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Why You Should Be Using Aloe In Your Hair Routine

You already know aloe vera as a skincare and health ingredient, but did you know that this wonder-plant can work miracles on your hair, too? Aloe has excellent hydrating properties that can quench your parched curls leaving them hydrated, bouncy and shiny. There’s a reason that aloe is our first ingredient in our formulas… read on to find out how we infuse aloe into our hydrating formulas.

What is Aloe Vera?

When you think of Aloe Vera, you may think of aftersun gels or even aloe juice. This clear, soothing gel comes from the aloe succulent plant. Originally found in hot, arid climates, aloe vera is able to retain moisture in even the most dry conditions. For this reason, people have been slathering themselves in this super-hydrating beauty ingredient for centuries. The well-known moisturizing properties of Aloe vera make it the perfect foundation for your curly hair routine!

How Does Aloe Vera Help Dry Hair?

Hydrates The Strand
For your best ever curls, hydration is key. The benefits of hydrated hair – ie, hair that is able to absorb and retain moisture – is hair that is smoother, shinier and less prone to breakage. As curly hair is more prone to dryness, hydrating ingredients are a top priority in a curly hair care routine.

Aloe-infused formulas can aid in moisture absorption and help define your strands. This lightweight, long-lasting hydration makes aloe a crucial ingredient in any step of your curly hair care routine.

How To Add Aloe To Your Hair Care Routine

Start Strong With Shampoo & Conditioner
Your best ever curls start in the shower. For wavy hair, the trick is to harness as much moisture as possible without overloading the hair. Our Lightweight Curls + Flaxseed Shampoo and Conditioner infused with aloe and flaxseed provide miracle hydration and lightweight moisture. The result? Clean, defined, hydrated waves that aren’t weighed down.

For curly or coily hair that could drink endless water, opt for wash day products that are more rich and creamy. Our Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo and Conditioner starts with Aloe vera as the first ingredient and is also infused with coconut oil and creamy papaya extract. Curls are left feeling soft, shiny, and hydrated.

Long Lasting Leave-Ins
The perfect time to apply leave-in products to your hair is when it is still wet after the shower – all that extra moisture can be locked in to encourage soft, shiny curls, coils or waves. A curl milk or smoothie, like our Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie, provides extra nourishment and hydration. Your hair is tangle and frizz-free, and your curls are defined and bouncy.

#AloeForCurls

Your hair deserves the very best hydration, which is why we’ve created moisturizing formulas infused with aloe vera and other hydrating ingredients. From the perfect wash and style, to refreshing your locks on the days in between, there’s an aloe infused product for every step and curl type!

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6 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR CURLS FRESH THIS SUMMER

Ahh, summer. The unmatched joy of long days in the sun followed by balmy nights in the garden. However, these relaxing summertime moments can come with unpredictable hair days. The summer humidity and harsh sun can be intense on your hair, leaving you feeling more fried than fresh.

Hair that is porous – such as wavy, curly and coily hair – is a moisture magnet. This means that when it’s humid, your hair wants to suck up as much of that atmospheric hydration as possible. The good news? Humidity is actually very good for parched hair. But the bad news? Humidity can make your hair grow double in size and lose that gorgeous curl definition.

But before you resign yourself to spending summer with a slicked-back bun, there are ways to protect your hair from the season’s stressors. We’ve compiled our top tips to help you keep your curls frizz free and fight the humidity this summer:

1. Start Fresh

One of the best ways to prepare your natural curls for summer is to get a trim. By getting rid of any damaged ends, your curls will look healthier and be more defined (even in the humidity!)

2. Prep For The Weather

To fight the frizz this summer, it’s important to get your curls ready for the humidity. A lightweight mousse like our Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse provides weightless hydration and crunch-free definition to help your waves or curls hold their shape. The flexible hold makes summer styling a breeze, meaning you can tie your curls back or let your natural hair free.

3. Protect Your Crown

You know that heat styling can be damaging for your delicate curls, but did you know that the heat from the sun can be just as harmful? Extended sun exposure can be damaging to hair and can suck out that precious hydration. If you know you’re going to be out in the hot summer sun, remember that cute hat or head scarf to act as your curls’ first line of defence.

