locs! Though you won’t be making dreads with your actual hair, there are still some things to keep in mind to properly install them and and maintain them for longevity. Here is a tutorial that takes you through the whole process!
Photo courtesy of @NatashaLeeds
### 9. Crochet braids During the transitioning process many cannot wait to finally rock big natural curls! There is no need to get impatient when it is possible to wear crochet braids!
Photo courtesy of @valerieeguavoen
10. Wigs Rock a wig! The great things about them? If the wig consists of 100% human hair, you can easily switch hairstyles without worrying about damage. You can rock curls one day and the next day you can wear the hair straight.
Photo courtesy of @KrissyKakess
__Which hairstyles are you going to try?__
###### Image: [@lynnkatee](https://www.instagram.com/lynnkatee/”>
You may have figured out exactly what works for your curls to look their best during the day, but have you found the [night time routine](https://www.beautycon.com/article/nighttime-curly-hair-care”> that preserves your hairstyle overnight yet? Many of us know the pineapple bun, which is a well known and much loved method to preserve our curls. However, the [pineapple bun](https://www.beautycon.com/curlreading/curly-kinky-hair-type-3c/how-to-pineapple-curly-hair-video”> is not suitable for all curlies, especially those who are rocking a TWA or those who have very long hair. There are plenty of other nighttime options that will not only preserve, but also define your curls even more.
The right night time routine depends on your curly hairstyle and what you actually want to achieve. Here are 5 ways to style your hair to get maximum definition the next day.
### Method 1: Pineapple bun
__Great for:__ preserving washday results
A pineapple bun is a loose ponytail on top of your head. A pineapple bun is not only a fashionable hairstyle; it is also a great method to be embedded in your night-time routine. The bun enables you to prevent tangles and frizzy hair.
### Method 2: Braid-out
__Great for:__ definition and preserving braid-out results
Not only is braiding the perfect method when you want to preserve/improve your braid-out, it is also great when you want to fix disappointing washday results.
Divide your hair in sections and apply gel to each section prior to braiding. The following morning you need to unbraid your hair carefully to prevent frizz. Pick your hair with an afro pick or wide toothed comb to lift your hair.
This method is suitable for every hair type.
### Method 3: Cornrows
__Great for:__ definition and braid-outs
[Cornrows](https://www.beautycon.com/article/6-ways-to-rock-cornrows-without-looking-like-a-tween”> offer the same advantages as a braid-out. The only difference is that cornrows will leave your hair much more defined. The tutorial below will explain how you can cornrow braid your hair.
Everything comes with a risk and the same goes for cornrows. Imprudent braiding results in breakage. Moreover, when the braids are too tight it puts a lot of pressure on the scalp.
### Method 4: Perm Rod sets
__Great for:__ extending the time between washes
Even though [perm rod sets](https://www.beautycon.com/article/9-steps-to-a-perm-rod-set-that-lasts-5-days-bi”> are quite time-consuming, the results always prove that it is worth the time investment. Rod sets are suitable for medium and long curly hair.
Rod-sets result in definition and will enable you to postpone your washday by a couple of days. There is no need to wet your hair; only dampening the hair is sufficient. Divide your hair into sections and apply your favorite styling product to each section prior to wrapping the section around a perm rod. Cover your hair with a satin bonnet and enjoy your sleep!
### Method 5: Silk scarf
__Great for: __short haircuts
Since rocking my short haircut I have found out that the best routine is to cover my hair with a [silk scarf](https://www.beautycon.com/article/10-nighttime-solutions-for-natural-hair”>. At times my hair is too short to be braided, so a pineapple bun and perm rods are not an option either. Covering my hair with a satin scarf prevents my hair from getting frizzy. The next day I only use an afro-pick to lift my curls and that is sufficient.
The right night time routine will save you at least half an hour every morning!__ What is your favorite way to wear your hair at night? Let us know!__
*If you still haven’t found the method that works for you, check out these [other ways to wear your curls to sleep](https://www.beautycon.com/article/9-ways-to-sleep-with-curls”>.
*
Image: istockphoto
Curlies love their hair oils. They can be an economical and effective way to care for our curls using what you have in your kitchen. And one oil most of us have in our kitchens is canola oil – but have you ever considered putting it on your hair? Canola oil is the unknown nephew of other popular oils, such as coconut, castor and olive oil. Canola oil is a vegetable oil, which is derived from rapeseed. Often, the oil is used for cooking, but depending on your hair needs it can also have benefits for your hair. You may be tempted to nod and click away from this article, or perhaps you’re interested in learning more.
Benefits
Due to its texture canola oil has the ability to fully penetrate into the strands, leaving the curls moisturized. This is beneficial for curlies who have dry hair.
It is the perfect sealant; it is known that canola oil does a far better job than other oils. Consequently, moisture will be locked in your hair.
Canola oil contains sterols, which recover damages cells. This means that canola oil can help you get rid of your split ends.
Canola oil consists of vitamin E, which helps reduce hair loss.
Now knowing the benefits, you may want to know how you should use canola oil. It really depends on your curly hair need, but you can use the oil as a hot oil treatment, as a pre-poo or as a sealant. Personally, I do not like using the oil as a sealant, because a jelly would work better for me. But I like using the oil as a hot oil treatment. I have noticed that after applying the oil consistently my regained its strength and versatility.
How to Use Canola Oil
There are many ways to apply canola oil to your hair, but below methods are my favorites.
When you want to treat your dry hair, then you should definitely try this method. Mix three tablespoons of canola oil with three tablespoons of tea tree oil (or any other loved oil”>. Heat the mixture until it gets lukewarm and then apply it to your hair. Cover the hair with a shower cap and leave it onto your hair for 1-2 hours. Wash it off with a gentle shampoo and enjoy the moisture!
Do you prefer a hair mask? Then you will like this ingredient! Mix the canola oil with mashed bananas. Add one tablespoon of honey and put it together in a mixer. Blend until you have a smooth substance. Apply the hair mask onto your hair and cover it with a cotton cloth. Leave it untouched for 45 minutes and rinse with water. This hair mask will moisturize your hair and it promotes hair growth as well.
To achieve the best results there are some things you must do and some habits you should avoid.
