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8 Reasons Why Your Twist Out Sucks

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Twist Out Failed

by Ariane of BlackNaps.org

You would think a twist out style would be simple: just add some product, twist your hair, and set overnight right? Well often times for many of us, it just isn’t as easy as it seems. Here are the reasons why your twist out failed and turned out all wrong:

 Read On!>>>
It’s Time for a Trim
Good style results are more achievable when your hair is in a healthy state. If your hair is thinned out, uneven and filled with splits it’s going to be challenging to make any style look good. Especially when you are doing a twist out the shape your ends are in matters because they are fully exposed.
 
You Didn’t Detangle Your Hair Thoroughly 
Make sure your hair is tangle free by working in sections and making sure each strand has been detangled before you twist. It’s more time consuming but you are likely to have a better outcome. Use duck bill clips to separate your hair, a paddle brush and or a wide tooth comb to detangle

Determine Whether You Like Wet or Dry Styling Your Hair
For some of us it just works out better to dry style and vice versa. I use to prefer dry styling because I was felt like my hair turned out more shrunken and dry, but that was before I discovered a new product favorite which I will get to later. I still feel that my hair has less shrinkage when it is styled while dry, but if I don’t feel like waiting around for that I am open to wet styling. In short wet styling often does produce more defined curls, while dry styling will give you the most stretched out full outcome. You will have to experiment and see what you prefer best. 

You Haven’t Found Your Holy Grail Product
There are tons of natural hair products on the market, the trouble is finding the right one for you. Some will riddle your hair in flakes or even dry your hair out giving you terrible results. Unfortunately, you must go through a trial and error process to see what’s best for you. Need a starting point? Check out my recommended products page. One thing I would suggest is trying a setting foam. I used ORS Setting Foam on my hair while wet and I fell in love with the results.  Foams will give you a longer lasting hold and they eliminate frizz. You can of course add your favorite creamy product first for some moisture, but you have got to try a foam along with with it.

Apply Enough Tension to Your Roots
When you don’t have enough attention being applied to your roots your end result is just bound to suck. The front and back of my hair curl easy without me even putting in much effort. However, the mid section where my 4c hair texture is dominant it requires more tension to get a good result. This means I have to do smaller twists and make sure I grip my roots tightly, if I don’t it just comes out pretty frizzy. For those who may have trouble gripping your roots you may want to try clips to secure them in place.

Veepeejay using the clips for more elongation on her wash day.

Coil Your Ends
The ends of your hair will make or break a twist out style. When you are nearing the end of your twist instead of tightly twisting all the way down, add some product to your ends and coil it around your finger. This avoids breakage when you are removing the twist and it gives you an overall better look once you remove the twist. You can also choose to use rollers on the ends of your hair, to ensure they have a smooth look.

Make Sure Your Hair is Completely Dry Before Removing Your Twists
If you remove the twists while they are still wet, you are likely to encounter some frizz. You do want your hair to be damp with product when installing the twists, but if it is overly saturated this may make your drying time super long.

Avoid Over Fluffing and Separating Your Curls
Of course you want your hair to have some body, but if you over fluff you will lose definition and cause frizz. A lot of the flatness we see is coming from the root, so try fluffing your roots with a hair pik, but don’t comb your curls.


Any other suggestions that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

CurlyNikki's #AskAway Monday

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jumpman, dem boys up to something... #NotJustBluffin

Hola Chicas,

Every Monday morning, I'll be live from the rooftop taking your most burning questions!  If you've got hurr (or whatever and what have you) questions, ask below!

I'll do my best to get to them all!

Later Gators,
Nik

 
Monday. #PermRodFro #Day4 #VersaceVersace #DC

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner (September Winners!)

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Hola Chicas!

So y'all went hard in the paint and I appreciate the initiation of discussion and helpful advice you shared with one another. Thanks to everyone for your participation!

The September winners are--
Laddidi
Lola
Nandi S. Newton
Letetra
Adriana
TyaD
Each winner will receive:
(1)Hair Therapy Wrap: $21.95
(1)Aubrey Organics HoneySuckle Rose Conditioner: $10.93
(1)Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo 10oz: $6.00
(1)Curl Junkie Curl Rehab - Gardenia: $20.00
(1)Oyin Handmade Hair Dew 8.4oz: $13.99
(1)Oyin Handmade Juices & Berries: $13.99

Please email me at nikki@curlynikki.com with your full name and home address using 'September Winner' in the subject line. Oh, and I'm hosting the exact same giveaway for November! Past winners are eligible! Remember, no one word responses! Ask questions, get answers, foster positive discussion! Love y'all! 

Later Gators,
Nik

p.s. US only! 

Forget About Natural Hair Rules, or Nah?

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by Desire My Natural via GlobalCoutureblog.net

I am so tired of the natural hair rules. I’m so serious! Here are 5 rules that the natural hair community should just forget and let others learn what’s best for them in their own hair journey:

Read On!>>>


Using Silicones
Silicones are artificial oils that firmly coat the hair strands. Now I may get the clapback, but silicones aren’t as bad as everyone makes them out to be. Just like with everything you use and eat, moderation is the key when using products with silicones. They do provide great slip, combat frizz, are used for heat protectants, and do a great job when detangling the hair.

Using Shampoo With Sulfates
There are naturalistas that want and need shampoos with sulfates. Sulfates are great to cleanse your scalp and hair from any product buildup. You do not need to use sulfate shampoos weekly. Try changing up to bi-weekly or even once a month. If it strips your hair to where you hair is feeling dry, try doing a hot oil treatment to build protection around your strands before you wash your hair.

Not Moisturizing and Sealing Daily
Who really has time for that? Personally, I usually moisturize and seal one good time before the hair goes up in a bun for the week. Creamy moisturizers and butters tend to last longer than mists and oils. When wearing braids, weaves, or another long term styles, you do not need moisturize and seal daily. Moisturize your hair according to what style you are wearing, how long you will wear it and your personal hair needs.

Not Wrapping Hair For The Night
You may not feel like wearing your bonnet for the night, because it’s too hot and humid. Using a satin scarf or a bonnet is not the only way to protect your hair at night. Sleeping on a satin/silk pillow case can accommodate you if you don’t want to sleep with a bonnet. Your hair will not fall out overnight if you forget your bonnet. Let your hair breathe for the night and continue wrapping your hair the next day.