4. Stay Hydrated

Just like you get thirsty in the summer heat, it’s important to quench your curls, too. The sun, salt water, and chlorine can leave your curls feeling crispy and prone to breakage. A leave-in conditioner like our Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Mist can be used to redefine curls while topping up that all-important moisture. Formulated with a hydrating blend infused with aloe, shea butter, coconut oil and macadamia oil. Simply spritz it through damp hair and style for fresh, revitalized curls.

5. Humidity Control

Have you ever been having a perfect hair day, only to leave home and feel it instantly double in size? Whether it’s on your morning commute, hanging by the beach, or just cruising around town, summer humidity can make your curls frizzy, fast. A leave-in product, like our Shea Butter Elongating Gel, can help tame frizz from your curls this summer. Formulated to create curl definition and help reduce shrinkage, it’s also infused with aloe vera, shea butter, and macadamia oil to keep your hair soft and hydrated.

6. Nourish Parched Hair

Despite all your efforts, don’t feel discouraged if your hair still feels a bit dry or frizzy this summer. This means that you’ve been out having fun, curls and all! To remedy the effects that extreme summer weather can have on your curls, make sure to use a deep conditioning or hot oil treatment weekly. This will help add moisture to your hair, and tame frizz as summer continues.

As the weather gets hotter and the humidity climbs, don’t settle for anything less than fresh this summer. With the right products and care, you can be rocking defined, bouncy curls all summer long.
To the beach!

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PLANNING A PROTECTIVE STYLE? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

We get it – as much as you love your natural curls, sometimes it’s fun to change it up. Whether you’re looking for some time off from the daily upkeep of natural hair, trying to encourage hair growth, or just love to change up your look: with the proper care and maintenance, protective styles can be a great way to give your curls a break.

As the name suggests, protective styles such as braids, twists, or bantu knots can help protect your natural hair and scalp from stressors such as over-manipulation, extreme weather, and excess product. However, these protective styles can become counterproductive if not looked after properly, so it’s crucial to keep your natural hair hydrated and moisturized to avoid breakage.

If you’re planning on having a protective style installed on your natural hair, here are our top tips to keep those curls luscious.

It’s In The Prep

Before your protective styling, take the time to give your hair the full spa treatment. Fresh, hydrated hair will last longer and look healthier in those box braids or faux locs.

Cleanse Well

Use a clarifying shampoo to thoroughly cleanse your curls and scalp to remove any product build up. This may be the last time your hair and scalp gets a proper wash for the next few weeks, so starting fresh will make the whole process more comfortable.

Nourish Deeply

Apply a deep conditioner or hot oil treatment to your freshly washed hair to help hydrate and strengthen your curls or coils. This will help your natural hair withstand the manipulation of the styling process and stay looking healthy.

Apply A Lightweight Leave-In

When prepping your hair for a protective style, your usual curling creams may be too rich. Excess product on the hair and scalp can lead to product build up that weighs down your curls.

Instead, try a lightweight leave-in conditioner like our Nourish & Moisture + Coconut Milk Weightless Oil Mist. Infused with the nourishing blend with coconut milk, guava extract and mango butter, this mist formula won’t weigh the hair down. Spray it through damp hair before styling your curls in a light twist – this will keep your hair detangled and hydrated before your hair appointment.

Caring For Your Protective Style

While generally easier to manage than curls, protective styles need daily care, too. To keep your natural hair healthy-looking and make your protective style last, make sure to be extra gentle to your scalp, roots, and edges.

Refresh Your Scalp

You may not be able to fully shampoo your hair when it’s in a protective style, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cleanse your scalp of any product build up. Use shampoo wipes or a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse every two to three weeks to help clear any build up.

Keep Your Real Hair Moisturized

Even when your curls are safely tucked into a protective style, they can still be at risk of drying out. To prevent this, make sure to frequently apply a lightweight conditioner to your natural hair. Our Nourish & Moisture + Coconut Milk Weightless Oil Mist is a great option at this step in your routine too, as it’s light enough to use every few days.

