Tips for Caring African-American Short and Natural Hair

Women who have natural African American hair may face difficulties in managing it as most  hair products in the market are especially made for Caucasian hair. If you have this kind of hair and also have a short haircut, you can flaunt the natural shine.

The kinky curls that are the signature style of an African American’s hair can be managed by making use of proper styling techniques and the right hair products. Here are some of the top hair tips from well-known hairstylists who are experienced in working with this particular type of  hair and can guide you on how to take care of your hair in the best way possible.

Tip 1: Wash your hair only once a week

You must wash your hair only once in a week. And that is because the texture of African American hair is usually drier than other hair types. Moreover, most of the shampoos constitute of sodium lauryl sulfate which behaves like a detergent and can further dry your hair. Once a week is an adequate amount if your hair is kinky, it will not permit the traveling of oil down your hair shaft like it does on straight hair.

Tip 2: Avoid rubbing your hair too hard

You should pat and squeeze your hair to dry it after stepping out of the shower. Avoid rubbing your hair as it will lead to frizzing. Rather,  you should gently dry your hair using a towel and use a hair dryer that is available with a diffuser attachment. This will give your short hair a soft definition.

Tip 3-Use a special gel that suits your hair texture

Styling your hair can get easier and better by using hair gel that has been specially designed for the African American hair type.  Gels that are made of other types of hair can dry it up. Hence you should select your gel from the designated section of hair care products for African American hair. All these hair products have been especially formulated for drier and coarser hair and is a great way of keeping your short hair looking styled and not at all messy.

Tip 4-Apply a good hair oil

Use a good hair oil in the middle of the week after you have gotten it styled. After about 3 to 4 days, you may observe that your short hair style has fallen flat. Wax, oil or pomade however, can help your hair come back to shape once again without going for a hair wash and putting it through the drying and styling routine all over again. Simply make sure that the oil does not get on the skin since it may lead to breakouts.

Tips to Detangle Curly/Frizzy Hair with Minimal Breakage

Most African-American women have curly and frizzy hair that are prone to breakage. Even though this is a common problem, most women are still unaware about how to detangle their hair so as to avoid maximum breakage. Detangling plays a big role in the health of your hair. Here are some useful tips on how to save your hair from breakage by detangling the right way!

Tip#1: Importance of wetting and conditioning

It might be helpful to wet your hair completely and apply a good amount of silky smooth conditioners immediately after that.

When your hair is still damp and you apply sufficient amount of conditioner to it, it becomes much easier to detangle. This is because the much needed lubrication is offered by the conditioner and water which make the hair slippery. So the comb can run easily through your hair without causing unnecessary breakage.

Tip#2 Use the right tools and products for detangling curly hair

Majority of the women with curly and frizzy hair will agree that fingers can be the ideal tool for detangling hair. But this technique only works for those who have a lot of time and patience. Otherwise, it is best to get hold of a wide-tooth comb or a brush (especially designed for detangling curly hair).

Consider cream-based conditioners and leave-in conditioners to be your best detangling friends. If you try and detangle your hair without them, you will most likely experience a lot of breakage and hair damage.

Tip#3: Detangle in sections

This is one of the most important tips for women with curly, frizzy and/or rough-textured hair. Detangling in section can save you from a lot of hair breakage. Once you have applied conditioner to your hair, divide it into 5 to 8 sections. You will feel less stressed when you focus on a single section of hair at a time instead of attempting to detangle all your hair in one go. This method of detangling also guarantees that all parts of the hair are detangled and no knots are left behind.

Tip#4: Begin detangling from the hair ends 

It is a crime to start detangling your hair from the roots. You will cause excessive breakage when you get stuck in the middle because the ends of your hair are all tangled. Instead, start the detangling process from the hair ends and slowly go up. This will cause much less breakage.

Follow these simple and effective tips to tame your beautiful curly hair and prevent them from breaking!

Hair Locs And Why Calling Hair Locs "Dreads" is Derogatory?

There are various occasions when you may have come across people who claim that they have locs as they would refuse to call their hair ‘dreadful’. Many also say that dreadlocks have a derogatory connotation and the roots of that are from Jamaica. There are several people who may believe that it was in Jamaica that the dreadlocks actually originated but it is a wrong notion. That is because, before the Jamaicans, there are several other cultures that have sported dreadlocks such as Egyptians and the Indian Yogis.

Jamaican culture came up with this hairstyle after the slavery of the Indians. There is a line of thought that the concept of ‘dreads’ has its roots in Bible.
If you visit any holy place in India, you are bound to come across Yogis who have their hair styled in Dreadlocks even in today’s times. However, contrary to what many may think, dreadlocks are not just some hairstyle for these people. It is to demonstrate to the world that he or she has renounced personal needs and is in quest for getting connected with the divine spirit.