Using Heat 
Many would think that it is important to not use heat at all on your hair to keep it healthy. But really if you have healthy hair practices before flat ironing your hair and keep the heat under 320 degrees, healthy hair is possible.

What are the ‘natural hair rules’ you tend to break?

Cherylene Is Naturally Glam!

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Tell me about yourself!
I'm Cherylene Felix from Cape Town South Africa. I'm 27 years old single, no kids, and I work for SA post office.

Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
I was a transition. My journey was actually hectic. I was blonde when I decided to go natural and my hair looked kinda funny with the blonde growing out.

READ MORE>>


Had you always embraced your texture?
No straight hair is what everyone around me knows so I used relaxer and creams and so much heat to keep my hair straight because natural hair was a no no

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them? 
They thought it was a phase because I change my hair style so many times I could write a book about it. They all wanted me to get rid of my "lazy hair" like they called it.

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
It's coarse and thick.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair? 
I shaved the right side of my head and went ash blonde.

What’s your biggest hair related regret?
My biggest regret is that I never went natural sooner. I could've had long healthy hear by now. But I know I'll get there one day.

What's your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
I co-wash my hair once every 3 days and wash it once every 2 weeks.  My favorite products are Auntie Jackies products. And I love using olive, coconut and castor oil. It makes my hair cushion soft.

Who is your curl crush?
TarenGuy, Napural85 and Curly Nikki

How do you maintain your hair at night?
I sleep with a satin pillow cover or a satin hair bonnet.

How do you maintain healthy length?
I braid my hair or I do twist-outs, but I love the braids more. It gives my a little break from the big hair especially winter.

What's the best thing about being natural?
One of the best thing that happened since I went natural was my mom that went natural. And the compliments that I get from females. People are actually starting to come around slowly but surely.
   

The Best Oil Mix for Natural Hair Growth and Shine

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Jensine from junglenaps.com writes: 

One of my favorite discoveries along my natural hair journey has been finding my love for hair DIY recipes. Oils, butters, tea rinses... you name it! If any of you out there are self proclaimed, “mixtresses,” this one’s for you.

My most loved hair oil recipe is one that has helped me increase length retention and add a little shine without looking greasy. Not to mention, my thick and often wild type 4 hair is softer than it's ever been.

These days, almost every hair oil recipe has coconut oil or EVOO. While these two oils are tried and true favorites, I think it’s time to let some other oils share the spotlight. You can find any of the oils featured in this video at your local health food store and you can store it in an applicator bottle for easy use.

Watch Now!>>>


This is Why Your Crown is Dryer than the Rest of Your Hair

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Crown of Glory or... Thorns
by Shelli of Hairscapades

I often hear and read many naturals complaining about the hair at the crown of their head. “It’s dry, it’s brittle, it’s dull, it’s coarse, it breaks easily, it’s the kinkiest hair on my head, it’s the hardest to handle!” And, I’m no different. The hair on the left side of my crown is always shorter and more prone to damage than the rest of my hair, always seeming to exhibit breakage and straggily (yes, straggily, it’s a word! ;) ) and raggedy ends.

I’ve come to learn over the years that this is most likely due to the fact that the hair at one’s crown is usually taking the brunt of the elements, you know: sun, wind, rain, cruddy air and free radicals;). I also always just thought that this exposure simply resulted in a raised cuticle and more porous strands, whereas the hair protected by the crown hair is smoother and far more cooperative.

Read More!!>>>>

So, when I started reading hair guru Chicoro’s Grow It! and came to the section on “Damage from the Environment,” I was fascinated to learn that the damage caused by exposure to the elements is a lot deeper than a simple mechanical reaction. You see, Chicoro explains that hair exposed to sun without protection actually undergoes a chemical and irreversible change! As you know, the sun can be damaging to the skin due to Ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. Well, these same UV rays can be damaging to hair. Chicoro takes this idea one step further and actually discusses how the effects of the sun are very similar to those caused by bleaching the hair. 

She states, “Like bleach, the oxidizing rays from the sun can break down, or change the chemical composition and the components of the hair.”

Finally, she drives the nail home with the fact that this change from disulfide bonds to sulfonic acids is permanent.

So, what does all this mean to those of us challenged by recalcitrant crown hair? The simple answer? Prevention and remediation. For “new” hair that hasn’t been excessively exposed to the elements, we need to proactively protect it before damage happens. For older hair that has already undergone this chemical change, we need to take remedial actions to reduce and/or eliminate the resultant effects of damage. In practical terms, this means employing some combination or all of the following techniques:


1. Condition, condition, condition

Did I mention condition? Deep condition with moisturizing treatments, as well as effective protein treatments that support the keratin in the hair, based upon your hair’s needs.

2. Moisturize to protect the hair from the sun and combat dryness.


3. Use leave-in products, such as conditioners, stylers and/or sealants, with UV protection 
This NaturallyCurly.com article provides a great list of ingredients that are UVA absorbers.

4. Seal with butters and/or oils that offer natural UV protection
Such as shea butter or hemp seed oil (I haven’t vetted this info, but found two articles that provide lists of oils that offer sun protection and their corresponding SPF levels. See here and here).

5. Other Tips: 
  • Use protective hair coverings like hats and scarfs.
  • Employ protective styling techniques which reduce the amount of hair exposed directly to the sun.
  • Don’t use peroxide or products with drying (non-fatty) alcohols. And please, whatever you do, don’t use lemon or other “sun activated” lightening products on your hair (flashing back painfully on my “Sun In” days!! *smdh*!!).

    And, don’t forget, just because you can’t see the sun, doesn’t mean you are not being exposed to damaging UV rays. Though the days may be darker as winter approaches in many areas, we must remain vigilant nonetheless (the suggestions above are for cold and windy weather too!). As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

    What's the state of your crown?

    CN Says:
    Crackly, crispy, crunchy. It's a bit shorter than the rest of my hair, harder to detangle and the ends split much easier.

    This article was originally published in November 2011 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.