Go Easy On The Edges

If you’re getting your hair done by a stylist, ask them to leave your edges out and let them know if they feel too tight! The edges are very delicate and excess tension can lead to breakage. To smooth your edges, try our new Flaxseed Edge Control infused with flaxseed, coconut water, and citrus oil. It’s perfect for day 1 of your protective style, or whenever your edges need a refresh.

Sleep Easy

A lot of the damage and frizz that can make a protective style less-than-fresh are caused by tossing and turning overnight. To maintain your style and keep edges looking neat, try sleeping on a satin pillowcase and wearing a satin bonnet or scarf to hold your edges in place. A trick that works especially well for braids is to apply a small amount of our Flaxseed Edge Control before tightly wrapping your hair in a scarf to avoid any rubbing or friction while you sleep.

Taking Out Your Protective Style

Know When It’s Time

Even your most favorite styles will come to an end! Factors like hair scalp build up and frizz are signals that it’s time to remove your protective style. Each style has a different life span, and respecting this will make sure that the style keeps working for your hair, not against it. If you’re planning on going straight to a new protective style, a great rule of thumb is to try a new style to prevent over-manipulation and repeated stress on the same parts of your scalp.

Gently, Gently

Taking out your protective style requires the same amount of care that your install took. It’s important to go slowly, and use a tool such as a rat tail comb to help unravel braids and twists. As you work, apply some lightweight hydration like our Nourish & Moisture + Coconut Milk Weightless Oil Mist (it really is your best friend at every step!) This will loosen things up and help detangle as you unravel braids or twists.

Nourish Deeply, Again!

Give your hair the same spa treatment that you gave it right before your protective style. Use a conditioner to detangle your hair, cleanse your curls and scalp with a clarifying shampoo, and nourish your locks with a deep conditioner or oil treatment to add hydration. With the right products and techniques, protective styles will help support your natural hair to look luscious and strong, while also being a fun way to express yourself with your natural hair. From using different colored extensions to braiding patterns, the options are endless to find a style that boosts your confidence while supporting your naturally curly hair. With the right products and techniques, protective styles will help support your natural hair to look luscious and strong.

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Crunchy Curls? How to Get Crunch-Free Definition

So, you’ve used a hair product to fight the frizz, but now your curls feel crunchy? Don’t worry, your quest for defined curls with natural hair doesn’t have to end there. With the right products and technique, you can find the balance between frizzy and crunchy to achieve soft, bouncy curls worth showing off.

The key to defined curls that last is to nail your wash day. Your hair is at its most absorbent and smooth when wet, making it the perfect time to let any products do their magic. As well as finding the right products for your curl type, there are some techniques that can encourage your curls to dry with definition and bounce. Here are our top tips and products to get defined curls, without the crunch.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCT

Whether you have waves, curls, or coils, natural hair requires both moisture and hold to achieve frizz-free curls. Moisture locks in hydration for healthy looking hair, and hold encourages curl definition while taming flyaways. Our styling products have a combination of both moisture and hold in formulas that range from lightweight to rich.

For fine hair or curls that are easily weighed down, a lightweight mousse like our Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse is your new BFF. The gravity-defying formula contains aloe and coconut milk and helps soften and moisturize hair while encouraging volume and definition.

If your hair is thick, coily or needs more hydration and hold, consider a styling gel. Unlike the dry, crunchy gels of your curly-haired nightmares, our Shea Butter Elongating Gel will leave your hair feeling soft, shiny, and totally frizz-free. Enriched with aloe vera, shea butter and coconut oil, your natural curls will be on their best behavior.