Dos:
Be consistent if you want to see results. This means that if you do a weekly hot oil treatment you should apply the oil every week.
Be patient. You will not see the results after two weeks. It will take a while, but eventually, your patience will be rewarded.
Purchase pure canola oil. Some retailers offer canola oil, which is cheaper as it is not pure canola oil. Carefully read the ingredient list and place the bottle back, when you see that rapeseed is not the only ingredient.
When doing a hot oil treatment, beware of the oil becoming too hot. This can lead to serious burns.
Donts:
Do not skip an allergy test. You can apply one drop of canola oil on your skin to see whether you are allergic. It costs less than a minute of your time and you will be safe rather than sorry.
When doing a hot oil treatment wait until the oil is lukewarm
Do not overuse the oil, do not include the oil in every part of your routine. If you have done a hot oil treatment, it is not necessary to use a hair mask, which consists of the oil.
Purchasing the oil does not require a high investment. It is worth a try since it is a great moisturizer!
Image: @gigibellaa
I’ve lost track of the number of times that people recommended that I relax my hair because my hair shrinks too much. Just a few weeks ago, a hairdresser suggested that I try the keratin treatment to lessen the shrinkage.
“Your hair will be very beautiful, it will be very long and soft,” she said.
You cannot imagine how many times people have told me that it’s a shame how much my hair shrinks. But is shrinkage something I should really be fighting? Hell no. This is why.
What is natural hair shrinkage?
Shrinkage is the decrease in length from when your natural hair is wet to when it dries. Depending on the hair type and hair porosity, curly hair can shrink up to 90% when it dries. Not only is it completely normal, it is actually a sign of healthy hair; it shows that your hair is properly moisturized and has good elasticity. We cannot change a phenomenon that is a key characteristic feature of curly hair. Not to forget, shrinkage is the main ingredient of the uniqueness of our curly crown. To emphasize the importance of shrinkage, I want to remind all curlies that without shrinkage, our hair would not have its texture and definition. Hence, I think we should be doing our best to unlearn the perception that shrinkage is a negative trait of curly hair.
I used to hate shrinkage, but eventually I realized that not accepting shrinkage was a hurdle to getting to know my naturally curly hair.
I used to hate shrinkage, but eventually I realized that not accepting shrinkage was a hurdle to getting to know my naturally curly hair. When I finally accepted and embraced my shrinkage, I was able to make great hair care decisions. For instance, I was able to do a second big chop for the wellbeing of my hair.
Image: @strawberricurls
Accepting our hair shrinkage
It may be difficult to accept shrinkage at first. But there are ways to facilitate the process of acceptance. It all starts with self-acceptance… accept your own hair type and do not try to set your curly hair goals based on the hair texture of your favorite blogger, celebrity and/or loved one. Often, their porosity, density, width, or curl pattern may be completely different from yours. Secondly, the aim of your natural hair journey is to get to know your curly hair, learn what routines work best for you and what products you should avoid. You will facilitate this journey by doing what is necessary to keep your natural crown beautiful. This includes accepting all characteristics of your curls, including shrinkage.
What if you want to lessen shrinkage?
Some curlies find that stretching out their curls simply makes their lives easier by preventing tangles or matting. If you do want to lessen your shrinkage, changing some habits in your curly hair routine can save you time later in your regimen. Just to name an example, I admired curly hair influencer Sunkissalba and there was a time that I wanted to have the same hair type as her. Therefore, I started using the same hair care products as her. Little did I know that these products weren’t fulfilling my curly hair needs. When I switched to different hair products that were specifically for my hair type and porosity, I immediately noticed less shrinkage. I’ve found that certain ingredients also decrease shrinkage, such as flaxseed, bamboo milk, shea butter and mango butter. Lastly, there are some curly hairstyles which will stretch your curls. You should always be careful since these hairstyles often come with a risk of breakage, which will lead to more frustrations.
Accepting your beautiful crown as it is is far better than continuously fighting it. You should own your unique features rather than hiding it.
How do you embrace your shrinkage? Let us know in the comments below.
This article was originally published in 2018 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
Image of Felicia@hif3licia
Every season brings benefits and disadvantages to your curly hair. In the summer, exposing your hair continuously to the sun runs the risk ofsun damage. The sunrays penetrate into your hair scalp and scatter the melanin. Consequently, the color of your hair will change. Lastly, the sun dries your hair; this results in an increasing amount of holes and gaps in the outer cuticle of your hair. Hence, moisture will quickly leave your hair, leading to brittle and frizzy strands. But do not worry, there’s something you can do about that!
As you know, water is the core of curly hair. Keep your hair moisturized and you will have healthy hair. Steaming your hair is an effective way to bring moisture back to parched hair.
Whether they realize it or not, many people are already giving themselves a steam treatment when they cover their hair with a plastic cap during a hair treatment. The cap traps your body heat and the warmth with your wet hair creates steam. When you are steaming your hair you are using the moist heat to open the follicles of your hair to enable better absorption of moisture. You can steam your hair when refreshing your hair or when you are deep-conditioning.
Refreshing Your Curls
Your hair needs moisture in order to remain healthy, but when you are washing your hair too often you are removing natural oils from your scalp. Consequently, your hair will be frizzier and you will experience more breakage. Steam is a solution, because it does not involve the use of shampoos or other types of cleansers. Therefore, the natural oils won’t be removed.
Steaming your hair is not difficult. You can either purchase a steamer or you can replicate a steamer, the choice is yours.
Using a Steamer
A handheld steamer like Q-Redew may require some investment, but the benefits are worth the trade-off. As mentioned earlier, steaming your hair will open the follicles of your hair enabling the deep conditioner to fully penetrate into your hair. The conditioner will moisturize and strengthen your strands. Additionally, it will add a protective layer on your strands, which will prevent your hair from shredding.
After shampooing and conditioning your hair, you can start the steaming process. Make sure that your hair is fully detangled. Divide your hair into sections and apply the deep-conditioner to each section. Make sure that the deep-conditioner reaches all strands by finger detangling while applying the product. Pull each section into a bun and you are ready to start the steaming process.
Please note: Steaming your hair for over 30 minutes damages your hair.
After the steaming process, you need to rinse the deep-conditioner off and style your hair as usual.
