Curly Girl Profile: Kirsten (2B)

Curl Profile: Kirsten (2B)

Kirsten is a teacher and a fairly new curly girl. After having straight hair for years, her hair started to show signs of waviness. Through experimenting with techniques and products, she's really built up a fabulous curl pattern and loves embracing her natural curl. On top of keeping her hair healthy, she keeps her body healthy by being a representative for Plexus products. If you'd like to know more about Plexus, click here.

How would you describe your curl pattern?

2B

How would you describe your porosity?

Low Porosity

How would you describe the density of your hair?

Medium Density

Are you following the CG method (no sulfates, silicones, etc.)?

Yes

If you answered YES to question 4, how long have you been going CG?

I have been following the CG method since May 2015.

What product do you use to cleanse or Cowash your hair?

I am a huge fan of DevaCurl No-Poo, however I ran out of it. I am currently using Biolage Cleansing Conditioner for Curly Hair because I had it under my sink. I like both products.

What product do you use as a rinse-out conditioner?

DevaCurl One Conditioner

9. What styling product(s) do you use?

I use DevaCurl Light Defining Gel, Styling Cream, and Flexible Hold Hairspray

Describe your wash day regimen:

I “wash” using DevaCurl No-Poo. Once rinsed out I flip my hair upside down and put in DevaCurl One Conditioner. I squish water into it, making sure the conditioner gets into the follicles. I then use a wide tooth comb and comb through the conditioner. I rinse it out, and then use my DevaCurl towel and scrunch out some of the water. After scrunching in the gel, I plop using a soft long-sleeved tee. After about 40 minutes, I take the shirt off and flip my head upside down and finish drying with the diffuser for 5 minutes. I typically have to rearrange a few curls and use a tiny bit of hairspray to keep some curls out of my eyes.

Describe your refresh day regimen:

I can go 2 days without washing. Here’s what I do on those days:

Day 2: I thoroughly wet my hair (I squish water into it from the sink). I finger comb the curls, and then plop for 40 minutes using a soft long-sleeved tee. I then use the diffuser for about 5 minutes.

Day 3: I use the One Conditioner, and go through the regimen I would as if I washed it.

What’s the biggest challenge you face having naturally curly hair?

For me it’s been how different my curls can look from one day to the next. One day I have the most beautiful waves ever, the next it’s a frizzy mess. I’m learning to embrace letting my hair do it’s own thing. Oh--and not touching it during the day--it causes frizzies.

What’s the best thing you’ve discovered by going natural?

It is a relaxed look. Even though there are more steps involved in styling, it’s very easy to do. It doesn’t take as much effort as keeping my hair straight. Updos look great when my hair is wavy. And it holds better, too!

14) Any advice you have for others with similar hair to your own?

Don’t be a perfectionist. Your hair has a mind of it’s own. Embrace it.

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Product Review: Hooded Dyers - A Good Investment?

As many of you know, a short while ago, after MUCH reading and contemplating, I took the financial plunge into purchasing a hooded hair dryer. To me, this is for serious curly girls only. This is commitment: financial and spatial, because this mamba jamba isn't small and is going to take up some space in your home.

You're also going to look like Voltron when you're using it. 

My husband actually texted me that picture of Voltron while I was sitting under my dryer reading my Facebook feed. He's a delight. Yes, you may get some giggles out of your husband and children. Women all over the world have done far more ridiculous things in the name of beauty. Just saying.

I do my best to give you the most economical ways to go about this lifestyle because let's face it, when you're going to have to repurchase a product over and over, it would be ideal if that product didn't break the bank every time you have to buy it. Buying products should be fun, not stressful. You'll notice I don't peddle expensive salon brands often. Not to say that they aren't wonderful (products like DevaCurl and Jessicurl, etc. are amazing but pricey), but this blog is meant for the average woman on a budget, not those with unlimited funds.