So why does many people have this derogatory feeling about the word ‘dreadlock’?

In Jamaica for instance, the residents have been using the term ‘dread’ as a mark of reverence similar to how one would make use of the word “sir” for addressing a person who is elder; or who you would want to show your regard to or perhaps when you don’t know that person well.

In Jamaica, the word ‘dread’ has originated from the country’s religious roots. In the medieval age, people showed respect and were afraid of all such people who had dreadlocks. In fact, if someone did wear dreadlocks, he or she was regarded as a powerful and holy person. People thought that the person was spiritually connected to the divine and he or she was distinct from the other people. Even if you get an opportunity to interact with a Yogi in the present day, he or she would definitely say that the journey taken has been different from people around them.

Can it be said that the term ‘dreadlock’ is a negative terminology as it is linked with someone who seems to be ‘dreadful’? 

It really depends on your personal perspective as many people may not agree that it is a derogatory thing.  So prior to accepting that the word ‘dreadlock’ has a negative connotation, you must do proper research. Only then can you determine how you should look at a person sporting ‘dreadlock’. It is better not to follow the conflicting information blindly.

Dry, Damaged Hair Ruining Your Day? Worry No More

From lack of moisturization to overdoing heat styling, the reasons for ending up with dry, damaged hair could be many. Luckily, the options for treating lifeless hair are also several, and all-natural! Yes, some of your favorite fruits and ingredients lying in your kitchen could help you bring your hair back to life. Try these natural hair care treatments for hair that is beautiful from the outside and strong from the inside.

Oil massage

Improve blood circulation in your scalp and strengthen your hair strands by massaging your dry tresses with warm olive oil. Coat each strand with oil and cover your head with a warm towel or a shower cap. Let the oil work its magic for at least half an hour (better if you can keep it overnight). Wash off with a mild, natural shampoo and conditioner. Olive oil is loaded with antioxidants, fatty acids and vitamin E, which together help repair damaged hair. You can also mix some coconut oil with olive oil and apply it to your hair.

Smooth it with banana! 

Bananas are not just great for your health, but your hair as well. The fruit is rich in potassium and several vitamins, thereby providing nourishment to damaged hair and helping it become strong. Mash one or two ripe bananas (based on your hair length) with a few teaspoons of coconut, olive or almond oil. You can also add some yogurt to the mix, but make sure that the mask is free from banana chunks. It should be smooth. Wet your hair and then apply the mask, for easy application. Keep it for about 1-2 hours and wash off with a shampoo and conditioner.

Egg

Egg is a superfood for dry, damaged hair. Even a single application of an egg-based hair mask will do a lot to improve the quality of your hair. Egg yolk is full of protein, which damaged hair is always hungry for. Egg whites further help cleanse the scalp. Whisk 1-2 eggs, add 3 tablespoons of yoghurt to it and lastly mix a few drops of olive oil in it. Cover with a shower cap and place a hot towel over it. Let it sit for thirty minutes before washing it off with cold water. Never wash an egg hair mask with hot or lukewarm water.

Maintain a hair care routine, use natural products, be gentle on your hair, avoid heat treatments and eat right to see an improvement in your hair quality in no time.

Six Hacks That Will Help You Say Goodbye To Your Frizzy Hair

Curly hair tends to lack moisture, which lifts the hair cuticles and allows moisture to get into the strands. The result is swelling of hair strands, which means frizz! It is not a pleasant scene of course, but thankfully there are simple ways of taming your frizzy hair.

1. Wash it rightWashing your hair everyday might be a habit, but it is not of much help to your curly hair. Wash your tresses every two or three days instead. It will help retain the natural oil in your hair and prevent frizz. A lot of hair stylists also recommend co-washing to keep frizz at bay. Co-washing refers to washing your hair only with a conditioner. So you can wash your hair with a mild, natural shampoo and conditioner once a week and skip the shampoo for the other two washes during the week. However, make sure you apply the conditioner only to the ends of your hair and not to the roots, as it can weigh down your hair and make it appear greasy.
2. Understand the difference between towel drying and air dryingRubbing your wet hair vigorously with a towel will only lead to frizz. You can always use a clean, soft cotton t-shirt to wring out excess water from your hair, but after that just let your hair air dry. When your hair is about 90 percent dry, use a smoothing or moisture-locking serum to keep your hair frizz-free.
3. Avoid heat stylingFrying your hair (yes, that's what straightening does, right?) will damage your curls and make them dry, eventually leading to frizz. So avoid using heating tools on your hair.
4. Pretty to watchYour gorgeous tight locks deserve all the love no doubt, but constant touching and running your fingers through your hair will not do them any good. Touching your hair frequently can also lead to frizz.
5. Use the right toolsCurly hair can be demanding, so make sure you are equipped with the right tools. Have the right bristle brush and a wide-toothed comb. Always brush your hair before washing your hair and use a wide-toothed comb if you feel the need to comb your hair while its wet.
6. The princess treatmentPamper your hair and yourself by sleeping on a silky, satiny pillow cover. Don't have one? Put that silk scarf to use.