    Top Products for Long, Healthy 4c Hair

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    Photo Courtesy of Craving Yellow

    Now more than ever before, there are numerous hair products tailored to meet the needs of natural hair. There are a variety of cleansers, sealants, conditioners, butters, and styling creams that are meant to keep our curls healthy and popping. Out of the hundreds of options out there, these three remain my Holy Grail products. These products never fail to consistently render great results.

    Read On!>>>

    Tresemme Naturals Moisturizing Conditioner
    The Tresemme Naturals Moisturizing Conditioner is silicone-free and is infused with aloe vera juice and avocado oil. It does have some useful alcohols such as cetyl alcohol as its third listed ingredient to help prevent dryness. This product would work great for type 4 naturalistas with fine hair.

    The first time I used this product, it left a thin film on my hair that would not wash off. Because of this, I kept off it for a long time. However, I kept seeing rave reviews in various hair forums and decided to give it another try, and I’m sure glad I did. This conditioner has made its way up to my list of Holy Grail products because it is accessible, affordable, and has tons of slip.

    I use this conditioner for my co-washes. I simply apply a coin-sized amount to the length of my hair, let it sit for about 3-5 min., and then rinse it off with a cup of ACV followed with cool water as a final rinse. I find that this conditioner leaves my hair intensely moisturized and manageable.  

    Hair Chemist Macadamia Oil Deep Repair Masque 
    I came across this product in a small beauty supply store in Delaware. I had not heard of it before or seen any reviews of it online, but I decided to purchase it and give it a try. I have not looked back since! I apply a palm-full of this deep conditioner to my hair from root to ends after my weekly cleansing routine and then I let it sit on my hair for about 30 min. I have also received great results when using a hair steamer. 

    This lightweight deep conditioner has a lot of slip, which make it great for detangling. While it does claim to be a reconstructor for damaged hair, I have found it mild enough to use on a weekly basis without causing protein overload. It seems to be the perfect blend between a strengthening and a moisturizing deep conditioning treatment.

    In terms of ingredients, this conditioner has a mixture of jojoba, olive, sweet almond, and macadamia oils. It also has hydrolyzed wheat, corn, and soy protein to strengthen the hair shaft. The cetyl alcohol, behentrimonium methosulfate, and stearyl alcohol are what add slip to the formulation for easy detangling.  

    Karen’s Body Beautiful Butter Love
    I apply this butter to my hair as my final sealant after wash day. I use the LOC method to ensure that my hair remains moisturized throughout the week. Karen’s Body Beautiful Butter Love serves as the “cream”. It is a saturated oil, so that means that it is thick and heavy enough to provide a long-lasting coating to prevent against moisture loss. I focus this product on the tips of my hair, as these are the oldest and most delicate parts, making them more prone to breakage.

    This butter is a mixture of shea, cocoa, mango, jojoba, and aloe butters as well as essential oils, grapeseed oil, and vitamin E. Each of these ingredients has essential nutrients that improve the luster, health, and manageability of our hair.

    What are your Holy Grail products and why? We’d love to know the products that you absolutely cannot live without!

    Transitioning to Natural Hair? Avoid These Mistakes!

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    by Tammy Goodson of CurlyChic

    As with any journey, transitioning presents its own unique challenges. While everyone’s experiences are different, it can be helpful to see how others have navigated through the process; all in the name of networking.

    Disrespecting the game
    As the journey of transitioning is underway, it is important to recognize the hair that is still relaxed while respecting the new texture. Carrying on as if the modulation process is not taking place could have a negative impact. The inability to commit to the new coils in your life and putting up resistance to allowing them the freedom to do what comes “natural” will prove to be futile. You must come up with an entirely new plan of action for this step in the journey. For example, blending the now two textures will be a breeze if you chose styles such as twist outs and bantu knots vs. a straight style.

    Read More>>>

    Using the old to address the new
    Transitioning not only applies to your hair journey but also the products you use. It is debatable whether or not it is an absolute necessity to use only natural hair products for natural hair, however, certain ingredients have proven to benefit textured hair that are not contained in many non-natural commercial products. As your new hair grows in it will require a new regimen that addresses its needs. You will find that as the transition approaches completion, it is possible that you will switch products yet again. Paying attention to your strands and how they respond to certain ingredients will be essential to a successful process.

    Lack of due diligence
    Jumping into any commitment without doing your due diligence puts you directly in the path of failure. Researching the logistics of natural hair care will save you a lot of heartache and assist in the overall management. There are countless websites, blogs (uh-emmm *clears throat), and You Tube channels dedicated to the topic.

    Using the wrong tools
    Relaxed hair and natural hair have different demands so it stands to reason that some of the tools used to manage those needs will be different.
    (example: wide tooth comb)

    No deep conditioning
    If deep conditioning was not part of your relaxed hair regimen, it needs to be an integral part now. Since natural hair is inherently dry, extra care to infuse moisture is important and including deep conditioning in your new regimen is one way to achieve this.

    Not taking advantage of the versatility
    During my transition I didn’t appreciate the versatility that came with it and I forgot to have fun with it by trying new looks. When I wasn’t flat ironing the hell out of it, I was doing wash and goes and that’s it. A few times I flirted with the finger coil method but for the most part I only entertained wash and go’s…boring.

    Looking back on your journey what do you feel you could have done differently that may help another chica going through the transitioning process now?


    Sharing hairstories and life experiences from a curl’s perspective. Find Tammy at her blog, Curlychics, on Twitter, and Facebook.

    Autumn Care for Your Natural Hair!

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    by Toia B of Luvtobnatural

    FALL IS HERE Y’ALL!

    Temps are dropping and humidity wanes with each day. Due to these and other factors, many of us find it necessary to switch up our regimen a bit so our hair plays nice with whatever the weather may bring.

    Here are just a few things you can try this Fall to make the best of the crisp, cool air that comes with the season:

    Use Heavier Oils/Butters

    When I first began wearing my hair in its natural state, I thought using the same oils and things all-year-round would be fine. However, the lighter oils that I used in the summer (grapeseed, sweet almond, jojoba) to seal in moisture didn’t quite cut it in the cooler months. For me, they weren’t a strong enough “defense” against the low humidity air and my hair was feeling drier and drier. What to do?!