Replicate a Steamer
I personally really like this option, because it is a cheap and easy alternative. To replicate a steamer you will need a hairdryer, a plastic cap and a towel.
After washing your hair, apply a deep-conditioner thoroughly by finger detangling your curls. Before purchasing a deep-conditioner you first need to figure out what your curly hair needs are by doing a porosity test. When having a deep-conditioner, which matches your curly hair needs you will notice that the detangling process will be much easier.
Dampen a towel and place the towel for 30 seconds in the microwave. Please be careful, the towel needs to be lukewarm, not hot! When placing the towel when it is too hot, you risk serious burns. Wrap your hair in the towel and place your plastic cap on top of the towel. Afterwards you need to get under the dryer as soon as possible to prevent the steam from escaping. Remain for 25 to 30 minutes under the dryer. When finished, rinse the deep-conditioner off and style your hair as usual.
Have you already tried steaming your hair? Let us know in the comments below!
Editor’s note: This is a dynamic list; we’ll update and amend as necessary.
Anionic surfactants are mixtures, which removes dirt, product build-up, and pollutants. These mixtures break down the interface between water and oils and remove dirt.
Safe Anionic Surfactants
- Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate
- Sodium Xylene Sulfonate
- TEA-dodecylbenzenesulfonate
Anionic Surfactants To Avoid
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate/Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Ethyl PEG-15 Cocamine Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
In general, amphoteric surfactants have antibacterial properties, low toxicity and a high resistance to hard water. They also have great compatibility with different types of surfactants.
Safe Amphoteric Surfactants
- Coco Betaine
- Cocoamphoacetate (Safer than Sodium Laureth Sulfate”>
- Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
- Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate
- Lauroamphoacetate
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Amphoteric Surfactants To Avoid
- Cocamidopropyl betaine (Please note some people have allergic reactions to this ingredient”>
Cationic surfactants are quaternary ammonium compounds used to provide conditioning, some detergency, & emulsion stabilization.
Mild Cationic Surfactants
- Behentrimonium Methosulfate
- Cetrimonium Chloride
- Dicetyldimonium Chloride
- Cocotrimonium Chloride/li>
- Hydrogenated Palm Trimethylammonium Chloride
- Dihydrogenated Tallow Dimethylammonium Chloride (not vegan friendly”>
- Laurtrimonium Chloride
- Stearalkonium Chloride
- Dihydrogenated Tallow Dimethylammonium Chloride
- Hydrogenated Palm Trimethylammonium Chloride
- Laurtrimonium chloride
Harsh Cationic Surfactants
- Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
- Behentrimonium Chloride
- Benzalkonium Chloride
- Tallowtrimonium Chloride
- Quaternium-15 (can cause irritation”>
- Tallowtrimonium chloride
- Quaternium-18 Bentonite
Unknown
- Dicetyldimonium Chloride
- Dicocodimonium Chloride
- Dihydrogenated Tallow Dimethylammonium Chloride
- Quaternium-22
Nonionic surfacants are used for gentle cleansing and for emulsion stabilization.
Mild Nonionic Surfactants
- Decyl Glucoside
- Laureth-10 (lauryl ether 10″>
- Laureth-23
- Laureth-4
- PEG-10 Sorbitan Laurate
- Polysorbate- (20, 21, 40, 60, 61, 65, 80, 81″>
- Sorbitol (prevents cosmetics from drying in their containers”>
- Steareth- (2, 10, 15, 20″>
- C11-21 Pareth (number between 3 and 30, the higher the number, the more water soluble and higher the hydrophilic portion”>
Harsh Nonionic Surfactants
- PPG-1 Trideceth-6 (contains Ethylene Oxide, which is banned in Europe and Canada”>
Unknown
- PEG-10 Sorbitan Laurate
- C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester
An emulsifier consists of a water-loving hydrophilic head and an oil-loving hydrophobic tail (think of a drop of oil in water”>. These types of ingredients enable the mixture of water and oil. Emulsifiers have the ability to interact with other ingredients and they are often mild ingredients.
Emulsifiers
- Caprylic/capric/diglyceryl Succinate
- C10-15 Pareth-(2,4,6,8″> Phosphate
- C14-16 Glycol Palmitate
- C18-20 Glycol Isostearate
- Ceteareth-(4-60″>
- Cocamidopropyl Lauryl Ether
- Deceth-(3-10″>
- DIPA-hydrogenated Cocoate
- Dipentaerythrityl Hydroxystearate
- Dipentaerythrityl Hydroxyisostearate
- Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprate/Caprylate
- Dodoxynol-(5,6,7,9,12″>
- Nonoxynol-(1-35″>
- Octoxynol-(1-70″>
- Octyldodeceth-(2,5,16,20,25″>
- Palm kernel glycerides
Preservatives are natural or synthetic ingredients added to products in order to preserve these. Research is lacking about whether parebens are harmful, however it’s agreed that it is more harmful to use products with no preservatives in them than products with these in them.
Mild Preservatives
- Butyl paraben
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Imidazolidinyl Urea
Medium Preservatives
- Ethyl Paraben
- Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (avoid this ingredient in sprays”>
- Methyl Paraben
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone
- Phenoxyethanol
- Sodium Benzoate
Harsh Preservatives
- Diazolidinyl Urea
- Isobutyl Paraben
- Propyl Paraben
- Aluminum stearates/ Isostearates/ Myristates /Laurates/Palmitates
- Glycol Distearate
- Hydrogenated Castor Oil
- Hydrogenated Castor Oil Hydroxystearate
- Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate
- Hydrogenated Castor Oil Stearate
- Hydrogenated Castor PEG-8 Esters
- PEG150 Distearate
These are used to thicken the product.
Naturally Derived Polymers
- Carboxymethyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
- Carboxymethyl Hydroxypropyl Guar
- Cellulose
- Ethyl Cellulose
- Hydroxybutyl Methylcellulose
- Hydroxyethylcellulose
- Hydroxymethylcellulose
- Lauryl Polyglucose
These are used to attract water to the hair to keep the moisture content high.