Bonus tip: If you still end up with frizz, you can tame it away by spraying some hair spray on a toothbrush or mascara wand and brushing the problem areas with it!

Four Things Not to do to Your Curly Hair

Curly hair has been in fashion since the last few years. If you have naturally curly mane, you must ensure that you take proper care of it and avoid doing certain thing so that you can have a shiny and silky hair texture.

Here are four things that you should avoid doing to your curly hair.

1. Do not shampoo your curly hair too oftenIn case you have curly hair, you must have observed that your hair texture is quite dry. When you shampoo your curly hair very frequently, you hair can become brittle as the natural oils required by your curly hair get washed out. In case you have to shampoo your hair, it should be done only a few times in a week. While shampooing your hair, the lather should be kept close to the scalp so that your curly traces can be taken care by excess soapy water.
2. Do not select a stylist on a sudden impulseIf you have curly locks, avoid picking up a hair stylist blindly. You should remember that you need to choose a stylist and a salon that is an expert in handling your curls. Just note that you should never cut your curly hair when it is wet. This is because your curls have a natural tendency to shrink in size when it gets dried up. So at the end of you air cut, you may find that you have intentionally sported a frizzy bob though you had simply desired for a trim. Make sure that your curly hair is never cut with a razor as it can lead to odd patterns of hair growth and premature breakage.
3. Do not be scared of a productSince curly hair has a tendency to become dry, it is imperative for you to apply hair moisturizing products so that your curls have a bouncy and smooth texture. If you want the finest results for your hair, you should select all those hair products that have been particularly made for curly hair and contain ingredients such as coconut oil, palm oil, avocado oil and shea butter. So stop being a girl who is scared about touching her hair.
4. Do not brush your curly hair when it is dryAS discussed earlier, curly hair is brittle and has a dry texture so it can break quite easily. Make sure you treat it in a nice way. So if you comb your hair while it is dry, it may result in split ends and breakage. Moreover, you may also have a frizzy mess at the end of your combing session.

Curly Hair Hacks

If you have curly or wavy hair, you need to put in a lot of efforts in keeping your hair in check. Make sure that that you hydrate, moisture, condition and set your hair on a regular basis so that you don’t have a bad day with your hair. Whether you have wavy hair or full-blown curly hair, these simple hair care hacks can always guarantee you those perfect curls.

Try washing your curly hair with hair conditioner

If you have curly hair, it is better that you don’t use a shampoo too frequently. It is better that you use a good conditioner instead while washing your hair. No matter, what type of curly hair you have, your number one should be to ensure that you are conditioning it properly. This is because curly hair does not get an adequate volume of natural scalp oils that easily. This is precisely the reason why regular conditioning should be a mandatory part of hair care regimen for curly hair. When you start washing your hair, make sure that you start conditioning it from the scalp and then move along the length. You should use the same process while combing your hair.

Use your T-shirt instead of a towel to dry off your hair

Get ready to make a switch in case you have curly hair. It is recommended that you dry your curly hair using a T-shirt as it will help in reducing frizz to a great extent and minimize hair breakage after you complete washing your hair. As shirts are not as absorbent as your towel, you can squeeze your hair gently before getting it dried. Make sure that you do not twist it ever. You should be also aware that your hair becomes softer and weaker whenever it is wet. When you use a towel to dry your wet hair, the grooves in your towel may damage your hair cuticle. A towel can extract moisture from your hair when you rub it vigorously. Consequently, your curly hair may become frizzy.

Start using a wide tooth comb

A comb with a wide tooth is ideally the best choice for all those people who have curly hair. The comb’s teeth have wide spacing between them so that it can run through your curly hair almost effortlessly. It is easier to de-tangle the tangled and curly hair using a wide tooth comb. There are other benefits too. You don’t have to pull your hair strands hard whenever you brush your wet hair. It is always recommended not to comb wet hair as it is more fragile when wet.

Three Mistakes That May be Making Your Hair Frizzy

Curly hair is naturally not as smooth as straight hair. However, have you ever given a thought that your curly hair could be frizzy because you are doing something wrong to it? Yes, it is possible. It could be as simple as the way you brush your hair to the way you style it. Have a look at these common mistakes that people make, which leads to frizzy hair, and make sure you never commit them again!