THAT SAID.... if I recommend something over $100, EVER, know that I believe it's absolutely worth every penny. Which brings me to this dryer:

Hot Tools Professional Tourmaline 1875 Watt Salon Dryer

I've been using this dryer for almost a month now, and let me tell you, it is the most valuable purchase I've made for my curly hair thus far. A year ago, my husband and I saw one similar to this on sale at Sally Beauty Supply and he told me I should get it. I told him I didn't want to spend that kind of money. I've been eating crow since the day this majestic beauty entered the house, because he was SO RIGHT and I was SO DUMB not to just get one of these when I had the opportunity. That being said, it's better late than never, so let me give you some reasons why I believe anyone on the fence should invest in a hooded dryer:

1) THIS IS A ONE-TIME PURCHASE.

Unlike your Shampoos, Conditioners, Serums, Creams, Gels, Mousses, etc., which need to be purchased over and over, this only needs to be purchased once. All of us, even on a budget, are going to spend around $100 in product over a 6 month period. Purchasing a hooded dryer will last years and will make the job of drying your curls easier on you EVERY time you wash. When you break it down, this is actually a pretty good financial investment.

2) IT FORCES YOU TO TAKE A TIME-OUT FOR YOURSELF.

We are busy people. From the moment we wake up until the moment we crash into bed, we are running. There's not a woman I know who wouldn't be happy with 15-20 minutes of uninterrupted time to just RELAX without interruptions. Think about it: unless you air dry, you're going to spend 15-20 minutes in front of a mirror with a hair dryer and diffuser getting your curls to behave. Having a hooded dryer allows you to spend that 15-20 minutes in a chair, reading, drinking coffee, etc. while the dryer does the work. One of the nicest parts about having one of these is knowing once I get out of the shower I'm going have a little down time before I have to get ready to go out. Worth $100? You betcha.

3) IT JUST PLAIN GIVES YOU BETTER CURLS.

The hair dryer/diffuser combo is an excellent alternative, but can and does create frizz that a hooded dryer does not. By plopping curls into a Jac-O-Net hair net (NOT a t-shirt, hair will not dry well at all through t-shirt material), your hair is held in place and allowed to dry without any friction from the hair dryer. Also, when using a dryer/diffuser combo, most of us hold the diffuser underneath our hair facing upward while dropping our curls into the cupped end of the diffuser. This causes air to blow in the opposite direction, causing some frizz even with the best products. I've used a diffuser for 18 years and I would absolutely still use it if I'm traveling or don't have access to my hooded dryer, but I get far less frizz now and I love it.

If you're on the fence, I absolutely recommend picking up one of these. Brand name doesn't really matter (in my opinion), as long as it's a good quality dryer for the right price. Shop around. Amazon.com has many different kinds of dryers available, many of which are available through Prime with free 2-day shipping. You may even get lucky and find a good deal at a beauty supply. If you're committed to living the curly life, this will be one of the few expensive purchases you'll make that will pay off for years to come.


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Curly Girl Profile: Lisa (3A)

Curl Profile: Lisa (3A)

Lisa is fairly new to the CG lifestyle, but she's embracing it and making some changes that are making a huge difference in the look and health of her hair. It's important to know that even those of us who have been doing the Curly Girl method for years are still learning and CAN learn from others, even newbies! Here's Lisa, in her own words:

How would you describe your curl pattern? 

  

3A

How would you describe your porosity?

    

Turns out it floats so that makes my hair low porosity. Who knew? I'm going to check out some of the other tips about low porosity to see how my hair life can further improve.

 How would you describe the density of your hair?

    

My hair is REALLY thick. I would consider myself to have high density. There's an awful lot of hair on top of my head! Just ask my poor stylist....

Are you following the CG method (no sulfates, silicones, etc.)?

I'm just starting to use CG method. I've recently switched to a co wash and ditched my old shampoo and conditioner routine and am liking the results thus far. 

 If you answered YES to question 4, how long have you been going CG?

I think I started using the co wash about 2-3 weeks ago. I've already noticed a huge difference with the size of my hair and the frizz factor. That's huge for me! My hair is naturally large and I was a big hit in the late 80's and early 90's! 

What product do you use to cleanse or Cowash your hair?