Mild Humectants
- Dipropylene Glycol
- Glycerin
- Hexylene Glycol
- Panthenol
- Phytantriol (enhances moisture-retention, increases absorption of vitamins, panthenol, and amino acids into hair shaft, imparts gloss”>
- Sodium PCA
- Glucose
- Fructose
- Polydextrose
- Potassium PCA
- Urea
- Hydrogenated Honey
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Inositol
- Hexanediol Beeswax
- Hexanetriol Beeswax
- Hydrolyzed Elastin
- Hydrolyzed Collagen
- Hydrolyzed Silk
- Erythritol
- Capryl Glycol
- Isoceteth-(3-10, 20, 30″>
- Laneth-(5-50″>
- Steareth-(4-20″>
- Trideceth-(5-50″>
Medium Humectants
- 1,2,6 hexanetriol
- Propylene Glycol
- Sorbitol
- Triethylene Glycol
- Polyglyceryl Sorbitol
These are positively charged polymers that provide silkening and smoothing effects by adhering to the surface of the hair due to the hair’s overall negative charge.
Cationic Polymers
- Polyquaternium-10
- Polyquaternium-7
- Polyquaternium-11
- Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride
Silicones are used to add shine and gloss to hair, decrease combing friction and tangling, provide conditioning, and act as humectants.
Mild Silicones
- Amodimethicone (not soluble in water by itself”>
- Amodimethicone
- Trideceth-12
- Cetrimonium
- Behenoxy Dimethicone (sparingly soluble in water”>
- Cetearyl Methicone (not soluble in water”>
- Cetyl Dimethicone (not soluble in water”>
- Dimethicone Copolyol (Water soluble”>
- Dimethiconol (not soluble in water”>
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Hydroxypropyl Polysiloxane (water soluble”>
- Trimethylsilylamodimethicone (not soluble in water”>
- Stearoxy Dimethicone (sparingly soluble in water”>
- Stearyl Dimethicone (not soluble in water”>
- Trimethylsilylamodimethicone (not soluble in water”>
- Lauryl methicone copolyol (water soluble”>
Medium Silicones
- Cyclopentasiloxane (low risk on cancer – not soluble in water”>
- Dimethicone (not soluble in water”>
Low Hazard Organic Oils
- Paraffin/li>
Medium Hazard Organic Oils
- Mineral Oil
- Petrolatum
Proteins
- Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Hair Keratin
- Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
- Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Silk
- Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
- Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
- Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Silk Amino Acids
- Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
- Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin
- Hydrolyzed Keratin
- Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
- Hydrolyzed Silk
- Hydrolyzed Silk Protein
- Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
- Hydrolyzed silk protein
- Hydrolyzed soy protein
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
- Keratin
- Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
- TEA-cocoyl Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Medium Proteins
- TEA-cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
Vitamins
- Retinol, Retinyl palmitate (Vitamin A”>
- Tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E”>
Cationic surfactants are quaternary ammonium compounds used to provide conditioning, some detergency, & emulsion stabilization.
Mild Emollient Ester
- Butyl Myristate
- Butyl Stearate
- C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Cetyl Octanoate
- Cetyl Stearate
- Cetearyl Stearate
- Decyl Oleate
- Glyceryl Stearate
- Glyceryl Adipate
- Glyceryl Arachidate
- Glyceryl Arachidonate
- Glyceryl Caprylate
- Glyceryl Citrate / Lactate / Linoleate / Oleate
- Glyceryl Diarachidate
- Glyceryl Dibehenate
- Glyceryl Dierucate
- Glyceryl Dihydroxystearate
- Glyceryl Diisopalmitate
- Glyceryl Diisostearate
- Glyceryl Dilaurate
- Glyceryl Dilinoleate
- Glyceryl Dimyristate
- Glyceryl Dioleate
- Glyceryl Dipalmitate
- Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate
- Glyceryl Diricinoleate
- Glyceryl Distearate
- Glyceryl Erucate
- Glycol Stearate
- Isocetyl stearate
- Isopropyl Myristate
- Isopropyl Palmitate
- Isopropyl Stearate
- Isostearyl stearate
- Octyl Palmitate
- Octyl Stearate
- Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
- Sorbitan Benzoate
- Sorbitan Caprylate
- Sorbitan Isostearate
- Sorbitan Laurate
- Sorbitan Tristearate
- Stearyl Stearate
- Tocopheryl Linoleate
Medium Emollient Esters
- Dimethyl Lauramine Isostearate
- Glyceryl Caprate
- Glyceryl Cocoate
Harsh Emollient Esters
- Glyceryl Behenate
These are emulsifying agents, emulsion stabilisers, surfactants, & viscosity controlling agents.
Mild Alkanolamides
- Acetamide MEA
- Propylene Glycol
- Stearamide MEA
Medium Alkanolamides
- Cocamide MEA
- Lactamide MEA
- Lauramide DEA
- Linoleamide DEA
- Linoleamide MEA
- Linoleamide MIPA
- Linoleamide MEA
- Linoleamide MIPA
- Myristamide DEA
- Myristamide MEA
- Myristamide MIPA
- Oleamide DEA
- Oleamide MEA
- Soyamide DEA
Harsh Alkanolamides
- Cocamide DEA
- Lecithinamide DEA
Amines are emulsifiers and conditioning agents.
Mild Amines
- Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
- Isostearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
- Lauramidopropyl Dimethylamine
- Myristamidopropyl Dimethylamine
- Oleamidopropyl Dimethylamine
- Palmitamidopropyl Dimethylamine
- Palmitamidopropyl Dimethylamine
- Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
- Tallamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Harsh Amines
- Behentamidopropyl Dimethylamine
These are typically used in very small amounts to balance the product.
Mild pH-adjusters
- Ascorbic acid
- Citric acid
- Sodium hydroxide
Medium pH-adjusters
- Triethanolamine
Often used to enhance thickness (viscosity”> of the product.
Mild Salts
- Calcium chloride
- Magnesium chloride
- Magnesium sulfate (has been found to add volume to hair, used to enhance curls”>
- Potassium chloride
- Potassium glycol sulfate
- Sodium Chloride
Alcohol does not necessarily damage our hair. Fatty alcohols provide an emollient effect, lubricity and/or emulsion stabilization. The ingredients below have been scanned and show zero to low health concerns.
Fatty Alcohols
- Behenyl alcohol
- Cetearyl alcohol
- Cetyl alcohol
- Isocetyl alcohol
- Isostearyl alcohol
- Lauryl alcohol
- Myristyl alcohol
- Stearyl alcohol
- C30-50 Alcohols
- Lanolin alcohol
The following alcohols are used as a solvent. However, these can be damaging for your hair.