    Read On!>>>
    I switched the game by using some heavier oils like JBCO (Jamaican Black Castor Oil) and Olive Oil. Not only did I use them alone, as sealants, but I would mix them in my leave-in and deep conditioners to give that extra oomph! Whipped shea butter also became an effective staple… not to mention they gave me some BOMB braid-outs! ;-) These heavier emollients gave my hair life because they formed a better seal and prevented my hair from losing too much moisture in the cooler air. They might do the same for you.

    Bring the Moisture Back

    The cooler it gets, the less moisture there is in the atmosphere. While the super humid summer air had the potential to wreak havoc on your twist-outs, it also had the positive effect of adding moisture to your hair. You might actually begin to miss that humidity once the cooler, drier air gets a hold of your mane, especially when you wear it out. Humid, moist air adds moisture, drier air does the opposite. So, how do we rectify that?

    One thing that I’ve found to be a good practice as it gets chilly is regular use of my hair steamer. Steaming is the perfect storm of heat (to open up the hair cuticle) and moisture (water) to give your hair just the right amount of hydration to keep it soft and healthy. Whether sitting under my hooded steamer while deep conditioning or using my handheld steamer in between washes to refresh and restyle, steaming has done wonders for my hair! Don’t own a steamer or don’t have the funds just yet? Check out these alternatives!

    Protective Styling

    Moisturizing and sealing is one thing. But tucking your hair away so as to KEEP that moisture there is another. Of course, feel free to wear your hair however you want to! I’ve found, though, that keeping my hair in a low-manipulation protective style on top of a good moisturizing and sealing regimen reaps fabulous results! Especially during the later fall months into winter will this be a good idea. The air is starting to bite and loosely worn hair is more at risk for moisture loss which can lead to breakage.

    My first fall/winter with a fro, you couldn’t tell me NOTHING! I’d proudly walk around with my loose fro in that cold air without a care in the world… or a HAT O_O. By spring, while my girlfriend who big chopped after me was rocking shoulder length hair, I was stuck somewhere around ear-lobe-length due to breakage. Lesson learned.

    As a bonus, protective styles serve a dual purpose: not only are you retaining moisture but you’re retaining length… for all you gals with BSL goals!

    Hats on Hats on Hats… and Scarves!

    Beanies are already starting to make their way on the scene. But be careful about the materials of these fashion-forward accessories!

    Wool is the usual go-to for the season but hats made of this material will suck the moisture from your hair. They can also cause breakage due to friction so look for those that are lined with silk or some other hair-friendly material. If you’ve found a wool hat that isn’t lined, feel free to sew on a lining yourself or just throw on one of your scarves or bonnets underneath! Read more about this here.

    Headwraps are hot! Grab a few scarves while shopping at your favorite clothing stores and make good use of them this season. The same rules about materials apply. They’re definitely a fashionable way to protect your tresses or cover up a bad hair day, all while keeping your head warm.

    I really hope these tidbits help you out this fall and winter season!

    How do YOU change up your regimen with the changes in the weather? Share below!

    How to Choose a Natural Hair Salon

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     Taken by Beauty Blogger under the Creative Commons License


    Sometimes you grow tired of all the DIY associated with being natural. There's no greater feeling in my opinion of having someone else really scratch your scalp. It is so amazing, I'm not even over exaggerating. Because I'm a complete and total penny pincher, I mean frugal shopper, I only treat myself to the luxury of going to the salon every once in a blue moon. However, I've found that not all salons are created equal. Even a self proclaimed natural hair salon may not meet the care standards I feel are necessary for my hair. Whether you have a special occasion you're getting dolled up for, need a good trim, or you just need a break, there are certain things you should look for in a salon. Some salons feel that the only difference between natural and relaxed hair is that they do not have to give you a perm. This is not true though. Straight and curly hair have to be treated differently. There is a higher level of care that curly and especially kinky textures need to be treated with. So what do you need to look for in a salon?

    Read On!>>>
    Recommendations
    Do you have natural friends? Who is their stylist? Do you even like the results you see when they leave the salon? These are all important questions to ask. If after receiving the answers you decide you like the salon (or stylist), it may also be a good idea to go with your friend to the salon. See how the stylist treats her hair. After you've done al these things, if you're satisfied with what you see, then that may be a great place for you, but HEY, NOT SO FAST, there are still other factors to take into consideration.

    Don't have natural friends? GOOGLE IT! I love Google. There's nothing that I won't look up and a salon is no exception. In this day and age you're literally just a few clicks away from seeing what others think about the salons in your area. Find reviews, check out their Facebook page, heck some of them even have YouTube channels now. If all of these things fail you and you can't find enough information, take a visit. See if they are even doing other customers' hair that resembles your own texture. Maybe even call ahead before your visit to see if they may have a curly/kinky textured client coming in soon. Then ask them what they think of the place and how long they've been going to this stylist. Have they followed them from another shop? It won't hurt to ask, I'm sure they're more than willing to share.

    Consult

    Does this stylist that you've researched have consultations? Call and see! A consultation is an opportunity for the stylist to get to know your hair before actually styling it. It is a separate appointment from an actual hair appointment, consider it a pre-appointment. Finding a new stylist is like dating for your hair. You can discuss your hair texture, length goals (or any hair goals you have), allergies, and any other pertinent information about your hair. This is not a one sided Q&A, let the stylist ask you questions. They may want to know things like your own daily styling techniques, what styles you wear most, if your hair has been colored, and what issues your hair has that you want to deal with. This is also a time when you, for a change, can let someone touch your hair! That is why you came to the shop in the first place, right?

    If you haven't decided on a particular stylist, and have only narrowed your search down to a salon you can use these consultations, or your observations to see what you like and dislike about certain stylists.

    Environment

    Are you a good fit? Do you enjoy your time there? We all know how loooooooong hair appointments can be, don't let it be a boring and miserable experience. If you don't like the stylist's attitude, or if other people in the salon make you feel uncomfortable, you shouldn't want to spend your hard earned money there. This is supposed to be a relaxing experience for you, a day off if you will. You should be in a stress free, friendly environment. When you analyze your stylist one of the major obstacles is making sure they are listening to your wants, despite what they think is best. You should definitely take their advice into consideration, but it is YOUR hair and you have the final say.