HOW TO CREATE CRUNCH-FREE CURLS

While the right product can do wonders for taming your curls, the application technique is just as important to ensure you get all of that definition, none of the crunch. This next technique is our favorite way to apply any curl product. First, make sure to shampoo and thoroughly condition (or deep condition) your hair in the shower, and follow these steps on dripping wet hair:

1. Apply Product
If you are using a leave-in conditioner, like a curl milk or smoothie, apply that first. Then, apply your curl styling mousse or gel thoroughly and evenly to the lengths of your hair. When we say apply it to wet hair, we mean it! You may need to tip your head over the bath or sink to avoid dripping all over your bathroom

2. Comb Through Product

If you’ve ever noticed a lack of curl definition on certain parts of your heat, it may be from not properly coating each section. Use a wet brush or wide toothed comb to work the product through – this is the perfect time to detangle!

3. Upside Down Scrunch

Here comes the first scrunch – one of our favorite ways to boost your natural curl pattern and boost volume. By scrunching the product into wet hair flipped upside down, you are working all the nourishing ingredients from the products into the hair strand, as well as encouraging the curls to bounce back after washing and combing.

4. Don’t Touch

Letting your curls dry is the ultimate test of patience! Whether you’re air drying or diffusing, the key to avoiding frizz is to keep your hands off. If touched when drying, the curl pattern can be disrupted, leading to frizz and flyaways. If you’re using a diffuser, dry each section gently and slowly. Wait until your hair is completely dry before touching… you’ll thank us!

5. Scrunch Again

Now comes the second scrunch, and the ultimate crunch-busting trick. You’ve been incredibly patient in letting your hair dry, and now it seems… crunchy? Don’t worry, this is actually a sign that the styling product has done its job.

The way that many gels or mousses work is to create a layer of product, or cast, around each curl to fight frizz and boost definition. It’s this layer that makes your hair feel crunchy, and the good news is that it’s easy to fix! You want to “break” the cast on each curl without disrupting the curl pattern, so gently scrunch your hair in sections up towards your roots. Keep cupping and scrunching until there is no more crunchiness, and your curls are free, soft and bouncy.

6. Refresh

The best part about healthy-looking, defined curls is that they let you go longer between washes. On the days in between you can use a gentle, hydrating spray or mist to reinvigorate your curls and encourage any flat sections to bounce back up. No longer must you choose between frizzy hair or crunchy curls! Like with anything curly, it can take some experimentation to get your perfect routine down. However, with the right products, a gentle scrunch and a bit of patience, your natural curls will be soft, bouncy and shiny in no time!

 

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The Power Of Shea Butter For Your Hair

If you have curly hair, chances are that you’ve seen shea butter listed as an ingredient in your favorite hair care products. This rich, creamy ingredient packs a serious moisture punch, leaving your hair quenched, bouncy and soft. Shea butter can help revive and hydrate parched strands, making this wonder ingredient an all time fav for dry or damaged curls.

WHAT IS SHEA BUTTER

Shea butter is a plant-fat extracted from the nuts of the Shea Tree, a species native to West Africa. It has a buttery consistency, is white or ivory in color, and has a mild nutty scent in its raw form. While this natural product can be used for cooking, it is most widely known and adored as a beauty ingredient for both skin and hair. Ultra-moisturizing, softening and soothing from head to toe, shea butter deserves its place in your shower and on your beauty shelf.

HOW DOES SHEA BUTTER HELP HAIR 

Moisturizes & Revives Each Strand
Healthy-looking curls rely on hydration and moisture to help prevent breakage. Sometimes our natural scalp oils just aren’t enough, and the pattern of curly or coily hair can make it hard for the oil to be distributed on the length of the strands. Enter: shea butter. 

Shea butter is able to deliver hydration to the hair and lock it in for healthy, bouncy curls. Because this powerhouse ingredient can act as an emollient, it can help seal moisture in your hair. Shea butter could be your key to the soft, tangle-free curls you deserve!

ADDING SHEA BUTTER TO YOUR CURLY HAIR ROUTINE

Shea butter works to quench and revive your hair. It is great for any hair type, but the rich consistency is most suited to those with curly or extra-dry hair that craves moisture

IN THE SHOWER
Our shea butter infused formulas can help prevent over-cleansing on wash day. Our Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner contain shea butter, coconut and macadamia oils, and help to deeply quench and soften strands. The result? Your hair looks and feels healthy, and your curls are prepped for perfect styling or air-drying.