Wash it right 

Frizz-control begins from the shower, and there are quite a few things that you need to take care of while washing your hair. First off, don't wash your hair every day, instead you can wash it every alternate day or two times a week. The frequency depends on your hair type. Next comes the way you wash it, anti-frizz shampoos and conditioners can help and so can naturally hydrating hair masks. Always finish hair washing with a cold rinse, so your hair cuticles stay sealed, resulting in less frizz. Avoid using hot water for hair wash, stick to warm water instead. Lastly, don't vigorously rub your hair with a towel, instead use a soft cotton t-shirt to soak in the water.

Mind that heat

Your hair is delicate and will get damaged if you expose it to heat treatments frequently. Straightening your hair over and over will make it dry and lead to frizz. Give a break to your hair from the heat treatments as well as other chemical treatments like coloring. If you absolutely have to straighten your hair, use a heat protectant. Also minimize the use of a blow dryer and allow your hair to air dry.

Hair products loaded with chemicals

Wrong hair products can also create frizz. Just like you check the ingredient list in food packages you buy, make it a habit of doing the same with your hair products. Try to use natural products on your hair, and stay away from alcohol-based hair products as much as possible. Also make sure that you do not use hair products filled with chemicals.

Another common mistake that most women make is waiting for their hair to dry completely before styling it. Apply an anti-frizz hair serum to your hair while it is wet, so the product gets enough time to set in and do its job. Also try not to touch your hair constantly and needlessly, the friction can lead to frizz. Try these tips the next time you wash you hair to feel the difference.

Three Easy Tips to Take Care of Your Curly Hair

Curly hair always has had the reputation of being a tough hair type to manage as well as style properly. People who have curly hair know that the texture of such hair is dry and are characterized by lack of humidity. Such a hair type is more susceptible to breakage and split ends than straight hair. Often brushing such a hair type can result in explosion of frizz. Many with curly hair feel that straight hair is easier to handle. But, on the other hand, it may also happen that you are in love with your curls and want to take proper care of them.

Let us look at some of the handy tips to take care of your curly mane:

Tip #1: Find out a good hair stylist

Do not spend needlessly on costly hair-care products that can be easily replaced with equivalent products from the drugstore at a fraction of the cost of the former. It is always recommended that you find a good hair stylist who can care and cut your curly hair properly. A good hair stylist can also guide you on how you can style your mane at home. He or she can make your curly hair simply look great with any type of hair-care product.

Tip #2: Conditioning your curly hair

While applying a good conditioner, make sure that you are applying it properly to the entire length of your hair but apply it minimally especially near the scalp of your hair.  You should ensure that the conditioner is kept on for as long as possible as when you leave it on for a longer period of time, it will moisturize your hair in a better manner. Another tip for getting the maximum benefit from a hair conditioner is let it remain on your hair’s end and go to sleep with it. This is a good overnight hair treatment for your curly hair.

Tip #3: Washing frequency for your curly hair

Shampooing your hair too frequently can make your hair hard irrespective of the type of hair you have and the type of shampoo that you use. If you have curly hair, make sure that you are not shampooing it too frequently as your dry hair will then become drier. Trying to dry your hair using a towel too hard followed by use of a blow dryer may cause greater damage to your curly hair. Research has proved that the less you manipulate your hair, the better is it.

Easy Ways to Un-frizz Your Hair

Frizzy hair is usually a result of lack of moisture, whether it is due to the humidity in the air around or something that you are doing wrong. Either way, when the moisture in the hair dries out, the cuticle automatically reaches out for moisture in turn turning your hair into a frizzy mess. Here are some easy ways you can undo the act!

Use a conditioner!

Make sure you deep condition your hair every time you wash it, and let it sit for a while. In fact if you are accustomed to washing our hair thrice a week, you may want to skip the shampoo and use just a conditioner instead. Most conditioner formulations have a tiny amount of cleansing ingredients in them, which helps cleanse your hair while retaining the natural oils.

Pamper your tresses

The more you pamper your tresses the better they behave. Of course, different hair types require different hair treatments. We recommend that you give deep conditioning a try if you hair is of moderate to extreme thickness. The deep conditioner erases out the frizz, and if it does not, you may want to consider a more intense deep-conditioning method such as a leave-on overnight conditioner to do the trick. Hot oil treatments work best for fine and frizzy hair. They have similar effects as a deep conditioner, only do not make your hair feel heavy. Simply take a few tablespoons of jojoba or olive oil and microwave it for about ten seconds. Then pour it into your palm and gently massage it onto your hair. Of course, it may take a couple of washes for you to get all the oil off, but the frizz-free results will make it worth the effort!

After-shower care

If you are towel-drying your hair, try using one with microfibers so they are gentler on your hair and cause lesser friction and frizz. Do not rub or twist the towel on wet hair, but instead use blotting gestures to dry it out. If you use a blow-dryer, then don't switch on a full-blast of hot air on your hair, as this is sure to make it look like you stuck your finger in one of the power sockets. Instead, wait until most of your hair dries naturally before you blow-dry the rest of it.