    There's nothing worse than a pushy stylist that makes you feel bullied into a style you don't want. Don't let a stylist force you to get a trim, style too tightly, or rake through your hair (detangling can make or break a stylist I'm considering). If you warn them about it once (heck even give them a second chance) and they continue doing whatever it may be or give you attitude for speaking up, don't go back. If it really bothers you, don't even let them finish.

    Sometimes the problem isn't a pushy stylist, but a distant one. If she's silent the entire time and that's not the stylist-client relationship you were looking for, then you may need to continue looking at others. If she passes you off for entire processes, that may also be a problem for you. I once had a stylist back when I was relaxed that ignored me with perm in my hair (ouch!), and the washing was the only part she participated in. She completely left the building and when she realized I was going to leave without paying, without a style, and completely dissatisfied her resolution was to have an entirely different stylist finish my hair. She ran through my hair very quickly to get back to her client and needless to say, I DID NOT GO BACK! These things really matter, because you have the purchasing power, without you (the customers) they are out of business and word of mouth is a powerful medium because there are others who really want to hear from you before they waste their time with a rude hairdresser.

    TEST the Waters

    Emphasis on the word test. Don't go into your first appointment and tell her you want a complete makeover. Get to know one another before you leave serious styling in her hands. Even with a stylist you've had for a while has a chance at giving you a style you don't like as much as you envisioned, so you really shouldn't trust a stranger with that much responsibility.

    Last piece of advice, don't go salon crazy. If you find a stylist that you absolutely love and meets all your criteria, that's amazing! However, remember that you had been doing your hair for a while before found her and you've taken great care of it up to that point. No amount of salon visits are as valuable as sticking to your typical regimen. If you go to the salon just for heat styles, then I really discourage frequent visits. 

    Let Me Know How It Worked Out
    Did you find a salon that you love? Were this tips helpful? Have you got some tips of your own? Share them here and let me know about your salon experience in the comments.

    Stephanie Is Naturally Glam

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    Tell me about yourself!
    Hey everyone! My name is Stephanie and I currently live in Chicago, lL. I am a recent college graduate from Eastern Illinois University, and I would call myself a true naturalista at heart! Ever since I was younger, my hair has always been faithfully relaxed. However, I have always been amazed by the versatility of natural hair. My natural hair journey began in 2013 while I was away at college. Due to the long distance from home, I wasn't able to get my hair relaxed, or even get
    it done as frequently as I would have preferred. With the combination of my love for natural hairstyles  and the fact I was away from home, I decided to transition back to my natural roots.

    READ MORE>>


    Were you a tranisitioner or a big chopper? What was your journey like?
    After transitioning for a year, on May 12, 2014 I decided to finally cut off the remaining straight ends. Ever since that day, I have been dedicated to learning what my hair likes, experimenting with various
    hairstyles, and most importantly loving my hair for what it is! It is currently a year and 2 months since I have been completely natural. Throughout my entire natural hair journey, I have gotten several questions about "how I style my hair, what is my natural hair regimen, what products I use, and how I get my hair to grow". These questions prompted me to start my own YouTube channel. Now my focus is not only to continue having a successful natural hair journey, but simultaneously informing and inspiring others (whether natural, transitioning, or thinking about returning to natural) to do the same. Don't get me wrong the road has been rocky at times, but I would never regret my decision to fully embrace the hair God has given me; returning to natural was the best decision I ever made for myself!

    Had you always embraced your texture?
    Yes I have always embraced my textures! I have a variety of textures throughout my hair and I have learned how to provide the proper care that each different texture needs.

    How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
    It's funny, my friends' and familes' reactions were all over the place. Some were excited for me, while others were asking me why on earth did I cut my hair! My mom for example was all for the new hair
    cut, but since I decided to flat iron my hair as soon as I had cut my hair, she was under the impression that I would keep it short, and go back to getting it relaxed. Once I told her that I will be keeping it
    natural, she was a bit hesitant and tried to convince me to take care of my hair and keep up with getting relaxers. Although I was receiving negative feedback about my decision to go natural, this was something I needed to do for myself and no one's opinion was going to change my mind. Now that I have been on my natural hair journey for over a year now. Both my friends and family or completely supportive of my hair journey.

    Describe your hair.
    I have a variety of hair textures throughout my hair. I have mostly coarse to thick hair with a few fine textures as well. I am a mixture of 3c, 4a, and 4b hair types, and my hair is low porosity.

    What's the craziest thing you ever done to your hair?
    I haven't really done anything crazy with my hair. The craziest thing I've done I would say would have to be cutting the rest of my relaxed ends off. If I make any decisions regarding my hair, I make sure that it will be beneficial in the long run.

    What's your biggest hair related regret?
    That's a tough one, I would say I don' t have any regrets regarding my hair, just because if there is something that I want to do with my hair, I immediately just go for it and just take a chance. So far
    every decision I have made in regards to my hair journey, has been beneficial to me.

    What is your current hair routine?
    I have a very detailed video below where I explain everything from how often I wash my hair, how often I use heat, how I do protein treatments, and more!
    https://youtu.be/4mzin-F_Ryo

    Here's another video where I show all the products I currently use on my hair.
    https://youtu.be/O8ZdOqZXZWY

    What's your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get your hair inspiration from?
    My all time favorite hairstyle that never fails me is the puff! I do all types of different puffs such as: the high puff, the bun puff, the wash n go puff, any type of puff I will do! I get my inspiration from YouTube channels, natural hair Instagram pages, Pinterest, and just being really creative with my own hair; I try to challenge myself continuously and do something fresh and new.

    Who is your curl crush?
    There are so many people to choose from especially because I love all textures of hair. If I had to choose one person, I would definitely choose one of my favorite YouTubers @thechicnatural. Even though she styles her hair only when her hair is stretched, every style that she does to her hair are so unique and I love it!

    How do you maintain your hair at night?
    I always sleep with a satin bonnet, or satin pillow case. I choose the pillow case over the satin bonnet on days were I want to persevere my hairstyle as much as possible , and not squish the style, which
    sometimes happens when I sleep with the bonnet.