FRIZZ-FREE AND FABULOUS
When your hair needs an extra moisture boost, the Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask is a great in-shower addition that doubles as a frizz-fighting leave-in. For a deep treatment, apply it from roots to ends in the shower after shampooing, and let the steam help the formula to penetrate your hair deeply. Alternatively, apply a small amount to damp hair after the shower to help nourish and soften your curls.

SHEA EVERY DAY

When it comes to building a curly hair routine that, well… works, shea butter is your BFF. This natural moisturizer is able to hydrate even the most thirsty hair, making way for your most luscious curls ever. Your hair is quenched, nourished and detangled, so your curls are shiny, bouncy, and full of life!

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HOW TO REVIVE DAMAGED CURLS

Every curly girl has been there – the stress of wondering, how did my curls get so damaged? You want them to look their best, but your current repair routine just isn’t “cutting it”. However, damage isn’t just about how your curls look; it goes to the root of your hair’s overall health.

You want them to look their best, but the routine you have now just isn’t “cutting it”.

IS IT TIME FOR DAMAGE REPAIR?

Your curls’ two biggest enemies: chemicals and heat. Over-processing your hair, bleaching it frequently and constantly straightening is a one-way road to damage. Even your protective styles can cause damage if they’re too tight.

Suffering curls look limp and stringy, lose definition quickly, and might have sections where your curl pattern is completely gone. And no matter how much you scrunch, plop or diffuse, your texture doesn’t bounce back.

Luckily, it’s not forever – with proper care, you can bring life back into those coils you love.

THE NOURISHMENT YOUR CURLS NEED

Hydration is the first step to bringing back lost curls. Without enough moisture, they lose shape  and become prone to breakage. Jumpstart the repair process by incorporating weekly hair masks like our Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter mask with hydrating ingredients like aloe, shea butter and oils to get your curls back  to looking healthy. If you have looser waves or lower porosity hair, don’t immediately go to heavy moisture – work in more lightweight hydrating products, like our Flaxseed collection.

For styling products, dive into those ingredient labels – anything that’s rich in humectants, emollients, glycerin and ceramides will help protect your coils from further damage. Our Curl Quench + Coconut Oil gel contains glycerin to moisturize and prevent future breakage, so you can have defined AND healthy curls.

In general, you should avoid products with sulfated surfactants, silicones and parabens. Your delicate curls require delicate formulas, and these ingredients can be too harsh and heavy. We formulate our products without any of these ingredients, so you can treat your curls right with what they truly need. If you’re looking for a new shampoo and conditioner specifically targeted for repair, our new Castor & Neem Oil line helps repair chemical damage by strengthening and softening your strands. So go ahead, toss out your damaging products and trade them in for healing, strengthening hair care.

GET YOUR TECHNIQUE DOWN 

This one’s probably not a surprise – lay off heat styling for the foreseeable future. Sit back and let that hair air dry! Plopping is one great way to cut down on drying time, but you have to be gentle. Lay a soft cotton T-shirt/microfiber towel on a flat surface, flip your wet coils over and lower them into the middle of the fabric so it becomes a sort of “bag” of curls on top of your head. Tie the material around your head while still upside down, and voila – your curls are plopped and ready to air-dry!

When it comes to wash day, always rinse your conditioner with cold water. This helps close the hair cuticle, allowing all the moisture to stay inside. Before you step out, apply your styling products in the shower on soaking wet hair to lock in all the benefits.

If all else fails, curl training can be very effective in restoring pattern and shape. It’s almost like your hair has muscle memory, and you need to remind it that it’s curly with constant encouragement. You’ll need to start with a hair mask or leave-in like our Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie on soaking wet hair to smooth and give your hair slip. Then, you can finger roll or twist your hair to “train” it into a curl pattern. Put on a shower cap for 1-2 hours and rinse out – over time, your hair will start to remember its glorious curly days!

THE WAITING GAME IS WORTH IT 

All in all, you have to be patient. Don’t assume a product or technique isn’t working because you’re not seeing perfectly healthy, bouncy curls yet – healing intense damage takes time! The good news is your hair will keep growing and becoming healthier the better you take care of it. So don’t give up on your curls – they’re in there somewhere, you just have to treat them right!