Harsh Alcohols
- SD Alcohol 40
- Witch Hazel
- Isopropanol
UV exposure can affect the strength and elasticity of your curls, therefore, you should use a good leave-in conditioner that contains a UV filter.
Mild UV Filters/Sunscreens
- Benzophenone-2, ( or 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10″>
Medium UV Filters/Sunscreens
- Benzophenone-2
- Benzylidene Camphor Sulfonic Acid
- Bornelone
- Ethyl Cinnamate
- Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (octyl methoxycinnamate”>
- Octyl Salicylate
- Phenyl Ketone
- PEG-25 PABA
- Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor
Harsh UV Filter
- Benzyl Salicylate
- Octoxynol-40, -20
- Oxybenzone
These provide emolliency, conditioning, & add shine. All are natural and do not harm your hair.
- Coconut Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Olive Oil
- Palm Oil
- Safflower Oil
- Sesame Seed Oil
- Shea Butter
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Wheat Germ Oil
Amine oxides are used to help disperse dyes in product. The following oxides have been scanned and show zero to low health hazards:.
Amine Oxides
- Cocamine Oxide
- Lauramine Oxide
Chelating agents are used in small amounts to react with metal ions present in the product or in the water in order to improve stability or performance of the product.
Mild Chelating Agents
- Diiospropyl Oxalate
- Disodium EDTA
- Disodium EDTA-copper
- EDTA
- HEDTA
- Potassium or Sodium Citrate
- TEA-EDTA
- Tetrasodium EDTA
- Trisodium EDTA
- Trisodium HEDTA
Medium Chelating Agents
- Disodium EDTA-Copper
- Oxalic Acid
- Sodium Oxalate
Fatty Acids are used as emulsifying agents & emulsion stabilizers.
Mild Fatty Acids
- Arichidonic acid
- Capric Acid
- Coconut Fatty Acid
- Lauric Acid
- Linoleic Acid
- Myristic Acid
- Palmitic Acid
- Pantothenic Acid
- Stearic Acid
- Isostearic Acid
- Capryleth-(4,6,9″> Carboxylic Acid
Harsh Antibacterials
- Glyoxal
- Triclosan
Cationic surfactants are quaternary ammonium compounds used to provide conditioning, some detergency, & emulsion stabilization.
PEG-Modified Materials
These are esed as emulsifiers, surfactants, humectants, and to make non-water soluble molecules more water-soluble. The following PEG-modified materials are approved for use. However, these ingredients do have moderate health hazards:
- PEG-150 Pentaerythirtyl Tetrastearate
- PEG- 2, -3, -4, -6, -8, -12, -20, -32, -50, -150, -175 Distearate – also used to thicken the product
- PEG-10 Castor oil
- PEG-10 Cocamine
- PEG-10 Cocoate
- PEG-10 Coconut Oil Esters
- PEG-10 Glyceryl Oleate
- PEG-10 Glyceryl Pibsa Tallate
- PEG-10 Glyceryl Stearate
- PEG-10 Hydrogenated Lanolin
- PEG-10 Hydrogenated Tallow Amine
- PEG-10 Isolauryl Thioether
- PEG-10 Isostearate
- PEG-10 Lanolate
- PEG-10 Lanolin
- PEG-10 laurate
- PEG-10 Oleate
- PEG-10 Olive Glycerides
- PEG-10 Polyglyceryl-2 Laurate
- PEG-10 Propylene Glycol
- PEG-10 Sorbitan Laurate
- PEG-10 Soya Sterol
- PEG-10 Soyamine
- PEG-10 Stearamine
- PEG-10 Stearate
- PEG-10 Stearyl Benzonium Chloride
- PEG-10 Tallate
- PEG-10 Tallow Aminopropylamine
- PEG-100
- PEG-100 Castor Oil
- PEG-100 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
- PEG-100 Lanolin
- PEG-100 Stearate
- PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-60
- PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Distearate
There are many and they are used for a variety of purposes.
Miscellaneous Polymers
- Carbomer: Polymer used to provide thickening
- Dodecanedioic acid/cetearyl alcohol/glycol copolymer: Polymer used to provide thickening
- Hydrogenated C6-14 olefin polymers: Polymer used to form films on hair surface in hair styling products
- Hydrogenated ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymer: Polymer used to form films on hair surface in hair styling products
- Polyacrylic acid: Polymer used to provide thickening, emulsification, binding, and film forming on hair
- Polymethyl methacrylate: Polymer used to form films on hair surface in hair styling products
- Polyvinyl acetate: Polymer used to form films on hair surface in hair styling products
- Polyvinyl alcohol: Polymer used to form films on hair surface in hair styling products
- PPG: Polymer used to provide thickening and to stabilize emulsions
- PPG-25-Laureth-25: Polymer used to provide thickening and to stabilize emulsions
- PPG-5 Pentaerithrityl ether: Polymer used to provide thickening and to stabilize emulsions
- PPG-75-PEG-300-hexylene glycol: Polymer used to provide thickening
- PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone”>: Polymer used to provide thickening
- PVP/VA (polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer”>: Polymer used to provide thickening
- Sodium carbomer: Polymer used to provide thickening
- TEA-carbomer: Polymer used to provide thickening
- Poloxamer (100-407″>: Polymers used as emulsifiers (emulsion stabilizers”> and surfactants (detergents”>
- Poloxamine (followed by a number”>: Polymers used as emulsifiers (emulsion stabilizers”> and surfactants (detergents”>
- Polyacrylamidomethylpropane sulfonic acid: Polymer used to form films on hair surface in hair styling products
- Polyethylene terephthalate: Polymer used to form films on hair surface in hair styling products
Anti-static agents reduce static charge build-up and fly-away hair. There is not much data on whether the following ingredients are dangerous for the health.
Anti-static Agents
- Apricotamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
- Apricotamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Lactate
- Cocamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
- Cocamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Lactate
- Lauramidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
- Lauramidopropyl Ethyldimonium Lactate
- Linoleamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
- Linoleamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Lactate
- Myristamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
- Myristamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Lactate
- Oleamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
- Oleamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Lactate
- Stearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
- Stearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Lactate
This article was originally published in 2004, and has been updated for clarity.