    How do you maintain healthy length?
    The number one thing that I make sure to do on a consistent basis that I see has really helped the overall health of my hair, is to make sure to deep condition my hair for at least 30 minutes weekly. In addition, I try to only style my hair once a week which prevents over manipulation to my hair. This routine allows my hair to retain moisture and prevents unnecessary breakage.

    Where can folks find me?
    Instagram: Naturallii_Stephanii https://instagram.com/naturallii_stephanii/
    Youtube: Naturallii Stephanie
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOTE1GCt2SE1ABy77cWjcMg




    What's the best thing about being natural?
    There are so many benefits that comes with being natural. From having a strong community that supports and helps one another, to being able to experiment with my coils and kinks. However if I had to choose the best thing, I would have to say being able to wear my hair free however way I want it. Knowing that no ones else in the world has the same hair as me, or can rock a style the same exact way that I can is what makes me love being natural! It's more than just a hair style to me its about embracing what God has given me effortlessly, confidently, and naturally.

    Fall Regimen for Natural Hair- Layering Is Key

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    by Tammy Goodson of CurlyChic

    Fall is all about layering. It’s my go-to method for any on the go outfit. You can’t go wrong when you start with a blank canvas and build around it. I apply this same logic to my fall hair regimen. I am a firm believer in layering my hair essentials. How you layer is just as important, if not more important, than the mere fact that you are layering. If you can master the art of layering you can’t lose.

    Read On!>>>
    Layer 1: shampoo - I always start out with a clean slate (much like a basic t-shirt you build your outfit of the day around), which in my case means a full shampoo on detangled hair with, of course, a sulfate free shampoo or conditioning cleanser. A fresh start gives my tresses a fair opportunity to be shaped and molded into anything I chose. By starting off with a clean head of hair, I can manipulate the outcome the way I see fit and not have to worry about any previous product application affecting my results.

    Layer 2: conditioner - by conditioning/deep conditioning my freshly shampooed mane, I can be confident that I have set the stage for a smooth style session. In other words, it’s the best “condition” (pun intended) possible for whatever comes next. Conditioning leaves my delicate curls pillow soft, even textured and detangled which otherwise would present a challenge to my styling process. Although there has been testimony to the contrary, I opt to rinse with cool water to ensure the cuticle is closed and flat thus minimizing frizz. According to chemist Mort Westman, “hair, contains no living cells -- it doesn't react to cold (or hot) water” source: Oprah.com. Clearly you should garner your own research to determine your process.

    Layer 3: leave in-conditioner – this is the layer I like to refer to as the suit of armor. For me, a good leave in is the cornerstone of my hair regimen. My leave-in protects and serves like nobody’s business and is an absolute must. The elements are rendered almost defenseless to a great sheathing leave-in. Not only does it add moisture but it conditions all day long and blocks out all the kink monsters/destroyers.

    Layer 4: styler/moisturizer) – your favorite styler should add moisture as well as a means by which to manipulate and style your curls. I look for a product that provides some slip making it easy to work with minus any sticky residue. I am always very mindful of the ingredients in my styler because I want to make sure they serve my purpose. For example, while a water based product is good news moisture wise, I find that it doesn’t serve me well on stretched styles because it causes the hair to revert back. It’s all about texture for me and playing it up so when it comes to application I make sure to work in the product section by section, thoroughly with my fingertips keeping in mind that less is more. An A+ styler pulls the look together like a good blazer or your favorite cardigan while offering maximum style and versatility.

    Layer 5: oil – my final layer seals and locks the moisture in. There’s no point of adding moisture if you don’t lock it in. It’s like the top coat when you do apply your favorite nail stain. You need that final layer of protection. I liken it to the perfect accessory and final touches of your look. Now coif and go! *note- some naturals choose to use heavier butters rather than oils in the cooler months.

    What does your fall regimen look like?

    Sharing hairstories and life experiences from a curl’s perspective. Find Tammy at her blog, Curlychics, onTwitter, and Facebook.

    Loving Yourself Naked

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    My youngest daughter always says, "Mommy move your hair so I can kiss your spots." What has been a source of insecurity for me is something my daughter loves unconditionally.


    Read On!>>>


    I've had acne-prone skin and scars on my face since I was a teenager.  I've been through phases where I wore layers of makeup to cover it up. Or styled my hair to hide it. Diet changes, vitamins, laser treatments, prescriptions & natural products, everything, I've tried. 

    Maybe for you it's your weight, or your hair, or the shape of your body that has caused you grief and insecurity. The things people say and the images we compare ourselves to combine to create self-consciousness and we dim ourselves, not wanting to draw attention to what we think are flaws. 

    In the past few years, I've fallen in love with the freedom and clarity of keeping my face as natural as possible. Blemishes and all. I grew tired of wanting to be different than what I am. I decided to love myself naked, in every sense of the word. And for me that means being unashamed. Letting myself be seen in what I feel is my most beautiful state. Aware that I'm so much more than this skin, this hair and this body. These...spots. But still thankful for the vessel I've been given and honored to take care of it and enjoy it.

    So whatever your spots are, learn to love them.   Own your version of beauty and the way your light glows. 
    The things you might think of as flaws are openings. Look through them and see what's most real and rare about you. 
    Food for Thought: In what ways can you be gentler with yourself and more bold with the world about who you are? 

    Are You Down With Co-Washing?

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    By Dr. Phoenyx Austin of DrPhoenyx.com

    Hey ladies! One of the best hair practices I adopted after going natural was co-washing. I was actually years into natural hair and cleansing my hair with sulfate-free shampoos. I knew all about the harsh sulfates thing, but I had no clue that there was something even better than shampoo. Then one day, a fellow naturalista put me onto co-washing. And boy oh boy did this doc fall in love! If you aren’t hip to the co-washing game, I’ll give you a quick debriefing of what it is, why you should do it, how often you should do it, and what types of conditioners to use.

    Read More!!>>>

    What is it?

    Co-washing is simply using conditioner to cleanse the hair instead of shampoo. You just cut out the shampoo step and go straight to conditioning.