If all else fails, then it's time to grab yourself a hat!

Four Ways to Naturally Straighten Curls

Having curly hair is always a love-hate battle. Going naturally curly is great and will look fabulous, but curls can turn into a mess of frizz quite easily. Whether you have soft, large curls or small, tight ringlets, there are days when you wish you would have shiny straight locks. Chemical hair treatments and hair irons are an option, but straightening your hair this way will do more damage than good. Heat and chemicals will dry your hair out, lead to hair fall and split ends and will ruin the overall health and texture of your hair. Fortunately there are several natural ways to get your curls to behave, and they leave you with more or less straight, soft and healthy hair.

1. Bobby pins
   The simplest and the easiest way to straighten out your curls – all you need are a few bobby pins and a good night’s sleep. After washing and conditioning your hair, avoid towel drying it as this will lead to more frizz. Just squeeze out the excess water using a soft cotton cloth. Then part your hair into several wet sections, comb them out and pin them to your scalp using the bobby pins. Use as many pins as you like until all of your hair is secured and then wrap a towel or scarf around your head and go to sleep. You will wake up with straighter locks in the morning.
   
   
   
2. Natural hair mask
   There are many masks that you can make to get your curls to look gorgeous and shiny. The coconut milk mask is one of the best out there as it straightens your hair as well as moisturizes it. To make the mask, whisk 1 cup of coconut milk with 2 tablespoons of virgin olive oil. Over medium heat whisk a mixture of 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 4 tablespoons of lemon juice into the first mixture. Do this till the texture becomes similar to that of a conditioner. Apply it all over your hair, cover it with a warm towel for about 20 minutes before rinsing it out.
   
   
   
3. Rollers
   Velcro or foam rollers can also be used to straighten out your curls. After your regular wash and condition routine, wrap two-inch sections of your hair up and over the roller from the tips till the roots. Pin it in place and repeat the same for the rest of your hair. You can gently take the rollers out once your hair has dried or you can keep the rollers on overnight.
   
   
   
4. Brushing your hair
   This method can be used for mildly curly hair and doesn’t require a lot of work. When your hair is damp after a shower, you can brush it multiple times till it dries. You can add a little leave-in conditioner or serum to tame the frizz before doing so. Just remember to use a wide toothed comb and to brush your hair gently so as to not damage it.

How Reverse Shampooing Can Bring Back Life to Your Curly Hair

It's the same story everywhere, whether you have straight or curly hair - lifeless, dry tresses that break away with every wash. Keeping your hair moisturized and healthy can get much time-consuming for women with curly hair. However, what if we told you one simple change in your hair care routine can help you bring back life to your curly tresses? Not everyone is blessed with envious, curly hair and when you have it, you should do everything you can to keep your locks healthy. No, we won't be suggesting any chemical treatment to get a short-lived, healthy mane. Instead, it can be a life-changing decision for your hair!

Shampoo, but in reverse

The one simple thing you need to do while washing you curls next time is to reverse shampoo them. Here's how it works. Instead of shampooing your hair first and then using a conditioner on it, you first condition it and then shampoo it. It may feel a little strange at first, but you have to try the method to believe it! Reverse shampooing especially helps women with oily, volume-less hair or those struggling with product build-up on their scalp.

Why reverse shampooing?

Shampoos, especially the harsh ones, can sometimes strip your scalp off its natural oils, leaving you with a flaky mane and moisture-less hair. However, when you use a conditioner on your hair first, it ensures that your hair cuticles are locked there by sealing in all the moisture inside. The result? Beautiful, hydrated curls that you always wanted!

The method also makes your hair healthily voluminous. When you end your hair cleaning session by washing off the conditioner, it can cover your hair with an undesirable coating, which can weight down your hair, making it appear limp.

How to get it right?

Yes, it is all about conditioning your hair first and then shampooing it, but here is what you should keep in mind while following the reverse shampoo method. Work a natural, chemical-free conditioner into your hair, focusing on your hair ends and mid-shaft. Spread the product evenly throughout your hair and leave it on for a few minutes. Next, rinse it off and clean your scalp with a shampoo, this time focusing on your hair roots. Rinse thoroughly one last time to ensure that your hair is completely free from the product.

Four Hair Care Habits You Need to Give up on Right Away!

Curly hair is not easy to maintain of course, but having straight hair has its own troubles too. Also most of the times it is the hair care mistakes from your side that could be the reason for you losing your hair, literally! Your friends with straight hair may have shared hair care tips with you that might have worked amazingly for them, but they may not necessarily work on you. The hair care ritual for curly, kinky hair is different and here are four things that may be causing all the harm to your locks.