If you have clicked on this article you are probably on the hunt for the perfect hair care product. Perhaps, you are curious what products are loved by your fellow curlies. Whether your hair will love a certain product depends on many factors, such as your hair type and the porosity of your hair. It is always good to get inspired by someone who has a similar hair type as you do. In this article five beautiful curlies share their favorite hair care products with you! And the best thing of all…all the different curl patterns have been included in this article. This way everyone can get inspired!
Chevera Goed – Type 2 aka @Chvraa
“My favorite hair care products must be the ones from NAK, which are produced by an Australian company. I love the leave-in moisturizer (the pink bottle”> and the Kurlcreme (the purple bottle”>, because it does not weigh down my hair. Moreover, thanks to the products my curls are soft and moisturized. The wash results last at least five days.
If you have the same hair pattern as me, then you should definitely try these products. I think that the products are suitable for all curl types! I have been using the products for four years already and I have never been disappointed.”
Mindrys M. – Type 3A aka @CurlyMindy;”>
“I would not be able to point only one product as my favorite, because every product works different on my hair. For instance, if I would like to achieve lots of definition I would apply a heavier styling cream on my hair, such as the Crème Brule by Curls. While, if I want to have more volume I would use a light leave-in conditioner by NYCcurls.
To seal my curls I use the Ultra Defining Gel by DevaCurl or the Climate Control Gel by Ouidad. I love applying the NYCcurls leave-in conditioner and one of the jellies, because my hair is voluminous and defined.
My advice to everyone is to keep trying products, because eventually you will find the perfect match!”
Caressa Martin – Type 3B aka @Kroelenboll;”>
“My two favorite hair care products are The Curl Maker by Camille Rose Naturals and Knot Today by Kinky-Curly. The Curl Maker by Camille Rose Naturals has been my favorite sealant for years now, because it eliminates frizz and defines my curl pattern. Also, when applying just a bit of the product I achieve excellent results.
Knot Today by Kinky-Curly is another favorite of mine. I have been using it for approximately a year and I still love the results. The product is protein-free, which is great for my low porosity hair. The product cause any build-up and does not weigh my hair down. Not to forget, it is a good detangler and moisturizes my hair.”
Leal Alexander – Type 3C aka @CurlyGallal;”>
“There are a couple of product lines, which go really well with my hair! First off, my hair fell in love with Boucleme, which is a UK born and bred company. The products do not include any silliness, such as silicones, sulphates, parabens, mineral oils, fragrances etc. Instead, the brand includes vitamins, omegas and antioxidants in their products. Their intensive moisture treatment really penetrates into my strands and nourishes my curls. Consequently, the detangling process is much easier. Their conditioner can be used as a rinse out or a leave in, I find that it works well as both. It has great slip and great water content, which makes it super moisturizing, lightweight and great for detangling. I always seal my curls with Boucleme’s gel, which does not weigh my hair down. The product really hydrates my curls when they need an extra quench. Now I need to share these products, since my boyfriend – who has 2b/c hair – is also enjoying the benefits of these products.
Personal tip: If I’m feeling like I need a heavy hold I grab my Olive Oil Eco Styler. It just works for me. But it can be weighing so use sparingly.”
Jasmine – Type 4 aka @Jaiologie;”>
“My all-time favorite hair care products are from Bask and Bloom Essentials. I love these products, because they consist of natural and organic ingredients. Therefore, I am confident that I am not sacrificing style over health. These ingredients work very well with kinky hair like mine. The product meets all promises communicated on its packaging. Also, the creator/owner is an Afro-Carribean woman, who I absolutely love!
I would have to pick my favorite, I would pick the Brahmi Root Masque, because it detangles my hair very well and makes my curls very soft.”
What’s your Holy Grail product? Share yours in the comments!
Did you know there are approximately 200 nationalities in the Netherlands!? There is so much diversity in the Netherlands and for me not a day goes by without admiring all of the diversity I see when other nationalities rock their curly hair. Since 2011, an increasing amount of naturals are leaving the relaxers on the shelves in order to embrace their curly hair.
While conducting research for my graduation assignment, I noticed that many are not aware of the diversity within the Netherlands, so I decided to showcase these curly Dutch beauties and introduce them to you!
Caressa Martin | @Kroelenboll
“My parents are both originally from Suriname and moved to the Netherlands where I was born. During my childhood there were very few products available for curly hair. Consequently, I always wore my hair in a bun or braids. However, there were many others who were wearing their hair naturally. Thus, I never felt out of place. This also had to do with my mother who always tried to encourage me to embrace my natural hair. I started relaxing my hair when I was 12 years old. I thought curly hair was too much work and straight sleek hair would be much easier to handle. My mother tried to talk me out of it and told me many horror stories to indicate that I would regret it. However, she gave in eventually.
The last time I applied relaxer was when I was 16 years old. I thought about quitting relaxing for a while because I got tired of the whole process. Going to the salon every six weeks, sitting there for a whole day, never being able to wet my hair, washing and drying my hair. I figured maintaining my naturally curly hair must be much easier than that and less time-consuming. I transitioned a long period of time because I did not big chop. The hardest challenge was to make my hair look “good”. It was hard to choose between straight hair or curly hair because of the different textures my hair had and neither one looked very good. My hair was usually in a bun or a ponytail and I just decided to be patient. I also cut my hair regularly but keeping it at a reasonable length. It was a challenge to transition in the period of time when I did because there were hair care products for my hair type available in the Netherlands, but I’m glad I did.”
What hair tip would you like to give to your fellow 3a/3b curlies?
“Love your own hair. A lot of us make the mistake by comparing our curly hair to someone else’s and that can lead to a lot of frustrations. What makes curly hair unique is that it cannot be compared with each other. The more you love your own curls, the easier your journey will be!”