    Why should you do it?
    Co-washing is muy bueno for hair- especially natural hair! As far as cleansers, you should already be switched over to sulfate-free shampoos. Sulfates are cleansing agents that are included in most commercial shampoos. Sulfates are what give shampoos their bubbly, foamy quality. Sulfates may make bath time fun, but they are also powerful degreasers that will literally strip the oil from your hair. No bueno! This is why you should use sulfate-free shampoos IF you do use shampoo.

    Now if you want to take things up a notch with your hair care, co-washing is the way to go. Commercial conditioners are actually formulated with cleansing agents too- not just conditioning agents. So shampoos are really not that necessary. You can use conditioner to cleanse your hair- it’s like getting 2 benefits for the price of 1!

    What types of conditioner should you use?
    The most common issue with co-washing is product buildup on hair. This is because conditioners contain silicones- an agent that gives hair “slip” and shine. Silicones come in 2 forms- water soluble and non-water soluble. It is best to use conditioners with water soluble silicones (or no silicones) because product buildup will be unlikely. Water soluble silicones wash easily from hair. Non-water soluble silicones do not- they can only be washed off with stronger cleansers that are found in shampoo (i.e. sulfates).

    To tell if your conditioner is co-wash friendly, just read the ingredients on the bottle and look for these silicones:
    • Dimethicone Copolyl 
    • PEG Modified Dimethicone. 
    These are the water soluble silicones. If you conditioner contains these, you’re good to go! And don’t worry about cost. There are tons of el-cheapo conditioners that contain water soluble silicones. So you won’t have to break the piggy bank when looking for these types of conditioners.

    Best Cleansing Conditioners
    You can wash your hair with just conditioner, but nowadays manufacturers are formulating conditioners with cleansing agents. These are some of the community's favorite cleansers, but you can get the whole list here.

    • As I Am Coconut Cowash 
    • SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash 
    • Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing Co-Wash 
    • Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp and Tamanu Co-Wash 
    • Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Co-Wash 

    How often should you do it?
    That’s all personal preference. You can keep your current regimen, while simple eliminating the shampoo step. So if you normally wash your hair once a week, keep washing your hair once a week. Just use conditioner instead of shampoo. I know many naturals that co-wash daily. I don’t. I usually co-wash once a week, or at most twice a week. And if I ever feel like my hair is becoming heavy or dull from product buildup, I’ll simply clarify with shampoo or an ACV rinse once a month. Done, and done!

    Do you co-wash? How well does co-washing work for your hair? What are you favorite conditioners for co-washing?
    CN Says:

    I used to be #teamcowash- - co-washing once a week (to bi-montly) and shampoo'ing with Giovanni 50/50 once a month. I never experienced build-up and my hair thrived. But now that I'm beasting on silicones and grease, I opt for shampoo. Nicole Harmon said it best,

    "Shampoo free and Co-washing are like the Oil cleansing method, Low-Poo is like using Cetaphil or some other lotion-like cleanser, and regular shampoo is every other face wash on the market. If you have acne prone skin, or you wear a lot of makeup, or you sweat a lot during the day, you choose a face wash with those things in mind…same thing with shampoo."


    **************************************************

    This article was originally published in November 2011 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.

    Spend Less Time On Your Hair- Easy Natural Hair Regimens!

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     @keliise

    by Emilia Obiekea of AdoreBotanicals.com

    Hair Care Simplified

    As naturals we tend to inadvertently over complicate our hair care in an effort to be as natural as possible. It is always a good idea to reevaluate how we care for our hair.



    Stimulate your scalp
      • Do scalp massages with penetrating and stimulating oils. This can be done nightly. Apply oil as needed. Massages are great for encouraging hair growth.
      • Oils and butters are very good for moisture retention...especially during the cold months. They smooth rough hair and provide a healthy sheen. 
    Moisturize you hair
      • Moisture, Moisture and more Moisture is key to avoiding breakage and keeping hair as healthy as possible. Many methods can be used LCO, LOC, LOCO, LC, LO, etc...
      • Moisturizing your hair, as often as needed, is very important. Some only need to moisturize twice a week while others need it nightly. If your hair is highly porous or harsh weather is zapping all the moisture from your strands, doing any of the following is very beneficial:
        • Fine/ Normal/ Mixture of Fine & Normal strand density: After completing the cleansing process for your hair it is good to use a moisturizing liquid leave in spray. The leave in should be light and aid in detangling.
        • Course, Normal and Dry Hair Types: After completing the cleansing process use a creamy leave in or styler. My fav is Florets & Crème. Use a product that is very emollient. The emollience cuts down greatly on friction between the strands and significantly reduces chances for breakage. 
    Healthy Diet
      • Consuming the proper amount of water is very important for overall health, scalp wellness and hair growth. Water is necessary internally and externally for hair to maintain hydration. This aids in cell health preservation and reproduction. Water increases hair elasticity and luster.
      • Hair loss can be a result of nutritional imbalance. These usually are traced to deficiency of copper, zinc, iron, vitamins B, C or E. If any of these items are missing it is good to change your diet or take supplements according to your physician's instructions.
      • Eat foods such as Amla and citrus fruits-- great sources for vitamin C.
      • Eat balanced meals and healthy snacks through out the day. 
    Reevaluate & Simplify Your Hair Regimen
      • Do not over manipulate wet hair. It is very vulnerable to breakage in that state.
      • Don't be rough when combing the hair. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots with a wide toothed (seamless) comb. Hair doesn't get snagged during combing when using a seamless comb.
      • Do not use direct heat, such as flat irons, frequently. Indirect heat, such as an over head dryer, is a much better option.
      • Nightly scalp massages with an enriched oil blend are wonderful to increase blood circulation for optimal hair growth.
      • Deep conditioning weekly or biweekly with conditioners + infused oils has always been highly beneficial for me.
      • Be sure to have a proper balance of strengthening and softening products in your regimen. An imbalance in either direction can cause hair to become too elastic so it'll break when stretched or extremely brittle causing strands to snap with tension.
      • Be sure to trim your ends as needed. Split ends traveling up the length of the hair is a no-no.
    Give these things a try and see how your hair will flourish.  If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comment section. 
     