Being harsh with your hair

Your hair is delicate and expects you to take care of it with some love. Curly hair gets knotted easily and one of the biggest mistakes, which women with kinky hair commit, is to run the comb through their hair roughly to get rid of the knots. That is just wrong! Pulling through knotted hair will only lead to breakage, leaving you with weak, brittle hair, which clearly does not create a pretty picture. Instead work on small sections of hair to comb through the knots gently. It will ask for extra time of course, but you will love the results.

Quick tip: Do your hair a favor, don't use plastic combs on your curly hair, unless you want frizz.

Skipping the oil

Oiling is among the best and simplest ways of keeping your hair nourished and hydrated. By skipping on oiling your curls, you will only be making your hair dry and preventing it from getting the much needed moisture. Oiling your hair regularly is also said to improve the scalp's blood circulation. All it takes is a few drop of warm oil massaged gently all over your hair. Again, work in sections to ensure that the oil covers your hair and scalp evenly.

Chemical control

Too many chemicals can never be good for your hair, no matter what the product claims. So make it a habit to use natural, organic products for your curly hair to keep it healthy. Avoid shampoos with sulfate, which take away all the moisture from hair.

Washing your hair often

Among the best things about having African American hair is that you do not need to wash it often. Washing your hair more than twice a week can hamper the natural oil production process of your scalp, and you don't want to mess with it! Shampooing your hair just once a week should work fine. If you find you hair getting oily between washes, you can spritz some dry shampoo on your comb and brush through.

Do make it a point to deep condition your curly hair at least once in two weeks.

Three Curly Hair Problems and How to Solve Them

While the world envies our natural curls, most of us who have them can list the challenges that curly hair brings. Curly haired women often complain that their hair simply has a mind of its own and is almost impossible to rein in. While this might not be far from the truth, there are simply ways to tackle your unruly lion’s mane. Here are a few of the most common problems you face as a woman with curls, and how best you can solve them.

Problem: Frizz

You can spend hours together styling your hair, but as soon as you set step outside the humidity turns on you and leaves your hair in a frizzy mess.

Solution: You can eliminate the frizz in a few simple steps. First, wash your hair at least two to three times a week. After conditioning your hair, go through it with a wide-tooth comb. Once you have washed off your hair don’t rub it with a towel. Instead, gently soak out the moisture with an old t-shirt or a micro-fibre towel. Also, invest in a good leave-in conditioner and keep your hands off your hair when it is drying.

Problem: Volume

Curly Hair tends to be big in volume. Often you find yourself walking out that door with a mane of hair around you.

Solution: The simplest way to cutting down volume and avoiding a puffy hair, is to invest in a good salon. A great hair stylist will use scissors to cut down the bulk. When your curls easily fit in with each other and have a smooth fall, the problem of too much volume is automatically eliminated.

Problem: Tangles

Having curly can truly be a knotty affair. Curls are especially prone to knots and tangles because of its inherent follicle structure. When the cuticles of our hair are put through hot styling tools, chemical products and also due to natural wear and tear, it tends to tangle easily.

Solution: Using a good conditioner and gently comb through your hair in the shower. When your hair is dry and it has a particularly difficult knot in it, spray that area with a little extra leave-in conditioner before working out the knot with your fingers. Lastly, tie up your hair in bun when you sleep so that rubbing your head on the pillowcase does not worsen the knot problem.

Four Ways to Rock Your Natural Curls

Many of us, who have natural curls, often have a difficult time taming our wild curls and styling them in fresh, new ways. You might think that giving an exciting twist to your head of curls, on a daily basis, is a tedious task that takes up many hours. But, it really need not be so. There are many ways to be effortlessly fashionable. Here are three styling tips that will help you rock your natural curls.

Free Falling

The easiest and fuss-free look to go with is to just let loose your curls. It’s one hairstyle that looks great with any of your wardrobe choices and with any season. Wash ‘n’ go is a simple yet stylish option that eliminates the use of excessive product and any chemicals, which will benefit you immensely in the long run. Of course, the wind in your hair might mess up your hair, a little bit, but messy and curly are actually a great combination.

Chop ‘N’ Crop

Keep it short with cropped hair-dos. Many women with curly hair fear a short hair style. They simply don’t want to risk a fashion faux-pas. But the truth is, short crops and even bobs can look refreshingly smart on you. Moreover, they are much easier to maintain and can be an easy look to carry during the summers. If you are afraid of going too short, you can experiment with a shorter hairdo, maybe till mid-neck, and then see whether you will be comfortable with going shorter.

Back in Time

Aiming for curl chic? Then a touch of vintage will do wonders. For a dressy affair, adapting the vintage style that rock the 40s is a great idea. The volume, styling and ringlets that are a staple in vintage 40s hairstyles are perfect for your curly hair. You can experiment with waves, victory rolls, or even tie up your hair in a chignon.