As I Am Coconut CoWash, ($5.99, Giant Eagle, also available at most drugstores)

 What product do you use as a rinse-out conditioner?

At the moment, I'm not using any. I tried a Shea butter treatment (Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream, $6.19 Sally Beauty Supply) but it was too heavy and thick and left me feeling greasy. I'm content with just using the co wash.

8. If you use a leave-in conditioner, what product do you use?

Moroccan Oil Treatment, 3.4oz. ($41.39 Amazon.com)

This treatment is expensive, but worth every penny in my opinion!

9. What styling product(s) do you use?

Moroccan Oil hydrating style cream, $25.95 Amazon.com

Describe your wash day regimen:

On wash day (usually every other day), I brush my hair well to remove tangles before hopping in the shower. I just wet my hair thoroughly (which takes a minute because there's a lot of it) and liberally apply As I Am Coconut Co Wash and work it in with my fingers. I let it sit for about 5-7 minutes or so and then dampen it a little and comb it thru again with my fingers before rinsing out completely. While I don't towel dry my hair anymore, I do wrap my hair in a towel just to remove excess water. Next, I work three pumps of Moroccan Oil into my hair and comb it thru to the ends. Next, two pumps of the hydrating cream and again comb it thru, parting my hair and smoothing it out. That's it. I let it air dry on my way to work in the morning and it's usually nice and curly and relatively dry when I get to my office. I'd like to try plopping or look into the microfiber towel but it hasn't happened yet. 

Describe your refresh day regimen:

My curls keep their shape very well so I don't really need to reshape or rejuvenate them. Frizz and excessive volume are my biggest issues so I may dampen my hair a little. Another issue I often have is tangling. I use my fingers to separate my hair, especially underneath. In the winter, I often run a pump of hydrating cream or Moroccan Oil through the ends only as they tend to dry out more in the winter. 

What’s the biggest challenge you face having naturally curly hair?

FRIZZ! Humidity is my enemy and there are some days I feel like I have a giant brillo pad on my head! I often joke on those days that I have the hair of an Amazonian Bush Woman! Because my hair is so thick and so coarse, I have naturally large hair and my daily goal is to tame the beast. 

 What’s the best thing you’ve discovered by going natural?

When I used to straighten my hair, it was a requirement to have a chemical straightener treatment done regularly. I eventually gave it up and embraced the natural hair God gave me!

 Any advice you have for others with similar hair to your own? 

Find a hair stylist that truly understands your hair! My stylist has hair just as thick as mine and she knows the value of thinning and layering. I swear I lose 5 pounds every time I get a hair cut. I often get haircuts to remove volume through layering and thinning shears more so than anything. I've had stylists who were afraid to cut my hair too much and I've had to talk them of the ledge. My hair also grows like a weed. I remind them that I'll never have an issue with balding. Ha ha!!!

Would YOU like to be featured in Jen's Curly Mess? Email jenlennoxmoore@gmail.com and send a picture of yourself with your beautiful curls!

When You Buy A Product You HATE...

Whether you've been embracing curls for years or your journey has just begun, there will come a day when you race to the store eager to try a new product that everyone's been raving about only to come home and find out a) it doesn't work on your hair at all, b) it smells terrible and you can't see yourself ever using it again, c) the consistency/texture grosses you out or d) all of the above.

It will happen. Sometimes, right off the bat. Sometimes, not for a while...but it will happen. It's disappointing, and then you're probably stuck with your hair looking terrible for a least a day, if not two, because you don't want to re-wash when you just washed and have to start from scratch. 

I write this today because it just happened to me, and I've been having so many GREAT product experiences lately that I'd almost forgotten what it's like when you feel like you wasted your money on a dud. 

THE CULPRIT: SHEA MOISTURE COCONUT & HIBISCUS CURLING GEL SOUFFLE

I have read reviews about this product and SO MANY PEOPLE swear it's one of the best. I am completely hooked on the Curl and Shine Conditioner from this line so I figured I'd fall in love with this product as well. Didn't happen. My curls looked horrible, were heavy and weighed down and didn't curl up nearly the same way they usually do. I was SUPER bummed this was a fail, but I hated everything about it: the texture (sticky, slimy, and gritty), the smell and the way it just plain DID NOT WORK AT ALL with my hair texture. Luckily, I bought at Sally Beauty Supply and they allowed me to exchange it, no questions asked.