    Enjoy!

    SHOW AND TELL- FIERCE FRIDAY!

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    Hola Chicas!
    Fierce Friday is a way to celebrate our natural hair, displaying our dopest styles and best hair days... for inspiration and motivation. Wanna be featured? All you have to do is upload your favorite pics to Instagram with the tags #FierceFriday and #CurlyNikki. Be sure to share a brief description of the style, where you were headed, why you felt amazing, etc.!

    Tried my hand at a #braidout #kinkychicks #nhdaily #teamnatural_ #4chairchicks #naturallyshesdope @sdw8029
     READ MORE>>

    F R O H A W K | #tbt @posh_syd


    I loved getting to know both of these ladies! Can't wait to see each other again!! #CURLfriends #bellakinksdfwnaturalhairexpo #bkdfwnhe @shaelisa




    I didn't "go natural" ... My hair is not some statement ... I am not "reclaiming my blackness" ... It grows like THIS ... So I let it..✨👑 #crownedasf #naturaliswhereitbegan #ionlyreturnedtoit @priceless_tamara


    Hey y'all @curlswithlove


    Yeeeessss 🙆 #marleytwists #protectivestyle #bostonnaturals #curlynikki #naturalhair #curlbox #lovethem @chels_lyn

    CurlyNikki on the Dr. Oz Show- Tune In! #FixOrFail

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    Hola Chicas,

    I'll be back on the Dr. Oz Show throughout the month of November starting Monday, November 2nd!  Please tune in to watch us test popular home remedies for health and beauty in our Fix or Fail Lab




    Lori from Shark Tank


    3 DIY Natural Hair Masks That Are Good Enough to Eat!

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    by Jascmeen Bush of Jascmeen.com

    For my hair there’s absolutely no way around regular deep conditioners. Even when I’m not in the mood, I know that without some sort of deep conditioner, my wash-n-go will be dry and frizzy, my roller sets will look like hay, and I’ll be compromising my precious, precious, ends. Here are a few of the DIY hair masks I use that you can actually eat. These are super easy, you don’t even need a recipe, you can totally eyeball it. Just mix, apply, and use your idle time to snack.

    Read On!>>>
    jascmeen-hair-mask-3

    First up, banana and coconut milk. Coconut milk is a natural conditioner with proteins and good fats. You can use it on it’s own or dilute it with water and make a daily mist spray. Bananas have potassium that strengthens hair, plus they have plenty of natural oils (and water) that dry hair will just eat up. I like to overdo it and use two (or more!) bananas for my thick hair and mash them with about a cup or two of the coconut milk. Whatever’s left of my mixture gets warmed up and served over rice. You can even sprinkle a little cinnamon on top if you’ve got it.

    jascmeen-hair-mask-2

    Avocados have tons of Vitamin B that help with hair growth, Vitamin E which is good for a healthy scalp, and good fats that help with elasticity. Honey is a natural humectant and attracts moisture— you know what that means— more shine! I like to add a bit of water to this mix, since the honey can be hard to work with. For the snack version, spread avocado on toast, drizzle a little honey, and add sea salt.

    IMG_0823

    Strawberries are packed with alpha hydroxy acids that can remove dead skin from your scalp and Greek yogurt (as we all know) is an amazing conditioner. The protein in Greek yogurt really saved me when I was transitioning, plus it’s more gentle than store bought products. If you like to do protein treatments often, I suggest using Greek yogurt and taking the gentle route. Get a big jar and a few extra berries to munch on.

    If you’ve got a DIY hair mask, I wanna hear it! Have you used any of these ingredients? How did your hair react? (Also, if you’re curious, my fabulous hand model Angelica is wearing OPI polish in “Cajun Shrimp”)

    How to Moisturize Your Protective Styles to Avoid Breakage

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    image (2)

    by Kiara B. via GlobalCouture.net

    What are protective styles?
    As a part of the transitioning process or just to protect your luscious curls from the harsh weather and over manipulation, protective styles such as braids, twists, buns, bantu knots, up-do’s, etc.  can be very beneficial. But, if not maintained properly can cause extreme breakage. Since most transitioning and natural beauties seek these styles because they are low maintenance and are considered to be a “break” from daily handling, you may fall into the temptation of not caring for your hair, which will later result in breakage.

    Read On!>>>
    How do you avoid breakage? In order to avoid breakage when maintaining a protective style, moisture is the key. Allow me to take all of your worries away of having a dry scalp while trying to protect your hair with a very affordable quick fix—spray bottle or applicator bottle. A spray bottle or applicator bottle filled with water, nutrients, and oils, is just enough to maintain moisture and avoid breakage in the process. There are a lot of recipes on what to include in your spray bottle but below is my favorite:
    • 3/4 of the bottle filled with water to dilute the products
    • Any type of virgin oil (i.e. Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Almond Oil, etc.)
    • Glycerin
    • Conditioner
    When mixing these products, remember that there really isn’t a correct mixture or amount to use of each product because it’s based off individual preferences. How often you should apply the product to your scalp will vary as well and can be anywhere from daily to weekly depending on how much moisture your hair needs. One thing to remember is to allow your hair to completely dry before pinning or styling. You don’t want your scalp to mildew or mold due to not receiving enough air in order to dry. Also, remember that vital tip when washing your protective styles. Yes ladies, it is perfectly fine to wash your protective style in order to keep your hair clean. You would wash your hair as you would normally if you didn’t have the protective style. The one thing I would recommend is to make sure to dilute any shampoo or conditioner being used for an easier rinse out. If you’re not so sure about using shampoo, try the Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse method. You should still dilute the Apple Cider Vinegar before applying it to your hair. The vinegar will only smell while in your hair and will later disappear after the rinse so no worries about smelling like a pickle for the rest of the day.

    The last tip that I want to give would be the last thing you do for the day. Try sleeping with a satin scarf or bonnet to avoid the moisture that you’ve just achieved being rubbed into your pillow at night. Cotton fabric tends to soak up moisture and causes frizz. So to save yourself the heartache in the morning, wrap your hair in a protective scarf before bed.

    How do you protect your  hair while in a protective style? 
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