Braid Beauty

Loose braids can be a very pretty yet feasible, functional everyday style that you can embrace for your curls. Once you have gotten the hang of them, braids can be very easy to do and you can even try a look that involves multiple braids. For starters, you can try out a single, side braid that is loose. You can add a bit of color and spunk to your hair do by wearing a delicate hair band or even hair clips.

Lazy Girls' Guide To Smooth, Shiny Hair

As much as every girl loves her hair, some would definitely admit that they're lazy at times to give enough attention to their hair. Some days you might not get even an hour to spare, and the other times you may be plain lazy to do anything about your tresses. However, just because you're lazy, doesn't mean you can't have smooth and beautiful hair. Add smoothness and shine to your gorgeous tresses by following these tips:

Use dry shampoo at night

If you know that you're not going to find any time to wash your hair in the morning, use a dry shampoo the night before. Dry shampoo helps reduce greasiness from your hair and scalp. It will work on your hair overnight and allow you to go without washing your hair for a day or two.

Use sauna time to deep condition

We understand that you may not be up to working hard on managing your tresses. However, if you like to spend your lazy hours in a sauna, use that time to deep condition your hair and surprise yourself with the results. Massage your hair with a natural hair conditioner and put on a shower cap. The heat from the sauna will help the conditioner penetrate into your hair better.

Put on a cap

If you don't wish to use a pile of products on your tresses or if you don't have the time to do that, cover your hair with a hair net while you blow dry on a low setting. The net prevents frizz and helps your curls stay intact. 

Do this for smooth hair

For moisturized and smooth hair, prepare a mixture containing one cup of water with one tablespoon honey in it. Apply it to your hair and leave it overnight for amazing smooth hair after you rinse it the next day. 

Make pillows work for you

If possible, use a silk or satin pillowcase while you sleep. Don't forget to wash the covers regularly. It will prevent hair dryness and allow your smooth hair to stay the same effortlessly. 

What to avoid

Here are few things you must avoid to ensure that your hair stays protected: 

• Non-organic chemicals for styling your hair 
• Washing off the conditioner completely – try leave-in conditioners for a change 
• Overusing heating tools like straighteners and curlers as they can leave your hair dry and brittle 

Stick to these tips and get healthy, shiny hair effortlessly!

Four Less Known Hair Care Tips

If you're searching for some lesser known effective hair care tips, then look no further. We have just the right list for you to take care of those gorgeous tresses. With hair tips that you probably were not aware of yet, we give you some simple yet effective solutions to manage your hair better :

1. Condition the ends and shampoo the roots

Hair care is not just about the products that you use, but also about how you use them. Even though getting the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair is important, learning about how to use them is crucial if you want better results.

Hair close to the scalp is much healthier and rich in keratin. A small amount of conditioner would work just fine if you apply it to your tips. Also, putting too much shampoo on your tips will make them dry and prone to breakages.

2. Consider co-washing

Co-washing is washing your hair with just conditioner instead of shampoo. It keeps your hair well hydrated. Although oily hair might not benefit from this as much as dry hair, many women with curls have been doing this for a long time.

3. Try baking soda on your oily hair

There are countless uses of baking soda when it comes to enhancing your beauty. You can occasionally use it as a scrub or to brush your teeth as well. If you're looking for a natural way to get done with your oily hair, baking soda is just the right thing for you. By adding one part of baking soda to three parts of water and applying it to your hair, you can certainly cleanse your oily strands and scalp. Use it like a shampoo whenever you want since it is an inexpensive and highly effective way to get clean tresses.

4. Use some vodka

As it turns out, vodka has some amazing beauty benefits. Cut a jalapeno in half and soak it in vodka inside a ceramic bowl for a few days. If you don't have time, add a shot of shampoo to it as well. Later, rub the jalapeno pieces on your scalp everyday for smoother, shinier hair. But don't use vodka too often on your hair because it may lead to dryness. However, make sure you don't get the jalapeno near your eyes and do expect some mild tingling when you rub it on your scalp.

Always make it a point to deep condition your hair once a week to keep it healthy.

Friz-free Curly Hair – Natural Ways to Tame Friz

With African American hair, frizz is usually inevitable; but if you’re one of those women who loves wearing her hair all silky and shiny, taming your frizz is one of the first places that you may want to start. Frizz can be as a result of humidity or heat. Using heat-styling tools on your hair can also make it frizzy. Blow drying your hair is yet another cause for frizzy hair. Yes, we understand that it does seem like a long list of things that you have to keep away from to make your hair frizz-free, but before you get to that, here are some natural ways through which you can achieve the same!