Kimberley Marchena | @Kimberley_Marchena
“Both of my parents are from Curaçao, which is a small island in the Carribean. I do not really recall much from growing up with curly hair. My mother started relaxing my hair at a very young age. Before having relaxed hair I mostly wore my hair in braids or twists. What I do remember is that washing my hair was time-consuming and painful! I started relaxing my hair when I was 9 years old. I used the relaxer for children, but it caused breakage. After that I started transitioning and replaced the relaxer with a texturizer. But that also damaged my hair. Thus, I started relaxing again until I was 17 years old. My hair [became] very thin and fragile. And I had a lot of hair-loss when I was washing my hair. I wanted my hair to be thick and healthy again, I couldn’t even remember how my own hair looked like. So at that very moment, I decided to stop relaxing. I switched between braids and weave for a year and after that, I did the big chop.
In the beginning, the biggest challenge was to keep my hair moisturized. Just after washing my hair and applying products, my hair looked great. As soon as my hair dried it looked like I did not use any hair products. Eventually, I found a good routine to keep my hair healthy. At the moment, my biggest challenge is to retain length. I finally found a routine to keep my hair moisturized. I wash my hair with a co-wash every week. I shampoo my hair once a month or when I have product build-up. I detangle my hair with a good conditioner and a wide tooth comb. Also, I use a mask/deep conditioner. Recently, I started to pay attention to the ingredients of all hair products. I try to use ‘Curly Girl’ friendly products only. Lastly, to retain length I use hair vitamins.”
;”>What hair tip would you like to give to your fellow 4a curlies?
“Try to find a routine that works for you and stick to it. It’s important to take good care of your hair continuously. Do not try to compare your hair to someone’s else hair. Everyone’s hair is different!”
Amber Leemans | @amberleemans
“I am mixed: my dad is Dutch and my mom is from Aruba, which is a small island in the Caribbean. Growing up with curly hair in the Netherlands was sometimes really a struggle. Luckily, I have never been bullied. However, I never really knew how to properly take care of my hair. My mom and I would use the ‘basic’ products, such as ORS olive lotion and Palmer’s coconut butter. Back then, there low availability of curly hair care products. I always loved how I could have so many different hairstyles, in contrast to girls with straight hair. My biggest curly hair challenge would be the fact that the texture of my hair changes often. A few years ago my hair was not as curly as it is now. Due to the frequent change of texture, it remains a challenge to seek for the products, which work for me. I am always looking for products, which do not weigh my hair down. Currently, my hair is long and light-weight products help me achieve more volume. Moreover, I need these types of product, since I have low porosity hair.
In the Netherlands, we have so many people with natural hair, but in regular shops, there are barely any curly hair care products for us, I have always found this very disappointing. The only ‘curly’ products that are being sold are filled with sulfates, silicones, and other bad stuff, which just shows that people really do not know anything about curly hair needs. I got all my knowledge from watching YouTube, reading blogs and reviews.
I now have found multiple products that I know work great for my hair and I tend to stick to these. Although I always like to try something new, I always go back to my valued products and routines. To achieve the volume I want, I always make sure my hair is 100% dry after diffusing it. I always massage my scalp and shake my roots. This increases the volume of my hair without affecting my curl pattern. I don’t really use an afro-pick because it tangles my hair. I have to discover how everyone uses their pick without getting their strands tangled.”
;”>What hair tip would you like to give to your fellow 3a/3b curlies?
“I have one golden tip, not only for 3a/3b curlies but for others too: If you want to achieve the best results, you should invest in your hair! So get regular haircuts, buy natural products without silicones and deep-condition your hair frequently. Deep-conditioning is key to healthy hair!”
Valerie Broere | @ValerieJosie
“I am a Dutch (Well I have some Norwegian roots”>! It is actually quite funny because I had her very long hair with little waves until I was 13. Once, I cut my hair the structure of my hair changed. I really liked it, because I really like the texture of my hair. At the time I noticed that I was one of the few girls with curly hair. Many had blonde, straight hair. I have always felt special and I always stood out from the rest! Especially now, because I have dyed my hair gray. I think that curly hair is every day a beautiful struggle! How they will look like will always be a surprise. But I do not really have bad hair days. My diffuser [is a part of my solution for good hair days]. I really cannot live without it. I always take my diffuser with me when going on holidays. Besides, my always have my mousse and Lee Stafford wax. When I really have a bad-hair-day I wear my hair in a bun.”
What hair tip would you like to give to your fellow 2b wavies?
“To make my wash-day results last I always wear my hair in a pineapple bun. Consequently, my hair curls last longer. Many curly girls wear their hair in a bun, but this causes knots in their curls.”
Do you want to follow our hair journey? Then you should definitely follow us on Instagram!
For more on my hair journey, follow me @WhitneyFromTheBlog!
Whenever I have had a job interview, I have always been immediately recommended to wear my hair in a bun, since wearing my hair down was considered to be less professional. Upon reflection, I’ve come to recognize these recommendations as a perfect example of the bandwagon effect. The bandwagon effect is when a group of people strongly believe in something, and then others blindly follow their example. Due to the perception of curly hair in the past, many tend to believe that curly hair is not professional.
Those who gave me this recommendation did not always embrace their natural hair, and subsequently they were sharing biased opinion. As a matter of fact, they were also raised with the belief that natural hair is not a beautiful characteristic. Sometimes these beliefs are part of an inner layer of a culture: its values. Hofstede defined culture as “The collective programming of the mind that distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from others.” For instance, curls were always seen as the hair type which had to be straightened in the Dominican Republic and other Latin countries. Sometimes people have been raised with a certain perception, which may have formed during adolescence.
Unfortunately, these opinions have affected my self-confidence for a while. It even started to affect my performance during my job interviews. I was not as extroverted as I normally am and slowly but surely I developed the belief that the fate of my job interviews not only depended on my expertise but also on my appearance. Luckily, I realized that this was nonsense. I believe that people will always have something to say, so why would I not value my personal beliefs and opinions over the opinions of others?
I do not want to be part of an organization which selects its employees based on their appearance, rather than experience. In my opinion, these types of businesses lack professionalism. I would be thankful if such a company would reject me because at the end I would not fit with their corporate culture. Moreover, this type of working environment would not contribute to my personal development, as I would continuously be confronted with a wrong perception. Consequently, my happiness will be affected as well.
When my current employer invited me for a job interview I wore my curly hair with pride, and I differentiated myself from other participants, because of my confidence and my ambitions. Not only did I show that I wanted to be part of the company, I also positioned myself as a valuable asset rather than an option.