SO... here are some tips for when these situations come your way:

1) ONLY SHOP AT PLACES WITH GREAT RETURN POLICIES.

Here's the deal: Realistically, you're not going to love every product you try. What you don't want to end up with is a graveyard full of unused product that amounts to a lot of wasted money and storage space. There's no shame in returning, and you ABSOLUTELY should return things that don't work for you. Don't feel guilty, that is why return policies are in place. But, not all retailers are the same when it comes to returning products that have been used. Sally Beauty Supply, Ulta and Target have great return policies. So far, I've had my best experiences with these 3 retailers but I'm sure there are more out there. 


2) DON'T LET FEAR OF NOT LIKING SOMETHING KEEP YOU FROM TRYING SOMETHING NEW.

This whole curly lifestyle is about experimenting. Nobody's hair is exactly the same and every hair type responds differently to products. What works for me may be terrible for you, and vice versa. Sharing our good and bad experiences with products is a great way to learn, and part of that learning process involves trying all kinds of different products, methods and techniques. You'll NEVER know how much potential your hair has until you give it the opportunity to see how it responds to different ingredients. So... get out there and try new things! The world is your oyster. Have fun with it.


3) IF A PRODUCT DOESN'T WORK FOR YOU, TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHY.

I love Kinky Curly Curling Custard. It's one of my favorite stylers. Once summer hit, my curls were going limp and I couldn't figure out why. I did some research and found out it's loaded with humectants. In low humidity, these were working in my favor, keeping moisture in my hair. In high humidity, they were overdoing their job and making my hair a mess of limp, sticky curls. A switch to a lower humectant styler reinvigorated my curls, but I'd have never known what the problem was if I hadn't looked into it. Check out discussion forums (CurlTalk Forums are the best!) and read product reviews. It helps immensely and keeping you from making the same mistake over and over.



Even if its a matter of exchanging and trying a new product, ending up with a product you hate after trying it is a bummer. Your'e not alone! This is a necessary part of the journey. Through the various curl profiles you'll be reading about as we progress, you'll meet women who have gone through it all and who are still going through the steps to making EVERY DAY a good hair day. We're all in it together.

Curly Girl Profile: Leslie (2B)

Curl Profile: Leslie (2B)

I've known Leslie for about 18 years. We are sorority sisters and friends, and she has one of the best smiles of anyone I know. Her laugh is infectious. She left us Ohioans to move to Chicago a short while ago, and I miss seeing her!! Leslie is a CG pro, and she's had both long and short hair, so she knows the struggle. She's the person I talk shop with about products, techniques, etc. because she's been at this for years. Recently, Leslie donated 14" of her lovely locks to charity, which is just one more reason she is awesome. Here's Leslie, in her own words:

How would you describe your curl pattern? 

I’d say I fall between 2B and 2C

 

How would you describe your porosity? 

Low to medium

   

How would you describe the density of your hair? 

My hair is super fine but I have a lot of it. It probably falls somewhere between low and medium density.

  

Are you following the CG method (no sulfates, silicones, etc.)? 

Yep! No sulfates, no silicones, no mineral or castor oils. I try to make sure everything is water soluble.

If you answered YES to question 4, how long have you been going CG? 

Two and a half years.

What product do you use to cleanse or Cowash your hair? 

I use Yes to Coconut Ultra Moisture as my cowash and my rinse-out.

I cowash, rinse, then put more YTC conditioner on my ends and comb through with a wide tooth comb.

If you use a leave-in conditioner, what product do you use? 

 

When I do use it, I really like the Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner. It is pretty lightweight and doesn’t make my hair feel too heavy. 

I’ve been out of it for a while because I have been using Yes to Coconut Curl Defining Hair Smoother. It works somewhere in between a leave-in and a serum.

What styling product(s) do you use? 