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YOUR GUIDE TO FRIZZ-FREE CURLS

You love your curls– they tell your unique story. But while your curls are everything to you, you’d love to leave the frizz behind. Follow our guide to understand where frizz comes from and learn how to unlock the smooth, shiny curls of your dreams.

WHAT CAUSES FRIZZ IN THE FIRST PLACE?

While humidity is one of the main causes of frizz, there are more factors. Your hair is made up of layers that form what looks like shingles on a roof. Flat layers indicate a healthy hair cuticle, minimizing your chance of frizz. But when the cuticle is rough and raised due to damage, moisture can easily escape your hair shaft, creating brittle, frizz-prone strands.

The truth is, frizz is usually not the root issue – it’s the symptom of dried-out, damaged hair. Heat styling, washing with hot water, shampooing too frequently or over-manipulating your curls can create behind-the-scenes damage that ultimately becomes frizz.

FRIZZ-FIGHTING PRODUCTS 

Simply put, your hair is thirsty – so a moisturizing routine is essential to smooth the rough hair cuticle. Shampoos and conditioners like our Shea Butter or Coconut Oil line deeply quench your curls, creating smoother and softerstrands while keeping damage at bay. When it comes to styling, creams and mousses are high in moisture, so try layering those under the Curl Quench + Coconut Oil gel to seal in the benefits and create frizz-fighting definition. Deep treatments are also a must. When your hair is soaking wet, gently comb a hydrating mask or deep conditioner through your curls and twist or braid them into smooth sections. Then, wrap all your hair in a satin scarf or shower cap and go to bed. When you wake up, your hair will have absorbed plenty of moisture, leaving frizz a thing of the past.

FRIZZ-FIGHTING TECHNIQUES

It’s fun to fill your shelf with products,  but you need to improve your washing and styling techniques too! For curly hair, brushing can be a significant factor in damage that leads to frizz. Most curl types shouldn’t brush dry hair because breakage is more likely when your hair doesn’t have the added flexibility of water. Your best bet is to gently detangle your curls in the shower (with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb)  while a nourishing conditioner sits in your hair for plenty of slip.While you’re washing, make sure not to over-scrub or be rough with shampoo. A gentle massage will be enough to eliminate buildup, and it won’t tangle your hair. When you condition, apply it using “praying hands” – smoothing your hair between your palms to create flat, sleek sections. Afterward, you can start scrunching or finger-rolling to encourage your curl pattern.

Styling is arguably the most satisfying part of your curl routine, and of course, the way you do it can make or break your frizz-free look. One of the best ways to disguise frizz is by having well-defined curl clumps, and everyone has their own techniques. If you scrunch your curls, be as gentle as possible and do it while they’re soaking wet so as not to break apart the clumps. If you’re finger-rolling or twisting, make sure to smooth the clump with praying hands beforehand. And if you plop, always use a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel so it’s not rough on your coils.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

It takes time to manage frizz, and once you finally win the fight you won’t want to go back. So, here’s what you can do to maintain those smooth, defined strands.Anything that touches or rubs against your hair can disrupt curl clumps and cause damage, so you have to reduce friction – especially while sleeping. First, trade in your cotton pillowcase for a satin one or wrap your curls in a satin scarf overnight. You can also sleep in protective styles such as twists or loose buns to keep your hair up during the night.

The most important thing to remember about frizz is that sometimes, it’s just part of your texture. That’s not a bad thing! It can add volume, make your hair one-of-a-kind and show that you’re truly embracing your natural self. It doesn’t mean you should stop hydrating your hair or styling it gently, though – it just means it’s a part of the unique you. So if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em – and lean into it!

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FRIZZY, DRY HAIR? IT’S NOT YOU – IT’S THE WEATHER!

Anyone with curly hair knows that when you step outside on a humid day, you get the dreaded frizzy, puffy curls. That’s because the amount of moisture in the air, or lack of, has major implications for your natural texture.Why does this happen —  and how can you prevent it?