Beer

Beer is a good pick for a rinse if you’re looking to anti-frizz your hair. Beer can restore the moisture lost in your hair so it appear more hydrated and nourished. In fact, choose dark beers if you’re looking to try the beer rinse as these are seen to be packed with moisture and nourishing nutrients. Coat the hair with a beer rinse solution and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Rinse it off with cold water, and watch your hair turn smooth and frizz-free.

Hot oil

Oil is probably one of the best natural remedies for fighting frizz. Oils have conditioning effects and seal in the moisture when applied to the hair. Olive oil or coconut oil have deep hydrating effects on the hair. Warm coconut or olive oil in a jar, and apply it evenly on your hair. Then wear a shower cap over it, and use a hot towel to wrap around you head so moisture is easily absorbed. Leave the hot towel on for about half an hour or so, and rewarm it if required. Rinse with shampoo and cold water to finish.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar does double duty taming frizz and giving your hair a lustrous shine when used as a rinse. Wash the hair first (try the no ‘poo method, if you like) and then use a rinse solution that contains apple cider vinegar and water in equal parts on your hair. Let it rest for a minute. The acidic component of apple cider vinegar smoothens out the frizz and makes your tresses appear shiny. You can go about conditioning your hair, as you normally would after washing off the apple cider solution rinse.

4 Hair Care Tips to Follow in Winter

Winter brings with snow, cold winds, and an icy weather that can damage your hair, turning it brittle and dry. The winter season calls for some additional maintenance tips to ensure that your locks remain beautiful and healthy throughout.

Hair wash

Your hair has a tendency to turn dry during winter. If you’re accustomed to using hot water to wash you tresses, you’d want to switch it up with moderately warm or lukewarm water, as hot water may strip off all the natural oils that are present in the hair. Also, once you’re done washing the hair, take some cool water to rinse just the hair without the scalp, so the pores are closed and the moisture stays locked in. Go in for hair washes less frequently during winter than you would during the summer. Do not forget to condition your hair, and make sure you don’t rinse it off completely.

Styling and products

Air-drying is recommended over blow-drying hair during winter. If you are using a blow-dryer, set it to the lowest heat setting as possible. Curl and flat irons are another big no-no. Swap your plastic combs with wooden ones to prevent your hair from turning static. Stay away from haircare products that have alcohol as it has a tendency to dry out the hair. Same goes with hair spray perfumes, as they may lead to hair breakage. Keep you tresses moisturized at all times with the help of a hair cream or serum.

Winter fashion

Make sure your hair is protected from the cold winds and snow during winter, by covering it when you head out. Sometimes cotton may make your hair go static; try on a silk scarf instead, and then wear a hat over it, so your hair does not turn static and stays protected at all times. Make sure your don’t tightly wrap it around the head, or it can be harsh on your hair.

Hair nourishment

Treat your scalp to a gentle massage using olive oil at least once a week. This helps enhance the blood circulation and make up for all the natural oils that lost during the winter season. You can even try using jojoba or avocado oil for a scalp massage, and leave it on overnight to wash it in the morning. You can visit a hair salon for a protein treatment or a deep conditioning treatment to nourish dry hair. 

Quick Hairstyles for Kinky Hair

Curly, kinky hair allows you to experiment with many new and interesting styles, many of which require little to no heat, and little to no time as well. Whether you have long wavy hair or short curls, here are some fun, quick and easy hair styles that you can try while you are on the go!

Side part style

We suggest this one for TWAs (teeny weeny afros) looking to give their hair a touch of sophistication. Untangle your hair and moisturize it, and start styling it while it's damp. Make sure you have styling gel and bobby pins at hand. Take a comb to part your hair to the side with the skinny tip, dividing the hair just under the forehead. Use the styling gel and secure the hair with bobby pins on either sides to lift the hair roots. Then gel the sides and top of your hair to give it a better definition, and gently brush the hair on the sides to smoothen it. Take of the pins and you are good to go!

Curly ponytail

Wear your hair in a messy pony, if you want to sport a cute and laid-back look. Simply gather the hair using your hands into a pony tail at the center of the head with the help of an elastic. If you have a layered haircut and some of the shorter tresses tumble down, do not tie them back, leave them as it is as they can frame your face nicely. If a messy ponytail is not your thing, and you're looking for a more polished look with the ponytail, simply smoothen the sides using pomade. Black hair moisturizing products with jojoba oil work out great when compared to ones that are alcohol-based, as the latter tends to make the hair frizz by causing it to dry out.

Front twist

This front twist helps draw attention to your facial features, while styling the hair away from the face. Separate the hair into two sections. Then twist each of the hair pieces upward in a horizontal manner until its is tightly secured (be careful to not twist the hair strands very tightly or it can damage them). Pin the twist in place. Do the same on the other section as well. Wear your hair half up-half down. To add more definition to your curls, use a good finishing spray!