When I am not being lazy, I use LA Looks Sport Gel, Yes to Coconut Defining Hair Smoother, and Shea Moisture Frizz Free Mousse

Describe your wash day regimen (include your drying method, air-dry, diffuser, plopping, etc.):

I generally wash every other day during the week.

Work wash days are cowash, rinse out, flip over and put up in my Turbie Towel while I get dressed for work. Then I take my towel out, give a little shake upside down and adjust my part.

When I am actually styling my hair, i.e. the weekends or when we are going out somewhere, I will cowash, rinse out, flip over and scrunch in gel, then mousse while still in the shower. Scrunch out any excess water/product with my towel and either wrap in my turbie towel or plop with a long sleeve t-shirt. I’ll sit for as long as possible, minimum 20 minutes. Scrunch in some of the YTC hair smoother. Diffuse with the hair dryer upside down and then right side up until as dry as possible or as long as I can stand it. Lastly, I will flip over and use my fingers at my roots to shake the curls out a little bit.

Describe your refresh day regimen (how do you rejuvenate your curls on days you don’t wash?):

I use Lush No Drought Dry Shampoo throughout my roots in the front and then I’ll spray water or just wet my hands and scrunch until I’m happy with it. When I can, I like to make my own lavender water refresh spray to use. I got the recipe from the CG Handbook.

What’s the biggest challenge you face having naturally curly hair?

Curl fall out! My hair is so fine that a lot of times, even when I do the whole rigmarole, it still pulls out at the roots and I can’t keep the volume.

What’s the best thing you’ve discovered by going natural?

My hair is so much healthier!

Any advice you have for others with similar hair to your own?

With fine curly hair, it is a lot of product trial and error. Try to use lightweight products and don’t worry if you have to wash with a sulfate free shampoo every now and then.

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Protective Styles : How you sleep may hinder your curls!

Until I really started doing research about how to best handle naturally curly hair, I had never ONE TIME thought about a protective styling. This is a term largely referring to something that protects hair during the transition process from chemical straightening to natural and protective styles are often used on ethnic hair. Twist outs, locks, braids, etc. are some examples of protective styles.

For those of us who have fully transitioned, our sleep habits can make all the difference when it comes to the health of our curls. There are a few simple techniques that may help preserve natural curls while you sleep that are easy to implement.


1) THE PINEAPPLE

It is what it says it is: gather all of your hair on top of your head as high as you can and let the curls stay in place. When your head hits the pillow, curls get crushed. This leads to a lot more effort in the morning when it comes to refreshing for work, or on 2nd or 3rd day curls. Pineappling helps keep volume in hair by bringing curls upward AND keeps them from being crushed while you sleep. Just be sure to very loosely gather your curls. They need to stay in place, but they don't need to be squeezed too tightly. Also, never pineapple wet hair. This technique works only on dry curls.

2) THE SATIN PILLOWCASE

This is a super cheap way to keep curls in tact. Satin pillowcases are usually less than $10 and protect curls from the static and moisture-drain caused by cotton. You can Pineapple and sleep on a satin pillowcase or leave hair as-is and there will be a marked difference in the health of your hair almost immediately. I recommend EVERY curly girl ditches cotton pillowcases immediately.

Betty Dain Satin Pillowcase

3) SATIN CAPS

I don't personally use this method, but it is successful for many. Satin caps can be bought at Sally and keep curls close to the head while sleeping. If you use a cap, there's no need to swap out your pillowcase, but this may not be the most comfortable method for you. Worth a try if you're not crazy about the Pineapple approach.

Jumbo Satin Sleep Cap

4) BRAIDING

This method works best for type 3-4 curls, as the curl pattern is so tight a braid won't pull it apart. Two pig-tail style braids are very effective for these curl types, depending on length. This allows curls to stay in one place and not have the curl pattern effected by tossing and turning on your pillow at night.

I can't go anywhere anymore without my precious satin pillowcase, and I Pineapple when I can. Sometimes I doze off without planning to doze off and forget. My satin pillowcase keeps my curls from looking horrible in the morning regardless.


What do you do to protect your style overnight?



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