Your curls  are made up of protein bundles, and moisture in the air can change how the protein bundles bind together. When there’s  extra water in the air, the bonds that make up your hair break apart,  causing your curls  to swell and “puff out”. That’s where the dreaded frizz comes from! When the air is drier, any moisture in your hair often escapes into the air. And that’s where staticky , brittle hair comes in.

The good news is, there are steps you can take to minimize  the weather’s effect on the curls you love so dearly.

DRY AIR DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN DRY HAIR

Dry air is common in colder months and in Northern areas. To prevent dry strands from forming knots and breaking easily, you need to hydrate your hair more.

Try  co-washing or water wa  help quench your thirsty curls. Both of these techniques add water into your hair and seal it in, allowing  you to re-style with more hydrating products between full washes. Even just spraying your hair with a bottle filled with water will help.

Using products with extra hydration, such as our  Products with film-forming humectants form a seal that keeps crucial moisture from escaping. These kinds of humectants include aloe (which is the first ingredient in Maui Moisture products ), flaxseed (we’ve got a collection for that too), and more.

 

FIGHTING HUMIDITY, FIGHTING FRIZZ

Humidity is a delicate balance. When it’s not overwhelming, it can  bring out your curl pattern and give your curls extra definition as they soak up the moisture in the air. But when humidity levels rise further, you may deal with limp, puffy and frizzy curls. Volume says “bye!”, and so does definition – all because your hair is now absorbing TOO much moisture from the air.

To fight this, don’t stop hydrating – use more lightweight hydration to keep your curls juuust moisturized enough so they don’t need to take in as much moisture from the air. No hydration AND too much hydration will just start that frizzy cycle all over again.

Lightweight products like our Flaxseed or Hibiscus Water collections will be your best bet. You want to balance your hair’s natural moisture and layer products to seal in their benefits. Plus, finishing off your styling products with a gel can help seal the cuticle and stop frizz in its tracks.

 

 

BUT HOW DO I KNOW HOW HUMID OR DRY THE AIR IS?

It seems pretty obvious – just step outside! But by the time you’re out there, your hair is already suffering from the air’s moisture or dryness. Instead, be proactive with your routine to achieve your best texture yet.

DEW POINT

Knowing the dew point is one way to determine how dry or humid the air will be. It measures the amount of moisture in the air (and can be easily found in your weather app).

Dry air = Dew point below 50° F

Comfortable range = Between 50° – 59° F

Humid air = Above 60° F

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

The percentage of humidity is on a 100% scale, so if the day reads as 100% humidity, that means the air is filled up with all the moisture it can take. A comfortable range for this is around 45%, as it is not too humid or too dry.

Dry air = Humidity below 30%

Comfortable range = Between 30% and 50%

Humid air = Above 50%

GREAT CURLS ARE ALWAYS IN SEASON

Your best curls deserve to stick around year-long, no matter the humidity or aridity of the air. Don’t let frizz or dry curls get you down – just treat your hair right ahead of time. So you can rock those natural curls, whatever the weather.

 

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THE ABCs OF CURL TYPES

Your beautiful curls can be defined and classified in many ways – fine to thick, wavy to coily, low to high porosity – but there’s one system that breaks down your curl type even further. Learn your curl type and how to best care for it to unlock your healthiest, bounciest, most “you” natural texture yet.

THE OVERARCHING TYPES

There are four “types” of hair texture, which are broken down into Type 1 (straight), Type 2 (wavy), Type 3 (curly) and Type 4 (coily). Easy enough! But within each of these types, there are three subsets – A, B and C. These subsets are determined by the diameter of your curls, with A as widest curl and C as the tightest.  3 types, 3 subsets, that’s a lot of combos – time to dig into them all.

TYPE 2: WAVY

When you think of Type 2 curls, think classic “beach hair”.  With a definitive S pattern, the hair lies closer to the scalp and tends to prefer lightweight products.