Are you a bit unsure what hiring managers pay attention to during job interviews?
I asked an HR manager for you and she answered the following:
“When hiring we need to ensure our supervisors that we are recruiting someone who will contribute to the achievement of the organizational goals. I hire someone if I believe that the candidate will successfully support me in achieving the departmental targets. If these are not met, then I will be held accountable. Not only will this affect my yearly budget, but also my credibility within the business. [Here are some of the things we look at when hiring]…”
- The candidate’s interview attire
- The candidate looks clean
- The candidate is confident
- The candidate has researched the position, company and the industry
- The candidate has adequate experience
- The candidate is passionate
Do you feel that hiring managers perceive curly hair as non-professional?
If you have ever felt that your hair has affected your job search, we want to hear about it in the comments.
After experiencing some damaging effects to my natural Type 3 hair, I had to change up my curly hair routine. Here is my new routine which my 3C curls really love. Some of the challenges I face are detangling my hair and dealing with the density of my curls, but with my new routine, I am able to target both of these issues.
A few months ago I went to the hairdresser because I noticed that it was becoming increasingly difficult to detangle my hair, and she noticed that my hair has a lot of volume, but also a ton of product build-up. I learned from this visit that I was using the wrong hair care products and because of the density of my hair, my detangling efforts were in vain. The first challenge was easy to solve; however, to manage the volume of my hair I had to adjust my curly hair care routine.
Step 1: Shampooing
I shampoo my hair once a week now to get rid of the product build-up. I shampoo my hair with warm water since it allows the dirt and product build-up to escape the pores in the scalp and be rinsed away. In the past, I used to shampoo my hair bi-weekly, because I wanted to prevent frizz and breakage. Little did I know that I was damaging my hair, instead of protecting it. By shampooing my hair more frequently, I prevent product build-up and aid in a healthier scalp.
Step 2: (Deep”>conditioning
I dyed my hair a few months ago and but my hair still needs protein to recover from the harsh chemicals. Now, I deep condition my hair twice a month with the Keratin 2-Minute reconstructor by Aphogee. Since I started doing this, I noticed that my hair has much more definition and resilience. When I do not apply the ‘Keratin 2-Minute Reconstructor’, I apply the ‘Balsam with Protein’ by Salerm. Before I used these products my hair was damaged and brittle, now I notice that the health of my hair is improving.
Before applying the deep-conditioner I divide my hair in four sections. I finger detangle each section while applying the deep-conditioner. Consequently, the deep-conditioner is evenly distributed and reaches all the strands. In the past, I overlooked my roots often when applying the conditioner, but now this problem is solved.
Step 3: Two-step detangling
As mentioned earlier, I finger detangle my hair when applying products. After finger-detangling each section, I comb the section with a styling comb. The hairdresser recommended me detangling my hair with a styling comb because with a wide tooth comb not all strands get detangled.
Step 4: Rinsing with cold water
I then rinse the deep-conditioner out of my hair with cold water only, because the low temperature seals the moisture in the hair. Consequently, the hair is less frizzy.
Hair Tip: Rinsing your hair with cold water closes the cuticles of your hair. Therefore, your curls will appear shinier.
Step 5: Applying leave-in conditioner
Currently, the ‘Omega 3, 6, 9 Rescue+Repair Curl Defining Smoothie‘ by SheaMoisture is my favorite leave-in conditioner. It softens my hair and I notice that my curls are easier to manage. I finger detangle my hair when applying the product to make sure that I reach all strands.
Step 6: Sealing
The last step is sealing the moisture in my hair. I apply the ‘Curlmaker’ by Camille Rose Naturals, which is a curl defining jelly. The texture of the product also makes it a great sealant. When sealing my hair I do the prayer hands method to boost definition.
And I’m done!
Want more of my curly hair routine? Follow me on ig @whitneyfromtheblog! :”>
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Clay hair and face masks are trending due to the various benefits they offer. Not only do they remove toxins and metals out of your hair, they also contribute to the shine, thickness, and smoothness of your curls.
So what is bentonite clay?
Found in volcanic ash, bentonite clay is a mineral heavy clay that can singlehandedly change your hair and skin routines for the better. Known for its detoxifying benefits, bentonite clay also helps with curl definition, curl clumping, and when used on the skin, helps pull impurities and toxins from deep within the pores. This clay can be mixed with rose water, apple cider vinegar, tap water, and even green tea to achieve its maximum benefits! For more information on the background of this clay, check out how this clay can help out your skin and hair! With a resurgence in the products that contain clay, bentonite is at the top of the list for some. Here are a few products that feature this clay!
Shea Moisture Beauty Hack Face + Body + Hair Aztec Bentonite Clay
Bentonite can be used as a detoxifier, clarifier, and purifier for hair and skin. When applying a clay it needs be wet for the healing properties to activate. As soon as the clay dries up, it safely extracts the toxins and metals out of your hair and skin. Consequently, the strength of your hair gets a boost and your skin looks brighter and refreshed. I like to use a bentonite clay mask on my skin, when it feels exceptionally oily or I am having a bad breakout.
Bobeam J’Rel’s Detox Black Vanilla and Sandalwood Clay Shampoo Bar
This delicious bar is a clay shampoo bar. Since bentonite is one of the main ingredients of this product, you will immediately benefit from the detoxifying benefit that it offers, without having the disarray in your kitchen after preparing a clay mask. For shampoo bars, I highly recommend cutting the bar into pieces for ease of use when washing your hair.
KMS California Hair Play Clay Creme
Next to hair masks and shampoos there are also styling creams that contain clay. The KMS cream provides you the same benefits that the hair mask and shampoo offers you. However, the product also gives your curls hold. I would strongly recommend using a good shampoo prior to using this cream in order to remove product build-up, as the styling cream is quite strong and will be an added layer that could lead to matted curls.
Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Clay Conditioner
When you want to boost the volume of your hair without having to visit the hairdresser you could try this clay conditioner. Due to ingredients such as jasmine and certified peppermint, this product has an amazing fragrance. Peppermint oil also boosts the volume of your hair. This one also included certified acacia gum, which lifts the hair, causing more volume at your roots.
So how do you feel about clay in your hair?
Read next: The NC Editor’s tried bentonite clay masks, here’s what happened.
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