2A

If you have 2A waves, you might have straightened your hair your whole life because you didn’t know you had wavy hair. 2A curls are loose waves that can be easily straightened and have a large diameter. Since this type is typically made up of fine strands and lacks volume at the root, lightweight products will help define your waves without weighing them down. Light curl creams and sprays like our Flaxseed Curl Defining Mist  and mousse (like our Nourish & Moisture Coconut Milk Mousse) will be your best option rather than gels.

2B

Similar to 2A, this is wavy hair with more defined S waves that start about midway down your hair. The diameter is smaller and tighter, making it more difficult to straighten than a 2A. But why would you? This curl type should also stick to lightweight products that focus on definition and hold like our Flaxseed collection. Too much moisture and your waves will fall!

2C

This type is made up of thick waves with well-defined S waves that start at the roots. Smaller in diameter, these almost look like curls – but they’re not fully-formed ringlets.  2C waves are sensitive to frizz and can easily get dehydrated, so make sure you use hydrating products and that you’re not over-washing.  Like all Type 2 curls, lightweight products are your friend – try leave-in conditioners, lightweight curl creams, light gels and mousse

TYPE 3: CURLY

From loose loops to tight, springy ringlets, Type 3 encompasses a wide range of curls. This type is highly likely to experience frizz, so make sure you’re using hydrating and defining products.

3A

These large, loose curls can almost look like waves, but they have a defined loop and curl that’s more than an S wave. The diameter of this type is about the size of sidewalk chalk. As all Type 3 curls are, 3As are highly prone to frizz, so make sure you’re not touching your hair too much after you style it. And like always, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! This curl type can handle heavier moisture than Type 2s, but don’t overdo it – try light and medium weight products to see what works best for you.

3B

With a springier, more ringlet-like appearance, Type 3B curls have a diameter about the size of a marker. While frizz is always a concern with Type 3 curls, 3B curls are even more prone to the dryness that leads to frizz and breakage.  When you’re searching for products, look for medium to high moisture, such as our Curl Quench + Coconut Oil collection, and humectants like aloe or flaxseed to seal in the hydration. Gels will get along well with your curls, as they form a seal around your other styling products and lock in your curl pattern.

3C

The smallest of the Type 3 curls, 3Cs are tight corkscrew ringlets with around the same diameter as a pencil. This type has the most volume of the 3s because the curls are densely packed together – which can make 3C curls more prone to shrinkage.  To prevent frizz,  layer your styling products and include medium to heavy moisture in your routine.

TYPE 4: COILY

The unique Type 4 curl is your coily, kinky, zig-zag type of texture. Each of these types is naturally dry and experiences major shrinkage, so explore heavy moisture products to fight frizz and breakage.

4A

These springy, dense curls are very tight and small – think the diameter of a charging cord. Hydrating your curls is a must, especially since they’re so dense. People with this curl type usually wash every 2-3 weeks, so refresh your curls between washes with water and hydrating styling products to keep them moisturized, shiny and bouncy. Heavy moisture will be your go-to, as your curls don’t accept hydration as easily. Try the Heal & Hydrate Shea Butter collection to soak up all that moisture.

4B

This is another densely packed curl type. Unlike 4A with small corkscrews, 4B has a tight pattern that creates a zig-zag formation with sharp angles. Make sure you’re refreshing your curls between washes with hydrating styling products. Each of your products from shampoo to gel should contain hydrating ingredients – and luckily for you, all of ours contain hydrating aloe!

4C

And the curliest of all curl types – 4C curls. These appear similar to 4B, but the zig-zag angles are even tighter and each strand’s individual pattern is almost invisible to the eye. 4C curls experience the highest shrinkage and need the most moisture. All of your products should be giving your hair max hydration, so you’ll want to choose   And finally, finishing off your styling routine with hair oils is a great way to seal in the benefits from other products.

NOW YOU KNOW YOUR TYPE

Now that you know your curl type,  you can start identifying how best to care for it. Remember, everyone’s curls are unique and you may have more than one type. That’s the beauty of natural curls – they’re yours, and yours alone.

So go ahead and show off your hydrated, defined and bouncy curls at their best.